Summer Is Here

Communities are in midst of clean up and restoration from the heavy rains and subsequent floods.  My hardship has been keeping up with the green growing grass that is loving this frequent combination of rain and sun.   Holly is loving the extra outdoor time that comes with longer days and warmer temps.  I’ve noticed she tends to be more content when outside, often sitting in the shade with her soccer ball close by.   She gives glances towards Luna’s yard, looking for the kids to appear; then gives glances towards Donna’s yard, looking for the grandparents to appear.  She has both of them trained to give a wave and greeting and occasionally walk over for a quick game of fetch.  She has figured out the path of a lawn mower and strategically plants the ball in position that forces me to stop mowing to deal with it.  My frustration leads me to chucking the ball as far as I can, which of course only leads to the ball being squarely in front of  the lawn mower shortly after.

Holly and I had a Home Depot stop recently, specifically the paint department.  As the paint lady and I chatted about my needs, Holly stared her down with a look of anticipation and expectation.  She sat still and tall, military style, with her eyes and expressions laser focussed at the paint lady.  Holly was noticed, not only by the paint lady but also other customers in the area.  Finally the paint lady, filled with guilt, looked at Holly and confessed she had no treat and gave apology.  A bystander customer piped out – ‘oh, you must have something you can give her!’  So the paint lady offers Holly a paint stick, which she takes but spits out in two seconds, returning to her pleading position.   I put an end to this stand off as I wanted my paint mixed.  Holly did get treats at the checkout counter, a young Home Depot staff came up behind us asking if he could give Holly a treat.  I suspect the paint lady had something to do with the sudden appearance of an apron filled with treats.   Holly sauntered out of the store feeling smug knowing she was successful in her mission.

Helen’s haircut appointment popped up on the calendar this week.  I took her in and asked for a ‘summer cut’.  When I picked her up I thought they had somehow put her in a time machine and pulled out a puppy!  DeeAnn & I have both said this is one of Helen’s best haircuts, ever!  All the complements has Helen feeling good about herself and she’s enjoying a fresh breeze on her skin!  Helen may be sporting more summer cuts in her future, summer or not!

While Helen enjoys a youthful summer haircut, Holly struggles with her predictable ear infections.  Stocked in the cupboard are the cleaner and medicine purchased proactively for the swimming season. Holly’s ears are now back to a normal color with no ugly discharge.  And I am the one feeling smug about success.