Jake is in Middle school and as a result he now has electives. Or rather, he has an elective class; sixth graders only get one elective. After quite a bit of thought and a phone call to the guidance consular he settled on band.
During the first class he was asked to list three instruments he would be interested in playing in order of preference. His selections were: trumpet, flute and clarinet. All three are nice to listen to and are reasonably sized. This is important since he has to schlep it to school on the bus and then tote it around throughout the day. Fortunately he has band only every other day.
After endless testing and what not, the band teacher awarded Jake the trumpet. He was very excited and we picked one out last weekend. He has been very good about caring for it (ooh, shiny!) and has been very cooperative about practicing every day. Admittedly it has only been 15 minutes each day and not the full thirty, but he is slowly building up. I'm shooting for 20/day this week. We'll see if it flies.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
Something About a Man in Uniform
I went shopping yesterday with Nate, Maxand Rebecca in tow. The dynamic duo were birthday present shopping for their good friend Lydia and Nate was just tagging along. Lydia's party is tomorrow and I thought it would be a nice change to get the present before the big day.
As we walked into the store we got a very clear reminder that Halloween was coming up. I got the bright idea that we could also go costume shopping. The selection will only get worse as H-day draws near.
Rebecca wanted another princess dress, but I squashed that idea. She already has enough, I suggested that she could combine her Cinderella dress (which is a bit big) with her Raccoon costume and be Princess Raccoon. I thought it was a great idea, but it was greeted with a blank stare. She settled on a simply adorable winged dragon. Nate had a hard time choosing between various costumes, but in the end he seized upon a Boba Fett and is very happy.
Max was not too happy in the Halloween costume section. He doesn't like scary or gross things. In fact this aversion produced one of the funnest moments in the store. There was a particularly scary and gory death's head mask and robe in front of the costume display. Nate was intrigued by it, but was thwarted by Max. Standing next to the offending costume and in front of Nate, Max (loudly) announced that if his brother so much as touched that thing he would not go near Nate until his brother washed his hands.
Alrighty then, when Max turned away I hastily shoved the costume out of sight.
So obviously Max's costume does not fall into the scary catagory. He choose to be a solider. I thought it looked ok and the size looked fine. We then moved over to the toy section and after a lot of hemming and hawing picked out gifts suitable for a six year old girl. During the ride home everybody was very pleased with their costumes, Rebecca even managed to wiggle into hers before buckling up for the ride home. Once home the boys tore into the house and got on their costumes. Nate looked great, but Max... he was so cute. There is something about a little boy all dressed up in a uniform.
As we walked into the store we got a very clear reminder that Halloween was coming up. I got the bright idea that we could also go costume shopping. The selection will only get worse as H-day draws near.
Rebecca wanted another princess dress, but I squashed that idea. She already has enough, I suggested that she could combine her Cinderella dress (which is a bit big) with her Raccoon costume and be Princess Raccoon. I thought it was a great idea, but it was greeted with a blank stare. She settled on a simply adorable winged dragon. Nate had a hard time choosing between various costumes, but in the end he seized upon a Boba Fett and is very happy.
Max was not too happy in the Halloween costume section. He doesn't like scary or gross things. In fact this aversion produced one of the funnest moments in the store. There was a particularly scary and gory death's head mask and robe in front of the costume display. Nate was intrigued by it, but was thwarted by Max. Standing next to the offending costume and in front of Nate, Max (loudly) announced that if his brother so much as touched that thing he would not go near Nate until his brother washed his hands.
Alrighty then, when Max turned away I hastily shoved the costume out of sight.
So obviously Max's costume does not fall into the scary catagory. He choose to be a solider. I thought it looked ok and the size looked fine. We then moved over to the toy section and after a lot of hemming and hawing picked out gifts suitable for a six year old girl. During the ride home everybody was very pleased with their costumes, Rebecca even managed to wiggle into hers before buckling up for the ride home. Once home the boys tore into the house and got on their costumes. Nate looked great, but Max... he was so cute. There is something about a little boy all dressed up in a uniform.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
The Old Man
Crunch's 15th birthday is this weekend and he is really starting to show his age now. He is very much an old dog.
He wanders around the house and barks, sometimes for little reason, or least for no reason I can figure out.
He doesn't really do the stairs from the deck to the backyard yard. Going down the three steps is just too tricky, he ends up doing a bit of a tumble with a face plant. Some days he can go up, but usually he gets stuck halfway up and barks for me to come fetch him.
He still wrestles with his son John, but it is no longer the no holds barred Greco-Roman form, it's mostly a bit of a chase and John flopping over and the two of them mouthing each other.
He is longer fit to show, not even in Juniors, but he'll get to tag along to next month's show for old times sake. It's painful for me to see his decline, but it's better than the alternative and having no Crunch at all.
He wanders around the house and barks, sometimes for little reason, or least for no reason I can figure out.
He doesn't really do the stairs from the deck to the backyard yard. Going down the three steps is just too tricky, he ends up doing a bit of a tumble with a face plant. Some days he can go up, but usually he gets stuck halfway up and barks for me to come fetch him.
He still wrestles with his son John, but it is no longer the no holds barred Greco-Roman form, it's mostly a bit of a chase and John flopping over and the two of them mouthing each other.
He is longer fit to show, not even in Juniors, but he'll get to tag along to next month's show for old times sake. It's painful for me to see his decline, but it's better than the alternative and having no Crunch at all.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Artist of the Week: Cartography
Nate is this week's artist.
I love this picture I took of him last month. He is perched on a rock on the bank of the Jame's River. He's all arms and legs with the added bonus of being precariously balanced on a rock. It is so very, very like him.
He is my little man of action and even when he is still, he is in some small way in motion. There is a reason that he has a shirt that says I do my own stunts.
Anyway, what is more befitting of such a restless spirit than a map.
A map can take you to new places and guide you back home when you are done. Or, as in this case, it is a map of your making, only limited by imagination.
Nate dragged home an enormous piece of paper this week from school, his assignment was to make a map. He immediately set to work with little urging on my part. Every one else was inspired and have been making maps along side Nate. The map is mostly done and is not due until Thursday. I'll have him fix a few spelling errors and add a compass rose. On Friday I just may drive him to school to protect the map from the rigors of the school bus.
I love this picture I took of him last month. He is perched on a rock on the bank of the Jame's River. He's all arms and legs with the added bonus of being precariously balanced on a rock. It is so very, very like him.
He is my little man of action and even when he is still, he is in some small way in motion. There is a reason that he has a shirt that says I do my own stunts.
Anyway, what is more befitting of such a restless spirit than a map.
A map can take you to new places and guide you back home when you are done. Or, as in this case, it is a map of your making, only limited by imagination.
Nate dragged home an enormous piece of paper this week from school, his assignment was to make a map. He immediately set to work with little urging on my part. Every one else was inspired and have been making maps along side Nate. The map is mostly done and is not due until Thursday. I'll have him fix a few spelling errors and add a compass rose. On Friday I just may drive him to school to protect the map from the rigors of the school bus.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
You Want It Where?
We have a fair number of Happy Meal toys littered about the house and car. Some are popular, some are lame and some are unintentionally funny.
The latest to our collection are from the Cartoon Network. The toys fare characters from various CN shows and are included with a small colored pencil. The first we one got was Lazlo from Camp Lazlo, which incidentally is my second most favorite show on CN, it's just beaten out by Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends.
Anyway, we got our little Lazlos and everyone was happy. They all liked their pencil toppers and I though nothing of the new addition to the flotsam in the van. Then I caught sight of the little pictograph/instruction sheet that comes with every Happy Meal toy.
According to the directions you must insert the pencil in the monkey's bottom. I know this makes me very juvenile, but I could not help giggling when I saw it. What makes it even better is the pose Lazlo was draw in after successful insertion. I think he looks a tad uncomfortable there with his wee little knees together and his popped eye expression.
Don't you agree?
The latest to our collection are from the Cartoon Network. The toys fare characters from various CN shows and are included with a small colored pencil. The first we one got was Lazlo from Camp Lazlo, which incidentally is my second most favorite show on CN, it's just beaten out by Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends.
Anyway, we got our little Lazlos and everyone was happy. They all liked their pencil toppers and I though nothing of the new addition to the flotsam in the van. Then I caught sight of the little pictograph/instruction sheet that comes with every Happy Meal toy.
According to the directions you must insert the pencil in the monkey's bottom. I know this makes me very juvenile, but I could not help giggling when I saw it. What makes it even better is the pose Lazlo was draw in after successful insertion. I think he looks a tad uncomfortable there with his wee little knees together and his popped eye expression.
Don't you agree?
Monday, September 24, 2007
I Wish I Could Be Mailed To Australia
Last week went to Nate's school for its open house. We got to meet his teacher, get a guided tour of the classroom with Nate and bring home Flat Stanley.
This is actually Nate's second Flat Stanley. Last year he sent one to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Stanley got to go to NYC, eat pizza and sleep in the guest bed. He even got see far more snow than we ever get down here in Central Virginia.
This time around Nate wanted to send Stanley even farther. He first thought of my brother in Colorado. I suggested my friend in Oregon, she is an Elementary school teacher and I know she would get a kick out of having Stanley around.
Then I remembered my friend Paul in Australia. He has a son, Ben, a little bit older than Jake and twin girls, Jessica and Kirrilly, that are right about Nate's age. I emailed Paul to ask if they could do it and he said they were up to the task. The best part is that their next school holiday will be the first two weeks of October. They will be able to give Stanley the grand tour.
So today I packed up Stanley with a few things for the kids and a couple of maps and brochures of the area. I thought it would be nice if they could see where Stanley came from. The whole mess fit into a flat rate envelope and get mailed today. To be on the safe side I scanned Stanley so not all would be lost if he didn't survive the US or the Australian post.
I can't wait to see what adventures he gets to have in the land down under.
This is actually Nate's second Flat Stanley. Last year he sent one to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Stanley got to go to NYC, eat pizza and sleep in the guest bed. He even got see far more snow than we ever get down here in Central Virginia.
This time around Nate wanted to send Stanley even farther. He first thought of my brother in Colorado. I suggested my friend in Oregon, she is an Elementary school teacher and I know she would get a kick out of having Stanley around.
Then I remembered my friend Paul in Australia. He has a son, Ben, a little bit older than Jake and twin girls, Jessica and Kirrilly, that are right about Nate's age. I emailed Paul to ask if they could do it and he said they were up to the task. The best part is that their next school holiday will be the first two weeks of October. They will be able to give Stanley the grand tour.
So today I packed up Stanley with a few things for the kids and a couple of maps and brochures of the area. I thought it would be nice if they could see where Stanley came from. The whole mess fit into a flat rate envelope and get mailed today. To be on the safe side I scanned Stanley so not all would be lost if he didn't survive the US or the Australian post.
I can't wait to see what adventures he gets to have in the land down under.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
House Guest
This weekend Max got to bring home Ditto Dog from school.
It's a cute scruffy little black and white dog that came in its own little Dr. Seuss themed backpack. A note was included along with Ditto Dog asking us to take it along to wherever we go, maybe take a picture or two and write a note about its adventures. Then the whole shebang gets brought back to school on Monday.
Max had a great time taking Ditto Dog to soccer on Saturday. Ditto Dog sat on the sidelines with Max with its head just peeking out of the backpack. Then he got to watch two other soccer games before we all headed back home.
I offered to have Ditto Dog dine with the dogs using Rally's old bowl, but Max said that was silly and he was concerned that Crunch or John might eat the toy. Max took his responsibility of Ditto Dog very seriously. He has seen what our dogs can do to stuffed animals and it's not pretty.
Tonight I printed out a few pictures we took of ditto dog and asked Max which ones should he take to school when he returns Ditto Dog.
Return Ditto Dog?
Max was surprised and saddened at the prospect. He thought his teacher had given him Ditto Dog to keep.
Luckily he handled the news well and was able to come to terms with the upcoming separation from his new buddy. But that doesn't mean he can't hope to have Ditto Dog return. His big question before going up, "Do you think Ditto Dog might come back to our house?"
My reply was "I don't know Max, he has to visit everyone else first."
