Gentry + April

I recently shared the story of our beginning on another site; I figured I would repost it here.
Gentry and I met on a Thursday night. I had just joined the SUU Ballroom Dance Team and as a requirement to be on the team, I had to take Fundamentals of Ballroom each semester. It was my first time to the class and I got there late. I walked in and noticed him right away. He was clearly the best dancer on the team and so hot!!! The instructor talked to me for a moment and then put me in line to next to her and told the guys to switch partners. It just happened that Gentry was to dance with me next. Unfortunately, he was too busy flirting with the girl he was currectly dancing with and wouldn't let go of her. The next guy in line got tired of waiting so he side stepped him and started to take me in dance postion when Gentry cut in and took me in his arms. That was it for me. I was gone over the moon for him. He looked into my eyes and said; "You have the most beautiful eyes." I blushed and souldn't look at him again. The music starts and he introduced himself, asked my name, and we start talking. When our instructor tells everyone to seitch again he said we didn't have too and we just keep dancing. Eventually class os over and I float home. He runs home and says to his brother and roommate Landon, "I met her. I met the girl I and going to marry. Her name is April and she has the most beautiful eyes."
We dated exclusively till the end of the school year at which point we broke up. Not because we didn't like each other or because of some fight. It was really because we had never really thought about getting married. We wanted to remain friends. We would call or write over the summer but with no expectations and no promises. We were both free to date and kiss whomever we wanted. If in the fall we wanted to start dating again, we would. If not, we would go our separate ways.
After only about two weeks of being home I knew that wasn't going to work. I missed him so much. I hoped he would call in the evenings. I checked the mail everyday for a letter. I turned down friends for dates. I told people I had a boyfriend. I was sying to know who he was spending his time with. Who was he thinking about? When would we see each other again? One evening after getting off of work, I saw a guy I have had a crush on in high school. He came over and we talked about the past year. He told me about his plans for his mission and how school was going. Some flirting was happening and then he asked me what I was doing that night and if I wanted a ride on his motorcycle. I didn't even have to think about it. I said no thanks, and then headed home to call Gentry. It was the night I decided to marry him. I realized I was IN LOVE with him. I didn't want to date anyone else. I wanted to be with Gentry and hoped he felt the same way.
The end of the summer we were married. Although we haven't always been as happy and as in love as we were during the dating/engagement process, I am still over the moon for him. I still get butterflies after periods of being apart. I thank God for the blessing that is Gentry when I see him wrestling with my boys and dancing with my girls. I often wonder how I got so lucky. This year will be fourteen years since we were married and I can still remember what he was wearing that first time I saw him, the song that was playing the first time we kissed, and how it felt when he first told me he loved me.

Headed Home

After too long (and not long enough) of a stay at the hospital we are headed home. Can't wait to sleep in my own bed and enjoy the comforts of my house. Jacey gave me the cutest 1920's style hat and Dahlia looks very stylish in it. I am so excited to sleep in my own bed.

Over due trip to Monticello

For fall break we all headed to Monticello for a mini vaca with Grammy and Grandpa Ramsay. We had such a great time.
Highlights:
Isabel asserted her Independence more through out the week. She is really starting to talk and demand what she wants.
Peaches had her birthday, turning four and was spoiled rotten. Court gave here a perfect night time package. Jammie's, books, and a flashlight. Tate gave her a ballerina dress up outfit with fairy wings. I gave her clothes and a coat. Grammy and Grandpa gave a "paper doll" set of a princess and a ballerina made of wood and magnets. Granny gave Peaches two necklaces that she loves but I think will only mean more to her as she grows older. But her most special gift of the day was from Daddy. Gentry gave Peach a necklace that sparkled and said "Daddy's Girl" and three little rings. Peach had him help her put them on and then holds her hands together and looks Daddy in his eyes and says, "I think I'm in love." (She may have seen one too many Princess movies) It is so fun to have a girl that is growing older.
Tate loved driving the tractor with Grandpa. He got to run over an old shed and help gather scraps from around the farm to make a huge wood pile. He also loved riding around on the lawn mower while Court mowed the back yard for Grandpa.
Court got to light the bond fire! A cub scout dream to start a fire that grows bigger than a house. It grew so big and hot no one could stand with in 50 feet of it. He also won the high score on the pinball machine in Kevin and Robin's basement. A score that uncle Brady has held for quite a while.
Gentry spent some time putting siding and roofing on a shed at the farm with Justin, Kevin and his Grandpa. I think that is how he bonds with them. They all had a good time. We also got to drive Kevin's T Bird. All the kids got a ride and the boys thought they were the bomb!
I enjoyed my time most spending it with one of Gentry's favorite people, his Granny. She is so sweet and it was nice to feel like I was making a difference in her day. We talked and she painted. We even snuggled on her bed and watched an old TV show. Nothing big, just our hearts binding together. It was fun to learn that she likes ice cream just as much as I do as an evening snack.
We all enjoyed the beginning of the drive home from Monticello to Moab. Through out the years we have all gotten to know the names of certain rock formations through out the area. We have named some of our own after each child. This trip we found a formation that looked like a bell and we named it "Izzy's Bell." One more thing to look for each time we go. Kevin and Robin are always so good to us. We had such a great time and can't wait for the next time we will be headed down to Monticello.

