It’s a peaceful, yet very stunning morning as we climb toward the eight o’clock hour. The sun is bright, the sky is a brilliant blue, the leaves and branches offer a gentle hula motion as the light breeze passes through, and a variety of birds perform a soothing concert.

I just wrapped up my Sunday morning Zoom call that connects Kettering to Boston and London, and am now ready to settle into more research on some of the men who made up Dayton, Ohio’s legendary Barn Gang.

I am several hours into my audiobook on John Quincy Adams but decided this morning I was tired of living in that era and switched to David McCullough’s TRUMAN. It is just over 54 hours in length. Perfect.

Later in the afternoon, as the temperature climbs into the upper 80s, I’ll resume my Zoom chair at my desk to teach lessons for the day. With the gut issue still lingering, I decided to conduct lessons via Zoom rather than in-person for today.

I wish I had time to take in the Carillon Park Band’s band concert featuring the award-winning carillonneur, Dr. Larry Weinstein. This would be a treat but impossible to do with my teaching schedule.

The pooches have had a busy morning between exploring the yard, greeting passing dogs through the Rockhill Avenue side of the fence, and reclining on the deck. Chief and Harrigan have been chasing and playing with one another which is something rare for both: Chief is older and less physically active and Harrigan has never been one to play.

On with the day as there is much to do. Make it a great day!

PHOTOS: Mary Lincoln daylilies and my single wisteria bloom