Here, he could exist; "but mere existence is not enough," he sighed; "to live, one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower!" ~ Hans Christian Andersen.
Above is one of a trio of tulips that has been blooming since Mid April! They are the only ones of this color in the yard.
These tulips are under choke cherry trees and looked spindly this spring. Lovely blooms on not very sturdy tall stems.
We had meals with Dorothy two Sunday's in a row. The first Sunday we went to the newly reopened Long Branch. Grandpa always wanted to play card games before the meal arrived and the tradition has carried on. Jon chose to play a game called 'Golf'. Except Dorothy didn't remember it the way the guys did. Dorothy won the first game, because she accidentally played twice in a row. Even though they were playing with 8 cards and the sister's don't do that. She said they played it all the time and when Steve asked her who taught her, she said, 'Grandpa.' Who also taught the guys!! Later, Dorothy was a bit annoyed at the way Jon was playing. She said, "We don't play like ordinary people, we like to let everyone see if they can make a match." Steve responded with, 'You would't want to win or anything...." She also said, "I'm glad you two don't play with us!"
After lunch, an elderly lady with a cane walked up to Dorothy. The lady had on a mask and said happily, 'I thought I recognized you! But, I don't remember your name.' After a bit of chit chat, the woman walked off and we asked Dorothy who she was. Dorothy replied, 'I recognize her, but I don't remember her name!'
The next Sunday, we invited Dorothy down for dinner on Mother's Day. While we were still getting things sorted, Jon showed off some of his photos from up on the Ranch (see previous post). He and Steve also brought in a pair of kits for her to meet. These are Maude's, they are about 11 or 12 days old here.
After dinner, we took pictures. Always a good idea. :o) Besides, we needed to move after our meal of shrimp skewers, grilled chicken, and various salads!
We saved dessert to eat with a game of Triominos. Chocolate cake with perfectly chocolate chocolate frosting and ice cream. The game was a bit annoying, thankfully the mom's were ahead by the time we opted to end the rounds. Dorothy was sent home with a few leftovers and when Jon got back he realised he forgot to give us surprises! Grandma's bird feeder is still on a side table.
On Monday, I got more surprises! 7 painted lady caterpillars. The kit is supposed to have 5, but I'll enjoy the 7. At least 2 are guaranteed to turn into butterflies. Unfortunately, I didn't realise they were supposed to be kept at a room temp of 68 or more, so the not so little guys (after a couple of days!!) are upstairs where it is a bit warmer. Jon watched them for quite a while, when they were still downstairs getting acclimated to being in a container not surrounded by packing material in a small box! Hoping we can witness changes. Jon doesn't remember this from Kindergarten. I do!!!
