Hobby Room Cleanup

This project has been in the "planning and getting there" stages for several months, and we finally got the gumption to get it done. All of Papa Bear's tools and handyman stuff had previously been in the garage (along with piles and piles of "stuff"), and we managed to get it all down to the basement where David built some workbenches. This weekend we managed to get the rest of the "stuff" out of the garage, move the kids' hobby tables into their new places, get the rest of the entertainment center put together (David even fixed the power outlet), and everything basically cleaned up and organized. We even got a little couch in there.

This is primarily going to be the boys' hobby and gaming space, but it will also double as an "indoor/outdoor" entertaining space.

After all of the work was done, we hung out in front of the house with the neighbors for a bit, enjoying our accomplishment and some good company.  We were briefly joined by Darwin and Blaster who both enjoyed a bunch of fresh clover.

Golf Day

Today was a beautiful day for Thomas' golf lesson with Cal. Lessons were somewhat hit-and-miss all winter because of the wet and cold winter weather, so it's been nice for the boys to be able to get back out there. Today we met Cal at the driving range near his place.

Thomas and Cal

Although it wasn't his turn for a lesson, Cal wanted Michael to come along so his clubs could be measured and (if necessary) adjusted. After that was done, Michael hung out and watched.

"Tut, tut, it looks like rain!"

After the lesson, we all went to Bear Creek golf club so Cal could give me a tour of the course. I'm currently editing his website, which has required that I learn a little something about the sport. The tour of the golf course was very helpful. I had no idea that you couldn't see the flag from the tee box on many holes.

First Round at Bear Creek. Where's the flag?!?

Editing::New Client, New Homework

I have a new client, and as with Christin and Pete, this one is challenging me to develop my skills and do a bit of research on the side.

Cal has been giving two of our sons golf lessons since last October, and during that time he has also been developing his business as a private golf instructor. Now, in all honestly, I have never had the least interest in golf or learning to play golf. My husband plays from time to time, and has insisted that I would love the game if I just got out there and played it. I think he may have given up on me, and so turned his hopes for golf partners to our oldest and youngest sons. Thus, the golf lessons.

Cal is a genuinely nice guy, and I liked him the first time we met. I’ve mostly been the one to take the boys to lessons, follow up on homework, and communicate with Cal between lessons. And although I still don’t really have any interest in playing golf, I have gained a new appreciation of the game thanks to Cal’s enthusiasm, creativity in teaching, and passion for the sport. If I was EVER going to play golf, I would definitely take lessons from Cal.

When I found out he was developing a website for his business, I offered to proofread it for him gratis.  As with Christin, the offer of proofreading led to editing as well. But with Cal’s website, the job has grown to full-blown line-editing and co-development of content. And, it has required that I learn something about golf. Because you can’t write about something you don’t know about. So, I’m learning about golf. I’m not actually swinging a club or anything, but I have discovered that there is a lot more to the sport than what you see on TV. And I imagine playing a round of golf with Cal would be a very pleasant experience.

Cal and I have been enjoying a great working relationship, and have quickly come to appreciate one another’s unique talents and skills. We are both impatient to get the writing, editing and proofing finished so we can get the website up and live. I’ll post the link as soon as it’s ready. After that, maybe I'll even celebrate with a round of golf ;)

Editing::New Client, New Homework

I have a new client, and as with Christin and Pete, this one is challenging me to develop my skills and do a bit of research on the side.

Cal has been giving two of our sons golf lessons since last October, and during that time he has also been developing his business as a private golf instructor. Now, in all honestly, I have never had the least interest in golf or learning to play golf. My husband plays from time to time, and has insisted that I would love the game if I just got out there and played it. I think he may have given up on me, and so turned his hopes for golf partners to our oldest and youngest sons. Thus, the golf lessons.

Cal is a genuinely nice guy, and I liked him the first time we met. I’ve mostly been the one to take the boys to lessons, follow up on homework, and communicate with Cal between lessons. And although I still don’t really have any interest in playing golf, I have gained a new appreciation of the game thanks to Cal’s enthusiasm, creativity in teaching, and passion for the sport. If I was EVER going to play golf, I would definitely take lessons from Cal.

