What a dear, dear smile.

Deanne, that ricinus is growing fast! So pretty but you know they can get 10 or 12 feet tall. I've got a few in combo pots but I started them from seed so they're just now getting going. This is going to be interesting! :)

Chelone, I don't really see a resemblance between Kenzie and me as a child but she does look just like her mom did. Although, I do see her dad in there as well.

A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try to live.
Shane said, ''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' He continued, Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Michelle, I think you captured a glimpse of the beautiful young girl Kenzie is growing into. I don’t see her going through the gawky stage at all. And that tire swing is just terrific!

A clematis making me think of crushed silk and a huge castor bean…both flawless!

Kathy, love that Idyll group photo! I feel like running up to them, waving like crazy and shouting "Hi everybody, I’m here… I made it after all!"

Lovely words, Cyn. And Ivy in a field of flowers…no words needed.

And Niki…oh geez, Norma. I do hope she’s OK and am hoping to read on and find an update.

Cyn, how true a dogs purpose is. Really makes a person think.

Love seeing all the girls big and small.