Sans photos... and more verbose

We've had a few more fun activities/moments this summer but alas, no pictures to share.

We went golfing with Alex, Kristin, Sam, and MaryAnn a couple of weeks ago. Okay, what I really mean to say is that we went to the driving range. I don't think any of us are really good enough to survive a course, but we're getting there! I've now managed to hit about 90 yards! Marc must have been feeling optimistic about his skills that day though, because right after his first exam of the year, he and some buddies tried to get through 18 holes of golf. I think they only made it to the 12th hole. We sure are happy to have the clubs though! Thanks, Rogers!

We also had a BBQ yesterday with... relatives! That's right! We have family! The Bendixens live in Exton. I'm not sure how we're related (Paul is my Dad's cousin... which makes him my...?) but we had tons of fun with them! They have 5 kids ranging in age 6 to 16. We actually get to watch them over General Conference weekend while Paul and Alison (the parents) go to Boston. We're excited to hang out with them again because we enjoyed their company so much yesterday. Good food, good company! Speaking of family... I'm THRILLED because my family (Mom, Dad, and brother Brian) are coming out to visit in October. Yay! They'll finally see us in our element here in Philadelphia! We're so excited to have you!

I've also been fantasizing about Restaurant Week here in Philadelphia. All these delicious restaurants 'open' up for $30 prix fixe 3 course meals. If I had an unlimited budget we'd go out every night of the week to try one of these culinary delights, but we're just going out once... but my taste buds have been anticipating it all week. We'll let you know how it goes!

We also had a Stake Temple Day at the Washington, DC temple two weekends ago. Summary of the day: spiritual high! We had good company, too. After a bit of a fiasco in deciding last minute to drive the Reeder's van and not take two cars, Marc, myself, Brenda, Chris, Reina, and Brian all piled into the van and prayed our way to the temple. We prayed for warp-speed and the blessing came: we arrived in two hours! Barely enough time for Marc and Brian to make it to sing with the men's choir. They sounded beautiful. But in my haste in dropping them off at the door of the temple, I accidentally left the lights on in the van. Ooops! Dead battery when we got out. I was so spiritually filled, though, that day, so even the 4 hour (curse traffic!) drive home was bearable.

Lastly for this post, I've been trying to play/practice piano once a week at the old folks' home across the street. Since we can't afford a piano right now and Marc would refuse to move it up 3 flights of stairs anyways, I figure, a little entertainment for the neighbors and some practice for me. I love it. First time I went over, another lady who actually lives at the residence played the piano and her dear old husband put up overheads of the words. They were singing old classics from their day... a sing-along that made me actually cry. And I don't really mesh with old people. They're just not my thing. But this... I loved. It was soooo adorable! Anyways. This past Friday when I wen to play, this dear old lady, Willie, came over, complimented me on my talent, and then told me she could hear all the mistakes I made in the Debussy piece. Her brother was a concert pianist and she accompanied him on his tours through Europe. She was hilariously direct. Marc came over to listen to me and part of the conversation went something like this:

Me - Hi honey! Thanks for coming!
Marc - How's the practicing?
Me - Good. Willie here already knows these songs.
Willie - She has talent! I think she should do this as a profession! You should always be able to play one piece perfectly. Go ahead. Play one perfectly.
Me - I can't yet. That's why I'm practicing! I especially need to work on this one little section here... But I'll try to get there!
Willie - Well you should practice more! Play perfectly one piece! Don't you practice at home?
Me - No, we don't have a piano.
Marc - We're students right now and can't afford one. Some day, some day...
Willie - Who's this guy??
Me - (smile) He's my husband. And he's right, we just can't afford a piano now, but someday.
Willie - She's talented. She needs to practice.
Me - Thank you, we will someday. But that's why I'm lucky to be able to practice here!
Willie - (turns to Marc) What the hell!!! Get her a piano!

I'm starting to see the endearing side of the elderly. :)