I haven't seen a walking stick in years, many years! So when Wendy said there was one on their screen tent, of course I had to grab my camera. This one was quite long, and a special treat to see. When I was young, they could be seen everywhere. I'd sit on the porch steps with Grandpa, and when one would walk by he'd yell "walking stick!" , and we'd stomp are feet really fast til it walked past. Ah the fun days! Grandpa was my best buddy!
Where children of all abilities and disabilities, can play together. A place where there is no judgments, no fears, and children are free to be children, side by side, regardless of their handicaps or limitations. A child in a wheel chair can climb a tower, swing, or play in a sand box alongside their friends. Children with downs can participate in activities they normally would stand on the sidelines for. Youngsters who are blind, autistic, those with physical disabilities, all in one place. In Port Washington WI, and in many cities in the U.S. and beyond, there are such a playgrounds. And soon, there will be one here. In our community, built by its citizens, with money earned through fund raising and donations, grants and sponsors. I'm in the process of working with Leather Associates in New York, to bring this amazing project here. Putting together a steering committee is in the works right now. Soon there will be a community informational meeting to gather interest, volunteers, and committee members. This will be a lengthy process, about a year from inception to build week. Design Day will be in November, where an associate from Leathers will be here to get input from adults, and children on what they see in a playground, as they will help design it. To know that all children from all backgrounds and abilities will be able to play together will make this venture all worth while.
One of the things I really enjoyed while on our camping trip was watching the sunsets over the water. On this side of the thumb, we get the sunrise, so it's a special treat to see it set.
I've also loved seeing the water fowl this year. The crane was up north, this swan is at a neighbors pond.
As are the Canadian Geese. They flew in while I was taking pictures of the swan.
Tuesday afternoon, I took Mom and headed to my brother Jay's house for a couple days. It's the perfect place to go and relax, listen to the quiet and be still.
I've always loved this old coop that sits along the garden. It houses some of his chickens.
Cheryl, his wife, quilts. He does too, in his special way. He calls this his "garden quilt". Every patch carefully placed, and as does hers, yields a bounty of beauty and practicality. 
He raises chickens for food, and eggs. Jay built the new coop this spring. The wood is over 100 year old barn wood, planed. He made the cedar shingles himself from logs on their property, nestled in the national forest , and also added a potting area for Chery. I'm so proud of him, if you haven't already, visit him at Willow Winds. He's an amazing artist in primitive skills and Native American ways of life. Truly an inspiration.
"Follow the bouncing ball". And we did. Every week, our family gathered around the t.v. for what was my favorite show. Sing Along With Mitch. I loved this night, not only for the entertainment, but because it was snack night. Things we couldn't have during the week were a big treat, as we sang and ate along with Mitch. Frito's, chips, ice cream, were some of the fare I remember so well. And of course there was Mitch. I loved the smiley face, the way he conducted, the fabulous voices, and of course the bouncing ball, so all could follow along. I was a youngster then, but Mitch is so vivid in my mind. 
When I read the post on Pearls blog, about the two girls who could use her MIL's gifts, I had no idea she was talking about my sister Wendy and I! I was so surprised to come home Friday and find a box full of goodies on the porch! This is just a portion of the wonderful things enclosed. So many pretty, useful craft and cq supplies!!! I've already used a couple, and Wendy and I split up a lot of it! Thank-you Miss Pearl! You truly made our day!!!!!
