Fishing in the Dark

Well we didn’t  actually go fishing in the dark, but T-man and I took a bike ride down to Sweet Cow after dinner tonight and ended up at the fishing pond. We enjoyed our ice cream watching the sunset over the pond and he got some laps in on the bike jump. I told him we could come fishing pretty late as the pond is open until 10:00 - and he sang, “Fishing in the Dark.” 

He’s loving his new bike we got from the Smileys. He’s ridden it several times to the pump track - you can get so much further on a bike than a scooter. I’m so glad he’s got more freedom now. 

I tried to watch the moon rise, but the cloud bank and other plans. It’s hard to believe that is moonrise #3 since we have been at home. What a crazy time it has been.

Magnificent Mountains and Fabulous Friends

It was a wonderful birthday weekend in the mountains. So great that we stayed an extra day and worked from Eagle on Monday as well. As the boys stated, what else do we have to do? 

We were able to partake in a few outdoor activities, eat yummy food and just enjoy not being home. And, obviously, it was wonderful to catch up with the Smileys. Our last family trip before Covid was also to

Eagle at the end of  February. Who would have realized how different things would be between now and then? 

Taking a chilly dip in the pond 

Enjoying the homemade raft 

Me and da boyz 

2 nights of a Euchre tourney 

VR of course 

LAX shooting competition 

Beautiful sunset 

And the Alpenglow (just learned that term this weekend) opposite the setting sun. Also good news that D-man found his retainer on the golf course 24 hours later right after I took this pic! 

 

Off for disc golf 

It was all downhill from here with disc golf- gonna need some pep talks..... 

Shooting practice 

A bike ride after work on Monday with T-man-showing me the pump track - so cool!

Pump track! 

Eagle Birthday 🎂

We decided to accept the invitation of the Smileys earlier this week and head up to Eagle for my birthday weekend. We drove up Thursday, worked on Friday and enjoyed birthday cocktails and dinner in the evening. 

Even though it was a busy day at work, it was so nice to be here and kick off the birthday celebration with everyone. I enjoyed slack messages at work from my team, several texts from friends and many Facebook messages. With so much uncertainty and challenges in the world right now, I am aware how fortunate we are and feel blessed to be turning a year older. 

Balance had been a word for me to live by for the past couple of years. This quote speaks to me even more today. 

Birthday view 

Coffee and homemade breakfast sandwich Thais to the smileys. Feeling the love on my birthday 

Birthday cupcakes after a yummy dinner 

Happy Birthday to me! 

Find Your Rainbow

Last night there was a fabulous rainbow after a pretty decent downpour. I enjoyed just taking it in. I always enjoy rainbows, but as with many things during Covid, you enjoy the little things a bit more. 

Some of my most recent rainbows: 

• A 3-day weekend with a round of golf 
• My daily walks with T-man
• Finally getting Netflix and watching Outer Banks with D-man 
• Friends dropping off birthday gifts 
• Our health, gainful employment and family 
• Playing online pitch with Mom and Dad 
• Our “new” outdoors spaces 

Playing virtual trivia on Saturday night 

Ready for Memorial Day

The baby ducks splashing in the water - and then following mama up to the grass for camouflage - can you see her? 

A super nice note from one of my employees

#MonarchStrong

Today was the last day of school - we made it.  It certainly wasn’t the end of the year that we expected, but both boys persevered. The PK8 teachers had a parade through the neighborhood that went right by our house. It was so great to see so many familiar faces. Both boys came out to cheer on the teachers and staff. After the parade, the neighbors had an ice cream truck and the boys enjoyed the treat. 

We ordered Mod Pizza take out to celebrate and D-man and I ran out to get Sweet Cow and movies to wrap up the school year. So thankful for our community. 

Monty the Mustang (photos credits to Alana as I missed taking a pic at our house) 

Backed up parade 

Police escort 

Signs for the teachers and staff at their homes 

RIP (Rest in Pieces)

We said goodbye to our puzzle table tonight. So little time to take down and so much effort to orig ally complete. We have added a couple more since we covered the table. Here’s to more outdoor activities (but will likely still finish the last two puzzles we own). 

Accelerated Backyard Construction

We had a productive weekend getting the yard and patio and front porch ready for summer. On Saturday, I planted flowers and T-man and I hung some lights over the front porch. I have had these lights for quite some time and it feels great to get them hung up.  Marshall and I also got the pole in the backyard in the cement to be ready to go for Sunday. 

Today, D-man, Marshall and I got the lights up over the back patio. We were so motivated that D-man and I got some more plants and dirt and finished up when we got home. Marshall got the yard in tip top shape and we enjoyed the fruits of our labor with homemade pizza on the grill.  We are all looking forward to many more evenings enjoying our improved outdoor spaces. 

Front porch 

Love it and my handsome company

Sanding out the wood - empty planter 

Full planter

Finally did something with the sandbox. We will put flowers in the wagon too 

Looking good

The lights at night

Over the back porch

We finally put up solar lights we have had for awhile

Fishing Fun

The boys decided they wanted to go fishing again today so we headed to Waurenburg Fishing Pond after school/work. I walked around the open space and the boys starting casting away. I circled back by the pond and the boys said they caught a fish and I didn’t believe them. They said they weren’t able to get a picture and kept saying they caught a fish. And then T-man pulled out a picture! That kept them interested for awhile longer while I took another lap. I don’t think any of us really thought there were any fish - it was a sad looking pond, but we were proved wrong (and we didn’t even have worms!) 

Poles in the backpack 

Getting ready 

A 🐟 

Baby geese out for a walk 

A bench by the pond - certainly true these days