It's a cute scruffy little black and white dog that came in its own little Dr. Seuss themed backpack. A note was included along with Ditto Dog asking us to take it along to wherever we go, maybe take a picture or two and write a note about its adventures. Then the whole shebang gets brought back to school on Monday.
Max had a great time taking Ditto Dog to soccer on Saturday. Ditto Dog sat on the sidelines with Max with its head just peeking out of the backpack. Then he got to watch two other soccer games before we all headed back home.
I offered to have Ditto Dog dine with the dogs using Rally's old bowl, but Max said that was silly and he was concerned that Crunch or John might eat the toy. Max took his responsibility of Ditto Dog very seriously. He has seen what our dogs can do to stuffed animals and it's not pretty.
Tonight I printed out a few pictures we took of ditto dog and asked Max which ones should he take to school when he returns Ditto Dog.
Return Ditto Dog?
Max was surprised and saddened at the prospect. He thought his teacher had given him Ditto Dog to keep.
Luckily he handled the news well and was able to come to terms with the upcoming separation from his new buddy. But that doesn't mean he can't hope to have Ditto Dog return. His big question before going up, "Do you think Ditto Dog might come back to our house?"
My reply was "I don't know Max, he has to visit everyone else first."
Friday, September 21, 2007
Cheesecake Goodness
About three years ago I was poking around on the Hershey web site when I found an utterly fantastic recipe for a three layer cheesecake made with Hershey's Special Dark chocolate chips. I printed it out, gave it a try and was impressed by the end result. It's a bit fussier to make than my regular cheesecake, but it is well worth the effort.
I've copied the recipe verbatim from the Hershey web site and have posted it below. Any modifications are marked by asterisks will be detailed below the recipe (you know I can't help but tweak anything I bake).
HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Layered Cheesecake
Ingredients:
Directions:
1. Prepare CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until smooth. Gradually beat in eggs, heavy cream, vanilla and salt, beating until well blended.
3. Set aside 2 tablespoons chocolate chips. Place remaining chips in large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1-1/2 minutes; stir. If necessary, microwave at HIGH an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chocolate is melted when stirred.
4. Gradually blend 1-1/2 cups cheesecake batter into melted chocolate. Remove 2 cups chocolate mixture; spread in bottom of prepared crust.
5. Blend additional 2 cups cheesecake batter into remaining chocolate mixture; spread 2 cups of this mixture over first layer in springform pan. Stir remaining cheesecake batter into remaining chocolate mixture; spread over second layer.
6. Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from oven to wire rack. With knife, immediately loosen cake from side of pan. Cool to room temperature.
7. Place reserved chocolate chips and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 30 seconds; stir. If necessary, microwave at HIGH an additional 10 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chocolate is melted and smooth when stirred. Drizzle over top of cheesecake. Cover; refrigerate several hours until cold. Cover; refrigerate leftover cheesecake. 10 to 12 servings.
CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST: Stir together 1-1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 45 wafers), 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa; stir in 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) melted butter or margarine. Press mixture onto bottom and 1-1/2 inches up sides of 9-inch springform pan.
*I did not use the suggested crust, instead I went for my Oreo cookie crumb crust instead. I have the ingredients on hand and I think it makes a better crust:
In an ungreased springform pan, combine the Oreo cookie crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Once the mixture is blended press it down to line the bottom of the pan.
**This time around I could not find Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Chips so I substituted with Ghiradelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips. Bummer I was forced to upgrade the chocolate.
Again, it was divine. We had company over last Sunday and this was dessert. Everybody loved it. It is both visually appealing with the three layers and is simply delicious to eat. I had a small problem when drizzling the chocolate on top, a big glob of chocolate plopped onto the top of the cheesecake. So ended up pouring the rest on top and raking through the chocolate with a fork to make it look nice. Once it solidified it looked great.
I've copied the recipe verbatim from the Hershey web site and have posted it below. Any modifications are marked by asterisks will be detailed below the recipe (you know I can't help but tweak anything I bake).
HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Layered Cheesecake
Ingredients:
CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST (recipe follows)*
3 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
4 eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips, divided**
1/2 teaspoon shortening(do not use butter, margarine, spreads or oil)
Directions:
1. Prepare CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until smooth. Gradually beat in eggs, heavy cream, vanilla and salt, beating until well blended.
3. Set aside 2 tablespoons chocolate chips. Place remaining chips in large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1-1/2 minutes; stir. If necessary, microwave at HIGH an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chocolate is melted when stirred.
4. Gradually blend 1-1/2 cups cheesecake batter into melted chocolate. Remove 2 cups chocolate mixture; spread in bottom of prepared crust.
5. Blend additional 2 cups cheesecake batter into remaining chocolate mixture; spread 2 cups of this mixture over first layer in springform pan. Stir remaining cheesecake batter into remaining chocolate mixture; spread over second layer.
6. Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from oven to wire rack. With knife, immediately loosen cake from side of pan. Cool to room temperature.
7. Place reserved chocolate chips and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 30 seconds; stir. If necessary, microwave at HIGH an additional 10 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chocolate is melted and smooth when stirred. Drizzle over top of cheesecake. Cover; refrigerate several hours until cold. Cover; refrigerate leftover cheesecake. 10 to 12 servings.
CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST: Stir together 1-1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 45 wafers), 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa; stir in 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) melted butter or margarine. Press mixture onto bottom and 1-1/2 inches up sides of 9-inch springform pan.
*I did not use the suggested crust, instead I went for my Oreo cookie crumb crust instead. I have the ingredients on hand and I think it makes a better crust:
1 cup Oreo cookie crumbs
¼ cup sugar (divided)
¼ cup melted butter
In an ungreased springform pan, combine the Oreo cookie crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Once the mixture is blended press it down to line the bottom of the pan.
**This time around I could not find Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Chips so I substituted with Ghiradelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips. Bummer I was forced to upgrade the chocolate.
Again, it was divine. We had company over last Sunday and this was dessert. Everybody loved it. It is both visually appealing with the three layers and is simply delicious to eat. I had a small problem when drizzling the chocolate on top, a big glob of chocolate plopped onto the top of the cheesecake. So ended up pouring the rest on top and raking through the chocolate with a fork to make it look nice. Once it solidified it looked great.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Lunch Date
Today I swung by the school to pick up things and drop off things in Max's classroom. I arrived just before lunchtime so I decided to hang around a bit and join my two favorite kindergarteners for lunch. I didn't have anything to eat, but it wouldn't be a problem since I had just eaten breakfast and their lunchtime is very early, 10:45 am to be precise.
Max was absolutely delighted and couldn't keep his eyes off of me. He had a very hard time focusing on his teacher, but to his credit he was able to contain himself. I wasn't the only parent there for lunch and we had fun watching the teacher successfully corral the chaos of the classroom. The magic hour was finally reached and the class lined up to troop down to the lunchroom.
Once we were in the cafeteria, Max was sent to the nurse's office to get his digestive enzymes and I scanned the sea of bright chattering faces for the other half of the dynamic duo. I soon spotted Rebecca and had her move down to the guest table to lunch with her brother and me. She was too was very happy to see me at school.
Lunch was pleasant with my two little chatter bugs. Both were very generous and offered me parts of their lunches. Then a very funny thing happened as lunch was winding down. A parent stopped by our end of the table and asked Max if he recognized him. He did look familiar to me, but I struggled to remember who he was and in what context (soccer, baseball, where????). Then he dropped the bomb on Max, it turns out he is the kids' dentist.
Max immediately clammed up.
He can't stand anybody in a white lab coat and considering what he has been through, I don't blame him.
But Dr. B is a nice guy and was in his street clothes so Max quickly warmed up. in fact at one point he said "Max, i think this is the most talking you have ever done with me."
Then Dr. B's daughter showed up and it was time for the dynamic duo to rejoin their respective classrooms. We all had fun and maybe, just maybe, Max will be a little more cooperative when he next goes to the dentist.
Max was absolutely delighted and couldn't keep his eyes off of me. He had a very hard time focusing on his teacher, but to his credit he was able to contain himself. I wasn't the only parent there for lunch and we had fun watching the teacher successfully corral the chaos of the classroom. The magic hour was finally reached and the class lined up to troop down to the lunchroom.
Once we were in the cafeteria, Max was sent to the nurse's office to get his digestive enzymes and I scanned the sea of bright chattering faces for the other half of the dynamic duo. I soon spotted Rebecca and had her move down to the guest table to lunch with her brother and me. She was too was very happy to see me at school.
Lunch was pleasant with my two little chatter bugs. Both were very generous and offered me parts of their lunches. Then a very funny thing happened as lunch was winding down. A parent stopped by our end of the table and asked Max if he recognized him. He did look familiar to me, but I struggled to remember who he was and in what context (soccer, baseball, where????). Then he dropped the bomb on Max, it turns out he is the kids' dentist.
Max immediately clammed up.
He can't stand anybody in a white lab coat and considering what he has been through, I don't blame him.
But Dr. B is a nice guy and was in his street clothes so Max quickly warmed up. in fact at one point he said "Max, i think this is the most talking you have ever done with me."
Then Dr. B's daughter showed up and it was time for the dynamic duo to rejoin their respective classrooms. We all had fun and maybe, just maybe, Max will be a little more cooperative when he next goes to the dentist.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Artist of the week: Ahoy! There be Cows!
In honor of "Talk Like a Pirate Day" I picked up four foam swords at our local Dollar Tree. The swords are a huge hit with my little buccaneers and so far no one has poked an eye out. They have all had a great time whapping each other about the head and staging battles. Any way this week's artist is the fair Miss Rebecca, a master of the crayon and the foam broadsword.
She drew this picture about a month ago and it got lost amongst the papers I have piled about by the computer. It is of two cows grazing in a field and thinking. They have green mouths because their mouths are full of grass. Originally that was the picture, the thought balloons were a later addition, as you can tell because they are drawn in ink and not in crayon.
As I recall the larger cow is thinking about mosquitoes and smaller cow is thinking about a monster or maybe it's a dragon. I'm not really sure. Either way it is a very charming picture.
She drew this picture about a month ago and it got lost amongst the papers I have piled about by the computer. It is of two cows grazing in a field and thinking. They have green mouths because their mouths are full of grass. Originally that was the picture, the thought balloons were a later addition, as you can tell because they are drawn in ink and not in crayon.
As I recall the larger cow is thinking about mosquitoes and smaller cow is thinking about a monster or maybe it's a dragon. I'm not really sure. Either way it is a very charming picture.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
My Name in Books
Last week the Llama Butchers posted a fun little bit where you go over to Amazon, pull up advance book search and put your name in title field. Then check them out and post the best/amusing book cover.
Well first off Sarah is an very common name and got over 4,000 hits with a large portion from variations of Sarah Plain and Tall (until now I was unaware it had morphed into a series). The one I settled on was "Miss Sarah's Guide to Etiquette for Dogs & Their People."
I've got dogs and my biggest goal with them is make them creatures that you can live with and not be rambunctious little heathens that bark and bark and bark (unless you're a deer, than all bets are off) and hey, she's got my hair cut!
So give it a whirl and see what you get.
Well first off Sarah is an very common name and got over 4,000 hits with a large portion from variations of Sarah Plain and Tall (until now I was unaware it had morphed into a series). The one I settled on was "Miss Sarah's Guide to Etiquette for Dogs & Their People."
I've got dogs and my biggest goal with them is make them creatures that you can live with and not be rambunctious little heathens that bark and bark and bark (unless you're a deer, than all bets are off) and hey, she's got my hair cut!
So give it a whirl and see what you get.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Doe, a Deer, a Female Deer
Because we live in a very woodsy area with large undeveloped tracts nearby, we have a lot of deer. There are three does in particular that hang out around house.
Last Friday I had a close encounter with one of our resident does as I was pulling out of the garage. I had just gotten the car out and pointed towards the driveway when I spotted her lingering in the flowerbed alongside the driveway. I stopped the car and we both just looked at each other. I then remembered my camera, fished it out of its case and was just able to grab this shot as she strolled in front of my car.
She was completely relaxed in my presence and only left because I had rudely interrupted her activities.
Today I let out John and a few minutes later he was barking his fool head off. When I took a look at what all the fuss was about I saw yet another of our deer on the edge of our lawn.
