I promised to take the neighborhood kids I teach in Sunday school sailing and I realized that one benefit of making commitments and scheduling things is that it pulls me away from working too long. The boys had homework deadlines and other activities and couldn't make it, so the girls rounded up their friends in the neighborhood and six of us pulled the boat down to the Marina around 4:30 this afternoon. There wasn't any wind, but we enjoyed the warm weather and spent a while diving off the boat and swimming. The water was comfortable with alternating warm and cool pockets. It felt great to be in the water, and enough time had passed that I forgot to miss Bear Lake's clear, pristine waters. When the slightest breeze began to stir, we hoisted the sails so at least we could say we actually sailed. Several of them had never sailed before (and enjoyed quoting What About Bob - "Ahoy! I sail! I sailed! On my first try!") and one had never been on a boat, which others apparently found alarming. Jessica showed the most interest in learning the ropes, so I put her to work hoisting sails and taught her how to tie off the halyards on a cleat, wrap winches clockwise, rig the jib sheets, etc. The primary topic of conversation was boys, including shouting at the ones doing flips on wakeboards nearby. The girls are just turning 16 and displayed a refreshing blend of confidence (asking boys out, flirting) and innocence (most or all hadn't yet kissed any boys). They were funny and interesting and we finally dropped the sails and motored back toward the marina as the sun set and the horizon burned a volcanic pink hue. Within seconds of dropping the sails, a real breeze struck. I really, really love September. I'm so glad to be enjoying it lately. I'll make a point to continue.