Dear Family, When Jim first told me that he had received phone calls from Utah inquiring as to whether or not he was coming to the beach this year I felt like I had been kicked in the teeth. I also felt angry and hurt. But after much conversation and prayer I realized that you didn't go through that divorce with him..I did. And that all of you see the guy to whom I was once attracted. And while I can understand why you all would like to spend time together it would be very uncomfortable for me to share the same time with my family. I''m still trying to recover from the divorce and move on with my life and my feelings are still quite tender and sensitive, especially in regards to my family vacation. Due to work I will have to leave mid week and I will let Jim know so he can come after I've gone. I pray you will understand and respect my feelings on this matter. I love you, Mary

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNIE! You have the most amazing attributes. I love your laugh and sense of humor. You are resiliant and don't hold grudges. You are kind and loving. You really have brought a lot of joy to our family. So, in a word, you are quite 'wonderful.' This is your day and I will be thinking of you:)

Here I am in a nice hotel right on Michigan Ave. in dowtown Chicago, and I have so much work to do, I haven't left my hotel room this morning. My meeting actually starts at 1PM; I couldn't get here today in time for the start of the meeting, so I flew in last night. I've been sitting at this computer all morning, and am now taking a break by catching up with blog.

It's beautiful here today. Will be in the mid-80's, relatively low humidity, and will drop down to the low 70's tonight. Much cooler and nicer than we've been experiencing of late on the Wasatch. I love Chicago. The one and only nice thing about Katie and Danny moving here is, I usually get to this city a couple of times a year. After Katie and Danny get here, I'll have a reason to bring Cristie with me and the two of us stay over a day or two to visit. Lot's to do and see in the Windy City.

I hope the weather here in the mid-west is as nice and mild next week as it is right now! David, Joe and I head off to Iowa Saturday morning for a week of cycling through cornfields.

Got a call on my cell phone from Danny Hirschi last night. He's in Utah, visiting with Lydia for the next couple of weeks. He says she's feeling better and has gained a little weight. He wants me to go to a mandolin conceret with him Thursday night (David Grisman, Sam), but I might have too much to do to go with him.

Bob Hook called me this morning. He's concerned about Dustin. Says all the work and tedium of the Air Force is getting him down. He misses his family and is discouraged. Bob asked me if I could give him a blessing. Of course I'm honored he would ask. That's what I may be doing Thursday night.

Well.....back to work. I trust everyone is safe and well.