"A Wink and a Smile"

Visit Laura over here and make up your own ... Summer HEAT feels ick Even my ear lobes drip sweat Showers seem useless

During the summer months when it is SOOOOOO HOT, I am very thankful that my girls have an outlet for exercise that keeps them cool. When I think back a few years ago, our summers were a little more relaxed. We slept in, played at home more, and usually practiced one time a day. Back then, only my older girls swam. BUT, one by one another swimmer has put on that swim cap and goggles. NOW, during the summer months, they even have 2-a-days (7-9am and 4-6pm). Our mornings of sleeping in are fewer and our down time at home a little less. When I get in my car I have to really pay attention or I will automatically drive to the pool ;) As much as I sometimes "complain" (blushing) that we are so busy, I am grateful for the opportunity. I've got healthy, fit girls and that is always a good thing! Here is the latest little swimmer just 2 weeks after her 5th birthday ... I think she could have had the win if she stayed straight and actually dove in at the start (LOL). *I...

1902-1995 Born in Norway Sailed to America and settled in Brooklyn, NY in the 20's Birthed 4 sons ... 3 of them on her kitchen table Was mostly a stay at home mom, but she did work in a laundromat for a number of years Watched all 4 of her sons go off into the military ... Navy, Army, Airforce Welcomed many people to stay(live) in her home for extended periods of time Entertained a large extended family for most holidays in a small home Loved her garden and cared for her flowers/vegetables in a very gingerly way Loved the sun and would sit and bake outdoors whenever she could Swept in and around her house/porch every single day Lost her husband to cancer in 1977 Soon after began traveling to and from NORWAY for the first time since she came to the US Spoke Norwegian when she was nervous/upset Remained in her home until 1992 Slight dementia and Parkinsons struck her Went to see her LORD in 1995 My Grandma was sweet and caring. She told great stories and was a terrific listener. He...

Between ... the last days of school getting 3 girls ready, packed, taken to and from camp entertaining the inlaws for nearly 10 days trying to tackle the mess in my backyard swim team practice and an away swim meet somewhere in there Ahhhhhhhh, it has been busy to say the least. Summer vacation started nearly 2.5 weeks ago, but it sure has not felt like a vacation to me. At least not the type of vacation that I would envision. BRING on summer! Hopefully it will be a little slower, a little more relaxing, and a little less busy or I may just look like the crazy lady in that photo (yes, that is me) .