Isn’t it odd how we overlook the little things in anticipation of something more exciting? Then, when it’s all said and done, it’s those little things that we struggle so hard to remember. As I talked with family this weekend, it wasn’t the big events that we discussed. It was the little things…the special little things about people and times that had already passed. It makes you want to slow down and really pay attention…then review the moment again and again…so that one day…there won’t be such a struggle.

K.G. wanted to try growing some of Josh’s daylilies where she lives near Chicago, so this morning he dug some, wrapped them in newspaper and put them in plastic bags for her to carry home. She left with a variety of things: daylilies, sassafras root, rich lighter pine and memories of time spent with family, the last of which I consider to be a carry on.

With everyone dropped off at the airport, there were chores to be done and animals to feed. This evening, Fluffy had dinner with the ducks. I don’t think he was invited. It was more like he just dropped by.

 

The trio of Malaysian Serama’s dined together as usual. Things are back to normal…whatever that is.

On one of our walks, K.G. and I pulled up a sassafras root. When we got to the house we made tea. This was K.G.’s first time to try sassafras tea. We put the piece of root that we didn’t use in a plastic bag for her to take back home.

When Joel came home on Friday, we took a little hike on the Azalea Trail. Kathleen had walked this piece of trail with us before, but this was K.G.’s first trip.

Tommy and I fished most of the day on Sunday. It rained quite a bit, but we didn’t mind getting wet. Nothing was biting except something too little to keep. That wasn’t all bad…at least nobody had to clean any fish.

Tommy flew in on Wednesday evening and on the way home we stopped off at Cow Punchers for a little bar-b-que. Of course the evening wouldn’t have been complete without a fishing trip. We arrived at the pond just before dark and didn’t catch anything. The wild horses kept us company.

Kathleen arrived on Thursday evening about thirty minutes before K. G.

It has been seventeen years since K. G. and I have seen each other and that is far too long. She looks great. She hasn’t changed. We’ve taken walks and gone for night rides on the golf cart and of course, she has helped me feed the animals. All is good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The boys came over this morning in time to hear dawn crack. They were able to find their way with the help of their cow flashlights that light up and moo when their tails are squeezed. Joel cut up a banana for them. Of course they it on the floor. Joel said, “Watch out you dropped some on the floor and you’re about to step in it.” Hudson looked down and said, “Oh, I sorry, nanna.”

 

 

A little later we headed to the Azalea Trail, or what the boys call the big, big woods.

They know that the yellow paint on the trees means that we are on the trail.

They tried to balance on logs….

studied raccoon poop.

 

    

They learned the names of some wildflowers,

 

then headed back to the car.

Back at the Mammy house, they finished out the morning in the sand pile with Matilda.