The birds are singing; it's getting light. I slept until almost 7, which is a good thing. I have been pretty tired.

Yesterday it rained off and on all day, with thunder and lightning. At one point, there were one and a half inches in the rain gauge. But we wanted it to rain for the gardens' sake. I hope my strawberries are not too soggy to eat--the taste changes when there is a lot of rain. We didn't have a lot of time we would have spent outdoors anyway.

I took the dogs for a brief walk and got a little wet, which I don't mind that much. It wasn't cold.

We went to Pilates class, which was really good. After that, we spent a little time at Borders, looking at books about France (for my part). Ray bought a couple books about dinosaurs. We met Ron and Janna for lunch. Then we drove around and looked at chairs; thinking about buying a few extra for Monday night, when there will be at least 12 of us. I was happy to find acceptable used chairs at 2 different stores, starting at $35 each. They wouldn't exactly match my other chairs, but sturdy and nice enough. Surprisingly, our favorite was set of six, covered in black leather, not exactly what I was expecting. They were quite comfortable and sturdy--and $165 each. I don't think they would go that well in our house, but maybe. It would be nice to have comfortable matching chairs and they might be easier to keep clean and solid.

The reason we had stayed in town was the ground-breaking for a memorial garden at Town & Gown for Tom, Marie and Ben. I really can't say much more because I still cry when I think about it. In fact, I couldn't really say for the reception because I just kept crying. They planted 3 large maple trees and have plans for a beautiful outdoor space next to the theater, called Arcadia after the last play they were all involved in and a name for a beautiful natural area.

So we were home a little earlier than I expected. My Dad had almost finished the chicken tractor with my Mom's help. I really did not feel up to dealing with helping him, although I felt very guilty about my Mom doing it. I started making bread and soup for supper. Then she came in looking for some wire and I went out to help her and clear a space in the garage for the finished product. It is pretty cool. Captain said I had my revenge because he hit his thumb 4 or 5 times.

I vacuumed a little and made the soup, with chard and herbs from the garden, as well as zucchini and other things from the refrigerator. It was apparently the right therapy. Missed my kids, though. After two bowls, Ray and I headed to Cedar Shoals to see Stephanie, Kelly's granddaughter, as Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. It was fun. I had never seen that play before, although Amelia and Molli did with Janna one time. I think Ray and I went away for the weekend and left them with her... Very predictable plot. Better singing and dancing than I expected.

I think we were in bed by 10:30 and I was out like a light. No reading in bed last night!