John is deeply offended by the deer and always loudly announces their presence on our property. He rushes forward barking until he gets about 4 feet from the deer and breaks off his attack. I think when he gets close up to the deer he suddenly realizes just how big they are. Meanwhile the deer graze on, completely ignoring the dog. They only leave when I show up and even then it's not a pell-mell race, but a slow melting into the woods.
Our deer have completely adapted to suburban life.
Last Friday I had a close encounter with one of our resident does as I was pulling out of the garage. I had just gotten the car out and pointed towards the driveway when I spotted her lingering in the flowerbed alongside the driveway. I stopped the car and we both just looked at each other. I then remembered my camera, fished it out of its case and was just able to grab this shot as she strolled in front of my car.
She was completely relaxed in my presence and only left because I had rudely interrupted her activities.
Today I let out John and a few minutes later he was barking his fool head off. When I took a look at what all the fuss was about I saw yet another of our deer on the edge of our lawn.
John is deeply offended by the deer and always loudly announces their presence on our property. He rushes forward barking until he gets about 4 feet from the deer and breaks off his attack. I think when he gets close up to the deer he suddenly realizes just how big they are. Meanwhile the deer graze on, completely ignoring the dog. They only leave when I show up and even then it's not a pell-mell race, but a slow melting into the woods.
Our deer have completely adapted to suburban life.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Seasonal Thoughts
Summer is drawing to a close here in central Virginia. Oh I know we'll have a bit of hot weather at some point in the near future, but summer is over. Last night the temperature dropped down to the forties, but I've been seeing the signs all week.
A few days ago I was out on the deck enjoying the cooler weather when I saw a bit of color. I f you look closely at the picture you can see a spray of red leaves. Coupled with the lower temperatures my first thought was hello fall.
And I couldn't be happier. I love the crisp air and cool nights, the brightly colored leaves are just the cherry on top.
A few days ago I was out on the deck enjoying the cooler weather when I saw a bit of color. I f you look closely at the picture you can see a spray of red leaves. Coupled with the lower temperatures my first thought was hello fall.
And I couldn't be happier. I love the crisp air and cool nights, the brightly colored leaves are just the cherry on top.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Days of Awwww
Rosh HaShanah marks the beginning of the High Holy Days or the Days of Awe. This year the first day of Rosh Hashanah was more like a Day of Awwww.
Thursday morning Larry and I went to services with just Jake in tow. We did not bring Max and Rebecca because they are too young and would have been bored silly. Also I knew that a certain member of our congregation, who does not little children that at not quietly seated, would be present. Short of duct taping the dynamic duo, I knew that even on their very best behavior we would get dirty looks from him. So basically they would have to spend the entire service in the playroom. It would be pointless to pull them from school. Nate was given the option, but with the admonishment that there would be no fighting, arguing, rolling about in the pews, roaming the aisles or going to the playroom. School struck Nate as a better of the two choices. Jake, being only two years away from his Bar Mitzvah, had no choice.
Jake was an utter angel. He paid attention, followed along in the prayer book and was very well behaved. He was so handsome in his plain white shirt and black cords, but that was not the cutest part.
After the Torah portions were read and both Torahs dressed, a little help was needed with the second Torah. Mike called up Jake to the bima and had Jake sit in one of the chairs. Then he proceeded to have Jake hold the Torah until it was time to return it to the ark. I was little concerned about Jake since this was the big Torah and it easily outweighed Jake. I leaned over to Larry and whispered “It’s going to squish Jake.”
But Mike was on the ball and had Jake scoot over a bit and had the Torah standing up on its handles next to Jake in the chair. He was so cute; he was dwarfed by the Torah. I wish I could have taken a picture. And there he sat with his arm encircling the Torah and very mindful of his responsibility. I was very proud of him.
After the Torahs were safely tucked away Jake was sent back down to us. Jake told us later that Mike said he was very helpful and would ask him again to do it next year. Jake was very excited over the prospect and understood what an honor it was.
That was my day of awww.
Thursday morning Larry and I went to services with just Jake in tow. We did not bring Max and Rebecca because they are too young and would have been bored silly. Also I knew that a certain member of our congregation, who does not little children that at not quietly seated, would be present. Short of duct taping the dynamic duo, I knew that even on their very best behavior we would get dirty looks from him. So basically they would have to spend the entire service in the playroom. It would be pointless to pull them from school. Nate was given the option, but with the admonishment that there would be no fighting, arguing, rolling about in the pews, roaming the aisles or going to the playroom. School struck Nate as a better of the two choices. Jake, being only two years away from his Bar Mitzvah, had no choice.
Jake was an utter angel. He paid attention, followed along in the prayer book and was very well behaved. He was so handsome in his plain white shirt and black cords, but that was not the cutest part.
After the Torah portions were read and both Torahs dressed, a little help was needed with the second Torah. Mike called up Jake to the bima and had Jake sit in one of the chairs. Then he proceeded to have Jake hold the Torah until it was time to return it to the ark. I was little concerned about Jake since this was the big Torah and it easily outweighed Jake. I leaned over to Larry and whispered “It’s going to squish Jake.”
But Mike was on the ball and had Jake scoot over a bit and had the Torah standing up on its handles next to Jake in the chair. He was so cute; he was dwarfed by the Torah. I wish I could have taken a picture. And there he sat with his arm encircling the Torah and very mindful of his responsibility. I was very proud of him.
After the Torahs were safely tucked away Jake was sent back down to us. Jake told us later that Mike said he was very helpful and would ask him again to do it next year. Jake was very excited over the prospect and understood what an honor it was.
That was my day of awww.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Pachelbel Bedtime
A friend of ours sent us a link to this clip and it's completely dead on.
It's nice to know that we're not the only ones with sleepless children.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Shana Tovah
According to the Jewish calendar today marks the beginning of a new year. So of course I've spent the whole day cooking, in fact it was a three load day for the dishwasher.
I made a round challah, tzimmes, and key lime pie among other things for dinner. And right now I putting on the finishing touches on a cheesecake for tomorrow.
So no artist of the week this week, but it will be back. The great onslaught of art from school has just begun.
I would like to wish all of you a sweet new year.
I made a round challah, tzimmes, and key lime pie among other things for dinner. And right now I putting on the finishing touches on a cheesecake for tomorrow.
So no artist of the week this week, but it will be back. The great onslaught of art from school has just begun.
I would like to wish all of you a sweet new year.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Remembering September 11th
Six years ago today I was still (barely) a mother to just two children. It was Jake's second week of kindergarten and Nate's first day of Preschool.
I had been looking forward to the little break I was getting with both kids being out of the house. I had no big plans, just wallowing about the house in my hugely pregnant state.
Just as I was driving home at around 9:00 am I turned on the radio and heard that an airplane had just plowed into one of the two towers.
I was stunned.
I couldn't imagine it, I kept thinking that it just could not be happening. It was a brilliant September day, planes only smack into buildings when it's foggy, like when a bomber got lost hit the Empire State.
I got home and turned on the TV and I learned the full horror of that day. When I heard the original flight plans of the planes my first thought was "They're loaded with fuel, those planes are bombs."
At some point I called my husband or he called me, I don't remember, and he told me that he was coming home. His office building at the time was a multi storied affair, on top of the hill and a government building. It was a ripe target. Since he wasn't a critical state employee, he was sent home. We spent the day glued to the set, only turning it off just before Jake came home from school (Nate was shortly picked up from preschool after the bus dropped Jake off). We decided to keep the TV off for the rest of the day until the boys were tucked in bed.
We didn't tell the boys anything until the next morning. It was too awful, too raw. I wanted to shelter them for as long as possible, but... in the end they had to know. Larry and I settled on telling them that some very bad men stole some planes and crashed them. Many people died or were hurt, but not everybody and some people were very brave and tried to stop them.
I remember how quite and empty the skies were the next few days. Then, when flights resumed, how jarring the sound of an airplane can be.
Nothing is the same since then, but life goes on. I still look up when planes go overhead and there is always a teeny tiny part of me that wonders.
I had been looking forward to the little break I was getting with both kids being out of the house. I had no big plans, just wallowing about the house in my hugely pregnant state.
Just as I was driving home at around 9:00 am I turned on the radio and heard that an airplane had just plowed into one of the two towers.
I was stunned.
I couldn't imagine it, I kept thinking that it just could not be happening. It was a brilliant September day, planes only smack into buildings when it's foggy, like when a bomber got lost hit the Empire State.
I got home and turned on the TV and I learned the full horror of that day. When I heard the original flight plans of the planes my first thought was "They're loaded with fuel, those planes are bombs."
At some point I called my husband or he called me, I don't remember, and he told me that he was coming home. His office building at the time was a multi storied affair, on top of the hill and a government building. It was a ripe target. Since he wasn't a critical state employee, he was sent home. We spent the day glued to the set, only turning it off just before Jake came home from school (Nate was shortly picked up from preschool after the bus dropped Jake off). We decided to keep the TV off for the rest of the day until the boys were tucked in bed.
We didn't tell the boys anything until the next morning. It was too awful, too raw. I wanted to shelter them for as long as possible, but... in the end they had to know. Larry and I settled on telling them that some very bad men stole some planes and crashed them. Many people died or were hurt, but not everybody and some people were very brave and tried to stop them.
I remember how quite and empty the skies were the next few days. Then, when flights resumed, how jarring the sound of an airplane can be.
Nothing is the same since then, but life goes on. I still look up when planes go overhead and there is always a teeny tiny part of me that wonders.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Watching the River
I took this photo of Max, Rebecca and Nate on the banks of the James River a few weeks ago. I really like it and I thought I would share with y'all.
I took them down to the river's edge when we were knocking about Richmond while Jake was at his cartooning class. My goal was to entertain the three of them for three hours and not spend any money. So we spent a fair bit of time walking about Richmond.
The first day we did the canal walk. Since I was doing it on the cheap we ended up parking a bit upstream of the canal at the free boat launch lot. As we strolled down to our destination we found a pretty little garden tucked along the James next to the boat ramp. Everybody was too quick for me to snap a picture, but they did settle down at the river's edge.
Rebecca is holding a stick "fishing" while her brothers look on. It was a cloudy day and I like the quality of light. I think it turned out much better than on a bright sunny day. As to the fishing, well... she had no luck, but there is an amazing amount of wildlife in and around Richmond. We saw plenty of fish and all sorts of birds. The James can be a very wild place.
I took them down to the river's edge when we were knocking about Richmond while Jake was at his cartooning class. My goal was to entertain the three of them for three hours and not spend any money. So we spent a fair bit of time walking about Richmond.
The first day we did the canal walk. Since I was doing it on the cheap we ended up parking a bit upstream of the canal at the free boat launch lot. As we strolled down to our destination we found a pretty little garden tucked along the James next to the boat ramp. Everybody was too quick for me to snap a picture, but they did settle down at the river's edge.
Rebecca is holding a stick "fishing" while her brothers look on. It was a cloudy day and I like the quality of light. I think it turned out much better than on a bright sunny day. As to the fishing, well... she had no luck, but there is an amazing amount of wildlife in and around Richmond. We saw plenty of fish and all sorts of birds. The James can be a very wild place.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Soccer Girl?
Yesterday the kids played in their first game of the season. They had been practicing for the past two weeks, but now it is officially soccer season.
The biggest surprise has been little Miss Rebecca.
The last time around she hated the whole thing. Practice was spent asking when she could go home and only minimally participating. Mind you the participation only occurred because I told her if she didn't practice than she would not get any snack after the game. It was a credible threat, we both knew I would deny her the treats when push came to shove.
Games were, if anything, worse. During one memorable match that I missed, Larry told me of how she spent her time on the field stock still with her arms folded across her chest. The ball at one point came to rest at her feet and she did not move a muscle. Eventually another child careened by and booted it away.
So she skipped the following season, we saw no point in pursuing the matter.
Then I noticed a subtle change in attitude. She was spending her time watching her siblings practice and play and she started to show a little interest.
When it came time to sign up for our current season I asked her if she wanted to play and she said yes. I repeated the question a few more times over a weeks time and she still replied yes. Larry was a bit dubious, but he did sign her up along with the boys. We also signed her up for soccer camp when we up at Nana's (my mother) house in Vermont.
