This week’s “hats off” award goes to The Bells of the Sound for their wondrous donation of pies. If you’ve got the time this week, drop by the shelter for a slice of hot apple pie about 8pm. But the 20 pies will be gone soon so call for reservations.

In other news, Mitch, our trusty UGM Man of the Shelter, just texted me that he has now passed two kidney stones one of which was the size of a golf ball. Quote Mitch, “It was like giving birth.” The Shelter men, and me personally, Mitch, are real proud, real proud. We expect to hear all the details tonight at the Shelter.

I was glad to hear that the UW is moving along with their plans to host a tent city on their property. This might be a reality as soon as 2017. Learning how to take care of those less fortunate than you is one of the great lessons of life. It is a lesson for those who have two cents and for lottery winners.There is no better way, no other way, to learn how to love than to actually do the love. I hope the UW learns a lot and is successful. I hope they do not fall into the reality which Mother Theresa described to her superiors when they asked her if there was some organization from the secular world who could do the job of serving the poor of India. She said, “Seculars can’t do it. They will make start and then give up.” Her motivation went deep. She was playing in a different league. I hope those Huskies, Go Dawgs, find some good motivation.

On a Biblical note, “The heavens declare the glory of God.” This time of year God’s glory is dark gray and wet with bursts of blinding sunshine. Rain would be great stuff if just weren’t so wet.

I think some hot apple pie would help me see that glory better.

That’s the news from The Shelter on Phinney Ridge.

Ben Paul