Sea salt carmel gelato. What a treat!
This gives me hope:
50 years ago we were dropping napalm on Vietnam.
Now my D has a “North” Vietnamese roommate.
And they get along so well that they will be roommates again next year.
There is hope for the future.
D2 will be making her second trip to Vietnam next month (the first was her study abroad). She and her friend are also going to Laos and Cambodia. That these things are possible also gives me hope.
Our dog is getting along better with the cat, the cat is getting along better with us, and we are getting along better with the heat!
Our "second " daughter --informally adopted, brought her 18 month over today and she is saying our
names. When they drove up she said, “Nonnie and Poppies”.
She also peed in the toilet for me. We waved goodby as she flushed/.
One of my kids, after long consideration, got a cat from the Humane Society. Rosie is three years old, has golden eyes “the size of saucers”, and is active, inquisitive,and very affectionate. My other kid, a recently returned PCV, after some frustrations, just got a great job.
We went out to dinner for D1’s birthday few days ago. It included my ex and we all got along. I think it made D1 & D2 happy that we can get together as a family without a lot of drama. It is especially important to D1 as she is getting married soon.
Ah, Oldfort, but who,paid?
We split it. 
Another good thing, next Thu we are going to officially transfer the title of apartment to my name. It will no longer be jointly held.
Last night, my friends had a party/potluck. It was a surprise double celebration retirement (of a friend) and early 60th birthday for me. It was so sweet of them and such a surprise. We got roses, balloons, leis and cake! We had a great time!
Tomorrow, I’m going camping just outside of Aspen! Five days of hikes, hot springs, eating out in superb restaurants, and sleeping in a peaceful tree grove along a rushing river.
So jealous, katliamim, even of camping (I’m not a big fan). Love Aspen, so beautiful. Have fun!
I’m not a big fan of camping either (although I love backpacking) – but this is a great setting, we’re going with friends who are gourmet cooks, so even the campsite eating will be great, and yes, Aspen is amazing. And right now the Idea Festival is going on, so when we’re not hiking or eating or sitting in hot springs, we’ll be educated…
Awesome!!! Oh that sounds like such a great time. I don’t care for the pathetic campground food we struggle to make, but I think you’re set with the gourmet cooks. Love hiking the Maroon Bells!
I met some cc folks today for the first time for lunch. That was fun. Everyone was very friendly and warm.
I got to babysit my grandboy last night and bestow him with a hundred kisses. 
After a crazy couple months with D #2’s high school graduation, S#1’s out-of-state wedding, and D#1’'s art school graduation in Italy, everyone is back to their homes safely, relaxing (except for S#3 who just left a few minutes ago for study abroad in Japan. . .) Just relieved that all the work and stress of the events is now over and all went reasonably well. Now I can rest and look back on the happy memories.
What is really good right now is my raspberry patch! It is the most awesome thing I’ve ever accidentally created!
I have someone coming to work for me in my department who was the lead guitarist for a No. 1 hit country musician. I can’t wait to hear some stories! I love the guy’s music, too.
I get to have lunch tomorrow with a very dear friend. He retired six months ago. I retired this month. We worked together for thirty-five years, watched (and cheered for) our children as they grew up, and supported each other through happy times and sad times. What a blessing it is to have him in my life!