Marine Memorial Day

Memorial Day service at the cemetery.

The Boy Scouts gave a short presentation about the history of our nation's flags.

We always have to walk over the bridge.

Grandpa tells memories of Marine, and that his family used to go to this church.

Family picnic.

We have a new tradition Uncle Ronnie started this year.

Take one of Kyle's shoes and throw it way high up into a tree :)

Uncle Doug has to go to the neighbor's and ask for a ladder so Uncle Ronnie can climb the tree and get Kyle's shoe back, because Kyle has to go to Valley Fair tomorrow, and he NEEDs both shoes.

The day ends with Ice Cream at the Ice Cream Shop.  Perfect.

Goodbye Clear Lake

Going home today.

We packed up and are heading home.  I think Cooper had a good time.

Saturday

The pine trees were pollinating.  Everything was covered in yellow pollen dust.

An evening view of Clear Lake.

Friday

Setting up camp.

Longboarding and a walk.

New area for camping this year.

Familiar old chain saw tree carvings.

and a couple of new ones....

Making Fire Starters

First, gather all of your supplies:  paper egg cartons, dryer lint, old candles and an old pan or a coffee can.

Melt candles in the pan or coffee can.  You want to keep this pan for melting candles, because it will not come clean after this.  I place the pot in a pan of water and set the temp to medium low.  Heat until the candles are completely melted.

Meanwhile, place some dryer lint into each section of the egg carton(s).

Carefully pour the melted wax onto the dryer lint.

To use:  simply tear off one or more of the egg carton sections and light.  Wah Lah!

Clear Lake

Heading to Clear Lake to save a spot for camping this weekend.

Found out they have instituted some new rules since the last time we camped here in 2008.  The price went up from $15.00 a night to $25.00, and now you can reserve spots ahead of time.

This was the only site left.

Doug set up the tent to save our spot.

Sunset on our way home.

Purple Bloom

I was so pleased to see the alium bloom this year.  They are such a striking flower.  A big purple ball of tiny flowers on top of a long stem.

Line Dry

One of my simple pleasures.  Drying clothes outside, especially on a warm breezy day.

Sale Find

I went to this garage sale three times, and I think Doug stopped by four or five times.  They had a lot of good stuff.

Looking for Rock

Going rock pickin' in the north field.

Barkley LOVES going for a ride! I think Cooper does too.

Loading up the skidder bucket with rock.

Cooper and I got the easy job :)

Barkley.  He is always happy.

Dumping the bucket load of rock on the wagon.

Doug thinks he found a big rock.

So they dug....

and dug....

and dug....

Finally, Dad got the rock rolled out of the earth.

Good job Doug, that is a really big rock!

Can't Wait

Only three weeks until we leave for Wyoming.  Yipeee!

Sold!

Sold the super-awesome mini-van today to a guy over in Minneapolis.  He was thrilled, couldn't believe that someone hadn't snatched it up yet.  He thanked Doug over and over for driving it to his house, and is so thankful to have it. Hopefully it will continue to be as reliable for him as it was for us.  We purchased the van four years ago for $4,200 and sold it for $2,600.  The van cost us $33 per month. That's cheap transportation :) Goodbye!  Thanks for all the dependable miles.

Wonderful Wednesday

Got a bit of gardening done today.  Planted cauliflower, candy onions, opalka and brandywine tomatoes, broccoli, brussels sprouts and pumpkins.

Memories of Key West

Don, Lois, myself, Doug and Ben the last night of our stay in Key West.  We dined at the local lobster restaurant.  It was fabulous.

Jessica's "Daily Affirmation" ~ A Great Way to Start the Week

Found this on a blog that I follow.
www.ordinarycourage.com
Enjoy, it is fun :)

They're Back

Jim brought the cattle back to the pasture.