Crossing the Bridge

Today was our reward day for a busy first half of the week. After breakfast, we embarked on our baking project for the day... brownies. Then, I tortured the children by telling them we were going to wait until our guests arrived before tasting the finished product. After lunch, Gary and Ada arrived and we immediately dove into the brownies. Of course, Gary suggested brownies weren't brownies without ice cream, so we "kicked it up a notch," as they say on the cooking channel... not that I get the cooking channel, but I digress. After digesting that, we embarked on our expedition to Beaver Meadow. We crossed paths with John and introduced him to Gary and Ada. He asked about you and I told him about your adventure in eating and he said, "thatta girl." He was taking out his dock today. Anyway, we progressed to the meadow where Holden promptly soaked his shoes. After some discussion about turning back, some tears, and some talks... we stayed. Concern for the native population's footwear led to a bridge building project. Gary took on the role of chief architect and engineer. You'd be proud of him. He used all organic materials and made an amazing bridge of branches, twigs, and leaves. We'll take a photo for posterity. Meanwhile, a village of three distinct living areas was created. Two of them were healing outposts, one was a fort. Then, with great fanfare, Gary claimed Green Island for King Holden and planted a massive tree in it's mushy heart. When Holden made peace with the healers, Gary removed the tree. Holden, misinterpreting the act, immediately got upset and stalked off. He returned a while later to cross swords with Gary, who was raiding the poor native villagers with his staff. But it wasn't Holden's day. He again stormed off, unhappy with how things were going. I think he really misses you. It shows in so many ways. On the way home, he cut loose really good and I just took him up to our room and rocked him for awhile. We talked and he calmed down. The remainder of the night went pretty well. Gary helped make sweet potatoes (Grama Pat style) and whipped up some green beans. I attempted to make ham and your orange glaze (please come home soon... Sydney commented that it quivered... too much corn starch I think). Despite that, it actually tasted quite good. Gary commented that it was like a Christmas feast. Good company adds magic to a meal.