Today is Juneteenth… Or emancipation day. The day that officially marks the end of slavery for African-Americans.I remember as a kid that it was a holiday. I remember even getting off for school for it at least a couple of times… But I can’t recall why we’d still be in school this late. It was kind of a big deal in Texas… But I realize that many parts of the country don’t even know it exists. Obviously our president doesn’t.… I looked it up today and was surprised to find that Texas was the first state to actually recognize Juneteenth As a state holiday
To mark the day we went over to our friends michael and Rebekah’s to meet with them and our friends Sue and Scott to talk about race relations, white privilege and other topics… It’s kind of weird to sit around as a bunch of white people and talk about that. But it also felt good to feel weird… If that makes any sense… It’s obviously a huge problem… But I think the more people who take time to think about their own biases The better off will be… Hopefully the current protests will raise awareness and hopefully will help us lead to a change.
How are young friend Finn came to visit today. Our first outside visitor in a very long time. We stayed mostly outside and used masks while inside… It was sure good to see him. We floated in the pool, Finn helped us make a fire and we made s’more’s… And we made a cream Maura explosion in the backyard… Doesn’t get much better for a summer afternoon !
Today is Max’s 32nd birthday. I woke up thinking about that guy. I am so proud and happy to be his dad. I don’t know that many people who have found a way to make a good living doing exactly what they want… Max is doing that in the best way possible. He is a master maker at the best playground anyone could ever imagine at meow Wolf in Santa Fe. It’s so cool to see him master his craft and learn to use tools that most of us never even get to see (how many of you have 5 kW Metal cutting lasers )
He and his girlfriend Becky are making a really nice life for themselves in Santa Fe. They bought a house that they’ve completely transformed in less than a year.… Doing all the work themselves.They have dog cat and chickens…In their family… And are always up to something intensely creative.He’s such a warm, smart and fun person…

Diane and I celebrated all three kids birthdays by climbing mountains. This morning we woke up at 5 AM to climb mount hunger in Max’s honor
Happy birthday Maxwell… You are one in a bazillion
Lots of things are different this week’s… Social distancing, restaurants closed, overrun by chipmunks… And ticks… Ticks everywhere. Both Diane and I woke in the night to find ticks in bedded in our backs… It’s not pretty. Here’s the one from Diane’s back
And here are the holes they left in my back and Diane’s back
Don’t worry… We called in and both got a single dose of anabiotic’s that prevents Lyme disease.
… But it’s still kind of creepy.… Luckily ‘Diane’s got my back
nite all, nite sam
-me
Ps Tomorrow is Max’s birthday… Give him a shout out!
