July Fourth in the Poconos

The girls and I drove up to Pennsylvania for the long weekend. Is this our third year in a row? Blythe loves the doggies.

Isabelle flew in too and then drove back with us to Raleigh for a week here too.

Downtown Bethlehem for supper, music and checking out historic buildings.

Farmers market for pickles and then some thrift store shopping.

Hike to Devils hole. Let it be known that I was the only person who did not slip on the rocks in the water.

Scotia’s thrift store find.

S’mores.

Morning walk with the dogs.

Blythe paddled with Courtney and I down the stream. I swamped the kayak twice in some tiny rapids. Blythe sailed on right through. No fear!

Blythe jumped off the bridge too! She’s a daredevil!

Paddle boarding on the Delaware. I was floating in a tube and ended up too far behind and stranded at a busy park with no phone. I borrowed someone’s phone and texted one of only two numbers I know (Tyrone and my parents home phone) and Tyrone texted Courtney and Matt with my location.

Fourth of July dinner.

Comments

Divorced

Maybe you figured something was up and maybe not. Tyrone and I have been separated for four years (2 years during covid just living in our house with all the kids, and two years Tyrone living in a condo we purchased nearby) now and just finalized the divorce this spring. Compared to what I usually hear it was a pretty easy process and I think we are doing a fantastic job taking care of our kids together! I'm super proud of us! I feel so light and free and happy and confident. And I've been on a few dates... all which were super fun and enjoyable and relaxing. So happy with my life at this stage. And a few cute date outfits for you: Fancy French restaurant in Durham. First time having a bottle of wine uncorked and poured at the table. We are both big supporters of public education. Nearby Mexican restaurant with lots of conversation about our Canadian roots. Playing cards at a brewery in Cary. Started off so fun and silly. ...

Appaloosa Fest 2025

Mark and Blythe and I drove north and Courtney and Christine and Nicole drove south to meet us at the Labor Day Weekend Appaloosa Music Festival for the third year in a row. Georgia's dad's (Ben) band was playing ! They sounded amazing! Mark's favorite of the whole weekend. Scythian played and we danced. Then we got home to our haunted house super late and stayed up even later playing a game. Sunday morning we hiked Knob's ridge. And then back for a second day of music. And Blythe taking care of the animals. Monday morning Courtney and Nicole were feeling a little sick so they headed home. Mark, Blythe and I hiked to the Seven Pools and then drove home too. Great weekend! Blythe and I both had shirts on that we took from Courtney's good will pile last time we were at her house.

I did not lose my faith I lost my belief

A few years ago just before Christmas Scotia asked Tyrone if Santa was real and he told her the truth. She'd been working up to it - wondering why I had a closet full of presents under a blanket, why the wrapping paper all matched, how Santa could get in the house without a proper fireplace, how could Santa make it around the world in one night, how could he get in houses without a key, why some kids got so much or so little or nothing... finally the evidence was just overwhelming and she asked Tyrone. Post Santa Christmases are just as good as Santa Christmases. She loves helping me buy presents and she is chief wrapper now.

Five Brown Kids

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