Water anyone?

What? We have athletes.

Today I opened the cabinet and one bottle fell over, then, like the single bowling pin that teeters in slow-mo while everyone stands waiting, sent 15 years of water bottles crashing onto the kitchen floor. I guess this is a sign.

Suit Up!

Since the kids were little, they have wanted a swimming pool. This year the timing, budget, and the stars in the sky aligned... and we bought a pool. I worried that it was too small to actually be much fun, but we spent ALL summer in the pool. And I'm sure it didn't hurt that it was the hottest summer on record.

How small is it?

This weekend we went to visit my dad who lives in a small town in the middle of Iowa. How small is it, you ask?

On a local radio commercial, the announcer said, "We're located a mile past the stop light." A mile. Past the stop light. The light - THE ONLY ONE.

During dinner I asked the server if we could make it to the local race track in ten minutes. She replied, "Ten minutes? Oh, Lord honey, how big do you think town is?"

And you know the blue signs on the highway that tell you what attractions and amenities are coming up at the next exit? I know, you can't tell in the picture, but trust me... it's BLANK.

Small town

This weekend we are visiting my dad, spending some much needed time relaxing. The small town pace is so different and welcome.

When the kids were little they loved that we let them go all over town alone. They had no idea that in a town of 400 people, everybody knows when the grand kids are visiting, and we got updates all day long.

My favorite part of visiting has always been how the kids adapt and find things to do. I love that that hasn't changed as they've grown up.

Lost in a good book

One of the cats

Climbing trees

When I was a kid...

When I was a kid, summer got so hot you could cook an egg on the driveway. Oh wait, that's now.

Hot? Pfft.

This is July 4. This is 104 degrees. This is the electric company trying to restore our power. Good thing our city's celebration has a festival with a beer tent.

Best Parade Plan. Ever.

Our community has a big Independence Day parade, and our family is usually connected with at least one group that's marching. I took this picture from the route with my phone:

a soundtrack for life

The youngest and I were in the car talking, and she said, "Wouldn't it be cool if there could be a soundtrack for epic moments. Like as the player starts driving to the hoop with the ball, the theme song comes on."

I gotta admit - that would be awesome.

Time for a little trim

and your little dog too

Tonight I came home from the grocery store to find middle and youngest daughter watching The Wizard of Oz on tv, dubbed the "Wizzer da Boz" by the youngest when she was little. The kids used to watch that movie all the time. The middle one said, "This movie is messed up. I don't remember it being this dark. I just remember her shoes. I loved those shoes."

So I had to share this picture of the three of them from one Halloween.... 

Wow, what a bucket list!

Our middle daughter's summer bucket list showed up on the laundry room door this morning. I hope some of these include me!

That's a wrap.

My husband is retiring from teaching after 30 years and tomorrow is his last day. This is what his students had made as a retirement gift.

Let me just set this here....

Middle daughter cleaned her room today. Can you tell?

Today on my drive into work

About the only thing we agree on in Wisconsin right now is the need to vote.

Now that's flocked...

I'd like to thank the high school kids who helped with our yard last night.

Now for the moment you've all been waiting for....

While my daughter was waiting for her travel arrangements to be finalized she had lots of time. So she found herself a Barnes and Noble and picked this up, because we want to see the movie... and everyone knows you have to read the book first because the book is always better than the movie.

Today in the garden...

I've got mail... and good mail, not the bill kind!

My oldest is doing a study abroad trip this month, but before she left she sent me this. I already know what it is, and I was hoping it would get here soon! Ah the suspense.

This week in the garden

This week in the garden we have Maltese with my new teal bistro table in the background.

I missed a whole season...

Just like that track season is over. Maybe because the weather was so nice, it seemed to go so fast. Welcome to softball season.