Day #212 - Called for duty...

I've been summoned for jury duty but probably won't serve this time. The maximum I can get from my portable O2 equipment is about 6 hours and not knowing how long I'd have to be there every day would make it impossible for me. I just wouldn't be able to lug extras around the courthouse. So, I'm waiting on a letter from my doctor that will excuse me. Too bad, I enjoyed serving before.

Day #211 - Spear Builders

After a particularly windy thunderstorm, there were plenty of broken branches on the ground. Michael found one he deemed spear-worthy and Lew helped him make one. He plans on taking it back home with him... I'm sure my son and daughter-in-law will just looooove me!

Day #210 - Blimps and other things...

Christopher got this shot of the Goodyear blimp from our backyard. I later found out it was flying in our area to fulfill a ride-in-a blimp contest prize. Later on we went out for dinner and took in a late movie the boys wanted to see.

Day #209 - Painting Pals

Wanting to help, Christopher donned some of Lew's old clothes and grabbed a paintbrush. We chose Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee - a slightly creamy off white. It's just a tad different from what we had, softer and not quite as bright. It's looking good!

Day #208 - Friday night movie...

The boys opted for some horror combination of Friday the 13th/Nightmare on Elm Street but I was perfectly satisfied with this one. Love Forest Whitaker and his Oscar-winning performance in his portrayal of sick puppy Amin.

Day #207 - Sleeping beastie...

I don't see how on earth it can be comfortable, but this has become a favorite snoozing spot/position for my beastie boy Buster. Goofy animal!

Day #206 - Going without...

While the family room is being worked on, the boys have been reduced to watching plain ol' dusty cable TV on their bedroom set, sans HBO or the recorded program feature. Life is soooo difficult!! *sigh* ;)

Day #205 - He worked hard for the money...

Christopher made a deal with Lew to wash the van for some spending cash. Today was the day for the job and he did it well and impressively.
Of his own volition, he even took a toothbrush to the wheel rims ! What a kid!

Day #204 - *Sniffle*

This poor wilted New Guinea impatiens pretty much croaked while we were gone - guess it wasn't happy without its daily shower. Ah well, at least the others survived.

Day #200 through Day #203 - A NY/NJ Weekend

Day #200 - Getting ready

suitcases pulled out, dust and all, before packing...

~ ~ ~

Day #201 - Into New York City

The boys had never been to NY, so we surprised them with a quick trip into the city after we arrived in NJ Friday evening for a quick look-see. Unknown to them, we would be going back the next day for some real sightseeing that would include ...

~ ~ ~

Day #202 - Statue of Liberty

Ellis Island as seen from the ferry on the way to Liberty Island.

The Lady herself. Not only was it a first for the boys, but for Lew and I too. I'd only seen her from afar aboard a ferry crossing the river before this trip.

Taking pictures

Viewing the Manhattan skyline from Liberty Island

Christopher and Michael with NYC behind them

New York City from Liberty Island

Brooklyn Bridge from Liberty Island

The original flame held aloft by the Lady before renovations in 1984 replaced it with the gilded one she now holds
A replica of the Lady's face in the museum, it was made using the same process as used on the statue. I don't know the kid picking her nose!! :D

The Statue of Liberty in all her glory...

...truly an awesome and impressive sight

After spending most of the day on Liberty Island, we went back into the city for a closer look at

The Empire State Building

The United Nations

and a lot of other buildings. All in all, it was a successful surprise and we had a great time. As you can see, the weather was spectacular too!

~ ~ ~

Day #203 - Winston's 1st Birthday

Adorable and yummy birthday cake

Appropriately enough, Winston's first ever taste of cake was his birthday cake - he liked it!

Off for a few days...

We're off to NJ for the weekend to help celebrate baby Winston's first birthday. Will be back next week... with pics, of course. Have a great weekend all!! :)

Day #199 - UNO!

Playing a quick hand or two of UNO while waiting for dinner to finish cooking.

Day #198 - Let the transformation begin...

The next time you see this wall, it'll be totally different. After some 30-plus years, I finally won't have to look at that oh-so-70's painted pine wood trim anymore! Construction begins tomorrow on renovating the family room. Yay!!
We're excited!

Day #197 - ...and he cooks too!!

