Family Cookout

June 23, 2006...... Before Mother and Ray returned to Florida, I decided we should try to get as many of the family together for a backyard cookout as we could..... Unfortunately, not all of us could get together as we'd like, as most of them live out of state.... But we were still able to get a few of us together....
Here's a close up of one of my wild flowers growing by Bruce's shed out back.... Ray talking on his cell phone... It's a riot to watch him try to figure out this new gadget.... Let alone figure out how to detatch it from his pants when it starts ringing.....His daughter bought it for him after they arrived from Florida so it would be easier to track him and mother down.... Unfortunately for Ray it hasn't been that easy for him to learn....
Bruce giving me the evil eye for having my camera pointed in his direction.... Too bad, Honey, got ya anyway...
This is my brother, Harold.... the baby of the family.....
Everyone gathering around the island in the kitchen loading up their plates.....
Some more of my wild flowers ..... just to give you the feel of being in the backyard.....
Finding a cool spot beneath the shade tree.....
Bruce checking on the burgers.... I was so busy running around taking pictures, I forgot I was grilling.....
Getting a visit from our neighbors, Don & Pat.....
Bruce getting ready to chow down on one of my delicious..... and might I add.... well done burgers.....
Cameron, me, Harold, and Mother.... (My sisters, Sherry & Dee weren't able to join us)....
Cameron and his girlfriend, Susie....
Cameron and his son, Travis....
Me and Cameron (I made him shove his hat back so it wouldn't shadow his face).....
Everyone has eaten, posed for pictures, and now it's time for a nap..... Bruce down for the count....
Aunt Bet (Mother's sister)..... going down.....
Ray soon to follow......
We had a great visit with everyone..... but before long it was time to wake up, pick up, and pack up.....

Mother and Ray spent the remainder of their visit with her sister (Aunt Bet) and they flew back to Florida 7/29/06...... All goes well, they should be back again next year for another visit....

Hallelujah Hunnies March

June 22, 2006.... PARADE ANYONE!!!.... Hallelujah Hunnies (Red Hat Society Club)..... all ready to march in the annual Can-Am Parade....

What's a parade without a few clowns!!!.....
And of course.... bands!!...Lots and lots of bands......
Our Banner.....
Betty.... our newest member and her first parade with the Hallelujah Hunnies....
Debbie waving her flag.....
Linda.... what an organizer.... she got us signed up with the parade officials, and even got her husband, John, to lend us his time and his truck ......
Murango and owner.... I was talked into sacrificing my scarf to Murango could wear it as they marched behind us.....
Looking good Murango!!....
miniature Horses took up the tale end of the parade.....
Vice Mum and Helen... all aboard and ready to go.....
Our Queen Mum....
John patiently waiting to get the show on the road.....
Getting organized.....
Ready to March..... one... two.... one.... two...
Betty leading the way with her basket of tootsie rolls to throw out to the kids....
We marched behind the Heulvelton Central School... What a great band... Rumor has it they won first prize too....
One of the many beautiful hanging baskets in downtown Sackets.....
Two old friends connecting in the midst of the parade..... come on ladies... keep it moving along!!...
HCS performing before the judges.....
We made it all the way through to the end... John loading us into the truck to take us back to our vehicles....

Thankfully the rain held off until the parade finished..... It was a great march... and fun was had by all..... Now those of us who can make it ..... off to the Queen Mum's campsite for a cookout.....

Cronk's Camp

7/22/06.... After marching with the Hallelujah Hunnies in the Sackets Harbor Can-Am Parade, the Queen Mum invited her court to a cookout at her family's summer cottage by the lake.... Once there, the camera(wo)man within me took over...... This quaint little cottage has been in the family for many years..... Looking out on the lake from the front of the cottage....
Of course for those who prefer a tad more comfort.... There's the alternative cottage....(Don & Donna's little get-a-way).....
A side view of the "old" camp as you enter the property.....
Another view of the lake ......
Don manning the grill.....
Time to eat......
One loan seagull soaring over the lake.... (This one's for you Val).....
From the shore, you could barely make out these beautiful swans.... But with my new "birthday" camera with the 10X lens... I was able to catch this shot ....... (I think I may have to upgrade my lens so I can get an even closer shot next time around)......
Nature in motion.....
A water still life.....
A blossom in the midst.....
Two men, a dog, and a beautiful view.... What more could they want.....
Beauty found..... Even in a simple shed......
canoing anyone??......
Don & Bruce.....
Many a good time has been spent around this pit..... roaring fire burning away...... a good variety of stories and laughter..... shared amongst the company of good friends and family.....
A dash of cattails here and there......
Nature's kitchen.....
As we were driving away I made Bruce stop the car so I could snap this one last picture.....

Thanks Don & Donna for a very enjoyable afternoon..... Looking forward to the next time... And we'll work on setting up a good weather report for that day... NO RAIN!!!