All four of our kids had a wonderful time, but it made the deepest impression on Rebecca. I think the camp was the turning point for her and how she felt about soccer. She got to meet other girls her age playing soccer and she found out that playing soccer is fun.
At practice she has been engaged with her team mates and was actually trying. Then there was the big moment. Rebecca wanted to know when was she going to play a game. She then proceeded to count down each day. She actually squealed with joy when she woke up on game day.
So now I have a little soccer girl. What a change from last year.
The biggest surprise has been little Miss Rebecca.
The last time around she hated the whole thing. Practice was spent asking when she could go home and only minimally participating. Mind you the participation only occurred because I told her if she didn't practice than she would not get any snack after the game. It was a credible threat, we both knew I would deny her the treats when push came to shove.
Games were, if anything, worse. During one memorable match that I missed, Larry told me of how she spent her time on the field stock still with her arms folded across her chest. The ball at one point came to rest at her feet and she did not move a muscle. Eventually another child careened by and booted it away.
So she skipped the following season, we saw no point in pursuing the matter.
Then I noticed a subtle change in attitude. She was spending her time watching her siblings practice and play and she started to show a little interest.
When it came time to sign up for our current season I asked her if she wanted to play and she said yes. I repeated the question a few more times over a weeks time and she still replied yes. Larry was a bit dubious, but he did sign her up along with the boys. We also signed her up for soccer camp when we up at Nana's (my mother) house in Vermont.
All four of our kids had a wonderful time, but it made the deepest impression on Rebecca. I think the camp was the turning point for her and how she felt about soccer. She got to meet other girls her age playing soccer and she found out that playing soccer is fun.
At practice she has been engaged with her team mates and was actually trying. Then there was the big moment. Rebecca wanted to know when was she going to play a game. She then proceeded to count down each day. She actually squealed with joy when she woke up on game day.
So now I have a little soccer girl. What a change from last year.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Whoa, Small World
I was poking about on my college's alumni website trying to find a friend's email address, when I found out something very surprising. One of my classmates (Matt) has a company that is responsible for one of our favorite shows on PBS.
The show in question is FETCH, a delightful show that has an animated host, that just happens to be a dog, direct a group of kids through a multitude of challenges. It is one of the few shows that appeals to everybody in the family. It's funny, smart and just plain fun.
For a little clip of the show, sans kids, head on over to the Global Mechanic site.
I was never big friends with Matt, but I do remember him. that is one of the advantages of going to a small college, you really do get to know most of your classmates.
The show in question is FETCH, a delightful show that has an animated host, that just happens to be a dog, direct a group of kids through a multitude of challenges. It is one of the few shows that appeals to everybody in the family. It's funny, smart and just plain fun.
For a little clip of the show, sans kids, head on over to the Global Mechanic site.
I was never big friends with Matt, but I do remember him. that is one of the advantages of going to a small college, you really do get to know most of your classmates.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
School Days
So far school has been a big hit. They are coming home with smiles and happy to go back the next morning.
Nate is settling in his new school and likes his teacher. His only complaint is that his bus ride is too long. At a little under two hours round trip he's right about that, but there isn't much we can do short of my driving him in. At least he gets to ride with a bunch of his buddies from his old school that also made the cut for the gifted program.
Jake too is in a new school with a longer bus ride. The middle school is a bit further away and as an added bonus his school starts an hour earlier than the elementary school. So far he has been bringing home tons of forms for me to fill out. Not much learning has gone on yet. The biggest change for him is that he now goes from class to class, no longer does he have his own desk. He is okay with this except he doesn't have a locker. For whatever reason the school has not yet assigned lockers to the students. So everybody is stuck lugging around overstuffed backpacks all day long. Hopefully he'll be getting one today or tomorrow.
Max and Rebecca, meanwhile, have been having a great time riding the bus and going to school. They are in separate classes (district policy for multiples) and they both like their teachers. The most interesting bit of news is that they chose not to ride together on the bus. That tells me that I was right that they were ready to be separated at school and not to buck the district policy. They are two very different and independent personalities and are not dependent on each other.
And me? I've been enjoying the quiet.
Nate is settling in his new school and likes his teacher. His only complaint is that his bus ride is too long. At a little under two hours round trip he's right about that, but there isn't much we can do short of my driving him in. At least he gets to ride with a bunch of his buddies from his old school that also made the cut for the gifted program.
Jake too is in a new school with a longer bus ride. The middle school is a bit further away and as an added bonus his school starts an hour earlier than the elementary school. So far he has been bringing home tons of forms for me to fill out. Not much learning has gone on yet. The biggest change for him is that he now goes from class to class, no longer does he have his own desk. He is okay with this except he doesn't have a locker. For whatever reason the school has not yet assigned lockers to the students. So everybody is stuck lugging around overstuffed backpacks all day long. Hopefully he'll be getting one today or tomorrow.
Max and Rebecca, meanwhile, have been having a great time riding the bus and going to school. They are in separate classes (district policy for multiples) and they both like their teachers. The most interesting bit of news is that they chose not to ride together on the bus. That tells me that I was right that they were ready to be separated at school and not to buck the district policy. They are two very different and independent personalities and are not dependent on each other.
And me? I've been enjoying the quiet.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Artist of the Week: Pen and Ink
This week's artist is me!
I found this while we were up at my mother's house. It's a book I made as an art project in high school. The spelling is atrocious and the storyline is a bit dopey, but overall I still like what I did. I did all the calligraphy and the illustrations by hand. I can't remember which order I did them in. I think I did them at about the same time. I would write a bit, leave space for a picture and then break out the watercolors after roughly penciling it out. I don't know if now I would have the courage to do both on the same page.
My teacher, Mr. Fox was very impressed and wanted to keep it, but I couldn't bear to let it go. I think I told him I was giving to my mother and prompted squirreled it away in my room. My mother only got it when my teacher commented about during a conference. Found out, I then had to give it to her. I think I did fully intend to give it to my mother, I just forgot. Teenagers are like that.
I remember the whole process I went through, experimenting with different brush techniques to get just the effect I wanted. My favorite was the Chinese dragon.
If you click on either picture it leads to the the set for the whole book. I recommend that you start at the cover page and go through the whole set in order.
It's amazing what I can find at mother's house.
I found this while we were up at my mother's house. It's a book I made as an art project in high school. The spelling is atrocious and the storyline is a bit dopey, but overall I still like what I did. I did all the calligraphy and the illustrations by hand. I can't remember which order I did them in. I think I did them at about the same time. I would write a bit, leave space for a picture and then break out the watercolors after roughly penciling it out. I don't know if now I would have the courage to do both on the same page.
My teacher, Mr. Fox was very impressed and wanted to keep it, but I couldn't bear to let it go. I think I told him I was giving to my mother and prompted squirreled it away in my room. My mother only got it when my teacher commented about during a conference. Found out, I then had to give it to her. I think I did fully intend to give it to my mother, I just forgot. Teenagers are like that.
I remember the whole process I went through, experimenting with different brush techniques to get just the effect I wanted. My favorite was the Chinese dragon.
If you click on either picture it leads to the the set for the whole book. I recommend that you start at the cover page and go through the whole set in order.
It's amazing what I can find at mother's house.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Back to School
Well we did it.
Four kids at three different schools and three different buses.
Jake was first out, that is a picture of him walking to the bus stop with his father. Larry escorted him to the stop, about one and half blocks away and then went on an early morning bike ride. There are a fair number of kids at the stop and Jake already knows a few.
One down, three to go.
Nate's bus is next, closely followed by Max and Rebecca's. They could have all ridden the same bus, but Nate is in the gifted program and gets to bused to another school.
We got at the stop at about 8:15 and waited for the gifted bus. It should arrive at about 8:25 and then the regular bus at about 8:40.
8:30 came and went, the natives were getting restless. Maybe we missed Nate's bus.
At 8:45 Max and Rebecca's bus showed up, a bit late, but still on schedule. The driver was delighted to see the dynamic duo and was a bit surprised that Nate wasn't coming on. I asked her about the other bus and she told me that she hadn't seen the other driver, but she did see another one of Nate's fellow gifted students waiting at his stop.
So we hadn't missed the bus, it was apparently running late, very late.
I waved goodbye to Max and Rebecca and told the driver that I guess I should drive Nate in myself. If we left now he would just get there on time. She agreed and then shut the door and pulled away.
Nate and i ducked back home. I tried calling another mom about the bus, but got no answer. Nate and I got in the van and started to drive to his school. When we got about a block and half from our house (Jake's bus stop to be precise), Nate's bus pulled onto our cross street. She pulled up next to me and I said" I think I've got one of yours."
"Gifted?"
"Yup."
"Send him on in, sorry about the hour, I'm running about 15 minutes late." (note:more like 30 minutes if you ask me.)
Nate skedaddled on over and got on the bus and we were all set. He would be late, but he was on the bus and it would be much easier for him to get into his new routine.
And then I was free for the rest of the day.
All I can say is that it is very quiet around here, if you ignore the barky old dog.
Four kids at three different schools and three different buses.
Jake was first out, that is a picture of him walking to the bus stop with his father. Larry escorted him to the stop, about one and half blocks away and then went on an early morning bike ride. There are a fair number of kids at the stop and Jake already knows a few.
One down, three to go.
Nate's bus is next, closely followed by Max and Rebecca's. They could have all ridden the same bus, but Nate is in the gifted program and gets to bused to another school.
We got at the stop at about 8:15 and waited for the gifted bus. It should arrive at about 8:25 and then the regular bus at about 8:40.
8:30 came and went, the natives were getting restless. Maybe we missed Nate's bus.
At 8:45 Max and Rebecca's bus showed up, a bit late, but still on schedule. The driver was delighted to see the dynamic duo and was a bit surprised that Nate wasn't coming on. I asked her about the other bus and she told me that she hadn't seen the other driver, but she did see another one of Nate's fellow gifted students waiting at his stop.
So we hadn't missed the bus, it was apparently running late, very late.
I waved goodbye to Max and Rebecca and told the driver that I guess I should drive Nate in myself. If we left now he would just get there on time. She agreed and then shut the door and pulled away.
Nate and i ducked back home. I tried calling another mom about the bus, but got no answer. Nate and I got in the van and started to drive to his school. When we got about a block and half from our house (Jake's bus stop to be precise), Nate's bus pulled onto our cross street. She pulled up next to me and I said" I think I've got one of yours."
"Gifted?"
"Yup."
"Send him on in, sorry about the hour, I'm running about 15 minutes late." (note:more like 30 minutes if you ask me.)
Nate skedaddled on over and got on the bus and we were all set. He would be late, but he was on the bus and it would be much easier for him to get into his new routine.
And then I was free for the rest of the day.
All I can say is that it is very quiet around here, if you ignore the barky old dog.
Monday, September 03, 2007
End of Summer
Today was a quiet one. Tomorrow morning all four kids get onto their respective buses and head off to school. And thusly, for our family, summer comes to an end.
We slept in (or at least Larry and I tried to), had a long and leisurely breakfast and went to the pool for one last swim. Well, except for Larry and Max on the swimming part. Larry declined to go and Max declared the water was far too cold. So I phoned home and Larry came down and brought him home.
Tomorrow morning will be chaotic, with lunches to be made and buses to be caught. I have to stop by the school in the morning to drop off Max's enzymes and then I'm on my own.
It's been a long time since I've had the bulk of the day for myself. I'm sure I'll get all sniffly when Max and Rebecca get on the bus, but I'll survive. As one teacher once said about the first day of school "We've never lost a parent."
We slept in (or at least Larry and I tried to), had a long and leisurely breakfast and went to the pool for one last swim. Well, except for Larry and Max on the swimming part. Larry declined to go and Max declared the water was far too cold. So I phoned home and Larry came down and brought him home.
Tomorrow morning will be chaotic, with lunches to be made and buses to be caught. I have to stop by the school in the morning to drop off Max's enzymes and then I'm on my own.
It's been a long time since I've had the bulk of the day for myself. I'm sure I'll get all sniffly when Max and Rebecca get on the bus, but I'll survive. As one teacher once said about the first day of school "We've never lost a parent."
Sunday, September 02, 2007
County Fair
Yesterday was gorgeous and was the last day of the County Fair.
