Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy Say Goodbye to the Grass

July 22, 2021 · by John W. Howell · in A Little Personal · 104 Comments

“Well, Little One, the time has finally arrived.”

“Time? What time?”

“Time to say your farewells to this grass.”

“Where’s the grass going?”

“The workers are coming to take it away and install artificial turf.”

“Artificial Turf? Why’s that?”

“Cause the Boss is tired of trying to grow real grass. Shade and you and I have proved to be too much for the man.”

“Will we like it?”

“It was made especially for dogs, so I think we will.”

“Well then, let’s play while we can.”

“A perfect idea, Twiggy. Notice I’m ahead by a neck.”

“Hey, no fair. You also have several inches of reach on me.”

“No one said you had to be a shrimp bulldog.”

“I like being a Bulldog. I think I hear the roar of the kibble bowl.”

“Can’t be. We just had breakfast. Going in might be a good idea, though.”

“When are these workmen coming?”

“Pretty soon, Little One. I would get your St Louis bark tuned up.”

Tags: A little personal, author, books, Circumstances of Childhood, Eternal Road - The final stop, fiction favorites, His Revenge, Lucy, My GRL, Our Justice, The Contract with Gwen Plano, Twiggy

104 comments

Abdul Qadir Rahman · July 22, 2021 - 4:29 am ·

cute cute

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 7:10 am ·
  
  Thank you.
  
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Writer Lori · July 22, 2021 - 4:42 am ·

Will be curious to hear what the girls think of the turf. Seems like a good idea to me….

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 7:11 am ·
  
  I will be curious too. They may hate it at first. Who knows? Thanks, Lori.
  
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Chris The Story Reading Ape · July 22, 2021 - 5:00 am ·

Is it the kind of turf that allows water to soak through into the ground, John?

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 7:12 am ·
  
  Yes. It is especially made for that feature. It is not zeroscape.
  
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  1. Chris The Story Reading Ape · July 22, 2021 - 7:42 am ·
    
    Great 👍😃
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:47 am ·
      
      I thought you would like that.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Liz Gauffreau · July 22, 2021 - 5:24 am ·

My daughter had artificial grass installed last year. She’s in San Diego. Between the sun beating down and two dogs, growing grass just wasn’t happening. The artificial grass is working out really well.

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:18 am ·
  
  Good to hear, Liz. I have replaced the grass totally twice and am now waving the white flag.
  
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Jill Weatherholt · July 22, 2021 - 5:34 am ·

I hope the grass works out for everyone, John. It should definitely be less of a hassle.

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:19 am ·
  
  I hope so, Jill. I’ll have to sweep up the leaves and stuff. I bought a sweeper for that purpose. 😁
  
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Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections · July 22, 2021 - 5:51 am ·

Good luck with the installation. On the big day, I imagine Miss Twiggy won’t get a nap that day.

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:37 am ·
  
  No she is apoplectic. 😁
  
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Joan Hall · July 22, 2021 - 5:54 am ·

No mowing! Hope Lucy and Twiggy like it.

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:38 am ·
  
  I do too.Thanks, Joan. 😊
  
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robertawrites235681907 · July 22, 2021 - 6:16 am ·

I look forward to seeing pictures of the new turf, John.

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:38 am ·
  
  Thanks, Robbie. I’ll have plenty. 😁
  
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quiall · July 22, 2021 - 6:25 am ·

This sounds like a great change!

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:38 am ·
  
  Let’s hope. Thanks, Pamela.
  
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Gwen M. Plano · July 22, 2021 - 6:32 am ·

Great dialogue, John. Fingers crossed the pups will like the new turf. Maybe they can be convinced it’s their own private putting green. ⛳

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:41 am ·
  
  I could have gotten some putting green but decided against it. I don’t play golf so I would wonder what to do with it. Thanks, Gwen. 😁
  
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Mae Clair · July 22, 2021 - 6:48 am ·

It’s going to be a big adventure for the girls with all of that work going on. I hope they like their new grass!

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:44 am ·
  
  Me too. So far they are not keen about all the workers.Thanks, Mae.
  
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Teri Polen · July 22, 2021 - 7:32 am ·

Like Mae said, a big adventure and lots of entertainment while it’s being installed. Hope they enjoy it!

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:45 am ·
  
  So far not so much.
  
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noelleg44 · July 22, 2021 - 7:55 am ·

I’m really interested in finding out how the girls like the artificial stuff. It looks so real now – not the green on a pool table and harsh on the feet – and is great for places that get a lot of shade.
I’m sure the installation will entertain them!

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:48 am ·
  
  Thay have started the install and Twiggy is in rare form. 😁
  
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Dale · July 22, 2021 - 8:00 am ·

It will be interesting to see how the girls react. But, since you say it is made ‘specially for dogs, I’m sure your headaches over trying to keep the green, green are over!

