1. I think I'm still feeling overwhelmed. We're all finally healthy again (although Cal was at a sleepover last night, so I have a sneaking suspicion that his sleep bank may need another deposit), but the catch up is nearly killing me. I've moved my office which has made me a lot more productive, and STILL. The laundry piles, the ironing piles, the dishes...oh, just everything. So. I'm thinking we'll go to the beach this weekend.

2. I think my parents are a hot mess this week. My dad dropped a TV on his foot and now has what's called a "crush injury," and my mom's spare tire was slashed. I think this means they need some time away at the beach, yes?

3. I think I heard a fascinating speaker on Wednesday evening. An assistant commonwealth's attorney who spoke about the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act. I was fascinated, and I hung on his every word. Makes me wonder if I should have gone to law school. Too late for that, but that's okay. Maybe I'll just join Cal when he hangs out with our judge friend next week. Sorry, Cal!

4. I think we have a lot left of summer and a lot yet to do. Baseball games, beach days, bike rides. Now that I'm feeling better, I want to soak up every single minute. What should we do first? What's been your favorite thing so far this summer? What are you still looking forward to doing? What do you want to do this weekend?

5. I think this was one of the most moving stories I've seen in a long, long time. Surely you've seen the photograph that made John and his dog Schoep famous? When the picture was taken last summer, Schoep was 19 years old, and to ease the pain in his arthritic joints, John would carry his dog into Lake Superior and rock him to sleep. Every night. The photo went viral (I love the internet.), and proceeds from the sale of the photo as well as donations went to pay for vet bills for the aging Schoep. More than $25,000. Just a few weeks ago Schoep turned 20 and this week Schoep died.

Here's the link to his facebook page; send them some love, would you. We surely love our dogs.