Incredible wind and rain in the night. The clock was blinking, so I don't know what time it was, but I woke up several times. Ray was up working most of the night.

Yesterday was beautiful, highs in the low 80s and windy, so not too hot.

I was a little muzzy in the morning and it took a couple hours for my head to clear, and me to figure out that I was going to be late to SGM. I had small group ministry a ways south of here, but I had to go by the rental place and return the things, and, of course, to drop Ray off at his office. We didn't have yogurt for breakfast, and we only had the strange flat raisin bread I had made Sunday night. So we ate the two eggs we had, fried in butter. A short walk and a bath. My phone needed charging. It was just one of those Monday mornings.

I was about 30 minutes late, because it took a while to get to Lisa's house after I dropped Ray off. But she lives in a beautiful old house in the country. We had a very pleasant time talking about books, which we clearly could talk about a lot more. Pomegranate green tea and banana bread. I stayed a little later to admire Lisa's gardens. Her husband died and she is clearing and creating gardens of his favorite trees and flowers--river birches, Lenten roses, lilies...It seems very sad to me; I would rather she were doing something a little more constructive, but it is surely better than staying inside and watching TV or reading. She is a very quiet and private person.

It was after one when I got to ALT. I was tempted to go home instead, because it was such a beautiful day. They were glad to see me. Nathan is gone this week and I could sit up front and use his computer and answer the phones. Laura, the intern, sent me another draft of a poster for the bike ride. But I have heard nothing from Christy in a week. This was her idea and I am supposed to be helping. I am waiting on her for several things. Also talked some about the newsletter.

I left before 4 to go to EarthFare and finally get some orange juice and other things. Made a few phone calls while I was waiting for Ray. My sister Polly and her family are coming in 8 days! I am looking forward to seeing my niece and nephew, as well as their parents.

When we got home, it was wild and windy. I lifted Sylvia out of the nesting box and two eggs fell onto the ground. She did forage with the others, though, until they settled down in a corner of the garden for the night and I shooed them back into their coop (not quite as easy as it sounds). I cut us a few stalks of asparagus and admired how well things are coming along. My Dad has been working like crazy every pleasant day. This is the time of year when there is a lot to do.

Eventually I came inside and made dinner. Ray had already peeled the shrimp, thank goodness. I had some broccoli left from the reception that I wanted to use before it went bad, so sauteed it with onion and some of the carrot sticks, as well as some seasonings and the shrimp. Served it with brown rice. It was fine, nothing too wonderful. The asparagus tasted delicious, though.

TV and bed, falling asleep about 9 and moving upstairs to read for a bit, while waiting for Ray to join me, which he must have at some point, because he is there now.