44 years ago on the 18th of May, I was camping with my Boy Scout troop when we heard a boom in the morning hours. I remember cooking eggs over the fire and looking up to a cloudless sky. We all thought it was another scout from another troop setting off an M-80 firecracker as we were at a weekend event with many other scout troops. When parents picked us up, we learned that it was the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. The photo is not mine (credit to the USGS). This morning I went out and looked up at our roof and these two ducks were happily viewing the(ir) world. And this week the guinea pigs celebrated their fourth birthday – Pinecone and Acorn – a couple of fine brothers that always tell us when they are hungry.

“Go Ducks!” as is often said in this town . . .

Pinecone and Acorn enjoying a meal . . .

The birthday cake that Nora made for them out of peppers and blueberries. It was enjoyed! Happy Fourth Birthday!