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 9:27 am ·
  
  I hope so. It has been a two year battle. Thanks, Dale. 😊
  
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  1. Dale · July 22, 2021 - 9:42 am ·
    
    Yes, we have been witnesses 😉
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 9:45 am ·
      
      Not too borning I hope. 😁
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. Dale · July 22, 2021 - 1:22 pm ·
      
      Not even close! 🙂
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:51 pm ·
      
      😁
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Charles Yallowitz · July 22, 2021 - 8:03 am ·

Curious to see the results. Haven’t seen astroturf outside of a stadium. Looking forward to retiring the lawnmower?

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 9:29 am ·
  
  I am looking forward to retiring the lawnmower. The water bill will benefit too. Not to mention the need for every six week fertilization.
  
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  1. Charles Yallowitz · July 22, 2021 - 9:45 am ·
    
    Sounds like a massive upgrade.
    
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    1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:55 pm ·
      
      I think it will be.
      
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Pit · July 22, 2021 - 8:11 am ·

The place in Palo Alto, where Mary’s daughter was house- and dog-sitting lately, had artificial turf, too, and – if I remember correctly – she said that it could get quite hot, too hot for the dog, in fact.

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 9:29 am ·
  
  Yes you have to be carefull. We have tons of shade so we don’t believe it will be a problem.
  
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  1. Pit · July 22, 2021 - 9:36 am ·
    
    That sounds good to me. Btw, I hadn’t known artificial turf could present such a problem.
    
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    1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 9:44 am ·
      
      Given it has a black backing and it is made of plastic it make sense.
      
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John Hric · July 22, 2021 - 8:22 am ·

Well I am sure we will be getting updates how the girls and the neighborhood fauna adjust. Does it come with armadillo insurance ? Asking for a friend…

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 9:31 am ·
  
  Lucy and Twiggy hope to see an armadillo. They were after a Texas Spiny Lizard yesterday. 😊
  
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Keith Edgar Channing · July 22, 2021 - 8:52 am ·

I read that artificial grass holds and reflects heat a lot more than the natual stuff (see, eg, https://artificial-turf.org/synthetic-grass-and-heat/). Presumably this one, if it’s made especially for dogs, has overcome that issue. Either way, Robbie is having a sulk, fearing I may follow your lead.

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 9:43 am ·
  
  Tell Robbie not to worry. Also we have a lot of shade. In the full sun spot it is only for two hours and we can always turn on the sprinklers. to cool it down. Thanks, Keith.
  
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Staci Troilo · July 22, 2021 - 9:24 am ·

No mowing sounds heavenly. I hope the girls like it. Give them ear rubs from me. All the activity must be disrupting their routine!

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 9:41 am ·
  
  They are in a state of disbelief right now. Thanks, Staci.
  
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petespringerauthor · July 22, 2021 - 9:26 am ·

My sister-in-law had artificial grass installed at her home. She has been happy with it. I haven’t priced it, but I hear it’s expensive.

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 9:35 am ·
  
  A little. But something that once you make commitment it is full speed ahead. Thanks, Pete.
  
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coldhandboyack · July 22, 2021 - 9:28 am ·

I’m sure they’ll be put off by it, but they’ll adapt.

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 9:33 am ·
  
  I think you are right.
  
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srbottch · July 22, 2021 - 9:47 am ·

Artificial? Very curious about how it all works out.

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:54 pm ·
  
  I’ll have plenty of photos.
  
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Dan Antion · July 22, 2021 - 11:34 am ·

I hope the girls approve, John. IT may be your lawn, but it’s their turf.

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:54 pm ·
  
  Hahaha. So true, Dan
  
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GP · July 22, 2021 - 12:47 pm ·

I can’t imagine how they’ll take artificial turf. In what way is it especially made for dogs?

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:53 pm ·
  
  It is designed to be able to take urine and allow it to go away. Just needs rinsing now and then.
  
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The Coastal Crone · July 22, 2021 - 1:55 pm ·

Sounds like a good plan! You will conserve on water too. Can’t wait to see how it works out. What an adventure for the girls! I am sure they will supervise from the windows inside.

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:51 pm ·
  
  Yes they have been doing that today.
  
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Debbie · July 22, 2021 - 3:01 pm ·

John, I hope that works out all around. I can see where it would be frustrating, trying to grow a lawn with two dogs and all that heat. I imagine the temporary mess will prove worthwhile.

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:50 pm ·
  
  Yes, I think so too, Debbie.
  
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kethuprofumo · July 22, 2021 - 4:45 pm ·

Last Grass Dance in the Twiggy Resort. Eco-party of Twiggy & Lucy. 🙂 🙂 🙂

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1. John W. Howell · July 22, 2021 - 8:49 pm ·
  
  Yes the last dance. The grass is gone. Lets have a drink to the grass 🍸
  
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  1. kethuprofumo · July 23, 2021 - 4:05 pm ·
    
    😁😉🍸
    
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    1. John W. Howell · July 23, 2021 - 4:43 pm ·
      
      The new turf is delightful. 😁
      
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Becky Ross Michael · July 22, 2021 - 10:47 pm ·

Hope it works out well for all of you, John:)

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TanGental · July 23, 2021 - 3:29 am ·

As a lawn aficionado I mourn, its loss but needs must. Let’s hope AG is more reliable than AI anyway…

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1. John W. Howell · July 23, 2021 - 7:13 am ·
  
  This is the AI of AGs. Anti microbial and everything. Supposed to last 16 years which I suspect is outside my lifespan so I’m happy. 😁
  
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circadianreflections · July 23, 2021 - 1:54 pm ·

I hope they and you like the new astroturf! Shrimp Bulldog. 😂 She may be little but, she has a mighty big personality!

