July Happenings

The 4th of July was pleasantly spent on the farm with the in-laws coming over for dinner. In addition it was also George's birthday AND his Mom and Dad's anniversary. We had lots of vegetables from the garden along with chicken on the grill. AnnaBelle helped me make a chocolate cake for her Daddy and has eaten her weight in it since. She loves cake........ and flags!

The garden is producing extra since we've been blessed with rain when we needed it. Sure has been a change from last year.

We camped out twice last week since we had such great weather for it. No humidity and lows in the low 60's for both nights we camped out and I could do it every night if the weather cooperated. AnnaBelle is still asking me every evening if, "We gonna camp out, Momma?" Followed by a sigh of discontent when I tell her it's too hot....and boy has it been hot!

When the heat, humidity and the thunderstorms chase us inside we find other things to occupy the day.

Board games have been a hit. I bought a few over the last couple of months and have been introducing them to the kiddies. They LOVE this one! Isn't that the cutest toe?

But when it's really hot we head down to the river. A couple of weeks ago Nathan landed this nice smallmouth on a beetle spin. He was super happy and I was super proud. My little guy is getting to be quite the fisherman. He can throw right up to the shoreline with ease. He'll have his occasional squirrel fishing fiasco in the trees, but he quickly gets out of it, keeping his bait. Who hasn't?

Since this picture was taken the river has risen over 4 feet. The little islands are covered and we'll have to wait a few weeks for the level to go down. Judging from this map it could be a while.

http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=akq&gage=sebv2&view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1&toggles=10,7,8,2,9,15,6

Hmmm...we could always get that part we need for the canoe and put that into action! ;)

Happy Birthday Daddy

Today is my father's birthday. He turns the big 8-0 today and you wouldn't know it unless you asked. People are aging so much better these days it's hard to tell. As you can see by the top picture my Daddy has had a love of cars since he was a little boy living in the rolling mountains of Hambleton, WV. From his first ride as a child to the one he sports now (see pic above!) me and my siblings lives growing up centered around the new and old vehicles that would grace our driveway over the years.

There were plenty of Corvairs, Monza's, and the prestigious Caprice Classics and who could forget the Diesel Caprice Classic Station Wagon where me, Mary and Brian choked on the fumes while sitting in the back. Brian always got car sick riding backwards! LOL

Yes, my father has taught me so much. He introduced me to the love of basketball and the teamwork and dedication it takes to be a "team player". Valuable lessons on the court that would translate into "real world" lessons growing up into adulthood.

He taught me the value of hard work and the importance of treating people with the respect that you would expect in return. Help others who are less fortunate than yourself and never forget the value of family.

So today my father, my "Daddy", "Papa" to my children is another year older, but wiser beyond years. I love you, Daddy! ♥