Celebrating Our 53rd At An Avett Brothers Concert

Istanbul, Turkey, 1975

Chautauqua Lake, July 2017

I was up at 6:00, expecting it to have rained but it has just started to drizzle now, at 6:55.  It's windy out, the lake's choppy and a few guys are out fishing already.  It's 68º and it looks like we will be spending most of the day inside.  It's 7:10 as I finish writing and raining out, so I may have to put off a morning paddle for a bit.

7:30

Yesterday was partly sunny so that we could enjoy the outside much of the day.  I got in a good paddle before heading off to Lakewood to Yin Yoga.  A good class because I felt relaxed yet energized afterward.  I stopped at Sav A Lot and picked up a few things, like hot dogs, buns, and beer.  It's a good thing I did because when I arrived home, the house was rocking as Jen, Robert and the boys, were over to enjoy the day at the lake.  The boys were busy putting together puzzles and playing with assorted toys and games Evie had bought probably twenty plus years ago for when our grandchildren visited.  She always resisted my desire to give them away and the boys are the reason why. 

James And His Dad

Will Playing Jishaku

Henry Observing Everything

Everyone was hungry by 12:30, so Evie grilled some Sahlen hot dogs and sausages, served some soup and we ate outside, finishing off the lunch with slices of watermelon. The boys loved the dogs, devoured the watermelon. We then spent the afternoon either inside with the puzzles and games, out on the lawn on a mat with Henry or on the dock. 

A Fearless James

Loving The Lake With His Aunt Evie

James

Evie coaxed James into the water and he loved it so much that they must have stayed in playing, James jumping off the steps, for over an hour.  They were having so much fun that we forgot about both going for a boat ride and fishing. 

Enjoying The Sun And Yard

Around 4:30, Jen and Robert and the boys helped to gather up all the toys and put them away for another day.  They then walked home and we had a quick an easy dinner of toasted cheese and tomato sandwiches before driving off to the Chautauqua Institution for the Avett Brothers concert.  At first, we were going to go early for dinner but it just sounded so rushed so we had dinner at home.  I dropped Evie off at the gate around 7:30, then parked my car on at Chautauqua Shores and joined her at the Amphitheater where she easily found a seat. 

A Selfie At The Avett Brothers Concert

The Avett Brothers came out on time and filled the Amphitheater with their energy for a good two hours.  They are a talented group, able to play various instruments, and the two brothers have great voices.  We were not as taken with their concert this year as they played many unfamiliar songs.  Two years ago we really thought they rocked.  Still, it was a fun night, a packed house, great music, songs, most accompanied by a base, cello, violin, and piano as well as the brothers on the banjo or guitar. 

Rockin In Pink

And Blue

After the concert, we walked to the south gate, then to the car and missed all the congestion at the Main Gate Parking Lot, getting home around 10:45.  We were still energized from the concert so we sat out on our front porch, listening to the wind chimes, enjoying the lights on the lake, sipping a beer, pretzels and onion dip, a perfect way to end our evening out celebrating our 53rd anniversary.