Beaver dam

Simon and I returned for a second day to work on freeing up some water next to my grandmother's house. Some beavers have dammed up the creek that feeds into Lake Douglas. There were four dams. We at least created a rift in each of them to let some of the water flow, but the beaver's probably already repaired the little damage we did.

Wakulla Springs

Simon drew this in the car after our visit to Wakulla. I only helped with a few things: the manatee, the snake bird in the tree, and one of the trees. The rest is all Simon's. I particularly like the jumping mullett behind the boat.

Lucy's learning

Here's some of Lucy's first work from her K-4 class with Ms. Morris. We're all pretty excited about coloring in the lines.

create

I've got two new creative projects going (which may end next week when classes start back). I'm writing a short novel for kids. I write one or two pages a day and Braden critiques them when he gets home from school. I'm also re-purposing some furniture to be our organizational bail-out for all our papers lying around the house.

First, I got three night stands. One I already "owned" (it was mine growing up). I bought the other two. Two of the three worked close to perfect. The idea is to stack all three on top of one another to create a part-bookcase, part-filing cabinet.

I'll post more pictures as things develop and may post my rough draft chapters if anyone is interested.

FB and art

My uncle Dargan and I created a page on Facebook to promote his artwork. It's been a great kick in the butt for me. I even worked on a new story today (with the help of Braden, my editor). It's funny how when we help one person succeed, it moves us forward as well.

braving the waters

Simon and John Adams took the boat out for some touring around the dock last week. I'm sure they'll push the limits further next time.

bumper boats and laser tag

Braden had a blast for his birthday, running and screaming in the laser tag room, splashing water on everyone on the bumper boats and going through tokens like they were Monopoly money.

The Big NINE

Braden turns nine today. Nine! Just as a snapshot to remember "these days" by here is a glimpse into Braden's day-to-day:

1. He just read The Lord of the Nutcracker Men and loved it. It's a novel set in WWI from the perspective of a 10 year old. He loved it so much that he's got me reading it now.
2. He's collecting Pokemon cards. I'm not actually sure what you're supposed to do with them, but he and Simon are big into having battles and trading them with Collin.
3. He and his brother wake up at 7 a.m. to take turns playing Animal Crossing on the Wii.
4. Last night we went out for ice cream and Braden was dying to order the Banana Split. We let him indulge, but he didn't finish it.
5. He won the Christian Character award this year at school. One student is chosen from each grade.
6. He's supposed to go to summer camp for the first time this year, but unfortunately he's on the waiting list. It's the same camp, Camp Victory, that I worked at while in high school.

So, Happy Birthday, Braden! We love you.

summer intern

I'm in my second week of my internship at Bainbridge College Library. This is my third semester of "library school," so I'm hoping the experience can give me some direction for my remaining classes. For all you locals, feel free to stop by and laugh at the lowly intern.

Jeffrey Dowdy: Final Project