Lake Walk

Yesterday we went on an adventure through an enchanted forest to the land of trolls and fairies. Two small girls ran on ahead, unafraid and excited to explore someplace new.

We looked down over the cliff to the lake far below and saw an ancient ship wreck. Well, it looked like a shipwreck to Emma, even if it was just fallen trees stretching out into the water. It was decided wise to keep small children well away from the precipice and so we continued our exploration.

We found aban- doned houses (really old girl scout cabins), peeked through windows, and dreamed of living inside. It was quite obvious the village residents had left their village on account of warring trolls.

Eager to reach the beach, we continued our search for a trail to the water's edge. Down, down the steep hill we went, all the way to the stoney beach and splashing water.

There were trees to climb and logs to haul ourselves  over. Stones were tossed into the waves and seaweed traipsed upon. Above our heads loomed the sandy cliffs of the lake shore.

Anyplace it was possible, the girls ran ahead eager in search something new. Uncon- cerned about trolls, who had obviously moved on, we traversed the beach.

Had the beach been clean, rather than covered in seaweed, it would have been a grand location to spend the afternoon, especially if we had remembered to bring lunch.

After thor- oughly exploring the beach, we began to feel hungry and since there was no food in our pockets, we headed back to the trail.

It was a long hot walk back to the van. I won- dered about the trolls and fairies along the way and thought perhaps they may have moved into the old pine forest we passed along the way. I wasn't sure whether to continue my leisurely pace, or take off running!

A Full Pot

My flower pot was full today! :)

If you can stand it, another post...

Last night I received a surprise phone call from my dear daughter in law. She was in need of someone to watch her little ones this morning while she helped a friend in a pinch clean  few houses. Of course, I didn't hesitate. Hannah and I soaked in every moment. Aunt Bethany stopped by with Josh and we had a regular old party!

F is for Fiasco

F is for fiasco, faucet fiasco.

It all started last night when Mom went into the downstairs powder room to brush her teeth. I heard an unfamiliar sound and my mother's panicked voice calling, "Mart! Mart come quick! Mart! Mart! I need your help!!!:

A thousand thoughts went through my mind between jumping out of the computer chair and arriving in the kitchen. I had no clue what to expect. James got there before I did, which is probably a good thing, because he is supposed to know what to do in case of emergencies.

The hot water handle on our "not-so-very-old" sink (It was put in 2 1/2 years ago.) had given up and fallen off. Mom says she "didn't even touch it". Water was pouring out where the handle should have been. Without thinking, James put his hand over the hole. The water pressure turned his hand into a sprinkler system, and Mom got her second shower of the night. :)


We finally thought to turn the water off behind the sink, and turned to the chore of moping up one very wet toilet room. Now that it's all over, it's actually kind of funny. :D

This evening there was a different kind of fiasco. I was headed down the back steps with my book and evening cup of decaf, when I misjudged and thought I was at the bottom when I actually had one step left to go. I fell. My glasses went flying, my coffee mug hit the concrete rather abruptly, giving me a shower not so unlike my mother's last night, except that mine was "French vanilla". My "lawn guy", who is really my son Ben, witnessed my fall and came to my rescue carrying a handful of napkins with which to dry my dripping face.  I remained seated until gaining my composure, slightly bruised, but mostly feeling foolish. (Sorry, no photos.)

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A Little Escape

Today we escaped and went to riding lessons with Hannah. It was a gorgeous day and the out of doors was calling. Having only Emma in tow made traveling easy and she always loves an outing.

I liked the farm and I loved watching Hannah and her friend Kelly with the horses. (They're dressed alike so look close.) These are rescue horses, so if they appear thin, there is a reason, and sometimes it is just age. This is an old horse. My friend Emma found the trip fun and exciting too. She even enjoyed our stop at Wendy's on the way home. It was a good day.

I am learning that I must leave an empty bowl and a box of cereal out for Mom if I leave for the morning. I have been suspicious on a few occasions that perhaps she had forgotten to eat breakfast. Today we arrived home at about 3 pm. She readily admitted to not having eaten lunch, which isn't totally unusual since she typically eats breakfast at noon. I asked her if she had eaten breakfast. "Yes, I had breakfast," she replied.

"What did you eat?" I asked.

"I had Raisin Bran," she said. "And I think I cut up half a banana on top."

