Another year; Significant Loss

Long, great weekend -- with significant loss for the world's faithful. Pope John Paul II died on Saturday afternoon around 2PM Houston time.

This past weekend was my birthday weekend -- I spent much of the day on Friday in meetings talking about business, but knew throughout the day that the pope was near the end of his time. I hoped he wouldn't die on my birthday.

That night Katie, the boys and I headed to the Armadillo Palace (the new Goode Co. place) for a beer and sodas, then over to the taqueria for dinner. The boys made me a cake (with Katie's help) and sang to me before we went out, and the cake was really good...

Saturday was a huge day, with Zoobilee (the members-only Zoo party), then the boys headed out to a friend's birthday party, then us out as a family to the Astros game. And of course, the Holy Father died in the afternoon.

Sunday was an 'around the house' day, which we needed -- lots of hanging out, playing in the yard, chalk on the sidewalk, running in the neighbor's sprinkler, jumping in the jumper... And a family ride in the Mini to Niko Niko's for lunch.

Well, I had a good weekend -- and recognized the blessings of life -- one that made for a bittersweet birthday, but one that I was glad to have spent just as I did.