Gone Camping, Again!

That time of year, the time we look forward to all year-- recharge our batteries and make lasting memories with grandkids! Back Aug. 16! Our favourite place on the planet,

Kejimikujik National Park! http://www.friendsofkeji.ns.ca/photo_entries_2006.htm

Just Drifting Away!!

Quite the role reversal and shocker for my offspring-- me -in the water!! Growing up, it was always Frank who "volunteered" to take the plunge with our kids,, whether it was a pool, beach or lake-- the rule was,, I don't do water!!! Something to do with fear of bathing suits, getting wet, and head under water!

Nowadays, he's adopted my rule---ironically-- I'm having all the fun!!

(sans bathing suit, or head under water)

Encounter with Evil

As I bounded up our country lane to meet Frank at the main road this morning, I heard the sound of rocks splashing in the water-- large rocks-- then I saw him-- monster--taking careful aim before heaving the lethal weapon--
Mama could have taken flight-- she chose to protect her babes---
I hollered --- he stopped--
Tonight, I found her,,, this morning she had seven fledglings,, now she has three--
I am sickened by the cruelty and wish I could somehow apologize to this brave mama for the barbaric actions of our species--- and am amazed at her devotion in risking her life to save her young!

Coming Back to Bite You in the Butt

Or other vital parts!!

Two (that I know )of these nasty critters--earwigs-- hitch hiked home in our laundry from last week's camping trip! Last Sunday, as I unpacked and dumped the oh so handy portable collapsing laundry bag,,, there they were-- the first one I gathered in kleenex, squashed in the palm of my hand(yes, I heard the crunch) and flushed down the toilet!

Earwig number two -- same procedure, except for crunching-- didn't have the heart or the stomach-- BUT I watched it disappear in a whirlpool (cesspool) of swirling water!! Phew-- sigh of relief--- UNTIL-

Today, whilst super cleaning same toilet,,, hidden crevices, under the rim,, full monty--- there it appeared, clutching vigorously on for dear life to underside of rim--close proximity to sitting (or standing) area--

CRUNCH!!!!

SIGNS OF ????

Insanity?
I’ve been duly warned—but choose to proceed- in spite of the rolling eyes, scoffs, skepticism, and concern for my sanity!!
It was a wonderful weekend at Upper Clements Theme Park—along with five grandchildren , two children and their respective spouses--- At the end of the long fun-filled day, we were gathered at the “ball room”, readying to depart and say our good-byes--- Michael noticed an unusual looking rodent had poked its head out from under the wooden steps --- looking straight on—an animal the likes of which we had never seen, except in pictures, in broad daylight in the midst of a theme park nonetheless--- there it was--- and I knew--- call me crazy, whatever, a mother knows these things---- it was a GROUNDHOG!!! Chris’s birthday is Feb.2—Groundhog Day--- and I know, as anyone who knows Chris knows—his genius and flair for practical jokes,,, he had found a way to say “Hello, I’m here too”---

Who Needs Disneyworld??

..when for a few measly dollars, you can have loads of fun and wetness without all the waiting in lines, mobs of people, heat, and expense??

Okay, okay,, so it's not water wonderland,, but Aussie had a ball!

Kayaking 101

1.There's a reason we've never heard about people kayaking down the Meteghan River--- HELOOOOO! It's a shallow rocky brook,,, and might I add the rocks are slippery, slimy, when pulling you over them-- because you didn't wear solid watershoes--- I thought I was being smart by wearing them, when in fact you were the one who got to sit in the kayak,,, whilst I pulled and tugged, and hoped to God that watersnakes are of the fictitious species!!

After our initial misguided attempt,,,we did manage to find a peaceful, deep, slow moving waterway-- pure bliss!! Unfortunately I couldn't get any pictures --- 2.Must remember those waterproof zip-lock bags next time,,, and 3. Don't pack the sunscreen in the same bag as the camera and pop--- gooey mess!!!

GiddyUp Cowgirl!!

Motherhood and guilt go hand in hand-- still feel guilty that we never found a way to fulfill Jennah's dream of owning a horse-- --even though we had dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, degus,rabbits, chinchilla, and hordes of plastic horses--- Often wonder how or if things would have been different for her---but then I look at Billy and Oedipus(her pets originally) and think,,, hmm,,, I could never have taken care of a horse!!

Couldn't resist buying this at the online yardsale for Lexy-- who loves it--but now she wants to have a REAL horse,,, and the guilt continues!!