Fall has arrived officially, but warm summer weather continues.  This fall in Palo Alto no school buses run, no kids ride to school on bikes, no laughter is heard from the neighboring elementary school. Students are at home behind computer screens, hopefully learning something?

I was sad to lose several friends this past week, along with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, powerful voice for justice and women's rights. One final barrier broken: She is the first woman and the first Jewish person to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol. Who will replace this remarkable woman? President Trump is determined to have his choice confirmed before the November 3rd election.

I left with smokey skies in the Bay Area and headed to Pinecrest, a 3-hour drive from here, in the Sierra, where the smoke cleared early this week. Nearby Yosemite National Park is closed due to the many area fires still burning. I spent 4 wonderful days hiking, swimming, boating in the lake and relaxing with 2 siblings, spouses, and family, all from San Diego. My sister Irene and family have not missed their Pinecrest week in 29 years!

My cup, as well as my brother Brion's, felt full...so nice to be in the mountains with fun people! and 4 lively dogs! and very few others.

The lake is being emptied through the dam leaving just enough water  to freeze, so the level is lower than in the summer, and the crowds have left. So refreshing is the sound of the river rushing down the hill. The national forest & park were closed recently due to fires.

A fellow senior missionary in Ecuador shared a photo of the young women of our ward performing a traditional dance. May we build positive and uplifting memories and treasure our positive images of this strange and challenging pandemic time. I'm grateful for more time for re-connection with family and friends, albeit virtually, more time for reading and reflection on what is truly important to me: justice, mercy, commonality, the ways that differences can help us grow. I am especially grateful for small and simple things that bring me joy. I recognize that many are suffering greatly, but hope they can find a measure of peace also.