Sprite in America

I don't speak for everyone, but I usually recognise Sprite as 'lemonade' flavour. But since Lemonade here is made with lemons, and sugar, and water, the local packaging for sprite seems to have been given a bit of extra explanation - "Lemon Lime Soda" (also, 100% Natural flavors, No Caffeine, just in case you were wondering).
Other than that, it tastes the same. Every so often I think it would be a good idea to have a soda, and I always regret it.

Still here!

Just finished a very busy week helping out at our church's Vacation Bible School, which had 400+ kids (so needed about 200 people to run it...). I always meant to take a photo or two, but had too much to do!!

Police Force Organisation

Working out the different police forces has taken a while. here is my best summary:

• State Troopers look after the roads - so they cruise around, creating small ponds of traffic moving at the correct speed limit (standard is 5-10 miles over the posted limit). They also pull people over and attend accidents. I'm not sure who does the chases.
• County Police Departments look after county matters that don't happen on roads. 
• Additionally, each incorporated city (I think there is a certain size you have to be to be a city) has their own police, that work within the city boundaries (presumably not on the roads, although when there are special events that need traffic direction, the city police do it, I think.)

Each force has their own car and uniform.
Other sort of police organisations:

• National Guard - not quite sure what/who they look after, but seem para military (although the defence force gives left over equipment to the police force here, so it is hard to tell sometimes when things get tough). More research indicates that they are a branch of the armed forces, but they hold civilian jobs, and are on call for emergencies, rebuilding, and overseas missions as required.
• SWAT - I had to look them up to know what they stand for - Special Weapons and Tactics - use specialised or military equipment and tactics. First formed in 1960's to deal with riots or gunmen, but increasingly used these days, for better or worse.

New thing I find irritating

New signs have gone up at the playground we frequent... While we live nearby, they are correct, we don't live in the Tidewater Colony community, and therefore shouldn't really be using them. I can't help thinking of all the public parks back home, maintained by the council and free for all. The downside of that, I acknowledge, is that they're free for all, including those pesky school kids that need somewhere to smoke.
We're still using the park, but out of respect for the similar sign on the tennis court admonishing that only tennis should take place in the tennis court, we're riding our bikes elsewhere.
They might have only needed to do it for their insurance, but it feels sort of petty...

Crab Feast!!

First one of the season. Not so many photos, as I was picking crab meat out for the baby pretty constantly. He was more interested in banging things (flat) with the wooden hammers that you're meant to use to crack tough bits of shell. But here is the rubbish heap!
I love how some things are strictly seasonal, and that includes crab feasts.

Things to do with big cardboard boxes

Make a train. Use picnic table as a carriage and 'pull' many assorted toys on the adventure. Remember to wear train drivers hats given free at train museum.

Last day of school

But, but we've only just started, right?! Everyone is ready for a slower routine...Of which the highlight appears to be breakfast in our pyjamas.