For a whole month I had family with me – daughter Lise for three weeks, and John $ for one. They overlapped, so it wasn’t a full 30 days. It felt like several months of talking, laughing, and going places. Kacey was in dog heaven, lapping up the attention of two dog lovers. They helped me by taking her outside, and she took turns sleeping on their beds at night. I could adjust quickly, knowing when they were leaving, but she grieved for several days.

Thankfully, the weather was a bit cold while they were here, so I couldn’t hear the garden calling. I have now cleaned old leaves from the the back porch area. Checking the pools for the waterfall will be next. Many things will need attention until November chills us.

The house is in good shape. Both Lise and $ washed their sheets and towels before leaving. I know this is the second time I’ve written that, but I am impressed. It has absolutely nothing to do with childhood training and everything to do with consideration of their mother. I wouldn’t have minded changing the linens, being thrilled that they were here. I used the time to order a new shower head to replace the one that exploded. $ picked out one, got Lise’s approval, and I ordered it. It needs to be installed before the next visitors come a few weeks from now. He reminded me that special tape should be used. He found it in the garage and put it in the bathroom.

There isn’t time to be lonely. Neighbors (Joyce) walk with me and come over to sit on the porch (Holly). The others always wave as they go about their busy lives. We chat when we are outside at the same time, and we keep up with text messages. It’s marvelous to live among the world’s best neighbors.

I saw a Mallard duck walking on my driveway when I had Kacey outside. I ran through the house onto the front porch and took photos of the pair in Joyce’s yard. They strolled in Holly’s yard and walked to the pond behind Shawn and Bob’s house. The photos show Holly’s yard. Even wildlife draws us together!