Exciting shiny new things

Spike's parents came to visit on Saturday and Sunday, and it was wonderful to see them, as usual. They brought with them laughter, hugs, astute observations about life, stiff Crazy Eights and Rummy competition, peach pie filling, and exciting shiny things.

Exciting Shiny New Thing One: Convertible
Spike's parents drove their 1991 Mercury Capri down from Illinois, left it for us to have fun with, and drove the big red Ford diesel truck-beast back home.

Fun, zippy, and with a top that folds back.

Before I can fully enjoy said car, though, I've got to be comfortable driving it. Which meant learning to drive stick. Honestly, it wasn't as bad as I'd feared. I popped the clutch, ground the gears, squealed the tires, stalled, etc., but I can now make the car move in a general forward direction. Unless I'm on a hill. That will come. Hopefully.

Stick shiftin' around Oklahoma. Note to self: must play Alan Jackson's "Mercury Blues" while driving this thing. "If I had money, I tell you what I'd do. I'd drive downtown, buy a Mercury or two! Crazy 'bout a Mercury...just crazy 'bout a Mercury...etc. etc."

Exciting Shiny New Thing Two: Bicycle
Spike's parents brought my birthday present early. It's a bicycle! A new black one that's--you guessed it--shiny. And to go with it, Spike got me a helmet. Safety first, kids.

Contrary to what this picture suggests, the Captain has a helmet too, which he wears on rides. Wouldn't want him to dent that pretty noggin!

So far, we've taken our pedal-powered transport devices on rides around our little town twice. I've learned that I'm really out of shape, that slight slopes make me gasp for breath, and that my leg muscles aren't as strong as I thought they were. Ah well--onward and upward! In all seriousness, though, we had a lot of fun. Can't wait to take the bikes out to the Wichita Mountains and ride alongside the buffalo and longhorns. As long as bikes are faster than charging buffalo. They are, right? Right?
 
Exciting Shiny New Thing Three: Stand Mixer
It's a slightly early wedding present from Spike's mom and dad. I'm so excited! I've been waiting on one of these things since childhood! Honestly. I remember when my mom shopped for a new stand mixer when I was a kid. I lobbied for red. I think I even taped a note that said, "I'd look good in red" on the old stand mixer. Alas--Mom settled on off-white, and I was crushed. However, good things come to those who wait. Thanks, Mom and Dad Butters!

It's true love. Hello cookies and cakes and icing and bread and more!

Exciting Shiny New Thing Four: Harley Davidson Coffee
Also brought by Ma and Pop Butters. We do love our coffee. 

Believe it or not, that's actually an expression of approbation.

Exciting Shiny New Thing Five: Peach Pie
Okay, so it isn't exactly shiny, but it is new. Spike's mom brought the filling, and we made a very happy pie.

Seriously, have you ever seen a happier pie? Methinks not.

Yay for shiny new things!

In other news, Spike and I tried to go to Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area (part of Fort Sill) on Labor Day to canoe or kayak. Unfortunately, the winds were too high (Nonsense! Bring 'em on, we said!), so no watercraft were available to rent. Next, we tried swimming in the lake, but were mildly frightened by large hordes of rock-throwing teenagers who lurched around the lake without looking where they were going (or without looking where they were throwing their rocks, for that matter). Swimming is never worth a concussion, we figured, so we left fairly quickly. At least it was pretty!

Lake Elmer Thomas. And some darn young people. (I'm 70 on the inside; I can say it.)

Wow--can't believe we're a week into September!