Catching up

As it has been for most of us, the summer has been filled with family, friends, and visitors for birthdays, Independence Day, and bookmaking "mini-camps." Our oldest son had serious car trouble on the way back to Omaha on the fourth, so he had to turn around and come right back home. This meant that he was able to spend traditional "Family Fourth" with us, along with another good friend of his. They helped our youngest son and their cousin shoot off fireworks in the front yard while Sparsebeard and my brother, "Boat Captain" shot off the big explosions in the backyard for all to see. A lot of families in our neighborhood had good fireworks displays this year! It was one of the best ever.


Before J came to visit for ten days from Omaha, I had my 44th birthday. Here are most of the things I spent birthday money on at a couple of thrift shops that two girlfriends and I visited together on a day just for us. First we had lunch together at one girlfriend's home, and sipped blueberry lemonade. Then it was off to a quilt shop and some antique and thrift stores.

I found a heavy duty paper and board cutter for $8, watering can (2-3 gallons!) for $18, a paella pan for $8 (paella is pretty much Spain's version of jambalaya), old Pyrex small refrigerator leftover containers, 4.50 each (I actually bought three), old enamelware storage container (I collect these) $6, two ceramic trivets with herbs on them for $1.99 each.

The blue, Mediterranean "mosaic" mug is from Starbucks (dd's discount applied) and the poppy fine bone china tea mug is from a blueberry picking farm we went to with friends on my birthday. My dear friend bought it for me. It came with a tea strainer and steeping lid. I also bought Lemon Balm Tea that day to put in my new teacup.

About a week later, we found lemon balm herb pots at Home Depot and bought five to put in our garden. This herb is very good for congestion and swelling, but also has a nice, relaxing effect. It is perfect for evening sipping. I've also steeped some of our dried mint leaves with it, and they go well together.



We also bought these flowers to decorate our newly cleaned deck and dining area:

zinnias, balloon flower, I don't know -orange vine, balloon flower, zinnias


Now I must get going on quite a few summer book restoration jobs. I'll also be speaking at a local conference and need to tweak my notes and handouts for that, and load up my "show and tell" basket to display.

Some of you have been to "singing camps" and summer camps and back, gotten new jobs, had new grandbabies, gone to weddings or are planning weddings. What else have you all been up to?

Happiest of summers to you,

Javamom

Do not be alarmed : -)

I was rifling through old photo files today, whilst choosing photographs for various contests, and found this photo of me with our favorite aunt. She was a national Girl Scout leadership trainer for decades upon decades, and she and Uncle Wally are a lot of fun to be around. We'll go on nature walks with them, any day!

I think this was the summer of 2003. We were exploring all over, including Native American cliff dwellings. This ponderosa pine was on the grounds surrounding the park.

The ponderosa pine smells like strawberry Nutri-grain bars. I am not kidding. We are seeing how large the tree is, and Aunt Sue was teaching me about its lovely smell at the same time.

Oh how I wish we could go visit them in the mountains of New Mexico again this summer!


Javamom ;-)

Old Photos and Memories

Having our oldest back gives us time to revisit memories and talk about the kids' growing up. While the guys are at the grandparents helping them with yard work, I thought I'd post a few old photos :-) while I have a few things baking in the oven.


Our kiddos as toddlers/preschoolers:

J oldest - @ summer 1991 - 2.5 yo

K - June 24, 1993 - 2 yo

little j - June 1996 - third birthday

A - April 1999 fourth birthday
j and A while family camping - early spring 1998


::: sigh :::


Javamom

Our boy is coming home for a visit

So if I don't post for a week or so, you'll know why. We've seen J once since he moved out of state in January, and are really looking forward to this visit! We will have picnics, ice cream, stir-fry, hummus and Greek food...all our family favorites. Hopefully all the friends will come over just like old times.

He's so grown up. I'm still getting used to the fact that his sis is pretty grown up, too...


These are our oldest two kiddos. They are adorable. They are both inspired by a Charlotte Mason education :-), which means they are very well-rounded and very interesting people.

Gotta be a proud momma once in a while, you know?


Javamom

What a Squirrel

This fellow did not make it long at the feeders. The dove were all over him. That was pretty funny.

Javamom

- Tigger -

Just because. He is a delight to the family.

~ More Bird Scenes ~

The Mockingbird showed up today, but just to watch the other birds snacking and feasting at the feeders. Is that a look of contempt that I see on that face? (that would be Mock's face, not the cow's face, haha)


This is a European Starling, according to my sources. I like the spots!


This was the treat of the day, topping even the red-winged blackbirds, just because of sheer volume. These two scenes took place in 15 seconds or so. I almost missed it! Three jays above, four jays below. I knew the Jay family had one fledgling, but did not know there might be two of them! They are all difficult to distinguish among them, whether male, female, or offspring, from what I've read.



photos by:

Javamom

Red-Winged Blackbird

Today's surprise new visitors. I hope they stay!


male



female? I think the females are actually brown and striped

Black-capped Chickadees

This sweet pair is new to our feeders this week. They joined us last night as we finished up dinner and had birthday cake for our 15 yo son. They are adorable, and so tiny!

Cool enough to be outdoors

Just getting some fresh air and exercise after dinner on the deck