Scavenger Hunt

Gwen told me last week that she thought we should have a scavenger hunt. I promised that we would have one, and let me tell you, she did not forget my promise! I made up 10 clues and put them in plastic Easter eggs. I wasn't sure how hard to make the clues or how sneaky I should be about hiding the eggs. The clues were pretty easy I thought, but I just wasn't sure. This was an outdoors hunt, so everything could be found outside and I wanted it to be a fun thing for us to do, not a frustrating one.

I was making dinner and Gwen was anxious to get started. I handed her the first clue, basically hoping she'd let me dish up dinner, and didn't the little smarty pants proceed to read the clue to me: "Oh my goodness dude, this is were I eat my food." I stood there dumbfounded as she said, "I know, Grandma, it's the picnic table." Duh. Clearly I had made this way too easy!

Gwen decided that the next scavanger hunt should have 12 clues and it needs to be a little bit harder! She is just growing up way, way too fast!

Time for the Tooth Fairy!

A few weeks ago, Gwen told me that she had a loose tooth. When she came to visit, sure enough, that front tooth was loose and the new tooth was already coming in behind it. This week, with a little help from Kera, the tooth came out. Gwen was very excited for the Tooth Fairy to come. I understand that Gwen found a gold coin under her pillow!

Before and After pics:

Pre-Musselman Wine Tasting

We managed to hit six wineries this year. Kera hadn't been to any on the western side of Lake Seneca, so we hit four there and two on the eastern side.

We like the wines from Fox Run, so we started there. They have a nice picnic area, so we took the opportunity to have our lunch outside.

Which way should we go? So many choices, so little time!

I love the gardens at Anthony Road...and they have good wine there too.

We finished up with dinner at the Red Newt. For some reason, I love this place. The name's cool, you can buy your own personal stuffed newt, and they have a great restaurant. Life is good.

Lunch With Kylie

I don't get to see Kylie all that often, so when I do, it's something to celebrate. Travis and Kylie came to Strawberry Square to join me on my lunch hour. It's fun to look out over the street and watch the traffic and people go by.

What can I say...she's just so darn cute!

Brent's 50th Birthday Bash

Happy 50th Brent!

Brent's closest friends and family gathered to celebrate. Everyone came wearing their custom-made (designed and printed by the folks from Daily Screen Printing!) Team Bart t-shirts. Sporting their Team Bart gear, baloons, streamers, and noise-makers, everyone took off on a training ride through the neighborhood.
Our event was primarily catered by Myers Family Catering, and everyone brought such yummy stuff to go with the meal. Kera's Kakes baked not one, not two, but three different cakes, all decorated with triathlon elements. Not only did they look cool, they were positively delish.
Some people couldn't wait to open gifts. Love this pic of Gwen with her chin on Grandpa's shoulders trying to move him along. Hey, it's all about the presents ya know!
Brent received incredibly thoughtful gifts...of course, they had a lot choices since Brent has a lot of interests and hobbies...exercise equipment, pirate wear, wine, music. Brent especially loved the hand-made creations.
My personal thanks to everyone. Without you all, there would not have been a party. Brent and I are both overwhelmed with your thoughtfulness and generosity.

Lesson 9 - Edge Burn

Ok, this is another one I don't really get, but again, it's subtle. It's subtlty escapes me! LOL! It's possible that I didn't get the right picture again. Anyway, the purpose of this is to subtly add darkness to the edges, drdrawing the eye toward the focal point of the picture. This seemed like a lot of work for what it is.

Before Picture

After picture.

Can you tell the difference? Too subtle? Yeah, that's what I thought too. Since no one ever comments on my posts, I figured I might as well answer my own questions! LOL!

Lesson 8 - Fonts

Lesson 7 was basically a little review test of things we've learned so far. I missed one question, which, had I thought about it longer than 2 seconds I probably would have gotten correct. Dumb.

Anyway, Lesson 8 shows how to print text onto the photo. I had some problems downloading and installing the font. I kept getting an error when I tried to extract the files, telling me there were no files. Poor Brent. He trotted up here to the office to confirm that, no, there weren't any files. After checking the message board, sure enough, someone had posted a link to another site with the same font. This time it worked. Then, I couldn't get it installed into the font directory. Yes, I followed the directions, but again, reality was a little different. But, finally, I got everything downloaded and installed and was ready for the lesson.

This also used a texture and then used a grungy font.

Before pics.

After Pic.