Our characteristic pose

Jasper on my lap, Lulu napping, Smoke, as always, holding the fort. 

Dedicated to the memory of Chess, a purebred border collie, late of the wise, wry, and excellent blog the miserable gardener. It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Chess was both. [Pace tua, E.B. White.]

Photo from this past October.