And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days; Then Heaven tries earth if it be in tune, And over it softly her warm ear lays: Whether we look, or whether we listen, We hear life murmur, or see it glisten... (James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) Good morning.... :-) I have been reading bits and pieces but just feeling blah with little to say of much interest. Enjoying just reading along. The weather here was wet all day yesterday off and on and last night we had very loud thunderstorms that woke us up. Only about an inch and a half of rain though. This morning the sun is in and out and the air is cool and dry. No watering for me today! Had a nice tour of Monique & Les's Garden. Such loveliness. The clematis were gorgeous. The green fish and matching pot tickled me. Great containers and that garden shed looks like a fun place to work. Must be a pleasure to get out there everyday and enjoy it. Thanks Deanne for posting the photos. Gardenbug....sounds like your life has been quite busy. Busy is good though. :-) Sorry you are having a hard time getting in a visit with Grandsons and DD/DSIL. Quite a bit of weather you've been having too. Reed is getting big awfully fast! Loving all the Clematis photos and I am thinking I could really enjoy starting to grow more of those. My problem is always trying to figure out structures for them to climb on. I don't know why that becomes such an obstacle to me, but it does. Your Patty's Plum is gorgeous and looks quite different from one that was given to me as seed. I thought it was supposed to be an Oriental Poppy but it didn't look like it. Your foliage does look like one. Woody...that Airedale puppy is so cute and looks like he is full of it. V....Lovely benches...redwood? Kathy....LOVE your 'Argentine Skies' Very pretty color. Reminds me of the way 'Black and Blue' grows. Do you find it attracts hummers? They would be annual here and not sure if I would even get much bloom until late in the season. I did buy the 'B&B' this year but so far it isn't doing much. We have only had one week of heat, so I am sure it will wait for more. Another orange/purple fan here. I LOVE your pottery with the fluted edge on the bottom. Denise...that spiraling Aloe is amazing! Thanks for posting that. I think I missed the news that Mitch has a Getty internship. How exciting for all of you! Congratulations! Saucy...the color of your house siding is a wonderful backdrop for your pots on the deck. Yes, I find that melancholy with transitions sticks with me for awhile. When my two youngest went off to kindergarden I was feeling it for a couple of months. Most of my friends were excited to see them finally get off to school. [g] Are you having a celebration for Jake next week? Is he excited about it? Michelle....I feel for you. It is tough to be away from people you care about. You will have to visit a lot! :-) Also, I was noticing, that on our new Apple laptop there is a built in camera and software to video conference. I would figure a way to set something up so you can see and talk to each other every day if you want. Anita...Glad your party went so well. Really nice when everything works out. One down, one to go. [g] Tax Law sounds like a very useful degree to have. I hope he is doing your taxes for you every year. :-) Martie....nice to see you. :-) I had been wondering about you. Glad you are all set with your surgery decision. So when is the big day? Really looking forward to more Park photos. Great news about Kyle, will he be traveling a lot? Well....time to get moving... y'all have a great Tuesday! Anyone for a lawn ornament? [g]

I'm back....from San Diego, Trade Show He&& and just a generally busy life! QOD: If I am being good...almonds and if I am out of control and really stressed...something sweet...I LOVE Peanut M & M's and I cannot buy them or I WILL eat them.. I had a wonderful time in San Diego with my oldest DS. He is every mothers dream...I am truely blessed with my kids. I haven't had a real vacation in sometime so this was awesome. My laptop crashed right before I left and I had to send it back to Apple. It was probably a good thing because then I couldn't work. I checked email once a day and had my cell if anyone needed me. We ate out ( Mexican ( SANGRIA) Sushi, Steaks), relaxed, and my son took me shopping at Nordstrom. He said ' mom you have bought me so much in my life that it is my turn to treat you'. THREE PAIRS OF SHOES LATER....LOLOL.. I love his girlfriend and I think that they will get married in the next two years. I would be thrilled to be her MIL. She and I get along really well. I was wearing a new pair of Dr. Scholl sandals and after walking all day..I took them off and there was a huge blister. She said ' you are not wearing those anymore today' and promptly gave me her flip flops to wear. She wore the Dr. Scholls. Remember those and how cool they were...forget that...I am getting rid of them. I came back to bedlam at the office. We had to get ready for a trade show that went on this week. I am so tired and I think my cheeks are in a permanant smile. The trade show we were at is called Mac Design. Our booth was crowded the whole time. I think that we will have a good response from the show. I had several companies that wanted to have us use their products. People kept telling us what a great booth we had. If I get pictures I will send them to Marci to put up on the site.. I have also been busy with softball and my DD. I think I told you all that she is playing Varsity ball. Her team is has won regionals which has never happened at her school. We are now in the sectionals. It is so exciting to watch how these girls play. I don't think I have any nails left. Our next game is on Saturday. Raeanne: As far as I know...I will be in town. I don't think we are going to CA for that wedding. Email me further info...hotels and times at such! I so want to me you. MY DD will be playing in a softball tournament that whole weekend so my hours will be varied but if there is a will there is a way and I have to eat sometime and I would love to share a 'drink' with you! Marci: I haven't bought the newest book...But I will this weekend. I have had no time to do much...I think I told you that I loved the one you sent me. It was a great story. Also Marci, there is NOTHING better than a pedicure in my world. Your feet will be in heaven. Besh: Thank you over and over for recommending Jodi Picoult. I know Marci and I have throughly enjoyed her books. She really gets you caught up in the story. My mom is now hooked on her too. BJ: When do you leave and who is taking care of your house while you are gone? NHSuzanne: I read about your riding the Tennesee Walker. DOn't you just love that ride? Could the ride be any smoother? My neighbor in CA had two of those and we had a great time riding those together. The horse never break and just keep walking at a very fast pace. I loved riding them. Dee Marie: You are so awesome and have amazing willpower. 22LBS...:::clap clap clap:::: Maddie: Hello??? come back and share your trip with us. Amy: So glad you have a keyboard again. I think it is great that your family is coming to visit. Have a wonderful visit. They will be jealous of your tropical paradise. I know I am. OK THIS MIA CHECKED IN!!!!!!! ALL YOU OTHERS GET BACK IN HERE OR AT LEAST EMAIL ONE OF US TO LET US KNOW YOU ARE ALIVE!!! Gretchen Here is a link that might be useful: What I have been up to this week

Girl in Hyacinth Blue Susan Vreeland grelobe-your title really worked quite well following mine, as Seabiscuit was a champion racehorse! We've had absolutely to-the-minute simultaneous postings-those can get very comical! But it is all in the time of post-computers see no seniority-or mine would behave better for me than it does for my DS...and sometimes he has to come in and make it behave! ;-) cece

Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger Vee, we have been watching the Wimbledon tennis here. I noticed the rare sunny weather there. Let's hope the rains do not return for the Olympics.