Lovely Day Off

James had Monday and yesterday off and it was a delightful day yesterday. We slept in a little, then James used his saw to cut down some big dead trees at the edge of the woods. He also cleared the foliage so we could hang the hammock between two trees behind the woodshed. After I watered my garden, I helped shovel away some briery thorns and put poison on the biting ants beneath the hammock. It isn't fun to get bitten as you prepare to swing in a hammock! James tried it out with Lily, then he cut more trees while I worked on the ants and thorns. I got to try it out too with Lily on my lap. It was lovely.

I came inside to feed Anna and attempted to give Mom Joyner phone computer support. I didn't really help much because I couldn't get screen sharing to work despite several tries.

James continued to work hard cutting up the trees for firewood. Lily helped him load the small limbs in the wheelbarrow. James said she was a cute hard worker, but unfortunately I didn't get any pictures.

After lunch everyone crashed into bed for naps. My shoulders were hurting and James gave me a nice back rub.

For supper James grilled the most delectable ribeye steaks. They were so tender and delicious! We bought the steaks in bulk for $4.50/pound at "Aunt Pam's store" the Grocery Outlet. James loves it when we can stock up our freezer with a good deal like that. We were saying at supper that such huge steaks that tasted that wonderful would cost close to $30 each at a restaurant. James also grilled corn on the cob that he said was the best he had ever eaten.

After supper I did a lot of straightening up to get ready for Rachel and Isaac Parker's visit. They are here for James Parker's PCC graduation. I put away all of the excess children's books and toys in the girl's room. I think toys and books multiply at night when no one is looking. :-) It is impossible for the nursery to look neat with too much stuff in it, so I like to store the toys then rotate them out for fresh playthings every so often. James helped me put away the mountain of camping equipment in the guest room closet too. It is a good thing the closets in our home are so huge!

Rachel arrived at about 8:45pm without Isaac. Isaac had elected to stay at Steve's and play his homemade Catan game. Rachel, James and I played our own game of Catan until 10:30. I won! We played the Misty Islands scenario from the Seafarers expansion pack, and I had the privilege of getting a gold hex with a number six on it! I built a city on that and it was pretty much game over from that point. :-) In case you aren't aware, a gold hexagon will allow you to get any resource you want from the bank when your number is rolled. Six is rolled a lot.

James read our new book, "The Cat In the Hat" to Lily