“Are we going out to play today, Twiggy?”
“I’m not sure. It is mighty hot out there.”
“I was out there earlier, and it seemed okay.”
“Yeah, that was before the gates of hell opened.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“We are coming into the summer, which is laughingly called ‘Hell’s back porch.'”
“Oh, I get it. A metaphor for high temperatures.”
“Since when have you become so literal?”
“I don’t know. I guess it comes with age.”
“That’s pretty funny. Leaves one minute and philosophical musings the next.”
“Go ahead, make fun. I just think I’m getting older, is all.”
“No offense. It just seems strange hearing you say that.”
“I’ll never be as old as you, but I am maturing. Squinch over, will ya?”
“Okay, I’ll admit you are getting older. How does it feel?”
“Geez, you ought to know. You have me by half a century.”
“I know how it feels with me. I was wondering about you.”
“It is hard to say. I guess it feels good to understand things more.”
“Like what?”
“Well, like knowing it is too darn hot to go out and play.”
“That is good understanding. How about a game of tug -o- war?”
“That would be fun. Let’s use Chicken Licken.”
“Sounds good.”
Fiction Favorites 
Pretty heavy stuff, John. Is Tempeste turning the corner? Are the sticks in the yard safe? I think I’ll get me a cup of coffee.
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Too early for thinking, Dan. Coffee is a good idea. 😊
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Aw, the coming of age moments… young ladies, may you have a fabulous time keeping cool and being entertained with your toys and thoughts! xxx
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Thank you, Miss Annette. 😀
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Hard to believe that one is maturing. Does that include eating leaves?
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Nope. The leaves are still a big draw. Hopefully, time will take care of that, too.
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That may come with time.
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Fingers crossed. 🤞🏼
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Back porch or front porch is going to make no difference the rest of this week. Clearly, Chicken Licken is the better option, with a little philosophizing on the side.
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So true. Feels like at 115 means no porch at all for these two. Thanks, Linda
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Those two crack me up… I think a good idea to stay off hell’s back porch…hugsxx
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Good advice, Sally. 😀. Thanks.
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Probably best to stay inside.
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I love the line ‘Leaves one minute and philosophical musings the next’ – they’re both great.
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Thank you, Esther. 😀
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It’s so nice to see the philosophical girls dealing with the heat of summertime, John.
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Thank you, Tim. 😀
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My pleasure, John. 😊
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😀
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Squinch over, will ya? Gotta remember that one.
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It is always useful. 😀
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Whew. Heavy discussion for a hot summer day. Did you change the art work (first photo)? I thought you had something else there that I had asked you about before. Maybe the heat’s gotten to me…😂
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The piece you asked about before is on the opposite wall. This one is different. It is a mid-century abstract. The artist’s name is on the back, but it is so heavy I dare not take it off the wall. It is a watercolor
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Thanks, John! You have some very cool artwork. Shame the girls have not thought to discuss it. 😂😹
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We are a little bashful here. Talking about our art would be over the top. Thanks, Lois.
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Could Tempeste be entering the age of reason???
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Let’s not hold our breath. One minute doesn’t make a lifetime. Thanks, Liz. 😀
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Point taken! You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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If they wrote a philosophy book, I know I’d enjoy it more than I do Nietzsche or Kierkegaard. Should be required reading.
Sending the scholars belly rubs and ear scratches. Thanks for the smiles, John.
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Thank you, Staci. They always enjoy your belly rubs and ear scratches. 😊
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Staying indoors to play tug o war sounds good to me too. It’s been mighty hot outside here too. I do think Tempeste is maturing.
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It seems that way until something happens that shows a regression. Like pulling the nut cover off a toilet this morning.😀
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ROTFL! I shouldn’t laugh. A nut for a nut! I hope you can snap it back in place.
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Yes, it snaps back, but now has teeth marks. 🤣
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🤣
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I just saw them with little fans attached to their collars.
They could be a sitcom, those two French girls. 🙂
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Thank you, Susannah. They keep me laughing for sure. 😀
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Wonder if they know how funny they are.
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I doubt it. They just go on with their lives. 😀
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My goodness! Tempeste is maturing? I need a drink!
Belly rubs to both girls.
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As long as it isn’t leaves. Here’s that drink.
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“Leaves one minute and philosophical musings the next.” Sounds like you’re becoming a well rounded little one, Tempeste. Hope you guys can stay cool. I heard that with the latest tropical storm, the heat index is pretty doggone high. Sorry-summer jumped the gun here in Colorado too. I’m already looking forward to autumn!
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Yes, Miss Monika, it feels like 115 today. Twiggy and I are on the couch under the ceiling fan and A/C.
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So sorry about the heat. Here’s hoping it breaks soon.
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This time of year it kind of coasts into a month or two of 100s
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You have my deepest condolences.
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When we first moved here, we didn’t go outside for a whole summer. Now we are used to the heat. If you watch Dutton Ranch, in the first episode, Beth says, “Why is it so damn hot at night here in Texas?”
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You guys are better than I could ever hope to be. As a kid I’d get sent home for heat rash (the school nurse was convinced I always had the measles) and my body never looked back. The heat physically (and negatively) impacts me. I am watching Dutton Ranch and remember that line. I keep asking my family in Bastrop and Houston how they survive. I’d evaporate.
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There’s always an alternative to outside play. 😁
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Yes, thank heavens. Thank you, Mae. 😀
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I’m with Twiggy! The heat index is 111 degrees here! Stay cool 😎
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We are trying. Of course, Twiggy is right next to me, snuggled up.
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Just got back from the store where I also picked up a rubber squeaky stick. It’s all the rage right now. We’ll see how it holds up.
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I have to look into that. I’ll be interested in how long it lasts
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Squeaker is gone. Stick is still sound. Had to take it away for a while and make her drink water.
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Sounds very typical. Thanks.
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Ah, so cute. Tempeste still has a lot of growing to do and many leaves to eat. 🍃☘️
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Sadly, yes, Robbie.🙄
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Oh my, the two little philosophers have entertained again. Well done, John. You’ve captured the moment and brightened the day. 😊
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So glad you liked it, Gwen. Brightening a day is very special. 😀
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Sometimes they really do look like they are ponderating deep thoughts, John. 🙂 Hell’s back porch is right… Stay safe. Hugs.
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Thanks, Teagan. Hugs.
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I’m all for staying inside also when it gets that hot. Bond likes napping on the screened porch when the gates of hell open. Have no idea how he stands it.
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