Bits and Pieces

First, this. What happened for Patry Francis yesterday was simply amazing. When I went to bed last night, The Liar's Diary was #300 on Amazon, #1 in Mysteries and Thrillers. One of the organizers of yesterday's blog-in said it was a "powerful example of the mysteries of kindness and compassion."

Next: Remember the thousand geese on the pond? Well, they're gorgeous and picturesque and all that. They're also messy and noisy beyond belief. They honk all night long. They settle down a bit, something gets them started, and the whole flock squawks like someone's trying to make comforters out of them. I don't love the noise, but everything costs something, right?

Well, as the flock grew and got louder, I pretty much knew my neighbors weren't going to tolerate it forever. Last night, about 10:30, I noticed two lights bobbing around the edge of the pond. When they drew near my house, I stepped out on the deck and asked what was going on. Two neighbor men identified themselves and said they were using the lights to drive the geese away.

The pond was very quiet last night. I wonder where the flock slept. "Not in my back yard." Makes me sad. Well rested, but sad.

Finally, I'm taking Daddy to the doctor today. More accurately, Mom's taking him and I'm going along for moral support and to keep a clear head when we talk to the surgeon. Sounds like Daddy's going to need another operation. They've already tried to repair this hernia three times, but trouble is still bubbling down there. Please say a prayer for him this morning.

Yesterday, Mom made a rocky road cake. Cake is not on my menu right now. "Thanks for putting on the marshmallows, Mom," I said. She smiled, "Makes it easier to resist, doesn't it?"

As I nodded, Daddy walked past me. "She doesn't like 'em, either. They're there because I like 'em." Then he took my hand and twirled me in a quick two-step motion. "Ain't love grand?" he asked.

Yes, Daddy. Love is grand.