When I found out he was developing a website for his business, I offered to proofread it for him gratis.  As with Christin, the offer of proofreading led to editing as well. But with Cal’s website, the job has grown to full-blown line-editing and co-development of content. And, it has required that I learn something about golf. Because you can’t write about something you don’t know about. So, I’m learning about golf. I’m not actually swinging a club or anything, but I have discovered that there is a lot more to the sport than what you see on TV. And I imagine playing a round of golf with Cal would be a very pleasant experience.

Cal and I have been enjoying a great working relationship, and have quickly come to appreciate one another’s unique talents and skills. We are both impatient to get the writing, editing and proofing finished so we can get the website up and live. I’ll post the link as soon as it’s ready. After that, maybe I'll even celebrate with a round of golf ;)

 

Fish Cleaning

When you catch a mess of fish while camping, there's always a mess of fish cleaning to be done. Thankfully in our family the rule has always been "you catch it, you clean it," so I don't have to do any cleaning...

Michael's largest cat fish. Just the head.

Michael was so exuberant about the whole "catch what you eat" thing, he insisted on frying up one of the smaller fish on the spot.

Chef Mike taking a taste

Good enough to eat with your fingers

Lots of bones ... but very tasty

Departure

As much as they love camping, the dogs are always the first in the truck when it's time to go home.

Jenny, Jasmine and Cindy, ready to go

Okay, that's a ferret, not a dog. Not sure how she feels about camping.

Last look at the lake

Boat house cleaned and organized by David

Fare-the-well from boys and dogs

Obligatory crashing nap on the way home

A Mess of Fish

Our camping holiday at Moon Shade Hollow resulted in quite a mess of fish.

This was the largest, caught by David.

It's a "large mouth" bass. Indeed...

Our three fishermen and their bountiful catch.

Michael's largest cat fish.

Camper Napping

The best part of camping ... is napping in the camper.

William catching some downtime

Rufus appreciates his camp naps, too

Camp Ferret 4/16

Although Cindy has been to Moon Shade Hollow on previous visits, this is the first time she's been "camping".

In the camper ... lots of nooks and crannies to explore

"What's that?!? What's that?!? What's that?!?"

Under the boat is a great place to play hide-and-seek

In the wilds

Ferrets often resemble their owners

Stormy Skies ...

Our first full day at Moon Shade Hollow threatened to storm. And ultimately did starting in the evening.

View from the dock

Storm clouds do not keep the fish away

Despite the chill, boating must go on

Although Popper did leak a bit overnight, it wasn't anything that couldn't be managed, and we did figure out where she's leaking. An easy fix, so no big.

Camp Puppies

The dogs love camping almost as much as the kids do. When we're getting Popper ready to go and everything packed, they're usually the first into the back of the truck. And, always the first out of the truck when we get to our destination. They always have a grand time at Moon Shade Hollow, in large part because there are other dogs in residence there.

Jasmine chillaxing

Jenny exhausted from playing

Bedtime

Prepared for Camping

Time for camping! It's been months (far too long) since we've taken the camper out for a holiday, but we've finally got a trip scheduled and are getting everything prepared. That includes, of course, popping up Popper and getting her fit for habitation. Unfortunately she seems to have leaked a bit during the last storm, so needed some cleaning up and curtains washed, etc. Michael was so happy to have Popper up and ready for use, he insisted on sleeping in her. He was joined by BooBoo.

Ready for sleeping in the camper.

Since Moon Shade Hollow is a perfect place for some archery (among other things), Michael want to take along his bow and arrows, but had not quiver. A bit of plumbing pipe, some fittings and a strap did the trick, thanks to Papa Bear's creativity.

Ready to hunt dinner?

Along with the usual stuff like food and sleeping bags, I also want to be sure to bring along some reading and study material. Since my laptop is pretty much grounded, I was able to get all of my books, binder, notes, pens, etc. into one bag.