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 Seventy Two 2012

This was after lunch yesterday. Neil and I enjoyed a fast food meal at Dogwood Park and some sunshine time beside the fountain. The day was hot, but every now and then a  breeze would blow some cool mist from the water into our faces. Nice. And all for free. Neil needs to learn how to relax. Today was overcast and cooler and wanting to rain but never really did. I didn’t take any pictures, so these will have to do. Happy TGIF, everyone!

Day Two Hundred Sixty 2012

Sunday clears away the rust of the whole week.
~Joseph Addison  (English Essayist, Poet, Dramatist and Statesman, 1672-1719)

Day One Hundred Forty Nine 2012

We enjoyed a low key Memorial Day, swinging on the front porch and then watching the fountain at Dogwood Park this afternoon. The sound of the water lulled grandson Knox right to sleep. A nice lady offered to take our picture.
Happy Memorial Day, America! A heartfelt Thank You! to all those who served this country in the armed forces and gave their lives so that we can live in freedom.

Day One Hundred Forty Seven 2012

It’s that time of year again—sweet corn! Found some yummy ears at Kroger this afternoon. Wish I’d bought more.

Also bought some Salmon for two. This was farm grown Atlantic Salmon for $4.99 a pound. The lady in front of me at the seafood counter bought the wild Alaskan Salmon for $14.99 a pound. I’ll bet mine tasted every bit as good as hers did.

We bought these Fiesta plates at the Nashville Flea Market yesterday. It was the only thing I bought. I love that they’re square, and I love the colors of Fiesta ware. I told Neil that some grilled Salmon would taste great on these plates. And some fresh corn on the cob.

And it did! Neil grilled some of the best Salmon I’ve ever eaten. And the corn was sweet and juicy. Are you hungry yet?

This is me, enjoying my scrumptious meal.

Juicy red sweet seedless watermelon for dessert! It is officially summertime!

We drove over to Dogwood Park to see what that awesome fountain looks like at night. It is lit up with ever-changing colors—red, yellow, purple, blue, green, gold. Really beautiful. Lots of people there, splashing in the water, even at 9:30 pm.





















Neil and I plan to hang out here as often as possible.

Day One Hundred Forty Five 2012

Afternoon In Dogwood Park

Today was my first visit to our newly expanded Dogwood Park, which is a gorgeous green zone right smack in the middle of old town Cookeville. At the center of this little piece of heaven is an awesome fountain where kids of all ages can run around, get wet and cool off on a hot day. I took grandpeeps Shelby and Elijah there this afternoon. Elijah wore his vacuum-sealed rubber boot over his cast so he could splash, too. The day was hot but the water was cold, as you can see by Shelby's tense body language. Elijah plunged right in, but it took Shelby a long while to finally get soaked. They had a great time. Who wouldn't? I sat in the grass under a tiny tree which offered enough shade to escape the heat of the sun. That is my only complaint about the park--it will take decades before the small trees are mature enough for some real shade. Otherwise, I'm blown away by this place and can see myself spending time here as often as possible. I know I'll be taking my grandpeeps back again (and again) this summer to play around that way cool fountain.

Day Seventy Three 2012

I spent the afternoon with peeps at my mom's place. What a glorious day! 85 degrees! We spent our time outside today, hanging out on the front porch swing and rocking chairs. Grandson Elijah, grand daughter Shelby, niece Julia and sister Ann (the biggest kid of the bunch) played around the willows around the pond and made willow wreaths for their sweet heads. Also in the after lunch bunch: sister Jane and brother Ken and our mom.

Tagged Canadian geese are almost always hanging out on the property. They love that pond, same as the humans. These two just sat there as I circled them, trying not to spook them, while I took some pictures. They kept a close eye on me the whole time.

I had to get a snapshot of niece Julia, grandson Elijah, and grand daughter Shelby wearing their beautiful willow wreaths, which they decorated with wild flowers. The picture doesn't do them justice. Julia looks like a flower child with her long braid and tie dyed t shirt. Elijah looks like he's been shot in the belly. He just couldn't keep his eyes open because of the glare and wore his wreath proudly. Good times with sweet peeps!

Day Sixty Six 2012

Earth 's crammed with heaven...
But only he who sees, takes off his shoes.
~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

I wanted to take off my shoes this afternoon and settle underneath one of the lacy green willows growing around the pond where my mom lives and soak up this little piece of heaven. No one could have asked for more perfect weather today. The cherry trees there are blooming, too, and a couple of geese were on the bank of the pond, probably enjoying the wind and the sun and the sky as much as I was.