Yep, I admit it. I’m one of those losers you all joke about that lives in my parents basement. Just like the old cliche, I stay down here in the dark on my computer and play video games. Darn Angry Birds.

That’s what happens when your husband dies and the estate gets tied up by an ungrateful stepchild, an ex-wife from the pits of hell and their slimy attorneys. And yes, feel free to quote me on that. I know y’all are reading.

Oh, don’t feel sorry for me. I’ll be ok. I really don’t miss my house, just the location and the high speed internet. I don’t miss the ever increasing utility bills, the constant maintenance, the worry about paying the mortgage. I live here in the sticks with little responsibility except basic chores, yard work and the occasional doggie poop patrol. The lack of having to maintain a home all alone also means more money for a new car and other play pretties. Plus my mom feels safer with me around. I’m currently remodeling and making what was once our lake escape my home. There’s a lot to do when you live in a basement that is 3300 square feet and it’s own house. See, where I am is the original main part of the old house before the tornado. It has it’s own full kitchen, bath and living areas and separate entrance from the main house, which is now above me. I also have a great party deck, pool and a magnificent view of the lake. I can walk out my front door and hop on the boat. The boys are loving it and adjusting well, so basically, all is well. The photo below is the full house, and my part is the bottom floor of the three, where the flag is hanging. I’m in the process of making it “mine” in both design and amenities, and I’ll post my progress here. So yea, I’ll be just fine.

I’m pretty darn happy to be a nerd living in my parent’s basement.

Besides, who wouldn’t want to wake up to this every day?

Y’all are welcome at the Lake Mitchell Bar & grill any time. : )

Ted thinks not ….

The Fourth of July is a pretty big deal in our family. We have gathered with each other and friends at Lake Mitchell and at each other’s homes for as long as I can remember. I’ve spent one 4th away from my family and the lake and I hope that it never happens again. There is too much love, fun, food and friends to miss …. especially now as I look around and see so many that we love that aren’t here to enjoy it with us. We keep living though, and we honor their memory while we celebrate our family …..here’s the story of this year….

On Friday we hit the road, headed to the lake ….. and happiness ensued …..

Traffic was light and by 1pm I was settled in ……

The weather ? Perfect …..

The company was even better ….

Amazing mornings …..

Colorful nights …..

Good food prepared by good men (and women!) …..

And lots of it …..

naps ….

Games  …

Lots of swimming ….

Boats ….

Boat drinks ….

New babies …

Of all kinds…..

Curious little girls ….

Smiles …..

A cousin home from Nashville ….

Good times to celebrate the red, white and blue ……

And family and friends ….

I can’t think of a better way to spend my time.

Hope y’all had an amazing holiday weekend too.