Fireworks and Fun

Last year the 4th of July holiday was hot and dry. They had to cancel fireworks due to a drought. This year was very different. We had rain and cool temperatures. Fireworks had the possibility of being cancelled again but due to rain this time. Despite of the rain we still enjoyed our four day weekend and had plenty of activities and fun at the campground. 

On Thursday it rained lightly all day. Meric and I watched 1776 and listened to the rain on the roof. That evening we enjoyed some night bowling which due to the rain had been relocated inside. The ball was a soccer ball and the pins were 2 liter bottles with water and glow sticks inside. They lighted the "alley" with a string of lights and then shut off the room lights so that everything glowed. It was a lot of fun to watch.

On Friday it rained off and on. A couple of the outdoor activities had to be postponed or cancelled. When it wasn't raining Meric and I helped with a couple of activities. There was an egg toss and a water balloon fight. That night despite the rain we made grilled cheese and pies over the campfire.

On Saturday the rain continued through the morning but finally cleared up in the afternoon. Which was good because Saturday was the busiest day. In the morning we made tie-dyed t-shirts.

I have never actually tie-dyed before but I think it turned out pretty good for my first time. Then we had a birthday party for one of the little campers. (Her family are seasonals and she is one of the kids who loves to play with the dogs.) Then they had a greased  pig chase. It was really funny to watch everyone chase after the pig.

After that they had a golf cart derby. They would blindfold the driver and have the passenger navigate them through an obstacle course. That too was really funny to watch. Then came the pots and pans parade where all the kids followed a fire engine through the campground while banging pots and pans.

After that was a giant slip and slide in red, white and blue pudding. Very messy but the kids had fun. Once it got dark it was time for fireworks. I was really glad they didn't have to cancel them. I love the fireworks show they but on at the campground. After that Meric and I had a few fireworks that we set off too.

Campground girls with their holiday crowns and pots for the parade

I love holiday weekends at the campground. There is always so much going on and we always have so much fun.

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.

The Zombie Run

On Saturday, Meric and I ran a 5K.

A ZOMBIE themed 5K.

 

 It was a nice sunny day with a slight chill in the breeze. The 5K was held in Louisville KY at Iroquois Park. Meric and I had never been to this particular park before and didn't know what to expect. It was huge and quite beautiful especially with the new spring bloom.

We were each given belts and 3 red balloons. The balloons symbolized our life. Lose all 3 balloons and you are dead.

We started the course with the rest of our group but things quickly turned to chaos. Zombies and "apocalyptic" debris littered the path. I have run a 5K before but it was nothing compared to this one.

 The course was very hilly which made it a little challenging but the zombies were a whole other story. We had to sprint through all the zombie zones trying to avoid getting our balloons popped or running into anyone else. Meric and I both kept our balloons through the first couple of zombie zones. Meric lost his first balloon to a clever zombie who acted like another runner until she turned quickly and "attacked". The first zombie to try and pop my balloon ended up breaking my belt and it was all over for me at that point. We finished the course in 34 minutes.

I now know that sprinting and jumping obstacles need to be a part of my training for the next zombie run. It was crazy but definitely a ton of fun. After the race we did what any good athlete would do... we got pizza and vegged out for the rest of the day.

Meric enjoying his Christmas present.

 

Time Flies...

... when you're trailering!

April 1st marked our 2 year anniversary living in the trailer. It has become so normal I didn't even think about it.

Honestly moving into the trailer is still one of the best decisions we have ever made. I love it!

There have been ups and downs but it is home. I love our house and our lifestyle.

Here's to more trailering!