WTH - Hammocks in the front yard

Bruce and Sara live in an interesting neighborhood the architecture is so cool - next time I'm in DC I want to photograph it. Before I left last time I did snap this one photo of the neighbors yard complete with family hammocks.  I can't help but say WTH!

On the road again...

I'm going back on the road this evening - I'm all checked in and all packed up.  I have enjoyed a few days at home even though I didn't accomplish as many house project as intended.  I did get to enjoy a nice bike ride, do all my laundry including my sheets, cut my bangs, work on the photo wall (an unfinished project), and hang out with my bros so all in all it was a good few days home. 
I had all these good intents of sharing photos from our adventure yesterday but my goofy computer has other plans.   So instead I will share a photo from the Jones and Co Photo Project.

Not only do I find this photo lovely because my brother JJ and I are the coolest cats in town. But I also love it because we are on the cannon in downtown oxford, because phillips 76 was still downtown on the square, because JJ is eating my favorite flavor of ice cream - grape ice (which also matches my shirt), but I also have the grooviest bob hair ever - try not to be jealous people. 

A Kitchen Aid Mixer Wrapped in Baby Paper aka Uncle Andrew's Birthday

While I was in DC I got to celebrate Uncle Andrew's birthday with his family. He made us a gourmet meal, served us wine, and we got to just hang out with the Deshlers.  It was a nice treat.  They have a foreign exchange student staying with them right now and it was funny trying to hear us talk to him.  Luckily Uncle Andrew knew a little French and what he didn't JJ's iPhone did.  Andrew got a super awesome gift from Jo and the girls - A kitchen aid mixer which came wrapped in baby wrapping perhaps next time Andrew will make his own cake in the mixer.  My favorite thing was when he opened it he said - "a gift we can share".  That's a Jones tradition around here nothing like gifts to share. 
Any time to celebrate is also a time for photos - these are the few that I snapped....

Jones-Hershey Home Tour - 2010

I stayed with JJ and Chris for a few days when I was in DC recently. Seems I'm allergic to the kittens dander and or the kitty litter. But while I was there I was on the JJ and Chris home tour and I photographed it for you to see.  They live in Del Ray in this cute apartment building (next time you can get the JJ Point of Interest Tour II - Del Ray Edition). 

There back porch - they live on the top floor - note I did not photograph the steep steps.

A rubber ducky collection also lovely Fairy Soap in the bath room - such a nice touch boys.

I love love this tile isn't it so retro?

And the galley style kitchen.

Chris's magnet collection proudly displayed - I got Chris that super cool big boy one

Michigan rocks painting

JJ in the living room with Nelson - they have a stellar view of 711 people would kill for

Another view of the living room - there's JJ's books - I think the democrat pillow is such a nice touch

The guest room with a Union County Blanket

A super groovy moped their neighbor rides also good for a quick getaway.

Thanks and come again.

Momo Circa 1969-1970

While I was at G&G's this weekend I picked up more photos for the Jones and Co Family Photos Project to give to JJ to scan but I didn't see JJ afterward so I just brought them home so I can scan.  Two of the photos were these gems.  These are momo's senior pictures taken around 40 years ago as I think she graduated in 1969 or 1970.  She looks just the same don't you think?  And don't you love that dress I'd bet that my grandma made it (just wait til you see what kind of spunk aunt thea was sporting at the same time).

Cool Coasters

I saw these cool coaster which I think are super fun.  You can see them all here.

I think this one of Edna is super fun.  She likes bingo, and she dislikes discotheques

