maybe the sun didn't get the memo

The calendar says that it is officially summer, but New England is still living in spring. A very rainy, chilly spring. Our kind, Italian speaking neighbor is disappointed that his grape vines will not bear fruit this year, our veggie patch doesn't seem to be growing without any sun, and the forecast doesn't seem to be any brighter.
We hear from friends and family in other parts of the country that is over ninety degrees. Meanwhile, we are waiting for anything over 65 and the opportunity to stop wearing winter sweaters in June. With friends coming soon from out of town, we are hoping for one day of sunshine during their visit.

I tend to think of summer falling in the months of June, July, and August. This means that our summer is almost a third over and it hasn't included nearly as many bike rides, walks, and picnics in the park as we had hoped. The other night we braved a walk in our neighborhood before the night rain came (we had morning and afternoon rain that day) and were amazed at our luck. Large and small tree limbs were scattered as evidence of the beating they have been suffering. The wind we've had lately even cuts through heavy grandma blankets during softball games. Hopefully, July and August will have more sun.

Eric kicked off the official start of summer by successfully transferring to his new store. It was a rough last few weeks closing the older store and he is settling in with the new staff and busyness of a store that doubled its business over the weekend. While it is still in the works, Eric may have an opportunity to interview for a promotion next Thursday - July 2nd. It was all very sudden and we are praying for God's provision. We are asking that if you think of us, please considering praying about this opportunity. As with anything, there are no certainties. Even if he gets the desired promotion, there is also a very heavy prayer request that he would stay in this store instead of driving an hour from home each day. We are leaving it in God's hands.

We are also trying to enjoy each day as it comes. Often we get wrapped up in anticipation for what is coming - - sunshine, Sara's visit, Brazil, a friend's deployment ending, a friend's baby being born, this promotion - - that we forget that every day is a blessing. Even the days when your fridge is fifty degrees and the milk you just put in your mouth is bad (that would be today) - we should be grateful that we are alive and so blessed.