Last week we squeezed in one last visit with Sevda before her return to London, and were lucky to be able to have the visit at her parent's house on Lone Lake.  It has been a few years since I've been to their house - the trees have grown to provide thick shade, gardens have been created, and the place is all the homier now that Mr. and Mrs. Bulut have made it their retirement home.  They were gracious hosts, welcoming us to their home only days after their return to the States.

Here are Mr. Bulut and the kids scoping out the yard and the lake.


Sevda gave Martin a bug vacuum which can be used to suck up unsuspecting bugs, later to be examined under a built in magnifying glass.  It's been quite popular, and not just with the kids, either.


Mr. Bulut took the kids and I for a boat ride, letting Martin scoot up close to him to get the captain's view.


About halfway through the trip, the kids switched places.  The kids were very comfortable with Mr. & Mrs. Bulut, following them both around the house and the yard.  I can understand it, they are easy to adore.


This summer marks the sixteenth year since Sevda and I first met and became friends, and much has changed in our lives since then.  Our lounge around the apartment days are long gone, now replaced with short visits that are filled with interruptions that include things like taking someone to the bathroom.  But our friendship is just as easy as ever, and it's great fun to see our extended families together.  Sort of proves we've actually grown up.  For the most part.