To the little things in life.

Sitting here in cold, drab Salem, my thoughts can't help but drift back to Thailand.

It's actually warm there. It's nearly the middle of June and it's still in the 60s (Fahrenheit). I was thinking on the plane-ride home, it's going to be nice to have an extra 2 months of summer....

Even with the sun out in Portland, I felt as if I was going to need a jacket with the arrival of the evening. When we all finally arrived in Salem, my hopes improved; it was warm and sunny.

Then Sunday morning came around. It was colder than a Minnesota December (figuratively; not quite sure how that works, but it's what I've got.....). I didn't want to get out of bed, even with my paper thin bed sheet over me. I wanted to maintain what little vestige of warmth that I had. So I jump out of my bed (nearly hitting my head on the bunk above me), grab my towel, and made a run for my underwear cubby in the army-like barracks that we are staying in here at the base in Salem and headed for the shower.

I arrive in the shower and the first burst of what can best be referred to as "maddening" invades my space. After the initial, aggravating shot of Antarctica to my chest, I feel a warmth come over me.

Even as the sun begins to rise, the cold is making its last stand at 8:30 in the morning; and frankly, it's a little angry for having to leave.

Thankfully there's still 2 months of summer left.

-nate-