Once again, I am writing this column early because of the holiday deadline for publishing this bulletin. As you read this we will be celebrating the Fourth of July, the annual summer festival of fun and freedom. I am also hoping by now our African priest will be with us.

Fr. Bob and I are planning our annual barbecue of ribs and I anticipate a first for our African brother! It will probably also be a first when he meets our two canine friends, Abby and Honey!

It has been awhile since I shared any news about those two. Abby continues to be her laid-back self, barking only when someone she doesn’t know approaches the rectory. It is a distinctive warning bark, alerting me to the presence of a stranger. When she recognizes the visitor, she just wags her tail and waits for them to come in.

And then there is Fr. Bob’s yellow lab, Honey. She is smaller than Abby by about twenty pounds, but has more energy than five dogs, even at the age of two! She has just completed several weeks of ‘obedience’ classes which she began after too many bruises and scratches from being overly affectionate. Fr. Bob has learned obedience too!!! She now walks calmly by his side; she does modify her behavior more than before; but she still has enormous energy and even while obeying a sit command, is chomping at the bit to be let loose!

Abby is wonderful with her and takes her energy in stride. Last week while walking through the woods at home, they encountered a deer! The poor Doe was smart enough to take off like lightning even though the dogs chased after her. Luckily the Doe won and got away!

I hope your celebration of the fourth is as exciting and your summer is relaxing and refreshing!