Day 950: Cool temps

Two hurricanes are heading toward Hawaii and will strike within days of each other.  Wildfires are raging across California and Oregon.  Ferocious rainstorms are hitting the southeast.  And here we are with perfect weather, cool, but lovely.  The pool dropped back to 68 and I wore my fleece between sets.  On day 57, I did 260 lengths which totals 58.2 miles.  Tomorrow will be warmer so I will try to get further ahead.  We'll be attending Scott's wedding on Saturday and it's doubtful I'll swim a mile.

Now, to watch Divergent!

Waterspots on lilies

Day 949: Better day

Things are better in Kentucky today, not resolved or healed, but improved.  IV antibiotics, rest and pain meds are helping her.

220 lengths took me over 11,000 lengths for the season.

The deer marched through the garden this morning and nearly finished off the lilies in the Birdbath garden, the front east garden and the dogwood garden.  They ate at least a hundred blossoms and buds.

The last American Revolution

The last Red Monarch

The unidentified lily in the property line garden

This poor little sparrow flew into the back sliding door and knocked herself out.  I was worried that she wouldn't survive, but after a half hour of recovery, she regained her senses and flew off.  

Day 948: Worrying

Worrying is one of the things I do best.  As soon as I learn of a problem, I start imagining all the possibilities, usually the worst, and try to find a response or solution.  It's been elevated to an art form.  So when Nancy is ill in Kentucky, what can I do?  Worry, fret, and think how can I get there fast?  Would my presence make any difference?  She is alone and scared.  How can I help her?  Then I think about Laurie and that she has been through the same thing, alone, many times.  Why do we have to live 8 hours away?

200 lengths today, all before a tremendous thunderstorm.

Fairy tale pink

Good looking

Day 947: Family time

Brad, Sarah and Jason stopped to say good bye before they began the long trip back to Columbus.  Although it was only a short visit,  they were delightful company.  A whole summer with very few family contacts has been tough.  Last summer, we were exceptionally blessed to have the family reunion, Evan and Lisa's July 4 visit and several other events.  We'll be going to Columbus for Labor Day and celebrate Jason's 28th birthday, Caitlin's 21st birthday and Steve's 68th birthday.

300 more lengths today = 54.8 miles!  I forgot to mention that on Friday I hit 10,000 lengths for the summer.

Jason, Sarah and Brad

Brad, marry that girl!  We want her as a member of our family!

Trading places

Day 946: Jason, Brad and Sarah

Our nephews, Brad and Jason, and almost niece Sarah, were in town this weekend for their grandmother Arlene's 80th birthday celebration.  They crashed briefly at Steve's house early this morning because Sarah is caring for her boss's dog.  They were drinking at Arlene's until 4:30 this morning and scared Steve when they rolled into his house.  When we checked in on them at 11, we woke up Sarah and the dog.

Tonight, we had a wonderful visit with them for a couple hours.  The small dog is 13 years old and has only three legs.  Nevertheless, he scared Paddy off the deck with one little lunge.  We had to lock Molly in the basement cause she would have torn him up.

We are going to spend a few days with them for Labor Day and they have plans to show us the downtown neighborhood where they live and work.  Their visit was a delightful way to finish off the weekend.

Trahlyta

Unidentified lily in CRG

Day 945: Reunion dinner

The Class of 1964 put on a lovely reunion.  Appetizers, dancing, a simple supper and good friends.  What more could you ask for in a reunion? About forty classmates attended, which was a very small percentage of the class.  They just weren't as close as my class!

The band Us played oldies from the 60s all through the evening.  It's made up of a few local musicians including my friend and favorite drummer and vocalist, Mickey.  Our friend Judy joined us so she could hear Mickey play.  Her brother was a member of the class, but he died in a car accident while a freshman in college.  She was happy to visit with her brother's friends and fraternity brothers.  Many people there remembered her as Lanny's little sister and were happy to see her.

I got an even mile in today before lightning, thunder and heavy rain drove me from the pool.

Angels Around Us

One of my all time favorites!

Luminous Jewel

Day 944: Fifty year reunion!

Steve looked fantastic at his reunion tonight.  Trim, athletic, tanned and no gut rolling over his belt!

Again, we were reminded how fortunate we are to have our health and healthy children.  One beloved classmate of Steve's now has ALS and his wife has MS.  Another lost his daughter recently.  Another classmate has lost his sight.  Several we spoke with are taking care of parents in their nineties who are suffering from dementia.  They are shuttling between their homes around the country and Fredonia to provide care.

On the other hand, we were the only couple there without any grandchildren.  One classmate has eight grandchildren and eighteen great grand children!  That's a bit extreme.

220 lengths today and the water temp went up to 70!  What a difference three degrees makes.

Buttered Ruffles

Pink hydrangea