So caught up in our immediate concern over little Riley's welfare, I just gave a slight thought to the return of family from their extended trip to see other family members. Was entirely taken by surprise to receive a telephone call en route to give us a heads-up that they're on their way back.

Just as well we've a full refrigerator of edibles. Had the forethought at least to get the shopping done just before picking Riley up post-surgery. And in they walked at half-past seven while I was in the process of rolling out pizza dough to fit two pizza pans. One to go into the regular oven, the other into the counter-top convection oven. Oddly enough, both were ready at almost the same time.

The two pies slightly different; one with mozzarella and Parmesan freshly grated over tomato paste, chopped red and yellow bell peppers and tomato slices and fresh basil from the garden, the other with the addition of lots of chopped mushrooms and pepperoni. Fresh Ontario cherries made up dessert for a quiet, late-evening dinner among family.

Riley did his best to cadge what he could, despite having eaten fulsomely only hours earlier. Nothing dissuades him from feeling he is entitled to his little tidbits whenever anyone else is eating. Kitchen and dinner-time activity invariably invites his wistful presence.

He's back to his old tricks, the little imp. Reassurance to us that he is well on the way to full health recovery.