Swim Practice

Practice, practice, practice - life is full of practice. We practice reading, writing, math, patience and simply trying to be nice. But swim practice is special to the summer alone.

Nathaniel Barn Loft swims the farthest out and is no worry to Main House First Lady Mom. She knows that he could save himself if he tipped out of the canoe. Mayor Asher Ply Wood will effortlessly put his head under the water. Autumn Fern recently started practicing this skill.

"They are all doing well in the water," said Mom. "I see Pastor Eli Hemlock edging himself away from the shore more these days. He'll be right with them soon."

A bonus to new swimming skills for the mayor is that he netted a fish by practicing - something Mom urged.

Dickens Discovery Delights

Going to resale shops is like an archeologist at a dig, or maybe a pirate searching for treasure. A treasure is just what Main House First Lady Mom found.

Main House President Dad and Mom dropped off some items at Habitat for Humanity. While there, they looked around. Mom started with the books. Many titles aren't worth a second glance; however, Mom gave a second glance at the hardback collection of Dickens books she found. She remained calm.

Since she knew that 15 books could add up, even at Habitat, she chose two: David Copperfield and Nicholas Nikaby. The lady at the register said, "Fifty-four cents." Mom then wanted all of them. The lady said that she'd give us a deal of $5 for the entire set. After buying them, Mom figured that it would have been a better deal if she had sent residents in one at a time for two books each. No complaints from Mom, who can not find the published date of them.

A Banjo Among Us

For more than four years Nathaniel Barn Loft only played the dulcimer. Now there is a new sound coming from his fingers -- and it's loud!

Barn Loft decided that he wanted to buy a bluegrass banjo. He did research, asked for advice from experienced banjo players and figured out the best banjo for his needs. The man at banjo.com advised Barn Loft to practice finger rolls instead of learning songs from YouTube. There are basics that he needs to learn. Barn Loft also bought a teaching CD. "He'll get it down soon," said Main House President Dad. Barn Loft's banjo weighs 13 pounds - which is a lot heavier than a dulcimer!

Michigan Ho!

A new seating arrangement pleased everyone as several Acorn Hill residents filled up a van for the annual trip to Michigan.

The first stop was in Milford, Michigan, where everyone enjoyed visiting with Grandpa and Grandma Terry. Autumn Fern looked forward to sitting on Grandpa's lap. She did some despite the fact that Grandpa's arm was hurting. "It was nice shopping with Grandma Terry," said Sarah Daffodil. They went to Heavenly Scent Herb Farm, which is a favorite site. They also went to a couple of other local shops with plants. Residents enjoyed the pool, going for walks and watching TV. "It is always so nice just being there," said Main House First Lady Mom.

Next residents visited in Muskegon, Michigan. There they got to see Uncle Don, Aunt Lucille, Joyce and Ray. Nathaniel Barn Loft played his dulcimer for their church group. Later a few residents bundled up to play in the sand at Lake Michigan. Sarah Daffodil got to climb sand dunes, which was what she was hoping to do. Ray showed everyone some new games. Mayor Asher Ply Wood got pretty good at bouncing pencils into a jar. Everyone had a nice time.

The return trip included a swing through the Michigan Cabela's store, two days at a dulcimer festival in Ohio, where Nathaniel Barn Loft taught and performed, and a night at Grandma's house in Kentucky. At Grandma's, residents also got to visit with Aunt Laura, cousin Jerred and Grandma's giant teddy bear of a dog, Doodles.

Next year the trip will be in August.