Since I barely post on the weekend, today you get a two for one deal for the forth and fifth days of Hanukkah.
On Friday we lit the candles before we went out for dinner. We lit them just before Shabbat simultaneously with Meryl. We had our phones on speaker and recited the blessings together. It was a fun way to do things. Anyway back to dinner,I have a long standing policy that no one should cook dinner on their birthday. I picked the new Japanese restaurant, Kabuki, in our area. It was quite an experience. It was theater in the round. Parties of up to ten people are seated along three sides of a grill with the chef mans his position at the fourth side and does a knife and fire show while cooking your dinner. We all loved the food and Jake commented that "you don't get bored while waiting for your food." We will definitely be going there again sometime in the future. It's nice when we can add a new restaurant to our rotation.
On Saturday all four children got in on the picture. It's a remarkable shot because they all look good. Normally I'll have at least one of them through an oddball expression which I swear is just to bug me, but not this time. They are all happily entranced by the flames of our two menorahs.
I decided since we have a plethora of candles courtesy of Hebrew School that we should fire up both menorahs. They put out a fair amount of light and everybody got to do something. The dynamic duo got to select and put in the candles and the other two got to light the candles.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Friday, December 07, 2007
Third Day and 42
Here is my third day of Hanukkah post with the added bonus of my 42nd birthday. Now that I'm forty two I'm the answer to Life, the Universe and Everything. Or at least the bits I know.
Anyway about the third day's menorah. It's actually a box of chocolate gelt that you open up one candle for each day of Hanukkah. It was given to the kids from their Aunt Meryl. We of course opened the whole thing up and distributed the chocolate, two pieces per child. This was very popular with the under 12 set.
Anyway about the third day's menorah. It's actually a box of chocolate gelt that you open up one candle for each day of Hanukkah. It was given to the kids from their Aunt Meryl. We of course opened the whole thing up and distributed the chocolate, two pieces per child. This was very popular with the under 12 set.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Second Day
This is my favorite of our menorahs, I wrote all about it here if you are interested.
Anyway the Hanukkah Fairy made a reappearance today. I brought this particular menorah into Rebecca's class today along with candles, a book selected by Rebecca and a handful of dreidals. The book was Hanukkah! by Sarah Freedland and illustrated by Sue Clarke. It is a gorgeous book with rich illustrations and pop-ups. It does a good job describing the meaning of Hanukah and was appropriate for Rebecca's class.
Rebecca was utterly delighted that I came in to read today. As Larry observed, when she is very happy her whole body smiles and when I walked into her classroom I got a whole body smile. The class was attentive and I think they really enjoyed the book. They loved the dreidals and they were all fascinated by the menorah. They wanted me to light the candles, but sadly we are not allowed to light candles in the classroom. Which, when you think about it, is not a bad rule. Open flames and twenty 5 to 6 year old kids don't really mix.
I had a great time and I think I was able to spread a little bit of light on the Festival of Lights.
Anyway the Hanukkah Fairy made a reappearance today. I brought this particular menorah into Rebecca's class today along with candles, a book selected by Rebecca and a handful of dreidals. The book was Hanukkah! by Sarah Freedland and illustrated by Sue Clarke. It is a gorgeous book with rich illustrations and pop-ups. It does a good job describing the meaning of Hanukah and was appropriate for Rebecca's class.
Rebecca was utterly delighted that I came in to read today. As Larry observed, when she is very happy her whole body smiles and when I walked into her classroom I got a whole body smile. The class was attentive and I think they really enjoyed the book. They loved the dreidals and they were all fascinated by the menorah. They wanted me to light the candles, but sadly we are not allowed to light candles in the classroom. Which, when you think about it, is not a bad rule. Open flames and twenty 5 to 6 year old kids don't really mix.
I had a great time and I think I was able to spread a little bit of light on the Festival of Lights.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
First day of Hanukkah, First Snow
Well today is a day of firsts.
Last night was the start of Hanukkah. We had latkes and the requisite arguing over the menorah. This year it was over who's candles we should use. Max, Rebecca and Nate all got a package of Hanukkah candles at Hebrew school on Sunday. Nate had brought out his candles and was just putting them in the menorah when Rebecca rushed over and burst into tears. She really wanted us to use her candles first. Nate, a bit puzzled over the fuss, was a gentleman and let the girl have her way.
I didn't take a picture of the candles in question, I thought it was better to show the hero of the moment with our fabric dachshund menorah. Nate brought it to school and one of the big questions was "Why is the dog's back on fire?" His answer: "It's not on fire, those are candles."
Anyway, he packed it up and brought it home yesterday and in the picture he is getting ready to bring it back to school.
Meanwhile later in the morning the first snowfall of the season graced the area. The flakes have been falling on and off all day alternating with little tiny flakes and big fat clumps of snow. Mostly it has been big fat flakes that have covered the deck and table. For a brief moment we even got a little bit of sleet. It won't last, but it will certainly botch up the traffic. Richmonders are incapable of dealing with the white stuff and the first snow event is always a traumatic one for the area. I'm glad I don't have to go anywhere today.
Last night was the start of Hanukkah. We had latkes and the requisite arguing over the menorah. This year it was over who's candles we should use. Max, Rebecca and Nate all got a package of Hanukkah candles at Hebrew school on Sunday. Nate had brought out his candles and was just putting them in the menorah when Rebecca rushed over and burst into tears. She really wanted us to use her candles first. Nate, a bit puzzled over the fuss, was a gentleman and let the girl have her way.
I didn't take a picture of the candles in question, I thought it was better to show the hero of the moment with our fabric dachshund menorah. Nate brought it to school and one of the big questions was "Why is the dog's back on fire?" His answer: "It's not on fire, those are candles."
