"'Escargot' is French for 'fat crawling bag of phlegm.'" - Dave Barry

I didn't go for a run and I didn't go to the gym. Yet I still feel physically exhausted.
The good news is that all of the border logs are in place and I'm ready for whenever Todd delivers the 5 tons of gravel.
Did I mention that I have to spread it by hand, one wheel barrow load at a time? Yeah, that should be fun.

I want a do-over.
In preparation for the sessions I'll do with pastors when I'm in Brazil I'm re-reading a book I used as a text when I taught pastoral principles and procedures to ministry students. Pastoral Leadership by Robert Dale isn't in print anymore but I found a used copy through Amazon. It came today and I started reading it while I was at Countryside Diner for pizza. (Yeah, I'm out of the meals Pam prepared before she left for MI.)
I feel like a failure and that my ineptitude is responsible for Pathway's demise. I was not the leader that start-up needed. I'm a good communicator and not a visionary leader.
I should have re-read this book then.

We got into the mid-60s today, warm enough that I worked in my shirtsleeves. Tomorrow we're back into the 50s with more rain, a pattern that will continue through to the weekend with temps dropping into the 40s.

Each of the churches we served was full of wonderful people and we have lifelong friends from all four of them.
The people are the best part!
In some ways our time in Prunedale was a particular blessing. A group of us were the same age (late 20s, early 30s) and starting families. Our kids were preschool and elementary age, many went to the same rural school, and were best friends at church. Adults socialized in and outside of church doing the kinds of things people used to do in rural communities where people are more important than things and money is tight.

A few months ago I got an idea to have a reunion. Many of us have long since moved away from Prunedale but have stayed in touch through Facebook, email, and annual Christmas letters.
I have no idea who will show up but on Sunday, August 26, those who can make it will attend services and then have a picnic on the lower play field afterward.
I'm really looking forward to it.