Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy Take Time.

“so, what’s up today, Little One?”

“I thought we could take a stroll in the garden. The rain has refreshed everything.”

“That sounds like a great idea.”

“Well, you have to consider the source.”

“Speaking of that. You are not the usual source of a cultural experience.”

“Yeah, I know. I just thought it would be fun to take time to smell the roses.”

“The roses are not blooming now, but I get your point.”

“Look at this pot full of flowers.”

“Yes, it is nice. There are some pentas, marigolds, and a potato vine.”

“I guess I never took the time to appreciate them.”

“We all do that sometimes, Little One.”

“Can we eat these?”

“That kind of appreciation could get you grounded. I’m loving this climbing thingy.”

“The other plants look great, too.”

“Yes, they do. Did you see the ones hanging in the mountain laurel?”

“Um. I think so. Couldn’t hurt to take another look.”

“See ’em over there?”

“Yes, I see them. The last time I looked at them, that pesky squirrel was running amuck.”

“Well, he’s not there now, so enjoy them.”

“Come to think about it. This is a great way to spend a morning.”

“You are so right, Little One. My job is finished here. Enjoy.”

“I’ll be right in. I’m going to take a few moments with my thoughts.”

“I think a few moments is all it will take.”

“What?”

“Nothing. See you later.”

118 comments

  1. Harmony Kent's avatar

    Always good to take a little time! Thanks for sharing, John 💕🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Harmony. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Mae Clair's avatar

    LOL! After that thoroughly serene stroll, Lucy gets in a parting zinger.

    I was feeling very zen, John, then had to giggle.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Lucy does that sometimes. Thanks, Mae.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Gwen M. Plano's avatar

    A stroll in the backyard is always a pleasant experience–unless you’re assessing the fallen leaves and planning a workday. 😊 Have a great weekend, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. They seemed to enjoy just walking around.

      Like

  4. Sorryless's avatar

    Good to see the kids strolling the grounds and finding some Zen. And Lucy, she has a one liner for everything, doesn’t she?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think she does. Very dry sense of humor on that old gal. Thanks, Pilgrim.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        Dryer than my Martini 😉

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          On the rocks. Hold the Vermouth.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Sorryless's avatar

          Coming right up.

          Liked by 1 person

  5. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Must be fun to explore after the rain.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Or take the time to look at the garden. Thanks, Charles.

      Like

  6. GP's avatar

    Even more things to explore!

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

    favorite line…consider the source. I love the sass that comes out of her.

    That first long shot showing the two chairs is so inviting. I always marvel at your yard and how lucky Lucy and Twiggy as well as the roses and marigolds to have such a place to themselves.. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      “Consider the source” was my favorite line as well.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

        Woof, said one of our narrators.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      It was put together with them in mind for sure. They love the turf but also seem to like the stones as a change of pace. Twiggy is especially fond of the patio. She will sit under the umbrella for hours if the weather is just right. That would be slight breeze and temps below 90 but above 70. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

        Twiggy is one smart girl. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          And queen of fussy.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

          Oh, hey…women can be like that. I’m a little like that John. I’ll bet so is Liz. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          And we men love it.

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

          Tell her…she’ll no doubt wag her tail.

          Like

  8. Dale's avatar

    The girls almost melt into the stones! Especially Twiggy. I always love their repartee and have to agree with Susannah, Lucy’s one-liners are on point 🙂
    Happy Thursday, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      We wouldn’t want Twiggy to get too big for her britches. 😉

      Liked by 2 people

      1. John W. Howell's avatar

        She is way too big for them as it is. She thinks she is Lucy’s size. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dale. It’s funny sometimes how Lucy tosses a comment over her shoulder. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        She’s great! She has years of wisdom and a smart wit 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          So true. The patience of Job too. 😊

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dale's avatar

          She needs to! Lucky for all of you 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  9. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Well, now I have a big, goofy grin plastered all over my face.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Looks good on ya. Thanks, Liz. Now I have the same. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, John. 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Joan Hall's avatar

    Those girls have the right idea. We should all take time to stop and smell the roses (or whatever flower is blooming). And those pesky squirrels… Enough said.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true, Joan. Twiggy has an ongoing disagreement with a squirrel. Lucy ignores both of them. Thanks. 😊

      Like

  11. Teri Polen's avatar

    Always a good idea to stop and smell the roses or any other flowers.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true, Teri. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. noelleg44's avatar

    The last four lines broke me up! I had no idea Lucy was so knowledgeable about plants!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She has all kinds of knowledge. She is a master gardener too.

      Like

      1. noelleg44's avatar

        Something I didn’t know. Probably good at digging holes for plants!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Very good, Noelle. 😁

          Like

  13. coldhandboyack's avatar

    That looks like a great way to spend the morning and great company to spend it with.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Nice, John! Everything does look refreshed after the rain, which makes it a good time for the girls to take some time to enjoy it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes indeed. Thanks, Tim.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    Always wonderful to appreciate those small moments after a refreshing rain to smell those flowers.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it is true. They certainly enjoyed the walk around.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    I must agree, John, this sounds like a great way to spend a morning.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think they enjoyed it. Thanks, Robbie.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Lynn's avatar

    We could all use a lovely spot to gather our thoughts. Looks like the girls have endless possibilities in your beautiful yard💕

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They do. Makes me happy to see them enjoy it. Thanks, Lynn

      Liked by 1 person

  18. walkingoffthechessboard's avatar

    Good logic from those girls in that we should always appreciate every gift big or small…and nature certainly provides its fair share of both “sizes…sometimes right in our own backyards. Nice visit, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Bruce. You said some super words.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. John Hric's avatar

    Quick thought vs squirrel run amuck… squirrel !!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think amuck wins.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. kethuprofumo's avatar

    Zen mood at the Twiggy Resort! How wonderful to see Luciusius & Twiggy smelling flowers. It looks encouraging, dear John! Thank you! The better is about to happen…🍤🍤🍤🍻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, these oracles foretell better times. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. kethuprofumo's avatar

        😂😂😂 The dearly deer season is on the way! They already sniff it, dear John!

