Bilbo, Florence and Henry

**********

Our grandson, Justin, had a reading assignment for the summer months which included “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien. I haven’t read the story in a long time, so I thought it was time for another read. I was not disappointed. 

Now I plan on going back to read, once again, “The Lord of the Rings.” There are actually three books, “The Fellowship Of The Ring,” “The Two Towers” and “The Return Of The King.”

**********

On our way back from the Outer Banks last week, we stopped at our favorite breakfast place, "Mel's Diner." The food is excellent and so is the staff. Last year the restaurant was listed fir sale and closed for the season. The owner, Billy, decided to reopen this year and we are glad he did.

********** 

Dee and I traveled to Maryland to visit with my brother Tee and his wife Karen. It was a short trip and we came back Wednesday evening. Karen is recovering from a hospital stay and I would appreciate prayers for her continued recovery.

While we were there I noticed that the Maryland squirrels act the same way our Virginia squirrels do. My brother doesn't use squirrel baffles but enjoys scaring them with his BB Gun.

Squirrels 1 - My Brother 0

Maryland squirrel.

**********

Hurricane Florence changed and did not come as close to Virginia as expected. So, all is well here in Richmond this morning. Unfortunately that is not the scenario for those along the Virginia coast and in the Carolina's. 

**********

Week 2 college football results:

Notre Dame 24 - Ball State Cardinals 16

Richmond Spiders 52 - Fordham Rams 7

Last nights game: 

Richmond Spiders 35 - Saint Francis 27

“With its backs against the wall and down to the final seconds on the clock, the University of Richmond scored two touchdowns in the final 1.7 seconds of the game to take home a 35-27 victory over Saint Francis Thursday night at DeGol Field.”

Details here.

**********

“The Rainy Day”

The day is cold, and dark, and dreary;

It rains, and the wind is never weary;

The vine still clings to the mouldering wall,

But at every gust the dead leaves fall,

And the day is dark and dreary.

My life is cold, and dark, and dreary;

It rains, and the wind is never weary;

My thoughts still cling to the mouldering Past,

But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast,

And the days are dark and dreary.

Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;

Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;

Thy fate is the common fate of all,

Into each life some rain must fall,

Some days must be dark and dreary.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-82) 

**********

The Statler Brothers - “Flowers On The Wall”

**********

Go over to "This Ain't the Lyceum," where Kelly is hosting more takes.