I couldn't get this picture from Julie and not share it with my friends and family!

Ian and Jack are off to the first day of school. Ian is in third grade, loves school and is an old hand at this stuff . . . but it's Jack's FIRST YEAR OF KINDERGARTEN and it sure looks like he was all set to join his older brother. Taking the bus, no less . . .VERY BIG DAY!

I sure wish they lived closer and we saw them more often. I think we'll take a trip to Phoenix late September/early October when the weather cools off a bit. Meanwhile, thanks for the pics, Julie.

What a great week we've had. Bill took a well-deserved vacation for a week, and we were delighted he chose to spend it here visiting us. It was so good to spend some quality time with him.

The picture above was taken in Coronado, with the San Diego skyline behind us. Coronado is a great place to ride bikes; it's beautiful, they have great homes to view as you bike through residential streets, they have a vast assortment of eateries . . . . .and most of all, IT'S FLAT--no hills!

Bill was able to spend time with some old friends from school and past jobs, so he wasn't stuck with us old folks the entire time! He brought his Harley with him in a trailer, as well as his bicycle, so he had every possible mode of transportation available to him. (He never did travel lightly . . .)

I know the rest of the country has been hot, hot, hot but I must tell you that our weather has been pretty gorgeous lately.

Now, if Obama and Congress would keep their mouths shut and stop putting a further drag on this economy and our country, perhaps we'll be able to keep enough of our money to continue to enjoy our old age!

 
Summer has arrived in Escondido. Lots of beautiful plants in bloom all over town. I love the jacaranda trees this time of year. I'm enjoying some great tomatoes (only have three plants, but that's enough for the two of us). My favorite at my house right now is shown above--clerodendrum thomsoniae (bleeding heart vine). Bob hates it because it's dormant all winter on the patio and doesn't look great, but to me the summer showing makes it all worthwhile!

Bentley is now eight months old. He's graduated from Puppy and Beginner 1 class (8 weeks each) and will start Beginner 2 in a couple of weeks.

Bill's planning to visit us for a few days later this month and we're really looking forward to it. We hope to take a nice bike ride down by the harbor and whatever else he might want to do.

 
We had a wonderful time at Newport in May. Weather was almost perfect; one morning of rain, and we used the opportunity to see Water for Elephants at the movies. (By the way, the book was much better in my mind . . .) When you look at these pictures, what's not to like here! This is the view at Newport and a storefront in Laguna Beach. The week goes by fast, but always fun.

 
And, this was the first time we boarded Bentley! So, he had a ball--lots more freedom than we give him, I'm sure. And he got his first haircut! He actually looks like an English Setter now. He graduated from Puppy Class last month, and we've started him in Beginner Class. He treed his first cat in our yard this week; he was so proud of himself he could hardly stand it!

 
I introduced Bentley to you in January, and here it is nearly May! He is now almost 6 months old and FINALLY getting some manners . . . it's been a struggle but now seems worth it. Last night he graduated from puppy class (he earned his "Star Puppy" medal), the first in a chain of classes he'll take through Hidden Valley Obedience Club. It helps socialize him and teaches US how to teach him. Besides, it's fun!
 
Spring has long arrived and summer is almost approaching as the temperatures are forecast to be in the 80s this whole week. Two days ago we had a light rain and the morning was absolutely gorgeous. I used the opportunity to photograph a rose bush in our yard that is in full bloom and looked wonderful sprinkled with raindrops. It's called a Disneyland Rose, and I was drawn to the multicolor flowers on one bush.

Bob and I will be in Newport Beach next month at our annual timeshare visit on the beach. Last year we had to cancel because of Bob's heart surgery--can you believe that was a year ago April! He's doing very well and we continue to be thankful.