Blistering weekend

Forecast was for hot weather this weekend, and the forecasts were right. Highs in the mid 90's and humid. Reminded me of Florida. Val's grandparents came down Tuesday for a week. They're staying in their camper (see pics a couple posts ago) and we spent a fair amount of time getting things hooked up. We put a couple pallets at their door, covered it with some plywood and outdoor carpet, and behold—a porch. Got the water running, fixed the plumbing so it didn't leak all over, and got them 30-amp electric service. Only thing left is the drain, and they'll bring back a device to transport the waste to the septic out in the yard. Today they left to run errands back where they've been staying; They'll be back after the painting workshop in Cazenovia, probably for good, except for trips to the lake. It was nice having them. I think they'll be a good addition to the family. I've long believed in extended families, and now I'll get to do it. I got a large part of the garage emptied over the weekend, and managed to get in a ride, too. Val was too busy with stuff around the house, but she encouraged me to go. The MidAtlantic Riders is planning a lunch trip to Sambo's in Leipsic, about an hour south. They're famous for their crab cakes. So I went. The weather was warm and the road was familiar, so the ride was pleasant, but when I arrived—no bike club! Long story short, the event is next weekend. So I had a couple crab cakes and rode home. Stopped at a farm that sells ice cream on the way. A nice relaxing lunch, and I got home early enough to get some more work done. Book review time. Val and I are studying The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Last post I described the introductory material—people start out "in love," which typically lasts maybe two years, then comes the work; and you will be most effective if you learn how to speak your spouse's favorite love language. Today the first two languages: Words of Affirmation and Quality Time. These are somewhat two sides of the same coin. The words have to do with what you say, the time has to do with how you listen. The book describes each of these as having dialects. So words of affirmation is, for example, any of several ways of praising, speaking the positive at every opportunity. It's also not nagging to do more, but giving encouragement and emboldening someone to strive for something they dream of doing. Quality time means giving the person your undivided attention when you converse, and also it means doing things together. Not in parallel (e.g. watching TV) but together, like a meal at a restaurant or planting a garden. I'm summarizing two chapters in a couple sentences, so I recommend you read the book to get the full shot. The supporting anecdotes in a lot of books tend to be superfluous, but the ones in this book are worthwhile. Next time, language number three.