Matching Tracksuits

fun in fours

parks

Monday at Conestee

After a day of rain yesterday -- it absolutely poured for most of the day, which is why I didn't go for a walk during the Boy's practice -- we were thrilled with the lovely light streaming into our kitchen this morning. The sky was a rich blue, which meant we had to get outside.

I spent the morning grading -- remember that? I don't do that much grading at home these days because I no longer teach a heavily academic subject.

I still have a bit, though: the kids keep a daily journal as their warm-up in class, and I use that as a major assignment grade. As such, I take the time to read what they've written. For example, we've had a change in our school's morning routine, and I asked the kids what they thought of it. With 150 students, though, it takes a long time to work through all those journals.

After lunch, we headed to our favorite park for a walk. We thought about going to a local state park and going for a longer walk, but in the end, we elected for the closer park and shorter walk.

Table Rock

Conestee

Conestee Turtle

Sunday

Winter Walk

2025 Day 1

We always like to begin the new year with something outside. Last year, we were at Hilton Head with Babcia; the year before, we were hiking somewhere -- can't remember the name. This year, with L still recovering (though she's mostly fine now) and the Boy feeling a bit reluctant, K and I went for a short walk at our favorite park, just the two of us. And the dog.

And a lot more people than usual. But can you blame them? A beautiful New Year's Day with temperatures in the mid fifties and a blue sky -- of course, you're going outside.

In the evening, we decided on a family movie -- a classic. Well, not quite. But the kids had never seen Titanic, and it's such a 90s film that both K and I have memories of and -- well, okay. There's no reason to watch that film except for the sinking scene.

The Boy watched about half an hour; we made it to the halfway mark. We'll finish it Friday or Saturday -- tomorrow is a sleepover for the Boy. We'll have a house filled with kids.

Boys. Twelve-year-olds...

Sunday

Conestee Re-Visit

Conestee and Ognisko

This afternoon, we went to our favorite park -- the first time since Helene. We knew a lot of the trails would be closed: those winding through the forest would have trees blocking the way, and those along the coast of the small lake were boardwalks and would likely be destroyed.

Most of the unpaved trails were closed; not all were. Most of the boardwalks were washed out; not all were.

In the evening, a party -- the best parties are often the unplanned parties.

"We're having our first ognisko tonight. You should come."

"Okay -- we'll bring dessert."

The evening flows, a bottle of vodka appears, the evening continues, the bottle is empty. A Sunday-night party that ends just a little later than it should.