The Weekly Zekely has been a while coming with the busy summer, so many new STEEM causes, as well as new topics I am starting to include in the rotation. It doesn't mean I should stop reflecting on my fun life, share some fun glimpses here, and discover what happened late at night after too many beers.
Let's get right to it.
Camping has Begun!
We had our first camping trip of the year. You can read more about it here if you wish: https://steemit.com/camping/@zekepickleman/walk-with-me-camping-season-begins It is a great idea to get a nice head start on the summer and camp early. My kids measure the success of the summer by how many times we camp which makes me pretty proud. The issue is you have to book 6 months in advance in order to get the spots you like and spend that 6 month hoping for good weather. Camping is good for the soul.
The Jungle out back
The garden has made the bold transition from little wussy sprouts I was concerned for, to green explosion with the couple weeks of heat. This year, I have an insane amount of tomatoes again but I wisely planted a few varieties (beefsteak, roma, and cherry) for a little variety and the ability to freeze and make sauce. If they don't manage to overgrow everything else in the garden, I will also have Beans, Cucumbers (english, slicer, and pickles,) carrots, and the asparagus will mature another year. The peppers are safe as they have their own garden box and you can check out the latest here:https://steemit.com/gardenjournal2019/@zekepickleman/the-pickleman-garden-tomatopalooza Go jump in on the #gardenjournal2019 fun with 
Pool Party!
You know whats better than having a pool? Having friends with pools who like to share! The Jiu Jitsu crew had a nice afternoon by the pool to celebrate summer and visit without trying to break an arm or choke each other. The pool was green as hell but nobody was any worse for wear as we added a bunch of salt to kill off the algae. Here, Joe is helping a couple of my little ones with the stacking of the inflatable toys.
Professional Restaurant Review with 
!
I did get out to a couple restaurants I have not yet reviewed on STEEM and Old Man and Son was one of them. You can have breakfast with me here https://steemit.com/tasteem/@zekepickleman/tasteem-4c672c I love all-day breakfast places and supporting friends in business so this was an easy one to review. Look at that stack of Fluffy Pancakes! I had an awesome nap that afternoon.
Daddying
I seem to be spending more and more time being a taxi and enabler for my kids. I try not to let them know the things I am missing so they don't feel bad for being active and happy. Truth is, all the other things can wait while I enjoy the hell out of watching them explore and learn and become well-rounded people. Here, the Flames stretch before a game they ended up winning 15-2. The score didn't matter as I watch the little ones immerse themselves and get out of their comfort zone where all the real progress is made.
Close Encounter!
This post is old enough not to up-vote it but you may enjoy anyhow. One of my taxi jobs with the kids resulted in a neat up close visit with an American Canadian. We heckled him a little and doubted he could do it. Spoiler alert: the story ends in victory! https://steemit.com/palnet/@zekepickleman/2o6fyu59isg
Kindness in the Heat
The heat really did finally arrive this summer in the last week with temperatures hitting the mid 30s and the humidity bringing it to 40. Nothing like a heat wave to get the hosers complaining about the heat instead of the cold. My little one immediately thought of the K9 contingent that like to be walked in front of our house. She put up a sign and a bin of water she refreshes every couple of hours. People can complain about the state of the world but I am overjoyed at the kindness around me and the outlook for the future.
Beach Beach Beach!
That is the native call of the translucent Canadian Honky when it is time to soak up some some and enjoy the water. I live an hour drive to 3 different great lakes which are perfect for day trips with the family. $15 gets you into the provincial parks for a day pass and I can think of no better way to spend a day you have nothing else going on. I always pack sunscreen, the beach tent, chairs, toys and a cold one. The rest takes care of itself. I may post a few more shots of this on the next #wednesdaywalk I sliced the middle out of a panoramic shot to see what it would look like.
BEER!
It wouldn't bee a Zeke Blog without a little beer in it! Whether it is sipping and reading a book, gurgling pints with friends, or enjoying a couple at the end of the night in front of video games, I dig it. Here is a selection I made for a weekend of work and I was in the mood for a little variety. Variety of one kinda beer though as the new folks here will discover I love my IPAs! Keep and eye on 