late summer getaway

Spent a few days away with my sister, niece, and great-nephew, at a campgrounds in Pine Grove, PA.

(click on any pic see larger size slide show)

my sister going down the slide

Melissa going down the slide

mother and child under a raining mushroom

(The following pictures taken by Melissa)

the water felt healing

me and my beautiful great-nephew, Logan

throwing rocks

eating s'mores

cuddling with grandma

Mr Praying Mantis came to visit

Memorial Day BBQ at Melissa's

Melissa and Logan

Mercy

crazy neighbor, lol

Melissa and Kim, Logan's Godmother

JC and Logan playing soccer

61! How'd that happen?

Yesterday was my 61st birthday, oh my.... here I am a real "senior", and I can hardly believe it.  The time sure does fly.

My sister invited me out for drinks and dinner at Skinflints, a bar/eatery that has been in the neighborhood for more years than I can even remember.  We were having drinks (jack daniels on the rocks for me, a very dark black russian for her), and talking, and I mentioned how much I missed Logan.  Not long after that, Melissa and Logan came in and surprised me.  That was great.  I was immediately disappointed that I had not taken my camera, but luckily Melissa had her phone camera and took a couple of shots.

Later, in the evening, I hung out with Evie, and she had a strawberry shortcake for me.  Yum!

the column behind him is a waterfall of sorts

my beautiful niece/godchild, and great-nephew

Logan, me, and my sister, Tree

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Had a lovely Christmas Eve at my niece, Melissa's place.  Logan gave me a small wooden jewelry box that says Aunt, You're the coolest, on it.  I will treasure it forever.  Children make Christmas wonderful.

super heroes and heroines

Tonight there was a Halloween party at my great-nephew's school, St. Patricks.  He went as Batman, and his mama went as Bat Girl.  A beautiful pairing.  The music was loud, and the kids danced, and were loud... I am definitely feeling my age!  (click on any pic to see the series larger)

Batman and BatGirl

some grown-ups got in on the action, too

a dance with mommy

little friends

a little holiday away with loved ones

Today I returned from a three day stay in Harrisburg, PA.  Went with my sister, Tree, my niece, Melissa, and her son, Logan.  The sun was strong, and the hotel, although out-dated, was wonderful to stay at.  Being with Tree and Melis was extra special... we hadn't gone away together like that since Melissa was little.  The added bonus was Logan, who is so  special and loving, and absolutely funny, and smart.  He is nearly five now, and his personality is really coming to the fore.  He was thrilled with the room (two rooms, actually, a King Suite), and loved using the key-card slot in lieu of keys. He entertained us by dancing "gangham" style.  Time at the pool was extra special, with him attempting valiantly  to swim.  I haven't been in the water like that in over twently years, and it felt glorious.  Logan gave me and my sister white stones which he picked up from outside the hotel.  I will always treasure it, and found a spot for it in my memory box.
One night, around 2:30 am, I was sitting outside having a smoke, and I saw a strange blinking light far up in the sky, traveling fast.  The next morning on the news, someone had taken a video of strange lights seen in the sky... they saw numerous ones.  No one has yet identified what they were.  Unfortunatly, I didn't have my camera with me.
Here of some snapshots of our time together., taken by both me and Melissa.