Boise, ID. Motel 6

    Today is Rick's birthday, but he forgot about it.  I gave him a card and a promise of gifts to come.  Arik called after we got back from a late breakfast at Denny's.  Rick was really happy to hear from his first son and it started his birthday day just right.  He already used one of his gifts from me and Matt and Amanda when we took the small plane ride over the glaciers in Anchorage.  It was such a highlight for him.

     We took the truck in for maintenance this morning and talked with Uncle Bud and Beth McDonald who both live in Boise.  We had a great swim in the outdoor pool and enjoyed the cool water despite the heat.  Later, Beth met me at the Denny's for some tea. We have been friends since I was 9 and it was so great to see her.
    Rick picked up the truck and found that there is a crack in the transfer case which is what has been leaking.  Thankfully the repair can wait until we get home.
     Uncle Bud and Aunt Margie picked us up at the motel and took us out for supper.  They both looked good, although Margie is suffering from Alzheimer's.  She remembered who we are which was so good.  After dinner, we went back to their house where RIck's cousins Don and Gregg and their families met us for desert.  Don was quite fun, outgoing, and married to a really nice lady.  Gregg is much quieter with a lovely family.  He is the nerd in the family - wearing shorts and dark socks.  Both guys were so fun to talk to and learn more about living in Boise.  I sure hope that it won't be 30 more years before we see them again.  Such a nice family.