Ah... back when life was simpler.

Being a parent allows you to (everyday) see the world through the eyes of a child. A time when life was easier. A time when the littlest thing can just make your day.

Such was the case yesterday with Emma.

After a morning out of running errands, Kelly brought both Emma and Aidan to Walmart. Emma picked out a plant. She says it's a cactus, but it sure resembles an aloe plant to me.

Anyway, I get home from work and Emma is excitedly telling me about her newest and latest acquisition. "I named him TEXAS Dad!" she tells me. "I'm going to keep him inside in my room. At night he'll be right by my nightstand table. During the day I'll have him by my window so he can get some light."

Her world is a better place since 2pm yesterday when she got "Texas."

Ah... back when life was simpler.

WE'RE NOT GOING TO THE POOL....

Those were the words I heard from my precious Emma as she EXCITEDLY called me on my cell phone at work.

"What?," I asked her. "We're not going to the POOL! Mrs. Fanning (neighbor) called and invited us to CAROWINDS!!"

So, the kids' day was made right then, right there. A day of water rides, rollercoasters, and amusement park food.

What more could a kid want on a warm summer day?

GONNA GET POUNDED!

We are still in a drought here in the South. We can only water the lawns 1 day a week (we don't... but boy, the neighbors LIVE for that day.)

We are in the heat of the summer it seems. Temps nearing 90 if not higher. The daily threat of thunderstorms lurk around each afternoon.

Today is no different. BIG, HUGE lines of weather coming our way. Doppler radar is a cool thing to watch.

We need the rain. We're going to get POUNDED!

Hooray!

Ice Cream

Yesterday, Kelly and I took the kids (once again) to the Dollar Cone place.

Earlier in the week, while discussing hanging some of my photos, the owner also expressed interest in some of my bread that I make.

So, I needed to stop by and drop off some business cards to hang next to my photos. With that trip already planned, Kelly and I decided to make 2 of our favorite breads for this owner to "try out." A "gift" so to say to hopefully drum up some business on our side.

Kelly made her famous "Beer" bread, and she made my favorite, "6-seed" bread.

Both loaves were still warm when we arrived at the Ice Cream Parlor.

Emma and Aidan enjoyed a nice treat, while Kelly and I schmoozed the owner.

Hopefully something will come from it. If not, it's still good ice cream and a nice family outing. :)

Hope you all have a great weekend. Any good plans?

WHEN A $1 CONE = $1,200

As I was out cycling one recent morning, I passed a building I rarely pay attention to. Over the 2 years we've been down here, this building has been a mish-mosh of businesses. It reminds me of the building that currently houses JASPER'S restaurant in Crofton, MD. That building was a new restaurant every other month, it seemed, for a while.

Jasper's has been it's longest reincarnation. I helped open that place over 15 years ago.

Anyway, as I passed the aforementioned building, I noticed it is now an Ice Cream Parlor.

As I finished my ride, got showered, made breakfast and sat down to a delicious cup of coffee, I read the morning paper that happened to have an article about this new Parlor.

Seems all cones are $1. Free toppings. Did I mention all cones are $1? Granted, they only have vanilla and chocolate soft serve, but the toppings are free. They must have 20-25 different toppings.

So, for $4 ($4.28 after tax), Kelly, Aidan, Emma and I can enjoy a nice outing and a nice dessert. Not too bad.

We recently went to a "Cold Stone Creamery" and spent over $16 for all of us to have ice cream. Sticker shock hit me as I handed the cashier a $20 bill and got very little back. Honestly, the ice cream wasn't that good either.

Back to the dollar cone place. It seems that the owner is a big fan of photography and artwork. She has plenty of room on the walls of this parlor to hang artwork and photos from the local artisans, all for sale, based on what the Artist/Photographer wants to charge.

So, I brought in 5 of my best framed shots and they are now proudly being displayed in this parlor.

In pricing out my framed work ($20-$30), I noticed a $1,200 painting hanging on the walls. Next to it was a $800 painting.

The pessimistic side of me finds it hard to believe that folks visiting this place for the value of a $1 cone will "splurge" for the $1200 artwork.

Call me crazy, but I don't see that happening.

All those high prices just make my work look that much affordable. :)

If I sell some of my photos, great! If not, well, they're not taking up room in MY house.

BACK!

Yes, the blog is back. I caught enough flack from Family members, so here we are.

:)

Hope everyone is doing well. Things here are great. The summer is in its early stages and Emma and Aidan have been busy going to the pool, roller-skating rink, movies, etc... Kelly's keeping them busy. It makes the day go by.

Emma and Aidan have both begun Summer Gymnastics. For Emma, this is a continuation from her Spring class. She's getting VERY strong and can do the best back arch in her class. Her cart-wheels are top notch, too.

Aidan enjoys the trampoline and balance beams.

The other day, Kelly took them to see "Kung-Fu Panda." The kids really enjoyed it. Kelly, I'm not so sure. Aidan actually sat and paid attention through the whole thing. A first for him.

I'm still cycling like a mad man. I'm on pace to top over 400 miles this month. I'm in my 3rd week of 100+ miles per week. All of this should help my July 25-26 charity ride go smoothly. (In theory, right?)

We've got a trip to Bowie in the works for the near future. Amen. It will be nice to see everyone. (That, and we're out of "bowie" sauce....) We haven't had spaghetti in MONTHS!... The spaghetti sauce down here is NASTY! Too acidic.

How are things with you all?