09 April 2011

SUPER SATURDAY...

80 DEGREES AND CLEAR SKIES...
 So first thing this morning Aaron and I pulled the top off the JEEP and headed out. We ran a few errands then stopped by to help dad with a tree down in his yard. Got that pretty well under control and then moved on to a great breakfast. Soory, no pix, we were too busy.
  Later that day, Rachel helped me choose some flowers for the house and get them planted...
And all the new plants looked great along with the blooming azaleas...
Now all I have to do is cut the grass and clean up from the tough winter we had. Maybe during the week I will find some more time...
CRUISE-IN WAS FUN...
  A bunch of us loaded up in Michael's VW bus and headed over to Main street for the spring car show...
Headed for the Cruise-In. Aaron is up front with his dad...
 LOT'S OF COOL CAR'S...
Some were classic survivors, all original and well cared for...
The boys really liked this fully restored FORD pickup...
This  row of classics caught Eve's eye...
...but she and dad really liked this two-tone VW beetle a lot.
And we all thought the cool blue color made this one photo-worthy.
This made me think about my uncle Bill and the story of the rumble seat.
There were a few modern marvils there as well.
 A few real HOT ROD'S were on the street and Aaron and dad were checking out the cool paint, hot motor's and open headers.
ALL IN ALL A GREAT DAY...
 We got a lot of things done and had a good time as well, now there are kids all over the floor watching british comedies on TV and we are all relaxing our way into the evening. Hope y'all enjoyed our trip through a fun Saturday.
So, until next time; I'll be seein' ya'... 

03 April 2011

CATCHING UP WITH OUR FAMILY...

WE ARE ALL DOING WELL...
 Denny has continued to progress and thrive with his new schedule. He is happy and eager to board the van every morning to get to the center. This photo is a little suprise for my cousin Kathy (Godfrey), who sent Denny a T-shirt from the Philadelphis Irish festival. This has become his very favorite shirt and he puts it on every day when he gets home. We try to wash it a couple times a week but we have to be quick. I asked Denny to show us his favorite shirt and this is the pose we got. Other than that I continue to prepare bananna's to his exacting standards every day. More later as things change.
THE BIG CAMP-O-REE WAS GREAT FUN...
We participated in lots of fun activities that challenged the new scouts and their boy leaders, like this blindfolded communiucation event.
 And of course the ever popular "foam noodle jousting" was a real crowd pleaser. The guys also enjoyed rifle shooting, archery, map and compass course rally, some geo-caching and a lot more.
  The cooks did a pretty good job, but we did agree that some additional planning will be needed for future menus. First come, first served will be adjusted to allow some of the adults to get better fed next time. But the guys did OK with what we had, it was well prepared, especially the burritos!!!
AND THEN WE HAD THE WEATHER...
  Friday was bright and sunny enough that we stopped to buy new sunglasses. Saturday was cool, windy and threatening rain, which eventually rolled through in the afternoon. Saturday night brought serious wind, rain and potential tornadoes, but the troop weathered things fine under our "super tarp". We were pretty dry during the couple of serious downpours thanks to this cover. Rumor is that our tarp was visible from space and has it's own zip code, all I know is we were smart to have it.
OLD TRADITIONS WERE REVISITED...
The Order of the Arrow (the brotherhood of scout campers) presented a great campfire and tapout cerimony. The weather broke for just long enough to allow them to induct a number of new members with traditional Indian themed costumes and stories. A very moving evening that took me back to my own tapout almost thirty years ago.
BACK AT HOME WE ARE STILL GOING STRONG...
  Eve and Grampa' did the Home Depot workshop again. Eve is actually so well known there now, that store employees come looking for her by name every month. Her project was excellent, as always. This month was a spring-time planter for hanging flowers.
  After a nice breakfast we went on to help out with an Eagle scout project for one of our guys. Later, Aaron and I went to Denny's school to prepare a plot of land for a small vegetable garden. Denny's class will be growing the vegetables in preparation for a tasty meal at summer's end.
  Aside from this garden plot the school also has some raised planting beds that allow wheelchair students to garden. Those raised beds were an Eagle project a few years ago, and sparked the interest in more planting space for those who are able to get about without wheelchairs or walkers. As you can see, we did a pretty good job on a fair-sized plot. Good work Aaron.
ONE LAST VIDEO FOR FUN...
One of our events at the big camp-o-ree was the catapult competition. Here is a quick view of our troop tossing their water balloon. Watch for the landing, way down range.
           
 That's about it for now. I wish I could have added a lot more photos and video's but time does not allow. I will try to post a few on Facebook soon, especially the green sky I captured during one of our scariest weather moments.
So, until next time; I'll be seein' ya'...

20 March 2011

ANOTHER WONDERFUL WEEKEND...

Our weekend started with great weather; Clear blue skies and wonderful warm temperatures. We enjoyed a quiet and spring-like Friday evening and then woke to a delicious Saturday morning...
 Eve decided that we had not made breakfast at home in a while so she took on the task all by herself. The photo shows a little bit of the pancake mixing, but she made bacon, grits and toast as well. All said and done our little cook prepared a wonderful meal for about nine hungry people. Well done Eve!!
OTHER CHORES AND STUFF...
 Noah (pictured with his new glasses) went with me to take care of some things on Saturday and we took the JEEP with the top down. We delivered some paperwork to the tax folks, picked up some light bulbs and other necessities at HD and then on to Ace Hardware to choose Noah's first multi-tool for camping. We didn't find the exact one he wanted, but we did get one that will do for now.
DRIVING PRACTICE...
  Since the weather was so nice, and we had some time, I took Aaron over to the big church parking lot to practice his driving. He is doing real well with his focus and attention to detail and really doing great with his learning to drive with a clutch. We cruised all over Holy Cross parking lot and did some parking and backup practice. I was confident enough to let Aaron drive all the way back home and he did great.
DENNY GOT A HAIRCUT...
I missed the chance to get a photo, so I used this one from last time. As usual, Alice kept Denny calm and happy while she clipped and combed his hair into a nice, neat job. Our man looked nice and will be cool for the upcoming warm weather. Thanks again Alice.
 THAT'S ABOUT IT...
 I just like to share a little bit of our life now and again so y'all can keep up with us. Denny is doing great with his new travel arrangements and all of us are well.
 So, until next time, I'll be seein' ya'...