TONS of pix from Rich’s band.

It was a hot introduction to summer with a happening gig.

The girl in the cupcake costume must have had a cooler inside in order to be walking around!

Thanks to the many friends who came out!

Last week was indeed my newly fixed front screen door.  For Christmas, one of the things I got (no joke) was a new mailbox.  Inside was a promissory note pledging a new screen and a patched sidewalk come spring.  YAY!  (I love how it looks like sky and clouds, but is really Rich’s blue car and the neighbor’s house.)

This week  Can you guess?

The Chris Collat Band

Although they did not come away with the winning prize, they rocked the crowd with original music and huge enthusiasm.  Of course I am biased, but I am sure many who were there would agree that CCB is a fun and fantastic band.  “I’d see them again and again.  It was better than Cats.”  We will be seeing them around town a lot in the coming months.

I am not yet very good at the low light action photo.  These are a few that made my cut including a group shot

Each one made to fit in a pocket.  Who are the five lucky souls to receive a bit of handmade love?… hubby of course, my three kids, and a dear “son” of mine: Rey.

led to this…

…and some of the things that our family does.

Candlelit,  card-playing, silliness with a side of ice cream.

MCs Kate and Jullian

Our elementary school hosted it’s first ever concert night as a fundraiser.  Rich’s new band (The Chris Collat Band) was featured.  It was the first time we got to hear him play with this group and it was a fun time.

As is our family tradition we went to the tree farm and cut our Christmas tree.  This year my brother and his family joined us.  We hiked out to the trees and the Scott’s made quick work of choosing and cutting.  The Morey’s, on the other hand, couldn’t seem to pick and each of the 3 kids had a turn with the saw.  As the sun set on the brisk evening we gathered back at the car for hot chocolate and cookies…desert before dinner!  (We did have dinner together too!)

…the parents will play!

After a slow morning with coffee and pups in bed, we went to lunch @ Gordon Beirch.  Yumm O!

Then to a winery in VA this afternoon.  Casanel.   It was so relaxing.  The breeze on the patio.  The guitar duet.  The Cabernet.

We played a few hands of Rummy–Rich claimed “how do you play?” and then totally creamed me!

We enjoyed the early evening there before driving home for a walk with the dogs and grilled portebello mushrooms!

My tummy is happy!

My dear friend reminded me that she checks in to see what I have posted and there has been nothing new.  This does NOT mean there is nothing new in my corner of the world!

I will link all of these bullets to the dates that I took the pix.  When the print is color instead of black, the link is done.  I will try to crank them out for you!   Click on the link if you want to see or read more.

A few bullets:

The end of the school year brought many activities.

James’ soccer team finished their season–champions!

Kate had her instrumental music concert.

Alexander turned 8.

They both were recognized for achievements in school at an assembly.

I started a shop for my creativity. It’s called Simple and Green.  I hope to have new things to post there soon too.  Crafting can take a lot of time… but I love it!

Rich went on tour with Joyful Noise through PA and OH.  He got to see the music hall of fame–the highlight of the trip for him.  Followed by the “homecoming concert” that finished this year of “noise”.

James and Kate went to R-Camp for a week.  They always have a fantastic time making new friends and seeing old ones, learning some independence and growing in spiritual principles.

Coco is growing.  Fast. Her personality is strong.  She is vocal about everything.  She is “on” and going non-stop, or “off” and sleeping deeply.  We wonder about her lineage.  Many comment that she looks like Akita.  We were told Sheltie mix…  We’ll see.

The 4th of July found us at a friend’s annual bash.  Pool.  Drinks.  Food. Fireworks.  Fun.

B--Window View

Snow.  That’s all that anyone is talking about.  We had a blizzard.  We got around 30 inches of snow.

The good news is that it was forecast correctly.  Starting mid/late Friday morning and snowing until late Saturday.

Friday morning I went to the store.  The produce section was barren.  There were no eggs.  The shelves looked ransacked by crazy people…

The school system decided to open on time, but to close early.  The kids came home as the snow fell hard.

It snowed constantly.  Friday.  Saturday.

We were among the lucky few who did not loose power.  Many of our neighbors and friends were without power all weekend.  The temps were only in the 20s!  I am so grateful!

Sunday true to it’s name= SUN.   Digging out began.

The kids have created a constant stream of wet snow clothes to keep the drier and I working overtime!

Rich took the kids on a two mile hike to the middle school for sledding.  (Backpack with provisions)  They met friends (who were able to drive) and got a lift home–well–to the top of the hill a couple of blocks from home!

On our street…No plow has come by.  Still.  It’s Monday night!  Cars and trucks are getting stuck in front of our house.  Rich has helped push many free.

School is closed, but they have only committed to being so thru tomorrow!  AND we are forecast for 10-20 MORE inches Tuesday night!

So…

I have been working a 1000 piece puzzle in between meeting all the needs.  Food.  Clothes.  Dishes.  Clothes.  Shoveling. Clothes.

Do I get paid time and a half for all the overtime?!!

(the pix have letters in front of them because of my sort filter–and I don’t even think it worked!)