While it sounds reason- able, I knew it wasn't true. The little bit of milk, just enough for one bowl of cereal, that I had left in the fridge was still there. James had eaten the rest of the Raisin Bran, and we were out of bananas. On top of that, there were only three bowls in the sink; James', Ben's, and mine. Blah.

A Case of Crankiness

And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 
1 Timothy 6:8

I long to be content with such things as I have, but the plain and simple truth is being ornery comes much more natural than being satisfied. Today I have had a great case of crankiness. I did try taking a nap, but the relief I found was temporary. I don't suppose the reason for feeling out of sorts really matters much, I'm not even totally sure what my problem is, and even if I was to name it, it would be nothing more than an excuse for bad behavior.

I have a multitude for which to be thankful. (My list numbers well over 4000 now...) Each afternoon I pick fresh grape tomatoes from my little garden box, and every once in a while am blessed to find a cucumber or two hiding there also. Down the road and around the corner is a stand that sells the very best sweet corn in the entire northeast, always plentiful and always delicious! And, I have one of the best neighbors anybody could ask for. He joys in bringing us tomatoes for slicing, zucchinis, green beans, and elderberries.

Just outside my window are more blessings to be thankful for, the sun on Bob's barn, finches at the feeder, and an orchard full of apples. We are blessed with a smattering of blackberries along the old hedgerow, grass that is once again green and growing, and a God who takes plesure in watching me take time to notice how much He loves me.

Shame on me for being cranky!

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  Hebrews 13:5

White Elephant Gift

After two nights of little sleep, yesterday found me struggling to keep my eyes open. A blue sky full of fluffy, puffy clouds took that opportunity to play some games with my head. This is quite obviously a White Elephant. He was the first of many cloud creatures that danced before my eyes yesterday. Do you know it's difficult to keep one's eyes focused on the road when the sky is full of cloud pictures? No wonder folks lay on their back in the grass when watching clouds. I was relieved when the sky turned into a dark gray blanket between Buffalo and Rochester.

Visiting Erie

Our trip to Erie, Pennsy- lvania was somewhat of a whirl- wind tour as I am finding it a little tough to get away for anymore than a day or two at a time, but Hannah and I did make it there and back. On Thursday evening our friend Pat took us out on the peninsula and I forgot my camera. If I ever get back to Erie and have some time, I will have to walk the beaches of Presque Isle, check out the lighthouses, and take some pictures of those very cool and unique "houseboats" on Horseshoe Pond.

On Friday, which was just yesterday but somehow feels much longer ago, we visited the Maritime Museum and toured the Flagship Niagara. I learned a little bit more about the War of 1812, and dreamed of another Day Sail on a Tall Ship. I think perhaps Hannah is not as thrilled with old ships as her mother, but maybe she just needs a Day Sail to give her a little inspiration. Then again, it could be that she will never have an inkling of desire to sail off into the sunset. I think it sounds absolutely romantic, a wonderful dream. :)

After our museum tour, we stopped at a lovely little restaurant called Puffer- belly. The building is an old fire station and still had the fireman's pole from the second floor down to the ground and is decorated with memorabilia. There is even a large fireman's net hanging on the back wall. Just aim for the red spot in the center of the canvas and jump! Oh, yeah, Hannah had the quesadilla. Mm, mm, good! I had Southwest Chicken Pizza and it was good too.

We had just enough time after lunch to check out Liberty Park over- looking the bay and across to Presque Isle. It was a quiet day at the park and, aside from a few seagulls and a boat or two on the bay, we were alone. Too bad we didn't have a bit longer to stay. We could have taken the Aquabus across to the peninsula.

E is for Erie

E is for Erie.

I grew up near the southern shore of Lake Ontario, and my in-laws grew up close to the northern shore of Lake Erie. Different generations, different countries, different lakes. Every once in a while we hop in the car and make the trek to Buffalo and cross the Peace Bridge into Canada. Last year we made a series of stops at various beaches between Fort Erie and Crystal Beach.I think this was Windmill Point.

On a few occasions I have been lucky enough to be in Fort Erie, Ontario on an encampment weekend. Last year James and I had the privilege of watching an evening battle reenactment. (Of course, the Americans were the bad guys...) When asked whether he was Canadian or American, my husband would answer, "It all depends..." because, being born on American soil to Canadian parents, he has dual citizenship by birth. In this particular battle scene, the Americans held the fort.

