It has been said that a day off is normally followed by an off day. Well I have found that a week off is followed by an off week. My first week back from vacation was a disaster at work. Trying to figure out who wants what and when they want it has been a challenge. It is hard to focus on global disasters when the local disasters are mounting up all around. I hope that by the end of this week I will be back in the groove.

Today is my 24th wedding anniversary. 24 years ago today I said “I do” at Henderson Falls Park in the stifling heat and humidity that only a late July day can bring. When I think back on it I am always amused at how young and ill prepared my wife and I both were back in those days. We had no idea what we were getting into but I guess it is true that ignorance is bliss.

Now here I am watching my grown daughters start to toy with the idea of leaving the nest and start the creation of their own worlds. All you can do is encourage them to wait until they have finished their education and try to help them understand that married life is no crystal stair. But even at that I would not have it any other way. My wife is my rock and my shelter from the storm. I do not now nor have I ever deserved her. She is without a doubt the best thing that has ever happened to me. I work hard to keep her from regretting her decision. I have never regretted mine.