The County Fair takes place the end of August and is eagerly anticipated all year long. Events are marked by Rebecca on whether they are before or after the fair. Last weekend was the three H's- hot humid and hideous, so we didn't even mention that the fair had opened.
Saturday was our last chance and we completely lucked out with the weather. We showed up at lunch time and got a quick bit to eat and headed to the midway. This year we all did the bumper cars, then the boys went to the race cars while Rebecca rode the much more sedate bus. Next up was the giant slide and then we were almost out of tickets. Rebecca loves the carousel so that was next.
At the last minute Max wanted to ride as well, so I sent him in by himself. He scrambled up the horse by himself and proudly rode his steed. Larry didn't even know Max was on the ride until he saw Max get off the ride.
He has gotten to be such a big boy.
At that point we only had four tickets left, enough for one person on one ride, but the siren call of the game booths filled the kids ears. Jake noticed the ping pong ball toss for goldfish and I told him no way. I was not going home with a fish. Instead we headed over to the balloon darts.
Larry and I tried to figure out how many darts to get. All four kids wanted in, but the darts cost $2 for one, $5 for 3 and $10 for 7. The guy running the booth then offered 8 darts for $10, sold! Each kid got two darts. Jake and Nate needed no coaching, but the dynamic duo were another story. Rebecca got the idea and liked being up on the counter. Max was a bit dangerous and I was glad I was behind him. The good news was that all four managed to pop at least one balloon. None of them were winners, but they did get a small consolation toy (the policy is that every kid wins). Then it was off to the races.
The same outfit we saw last year was back and as you can see we all had fun watching the animals race around the track.
Next to the pig races was the exhibition hall. Inside all of the crafts, farm produce and baked goods entered were on display. The entry is usually small, but I like seeing the quilts and stuff. Next year I might even get organized and submit an entry in the baked goods competition. I think I would have a definite shot in winning a ribbon. The highlight for the kids was the large model train whizzing about on it's track. The wooden tressel for the bridge was particularly impressive.
It was thirsty work cheering on Hammy Hamlin and looking at trains so we got some snow cones. Or more accurately, we bought snow cones for the kids. The one thing I've learned about snow cones is that I don't need to get my own. Inevitably at least one of the kids has a few bites and declares he or she is full and wants to chuck the remaining 3/4's. Rebecca was first to bail and I got hers and Max followed soon after and Larry got his.
It was a good day to have a snow cone, even if it was leftovers.
Then it was off to the barrel train. No trip to the county fair is complete without a ride on the barrel train.
This year the train was a little different. Instead of a full fledge farm tractor pulling the train a lawn tractor was acting as the engine. It was a quieter and produced a whole lot less smoke, but I missed the big tractor.
But it was still a fun ride.
You can see Rebecca, Jake and Max on board, with Nate and Larry trailing along behind on foot. I don't know why Nate didn't ride, but that's his choice. I think he just wanted to walk along with his father.
All that was left was the children's tent and the petting zoo.
Every year the children's tent has a fake cow you can milk, a fake horse you can ride and pretend to rope a fake calf, a corn crib, a sand box, ride on tractors and a Duplo table.
The kids love it. Max and Jake spent most of their time building at the Duplo table, but they did have some fun together in the corn crib. Max happily lolled about in the corn and Jake buried him. Rebecca was in there for a bit, playing with her toy from the balloon dart game, but she had other things on her mind as you'll see below.
Nate's favorite was the tractors. He spent most of his time pedaling about under the tent.
I think he looks so handsome in this picture. It's hard to believe that my boy is starting third grade next week. He looks so much older, but he still a little boy.
Rebecca meanwhile wanted to go to the petting zoo, so I obliged her.
The set up was different this year. Previous years there was a large central area filled with goats, sheep, llamas and a donkey or two that you could enter to feed the animals and actually mix about with them. This year we were cordoned off from the animals. You could still feed and pet them, you just couldn't be in their enclosure.
This was an improvement, I learned that it was best not to have food on you in the large enclosure. The goats mobbed anybody who had food. A scary situation when you have small children in tow. It was probably also better for the animals. If they did not want to be petted they could easily move away to the other side of the pen.
Of course the best part for Rebecca was the pony ride. The ring was between the children's tent and the petting zoo. I was able to get this photo as she passed by me while I was with her brothers in the children's tent.
I don't think she could be any happier.
WE all had a good time and the kid's are back to counting down the days until next year's fair.
The County Fair takes place the end of August and is eagerly anticipated all year long. Events are marked by Rebecca on whether they are before or after the fair. Last weekend was the three H's- hot humid and hideous, so we didn't even mention that the fair had opened.
Saturday was our last chance and we completely lucked out with the weather. We showed up at lunch time and got a quick bit to eat and headed to the midway. This year we all did the bumper cars, then the boys went to the race cars while Rebecca rode the much more sedate bus. Next up was the giant slide and then we were almost out of tickets. Rebecca loves the carousel so that was next.
At the last minute Max wanted to ride as well, so I sent him in by himself. He scrambled up the horse by himself and proudly rode his steed. Larry didn't even know Max was on the ride until he saw Max get off the ride.
He has gotten to be such a big boy.
At that point we only had four tickets left, enough for one person on one ride, but the siren call of the game booths filled the kids ears. Jake noticed the ping pong ball toss for goldfish and I told him no way. I was not going home with a fish. Instead we headed over to the balloon darts.
Larry and I tried to figure out how many darts to get. All four kids wanted in, but the darts cost $2 for one, $5 for 3 and $10 for 7. The guy running the booth then offered 8 darts for $10, sold! Each kid got two darts. Jake and Nate needed no coaching, but the dynamic duo were another story. Rebecca got the idea and liked being up on the counter. Max was a bit dangerous and I was glad I was behind him. The good news was that all four managed to pop at least one balloon. None of them were winners, but they did get a small consolation toy (the policy is that every kid wins). Then it was off to the races.
The same outfit we saw last year was back and as you can see we all had fun watching the animals race around the track.
Next to the pig races was the exhibition hall. Inside all of the crafts, farm produce and baked goods entered were on display. The entry is usually small, but I like seeing the quilts and stuff. Next year I might even get organized and submit an entry in the baked goods competition. I think I would have a definite shot in winning a ribbon. The highlight for the kids was the large model train whizzing about on it's track. The wooden tressel for the bridge was particularly impressive.
It was thirsty work cheering on Hammy Hamlin and looking at trains so we got some snow cones. Or more accurately, we bought snow cones for the kids. The one thing I've learned about snow cones is that I don't need to get my own. Inevitably at least one of the kids has a few bites and declares he or she is full and wants to chuck the remaining 3/4's. Rebecca was first to bail and I got hers and Max followed soon after and Larry got his.
It was a good day to have a snow cone, even if it was leftovers.
Then it was off to the barrel train. No trip to the county fair is complete without a ride on the barrel train.
This year the train was a little different. Instead of a full fledge farm tractor pulling the train a lawn tractor was acting as the engine. It was a quieter and produced a whole lot less smoke, but I missed the big tractor.
But it was still a fun ride.
You can see Rebecca, Jake and Max on board, with Nate and Larry trailing along behind on foot. I don't know why Nate didn't ride, but that's his choice. I think he just wanted to walk along with his father.
All that was left was the children's tent and the petting zoo.
Every year the children's tent has a fake cow you can milk, a fake horse you can ride and pretend to rope a fake calf, a corn crib, a sand box, ride on tractors and a Duplo table.
The kids love it. Max and Jake spent most of their time building at the Duplo table, but they did have some fun together in the corn crib. Max happily lolled about in the corn and Jake buried him. Rebecca was in there for a bit, playing with her toy from the balloon dart game, but she had other things on her mind as you'll see below.
Nate's favorite was the tractors. He spent most of his time pedaling about under the tent.
I think he looks so handsome in this picture. It's hard to believe that my boy is starting third grade next week. He looks so much older, but he still a little boy.
Rebecca meanwhile wanted to go to the petting zoo, so I obliged her.
The set up was different this year. Previous years there was a large central area filled with goats, sheep, llamas and a donkey or two that you could enter to feed the animals and actually mix about with them. This year we were cordoned off from the animals. You could still feed and pet them, you just couldn't be in their enclosure.
This was an improvement, I learned that it was best not to have food on you in the large enclosure. The goats mobbed anybody who had food. A scary situation when you have small children in tow. It was probably also better for the animals. If they did not want to be petted they could easily move away to the other side of the pen.
Of course the best part for Rebecca was the pony ride. The ring was between the children's tent and the petting zoo. I was able to get this photo as she passed by me while I was with her brothers in the children's tent.
I don't think she could be any happier.
WE all had a good time and the kid's are back to counting down the days until next year's fair.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Key Lime Pie
Jake loves all things key lime pie, but had never tasted one until today.
His love affair started with some key lime flavored yogurt I had picked up a while ago. He asked to try it and it was love at first spoonful. When went on vacation we stopped at a local ice cream shack he tried some key lime pie ice cream. Jake announced that it was the best flavor he had ever had.
Then I brought home a book from the library, Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke. Jake immediately noticed that it was mystery book with recipes. His first question to me about the book was "Does it tell you how to make key lime pie?"
Why yes it does and to make my eldest happy I decided to give it a shot. Before I returned the book I copied down the recipe, then it was off to go find key limes. Jake had noticed them at our local Walmart a few weeks ago and they still had some in stock.
The limes are tiny little things and wasn't sure how juicy they would be. My guess was that one little bag would suffice, but to be safe (and at two bucks a bag, it was no big deal) I grabbed a second bag. It turned out my gut instinct was right, but we don't mind having the extra limes.
Anyway here is an abridged version of the recipe:
The Crust:
The Meringue
Except for juicing the wee little limes, the pie was a snap to make. Larry, Jake and I thought the pie was terrific. Max only liked the meringue, he quickly peeled it off and ate it. Nate and Rebecca did not care for the pie and ended up with something else for dessert.
This one is definitely a keeper, next time I'll try a short bread cookie crust.
Oh and I have to warn you, the pie's filling is not green, instead it is a golden tan color. The only time the filling is green is when food coloring is added.
His love affair started with some key lime flavored yogurt I had picked up a while ago. He asked to try it and it was love at first spoonful. When went on vacation we stopped at a local ice cream shack he tried some key lime pie ice cream. Jake announced that it was the best flavor he had ever had.
Then I brought home a book from the library, Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke. Jake immediately noticed that it was mystery book with recipes. His first question to me about the book was "Does it tell you how to make key lime pie?"
Why yes it does and to make my eldest happy I decided to give it a shot. Before I returned the book I copied down the recipe, then it was off to go find key limes. Jake had noticed them at our local Walmart a few weeks ago and they still had some in stock.
The limes are tiny little things and wasn't sure how juicy they would be. My guess was that one little bag would suffice, but to be safe (and at two bucks a bag, it was no big deal) I grabbed a second bag. It turned out my gut instinct was right, but we don't mind having the extra limes.
Anyway here is an abridged version of the recipe:
The Crust:
Any graham or cookie crumb crust will do. I debated between graham and shortbread. In the end I used my basic graham cracker crust.The filling:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
Mix together in the pie plate then press to the mixture into the bottom and sides to form the crust. Place in the fridge to set the crust.
5 eggs* That worked out to be 15 limes. If key limes can not be found, frozen key lime juice or regular limes will do in a pinch.
14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (do not use lime zest. It's far too bitter)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup lime juice*
1/4 sugar
Add one egg into a medium sized mixing bowl. Separate the remaining four eggs, reserve the whites in another bowl at room temperature. Whisk the 4 yolks into the egg in the first bowl. Stir in the can of sweetened condensed into the whisked yolks and egg. Add lemon zest and sour cream to the mixture and set the bowl aside. Pour the key lime juice into a small bowl and then add the sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Now add the sugar key lime juice to the egg mixture and whisk. Pour the filling into the crust and bake at 325 F for 20 minutes. Once the 20 minutes are up, remove the pie from the oven and set it on a rack to wait for the meringue. Do not turn the oven off! Instead turn it up to 350 F.
