Tuesday was our grandson John Michael's 13th birthday. Last Sunday we packed his gift into an Amazon box, wrapped it with "happy birthday" wrapping paper, and drove to Birmingham for an early celebration. We hung out with Mark, Jenny, and the kids for a few hours and returned to Huntsville later in the evening.

We started working on our back yard planter/garden on Wednesday. I suggested that we fill it up with flowers. Nancy wanted the usual tomato and pepper plants. We compromised on 2 pepper plants, some herbs, and yet to be bought flowers.

However, our irrigation system is leaking...badly. Yesterday we went to Lowe's to buy some repair parts, which, it turned out this morning, didn't fit. I'm almost ready to let Mother Nature take care of watering the plants.

Back to John Michael. He's doing well in school and travels all over the southeast playing in tennis tournaments. He does well there also. At any rate we want to wish him another HAPPY BIRTHDAY.