Shauna, Paul and Joaquin Mayer

Summer

Well, since COVID hit I have had it twice and neglected this blog. My mom asked me about it the other day and I thought maybe it was lost forever, but to Google's credit, it was right where I left it.

We have had a great summer exploring places and things. After our kids where able to pull things together for the last few weeks of school, they all did pretty well and the school year ended with a lot of relief.

The oldest got his learner's permit and is driving some around town. He has made some good choices with his friend group, I think, and although it has been hard for him making that transition I hope and pray he will keep his good friends and find new good friends. I still wish some of the exiting friends the best, but some of those kids were not making the best choices.

The oldest daughter has given us a couple of eventful years and things have improved, but I pray for the days and years ahead. She finished school well (except for math we shall not speak of that) and has been off playing and having a fun summer.

The youngest daughter is wanting to be just like her older sister--to the consternation of the older sister--and basically trying to do everything her older sister does. What do they say? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? Well, that is the case here. She is pretty happy and doing well is school, but does try my patience now and again.

The youngest son is a force of energy and plays with friends whenever he can. He has been staying up late and making messes--that will have to stop long before school starts, but it has been a fun and eventful summer for him and all of us.

The wife and I have been very busy this summer with projects, trips and guests at our house all the time. It has been a wild ride.

Murph this year was quicker than normal because I did not wear a tactical vest, but I had played bball for an hour or so right before. Finished in 35:23. Leg cramps galore.

Took this picture up Johnson canyon. Used iphone 13 with 30 second exposure. The moon was full so it looks almost like day time. You can see part of the Milkyway to the top left.

Youngest snagged a tiger trout.

Fun at the pond swimming.

Games at the cabin.

Hike looking out at the Grand Staircase.

Mom and her youngest.

Cousins literally hanging out.

Off to hike a slot canyon. Best part is it is very remote so no other people around.

Saw two rattle snakes this year.

One pond.

Another rattle snake. The tease in me had to get a stick and "scare it away" because the dogs and kids were around. I did not hurt it. Just bother it until it left the area.

California Dreaming

Cousins at the old ball game.

Royals at Giants. Giants won 4 -2.

Down on Fisherman's Warf.

Now this guy has a chain.

On our way to Alcatraz.

Recreation Courtyard at Alcatraz. It was windy and cold.

This is Cellblock D in Alcatraz. The audio tour is really cool because it is narrated by past inmates and guards. It was very interesting, but super depressing.

Solitary confinement.

Morris and the Anglin brothers made fake heads and escaped Alcatraz. It was presumed they died while trying to swim across the bay.

The three escaped by using metal utensils to enlarge air vents in their cells. Then escaping into the maintenance tunnel behind the cells. This is that tunnel.