Still in the heat!

 My time here is nearing the end - I leave the family on Friday!

My time has been spent having fun with Ivy and Ben. We usually swim twice a day - they both seem to enjoy being under water rather than above! We dive for 'jewels' - although I'm not allowed to pick any up! They love jumping off the diving board and having Justin throwing them through the air! I am usually dragged under!

I have been to a number of Ivy's horse riding lessons. She really loves horses - being on them and with them. They tower over her but she is very gentle and loving with them - while I'm still cautious  around them! I have spent time with Ivy playing with her American Girl dolls - so many outfits to choose from!

Benny is into soccer and after following Justin's lead he was a Spurs fan until Man City won the FA cup now he's a Man City fan and wants one of their tops! He is also a Messi fan! He and Justin play cup games on the Xbox. With all the space here he has some little goal nets set up and loves playing a game. I think he has rather given up on me and my lack of decent soccer skills and tells me that I have to be the ref!

 

Our latest adventure has been with 'Thinking Putty' - don't ask! Our efforts are hilarious and now Ivy is directing and videoing Benny and I being very silly! I secretly love it!!!

 The weather has been very warm - it's usually in the low 30s but seems much hotter! The pool temperature is hovering around 32C but does feel cool when you first get in! I usually go around the pool with the scoop getting out insects but there have been times when I've had to scoop out baby frogs and crickets! Yesterday, when I was in the pool, a large spider was walking on water centimetres from me. I tried to get it away by lifting up the water but on it marched! It finally landed on one of the pool noodles and we were able to get it right away from the pool - it was a nasty looking thing! I think acting as the 'pool cleaner' has given me the deepest tan I've ever had! It's so hot you can't stay in the sun for long!

The heat often results in lots of thunder and lightning, often during the night! It amazes me that this area, which is predominantly pine forest, there are no wild fires especially with all the lighting!  The downpours are similar to the ones in Sydney after a hot humid day in February! 

The village of Aiken resembles one of the out back 'towns', with a main street and little else. There are a number of shopping areas and restaurants not too far away.

Everything is bigger here - I have trouble getting clothes, usually socks, out of the washing machine without the use of a pair of tongs! No short jokes please. I get enough from Ben and Ivy!!!

I have enjoyed the tranquility of this place and have tried to help out as much as I can. As Justin and family have only been in this house for 6 months there list of things to do keeps growing!

Next stop is a night in Atlanta then on to New Orleans!