Day Two Hundred Forty Eight 2013

Nine of us showed up for lunch in Dogwood Park today. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture of the lunch bunch. Niece Sarah got to join us. She brought sidewalk chalk which thrilled grandson Knox. When Sarah had to leave, he didn’t want to give up the chalk.

But he did get to play in the fountain, which also thrills him, so that was a fair trade for the chalk.

This afternoon, we watched grandson Elijah play in his first game of the season for Fall Ball. This time he’s playing in the coach’s pitch league ~ no more T Ball. In Fall Ball, they play for fun ~ no score.

Elijah played second base in this game and did pretty well ~ knocked a player down when he tagged her for the out. Oops.

I guess this was Fun and Games Thursday for my peeps who continue to grow up way too fast. [Granddaughter Shelby went to her first homecoming game at her middle school where I’m sure she was snapping pictures for the yearbook ~ hope she had fun, too.]

Day Two Hundred Forty 2013

Won't you come into the garden? I would like my roses to see you.   ~Richard Brinsley Sheridan

Neil and I had lunch in the rose garden today. No, not that rose garden but a local rose garden. This is the view from inside the gazebo at Dogwood Park. It is surrounded on three sides by all different kinds of rose bushes and the scent in the air is delicious. The bright sunlight almost washed out all the pretty colors, but you get the idea. Apparently, a local rose society plants and maintains the garden for all to appreciate. It’s a pleasant way to spend some time with my hubs on his lunch break.

Day Two Hundred Twenty Six 2013

Whenever we have the opportunity, Neil and I enjoy lunch in Dogwood Park these summer days, weather permitting. Today’s weather was perfection. With a 68 degree temperature, a cool breeze blowing and blue sky overhead at noon, it felt like fall. We ate our meal in the gazebo which is surrounded by a variety of beautiful rose bushes in full bloom. This was our dessert ~ fresh juicy red strawberries and of course some Cool Whip for dipping. Yum! Hope your day was delicious!

Day Two Hundred Thirteen 2013

Thrilling Thursday

Neil and I have eaten our lunch in Dogwood Park almost every day this week ~ very enjoyable ~ although the picnic table was pretty soggy today after the rain ~ lots of people in the park with the same idea

We started out gray and finally turned into blue ~ not too shabby

We took a quick stroll around the park after lunch ~ Neil spotted this kite eating tree ~ Charlie Brown must have been around somewhere

I Spy with my little eye ~ a butterfly ~ see it? As I was heading across the back yard on my way to pick up Elijah after school, I saw this large butterfly [flutterby] soaring along from plant to plant ~ I only had my cell phone camera and managed to snap a picture before it was gone ~ it was really beautiful but it’s washed out in the bright sunlight ~ I was thrilled to get this shot ~ so I guess that makes this a thrilling Thursday. It’s the little things. Happy first day of August!

Day One Hundred Seventy Six 2013

In the summertime you never know who might show up for lunch with peeps in Dogwood Park. From left: great nephew Ethan, brother Ken, hubby Neil, nephew Chris, sister Jane, sister Ann, niece Julia, and great niece Ashley. We have a good time together, sharing stories and laughs and an occasional cool breeze. Hot day. Cool peeps! Until next time ….

Day One Hundred Sixty Six 2013

EVER LOVIN’ SATURDAY!

My Hydrangea bushes are full of beautiful blooms. They are one of my favorite summertime things. I read in a magazine about this photographer who uses things like screens, cheesecloth, and pantyhose over her lens as filters to get different effects, which intrigued me, so I gave it a shot. I stretched one of my knee high hose over my lens and this is the results. I think it’s pretty cool.

Grandson Knox and his momma Kelly are here to visit. He loves eating Mulberries right off the tree.

“Mmmmmm!”

It was a gorgeous evening to visit Dogwood Park and run around in the fountain.

Grandson Elijah, his momma Holly and sister Shelby joined us and had fun chasing each other through the water spouts.

The water is cold, but the kids didn’t seem to mind.

Peeps in Dogwood Park: grandson Knox, daughter Holly, grandson Elijah, hubby Neil, granddaughter Shelby, and daughter Kelly. And then home again to eat Krispy Kremes! [Thanks, Kelly!] Happy Saturday, everyone!

Day One Hundred Sixty Two 2013

Lunch Bunch Peeps in Dogwood Park today: niece Julia, hubby Neil, sister Ann, sister Jane and brother Ken. Missing from this picture are niece Sarah who came and ate and had to leave, and nephew Chris who didn’t make it at all because he forgot and was tied up at work and couldn’t have made it anyway even if he had remembered. We always enjoy getting together, no matter who’s there. Thankful for the shade and the nice breeze. Don’t they look like they’re having fun?

Day One Hundred Twenty Nine 2013

On a beautiful day like today, it would have been a crime not to spend at least a few minutes of it outside, so Neil and I headed to Dogwood Park to eat some lunch and bask in the sunshine.

It was one of those days that brings out the smiley face in everyone and everything.

There were dozens of people in the park, especially around the fountain, even though you can’t tell it from this picture. What a blessing to have such a beautiful place to just be in this town.

Grandson Elijah told me on the way home from school this afternoon that three girls told him he was the cutest boy in the class. He was very pleased with that information. Can’t say that I blame him.

