We had some really hot weather up here in Michigan and it seemed to last forever. Of course it didn’t last forever, but for my two nights of camping at a local state park the heat hung heavily in the air even late into the night.

I hadn’t camped at this park for a few years, not since Katie and I camped there and struggled with noisy kids partying all night just a few sites away.

This time it was much more quiet. I was in my favorite site at this campground, full shade, with lots of privacy. I went there specifically to watch the birds that hang out in the trees surrounding the site, many of which I don’t see at home around my feeders.

And I went to give Penny an opportunity to see a campground for the very first time. Her dad brought her over in the evenings and we sat around and talked.

She sat around and observed. Everything.

I didn’t ask her to get into the tent for a number of reasons, one it was too hot inside the tent, and two she isn’t really happy in the tent yet.

But she did get to watch people and dogs and kids walk by and begin to realize she didn’t have to bark at everyone.

It wasn’t easy for her. Watching dogs walk by, listening to noisy trucks as they hauled trailers past our site was hard.

But little kids on bikes? Now that deserves a big bark, mom!

We still have a lot of work to do, it was all new to her. But I can see potential.

There are, of course, a lot of memories at my favorite site, memories of camping with my Katie-girl. And I think she was there with me last week.

I miss her so much, even while little Miss Penny is bouncing around distracting me. Penny says that’s OK and I appreciate her giving me some grace.

On my last day at site 16, just before I started packing up and while I was feeling sad and missing Katie, a female cardinal arrived. She hopped around, up on the picnic table, underneath it, across the parking pad, always keeping an eye on me.

I kind of think Katie sent her. She made me smile, just like Penny does, who, I’m sure, was also sent by Katie.

There’s lots of summer left. I hope I get to take Penny to another campground before the end of the season.

And I figure by next summer she just might be ready for a real adventure, even if it’s camping in our own backyard.

.