Wrapping Up July

Talked with Herb Jr. today on the phone...he's going under the knife tomorrow for some critical surgery. Told him I'd keep him in my prayers... and will wait to hear from Sharon sometime late tomorrow...

 Meanwhile, I'm still working as a taste tester for Barbara...here's the Blackberry and Lime Meringue Pie from the August issue of Bon Appetit...it's right on the cover (and I love it when I can see what it is that I'm supposed to be eating!)

 Ray, Siobhan, and Carl stopped in so that Carl could show me his newest pets...two Russian Tortoises!  They usually live to be 80 years old...so I hope Carl takes after me and can care for his tortoises for a
 L-O-N-G time.  Ray suggested that Carl name them Boris and Natasha but Carl opted for Boris and Sally.  (My suggestion was "Dead" and "Half-Dead"...just kidding, Carl!)  Here's Boris (or Sally...not sure which...)

Carl also got to spend the night...he LOVED taking a bath in my tub...

and after his bath, he wanted to make music...see how much Biggie enjoyed it?

Barbara has been making contact with lots of her "old" friends and my "old" friends.  She was able to locate Judy Mouhot Brown and Judy sent me pictures of Ellie and me at Barb's 40th birthday party!  Did we REALLY look like that?

That's it for now...

Looking Good...

Two weeks ago, I had to have surgery on my head.  The doctor told Barbara it would probably take 3-5 hours.  Actually, I ended up being under the knife off and on for 7 1/2 hours, start to finish.  I wasn't very happy about it...as you can see.

Here I am...waiting for my Bailey's....

But after a Bailey's or two, I started feeling MUCH better!

The animals all wanted to be close to me after the surgery...even the six-toed cat, "Six" started being a "lap cat"!

Barbara put roses from her garden on the table and next to my chair...(I don't think it helped much, but it made Barbara happy!)

After a week, I went back to the doctor to have the bandage removed.  Looks much better now...even with 42 staples still in for two more weeks!

Leo still waits for me each morning and Barbara keeps tempting me to try new things...here are some home-made bagels and a terrine made with tomatoes from the garden and a hazelnut pesto.  (Good thing I didn't know what it was or I probably never would have tried it!)

Still watching Judge Judy and LOVE playing "Angry Birds"!  (Can you get Carpal Tunnel syndrome in your finger?)

Ray, Siobhan, Carl and Jelly come over to swim...here I am, keeping Ray company while throwing wet tennis balls into the pool for Jelly!

Dogs and kids sure do like water!

Maybe I'll give the pool a try...after the staples come out!

Fourth of July

Well, it's another Fourth of July...my 99th 4th of July...and I'm still celebrating...including decorating my walker for the "parade"!

Ray's dog, Jelly, has been here for the last two weeks.  He LOVES the water and tennis balls.  Even when I'm trying to take a bath, he's dropping his tennis ball into the bathtub!

All that ball playing and water play tuckers a dog out...nothing like a quick nap on the couch!

We're really celebrating with the red, white and blue this year...every square inch has something patriotic!  (I think Barbara misses being in Williamsburg on the 4th of July!)

The weather has been really warm so the pool was the best place to be...for people and dogs alike!

Poor Mr. Big wasn't crazy about the water...he found a safe place right next to me.  He rested and warmed up after his swim and I rolled up my pants to keep cool...and sipped on a Mojito!

A barbecue was the perfect ending to our Fourth!