The Gold Finch, as advertised

The inflatable pole tent went up in a little more than ten minutes the first time. You can see the rain fly atop the tent. That is what took so long- getting it oriented and attached but that is a one-time deal. It really is as simple as hooking up the compressor to the car battery and turning it on. Lots of stakes to secure the tent but they only keep it from becoming a kite. It is good to go pretty darn fast and it comes down fast too. Getting it back in the bag is always a struggle -no matter the tent. It is very well made and ingeniously designed. Velcro, zippers and straps. Buster was supervising but as soon as he discerned it was something he might have to go into, he disappeared. It will not hold the lounge chair so I will need to figure out some type of lightweight collapsible mattress. Cheesy pool float? The compressor that came with it is no toy-it is over-engineered for the task. Pretty cool. Model: the Gold Finch, size 5'X 8'.

Buster's latest harness came back. Forensic examination indicates that the belly strap was chewed through by an accomplice with strong teeth, probably white, about 40 pounds, with brown eyes, and the ability to look innocent when confronted with evidence. They are thick as thieves. And Honey is a thief. I got their weekly treats -real hambones yesterday. Honey helped herself. Buster got his early too-behind the screen door so each would have one instead of Honey having two. It is a good thing Honey wants to do the right thing most of the time. If there were any malice in her she could be a trial.

It was a beautiful day-sat on the deck and wrote a few notes- almost a lost art for me. If folks aren't online, gathering notecards, functioning pen, stamps and addresses is nigh on to a barrier to communication. But I was feeling well and the mood was right, the timeliness right. Glad I did it.