08 May, 2020 - Hot With a Gentle Breeze & A Late Night

Dear, Mom -

Hello to you from Holly, Elsa, Birgit, Paula, Bob and Philippe...and ME, Sally!
Everyone is always telling me to tell you hello, and I must admit, I usually forget. So, I am passing on the good tidings from people over yonder who send their love to you.

This morning as I walked Elsa, I noticed that Paula's clematis are in the peak of their blooming. Just absolutely alien looking, yet Victorian-esque in their velvety, soft forms. I always mean to ask her what variety they are, but either forget when she tells me or forget to ask. So, I looked it up with my plant identifying app on my phone. It is an Asian virginsbower. Beautiful, yes?

Then this one is a Lilac Clematis:

If you were to spread out your hand as big as you could, that would be the diameter of these flowers. Paula has such a talent for growing nice things. I guess that comes with being a master gardener.

Back to the walk with Elsa. We were sauntering through the woods at Pier Park and came across a troll. At first, I thought maybe it was going to make us pay a toll to pass, but I think it was just taking advantage of the sun. It didn't say much, nor did it move a muscle. It looked like it had just had its hair done. Very stylish, don't you think? I decided it was best to sneak a picture then sneak on by :)

The park was very nice. It was the exact temperature I wished it could be every day. I only had on a short sleeve shirt, vest, shorts, etc. Usually, I start out the walk with a hat, gloves, neck warmer, coat, vest, pants, thick socks, and boots. I guess the weather is indeed changing and quickly at that.

After the park, I had some errands to run. I took Elsa in the car with me. She loves going in the car with her head and tongue hanging out. You can tell when she has been for a ride because there is dog slobber all over the outside of the back door. Dogs are curious creatures. I'm glad I have Elsa...even when she decides it's okay to bark at every motorcycle, skateboarder, delivery driver, mail carrier, dog, child, and middle-aged men in spandex riding by on their ten speed bicycles (Birgit encourages the last one).

Tonight, I also learned a valuable baking lesson. 

"When one thinks a larger cookie isn't quite done on the top, 

do NOT proceed to put the broiler on to try and bake just the top.

Simply put, if not watched every second - It Burns!'

Well, I won't be doing that again. This genius lost her MENSA enrollment.

Oh, my goodness sakes me. It is 12:03 am. This means I should actually date my blog entry for two days, not just one. I will keep it simple, though. I will show you what this time of night looks like for Elsa:

Not only does she have one foot up in the air, but ALL FOUR! She is tuckered out.

So am I. On to another day with more yard work and paper work.

Much Love to You, Mom. With All My Heart --- Sal💗