Amazing Shelf Cloud...

I've seen shelf clouds before - most notably, back on Easter Sunday in 2017 - but they all pale in comparison to this spectacular shelf cloud that heralded the arrival of a line of weakening thunderstorms from the north. We happened to be driving at the time and pulled over to snap some photos. It was breathtaking!

The line stretching all the way to the western horizon.

View to the east.

And now well under the leading edge of the shelf cloud. The heavy rain hit us shortly thereafter!

Eastern black swallowtails...

We have been encouraging our children to learn about science and biology through observing nature. We successfully hatched eight eastern black swallowtail butterflies from caterpillars recently. It was amazing seeing them form into chrysalises and then a week or so later pop out into magnificent butterflies!

Caterpillar and chrysalis (at right).

One morning we awoke to find that three butterflies had hatched!

Beautiful butterfly!

Yard Sale Fun...

Our children had a practical way to learn about economics and mathematics, and the value of money, recently. Riaan had been wanting to hold a yard sale for months and was so excited when we decided to hold one back on the 12th of June.

Riaan sold cool cups of lemonade and even decorated the sign himself - his creativity is amazing! When all was said and done, he gave some money to his sister for her help, tithed a certain amount to Mercy Ships (his own choice) and then gave us a portion of the funds for our assistance. 

At the end of the day (which was a whopping 92 deg F or 33 deg C, plus humidity!) he confidently stated, “Let’s do this again next week!”

Riaan's imagination is AMAZING!

Wall Cloud...

A storm that had spawned a funnel cloud and a brief weak tornado south of us passed just south-east of us on the evening of Tuesday, June 8th. Our tornado sirens were activated to warn people of the potential tornado threat. I could see on my weather app that there was no rotation by the time it reached us, and so I was able to take a couple of photos of the weakening storm as it slowly made its way to the north-east. The wall cloud - from where a tornado could drop - was clearly visible!

The low-hanging wall cloud is visible in the centre of the shot.

The siren resounding across town.

Cycle to the Water Tower...

Eliza and I went for a cycle to find Washington's red-and-white striped water tower earlier this month. This tower is perched on one of Washington's highest ridges and a rough track winds its way up to the summit. I've often noticed this tower peeking out from behind trees in the distance, but this was my first time getting to see it up close. It was a fun adventure to get there with Eliza! :) 

The rough track to the water tower.

It reminds me of a great big lighthouse!

Heading back down the rocky path.

Relaxing Weekend...

We had a lovely weekend back in early June, complete with coffee on the front stoep, Jenga, badminton and swinging fun in the back garden, a cycle and a braai as well! It was great family time together!

Eliza enjoying my coffee on the front stoep.

Riaan swinging on his new swing.

Badminton fun with my lovely bride.

Yummy pork chops on the braai.

Toasted cheese and onion sarmies and pork chops. Yum!

Rusty also enjoyed the weekend. Here he is relaxing under the table! :)

Indiana Military Museum...

Riaan and I had a boys' afternoon out on Memorial Day, 31st May. Fittingly enough, we went to the Indiana Military Museum in Vincennes. There are lots of interesting displays covering the Revolutionary War all the way up to the present-day. 

They also have a huge selection of military planes and vehicles and even the sail of the USS Indianapolis, a nuclear-powered Los Angeles-class submarine. Riaan and I both had an amazing time exploring this fantastic museum!

The sail of USS Indianapolis (SSN-697) next to various military aircraft.

Riaan looks up at a Douglas C-47D Skytrain, dating from 1942. It is painted in its D-Day invasion markings.

F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Bell Huey helicopter.

Another view of USS Indianapolis' sail.

German field howitzer dating from 1898, but used extensively during WWI.

Horse wearing a gas mask.

Riaan in front of an M3 Stuart light tank.

USS Hornet, famous for launching the 'Doolittle Raid' on mainland Japan.

World War II-era toys.

British bicycles for WWII airborne troops.

There was a fantastic trench warfare exhibit.

Riaan and I walked through the trenches and saw the cramped quarters the soldiers lived in.

Skulls, rats and barbwire.

WWI French ambulance.

Brilliant mock-up of a bombed church.

Original WWII Higgins boat.