The fishing tournament/trip to the lake was a no go. Strange to say. We were pretty much packed, trailer load, and all hyped up annnnnd we decided for a number of reason’s not to make the trip. For one thing, we have a child with a very real fear of thunder. Last spring we had an unusual bout of thunder that was unloaded right over the top of our house. That just set him off. There were 2 day’s worth of afternoon thunder showers predicted for this past weekend in that part of the Sierras and we dreaded putting said child through it. Sparing you the other reasons, we still had a fantastic weekend. The kid’s were momentarily disappointed but understood our reasoning’s.

So on we marched …. Not ones to be held down. We woke up the troop’s bright and shiny Friday morning for their first experience at garage saleing. J picked up a wooden bat for 3 dollars, that weighed at least 25 pounds, and was split down the middle 3 day’s later when his Dad crushed one into the orchard.

Interestingly, at few stops we made, people asked why the kid’s weren’t in school …..

“We homeschool.”

 “Oh, well that’s fantastic. You are a brave Mama, blah, blah, I could never do that, blah, blah, blah.”

Tell me something new.

“Here’s some book’s. Take them. You’ll get good use out of them.”

Say what? Seriously. People were giving us stuff. Little Miss just smiled and she walked away with free stuff. – a wooden rabbit, a bell and of course books. Crazy!

We did meet some super nice people and a former teacher. She was getting rid of many of her classroom books. What a find! I ended up with 25 books – great condition and many on my wish list for the kids – for $19.50. Mike was so good to me. He just stood there and held out his arms for me to load. And the kid’s? All four grabbed a book and promptly planted themselves on the ladies grass. Yep, that’s my blood runnin’ right there.

The car loaded with treasures, we did brunch and headed for home. A good day.

 Cleaning up her $2.00 teasure

Little Miss can now spot a yard sale sign 3 blocks away. She’s hooked. Free stuff.

Labor Day Lesson’s

How to change a bike tire 101

Mike’s bike.

No. I’m not joking. The kid’s and I got it from a local Salvati*on Army.

It. Is. Awesome!

 Isn’t the double wide seat cool? And it even came with a speedometer, and a timer. Why? So you can set your time for how long you want to ride - minimum 30 minutes 6 day’s a week, you know. Mike reinforced the basket with clamps; the duct tape looked a little worn.

After all the tire changing, we rode to the grocery store to get dinner makings.

I totally blew it. I forgot my camera.

Mike on the bike, groceries in the back end, sucking down a caramel frappichinno.

 A self proclaimed picture of athleticism.  

And I didn't get the picture.