The Meringue
4 egg whites reserved from above
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
a pinch of salt
1/3 cup sugar
Add the cream of tartar and salt to the egg whites and mix in. Beat the whites at high until soft peaks are formed. While still beating, slowly add the sugar. Then continue until firm peaks are formed. One way to check the meringue is to stop mixing and tip the bowl. If the meringue stays in place and not slide down the sides of the bowl. Spread the meringue over the filling and bake the pie at 350 f for 12 minutes. Chill the pie before slicing.
Except for juicing the wee little limes, the pie was a snap to make. Larry, Jake and I thought the pie was terrific. Max only liked the meringue, he quickly peeled it off and ate it. Nate and Rebecca did not care for the pie and ended up with something else for dessert.
This one is definitely a keeper, next time I'll try a short bread cookie crust.
Oh and I have to warn you, the pie's filling is not green, instead it is a golden tan color. The only time the filling is green is when food coloring is added.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Artist of the Week: Cartooning
This week's artist is Jake. For once he was more than happy to pose for a picture. Normally he is a bit camera shy or, at the very least, impatient and not willing to humor repeated shots. When I told him it was for AOW he perked up and ran to get his art.
The art in question is actually a two for one deal. Last week he took a cartooning class up in Richmond at the Visual Arts Center. It was the same class I had forgotten about at the beginning of summer, but luckily was able to reschedule. In the class they learned about a little of the history of cartooning, various cheats and made both a strip and a comic. It ran for a full week and lasted three hours a day.
First up is his comic strip. He accidentally wrote it right to left, but it is not a big deal. As his instructor pointed out it is Japanese or "Manga" format (scroll down the Wiki entry to format). Traditionally Japanese comics are written from top to bottom, right to left. When Jake pointed out his strip's little quirk I observed that you could also call it Hebrew style since Hebrew is also read right to left. Anyway, direction aside, he hasn't quite finished the strip. It isn't fully inked and still needs a little tweaking, but never the less it is still fun.
Next up is his little comic book. If you click through on the picture it will direct you to the picture's page where you can then go on to the set. I have the whole book posted in order. You really should click it to get the full story, I think he did a great job.
The comic is a finished product and was made from one sheet of paper (Jake is holding it against his chest in the first photo for this post). He was able to make a photocopy and plans to make additional books to finish the story line. I'm going to try and push him just a smidgen to do the next issue, I would like to see the rest of the story. Knowing Jake, he has the storyline all mapped out in his head, he just needs a little push to write it all down.
Maybe if I tell him it would be another AOW feature that would be all the carrot he needs.
The art in question is actually a two for one deal. Last week he took a cartooning class up in Richmond at the Visual Arts Center. It was the same class I had forgotten about at the beginning of summer, but luckily was able to reschedule. In the class they learned about a little of the history of cartooning, various cheats and made both a strip and a comic. It ran for a full week and lasted three hours a day.
First up is his comic strip. He accidentally wrote it right to left, but it is not a big deal. As his instructor pointed out it is Japanese or "Manga" format (scroll down the Wiki entry to format). Traditionally Japanese comics are written from top to bottom, right to left. When Jake pointed out his strip's little quirk I observed that you could also call it Hebrew style since Hebrew is also read right to left. Anyway, direction aside, he hasn't quite finished the strip. It isn't fully inked and still needs a little tweaking, but never the less it is still fun.
Next up is his little comic book. If you click through on the picture it will direct you to the picture's page where you can then go on to the set. I have the whole book posted in order. You really should click it to get the full story, I think he did a great job.
The comic is a finished product and was made from one sheet of paper (Jake is holding it against his chest in the first photo for this post). He was able to make a photocopy and plans to make additional books to finish the story line. I'm going to try and push him just a smidgen to do the next issue, I would like to see the rest of the story. Knowing Jake, he has the storyline all mapped out in his head, he just needs a little push to write it all down.
Maybe if I tell him it would be another AOW feature that would be all the carrot he needs.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Hanging Out
It's been a busy day and it's late, so Artist of the Week has been deferred to tomorrow/Thursday.
In the meantime, feel free to hang out with Nate and Max. I took this photo of them down by the James River last week.
In the meantime, feel free to hang out with Nate and Max. I took this photo of them down by the James River last week.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Big Doings
Big things are happening this week. We've been checking out orthodontists for the boys and getting ready for school.
Last weekend I finally divvied up all the school supplies that have been on our dining room table for the past month into four grocery bags.
And here the bags are on the floor in the dining room with the corresponding back pack in front. From left to right we have Rebecca, Max, Nate and Jake. I'm not quite done with Rebecca's backpack, it used to be Jake's. He had it in kindergarten and first grade and it held up very well. All I needed to do was cover up his initials and "girl" it up a bit. We got the butterfly to cover up Jake's monogram and that is all set. Next up are the flower appliques that Rebecca picked out. It'll get done in time, I have until Tuesday.
The fabric swatches spilling out of Max and Rebecca's bags are rest mats. We have full day kindergarten and for an hour each day there is a rest period. The dynamic duo outgrew naps a couple years ago, but quite a few kids need this down time. Technically the mats should be towels, but I made them for Jake and Nate so, dang it, Max and Rebecca will get home made ones as well. Max's is Nate's old mat and he is thrilled to have it and Nate was wiling to let it go. Rebecca got to pick out the fabrics for her mat and I just finished making it tonight.
Tomorrow is kindergarten orientation and Max and Rebecca will get to meet their teachers and we'll drop off their school supplies. I'm not sure how the timing will work out since Larry can't come, but I will be sure to meet both of their teachers. Thursday is Nate's meet and greet and Jake gets to do a walk through at the middle school on Friday.
Big doings are going on around here.
Last weekend I finally divvied up all the school supplies that have been on our dining room table for the past month into four grocery bags.
And here the bags are on the floor in the dining room with the corresponding back pack in front. From left to right we have Rebecca, Max, Nate and Jake. I'm not quite done with Rebecca's backpack, it used to be Jake's. He had it in kindergarten and first grade and it held up very well. All I needed to do was cover up his initials and "girl" it up a bit. We got the butterfly to cover up Jake's monogram and that is all set. Next up are the flower appliques that Rebecca picked out. It'll get done in time, I have until Tuesday.
The fabric swatches spilling out of Max and Rebecca's bags are rest mats. We have full day kindergarten and for an hour each day there is a rest period. The dynamic duo outgrew naps a couple years ago, but quite a few kids need this down time. Technically the mats should be towels, but I made them for Jake and Nate so, dang it, Max and Rebecca will get home made ones as well. Max's is Nate's old mat and he is thrilled to have it and Nate was wiling to let it go. Rebecca got to pick out the fabrics for her mat and I just finished making it tonight.
Tomorrow is kindergarten orientation and Max and Rebecca will get to meet their teachers and we'll drop off their school supplies. I'm not sure how the timing will work out since Larry can't come, but I will be sure to meet both of their teachers. Thursday is Nate's meet and greet and Jake gets to do a walk through at the middle school on Friday.
Big doings are going on around here.
Monday, August 27, 2007
What a Guy
As summer draws to a close and the start of school is just around the corner, soccer season begins. All four of our crew are signed up this fall. The boys were a no brainer, but Rebecca was a bit of a surprise. She flat out refused to play last year and Larry had to give her credit for her firm stance.
But after six months on the sidelines she was ready to give it another try.
So we dutifully signed everybody up a few months ago and Larry volunteered to coach Max and Rebecca's U6 team.
Our soccer club has a few paid coaches for the travel teams but on the recreational level all of the coaching is done by volunteers. Larry has been a good sport an has been a head coach or the very least assistant for quite some time.
Practice was supposed to start last week, but the club didn't even send out rosters until last weekend and it was only some of the teams. The club then sent out an impassioned plea for more coaches. There are four U12 teams, but only two coaches. They needed a few more volunteers.
Larry is such a nice guy he volunteered to take on one of the U12 teams in addition to the U6 team he already had.
Nate, of course, is very jealous that he doesn't have his father for a coach, but two teams is the limit.
So starting tomorrow we'll be spending a whole lotta time out on the field.
But after six months on the sidelines she was ready to give it another try.
So we dutifully signed everybody up a few months ago and Larry volunteered to coach Max and Rebecca's U6 team.
Our soccer club has a few paid coaches for the travel teams but on the recreational level all of the coaching is done by volunteers. Larry has been a good sport an has been a head coach or the very least assistant for quite some time.
Practice was supposed to start last week, but the club didn't even send out rosters until last weekend and it was only some of the teams. The club then sent out an impassioned plea for more coaches. There are four U12 teams, but only two coaches. They needed a few more volunteers.
Larry is such a nice guy he volunteered to take on one of the U12 teams in addition to the U6 team he already had.
Nate, of course, is very jealous that he doesn't have his father for a coach, but two teams is the limit.
So starting tomorrow we'll be spending a whole lotta time out on the field.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Adventures in Fredericksburg
As y'all probably guessed we went on vacation. Part of the deal when we go away is that the dogs are kenneled. We found a nice kennel that is small with a staff that really loves dogs. The red boys love going and it's not a big deal.
Except... this time.
For whatever reason Crunch didn't get his bordetella vaccination the last time he went in for his shots last June. I realized this 6 days before the dogs were due to be dropped off at the kennel. And there's the rub, the kennel requires at all dogs being bordered must be fully vaccinated at least one week before hand. The earliest I could get Crunch in for his shot was three days before he was to be dropped off.
Unfortunately bringing Crunch along wasn't an option. Our trip involved stays at three places, my in-laws' condo (pet free), my cousin's (numerous standard poodles) and my Mom's (one dachshund). There was also a ballgame at the Shea stadium. They would all let us bring (except Shea), but it would be hard on the old guy. He'll be 15 the end of next month and this particular trip would be a bit much.
Luckily I have an ace in the hole. Crunch's breeder, a fear friend of mine, lives in Culpepper, Va. One quick phone call later, Crunch was all set, they would be happy to take him. So the weekend before we left Mr. Crunch got driven up to Fredericksburg. Diane met me at Costco and we were all set.
Last Sunday we got home, but it wasn't until Tuesday that we could get Crunch home. Once again I drove up to Freddysburg and met Diane at the train station (she was picking up her daughter there). While we waited we walked to the visitor's center to us the public restrooms and got a little surprise.
We saw a bus/trolley parked on the side that was used for tours of the historic district, but that was not the surprise. As we walked by I noticed that the trolley had the name Rebecca written on the front. So of course I had to take a picture of the two Rebeccas together.
I think we need to go up again and maybe do a little site seeing with Rebecca.
Except... this time.
For whatever reason Crunch didn't get his bordetella vaccination the last time he went in for his shots last June. I realized this 6 days before the dogs were due to be dropped off at the kennel. And there's the rub, the kennel requires at all dogs being bordered must be fully vaccinated at least one week before hand. The earliest I could get Crunch in for his shot was three days before he was to be dropped off.
Unfortunately bringing Crunch along wasn't an option. Our trip involved stays at three places, my in-laws' condo (pet free), my cousin's (numerous standard poodles) and my Mom's (one dachshund). There was also a ballgame at the Shea stadium. They would all let us bring (except Shea), but it would be hard on the old guy. He'll be 15 the end of next month and this particular trip would be a bit much.
Luckily I have an ace in the hole. Crunch's breeder, a fear friend of mine, lives in Culpepper, Va. One quick phone call later, Crunch was all set, they would be happy to take him. So the weekend before we left Mr. Crunch got driven up to Fredericksburg. Diane met me at Costco and we were all set.
Last Sunday we got home, but it wasn't until Tuesday that we could get Crunch home. Once again I drove up to Freddysburg and met Diane at the train station (she was picking up her daughter there). While we waited we walked to the visitor's center to us the public restrooms and got a little surprise.
We saw a bus/trolley parked on the side that was used for tours of the historic district, but that was not the surprise. As we walked by I noticed that the trolley had the name Rebecca written on the front. So of course I had to take a picture of the two Rebeccas together.
I think we need to go up again and maybe do a little site seeing with Rebecca.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Best Spam Ever!
Everybody gets spam and we all know about the Nigerian 419 scam.
Yesterday I accidentally opened one and found the best ploy yet.
Well they got the name right, but that’s not his email.
