dughlas

The forecast is for cooler less humid weather to arrive today ... I'm waiting but I should really go cut the grass. At least it's not as hot and humid as SC. The forecast there is another day of excessuve heat and humidity with heat indices between 105/40° and 108/42°. Folks are advised to stay indoors between 11am and 7pm. Mum is taking that advice.

Thanks and to you also Clo.

But wait, there's ... not going to be more. Ron Popiel has died at age 86.

We've arrived safely at home in PA. Overall it was an okay trip, other than being tied up in a construction zone for 40 minutes it went as expected. The forecast here is for potentially heavy storms and the area is under a tornado watch until 9pm. Before that happens we're gonna head out for some dinner. The fridge is bare and I don't feel like going grocery shopping this evening.

Hi Page.

Thanks. We made it to the hotel safely took time to settle in then went downstairs to the restaurant for dinner. Normally I would go in to town to one of the places there to eat but it's too hot for Thistle to wait in the car. Here they have a table in an alcove across the lobby from the main dining area so Thistle could be with me while I ate. He's very well behaved since he's used going to outdoor dining spaces when we're in SC. I had a flatbread with brisket, bbq sauce cheddar cheese, sauteed red onion and arugula with a small mixed salad. It was very nice and just right after travelling.

Uhm, I might be mistaken but aren't those apples ...

Another stormy morning. This time they started an hour earlier the first of lightning and thunder woke us 4:15am. I turned off the alarm and Thistle and I snuggled back into the covers for another hour. We'll leave here later this morning to head towards home. In some ways I'm looking forward to it and in others not so much. Since Nov 2019 we've only spent 4 months in PA. Three months in 2020 and June of this year. Mum's is beginning to feel like home. I am looking forward to less humid summer weather. The pup and I will be able to spend afternoons outside under the tree, something we both miss and can't do in SC. Also, Faire will start in 3 weeks. But not being with Mum will weigh heavily on all 3 of us. She has a reservation to fly to PA on 9/24 so it will only be a 2 month separation. Still thinking about it brings tears.

Your words took me back to a time half a century ago when I was a teenage boy wading in the cool waters of the creek just down the road from my grandparent's home. Thank you.

We had a break in the weather after the morning storms. As I had an appointment at the barbershop a block away mum and I were able to enjoy brunch outdoors at the local creperie afterwards. Thistle spent the morning with his pals at doggy camp and then had a bath. The late day round of storms is brewing on the horizon.

If the chimney draws well they may not notice.

Thanks. I hope you travel safely as well and enjoy the time with your family.

What a lovely tribute to Wayne. The tears built when he pulled out the dog bed. When I reached the photo they streamed down my cheeks ... I could only imagine how I would feel if it was my pup. My heart started beating again when Nova and Dottie were reunited.

We're currently experiencing a t-storm. Burst of moderate rain and bright flashes of lightning accompanied by thunder. I guess there will be no morning walk. I was looking forward to that. I've been walking 3 miles each morning, excluding Sundays. Lately, because it's near the end of my route I've stopped by the complex pool to swim 10 laps. It provides a nice and much needed cool down from the walk. The morning temps here have been 77/25° with 95+% humidity. In this heat I average a pace of 20 minutes per mile, when it's cooler my pace is nearer 15 minutes per mile. This morning would have been my last chance for a swim. Tomorrow Thistle and I start for home.

I prefer the cod in my fish 'n chips to be slightly more ... cooked.

It certainly was. Tom has a Youtube channel and Matty being his dive partner is a frequent guest. A recent one was Tom waxing Matty's chest and tummy prior to leaving for Tokyo. It was funny.

Congrats to Tom Daly and Matty Lee of GB, Olympic gold medalists in 10 meter synchronized diving. Their winning dive was beautiful to watch.

No place to put the chair ...

Warm muggy weather has returned. It's currently 84/29° with 82% humidity so it feels like 95/35°. When I get back to PA the end of this week I'm not gonna miss the humidity.

Mum and I went out for crepes for brunch this morning so dinner will be salad.

... la

I don't suppose the delay was the result of stopping for a cuppa tea ... no, thought not. Stay safe and dry.

No, it wasn't wrong ... you displayed a measure of trust by sharing this with us. We love and cherish you, all of you, the good bits and the less good bits. How you're feeling matters deeply. I'm not the only one who believes that ... Some of the most wonderful folks among us agree. I believe so. Is life what we would have it be ... hell no. Is life now better than it was in our pasts ... hell yes. While there have been distinct highs and lows on the journey and others will come in their own time I think we both stand in far better stead than we ever imagined in those darkest of times. So yes little brother I believe there is hope. Namasté.

In some small way I can relate. The day can dawn bright and lovely only to slip into something malignant. Yours is an ache of the soul while mine is an ache of the body. Now you have lanced the boil to release the poison there is always hope for tomorrow. I know I needn't remind you of how special you are to so many.

We are thanks.