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Tuesday - Somewhere after dinner time yesterday, the heat wave finally started to let up. The air dried out and temperatures dropped. There were parts of NH near the lakes region that dropped 30 degrees in under an hour. The changes weren't quite as dramatic here in southern NH but there was still pleasant relief.

As I was driving home, Michelle beeped me to see how far along the commute I was. Suddenly Claire commandeered the phone and asked if we could all go to Haywards for ice cream when I got home. (Isn't it amazing how many mom and pop shops have web sites?) After giving the usual "let me talk about it with your mom when I get home" she gave back the phone. When I arrived, Michelle and all the kids were out front relaxing on the driveway. As usual I had dinner on my mind, not ice cream. That's when Michelle reminded me that Haywards is having a special this season: barbecue pulled pork sandwiches. Ice cream or not, I was ready! I had dinner while the rest had their desserts.

Friday - This morning I went to Gold's Gym after I got to the office. It's been a pattern since my birthday. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I drive to the office, work for about an hour, and then go for a workout. I try to make up for it by having a quick brown bag lunch at my desk later. All of their workouts have been very thorough. In a way I think it gives me a clearer head for doing my digital verification work.

When I got home tonight, Abby was outsourced to a friend's house for a sleepover. I helped Claire practice The Entertainer (audio example) and then took her out for some father daughter one on one. She chose to go to Toadstool Bookshop and follow it up with some soft serve ice cream. Excellent choices! I was in the mood for both.

I browsed the humor, computer, and religion sections of the store. So much of the religion section is what I would consider McPhilosophy, the Oprah-fication of spirituality. In the end I picked up a book of G.K. Chesterton's Essential Writings

Claire didn't have as much luck finding a title. She was hoping for something from The Babysitter Club collection, but that series is almost extinct. I did pick up a newly released Junie B book for Abigail. Since she was left out of this outing, I hope she'll enjoy it.

After the bookstore we went to The French Bistro right off the Milford Oval. While they tend to be known for their fancy dinners, they also have a small (much less formal) ice cream stand around back. Yes, I like 'real' ice cream. I love gelato! But tonight I simply had a craving for soft serve. It's kind of like wanting a McDonald's burger. You know they can't compare to a home grilled burger, but sometimes you just get a taste for one. That's how I felt on the ice cream front tonight.

Weekend ahead - This weekend is an event we've been waiting for. ATI is sponsoring a company summer outing at Kimball Farm in Westford, MA. I haven't been there in ages. The last time Michelle was there, we only had Claire, if that! The weather looks to be nice this weekend, so it should be fun.

Visit - After that, Michelle's excitement really builds. Mid next week her sister Gina flies out with her two kids to spend a week with us. Since mom and dad's visit has been postponed due to the Michigan move, she's eager to have some family visit this summer.

Saint Mother Theodore Guerin - Since I'm on the topic of Michelle and Gina, I thought I'd mention that I was listening to TWiCC (This Week in the Catholic Church) episode 3 (audio link) this afternoon and they mentioned the canonization of Blessed Mother Theodore Guerin and her involvement with the founding of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. She is scheduled to be declared a saint October 15th. Hey Alyssa or TJ, is Guerin Prep doing anything special at that time?