In The Good Old Summertime

Living in New England, we learn to cram in all the events, for summer is short then, it's preparation for the winter. This weekend is our church festival, which I am looking forward to.

Saturday, will be our family day at the Village, where they will feature all sort of fire displays and old-time fire-fighting techniques. I know my grandsons will have a great time, as there is something for everyone, we will all have a fun day.

Yesterday, Nathan finally got to see the sawmill in operation. A water powered operation, about one thousand pieces of wood would be cut in a day. A back breaking effort to produce pine wood cuttings that would serve for floor boards and siding. Nate's been waiting to see its operation for some time. Other activities included: the horse-drawn-ride through the covered bridge, the boat ride on the Quinnaboag, where Lilly pads and their flowers were the featured highlight in its natural habitat, that is, until a turtle was spotted on a floating log.

The boys enjoyed seeing the ducks and wild birds at the Mill Pond, along with the fish visible from the shore. The benches and breeze in the shade, provided the much needed respite from the heat of the day. It was quite pleasant all in all, in it's primitive setting. Nathan thought it funny to see planes flying above, somehow, not fitting into the scene of the late 1800's.

There were goats and chickens, gardens and cows chewing their hay rations. Nate got to see cow-milking the old fashioned way. Ryan just took it all in, enjoying the boat ride and the animals. Just like in the car, when we stop at the light, when the horse ride stopped, he cried wanting more....

Nathan enjoys pumping water and washing his face and hands at the well. Yesterday we didn't have time to play at the playground designed for kids with a Village theme, as we were looking forward to a dip in the pool at Grandma's house, before dinner. The biggest excitement of the day for Ryan I think, was watching the hot air balloons go up into the air, giggling and kicking his feet and hands, clapping as they ventured upward.

It was thrilling to see the way they blew up the tissue-papered-fashioned globe-like beach balls, utilizing steam from a tube, then releasing them as they became full of hot air.

Grandma enjoyed it just as much as they did....The balloons did not go very high or far. I wonder if that is where we got the expression, "full of hot air?" I'd like to try and make some of those....clever!

They didn't have much in the village then, that is, of course according to our standard, but they had a lot of "do it yourself kind of fun." Then as now, there were also serious times, which was made evident by a very impressionable flag display, consisting of many rows of red, white and blue, at the Village entrance. It is a reminder of sacrifice, God and Country. A presence of the 4th of July, and the roots of our great nation.

Nate will be entering school this year. I cannot believe how smart he alread is. And Ryan, is just learning how to walk. He cannot wait to walk in his brother's steps, especially to drive the new vehicle Nate got on Saturday.

Nathan told me that he liked my hair yesterday, just like in the picture that grampy and I took in the "Love Boat, with my bangs on the side." I never would have quessed that! Children take it all in and sometimes they surprise you with their comments. Nate and Ryan miss nothing. And, that's a good thing, in the good old summertime.