Saturday, October 20, 2012
Walnut Festival
We drove up to Camden to see the fall colors and for the festivities at the Black Walnut Festival. While there, I enjoyed a tasty Italian Sausage sandwich and we shared a bowl of hand-made walnut ice-cream.
The 'chain-saw carver' was there plying his craft.
Can you see the snake in the middle of the right picture?
How does he do that?
I thought, perhaps, that gas was cheaper in the country; but not so. On our way home, there were many stations that had gas for $3.44. What's up with that?!?
I know. The election. Lulling folks into a false sense of security....
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Driving through Hamilton, the traffic was unusually backed up.
Roads had been closed for the Double Dam Regatta, being held on the Great Miami River.
Because these racing boats are so light and fragile, they are called 'shells.' Each rower has one oar, held with both hands; this is called 'sweep' or 'sweep-oar rowing.'
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These girls have won their race and are returning to the dock.
The man at the end of the dock, grabbed the end of the shell and pulled it in.
The lady has the girls' street shoes in the container at her feet.
The girls disembarked. Then, two girls held the shell close to the dock with their oars.
On the count of three, the girls, four in the front and four in the back, lifted the shell and carried it to the trailer. Other 'helpers' carried the oars. And the next shell was lining up on the opposite side.
Before we left, we saw the finish of the four-men race.
The men had sliding seats, allowing the use of their legs to give them more power.
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The 'boys' are loading the shell onto the trailer.
Look at the dark clouds in the sky.
Two artists were painting pictures on the side of this 'shell.'
Hamilton: the City of Sculpture.
Wonder if the painted shell will become part of the city's sculpture.
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Signs of Fall:
We saw many other 'signs of fall' on our return home.
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Saturday, October 13, 2012
Birthday Girl
The 'birthday girl' on her brand new Barbie bike.
I know, I know.
Neither child is wearing a helmet.
The 'birthday girl' opening a present. With a little help from her siblings.
A water bottle, a lock, and a horn for her Barbie bicycle.
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After I got to watch the 'big kids' at swim practice, we all met at Gustavo's Mexican Grill for a delicious dinner. The restaurant staff sang "Happy Birthday" to the 'birthday girl.' Then, she got her own dish of birthday ice-cream. Plus, she got to wear a birthday sombrero!
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The 'birthday girl' was busy upstairs while the grandpas assembled the play house.
Here she is in her new play house. With a mail box, a doorbell and a phone in the little kitchen off to the left! How cool is that?!?
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Singing 'Happy Birthday to You!'
We said that she was to stay three forever. "No," says El.
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The next morning, Noah helped carry assorted items for use in the play house. You see the black bag over his left shoulder - filled with items.
Shortly thereafter, the two of them slid the house over the carpet over to the stairs in anticipation of bringing the whole house upstairs.
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We watched K.K.'s volleyball team play three games later that morning. The Eagles won their first game; Coach Jim had to set a fire under the girls after the second game. The third game was quite exciting - but the Eagles saved the day!
Go Eagles!
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Thursday, October 11, 2012
Bourbon Chase
The mother of our grandchildren participated in a relay race called the Bourbon Chase.
Each team had 12 runners and two drivers. Teams started at intervals of 15 minutes Friday morning, September 28. The first runner of the Moonshine Mamas started at 11:45 a.m. Each runner was responsible for three legs of the 200 mile race. Each leg was roughly 5.5 miles. With some hills thrown in for fun.
Most of the teams were 'open male' and 'open mixed.' There were six 'open women' teams. The Moonshine Mamas came in third in their division finishing the race in 30:56:13.
The gals had their phones with them; out-of-state observers were able to cheer on their favorite runner. Out-of-state observers were also able to track the progress of the runners on the Bourbon Chase website.
Way to go, Moonshine Mamas!
What was it, that was to be on the back of those shirts?
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The best dressed team was 'Poultry in Motion,' a team from near-by Liberty Township. Both of their two vans were 'dressed' as chickens. The runners were dressed as chickens.
How cool is that?
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Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Fall
Not only did we have more rain in the first eight days of September than we had in all of June, July and August, but we finished the month with 4 1/2 inches of rain more than the normal amount!
Normal amount of rain for September is 2.63 inches.
Actual amount of rain for this September was 7.18 inches.
With the cooler fall temperatures, the flowers and trees - not to mention the grass - are blossoming and growing!
A small part of our garden that, on a whim, we roto-tilled and planted in August is replete with radishes!
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If you are interested in good tasting radishes, please let me know.
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Susan? Radishes?
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Susan? Radishes?
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