a fast fast train

The summer started quietly. After all my commitments at Crane were behind me ( concerto auditions, German Diction, recitals, etc. etc.), I had a glorious week or so for twiddling my thumbs & planting my garden.

I hardly remember what that lazy week was like. Was it a dream?

June & July were a ride on a really really fast train. Except every morning I woke up here in my old stone home --which was a fantastic perk. Also: this fast train had the people I love on board.

And now the month of August is before me, the sweet & wonderful month of August! But before I breathe deeply & take the August-plunge, allow me to throw some pics down which illustrate what June & July have brought me:

My Saturday Friend & Constant Companion. I am blessed beyond measure with her steady company.

For weeks on end our yard was full of sawhorses & busy guys. The whole back wing is DONE now.

This was the view from the roof where I sat to converse with #1 Son as he caulked. By the way, #1 Son packed up his stuff & moved home from the Big Apple for 3 weeks, only to leave us a few days ago for a month in Uganda.

This was the driveway. Please note the person in the doorway of the RV. I love when the Eastmonds live in our driveway!

One week we had a young visitor staying with us from Madrid, Spain. She walked on our roof for fun. She begged for piano-advising sessions. She saw fireflies for the first time ever. She read books whilst curled up in the porch on a wicker armchair.

I love this shot because of the blur Joe's hand going for the rolls. It is a typical scene & it wouldn't be summer without it.

Don't even ask me how many meals were served nor how much money was spent on groceries. You MAY ask me how much fun we had at the table. Answer: LOTS.

Somebody around here owns too many guitars.

Lunch on the screened porch is a daily event. Even strangers line up for a chance to eat here. I have checked the front porch for hobo-signs just in case. The "talk religion-get food" sign particularly works around here. Just sayin'.

Starving musicians were busking for cash. They really need cash. I mean, look at their clothing!

We took time out to watch a bed race. I'll bet you haven't done that lately.

Again, lunch on the screened porch. Many jugs of Iced Rooibus Tea were consumed.

I never sat on this deck. I only wished I had.

Dessert of the Day: cupcakes. What's not to love?

Crafty friends on the porch. On this day, we painted rocks. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Our old stone home. Come & sit for a spell sometime.