Wild Animals

I've seen plenty of wildlife - some cute and cuddly, others not so cute.

I've seen more bunnies this year than any other year.

The kids found this huge mama spider on the side of our house. In case she wasn't bad enough, that sack was full of her active, running-around babies.

A groundhog. Hey, we are in Pennsylvania.

Lizard

A fish at the Spillway

Farm Animals

Here are some various farm animals we've seen over the past few weeks.

Llama at Mike's

This guy had me so puzzled. I noticed a few of these in someone's yard one day while I was driving down a dirt country road. I wasn't sure what I saw - turkery? duck? chicken? Maybe a turducken? I went back a few days later and spoke with the owners. They described them as 'flightless, waterless ducks'.

A miniature donkey and miniature pony

Goat standing on the 2nd floor of a barn

Jamestown Pioneer Arts Festival

Every year, for I don't know how long, we've gone to the Jamestown Pioneer Arts Festival. On the bank of Pymatuning, the festival has Civil War and Native American encampments as well as arts and crafts and food booths.

Civil War Encampment from Pennsylvania Bucktails.

This guy is there every year. He had a new trick this year where he'd challenge people to a tug of war while standing on blocks of wood. As soon as his opponent began pulling he'd loosen his grip. He won every time.

New this year - Abe Lincoln himself! He even handed out cards with one of the newly designed Abe Lincoln pennies.

Nanny and Papa's New Puppy Needs a Name!

My parents have a new puppy. He's a teeny, tiny 'Chorkie' (chihuahua/yorkie), weighing in at 1.4 pounds. He's darling and sweet. Only problem is that they can't decide on a name. Their name list originally included Andy (for Andover where he came from) and Eddie (for a local hot dog stand). They are now calling him Scooter sometimes and Pip (as in Pip Squeak) other times, with 'Lil Bit thrown in now and then. They need your input, so please send your favorite of these names or add a new one to the list.

Being blown dry after a bath

My mom holding her puppy

On Kate's shoulder

Week with Cousins

We just ended a fun-filled week with extended family. Despite much rain, we were busy all week. While the rain kept us from some of the activities we usually do, we found new things to take their place. We also managed to squeeze in many of our regular summer events when the weather cooperated.

The 2nd Annual Scavenger Hunt...Girls vs. Boys

The girls' team at the end of the Scavenger Hunt

The boys at their first house

The whole group at Pit and Pub

Tessa picking blueberries

John and Ben making their tie-dye shirts

Jack and Colleen explaining the tie-dye activity to the kids

Geocaching

Kate, Ben, John, Amy, Tessa and Will

The Pymatuning Spillway

You really have to see the Spillway to believe it. This roadside attraction is supposedly the 2nd largest tourist draw in Pennsylvania. Located in Linesville on the spillway of Pymatuning Lake, the spillway holds thousands of giant carp. People come from all around to feed bread to these fish. The water is so thick with fish that the carp literally fight to get back in the water at times. To make it even more interesting, the ducks also try to get the bread - hence the Spillway's line - the place where ducks walk on fish. Make sure to scroll down to the see the video.

Hanks Frozen Custard

No visit to Conneaut Lake is complete without a stop at Hank's Frozen Custard. The little roadside stand is such a Conneaut Lake institution that we even named our first dog, who we purchased at the Lake, Hank. Things don't change quickly, or at all, at Hanks, so I was surprised to see that they have a snazzy new website.

One thing that never changes is their flavor schedule. Every cottage seems to have a Hank's Flavor Schedule posted somewhere. This is exactly how Bob remembers it when he was a child.

We all have our favorites. Some prefer cones (the sherbet and vanilla combo is popular) and others the special sundaes (including s'mores, dusty road, Mexican and the Hot Turtle).

My kids with my cousin's kids.

In case anyone has wondered what HNKS was on my car at home.

Part of our group at Hank's.

Conneaut Lake Park

Conneaut Lake Park is open for business this year! The park, originally opened as Exposition Park in 1892, sits on the opposite side of the lake from our cottage. For years it has suffered from neglect and financial troubles. The money problems were so bad that that park couldn't open in 2007 and 2008 (1995 was the only other year in its 117 year history that it didn't open). Despite being run down, the park is a favorite summer destination for the kids.

The Devil's Den, around since 1968, features the 'infamous gun wall'.

Amy and Tessa, a little scared, at the end of the ride.

William and Ben

Kate

Ben

The kids are old enough that this is the first year we didn't go in Kiddieland at all.

Kate, Amy, Tessa, William and Ben (missing John who was out golfing).

Campbell's Pottery

Campbell's Pottery, in nearby Cambridge Springs, is located amidst fields of lilies. The store sells their own pottery as well as jewelry from various artists. I love browsing in the store and walking around the grounds.

A pair of swans in the pond.

Geese walking at the edge of the pond. I love the nesting areas set up in the water.

Fields of lilies.

Amy and Tessa.

Golf

I think my family keeps Oakland Beach and Whispering Pines Golf Courses in business over the summer.

Ben at the driving range.

Kate, John and Will at the driving range with their coaches - Papa and Uncle Jim.

Someone needs to tell Will to keep his eye on the ball.

Kate, John and Will.

Ladies Day Out

Conneaut Lake Institute's annual Ladies Day Out always involves a few speakers, lunch and a raffle. This year's day was held in the Hotel Conneaut and featured speakers on women's role in the Civil War, decorating and flower arranging.

My cousin Colleen, my mom, Aunt Irie, Aunt Amy and me at the lunch.