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Butterflies, Cranes & Such

Mid-August Near Our House

Our butterfly bush has been aflutter with butterflies in recent days.

I especially like when I spot a hummingbird moth, as they are rarer than the swallowtails.

I started a container of basil – a gift from Kevin and Becca’s wedding back in early June.

Trying to hide from the camera

A great blue heron in a nearby meadow

I think this is a white egret. It was huddled along the side of the pond during a Sunday morning rain. (Notice rain drops on the fence wire.)

Cerwin whistled to get this pose

Summer rains have caused the neighbors’ corn to grow quite tall…

…and this rain was refreshing for the crape myrtle tree we purchased a day earlier.

   Your love, God, fills the earth! Train me to live by your counsel.

Psalm 119:64 (The Message)

Catching Up

Monday Morning, August 2 – Friday Evening, August 13

This was our first stop on Monday morning, August 2, as we began our trip back home to Pennsylvania.

To our friend Murray – this is for you.

Murray gave us a gift card of $20 for the Fergus Truck Show, but Tim Hortons did not have a vendor spot this year. He told us to keep it and use it another time. We knew there was a a store near our family in Maine, and decided to stop there on Monday morning. We each chose a drink and pastry, then added a can of coffee (to brew at home). Our bill was $20.01 – and one of the girls found a penny on the floor!

Thanks, Murray and June.

One day after we were home, our niece Crystal called to say that she was supposed to bring a meal and clean our house. I knew that was a gift from our daughter Deb. She came on Friday, August 6.

How nice is that – a meal and a clean house!

Crystal brought her cute daughter, Peyton.

We met Deb and Roy at Macaroni Grill on Saturday evening, August 6

Macaroni Grill is a favorite because of their delicious entrees, and because it is halfway between our houses…

…but the real reason we come here is for their desserts.

I had an entire week to catch up – after being away from the office for two weeks – then we went out for another meal to meet a blog friend. We live in the same area, but had never met face-to-face.

We had a delightful evening at a Mount Joy restaurant with Alan and Cheryl. Like she said on her blog – we could have talked all night! If you want to check out their blogs, hers is: http://cherdecor2.blogspot.com/ and his http://2010dailylancasterphoto.blogspot.com/

Birthday Party for Josiah and Diana

Sunday, August 1

Elizabeth, Josiah, and Jana played a game while waiting for the birthday party to be begin.

Lydia playing Happy Birthday while the rest of us sang.

Diana and Josiah share the same birth date.  I think this may have been the first time they celebrated it together (on their actual birthday) because they live several states apart.

Gloria delivering a snack dish. I forget if it was popcorn or chips.

Time for presents.

Diana received a two-person tent from Josiah.

Josiah loves experimenting with coffee.

…and one to grow!

He also likes Moxie…

…and is very tolerant of playful, younger cousins.

After cake and ice cream we played Scum which is a good game for a tableful of people.

We had been playing awhile when Josiah’s friend Quentin (center back) came and joined the game. That’s another reason we enjoy playing Scum at this house, because people can leave or join the game quite easily.

If you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly.

James 2:12 (The Message)

Sunday After Church

August 1

I love the Myers’ fire pit – which Josiah and his friend Eric designed.

Josiah roasting hot dogs from his fire pit rocking chair. How cool is that?

It was a delightful afternoon for a doggie roast lunch.

Josiah gave me a chance to use his chair to roast a marshmallow.

The train runs right behind their property – near where we were roasting hot dogs.

I think the guy in the first window on the right is enjoying coffee.

Having a splashing good time.

While taking pictures, I noticed Diane’s upsidedown tomato stalk.

It is producing delicious tomatoes.

Playing foursquare

They spent the afternoon burning up calories so they could enjoy the evening birthday  party.

 Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all.

Philippians 1:11 (The Message)

My Friend Michelle

Activities at the House

Saturday, July 31

I was so pleased that it suited Michelle coolmomofeight to meet Diane and me on Saturday morning.

The view from her current studio Michelle-McDougal-Photography. The only problem, she isn’t thrilled with the studio building, so is in the processing of moving to a new place. She will miss this scenery, but will only be a few blocks away.

As we left the building, she said, “Oh, Doris you will like photographing this.”

The karate instructor was preparing two students for a demonstration by teaching them to make this creature apear lifelike.

I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I was delighted that her oldest daughter and grandson came to visit while Michelle was giving us a tour of the building where her new studio will be located. It was also fun to meet a few of her younger boys – and see her husband, Michael, who is remodeling the building.

Michelle with her cute grandson

With her youngest daughter

Blessings to you Michelle – and your wonderful family.

  Back at the house, Lydia was decorating cup cakes for a birthday party.

Hezekiah was watching me take photos of Josiah and his motorcycle.

Josiah

Guess who would like a ride?

They were excited to be sleeping in the tent with Abigail.

After baths, Elizabeth, Jana, and Gloria played Blokus.

What a fun, delightful day in Maine.

Choose my instruction rather than silver,
      and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.

Proverbs 8:10-11 (New Living Translation)