Morning all:

Wow, what an evening. At six this morning I felt as if I should still be drinking Dutch Jonge Jenever rather than my favorite cup of coffee.

Much anticipated, last night we roasted brother George’s 60th in style. Gathering at the historic Vernon Manor hotel family and friends went at him mercilessly. I believe that even the ghosts of many of the pasts guests at the place joined in on the laughter.

The highlight being Pieter’s video bolstered demonstration of just how our ever patient mother, constrained by the then world of “Ozzie & Harriet” and “Aunt Bea” of The Andy Griffith Show, imparted her knowledge of what George needed to know about the Birds and the Bees.

While my stumbling effort was taken in good naturedly by George it was Art’s wrap-up that gave perspective and meaning. Tears of joy and laughter and just tears for no other reason than “just because” were the real dessert of the evening. This on top of the wonderful deserts that followed some great eats.

If you live over 500 miles from Cincinnati you might have a small excuse for not knowing that this is the weekend that the Tall Stacks Music, Arts and Heritage Festival is in full swing. Tonight our whole gang will board the New Orleans based Natchez for a never-to-be-forgotten dinner cruise. Even Mother Nature can’t contain herself and is brightening these days with great sunshine and the night with a full Harvest moon.

Then tomorrow it will be a full-blown Pig Roast to celebrate Adrianne and Tevita’s wedding and safe return. As I write this more friends and family are traveling to make it here for the remainder of the weekend. Even three volunteer friends from Adrianne’s Peace Corps family in Tonga will join us.

For everyone who is here with us its real plain that times such as what we’re experiencing this weekend provides the real riches of life.

Now, since it’s nearly light, anyone for a quick game of Corn Hole?

Make it a great week everyone; do it with fun, do it with style, do it with love.

Cheers,
Dirk