Painting the Pool

Last year I learned how to swim and loved it. I have been looking forward to the pool opening for the season since it closed. I was so excited I eagerly volunteered to help get the pool ready. First the pool must be drained and cleaned out of all the debris that accumulated over the winter.

Once cleaned it is ready to be painted. The paint is very thick and almost rubbery. Weather conditions must be just right in order to paint. It needs to be warm enough and dry for several days so that the paint can dry.

When the painting is all done it is time to fill the pool. Using a regular garden hose the pool is filled using well water. It takes several days to completely fill the pool.

The progress after three days

This year the local fire department helped fill the pool. It was a win win situation. The pool was filled faster and the fire department was able to do hose and pump drills.

Now the pool is all ready and I am excited to start swimming. We just need the weather to warm up a little now so that I don't freeze while I am doing it.

Renaissance Weekend

Once a year Glendale Campground is closed. A group called the SCA rents the entire campground the third weekend every May. The SCA stands for The Society for Creative Anachronism. We call this weekend Renaissance Weekend.

 

Here is a little information I got from the SCA website.

 

"The SCA is an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. Our "Known World" consists of 19 kingdoms, with over 30,000 members residing in countries around the world. Members, dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, attend events which feature tournaments, royal courts, feasts, dancing, various classes & workshops, and more."

 

Last year Kelli and I got to experience Renaissance weekend for the first time. I thought it was a little strange that some of these people drive for hours just to dress up and play games but after seeing some of the events I thought it was kinda cool too. I couldn't wait for this year when Meric would get to see it too.

 

 
People start coming into the campground on Friday to set up. There are lots of tents and battlefields to prepare. Just like in medieval times there are kings and queens, knights and peasents. Everyone has their station and responsibilities. By Saturday morning the campground is transformed. There is a merchants and artisans row where people spend the day making and selling there wares. There is an archery section and another section for people to duel. One of the main fields is roped off for the big battles.



The battle begins



The ones lying on the ground "died"

Watching the battles is pretty cool. There are two different groups that start on either end of the field. When ready they run at each other and battle with fake swords and shields. When hit in a certain spot they fall down dead on the battlefield. It is really entertaining and these people are very intense while fighting.

 

 

Dressing up in medieval clothes and battling with swords is not normal but I kind of understand it. It is their hobby, what they do for fun. Someone might think my hobbies of geocaching or backpacking are weird too. I guess as long as you enjoy it who cares what anybody else thinks. I know I enjoy watching them.

Throo the Zoo Take 2

 Last year I ran my first 5K through the Louisville Zoo. Kelli and I had a blast. When Throo the Zoo came up again this year I was very excited to run it with Meric.

Last year the weather was warm and sunny. This year it was chilly and cloudy. It was cold but it felt nice as we were running. Also I was just happy it wasn't pouring rain like it was the day before the race.

 Last year Kelli and I were proud to have ran the entire race. We finished the course in just under 35 minutes. This year my goal was to finish the race in under 30 minutes. It was a little hard to keep a steady pace while maneuvering around the other runners. Meric and I finished the race in... wait for it... 28:58! I was so proud of myself for accomplishing my goal. (Of course Meric could have done better but we wanted to do the race together.)

After the race we enjoyed our free admission to the zoo. I love wandering through the zoo looking at all the animals. I also enjoy the walk because it is a great way to cool down after the race.

My favorite animals were the bongos and the pygmy hippo. (And of course Meric!)

I loved the coloring on the bongos

 

Cute little hippo saying hi

 

Meric liked the lions and the tiger the best.

The tiger was really enjoying that cardboard



Now that is what I call a yawn!





I love doing Throo the Zoo!

 

Kentucky Holiday

It is that time of year again of fireworks and festivities. When schools and businesses take a three day weekend. The time for parties and good times. Of course I am talking about the Kentucky Derby. It truly is a Kentucky holiday.

Emma's homemade derby hat

This year Meric and I had two parties to attend for the derby. We watched a few of the early races with the regulars at the campground. Next we headed up to one of Meric's coworkers parties for the actual derby. We bet on horses by drawing their name out of a $1, $2 or $5 pot. Our horses didn't win but it was still fun to watch.

 

Before living in Kentucky I never thought much of the Kentucky Derby. Now I love derby weekend. It is so much fun to have a party, watch the races and pick your horses. I can't help but hope we are still here for the next derby.