Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers in my family, including my brother who became a grandfather for the first time!

Fathers and grandfathers are very important members of the family. And don’t we all know that!

Banjo Man will celebrate by helping me make mashed potatoes for the Funny Grandson’s favorite casserole, Shepherd’s Pie. Tomorrow son Ben and the FG arrive for three weeks of swimming, card games, cabin-camping and lots more.

I am ready with the traditional blueberry cake. And the FG’s traditional jump in the lake upon arrival is still going to happen despite the temperature of the water.

It’s always fun to hear him scream.

A very unexpected visitor trotted across the neighbor’s yard Wednesday night. He’d been having a drink on the beach when the neighbor drove up and frightened him away. What was it? An ELK. We still can’t believe it, though we spotted the elk with our very own eyes as we sat on the porch waiting for the sunset.

I’m sad to report that our osprey nest might be empty this year. I’ve seen a young eagle fishing close to our dock, though.

Here’s a photo of the tiniest fawn we’ve ever seen.

I call her “Mini Bambi”.

My garden-which I planted all by myself this year–is doing well. Imagine that!

Check out the baby peppers.

Son Will has been in Mallorca the past two weeks and is flying back to Texas today. He’s been visiting a longtime friend, someone he has cared about for twenty-nine years. She was a Spanish exchange student during his senior year in high school.

He’ll be here at the lake Saturday and I can’t wait to hear all about his trip.

Meanwhile, back at the lake, we’ve been very, very quiet. Banjo Man has spent several nights up at the cabin, which gives him great joy. I spend a lot of time resting and looking at the lake and the mountains. It’s beautiful and peaceful and everything I could ask for after such a tough winter.

We are definitely in the right place.