Our Annual Hatch Visit and Other Adventures in Domesticity

Every year just prior to the Hatch's arriving, I think, "THIS will be the year that I take pictures of Bruce's family!"  And...every year I arrive at the end of their visit and find I've managed to take only a few snapshots of marginal quality.  2012 was no different.  We had a great time though- lots of grilling on the deck, swimming, movies, and general hanging out.  Burke also celebrated his birthday with us, and here are the TWO measly photos I took during the entire two weeks. 

Speaking of swimming...
She seems equipped for all contingencies, doesn't she?
Including negotiating that tricky gentle beach entry at the PG pool.

A person can think only two things if they happen upon a cup labeled "Speed" in their bathroom.  First, you might possibly think, "Never label your street drugs, for Pete's sake.  Everyone knows the speed gets hidden in with the Cap'n Crunch."  The other thing you might possibly think is, "Wonder what's under this cup?"  That's what I thought, and lifted the cup only to find out that "Speed" was apparently the name of the lightning fast praying mantis that was trapped underneath it. 

Is it August nearing September?
Then it's the time of year when Janet and I are canning like crazy.  These are the efforts of one particularly productive day.
It's going to be a record breaking year.  Already we've done pears, tomatoes, pie cherries, chicken, applesauce, and pickled jalapenos.