Strawberry Jam Forever - Week of June 26th

Alice couldn't help laughing, as she said, "I don't want you to hire me - and I don't care for jam." "It's very good jam," said the Queen. "Well, I don't want any today, at any rate." "You couldn't have it if you did want it," the Queen said. "The rule is, jam tomorrow and jam yesterday - but never today." "It must come sometimes to 'jam today'," Alice objected. "No it can't," said the Queen. "It's jam every other day: today isn't any other day, you know.” ~Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Oma came to visit this week with a quest in mind- strawberry freezer jam.  After picking up our flat of the red, juicy fruit at Heidi's, Cam and his mom made a stop at the grocery store for supplies- sugar, sure-jell, and containers.  Oma, Cam and Amanda all busied themselves with berry stem plucking and smashing until a red liquid filled with strawberry bites resulted.  When Jane took a break from work to help the trio they discovered more sugar was required.  Another store trip, break for lunch, and everyone worked to finish the job.  However, later that afternoon supplies ran low again and off to the store they went.  Cam announced, "this is the 3rd time I've been here today!" upon arrival.  The end result of 30 freezer jams to store was quite a feat.  We can't thank Oma enough for all the help and perseverance.

Just a couple of days later, Chris, Jane and Cam made their way to the cottage for a day of fun and sun.  The water was warmer and the gentle waves were just right for our inflatable kayak.  Cam likes to go 'on tour' when his mom paddles.  They make up a story about all the places they see along their journey.

Playing with sand toys and multiple boat rides in the kayak filled our afternoon.  Chris and Cam also took the Cam-mobile in the water to test out the floating.  After a delicious dinner made by Oma and Opa, we settled in for the evening.  Our neighbors put on a spectacular fireworks display and although it kept Cam awake, he slept fairly well the rest of the night.

The boy who likes to keep a schedule made certain he did his required reading work on Saturday and Sunday with Oma for the library contest back home.
One thing that puzzles Cam about the cottage is the satellite internet service.  He asked why it is so slow and his dad replied, "a signal has to be sent to a satellite in outer space and back here to the satellite dish outside of the cottage" to which Cam retorted, "no Dad, you are kidding!"
Although the weather didn't cooperate early in the day on Sunday, we stayed until mid-afternoon before heading back to Grand Rapids, with much appreciation for time spent with Oma and Opa.

Back home, there is a feline who does seem to miss us.   As she continues to mature, Stella is more patient with Cam and it's fun to see the two of them react to each other.

Now, if you'll excuse us, it's time for some toast and strawberry jam...

Camology Quotes:

With the upcoming holiday, we had talked about the possibility of staying two nights at the cottage, but opted for just one.  More than halfway through out trip northward, Cam announced...

"Mom and Dad, we cannot stay at Oma's for 2 nights.  Do you know why?"
No, why?
"Because there would not be anyone at home to take out our garbage!"
"Isn't that a good point?"