Some quickie thoughts and new Pix

New deck and gazebo
Nice green lawn

We had a good anniversary. I just grilled up some steaks, baked some potatoes and made a salad, basically the same meal we could have had a restaurant (only much better) for less than half the price. I went and picked up a new camera (to replace the one that accidentally got killed). This morning is about prep for party.

Here is a shot of the new quasi-deck and gazebo, plus a shot of the green upper lawn. Nice eh?

I still have to finish clearing the kids play area, chapping down some weeds etc. Then clear the porch. Then there's a little cleaning inside and we should be ready. It sounds like we should have a good turn out after all, plenty of people to have fun with and kids to run around with. I am looking forward to it (and now I can take pictures again, yay!).

I do want to take a moment to reflect on those who are no longer with us, who departed this mortal coil in the last year. My thoughts today turn to Uncle Randy and Manny. Today's party will not be the same without Manny, and there will be times when I think of him, expecting him to pull up and throw down the gauntlet on whatever game we are playing, from ladder ball to cards to pool. But that is part of what this weekend is about for me, thinking of and memorializing those who are no longer with us. So when the party gets going in earnest I will pause a moment to reflect and think about their spirits and know they are somewhere, throwing back some beers and laughing at all the crazy people and kids.