No Harvey‘s Lake :-(

No, the sun is not setting on the pandemic.  It did, however, set on our hopes to still make it to Harvey’s Lake amidst the global mess.  So the last few weeks, we tried to find alternatives to our beloved mountain lake getaway.  

One of the more adventurous activities was an overnight at Pomona Lake in central KS.  The way Conner caught this beauty is worth asking him for the full story.  He cleaned it, and cooked up two large fillets within minutes of the catch!

It was a really, really good thing we camped right next to a lake.  Because the high temp both days was in the mid 90s!  Both boys awoke early in the morning, one to build the perfect fire for bacon and eggs, the other to take advantage of sunrise fishing. 

Another big catch, but this one was at the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum.  Not as much shade during this excursion, but it brought back memories for Dad of when he would grade papers by the pond while the boys had soccer practice across the street.

Carson caught a whopper!  It was a rock, though.  Both boys have been doing really well with yard work for neighbors, raking in the cash for some jobs well done.  He and Mummy were working in the side yard for the Chaneys when they discovered a healthy crop of huge landscape rocks.

Grandma invited us over to do some exploring at Angel Falls.  Both Grandma and Dad are going a little bonkers with the whole “don’t get close to anyone” rule.  But we are all following these rules so we can put the mess behind us.

This was a good day!  One week after July 4th, Uncle Ted and Dad went to Lansing and picked up a canoe from the Van Warmers.  We also got a cool vintage fridge from Mema and Grandpa (should have taken a picture!).  We chose to take the canoe to Uncle Ted’s pond and had a great time on the water.

All these things combined have made an ok consolation for missing out on Harvey’s Lake.  It is fun to look at the July entries of this blog to see a Harvey’s Lake chronology.  Pretty sad that this year will be a hitch in that chronology.  The pandemic has really made this year difficult.  

Another bright spot was a socially distanced Scouting Court of Honor where Conner received his Life rank.  He is now working diligently towards Eagle.  Very proud!!  Both boys have found good activities to keep themselves occupied during shelter in place.  It is not easy, but we‘re powering through and hoping for the light at the end of the tunnel.