Anyway, he packed it up and brought it home yesterday and in the picture he is getting ready to bring it back to school.
Meanwhile later in the morning the first snowfall of the season graced the area. The flakes have been falling on and off all day alternating with little tiny flakes and big fat clumps of snow. Mostly it has been big fat flakes that have covered the deck and table. For a brief moment we even got a little bit of sleet. It won't last, but it will certainly botch up the traffic. Richmonders are incapable of dealing with the white stuff and the first snow event is always a traumatic one for the area. I'm glad I don't have to go anywhere today.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
I'm the Hanukkah Fairy
Spreading the light of Hanukkah wherever I go.
I sent a note to Max's teacher today about Hanukkah. He is the star of the week and I thought it would be a good idea for him to bring in a menorah to share with class since Hanukkah starts tonight. I gave his teacher my email addy so we would not be dependent on the vagaries of a 6 year old to deliver notes back and forth.
This email popped up in my inbox a few hours after I got the kids off to school:
No problem, we have menorahs and driedals aplenty. I swung by the school to drop
them off. While in the hallway chatting with Max's teacher Rebecca's stopped by
and wanted to know when I could read a book to the class. Ah book, I don't remember volunteering, but I smoothly covered my surprise and asked when would be good for her. She would like me to stop by before lunch any time this week and we settled on Thursday.
I know there are not very many Jewish families in our school system and I think my children are the most up front. That and I carefully note each year on the class forms that we don't celebrate Christmas. So I have become the "go to" person for all things Hanukkah at the school. Which I find utterly hilarious since I'm a convert, but it is also nice because it shows we are doing a good job with raising our children Jewish in an overwhelmingly Christian area.
I sent a note to Max's teacher today about Hanukkah. He is the star of the week and I thought it would be a good idea for him to bring in a menorah to share with class since Hanukkah starts tonight. I gave his teacher my email addy so we would not be dependent on the vagaries of a 6 year old to deliver notes back and forth.
This email popped up in my inbox a few hours after I got the kids off to school:
Hi Mrs. G.!
We have been talking about Hannukah this week and asking Max a lot of
questions:) I have some books but I would love to have Max share a
menorah! And if by any chance you have a driedel that the kids could pass
around that would be great. I have a couple but for whatever reason I
can't find them --- I'm sure that I will find them in Jan!
Thanks so much!
Mrs. S.
No problem, we have menorahs and driedals aplenty. I swung by the school to drop
them off. While in the hallway chatting with Max's teacher Rebecca's stopped by
and wanted to know when I could read a book to the class. Ah book, I don't remember volunteering, but I smoothly covered my surprise and asked when would be good for her. She would like me to stop by before lunch any time this week and we settled on Thursday.
I know there are not very many Jewish families in our school system and I think my children are the most up front. That and I carefully note each year on the class forms that we don't celebrate Christmas. So I have become the "go to" person for all things Hanukkah at the school. Which I find utterly hilarious since I'm a convert, but it is also nice because it shows we are doing a good job with raising our children Jewish in an overwhelmingly Christian area.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Happy Birthday Larry!
Today, or at least what's left of it, is my dear husband's birthday.
I called him up at work today to get dinner menu approval (steak and oven roasted potatoes, I knew he would say yes, I just wanted to tell him) and ask what kind of cake he wanted. He settled on the Hershey's Three Chocolate Layered Cheesecake that everybody seems to be making.
Larry then got treated to lunch by his coworkers and got throughly cookied and caked out. He really has a nice place to work at, makes me miss the days I used to to work outside of the home.
Anyway my creation looked gorgeous, but would have benefited with sitting in the fridge overnight to allow the cake to firm up and the flavors to develop, but it was still tasty. Next year I need to remember to ask him a day ahead.
I called him up at work today to get dinner menu approval (steak and oven roasted potatoes, I knew he would say yes, I just wanted to tell him) and ask what kind of cake he wanted. He settled on the Hershey's Three Chocolate Layered Cheesecake that everybody seems to be making.
Larry then got treated to lunch by his coworkers and got throughly cookied and caked out. He really has a nice place to work at, makes me miss the days I used to to work outside of the home.
Anyway my creation looked gorgeous, but would have benefited with sitting in the fridge overnight to allow the cake to firm up and the flavors to develop, but it was still tasty. Next year I need to remember to ask him a day ahead.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Spicy!
Your Score: Fennel
You scored 50% intoxication, 0% hotness, 100% complexity, and 25% craziness!
You are Fennel!
You're a cool cat. Crisp, clean, fresh, and extremely complicated. You're like quantum physics or modern jazz. Think Niels Bohr meets Ornette Coleman. You may look normal now, but once you sprout, you look kind of, uh, funny.
| Link: The Which Spice Are You Test written by jodiesattva on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test |
Friday, November 30, 2007
You Lookin' At Me Punk
Today Nate came home with the most incredible rat's nest of a mess on top of his head. It gave him a decidedly punk air.
When he left for school he looked like perfectly normal third grader. I saw him at school from 2:00 to 3:00 for an in school event (vegetable derby races) and again he had nothing funky going on with his hair. Apparently it happened on the way home, he spent the entire bus ride rubbing his head and giving a good friend static electricity shocks.
All that's one way to get punk look.
It'll be interesting when I try to comb it out. I tried pushing it down it just springs up again.
When he left for school he looked like perfectly normal third grader. I saw him at school from 2:00 to 3:00 for an in school event (vegetable derby races) and again he had nothing funky going on with his hair. Apparently it happened on the way home, he spent the entire bus ride rubbing his head and giving a good friend static electricity shocks.
All that's one way to get punk look.
