BACK TO GETTYSBURG FARM

 On August 13 we moved back to Gettysburg Farm. Larry brought the coach over while I went and picked up the two oldest grand daughters, Ashtyn and Alivia. We watched them for two days while their parents went to a wedding. I missed so many photo opportunities while we had the girls. We had fun swimming at the pool. We made some play dough and played with it for hours. And then on  a walk they got to feed the goats out of their hands and then hold a little 4 week old bunny.

We are parked over by the barn and there sure are a lot of animals. Besides goats and rabbits there is a flock of sheep,  a horse, a donkey, a cow, some llamas and alpacas,  a pig, roosters,chickens, turkeys, and even a peacock.
On Tuesday I went over to Mystique"s and canned peaches, I had picked a bushel at Cherry Hill farm last week. And Mystique's grandmother brought two large baskets. Mystique and I peeled the peaches, her grandmother put them in the jars, while Mystique's mother made the sugar water and did the canning. With many hands working we were done by noon. Now I have peaches for the year.

FRIEND GATHERING

Every summer I try to get together with friends I taught with at Octorara. From left to right Dottie, Mary Alice, Susan, Mary Kay and Avis. We all are retired except for Avis. Susan and Mary Alice  do a lot of  travelling through out the world. Always love hearing about their adventures.

BEACH TIME

 I spent the first week of August at Wildwood Crest with  Lynda and Lynn. It was only the three of us this year for my friend Kathy died unexpectedly in December.
 There had been a bad storm on Friday before we went down with a lot of flooding. We waited till later on Saturday to drive down and had no traffic, when usually it is bumper to bumper. The weather was warm and sunny for the week just a little windy. We went to the beach everyday.

One drowned Dottie. I was in the water everyday. The water was warm and the waves great for riding.

PA NOMADS

 On Saturday,  July 22, NOMADS that were in the York area gathered at the Linden Diner for lunch.

 Good food and fellowship.

Thanks to Ruthie and Mike for organizing this get together.

MATHIAS REUNION

 On Saturday, July 15, we gathered at Faith's for the Mathias reunion.

 

Three generations.

 The oldest, Lynden, Trae, Larry and Barbara.

With their spouses, Sabra and Lynden, Trae and Loretta, Larry and Dottie, Barbara and Tom.

 Their children, the cousins, Shane, Mark, Lynden,Faith, Luke and Brian.

 And their significant others.

 Their children, second cousins, talking and getting to know each other.

 They went swimming and played some games.

The weather was beautiful for sitting around and visiting.

Glad we could get together and enjoy a nice day, good food and conversation. It is good families keep in touch and get to know each other. Thanks Faith and Sarah for organizing this and having the family reunion.

JULY ACTIVITIES

 July 6th Chase took his drivers test. Grandpa giving him  pretest instruction.

 Passing parallel parking! He passed it all and  is now a licensed driver.

 Friday we met Marie for lunch at Oregon Dairy. Sorry I forgot to take a picture. It was good seeing her and glad she is doing well. We then went to Green Dragon to do a little shopping. We hadn't been there in a few years. It was a hot day and after walking around for awhile we were ready to go home.

 Saturday we went to Washington Borough Tomato festival. Lots of good food and lines were long. Larry waiting patiently.

There was a  good band, could have done some dancing.

 Some games of chance to play by different organizations. The fire company had a unique activity, Smash a Car, three hits for $1. By the end of the night there wasn't any bumper, lights or windshield.

 On Sunday we moved to Gettysburg Farm. Mystique and Eric only lives 10 miles from here. I watched the girls on Tuesday while they went to the doctors and returned with pictures of our grandson to be born in November. Can you find Ashtyn in the picture?

 There are lots of animals here to see and pet. Many goats and they all were kid friendly, not bothered by Ashtyn petting them at all.

 Grandpa had a VA doctor appointment in Lebanon, but he made it back in time to sit with Averie.

 We like playing golf at this course.

 Larry and I played the back 9 on Monday. He had his game on and almost made a hole in one!

 Barry and Donna are here at the campground. They hadn't been golfing for a long time but had their own clubs so we payed the front 9 on Wednesday. It is a nice par 3 golf course, a good place to get back in the game.

We had a good time and it is nice visiting with them.

DAYS OF CELEBRATIONS

 On Saturday we went to Brian's and Dorothy's for their annual July party.

 Dorothy sitting with Mark waiting for the storm to pass.

It was nice seeing Mark and Danielle and her daughter.

 Rain is over and the games began. Chase playing the Frisbee game.

 Brady looking cool in his colorful summer outfit.

 Brian getting the area for the corn hole game cleaned and set up. We left before the tournament began.

 We went to the Buck for demolition derby. Because of the rain they really had to work to get the area ready for the derby.

 We had a smashing good time, but left before the fireworks.

 On Tuesday, the 4th we went to Lynda's for the day. Lots of good food.

Lynda and Bob watching the Philadelphia celebration. It started pouring when we were getting ready to leave so we waited for it to stop. Collingsdale fireworks were not starting till 10, so we decided not to stay for them.  We saw fireworks all the way back to Lancaster off in the distance. It was a full few days of celebration.