Good morning everyone:

It was a busy week in Idaho, with Michele visiting briefly Monday through Wednesday. She arrived to attend the funeral of her friend Marianna Bilbao's mom in Cascade. I had an overnight meeting on Tuesday, so I was not able to visit for too long. After picking Michele up at the airport, Freya and I took her to lunch, where we met Casey. After lunch at our favorite Boise burger spot, Michele, Freya and I continued on to the Boise zoo, which is becoming one of Freya's favorite places. It was a warmish day, so most of the animals were napping and the tour was not very lengthy. It was nice to see Freya take to her aunt Michele as quickly as she did, a good sign that she is opening up a bit. Michele was able to hold her at the zoo without incident, and Freya was enjoying showing her new friend 'Shell' the sights and sounds of the zoo. The bonding continued with aunt Michele trying to talk Freya into a jewelry shopping trip and a shoe shopping trip. We will have to watch aunt Michele around Freya from here on out. Michele assisted with a tearful drop off at the Montessori school on Tuesday morning, then I had to go to my meeting and she had to drive to Cascade for the funeral.

I recently interviewed for a first level supervisor job with Fish and Game. According to my big boss, who was on the panel, I finished second best out of 18 candidates. Now, if an opening that Casey and I both liked would develop, I might be able to get a promotion. I was offered a second interview for the jobs in both Lewiston(stinky paper mill city in ugly surroundings), or Hailey/Sun Valley(beautiful mountains surrounded by Heinz-Kerry's, Schwarzenegger's, and the like, and their accompanying economic impacts on the l0cal area). I turned down both of the opportunities, and we will continue to be patient until the next chance. Casey is staying busy with fire related activities, and is getting a chance at some overtime. As busy as the fire season has been, she has been somewhat insulated by the responsibilities of her job. The Yellow Pine house, where I spent the better part of five years and which was the source of many fond memories for both Casey and me, continues to be threatened by fires in that area. Over 100,000 acres have burned around the Cascade area, and it is not looking good for the local communities. smoke free Boise looks better and better all of the time.

Maura, Tim, Stephen, and Alex: sorry to hear about Kassie, I always enjoyed talking to her at family gatherings. We will keep her in our thoughts! We hope to see some of you at Thanksgiving in Colorado, but high airline ticket prices may keep that from becoming a reality for us. Until we do see all of you again, hugs and kisses and love from Idaho. Keep up the great work, Magdalena, and stick with your convictions! The world needs your sense of compassion and justice! Love, Matt, Casey and Freya