It'll be interesting when I try to comb it out. I tried pushing it down it just springs up again.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
One Tough Kid
Jake is starting the whole orthodontic thing. He, unfortunately, inherited my teenie tiny jaw and he really needs to have his teeth taken care. So far he has had all sorts of pictures, x-rays and impressions made, the actual braces won't be put on until January. In the mean time all sorts of groundwork has to be laid.
The spacers for the bands for the expansion bar drove him batty for a week. He was relieved when they came out for the actual bands. The expansion bar, so far, has not been a big deal and he has been very cooperative with the daily adjustment.
Tuesday was a very big day. He had four, yes four, permanent teeth pulled. There is just not enough room for all his teeth and it was determined by the orthodontic team that the premolars had to go. This news did not shock me in the least, I too had the same four teeth pulled and my lower jaw is still overcrowded. I pretty much assumed that the child I refer to as my clone would need the same thing done.
Anyway I picked him up earlier from school and brought him over to his regular dentist. I had dropped off the referral and x-rays last week and they were all set to pull his teeth. Jake was remarkably calm and willing walked to the far reaches of the office. They had me sign a few forms and then shooed me out to the waiting room. An hour later a hygienist poked her head out and announced he was all set and he was really good through out the whole procedure. Jake then ambled on out, his face a wee bit puffy from a combination of the pulling and all the gauze pack inside.
His only complaint was the numbness of his face and the resultant drooling.
That was it. He never said anything about pain. Mind you the complaints about the numbness were overly dramatic and never ending, but there is a bit of a dramatic streak in him.
I let him loll about on the sofa, watching tv until dinner. Mercifully the complaints died down once normal feeling returned and I'm sure the rice pudding he got after dinner helped. I thought he wouldn't want to go to school, but the next morning he was game. He had carefully done his homework before bed and was ready to go Wednesday morning. I was a bit shocked, but hey if he is willing to go to school than off to school he goes.
Man he can be one tough kid.
The spacers for the bands for the expansion bar drove him batty for a week. He was relieved when they came out for the actual bands. The expansion bar, so far, has not been a big deal and he has been very cooperative with the daily adjustment.
Tuesday was a very big day. He had four, yes four, permanent teeth pulled. There is just not enough room for all his teeth and it was determined by the orthodontic team that the premolars had to go. This news did not shock me in the least, I too had the same four teeth pulled and my lower jaw is still overcrowded. I pretty much assumed that the child I refer to as my clone would need the same thing done.
Anyway I picked him up earlier from school and brought him over to his regular dentist. I had dropped off the referral and x-rays last week and they were all set to pull his teeth. Jake was remarkably calm and willing walked to the far reaches of the office. They had me sign a few forms and then shooed me out to the waiting room. An hour later a hygienist poked her head out and announced he was all set and he was really good through out the whole procedure. Jake then ambled on out, his face a wee bit puffy from a combination of the pulling and all the gauze pack inside.
His only complaint was the numbness of his face and the resultant drooling.
That was it. He never said anything about pain. Mind you the complaints about the numbness were overly dramatic and never ending, but there is a bit of a dramatic streak in him.
I let him loll about on the sofa, watching tv until dinner. Mercifully the complaints died down once normal feeling returned and I'm sure the rice pudding he got after dinner helped. I thought he wouldn't want to go to school, but the next morning he was game. He had carefully done his homework before bed and was ready to go Wednesday morning. I was a bit shocked, but hey if he is willing to go to school than off to school he goes.
Man he can be one tough kid.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Artist of the Week: Greeting Card
Rebecca is this week's artist. Nate took this beautiful picture of her a few days ago. I told him how much I liked the picture and he told me that it was just a random shot. He was just snapping away and impulsively decided to take one of his sister. Well talk about a lucky shot. She has such a relaxed and natural pose, all too often she mugs for the camera when I'm behind the lens. All I did was crop the picture just a little bit, everything else was perfect. Maybe I should let the kids take more pictures.
Anyway, Rebecca made this card yesterday. Max had brought home a "hand" turkey that he had made in class. Rebecca was a bit jealous because her class did not make "hand" turkeys. Right then and there she decided to rectify the situation.
She fetched a piece of paper and had me trace the outline of her hand. She then colored it in and cut the resulting turkey out. She was so pleased with the end result she decided to make another one, only this time it would be in a card.
The front's piece is a bit plain, but it was all hand lettered by her. She at first was going to have me spell out the whole thing, but I offered to write it down so she could copy it over. I love how she just moves down the page as she runs out of room with no regard to what she is writing.
The center of the card is where she really shined. The turkey came out great. I love the little decorative flourishes with the leaves. I think what she was writing was "See turkey and hat" with the and understood. See is one of her sight words and I think she was very pleased to be able to include it in her card.
The back of the card is also something not to be missed. It features a very uprigt almost cheerful seeming pumpkin nestled in a bed of leaves.
I know I'm horribly biased, but this girl can really draw.
Anyway, Rebecca made this card yesterday. Max had brought home a "hand" turkey that he had made in class. Rebecca was a bit jealous because her class did not make "hand" turkeys. Right then and there she decided to rectify the situation.
She fetched a piece of paper and had me trace the outline of her hand. She then colored it in and cut the resulting turkey out. She was so pleased with the end result she decided to make another one, only this time it would be in a card.
The front's piece is a bit plain, but it was all hand lettered by her. She at first was going to have me spell out the whole thing, but I offered to write it down so she could copy it over. I love how she just moves down the page as she runs out of room with no regard to what she is writing.
The center of the card is where she really shined. The turkey came out great. I love the little decorative flourishes with the leaves. I think what she was writing was "See turkey and hat" with the and understood. See is one of her sight words and I think she was very pleased to be able to include it in her card.
