Today is Memorial Day. Here in the USofA, it’s the unofficial start to summer. Schools are mostly out, graduations done, weather warms up, pools open. There are BBQs and family events. Big sales. Mattresses. Why do mattresses go on sale for Memorial Day? 🤔I’ve never understood that. Anyway, whilst in the middle of doing whatever you’re doing, take a moment to remember the real reason for today–to honor all the men and women who died in service to this country so that the rest of us have free speech, freedom to choose our religion, and all the other wonderful things that go with living in the USA.

There was lots of softball and baseball this past weekend. Sadly, my Cowgirls–and the Sooners–will be staying home. They were both beaten in the Super Regional rounds. 😟Just not our year. Hoever, Texas Tech did move on to the WCWS so I’ll be rooting for them! Go Big 12! The Cowboys were knocked out of the Big 12 Baseball Champtionship and truthfully, I haven’t yet looked to see where they are in the NCAA bracket. I suppose I should do that.

In book news, I’ve embarked on a marathon relisten to Ilona Andrews’ Innkeeper Chronicles series–the Graphic Audio full-cast versions. These are fun books. There are werewolves and vampires but not the usual kinds. There are sentient inns that cater to very special guests that visit from around the galaxy. The Innkeepers are…part magic, part physicists, part psychologists? Anyway, highl entertaining if you haven’t read or listented to them.

In writing news, I started off last week with great intentions and made some real headway. Then…life happened and I sort of drifted off track. I got back on briefly yesterday so there’s hope.

What got me off track was an emergency trip to the vet’s. LG discovered a weird growth on Jake’s tail. Luckily, our vet had a cancellation so we could get him right in. The thing is about the size of a ping pong ball, is hard-ish, and oozes plasma tingled with blood. He’s scheduled for surgery on June 1st, which was her first available. He doesn’t seem to be in bad pain and doesn’t chew at it. Sadly, if there’s not enough skin to close, she may have to amputate part of his tail. Even though he’s old, his blood work came back indicating he should be okay to go under anesthetic. Luckily, I have a credit card with enough room to put the surgery on it. Prayers and good thoughts for him are most welcome.

Not much else is going on. The weather has returned to mostly normal ranges. We’ve had some rain and a chance for more mid-week. Mother Nature is so confused my honeysuckle bush has put out a second round of blooms. And, we’ve had a mallard duck pair hanging around. Clutch season should be way past but who knows? I’m putting out extra bird seed for them. I should probably put out some water too. *adds a shallow pan to grocery list* They are fun to watch when they show up and honeysuckle is one of my favorite scents so win/win.

One final thought for today. I try not to get political here but I’m going to leave y’all with this thought: If you AREN’T proud to be an American, if you think this country sucks, then pack up your stuff and move to a country you like better. Don’t try to change this country because guess what… We enjoy our freedoms and we’re willing to make the sacrifices necessary to keep them. Have a safe and sane holiday.