Paul, Tami and Cade on the boat at our dock. Yes, they all did eventually get in the water!

Windey's Visit Tablerock Lake

On Sunday Evening, June 21 st, 2009,

our dear friends, Jim and Judy Windey arrived at Tablerock. So much fun was had in just 4 short days. We spent a day on the lake with Jim as Captain. We had two movie nights, we bought a $10.00 toilet and vanity, and had a huge shed moved from our front yard. We saw "New South" in concert as well as "Six" and heard some American Idol finalists sing at Hard Luck Cafe. We also had apps and fun on Bill and Carol's dock. Whew! It was a whirlwind and a lot of laughs, as usual.

Apps and fun at Bill and Carol's dock on Wednesday night.

Jim, Judy and Luci at Tablerock Lake

June 25th, 2009

Just home from a night out with Jim and Judy Windey. Judy wore her stunning pink berka and long skirt while Jon dressed as if he might break into a yodel at any minute.

Our niece, Joanie, her husband, Clay and their son, Ben, were also visiting Tablerock Lake at Carol and Bill's (my sister and brother in law's) house. We loved getting to know Ben Hooper. He's quite the guy and at age 5 is an accomplished swimmer, singer, surfer and comedian. We had so much fun with them.

We all spent a lot of time down at the Bigg's dock. Afternoon shade was a relief from the unusually hot June temps that were soaring into the high 90's.

Our youngest grandson, Cade, at naptime. Isn't he adorable? Can't wait to get my arms around him and squeeze. That is if I can get him to stay still for a minute. This guy is fast!

Today, June 14th, 2009,

our precious Mully (grandpuppy) took suddenly ill and was found on the stairs of his home, barely breathing. After being rushed to the animal hospital and put on oxygen, it was discovered that he had a ruptured tumor, and multiple other tumors that made it impossible to save him. We are all grieving the loss of Mulligan, often called Mulligan Stew for his mixed breed status or most of the time, Mully for short.

He was 7 years young and remained a puppy his entire life. Mulligan was often in trouble for various cavorting. His most well known and more famous personal adventure was the day he took down the dining room drapes. These are known in the Boudreaux household as hurricane drapes because Christy and I worked on them furiously when hurricane Charlie was passing through Lee County.

Mully was as loving as he was adventurous. His best friend, and the other Boudreaux family pet, Remy, will be lost without him. Remy always thought Mully was his puppy and he cared for him and protected him. They slept together but recently when a new bed was bought for Mully, Remy, the much smaller of the two, took parental privileges and claimed the big bed for himself, leaving Mully to sleep on his small bed.

Mully loved camping and was such a good boy when traveling with the family. His most recent camping trip was to Camp Wilderness at Disney. He got to go to Disney.

Mully will be missed by all of us but especially by his family, Crosby, Christy and Jay, who rescued him from an animal shelter and gave him a wonderful life.

Built in the 15th Century, Hotel Bryghia was adorable.

Jon desperately wanted to see a REAL castle, complete with defense tower, mote, and even a draw bridge. The castle was closed the day we went to visit but by a stroke of luck we were able to have a private, unescorted tour. This is the Castle of Wijendale, located in Torhout, Belgium about 15 minutes West of Bruges.

It was a beautiful day to cruise the canals. The name Bruges means mooring place or harbor. T

We didn't know what to expect but wow, Bruges was amazingly beautiful. It's small and so quaint. We didn't have enough time here and we would love to return some time.

Where are Jon and Susie?

Today is June 12th and these gypsies have finally landed in Kimberling City, Missouri after a gorgeous and fun winter in Fort Myers, Florida, a trip to Milwaukee for Susie, a wedding in Sheldon, Iowa, two weeks in Omaha and a two week trip to Paris, Bruges and Amsterdam. Whew! It has been a busy little year.

This is our third summer here and each year I forget how gorgeous it is until I return to the deck of our home to enjoy the lavender sunsets and the spectacular view of Tablerock Lake. The bird feeder is up and Jon spends hours sitting in his recliner watching the cardinals, bluebirds and brilliant blue and yellow finches come to railing of the deck and wait for their turn at one of the cylinders filled with wild bird seed.

I spend at least the same amount of hours planting flowers and working in the yard, which is strange because I didn't get the green thumb gene. This year I copied my sister, who did get the green thumb gene and planted an herb garden. Most of my little herbs are thriving and I even clipped some flat leaf parsley and fresh chives for the meatloaf I made for dinner. That was a first.

Time flies no matter where we are, but the pace is slower here and sometimes we just sit and watch the grass grow.