The back of the card is also something not to be missed. It features a very uprigt almost cheerful seeming pumpkin nestled in a bed of leaves.
I know I'm horribly biased, but this girl can really draw.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Crunch: Sept. 29, 1992 - Nov. 27, 2007
Today I did the hardest thing I have ever done, I took Crunch in for his last trip to the vet.
He had been rapidly failing this past week. I actually made an appointment for last Friday, but he perked up over Thanksgiving and enjoyed some pumpkin pie. I was happy to cancel the next day, but in the back of my mind I knew it would be soon. He was just over 15 years old and had a good long run.
Yesterday he completely refused to eat and I was only able to get him to drink by squirting water into his mouth with a 5 ml syringe. As the day progressed he grew weaker and weaker and could no longer walk by day's end. It was time to release him.
I called the vet clinic this morning in tears and they arranged for me to head over at 11:00. I spent the morning fussing over Crunch, even feeding him a few syringe fulls of yogurt. I sat outside with him in the bright sunshine, his frail body warmly wrapped in a soft towel. When it was time to go I gently placed him on the front seat, still wrapped in his towel. For his last ride he rode next to me and was not banished to the crate in the back. My right hand rested on him during the whole ride.
At the clinic they were very kind. They brought me tissues when I first arrived and left a box for me in the examining room. The vet was so gentle as he slipped the needle in. With a final sigh I felt Crunch completely relax and then he was gone, his spirit slipped free of his failing body.
He was such a strong dog and such a sweet boy, everybody was Crunch's friend. He was my first show dog and was a natural in the ring. He loved showing and I'm so glad I brought him out for my club's specialty. He wasn't entered, but he had a grand time being at the show. He also was a true hunting dog and woe to any small animal that dared set foot into his backyard. He was a truly versatile dachshund and had earned his Versatility Certificate from the Dachshund Club of America despite my novice handling.
When he grew older, with graying muzzle and paws, he was still an outrageously fit dog. He could still move like a champ right up until last Spring. He was an amazing dog and I'm so lucky to have been with him all these years.
I miss my big red boy.
He had been rapidly failing this past week. I actually made an appointment for last Friday, but he perked up over Thanksgiving and enjoyed some pumpkin pie. I was happy to cancel the next day, but in the back of my mind I knew it would be soon. He was just over 15 years old and had a good long run.
Yesterday he completely refused to eat and I was only able to get him to drink by squirting water into his mouth with a 5 ml syringe. As the day progressed he grew weaker and weaker and could no longer walk by day's end. It was time to release him.
I called the vet clinic this morning in tears and they arranged for me to head over at 11:00. I spent the morning fussing over Crunch, even feeding him a few syringe fulls of yogurt. I sat outside with him in the bright sunshine, his frail body warmly wrapped in a soft towel. When it was time to go I gently placed him on the front seat, still wrapped in his towel. For his last ride he rode next to me and was not banished to the crate in the back. My right hand rested on him during the whole ride.
At the clinic they were very kind. They brought me tissues when I first arrived and left a box for me in the examining room. The vet was so gentle as he slipped the needle in. With a final sigh I felt Crunch completely relax and then he was gone, his spirit slipped free of his failing body.
He was such a strong dog and such a sweet boy, everybody was Crunch's friend. He was my first show dog and was a natural in the ring. He loved showing and I'm so glad I brought him out for my club's specialty. He wasn't entered, but he had a grand time being at the show. He also was a true hunting dog and woe to any small animal that dared set foot into his backyard. He was a truly versatile dachshund and had earned his Versatility Certificate from the Dachshund Club of America despite my novice handling.
When he grew older, with graying muzzle and paws, he was still an outrageously fit dog. He could still move like a champ right up until last Spring. He was an amazing dog and I'm so lucky to have been with him all these years.
I miss my big red boy.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Max and Friends
Some nights Max very meticulously places all his stuffed animals and last Saturday was one of those nights.
He carefully arranged his friends around the edge of his pillow and declared it cool. He wanted me to take a picture of him all nestled in bed right then, but I refused. It was late, the camera was in the car, the flash would wash things out and I didn't feel like schlepping downstairs to dig it up and drag it upstairs to satisfy the whim of a six year old. Albeit a very cute and articulate six year old. So I put him off with the promise of taking a picture in the morning.
So of course at the crack of dawn I was awakened by a little voice asking me to take a picture.
I blearily told Max not now, but he was insistent. I had to threaten him with a time out before he would leave me alone.
A few hours later I took the promised picture and it was an indeed a very cute photo.
He carefully arranged his friends around the edge of his pillow and declared it cool. He wanted me to take a picture of him all nestled in bed right then, but I refused. It was late, the camera was in the car, the flash would wash things out and I didn't feel like schlepping downstairs to dig it up and drag it upstairs to satisfy the whim of a six year old. Albeit a very cute and articulate six year old. So I put him off with the promise of taking a picture in the morning.
So of course at the crack of dawn I was awakened by a little voice asking me to take a picture.
I blearily told Max not now, but he was insistent. I had to threaten him with a time out before he would leave me alone.
A few hours later I took the promised picture and it was an indeed a very cute photo.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Want Some Pie?
If you do, you'd better hurry because it's going fast.
Like last year I made a tart and a pie for Thanksgiving which we happily consumed along with Meryl's delicious chocolate course. You can actually see the chocolate sponge nestled in its box at the top of the picture.
The tart is mostly gone now and the kids have made serious inroads on the pumpkin pie. Once they are all gone I have to satisfy myself with the few remaining truffles we have.
At least I have my stuffing.
