The kid loves it when her parents tell her pirate stories (usually starring the kid as the captain and Wubert as her fuzzy first mate.) Imagine her glee when she saw this “real” pirate ship!

Yes, she ultimately did have to see the doctor and yes, there was a bit of crying involved. However, before and after the appointment she got to roam the seven seas in her pirate ship, a much better prospect than sitting in a cold sterile office for an appointment she didn’t really want to keep anyway.

She also got to ride three seals, (whom she dubbed “Larry”, “Daisy”, and “Mickey Mouse”) point out starfish and crabs, follow footprints in the sand, and do a lot of climbing, jumping, and running around. Not bad for an afternoon at the doctor’s office.

Grass Valley Visit from Mike C on Vimeo.

We spent last weekend with Tom and Karen in Grass Valley. This is the (25 minute!) video. Some highlights:

• Lucy playing in the “ladybug pool”
• Lucy, Tom, and Karen putting on a talent show
• Lucy saying “Hi” to her Auntie Janie
• Lucy finding frogs while exploring a creek

For pics, please refer to Jill’s post.

Music:

• ‘”Mose Rager Blues” from Country Guitar Thunder by Merle Travis & Joe Maphis
• “Words Unspoken” and “Tin Roof” from The Crow—New Songs For The 5-String Banjo by Steve Martin
• “Gone” from Guitar Country by Chet Atkins
• “Understand Your Man, “Catch the Wind“, and “Blowin’ in the Wind” from More of That Guitar Country by Chet Atkins
• “Ground Speed” from Foggy Mountain Banjo by Flatt & Scruggs
• “Black Mountain Rag” from The Essential Chet Atkins by Chet Atkins