Festivities

Dad and I took in an evening a pony and horse pull at our town's yearly festival. This was my first pull of any kind to attend, so I learned as I went along.

Acting up.

And they're off.

Grandpa's Outing

At 100 years old, Grandpa doesn't get a lot of outings beyond special days at the lake. This year his request was to visit Maren and Jason at the greenhouse. Even though advanced macular degeneration makes it difficult to see much, he was able to enjoy the overabundance of color of flowers en masse. To be honest, we all did. A nice visit and ice cream with Maren, Jason and Jason's parents rounded out the time nicely.

Travel: Part IV

These park signs and a ride in good, old fashioned swings made me happy. There is something quaint and comforting about boxy cars and sailboats. Perhaps the feeling of comfort comes from memories of childhood when both boxy cars and sailboats were my family's mode of transportation.

 

 

Okay, so sailing to and from the same dock doesn't quite qualify as "transportation."

Travel: Part III

God's creation near the Mississippi.

Travel: Part II

Maren was driver and companion to Hannah and me on our latest doctoring trip. It was good to have sister time again.

Not only did Maren drive us the many hours down and back, she also drove us around the area while we soaked up beauty and tried to distract from feeling sick after being pumped full of allergens at the allergy clinic. Lots of joking and laughter helped, too.

This was not the vehicle Maren drove us in. I wonder at its history.

Before the Celebrations -- Travel: Part I

Hannah and I doctored once again in this beautiful city.

After the Celebrations

 

Time with cousins that were home from across the country and globe.

 

A birthday for Dad, quietly celebrated by those of us at home with many of his favorite foods including potato salad and white cake with lemon filling. The filling was on the side this time, since the gluten free version of Mom's old standby did not want to set up.

 

"Fake birthday" celebrated with Maren and Jason the next night. Left-over cake with left-over candles were pulled out of the fridge after a meal of more of Dad's favorite foods.

 

Then came Independence Day, which we so descriptively call "The 4th," celebrated with one hundred and fifteen relatives at the lake.

 

 

Now I rest and rest some more.