5 weeks since I posted......... living 3 hrs from Boston.....it has hit us hard......

Also in the last two weeks I've said good luck to these two brothers-my nephews- who have left for boot camp - on the left Jason- Navy......and Mat to the Marines......... That was very difficult in these uneasy times-but we are so proud of their dedication and service to our country.

But life does go on......... as long as we remember the everyday important things..............

That every little adventure can lead to a smile..................

That helping grumpy pick out the right bit from his tool box is just as important as.......

Those big decisions in Washington................

And every minute teaching love....... Is what it's all about for our future.........

as my brother took his sons tubing for the only time this summer........ I know his heart must have been so heavy....... Yet so proud...... he's an awesome dad......

Two very strong parents......... And a new Navy recruit and Marine.............  <3

I love you all.............

Love, Aunt Rain

Give a child a toy....he plays for a little while.......give him a paper bag.......

and it's entertainment for us all....!

proving once again you don't need much money to laugh and have fun!!!

sharing seeds with Appy-my nieces very friendly rooster!

So grumpy do we have enough tools to fix that faucet-should I get some from my box......?

So ends the summer-on Toddy Pond-perfect warm weekend-scrap-booking with "the girls" away from it all!! 

weekend scrapbooking at camp with "the girls"!!

had a hard time getting out of the driveway without a stowaway...........

what do you mean gigi-I'm not going with you-you can't be serious.............I go everywhere......

3 nights and three and half days away-escape all responsibilities.......just the girls!!

 looking out at Toddy Pond all day and evening!  and sunrise over the lake was beautiful and quiet

we really did get a lot done-but mostly had fun-laughed-ate and talked stuff over!!

It just happened to be a big bass fishing tournament.............more boats on the lake on this Sat. then all summer put together!!

Well of course you know we had visitors!!!

My nephews little boy-Owen- has a neat "gator"--he showed Alden all the neat features!

He was more then willing to give him a ride-but mom stepped in and said Alden had to be a little older to go so fast!!

guys sure do learn fast about these steering wheels and varooom varooom..............

Off my blog for 1 month tomorrow.....yeeks!!

 My wonderful cousin-Nancy-in Florida made me this beautiful sign for my chicken house!!  I love it!!

 3 of these 5 new darlins' turned out to be roos.......grrrrrrrrrr............supper!!!!!

 Castine Harbor~~a couple weeks ago I took mom for a drive down the coast-and had ice cream sundies on the dock and watched the boats in the harbor!  She doesn't get out much-she loved it!--memo to self--do that more often!!!

 Happy 4th of July!!!  at camp with 48 friends and family!    I made his little flag studded romper!!

 the little guys daddy was able to make it home for a week-sure made the little guy very happy boy!!

 My brother-Peter- and his son-Mat- welded together from parts they found in the dump-a charming brisket smoker!!  They are both part clowns-inventors and rednecks!!!

mutual admiration club!!

toes are delicious!!!!

Alden's new pool !!!  fun fun!!

 Making strawberry jam with an official tester!! 

 12 pints.....yummmmmm............

you need this box back......?!

the simplest things are the best!!