The Art of Preserving (August 2010)

The best thing about summer is fresh vegetables… I love everything about them! From picking them from the garden, arranging the different colors on my table, and of course eating them! Last year, I decided to learn the techniques that preserved some of the summer’s fruits (I put up Daddy Joe’s corn). This summer I expanded our pantry to include pickles… dill, bread and butter, half and half, you name it. The kids cut 2 bushels of pickles for our project, and had some fun in the process. We had one minor injury… Harrison’s thumb (healed up nicely, though). Mandy and Andy joined in the fun to make more pickles, peach jam, and pasta sauce. I even dabbled with Lloyd’s favorite …orange marmalade (sort of failed, but he still loves me). Jennifer and I experimented with pear-ginger jam and also more peach (that she and all 4 kids picked from Jones Orchard). We’ve done this for fun, and it’s been hard work! To put this in perspective, each year my Mom’s family put up 500 canners each summer. This was so her family of 9 could eat throughout the winter. Although I don’t want that kind of pressure, I do want to master the art of preserving.

Tante Margot's Visit (7.24.10)

A small reunion took place in late July between two sisters from Berlin. Originally, Tante Margot was supposed to come to Memphis when Tante Ursula visited in June, but, because of a back injury, she waited. Greg accompanied his mother on this trip, which made for a younger generation reunion as well. Although we missed having all 3 sisters together at the same time, Helga felt really well and enjoyed day trips to our house. The talent among these octogenarians is remarkable!

Work Week (at the lake house) July 2010

Friends Val and Kev Frentz came for a lake house visit early in July. It was a work week, and we were grateful for their help. We all were especially thankful for the air conditioner, which was installed just in time. We installed ceiling fans, bought antique chairs to go with the table Daddy Joe made us, painted the bathroom door (child labor), and even found time to explore the lake from the water. And, what’s a work week without a few critters stopping by?

Sleep Cycles (July 2010)

In the summer, our schedule relaxes and we find ourselves in no particular routine. We all revert to our own circadian rhythms and I have to admit that I am an early to bed, early to rise kind of gal. My husband the night owl can nap at command any time of the day; and though our children need to nap, they don't. That is, unless they cuddle up with something warm and fuzzy. Works for the dogs, also.

Corn Stand (July 2010)

Move over lemonade… Harrison and Grayson wanted to sell corn. Daddy Joe’s crop was so good that you could shuck it and eat it raw. (Just ask the kids… they had 2 ears each!) Many a neighbor stopped by to pick up a few ears and when asked Grayson proudly announced, “I helped pick it yesterday morning”. The money made was offered back to Daddy Joe so he could keep those fresh veggies coming. Next? Bring on the tomatoes.

Happy 4th! (July 4, 2010)

There’s nothing quite like parking in the back of a pick up truck and pulling out the guitar and ukulele to reflect on our country’s freedom. Throw in some fireworks, family, and friends and you have a celebration. The Campbell’s joined us again this year along with Lloyd’s cousins (from Florida) Everett and Ilene Mack. The night was full of mosquitos, music, and medical emergencies (of course Lloyd had to stop and help a friend). But even that couldn't stop Lee Greenwood. Happy 4th of July everyone!

The Willhite Watson Family Reunion (6.19.10)

The Willhite Watson Family Reunion is something that our family always looks forward to each year. There are fun, games, watersports, food, and COUSINS! Last year the highlight was David wake boarding with both Harrison and Grayson. This year, they wake boarded on their own (thank you, Edwin)! Even Daddy got a little sailing in this weekend while I was happy to just be in the sun.