Ever time I drive by abandoned buildings, I wonder about them. Who lived there, what made them leave. I suspect that this house may still be in use of some sort...but when I pass it I just wonder about it's story, it's history.

Also, given it's very close proximity to the lake, I wonder how often it flooded.

Summer...ahh summer days

I love warm summer days. Especially in the shade, with a cool drink. I also love a good road trip on the perfect sunny day. Like yesterday.

Candice and her girls were actually up in this area (shocking since nobody comes up here). Since she was within a 2 hour drive, we decided to meet up for a picnic and playdate with the kids. It was the perfect day for a drive. Fluffy white clouds, huge blue sky, green everywhere....I must say that living here is really growing on me. It really can be beautiful around here, really.

We "harvested" our first handful of strawberries yesterday from the garden. The grass is so green, the big tree in the yard is giving the patio fabulous shade, the shasta daisies are attempting to take over the back garden bed. Near perfection! I should make some lemonade.

Instead, we're taking off. Heading to my mom's place in the city for a bit. Rob is taking a much needed Study Leave week and we're heading to the land of central air, just in time for what looks like a hot week here. Hoping for a fun week!

The last week here has been busy and fun...and occasionally muddy. Both of my daughters ended up rather muddy during my son's last t-ball game. One actually wiped out in the mud - mud from her toes to her shoulders, thankfully missing her hair! I missed his last game while figuring out how to get her home and clean without making the van a muddy mess pit.

We threw a totally impromptu "welcome summer" party on Saturday, including some great margaritas.

There was a big meeting at church on Wednesday night, and I'm hopeful for good to come from it. The following night, the hubby was at another big church-related meeting, and I'm cautiously excited by what the outcome may be.

Yet, while all this goes on, there is sadness. Sadness I cannot even begin to fathom. A woman I know on my mothering board experienced what could be described as the worst case scenario in birth over the last week. My heart just breaks for Amy and her family, and grieves the loss of little River.

Hold your little ones tighter tonight. I know I have.

How to know you live up North

11:18 pm last night. still not dark. Must be June.

June

where the heck did May go? Really - have you seen it?

Garden is planted.
Soccer is being played.
T-ball is being played.
Summer wardrobes are in dressers (ha! at least what I have of one. The kids have plenty)
Landscaping to recover from big dig out of '05 is done (yay! after a year of mud, and a year of settle, it's nice to have the front yard be less of an eyesore...aside from the dandelions)
Kids are growing.
Sun is up early, and retires late. It's finally warm and beautiful.
Summer is almost here.
Daughters have discovered show tunes. Mom is tired of My Fair Lady songs.
Mosquitoes are out in packs, I am itchy.
BBQ is in full use.

On a sadder note, please pray for a family from our town. If you haven't seen the post on my other blog, this is the story as I know it so far.