Toads-in-the-Hole

What we suspected was true was proven a couple of weeks ago, in late June, when my mom, Mary, trekked down to Vermillion for a visit. You see, we thought that we might finally plant those annuals in pots and bolster our tomato garden with a few marigolds, nasturtiums, cosmos, and herbs with Mom's help.

And now, the garden is all a-bloom with newly-sprouted plants, burgeoning bushes, and ripening romas and heirloom varieties.

We thought we might finally string that length of clothesline from one backyard tree to another and sport clothing that smells of sunshine and summer with Mom's help.

And now, the clothesline is used daily ... We especially love the fresh, line-dried bedsheets.

We thought we might have a chance to sneak downtown for the better part of an hour to have our hair coiffed and curled in the name of theatre with Mom's help.

And now, with the summer musical behind us, we're enjoying langorous evening meals and the fireflies' nightly firework displays.

We thought that our Adelaide might learn some new tricks, and become even more social with Mom's help.

And now, everytime Adelaide takes a bath, she furiously blows bubbles in mimicry of the raspberries Mom performed for her delight.

We thought we would enjoy her visit, but we really didn't know how much we'd love having her around.

And now, we'd like to say: Thanks, Mom!