Weekend Guests

It's been a long time since we had a two and a half year old around. We had nearly forgotten the amount of energy expended. 

A little cookie dough rolling didn't slow her down a bit. 

The sugar cookies may have sped her up!

Unrelated Other Than the Dog

A new couch to slide into when we play my new favorite monthly murder mystery box game. Everyone is seriously consuming the clues as we try to rule out a suspect. 

And the girls in the bed of a rental truck, with the dog along for a ride of course. 

Halloween Comes

Muted Mummy Shoes

And ghosts in the front yard. 

We're ready; we'll see who shows up. 

Growing Around Here

The Corn plant is taller than most all of us now. 

Basil roars back to life. 

Maple tree in the flower garden...

A few late summer bean blooms. 

Which made for some pretty good beans. 

Oregano from my dad's place. 

And a hibiscus that doesn't yet realize it is mid-October. 

Back to Work

There were some recent spark plug classes, and other engine thing classes that I don't even remember the name of.  They were stopped at the camshaft however, and that had to go to a repair shop. 

Weekend With Dad

The girls recently asked to go camping, 

and dad was quick to agree.

The girls got to work making a menu and packing list as soon as there was a yes. 

And, it isn't an adventure if there isn't a safety warning. 

I hear their dad was even a touch nervous on the trails a time or two. 

Breathtaking none-the-less. 

And BBQ found on the way home was a good celebration. 

Blooming Here

Well into October our impatiens, daisies, and marigolds are showing off. 

I guess they love all the water we've been pouring into the grass around here. 

Braces

For Ben. 

Now if we could just get on a regular haircut schedule. 

Recently

Patric snuck away for some Kansas sunsets.

And a little work on the ranch. 

While the deer remained in hiding, an eagle showed up for dinner one day. 

And seeing parents is always in order, pandemic or no. 

Meanwhile, we did a little painting in our boring game room. 

As usual, Elaine stuck with me to the bitter end. 

Ben and Alida were off to using the game room as quickly as possible. 

And the color makes it a bit less blah up here. Poor Ben is having to share the space now with more and more people.  A new couch is in order, which we'll get set up and posted soon. I guess after 23 years we can admit that our orange couch has given its best years. 

School Lunch

My eyes have been opened recently to what is school lunch. 

The system is handing them out for free around the community, so yes.  

Even if funnel cakes are really an item?

Chicken and rice and garden salads showed up once during the very first offering. 

They still hope for that lunch every time we open a bag. 

They do not wish for fat free milk of the regular nor chocolate variety. 

So we give those to the neighbor.  8 a day add up.

Flu Fighters

The shot and the seemingly never-return-to-school in person bit.  

We got this.