Where in the World is Katie? also known as Praying for Joy

I am still in DC, well actually Takoma Park.  But I thought I would post a little bit about why I'm here - I think I mentioned before that most of the time - I blog about the best of life but sometimes I just blog about life, this would fall into one of those categories.
I am in DC helping to take care of my grandparents - they are having a bit of a rough time.  Hello Grandpa!
Recently my grandma's has not been in the best of health.  My grandma has a form of Parkinson's Plus which is a degenerative disease that impacts motor skills, things have not been going well for her.   I'm not even going to pretend to really understand the disease or her other ailments.  Nor I'm really that interesting in learning about it partially because medical conditions are not really my thing (I get a little grossed out), and partially because I am one of those people who doesn't want to dwell on things or your whole life will be consumed with medical conditions.  We can talk all day about how this disease will hinder grandma or even grandpa, however I would much rather talk about what she can do, or to sit around and talk and laugh about other things and enjoy moments in the yard listening to the neighbors music.  Grandpa is in better shape physically; however is very stressed out right now.  Grandma's downward slope has really hit him hard, he's unable to sleep well and he's very panicky.  Seeing a situation like this really makes you want to make sure that as we all grow older we plan for the future and hope that we have a good support system and will be able to provide for ourselves/loved ones.  It also makes me thankful for my siblings and the respect and love we have for each other and mom.
Anyhow this situation has been and will continue to be a real test to our family strength, bonds, relationships and patience.  It's really opened up lines of communication, and I hope it continues to bring the Kelly Family together a little more each day.
And as our faith, love, patience and endurance is tested  I am constantly reminded of a moment earlier this year when I was at Church with my cousin Mark, and this gentlemen stood up to share a story of his mother who died of breast cancer.  And as this breast cancer was slowly taking over her body and taking all of her energy and strength as this women had asked her family not to pray for her but instead to "Pray for Joy".  Which I think is such a strong yet simple message, and while she was dying she was not trying to be healed but rather to pray for joy for her family and friends.  I am not quite sure why this simple message really resonates with me but it does.  And as I learn how to use the hoist life, or how to roll grandma to prevent bed sores, or how the bedpan is used.  I am constantly thinking of joy.  How can I find joy in this situation?  I continually pray for joy and seek little nuggets of joy throughout the day and into the night. 
And to end this post before it turns into a super long ramble - a few thoughts for grandpa -
1) Happy Mack is better than Frustrated Mack it's also better and less calories than a Big Mac (ick)
2) Try and do something you enjoy every day even if you are stressed out
3) Try thinking or praying for joy as alternative to worrying you never know it might ease your mind
4) You are loved.
That's all for now here's to praying for joy in Takoma Park.  

Last Indy Blues Game of 2010

Last weekend we went to the last Indianapolis Blues baseball game of the season.  It rained but it was still a fun time.  The Blue played the Batesville Lumberman who all worked for the Batesville Casket company which is kind of fun. Despite the cold and the rain we went to cheer Shawshank on, and it was right near the other end of summer activity locations. 
I took some snaps, unfortunately you can't really tell it's raining.  Here's Shawshank a little wet from the rain.

 

And this is the ball they play with note the stitches

And the ball park this is not a traditional vintage baseball park - but it was good to have cover from the rain. 

Jono got a base hit

Which was also the the go ahead run (but not before he slid into the 3rd base)

Momo was not so much enjoying the rain

In the end the Indianapolis Blues lost but it was a good day - goodbye summer, baseball, and all that jazz - til next year.

Free Soap

More exciting adventures today.  We went to the laundromat for a different adventure in Takoma Park.  They have a laundromat that offers free soap, free wifi, free squealing,  however a place to sit was not an option.  We had a grand old time playing Mrs. Pac Man, and watching the washer spin around. 

The washing machines look like this.

Jay looks like this eating his lunch

Machines spinning

Mrs. Pac Mac - I made it to level 6

it's 7 min for $0.25

No joke the soap is free.

And sometimes you want to hop out in the spin cycle

Trip to the Medical Supply

This is special for Jono - I took some snaps today of our adventures in DC.  Today we went to the medical supply store which is on New Hampshire Ave.  They have all kinds of random things - lift chairs (like the ones we like to play on at Aunt Jo's) canes, walkers, grabbers, gauze, etc etc. 

Look at all these gadgets.

JJ talking to the store helper.

Uncle Paul inspecting the shower items - I think he is planning ahead for himself. 

And look there's a shoe display and Jay Jones paying the bill.

We also did some shopping for a screen which we were not able to locate but you know.   We can now add this as a POI to the Jay Jones Point of Interest tour.