In Our City is an Unbelievable Museum

What a remarkable, fun, interesting place to explore. The late Bob Cassily was a visonary and artist who built an architectual playground. It features tunnels, a ten story spiral slide, and climbing structures for all ages. There is an insectarium dedicated to my son-in law, George Diehl, who donated his collections when he retired from the City Museum. There is an aquarium, a live circus performance, a small train to ride, an antique Merry Go 'Round, and so much more. 

 

Ever-evolving and changing exhibits. The greatest attractions are on the roof, where there is a school bus and airplane welded, teetering off the edge, that kids can enter. So many steep slides and screen- encased adult sized (hamspter-like) tunnels to climb through high up in the open air...yes in the sky!

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Great grandsons, Liam, Alex, and Charlie had no idea what to expect, but soon discoverd so many areas and unbelievable attractions where they could walk through a giant whale, climb under the floor in a tunnel with port holes above in the floor, so adults could see their children as they slithered to the belly of the whale across the room.   

Liam liked running on this centrifuge ( I think that is what it's called). It reminded me of those gadgets where you donate coins and watch them spin all the way to the drop off. I imagine that one time shoes barreled down there. Who knows?

No, these three explorers were not under water in the auarium as Alex's pose demonstrates.

 Caves and tree roots to climb through, steep slides to drop down at "a million miles an hour."

The world's largest pencil and a retro arcade that featured pin ball machines, Pac Man and Frogger, and air hockey games. The boys could hardly stand still long enough to play there. They were bodies in motion. Swinging on ropes, jumping, leaping...

The two oldest wanted to go on the roof, which we did not purchase tickets for, because Charlie announced loudly and emphatically he was NOT going up there or sliding, climbing, or dangling from a school bus. However by the time we left, he wanted to do everything. Too late.

They had such a wonderful time. I am certain this is a memory that will last a lifetime. They asked if I could start saving money for the next time. LOL.

The City Museum is for "kids" people of all ages.  Poor Charlie developed strep throat as a result of being around so many people (germs), but his antibiotic is knocking it. What an adventure!

Oh, did I participate? No, I observed, and if you think it is easy watching three boys going in all directions, it was alarming. But I can always depend on Liam, who just turned 12. He told me he is more than half way to being an adult. He corraled his brothers and checked in with me as I sat on boulders, granite piers, machinery etc that once served different purposes. That place was jam packed.

Do my Do My Way

 I just wrote a true story about how my mood is affected by my mane. When I need a color or cut I get cranky. These days my color is fading faster than my desire for veggies. Give me Bryer's Chocolate Ice Cream with Truffles.

So today I stopped in Great Clips for a hair cut because I was irritated by my bangs falling in my eyes. I told the hairdresser the last time I was there, the other beautician thinned the back of my hair. 

She said, "That makes it look fuzzy." 

I said, "I don't care. I'd rather have frizzy than bushy." She replied, "NOT ME!" 

She was quickly getting on my last nerve when a couple walked in. He sat in the next chair. The hairdresser asked him what he wanted. He replied, "Cut it short. All over!"

His female companion shouted, "NO! Leave his sideburns. That's the only part I like about his hair."

I wonder if Taylor and Travis will ever get to that point? 

My mood has changed immensely, and I like my new do... even the little frizzy in back.

What a Day!

 The 4th of July blast seemed like a bust. The weather canceled lots of celebrations, events, and fireworks. Overall, I think the climate and world situation felt like a pall hanging over the nation. Not many folks displayed flags or sported patriotic tee shirts. Picnics and parades got rained or flooded out. 

We went to see the baby, an hour away. A thunderstorm darkened the sky, lightning crackled and thunder boomed. Sixty m.p.h. wind zoomed the patio furniture across the deck as easlily as Jackson tossing a small toy. Thankfully it passed over soon. 

Then the phone calls started coming. Our neighbors called to announce a loud boom resonated from our back yard. There is a transformer on a pole behind our house. Out of power was the message from all callers. Power restoration: undetermined.

