ABOUT SUMMER

Here are some quotes about summer:

 

“A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.”
James Dent
“Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy. To do nothing and have it count for something. To lie in the grass and count the stars. To sit on a branch and study the clouds.”
Regina Brett

 

“Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air and you.”
Langston Hughes

 

“Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.”
Russell Baker

 

“Let aman walk ten miles steadily on a hot summer’s day along a dusty English road, and he will soon discover why beer was invented.”
Gilbert K. Chesterton

 

“”Summer is a promissory note signed in June, its long days spent and gone before you know it, and due to be repaid next January.”
Hal Borland

 

“I believe that summer is our time, a time for the people, and that no politician should be allowed to speak to us during the summer. They can start talking again after Labor Day.”
Lewis Black

 

“A lot of parents pack up their troubles and send them off to summer camp.”
Raymond Duncan

 

“If you’re not barefoot, you’re overdressed.”
Unknown

 

What do you have to say about summer?

PRESENTING SIR GALAHAD

Hello!
My name is Galahad, sometimes called “the handsome lad.”  I have a couple of other nicknames, too:  Gally-wags, Big Boy or er, um, Galahaddy.

I’m a black lab – English, with brown eyes and a big, toothy smile.
I’m retired now.
For seven years, I worked, guiding my lady wherever she wanted to go.  I found countless doors, seats and curbs I always made sure she avoided poles, overhangs and the like.
I kept her walking straight when we crossed streets and led her through crowds of people so that she didn’t bump anyone.

I liked working… but I thoroughly enjoy retirement.
Once a week, my lady, our neighbor and I go get coffee (and dog treats, my personal favorite;) then we go to the park.  My lady calls it the dog library, pee-riodical section.  I absolutely love going there!  Sometimes we take walks or just hang out; what a life!

I was born in San Rfael, California at a place called Guide Dogs for the Blind.
When I was two months old, I went to live with a family in the State of Washington.  I went to school everyday.
I learned to ride the ferry:  That was fun!
Then, I was sent back to San Rafael, where I fathered eight puppies – Am I a man!
Next, I was sent to the Oregon campus, where I eventually met my lady.  We graduated, and well, you know the rest.

PRISCILLA’S STORY

In the US, National Animals’ Rights Day was June 8.
While that particular day is past, it’s still June, so Priscilla would like to share her story:

I don’t remember being picked up out of the feed trough; I was still a baby, just 3 months old.
I was on a farm, dumped there by the people who had my mommy.  I didn’t know how to hunt or find water – no one had taught me that.
Finally, I was so thirsty and hungry, but I didn’t have any strength left.
I nudged my brother, but he didn’t move.  There was no life left in him.
My sister was dead, too.
I climbed into a big trough.  Sometimes, there was water or bits of food there.  It was empty.
I laid down, so weak, tired and sleepy.
Then, hands picked me up.  I couldn’t fight  All of my strength was gone.
Next, liqquid was in my mouth and going down my throat.
Then, more liqquid.  I was beginning to feel better.
Then, yummy smelling food was in front of me.  I couldn’t eat very much, yet I wanted more.
As I became more aware and gained strength, I also became afraid:  What is this strange place!
I hid under a gigantic bed with Cille.  She was another kitten on the farm.
One day, this sweet person came.  First, she held me, then Cille.
Before I knew it, I was in a carrier; then, I was in a home with the woman.  There was also a big, black, friendly dog and oh boy!  A bird to try catching!
Okay, I’m not allowed to stare at, jump on the cage of or otherwise harass the bird…
Now I am happy.  My pet human says I have a softball tummy.
I don’t go outside, even though my person would let me:  Too frightening out there.
Indoors with all the food, water, toys and attention I could ever want is good enough for me!
*Priscilla was dumped on a farm when she was just a tiny kitten.  she almost didn’t make it:  Her siblings were already dead, and she maybe had a couple hours or so left, but some friends rescued her just in time.
I don’t have words to describe how cruel it is for people to dump animals.
If you have some you don’t want, please take them to the Humane Society:  That is why it is there.
Thank you.

A SUMMER GARDEN

A summer garden
Is filled
With things that like sunshine
and plenty of heat.

 

Basil and roses
Are mixed
With flowers, herbs and pine
To make a sweet perfume.

 

Soft, gentle breezes
Bring in
Warm showers of sweet rain
And clean, pungent air.

 

Bees, birds and crickets
Sing out
Songs filled with happiness
That ring day and night.

 

Sometimes, powerful wind
Drives in
Lightning and thunderstorms
So spectacular

 

All work together
To make
A delightful season
That melts into fall.

EVENING

The house is quiet after a busy day.
I sit alone on the sofa,
Reflecting as I listen to the clock in the kitchen;
Tick, tock, tick…

 

Priscilla, my cat,
Joins me at the other end of the couch by my feet.
She purrs with contentment;
A soft, rhythmic sound.

 

Friends, family and neighbors surround me,
I am wealthy:
Love, peace, hope and joy
Fill my soul.

 

Life’s treasures are funny,
Often mysterious.
The greatest ones are a bit intangible;
Perhaps even indescribable.

 

Catching thoughts is like chasing clouds;
My mind is sleepy.
Coziness wraps me in her blanket;
Time to rest now.

Nobuyuki

Nobuyuki Tsujii is a Japanese pianist and composer, who started playing music when he was 2.  He played a tune that his mother had been humming on a toy piano.  He won first prize at the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano competition, and played at Carnegie Hall in 2013. He will be 26 in September.

I learned about him yesterday, when I attended a masters piano seminar.

This is the video of him playing Chopin Twelve Etudes, Op.10 during the semi finals for the Clyburn Competition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDtT5sSu5VQ

 

Oh, one more thing:  He can’t see.