Weekend Fun, and Then Some

As expected, my long weekend disappeared quickly. We had beautiful summer weather and enjoyed our usual things we love close to home. Even better, we remembered to fill our growler with tasty beer to take along for our beach walk.

The Sunday was less windy, so we went out to fish Apple Creek, though fish didn't cooperate. 

And yet again, we played hard and procrastinated work. Been meaning to paint the concrete foundation of our house basically ever since we bought it. Finally later this Sunday we managed to make it happen. We just wondered why we can't do the work before having all the fun!

This Friday in this Old House...

Today I took a spontaneous vacation day...  though my first alcoholic drink didn't happen till way past 5. The day was far from how I envisioned, but everything worked out. Just yesterday I noticed some water around our water heater.

We started out not even knowing who to call, but by this afternoon our new water heater was professionally installed by a couple of nice young men. Thankfully it took 10 plus years before we needed a plumber. Cheers to home ownership!!

The State Fair Season!?

August is half gone... while the Olympics in Japan completed and Joe's family has come and gone. 

Last night we went to the State Fair. Everything was just as we remembered, and there were lots of people. Thankfully this fair experience felt the cleanest without taking away the barn smell. After missing last year's fair due to Covid, the corn dogs tasted that much better.

None of our related gangs could join us, but it was sill nice to be back at the fairground filled with the "usual".

It had been a few years since Joe's favorite shoot out the star booth faded and disappeared. Joe heard the faint but distinct air gun noise, and sure enough there it was. Except this one was bright, new, and attended by younger crews. 

Joe was thrilled and a 10 year old again. The price went up to $10 a round... I was glad Joe's budget wasn't enough for him to win another huge stuffed animal to take home! He came real close though.

Happy summer, what's left of!

Before July Is Over...

Last weekend we had our first sweet corn from Wisconsin. The usual corn/veggie truck. We look forward to the taste of summer every year, while fully knowing it means the end of summer is not too far.

Our local areas have been quite busy with tourists, and one benefit is the addition of a few new great eats in town. We tried a new sandwich truck last Sunday. 

A couple of awesome sandwiches to go and sit at our favorite brewery. Only wishing some of our distant friends could join us.

Well... we definitely needed an evening stroll afterwards. Happy Summer!

Perfect Summer Weekend

To make up for working and being on call on the 4th of July weekend, we both took a belated 3-day weekend. The weather was perfect, not too hot, not too cold. Managed to enjoy everything we could think of around town. From fishing, beaches, even to the top of Sugarloaf mountain. Made sure to hit as many of our favorite eats and drinks too.

Saturday evening we had a few friends over to celebrate the normalcy, while the rest of our small town kept on partying all week for their home coming. It was such a beautiful evening, we were able to sit outside and enjoy grilled pizza, fish, chicken, and vegetables. 

Though our guests didn't stay till dark, which doesn't happen till almost 11pm, we strolled down the streets to view the firework display. 

Sunday was a recovery day. For the first time in a year and a half we went to a movie theater. Who knew such a small thing could mean so much!

July!?

Our 4th of July weekend was hot.... I just realized my wreath still had cherry blossoms. Time to change up to summer flowers. 

Also noticed our grapes are doing much better than last year. 

A few vegetable plants we were gifted are starting to look good. We'll pick some lettuce leaves for a salad this week.

 

Back to Fishing

Before it rained some last week, our trout stream was pretty low. We took a break from fishing, so our fish didn't get stressed more than necessary. 

Today the water level was perfect! Joe caught a 16" brown on his first cast, which must have created some competition. Soon I pulled a slightly smaller one. I let it go to pursue a bigger fish, but that's when my reel broke. I swear I didn't do it! 

Our fishing trip was cut short, but we got to have our coffee and croissants sooner and happened to catch a small town parade and classic car show. All in all it was a good morning fishing.  And I got a new reel for tomorrow!