I Love You

Today thirteen years ago I was married.

That day started out pretty stressful. The power in the hotel we were staying at went out during the night so the alarm didn't go off. I was woken up by my soon to be sister in laws knocking on the door to see if my younger sisters wanted to walk over to the temple grounds with them while the wedding was going on. Needless to say, I was late. I think my mom, dad, and I were the last of the wedding guests to arrive at the temple. Their were other minor complications, but all of that faded to black once I was kneeing opposite Gentry and I felt the spirit's rush of emotion.
I knew the Lord was pleased with me and my desire to be there. I felt like I was having the most intimate moment of my relationship with Gentry up to that point and embarrassed that their were so many people there to observe it. I felt a connection with Gentry I had never felt with anyone and was so happy that the Lord was binding us together for eternity. It was a moment I will always remember.

I got lucky. Knowing what I know now, I went blindly into marriage. I had/have great role models in my parents. They have always been in love. They had arguments through out my growing up years, but they seemed to be only that. Arguments rather than fights. I never thought that they weren't committed to each other. They were married in the temple and they are going to be married for eternity. I also had a really great ward during my teen years that as far as I knew everyone was happily married. Looking around at all the families during sacrament meeting I would see benches filled with children of all ages with a mom and dad.
Marriage was something I looked foreword to and always figured it would work out. After only thirteen years I now pray that it will. I have now seen and heard too many couples where it didn't. It is always heart breaking.

I am in love with Gentry in a way that I couldn't have possibly been thirteen years ago. So here is my top thirteen reason why I am in love with this amazing man.
First and for most because he loves me. I am so lucky to have him put up with me every day for all these years. (My own mother can't do that) He loves me in spite of all of my short comings day in and day out. I felt lucky when he choose me, but after all this time I know I am truly blessed that he continues to choose me.
For the way he makes up for me. Where I end early, he finishes to the end. When I am not strong enough, or smart enough, or brave enough, or just enough, he is.
Because he works so hard to provide for us.
I am in love with Gentry because he wrestles with our boys. He gets down and plays with them. He connects with them in a way that is important to our family.
I am also in love with him because he makes my girls feel like he is their prince. Peaches knows that she is a princess, and she thinks that Daddy is her prince. He dances with her, he sings to her, he kisses the hurts, and reads her books. He tells her she is beautiful everyday and makes her feel special. Already he does the same for Isabel. I am sure our next girl will feel just as lucky.
He sacrifices for me. He will give up his desires for mine.
Because he cares about the people in his life. He really loves others, and that is quiet endearing.
I love him because he is a peacemaker. He is so good at seeing the other side. He is still trying to teach me how to say "I am sorry."
I love that he respects me. This summer I was too close to three different married men that disrespected their wives in a way that is shameful. I am so grateful that Gentry respects me enough not to carry on in a way that would make me embarrassed of him or our relationship.
I am in love with him because he still turns me on.
Because he is my biggest fan.
For his dreams. And because he lets me be a part of them.
I love Gentry because he leads our family in spirituality. His righteousness effects the rest of us. I am grateful that he desires to be closer to the Lord and takes steps to continue to be headed in that direction.


I know that Gentry never reads my blog. This post was really for me. I look forward to the day when I can look back at this and add to it 25 more years and reasons why.

