For Memorial Day, we decided it was time to break out the 4-man inflatable boat that Santa brought. Grammy fed us a nice lunch, and the girls and I worked on inflating the boat. It’s quite a nice boat, and comes with a fast, easy pump that Wrenny took command of. Between the three of us we had it inflated in no time. It’s actually a rowboat, complete with a set of locking oars.
Once the boat was good to go, we all made the short trek down to the lake – it’s only a couple hundred feet from Grammy’s front door. Captain Andrea took charge, brushing off any rowing advice from the one landlubber in the party (me), saying “I’ll pick it up in no time”. And she did! By the end of the excursion, everyone had had a turn at the oars, and did quite well. (OK, maybe Grammy still needs a little more practice…) :>
The only altercation came in the form of a full frontal attack from Pretty, the adult male swan of the lake. Momma swan and her two adorable cygnets have obviously had their share of handouts, and frustrated dad to no end, persistently edging toward the boat. In response, he did the only thing he could – he swam like a battleship intercepting the entire incoming enemy Navy with a full puffed-out display of his awesome plumage. It rattled Grammy pretty well, but Captain Andrea maintained her nerves of steel, holding her course and turning away the attack. :>
Can’t wait to get the boat out again soon!
Mike,this sounds like so much fun.It was probably too much fun in one day. Dad told me when I got home from picking up Dan,Val, and Bailey from their return flight home from D.C., that when he talked with you, you were really in pain again.
I hope you feel better tonight , and could celebrate with your family on Andrea’s birthday. Today’s Newsweek had a great article on “The new science of Pain”–very interesting. I hope your Newsweek came today, and you get a chance to read it or take it with you to your appointment with Dr. Bloom, tomorrow.
From Mom,with love, always
Glad to hear you are up and about… any chance you’ll be able to make Ken’s 4th of July bash? Think the Kleiners and their kids are coming up and we can find someone to tow you around Ken’s pond in a rowboat and dodge the fireworks… (think of those adventures burning leaves at Fred Skinner’s and multiply that a few times over!)
Hi Michael,
I like to check in on you every week or so. I hope you continue to put some pounds on – I know you’ve got good cooks up there doing their best to put appetizing, healthy and hearty fare on your table! Loved your Memorial Day boat trip story.I’m sure you all chuckle when you think about that bossy, protective father swan!
Brad and Mary and Will are going to be here in Greenville for 4th of July. That day is Katy’s son Matthew’s 3rd birthday. (He’s fond of telling one and all that “There’s fireworks on my birthday!”) Hope you all have a fun 4th of July!
Olly