Part the third of this the Fourth

This is the second annual Fourth Of July 'P-------- Shin Dig' Softball Game!  It's intense.  From team selection to positioning every bit of the game is thoughtfully carried out.  Of course the half time dancing and the end of quarter posie picking is completely spontaneous.  What's that you say?  No half time or quarters in softball?  Ah well, maybe this isn't so serious after all.  

    

While the littles (and the little at heart) are out setting the side yard ablaze (and eating pie and ice cream) our musical guests are busy making a joyful noise inside.  Babies and dogs are in here too since they prefer this noise to the noise that is literally exploding around the town.

Last but not least, everyone moves their chairs around to the front to watch the annual torching of the rimrock.  No misfires this year.  Happily, the only flames we saw were elegant, dancing sky embers like these!  I think a few of our testosterone toting guests were disappointed, but seeing the foliage intact with no tell tale charcoal scars while traveling up the grade the next day was a welcome change in tradition.

So, that's really it.  I'm done posting about the fourth.  As I say, we're always ready to welcome more.  You don't have to call ahead.  Just show up with a side salad and a folding lawn chair...  Oh yes, and don't forget your softball glove!

Blessings, Debbie

part the second...

As usual, those who were not staying with us from out of town began showing up around 9:30 a.m..  There were old friends, new friends and of course our beloved family.  The city's festivities were moved to the park in the center of town this year rather than being where they belong, in the park behind our house.  We've been walking the 50 or so steps to the annual 4th in the park celebration for the past 21 years.  It was a bit disconcerting to have to walk a quarter mile this time.  ;)  We served lunch at noon and barbequed at 5:30...

After dinner most everyone loaded up and headed for part the third.  Want to come?  Hop on in!  I promise you won't be disappointed...

Blessings, Debbie

the fourth, in three part harmony

Part the first... the Splash and Dash.  Last year I posted about our annual fourth of July shin-dig but this year we've added something new to the traditions list.  The three musketeers entered as team number 29 to compete in this city's morning of the fourth tradition.  This dragged us out of the house earlier than usual and was a wonderful way to start a beautiful day.  First, Joey jumped into the pool at 8:45 to swim her laps. Next she slapped the team wristband on Erin's wrist and sent her on a 12 mile bike ride that took her through the canyon along the river and back to the other end of town.

Slap!  Wristband is now on Makenna's wrist for her 6 mile run...

She's back and this happy trio is ready for breakfast!  Yes, this was part 1 of a l-o-n-g harmonious day.  The other two parts to follow...

Blessings, Debbie, Joey, Erin and Makenna :)

equation review

I wrote here about rhythm and order and I'm here to say that it is still my heart's desire.  I've decided to be pro-active in my approach even though to the observer this would seem the least likely time to take charge. July is the busiest of busy months.  It seems that rather than finding rhythm then order I am actually going at the thing backward.  If rhythm can follow these days of aggressive organizing, then I will change the equation from...

rhythm + order = peace

to  

order + rhythm = peace.  

So far I'm here to say that even if the rhythm doesn't change, there is a tremendous burden lifted in the well ordered home.  It's been a lot of work and I'm physically tired but mentally relieved.  I plan to keep you posted.  I plan to get back into the rhythm of communicating again.

Blessings, Debbie