Remembering Athena

Today I'm feeling a little sad for Gary. After being alienated from his daughter four years ago, he receives yet another child support increase in the mail. He obeys the rules so well, and provides so loyally even though he has no contact with the child he loves so much. I remember when I first met her... his daughter Athena. This picture in particular... She cried that day, almost all day. He was taking her home after a long weekend together.

Our girls got along so well. Good times!

The way this child was ripped from her father's life was cruel and heartless. He mourns for her each day. He suffers from the emotional scars as I'm sure Athena does as well. Today I remember and am sad.

Summer Days

I'm trying to prioritize... What is it I like best about summer? As I snapped beans and cut up squash, onions and broccoli for dinner I realized that the fresh garden vegetables are way up there on the list.

... And my wildflowers are

"spreading like wildflowers".

This is # 1 on my list.

Gracie will tell you that her evening walks are her favorite summer thing to do. And she'll give you those puppy dog eyes and try to make you think that it's something she very rarely gets to do. Don't believe her.

Cupcakes and Breakfast

"It looks like the little Cupcake is staying all night again. That means I can forget about belly rubs and playing ball. And when we go for our walk I'll have to listen to that loud thing they call a stroller while Cupcake giggles and daddy caters to her, making the stroller go fast and backwards just to make her laugh.

Forgetting about me."

"So here it is morning, and I'm waiting outside of Cupcake's room for her to get up. She usually has pancakes for breakfast. And she always shares...."

"Sometimes I have to take matters into my own paws. C'mon Cupcake. Rise and shine. Time for breakfast..."

"I guess she's not so bad after all."