Woman in Real Life

Growing up, I learned to swim just by practicing in the lake at our cottage. As a result, I can swim, but I don't have a high level of confidence in my abilities. When my own children came along, I wanted to do whatever I could to ensure they were strong swimmers. When they were small, I worked with a woman whose grown son drowned while swimming in a lake with friends. I can't even imagine the nightmare of that.

This weekend was soccer-free and, as such, a great time to visit family members. We started on Friday with a visit to my parents at the cottage.

Here's the World War II airplane that rests outside the nearby Dunnville Public Library. I have to say the little head inside freaks me out just a bit. We always attend the library's annual summer book sale with my mom. Here's what I bought.

It's Insta-Friday again...time to share a look at our family cell phone photos from the past week (or two in this case).

Everywhere you look, summer seems to be winding down. Children have gone back to school in some areas. People are talking about wanting to wear sweaters again. (Not me.)

 This weekend, we visited my parents, who live next to Lake Erie.
 We did a bit of swimming. Boy, the water was warm.
My sister came to visit too. So, we also did a bit of shopping. My parents live 10 minutes from a small town. Small town seems to mean small prices. We stopped at a garage sale, and I got this covered dish for $2.
 I also got this bowl for $2. My sister thinks it has the look of coral.
 I picked up this coffee pot (also $2).
 And this pretty Wedgwood platter (for $3).
We also went to a lovely thrift store that had lots of dishes. Because my birthday was the next day, my kids wanted to pick out something for me. My sister helped them cash out so they could surprise me later. My daughter went with this Leaning Tower of Pisa cheese shaker.
My son got me this pretty jar. I actually told him to make sure somebody got me this. I want to put buttons in it (or maybe jelly beans).
I rarely leave my mom's house without taking home some of her old dishes. This time, I came away with this vintage fondue pot.

What did you do this weekend?