7-4-11

We had another fun celebration with our son in-law's family on the 4th.  Games, water toys, family, food and fireworks = a great time.  It was especially fun to see Granddaughter enjoying all the family. Some pics:

Granddaughter on the beach while her daddy looks for oysters

She was curious as to what all this stuff was

...constantly exploring. Now it was the beverage ice container

"ohhhhhhh"... it is cold. I love the look on her dad's face; 'I told you so'...

with her cousin who is only 3 months younger than her.

two happy grandmas

one happy great grandma (Granddaughters father's side of family. See the similarity in the upper lip/nose area?  yep.

...all ready for the fireworks show. The younger men move the boats and set up the display out on the dock. Works out great.

...not so fond of the big bangs. She perked up and clapped afterwards when everyone else did. Then off to bed - very late.

Before we ate our meal we gathered for a prayer and our host led us in one that was very respectful of our country and of our men and women who serve in our military. This family has known many separations of loved ones due to military service and all are so thankful for the safe return of those young men and women.

Happy day all.

Happy Independence Day

When I was a kid I got tripped up by the joke: "Is there a 4th of July in Africa?"  haha

After spending a week in a small town south of Guadalajara Mexico which is like 'old Mexico'...you know; not like PV or Cabo, I came home to appreciate the ease of life's doings here in the USA. That's the good thing about traveling to other countries for me: makes me appreciate my home and country.

We're celebrating the 4th with our daughter/Granddaughter and son in-law at a lovely home on water. The evening will finish with pretty fireworks.  I even bought a Celebratory t-shirt to wear...my first ever I think. (only because it was on 'super-sale' and I like it)...

Last years 4th:

Son in-law had just returned from Afghanistan; extra reason to party.

....look at how tiny Granddaughter was.... melts my heart.

I hope you have a great celebratory day with family and friends.

Projects...ongoing and Ramblings

We had such a wet winter/spring that the yard ended up a mess. Several hardy bushes died.....maybe of natural causes but I'm convinced they drowned to death.  I almost did. I pulled out one by myself and yesterday filled in the area with a mini rhododendron and an azalea. The area looks better now. 

Hubby and I and our trusty old blue van pulled out the big bush that passed on. I was outside yesterday working the dirt where that bush was.  I'd forgotten how many rocks we have here.  Now to decide what to put there and a trip to the nursery again this week.

Last fall I purchased two wood chairs for the front porch. I finally assembled them yesterday....yeah. Now to sand and paint them.  The fabric I purchased for the seat cushions is somewhere - to be found. Then will sew the cushions.

I'm aching to scrap but am being really good about ticking the items off my "To Do List"... some of which have been on that list for 3 years.

When I was in Mexico last week my patient cousin took me to a Scrapbook store in Guadalajara. I found her store because she advertises in a scrap magazine. It was fun to be there and I had a nice conversation with Maria. She and her mother are co-owners and have stores in two locations. We traded tips a little and in the desire to always support local scrapbook stores   ;-)    I bought three things. My favorite item is a tiny metal license plate that says "Mexico". I always buy those for states we travel in to use on layouts.  There are Americans and Canadians retired in Guad and surrounding areas that scrapbook. She said it is a slow growing hobby there and I wished her continued success.

Picture of me in front of the store...and my cousin's reflections.

I am not much of a shopper in other countries but after watching a man and his wife 'make' this type of Welcome Sign I bought one. Cost me about $2.50 american.  They buy the pieces made with a decal on them (decal was the buildings). Then the man uses sponges/brushes to put on the trees and the garden at the bottom and the Sentiment. "Welcome. My house is your house". He then paints the back black and puts a varnish on the front to seal the paint. There were many to choose from. I spent about 10 minutes watching him...was fun and he enjoyed me. I asked if I could take his picture and he said no.  Darn!

One of yesterday's projects:

Now to sand and paint...........

Tomorrow is Independence Day. We truly are a lucky country. Celebrate us.