Home...

I agree with Dorothy, there is nothing like it -- no, "There's no place like home." Our arrivals were staggered this time, as we were stranded in various airports for days on end. Still, no matter how exhausted, I find that coming home keys me up and it takes at least a day to settle down. Then a crash. Catching up on rest and then soaking up all the comforts. After which comes a flurry of cooking favorite recipes, and then...

Suddenly there are "stirrings" coming from the study. Better see what the muses are up to in there. Ah, it looks delightfully the same (many thanks to Pops for that new little deck outside my door, all enclosed and private, just waiting for me to bring in pots and plants and tables for tea). But -- oh, dear -- what have the rest of you been doing in here all this time?

"We're planning a launch party," says Ann. "Good of you to show up for it."

A launch party. Hmm. Last year, when I came home, it was merely her very own blog. And I distinctly remember it was supposed to be supervised in case she got into trouble with any of the... umm... technicalities.

"Oh, no need to worry about that." (this from the Professor) "I've dropped by several times, already, and she's got quite the atmosphere going over there. Wouldn't you say so, Ann?"

"It's like a miniature trip to Africa, if you ask me. But then that's all part of the launch. She does make a wonderful blended juice drink for anyone that stops by. Exotic fruits and all that. I should probably mention that she had to borrow a few things from over here, but I didn't think you'd mind."

Well, I suppose it's all in the family.

"She had to spend a bit more money than we expected, too." Ann seems to be looking over the books with some concern, now.

What? A brand new, top of the line computer with all the --

"It is the first book with her name on it. What if they want another? She couldn't go limping along on that used one that was always breaking down."

"I agree," says the Professor. "It will help her to keep better track of things. Speaking of which, I lost track of those blasted kids you sent over, again. Haven't the slightest idea where any of them ran off to."

Ah... there's no place quite like home.

What's happening on the farm today: There is an eerie silence around the place. Tragedy has struck the Peabody family, and only two have survived. They were mercifully rescued by one of the neighbors when they were still chicks. I'm sure they will never even know they were Peabodys. The goats are being cared for on another farm, too. It seems it has been a terribly mean, hot summer. Well... we shall see what we can make of it...