Ed has a Grand Nephew

Who knew we were old enough to have grandnephews? And Ed's oldest grandnephew just graduated from high school. We went up to Lititz, Pennsylvania to celebrate with his family. Here is Stephen with his Mom just before they cut into the cake.

I always enjoy seeing Ed with his brother, Tom. They look so much alike. Tom is a really interesting person and when they get talking they never run out of things to talk about. And they both say it in a very loud voice!

Melissa (left) came out from Arizona with her parents to help them get around. Her sister Laura and mom Tina are in the back with me. Melissa is the designated driver, and Tina professes to be an expert with the Garmin. We're hoping they show up magically at our house next Saturday.

Laura and Mike have two very nice sons, Eric and Steven. It's hard to believe that in about three years Ed's niece will be an empty nester! It seems like she's catching up with us!

Since I know our dog Coda can't read, I'm going to write that the Frey's dog, Cody is REALLY smart, and knows how to play soccer! He was almost as good as Ed!

Tall Ships and Family

My sister, Barbara is in town for the weekend, along with her husband, Kent. We took them to Baltimore to see the tall ships in the inner harbor. Half of Baltimore was there with us.

Because the lines were so long to board the visiting ships, we decided to pay to see the historical ships permanently anchored in the harbor. Kent and Ed, took the helm at the Constellation.

They also made some war plans in the submarine Torsk.

The tall ship from Columbia had a flag as big as the Ft. McHenry one!

We ate at the outdoor patio of Ruth's Chris Steak house. To celebrate the occasion they had a special menu for $18.12. Baltimore is having a big Sailabration honoring the 200 years since the War of 1812. We hear the rest of the nation has shrugged. But, here, where the Star Spangled Banner was written, it's a war that still means something!

As we returned home we got to see the tall ships all lit up! It looked magical! It was a great evening--perfect weather and wonderful company!

Stinkin' Squirrel!

This squirrel has been determined to get into our bird feeder for about a month now. After going 6 months without bothering it, I'm wondering why all of a sudden he's decided that bird seed is the only thing he wants. Ed's bungy cord wasn't even enough to stop him! He even broke the top of the lid! Never fear, though; we have more ideas of ways to keep the thievin' varmit out of it! Stay tuned to see who wins the fight!

Guitar with Jen

Thursday mornings are guitar lessons with Jen. Today was our second lesson, and we had a great time. It's fun because she likes the same kind of music that I like. (That is also convenient, because it is the only thing I can teach.) We did She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain last week, and this week started Jamaica Farewell, which is one of my all-time favorites! It's going to leave me tapping my toes the rest of the day!

Joannie and Anna visit the horses

Mary brought Joannie and Anna, as well as Anna's mom over yesterday to meet the horses and see Miss Carol's farm. It was a beautiful day, and Anna (who is an experienced horsewoman) brought Bali outside for a photo op!

Mary gave Bali an apple, which she really appreciated!

Mr. Genes did his trick where he tilts his head way back to enjoy the mint going down! He never does it for me--only if Lenny is there!

Afterwards Mary, Kathy and I rested and visited on the swing at my house. Mary and Kathy are both teachers and are enjoying the start of their summer vacation!

Anna and Joannie got the soft swings.

But, Joannie had to share with Coda!

Miss Carol came home from the eye doctor later. We were sad to have missed her, but glad she had given me permission to show them her historic house despite her absence. The pugs were ecstatic to get to ride up to the mailbox in the golf cart!

Happy Birthday, Ed!

Yesterday was Ed's birthday, and we celebrated by having his favorite meal: spaghetti! I like making it, because the recipe is so easy (thank you very much Hunt's spaghetti sauce)! Not to tell you how old he was, but the first number is the same as the last number. I put a row representing each digit on his lemon meringue pie cake.

His present from me was a kayak for two people. Since it's for two it may seem like an odd sort of birthday present, but I figure half the gift was getting it home from BJs! I had to strap it on myself and hope it didn't fall off the roof of my car! Then, I stored it for a week at Miss Carol's barn, and Lenny helped me bring it over to our house in the middle of a rainstorm yesterday!

Brittany and Crystal did a group video call last night on Goggle Hangout. They even got to watch Ed (in the crown, mustache and glasses) blow out a simulated birthday candle!

Now, if we can just figure out how to get the kayak out of the family room, maybe we'll take it for a spin in Liberty Reservoir!

Dueling Dogs

Lately we have been suffering from a severe case of "love the one you're with." We love Coda so much that we forgot how cute Queenie once was! Looking at our pictures from 10 years ago we found this beautiful photo of Queenie!  Coda has a much better temperament, but Queenie was certainly a looker!

We showed Coda the picture and she said, "What am I, chopped liver?" She's moping around the house a little now. I think we hurt her feelings! We gave her a new stuffed squirrel to cheer her up!