Bike View

 Noah is enjoying his mountain bike trips around the area. These are some of the shots he took on a ride last week. 

Puzzle Mania

 A large box arrived from Sweden and just in time as the most recent puzzle was finished. Sadly, we are missing two pieces, but maybe that is a good metaphor for life - nothing is complete on this side of heaven. Now we have four more to tackle in our spare time. 

Gardening

 We are still trying to get used to gardening at 7,000 ft. Despite reading books and articles about appropriate plants, being careful to select species suitable for the short growing season, we do not have much to show for this year. 

Our success was cilantro and basil. The tomato plants seemed to enjoy the deck and at least spread out. The first tomatoes did not appear until just a few short weeks ago, just in time for frost. So the plants are now inside, and we are happily harvesting one or two tomatoes at a time. Would this be considered greenhouse gardening? 

Found It

A while back, one of our garage door openers disappeared. We searched diligently and carefully through the car on several occasions as nobody would have removed it from the vehicle, yet it was not found. This past weekend, as I sat down in the passenger seat, which I have done many times since the opener was lost, the garage door opened. A bit of wiggling and the door closed. I tried it again, but this time the door did not open. Stepped out, stepped back in, and nothing. Bob pulled out his flashlight and searched yet one more time and bingo, he found it. The order is restored. 

Caught Him!

 Noah attended another Scouting event this past weekend. This time, I manage to catch him as he loaded up the car. He had a marvelous time kayaking and canoeing on a creek not far from Flagstaff. This state never ceases to amaze me with its wonders and beauty. 

Zoom Connection?

 This week, we Zoomed with Lukas again. Not long into the conversation, his handsome face was replaced with this screen, and then the conversation took a turn that I could not follow. Apparently, it was crystal clear to the guys, and they continued for quite a while discussing the merits and benefits of what was on the screen. 

I enjoyed listening to them talk even though I could not understand a word of what was said. 

Birthday Gift that Keeps on Giving

 Noah received generous gift cards for his birthday. This week, another package arrived in the mail, carefully tracked from packing to delivery in our mailbox courtesy of the internet. It contained a few more Rubik's cubes. Since he paid with his gift card, it was like another birthday present arriving. 

Relaxing

 A great place for after-dinner snack and relaxation....

Family Time

With Noah's ACT being in Phoenix, we gained a wonderful reason to visit with Lukas. He kindly caught the inter-campus bus to Tempe and we spent a morning shopping for international groceries while Noah filled in black dots on a test template. 

Once Noah resurfaced, we enjoyed family time, tasty Greek food, refreshing Rita's Water Ice, and lots of banter and laughter before we dropped off Lukas at his dorm and headed up the hill again. We have certainly missed Lukas and it was great to hear about his life and travails. What a joyous and fun day. 

ACT

 Noah is gearing up for college. As a homeschooler, the language 'optional, not required' when it comes to standardized tests is not correct. He does indeed need to show that he can handle standardized tests. Since none were scheduled for Flagstaff, we headed to Phoenix. Noah along with several other students dutifully lined up, six feet apart, masked up, to get into the building and take the test. 

 

Friday Treats

 Friday is still pizza night.  Noah frequently experiments to further enhance his already almost perfect pizza experience. This weekend, we had leftover ice cream, whip cream, and berries. So, this Friday, we added dessert to the menu. 

                                               

Fun Mail

 A large box arrived in the mail. It was too large to be hidden by political advertisements and bills - it stood out by both girth and weight. Bob happily uncovered several jars of pickles from Joel. We are looking forward to pickle tastings - venturing out from dill. 

Slipping

 I used to be diligent in capturing each and every moment of the boys' life. Every milestone and every trip. Alas, I am slipping because Noah headed out for his first Scout weekend since the pandemic and I did not get even one photo. Maybe he has learned and he was slipping out to avoid the camera? 

Nevertheless, he was back home on Sunday afternoon, tired, worn out, and anxious for a shower. The backpack filled with gear was left by the front door as the shower beckoned. 

A few hours later, he joyfully shared his adventures with us. Despite the coronavirus threat, he was able to enjoy a fun weekend in the outdoors. 

What Are You Doing?

 The large whiteboard comes in handy for all sorts of conversations and project planning. This morning, Bob and Noah were discussing calculus. After some discussion, the equation was no longer incomprehensible. Each contributed to the path towards a solution, and I was happy to listen in as a refresher and reminder of things hidden deep in my memory. 

First Cold Morning

 We have had an unusually hot summer, making us grateful for AC which is not standard in most homes here in the mountains, especially since the nights did not cool off. However, the heat did not last forever, and one morning we woke up to almost frost temperatures. Granted by noon it is was back up in the mid 80s. 

Noah took the opportunity to celebrate fall with a tall cup of hot cocoa with whip cream and chocolate drizzle - no better way to warm up when it is cold outside. 

Dog Sitting

 Noah had several dog jobs this summer. This sweet dog, Nalie, is a repeat customer who is a joy to have around. 

Trying and Learning Together

 Bob and Noah took over the dining room table for their continued education. Noah challenged himself to push the capabilities of the Lego platform. Bob was exploring online modules for his students. There were laughter, banter, and ponderings. Life long learning is fun and enjoyable. 

Robots

 Noah has been working with and around robots for many years, mastering various systems and platforms. It is now his time to pass on his knowledge. Once a week, he teaches and mentors a young man eager to learn. It is a joy to see Noah share his skills, his patience, and his humor. 

Perfection?

 Bob usually handles Saturday morning breakfast, and he often makes a Dutch Baby. His practice is paying off; this is the perfect one. Now to top it with homemade jam or berries!

Sunflower

 The meadows around town are yellow - covered in prairie sunflowers. It is not unusual to find families appearing seemingly out of nowhere in the middle of a yellow field - these are the ones who are already thinking Christmas cards. I was content capturing the beauty of the flowers. Teenage boys are not too keen on posing in blooming fields, no matter how beautiful.

Kayaking

 Bob and Noah took advantage of the warm weather on Sunday afternoon and headed out to Lake Mary for some kayaking. Along came the GoPro camera to capture the trip. 

It looked like it would rain, so 'everyone' left so there was a kayak to rent

                              this is what happens when you have a waterproof camera that gets splashed

The Best Kind of Zoom

 Zoom has gotten a bad rap over the last few months. Although some are spending far too many hours on Zoom, it does have its advantage. During social distancing, stay at home proclamations, travel restrictions it is a solution to necessary meetings and work projects. It is also a wonderful way to keep up with your college freshman - seeing his face on our large screen made this Mama so grateful for technology.  

             Brothers connecting and sharing laughter over funny picture.

Back to School

 Somehow in all that is going on, I did not take the first day of school picture of Noah. This his last year of high school and no photo... I did capture him the following day when he sat down to read Beowulf. There are definite benefits of homeschooling - casual clothing, comfortable chairs, and snacks while reading.