THE COUNTDOWN

One week to go. It really seems strange writing that.

My office is packed. I'm working on my last sermon and preparing the bulletin for the final service, Feb. 19. This week I hope to visit with some older friends who I have gotten to know pretty well over the years.

Since announcing our plans people have been inviting us out to dinner. Last Sunday Cindy & I were at some friends for a nice quite dinner. They even had lefse. IT WAS WONDERFUL. Last Thursday we were part of a progressive dinner. For you younger folks that is a dinner you share with friends by going from house to house eating a different course. We started out with appetizers and drinks, next on to salad and bread, then on to the main course of ribs and potato salad and finally on to dessert and coffee. It was great fun with laughter, stories and great food. I haven't been on a progressive dinner in 30 years. If you haven't been a part of one organize one.

Tomorrow (Sunday) we have an Open House in our bid to sell our house. So it's anyones guess if I will be in Riverton alone for a long time or not.

This final week will include lunch with a good friend on Monday, Thursday dinner out with other friends, Saturday afternoon with a bunch of friends and then Sunday worship followed by a potluck - farewell gathering. I am sure there will be some other lunch outs during the week too.

While all that is going on I'll load up boxes from my office so that after church next Sunday I can turn in my keys and walk out the door. That is going to seem weird - very weird.

Once that is over Cindy & I will get in our car and head to California where we will visit Disneyland, The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and go whale watching. It should be fun.