My latest update on the porch at Mockingbird Hill Cottage: my husband went to my favorite nursery last week and, using his camera phone, took photos of the hanging plants. My directive had been vague ~ ” I always have purple hanging plants, please look for them.” He did, and found these ~ phlox ~ which is exactly what I meant. Excellent job, dear husband!

Yesterday morning, as I was slowly waking up, drinking my coffee and reading blogs, the phone rang. It was my husband requesting my presence on Skype. I dutifully signed on and found the dogs wishing me a Happy Mother’s Day. Scout had on a Red Sox t-shirt and Riley had on a bowtie (apparently he objected to a t-shirt, but consented to wear the tie). I was treated to a close-up camera visit with my sweet dogs and lots of howling and barking. (One of the things we do with the dogs is to make a howling/baying noise and watch as they both stop whatever they are doing and sing along with us. Scout is queen of the wolf-like howl.) I must say I got a little teary – the good kind – at the sight of my babies. It was a great Moms day present from my family.

Speaking of my dear husband – he will be winging his way to San Diego this Thursday! While I am much busier this time around, we will make the most of our time together.