Slow Learner

 I spent time at my parents' house and loved going through old treasures. It was so much fun, but made me wonder if I am holding onto too many things (just kidding, I didn't wonder because I know the answer).

Junior high school instrumental solo and ensemble medals 

a coin purse and its contents (penny is from 1949

theatrical playing cards

So there I was, flying home with luggage a bit more full than when I left. I didn't really need a napkin when drinks were handed out 

but I could see it had an Olympic logo.

Then the next set of drinks came by and 

different napkins were being handed out!
I had to have one of those, too!

Some of my dear readers will be proud to know that in the end I actually used the napkins and did not save them!!

What I Have Checked Out Right Now

 

I checked out several books prior to J.'s visit.
I returned them all except this one.

This is the book club's pick for August, as recommended
by my mom. The order of the colors on the cover are
the opposite of the French flag. Is that a secret message?

While reading the NY Times By the Book interview with Jordan Ellenberg I was struck by this quote.

"Who writes especially well about math for a general audience? Steve Strogatz is wonderful, writing about the deepest and most abstract ideas people have worked out in a way that’s unfailingly humane; that’s not easy." Steve was a friend when we lived in Ithaca so I checked out one of his books.

I liked the subtitle, "Advice your mom would
give you if she thought you were listening."

I started following The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Their gift shop would be a place I would like to spend a lot of money! This is a beautiful book that was published by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. After reading it I have put several David Weisner books on hold.

One cannot simply watch bicycle races every single night.
One needs a little something to read after the race.

Beauty in a Dry Garden

I do love hydrangeas and black-eyed Susans and other August flowers in the east, but I was so happy to see growth at home.

I was worried this cactus was dying.

But look at this amazing fruit? Bud?

And look at four little shoots! I have hope!

The World Is Run By Those Who Show Up

 It is election time in California.

We now have three registered voters in the house and received three sample ballots. I think that is so we can each mark our own ballot our own way. It is not such a big deal with only two questions, but when there are many judges and lots of ballot measures it helps to mark things before voting.

Our ballots (and stickers) arrived on Monday.

Today we received a single information guide. We can share it!

California citizens who will be 18 years old by September 14 and want to receive a ballot in the mail can register as late as August 14.

To Do and Not To Do

 

We did not drive 50+ minutes to the Long Beach area

to do the 2.25 mile CicLAvia event, even though I love them!

Instead we did a family ride

and a couple of us went out for coffee.

I went to the farmers market and did some chores before we all sat down to watch the highlights of

the last time trial of the Tour of Denmark, the first stage/time trial
of La Vuelta, and commentary. We are taking a break and will see some
of the Ladies Tour of Norway (maybe they wear skirts and sit side saddle?).

The afternoon was capped off with a dip in the cold tub. Ahhh.

More Platelets

I had not had good luck when I had tried to donate at the City of Hope in the past. I tried again and made it past the iron test.

City of Hope uses a one-needle system, which leaves the
other hand free to turn pages or use an electronic device.

They even provide a little holder for my lap.

Ta da!
Doesn't look like much, but they tell me it is.

Pymatuning

While looking for pictures I hadn't posted I realized I had not written about the vacation I took with A. Some of his friends went on big trips (Hawaii, Belize, Iceland), but I was having nightmares about taking a big trip. Instead we thought about extending our Cleveland trip and visiting Lake Erie (Put-in-Bay, Kellys Island, etc.), but it seemed too crowded. 

After poking around we found a little lake that we
could get to by driving about ninety minutes
on a two-lane road. It did not allow speed boats or
jet skis, just kayaks, pontoons, and little motor boats.

Pymantuning is not fancy, but we did find a nice place
to stay, which included a large tv so we could
watch both Euro 2020 and the Tour de France.

We had a teeny tiny view of the water from the kitchen window
(there is probably a better view in winter but I won't ever know for sure).

The view on the four-minute walk to the lake was even better.

We had no problem filling our time. 

Plenty of cycling, (but not much elevation gain),

kayaking,

and swimming.

We also visited the Linesville Spillway, an Atlas Obscura place notable for being, "Where the ducks walk on fish."

 It was pouring rain, perfect for both fish and fowl.

No ducks, just a gull and heron.

July Leftovers

 

Another scene from a run, a Liberty Oak in Cleveland Heights.

I have come to understand that medicines can work beyond
their expiration dates, but I still threw out these packets
I found while cleaning my bicycle's emergency kit.

I wish I could tag this lizard so I would know if it is
the same one that visits me each time I am in the cool tub.

I made a peanut butter ice cream pie in a chocolate crust
so we could celebrate National Peanut Butter and Ice Cream Day.