Buried

We have been away from home for over two weeks.

Traveled 3400 miles.

Yesterday we drove home through this.

It was…interesting.

We were two degrees short of a 100 degree spread over the course of our trip:

 as high as 78º in the mountains of West Virginia,
and as low as -20º (awaiting us at home).

A fine "How do you do?"

But if you think we're crazy, these people made us look pretty level headed.

Anyway, now I am buried in photo memories too numerous to count,

processing all of the treasured moments with our family in

North Carolina
(my brother's entire family), 

Georgia
(Lee's whole family),

and Florida
(my dad and his wife Jeannie).

About those family photos:
You can't control the weather.
You can't control the agenda.
You can't make the people come to the right place
when the light is perfect,
especially during a season where daytime is short.
They may not be up for much organizing.
They are in the middle of a pool game, for heaven's sake.

When it comes to family photos, only one thing is required.
Attendance.
Chances are, at some point, you can get them to come.
Make it as painless as possible so they will want to come back.

And then get the really great shots when they are just doing what they do.

It was a glorious trip.

And now, 

I have a book to make.

With lots more pictures.

What a privilege

to be buried in blessings.