Still Here

I am still here and it has been a while since I posted our happenings. Natalia has finished 1st grade with awards for reading as usual and now start summer break. She will start 2nd grade soon advanced in her skills and I plan she continue to be advanced for her grade.

Among the many happenings lately are that my hiking has slowed down quite a bit but very much still enjoy going out. My bicycle riding has been non existent and I hope that changes the coming weeks into summer. Natalia had her first shooting lessons in a safety and marksmanship course in Lake Arrowhead and she enjoyed it very much. She learned to clear and load single bolt action rifle and even managed to hit the paper target a few times. Can't wait until we go out again to the range.

"Recipe For Greatness - To bear up under loss; To fight the bitterness of defeat and the weakness of grief; To be victor over anger; To smile when tears are close; To resist disease and evil men and base instincts; To hate hate and to love love; To go on when it would seen good to die; To look up with unquenchable faith in something ever more about to be. That is what any man can do, and be great."

- Zane Grey

I have been reading a bit again and to my amazement I have not touched a sci-fi or fantasy novel in a while. It has been the Civil War Battle Series, a 10 novel series and a few american history books. Currently reading a 100+ year old western classic, Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey.

Boardgames continue to hit our table and we found a few ones we enjoy. Also found a small independent toy store locally that are making our routine stop to check out the many obscure and older toys. Many that I remember playing when I was little and can share that with Natalia. Last week we picked up Pick Up Sticks, a classic Natalia's grandma has been wanting to teach Natalia. Natalia has also been enjoying her bigger bucket of water every weekend and she says she prefers it better than playing in a pool. I believe this to be true.

Last weekend we celebrate a weird birthday. We celebrated the birthday of "Buddy" Natalia's teddy bear with some gifts cards and cake. Also celebrated recently was her grandpa's birthday as well as Father's Day the weekend after.

Personally I have been moving on and I am glad to see my inner self finally make the turn on a past relationship and start to move on. Not by choice but clearly was no longer wanted there. I have learned valuable lessons but hope to continue to be the way I am, the open selfless, giving person I have always been. Work if you can call it that continues to give me much inner pleasure and guidance and I pray to be able to continue to do this.