“Catching up” after a long trip takes focus and patience. Gosh, there are e-mails, voicemails, US mail, daily operations, service responsibilities, and every day “to do’s”. Isn’t it phenomenal we have the physical and intellectual fortitude to accompish all these things……and, with a smile ?! God is wonderful in giving us these gifts, so many gifts that we take for granted: life itself, health, shelter, and actually all of our daily needs. In fact, the last phrase stated was my Dad’s daily prayer. …

Wow. Now that I am back home, my heart is full with all kinds of memories of visiting my brothers’ families in Pennsylvania and also attending the Bonnell Family Reunion. This is my family on my mother’s side. What smiles and love and delicious food! The days fly by with our daily “to do’s” and operations, and it is a joy to be with family and refresh…..”catch up”. Thanks to God for the safety in travel to and from home. …

When I was little, my father presented to me “A Lesson A Day”. He was a teacher and a farmer — amazingly two full time jobs for decades of his life. At this time in my life, I am remembering his lessons. One being: “Say what you mean; mean what you say.”