• Having always been interested in the paranormal and being aware of some degree of psychic ability (which we all have and rarely understand or use), I loved this story. It’s likely in most major papers and on most websites today but not an unfamiliar accounting to those of us who attended M.D. Anderson’s International Conference on Near Death Studies last year. Stories like this, particularly with animals abound around the world. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/bizarre/4998868.html


• We’re having our entire property re-landscaped and areas of the back fencing repaired. May I say what joy it is to undertake this during a time when we should all likely be building an ark. But the guys persevere and it’s beginning to take shape.

• Who’d have guessed? Rice University placed second in its division in the 41st Annual Cherry Blossom Rugby Tournament in D.C. Faced a few David v Goliath moments when taking on the larger clubs, especially when they went up against Cornell. Having its origins in England, typically the East Coast rugby teams own the sport. I don’t know a lot about this game but one of the things that fascinates me is that while it’s very much like football, the players are not protected from contact by helmets or protective pads as in American football. Ouch. Congrats to the home team!

• Not sure if I mentioned we had our Golden Retriever, Lexy, shaved for the summer. This was at the suggestion of adult child who thought she would be cooler and more comfortable. In spite of our doubts, we let her take her to have it done and we must say she looks wonderful. A tad funny to get used to but she seems utterly delighted – prancing about with her toys and asking for tummy rubs.