Gonna spend part of this weekend with my brother and sister and their spouses. We don't see each other that often as they are about two hours away. We all get along really well so this should be a pleasure. They love to laugh, and no matter what we talk about, we always find a way to be jolly together. It's wonderful to have people like that in my life!

The drive is so full of well loved sights I find myself longing to be a passenger. First we drive past vineyard striped hills and rolling dairy fields. Eventually the countryside tapers into a lovely populated area on the edge of the north bay with it's charming houseboats, and homes clinging to steep hillsides. Farther on we emerge from a tunnel to find the most glorious views of the Golden Gate Bridge, blue sailboat strewn water, and San Francisco's spectacular skyline.

After crossing the bridge we cut right through the city. I actually enjoy this, in spite of the congestion. From there I can take a beautiful scenic highway all the way to my relative's houses. Happily, the weather is expected to be perfect! Cool, but mostly sunny.

These people, this weather, the amazing scenery, they are embedded jewels in my soul that sparkle at the mere recollection of them. In these I can be unabashedly happy and unguarded in my anticipation, secure in knowing that the risk of disappointment will be slim. It may sound overly rosy, but to me, it truly is a glimpse of Heaven.