Like last year I made a tart and a pie for Thanksgiving which we happily consumed along with Meryl's delicious chocolate course. You can actually see the chocolate sponge nestled in its box at the top of the picture.
The tart is mostly gone now and the kids have made serious inroads on the pumpkin pie. Once they are all gone I have to satisfy myself with the few remaining truffles we have.
At least I have my stuffing.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Pumpkin Spice Cake
Sometime around Halloween my mother sent me a pumpkin shaped cake pan, or rather mold. It's from Nordic Ware and if you click here it will take you to a full description of the cake pan.
Along with the pan came a tiny little card bearing a recipe for "Great Pumpkin Cake." It's chock full of errors, but the overall idea seemed good. My biggest complaint though, is the name. It really should be called Pumpkin Spice Cake since the cake itself has no pumpkin in it and is really more of a spice cake. Anyway here is the corrected recipe.
Along with the pan came a tiny little card bearing a recipe for "Great Pumpkin Cake." It's chock full of errors, but the overall idea seemed good. My biggest complaint though, is the name. It really should be called Pumpkin Spice Cake since the cake itself has no pumpkin in it and is really more of a spice cake. Anyway here is the corrected recipe.
Pumpkin Spice CakeThe resulting cake was quite tasty. Next I'll probably skip the food coloring. I liked the shade of orange I came with, but Larry thought is was a bit lurid. It will be just fine with a plain white frosting/glaze. Hopefully I'll have better luck with getting the glaze to neatly run down the sides of the cake.
For the cake:
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbs cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter, softened
Zest of one orange
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup sour cream
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease and flour the cake molds. In a medium bowl sift together the first seven ingredients (flour through salt), set aside. In a large bowl cream the butter, sugar and orange zest together until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix until combined. Add flour mixture alternately with milk until just blended. Stir in sour cream. Pour batter into the two molds. Bake 35-40 minutes, until tester inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool ten minutes in the pan before inverting onto a cooling rack to coo completely.
The Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 tbs light corn syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 drops yellow food coloring
1 drop red food coloring
2-4 tbs milk
In a small bowl combine all the ingredients together *except* for the milk. The milk is to thin the frosting after approximately 1/2 cup is used as filling between the halves of the cake. Leave about 1/2 inch rim around the outside. Then placed the two halves together thus forming a pumpkin. Then slowly add the milk to the frosting/glaze to thin it the consistency of thick cream. Spoon the remaining glaze over the top of the pumpkin.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving
We would all like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
And for those that want to know, here is today's menu:
Beverages are an assortment of beers, wine, cider and what have you.
And for those that want to know, here is today's menu:
Turkey and Gravy
Stuffing (with and without sausage)
Acorn Squash
Party Potatoes (With and Without Garlic)
Green Beans
and
Dinner Rolls
Chocolate Course courtesy of Aunt Meryl
For dessert (all homemade!) we have a choice of
Pumpkin Pie
Stuffing (with and without sausage)
Acorn Squash
Party Potatoes (With and Without Garlic)
Green Beans
and
Dinner Rolls
Chocolate Course courtesy of Aunt Meryl
For dessert (all homemade!) we have a choice of
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Tarte Tatin
Beverages are an assortment of beers, wine, cider and what have you.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Artist of the Week: Fall Recital
This week we have a two for one. Last Sunday was the fall piano recital for Nate and Max.
Nate is an old hand at it, but this was Max's very first recital. Max had been looking forward to it for the past couple of weeks. He and his sister had been attending piano recitals all their lives. This was Max's big moment to be just like his big brothers.
Nate was full of confidence and it showed. It was the best I ever heard him play the two pieces. At home he rushes through and can be quite sloppy, but not at the recital.
They both did an excellent job.
Nate is an old hand at it, but this was Max's very first recital. Max had been looking forward to it for the past couple of weeks. He and his sister had been attending piano recitals all their lives. This was Max's big moment to be just like his big brothers.
I heard murmurs of "how cute" behind me as he walked up to the piano. He was the very first one up. It wasn't a perfect performance, but he did recover and solider on. I liked that he didn't get all deer in headlights. He knew the piece very well, however he is not quite used to playing it as a duet. Next time will be even better.
Nate was full of confidence and it showed. It was the best I ever heard him play the two pieces. At home he rushes through and can be quite sloppy, but not at the recital.
They both did an excellent job.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Why I'll Never Use a Turkey Fryer
Yes I know they grossly overfilled the fryer and yes I know you can dunk the bird ahead of time to gauge the oil, but the whole thing bothers me. Especially how tippy they are. I just know at some point I'd get hot oil dumped all over my driveway.
Anyway I particularly like in the video how the firefighters are all suited up. Nomex suits are the *must have* accessory for Thanksgiving.
I'm much happier with roasting.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Funny, I Haven't Seen This One
Apparently I'm:
The boys should like that.
Courtesy of Miss Jordana, who is a far more appealing movie, over at Curmudgeonry.
The boys should like that.
Courtesy of Miss Jordana, who is a far more appealing movie, over at Curmudgeonry.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Cake Report
It just dawned on me that I never showed the internets Nate's birthday cake. The cake itself was nothing remarkable, my orange cake with chocolate frosting, but the decoration on the outside is.
Admittedly it's just a bunch of plastic army men with one of them supporting the big number 9 candle. Nate wanted an army cake and that is what I came up with. He and all his friends were utterly delighted. Nate wanted them afterwards, but I said "No, they're mine, all mine."
With three boys in the family I figure there will be at least one more army themed cake. I had bought them just for the cake and even splurged by paying an extra $1.50 at the drug store over the buck at tour local Dollar Tree. I thought that maybe the slightly higher quality plastic would be a little less lethal (yay made in China!). I carefully washed then in hot soapy water water and gave them all a good rinse. So far there have been no ill affects.
