Old School

Today I had to go to the pharmacy for my father. This small, mom and pop pharmacy, has been in existence since I was a child and my parents still use them. I had not been in there in years and had no idea the soda fountain was still open! They still serve green rivers!
It was a long day so I ended it with a step back in time and a green river!

Expensive Sweet Corn

Duf decided to stop on his way home and pick up some sweet corn BUT he got more than corn. As he turned in he realized a truck and trailer were barreling down on him and he tried to avoid them but it did not work. The driver admitted he was arguing on the phone with his sister and speeding and not paying attention and was so sorry. Glad I did not ride along as it was my side and I would have been hurt!!

The sweet corn was delicious!

Bikes

Natalie got a new bicycle today and we rode to Poison Ivy for dinner. I thought it would be a longer ride but we all made it without any problems. We ate and rode a few miles past Poison Ivy and then turned around and rode home. The worst part of the ride is the exit on the bike path. It is one block behind our house but to get off the path it is a huge hill to ride up. We were all able to pump up the hill.

Libby Graduates

July 14, 2018
Libby graduated from high school and Kelly had a big party for her. Ironically it was also Libby's 18 birthday! There were many people at this party, but for many it became a Sister Cousin event! There were many of the sister cousins in attendance and as usual we found a space and had great conversations. My news was not the happiest but we discussed it and got through it.
Cathy has decided to make a big move. She is selling her home in Franklin, WI and moving to Minneapolis, MN to be near her daughter's family. She wants to be near her grandchildren while they are still young. Big move, exciting and scary to leave her home of over 30 years and her friends and most of all her sister, Kay! They have always lived less than an hour from each other and now it will be 6 hours!
It was a fun day!

July 11

Duf was lucky enough today to take Diane, Cheryl and me salmon fishing on Lake Michigan! The bad part was that we had to leave at 3 AM but the good part was that we caught some huge fish. It was Diane's birthday so she got to pull in the first one. Duf bought some cupcakes for Diane's birthday cake on the boat.
We had a great day with all the salmon we caught and Cheryl did not have to touch any of them! Cheryl will reel in the salmon but she will not touch them once they are in the boat and she will not pose with fish!
Duf caught a 35 inches that was really fat and he was elated!

TWO ANTS

Last night I got up about 2 AM in need of a drink and when I tied to get this drink in our bathroom there was no water. I checked all over the house for a leak and did not see anything so I got a bottle of water and went back to bed. When I woke up at 8 and came down for coffee I did not expect to have any coffee. I told Duf what had happened and he was sure I had been dreaming.
We went about our day until around 3 PM when Duf was getting ready for his bike ride and the toilet would not flush. He checked all around downstairs but could not figure what was wrong.
I called Bull Well Drilling and was told that they would try to fit us in but it might be tomorrow. About 15 minutes later I received a call and they were in our area and could come by if they could do it right then. We told them to Please come!
The two guys asked me how I liked my plants and tree in the front yard and I told them I liked them but I also liked water. They went downstairs with Duf and began to check the bladder and the press switch. They said it was our lucky day when they found the problem.
TWO ANTS had died in the press switch and caused it to not be able to turn thus turning off our water! Really, two small ant caucuses can cause this much trouble! Best part was them saying this was the cheapest thing that could have happened!

July 7

Today Rita and Jodi came to visit my parents and Natalie brought her van over for them to see. They were very interested and impressed with Natalie's business!

 My mom and her sister, Rita!

 My cousin Jodi tries to get Natalie to let her drive the van!

 After their visit Natalie and I came home to Philip's cooking! Amazing smoked ribs and smoked corn and beans. It was a delicious meal!!

Fireworks

It's July 4 and we are going to view the fireworks from the boat on the river. Natalie, Elcie, and Philip are going with us. Duffey made us huge sandwiches and got the boat ready. We left home at 6 and had to stop for gas in the boat and Expedition. It was a lucky stop because we were able to hide under their covered area for a 30 minute thunderstorm complete with lightning and a downpour. The boat stayed dry and we headed to the river after the storm. The weather was amazing for the fireworks.
When we got back to the dock Philip backed the trailer into the water and Duf loaded the boat. It was Phil's  first time backing up and with Duf's directions he did an amazing job.
The one hand man has skills!!
Fun times!

8K Mistake

Natalie meant to sign up for the 2K but mistakenly signed up for the rare 8K and she did it in 72 minutes on a very hot and humid day! We had to get up at 5 AM to get there and have her ready on time!

Golf Ball Dog

I have been making dogs out of golf balls and Natalie gives them to business that will display her cards in them.

Really

This sign has me all mixed up. It is a greenhouse that sells a pony for $1.89 a pound. Strange!!!

5K

Saturday was one of the hottest days of the year, 99 and humid, and Natalie and Elcie ran a 5K! We went to watch and we were lucky to find a place in the shade with a breeze making it quite comfortable. Stepping out of the shade was like being under a magnifying glass, HOT!

The internet pictures of the race featured Natalie and Elcie! She finished in a respectful time but Elcie did slow her down with bathroom and drink breaks! It's hard to explain to a dog that she needs to use the restroom before not during the race!