Sunday, July 31, 2022

Weekend Recap

We had plans for the weekend which didn't pan out. But that's o.k. We still enjoyed time together as a family - and that was the heart of our plans. 

We've been missing the summer nights sitting around the fire. This has been hard as Dad no longer wants to join us outside but isn't safe on his own. grin:: This Friday night we decided to just build the fire after he went to bed at 9. The girls, Michael and I enjoyed connecting around the fire. 

This was more like a bon fire but was totally controlled and died down very quickly.... it was fun to receive photos from CyRi and JaRissa when we sent them this one. They were sitting around the fire at CyRi's at the same time. 

While others were working or at the Air Show, Stacia and I walked around Friday Fling. We found a photo exhibit and took the survey from the sponsors. This earned us 2 $10 gift cards to Fred Myers. Every little bit helps.  We also tried a fried Oreo (ugh) and promptly gave the remainder away. 


Curriculum has been arriving at our home. One box had the air-filled plastic bags in the box. This resulted in quite a few minutes of fun play with Millie. Stacia discovered she could squirt the air at Millie and Millie wasn't quite sure how to attack the situation. 


Saturday had work for half of us, errands and quick jobs around here for the rest of us. Stacia and I fit in a coffee date after we dropped Allie at work and had an hour before we could pick up groceries. This is a blessing of Covid/2020...the discovery of pick up groceries. LOL I much preferred sitting with Stacia and discussing all things life than running up and down aisles at Freddies on a Saturday. 

The Dino Egg cucumbers are ready. Larissa renamed these cute-cumbers!  I began dehydrating our over-abundant crop of Kale. I have found that if I dry it, I can put it in soups, eggs, guacamole and everyone eats it....and if asked I simply tell Dad, "It's green like basil," which it is. LOL 

We had planned to be at the Air Show on Sunday - but decided several factors indicated the wisdom in changing that plan. We felt it would be a bit too long to leave Grandpa with Alex.  We wanted to hear the guest speaker at church. Rain was predicted. We thought about rushing to Anchorage after church, but Michael had seen enough to satisfy him on Friday. The rest of us really wanted some family time as much as the air show...so....

We opted to invite friends out to lunch after church and it was fun to connect in that way.  The girls enjoyed visiting with their youth, we enjoyed visiting with Danny and Krista.  Later at home we played games and simply enjoyed being with each other. 

Now it's time to start a new week - and a new month. August. The 8th month of 2022 already. Whew. Stacia's birthday month! CyRi's anniversary month - has it been a year since we had a yard full of celebrants? 

Saturday, July 30, 2022

July's Snippets

As is typical - left over pictures I had good intentions of blogging all thrown together. 

July began when Danny, Krista and Jenny took the youth group camping. Here, Michael helps set up camp. Allie came out after she got off work and had the next day off - we were glad both girls were able to attend. 

 

While they were off paddleboarding, playing games, eating s'mores and swimming...I worked in the garden. I planted the two spots of lettuce about 3 weeks apart, but it is ready at the same time. 



We are happy to see our one lone fireweed plant has spread. We found a meadow at the back of the property with fireweed.  I love it. 

I've been planting zinnias wherever I can find a bit of dirt. This turned out to be a blessing. As I write in August, I can find bright spots of colors in the midst of the weeds. LOL 

We stopped by the store on the way home from camping...this is about what summer is like. Family, kayak and groceries. 

Ah, July 3rd. It all began so innocently. I took manure and timothy hay from Dash's hutch and spread it throughout my beds. Things GREW...but from the hindsight of August I now have all sorts of new weeds, clover etc. wherever I spread the manure. See the sprout on its side? Something is getting into the garden and eating plants from ROOTS up. 

About this time, I bought a paddle board for US.  Jamin loves his. Kareen and Aubry love theirs. Jenny loves hers...it seems to be a good addition to our arsenal of water toys.  

July 6th...Stacia and I hauled compost and dirt to the dip in the ground and planted sunflowers and Dahlias in it.  I'm hoping for blooms this year...and to keep the moose away. 


The greenhouse is emptying of plants....and I've planted the watermelons with great hope. 


We had planned a trip to the swimming hole out our way on the 7th. The rain began....we diverted to games at CoRielle's. Little did we know the rain would continue through July...still raining now in mid-August. 

The plants seem to be liking the rain....it does make watering easier. LOL 

Today's haul

In the hoop house the tomatoes and cucumbers are growing. Maybe we'll get tomatoes this year. I must STAKE them next year. 


Nolan goes over fairly regularly to talk with Bre and play with nieces and nephews. Thanks, Bre for sending photos. 

This little guy is warming up to PEOPLE/STRANGERS. He's smiling, letting us talk and hold him, and even stayed in the nursery on August7th. 
Jojo is 20 months here


In July C made weekly over-night visits to CoRielle's home. We planned, worked towards and hoped he would be moving into their home on July 27th. It was not to be. They ARE officially licensed as a foster/adopt home now. We are praying for August. Note, C's face is not visible, and his name is not mentioned. If you are local, I have the "face photos" on my phone. ::snort:: 
Benny, Danny, Arielle, Corry and C

Friday, July 29, 2022

Arctic Thunder Practice

There is an air show this weekend. 

We love airshows. 

The weather looks iffy for the weekend. BUT FRIDAY is the practice day on base. We have base access. Krista sent us all the info and we planned to drive in today for the practice. We thought there wouldn't be all the static displays and vendors, but we'd see all the flying. The boys and Allie were working various schedules but Stacia, Michael and I would go with CoRielle and hopefully see KrUke at some point as well. 

All was set until we realized we had a 60 - 90-minute gap between work schedules when no one would be here with Grandpa/Dad.  With an Air Show in play, I was the obvious choice to stay home, which I did. Stacia opted to stay home as well. Our plan was to go on Sunday...

Thanks to Arielle for sending all these photos. This was the boys' first air show. I'm sure Arielle felt like she was walking back in time and sharing a piece of her childhood with the boys. It was fun that Michael got to pass on info and stories to Cory and possibly Benny. LOL 

Auntie Chaplain and Benny

Michael was surprised at how many displays were up. There were also vendors. The VIP tents and seats were in place, but there were "no people."  They were able to enjoy front row seats. LOL  Michael said it did his heart good to see an F 16 and pilot from the 35th FW...go, Misawa! 







Passing on the aviation love...









Thursday, July 28, 2022

A Perfect Summer Evening

The ship with our produce broke down and so Tuesday co-op day was put off until today. That kept me busy until 4 p.m.
Grandma Shark - from BreZaak

Michael had an appointment. Krista texted and asked if any of us would like to meet her for dinner at Reuben Haus, a local food truck. Arielle and boys, Stacia, me and Michael took her up on the offer. Good food, a perfect summer day, outside dining, live music, kombucha and a bean toss. Perfection. 
Kombucha samples. Thanks, Krista. 



Sitting the in the sun, enjoying a gentle breeze, it was hard to believe it's been raining for 3 weeks. In fact, it gave me hope my stubborn refusal to agree with the assessment that summer is over has merit. I'm glad we joined Krista and Arielle and the boys. 

We rounded out the evening by watching an episode of Manifest. Michael headed to bed. Stacia watched, and I slept through, an episode of When Calls the Heart. LOL