Summertime, and the Weeding is easy...

Summertime brings many things, the most visible and vocal being "bored kids". Yes, those same children that a mere three weeks ago were lighting candles in hopes of bringing their school year to a faster close are now decrying the horrifying fate of having "nothing to do".

Trying to be helpful, I generously offered these children the opportunity to come work at Auntie's to earn some summer spending money. Here's how the initial conversation went:

Me: Want to earn some money pulling weeds at Auntie's?
Them: How much?
Me: oh, maybe 10-15 dollars for weeds
Them: How about a dollar for every weed pulled?
Me: Auntie just remembered she has other plans.
Them: Just kidding. How about $20?
Me: (checking bank statement) - uh, ok.
Them: That's $20 a piece, Auntie. In cash. No checks.

I mean really! $20??? A piece??? Why, when I was a young lass, (cue violins) we pulled weeds for nothing! And we liked it! Anyway...they show up, dressed for a day at the beach, and have to borrow clothes and boots from me! And of course we can't go outside at first, since it was TOO COLD (for them), so I have to sacrifice my house to their cleaning "skills":

Here they are cleaning my tub/shower:
Finally, it was warm enough for the child laborers to head outside for weed pulling duty:

Here's a sampling of what I heard during the first 15 minutes:

"I'm dizzy - grandma told me to sit down if I am dizzy"

"How many weeds do I really have to pull?"

"I'm allergic to weeds, by the way"

"Have I earned my $20 yet?"

"Can we have a break?"

"When is lunch?"

Despite all the colorful commentary, they did actually do a great job pulling the weeds, as the photos attest:

So I treated them to some lunch:

Then I kicked them back outside for another 20 minutes of hard labor:
Finally, after a couple of back breaking, tween sweating, never ending hours of work, they were done:

They couldn't wait to get to the mall to throw away, I mean spend, their hard earned money. Before we left, I managed to corral them into taking a few photos:

Please note how "tired" and "overworked" they appear. Next week, the boys want a chance to earn some dough, so I had better start saving my nickels!

Fourth of July Shenanigans

Step One: Light BBQ Duties
Despite my obvious lack of skill no humans were burned, no cats were traumatized, and the hot dogs still resembled hot dogs when the grilling was done!


I put DP outside to enjoy his watermelon:
Step Two: Check fog level outside. Looks good this year!

Please note the difference here...LAST YEAR AT THE BEACH: FROZE TO DEATH:

THIS YEAR AT THE BEACH: SUNNY SKIES AND I AM UNCLOAKED (relatively speaking):
Step Three: Ensure enough fireworks have been purchased.

Step Four: Pass the time till sundown by taking random photos:

DP even found a new friend! Someone named "Gort" stopped by:

Step Five: Light up the very second the sun touches the horizon!

Some weren't impressed with mere sparklers:

Here is a 2 minute overview of the evening for you to enjoy!