Trailing Spouse in Kathmandu: childhood

I had a friend from college who lamented after we graduated and started working that those days between mid May and early September were no longer "summer ... they're just hot". (You have to say it with a thick Alabama accent to really appreciate it.) So even though the calendar says we still have a few weeks left, my kids are back at school and our two months back in the States are quickly fading to black.

I do promise I'll return to things Nepal but I just had to, had to, had to share two of this summer's many highlights. The first is a profound milestone, the second a small but memorable childhood rite of passage.

Aunt Libbie's 100th

Isn't she gorgeous?

How many centenarians do you know? I think my husband's great aunt is the only one I have ever known. Let me tell you just a bit about this incredible woman. Aunt Libbie was born in 1908 and has filled these past one hundred years with love for and service to others. She is a woman of keen mind - the Scrabble champion of her retirement home mind you! - warm heart and as my husband always likes to say ... "she is just sensible" - a high accolade from that side of the family. She writes family memoirs, has been on the internet and is just as sharp as a tack. Her body is failing her a bit these days but she remains as delightful as ever.

We stayed in the States a week longer than we would have because there was no way we were going to miss her 100th Birthday Bash! It was just a lovely gathering and tribute to a woman who inspires us all to live well.

The Lemonade Stand

Okay - not exactly on par with turning 100 but a fun first for our little hoodlums. We parental types thought it was a complete hoot. Who knew that Donald Trump was hiding in our four year old's body? She was flagging down customers .. she was on task baby. Our oldest was more interested in making the chalkboard sign, pouring the drinks and being sociable. I tried to teach them to say "Thank you for your business!" - but it didn't really take.