Sailing Hawks

It is the season for raptors here. This morning while we were walking with Ozzie, we saw two hawks, perhaps even three, gliding through the sky above us. I used to tell my students that it's not the destination that is so important, it is the journey. The way these great birds ride the air currents and updrafts without seeming to move a muscle is really lovely and inspiring.

The butcher block top of the kitchen island was taken away a few days ago, loaded on David's truck with the help of his son, Andrew and two skateboards (another essential builder's tool) and reappeared yesterday minus the ugly varnish and shining with mineral oil. We were all blown away by how beautiful it looked. As a family we've all taken to sparring over who had what ideas, but stripping the counter was definitely mine! Desiring to get us out of the plastic bubble as soon as possible, David worked late last night to paint the bottom part of the island so that he could come back this morning ,put on the top, and take down the plastic.

During the night , the paint dripped and David had to resand and repaint it this morning.

I spent an hour or two trying to download the forms needed to renew my driver's license and change the address. Navigating government websites requires more patience than Job. Needing a break, I went to the store in search of lunch and noticed on my way out the door that the "water feature" had acquired a new decoration--a Raiders football balanced atop the medium sized standing stone.

David came back with Andrew, his other son Drake and Drake's friend to help him move the massively heavy butcher block from the garage to the kitchen island...no skateboards this time, just youthful strength. His patience with the paint was greater than my patience with government websites, and was amply rewarded by the beautiful results. and my gratitude for the fact that he gave up half his weekend to get us out of the plastic bubble. Yet another attaboy for David and his family.