Valentines

Valentine's Day was different this year but great! I had gotten the kids a little something each with some treats. I gave it to them in the car for the drive down to Monticello and it did help to occupy them.

Gentry SURPRISED me with a one of the best gifts he has gotten for me. It meant so much because it wasn't something I was asking for or anything I was expecting (in fact because we weren't going to be home I thought V-day would go by with a happy wish and a kiss). I love that he spent some time (which he has so little free time these days) to pick out something special for me and he did such a great job.

p.s. and they were a perfect fit

The Draft

Last weekend we went to Salt Lake for two days of meetings for Gentry's work. We both learned a lot and in the end got our number two choice of cities to go to. This summer we will be spending our time in Seattle Washington. We wanted a place in the West that would be a good market and we really feel like we got it. I am so excited and am looking fore ward to another fun summer.

Talking it over with the ownersI am so grateful to Platinum for what it has provided to my family. When this job was presented to us we realized it was an opportunity for us to be able to go back to school. The week we decided to go, Gentry applied and enrolled at the University of Utah, I had a baby, and for the next ten days he spent over a hundred hours knocking doors. It was such a crazy time, but we had faith that it was what needed to happen for us. Only three week later Gentry flew to North Carolina and I stayed with our (now) four kids while Court finished school. It was difficult, but we had had a confirmation from the spirit that it was right. Still today I believe that to be true. Less than a year later we are working to put a good office together. One with quality individuals, that are hard working, and who look at this as the same kind of opportunity for them.

If anyone wants to join us or thinks they know someone who might also be good for the job give me a call. I know this is a hard time economicly and this is a great option. We are going to have an amazing time.

Ring, Ring... Nobodys Home!!!

Last Tuesday Gentry went to work. He spends most of the 25 minute drive to and from checking in with his guys. Around 8:30pm he called me (from someone else's phone) and told me that his phone was missing. Somehow he had lost it between his usual calling on the way to work and when it was time to leave. He did what most people do when they misplace their cell phones, call it over and over, listening for the ring. He asked around if anyone had seen it. He retraced his steps, and searched the car. NOTHING. The only thing left to do was wait a day or two, hoping someone would come across it.
Wednesday, he stewed about it. What could have happened? After all, even if it had fallen out of his pocket or he had left it on someones desk, someone would have come across it by now. Why is no one calling saying they had found it. Where could it be?
Thursday he started getting mad. Mad at himself for losing it. Mad at whoever stole it. Because if no one is turning it in, then someone must have stolen it. Mad that he has to buy a new one right now. Mad that he is missing so many calls and can't even make calls he needs to because he doesn't have there number somewhere else. And mad that his list of things to do just got another thing added to the list, "Buy New Phone".
Friday came and it was the day to bite the bullet and just get another phone. Things got busy and he never got around to it. Then around 5:30 my cell rang. I looked to see who was calling and it was Gentry. Or at least his cell. I answer it and lo and behold it is someone who works at the same building who, when leaving work, saw this cell phone in the parking lot. You read that right. He found the phone in the parking lot three days later in weather that has been below freezing everyday and night! It is working and it seems fine. No cracks, no water damage, nothing. We arrange a place for him to hide the phone somewhere in the building so Gentry can pick it up the next time he is in the office. This morning he went to work and he got his phone right where it was suppose to be. He called me and said it was a bit dirty but still had two of the three bars of battery. So there you go. A happy ending.

When did we become so attached to the cell phone? Can't hardly live without it. Now a days, most people think that not having a phone when driving is almost dangerous. What if something was to happen?!? What do you do when you are at the grocery store and you need to call your mother for that recipe to make sure you have everything? What would happen if you were gone for the day and your child got sick at school? No one would be able to get a hold of you ALL DAY! And then there is the time when you are driving for a while and start to be bored and feel a little sleepy, you need that phone so you can call a girlfriend in order to keep you awake and your mind occupied. If you do loose your phone there is the business of the lost phone numbers. So it isn't just that you are out a phone, it is like you lost your contact book too! Everyone elses cell phone number is gone also.

I think I am going to go and call someone on my cell phone. Call me back!

Blogging Pet Peeve

December was my worst month of posting since I started.
Yes, it was partly because it has been so busy.
The main reason is really because it has become a pet peeve of Gentry's. For some reason he doesn't like me blogging while sitting next to him. Since he has been home so much this last month... I have respected his feelings.
Now we are getting back to normal life where I am the queen of this castle and the blogging can continue. So watch out cyberspace. Here I come.

