Memorial Day has arrived and I think it is going to be a hot one. But that means it will be the first day “official day of summer” too. The swimming pools will open, millions of people will be it on the highways, BBQ grills will be lit from one end of the nation to the other. My prayer this morning is hat each and everyone celebrating this holiday will be safe. Ms. Kate and I will stay home for most of the day. We are invited to a high school graduation party this afternoon and will probably attend that. It is for a young man that I confirmed at my last parish. He was two years old when I first met him and now he is getting ready to head off to college, — Amazing.

My Backyard Buffet entertainment is interesting this morning. There are a few birds at the feeders but they aren't my entertainment today. I have a couple of wrens that are hopping around and flitting everywhere, especially in and out of the potted planters. I don’t know what it is about the planters that draws them to them. But they obviously find something to eat in there or they use the potted soil to go build their nests. But they are a joy to watch and listen to as they sit and sing. Then, — there is the robin that has been running around all over the back yard chasing down wires and bugs. It rained a “gully-was her” yesterday so the earth worms are just under the surface and the robin is taking vantage of the situation. And finally, the baby bunnies are back. Every year a momma rabbit makes a nest under the lilies and hs her bunnies. Today they have come out of hiding and are running here and there exploring the new world. It is such a joy to sit here and watch all of this as I have my coffee.

Well, the worship service was as predicted yesterday —- very thin congregation. But the setting was beautiful out there in the woodland chapel. It was only about 75 degrees and the breeze coming through the trees kept everything very comfortable. The rain and the storms held off until the afternoon which made it perfect too. Pastor Art gave a good sermon and talked about some of the history of our denomination. I’m sure that all of the people that were absent probably had a good time too but they missed a good worship service.

This is going to be a very busy week as Ms. Kate and I get ready to go on our vacation. We have aa lot of things to take care of and interspersed in there are doctor’s appointments and physical therapy. We are traveling coast to coast in the next three weeks and we haven’t done that in many years. BUt — we’ll “git er done”.

Have a pleasant Memorial Day. I hope you get to spend some of it with people you love, and I also hope you take time to be grateful for the sacrifice so many have given to keep this nation free. Today is not about hotdogs and beer and a day off of work. Today is about honor and sacrifice. Peace.