A Morning In Grays

Mom And Son

Siblings

Cousins

Boating With Beth And Tom

6:13

6:42

It was just after 6:00 when I looked at my new watch, got up, came down and turned on the coffee walked outside in wet shoes to take a photo of the fog rising on the lake, and finally walked out the back door and got our paper.  And, then, my morning began with my computer, Morning Joe and a cup of coffee.  It's 64º, still quite humid, with a slight possibility of rain later but it should be a decent day at the lake, the high only 78º.

Yesterday morning was sad making as we bid adieu to Jill and family as they had to get back to life as usual, work and the beginning of school sports for the girls.  It's hard to believe that it's August, school is not far away for many kids.  I remember the good old days, the days of civilized life, when school did not start for students or teachers until after Labor Day.  Now, often because of football playoffs, schools start in mid August, practices at the beginning of August, and teachers have meaningless meetings and workshops, often a week long or more.  Now you can see why I loved being a retired teacher, have great empathy for my colleagues who are already gearing up for the start of the year.

Mitch

Marlena

Tom

After Jill's family left, it was like a balloon had lost its air, at least for me and Evie, as our energy level dropped to a dangerous low.  Fortunately, I had the lake nearby, and a jump in it and a brief swim is a sure pick me up for both Evie and me.  Once everyone was up, we had a brief and easy breakfast of bagels or cereal and we decided to take the boat to the Chautauqua Institution.

Walking The Chautauqua Institute

It was a fine morning on the lake of blue skies and lake, and we took our time cruising there, the girls sitting in front on the fishing seats.  We easily docked the boat, to the amazement of the dock guys, who seemed to think I might amuse them with my attempt to dock.  They did not get a tip.  We walked up to the amphitheater and sat through the first part of the church service.  I felt right at home with all the white heads in the audience.

Music At Bestor Plaza

We then walked to Bestor Plaza, and the kids got sweet and frothy coffee drinks.  We sat around the fountain and listened to two students play their cellos, for the pleasure of the throngs. They were quite good, busters in the making, as they had an open cello case in front of them with lots of dollar bills.  We then walked down to the lakefront and got settled in our boat and cruised home, all hungry for an Evie breakfast.

Mitch Flipping Out

Arkansas Razorback And Texas Long Horn

When we got home, Evie got busy in the kitchen, the rest went upstairs and got the beds remade as Tom and Mary were moving in the front bedroom, so things had to be rearranged.  Breakfast was the usual for me, and everyone loved it, the bright orange organic eggs, the toast, the bacon and of course, home fries with onions.

Yum, Yum

We were now ready for the rest of the day.  We did get some things done in the afternoon besides swim and sun bathe.  The boys helped me gather the weeds, still somewhat wet and heavy, and take them up the hill.  Mitch flew his drone as the cloudy skies cleared up and bright blue skies and sun came out mid afternoon after a few thunderstorm scares.

Swimming In The Rain

Around 4:30, just as I thought the sky was clearing up, it clouded over just as the guys were going swimming.  It rained the proverbial 'cats and dogs' for about 20 minutes and the guys loved it, getting pelted by the heavy raindrops, the water machine gunned with the rain.  Within another half hour, the rain had stopped and the sky was blue again, fickle rain gods.

Late Afternoon Rainbow

Corn Huskers

Around 6:00, it was time to get dinner ready.  Evie had prepped the chicken cutlets earlier in the day, so she was able to get the chicken picata done in record time, with the help of the  girls.  Marisa and Marlena husked the corn, and Mary and Beth helped with the salad and getting the table set though while Evie was juggling the chicken, spinach, corn and rice.  It was a first for the family, chicken picata with lemon, capers, and vermouth and they loved it.  And the corn, local finally, was sweet and juicy, so we had a great dinner once again.  Tommy wondered why we were going to the Viking Club tonight when dinners here at the house were so good.

Gymnasts At The Ready

After dinner, we all went out in the front yard, to watch Mitch, then Tom, then Nick fly the drone all the way down to Bemus, taking photos of the south end of the lake and back.  Tom and Nick were quick to learn how to fly the drone, so there were no scares.  Afterwards, it was time for gymnastics, then bean bag wars, and I finally beat my son in the finals, with the help of Beth, a first for both of us. Evie then had the great idea of a fire, so Nick and I gathered the logs and kindling, and we spent the next hour outside, sitting around a blazing fire, making and eat smores, as Nick and Mitch screwed around with the fire, leaving their prongs in the fire till they were red hot, then thrusting them into the lake.  Boys!

End Of Day Camp Fire

We Miss You, Drew

Root Beer by Firelight

We finally went in around 10:00, sat around on our devices until 10:30 and most of us went up to bed.  I assume Mitch and Nick stayed up on their devices, then watched some TV before falling asleep.

Here is yesterday's poem from The Writer's Almanac.  Enjoy

Gratitude List

by Laura Foley

Praise be this morning for sleeping late,
the sandy sheets, the ocean air,
the midnight storm that blew its waters in.
Praise be the morning swim, mid-tide,
the clear sands underneath our feet,
the dogs who leap into the waves,
their fur, sticky with salt,
the ball we throw again and again.
Praise be the green tea with honey,
the bread we dip in finest olive oil,
the eggs we fry. Praise be the reeds,
gold and pink in the summer light,
the sand between our toes,
our swimsuits, flapping in the breeze.