Just Reach Out and Pluck Something

Last week Grace and I took Obadiah down to a neighbor's place to glean some of their currants. That was unfun because the currants are tiny and the mosquitos were hungry and Obadiah was at his most counterproductive.

But on the way back Grace and I, without going to any effort, ate quite a few wild berries as they presented themselves. We ate red raspberries, black raspberries, some wild strawberries, and a handful of juneberries.

For much of the year our Vermont landscape is not only inedible, but actually hostile to human existence. But there are days in July when it seems like Vermont, if given enough of a running start, might leap the wall that keeps us out of Eden.

But even now, at it's most seductive, I recall that the green will fade. In a few short months it will all be frost-nipped and racing headlong into decay.

So, even as I enjoy the berries with my tan, short-sleeved daughter, I look forward with keener joy to the New Jerusalem.

Skipping Rocks

Joel teaches Obadiah how to skip stones . . . a Tate tradition.

More 4th of July Fun!

We attended Brandon's 4th of July parade. It was lots of small town fun.
Joel's dream is to raise goats so I took this picture for him.
The Chittenden Fire Department . . . Yeah!
Ed Elliott is driving this fire truck. We cheered for him.

Back at the lake . . . should we go in? Obadiah likes tractors so I took this pic for him . . . I love small town parades.
Elisabeth dressed for the occasion.
The Chittenden gang . . Elliotts and Tates.
This is a bull . . . without a doubt.

Father & son fixing the screen door.

Lake House Fun!

We came out to the Tate Lake House today for a visit and were joined by mice! We haven't seen any in the kitchen . . . yet, but have been invaded by them on the screen porch. Joel and I were sitting on the couch eating klondike bars and looking out at the water when Joel says, "There is a mouse . . . " That is all I needed to hear and I quickly jumped up and I was outta there! It turns out it was a momma carrying two baby mice on her tail and Joel and the girls chased them out. Later, I was sitting out there with the computer when I heard this pathetic squeak from underneath me. I then realized that there were probably more baby mice. I grabbed the computer, stood up and as I walked out a baby mouse came out from underneath the couch. I hear it was quite cute but I didn't stick around to verify that fact. Other then the mice, we are having a nice time.

This is for Uncle Josh . . .

Before Obie was born, Josh gave me a patch that he earned through a hunter's safety class. He thought it would look cute on a onesie. Well, I came across it recently and ironed it on a t-shirt for Obie. I like it! It says, " Hunter Education Graduate, Vermont Fish & Wildlife." It goes nicely with his camouflage shorts. Thanks Josh!