New Chicks!

New baby chicks arrived yesterday. Picked them up at the post office. When I opened the door of the post office, the first thing I heard was lots of peeping. I wasn't sure what I would find - I've never ordered live animals through the mail before. They were in a small cardboard box with holes in it. I signed for them then rushed off to the library to show the ladies. I cut the tape and lifted the lid, and we all gushed over them for a few minutes. I took them home to put them under the heat lamp in their new digs. They seemed very healthy and happy. The boys were so excited to have them finally. We couldn't stop watching them and holding them. I was sad to have to go back to work right after getting them home. They all have names; surprisingly we can tell them all apart. They are Auracana chickens - they lay the blue and green eggs - and all are pullets (young females).

l. to r.: Lola; Charlotte; Estelle; Marcelene; Chirples; and up top is Skylar. The boys helped me to name them.

Remodeling the Bathroom

Josh came for the weekend to give John a hand in beginning the big bathroom remodel. Everything will be replaced except the tub. Ceiling, floor, walls, toilet, shower hardware and ring, sink; new drywall, fan, lights and all new mouldings. I tell you - the bathroom needs this fix!

Removing the old drywall exposed these old green walls with a "not-to-code" outlet.

John measures for the last bit of drywall.

John added a new fan and 4 recessed lights into the ceiling.

debris

11 pm; time to quit for the evening.

Weekend in DC

We were in DC for Uncle Frank's Memorial service. It was really good to see family that we haven't seen for a while. Frank is now buried in Arlington Cemetary, and was given the full honors ceremony. It was amazing, emotional, and very moving. We spent half a day at the Smithsonian museum and saw some amazing things. My favorite I think, was the set of Julia Child's kitchen from her television program. So fascinating - I could have looked at it for hours; much longer than my family wanted to!

Cookout at the Kalinas. Sunday was so beautiful! Sunny and 65 degrees. Deb and Bill invited us over for some grilling and games in the woods.

Bill, Sam, and Asa

Halloween in Ellicott City, MD at Tammy and Jeff's house. We have to commute to Trick-or-Treat; our three neighbors don't participate in this pagan ritual holiday.

Jake is Michael Jackson, Nick is Peter Criss, and Asa is a hobo.

Asa, Sam, and Jake

I am just testing my video upload capabilities. Sam in the middle is Asa's best friend. On this day, the boys were making a movie and wore facepaint. You know, classic good guys against the bad guys.

enjoying summer break

Asa's Sunny from the Codorus Creek.

Asa and his best friend, Sam, are taking swimming lessons at our pool. Unfortunately, this week of his classes has been cold and rainy.

Jake and Asa eating Cheese Curls at the pool.

asa takes swimming lessons during the coldest, rainiest week of June

Asa with his best friend, Sam. Asa is loving his swim lessons. Not even the mid-60 degree, 100% cloudy weather doesn't keep him from wanting to go to his lesson! He goes every night this week at 7pm. This whole week we will have well below normal temperatures.