Beaver:

I had dogs up until July 2009 when I gave up the last two to new, and very good, homes to come home to Canada. There is too much travel in our lives, and walking a dog in Montreal - phooey! Now I talk to the red squirrel who seems to live under the back porch and the frogs who hop out of my way as I walk across the "lawn". Mowing the lawn is less interesting than sitting here watching a butterfly and various bees enjoying the red clover patches. The once tiny mock orange is beyond the 3 foot mark and I can hope for many critters enjoying it in bloom next spring!

Pottery problems abound; I hope this too will pass. I am plumb wore out after a few hours working on that part of life all morning, into the afternoon. Need a sunny day to do one load of laundry before going to Quebec on Weds. Trip to Toronto on Monday to pick up the other kiln and some supplies. Resting is essential. The house in fairly good order. Another hot day but enough rain recently not to have to water.