News From Browntown

Family Time and New Adventures
I should have reported before now on the lovely family contacts we had last week-end.

Last Saturday we met Kris and Christian for lunch in Harrisonburg. The weather gifted us with a torrential downpour (really was a gift since we are in such a drought right now) but we all four managed to arrive at the appointed restaurant at the same time. Unfortunately the very nice, intimate Italian place we chose is a dinner-only establishment and we were way too early. We opted for the Japanese Steakhouse next door mostly to get out of the rain. After some confusion related to culture and customs (yes, such confusion can happen even in the Shenandoah Valley) we were seated and had a nice time to visit.

Kris and Christian are understandably excited about the prospect of re-locating to Europe. Christian is looking forward to strengthening family ties and Kris is just looking forward, period! Both are really enthusiastic about the new phase of their lives and it was a real pleasure to see Kris so eagerly anticipating an adventure. Christian is leaving in early May and Kris will follow along sometime after the Luzi family event in June. Dad and I both were grateful for the chance to be together probably for the last time in a long, long time and ended the day feeling very positive about the future for them.

Saturday was a "good-bye" day and Sunday was a "hello" day. Win brought Kris to Browntown to have lunch with us. It wasn't really a "meet the fam" event (you know how those ocassions can be) since it was only Dad, Grammy and me there. Kris is completely delightful, on the correct end of the political spectrum and is a Weight Watchers veteran! You can imagine how she fit right in. I wanted to find out about her Little Sister but there was so much else to talk about I didn't get the scoop on that. We are really hoping there will be lots of opportunities to be with her. Although it was bright and sunny, the temperatures were very cold and it was not a walk around day so she didn't get a real tour of "the compound" ... next time.

It has been a quiet week. Browntown lost one of it's very long-time residents with the death of Mr. U.J. Clegg. Election season in Browntown won't look the same without all the campaign signs in his yard proudly proclaiming his loyalty to Democratic candidates.

Easter week-end plans call for services on Friday night and Sunday morning (I have become a real "C&Er" since my church attendance has been spotty at best this winter) and yard work in between! If the weather cooperates it will be such fun!!

Happy Easter