We watched Elijah play T Ball this evening. Enjoyed the perfect weather and the honeysuckle-scented breeze that was blowing. We also enjoyed watching his team win, 24~6. Elijah hit a home run when the bases were loaded. He and his team played well.

After the game, Neil and I treated ourselves to a DQ milk shake and a Moolatte and decided we’d enjoy them even more while sitting in Dogwood Park and watching the fountain change colors. And we were right. Hope you had a happy Thursday.

Day One Hundred Six 2013

Lunch bunch peeps from left: nephew Chris, sister Ann, hubby Neil, and brother Ken. Beautiful day to gather in Dogwood Park, share a meal and some laughs. Hope we get to do it again soon.

Day Ninety Six 2013

EVER LOVIN’ SATURDAY!  lunch at mickey d’s and fun at dogapalooza in dogwood park

On our way to McDonald’s for some lunch. Riding in the backseat~grandson Knox, grandson Elijah, and Elijah’s good buddy Anthony.

Mickey D’s Lunch Bunch~from left~daughter Kelly and grandson Knox, granddaughter Shelby,daughter Holly, grandson Elijah, friend Anthony, and Grandpa/Pa/hubby Neil.

After lunch, we went to the 4th annual Dogapalooza at Dogwood Park~an event where citizens and their pets can enjoy a fun day together. Dogapalooza consists of various animal demonstrations, an off-leash play area, an agility course, vendors, activities for owners and dogs, educational areas and a Kid's Dog Show. There is also a silent auction with all proceeds going to benefit the Cookeville Putnam County Animal Shelter.

Holly, Shelby and Elijah brought their dog, Charlie, a Miniature Pinscher, to join in the fun. Shelby entered him in the Kid’s Dog Show in the ‘prettiest dog’ category.

Meet and greet~doggy style. Charlie checks out a potential friend [or enemy~ya never know] Looks like a Pit Bull doggy.

Group shot at the Dogwood Park fountain [thanks, Neil, for taking the picture this time].

Shelby encouraged Knox to have some fun in the water.

The fountain in Dogwood Park is one of the best things that has ever happened to our town. Knox, Kelly and Shelby agreed that the water was on the chilly side today, even though the day was in the warm and wonderful seventies.

Elijah did not fear getting wet. He was having too much fun to notice  that the water was cold.

My beautiful granddaughter Shelby~didn’t have to get wet to have fun.

Knox would run into the water and then run back to his mommy, laughing.

More fun than pint sized human beings should be allowed to have.

You wet!

The special guest at this year’s Dogapalooza was University of Tennessee mascot Bluetick Hound ‘Smokey’ [#10].

‘Smokey’ was happy to have his picture made with the kids.

Knox had the best time with this balloon.

Here’s Shelby walking Charlie across the stage in the Kid’s Dog Show competition for ‘prettiest dog’.

Sad to say, Charlie did not win, but that’s OK. I’m sure he enjoyed strutting his stuff with all the other dogs. He was very well behaved the whole time and got to spend a few hours on a beautiful Saturday in the park with his own kind. What a fun day with my peeps!

Day Two Hundred Ninety 2012

The rose bushes around the gazebo in Dogwood Park are still in beautiful bloom in the middle of October. I hope you got to be outside to soak up some of this perfect Autumn day.

Day Two Hundred Eighty Five 2012

Snapshots From A Thursday In October

Lunch with Peeps in the park

Sky was blue and then it wasn’t

Walk around the block stepping on dying leaves

“I've got nothing to do today but smile.”
~Simon and Garfunkel

Day Two Hundred Seventy Eight 2012

GOOD TIMES THURSDAY AFTERNOON!
Grandpeeps Shelby and Elijah are on fall break from school this week and next. They spent the night with us last night. We slept late, enjoyed Grandpa’s homemade blueberry waffles for breakfast, and then for lunch we landed at our favorite Thai food deli, Ocha. Shelby got cold and pulled up her hoodie. Not to be outdone, Elijah followed suit.

Then it was off to feed and water kitty cats (whose humans are vacationing in Florida this week). Only four showed up, but we saw others trying to hide in the bushes. This one wanted to play.

Next we stopped at  a local family owned produce store to size up the pumpkin selection.

They always have a great selection of pumpkins and gourds. I like the gnarly ones.

Elijah chose this long tall pumpkin.

Shelby said this was the perfect pumpkin for her.

We also picked out some white (ghost) pumpkins. Love those. My orange pumpkin is the one on the far right. It has the thickest stem I’ve ever seen.

Onward to Dogwood Park. The day was sunny and hot—a good day to play dodge with unpredictable water spouts.

I never get tired of this beautiful fountain.

The park is the perfect spot to throw the Frisbee.
Beautiful October day

Shelby said the cool water felt good on her legs.

When Shelby and Elijah went bow hunting with their dad yesterday morning, Shelby didn’t wear pants, and the bugs just about ate her alive, leaving itchy swollen welts on her legs. She counted forty bites. Not fun. (Shelby called this evening after I posted this to let us know that she does not have bug bites all over her legs but poison ivy!)

The afternoon wound down at Mae Pearl’s Frozen Yogurt where the grandpeeps managed to chill out before packing up and heading home. Good times, great memories! Love you guys!