July 3, 2026

It is hot again today. The temperatures are hovering at the same 93 degrees that we “enjoyed” yesterday, but this is about to change. Tomorrow will be slightly cooler (92?) and every day thereafter is forecast to continue that cooling trend. In one week, high temperatures will be 83 degrees, afternoon showers will have returned, and we will lock into a weather pattern that Greystone girls have loved for a hundred years.

While it is admittedly hot, I am acutely aware that a very narrow finger of “cooler” weather specifically impacts WNC. We are in the yellow portion of the map, indicating that we will only experience “minor” heat compared to the moderate and major heat afflicting other parts of our region. As we walk across the pagent court today, we will luxuriate in the warmth of the sun on our faces. When we cross the shadow of the Poplar tree, we will take note of the breeze coming off the lake. Minor heat is actually not so bad, and we know that this life is good (but we still look forward to slightly cooler weather in the days to come).

Last night’s EP was a celebration of cabin friendships. Counselors chose activities they thought their girls would enjoy, resulting in cabin groups spread throughout the entire camp. There is no way to convey how good this night was for everyone. Camper and counselor alike had a blast. Time flew in a joyous blur as the girls did a lot of fun things (perhaps chief among them is swimming in the lake as the sun sank behind the mountains).

What struck me about the program was how much the girls just like being with each other. They have been living together for two weeks and talking nonstop for most of that time. How could they want to have an EP with just the girls they are with all the time? Even introverts (like me) are pulled into the irresistible power of fellow image bearers. We all reflect aspects of our creator’s personality. The more we get to know each other, the more we want to know. There can never be too much of such a blessing!

Today’s blog is going to be cut short because I started it very late. This was a complete shock to me, for I assumed I would start it early today (being sleep late Friday, I expected to be more on top of things). My mistake was probably meeting with Major Mike and the maintenance crew at 7:00 for the first annual Greystone Maintenance Fishing Tournament. I caught a big one on a fly rod, earning a trophy for my luck. Going to be a big day!

Thanks for checking in.

• Breakfast Make your own breakfast sandwich (bagels, cream cheese, sausage, bacon, fruit, yogurt)
• Weather Hot, Sunny, 93 degrees, not much chance of rain
• Lunch Mac and Cheese, ham
• Dinner Picnic, Red Rice Bowls
• EP Five-Year-Celebration