The heat broke in time for our Chicago cousins’ visit to see Mary Poppins at The Muny tonight. Aunt Pat, one of only two left in the “parental generation”, took us all to brunch today – a mini family reunion. Pat was at my parents’ wedding. She married my mother’s brother, Bill, later that same year. Now, she is a great grandmother, and a direct link to the past.
Big, Irish, Catholic families have interesting histories, with many branches to the family tree. What a privilege it is to share the past and hear stories of the disparate directions our lives take. Were it not for Aunt Pat, this small reunion would not have happened. Life carries us along, and before we know it, the past has slipped completely away. It was a beautiful day and great fun.
Since it was a cool morning, it was a delight to be on horseback today. The horses were much more enthusiastic about working with lower humidity.
Cedar has had a bit of a tender tummy this weekend. Harry has fixed her some bland rice and broth, but she still steals some cat food, which is contraindicated. It’s hard to deny her pleasures in her old age. She is still patrolling for varmints and quite happy. Quality of life is a priority these days.
On thing Cedar cannot banish is tomato hornworms. They are destroying the tomatoes and peppers, but we did get a couple of delicious tomatoes before the plague hit. I do my best to eradicate them, but it’s a losing battle.
On Friday, we picked up the framed picture by Laura Marlow and installed it on the wall. We love being surrounded by artwork done by our friends.
The perennial hibiscus is flowering, which is one of my favorite summer blooms. Red is gorgeous, and pink is trying to match it. The new white one will be magnificent next year, and already has a few beautiful flowers.
Humble thyme is also beautiful, though not showy.
The birds, and the Squirrel Nutkin Junior twins are delighting us daily. One squirrel has a bushy tail, and the other is more svelte and athletic.
The gray tree frog in the barn is turning green!
I forgot to post this gorgeous picture of a black snake that Rebecca saw on the driveway a couple of weeks ago.
The orange cats (and Licorice) have been very decorous lately.
Finally, horses enjoyed an early turnout this evening…
Be safe, be well, savor every good day. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
Enjoyed the pictures of most of my “bunch”
Maybe next time they can all come.
We had such a great time catching up and enjoying swapping the memories of years gone by !
Love to all💕🧑🎤☘️
Enjoyed this post and the joy it shows.
That’s so true and touching about the rambling big Irish families and managing to catch onto some part of the vanishing past- usually due to a generous and wise elder! I miss our reunion uncles and aunts for just that.
And it’s so nice to see and feel all you truly ‘savor’ there at Bronze Fox too- would that we all remember to do so on our every good day-