I had a fine time with my friend from high school days. In sending him a note to that effect I said something like sometimes the old friends are the most important ones. I'm also noticing a peculiar something about this blog: the comments and the e-mails that come to me in response to the blog have become important. I have a sense of connection with a few people that I just wouldn't have or at least wouldn't maintain without my blog, and, in a few instances, without reading theirs.

And speaking of connections, today I leave for the state Elks convention. I am once again the leader of the local lodge, so I am obligated to attend, but I've been going when not so obligated for many years--fifteen, in fact. The cool part of the conventions is that they are attended by the leaders who try to effect good work in their communities. These are the civic-spirited activists. Being around them sends me back home energized to try to do good work. In July I'll attend the national convention again--the third time for that one. Always the agenda is about what we can do to serve the country's young people and the country's military. Though I don't like the penalty I have to pay to do these things (I hate the stupid titles for the offices: my current title is "Exalted Ruler," which still makes me shudder even though I carry it for the third time and have been in the organization for twenty-nine years), the satisfaction of participating in something good is worth the penalty.

Off to swim, lunch, and hit the road. Back Sunday night.