“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.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Too early for thinking, Dan. Coffee is a good idea. 😊
LikeLiked by 3 people
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
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Miss Annette. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hard to believe that one is maturing. Does that include eating leaves?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nope. The leaves are still a big draw. Hopefully, time will take care of that, too.
LikeLiked by 3 people
That may come with time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fingers crossed. 🤞🏼
LikeLiked by 2 people
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.
LikeLiked by 3 people
So true. Feels like at 115 means no porch at all for these two. Thanks, Linda
LikeLiked by 2 people
Those two crack me up… I think a good idea to stay off hell’s back porch…hugsxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good advice, Sally. 😀. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Probably best to stay inside.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love the line ‘Leaves one minute and philosophical musings the next’ – they’re both great.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Esther. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so nice to see the philosophical girls dealing with the heat of summertime, John.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Tim. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, John. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Squinch over, will ya? Gotta remember that one.
LikeLiked by 4 people
It is always useful. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
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…😂
LikeLiked by 2 people
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
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, John! You have some very cool artwork. Shame the girls have not thought to discuss it. 😂😹
LikeLiked by 2 people
We are a little bashful here. Talking about our art would be over the top. Thanks, Lois.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Could Tempeste be entering the age of reason???
LikeLiked by 2 people
Let’s not hold our breath. One minute doesn’t make a lifetime. Thanks, Liz. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Point taken! You’re welcome, John.
LikeLiked by 2 people
😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Staci. They always enjoy your belly rubs and ear scratches. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It seems that way until something happens that shows a regression. Like pulling the nut cover off a toilet this morning.😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
ROTFL! I shouldn’t laugh. A nut for a nut! I hope you can snap it back in place.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, it snaps back, but now has teeth marks. 🤣
LikeLiked by 2 people
🤣
LikeLiked by 2 people
I just saw them with little fans attached to their collars.
They could be a sitcom, those two French girls. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Susannah. They keep me laughing for sure. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wonder if they know how funny they are.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I doubt it. They just go on with their lives. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
I don’t know. Nature has her own agenda. There’s so much we can’t know. I’m just saying.
LikeLiked by 2 people
True enough. I, of course, believe these two understand every word I say ( In Twiggy’s case, every hand signal) and are just like kids in that they choose to ignore me or not.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah, I see them as kids, and so do you. Where do you think all that funny, silly dialogue comes from, that by the way is right up there with I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball and Lucy Howell. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha ha ha. For sure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My goodness! Tempeste is maturing? I need a drink!
Belly rubs to both girls.
LikeLiked by 2 people
As long as it isn’t leaves. Here’s that drink.
LikeLiked by 2 people
“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!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, Miss Monika, it feels like 115 today. Twiggy and I are on the couch under the ceiling fan and A/C.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So sorry about the heat. Here’s hoping it breaks soon.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This time of year it kind of coasts into a month or two of 100s
LikeLiked by 2 people
You have my deepest condolences.
LikeLiked by 2 people
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?”
LikeLiked by 2 people
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That must have been misery. Measles? 🙄 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yup, and it was the only explanation the school nurse had. My mom explained to the school I’d had both rubella and rubeola (aka red measles and German measles). As soon as my temperature was lowered, the rash went away. It was more likely a form of minor heat stroke in a kid who played too hard outside in 100+F temps.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow. Pretty dangerous. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
No biggie…we were tough kids growing up. LOL
LikeLiked by 2 people
So true.
LikeLiked by 2 people
There’s always an alternative to outside play. 😁
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, thank heavens. Thank you, Mae. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m with Twiggy! The heat index is 111 degrees here! Stay cool 😎
LikeLiked by 2 people
We are trying. Of course, Twiggy is right next to me, snuggled up.
LikeLiked by 2 people
As it should be. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
😀 (Little heater)
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know… I miss having to sit still for hours so as not to disturb my fur baby. 🙄
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yup.
LikeLiked by 2 people
🐶🐾🐾
LikeLiked by 2 people
😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have to look into that. I’ll be interested in how long it lasts
LikeLiked by 1 person
Squeaker is gone. Stick is still sound. Had to take it away for a while and make her drink water.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds very typical. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ah, so cute. Tempeste still has a lot of growing to do and many leaves to eat. 🍃☘️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sadly, yes, Robbie.🙄
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh my, the two little philosophers have entertained again. Well done, John. You’ve captured the moment and brightened the day. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
So glad you liked it, Gwen. Brightening a day is very special. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sometimes they really do look like they are ponderating deep thoughts, John. 🙂 Hell’s back porch is right… Stay safe. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Teagan. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Twiggy takes a sunbath until it gets to be 90.
LikeLiked by 2 people
“Leaves one minute and philosophical musings the next” 🍂 Both add flavor to life, don’t they! Twiggy and Tempeste do complement each other, don’t they.
LikeLiked by 2 people
They certainly do complement each other. Thanks, Michele. ☯︎
LikeLiked by 2 people
😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
A good day for everyone in the family to stay inside.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We managed early morning walks, but that’s about it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was hot here in Dallas too. 95 degrees, 106 real feel according to the Weather Channel. I had a thirst quenching Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA this evening. Tempteste and Twiggy had a very cute dialogue.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Thomas. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is clear you speak dog…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, thank you very much, Jacqui. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yep. We’ve had some hot days for sure! I love the reference to the opening of the gates of hell. Smart pups!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Jan. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
What? Philosophy? Again already? What’s going on?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have no idea. Maybe it’s me. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
So T’n’T, Gates of Hell outside eh?
Well from the way you are bounding about that WHITE furniture, I’d say inside is the Gates of Air Conditioning.
Best to stay indoors! Tell that to dad too!
🥵𝓧 🥶𝓧
LikeLiked by 1 person
We definitely agree, Miss Resa. Much nicer in here.
☀️X.
LikeLiked by 1 person
☀️X☀️X
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tempeste is learning and getting older. Gates of Hell, yikes! Still, those leaves…
LikeLike