Slovenia link up

At a ward get-together last week, we were sitting with a new young couple in our ward along with some people we knew. Mike was wearing his Ljubljana T-shirt he bought while we were in Slovenia a few years ago. The young husband said to Mike excitedly, "Where did you get that shirt?" When Mike said he got it while we were there, this guy was just thrilled. He served a mission there about six years ago and he had never met anyone else who had been there. We had so much to talk about that we invited them over for dinner and swapped stories and shared pictures. I think we made his week and we were thrilled to hear that they are building a chapel in Ljubljana that will be dedicated next fall. While he was over, he even translated the words on our wooden plate that we bought from a roadside vendor there. The vendor couldn't translate it for us as he spoke no English, so we just hoped it didn't say something inappropriate. Well, we got our answer; our plate says, "Happy 60th Birthday!" I guess we are safe on that count!

Death Valley

While Aranne, Maile, Ellie and I were enjoying time together, the Mikes set off for "lovely" Death Valley. They met Mike's friends from school there. Here's Mike A's description:

My weeks-long cough was still very much of a bother, but I figured if I was to die, it might as well be in 'Death' Valley. A long drive to Wildrose campground to meet up with his group of 3 friends. We checked out the charcoal kilns further up the road, and there was actually snow under the trees! (Not what I expected for Death Valley.) Another long drive (things are far apart in this big National Park) to Badwater, the lowest point at -282 feet below sea level, which is the lowest point not only in the U.S., but the entire western hemisphere! On the cliff right next to this point was a sign about 300 ft up that said "Sea Level".

The plan was to camp that night at the sand dunes at the north end of the park. But the washboard dirt road caused one of the cars to have a tire blow out, and another the front strut fluid to leak. Mike's car was the only one spared. Being dark already, we made camp by the side of the road. The stars were BEAUTIFUL, and Mike even had his small telescope to see more.

Next morning Ubehebe (u-bee hee-bee) Crater, an ash crater 500ft deep about a 1/2 mile wide, created only 2000 years ago. Mike B walked down to the bottom; Dad was content to enjoy from the top. Then Scotty's Castle: quite the home built in the late 1800's. Mike & Mike did the tours; very nice. Mesquite Springs campground nearby for another beautiful night.

Last day: a quick stop at the visitors center for a passport stamp, then Zabrieski Point, before heading back to Dan & Aranne's. A very nice trip, cough drops and syrup aside.

Pride of Peoria

On St. Patrick's Day, I had quite a wonderful surprise, when in the middle of teaching, the Public Relations person from the district walked in with a video camera followed by my principal with flowers and the people I teach with. I had been named a Pride of Peoria winner! This is the most coveted award in the district as you are nominated by your co-workers. Never had I imagined this! I was given a portfolio of all the nominating letters received on my behalf. Then last Thursday night was the awards dinner. Twenty teachers and twenty support staff were honored. It was truly amazing! I think it was the most memorable event in my career. I wanted to share with you all!