Snuggles

I love my daddy!

Elk Hunt

Gentry and Court went to Monticello to go Elk Hunting.
Gentry always grew up hunting deer with his dad and brothers, but since we have been married he has only gone back once for it. This year his dad "pulled" two tags (whatever that means) and so they planned a trip.
It was great that he could bring Court with him. Father, son, grandson bonding.
Gentry took our camera but didn't take one picture.

Fishing with the Big Boys

Court and Gentry went on a fishing trip with one of Gentry's closest friends. This was Courtland's first time going with the big boys. I was worried that he would be ignored or freeze to death. This partly did come true. He told me that he spent "80% of the time" by himself. He didn't complain about it at all though. He thought the whole trip was "the best!" Court spent most of his time shooting with Gentry's old BB gun. He had target practice on tin cans, weeds, and trees. He fished and caught about 30 fish (with daddy's help). He gathered firewood and kept the fire going. He roasted his own hot dog and marshmallows. He stayed up really late even got to sleep in his clothes.
I am so glad that Doug allowed for Court to go. I know he wouldn't have a problem but I am sure it changed the trip some too. Doug and his family have been apart of our lives since we were dating. We have never lived by each other, but we feel close. It is great to have friends like that.
I know this isn't the biggest fish Doug caught this trip, but it was the best one of him. :)

Rights of a Father

Gentry doesn't even read my blog, but I finally talked him into writing a post.

I fondly remember watching my dad as he would get ready for Sunday. I was fascinated by him and would imagine the day when I would be like him. The day came when I was old enough to stand in front of the mirror with my dad and graduate from the clip on ties I was used to. I’m not sure if my dad could tell how excited I was that he was going to teach me how to tie a “real” tie. At that time I didn’t imagine that one day my turn would come to stand in front of the mirror with my son. I’m not sure if Courtland could tell how excited I was that I was going to teach him how to tie a “real” tie.
There are certain moments that rank up there in the great moments of life. As insignificant as tying a tie might be, standing in front of the mirror with my dad and standing in front of the mirror with my son are two of them.

The Party Stops Here

Saturday night was the award dinner/party for Gentry's work. It was fun seeing everyone and partying after. Plus Gentry got a SWEET bomber jacket.

Greg and Kara excited for what might unfold.

Ben and Jennifer

(she is pregnant, due in December but you can barely see the baby bump)

Jacey spent most of the evening husband-less because

Landon was taking pictures of everyone else.

And us. Gentry was given plenty of awards. He rocks!

Growing Up

Isabel has had a couple mile stones lately, and I haven't recorded them. She has really gotten the sitting up thing. She had her first tooth break the gum surface. No longer breash feeding. All a sign that she will not be a baby forever. Growing up, I have told all of my children, is not allowed without my permission first. I would just really like a pause button sometimes (and a fast forward button too please.)

While my children seem to breeze through milestone after milestone, I wonder, how have I grown lately? How have I progressed? I recently got my temple recommend renewed and it was a privilege to be able to answer those questions to the Lord. I do feel worthy to enter His house and I consider it a privilege to be able to do so.
The first time I went through the temple, I have to admit, I was a bit freaked out. There was no "temple prep" class in my stake, and I didn't have any close friends or family members who had gone through recently to somehow guide me. I was struggling with my mother at the time so even if she had wanted to talk with me about it, I would not have been open to what she had to say. I learned only days before I was married that I would need to cover up my wedding dress for the ceremony. It upset me because I wasn't prepared mentally for that and not mature enough to just go with the flow and not let it bother me. The afternoon I took out my endowments was overwhelming. It was nothing like I expected. I didn't have a flow of spirit. I was shocked at all the symbolism (like I said, completely unprepared). I left that day feeling a little uncomfortable and scared. I wondered if I had made a mistake. Was the temple really something I wanted to return to again and again? At the time, no. Gentry and I went once again on our honeymoon. Then probably only one other time that first year. I still didn't have a testimony of the temple. I certainly did of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. But I struggled with the temple. I thought to myself, if my parents have a testimony of this, and my husband has a testimony of this, there must be more to it. Thankful there was.
After twelve years of going to the temple I have gone from going because it is the right thing, to going because I want to. The parts of the temple that I struggled with the most in the beginning are now, believe it or not, my favorite. I feel peace and comfort there. More than that though, I feel my Heavenly Fathers love for me. All the blessings He gives me are because of His love.
As I sat through Kayla and Ryan's sealing I was touched by the gift that my marriage is. Eternal marriage. I am so grateful to have Gentry. I am thankful for who he chooses to be each day. He honors his priesthood and because of that our whole family is blessed. Our children were born under the covenant. They are being raised in a home with so much knowledge of eternity. They are being taught a blueprint to live their lives with joy. For all that I lack as a mother, we are doing this right. Gentry is a great father. He has become a man that I hope my boys will grow up to be.
I think I have grown quite a bit.

