What's Happening?!

So, according to the emails I've received, it's been just under 2 months between blogs.  I didn't drop off the face of the earth, although there were times I thought of jumping.  Nothing seemed worthwhile writing about.  Of course, much of what I wrote earlier wasn't necessarily worth writing about but it felt worth sharing.  May and June were okay but not the stuff great manuscripts or little blogs are made of.

For all that seemed to go wrong and be worthy of scratching days and weeks from the calendar, there were some special events that warranted more than just a mention.

In May, one of my best friends, who is more like a daughter to me, flew out from Texas to spend a week with me after being gone 2 1/2 years.  We visited, caught up, watched it rain, sleet, hail & snow (all in one day).  We spent a day in Yosemite and we visited other friends she'd left behind.  It was one of the best weeks of the pre-summer.

Susan & Katie @ Bridal Veil in Yosemite

My friend, Judi, has officially moved into her 'new' home just up the road.  We're truly enjoying the proximity to each other's homes and the dogs seem to be content as well.  And this is a great time of year to enjoy dinner or a glass of wine on the deck (hers or mine).  We find we're both very pleased with this arrangement.  God does work in special ways.

Many of the repairs following the storm have been made.  A young neighbor came and cut fallen trees and moved the cuttings to safer locations (he'll take the cuttings for firewood).  The contractor finally made it out to replace the patio roof.  The cover is great and installed well but since this was not an especially expensive job, it was an exercise in perseverance getting it done.   You wonder sometimes how these people stay in business.

Kate & I have stayed busy with our volunteering ... with the church, her therapy visits, the SPCA.  I've taken on publicity for our church women events and the SPCA; a labor I truly enjoy.

A few weeks ago we hosted a couple of international students for a weekend and it was a great experience.  They spent a full day in Yosemite and were here for breakfasts and to spend the nights after dinner.  But we still found time to bond.  And, like everyone else, they were taken by the four-legged children who run this house.

Sandra & Brenda

Sombra, Katie, & PITA

Unfortunately, PITA - the little siamese mix (20 years old) passed away the day after this picture was taken.

Katie and her kitten have bonded and are best friends.  Kate is delighted to have a playmate again.  (That's a whole other blog, with photos.)

There were the downers as well, but I won't revisit or bore you with those.  To all who have been chastising me and taking me to task for ignoring the porch rocker ... we're back.  And watch for changes to the site.  My son is bringing me (and my blog) into the 21st century.  At this point, you know as much as I do.  It should be a fun and interesting experience.  

Have a great summer everyone!!!