The blog returns

Life has carried me away for the past month with so much going on for us, hence no blog for so very long. Dad and Jeanne came to stay for 2 weeks which was a wonderful, busy time. We did all sorts of day trips, shopping trips, evening meals and lunches out. We all got along well and Lucy loved having grandparents around so much. We had some funny moments when she would settle in to listen to a bedtime story from Mammie Jeanne, only to stop her after a few sentences and ask Grandad to read instead (Jeanne's French accent was sometimes a little confusing for her!).

We went for a day trip to Amish country and Lancaster, to Chanticleer Gardens on Father's Day, and to New Hope in Bucks County (a bit of a wash out with torrential rains halfway through the day!). Dad and Jeanne took a driving trip down to North Carolina and through the Delaware estuary area which they enjoyed very much. Lucy still talks about them and says she misses them which is very sweet.

Bug and plant-spotting with Mammie at Longwood

Lucy playing chess with an Amish-made set at Lapps in Intercourse

I am in the midst of my second infection in a month (first sinus, now ears) and with that and the heat have been pretty much hanging on the ends of my energy levels to get through the days. These past few days have been cooler, breezy and just about perfect in terms of weather, so that has helped lift the humidity headaches and my aversion to going outside has had a brief reprieve. It is said to be mighty hot again this weekend which is not the news I was looking for.

Our good friend Jen has had her twins - albeit very early (at 32 weeks) - but both Elena and Alex are doing well, breathing on their own now. Jen is recovering in hospital after a bit of a scare and an emergency c-section. She's made of tough stock and is bright and cheery, facing all the ups and downs of this experience with amazing positivity. I am yet to hear that she has even met them herself yet, and can't imagine how hard that can be for a new Mum.

Lucy has grown an inch at least since my last post I am sure of it. Her legs are long like Joe's and she has lost just about every bot of puppy fat on her body. It's just those adorable cheeks that remain still baby-like (and for a lot longer I hope!). She is still into her princesses and now owns a Snow White costume thanks to a trip to Target with her carefully saved and counted piggy bank change. Still a car-spotter, she had Dad and Jeanne marveling at her ability to spot BMWs, Porsches, Chevrolets, Minis, Hondas, VWs....the list is endless!

Car-mad Lucy on a mini Formula One car

Lucy loves the delish mac'n'cheese at Longwood

I have been working hard at Longwood, running my new team and training up new recruits. We are now up to about 20 team members which keeps me busy organising and communicating with them all.

This weekend will be a long one as Sunday is July 4th. We really need three quiet days off together this week. I am looking forward to it!

Happy 4th y'all!

Joe and Lucy at Chanticleer on Father's Day

The top photo shows Lucy in her new Snow White outfit with her dog called Rothko...also dressed as a princess!