With a weekend of fair to stellar weather we were all afforded some needed outside time. I was able to get rides in on both Saturday and Sunday while Stone spent many waking hours playing outside. We do realize that we are fortunate as most of those close to us are already dealing with temperatures into the 90's. Thus when we are playing in the high 60's and low 70's with a cool coastal breeze, well, we smile a lot.
On both days Stone was able to "run free" as there is a playing field (multi use: baseball / soccer / etc.) on the base next to us. He is not quite used to having that much space, and thus tends to go then stop and then go ... not quite realizing that if he wanted he could simply take off (and try a get away).
Sunday he got to try out his first "bicycle", which is not actually a bike in that it has no drivetrain (cranks / chain / etc.). It is simply a two wheeled scooter that teaches him how to balance on two wheels. The idea is that the little one sits, holds the bars and simply walks giving the bike motion. It has two small foot platforms should they want to "glide". We had to have the seat post cut down to "slam" the saddle to the frame as he is still a wee bit small for the bike. In any event, he seemed ready to try. After helping him on (again, he is still a bit on the "short" side) Joan provided the guiding hands as they were off. He seemed to understand that he needed to walk and would try to participate. After a quick out and back they made there way back to the grass in front of our house. She left him solo, standing over the bike. He stood for a bit, and decided it was time to get off ... and as I fully expected ... the first crash of his career occurred (or as we lovingly refer to it in the cycling world, he ate shit for the first time). As he let go of the bars, and leaned over, the bike went with him as he could not get his opposing leg over the bike and onto his side and face he went. No harm done of course, and he was back on his feet in no time.
We will continue to push him around; however, until he gets a couple of more inches he will not be "independent" on that particular device. Of course with the way he is sprouting, those couple of inches will most likely be here in a matter of weeks.
Now that the weather has turned the orchards are being tended to, and the rice fields are being flooded and planted in what seems to be a near 24 hour operation. While the majority of folks use tractors and a few modern implements, much of the work is still finished by hand with incredible efficiency. As I explore back roads and take a road that I have yet to take I see people busy constantly. Of course there are folks taking breaks and having a smoke / snack, yet these are the exceptions to the rule. Granted, the planting season is one of the most furious as timing is key in getting everything started so that harvest can be finished accordingly. What is still pleasantly surprising is that each of the houses that are still occupied have well sculpted and manicured gardens. Which means that at some point during the week time is dedicated to maintaining the "ornamental" fields as well. To over simplify, the appreciation and nurturing of all things that grow is humbling and encouraging.
A few images.
Jeff
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