First Swim

I finally got into the water today for my first swim of the season.  This has to be a record for the latest first swim.  The water is nice and warm but there is a lot of algae at the shore.  I could not find any sand.  The gardens are doing well except the rocket (arugula) has been attacked by something which is a shame because it was very tasty last weekend.  The other greens are fine.  The flowers are looking good.  Dad/GPJim cleaned out a space on the beach under the willow tree where we should be able to keep the boats and not have to bring them up the bank.  I made strawberry jam and finished my book.  Yesterday we had a pleasant afternoon/evening at the Madhu's with his RIT group of  "Swami and Friends."  We have been taking Mondays off and enjoying long weekends at the lake.

Nathan's 8th grade promotion

Nathan went through his 8th grade promotion with honors. He received the President's gold medal award and the CJIF award. He is happy to be out of school for the summer.

Grandma Sherrill in June 2010 in Regents Park London

On Sunday Grandma Sherrill and I walked along the Regent's Canal in central London, then through the Regents Park. In the middle of Regents park is Queen Mary's Rose Garden, and, on that day, I think 13 June 2010, Grandma Sherrill was standing happily in the middle of the Rose Garden, as seen in this photo.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TUI

I don't have a picture on my work computer of you alone, Tui, but this one seems appropriate.  Have a wonderful day.

TIM ISON ARE YOU OUT THERE?????????

ANSWER ME!!!!!

Visit with Dad's cousin Judy

We had a great day in the Midlands yesterday with Judy and her husband Derek.  They drove us from their house to the Malvern Hills for a walk and then to a pub for restoration, then to their caravan on the edge of the Wyre Forest, and then to dinner nearby.  It was a very full and fun-filled day in a beautiful part of England with really nice newly found relatives.    

  

 Beautiful views in the Malverns

                     A  field of wild poppies.      

Birthday dinner and other events

We are having a wonderful holiday.  Just had the birthday dinner at Sheekey's, repeating celebration of the 50th, and it met our highest expectations.  We loved our food: oysters followed by fish dishes and then pavlova, accompanied by good wine with a chaser of single malt. Forgot to take the camera to dinner but here is one of our hotel.

Went to an exhibit of art since World War II, at the Tate Modern.  Here is one of the works for the benefit of Nicole and Nathan.  Do you recognize the painter?

And here is one for Ben and Liam.

Happy Birthday Dad! Happy Birthday Grandpa!

We love you Grandpa. Cheers!

Grandma and Grandpa Reed

We found this picture of their Grand Canyon trip among the photos Pam had when they cleaned out her house.  Uncle Ron and Auntie Jean took it home and scanned it. 

From the Air

On our return trip from southern CA, I'm trying out the new wifi on a free promotion offer.  We had a nice time in San Diego celebrating Nicole's birthday.  We did the walk to the waterfall previously pictured in this blog.  Here are some more pics anyway.  Spring rains have made the wildflowers plentiful this year.  It was very steep on the way down and I took a fall (no problem) but then my knee gave out and Chris had to push/pull me back up.  Getting old is not nice.  We had a delicious lunch by the waterfall (provided by Tui). I swam in the very cool pool under the waterfall, which felt great.  I was totally recovered by the next morning.  Jim seemed to have no trouble with the walk except for stepping into one of the streams - his sock and shoe dried out in the hot sun before the walk up.