Cliff discovered the relaxing comfort you get from the porch swing.  You're being swaddled like a baby and hugged by loving arms when needed most.

He had his fourth chemo treatment yesterday so is tired today.  If his body reacts in the same pattern, he'll progressively feel more fatigued and foggy-brained as the week goes on, napping and lying on the couch most of the day.  His appetite is still fairy good.  This noon he ate meatloaf, baked potato, and farmers market steamed spinach. 

Yesterday I had my two-month follow-up and liver panel with our doctor who spent quite a long time talking about what Cliff is going through mentally and physically, how hard the poison is on his organs and his brain.  He offered advice on how to help Cliff during his lashing-out anger and depression times so we can both journey through this together. 

Sunday we packed a picnic lunch and headed to the Ocoee Gorge to watch the rafts and kayaks.

The TVA didn't release the water Sunday but we laid out the table cloth on the picnic table and ate our picnic lunch without entertainment by wild rafters being tossed into the rapids.  Actually, we got a table just in time because other families had the same idea we did.  People were arriving to hike the trails and walk along the river on the rocks.  

Weeks have go by with no rain.  The gardens are dry. We water in the morning but there is nothing like  Mother Nature's rain to liven up the leaves and soak the ground getting down to the roots. 

Found this single foxglove thriving beautifully in the shade of a mountain laurel.  I'm fascinated by the way seeds travel to a new home and when conditions are favorable, the seeds put out roots and grow into a thriving plant without human intervention.  The wonders of nature!