There's No Place Like Home

Peaches knows how to work her Daddy. When ever she gets ready for the day she has to go and show Daddy and have him tell her how cute she is. "You look like a princess" is the usual response, but "Beautiful" works too. She loves to dance with him and spin for him. He has really gotten into it too. After I got Peaches dressed today Gentry requested her "Dorothy" braids. Then he took her outside for pictures while they were waiting for me to finish getting ready for church. Peach made all the little faces she only makes for Daddy and he captured them on film. No wonder we love spending time together just here at home.

Twelve Year Anniversary

Today is my anniversary. I have been married for twelve years now. Twelve years! Teri (my sister in law and closest friend) asked me if it felt like twelve years and I said yes. Then she said, "Twelve years is 1st grade to 12th grade. That's how long you've been married." That is a little scary.
So here is a quick overview of events that took place these past twelve years together. As accurate as my memory serves.
1st year. We played house. It was such a fun time. We had a tiny apartment and no money living in Cedar City but we were so happy to be with each other day in and day out.
2nd year. In Salt Lake, going to the U. Worst apartment I have ever lived in for cheapest amount of money. This year was harder on me emotionally because we no longer were playing house. It was an adjustment trying to figure out how to be a couple and also an individual. I worked a ton of hours and we still struggled to make ends meet.
3rd year. Gentry graduated from the U. We were pregnant and the baby consumed our thoughts. When Courtland was born I thought my heart would bust with the out pouring of love I had for both of them. Gentry started working for Hewlett Packard.
4th year. We moved to New England. This was the hardest year of my life. I wasn’t sure if we would make it another year. So much stress and worry. We saved like mad to try and get as much together as we could to try and buy a house.
5th year. We bought a house that shortly thereafter got broken into. I started to realize how lucky I was to have a handy man. Those skills were put to good use on our house that we spent time and money fixing up.
6th year. This year was consumed with two things, Young Womens and the Fertility Clinic. We wanted another baby so bad and it wasn’t happening for us. I was so hopped up on hormones everyday that I know was I was not easy to live with. I was such an emotional wreck this year I can’t imagine how Gentry lived with me.
7th year. After having our house broken into a second time we moved back to Utah. Plus we were finally pregnant and wanted to be closer to family. We bought a house in Saratoga Springs and the very next month had Tate.
8th year. This was the year Gentry made a move from Hewlett Packard. After enjoying the benefit of a large company for so long we looked around and quickly found a job to move too. Within the same year they sold the company and laid off the entire team.
9th year. I worried about Tate. He was such a handful and his will was so strong. The boys got along great with each other but I had a hard time enjoying just being a mom.
10th year. This was the year we had Peaches. It brought so much joy to have a little girl in our family. It was so fun seeing Gentry with a daughter. She had him wrapped around her finger from day one.
11th year. A great year! We bought a piece of land and dreamed of the future. It seemed like our future was bright and everything would be smooth sailing. (I should have known better)
12th year. After another turbulent change in job, Gentry decided to go back to school. I guess we have student life to look forward to once again. We were blessed to have Isabel, making us a family of six. We moved across country again but just for the summer for a little adventure.
This next year? Who knows? Our journey has just begun.

(I know this picture isn't great, it is a picture of a picture)

Twelve years ago today I knelt across an alter from Gentry and promised forever. I had no idea what forever meant, but already I am grateful that he choose me to take the journey with.
Thank you Gentry for all of the good times. Thank you for helping to share the load for all the harder days. You have made me who I am. These past years have been amazing. You have helped me to understand the plan of salvation in a way I would not have been able to on my own. I have felt unconditional love and given and received true forgiveness from you. You are my best friend. I still think you are sexy and If I had to do it all again, I would still have chosen you. I hope and pray our lives will continue to get better and better.

