Is It Already July!?

Wow, the time has gone by so quickly and I feel bad that I haven't submitted a post...but, there is good news.
Katie owns a house! After lots of trials, tribulations and almost comical incidents, the deed has been recorded.

Ask me about being "Clapsaddled" and what a deluded architect does by way of home maintenance!! Her new address is : 2123 Berkley Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24015. She should be moving in around the first of August. We'll try to have a family housewarming soon after. The best features for me are the front porch, back deck and sleeping porch - I imagine cups of coffee during spring showers, summer thunderstorms and winter snows!!
Many thanks to Vicki for stepping up and taking care of our cousin, Carolyn Burns (from Arkansas), when she visited July 4th!! It was not the best time for me (leaving for vacation, getting Em at the GSO airport and generally packing) to entertain; but how lucky for Carolyn! We had an absolutely wonderful turkey dinner at Vicki's and she got to see all our children (including Lynn & Brian from Richmond and Emily from Santa Fe), plus Jeannie and Pacie. It couldn't have been planned better. And, Carolyn so enjoyed Vicki's hospitality that she stayed well into the day on Friday - how lucky for Vicki!
Meanwhile, we had a terrific vacation at Ocean Isle, NC. The ocean was a bit rough (due to Hurricane Bertha out at sea), but was super for body surfing and rafting (careful of the "undertoad"). The Snead family is well, and if you are inclined to see our beach pictures, just travel over to the SNEADREAD (my other family blog). We all made it except for John (Ben's brother); even David & Stephanie (George's younger son & wife) drove up from Florida for the occasion.

On a bittersweet note, Dad's birthday was July 9th, while we were at the beach. I sat on the upper deck in the wee hours of the morning and watched a fishing boat blink in and out of sight on the horizon. Couldn't help but remember all the boating adventures with Dad. I think he was there with me-happy & sad, I was thankful for his life and his presence in mine. I know that some of the Waltrip women went out to dinner at Montano's that night to celebrate him, as well.

Work is about as usual. Thankfully busier than in the winter months, but as a result of the Real Estate market, not as good as it should be. It does mean that I get a little more "flex" time (time to blog, shop and read!) and that's a good thing, Martha!!

I hope we get another chance to gather soon! Thanksgiving is too far away - maybe while Emily is here we can do a big cookout at the lake??? (maybe her latest, also George, will be visiting? a mother can only hope.)

My love to all. D.