A Fair so fair

When we got on the bullet train that is Brian's new school schedule, I despaired of getting to attend the State Fair this year. But thanks to a light homework load the first week of school and canceling our plans to go horse-camping, we actually got in two short-but-sweet visits to one of summer's highlights. Hurray!

So happy to have such a great state fair, and nearby, too!

That's it for now from . . .

Adjustment? What adjustment?

Brian has jumped into "real school" with both feet without a backward glance. One week down and he LOVES it – likes his teachers, is doing well in all his subjects (Health/P.E., Bible, English 1, Algebra 1, Physical Science, Computers), has made friends, and discovered how much fun soccer is. He even got his first choice in both electives (Wilderness and Gardening). Next weekend Brian is going backpacking with his Wilderness class, so today he and Rick have been getting Rick's old backpacking tent ready along with other preparations.

Rick and I were both surprised that Brian chose Gardening as one of his electives; he certainly hasn't shown much interest in that subject at home. Only three other students signed up so the science teacher was thinking about canceling the class, but all four kids are committed. The school has two big greenhouses, 40 fruit trees, and a large garden plot; the teacher's dream is to produce enough to supply some regular customers so the garden can help support the school. I'm not sure if some of the garden produce is used in the hot lunch program; it should be.

I think Brian is a little surprised at how much he likes soccer. There 22 kids on the team, so Brian may not get much game time as a newbie (the first game is a week from this evening), but that's okay. Thursday evening was the first time he's played in an actual scrimmage. I arrived early to pick him up, so I captured some shots (he's "1" in the photos). It was really hard to stand there and snap away; I wanted to get out there and PLAY! (Soccer was about all I played throughout grade school in Southern California; I also played some community league soccer in college.) You may notice some girls on the field; LAA doesn't offer boys and girls soccer, so three girls are on the boys team.

That's the school update from . . .

Backtracking to backpacking

If I could summarize my first backpacking trip in 36 years in just two words, they would be – no, not blisters and pain, surprisingly, but huckleberries and lakes! As I said when we got back, I handled the hike in fine fettle, well able to enjoy the beautiful scenery and handy snacking along the way. We set up camp Friday evening, took a long day hike up the PCT on Sabbath, and hiked out on Sunday, covering approximately 15 miles in all (I had a well-fed FitBit!). For the love of indoor plumbing and my own bed, I'm glad it was for only two nights, but it was a great experience. Here is my travelogue in snapshots . . . I hope you enjoy the beauty of Indian Heaven Wilderness in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Wow, you made it through them all! ;-)

Morning keeps breaking...

...but we haven't!

This morning, the first morning all week that I haven't had to get up early, I woke up at "school time." Dratted internal clock! But this was my reward:

Had another morning "pep talk" Thursday:

We're not horse-camping this weekend, which is a relief, but never fear, I will spend time on my horse! ;-)  I have backpacking photos downsized to share, and hope to get to a school update with some soccer scrimmage photos as well.

That's it for now from . . .