For some reason I wake up at 5:53am each morning. How weird is that? Then, if I try to roll over for a bit more snooze, someone's nose is quietly in my face until I open my eyes and acknowledge her. Mr. Stilwell said Abby would just stand there until you got up to let her out. I am not that patient when it comes to going to the bathroom.

I have been going out front first thing in the morning to trim the dead blooms off the Knockout roses. Meg says this is a must so that the bushes can knock us out with more blooms. It is nice and cool and I can hear birds, the cows nearby, a rooster occasionally, and the obnoxious pitbull next door. It is a very pleasant way to start the day, sans pitbull. Meg has an amazing green thumb and Mom and Dad are becoming the gardeners extraordinaire. I hope I can keep up. Of course, I did have a potato from the garden for dinner last night. Just one, you say? Well, I only need one. So there.

Rose by Farrell Eaves' magic camera

I remember in maybe the third grade, Daddy helped me with my science fair project. I was comparing the growth of corn and lima bean seeds. I had to start seeds and then stop their growth at different stages. We made a big mounting board and had little jars on each side where you could see the seeds as they progressed. I think the holders were probably those mounting pieces from Dad's pegboard in the shop and the little plastic jars for were for nails. I think I had matured plants, too. Not bad for a girl, huh?! I won third place and have always included that on my curriculum vitae as an important kudo to be recognized.

Hope you get to smell roses today... not listen to pitbulls...