Oh Deer!

Yesterday, in our back yard we had some visitors. A mom and her baby.

Ooops, I mean babies.

I don’t know how common twins are in the deer world, but they sure were cute.

Gazebo Repair

19 years ago when Emily was born, Dad made a little gazebo for her. The sign over  the door reads, Emily’s Gazebo. There was a time when she could fit in and played in it, now it’s more of a decorative piece in our landscaping. (click on photos for larger view.)

Unfortunately over the years and our forgetting to cover it for the last few winters it’s showing its age with rot. Last weekend Greg and Mark started the restoration process. This is the base.

They moved it to the side so that Greg could replace the rotted areas. Mark was there to lend moral support.

And of course every job needs a foreman.

Greg rebuilt most of the base.

They leveled it up and put the frame on top of it. The roof still needs some work and will be left for another weekend. I’ll post a photo of the completed project when available.

Derek and Leah

Leah is Derek’s girlfriend. They met while he was teaching Trition Regional School Winter Percussion. She was in charge of the color guard and has been doing this for a few years. As a matter of fact she was one of the people that interviewed Derek. They have been dating more seriously since April and seem very happy. Leah just turned 24 and is a graduate of Syracuse University. She has a job as a video editor. She’s not sure this will be life-long passion and is thinking about going back to school to perhaps be a teacher.

For those of you who know Derek you know how picky an eater he is. The irony is Leah is a vegan. I’m not brave enough to invite her for dinner but I did tell Derek I wouldn’t be offended if she wanted to bring her own food. She is also quite tall as they are both standing in this picture.

Drum Corp is really picking up for Derek now. He has been marching in parades weekly and Monday is their first competition in Bridgeport, CT. There will be several local competitions before they go on tour at the end of July. He’s very excited about competing. Below are some samples of Spartans in the past. Drum Corp is very disciplined, military-like and a fantastic opportunity for anyone that is tough enough to handle it.

Spartans 2010

Spartans 2007

Spartans 2008

Father’s Day Ride

Yesterday, Father’s Day, was spectacular in the weather department. Greg and Mark decided to head north to Waterboro, ME for the first ride of the season. They got their 4-wheelers filled with gas and lovingly inspected every nook and cranny. Mark had to clean out a mouse nest (photo above left) before he could go. 

Mark, filled with excitement proudly climbed into the drivers seat and they were off on their adventure.

Now the two pictures above you might think I goofed and put in twice, but if you look ever so closely under the ATV on the trailer you’ll notice the first picture is missing the ramps. Twenty minutes into their adventure they were back to get the ramps so Mark could unload his ATV. (All part of the fun.)

They finally made it to their destination and enjoyed their afternoon, even getting stuck in the mud was all part of the fun. My road warriors returned, tired, Greg with an aching back, somewhat muddy but having enjoyed the day.

Oh and if you were wondering what I did. I took a 7.5 mile bike ride, worked in my garden and relaxed. It was a win win for all.

Slow Growing

The picture on the left is my garden taken June 5th. The one on the right is a week later taken on the 13th. We had a few days of summer-like weather but of late it’s been very cool.

I have green and yellow beans planted on the deck. The top photo is from the 5th, the bottom a week later.

The rhododendron near the deck has a funny shape. It’s been trimmed over the years by the deer. Speaking of deer, they are a frequent visitor. The photo on the right was from June 9th and the left from the day before. I don’t think they’re the same deer.

My boss surprised me at work last week with a 30 year pin. The triangle is the company logo and there appears to be a diamond in the center. When I started back in 1981 I was full time. As I started having kids I cut down to 20 hours and eventually went per diem as I had more kids. July of last year I started back at 16 hours per week. It amazes me how fast the time has gone by. I’ve been doing dialysis and have seen a lot of changes over these 30 years.

Spring Has Sprung

I never thought it would happen but the snow did melt and everything survived. The yellow flowering broom is one of my favorites. It was totally buried for months. I can’t believe it’s doing as well as it is.

I just love it when everything is in bloom, before the annoying bugs and humidity are in full swing.

I had a small garden last year, just zucchini and tomatoes. It did very well so  Greg and Mark made it bigger and put in the edging for me. I have my usual tomatoes and zucchini and added corn. We did grow corn once years ago which was enjoyed by  the raccoons. We woke up one morning to see it all over the back yard. If you look closely under the deck you’ll see the old toilet, remember that bathroom remodel we did in the winter? Let me just say it wasn’t my choice to have it end up under the deck. Oh well, one project at a time…

We’ve had a few hot days as evidenced by Joseph sprawling out. Emily got a gold fish while at school. Since she’s been home she’s gotten a new tank and added two new goldfish. As a side note, as of today only the original goldfish has survived.

Over Due Update

Last Friday Greg and I picked Emily up at school. Above was her freshman dorm, Hoosac Hall, she’ll be in Berkshire Towers next year. She applied for, interviewed and got hired as an RA (Resident Assistant) for next year. She’ll have responsibilities for I think, two floors in her dorm. She’ll go back to school 2 weeks early in the fall and 1 week early after Christmas vacation. If it’s her turn she’ll be one of the last out before vacations because she has to check out kids. There are other responsibilities but those are the main ones. In exchange she will get a private room and $200 every other week, that will be a big help to her and us as well.

So for now, we bid adieu to the Berkshire’s.

Derek finished up school yesterday. He also finished playing with the Boston orchestras. Last week he was asked to play in a local production of the King and I. He made a nice chunk of change and through that has been invited to play with the Melrose Orchestra, which is a paid position. He continues to spread his networking ever wider.

The big plan he has for this summer is DCI or Drum Corps International. He was invited to participate through a connection. This is the last year he is eligible as the cutoff age is 21. It is not free but we look at it as an investment. Here is some info about the group:

About The Spartans

Founded in 1955, The Spartans are one of the most respected and established organizations in the drum corps activity. Our organization has an outstanding record in promoting youth involvement and participation, having attained multiple Drum Corps International gold medals. The corps is a five-time winner of the DCI Open Class gold medal (1997, 1998, 2004, 2005, and 2007).

The Spartans are a community-based organization. We are not affiliated with any school or government-sponsored group. Our organization is run by a dedicated group of volunteer parents and a professional teaching staff who work in close harmony with all members to create and maintain a proud, responsible youth organization.

Our corps was founded by Albert Laflamme as a way to keep at-risk youth off of the streets. Today, the corps is run by Albert’s grandson, Paul G. Laflamme Jr.

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This is not for the faint of heart. Starting in June the rehearsals are from 9 a.m to 9 p.m. 2-3 days a week which includes weekends. The first hour is spent working out because they want the kids in excellent shape as endurance is a must.

They will be performing locally and in August they go on the road to Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, PA and eventually home. To see their full schedule and info about the Spartans go to: www.spartansdbc.org

Mark is back to work landscaping. He continues to look for land in Maine and is getting closer to making his move. He and Greg are looking forward to weekend ATV trips. We’re all hoping the price of gas will cooperate.

That brings you up to speed with us for the summer. We’re hoping to get a trip in to Fulton hopefully around the Hayden Reunion in August. That’s the plan for now..