Petra and Milan are gone. Off to ‘Chanada to see Karel’s parents. After that, back to China for another year.
I have a judges’ meeting in the morning. In the afternoon, I drive to Omaha for a half-day of sentencings.
It is early, but the sun won’t seem to come out.
RGK
Hercules and the umpire. 
Poor Grampa…..that is so hard.
Great family. Really cool tree swing. Dean Nasser
Trish, it truly is. All the best.
RGK
Thanks, Dean. All the best.
RGK
what about now?
They’re lucky to have you as a grandpa.
That said…socks with loafers, judge?
At least they weren’t black socks. All the best.
RGK
Hope you had a good visit!
We did Mary.
Petra called me this week with the breathless excitement that only a kid of four can exhibit. She said: “Grampa, I’m in ‘Chanada. Really! I’m not kiddin’. Really, I’m in ‘Chanada and I’m not kiddin’.” As she was handing the phone to Lisa, I heard, “Bye, Stinky Feet Grampa!” Then she was gone.
A long time has past since Lisa looked after your children. I hope all is well with you and yours.
All the best.
RGK
PS to the general reader: Mary was the first law clerk I hired when I was a Magistrate Judge. Trained as a linguist and fluent in a number of languages, Mary’s second career was as a lawyer. Before that, she served Creighton University as the coordinator of the University’s ESL program for foreign medical students and others. She is brilliant person and a dear friend.
RGK
Judge, schedule a trip to China. And Australia. “Some things are more important than others.”
Jill,
“Good idea! (to quote Petra). See you in September.
All the best.
You are too kind. Thank you for all the compliments. I enjoyed the Petra anecdote! It must be tough to have your kids and grandkids scattered around the globe. I inflicted something similar on my parents, though to a lesser degree, and only recently do I understand that globetrotting can be hard on parents. Yet at the same time it is wonderful to have raised strong, independent, and curious “kids.” I am sure you are a rightfully proud dad and grandpa.