Admittedly it's just a bunch of plastic army men with one of them supporting the big number 9 candle. Nate wanted an army cake and that is what I came up with. He and all his friends were utterly delighted. Nate wanted them afterwards, but I said "No, they're mine, all mine."
With three boys in the family I figure there will be at least one more army themed cake. I had bought them just for the cake and even splurged by paying an extra $1.50 at the drug store over the buck at tour local Dollar Tree. I thought that maybe the slightly higher quality plastic would be a little less lethal (yay made in China!). I carefully washed then in hot soapy water water and gave them all a good rinse. So far there have been no ill affects.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Sometimes You Just Have To
I was wandering about the produce aisle today looking at the strange, the inedible and the ordinary when I rounded the corner and spotted the cutest little pineapple.
It's called a baby pineapple and is from South Africa. I picked it up and my nose was rewarded with the sweet smell of ripe pineapple. I put it in the cart figuring at the very least the kids would love its diminutive size.
I briefly considered bringing home the Buddha's Hand, but it was a bit pricey for something to buy on a whim. I have no idea what it was or what to do with the little oddity. As for the inedible, well you know that I wouldn't waste money on that.
Anyway I brought the pineapple home and I was right.
Jake was very excited and even agreed to pose with the fruit. He looks so happy with that tiny little pineapple. Another nice thing about the picture with Jake is that you really get to see how tiny the pineapple is in real life.
When the rest of the crew got home they all marveled at the petite pineapple. It smelt wonderful and we were eager to cut into it and see if it was as good as the full size version. Then Jake got a very good idea.
As I was photographing it I commented that it looked more like Spongebob's house than a full size pineapple does. Its golden hue was just right as were its proportions. Jake suggested that we try to recreate the Bikini Bottom domicile with paper cutouts.
Yes! What a great idea!
After a bit of searching we found a decent picture and printed it out with a little seat of the pants resizing.
I think the end result is quite good. I pretty much nailed the size for the cut outs on the first try. Max was upset at first when I started taping everything on, he thought I was spoiling the fruit. I had to explain to him that we never eat the outer rind. The the part we actually eat is still safely tucked inside the fruit. This mollified him and in the end he agreed that the overall effect was pretty good and it had been a worthwhile thing to do, because sometime ya just gotta do it.
It's called a baby pineapple and is from South Africa. I picked it up and my nose was rewarded with the sweet smell of ripe pineapple. I put it in the cart figuring at the very least the kids would love its diminutive size.
I briefly considered bringing home the Buddha's Hand, but it was a bit pricey for something to buy on a whim. I have no idea what it was or what to do with the little oddity. As for the inedible, well you know that I wouldn't waste money on that.
Anyway I brought the pineapple home and I was right.
Jake was very excited and even agreed to pose with the fruit. He looks so happy with that tiny little pineapple. Another nice thing about the picture with Jake is that you really get to see how tiny the pineapple is in real life.
When the rest of the crew got home they all marveled at the petite pineapple. It smelt wonderful and we were eager to cut into it and see if it was as good as the full size version. Then Jake got a very good idea.
As I was photographing it I commented that it looked more like Spongebob's house than a full size pineapple does. Its golden hue was just right as were its proportions. Jake suggested that we try to recreate the Bikini Bottom domicile with paper cutouts.
Yes! What a great idea!
After a bit of searching we found a decent picture and printed it out with a little seat of the pants resizing.
I think the end result is quite good. I pretty much nailed the size for the cut outs on the first try. Max was upset at first when I started taping everything on, he thought I was spoiling the fruit. I had to explain to him that we never eat the outer rind. The the part we actually eat is still safely tucked inside the fruit. This mollified him and in the end he agreed that the overall effect was pretty good and it had been a worthwhile thing to do, because sometime ya just gotta do it.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Artist of the week: Goal!
This week's artist is Max and Rebecca's teammate, Abbey a.k.a. Cat.
Cat is a fun little fire cracker of a girl with two big brothers. Her father was to drop her off for Max and Rebecca's party, but instead he remained at our house along with Abbey's brothers. The boys are roughly Jake and Nate's ages and they all meshed well and had a great time.
Anyway, at the end of season party on Saturday Abbey presented Larry with this drawing.
It is a picture of her just about to a shoot a goal. As I recall the second figure in the picture is Rebecca looking on. It is an utterly charming picture and Larry was very touched by the gift. I think it meant much more to him than the official thank you card he received at the party. He knows that it required a fair amount of effort on her part to make the drawing, to remember to bring it to the party and to actually present it to him.
Seeing how my husband felt I declared it to be the upcoming Artist of the Week.
So hey, it's not always about my family.
Cat is a fun little fire cracker of a girl with two big brothers. Her father was to drop her off for Max and Rebecca's party, but instead he remained at our house along with Abbey's brothers. The boys are roughly Jake and Nate's ages and they all meshed well and had a great time.
Anyway, at the end of season party on Saturday Abbey presented Larry with this drawing.
It is a picture of her just about to a shoot a goal. As I recall the second figure in the picture is Rebecca looking on. It is an utterly charming picture and Larry was very touched by the gift. I think it meant much more to him than the official thank you card he received at the party. He knows that it required a fair amount of effort on her part to make the drawing, to remember to bring it to the party and to actually present it to him.
Seeing how my husband felt I declared it to be the upcoming Artist of the Week.
So hey, it's not always about my family.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Partied Out
Soccer ended on Saturday and thus heralded a slew of post soccer season parties. Traditionally (at least around here) the team books a back room at a local restaurant, trophies are passed, a card and/or gift is presented to the coach and the kids get to goof around with their team mates for one more time.