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1. John W. Howell · July 23, 2021 - 2:10 pm ·
  
  They just got on it and love it. Thanks Deborah. Twiggy appreciates the support. 😁
  
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  1. circadianreflections · July 23, 2021 - 2:55 pm ·
    
    😄
    
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    1. John W. Howell · July 23, 2021 - 4:36 pm ·
      
      😊
      
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OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · July 24, 2021 - 3:58 am ·

Reblogged this on NEW OPENED BLOG > https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.

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1. John W. Howell · July 24, 2021 - 9:48 am ·
  
  Thank you for the re-blog Michael.
  
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  1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · July 24, 2021 - 10:30 am ·
    
    Always with a great pleasure, John! Enjoy you new yard. Prevent the both digging. 😉
    
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    1. John W. Howell · July 24, 2021 - 10:42 am ·
      
      Yes digging is a no-no.
      
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OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · July 24, 2021 - 3:59 am ·

They are really professionals. Twiggy seems to want breaking down the wooden fence.:-) Thank you for the interesting update, John! Have a beautiful weekend! xx Michael

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1. John W. Howell · July 24, 2021 - 10:09 am ·
  
  Twiggy is trying to see the neighbor.`She would have a difficult time breaking down the fence. Have a great weekend, Michael.
  
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  1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · July 24, 2021 - 10:32 am ·
    
    Hey, she is caring for the neighborhood too. 😉 Thank you, John! Have a beautiful weekend, as well. xx Michael
    
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    1. John W. Howell · July 24, 2021 - 10:42 am ·
      
      😁
      
      LikeLike
Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy Say Goodbye to the Grass by John W. Howell – DEEZ – News about Art, Books & more · July 24, 2021 - 4:30 am ·

[…] Here, it is. 😉 […]

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1. John W. Howell · July 24, 2021 - 10:20 am ·
  
  Thanks for sahring, Michael.
  
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Jan Sikes · July 24, 2021 - 1:58 pm ·

Great idea, John. Artificial turf is much easier to maintain. Thanks for sharing these two and their adorable dialogue!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 24, 2021 - 4:00 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Jan. They love the turf.
  
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Resa · July 24, 2021 - 3:39 pm ·

Lololol! Obviously they intend to terrify the workmen.
Love these puppy dogs!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 24, 2021 - 3:50 pm ·
  
  They did their best. Thanks, Resa.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Resa · July 24, 2021 - 3:59 pm ·
    
    LOL!!!!!!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 24, 2021 - 4:09 pm ·
      
      Twiggy is still hoarse.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. Resa · July 24, 2021 - 4:12 pm ·
      
      Hahahaha!…. let me rephrase that!
      Barararkkarkbarrarakkk!
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · July 24, 2021 - 4:31 pm ·
      
      😁
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Jennie · July 25, 2021 - 11:33 am ·

I’m glad the girls got a final romp in the grass. I do hope the artificial turf works out well. Looking forward to pics.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 25, 2021 - 3:42 pm ·
  
  They love it. Pics will be coming.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Jennie · July 25, 2021 - 9:24 pm ·
    
    That’s great news!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Ankur Mithal · July 25, 2021 - 11:53 am ·

The pictures of these two along with your comments certainly acts as a, to borrow from Wooster of Wodehouse, pick-me-up. Thanks!

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1. John W. Howell · July 25, 2021 - 3:39 pm ·
  
  I’m glad you liked it, Ankur.
  
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Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy Say Goodbye to the Grass – 𝓔𝓭𝓾𝓪𝓻𝓭𝓸 𝓢𝓲𝓵𝓿𝓪 𝓛𝓸́𝓹𝓮𝔃 · July 25, 2021 - 7:46 pm ·

[…] Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy Say Goodbye to the Grass […]

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1. John W. Howell · July 25, 2021 - 8:03 pm ·
  
  Thank you for sharing my post.
  
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D.L. Finn, Author · July 26, 2021 - 12:42 am ·

I can’t wait to see the new turf and how it works out.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 26, 2021 - 7:07 am ·
  
  Check Slack.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. D.L. Finn, Author · July 26, 2021 - 11:27 am ·
    
    I did after 🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 2 people
    1. John W. Howell · July 26, 2021 - 5:42 pm ·
      
      😁
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
tracikenworth · July 27, 2021 - 6:42 pm ·

Hope all goes well and they love it!

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1. John W. Howell · July 27, 2021 - 8:00 pm ·
  
  They do love it. Thanks for the good wishes.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person

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