Sam Visits Norm and Judi

For a few days, we have a dog in residence! Sam traveled with his people from Florida so he could be in town for our 40th Anniversary party next weekend. He has been keeping us company since Wednesday night. He and Norm went for a long walk yesterday and this morning a shorter one. Sam also met Ava on Thursday. It was a little exciting for them both. They hope to have a new play date next week. Sam turned 5 in June and he is a pretty sedate boy these days, except when he thinks he hears something outside. He still likes to play with toys and get his tummy rubbed.



We have more coneflowers than ever on the south side of the house by the driveway. It's very hot there and full sun most of the day. I guess it reminds them of one of their native Ozark glades. The gold finches will love all of these seeds come fall.


One of the legacy plants that came with our house is this cluster of tall yellow composites that stretch about 8 feet or more up in the air. We haven't found them in any flower book. The pom pom yellow flowers are cheery and long lasting, although the stalks sometimes bend in the wind or from rain.

We have been busy looking through old photos so Doug can make some kind of collage to show at our reception. We also got our carpet cleaned and we have some more rearranging to do of our furniture. The piano is tuned. I have a peach pie (local fruit) frozen and am making casseroles for the freezer this weekend. And we are still de-cluttering. That will probably go on for a while longer. Right now we are excited about the party and looking forward to seeing some 40 friends, including some that are coming from as far away as Western Kansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado. We hope the St. Louis weather will cooperate--for once!