At last we are getting back to normal after a pretty busy week. Monday was re-coop day after our trip south. Catching up on housework and laundry kept me busy. Tuesday was lunch with Anita after my doctor's appointment. We haven't spent as much time together by this time this year as usual, so it was nice to have a quiet lunch and have girl talk. Our new carpet and laminated flooring were installed on Thursday, and I just have to say WOW! All of our friends have either seen or have heard about the avacado carpet in the livingroom/diningroom that was here in the house when we bought it. It was ugly enough to induce nightmares. The company that we hired to install it all did a terrific job and it looks fantastic. Next will be the bedrooms and we plan to gut the main bathroom and give it a major overhaul, but not until the fall when camping is done, and we have time to dedicate to it.
The weekend was good, Rodney fished an open with Randy and came in just short of the money. They had a good day considering that Rodney's motor wouldn't run for long because it sucked up some mud and kept overheating. Randy came down on Saturday and wanted to put his pontoon boat in the water. The fiasco that ensued with the loading of the boat onto a make-shift trailer was something to see! You really had to be there. words don't describe the events that happened. All that were there to witness the process will always remember the chain of events. George and Nancy were at our campsite at the time it was going on, and George could only shake his head and laugh. None of us that have been at the campground for years were surprised by the show, it was same old, same old for us. Needless to say, things are never boring up there.

I don't think I realized just how much I appreciate my home. After our four day trip to Virginia, by Saturday, I was really missing my house. Spending time away really makes me love it all the more. Rodney and I had a safe trip both down and back, and for that I am thankful. Our trip took us across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. It was Rodney's first time crossing it, and I offered to drive so he could spend the 15 miles across just sight-seeing. I really am not fond of bridges of any kind, the higher up they are, the more I dislike them, but strangly enough, going thru the tunnel part of the bridge, didn't bother me at all. Weird, huh?
Friday and Saturday we spent helping my aunt and uncle clean out my grandmother's apartment. I was stunned at just how much stuff she had managed to store in that tiny two bedroom apartment. Before she passed away, she had wanted me to take some of her much loved belongings, and I was able to bring home her china and sterling silver. I will cherish them and use them with love, and hopefully one day I will be able to pass them on to the boys.

For the past couple of days, I have been trying to think of the words that I wanted to say in my blog, but words fail me. I lost my grandmother last Friday. I was unable to make it to see her before she passed, I hope in my heart that she knew I was with her just the same. After she lost my grandfather 6 months ago, I can only imagine her lonliness and pain. In my heart, I understand her going as soon after him as she did, but my heart still hurts just the same. I was lucky enough to have two grandparents that I was very close to growing up, and they always had the time to spend showing me how to do things, or just going for a walk or talking about daily happenings. Both of them were very talented, painting, sewing, woodworking, knitting, crocheting or gardening. I learned alot about all of those things with them by my side.
My grandmother was a tiny woman, but large in personality and kindness. She used to work with the women in the church they belonged to, making quilt blocks for people who were needy. Her kindness went out to neighbors and friends and also to people she had never met. Always ready with some canned goods, or something hand-crafted, many people were lucky enough to share in her friendship.
My grandparents were the epitome of unconditional love. One of my favorite memories as a child, was running as fast as I could, jumping into my grandpa's arms that were wide open. I used to love helping my grandma in the kitchen making a family meal or some homemade bread.
They will always be in my heart and I hope to some day pass on to my grandchildren the love and special bond that only a child can have with their grandparents.
I love you both.

This has been one of the funkiest springs that I can ever remember. We get a week of killer great weather, and the suffer through a week's worth of torrential rain and cloudy days. My mood meter can't make up it's mind. The mosquitos are ridiculous and at camp we have named the arm waving, high-stepping moves that you make while attempting to do ANYTHING outside, including a not-so-leisurely stroll around the circle, as the "mosquito boogy". I haven't figured out if the black flies are worse or not, but thank goodness for screens!
Our old house was sitting on a small spot of land, approximately the size of a postage stamp. This house is sitting on half an acre. While not a huge plot of land, it is considerably alot more work than our old one. We have had to buy all kinds of yardworking equipment and the fun of learning how to use some of them. I got the pleasure of taking our riding lawnmower out for a spin last night. After a crash course on where all the levers and clutch/brake is, I was off and running. Rodney spent some time watching what I was doing to make sure that I didn't crash into one of several trees in the front yard, or mow over roots, etc... I was told not to put into a faster gear than 3 (there are 6) and I putted around, and all that was missing was a cup holder and a cold beverage. I guess I was doing okay, since the man went up on the roof to take down some cables that were hanging, or else he needed to look down on me from above. I have to say, that I did not run over anything I wasn't supposed to, and I did not get knocked off while I drove under our apple trees. I have to be careful, or else that may turn out to my job now. I wonder what the chances of getting ahold of the chainsaw......
Rodney and Gary are fishing in a tournament this weekend, and the plan is to slay those fish and bring home the big bucks. Even if they don't bring home the big bucks, Rodney will have spent the day fishing with a good friend and have plenty of stories to tell about the one that got away.