Last Day of Spring Break...

I had a few days off and have accomplished nothing.  I've helped join two long time friends for a spring break holiday.  I've toured them around the counties, taken them to one movie and out to eat twice. I've taken Andrew on a group date. I returned to work Wednesday sad because my time off was short.

My second grandson Jake joined the group and they journeyed with Papa to another movie and Chinese food.  They drank Mountain Dew until they were wired, played basketball, explored the farm, stayed up late and have generally been a busy group of gentlemen. Games of horse, basketball, and football have echoed through the valley at a volume only these young men could generate. The electronic games and the guitars screamed and the computer smoked with overuse.

Friday is officially their last day.  I was only with them two days, Papa the rest of the time but I believe these boys are taking home some memories.

John Carter, The Lorax, the different food we introduced them too, the tricks they've pulled, the Native American spear point Dalton found as they all explored the creek...all these will be tales they carry with them for the rest of their lives.

The house is a mess, we adults are exhausted, Zander took a roll down the stairs but all in all, it was a successful break from the scheduled life of structured education.

I hope they've learned the simplest joys are the best, that humor and honesty are good things, and I hope they know they are loved.

Today Jake returns home, Saturday Dalton returns,  and life returns to "normal". May the laughter, the adventures, the late nights and the companionship carry them through to our next break..and may the adults be recuperated enough for the next adventure.

The Wolf House

Dalton and Andrew have been friends since early elementary school.  Dalton's family moved to Siloam Springs which is about four hours away.  Andrew and Dalton try to get together during spring break and the summer. The half way meeting point is Harrison.

The Norfork Dam was closed Monday so our route was changed.  On our return trip we explored the Wolf House in Norfork, Arkansas.

The buildings were works of art, all hand-hewn timbers and quite fancy for the times.  The Dogtrot is a feature I would be tempted to include if I ever build another house.

Located at the junction of two rivers, the view was breathtaking. 

The back of Wolf House is as amazing as the front.

Dalton and Andrew

I imagine Jacob Wolf in the lower right window,

waving goodbye.

Driving Into The Storm...

Monday Andrew and I drove to meet his friend, Dalton.

We drove into the storm

 but didn't get a drop of rain here.

The weather was wild.

We ate lunch at The Front Porch

These innocent lads put hot sauce in my sweet tea,

while I was outta site.

They know I'm gonna get 'em back

they just don't know when...

and therein lies the fun.

This N That

Many of you know that since October '09 I have worked six days a week.  The postal service has listened to my suggestion of reducing over time and after sixteen months, I have Saturdays off, except next Saturday.
We are very short handed and many people are running offices by themselves.  It is almost an act of Congress to get a day off.  It takes very careful planning with much advance notice.  I finally was able to arrange a few days.  Thursday and Friday of last week and Monday and Tuesday of this week were my available days. This allowed me six days in a row...off, away from the public, enjoying my down time...you think?

I cleaned, I sorted, I organized, I slept and slept.  I spent one hour decorating a card board box for my can recycling bin.  Of course, you know I went to Wal Mart. Took a few walks, played with the animals, visited with all my company, and tried, in vain, to hide.

 Since part of my time off included spring break, there was much exploring, football, basketball and baseball,

rock concerts in messy rooms,

and much outside running.

...and I wonder why I do not feel rested!!

Driving For Dalton...

Spring Break, although shortened by the snow, still happened.  I drove to meet Dalton half way so he could spend a few days with Andrew.  Less than two hundred miles round trip, we crossed Norfork Lake and Dam with scenery along the way.

Andrew was in charge of the camera during the trip.  Be prepared, our trip through the eyes of a thirteen-year-old young man.