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.