This week Hannah and I are heading to Erie, Pennsylvania where we will visit the Erie Maritime Museum (< that is a link) on Lake Erie's southern shore. The Flagship Niagara will be in port for a couple of days and we're hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Maybe even go on board. We've got our very own tour guide!


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God Speaks

I know God speaks, I've heard His voice before, but sometimes I just get so wrapped up in my own plans and ideas that I forget to the take time to listen.

It was my plan to tell those I babysit for that I wanted to have the next few Mondays free. It didn't happen. Instead I changed my usual Tuesday-Friday schedule with Rocky and WiseGuy (she keeps telling me her name means "wisdom") to Monday-Thursday. I needed Friday off... And then, another
mommy needed some help for the morning and I ended up with six little girls for a few hours instead of no children at all. I was blessed to hug and kiss a few extra faces, take a little one (or two) on my lap, and wipe some yucky green noses. I even survived the morning without Hannah (who was gone horseback riding), thanks to my handy-dandy kid cage. (It keeps very small children contained on the back porch so I can see the older ones while I sit inside the cage with the very small ones.)

September is just around the corner and I have an idea that God is not quite finished trans- forming my stubborn heart. I think He has a plan or two up His sleeve to render another change in my attitudes and behavior. I'm hoping it includes a chance to take a deep breath and catch up with my housework. I've had a tough time keeping my eyes on small girls and cleaning out cobwebs at the same time. My shelves and furniture are well dusted, if that means they are supposed to be covered in it, and horizontal surfaces are getting difficult to see. There isn't much space left to put the stuff I don't know what to do with. :)

But, there are still a few weeks left to summer and I think maybe, just maybe, we can find some fun left in the month of August. Did I tell you we had pancakes for lunch yesterday? I even cooked them out on the back porch.

Today

Six flowers in the vase this morning. Soon it will be September and there will be just one sweet little rose.

The past three years have brought me varied "garden flowers", and this coming year is no different, because it will be different from the others. In many ways I am relieved to have just one child in my care daily (and one to put on the bus), and yet there is an unsettled part to this too. I am used to having at  least enough money in my hands at the end of the week to pay for groceries. If that is to happen this year, I will need a new plan and I have no idea what that will be.

(Flowers = children)

Just Wondered...

If Beverly Cleary is 96, how old does that make Ramona?

The Pier at The Irondequoit Bay Outlet

 My mind always goes blank when I sit down to write these days.

Summertime Supper

Sometimes supper is the last thing I want to think about, but I will say summer dishes up some scrumptious ones. Yesterday we  decided to cook up a pan of fried bell peppers and make sandwiches for the evening meal. I took the van down the road and around the corner to find some slicing tomatoes and a few ears of sweet corn. This has to be one of my favorite evening meals. In fact, I like it so much, it might be one of my favorite lunches too!

Little Stuff Here and There

It's still summer. I haven't soaked it up this year in quite the manner I like, but it's not over yet. There is still time to breathe deep and enjoy the few weeks I have left. And, I must remember that here, in my house, even September counts as summer. (There! I feel better already.)

Yesterday Hannah met her cousins at Seabreeze and spent the day going down water slides, riding the rides, and just taking in the wonder of a summer day at an amusement park. Priscilla and I didn't stay, but returned later, when it was getting dark, to pick them up. The girls returned to the car smiling and tired after a day of fun in the sun.

After dropping Hannah off, we made a quick stop down by the bay to toss a few crumbs of bread to the water fowl on the shore. Priscilla was with us and is not too impressed with large bird etiquette. Neither does she trust them to behave with small girls. There were a few attempts at "grabbing" but we left without any bites or bruises, and the girls were all happy.

On our way through Webster, we also swung by Bethany's so Priscilla could see her new house. Josh is a terrific tour guide and was more than pleased to show the girls around. He was also happy to have some friends over.

D is for Dew Drop

D is for Dew Drop. They look like diamonds, don't they?

I've tried and tried to come up with something creative this week, but it isn't happening and I'm running out of Wednesday. (Just an hour and fifteen minutes left.) This will have to do.

My sister, wonderful as she is, suggested I use the word "ditzy" and post a picture of myself. She found the idea absolutely hilarious. (She also suggested "dew" which I found to be a better choice.)

