AC’s down in the gym, likely from the storm. But I’m okay with it as I always turn it down and open the windows anyway.  And post storm, the air is just so fresh. I do warn Lauren when she comes in during my cool down stretch. Then report same to Marlo.

Some Zentangling with Kat on a pretty morning before some of the group head up to the bakery again. I suspect some of them (COLT!) have gelato for breakfast. I head to work awhile. Since the serious heat’s holding off till afternoon, I can keep the doors open in my writing nook. Feel the breeze, hear the boats and gulls.

A couple hours work, and it’s time for a Bellini, a book and some umbrella shade. Kayla and Colt are in the pool where we have more pool floats. Including a big flamingo. Logan’s lounging with his book. BW’s into a book, Jason’s working on his tablet. Lauren’s got a book. Soon Pool Guy gears up and Kat joins.

A helicopter goes by. It’s hauling away the ticket boots for the ferry. I imagine they’re replacing them, and guess this is the most efficient way to move large things around here. Big trucks couldn’t drive these roads. Or if they did, no one else could. But you just don’t see copters flying off with ticket booths every day.

So an afternoon of sun, shade and splashing for our little group. Off to the store for Kat and her gang, with plans to pick up fried chicken. The place is called Hot Chicks. Who could resist? I sort of do as I have pasta left over from a previous meal, but appreciate the name. Fried chicken is one of Griffin’s clear faves, so he’s going to be a very happy boy.

Logan’s really enjoying the Star Wars books, and since I’m a big fan—of the movies—we discuss. And a guy on a Skidoo flies over the lake. First of those I’ve seen, and he was zooming.

Food’s here. Lots of groceries as we hope this holds us for at least most of the rest of our stay. And we have JR coming today, and his mom, dad and younger brother will join us until they head off to Venice on Monday.

Hot Chicks is a hit. At one point Lauren jokes she’s going to steal a piece of Griffin’s. He quietly covers his take-out box to protect them.

Eat well, clean up. Outside again. It’s been the most pleasant of days, weather-wise. So why not have our game of Hearts outside on the big picnic table?

We can watch the day fade. Kat and Griffin are drawing at the other end of the table. In Daddy mode, Jason reminds us there are little ears, and language habitually rises with cards.

Despite the reminder, it slips here and there. When Kayla takes the Queen on the first diamond trick, she slips.  Just a quick, heartfelt: Fuck.

When Jason repeats`little ears’, she points out Lauren said it and nobody scolded her. And of course, in her protest, Kayla repeats the word that caused the reminder.

Hilarity ensues.

Kat assures us Griffin considers that particular word Nana’s Word. I’m kind of touched by that.

 And there’s the moon. It was a waning crescent when we left Milan, so a new moon here. Now there is it, that pretty thumbnail sailing over the mountains.

And bedtime.

Another fresh morning, with blue skies, blue water. No boats on the lake yet, but someone down below—sound carries—is laughing. A happy sound on a quiet morning. And here comes the first morning ferry.

JR and his family are in the air now, and should land late morning in Milan. We’re looking forward to seeing them. The good girlfriend Kayla has checked to make sure their rooms are all ready for them.

May work an hour or so after workout and Zen. Or not. It’s nice to be able to just see how it goes.

Nora

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