VISITING KINFOLK

I went to visit my brothers and my mother on Sunday. It was overcast but not raining, for which I am grateful. I was also glad to see that there was indeed a flag.

It was a virtual reunion as I wandered. Here, my Aunt and Uncle who had a large hand in raising me. Also, a cousin whose own child was a few years older than I.

My Grandparents were here. Also, my Great-Grandparents.

There were great-aunts and uncles. Names unfamiliar to me yet their blood runs through my veins.

As more vehicles arrived, so did more relatives. These were familiar faces from reunions I had attended over the years.

We spent much time remembering and catching up. Who was doing what now? Our family gathering blended many generations of those no longer with us and those that still are.

It is good to learn of our common history and to know that as time marches forth, our family ties continue into future generations.

IN THE GARDEN

Every garden needs one of these.

The planter is on a lazy susan so that it can be turned.

Are the looking glasses microscopes?

No.

Kaleidoscopes!

WONDER WHAT THAT DOES BEST

The man of the house asks this instead of 'what is it' all the time. Here's one for you to figure out.

 I came upon these unusual rocks at the Penn State Arboretum.

 What they do best is mark time!
They replace both clock and calender. So cool!

COMMUNITY FUN

Sometimes big things start as small ideas.
I had said that I wanted to have a yard sale to purge the house of items that, while still good, we had no use for. Because I live in the country, I thought my only chance to get people to come out this way would to have my neighbors have yard sales the same weekend. Obviously, they would have things to get rid of too.
Most of the homes in my area have long, windy driveways. Soon what was to be a community style yard sale became a multi-family sale.

We really came together and found ourselves in the midst of true community. I think we did an impressive job of it.

Not only did we support one another....

the kids LOVED it!

They were chest deep in the cold creek (outside temp. 52 degrees) and having the time of their lives. Overheard: We built a bridge and it's safe..unless you fall in. They all fell in! That was a wet, hungry, tired bunch by day's end.