Saturday was our first party. It was for Max and Rebecca's team and was held a little Italian joint. I whipped up a cake and decorated it with the team's name and the players' aliases.
Aliases for 5 to 6 year olds?
When the team was selecting its name Larry settled on "The Animals" and each child would be called by their chosen animal name. So Max became penguin, Rebecca was pony and so on. Anyway it was fun and most of the cake disappeared. I was able to save one slice so that Nate could get the traditional slice of cake for breakfast on his birthday on Sunday.
Sunday was Nate's birthday and that took up the afternoon, thankfully I was able to make dinner and saved us from going out again. It was a good thing too, since Rebecca fell asleep before dinner and didn't wake up until much later. Chasing boys around all afternoon is tiring work don't cha know.
Monday we had Nate's party and another Pizza/place Italian joint. We have been there before and we like the pizza, but this time it wasn't so great. I don't know if it was the acoustics of the room itself or the fact that it was a very rowdy bunch of 8 to 9 year olds, but it was loud. Painfully loud for Larry. The kitchen was overwhelmed and it took forever for our food to come out. It was a late night for us.
Tonight was our last soccer party and we are very ready for it to end. Max was not happy when I told him it was time to leave for the party. He made it very clear that he did not want to go. We were back at the first Italian place and they were not quite ready for us. The group that had the room before us was taking their own sweet time in leaving, but in the end they finally cleared out. It was quieter than the last party, but still loud. Max cheered up immensely when he saw his (and Rebecca's) good friend was there. Aubrey is the younger sibling of one of Jake's teammates and we have known him for quite sometime. He was on Max and Rebecca's first soccer team and they have been friends since. Anyway, it was a fun night and I only had to ride herd on the team a little bit. I have become friends with a few of the mothers and I'll miss them until next season.
But... I'm glad the soccer season is over.
All that is left is a swanky "Flat Stanley" gallery exhibition over at Nate's school on Thursday. At least we'll have a day to recover before this last party.
Saturday was our first party. It was for Max and Rebecca's team and was held a little Italian joint. I whipped up a cake and decorated it with the team's name and the players' aliases.
Aliases for 5 to 6 year olds?
When the team was selecting its name Larry settled on "The Animals" and each child would be called by their chosen animal name. So Max became penguin, Rebecca was pony and so on. Anyway it was fun and most of the cake disappeared. I was able to save one slice so that Nate could get the traditional slice of cake for breakfast on his birthday on Sunday.
Sunday was Nate's birthday and that took up the afternoon, thankfully I was able to make dinner and saved us from going out again. It was a good thing too, since Rebecca fell asleep before dinner and didn't wake up until much later. Chasing boys around all afternoon is tiring work don't cha know.
Monday we had Nate's party and another Pizza/place Italian joint. We have been there before and we like the pizza, but this time it wasn't so great. I don't know if it was the acoustics of the room itself or the fact that it was a very rowdy bunch of 8 to 9 year olds, but it was loud. Painfully loud for Larry. The kitchen was overwhelmed and it took forever for our food to come out. It was a late night for us.
Tonight was our last soccer party and we are very ready for it to end. Max was not happy when I told him it was time to leave for the party. He made it very clear that he did not want to go. We were back at the first Italian place and they were not quite ready for us. The group that had the room before us was taking their own sweet time in leaving, but in the end they finally cleared out. It was quieter than the last party, but still loud. Max cheered up immensely when he saw his (and Rebecca's) good friend was there. Aubrey is the younger sibling of one of Jake's teammates and we have known him for quite sometime. He was on Max and Rebecca's first soccer team and they have been friends since. Anyway, it was a fun night and I only had to ride herd on the team a little bit. I have become friends with a few of the mothers and I'll miss them until next season.
But... I'm glad the soccer season is over.
All that is left is a swanky "Flat Stanley" gallery exhibition over at Nate's school on Thursday. At least we'll have a day to recover before this last party.
Monday, November 12, 2007
A Veterans Day Thank You
I would like to thank all those have served in protecting our great nation. My family has a grand tradition of service. My father served in the Navy in WWII on a mine sweeper (one of the dullest and most dangerous of duties). One Uncle was in the Coast Guard along the Aleutians during WWII and his brother started in the Coast Guard and later in the Navy during WWII and was called up again for Korea. I have another Uncle who was in the Army and the list goes on.
Here is the original proclamation:
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Whereas it has long been our customs to commemorate November 11, the anniversary of the ending of World War I, by paying tribute to the heroes of that tragic struggle and by rededicating ourselves to the cause of peace; and Whereas in the intervening years, the United States has been involved in two other great military conflicts, which have added millions of veterans living and dead to the honor rolls of this Nation; and
Whereas the Congress passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926 (44 Stat. 1982), calling for the observance of November 11 with appropriate ceremonies, and later provided in an act approved May 13, 1938 (52 Stat. 351) , that the eleventh of November should be a legal holiday and should be known as Armistice Day; and
Whereas, in order to expand the significance of that commemoration and in order that a grateful Nation might pay appropriate homage to the veterans of all its wars who have contributed so much to the preservation of this Nation, the Congress, by an act approved June 1, 1954 (68 Stat. 168), changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day:
Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America , do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954 , as Veterans Day. On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.
I also direct the appropriate officials of the Government to arrange for the display of the flag of the United States on all public buildings on Veterans Day.
In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.
Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington this eighth day of October in the Year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fifty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and seventy-ninth.
