Dear friends since college, Lisa and Michelle, enjoying a scenic break on the Flatirons. Flagstaff summit provided a perfect backdrop for catching up and recalling old times.

A warm thank you to, Michelle, for playing such a glorious host.

Peace.

Lisa and I love to walk and we love to walk together. Lately, we have been strolling in the morning and in the evening. We’re seeing lots of deer. They’re tame and don’t seem to mind us. The lighting is impressive. Spearfish lies more than 3,000 feet above sea level, the air is clean, the light seems to dance in especially elegant ways. It’s delightful.

Our time in Spearfish SD is running short. We’re soaking up the beauty, spending time with family, and savoring some quiet moments.

Joyce and I at Grandpa Temple's grave

The wind whipped, and the air was cold. Joyce and my gramps, spent twenty-two glorious years together. After grandma Virginia passed, Joyce became our grandma. She did all the things special grandmother’s do, in a word she spoiled us. She cooked, baked, attended sporting events, snapped gorgeous photos, and lavished us with love.

Today, we shared a quiet moment at Grandpa’s grave. He and grandma are buried at the National Cemetery in South Dakota.

I descend from hearty, earthy folk who lived well. Generosity is pervasive in this family and I intend to pass that trait along.

Much love and a warm thank-you to Joyce, for sharing this special spot with us, and for making us feel loved all these many years. We love you too!

Peace.

My grandpa Temple is buried at the South Dakota National Cemetery. He lived a robust life and was considered a great leader among his peers. I will forever remember his generosity, spirit, and gold tooth that sparkled when he became angry and grit his teeth.

While on an early morning walk with Lisa, I thought:

– where does love end, and grace begin
– what is the elevation in Spearfish
– how blessed am I to be creating this incredible adventure with the one I love the most
– these gloves are keeping my fingers warm
– why am I embarrassed to write in front of my family
– I ought to focus more on cumulative effects, rather than immediate ones
– why are the best ideas, the slipperiest.

Cheers to morning walks.

What does the last leaf think of?

On our way back from a NY Thanksgiving weekend, we encountered thick fog. At times it was nearly too thick to navigate. The ground was warm, the air cool. This shot captures a bit of the mist that engulfed our world at that moment.