Woe September!

~~I'm not happy with September. I haven't had a good one. Among the woes, there's a prolonged illness that caused me to lose seven pounds in three weeks. I just wouldn't recommend the weight-loss method to anyone. : ( Add to that the back problems that have made sitting at the computer or anywhere hard and John's mother's broken hip setback and you get the picture.
~~Helen's bones are not healing well and we had to stop therapy. She is now at home with twenty-four hour care and using a transfer board. It takes two and John has been helping the help since Monday. He's worn out.
~~The puppies agree that this week didn't start too well. They were neutered on Tuesday. All's well though and the active little boys are at their antics again. Cow hoof, anyone?
~~On a positive note, I did get to the Decatur Book Festival on September 5 and met my favorite author, Diana Gabaldon. : ) I'll tell you more next week when her newest Jamie and Claire book is published and in my hot little hands.

Cassie and Max Come Home

~They're here! Our toy poodle puppies came home today and, boy, are they cute. Born April 7, Cassie and Max are fluffy, bright-eyed, and waggly-tailed. Cassie is a lovely chocolate and the larger of the two. Max is apricot and darker on his head than his body.

~The breeder assures us that they will be house trained in two weeks if we are vigilant. So, we are on watch. Including watching their first three and a half hours at home--asleep. Yep, that's right. Two adults watching two puppies sleep. We are fascinated--and in love! ; )

~Here's hoping the prediction isn't too good to be true. Wish us luck!

Welcome to the Shade!

~What a red-letter day! My darling husband, John, retired after twenty-five years of teaching and I couldn’t be more thrilled. We are excited about another anticipated event—new puppies arrive at our home on June 8. Do you know what has to be done to “puppy proof” a house? Or how many cute puppy toys there are? Hundreds—and we have looked at every single one! At least twice. ; )

~These are only two of the wonderful things that can give us comfort, joy, and solace. Like fresh ripe cherries and rich chocolate fudge, butterflies and hummingbirds, colorful flowers and deep shade on a hot, humid summer day. That’s what In the Shade of the Cherry Tree is all about—the small and delightful things that cushion the hurts and heal the wounds of everyday life. So welcome to the shade! I hope to share some of the loveliness and delights that come my way.