Not only is he a fun kid, but he's comfortable in the kitchen. Christopher wanted to make Ritzy chicken, so I let him have at it while I gave directions. He done good too, it was delicious! He now informs me he's for hire. LOL! :D

Day #196 - Controlling the mighty oaks...

In addition to the $$ he earned yesterday, Michael picked another 70 oak seedlings today. At 5 cents a pop, he's making out like a little bandit in the 'job' Poppaw created for him. At this rate, Lew may wish he offered him a flat rate! ;)

Day #195 - Firestarter...

Michael has become somewhat enthralled with "The Dangerous Book for Boys" and wanted to try some of what he was learning. He felt ever so cool when he was able to start a fire with a magnifying glass... just like the book said he could! ;)

In about a minute or so, we had smoke...

Added more fuel with a dry leaf and it was really smoking!

Day #194 - Friday = Pizza night!

Good thing the boys like pizza - makes for an easy Friday night dinner - and no dishes! :)

Day #193 - Deer sighting...

Caught sight of this little lady prancing across the farmer's soy bean field today. Taken from my dining room window with the zoom all the way out so it's not real sharp but at least you can tell what it is.

Day #192 - A boy and a book...

I got this book for the boys in hopes of sparking their interest in the magic and mystery of being a boy. It's an old-fashioned collection of useful and interesting facts and bits of info that encourages exercising the imagination rather than losing it to the electronic age we live in.

Day #191 - Invasion of the Bionicles...

I'm told this critter's name is "Axonn" and he's brought along a few friends to keep him company. Haven't had the pleasure of making their acquaintance yet, but this guy has taken up residence on the kitchen table and guards us against any bad guys that might be lurking. ;)

Day #190 - Puzzle puzzle...

We spent the afternoon working on this challenger until we got bleary-eyed from all the numbers and took a dinner break. Looks like Lew and I may finish the rest ourselves since the boys have opted for a little TV diversion instead.:)

Day #l89 - Mine... and his ...

My kid and his. Jim and Christy took off this am but we sure had a great couple of days. We laughed ourselves silly and just had a fun time. I expect the next few weeks with Christopher and Michael will be just as lively.

Day #188 - My grown-up baby girl...

Got myself a houseful of grands again. The boys will be here for a while, but Christy, hamming it up for the camera for me, is only here for the weekend and will be going back with Dad tomorrow. Gonna be a fun summer!

Day #l87 - Deck decor...

When we finished planting in the front yard weeks ago, I plopped the leftover impatiens I had into pots for the deck. They're doing very nicely and add a little color too. My goofy cat statue continues the bits of whimsy we have 'round and about the yard.

Day #l86 - Choice condiment...

Got my latest supply of Cain's mayo today. I love this stuff but can't find it anywhere except the New England area. Since I don't get up there often enough, I usually talk nice to my sister in CT and she'll send me a jar or two when I run low. I recently found a source online though, and rather than bother her all the time, I've been ordering it there. A small little luxury I allow myself... but I share. :)

(pictures don't turn out so good inside the fridge with the flash so I went for one without - not so good either but you get the idea.)

Day #185 - Happy 4th!

We opted to avoid the crowds, the ominous weather, and spend our 4th having a quiet, stay-at-home-and-watch-it-on-TV one. Hope you all enjoyed a wonderful day!

Day #184 - Starbucks Surprise

I have the sweetest cleaning ladies. A couple of weeks ago they showed up slurping on some of these. Carol insisted I try it and gave me some of hers. Prior to this, I had never been in a Starbucks (I know, I need to get out more!) let alone tried any. Even though coffee is my drink of choice, I really don't care for it iced or cold but this was reeeeally good! When they showed up today, she surprised me with my very own Dulce de Leche Frappuccino. Oh yum, these things are wonderful - I think I'm a convert!

Day #183 - A Basket of Happy...

I could handle finding this little bundle of happy in my laundry basket any ol' time! We had such a wonderful visit and are looking forward to seeing him again later this month to help celebrate his 1st birthday.

Day #182 - Poppaw's pride...

Lew and his baby girl's precious baby boy. Susan, Lawrence, and Baby Winston are visiting from NJ and we've been enjoying this little guy to pieces! We went for a belated birthday dinner for Susan today and when his little self got bored with the adults eating, Lew took him for a stroll around the restaurant.