How To Start A Fire

1. Carefully assess the situation

 

2. While one man is rubbing sticks together, the other man should secure deer head.

 

3. Not a bad idea if someone intercedes for firestarters.

 

4. Score justly. (100 pts. possible)

 

Good Friends + No Kids = Woo Hoo!

I'm saying that but, of course, we missed our kids terribly. That's not to say we had no fun! No, indeed. A few days with our friends, Mike & Amy, at our favorite spot was another cherished entry in the mental scrapbook of memories. The weather was B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L, the food was scrumptious, the company was inspiring (and hilarious), and we were worn out from lots of great hikes -- in that very gratifying way. It's nice to have friends whose idea of a good time together isn't doing too much or too little...

It was just right!

 

 

 

 

It was such a blessing to get away! Thanks, Mike and Amy, for being like family. Can't wait to do it again!

The 4th Grade Dirt Pile

Every fall a wonderful family from our school class hosts a big bonfire and chili cookoff out at their place. They have what every kid dreams of -- acreage, ponds and streams, a basketball barn and (best of all) a gigantic pile of dirt. You wouldn't believe how much these monkeys look forward to this event.... mostly because of the dirt. We parents kinda don't look at what goes on up there. It cramps their style. I understand. Most of childhood existence has to be so micromanaged now, that the fun of being totally let off the leash is rare and starved for, don't you think? Joshua did push one girl off the hill in the attempt to be king, but now (after a little talk) we know that's not very chivalrous of a would-be king...

See what you learn from the dirt pile?

 

And these are the most amazing Moms I know! What's my mug doing in this picture, I scratch my head and wonder? I'm telling ya, what these Moms do with their time, and what they sacrifice for the education of their kids is inspiring. I just sit in their presence and listen to their wisdom most the time. Makes my head spin...

 

Thank you so much Travis and Becky! You're pretty cool. Oh yeah, and so are all you Dads! Got 'Dirt Pile 2011' already on my calendar.

'For Sale or Lease'

 

I kid you not, that's what the sign says on this "structure". I know times are tough, but I had no idea our hungry builders had taken to cutting these kinds of corners. So sorry the picture's not clearer. Greg doesn't always feel its as urgently necessary as I do to ensure material for photographic commentary.:)

And yet another reminder of how countrified we're getting? On a recent trip to Tulsa, we were strolling on the sidewalk in the center of downtown and Joshua asked (in awe), "Are we in New York City?!?". Poor child.