Change Versus Adventure

This was the last big weekend for the grandchildren. When the weekend was over, one group was en route to their new home in Maryland and the other group returned to their new home of one week in Alabama.

The Nana is posed with her grandchildren in the last group shot for awhile. The gang is not as ornery as they look. The photographer put them looking into the sun which was very bright.

The Pool.

It's only about 24 inches deep.

And it is filled with very cool water from the well.

But the kids love it.

From the littlest one, splash me again and you are going to eat it.

The bigger ones like the splashing,

The younger ones get antsy when the splashing and jumping starts running amok.


Looks like one of them is getting ready to get out.

With the smaller ones out of the pool, the splashing and jumping frenzy builds.

Pool time for the younger kids is limited by the water temperature and the actions of their older brothers/cousins.

So they go cook in the kitchen.

A bucket filled with water.

They play real good with the kitchen utensils, the available sand and water from the hose.

The Alabama portion of the family left Sunday afternoon. School is already in session there, it started last Friday. The big brother is expected in school early Monday morning.

Monday evening, an anxious seven year old awaits the dawn, knowing his life is changing way faster then he would like.

Eating a yogurt, he also looks a little apprehensive, but as a two year old, he is not sure why.

It is Tuesday morning and getting your picture taken at or about 0430 hrs is a shock. Here they are, the move is real.

And there goes the Prius to be followed by a 26 foot U-Haul rental truck loaded with everything they couldn't fit into the Prius.



Mom, Dad, three boys, two cats and two dogs heading for their adventure.

A Couple Of Old Gals Get Dressed Up

I have had these pistols since the late 1960s. I thought it was about time to dress them up a little, so I ordered some walnut grips in the WWI pattern made by Colt from Midway USA.

Here I have one set installed so you can see the difference.

Here they both are wearing the new grips. I thought of changing the grip screws but to my reasoning, new screws would take away from the character of these fine pistols.

Making Blueberry Jam, July 2010

Whenever you make Blueberry Jam it is imperative you have helpers. Helpers are valuable to ensure there is no excess jam left in the mixing bowls that will not fit into a jar.


Tools of the trade.

The end result depends upon the amount of Blueberries you use, how much effort you want to expend and the Blueberries your helpers do not eat.

A $25 Summer Pool

The first pool we bought for the grandchildren was returned whence it came. It seems our county requires an $80 permit for any seasonal pool 30 inches or more in depth, water depth, not the height of the pool or, any pool with a filtration system. The permit is required to be renewed yearly.

So we got a $25 pool from Wal Mart. We fill it from the well, float a chlorine tablet in it overnight and adjust the chlorine level as required prior to swimming by adding more well water. We scoop out the big chunks and as required we dump and refill the pool.

I also bough two cheap tarps, one that fits under the pool to keep the pool off the ground. The other tarp is slightly larger than the pool and is used to cover the pool when not in use to keep things out of the pool.

Two cheap basins are provided for rinsing feet before jumping in the pool.

Well water is quite cool, er cold.

Lips may be turning purple even though the air temperature is close to 90 degrees.


Swimming.

Chatting.

Squirting.

Two lifeguards in attendance.

Some cousins have arrived.

Hitting on the lifeguard, it is an Irish male thing.

Five of them, seven years of age or younger.

Two two year olds. He claims he is really having fun and she, the youngest by three months, is holding her own with four rambunctious boys in the pool with her. No quarter asked, none given.

One of the more peaceful moments.

Another group shot.

Lunch With A Kindergartner And A Tour Of His First School

The meal , as requested, consisted of McDonald's take out.

The student and his guest's are provided a table in the lunchroom during the student's lunch period.

The student, prior to leaving for the day provided his grandparent's with a tour of his classroom.

Each student has a bucket to keep their personals in.

View one,

view two,

view three,

and view four of the classroom.

Flowers in the box outside pointed out by the little sister on our way out.

The main entrance of a year's effort. Next year , another school in another state.

The Beach At FT Fisher, Kure Beach, NC

In the water catching a wave.

Notice the facial expression, he still is not quite used to the salt water in his face.

Coming up the beach after a successful run.

Headed for the water with Nana.

The Nana has quickly determined the water temperature is not to her standards for immediate submersion.

Headed down the beach for Dad.

Shovel and pail in hand.

Ask her if she wants to go to the beach and her first grab is her shovel and pail.

He is in there.

The board pops up first.

Getting serious with the digging.

Nana and grandboy playing in the surf.

Photographs for posterity.

Another angle.

Launched with Nana's verbal directions.

Looking really good.

It worked as planned.

Trying to get on and stay on the board.

Coming off the board in the surf.

Big brother and little sister playing in the sand.

The Nana checking on her people.

Kite flying Nana on Kure Beach, NC.

That is her kite in the background. It is about 6 inches long with a 10 foot tail. However, it launched easily and flew great.

Having a great time.

Soaked to the core, a surfing dude.

Nana with grandboy surfer dude.

Nana takes a cold water shot to the back. The sun was hot, but the water was not.

She is a serious looking kid who smiles more when her people follow her directions and don't question her.

Entering the water with a full head of steam.

Nana is urging a little caution. Little sister does not have many hours logged on a salt water beach, or any other beach for that matter.

Little sister getting used to salt water in the face.

More salt water.

Loving every minute of it.

The knowledgeable big brother.

Just hanging around in the surf.

Coming through the surf.

Big brother says, "try this".

On the board for the first time.

Lonely surfboard.

Surfing, all by herself.

Orientation after being run over by a wave.

YESS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Soaking wet and loving it.

Surfing Dude. Note there are two large drops of water flying, one in front of his right eye and one below it on the edge of his nose.

Mother and Daughter on the beach.

Beach toys in the sand.