I don’t know how that day got past me so quietly. I suppose if I’d watch the news once in a while, someone would have let me know about it. As it is, I’m locked into a routine of waking up each morning to an empty house (Lydia is already on her way to work, or she’s already there), and I lay in bed for a while, considering whether or not I should get up. Then Max moves, letting me know I really should get up and take him for a walk.

He needs a big yard to play in, untethered, so I can wake up slower. Yesterday was beautiful, sunshine all day, 70+ out there and he relished in it by mostly laying in the sunny spots he finds in the year. Yes, just laying in the sun is his idea of a perfect day. When the sun moves to the back yard, he doesn’t even have to go far, just step off the patio and there it is, a sunny patch to lay in. I check on him frequently to see how he’s doing and he lets me know his desire when I ask if he wants to come in the house If he does, he comes running. If he’s no done with the sun, he just lays down and looks longingly at me. He’s got me trained.

It’s Monday, and other than folding my clothes, I don’t have an agenda. Max has an appointment with Dr. Burns at 10:30, but that’s all. He loves visiting her, unlike some of his friends. He’s not the least bit afraid. The last time we were in the clinic I was busy at the counter so I just dropped his leash. We were the only ones in the waiting area so I saw no problem. After about 10-15 minutes one of the techs came to me and handed over his leash letting me know that he’d wandered into the working area in the back. He was just wandering around learning stuff. He’s curious. My first impulse was to let her know if they would keep the doors closed he couldn’t’ve got back there but I simply thanked her and took the leash. I shouldn’t’ve let him loose. He’s a busy little guy.

Yesterday Jennie and Daniel celebrated Jeran’s birthday in addition to Easter. The house was full of people, the way Jennie likes it. The Little’s (Sian and Jasper) had a blast searching the yard for eggs that their older siblings had gleefully distributed, then guided them on their quests to fill their bags. Jasper got fixated on finding just red eggs, so his bounty was less than Siah’s, but that was OK with his. It was a period of chaos as they frolicked around the house but a joy to watch.

Once all that was done everyone went back to the house so Jeran could open his gifts. He’s now 26. While he opened his presents, the Littles (6 & 5) ran non-stop all over the house. The chaos had moved inside. It was OK. Actually, it was wonderful.

This is the bundle of kids from two families. L to R is Jeran, Jerrie, Baylee, Lydia, Gilligan, Cedric, and Elisabeth. The Little’s in front are Jasper and Siah. I’m sure you can imagine how this activity in the yard went. Two small people running wildly around the yard with no fear because they had 7 body guards keeping track of them. It’s like that all the time. What fun.

The clock has creeped around to 0900 so I better get Max outside before he bursts.

I hope everyone has a great week.