May is winding down

We made it through Matthew's graduation ceremony and open house. Both sets of grandparents were able to make it up and help celebrate the day with him. It was a special day, and the weather was great. Everything turned out great, a lot of people showed up for Matthew's open house and I think he kind of enjoyed it!

Mary is working at Perkins to earn some extra cash before she starts working at Camp Tanglefoot in a couple of weeks. We are trying to convince her to look at the Missoula theatre for next summer which will help with her intern requirement for college.

Yesterday I did the annual law enforcement torch run/bike ride for Special Olympics. I biked from Des Moines to Ames which is about 40 miles. It was agonizingly fun. We had a head wind to fight the whole way. I have been doing that for over 15 years to help raise money for Special Olympics. Nationally the law enforcement torch run for Special Olympics has been the largest fund raising event for Special Olympics. In Iowa the knights of Columbus is one the largest contributors towards the Iowa Special Olympics. In fact the Knights of Columbus saved the Iowa Special Olympics from going under financially.

At the end of the run and bike ride we have a picnic hosted by Hickory Park Restaurant, it is good food. at 7:00 PM we go over to Hilton coliseum and form a tunnel to welcome and cheer all the Special Olympians as they enter the stadium. At the end of the speeches and activities they turn off all the lights and the law enforcement officers run the lit torch around the top of the coliseum and then the torch is handed off to the special Olympian who will light the flame to open the games. The Olympian goes down the stairs to the main floor and runs through the tunnel that the 4th degree knights have formed and then goes up a platform to light the flame. It is a long day but always fun.

When I was welcoming the special Olympians this year I could not help but think in another 6 or 8 years I could be cheering on my nephew as he comes through. I thought that would really be special. I would probably get emotional if that happened, I know I was getting a little teary eyed just thinking about it yesterday.

I moved most of the big items from Sarah's place back home today. Sarah will play here last concert tomorrow, and she graduates on Sunday! YEA!!! We are going to take her out to eat after the ceremony, she chose Red Lobster. Both sets of grandparents are coming up, I am not sure about anybody else.

Sarah received her first flush letter the other day. It was from Mid Prairie schools, they told her they hired somebody else. Funny they did not even interview her.

Philomena is doing really well in her clarinet lessons with her tutor. He wants her to buy these specific reeds and this kind of reed holder. She has good tone and he wants to build on that.

I hope everybody has a relaxing Memorial Day

posted by Randy