We returned home in the evening. No electricity. No trees downed. We have powerful room illuminating flash lights. But it was HOT, too hot to sleep. How did we ever do it without air conditioning in our early years?

We couldn't watch the Capitol Patriotic Fourth music and events on TV. I couldn't finish writing an article I needed to. As much as I get aggravated with and swear at my computer, even sweet talk didn't make it flicker. And my phone slowly croaked.

Bill harrumphed at the fridge and said, "I'm just going to sit and rest in the livingroom." He went to his power recliner, which he had left in the vertical upright lift position. "Guess I learned a lesson!" he said when he could not sit in his most comfy easy in and out chair.

We lost electricity, a refrigerator full of food, and almost our minds because we are dependent upon our "necessities." We were inconveinenced for 24 hours. I am so thankful for our many blessings.

My heart breaks for people across the world who deal with war and disasters daily. It upsets me to hear, "God bless the USA." Why can't we say, God bless us one and all?!

Oh he knew what he meant!

This is the man who loves the little boy who looks just like him and his first grandson.

Great grandson Jackson has been leery around Bill, keeping his distance. Last time he warmed up a little, but this time when he visited, Jackson ran right to PawPaw Bill, and the roughhousing, giggling, and playfulness began, much to Bill's delight!

 The cutest thing this little doll did was imitate his grandma and great grandpa. They were at the table looking at a document, touching columns and talking about details. Jackson climbed up on the table and sat right in the middle. He watched them, looking from one to the other as they conversed. 

 He waited for a pause, then he took his pointer finger and touched the document, too, babbling away to one, and then the other. We might have a little genious on our hands. He is a smart one. Wait until he starts talking!

Father's Day

We had a nice visit at Kyle and Abby's farm on Father's Day. A new calf was born. It rained for a while, but we were dry in the event barn. Bill's daughter, Robin, is known as G-maw to Jackson. She surprised him with a bubble gun. He had as much fun as we did blowing and catching bubbles.

        

He wanted more-more-more, and giggled when we blew them at him. He is walking all over and investigating everything. He blew bubbles and played with a little noisy police car that we brought him. He sure is a loved little boy.

ESPECIALLY by Paw-Paw Bill and Nana!

 If  you or someone you know is interested in Star Wars, Chicken Soup will be producing a book for the 50th birthday next year. They are seeking stories now. If you have a Star Wars story, write it up. If you want me to take a look before you send it off to their website, let me know. 500- 1,000 words.

As the sun sets

The vibrant sunset reminded me that I am blessed to be active, in good health and happy in my sunset years.  I love babysitting my great grandsons.

I had the urge to capture every fun moment with them. Charlie will be
8 next month and has a sense of humor and an imagination out of this world.

Liam just turned 12. He loves Pokemon cards. He is a deep thinker and claims he is more than half way to being an adult, and he deserves more privileges. 

Alex will be nine this summer. He builds fantatstic structures.  He is determined and has a mind of his own.

 They played tag on the front lawn until 9:30 p.m.

Long after the sun goes down on us...I hope they will remember fun times with Nana and Grandpa.

Dementia: Care for the Caregiver

 I’m so honored to have my story in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Care for the Caregiver. From someone who’s been there, I know caring for someone with dementia can be overwhelming, but these stories provide comfort, practical advice, and comic relief because self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. 

Release date is June 23rd and books are available on line and anywhere books are sold.

 I was a regular caregiver for my parents as they aged. Thankfully they lived nearby and I saw them almost everyday.

My story is about caring for my stepdad after Mom passed away. Pops thought a meal was peanut butter smeared on saltine crackers and a handful of M&Ms. 

My story details my experiences of having to make a difficult decision. M&Ms played a part in this story. 

Interested in winning a copy? If you are within the United States I will put your name in for a drawing and if it is yours, I will send you a copy of the book. Note, If you cannot reply on this blog, visit my facebook page, say you want to be in the drawing, and I will combine all names (from the blog and the FB page) draw one, and mail the winner. Thank you for your support.