Summer Stuff

Finally, beach weather!

Auntie Maia & Harps

Puny tomatoes and cukes (we got the tomato blight up here from all the rain)

Green beans

Fancy Maine spuds (banana fingerlings)

Neverending news from LBI.

We have two puzzles going. Hunt on the 1000 piece, Grandma on the 300 large piece format.

Grandpa bought this for Hunt at Andy's at the Lighthouse which has a huge collection of shells and such, probably all imported from Thailand. Hunter must do 3, 20 minute footrubs to pay off his debt.

The shark jaw made my head itch.

On Sunday the path between the dunes up to the beach was flooded. It was strange to wade up to the beach. Jim had to leave our cart behind.

The last of Bill.

I am very enamored of Hope's Polly Pockets and their vast array of clothing and shoes. I can't image the machinery required to extrude millions of these items. Look at the detail on the capri pants, the tiny red slingbacks, or the pink fringed boots, quite amazing.

Bill's Leftovers Arrive

Jim braves the wild surf.

Yesterday when we got to the beach the waves were big, breaking right on shore, and quite a rip tide too. As the tide got lower more people ventured in. There were some surfers going way out and getting good rides . Thatcher went in with his little bullet kayak. Its funny to see him get out into the water as he sits on the sand sealed into the kayak waiting for a wave to come in and lift the boat, and then he paddles up the wave and out.

More fun at "The Love Shack".

Hope has played over 38 games of Go Fish since arriving. The deck is made up of hideous creatures called Littlest Pet Shops animals. They have gigantic heads with liquid, icky eyes and Hope thinks they are very cute. If she knew I had written this she would growl at me.

Hunter is "growing" a shark. Its one of those tiny bubble wrapped items. When immersed in water it starts to grow, getting slimier and more repulsive as it does.

The Thatcher Simpson's relax on the couch.

Hunter putting gills on his sculpture.

Hope and I collected many crab shells and stinky claws and she and Thatch and Susan built this.

Hunter's shark.

Mermaid with mussel shell bra.

Hope developed a bad tude this morning because "someone was being mean" . She is quite a drama queen.

Thatcher sunk his feet well under the sand and began to look like Fred Flintstone. Five foot Susan was taller than him.

Elizabeth Jane Simpson Hunt

Elizabeth Jane Simpson Hunt
December 15, 1914 – June 7, 2009
On August 7th, we said our last goodbyes. Here is what I said:


Unfortunately, it is only a short time ago, that I sat down to a similar task, to put down notes about a person that was part of my life for a very long time. And I realized, that when it came right down to it, I really did not know a lot of details about Elizabeth Jane Simpson Hunt, but I did spend quite a lot of time with her and I have great memories of the fun we shared.

Of course, that came in time. The first meeting, was quite uncomfortable for her, as I would only learn later in life, having children of my own. I had gone out on a few “outings” I would call them, not really dates with Jim. We were getting to know each other but not really “dating”. Anyway, this one particular Saturday, Jim and I decided to go hiking in Topanga Canyon and I was driving. So I showed up at Putney Road and Jim let me in the house. He forgot something in his bedroom so we went in there to get it and we were going to leave right away. But, Putt Putt, the cat was lounging on the bed and decided to check me out. I ended up sitting on the edge of the bed to pet the cat, when Lib walked in. She was horrified that a girl was sitting on Jim’s bed. I realized her absolutely uncomfortable demeanor and quickly headed out of the room. Not a really good way to introduce yourself to someone’s parent.

Over the years, I learned that the one thing Elizabeth Hunt had, was a passion for writing. She had scribbles and notes on every kind of paper imaginable. I heard for years about a book she was writing on the Civil War. Early in our relationship, Jim built her a file to keep her chapters in, to try and help her organize all the paper. When we were packing her house for her move to La Jolla, she still had that file. I am sure it meant a lot to her, just the fact that her son built it for her.

One of the most memorable times of my life, was my first trip East to see Jim, but also to meet his relatives. Lib was there for the summer taking care of her mother as she did every year to give her sister Helen a break. Many things happened on that trip, but what I remember most, was how she had fun just being Lib. Everyone was always happy to see her. We went to Huntingdon to see where her father had a cabin. We went downtown to visit relatives. We stayed in her brothers house. I remember waking up one morning to find her on the front porch shooting at a tree with a 22 rifle. That was Lib. Quite unpredictable.

Elizabeth Jane Simpson Hunt had a very good life. She loved and was loved by her family.

Maw's 87th

Mary Shaffer Simpson

Born August 18, 1922

Having now had the experience of watching a first class mother in action on a day-to-day basis, I have an even deeper respect for The Mother. How she handled six, whilst dealing with the Dubster, I have not a clue.

I think about Mom all the time, especially since the arrival of her fourth granddaughter, Leah Pearson Simpson, who reminds me a lot of her grandmother: steady, sweet, secure.

Some Mama MSS

We climbed Mt. Wash 8/15/09

Beautiful day--til we got to the top.
Yes, that's a gun in my pocket.

Lazy Days on LBI

Just three of the treasures we've found on the beach this summer.

This little soldier is equipped with a finely calibrated Atlantic muscle.

Sandy came to visit on Sunday. The three of us spent half the time commiserating on what a drag it is getting old and the other half eating.

Wind was from the west and the beach flies were fierce. The only relief came from submerging and the water was great.

Barneget Light lifeguards won some competition. They do spend a lot of time with their backs to the sea chatting up the bikini clad babes. ah same as its ever been. Here they are MIA.

Blowin in the Wind

Fun at the Nest 2009

"Twin Towers" takes the tourney

Charley and his "little master" relax

Unca Jimmy and Harper discuss the doping scandel

Thats all folks, take me home I'm cooked.

The NATH Tournament 2009 went off without a hitch except for excessive rain Friday night and "a few" extra squeeters. Sat dawned sunny and beautiful and play started on time with some great teams and stunning new hats. The Commish was "in the house" and all was right with the world. Thank-you Mary and Charlie for once again hosting a fabulous weekend with good friends and food and lots of laughs.

NATH Tourney

The 5th Annual Badminton Tourney took place at the Nest last weekend. Jimmy and Mr. Brooks were victorious. Lots of mosquitos this year -- but at least the rain held off. Notice our sweet team hats. Thanks Commish for all your hard work!