I got a new computer for my birthday. Well, the other one did up and die at the right time. I have been playing with the scanner options and this involves looking at a lot of pictures.
I found this one of the beloved Mr. Bill. Carol can write a big blog about him. I know she has referenced him. He was a family friend for years. Carol was commenting on how I seem to be the only child with a nickname that stuck (I think Jimmy was called Tiger for awhile.)Anyway, to tie this all together, I think it was Mr. Bill who techically gave me the nickname. He and Dad were the ones who used it most. I haven't heard it much lately. Does that mean after 55 years I have out grown it? Or does this mean I am no longer the favorite child?

Just a few photos from Sammie's third birthday party this afternoon.

The Shop

This is our latest addition to the compound. Donald and David spent their summer vacation (starting in April ending in August) building Eileen a shop for the businesses. It is now complete with refrigerator and microwave. It does have a large upstairs area with the kids play toys and plenty of storage for inventory. The teenagers discovered what a cool place it was to hang out in. Eileen discovered they were messier than the children. If you want to get in touch with Eileen these days don't call the home phone she won't be there! She can be found enjoying HER space. The last picture is of course the "Barn" It just looks so pretty this time of year I had to take a photo.

Power Shopping

Twice a year the commissary at the local military bases has a case lot sale. It has become a very popular event with the family. Ever see seven hundred dollars worth of groceries crammed into the back of a suburban? Today's total was $475.36. One of the reasons I can uaually get someone to go with me on these trips is the promise of a "special treat" of their chosing. Today Randy scored with a huge can of cashews.
I would tell you how much they cost but men in suits would come and haulme away for spilling top secret info.

Cuss words

It is really funny when a three year old lets loose with a cuss word. It is really funny when a seventy-three year old lets loose with a cuss word. Anyone in between, not so much. Having said that, I love the ideas set forth in this blog http://guidetostuffmormonslike.blogspot.com/2008/12/finding-excuses-to-swear-without-it.html#links. If I knew how to link I would but since I don't just type it in. It will be worth your efforts. I personally have very little experience in this area but all you out there who do, will welcome this validation.

Birthdays

AS everyone knows, we around here don't need much of an excuse for a party. A couple of weeks ago we decided to have one last get-together before the start of school. The occasion was to celebrate Meghan, Donald and Grandaddy's birthdays. Food was fabulous as always. Chocolate cake and coconut cake!We held it right after church since there was plenty of room and air conditioning.






Grandaddy is modeling one of his new vests made by Betsy Miller. He had mentioned months ago he would like another vest to wear with his suspenders on Sunday. Then he could still look dressy without wearing a tie and jacket. I searched some stores, then went to Goodwill, but couldn't find anything. When I found out Betsy was working part-time at a local fabric store I asked for her help. She graciously offered to sew Dad a vest. I was overwhelmed when I found out she had made him five new vests. They are so stylish!! She made a couple of heavier ones for colder weather even. Dad was so surprised when we gave them to him. Betsy has always claimed to be one of the Cattell sisters and her place in the family is truly secure.

Tabi and Evan's Wedding

Just a few random shots I took. I am sure everyone has seen the formal pics on facebook. The food was fabulous, great shrimp and bruschetta with pico de gallo. What a cake! Allyson did a terrific job with it. There was only a handleful of Susan's marvelous meatballs left. My gang had such a great time we ended up taking the party back to the compound for swimming and more eating.











I didn't get a pic of the little ones dancing. Gretchen ran and grabbed her"Nate" when the music started and was dragging him around the dance floor. I think he enjoyed the cake eating part better.

How Corny!

When someone gives you beautiful corn already picked, you have to "put it up" Dad came over and saw the proceedings. He mentioned some nifty tool some friend had that makes getting the corn off the cob much easier. He ended up going online to locate a source and off we went to what was called "MSI" This tool is wonderful! We had our corn done by time the purchase was made but the Ritchie's volunteered to try it out. Dad was overjoyed to see it lived up to his expectations. The corn-sheller is available by appointment at the compound. It is slightly messy to use so dress for the occasion.

Let's Salsa!

That is what Eileen said to Ryan the other day. We invited a few other "guest" and had a party. Ended up with over a hundred quarts, pints, half-pints. Kristina Ritchie, Helen and Ryan, Randy, our summer kid(Eileen's nephew), Mallorie(Matt's girlfriend)Jed, and myself all had a great day bonding over tomatoes.

Ordinary Days

Donald trying to reach the top of our huge sunflowers.



I recently watched a Hallmark movie called "The Magic of Ordinary Days" starring Keri Russell. Her life takes an unexpected turn and she ends up, well I won't tell the ending if you happen to ever see it. I think it was filmed in Idaho for all you westerners.
Anyway, that is what I love about summer in spite of the heat and humidity. I love digging into the dirt to plant seeds or walking along and spying a huge cucumber hanging on the vine. I like the boredom of knowing tomorrow I will get on the mower and go round and round in circles. Summer has a kind of predictability that is not present during the school year. Yet it also has a kind of magic as I watch the gardens grow, as long as I don't forget to water them. There is also the way nights are different. Nothing like dodging the horseflies who love to buzz over the pool right at dusk. Heck we even saw fireflies last week!