Hello, August! I have mixed feelings about your arrival as it means summer is winding down, but I welcome you, nonetheless.

Monday’s lessons were strong and very productive.

I believe I slept well and comfortably, but I woke up with some grouchiness. The pooches haven’t growled this morning but I seem to be doing my fair share.

Today is the 180^th anniversary of the birth of Robert Todd Lincoln, the eldest son of Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln. Robert, or “Bob,” was named for his maternal grandfather, and was the only one of the four sons born to the Lincolns who would live to adulthood, dying in 1926. Mr. Lincoln would graduate from Harvard University, work as a lawyer, serve as United States Minister to The United Kingdom under President Benjamin Harrison, and Secretary of War under Presidents James Garfield and Chester Arthur. Following his political career, Robert served as general counsel of the Pullman Palace Car Company and eventually as the company’s president following the death of George Pullman. In 1911, he began serving as chairman of the board of Pullman Company until 1924. Robert Todd Lincoln is buried in Arlington National Cemetery with his wife, and his son, Abraham “Jack” Lincoln, who died as a teenager.

Okay. It’s a not-so-bright Tuesday morning. It’s time to start the day and adopt a more cheerful disposition.

AUGUST

Helen Hunt Jackson – 1830 — 1885

Silence again. The glorious symphony
Hath need of pause and interval of peace.
Some subtle signal bids all sweet sounds cease,
Save hum of insects’ aimless industry.
Pathetic summer seeks by blazonry
Of color to conceal her swift decrease.
Weak subterfuge! Each mocking day doth fleece
A blossom, and lay bare her poverty.
Poor middle-agèd summer! Vain this show!
Whole fields of golden-rod cannot offset
One meadow with a single violet;
And well the singing thrush and lily know,
Spite of all artifice which her regret
Can deck in splendid guise, their time to go!

Make it a great day!