Grandma Judy and Papa's House

Now we spend five weeks of our summer in Minnesota. It's time to be with our family. Grandpa Jerry has flown away to be with Jesus, and Selah says that "he's happy now." He's always been happy, though. But now his joy is complete. Let's remember him always. More pictures eventually to come... A kiss for G.G. Lois. GG DeWayne and GG Lois Peterzen-Fast.The Peterzen-Fast Home. Exploring Minneapolis, MN with Aunts and Uncles.

Uncle Michael's Playground.

Basilica of St. Mary.

Miss Kate Jenkins

You know you're in Minneapolis when you see...

Downtown rooftop restaurants in Michael's neighborhood.

Granny and Grandpa's

Granny has all kinds of plans for while you're here.

"I love my very own Grandpa."

Grandpa reads the classics.

Sitting in Mimmie's rocking chair. Let's remember her always.

We spend each evening with Uncle Matt and Aunt Andy.

Cousin Marlette reads the classics.

Celebrating Birthday #2. Daria comes for her neighborly visit.

Family Roots in Louisiana

Selah (2) and Mamaw (83) Hands

She's young at heart.

Mamaw (Betty Sistrunk) and Selah's Great Aunt Cindy and Great Uncle Bobby Mathis

Selah meets her Aunt Christy and Uncle Robert Doles for the first time. Gets showered with all sorts of toys and dolls and Mexican food. Louisianna style.

More big boy cousins for Selah girl. Joey and Jacob Doles are two of the kindest men we know. Joey is planning to study forensic science, and Jacob is deciding between something along the lines of graphic design and culinary arts. Can a person see those strong Mathis genes in the chin, nose, forehead and ears?

Across the Southwest

Selah has gotten very accustomed to sleeping the miles away in all these cross-country travels we're doing this summer.

The tomb of Billy the Kid, at Fort Sumner NM.

Clovis, New Mexico, where our great friends Tom and Rachel hang out occasionally. Great conversation, great food. We wish we saw them a ton more often, like every day in a place called Phoenix.

Ride Like A Girl

In June of 2010, the Mathis family rides southward, from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, along the Pacific Coast Highway of California. The ocean waves, the spinning wheels, and the setting sun are the only ways time is able to encroach, and this is pleasant. Each day would begin with a psychological challenge and end in blessedness. The reunions with old friends in Petaluma (Rachel) and San Francisco (Callie and kids) are highlights, before the journey even begins. Then you hit the road. There you are, Selah. You are one when you start. There is an ocean to wade in, there are rivers to soak in, and mountains to climb. There is a never ending supply of fresh produce to eat. Tourists and local people are kind to baby bicyclists who hang Elmo on their panniers (people offer their homes, rides, food, shoulder space and encouragement). June weather is mild and dry. Coastal winds blow most often south, pushing you up the steepest climbs. Before you know it, your daddy's own feet and a simple machine have carried you and your shelter over 400 miles along some of the most beautiful coastline in existence. The waves crash in your mind as you travel home across the Mohave Desert. You talk of nothing else for weeks, and can still tell stories about your trip over six months later. What a fun second birthday party, Selah! You're two now!

Casson's up in the attic today, removing thousands of old unread newspapers. Insulation? But how would that explain the empty vodka bottles, and old empty cans of Malt Liquor? The dust is settled thickly over everything. How much asbestos is too much? Just kidding, I mean, sort of. Who knows if it is or isn't. So yeah, how much is too much?

The weather people promised rain. Not even a cloud came. Just wind and dust and pollen. But today is cool enough that our heater is kicking on as I speak. Selah just went for a snooze with her plastic egg that Miriam gave her. Miriam is one of the little girls across the street. They're home today just like me, because it's Good Friday. And we all have Monday off too, though I'm not sure why. I guess it's the day after Easter.