Should auld acquaintance be forgot...

Today I am reeling from the loss of my friend Ray Carter. 

Ray was a remarkable person and my dear, close friend.   We'd often share conversation during his commute home through ungodly Seattle traffic, and we've logged hundreds of hours of phone time over the past eight years, since we first met at Blogrado.  We hosted a party together at the Houston NRA convention, and had plans to host more.  Last week he told me we'll host the first gunblogger party in heaven.  I'm holding you to that, Ray.  And thank you for being my friend.

R.I.P.

My bedbugs

Wise words:

Doggie stretch:

So funny:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB4KFsV7Bqk&feature=share

Oak leaf hydrangea

They smell of honey. 

If you form a lap, they will come.

They pile up like furry monkey bread. 

In which your humble narrator levitates:

I've been fraught with anxiety over the grading of my big paper in The Hardest English Class I've ever taken. In truth, it's been quite technical and in the weeds, of necessity. It's a Senior/Grad course, and I've struggled a bit. The research paper makes the bulk of the grade, and I was worried about passing.  I went with my gut and wrote in a personable manner , rather than presenting the information in a technical, formal style. I guess my instinct wasn't too bad:

I am ecstatic. So relieved, and so happy to see a good payoff for my work this semester. Worth it. 

Oh, you beautiful doll!

You great big beautiful doll!

So happy to see these grand sprays of blooms. *le sigh*

School will be out in 11 days, and maybe I can get some gardening done, then!

Sunday, Puppy Sunday: a proper lie-in

Here are all three pups. Praline is sentinel puppy and is permanently on watchdog duty, mostly. The wiener and chiweenie, however, will eke out every possible second of snuggles. They are my teeny tiny toasties!