SUMMER'S HERE........thanks, James

"Summer's here, I'm glad of that....got my rubber sandals, got my straw hat.....it's my favorite time of the year and I'm glad that it's here." Well, it's really only late May, but you wouldn't know it by being outdoors. It feels like we're in the middle of summer. I can't claim the first line, it's from a favorite James Taylor song. Because summer has always been my favorite season, I really like the song. It has been such a beautiful day. Took Riff and Roy for a walk up our big hill and then took Taffy and Pepper for a walk the other direction. We went early enough to be shaded by the overhanging trees and there was a nice breeze. Again, I got my upperbody workout thanks to the beagle at the top of the hill. Thankfully, he didn't follow us, baring his teeth, as far as he did yesterday, but nonetheless, Roy still managed to scrape his little pads raw and I have his bloodstains on my top to prove it. You can try to imagine how much strength and effort it takes to hold back two little five pound malti-poos, when they are bound and determined to take on a ferocious beagle, or any dog for that matter.

Our past weekend was also nice. I was fortunate to spot the activity at the bluebird house Saturday morning and noticed that a baby bluebird was poking his head out while mama and papa bluebird are in trees around the house trying to coax him out. I'd love to say that I witnessed the first flight of at least one of the babies, but I didn't. Instead, I saw the parents feeding another baby in a nearby tree, while they were at their coaxing. Sunday I didn't see any bluebirds in the yard, but today I've seen the mama and papa coming down and getting insects for the babies in the trees. I'll report when I get a look at them through binoculars....if I'm able to.

In Henderson, we actually got to see and video three babies making their first flight from their box. Another time, when the birds didn't seem like they'd ever come out, Dustin went back and actually lifted the box lid and came back and reported that the babybirds were sitting on their sofa watching TV and didn't want to come out. That line from him told me a lot about how he felt about leaving home, I guess. My little babies have been out of the nest now for almost ten and eight years now. Time does fly, yes it does.

I read the review of the Alan Jackson concert in the paper. I would have loved to see him and the opener, Josh Turner. They both have some special, spiritual Christian songs that I love. They both also have some rowdy songs that I love, as well. Unfortunately, the Rupp Arena crowd, or a few of the concert goers,managed to get drunk and rowdy and obviously did not appreciate these types of songs. Good thing I wasn't there, I would have just been sick hearing drunks yell up at the stage for Chatahoochee, while he was playing Sissy's Song and others. I hope to get a chance to see both performers some day.

It was fun meeting with a couple of my highschool friends yesterday evening. We make the opportunity available for those in our class, so we can restore and continue the wonderful bonds we have had through the years, some of us since first grade.

My Wednesday night Bible study group is starting a new book. Our last two have been by author, Max Lucado, so we figured we would stay with what we enjoy. Our new book, Fearless, is his latest. I was especially pleased for it to be chosen because my primary physician recommended it to me. He knows my problems with anxieties and thought it would be a good read for me. He's gained my trust this past year, as he's really understanding of my faith in God and has prayed with and for me while addressing my physical ailments.

As this continues to be a beautiful week, I hope you are enjoying these days as much as I am. God blesses us in so many ways throughout each and every day. I hope you take note of and enjoy all the blessings that God sends your way. Stay safe and have a great day, luv, Susan