At some point through the night, we were gently baptized with a bit of rain. The threat of more rain seems possible due to the gray clouds but the forecast assures us there is no more to be had this morning.

I spent most of Friday on the deck with my books and laptop, only leaving for food, nature breaks, and a chance to mow the backyard. It was a relaxing, yet very productive day.

Last night, Linda Utt and I dined at Figlio’s before joining Karen McLain to see a show. It was nice to catch up with Linda and to hear all the details of her family, especially her son, Liam, a former student, now a sophomore music composition major at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

I returned home by 10:45 PM and watched a memorial and celebration service for the wife of a college friend, Lindy Siefker. Even while losing a nine-year battle to breast cancer, Lindy was an incredible soul who flourished and conquered life in so many ways. She was such an inspiring soul.

July 16th contains an incredible list of historical happenings: the death of former First Lady Mary Lincoln… the atomic bomb was tested… John Kennedy Jr. was killed in a plane crash… the Civil War draft riots… Washington DC was declared to be the new capital… and in Russia, the Imperial Romanov family was murdered. Those are just a few of the highlights.

Many friends and historical colleagues are now gathered in Springfield, Illinois to celebrate the memory of Mary Lincoln and I wish I was there with them. Last year, I had planned to attend until the Greyhound Bus debacle cornered me at the bus depot in Columbus, Ohio.

I am well into David McCullough’s TRUMAN biography and just yesterday, I listened to Truman’s decisions on the atomic weapon. I am greatly enjoying the book.

Now, it is time to shower and dress for some time in the park. I will dine with Mama Kay and her Mass Ma’ams following their 4:30 PM Mass.

Make it a great day!