Simple Things. That’s the theme for the weekend, and a goal for life.

Weeks of rain have finally ended here in the greater Houston area. It’s hot, but it’s not a damp heat. Not quite a dry heat, but at least it’s not like walking into a sauna. The boy and I spent Saturday fixing small things around the house, caulking old nail holes, painting trim, etc. Jake’s not quite old enough to wield a paintbrush as a tool instead of a weapon, but he digs ‘helping.’

Today was the bees’ knees, though. Missy’s folks had us over for burgers and a little dip in the pool in the afternoon. Regrouped and took the requisite Sunday afternoon nap. Quite the sight – the kid and I passed out on the furniture, with two dogs and a cat sprawled on the floor. The Lord rested on the seventh day, and no sleep is as satisfying as a nap on the Sabbath. Took the car to top off the tank and grab Icees, then headed over to the playground. Jake is really into climbing, slides, and digging in the dirt, and I finally remembered to bring a basketball with me. Though the rock wasn’t necessary – it didn’t seem to go through the hoop any more frequently than it does when I leave it in the closet.

Top it off with great news about an old friend, and life becomes hard to beat.

Yes, Jank is right. Cali is a wonderful place — or at least it has some wonderful places. I am sitting in Souuthwestern Gate 2 at LAX awaiting my flight to OAK where I will rush out to get a $60 cab into the city to meet Becky’s coworkers for dinner downtown. I wish I had planned better since I could easily get there for $4 if I had more time, according to the new Take Transit Trip Planner at the Bay Area’s Transit Info page. If Austin had a transit system this organized and extensive, I could join the iPod crowd and spend more time expanding my musical experience. I spent most of my time in L.A. west of the Pacific Coast Highway. My new La-la Land philosohpy is “just say no to invitations that would take you east of the PCH”. The KMc can relate his sojourn into that evil place and bolster my support of this new slogan. While I would love to live on the West Coast, this philosophy means a drastic change in income (or lifestyle goals) would be neccesary for me to go west.

Bryan Thompson was ushered into the world of marriage this weekend (hence half the reason for my trip west.) The event was held in a lovely glass and brass church nestled on a green and floral nook overlooking the Pacific Ocean provided by the Swedenborgians. (look it up.) The wedding and every event surrounding it was wonderful and clearly demonstrated the beautiful life that B.T. has arrived at. His new wife and her family are generous, fun and caring — they should merge easily with his previous family. We (his friends) have known Tina for several years and we couldn’t be more impressed. As Mickey said, Bryan is continuing a tradition in our group of friends of “marrying up”. I wish him luck in this new endeavor, but I know he won’t need it.

p.s. We got to see Tetine’s precious new child, Lyndon, and as always the joy on her (and her husband, Craig’s) face was apparent.