And at the Very Last Minute, the Oldest Arrives. Welcome Home, Justinl. I Was Just Feeding Your Family on a Wednesday Night. Glad You Came By!

Another nickname for the Crandall, Johnson, Sealy, Wooly crew simply is survival squad....joyful roller coaster and meaningful cluster #@$@. We look out for one another and try to provide food oasis for one another when the workload is heavies. I knew it was a weak of concerts, keynote preparation, teaching, and scholarship awards so promised I'd cover dinner for them at least one night to ease the frenzy. Besides, I love to overcook so I have leftovers. Potatoes, grilled zucchini, salad, steak, chicken and sausage always makes for wonderful day-after meals so I'm good for a few days. 

We played a few games, too, and as the departure was occurring (the adult crew and youngest are heading to Montreal for a conference and I'm attending the scholarship ceremony with Val and Isaiah, seniors at Stratford High Schoo), Justin surprised us after a two day trek from Memphis. He's home for the summer, which I'm thankful, because I have a house/dog sitter when I go to Nashville next month.

There is so much vibrancy, intellect, storytelling, and joy with this family crew, and the journeys for all keep growing more and more amazing. The IQ power, musical talent, artistry, and wit is an absolute sitcom and the family is more post-modern than modern. I only have one more year to soak in as much as I can.

Another highlight from last night was a part of the game we played asked for a rock, paper, scissor battle, in which it came to Dave and Me and neither of us could win. We kept throwing the same signs and Kris was like, "Just give up. Neither of you are ever going to win because you share the same brain."

Truth. And look at Justin...rounding up another year of his doctoral program at the University of Memphis, representing 100% fusion of the entire family and all of its history. I had him as an undergrad and hired him to work with me at CWP. When he came to my house as a tele tubby, I was won over forever.

Not bad for a hump day, and tonight it's part II with the award ceremony. They will be missed, but I'm not going there until it's this time next year. For now, I'm simply soaking it all in.