It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. It was the first day of school last Monday.

John Paul Uhlig has a smile in his voice and a sense of profundity when he quotes John 10:10: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” All John’s honors, motivation and blessings have come from his abiding faith in the Lord.

Ach du lieber! My child leaves for a semester in Germany on Saturday. He doesn’t speak a word of German yet, although I have tried my best to teach him a thing or two, which wasn’t really much.

My e-mail is often filled with press releases from people who want to win my attention. Most of the information I receive becomes victim of my delete button. However, here are items worth sharing:

OK. Gather around, because I’m going to need a big, group hug right quick. The young’ns are about to begin leaving their temporary summer perch.

Beautiful mountains. Vineyards. Ancient ruins. Delicious food. Mediterranean climate.

Whenever I get the chance, I love having my 17-year-old goddaughter for a few days. It is always enlightening in one way or another.

Cutting back spring’s entwining Jasmine and sprawling geraniums, finding a bare spot  for a sophisticated red penstemon and Spanish lavender that I couldn’t resist, checking default sprinklers and finally hosing down the patio consumed an entire weekend. Later, sipping iced tea and surveying my endeavors, I thought the garden looked pretty good — maybe not a photo op in a horticultural garden, but personally pleasing.

The husband’s waterbed mattress finally died. Don’t be sad.

The architecture of Lilian Jenette Rice was celebrated at the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club on July 13. Cultural landscape specialist Vonn Marie May gave an enthusiastic presentation to approximately 100 Ranch residents and history buffs from the San Diego area. The Rancho Santa Fe and San Diego historical societies and the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club sponsored the event.