Swing High

Clayton and Greta love to play outside after school.  They have a nice, large backyard where they can enjoy themselves. You can tell that Clayton is trying to swing higher than his sister.  All I can say is "good luck" as Greta is strong and courageous.

More Volleyball

 Sigrid played again and I was lucky enough to get to see her!   She got her serves over the net.  This is the gym where I worked.  Right away I notice the air conditioning!  No air when I was there!

 This is how I cut the okra--out of the top.  As you cut each piece you lop off the leaf where it formed.  The plant will do better and need less water to survive this way.  Plus it is just easier.  Okra has something on it that makes one itch.  After cutting it, you have to wash your arms and hands.

Notice the dead corn stalks.  Larry can't bush hog it down because of the watermelons growing in the rows of corn.

These are called Swamp Daisies.  They will bloom in late September or October.  Look how welted they were this morning.  I watered them.  They are an African sun flower and the swamp in their habitat explaining why they have to have lots of water.

Volleyball

 Sigrid's team played their first volleyball game.  Here she is serving and ready to set that ball!

Chicken Flight

 While Larry and I were on our post, back porch, he saw one of our Banties on my Brother Richard Wheel.  My brother gave me this old iron wheel and Larry mounted it on a iron pipe so I can hang what I wish there.  At one time I feed the birds out there, but it enticed too many "bad" black birds so I moved the feeder closer to the porch.  Another idea Larry had for me.  You can see Patsy's black cow bell hanging there.  I wanted one and she promptly gave it to me.  My oldest Sister was very generous and she had so little.

 Speaking of Patsy's, my new Patsy made pickled okra for us and Laura.  Okra is a super food, but fried is not the best option.  I sent Amy some okra and a watermelon.  Giving pays as look what is coming back our way.  We will have to wait a month to try it I have read.

I thought Amy must really be some "new" housewife as i thought she had an Ipad on her counter than I realized it was a microwave.  I am a dork.

Still giving myself a shot twice a day.   Larry is feeling better but not well.  We think it was his appendix so if it reoccurs we will head directly to the doctor without passing go.  Laura and I may have to drag him, but we will do it!

Camping At Richland Wilderness

 Erin, Greg, Clayton and Greta camped at Richland Saturday night.

 Greg made the kids help set up the tent.

 They took Sadie along.   I notice one person is not helping?

 Greta wore her "high" socks.  She is a smart girl.  Clayton had the best time of all I think.

 Clayton and Greta jumped off the big rocks into Richland Creek.

 Richland Wilderness is a breath taking place.

 This is on Falling Water Creek.   It is called 6 fingers.  Falling Water runs into Richland and Richland into the Buffalo River.  The Buffalo is a protected U S River.  The first to be named in the United States.  The Governor was not sold on the bill, and a floater took him down the Buffalo River on a raft.   His view was switched immediately and he supported the effort.

 Some things need to be protected--little ones and natural areas.   Both would be damaged without this.   Greta jumps in Richland Creek!

 Clayton found a "natural" water slide.  I believe this is at 6 Fingers.

 You can see where 6 Fingers gets it's name.

 A boy in his element--peace at the river---he is happy!

 Erin said Clayton wanted to explore and more.  Someone had to tag along.  Looks like Greg is it.

 Clayton jumps into Falling Water at the Falls.  Erin said he was "sold".   He loved it.  Greta (only 6 years old) was a little intimidated by the Falls.  She close an area to the side--not as far to jump.

 Six year old girl--being bold and courageous.

 After jumping one climbs up this "tree ladder" to go again.

 The kids love catching minnows and crawdads.  Greta is on a hunt!

I must say--while some kids played video games all weekend--Greta and Clayton went back in time to a gentler and sweeter place.   Erin said she was about dead.  Not good at sleeping on the hard earth.  She made it and I am sure is better for it.

Astrid's Senior Pictures

 Kurt Jones took Astrid's senior pictures at Falling Water Creek.  Her Great Great Great Grandfather Howard Standridge homesteaded 160 acres near Falling Water Falls.  Falling Water is in Astrid's blood!

There are lots of photos.   Will be hard to pick which ones to get as Astrid is beautiful and all the images will be also.

 I think this is at 6 Fingers on Falling Water.

 And she wore flowers in her hair!

 She chose two outfits and simple dress and jeans and a t-shirt!

This is Astrid's Great Great Grandmother Ada Standridge Renfroe somewhere along Falling Water.  I am not sure where.   Since she was born near the Falls, I think it would be there, but am not sure.

August Almost Over

 Laura has two Crepe Myrtles at the side of her house.  I took a photo of one of them on my walk this morning.  The two are identical and really stunning.  Below is a closeup of one of the clusters!

 I chopped off my two potted flowers a couple of weeks ago and they are coming back nicely.

 These are wild violets I planted in one of my pots this spring.

 This is where the huge Maple tree was that died from the vines planted around it.  Vines are parasites and will eventually kill a tree.  Larry did a great job of removing the stump and leveling the spot.  You can not tell a tree was ever there.

 Looks like I may have three blooms on my Cone flower.

 My Ditch Lilies at the side of my house are blooming.  The ones in the front flower bed bloomed long ago.

 I planted these and put in a pot this spring.  I have them sitting on an old plow on the septic tank so no one will drive over it.

 We have our sweet Cora for a house pet and outside dog, but if I ever get another dog, it will be a Corgi.   Astrid's Phoebe is the nicest, sweetest dog.  She is very child-like and loving.  Sometimes she runs away from her home to come and see us!

 Erin's bunch camped at Richland last night.  Hope they had a great time.  Erin was wondering if moth balls around the tent would discourage snakes.  I told her that I thought it would.

I am counting my days until I can get off these shots.  Have taken them 3 days, lots to go.

Hum Hum Hum

 I have Hummingbirds come to my feeder daily.  They are aggressive little birds.   One will guard the feeder and not let others eat.  Last night one was trying to get me.  Guess he saw his reflection in my glasses as it seems that is what he was angry at!

 I got a smaller feeder and like it better.  It only holds a cup of nectar.  The ants were vicious around the feeder.  I put Vicks salve around the top where the hanger connects.   I had been spraying the ceiling where the hanger was with ant killer but it wears off.  The salve keeps the ants out of the feeder.  They hate the menthol.  They have to pass down the hanger to get to the nectar.  I really despise ants.  We have them in abundance here in Galla Meadow.

The computer corrected my spelling of salve...I like the help but sometimes it is incorrect and bothersome.

 I gave my own shot in my stomach this morning.  I did just fine.  I am feeling ok.  Will be glad when September 5th comes and maybe this will be over.  I don't plan on doing my other leg unless it gets very severe.  Too much trouble and too chancy.