Day 60::July 6, 2010

I got to hang out with my awesome brother today which is always a welcomed surprise.  We picked big, fat, juicy ripe blueberries from the backyard.  Jealousy is allowed (and so are you at our house if you want to come pick some for yourself!)

I also found out some sad news.  Many of you knew my rabbit Rascal and knew that I had to give him away a few months ago.  Unfortunately last week, Rascal got sick and passed away.  I just found out tonight from the girl who was so gracious and willing to take him when we could not.  She loved him and cared for him and even had for him a companion named Maple.  After our conversation tonight she sent me these pictures.  Rascal was the best little buddy ever and I loved having him around.  He was so loved by everyone and will be very missed.

Rascal and Maple

Some of my favorites from years past...

Day 59::July 5, 2010

On the road again.  After about 10 hours I made it home and look what I found sitting in the kitchen!  Corn and squash from the garden!!  Awesome job Douglas, your hard work is paying off!

Day 58::July 4, 2010

Happy Independence Day!  Today mom and I got up and went to church with my grandparents.  We also enjoyed our last day with them and my cousin before we hit the road tomorrow.

Warning.  This is gross.  Because of my love and dedication to my husband in his attempt to get a bite over the past few days, I too thought it would only be right if I also got a bite.  Ant bites, that is.  I have never had the kind of reaction that I did to these ants.  My foot just keeps getting worse and worse.  Today it looks swollen and bruised and disgusting.  My best friend today- all kinds of itch relief medicines and remedies.

See what I mean?

I told my cousin he'd make it into my blog, so Ryan, this is for you!  So glad we got to hang out and play Farkle with everyone.  You're awesome!

Day 57::July 3, 2010

The day started early at 5:00AM.  No fishing for me, but the challenge was still on for Douglas.

After a total of 16 hours, 4 pounds of bait and 33 ant bites....success.  I've never been more proud of Doug for his determination on one task.  16 hours of fishing and he didn't give up!!!  One hour before he and my brother left, Doug caught his first cat.  Here's a picture of everyone's catches- they weren't biting very much this weekend!

An important thing for the guys in our family to learn is how to fillet what they catch.  Doug got his first lesson in filleting and did great! 

This year, because we didn't have the annual 4th of July parade, my family decided to have a piñata!  All ages joined in the fun.  I think I see a new tradition for years to come.  I miss Doug already- he left after lunch today with David to head back home.

Day 56::July 2, 2010

The fishing continued today.  It rained pretty much non-stop.  Fortunately my grandparents covered the swing out by the pond so I was able to stay dry.  Doug on the other hand was soaked.  The day started out looking somewhat promising, but still no catfish...only a bream.

Things I like about this picture- the tarp, the rain drops on the water and my determined husband in the distance.

After trying the typical bait: worms, bream, hot dogs, stink bait; we went to a more unconventional bait.  Zote soap.  Zote was recommended by someone that uses it all the time apparently.  It advertises a 66% or higher content of animal fat so it's supposed to be good for fishing.  It didn't work for us though but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to snap a picture of us using SOAP as fish bait.  By the way, it DID work for my cousin, crazy!

Our next attempt at fish bait... frogs.  We had to wait all day to use these little guys.  Please note that Doug is drenched from the rain.  The frogs also did not work, at least this time.  I hope nobody from PETA reads this blog.

Hopefully he'll catch something tomorrow before he leaves at noon.

Day 55::July 1, 2010

After 10.5 hours in the car we finally made it to Texas.  My mom's entire side of the family lives there.  I have wonderful memories going to visit my grandparents and all the fun stuff they would do for us to make sure we had the BEST time at their house.  Everything from bike rides, to feeding deer, to making crafts, to cooking, swimming, fishing, exploring, etc.

Today was our first evening at their house to celebrate the 4th of July.  Doug was bound and determined to catch a catfish in their pond since it'd be his first.  From the time we arrived to the time we went to bed (with dinner as an exception) Doug fished. 

Day one- zero fish.

Day 54::June 30, 2010

Old faithful.  I've had this bag since high school!  This bag has been to all over the country and tonight it's being used again as I prepare for our annual trip to Texas.  Sorry, I know the posts have been lame so I promise to improve!!