Honestly, I think the FBI couldn’t give two beans about my health and already I can tell this was written by a non-native English speaker.
Really? That’s news to me.
All right! We’ve got the FBI stamp of approval! But...the FBI website notes that this is the latest permutation of the 419 scam and once again it’s clearly English as a second language.
Oh no evil scammers are messing this up.
Nice touch, someone else is trying to impersonate me and get my money.
Dear citizens? Sounds a lot like North Korea’s Dear Leader.
Well that’s nice. They are looking out for my best interests and warning me to stay away from all the other Nigerian scams.
More English as a second language, just what I would expect from the FBI. Mr. Mueller was born in NYC and grew up around Philly, but apparently he can not write grammatically correct English.
Hurry! Act now before time is up. I feel like I’m watching a late night infomercial.
Sorry dudes, I’m not falling for this. Instead, I’ll forward this baby to the real FBI.
Yesterday I accidentally opened one and found the best ploy yet.
ROBERT MUELLER III
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FBI
EMAIL:info@fedbureauofinvestigations.org
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION FBI.WASHINGTON DC.
Well they got the name right, but that’s not his email.
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION SEEKING TO WIRETAP THE INTERNET
We believe that this notification meets you in a very good present
state of mind and health.
Honestly, I think the FBI couldn’t give two beans about my health and already I can tell this was written by a non-native English speaker.
We the Federal bureau of investigation (FBI)
Washington, DC in conjunction with some other relevant Investigation
Agencies here in the United states of America have recently been informed
through our Global intelligence monitoring network that you presently
have a transaction going on with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as
regards to your over-due contract payment which was fully endorsed in
your favour accordingly.
Really? That’s news to me.
It might interest you to know that we have taken out time in screening
through this project as stipulated on our protocol of operation and
have finally confirmed that your contract payment is 100% genuine and
hitch free from all facet and of which you have the lawful right to
claim your fund without any further delay.Having said all this, we will
further advise that you go ahead in dealing with the Central Bank office
accordingly as we will be monitoring all their services with you as
well as your correspondence at all level.
All right! We’ve got the FBI stamp of approval! But...the FBI website notes that this is the latest permutation of the 419 scam and once again it’s clearly English as a second language.
In addendum, also be informed that we recently had a meeting with the
Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, in the person of
Prof. Chukwuma Soludo along with some of the top officials of the Ministry
regarding your case and they made us to understand that your file has
been held in abase depending on when you personally come for the claim.
They also told us that the only problem they are facing right now is
that some unscrupulous element are using this project as an avenue to
scam innocent people off their hard earned money by impersonating the
Executive Governor and the Central Bank office.
Oh no evil scammers are messing this up.
We were also made to understand that a lady with name Mrs. Joan C.
Bailey from OHIO has already contacted them and also presented to them all
the necessary documentations evidencing your claim purported to have
been signed personally by you prior to the release of your contract fund
valued at about US$8,000,000.00 (Eight million united states dollars),
but the Central Bank office did the wise thing by insisting on hearing
from you personally before the go ahead on wiring your fund to the
Bank
informations which was forwarded to them by the above named Lady so
that was the main reason why they contacted us so as to assist them in
making the investigations.
Nice touch, someone else is trying to impersonate me and get my money.
They further informed us that we should warn our dear citizens who must
have been informed of the contract payment which was awarded to them
from the Central Bank of Nigeria, to be very careful prior to this
irregularities so that they don't fall victim to this ugly circumstance.
Dear citizens? Sounds a lot like North Korea’s Dear Leader.
And should incase you are already dealing with anybody or office claiming
to be from the Central Bank of Nigeria, you are further advised to STOP
further contact with them in your best interest and then contact
immediately the real office of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) only
withthe below informations accordingly:
NAME: PROF. CHUKWUMA SOLUDO
OFFICE ADDRESS: Central Bank of Nigeria,
Central Business District,
Cadastral Zone, Abuja,
Federal Capital Territory,
Nigeria.
TEL: +234-808-089-7326
Email: admin@centralbankpaymentdepartment.com
NOTE:
In your best interest, any message that doesn't come from the above
official email address and phone numbers should not be replied to and
should be disregarded accordingly for security reasons. Meanwhile, we will
advise that you contact the Central Bank office immediately with the
above email address and request that they attend to you payment file as directed so as to enable you receive your contract fund accordingly.
Well that’s nice. They are looking out for my best interests and warning me to stay away from all the other Nigerian scams.
Ensure you follow all their procedure as may be required by them as
that will further help hasten up the whole procedures as regards to the
transfer of your fund to you as designated. Also have in mind that the
Central Bank of Nigeria equally have their own protocol of operation
as stipulated on their banking terms, so delay could be very dangerous.
Once again, we will advise that you contact them with the above email
address and make sure you forward to them all the necessary
informations which they may require from you prior to the release of your fund to
you accordingly.
More English as a second language, just what I would expect from the FBI. Mr. Mueller was born in NYC and grew up around Philly, but apparently he can not write grammatically correct English.
All modalities has already been worked out even before you were
contacted and note that we will be monitoring all your dealings with them as
you proceed so you don't have anything to worry about. All we require
from you henceforth is an update so as to enable us be on track with you
and the Central Bank of Nigeria. Without wasting much time, will want
you to contact them immediately with the above email address so as to
enable them attend to your case accordingly without any further delay as
time is already running out.
Hurry! Act now before time is up. I feel like I’m watching a late night infomercial.
Should in case you need any more informations in regards to this
notification, feel free to get back to us so that we can brief you more as we
are here to guide you during and after this project has been
completely perfected and you have received your contract fund as stated.Thank
you very much for your anticipated co-operation in advance as we
earnestly await your urgent response to this matter.
BEST REGARDS
ROBERT SWAN MUELLER III
WASHINGTON D.C ROOM,7367
J. EDGAR HOOVER FBI BUILDING
935 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE,
NW WASHINGTON, DC 20535,USA.
EMAIL: info@fedbureauofinvestigations.org
Sorry dudes, I’m not falling for this. Instead, I’ll forward this baby to the real FBI.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Lunch Time
Saw this over at The Llamas and I thought I'd give it a go.
Turns out I'm one of my favorite sandwiches, all it needs is a nice slice of tomato tucked inside.
I wouldn't call a ham sandwich my *mortal enemy*, but it is oddly appropriate considering I'm Jewish.
Turns out I'm one of my favorite sandwiches, all it needs is a nice slice of tomato tucked inside.
| You Are a Grilled Cheese Sandwich |
 You are a traditional person with very simple tastes. In your opinion, the best things in life are free, easy, and fun. You totally go with the flow. And you enjoy every minute of it! Your best friend: The Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Your mortal enemy: The Ham Sandwich |
I wouldn't call a ham sandwich my *mortal enemy*, but it is oddly appropriate considering I'm Jewish.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Artist of the Week: Toys
My mother, Nana to he kids, has a real knack for picking out toys. She keeps her eyes open and finds them in all sorts of places.
We just saw her last week and her surprise for the kids were bubble wands. And just your ordinary ones, but monster bubble wands.
She was once again, spot on.
She bought two wands and we decided that one would stay with her and the second one would come home with us.
Today we broke out the second wand. Meryl had stopped by and the kids wanted to show it off.
The beauty of this particular wand is that anybody can use it to good effect. Jake and Nate had a great time making, capturing and breaking bubbles. Max and Rebecca were able to make some monstrous bubbles all by themselves. All I did was hold onto the reservoir, a long sheath that you stick the wand in. It can't stand alone, but it is far better than a big pan of bubble solution.
I love the bubble wall Max was able to make with almost no effort. I have tried other monster bubble wands, but none were as easy to use as this one.
Thank you Nana for once again finding a great toy.
We are all having great fun with it.
We just saw her last week and her surprise for the kids were bubble wands. And just your ordinary ones, but monster bubble wands.
She was once again, spot on.
She bought two wands and we decided that one would stay with her and the second one would come home with us.
Today we broke out the second wand. Meryl had stopped by and the kids wanted to show it off.
The beauty of this particular wand is that anybody can use it to good effect. Jake and Nate had a great time making, capturing and breaking bubbles. Max and Rebecca were able to make some monstrous bubbles all by themselves. All I did was hold onto the reservoir, a long sheath that you stick the wand in. It can't stand alone, but it is far better than a big pan of bubble solution.
I love the bubble wall Max was able to make with almost no effort. I have tried other monster bubble wands, but none were as easy to use as this one.
Thank you Nana for once again finding a great toy.
We are all having great fun with it.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Slacker
It's summertime and it's time to kick back. Mind you I've still got my endless mom duties, but posting will be a bit irregular this week.
I've decided to cut back my online time this week and be a bit more like this fellow, blinking in the sun and just enjoying the moment.
I do recommend that y'all go over to Terry's and check him out before he closes shop. Rumor has it that this is his last week.
See ya later!
I've decided to cut back my online time this week and be a bit more like this fellow, blinking in the sun and just enjoying the moment.
I do recommend that y'all go over to Terry's and check him out before he closes shop. Rumor has it that this is his last week.
See ya later!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Thursday Three: End of an Era
Summer,at least for the younger members of the possum clan who got to go back to school this week, is over and the great Axis of Weevil Thursday Three springs to life.
Well maybe not springs, lurches forward for one last dying gasp is a little closer to the truth, because... Terry has up an gone and gotten a job that will actually make him work while at work. So without further ado
Hey I got plenty of singing today and I even saw a Nun in her habit, but this isn't about me. Well only the bits here are, otherwise it's all about Terry.
1)Favorite post, gee I didn't expect a test. I'm all ready pushing midnight so I'll cop out and say the ones about meeting and courting Reba, the bizarro soon to be ex-co-workers and the always exciting weekend wrap ups.
2)I'll miss the wonderful active community in the comments. I'm so glad I decided to join in.
3)My final words would be to Possumblog are It has been great while it lasted, I hope that Terry doesn't entirely let it die and you can never go wrong with ponies and ice cream.
And for the exciting bonus question, the bits about American Idol. My family doesn't watch it and we have no interest in it.
I don't know what I'll do on Thursday's now or who I'll get to photoshop.
So in honor of of the end of an era I'll end with a final photoshop of Terry. It's not the Sound of Music, but the outfit comes close.
Well maybe not springs, lurches forward for one last dying gasp is a little closer to the truth, because... Terry has up an gone and gotten a job that will actually make him work while at work. So without further ado
It's....
"The Von Trapp Family Singing 'So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Good Night'" Version of the Axis of Weevil Thursday Three!
Except without the Nazis. Or singing. Or nuns. Okay, it's not at all like anything in the movie. SO SUE ME!! (Not really.)
Anyway, as you all know, The Axis of Weevil Thursday Three has been one of the more popular recurring features of Possumblog over the years, dating back to April 8, 2004. It has been on summer hiatus to allow it to be properly aired-out and disinfected, but when we sent it out, we had no idea that we'd be making our big exit before resuming production for the Exciting New Fall Season.
SO, in the spirit of the times, and to cap off the most drawn-out, insufferably melodramatic blogdeath sequences ever recorded, we herewith assault you one last time with The Completely Self-Centered Good-bye Edition of the Axis of Weevil Thursday Three! Since the original idea was posited by none other than Jim Smith, PhD, he has graciously written out the final question set for us.
As has always been both rule and custom, anyone may play along by either leaving a comment below, or by leaving a link to the answers on your own blog. Answer us now these things:
1. What was your favorite Possumblog post over the years? (With archive link, please, if you can find it.)
2. What will you miss most about Possumblog?
3. Do you have any final words? (And it better not be "Rosebud"!)
And, the exciting bonus question!
4. What will you not miss at all about Possumblog?
Hey I got plenty of singing today and I even saw a Nun in her habit, but this isn't about me. Well only the bits here are, otherwise it's all about Terry.
1)Favorite post, gee I didn't expect a test. I'm all ready pushing midnight so I'll cop out and say the ones about meeting and courting Reba, the bizarro soon to be ex-co-workers and the always exciting weekend wrap ups.
2)I'll miss the wonderful active community in the comments. I'm so glad I decided to join in.
3)My final words would be to Possumblog are It has been great while it lasted, I hope that Terry doesn't entirely let it die and you can never go wrong with ponies and ice cream.
