Abilene Living - Fort Phantom

I am in Abilene for a week watching the boys while Jen and Louis take Bekah on her graduation cruise.  And this is my abode.

I have Bekah's domain to call home for awhile and I like what she has done with the room.  I'm curious to see how much it will come apart when she leaves for college at the end of the month.,  At any rate, it's mine for the next week.

San Francisco With Amanda

28th -  A little over two weeks ago, my daughter called and asked if I would like to spend a weekend together in San Francisco.  Any chance for some one on one time is the BEST so I jump at the opportunity and our flights are soon booked.  Today is fly day and wouldn't you know it - my flight is delayed.  Drat.

Finally, we board and take off.  It's a long flight so I have a chance to watch a movie.  Yes, I have things I SHOULD be working on, but Hidden Figures is available and I have not had the opportunity to see it yet.  Score.

Date Night - Dinner and a Play

DATE NIGHT!!!!  It's been awhile since we have had the chance to spend a cultural night together.  We are off to the Second Thought Theatre for a controversial play.  Who cares --- the best part is just being together.

I so love this man.

Back to Utah - Days 3, 4, & Home - Ava's Birthday

It's ZOO DAY!  No matter where I go, I love zoos and the Hogle Zoo is such a fun one that I am thrilled Ophelia wants to go today.  While we are loading up the car, she pulls out her bike that Grandpa gave her and shows me how well she can ride now.  I am super impressed.

Pictures are never good enough so a couple of videos help me to remember.

Back to Utah - Days 1 & 2

It's 5 a.m. and I am once again sitting in an airport.  This time I'm on the way to Utah for Ava's first birthday.  I've taken up my usual spot at the gate.  Now to just keep the eyelids open.

A direct flight later and I'm in Provo, unpacked and ready for fun.  The girls have a play date as a local splash pad.  Swimsuits on, towels packed, and before I know it, we are on our way.

Both girls love the water and since it's a beautiful summer day, I bask in the fun of watching them play with their mom.

Come along and watch them play with me.

Mister Making Pickles

While grocery shopping the other day, my sweet Mister spotted some small cucumbers and informed me that he wanted to try to make pickles.  Yep, Mr. Culinary is at it again.

Apparently, today is the day.  The kitchen is full of a wonderful aroma that contains vinegar and multiple spices.  Jars are being filled will dill and garlic while cucumbers and onions are being sliced.

I am fortunate enough to grab a couple of pictures when this sweet man is not looking.   Oooooh, don't these look so good?

21st  -- UPDATE -- they are ready to eat.  OMG -- so yummy.

Jon's visit - Off to Boston

 9th - Grandpa and I are driving halfway to Abilene to get Jon.  Once we have retrieved him, the drive back is filled with storm cloud wonder.  At one point, we even get off the road to watch the lightning strikes all around us.  It's so pretty in an eerie, almost frightening way.  Are we going into it or following it?