Where will you be at 3:53 TODAY?

3:53pm That is what time Gentry’s flight comes in. 3:53. I cannot wait. I didn’t think a week apart would be that big of a deal, but I really have missed him. So at 3:53 today you will know where I am at. The Delta baggage claim at Salt Lake City Airport.

Go Go Gentry

A couple of weeks ago was a big week for Gentry at his job.
He hit a high goal and was rewarded by
the guys at the office throwing him in the pool.
Pretty funny.
Good Job Love!

Men in my Life

What makes a good father?
Growing up my dad was gone a lot. He worked long hours. He was the bishop of a needy ward. He had horses that needed to be taken care of. I look back at how much my mom did by herself and tease that for a number of years she was a single parent (except for financially).
This summer I have had a lot of single parent moments and days. I now seem to have to go it alone on a lot of levels. He is never home to keep kids occupied while I prepare dinner. He hasn’t been able to go lots of places we have. I take the kids grocery shopping and I take the kids to run errands. We go to the movie by ourselves. Off to the pool and out with friends. We mini vacation and do tourist attraction. So many moments without him. When four kids need my attention, three end up crying because I do not have enough to go around. Sometimes Daddy just isn’t around to fill in the gaps.
I remember my daddy reading to us The Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales while we lay in bed. He gave me piggy back rides. He sang songs with us (some of my favorite are still the ones we sang on the Waterton trails, always instigated by my mother). He gave me a priesthood blessing whenever I need one. By example he has shown me the true love of Christ. When I was around ten or eleven I had a bad night. My dad took me in his arms, in a special spot of our house and told me he loved me. He wanted me to remember for the rest of my life how much he loved me and how safe I felt in his arms at that moment. . . . I still do. THAT’S what makes a good father.

Gentry wrestles with his kids. He gives kisses. He teaches them how to treat me. He changes diapers. He makes up silly stories about daddy snakes and two loin brother. Gentry scares the monsters away in the middle of the night. He leads us in family scripture study. He does everything he possibly can. Gentry give every day to his family. THAT’S what makes a good father.

Thank you Gentry and Dad for being the men in my life.

Watching movies together

Yesterday we went to Kung Fu Panda, a must see if you love Jack Black, which we do. Court laughed at about every joke (it is kind of cool that he is old enough to get most of the jokes), Tate laughed a bunch too and was even cracking new jokes, and Gentry was laughing so hard he started crying. Isabel slept most of the time on Gentry's lap and Peaches was by herself until she got tired then came and sat on my lap. I just loved seeing my family have a good time together.Now I've been thinking about the first time Gentry and I watched a movie together. It was the first time we got together. Gentry had invited me to his apartment to watch a movie with him and his roommates. When I got there, there were two other girls already there. I tried to figure out what kind of a set up this was. Had Landon, Pete or Chad (Gentry's roommates) invited them over? Had Gentry just asked a bunch of people over and he wasn't really interested in me? It was just about now that I notice a huge wipe board with about 25-35 girl’s names and phone numbers, all written in cute hand writing. Each girl trying to make their name stand out in some way. Landon says to me, "You should write your phone number up there, so we have it." I look him straight in the eye and say, "If Gentry wants my phone number he can ask me for it and write it down himself." I asked Amber (the friend I brought with me) if we should just go and while debating that, the other two girls leave. "What movie did you rent?" Amber asks. The answer, "Congo" …
Looking back I think how stupid these guys were. I mean COME ON Congo? It isn't exactly going to win points with any girl. If they wanted action they should have rented a romance movie. If they wanted to be close, maybe a scary movie. If not sure where you want the evening to go a comedy is probably a safe bet. But Congo? Really boys…
Seating arrangements are made. Amber sat on the couch with Landon and Chad. Gentry and I on a HUGE, UGLY orange chair (really I wish I had a picture of this thing). I don’t remember the movie other than it was stupid, but I do remember that Gentry didn’t touch me the whole night. Not even his arm brushing up against my arm while eating popcorn. It was a strange first outing. I’m glad it wasn’t the last.