CHECKING US OUT CHECKING HIM OUT

Out fishing this evening on our lake and I spotted something running along a log - as we got closer, you could see him just poking his head out of a log and watching us as we were watching him.  A mink, and a nice one at that.  We looked at each other for a minute or two then he wandered off.  I never noticed the spider until I loaded the pictures on the computer.  It was a big one!!!

A HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

My beautiful boys are one year old today!!

I can't believe how much joy these two little guys have brought into our lives.  Each time I see their little faces I fall in love all over again.  The time spent with them this summer was pure joy. Thanks to Jodie and Dave we were able to see them grow up thru their pictures and videos I received almost everyday.

Charlie and Monty - the best is yet to be...

I CANNED

Last year I made this relish with Mary, who taught me everything I needed to know about canning.  This year I made it by myself and I am very happy with the results.

Thank goodness for my Starfrit Food Processor or I would still be standing at my kitchen counter fine chopping all those veggies!!

I still have to wait 2 weeks to get into them but from my taste test yesterday, this batch is delicious!!

Next - chill sauce!!!

TAMMY'S BIG FISH

Another picture of Tammy and her fish to put on our Wall of Fame or Shame.  Definitely on the Fame side...

WELCOME HOME

A beautiful homecoming for the kids - seeing Daddy for the first time since July 16.
They have been to Canada, the United States and England and now home to Abu Dhabi.
These kids sure know how to do a summer vacation!!!

FISHING WITH RICKY

When everything was all said and done, it was just Rick and I who got out fishing last nite.  The rain had ceased earlier in the day but we decided after dinner would be the best time to go.  It was a beautiful nite - a little warm with my long sleeve shirt on but the water was cool thru my waders.  The river was low enough for us to walk across to some rapids where we thought there might be some rainbows or brookies but alas, there wasn't any.  I got a small bass and Rick got the big bass.  There were some campers across the river who had canoed down and set up camp on some rocks.  As we left, the father and daughter were getting in some quality time with their fishing rods.  I had tried there just before on my side and didn't get anything.  I hope they had better luck.  We released Rick's big bass and headed back to the car - and a cold beer!!!!
Better luck next time...

BITTERSWEET

We had out going away party for Ron and Mary last nite.  Dinner was at the OutPost Lodge up the highway.  Pork roast on a bed of rice, ratatouille, cole slaw, home made rolls and for desert - chocolate eclairs!!   So delicious!!  Anne and Jim put on a good spread and our server, Gary, was kept busy handling all our requests - like more gravy please!!  I reserved the whole dining room for our party.   Cocktails on their patio first.  It was not really a surprise as I did tell them before hand that there would be other people there.  All their friends showed up including Roger and Ute, Jane and Dale, Ron and Darlene, Doug and Dianne, Linda and John, Ruby and Fred (who arrived in style in a 1975 MG) Mitch and Bruce, Ginny, Barry and Sandy, Jerry and Cheryle.  After dinner we all headed back to our place where Rick, Joan and Melina had got the camp fire going.  It was a beautiful evening - no bugs and a slight breeze to cool us down.
We will miss Ron and Mary but they will only be a road trip away!!

FISH!!!

Spent a little time fishing with the guys - Rick, Mitch and Rejean.  We all got a fish which is always a good thing - all bass.  I go off by myself to a spot further up river so I stay in touch with the walkie-talkies - it is always a treat to try and net my fish with a long rod and a trout net but I managed.  My fish jumped 4 times - it was fun.  And they were delicious!!  Rick took Melina out on our lake for some after dinner fishing last nite.  The water was like glass.  They got some bass and walleye - but release them to fight again.  Melina is getting to be a great little fisher girl!!
Going to be super hot today but there is a nice breeze that is keeping things a little cooler.  Ron and Mary's going away dinner tonite at the Outpost then back to our place for cocktails.

MITCH HAS BEEN BUSY

Mitch had us over for dinner last nite - ribs and coleslaw and potatoes - delicious!!  We got to see what he has been busy doing since Joanne left.  He made himself a nice slate pathway from the stairs of the bunkie down to the new dock.  It matches the work that Susan and Joanne did around the gang plank to the new dock.  He also finished the stairs from the garage and 3 new steps right by the dock.  He has been busy.  He had a nice fire going and I, as usual, tended it.  I swear I am a pyromaniac at heart.  I just love to poke at the fire.  He also got some round pieces that he used to create a new sitting area down by the shore.  The log in the middle is a table of course.
After dinner we were treated to a beautiful light display and a rainbow on Axe.  Nice way to end a nice day - we missed you, Joanne.

S'MORES DAY

August 11th was International S'Mores Day and we were able to take part.  It had rained the day before so it wasn't so dry and we were able to have a camp fire.  I bought some massive giant marshmallows at Walmart (I think) so the S'Mores were super big.  I didn't have one but everyone else did and by the look on their faces, they were enjoyed by all.