June swoon

Summer’s a week away!  And we’ve already had summer weather, and loving every bit of it. We’re also basking in the fruits of our yard work over the last few months. Simply glorious.

Summer means graduation time, and there’s a photo here of Miles 8^th grade graduation. What? Looks like a college graduate to me.  When did that happen? And Margaret says Simon is only six, and he’s already had three graduations. I wonder if he’s gone to any reunions. Then there’s Donald who was selected as student of the month in his middle school, as a “community builder.” Way to go Donald!  We need community builders now.

Mary’s not the only one on a swim team. Simon got a signing bonus to join his pool’s team, and he spends most afternoons there. There’s a photo here after practice with one of his many fans. Move over Michael Phelps.

Billy and his family trekked across the country to visit parents and friends in their old Illinois neighborhood. A long drive, but I know a couple of grandparents who were thrilled to see everyone.

Back to DC where we are told that Johanna stopped on her way down to North Carolina. She stayed with Jeff and Melodie and paid a visit to the newest member of the Dickson family.

Over in London, there are a few people geared up for the World Cup. Truth be told, I learned more about international soccer in my one week there than I have since I was, well, ever.  We watched the first US game, as well as some of the NBA finals. Better than baseball right now.

No birthdays yet, except for Pop’s who would be 103 this year. A couple later in the month.

Some sad news. Janie, Uncle All’s wife, passed away after a stroke. She was 91 and had joined us at the Poconos for a few years, along with Susan, her daughter, and Fernando. Paula remembers her dancing at Jeff and Melodie’s wedding. Also, Mary’s been sorting out the decision for Timmy to go into hospice. He had another fall in his home, the third this year, with the accompanying organ failures.

On the happy front, Annie should be in the air at this writing, on her way home for a good long stretch. Sankhar got his visas for England and the EU, so they’re planning on meeting up after her sojourn in the U.S.

We’re hoping to take Annie, and anyone else, on some bird walks. Mary and I are taking a birding class through the life-long learning institute and hope to recognize more birds than just a robin, a crow, and a goose. Today, we saw and studied a …. What was it called? Some gray wax wing something or other. Beautiful, if only I could remember the name. I think “cedar” was in there somewhere.

I did a quick over-to-Boston and back visit last week for a check-up and the start of my second year of injections. All on track, especially the test results.

Look for a Poconos message in your in-boxes soon, with cabin assignments!  Right around the corner.

And then we’ll see you all.  Love from up here.