Rainy days with a big puppy...

Like most places, our weather has been a bit off kilter. It seemed to be tracking back towards normal but then Mother Nature slipped in some cool rainy days. Two weeks ago, this week was forecast to be in the 90's. So I planned for that weather. Last week I hit the clearance sales and got a couple of great new lounge chairs for the side deck.

I also ordered these books and they were delivered on Thursday. I tucked them safely away to wait for the sunny days that were coming this week. I pictured myself in my new chair on the deck doing some armchair traveling to Italy. Tramp 1 was headed out of town and I was going to enjoy some "me" time.

But it isn't happening this week. Not unless I sit under a rain umbrella and wear sweat pants to ward off the coolness. Please don't take me wrong - I love rain and cool weather. But I had plans - plans that truly require a bit more heat outside. I fancied myself sipping a cool drink, listening to the drone of bugs and hummingbirds while allowing the writing of that wonderful author Frances Mayes to transport me.

Well, the only place I have been is out in the garage with Chucky. He wants to play ball - he doesn't care about rain or mud. I do... So I have been puttering around in the garage going through some boxes and sorting in cupboards - and kicking the tennis ball around on the floor for him to chase. Not such a great idea... He is fast and I have to really be quick to beat him. He was behind me when I lofted the ball a bit with my foot - he made a dive for the ball and wham, next thing I know I am going backwards in a free fall with nothing to grab. My only thoughts were what part of my body was I going to break. I landed flat on my rear, slammed back on the concrete. Fortunately I was wearing on oversize fleece jacket that protected my head from the cement.

As I tried to move and see if I was okay, I was immediately attacked by a 70+ pound Chucky who thought I was down there to play with him. The only way to fend him off was to roll over and get up, which I managed to do. Every part on me seemed to work but I was still concerned and put Chucky in his crate and came inside. I sat in the massage chair for a few minutes to hopefully ward off any muscles that were going to spasm from being tweaked. I must say I do have a headache and my neck and shoulders are sure sore. I think tomorrow I will be feeling it in the tailbone area. But it could have been so much worse. It is a good lesson for me to be ever so careful with such a big puppy.

Now, back to the books - what are you reading this summer?