There was this woman I knew.  The first time I met her, I spent the night in her home.  My sister barely knew her then, and I knew her even less.  But...I was young and wild, and I would follow my sister anywhere.  And I really have no idea the context of how in the world we ended up at her home that night, and I'm not quite sure how things went in the morning.  I do know, however, that Joan's son became my brother (and he will always be my brother).  And I know how much I grew to love and respect Joan. She is the grandmother to 4 of my nieces and nephews.  She held traditions.  She made pies with the girls for Thanksgiving.  She threw grand celebrations.  I was always happy the few times our worlds would collide.  She was flamboyant.  I mean that in the most elevated, dignified sense of the word.  This woman, truly, was one-of-a-kind.  And she was kind.  She was kind to everyone, so far as I could see....

It's just the kind of thing we do... And the kind of "coincidence" that tends to happen around here. She asked for a rabbit.  I said no.  She begged.  She pleaded.  I said no. We have been through this pet thing before, and I know where it always lands.  And the thing about me is...I am NOT a good pet person.  I have little patience enough to begin with, add in the kids, and there is absolutely NO ROOM left for a pet. She kept at it.  She persisted.  So did I. She decided she would rather have a sloth. I found a french angora that would provide me with wool, and she named it Sloth.  (Guess who is, now, the sole provider for Sloth...he is fortunate he is one of the few productive pets I am determined to keep.) She wanted a kitten.  "You don't even take care of Sloth.  Why would I get you a kitten?!" "You won't let him stay in my room." "Rabbit poop." She sends me pictures of kittens. "NO!" Unr...

Well...this summer has been defined by "No Rain"!  It has been "hot, hot like the sun...the loneliest one...still everything beautiful." We have definitely managed some surprises in the garden, for sure. (Right Matt? 😉)   It is growing more and more productive.  The blackberries are getting established.  The raspberries even produced.  Tiny and scant, but production all the same.  The grapes are really starting to thrive, and even the apple trees gave us a few first fruits. The chickens will not shut up.  This is the loudest flock...I am NOT kidding...I've ever had,  If they hear me blow my nose in the kitchen, they are at it...definitely a demanding little group.  But they are productive.  So, I tolerate them. Of course, I am their sole keeper.  Matt has washed his hands of this filthy business.  I can't blame him.  I had no idea what I was signing up for when I promised to maintain full responsibi...

So this is just fun.  We can't seem to have one drama-free event, and everyone is arguing, arguing, arguing.  And I keep doing everything wrong, and I can't hold my tongue...and I think just about everyone is mad at or offended by me right about now.  Am I just an argumentative person?!  Wait...no...don't answer that. I'm trying to be content in the midst of the storm, but oh...my...goodness...does EVERY DAY have to be a storm?!  I know I'm over-reacting, but I kind of feel like I know what Paul meant when he talked about living with a thorn in his side.  There is always something.  Always a bomb about to drop or a meltdown around the corner.  Disappointment.  Heartache.  Sorrow.  Setbacks.  I'm trying to find the eye of this hurricane, so maybe I can get a moment of peace. I feel beaten, and I just can't seem to catch a break. Even my one particularly solid helper is starting to get a teen attitude.  What...