News from our August: birthdays plus horses, dogs, crows, and a cat

Let's face it: the fall season is upon us

And tidbits from our early September too, come to think of it.

In mid-August I invited my friend Marsha over for a mini birthday celebration. Hers.

my dear little friend Marsha and her birthday cupcake

It was a Thursday late afternoon, since she has Fridays off and can relax after work on Thursday. I cannot remember what I served us for a light meal, but I did have a cupcake for her.

Of course I got her a balloon too, and presents, without which it's not really a birthday.

I got her the prettiest balloon I could find

Marsha is engaged to be married and will be a beautiful bride next May. She is working hard to make everything happen on time.

Towards the end of August, TG and I took a trip to Knoxville for our grandson Guy's second birthday.

Mysterious brick gate at Market Square in Knoxville

Upon arrival in downtown Knoxville on Sunday evening and checking in to our hotel, we walked in Market Square and got a light supper, then strolled on Gay Street until dark.

In a half-acre grassy area across the street from the iconic Tennessee Theatre, we saw two mounted police officers.

Phil and Buzz on a late summer evening in Knoxville

We walked over and were invited to commune with the horses, whose names were Phil and Buzz.

We were not in town for Guy's party, which had taken place earlier that day, but we were able to hang out with him and Andrew the whole next day, Monday, and it was pretty special.

Either Phil or Buzz. Either way, nice horse.

We walked in Knoxville's World's Fair Park, took some pictures at the War Memorial there, and Guy played in the playground.

Brittany is in nursing school, so we were not able to see her during our visit. But in addition to spending the day with Andrew and Guy, we had some park time with Ember after she got out of kindergarten for the day, and later all went out to supper.

Either Phil or Buzz. Either way, quality equine unit.

The next morning, Tuesday, Andrew was able to come to our hotel and have coffee with us at the Starbucks downstairs, there on Gay Street.

It was pretty great to see him.

I enjoyed coffee after not breaking my nose

Later that day we drove home and I was glad to get there because I tripped and fell in our hotel room that morning, landing -- how this happened I will never know -- on my nose. 

I didn't break it, which has to be some kind of minor miracle.

Baby Guy, at the park, two years and one day old

But I had a headache and a swollen nose and fear of getting black eyes, and in general felt fairly weak and tired by the time we reached home that evening.

(I did not develop black eyes, but rather just a faint greenish discoloration on both sides of my nose.)

Ember at the park after a long day at kindergarten

(Easily covered with makeup.)

My nose is still sore, three weeks later. I must learn to stay on my feet.

Random photo of my heroic granddog Sibyl Porter, a/k/a Sibi

My friend Sara in Virginia called me one day a few weeks ago. We had a lot of catching up to do since we had not talked in a while.

A few days later there was a good-sized box on my porch, from her. What could this be, I wondered.

Ember and Guy dressed for church on September seventh

Turns out it was a trove of crow-themed gifts. Because one, Sara operates two wildly successful antique stalls and has deep inventory, and two, she knows how much I love crows. And ravens.

Corvidae, as it were.

You've heard of throw pillows? These are crow throws.

There were two needlepoint pillows, plus a primitive crow on a canvas with its own easel, and a distressed wooden crow up on a dowel anchored in a wooden base.

This was thrilling and I have had such a good time with those crows.

Random photo of my treasured feline unit, Sweetness

Then it was Labor Day, and on that day it's our custom to celebrate our Stephanie's birthday. 

She turned forty-five this year. We had a nice meal with Stephanie and Joel plus the Chericas and the Maudags, and then a big birthday cake, and presents.

Dagny and Rizzo during a recent Cubs game

The weather had already turned gorgeous, and it has remained super nice, although still moderately hot.

We had a few cool-ish days in late August and I was lighting scented candles and switching up the decor and eager for autumn.

Stephanie's birthday cake

I still am, and it's closer than ever.

Summer is on the wane.

Our Skippy and his Uncle Joel on Labor Day

Another trip is coming up, and I can't wait to tell you all about that at its conclusion.

Let Freedom Ring: Andrew and Guy

Meanwhile we are all grieving the loss of true American Hero Charlie Kirk, and praying for his family.

God bless and help the United States of America, and confound her enemies both foreign and domestic.

Especially domestic.

And that is all for now.

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Happy Tuesday