A perfect day

I have lots of different things I've been thinking about writing tonight. I got news from home yesterday that included report of 4 different people (all retired) who I know who have died in the last few days. 2 of them were especially important to me. If I was home I'm sure I'd be sharing memories and good stories about Art and Jimmy. But, here - I don't know how to process my thoughts. They aren't family so no one will really understand the depth of my feelings. And grief isn't shared here very well. So, just a few words about each. Art - he's been part of my life since I was a young teen. He and his wife were leaders who we all loved. They were encouraging and fun and interested in us. From that time on, Art and Betty were friends with our family and our paths often crossed. I have always felt loved and special around them, even if lately I've only seen them once or twice a year. I'd love to give Betty and Don, their son, a hug and let them know these things. Then there is Jimmy - what a special man who I feel like I've known forever. Always had an idea about his corps (church) and wanted my opinion and maybe some help. So many times he wanted me to meet him in the city for breakfast or dinner or to come to church with him. I'm regretting that I never did that. But, he didn't seem to take it personally, he just kept asking. I will miss them both.

So, I wanted to also write about our training program committee, but that will keep because I have to write about today. I think it was the most perfect day I've had since I've been in Latvia. For odd reasons, I decided to take today as a vacation day and invited my friend, Dace, to join me on a trip outside Riga. She used to be my assistant and since that ended we haven't spent much time together. Being with her was great - she is the perfect friend for random touring! We left only knowing what highway we would take (unless we changed our minds!) I had one idea and she had another, so we decided to do both and then see what else might happen. The weather was perfect: sunny, but not too hot and a little breeze. We drove to Sigulda and went to the national park to walk around and then take the cable car across the river. We didn't know what a major hike it would be, climbing lots of little stairs and trying to find our way back to the car from the end of the cable car ride. But, it was exhilarating exercise and beautiful scenery. And we had nice, random conversations along the way. Our bodies were a bit sore, but we were happy. We then found a good, cheap little kafenica in Sigulda and treated ourselves to some good bakery for dessert. And they made great coffee! Back in the car for a short drive to Ligatne and the animal park. Another beautiful site and another major hike. But, I was feeling pretty good about the exercise and my ability to keep up with someone 20 years younger than me! By the time we got back to the car, we were exhausted but satisfied that we had had a really good day. It was probably the first day that I've felt absolutely no stress since I've been in Latvia. We hardly talked about work - again a first and when we did it was without emotion or my usual frustration. All in all, a perfect day! (except I forgot my camera!)