PreSchool and College

A new school year brings new schools to attend, and new school activities for us.  I have three grand-daughters.   The oldest, Zanni,  is in her first year at the local Community College.  The youngest, Sadie, is now attending Pre-School at the same elementary school as her older sister, who is in first grade.   So the educational spread of my grandchildren goes from pre-school to college.

Last week, I had the delightful experience of going and helping pick Sadie up from school.   They were very meticulous about releasing each child individually, to the appropriate parent.

This evening, we had the pleasure of attending Zandrea's first volleyball game at her Community College. Sadly, they were soundly defeated.   Zanni plays on the "second string".   When they got to play during the third game, they did much better than the "first string".  It was also fun to see other family members there who came in support.

I have not been to the Community College campus in probably 20 years or more.  I could not believe my eyes.  There is a huge athletic facility with both inside and outside sports areas.  None of that was there before!   There is a large number of dormitories, perhaps as many as 8 or 10.  I was expecting maybe one or two buildings.  I just could not get over it.   It is amazing how much growth has taken place there over the years!

There is another game next week.  Maybe that one will be better.

In any case,  we have many more years of school events to look forward to.

Scarecrow Update

Back in the winter, youngest daughter Vee asked me to make a scarecrow for her yard.   I undertook that challenge with great enthusiasm, though I could not even imagine how to do that.  (But usually, if I want to do something, I can find a way.)

I got some old clothes, stuffed them with plastic grocery bags, having no straw or hay on hand.  I also figured that those would be waterproof, so at least the insides would not always we wet.   The only thing I had to buy was a small piece of fabric for the face, which I think might have cost about 50 cents.

The scarecrow was hung on the back fence in their yard, using bungee cords.  It has probably been there for six months now and it seems to be holding up remarkably well.  I didn't think to ask if it really deters the birds from eating the berries, which was the reason she asked for it.  She (the scarecrow) is really not all that intimidating.

I especially like the fact that the scarecrow's feet are firmly planted on the ground, though they are just socks, no shoes.

A happy scarecrow!

I also like her straw hat and smiley face!

U.S. Open

Daughter and son-in-law V+M always go to the U.S. Open.  Matt's parents also get tickets for us, if we want to go.  This year we were able to do that, so we spent a Saturday filled with tennis!  It was the semi-finals, and there were two matches to be played.  I had no idea how long that would take.  We left home at around 10:45 a.m. to be in our seats in Ashe Stadium by noon, the start time!

One definitely needs to be prepared with a hat and sunglasses, with perhaps snacks and a water bottle.  V and M have done it enough times to know how to prepare.   I knew about the sunglasses and visor and sun screen.

  I  did not want to carry around a big bag all day, and have to keep up with that.   In past years, there has been a long long line for those who carry a bag or purse of any kind, to get through security.  Those without could walk right through.  I planned to not have a bag this year, but Vee assured me that there was no wait in the bag line.  And she was right.  I did take a small bag with a few snacks and my camera.

I am not usually one to watch tennis for hours.  I figured that if I got bored I would just go to the food court and sit in the shade and watch on the screen.  The first match was really exciting and thrilling.  I was cheering for the underdog  (Wawrinka).  Everyone else round me was cheering for Djokovic.   That match lasted for four and a half hours!  Though it was close the whole way, and Wawrinka gave him a run for his money, Djokovic won in the end.   It was much more difficult to get "into" the second match.  I was prepared to go the distance, and stay as long as V+M wanted to stay,  but everyone was ready to leave by 7:00 p.m..  That is seven hour of tennis in the hot hot sun!  Everyone did take a break at one point or another to go for food and drink.

Overall I very much enjoyed it.  I was worried that I would be challenged by all the climbing of stairs, but I managed to do whatever needed to be done.  It is a stadium of 22,000 people, and it was packed!   In fact, I was very much surprised to learn that the two week U.S. Open event is New York City's largest and most profitable.   (You'd never believe how much a sandwich cost!)

Boat Outing

On Saturday, we enjoyed a lovely outing on the lake.  Friends Wayne and Susan called, hoping to schedule our annual get-together, and it just so happened, that Saturday was the only open date we had, so it worked out.

The weather was a little iffy.  Susie tried to call while we were on the way.  She had both the home phone number, which she tried first (we were half way there).  Then she tried the cell phone number, which she also had, but not the correct area code.  She wanted to say the weather did not look too promising.  Meanwhile, we arrive at the boat.  At first we just traveled up the channel for a while, fearing thunder and lightning.  Then, thankfully, the sun came out and we went out onto lovely Owasco lake.  Wayne and Susie have a new boat this year.  It is much fancier, with soft leather seats.

This annual outing is just about the only time all year when Gerry and I actually get into the water (other than shower, bath, or rain.).  We did, however, swim during our July trip.

It was such a lovely time with old friends.  We were surprised to learn that their daughter just had a baby the day before.  Susie was leaving the next day to go and be with daughter and grand-daughter, so it was their last outing for the year as well.

While going out on the lake in a boat is always a treat,  mostly we enjoy Susie and Wayne's company.  They are both always upbeat and cheerful, warm and hospitable.

We will hope for another boating outing next year!