Summer Updates!

Perhaps you can take a clue from my previous post…way back when… I’m apparently on summer vacation! Ahh, how I long for the days when such a break was a three-month reality…

While I’m not necessarily enjoying regular time off, I am fitting in getaways and guests here and there. If you haven’t yet visited Casa de la Blevins this summer, schedule your weekend now! The incessant Texas heat combined with our refreshing pool waters have proved to be a draw as we all look to escape the rising temperatures.

To update one and all, here is a brief recap of some my summer highlights thus far:

1. VISITORS: Becky finally materialized that delightful fiancé of hers, as she and Jason spent a relaxing Labor Day weekend with us in Texas. We were so excited to see Boo and finally give our obviously much-needed approval of this permanent mating choice. Yes, we give Jason a resounding endorsement! And we’re looking forward to seeing you both soon!
   
   Mum and Dad also ventured south for a quick visit in June. Since Iowa is much too far away, I always appreciate our limited time together. And Mom discovered that a floating device, a big hat and some cold lemonade were the keys she was missing all these years. Now we have ourselves a water bug on our hands! Come again, ‘rents!
   
   
2. RTR 2009: Last year my darling husband decided he needed to celebrate his milestone birthday memorably. So we did a little research, rounded up some adventurous friends and ventured west to conquer the Grand Canyon. There would be no hitching rides with mules, sending packs or food down with supply trains or staying in some lofty cabins. No—this trip required packing everything in and out, pitching tents and navigating the terrain through our own power with just the six of us. Starting on the south rim, we trekked down into the great canyon, through the box and up to the north rim. We covered more than 25 miles and tackled greater than 10,500 feet of elevation change. It was a workout… But memorable? Most definitely, mission accomplished!
   
   
   
   
3. SANDI PATTY II: Some of you heard last year that Sandi Patty kicked off her Christmas concert tour at our very own FUMCR, with the Chancel Choir as back-up. Not only did Sandi apparently enjoy our show, she thought we did well enough to repeat the occasion. Therefore, in the middle of the hot June summer, our church was transformed into a Christmas scene with the new addition of more than a dozen versions of cameras, recording equipment and crew. As you may have guessed, this second concert was recorded—for a 2009 holiday television special and Christmas DVD. How exciting to be part of such a unforgettable production!
   
   
4. ANNIVERSARY: And finally, Casey and I celebrated two years together with a relaxing getaway to Lake Whitney. It was a most peaceful and rejuvenating excursion and a perfect time for the two of us to focus on us. As you can imagine, there was lots of cooking, hours in and around water, books devoured, music enjoyed and exploration of our natural surroundings. Thank you, thank you to our generous friends for allowing us the opportunity to hole up in what I now call the Whitney Compound!

That’s all I have for today. Y’all have a wonderful and festive Fourth of July weekend!