        Like

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          That is true. The deer herd is running around with crazy love on their minds. 😁

          Like

        2. kethuprofumo's avatar

          😂😂😂❤They are right, dear John. Make love but not war.

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes I agree with that for sure.

          Liked by 1 person

  21. L.K. Latham's avatar

    Love the little cut at the end.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. Cheeky Lucy.

      Like

  22. circadianreflections's avatar

    LOL!!! That little salvo at the end was funny. I did love Twiggy taking the time to enjoy the plants and flowers, and Lucy’s patience teaching her the names of things. 😀 Fun and entertaining dialogue, John!

    Like

  23. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    Some moments of solace before the return of the pesky squirrel.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. Wasn’t long though.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Exploring the flowers sounds like a good plan. And I agree with Lucy. Twiggy is getting quite cultured. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jan.

      Like

  25. Debbie's avatar

    Lovely flowers, John — you’re lucky to have them still blooming!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We have flowers all the way into January. In fat they would be okay if we never got a freeze.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Marie A Bailey's avatar

    What a lovely spot to relax and enjoy your beautiful flowers. Little One sounds like she’s maturing a bit, becoming philosophical even. Love Lucy’s zinger, though 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections's avatar

    Lucy’s wisdom shines again!

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

    Lucy and Twiggy are right, your garden looks beautiful. Lucy sounds like my husband, lol

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Thanks, Jacquie

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister's avatar

    Nothing better than a stroll about the property, Butch. Lovely.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Audrey. They loved it.

      Like

  30. Victoria Ray NB's avatar

    who want to relax if instead you can eat or destroy a couple of pretty flowers 😂 – think Twiggy

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. he would think like that. Thanks, Ray.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for sharing the Twiggy and Lucy post, Michael.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more's avatar

        Thanks as well for the fun, watching them at their inspection of the garden, John! Enjoy a beautiful weekend! xx Michael

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Have a beautiful weekend too, Michael.

          Like

  31. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more's avatar

    What a wonderful set of photos. A real photostory one should save in the National Library. By the way you have a wonderful yard, John! Best wishes, Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Michael. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  32. quiall's avatar

    That is great advice for all of us! Smart girls!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Pamela. It is great advce for sure. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  33. Staci Troilo's avatar

    Thank goodness that pesky squirrel didn’t harass them. We should always stop and smell the roses. And all the other pretty things. Seems like the girls had a good day. (Even if Twiggy didn’t quite get Lucy’s parting shot.)

    Sending them ear scratches.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think Twiggy ignores the shots on purpose. Thanks for the ear scratches.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Dan Antion's avatar

    I’m gradually catching up, John. I wouldn’t want to miss the girls’ wisdom and that little snark at the end.

    Like

  35. Book Club Mom's avatar

    Always good, but gentle banter. And sage advice 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Barbara. That is the aim. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  36. Jennie's avatar

    Wisdom is Lucy’s middle name. Your garden is lovely, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jennie.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  37. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Everything looks splendid, John. It always makes me smile to visit with you and the girls. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Makes us smile to have you visit. Hugs

      Liked by 1 person

  38. Ankur Mithal's avatar

    Can’t say if it is age (mine, not theirs) but I think their repartees are getting smarter.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They have a new agent so he may be giving them some presentation pointers. Thanks, Ankur.

      Like

  39. Resa's avatar

    Ah there’s nothing like a refreshing visit with you two!
    Although it would be nice to see the pesky squirrel.
    I’m a few days late, so I’m sure Twiggy’s thoughts have resulted in some fabulous take aways.
    So, I thought of you 2 last night. I picked up a large package of dried linguine. UnfortunatelyI had already opened it, and picked it up, upside down.
    The linguine splayed all over the kitchen floor, just like this old game called “Pick Up Sticks”. Yes, sticks! I know dogs like fetching sticks. Why not jus pick them up. There were hundreds of them. We could have played for hours!

    Anyway, say hello to your dad for me!
    🧽❤️ 🐃❤️ 🐆❤️ 💋❤️ 🐂❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Goodness Miss Resa. You could have called Twiggy and I and we would have had that linguine cleaned up before you could say, “Get the broom.” Our dad does that a lot. He started taping the box of pasta after it is opened so that it doesn’t happen. He has interesting words when it does though. Makes Twiggy and me laugh a lot. 🧽❤️ 🐃❤️ 🐆❤️ 💋❤️ 🐂❤️ woof

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        Do you guys like pick it up to put back in the box, or eat it?
        Lol, so your dad is as clumsy as I am. Good thing it’s not against the law.
        Aha! Words like Fudge, Heavens to Murgatroid, Chic, Toe and such!
        🧽❤️ 🐃❤️ 🐆❤️ 💋❤️ 🐂❤️ wouf.. I’m not a dog, but I tried my best!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Words that we can’t repeat, Miss Resa. Yes, we eat it all. 🧽❤️ 🐃❤️ 🐆❤️ 💋❤️ 🐂❤️

          Like

        2. Resa's avatar

          Gee, hungry puppies!
          🧽❤️ 🐃❤️ 🐆❤️ 💋❤️ 🐂❤️

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          No just driven by anything on the floor. 🧽❤️ 🐃❤️ 🐆❤️ 💋❤️ 🐂❤️

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Resa's avatar

          LOL!!! 🧽❤️ 🐃❤️ 🐆❤️ 💋❤️ 🐂❤️

          Liked by 1 person