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I spent the afternoon at a residence surrounded by the country club golf course where every house has a little trail taking the golfers from green to green.  Y'all that place was covered UP today because it got over 60 and the sun was out.  It was a rare treat to sit in the January sunshine that was just a teaser, I'm sure.  

If my Daddy were still at the USDA he would more than likely be working without pay as part of Homeland Security which is where it went after he retired.  His career was spent mostly tracking the spread of farm pests in West Tennessee by sticking little pins on a map after the traps were set and read.  Plant protection specialist was his title.  A family friend got his post when this office closed and ended up working the airports like Daddy did during his last year.  That's when he said "I'm done." He was 55 years old and had 35 years of federal government service.  Back then it meant something.  His retirement was 75% of his final pay and it provided for he and Mom for many years.  

Mama was retired too and we lived a mile away when Lauren was a kid so they had lots of adventures.  She was the only grandchild for two decades and got the royal treatment of two grandparents who totally enjoyed her.  They had a special bond, especially she and Mama.  The first time I ever heard Daddy say I love you was to her.  He rarely told me even at the end.  I would tell him anyway just to watch him squirm.  Because I never heard it from my own parents, I was determined to tell Lauren often.  Everybody deserves to know unconditional parental love.  When I look at Reaves, I know that she has that love from both parents and indeed an entire tribe.  That explains the joyful attitude.  

The sunsets yesterday and today were to die for.  Thank you Lord for the beauty of the earth.  ^j^