My Life in July

My Greats and Grands

Culture in a parking lot

My best Oncidium

I selected these photos to represent some of the past month's activities.  I took a trip to Kelley's Island in Lake Erie to hang out with family.  First stop was an Indians game in Cleveland - literally from the airport - to game - to Kelleys the next day.  No visiting with Cleveland friends, sorry!  Matt, Jack, Ruby and I sweated our way through the game and I swear, I spent a million dollars on peanuts, cotton candy, gatorade, icees, beer, hot dogs.  We were dripping, sticky messes in the heat wave that made the Keys look like Iceland.  The weather cooperated on the Island, however, and we had a great week.  Lots of people visiting, commotion, laughs and fun.  Perfect family time.  It is pretty cool how you can entertain yourself on an island with no movie theater, no bank, no drug store, no fast food restaurant, etc.  Lots of boating time.  Lots of kiddie time.  We even did some fossil collecting.

The second picture was taken at a party thrown by our favorite local Thai restaurant for its regulars.  Never, ever, have I seen a party in a parking lot for regular customers.  Great food, drinks, sushi and entertainment.  We love our Num Thai family!  I appreciate the small town life more and more.  On the 4th of July, I hopped on my bike, rode to the main street (there is ONE through 100 miles of Keys and it is a National Scenic Byway now) and watched the parade.  Immediately saw people I knew, laughed at the corny floats - usually with a marine life and patriotic theme - and totally enjoyed myself.

The last picture was taken of a plant I took to my Orchid club meeting last night.  I was bursting with pride when the speaker asked who brought it in for judging and said it was the best example of an Oncidium Sweet Sugar in bloom that he had ever seen.  Oh, boy.  The speaker is my orchid growing idol so I was so excited.  You should see his property.  Mine would fit in his driveway.  I have posted photos of his place before.

Lastly, I have been busy with volunteer work and an email fundraising campaign that was successful.  Now I have piles of items to mail to donors and hope to see our furniture again soon.

Life is good.  Summer in the Keys is turning out to be more comfortable than up north.  Golf game tomorrow.  Work days in there also.  Next up will be a fishing trip when Mr. H-bomb finishes his work on the motel's ADA compliance updating. Hope to post some big mahi next blog!