Nat'l Guard son called me last night. He'd been at camp down in Mississippi for over two weeks, so it was wonderful to hear from him. He got an expected promotion and unexpected commendation from his superior officers as well. As hard as Basic Training was last year, he's grown from it, so it was all for good. And he came by tonight, unexpectedly, as we were eating, and he had a plate with us. Feeling blessed.
Also, second son called me from California this afternoon while I was out. Sat in Fresh Market's parking lot (ate a delicious chicken salad sandwich) and talked for 45 minutes. Another blessing. He's a bit torn up about a girl he was interested in---she told him last week she didn't want to pursue a relationship, but he said she let him down very sweetly. Doesn't make it any easier. I told him I believed if God is over a situation like that, that you don't have to anguish over making it work. Not that it'll be pain-free, but a couple who belong together sort of meld. I believe that. From the start she was so hesitant, and he had to work so hard to keep her interested. She was almost fearful. But happily, he'll be coming for a two-week visit in September. We're all over the moon. His job there ends in early November and he'll be here (I believe he said) over the winter and may go back next spring. Don't know and don't have to think that far.
Why am I telling you all of this? Guess to set up a level playing field. I'm so proud of my kids who are trying, really trying. Balances out the ones who cause us to wrestle.
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Hot here. So hot. The poor chickens pant and hold their wings away from their little bodies. We put frozen soda bottles underneath their roosting perch at night, and they actually seem excited to bed down at night. I figure the cold air rises and cools their lizard-like feet. At least that's the idea.
This is the heat that causes Southerners to go a bit mad. Maybe that's why writers from here are all a bit strange. All of them. My favorite wonderful Faulkner as well. Story has it he refused to have an air conditioner in his house, and the day after he died, his wife had one installed. That's what we were told. It's still there in the house.
Hoping the rest of the weekend is restful. Gary's having some back pain which we're attributing to the accident. He's not seriously hurting, but he just needs to chill. We told him to stay at home from church tomorrow. Sleep in. Sounds healing. Our sensibilities are so worn, we could all do with some idle time. Easy to get ruffled with this and that, but for the weekend we're good.
