The Energy Suck of Family Reunions

If I had ingrown nails on all my toes… and you told me I had to run a 5k, with a Radio Flyer strapped to my back…uphill…both ways, in a blizzard —

That’s just about equal to a 6+ hour round trip so Septua- and Octogenarians and their kin can mumble about crap that happened half a century ago {within earshot of each other}; while eating questionable potluck.

YUP 0.o    – Took my Dad {2nd Elder}, Daughter and Granddaughter {Youngest present}. What was I thinkin’?

Where’s my sage, Friends and Confidantes? – Grandma Auburn {Jen}  Pinterest: Grandma Auburn Designs

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Camping part 2 -Bacon, Marshmallows and a Trail Run

Even after our tumble, {<-camping pt 1} — I managed a short trail run with Rosey! She was a fluid black streak, and my rusty muscles where saying “Oh My Gawwwwd! Slow down!” {Once upon a time I loved to run trails. I think she’s literally dragging me into it again.}

Z and I had adventures with walnuts and wishing on stars. Campfire tending, petting other dogs and “How to give Grandma a heart attack on the Razor scooter; downhill 0.0 ”

Thanks for stopping by today Friends and Confidantes. Need a Hiking Hoodie this fall? Get yours here with free shipping. “HIKE” Code: FALLFORALL

Had a big weekend. Now napping in the chair she also chews.

Tired Rosey

Toasted marshmallows at night

Z in the tent

Hubby’s shirt says, “How to pick up chicks” HA! #TSC #trucker #Bacon #camping #Indiana

Camping Part 1- Dog Tales

I took a tumble … here’s my scary dog tale – Friday

Tired Rosey post camping nap.

The scene… I was flying down Hwy 136. The van is packed to the gills with gear. Jasper the Fat Housecat is in his crate, ridin’ shotgun.  Rosey is on the middle floorboard with only her collar on. {No harness because it had already snapped when she bolted as I was trying to load her in.} …As I rounded a curve, she shimmied under the driver’s seat and came up between my legs.

Now I’m only 4ft 10 1/2in tall. I drive with a pillow to reach the pedals anyway; so a 30 pound dog wedged in does NOT help matters.  0.0

At that point {thank Goddess no cars around} I coasted to the next country road while petting her. She sat still till I got the van half way off the pavement in the tall grass. Parked, then with a death grip on her collar, I shuffled her out and around to the opposite sliding door.

THAT’S WHEN she pulled us both into a 4 foot drainage ditch!! Aaahhh! Ass over applecart into the thick saw grass.

But I never let go of that damn collar. We broke each other’s fall. I didn’t break any bones. A few scratches. Caught my breath, then I let her pull me up the embankment! Finally got her secured in the backseat on the second try.

WHEW! Friends and Confidantes that was an adventure – before the adventure with Z ever started. Camping part 2 here.  #bordercollie #camping #Indiana #grandparents

Camping During the Harvest Moon

YAY! Grandma Auburn and Z will be primitive camping this weekend. (along with Captain/her Grandpa, Nosey Rosey the Border Collie and Jasper the Fat HouseCat) There’s so much to teach her. Skills that cannot and should not be lost on the little ones. She’ll be 5 years old next week.

Survival Skills: How to mark her path with arrows out of rocks to find her way back to the campsite. How to set up a tent. How to make a lean-to and keep warm with leaves and brush. Where to find fish worms. Signal S.O.S with a flashlight. Which trees have edible nuts and how to crack them open. Show her constellations in the night sky. Teach her to listen for running water and wild animals. Teach her how to make sassafras tea. Pay attention to the dog. Be quiet. Be stealthy. Leave no trace.

I don’t have a plan. This is our playtime in the forest. This is Grandma Auburn in her element as a child of nature.

Gratuitous Redhead pictures today! Including one of me. Three Generations of Redhead.  Z turns 5 years old next week!  -ME, Z, and RT copyright & DNA: Grandma Auburn

 

“Z” 09/2019

2017 Indiana Family #threegenerations #redheads

Thanks for stopping by today Friends and Confidantes! If you know someone who’s also in their element in the woods… get ’em a tee shirt OR hoodie here –>> WILDLIFE VIEWING AREA [Amazon] or here –>> Camping Hoodies { free shipping code at TeeSpring -> FALLFORALL  }

#redhead #curls #granddaughter #INDIANAFORESTS

Also read: last year’s Covered Bridge Story with “Z”

Moving – Part 7 – Let’s Make a Deal

…But FIRST let’s talk to our fourth loan officer. Yes, we’re in it neck deep now! One guy left me hanging when everything should have been finalized. One had too may stipulations on the houses. Another had too may on us. By Thursday I felt like I was at an impasse on both house hunting and loan securing.

Following our realtor’s recommendations now for FHA. Three properties on the list this morning in our price range. ALL paycheck houses. So we had to choose our projects wisely.

THE DECISION! an enormous house in a quaint town. Perfectly centered on a long rectangular lot. Compromised on as much yard as we wanted, but gained a basement, garage, and bedrooms. Shade trees line the alley, and the neighbors’ properties seem reasonably kept. Whew!

Yes for Nostalgia: It smelled like my Grandma’s house, immediately comforting and welcoming. It was empty and old, but not neglected. I’m not gonna lie; it was hard to keep my mouth shut while hubby checked out the structure and such. Meanwhile, in my head- I‘ve already bought paint and mopped the floors! “Let him say everything first.” I thought. {Being married 33 years… I know when to lay low and when it’s worth it to pounce.}

To Hubby, the old 2 story reminded him of his childhood home. He loved growing up there. And said so right away! The roof met his standards. And the garage {Man Cave}, of course was the main draw. The electrical boxes were somewhat freaky-deaky but not deal breakers. {Ha! get it breakers? Construction humor}

Well, friends and Confidantes, no guarantees yet, but phase 2 of the process begins.  I’m tickled pink! Gma Auburn {Jen}– Containing her chickens that haven’t hatched yet. 😉