Best Life

 Call of the Horizon Day.   Dreaming big and wondering what is beyond the horizon.  Seize the dream and plan how to make them happen.  We have seen the horizon in spectacular ways.  And we will continue to look to the horizon but also we realize the wonder is also close to home.    Our granddaughter has already captured our hearts.  Her foot, though tiny, has already saved the day.  By alerting everyone to the affected appendix, she has "saved the day".  At 22 weeks appendicitis is an "easy" fix.  Had she not kicked the affected appendage, who knows?   Today I was witnessed the beating of her heart and watching her 4 ventricles beat in unison.  How amazing that 2 cells can morph into a human being with heart, lungs, limbs and a personality.  Watching her rub her face, move her foot towards her mouth and grow.  I cannot wait to meet her!  Sixteen weeks and counting! As painful as it is not work...

 Today's bike ride took us through the woods and not over the river.  Our first attempt at off road riding was a success.  We took the trail we have used for snowshoeing and occasional hiking.  Biking is definitely faster and more exciting.                                                  View of Saddleback Mountain.                                                    The bridge that no longer exists has been piled next to the trail. Though the bikes rode smoothly over rocks and bumps, I did have to stop to take photos.                                         ...

  Today's bike ride took us down to Saddleback Lake.  Downhill all the way - glorious!  We explored the area and then made the climb back up to the house.  Not so glorious but feeling good about the exertion. There have been many bike rides down to the lake with the kids. 2002:                                                                                     Kevin                                                                                Megan and Paul 2005:       ...

 This afternoon we ventured into town hoping the majority of the tourists have either headed south or are entertaining themselves elsewhere.   First stop - the post office.  Paul had ordered from Ebay but forgot to put our PO box number on the delivery address.  It was being sent back to sender.  Maybe we could catch it.  But they were out to lunch. Okay onto the dump.  Found some tourists but successfully rid ourselves of stinky trash, donated our cans and found books and a new light fixture at the Bargain Barn.   Back to the post office which required a u-turn (#1).  Paul proceeded to be scolded for not including the PO box number but they still had it! Next stop IGA.  U-turn again (#2).  Wait!  What is that headed down the road?  U-turn (#3).  She was cantering down the road without a care in the world. Okay back on track to IGA.  U-turn (#4). A quick detour by the boat landing. And the three barges ...

 Finally!  We took the bikes for a late afternoon ride.  Gorgeous (and the bugs cannot catch us!).  Our bikes here seem soooo delux after the pawn shop bikes we used while on the boat.   Paul's pile of tools for digging the electrical ditch. The ditch has taken a few turns due to boulders underground. Meanwhile I unpacked the crib.  Last used 18 years ago for Maddy, it was in a sealed box with enough tape to stop my scissors but not the mice.  The crib thankfully is in perfect shape, the baby blanket I had tucked in the box, not so much.   I also found the pad for the changing table and crib sheets and blankets.  We are all set for our little visitor!  (Yes we are excited!) July 5, 2016:  Maddy at The Franklin Park Zoo in Boston.  One of my all time favorite photos.  What is that baby gorilla thinking? July 5, 2019:  Paul and Kevin aboard The USS Constitution in Boston.  Sailors must have been a lot sho...