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Beating the Heat

It has been one of the hottest, driest summers on record. We've had more 90º or higher days than I remember, and less rain. Yesterday Hannah and I met Josh and Bethany over at Rachel's and took advantage of her backyard swimming pool. There is no better way, other than air conditioning, to beat the summertime heat and humidity than cool water. It was perfect, except for the fact that there were no cousins for Hannah to play with. I hung my legs over the edge of the pool and soaked my feet. It was wonderful.

Before heading home we decided to stop at a local frozen yogurt bar. Bethany was delayed by the unexpected explosion of a bottle of olive oil inside her vehicle and almost missed the outing. Yolickity has become a favorite place with Dave and Rachel and it's easy to see why. There are plenty of frozen yogurt or sorbet flavors to choose from, and tons of toppings to finish off the experience. If you like fresh fruit on yours, there is plenty to choose from. Josh and Hannah had their desserts mixed into a "blizzard".

I ate mine sundae style; water- melon sorbet with chocolate sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, and whipped cream. Yup, I think I like this place too. If I ever disappear and you aren't sure where I went, check there.

Lake Sunset

Last night I took James down to the lake at Webster Park. We didn't walk out on the pier and we didn't dip our feet into the cool water. It was almost too dark for picture taking, but there was a beautiful sunset to behold. Pink and blue, and blue and pink. Shadows and silhouettes. I couldn't resist taking a couple photos of some people paying on the beach.

We didn't stay long. There was loud music blaring from the pavilion/ house up on the bluff where someone was having a party. I was tired and out of sorts. James wasn't quite sure what to do with me, and quite honestly, I wasn't sure what to do with myself. I probably needed chocolate, but there was none to be found.

Well, That Stinks!

Perhaps I should have titled this "Return of the Babysitter Test"...

The day started out alright. I took one child to VBS, and proceeded to clean my kitchen and wash the floor while the remaining child played toys. (Yes, I did remove yesterday's pretty little spider web.) A good floor scrubbing was long overdue and I feel better knowing this task has been accomplished, even if it doesn't last long. After VBS I fed four little ones lunch. Since there were three children playing toys in my living room, I decided to take Rocky upstairs for a nap. She was a little out of sorts and growled at me when I scolded her. I gave her a fresh diaper, turned the air conditioner to low, and left her howling. She eventually settled down and all was quiet. She typically takes a good nap and I knew she needed one today.

The remaining children continued to play and at about 2 pm, after much persistent asking, I filled a tub of water for them to cool off in. A little before three I went up to check on Sleeping Beauty and found her standing in the portacrib wide awake. I turned off the air conditioner which I thought smelled a bit funny and turned my attention to the child. As I lifted her from the crib, I realized the smell was not the contraption in the window, but the mess this sweet darling had left on my walls and all over the netting on the end of the bed.

I can't imagine the look that must have come over my face, but I'm sure it wasn't pretty, and I know my wall wasn't. Said child, now in tears, was put rather abruptly into the tub. Her hands were covered in ... well, ... stink. It was down her legs and she even had a chunk in her hair. Can I tell you I was not one bit happy? I really don't like poop at all and she had deliberately smeared it all over, and not just a little bit. She could have been at this for quite a while. I have never slept her upstairs before and I may never do it again.

Ah well... I am calm now, the crib is clean again (after being put into the bathtub, washed, and bleached), and little mess-maker even went home smiling. She was naked save a diaper, but smiling, and yes, I do still love her.

Spider Webs

There are spider webs in my kitchen. My kitchen needs to be cleaned. I need to sweep away the cobwebs, but instead I took pictures of them. Do you think I have a problem?

I hear spiders don't like spearmint, but I haven't bothered to test the theory. Perhaps once Vacation Bible School is over, and the weekend is past, and once we have had some summertime fun, maybe when school starts up in September, I shall put that little idea to the test. I suppose it might be a good idea to at least gather up the present spider webs and clean out the corners and such. Maybe tomorrow...

C is for Collecting

"Pull yourself together and collect your thoughts."

This was a para- phrase of a scripture reference read at yesterday morning's Ladies' Bible study. (1 Peter 1:13) I found myself smiling because "Gird up the loins of your mind" is a picture that so many of us really don't get, yet it all seemed so obvious when the teacher said it this way. I understand "pull yourself together" pretty well.

I have to say, my thoughts have been rather scattered as of late. I've not had my mind "under control" as I ought and I often let myself become flustered and overwhelmed as a result, so it was a good reminder to "take every thought captive," which is another very good C word. (2 Corinthians 10:5)


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