I had thought nothing of it when our conversation grew louder to compensate for the sound of my dad’s lawnmower starting. Occasionally Dad, when he wants to do something, will randomly get up and mow the area in which the activity is to take place. A few weeks ago, he had done the very same when he wanted to play bag toss (I refuse to call it corn hole), even though the area was not necessarily in need of mowing.

We have crossed the halfway point in the Dog Days of Summer, our August campaign to raise $10,000 by Aug. 31.

We need your help. Have you donated yet? We still need $7,149 to get to $10,000 in 15 days.