And for the exciting bonus question, the bits about American Idol. My family doesn't watch it and we have no interest in it.
I don't know what I'll do on Thursday's now or who I'll get to photoshop.
So in honor of of the end of an era I'll end with a final photoshop of Terry. It's not the Sound of Music, but the outfit comes close.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Artist of the Week: Photography
This week's artist is Larry's sister Abby. Since the most recent photo I have of her either has one of my kids in the way or is a few years out of date I decided to go whole hog and post this cute snapshot from her toddler years. She is utterle adorable and her being at the beach fits in with the theme of the pictures she took.
Afew days ago Abby sent us a few pictures she had taken a couple of years ago when we went to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. The reason that she was sending them now was that she had just taken a photography course and these were a few of the pictures she used for her final project.
The two I'm posting her are both of Nate. He was in that sweet chubby cheek phase. He is so happy to be on the beach running around and getting covered in sand and mud. He loved going down to the beach every day. He would be bouncing around the house as we got ready to head on down. I love that little gap tooth smile of his.
I think the second picture was taken at twilight. I'm basing this guess on the almost molten quality of the light reflected in the tide pool. After dinner we would head back to the beach for a stoll and a quiet splash in the tide pools. The beach was never very crowded during the day and was even less so at the days end.
I think this was my favorite time of day at the beach. I love the beach during a hot summer day, but I think it is even better during the off times. Then it can be quiet, almost secluded. Summer is best for splashing in the waves, but the rest of the year has its own appeal as well.
Afew days ago Abby sent us a few pictures she had taken a couple of years ago when we went to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. The reason that she was sending them now was that she had just taken a photography course and these were a few of the pictures she used for her final project.
The two I'm posting her are both of Nate. He was in that sweet chubby cheek phase. He is so happy to be on the beach running around and getting covered in sand and mud. He loved going down to the beach every day. He would be bouncing around the house as we got ready to head on down. I love that little gap tooth smile of his.
I think the second picture was taken at twilight. I'm basing this guess on the almost molten quality of the light reflected in the tide pool. After dinner we would head back to the beach for a stoll and a quiet splash in the tide pools. The beach was never very crowded during the day and was even less so at the days end.
I think this was my favorite time of day at the beach. I love the beach during a hot summer day, but I think it is even better during the off times. Then it can be quiet, almost secluded. Summer is best for splashing in the waves, but the rest of the year has its own appeal as well.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
It's Too Hot
Today was dreadful.
Summer has hit Virginia with full force today. The pool is starting to feel like a giant bathtub and sweat pours off your all ready sticky body from the high humidity.
So of course I had a ton of errands to do today, the dump, the bank, the post office and the oil change place for the van.
The dump wasn't too bad, it was largely deserted and I was able to tip out my garbage in short order. The bank and the PO were also a snap, at 4:30 pm both places were empty. I guess more sensible people were staying home to escape the heat. All that was left was getting the van's oil changed.
I pulled up to the Jiffy Lube and was able to get my van straight into one of the bays. I noticed a man loitering near the garage, but thought nothing of him. That is until I entered the waiting room. Apparently the air conditioning was out. The heat hit me like brick. It was stifling inside the building. I then understood why the guy was outside. It was much nicer in the garage than in the waiting room.
After a few minutes one of the techs called me over and we discussed my service options. He recommended a fuel filter change (which I declined, I had just down that a few months ago elsewhere) and a transmission flush (which struck me as a good idea since it has been awhile) along with the oil change. The whole thing would take about a half hour.
Gee 30 minutes with two five year olds in the sweat box waiting room, that sounds just peachy. Then I remembered the Dairy Queen just next door. We could have a nice frozen treat in air conditioned comfort with a direct view of the van. Now that was an option. I told the tech where we would be and then hustled off for ice cream.
Max, Rebecca and i settled down at the window opposite the van and enjoyed our ice cream. Just as I finished my cone I saw the van pulling out of the service bay. There is no way that was half an hour. We walked back to the van and into the sweat bax. a moment later the tech came in so that we could pay up. I said that was fast and he replied that they couldn't do the transmission flush and kid of spend things up. I'll say.
Anyhow, that was fine with me, I could do it later. It wasn't that critical.
Maybe on a day when the ac works.
Summer has hit Virginia with full force today. The pool is starting to feel like a giant bathtub and sweat pours off your all ready sticky body from the high humidity.
So of course I had a ton of errands to do today, the dump, the bank, the post office and the oil change place for the van.
The dump wasn't too bad, it was largely deserted and I was able to tip out my garbage in short order. The bank and the PO were also a snap, at 4:30 pm both places were empty. I guess more sensible people were staying home to escape the heat. All that was left was getting the van's oil changed.
I pulled up to the Jiffy Lube and was able to get my van straight into one of the bays. I noticed a man loitering near the garage, but thought nothing of him. That is until I entered the waiting room. Apparently the air conditioning was out. The heat hit me like brick. It was stifling inside the building. I then understood why the guy was outside. It was much nicer in the garage than in the waiting room.
After a few minutes one of the techs called me over and we discussed my service options. He recommended a fuel filter change (which I declined, I had just down that a few months ago elsewhere) and a transmission flush (which struck me as a good idea since it has been awhile) along with the oil change. The whole thing would take about a half hour.
Gee 30 minutes with two five year olds in the sweat box waiting room, that sounds just peachy. Then I remembered the Dairy Queen just next door. We could have a nice frozen treat in air conditioned comfort with a direct view of the van. Now that was an option. I told the tech where we would be and then hustled off for ice cream.
Max, Rebecca and i settled down at the window opposite the van and enjoyed our ice cream. Just as I finished my cone I saw the van pulling out of the service bay. There is no way that was half an hour. We walked back to the van and into the sweat bax. a moment later the tech came in so that we could pay up. I said that was fast and he replied that they couldn't do the transmission flush and kid of spend things up. I'll say.
Anyhow, that was fine with me, I could do it later. It wasn't that critical.
Maybe on a day when the ac works.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Telegram From the Past
My cousin has been going through her mother's personal effects and found a few little gems that she has sent my way.
The best was the telegram that my parents sent to her parents on the announcement of my birth.
How neat is that? How many people have the actual telegram announcing their birth? The mailed ones are a dime a dozen, but telegrams are a thing of the past. When I told Meryl about it she said I had to post it. Indeed, because in a small way it marks an era that is no more.
With the advent of cheap phone calls and the internet, telegrams are a thing of the past. In fact Western Union sent its last telegram on January 27, 2006. I can’t wait to show it to the boys on Wednesday.
The best was the telegram that my parents sent to her parents on the announcement of my birth.
How neat is that? How many people have the actual telegram announcing their birth? The mailed ones are a dime a dozen, but telegrams are a thing of the past. When I told Meryl about it she said I had to post it. Indeed, because in a small way it marks an era that is no more.
With the advent of cheap phone calls and the internet, telegrams are a thing of the past. In fact Western Union sent its last telegram on January 27, 2006. I can’t wait to show it to the boys on Wednesday.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Life at Half Volume
Half of my children are gone. Whisked far, far away to Grandma's house.
They left early this morning and we won't see them again until Wednesday and Max is already missing his brothers.
I caught Max staring dolefully off the deck at the empty backyard. He sighed, turned around and when he spied me, announced "I miss Jake and Nate." Bedtime was hard for him tonight. He wandered out after I tucked him in and said that he can't sleep by himself. I ended up laying in Nate's empty bed for about 15 minutes so that Max could settle down. Just before he drifted off to sleep I quietly got of of bed, gave him a little hug and left the room.
It will be interesting to see how he copes for the next few days.
They left early this morning and we won't see them again until Wednesday and Max is already missing his brothers.
I caught Max staring dolefully off the deck at the empty backyard. He sighed, turned around and when he spied me, announced "I miss Jake and Nate." Bedtime was hard for him tonight. He wandered out after I tucked him in and said that he can't sleep by himself. I ended up laying in Nate's empty bed for about 15 minutes so that Max could settle down. Just before he drifted off to sleep I quietly got of of bed, gave him a little hug and left the room.
It will be interesting to see how he copes for the next few days.
Friday, August 03, 2007
I've Been Simpsonized
It's been years since I've regularly watched the show and I don't plan on seeing the movie, but I still have a fondness for the show. The early years were amazing and it really was the best thing going at the time.
So hey, it's Friday (or what's left of it). Let's get Simpsonized.
So hey, it's Friday (or what's left of it). Let's get Simpsonized.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Post Harry Potter Letdown
This week has been a bit of a blur, hence artist of the week on Tuesday instead of Wednesday. I realized afterwards it was indeed Tuesday and not Wednesday, it just felt like Wednesday.
I finished reading Deathly Hallows in the wee hours, 3:00 am to be exact, of the morning on Tuesday. I started Monday morning and kept dipping into it throughout the day. Once the little ones were tucked in I dove into the book. I just could not put it down until I finished the whole dang thing.
It was a great read and I found myself rereading the end bits of the previous book, Half-Blood Prince, and the ending chapters of Deathly Hallows Tuesday night.
Wednesday I spent drifting along, at loss what to read. I had been immersed in the world of Harry Potter for the past two weeks. Two weeks ago I had been seized by the idea of rereading the entire series. My plan was to reread up to the Goblet of Fire, see the movie Order of the Phoenix, then reread Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince. Then I would cap it all off with Deathly Hallows.
The timing of the movie is important to me, because I can not truly enjoy a movie if I have just read the book it is based on, the omissions and inconsistencies are too glaring. But if it has been a few years, the details are blurred and I can sit back and relax. For whatever reason rereading a book afterwards is not a problem. I have seen the movie and it can stand on its own.
So that is what I have been doing. This has worked out well in our household, because it gave Jake first crack at the book without my breathing down his neck to finish. His only challenge was to not talk about any aspect of the book. He is old enough now that he was just able to pull it off. It took him until Saturday night, very late Saturday night, to finish the book. I was just nearing the end of Half-Blood Prince and I was ready to read Monday morning.
Larry too has been doing a little rereading, just not on the same scale as me. He just opted for the Half-Blood Prince. It has taken him a little longer than me to reread it, what with having to go to work and all. He’ll be starting Deathly Hallows either tonight or tomorrow. I really enjoyed reading side by side with him. Meryl was very kind and lent me her copy H-BP and made it all possible.
Now I have to find something else to read. I have been tackling Beowulf this summer, but I also want something a bit lighter.
I finished reading Deathly Hallows in the wee hours, 3:00 am to be exact, of the morning on Tuesday. I started Monday morning and kept dipping into it throughout the day. Once the little ones were tucked in I dove into the book. I just could not put it down until I finished the whole dang thing.
It was a great read and I found myself rereading the end bits of the previous book, Half-Blood Prince, and the ending chapters of Deathly Hallows Tuesday night.
Wednesday I spent drifting along, at loss what to read. I had been immersed in the world of Harry Potter for the past two weeks. Two weeks ago I had been seized by the idea of rereading the entire series. My plan was to reread up to the Goblet of Fire, see the movie Order of the Phoenix, then reread Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince. Then I would cap it all off with Deathly Hallows.
The timing of the movie is important to me, because I can not truly enjoy a movie if I have just read the book it is based on, the omissions and inconsistencies are too glaring. But if it has been a few years, the details are blurred and I can sit back and relax. For whatever reason rereading a book afterwards is not a problem. I have seen the movie and it can stand on its own.
So that is what I have been doing. This has worked out well in our household, because it gave Jake first crack at the book without my breathing down his neck to finish. His only challenge was to not talk about any aspect of the book. He is old enough now that he was just able to pull it off. It took him until Saturday night, very late Saturday night, to finish the book. I was just nearing the end of Half-Blood Prince and I was ready to read Monday morning.
Larry too has been doing a little rereading, just not on the same scale as me. He just opted for the Half-Blood Prince. It has taken him a little longer than me to reread it, what with having to go to work and all. He’ll be starting Deathly Hallows either tonight or tomorrow. I really enjoyed reading side by side with him. Meryl was very kind and lent me her copy H-BP and made it all possible.
Now I have to find something else to read. I have been tackling Beowulf this summer, but I also want something a bit lighter.
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