Saturday, June 28, 2025

Low Key Friday Night, Spur of the Night Gatherings are the Best Part of the Summer Swing, Especially When Temperatures Cool

Pam pulled her family crew together for a hotdog, Brisket gathering and, after manning the grill, we had laughter with good food and company. It's been so hot that the majority of us have been hiding in our homes. The air was cool yesterday, so I was able to mow the lawn and get yard work done after a day of grant writing, revise and resubmits, and summer planning. 

Patrick & Stephanie's kids are getting so big, as are Kaitlyn's and Dominik's. Pam's puppy, Rico, in the mix, makes the occasion even more joyful (and Patrick and Steph brought Maude, who we all love - little rugrat that she is). 

They are calling for storms and rain this Saturday, so I'll likely hunker down and get more of the summer preparation in gear. Last night, however, it was about chasing the joy of kids, living life for their enthusiasm and curiosity, and making sure they don't make too much of a mess with all their playing.

Shirley is in town, and it's wonderful to have her back in CT after her retirement to Florida. Boy, is she tan...definitely embracing the life in hotter temperatures and the availability of pool side days.

And as I write I'm looking at all the bird poop stains on my windows and thinking I need to get out there with a hose. I'm not sure if they angle in to modernize the glass, but they sure to paint with precision. It's gross and needs to come down.

Ah, but I'm loving the house sparrows that have built a home in the frog birdhouse that Dr. Beth Boquet bought for me. I didn't think it would get inhabited, but there's a full family in there (now I just need to capture some pictures.