She's an Extraordinary Girl

She is, indeed. Or, I am, I mean. Why? Because I made the right decision about the camping trip!! We went to my parents' house for the entire weekend, and skipped the campground entirely. I know this was the right decision because my parents' neighbors' college-aged kids tried to go to the same campground and found it all washed out from the storm; it was a mess, and no one was allowed in the lake. They set up camp in their backyard, and we set up in my parents', and life was good.

We had a fire in their outdoor fireplace and toasted marshmallows for s'mores (with Green & Black's chocolate, thank you very much). We had much Phase 10 by lantern light. (The boy seems to have inherited his father's skill and ruthlessness for the game, cheerfully skipping his grandmother, mother, and friend with abandon, and beat us all.) I cooked bacon, eggs and pancakes on my little camp stove.

There was soccer and football and general merriment, and even apple and blueberry picking from my parents' trees and bushes, which resulted in the baking of several pies. In all, it was much like having a private campground with much more comfortable outdoor furniture and a much tidier bathroom. (Plus, you know, my mother's pies.)

The best part was when we were leaving, and my dad said (their 38th wedding anniversary was Thursday), "Thanks for coming, that was a really nice anniversary gift." Aw! I don't know when my dad became such a softy, but it was sweet.

It was a lovely weekend, and now I'm ready to start the week. I have the day off tomorrow, but I go to the library in the afternoon for my part-time employee orientation. I'll get my official photo badge--woo! :-)