Happy Birthday Sage!!!

Today my grandson Sage is 8 years old. How can that be!!!! Seems like yesterday that he was born and here he is in the 2nd grade. He's so full of life and wonder that sometimes he's a handful but he's truly amazing. Sometimes I want to isolate him from others because you see the annoying looks they get when he talks too loud or is too rambunctious but he just doesn't know yet what self-restraint is. He's been so blessed to have teachers that "get him". He's got a huge heart and has an incredible understanding of God. He loves church and sings in the choir. Tomorrow he'll sing with his choir at their church program and I'll be there to watch and I'll thank God for blessing me with this wonderful boy. What an amazing gift he has been. Happy Birthday dear grandson of mine.

Over the river & through the woods.....

Yesterday was Sage's day with Grandma so we decided to head to the woods. He's on the lookout right now for bugs and varmints so where better to look then our friends' place on the river. We sang "over the river & through the woods" as we headed to the Atteberry's beautiful place in the country. It was just the perfect day to take a long hike.

Jim gave Sage a ride on the scooter to the barn to get the motorized vehicle so they could ride down by the bluffs. Don't worry that they're not wearing helmets -- Jim's driving about 5 mph & they didn't go very far.
Aren't these bluffs amazing? I'm so grateful that the Atteberrys' own this land because they'll always protect it & see that it's not developed.

If you look real close, you can see the caves in the bluffs.

Here are Sage & Jim coming down the path. Jim & Jane have just had their 1st g'child born. What a place for a grandchild to grow up. This is one lucky boy to have these wonderful people for g'parents. By the way, his name is Jack. Sage is preparing Jim for what's ahead.

We've had lots of rain lately and the James River has flooded a couple times. This deer skin was washed up and is stuck to this tree. How many chances do you get to take a picture like this?

Many years ago there was a cabin on this property but long ago disappeared in the flood waters. The only thing that survived is the fireplace. They still use it when they have get-togethers & it's cool. Think I'll come down & hang a wreath on it before Christmas. Speaking of Christmas, would this not be a perfect place for a Christmas portrait?

By the way, Sage's friend is their dog Lily.

On the hunt for frogs.

We had the best day. We all talked about how seldom children can just go wander around anymore. Hope we made some memories that will last a lifetime. They sure will for me. Thanks Jane & Jim.

Sage's 1st swimming competition....

Today was Sage's first swimming competition. He loves swimming and being on the team from the pool they belong to. We were all so afraid that he would take it too seriously and feel like he should start out being the best but he didn't. It was fun for him. He just loved being in the competition with his friends and all those other kids there. I think some times the oldest child gets so accustomed to winning that they take it all too seriously and Sage certainly does but not this time -- he just had fun. Yea Sage -- you're always a winner in Gramma's book.

Fall is definitely here!

It is definitely fall! It's very chilly here this morning & we have the threat of our first killing frost this weekend. Guess I have to pick my green tomatoes & bring them in. For some strange reason my tomatoes are producing their best tomatoes right now. Also, I have the best crop of arugula (my very favorite lettuce) but it's pretty hardy & can take a little frost. If you've never used arugula before, try it. It's especially great on sandwiches.

It's my job to pick Sage up at school on Tuesday afternoons & this is him in his neighborhood this week with his ice cream cone. He started Cub Scouts this year & his G'pa told him that one requirement was to walk little old ladies across the street so this week as we were walking hand-in-hand back to the parking lot he told me that I was his "little old lady" this week -- so he made his quota. Lucky for him, he laughed when he said it. I hope he never outgrows his desire to spend time with his G'ma. I thought of that this morning as I watched Barack Obama get off the plane in Hawaii going to see his G'ma for probably the last time.

Anyway, I'm getting out of the house today. I've tried to keep my "nose to the grindstone" this week & get things ready for open house but I need a break. Usually Friday is garage sale day but this cool weather has caused a decline in the amount of sales. Maybe I'll check out some flea mkts. Have to have my "fix"!!!!

This is the tree I see in my front yard when I work on my computer. It's a huge maple & is gorgeous in the fall. It just needs another week. Tomorrow will be a good day for a drive in the country. Have a great weekend!