Tuesday, July 1 (NH)

I had a very busy workday but took a quick break at lunchtime to play Rummikub with the girls. After I was done for the day, I floated on the pond while the girls did their usual horseplay on the dock. There was no sign of the snapping turtle.

Andrew and his sister shopped for nearly the entire eight hours I was working, getting things ready for the funeral and reception tomorrow, which they are cooking for themselves rather than catering. This is a complex undertaking when home base is a house without any platters, serving bowls, counter space, fridge space, or other amenities. It's almost like trying to host a party from an extended-stay hotel, where, if you're lucky, you have access to one fork, one teaspoon, and a couple of thin plates.

The highlight of the day: It's Farrah's 6th birthday! Six years ago today, our little baby was born at Creampuff Farm. To celebrate tonight, we gave her a doggie ice cream cup topped with a strip of bacon, plus two new toys, and sang happy birthday. We even sat Farrah at the table to eat her ice cream. Happy birthday, little smoosh. We are so lucky she's ours.

What We're Reading

Margo: Expensive People

Andrew: Proust

Lucia: finished Fable; started Anatomy: A Love Story by Sana Schwartz

Greta: Forging Silver into Stars by Brigid Kemmerer