Cocoa Joy listens as I explain that her weekend adventures have been canceled.

“Rats and Cats!” was her only reply. She truly believed she would have an opportunity to go on her first Delta Society outing, but connections with her trainer did not materialize. Then she was sure she would be able to go to Sweet Water Creek for a long walk on Sunday afternoon. But as we left the house, I spotted several unplanted flats of pansies peeking out from under the garden bench in the front yard. I knew if I did not get those in the ground this weekend, I would lose them. So that is what we did—we worked in the yard and dug around in the dirt—lots!

Even thought there was no “real adventure” this weekend, there was plenty to do as you will see in the next photo. This one was taken for Reba, who always asks about Cocoa Joy at church on Sundays. (I love the dusting of white on Cocoa’s muzzle.)

I was so proud of Cocoa. I unhooked her longline and asked her to “sit and stay” and just like a good Dog School 101 dog, she obeyed perfectly. As a footnote, I don’t do this often because birds and squirrels are real distractions for Cocoa when she is “off lead.”

Graffiti characters in New York City paint a different type of welcome sign.

Another way of telling the world that Jesus Christ is Lord. The bookstore where we were had a huge section of Christian Rap and Hip Hop—Holy Hip Hop.

We were in the city for only one day and there was no time to stop for a hot dog or fries. Here, we are battling our way across the George Washington bridge.

I’m sorry I did not post this photo when I posted the ones before it. It is sort of a neat composition. I handed my camera to a friend as we cross over the George Washington Bridge in New York, and she took this photo through the window of our SUV. I love digital photography. Thanks Corinn! Good eye!

Before we say goodbye to warm weather and mountain laurel, here is a parting shot from summer. This one was taken in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forrest on a hot summer afternoon. Three months from now, we’ll all be saying something like, “I can’t wait until it is warm again.”

This was taken on the porch of the Mark of the Potter just outside of Clarkesville, Georgia. It is on highway 197 and is a beautiful drive, especially this time of the year. There’s no need to spend lots of money on gas driving countless miles when you can travel to northeast Georgia and visit places like this. Years ago, I was in the middle of making a life-changing decision. It was here that God showed me I needed to leave this part of the state and become a city-dweller once again. While I have never regretted making the change, there are times when I still miss this simpler side of life.

The art of trout fishing was something I really wanted to learn. During “trout season” the state stocks the streams regularly. This is the full pond at the base of the falls beside the Mark of the Potter. However, just in case you decide to visit the folks there, better leave your fishing gear at home. There’s a no fishing sign posted. . . . but we can certainly dream and take lots of photos!

The Island of Captiva is wild and beautiful, and sunset is especially beautiful. I have been here at all times of the year and never grow tired of watching this event. And I’m not alone.