July 2, 2010

We searched Paso for the Canada Day festivities yesterday! I know it will be shocking for you to hear, but we were unable to locate any. We took Elizabeth to see Eclipse at the movie theater to celebrate instead. Then, we shopped for the supplies that she and Kaili will need for girl's camp when we get home.

Ron and I have been laying low while the older kids are away at EFY. Tuesday night, Elizabeth went with the youth to a bonfire and beach party for the evening. They paddled around the bay at Hearst Beach in San Simeon and BBQ-ed burgers and dogs for dinner. She had made snikerdoodle cookies to take with her, then forgot to put them out for everyone to eat. She brought home a bag of cookie crumbs home. . .I think the chickens will enjoy them when they finally make it into the coop. While Ellie was at the beach party, Ron and I went to see Knight and Day. We really liked it and thought it was smart and really pretty FUNNY. I enjoyed the blend of romantic comedy and action.

Wednesday evening, we all went to Uncle Gary and Aunt Doris' place for a really nice dinner on the deck. It was a very relaxing evening and the mosquitoes seemed to have been kept at bay by an application of Listerine before we got there. Gary gave me a BIG surprise by presenting me with my great-grandma and grandpa Sheffer's old phone. I have been asking for it and threatening to steal it for a long time now.

I borrowed these "culinary mystery" books from Mom. I have been reading about 1 a day. They are the Hannah Swensen Mysteries by Joane Fluke (her web site is www.murdershebaked.com ) We refer to them as bubblegum-type books. . .they aren't really very challenging or too deep, but they are fun. There are also more than a few new recipes I want to try in them.

Unfortunately, Rocco is still on the lam; I am relatively certain someone decided to appropriate him when they found him. He was wearing tags, a collar, a halter and was dragging his leash when he took off. I have been alternating between anger, sadness and guilt over his disappearance. I hope my brother and Jamie will be able to forgive me for their loss.

I can't believe it is almost time to get ready to head North already, just one more week before we leave.

Thankfully, the weather continues to be on the cool end of normal here. . .