One of the reasons I don't write more is that I miss a week and then think I'll go back and catch that great family event. Then another week goes by and soon there are so many things to catch up on that the effort seems too big!
So this week, I'll just start with what happened this last week. I was in Mom's kitchen and looked at the calendar this afternoon and saw that last week was the 8th (my birthday) and that seemed like forever ago so it's been an eventful week!
First, a few shots of the party--thanks to everyone who came! It was perfect and a beautiful afternoon and a great chance to just visit. We broke in my new place with the first party and decided it's a good central meeting place! After thinking I was turning 58 last year, actually turning 58 this year wasn't that bad. So fun to see all of you and missed those that were there in spirit only. Glad to hear the college kids are having Clegg Day once a month!
Monday I flew to Oakland for four days of training in Pleasanton. Was kind of brutal being in a classroom for 9 hours a day, learning something I'll never use again plus trying to keep up with the steam of mail and instant messages coming from the office but the evenings were fun.
First night, Roby (one of our system engineers that lives in the Bay Area) took Mark, Loren and I out on his sailboat. Didn't know what to expect but it was a first class and unforgettable ride! The fog was coming in over the bay and looked ominous but he knew the weather patterns and said we had no worries. Out of the harbor in Emeryville and under sail, he had me at the helm and we navigated underneath the brand new Bay Bridge which just opened to traffic last week. Quite an improvement aesthetically from the old bridge and beautiful. The sunset through the fog was spectacular. On around Treasure island and across the wake of a giant container ship that was headed to Japan. We could tell because there's an iPhone app that you just point at any ship under way and you can see who owns it, what's on it and where it's going.
At nightfall, we were passing back under the bridge and sailed right along the San Francisco waterfront with all of the lights of the city. It was beautiful! This week, the Americas Cup has been going on in the bay and so we navigated right along the pier where some of the owner boats were anchored. One in particular was super impressive and we later found it online--FOR SALE for only $98,000,000 (yes 98 million)! Back across the bay in the dark but Roby brought us right to the harbor. It was a great adventure and glad to have his years of sailing on the Bay experience to draw on - most people (even local boatsmen) don't have that level of expertise.
Next night I had some work but was able to slip over the Pleasanton Park for a short sunset hike. Good to be back in that part of California again. Beautiful sunset and very pleasant weather.
Thursday I had dinner with Cliff and Michelle March in Concord. Hadn't seen them for years and so good to catch up. Michelle was part of the "gang" in college and then when I moved to the Bay Area she was there. Hours and hours of skiing on the Delta with friends and working with the Asians. They are doing well with their oldest boy on a mission and their daughter a senior in high school. Her dad has passed away but her mom is serving a mission (at 82!) in the Washington DC Temple. Speaking of passing, Brian Voigt's father (Sport to us) passed away last week and his funeral was on Friday. Brian's note to me was, "We are glad that Dad is at peace and enjoying his new life." Good family!
I flew home Friday night and just HAPPENED to hear that Allyse had her mission call (miraculously) and would be opening it soon. Since I was headed to Idaho, I stopped by and was there for the grand occasion. If anyone doesn't know, she's going to the Philippines Tacloban mission and will be learning the Cebuano language! It was such a treat to be there--she will be a fine missionary and has been preparing for this for a very long time. She bore a wonderful testimony before she opened her call. Here's a shot of her and the next two missionaries that are preparing!
Speaking of missions, I see from Facebook that Mikesell (Jeff & Audra) got her call to Indiana. That mission map is expanding --- FAST!!!
And, here are a couple of my favorite shots of Sister Hunter in Moscow--known for it's elegant subways--and where they do most of their contacting!
Idaho was just beautiful this weekend! So much rain and third crop hay is really looking good. Spuds are on and Gibbs and Jorgensens have set up shop on the roadsides selling Reds. More varieties coming in the next couple of weeks.
Another special treat was being able to help ordain Grant a Priest. His dad performed the ordination but because it was in the Priests Quorum (and Don is the YM President), all of the priests were able to assist as well. He was given a wonderful blessing and Grant is a good young man!
Here's shot of Alexander with the water drained (fixing the dam).
The trip back to Riverton tonight was beautiful--big billowy white and pink clouds floating above rugged peaks jutting up from golden carpet fields of straw.
It's 11 pm and the day starts with meetings at 8 so need to retire. Hope you all have a great week! The Kent Cleggs are heading to Disneyland during spud harvest...bring back memories? The only vacation most of us remember! I'll be in Carlsbad (San Diego) for work Tue-Friday this week.
Love you all!
Peter
