Muddy buddies

 

 

 

 

Friday is our outing morning when we join a group of other Mommas and try to find something outdoors that is fun and doesn't cost much/anything.
Today we went to a great Forest Service playground, complete with an old helicopter and other various big machinery - all ready for playing...then we settled down for a relaxing snack and dip in the little creek...muddy buddies is what we call these little boys now.

Play-mate

 

 

Yesterday we got to spend some quality time with Odin, the middle son of my friend, Aleshka, the mother of many wonderful boys. He is two years old and talks up a storm and can play hard...just exactly what Gus needs...even if he doesn't know it.
Together they quickly took the house apart - I put my foot down when I heard furniture being rearranged in the living room. Then they proceeded to give the mulch in the backyard a workout...wonderfully inspiring to Gus who now can't get enough of all the dirt that was there all along...leave it to little busy Odin to show us good boy play.

You are welcome back anytime, Odin.

Harvest Time

 

My friend, Brynn, years ago gave me a wonderful gardening book. This at a time when I was trying to grow something, ANYTHING, at close to 10,000 feet, which aptly illustrates what kind of a supportive friend she is. That book, however, futile at the time, now is proving its true value and has helped me identify and fight back all the manyfold enemies of heirloom tomatos. I have pampered and babied them and they are now in full fruit and a source of much happiness to me...they are a bit more fragile but the subtle flavor differences and the plethora of colors and shapes are well worth it. I cringe at the thought of someday again eating those watery, listless Romas from the store...

Here is a little sample of tri-colored beauty: Green Zebra, Hillbilly and Big Beef.

I love hot summer days and I love afternoon showers even more.

Cascade Lake Camping Trip cont.

 

 

 

 

A few more images from our overnight camping trip. I particularly love the shot of Gus wading into the fog-soft stillness of Cascade Lake...he basically stepped out of the tent and straight into the water...where he proceeded to stay for the rest of our morning there.

Cascade Lake Camping Trip

 

 

 

 

We took a mini-staycation at Cascade Lake about 40 minutes outside of Brevard in the heart of Dupont State Forest and had a great time on our overnight trip. Gus spent most of his waking hours in or around the lake and loved sleeping in the tent - just not without Daddy right there.

We all recharged and are feeling sufficiently relaxed.

Swiss Party!!!

 

 

 

 

A beautiful breeze, a willing grill master (Jacob), lovely guests who brought delicious foods, lots of smiles and even wore Swiss costumes - nice job, Richard, I forgive you the Canadian beer, all contributed greatly to a lovely evening under lampions talking about everything and even some Swiss history.

You are all wonderful friends to us!
Schoene Erschte August!

Happy Erschte Auguscht!

 

 

Today is the day, all things come to an abrupt halt a world away in a little country called Switzerland. People festoon their homes with flags and lampions (paper laterns) and in the evening everyone gathers at big bonfires to eat sausages, cheese delicacies and watch children walk in formation with lampions on wooden sticks. People sing nostalgic songs and drink beer and watch lots of fireworks.

August 1 is when Switzerland first came to be by act of a sworn alliance between three cantons (states) who were tired of being oppressed by Austrian Royalty in 1291 (!!!)Years of guerrilla warfare ensued and finally through sheer will, home advantage and peasant-smarts a small souvereign nation was born.

Tonight we're hosting a small party for good friends to celebrate Gus'/my heritage and to say thanks to people who have been so supportive to us in the last year. My Mom outdid herself and has sent me all the fixings to throw a Swiss-party in style.

Happy Erschte Auguscht everyone!