Electric car No. 2

Dale took delivery of the second of two electric cars he ordered. He sold the first one for a tidy profit.

But he wants to keep this one for tooling around town....

And entertaining the kiddos.

Everyone in the pool

The kids launched pool season this weekend, and even Dale got in on the fun. I'm not sure but I think he was hiding his eyes as Josie jumped from the ladder. Or maybe it was just chlorine in his eyes.

Dale roughhousing with Jaden.

I'm not sure where Jaden was going in such a hurry. Maybe those kids really do follow the rules about not peeing in the water!

Farewell, friends

Tonight was our last poker game with Leroy and Tina Leep, who have been faithful friends at the card table (and with Dale on the golf course) for many years. They are moving to North Carolina this week, where Leroy has a new job. But their hearts and families remain in Wichita, so we know they will be back to visit and someday, to return for good.

Mike and Leroy are also good golf buddies.

The poker gang.

Birthday bust

Molly was so thoughtful and brought a cake to work today for Carrie's birthday. What we didn't know, unfortunately, is that Carrie took the day off. The cake was still tasty, tho.

Wildlife

Ducks in the front yard. When they saw me they waddled toward the front door. I think they wanted to be fed! Then they lost interest.

Hiding

I have no idea why Barney decided to back himself into a corner of our bedroom today. He's never done that. Worried me at first, but he is fine now!

Pool opening!

Yes, it's an above-ground pool, but it promises hours of enjoyment for the grandkids, and truth be known, for us too. Bret helped Dale set it up tonight with Luke looking on.

Luke is officially the first one in the pool.

Mmmm, seafood linguine

Dale and I had a rare dinner out tonight at a new Italian restaurant called Bella Vita Bistro. I had the seafood linguine with mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops and calamari. Could not complain.

Handprints

Today we poured some new concrete to act as a base for the MUCH LARGER pool Dale bought for the kiddies (and us) this summer. The pool will be erected next weekend, after the concrete has a chance to cure. Meanwhile, the grandkids put their handprints in the freshly poured concrete.

We poured the concrete next to the driveway in the backyard. It had to be 16 feet in diameter to accommodate the new pool. Of course, photos to come....

Spoiled dog

This was our makeshift platform to help Barney get on top of our new bed, which is much higher off the ground than he was used to. The cushions are from our basement sofa, but Barney mainly used them as a super-comfy doggie bed.

Alas, now he has to get used to real doggie steps. So far, he's been adept at getting up but skittish at getting down on them. The things we do for that dog.

Spring perfume

Honeysuckle in our back yard = amazing fragrance.

Baby geese!

Mommy and daddy goose look over their brood of babies on the side of a very busy street in Wichita. I will be worrying for days now about how these little ones are going to avoid getting into the street. Really hoping they move to a safer place.

Finally, food

I harvested all of this lettuce from Dale's garden today. Yes, we had salad for dinner. And gave the neighbors bags full of clean greens, too.

These are beets, but I think they needed to be thinned. Still uncertain whether we'll actually get anything from this, but I think the greens are edible.

Artsy Saturday

Dale and I finally got to the Wichita Art Museum today to see the Norman Rockwell show, which was great. So glad we didn't miss it. It closes May 30, so go. This is me under the Chihuly glass sculpture.

Dale appreciating the art.

Poker night at Molly and Mike McMillin's house. The glass of milk on the table was mine -- couldn't see enjoying those yummy brownies Jenny made without a cold glass of milk, but it was kind of a switch from what I usually drink!

Avast, matey

My co-worker, Dion Lefler, was so excited about the costume he assembled for the Eagle's float in the River Festival parade tonight that he donned it midday and wore it around the newsroom all afternoon. The guy is an original, that's all I'm saying.

New bed

Our new bed arrived and it is huge. Takes up more space than I had imagined, but I'm getting used to it. Barney has a harder time jumping up on it because it's about six inches higher than before, but as you can see, he does manage. Here he is sleeping on Dale's pillow (yea, not mine!) I have noticed, however, that he seems more content to lie on the floor since we got the bed. He's not as young as he used to be, poor pooch. I'm also happy with the bed because the color of the wood, and the style, goes very well with the rest of our bedroom furniture, which we bought 25 years ago. It's still in great shape and there was no reason to replace it.

Flowers!

I can't help but take images of flowers this time of year. They bring me joy. How can something be so beautiful? This time of year I always reflect on the fact that if it were my time to go, I would be happy just knowing that my days were filled with flowers, birds, blue skies, green grass and trees.

Closeup of geraniums I bought today.

Breakfast

Crepe with peanut butter, banana and chocolate sauce, topped with powdered sugar. I won't eat the rest of today, I promise.