Saturday, January 11, 2014

Youthfulness

For our first few days at the cottage, there were eight of us. Four were kids, and by that I mean thirty something, so they likely don't think of themselves as kids. It's all relative, eh?

Life certainly picks up its pace when they are around. Inside, they are frequently found playing games around the kitchen table while I sit and stare at the ceiling in great perplexity, wondering just when my get-up-and-go got up and left. And as I sat in my stupor, they did all of the cooking and washing up. What geezer could ask for more?

On New Years Day, they also made great fun outdoors, beginning with the tossing of boiling water. Actually, I don't know if it was boiling or just very hot. Perhaps the water could have been hotter and the day a wee bit colder (although it was pretty darn cold) for the very best effect, but it was a pretty darn neat effect anyway.

Ben begins the toss.
There it goes, freezing in mid-air.
A close-up from the other side. I didn't get any great pictures, but you get the idea.
And then, with boundless energy, they were off to the river to do a bit of skating.

Through the gate and past the barn.
First comes the clearing ...
... and then comes the skating. Everybody in this family has a camera, but you have to be confident to skate with an expensive DSLR. As you can see, Mary and Laura were supremely confident.
Dad also has a camera or three, and Laura obliges with a flourish.
I processed this one of Ben and Mary with a bit of an arty look, careful to get the footbridge in the frame.
The old guy soon headed back to the warmth while the kids kept at it. It was a memorable New Years Day.

11 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

damn, kids and their energy! ;)

Dogman said...

Love it John. Well told and shown.

Gail Dixon said...

Looks like a great time was had by all. I thought I was old in my thirties. Now I wish I was 30ish again. Yes, it's all relative.

Bernie said...

Looks like so much fun! xo

MARY G said...

Great photos. I used to skate with my cameras. Not any more.

Hilary said...

That looks like such a wonderful day. I very much like the last image. And no, I don't think I would ever chance skating with my camera.

Mary said...

Laura would like you to know that technically we are all 20 somethings. ;) However, I will be 30 in a few months. I'm the oldest of the gang. I love this collection of images and I look forward to seeing more. Your pictures are always great, and I especially love the image of Ben and I at the end of this post. I love reading your words, too. They make me smile.

We really enjoyed being able to spend some quality time with you and Sue. We're hoping that a trip up the the nation's capital is in the cards. We'll keep you updated.

xo

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Looks like you had a great New Year's getaway with family, John. Never tried tossing water to watch it freeze, but with this polar vortex seems lots of folks have been trying it.

Mara said...

I was wondering about the boiling water, but seeing those photos, I do understand now.

Next time tell them to take kiddies' bubble blowers and blow bubbles when it's freezing. Apparently the lighter than air bubbles freeze in mid-air making little frozen balls! I don't know where I read about it, but the photos that came with it were fantastic!

Regenia said...

I have never seen the trick of throwing water to watch it freeze. Totally cool! I especially like the last picture also. We have never been to a family gathering when the younger generation did all the work. Probably not even half. Seriously. What are we doing wrong?

Donna said...

Your photos are wonderful! Love the last one especially!
hughugs