It’s hard to believe that it’s the end of August. The summer has passed by swiftly. And we’ve had cooler temperatures than we normally have.
Typically August is so hot it’s miserable. In every August that I can recall when you walked outdoors you met up with a steam bath.
But this year, not so much.
I spoke to Andrew on the phone last night. I wanted to know how he likes school. Pre-K, I think they call it.
I wasn’t too surprised to learn that riding the bus seems to be one of the biggest highlights. It takes him from his daycare, which is where he goes while his mom is at work, back and forth to Pre-K.
Andrew is more of a “yes and no” little guy. He doesn’t elaborate much. So I didn’t find out much else.
I recall when my daughters were four years old, and you could rarely shut them up. They talked and they talked about what going to school was like. And about most everything else that entered their heads.
But little boys, I’m finding, just aren’t as loquacious.
Little boys run and jump and play hard. Little girls, or at least mine, chattered and played with Barbie dolls. And of course Barbie had quite a lot to say to Ken.
I heard the ducks quacking and got out on the patio in time to see them flying overhead. (This is when a zoom lens comes in mighty handy!)
I don’t know if they were the resident ducks or just relatives quacking their greetings as they flew over the apartment complex.
Here is the purslane growing out of the cement with a yellow flower peeking out from underneath the green sweet potato vine.
I’ve noticed that the dragonflies are not as abundant as they were last week. Now the grasshoppers have come to town.
This week I haven’t caught a glimpse of the hummingbirds that I have yet to get a photo of. Darn it.
Such gorgeous creatures and I’m frustrated that I can’t get even one photo.
Charlie is still doing well. I’m trying not to be gone much more than I have to. I don’t want him getting too stressed.
It is hard to say goodbye to him as I’m going out the door with “I’ll be back before you know it, Charlie Boy” and have those huge brown eyes beseeching me not to go.
Today I’m having lunch with my daughter. I figure an hour and I will be back home with him. Then we’ll have our typical quiet weekend.
I’m currently reading “Sold On A Monday.”
From Goodreads:
2 CHILDREN FOR SALE
The sign is a last resort. It sits on a farmhouse porch in 1931, but could be found anywhere in an era of breadlines, bank runs, and broken dreams. It could have been written by any mother facing impossible choices.
For struggling reporter Ellis Reed, the gut-wrenching scene evokes memories of his family’s dark past. He snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when it leads to his big break, the consequences are more devastating than he ever imagined.
At the paper, Lillian Palmer is haunted by her role in all that happened. She is far too familiar with the heartbreak of children deemed unwanted. As the bonds of motherhood are tested, she and Ellis must decide how much they are willing to risk to mend a fractured family.
Inspired by an actual newspaper photograph that stunned the nation, “Sold on a Monday” is a powerful novel of love, redemption, and the unexpected paths that bring us home.
Naomi S says
Hope you have a nice lunch with your daughter, Brenda. And a happy, relaxed weekend with Charlie.
We’ve had cooler weather here in Michigan this last week, too. So nice to not feel like you’re walking into a sauna every time you go out. I hate to say it but it looks like Fall is knocking at the door. Maybe it will be a long Fall and keep Winter at bay for a good long while.
[email protected] says
Summer in Kentucky has been a bit cooler and there has been a decent amount of rain, so it’s been pleasant. The birds in your photo are Canada geese, by the way, and not ducks. I love to see them with their fuzzy babies in a row behind them in the spring. The moms and dads are a team when it comes to raising the babies.
Ann says
Great pictures, again! I am glad Charlie is feeling better. I suppose you will still take him to the vet?
Hope you two have pleasant weekend.
Brenda says
I asked the vet tech on the phone the other day. And she said just see how he does. If he doesn’t start showing the symptoms again, to just wait to bring him in.
Kathy says
When I go out the door and my dogs look pathetically at me, I always say to them “ i’ll Be back “. And repeat it again. Same words, same tone in my voice and I hope it helps reassures them. I know just how you feel. But a lunch date is a great opportunity, even better if it’s your daughter!!! Hard to believe that fall will be here before we know it. Time goes so fast as we get older.
Brenda says
I say the same words to Charlie too, and in the same voice. Those big brown eyes!
Ann says
I do that as well when I have to go!
Anonymous says
I think we must have your usual weather here in Southern Ontario Brenda. It is sooo hot but we never grumble because we know what will be coming later this year!
So glad that Charlie is better. Love the photo of him, he is such a dear boy, so happy he has you to look after him.
Brenda says
It’s hotter today, I found when I went to meet my daughter.
tammy j says
a perfectly wonderful post! you do have a gift. and I thank you for sharing it!
and another sweet picture of your Charlie Boy. it just warms my heart. xoxo
got tickled at Andrew talking with you. it’s true! little boys are very “just the facts ma’am!” LOL.
Brenda says
He’ll say no and yes and I don’t know and then bye.
Jessica Mccain says
Yes, fewer dragonflies this week and more humming birds. We have about five or six and they fight viciously for the four feeders we have in operation. I think they just like to fight!
Brenda says
Maybe they do! Taking their hummingbird frustrations out on one another.
Carol Cook says
I honestly cannot believe that we are in our last week of August – how did that happen?
I’m ready for a new book and this one sounds intriguing. I’ll check it out.
Brenda says
Time sure does seem to fly.
Anonymous says
You are so right, little boys are only talkative when something really excites them; otherwise, you get the “yes” or “no” responses. Charlie looks like he is enjoying the cooler weather out on the patio as well. I hope you have a nice lunch with your daughter and a lovely, quiet weekend. I’m planning to enjoy the weekend with family and Molly. Have a lovely Friday evening Brenda and Charlie.
Carol and Molly
xoxoxo
Brenda says
He’ll say “yes” or “no” and I wait for something else that doesn’t come! Happy weekend to you and Molly.
Debbie - MountainMama says
The temps have been lovely here all week, in the 70s for a high and last night dipped into the upper 40’s! I slept so well, wow I missed those cool nights! Enjoy your quiet weekend, Brenda!
Brenda says
It isn’t THAT cool here. But better than it was. I’m sure it won’t last. We typically have hot weather through October.