How I Spent My Summer Vacation - A Dad Post

Bud meets Buddy

Brigid's Dad here, with a little story that she is going to type up for me.

Most of my family have either been raised in the mountains, or built little homes there for vacations and holidays.  This particular place is one  I have spent many a Thanksgiving with my children and my beloved niece, who owned the land on which it was built.  I didn't think I would ever see it again as it's such a long trip and my son always came with me, making that two day drive each way and helping me in and out of the vehicle. He's gone, and I doubted there would be anyone willing to make that long trek, twice in just a few months.

But "my girls"  L. and Brigid hatched a plot that involved 48 hours of driving for the round trip, a quick kidnapping (after coordination with the doctors for a pre "snag" check up and extra supplies.) With the assistance of a strong, dashing man and a little cattle dog, we made it  in two days, with a stop to visit my beautiful granddaughter and great-granddaughter along the way.

 What do you mean I'm staying in the summer "Guest Cottage?"

Glad you were kidding, this looks really comfortable. You all sure make pretty things to decorate the place

 And the view of the back 40 is pretty nifty.

 Some things don't change, though the round rock collection is growing.

And the hives.

The bee hat, babe magnet every time.

I think I looked more dapper in my WWII uniform (that's me on the left), but I'm not complaining.

Because our family motto is sweet and clear.  Just Bee Happy!

So much to do over the summer.  Fourth of July!  Somehow I think alcohol was involved in this.

Some time at the lake. I'll let the youngsters play in the water, I'm just happy to sit in the warmth and share a glass a wine with one of my local friends.

 Doing our best to ensure the store's beer supply stays fresh.

 There's always evenings at the social club.

Or time with Shasta and K. at the old swimming hole.

 No, we didn't have bacon for breakfast.  Honest.

Brigid calls when she can't be here, seeing what we're having for supper.

 The mountain air is invigorating.  Come on Luc and Shasta - Let's go for a walk

There's no traffic at all, just some happy dogs.

I get to walk each day too, with a little help from Cindy who is a registered nurse.

And our squadron of rescue dogs.

After the outdoor time, a little snack is in order.

One of my girls is always making cookies for me.  My favorite is C's chocolate chip.

And a little relaxing as evening sets in.

Camera shy Dottie and Girlito the cat.

The summer flies by, quicker than we imagined, leaving on galloping hooves (like Buddy and Taxi the horse, that belongs to one of L's friends)

 Happy 94th Brithday to me!  Homemade Cake!

This is some of my family that shared in my summer and my special day. Only one of us is related by blood, the rest adopted, sharing of a last name, or simply a home, part of each's other's pack, rescuing one another, in so many little ways.

Before long, it will be time to head back, L. driving me north where we will meet Brigid and plan a family trip to the beach. While I was gone, B. got all the kitchen fire damage at my house cleaned up, everything repainted and cleaned and restored as best as could be.   She even replaced my broken old dishwasher that didn't work, so I don't have to do dishes or ask the nurse's aid to do them (more time for me to beat her at cribbage). I had such a good summer here, but I'm anxious to see my home.

But first, one last trip to the creek.

I just know there's a salmon in here somewhere.  I saw a bear do this once.

I'm looking forward to that trip to the beach as well, one last trek, one last family visit before the chill sets in.  

But that's a post for another day.
 - Bud