Hopping Over the Pond

I've been on a little journey.

to Merry old England.

To visit a dear friend. 

Who took many more photos than I.

And told the story so well

right here.

It was a needed and memorable trip.
Full of exploring the gardens and colleges of Cambridge,

Punting on the river,

 With much girl talk and laughter and family getting-to-know-yous,

a festival full of sheep and hounds, clangers and french lemonade, and a bit of fun with the borrowed grandchildren,

A few glasses of wine and some knitting, beautiful walks and antiquing, tea and amazing dinners.

Thank you Sue and Peter and Family.

Thank You.  

Advice From a Tree

{with thanks to dear Lynne for the thought}

Stand tall and proud. 
Go out on a limb.
 Remember your roots.
 Drink plenty of water.
Be content with your natural beauty. 
Enjoy the view.

(author, llan Shamir,  Advice from a Tree)

Eggs, Eggs, Eggs

   Our local ordinances dictate that days old chicks must be purchased in groups of 5.

 So being the novice to this farming life that I am, I decided to get 10 baby chicks figuring that I would lose a few or 5 or 8 before they reached hen status.

I still have ten.

All ten. 

That have reached hen status. 

As in laying an egg a day.

I foresee a great many of these in my future.

The beautiful tomatoes are from my garden.
Soon the bacon will be from the backyard too.

 So please. 

Sent me your I-have-way-too-many-eggs-on-hand ideas. 

I will be out in the coop collecting more.

~Joan

Sunday Funday

The oldest arrived with his practice family, giving our Kate a quiet day at home.

She and all of us are counting down the months until her Kev returns from deployment. 

Oma came for the fun too.

An addition to the tree fort was the first order of business.

A much needed tire swing.

Fifi the fiance received some important instruction on family history.

And then some fun of a different sort in the pool.

Kayak pool races. I won. (one round anyway)

Stop laughing!

There may have also been a friendly game of kayak jousting.

 And of course the ever popular sport of bumper boats.

Think they are ready for the river?

Wells was not quite as enthused as the rest.

Hope you had a great day too.

~Joan