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
Here is the original proclamation:
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Whereas it has long been our customs to commemorate November 11, the anniversary of the ending of World War I, by paying tribute to the heroes of that tragic struggle and by rededicating ourselves to the cause of peace; and Whereas in the intervening years, the United States has been involved in two other great military conflicts, which have added millions of veterans living and dead to the honor rolls of this Nation; and
Whereas the Congress passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926 (44 Stat. 1982), calling for the observance of November 11 with appropriate ceremonies, and later provided in an act approved May 13, 1938 (52 Stat. 351) , that the eleventh of November should be a legal holiday and should be known as Armistice Day; and
Whereas, in order to expand the significance of that commemoration and in order that a grateful Nation might pay appropriate homage to the veterans of all its wars who have contributed so much to the preservation of this Nation, the Congress, by an act approved June 1, 1954 (68 Stat. 168), changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day:
Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America , do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954 , as Veterans Day. On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.
I also direct the appropriate officials of the Government to arrange for the display of the flag of the United States on all public buildings on Veterans Day.
In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.
Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington this eighth day of October in the Year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fifty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and seventy-ninth.
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Nine Years Ago Today
Nate came into the world.
Today he got to invite a whole mess of his friends over for his birthday party. It was quite a crowd and they filled our backyard with noise, laughter and non-stop activity.
The bouncy tent was, as always, a big hit. They also loved playing in the Little Tykes castle and the tree fort. But the big events were the pinata and the pumpkin toss.
Y'all know about pinatas, a candy filled object that you get to whack at. What boy could resist?
The pumpkin toss, the other hand, was something I dreamed up the other day. A lot of boys were coming over and I wanted to come up with some sort of game. Something a little different that they would enjoy. At the same time I was thinking about when I would chuck the pumpkins into the woods. I like to clear them out before Nate's birthday. Normally they get very slimy after about a week, but this year they were holding up very well. Then it hit me, I could have each kid pick out a pumpkin, schlep it into the woods and then toss it. Meryl thought it was great and Nate's face lit up when I suggested it to him.
So here is a video of the great pumpkin toss:
Good thing I carved so many pumpkins, I had just enough.It was a big success and of course it was followed by the pumpkin stomp.
All the kids had a great time and as a bonus I don't have to deal with the pumpkins this year. It really was a sort of Tom Sawyer moment for me, a whole slew of kids begging to dispose of my pumpkins.
Today he got to invite a whole mess of his friends over for his birthday party. It was quite a crowd and they filled our backyard with noise, laughter and non-stop activity.
The bouncy tent was, as always, a big hit. They also loved playing in the Little Tykes castle and the tree fort. But the big events were the pinata and the pumpkin toss.
Y'all know about pinatas, a candy filled object that you get to whack at. What boy could resist?
The pumpkin toss, the other hand, was something I dreamed up the other day. A lot of boys were coming over and I wanted to come up with some sort of game. Something a little different that they would enjoy. At the same time I was thinking about when I would chuck the pumpkins into the woods. I like to clear them out before Nate's birthday. Normally they get very slimy after about a week, but this year they were holding up very well. Then it hit me, I could have each kid pick out a pumpkin, schlep it into the woods and then toss it. Meryl thought it was great and Nate's face lit up when I suggested it to him.
So here is a video of the great pumpkin toss:
Good thing I carved so many pumpkins, I had just enough.It was a big success and of course it was followed by the pumpkin stomp.
All the kids had a great time and as a bonus I don't have to deal with the pumpkins this year. It really was a sort of Tom Sawyer moment for me, a whole slew of kids begging to dispose of my pumpkins.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Well looky here
Hey this place is far more educated than I thought.
I guess my college degree wasn't wasted. Courtesy of non-blogging blogger Terry.
I guess my college degree wasn't wasted. Courtesy of non-blogging blogger Terry.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
I Want a Trunk Monkey
I stumbled upon the whole Trunk Monkey thing via the comments at A Gentleman's C. This is the original spot, but I think they are all hilarious. I particularly like the in the trunk shot of the monkey in "Thrown off a bridge" aka theft retrieval system.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Artist of the .... Oh Never Mind
I'm wiped out.
Jake and Nate had two big projects due this week. Nate's Flat Stanley scrapbook was due today and Jake's Bill of Rights poster is due tomorrow.
I had a fun filled day squiring Jake to and from the orthodontist. Today we learned about their treatment plan which was pretty much what I predicted. Four teeth need to be pulled, he'll get an expansion bar and then braces. They tried to get the bands on for the bar today, but surprise, surprise his teeth are too tightly packed together. So he got spacers and we'll try again next week. The funniest moment was when we asked if we could get the plaster cast after he was done. The student/Doctor (we're going to the dental school up in Richmond) was floored. Obviously they had never prepared him for that question. After a bit of hemming and hawing he admitted he wasn't sure if we could, apparently they keep then on file.
Anyway I'm tired and I'm going to bed. AOTW will be back next week.
Jake and Nate had two big projects due this week. Nate's Flat Stanley scrapbook was due today and Jake's Bill of Rights poster is due tomorrow.
I had a fun filled day squiring Jake to and from the orthodontist. Today we learned about their treatment plan which was pretty much what I predicted. Four teeth need to be pulled, he'll get an expansion bar and then braces. They tried to get the bands on for the bar today, but surprise, surprise his teeth are too tightly packed together. So he got spacers and we'll try again next week. The funniest moment was when we asked if we could get the plaster cast after he was done. The student/Doctor (we're going to the dental school up in Richmond) was floored. Obviously they had never prepared him for that question. After a bit of hemming and hawing he admitted he wasn't sure if we could, apparently they keep then on file.
Anyway I'm tired and I'm going to bed. AOTW will be back next week.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Parent Teacher Conferences
Today was Parent Teacher conferences. I went to see Nate's teacher and Larry handled Max and Rebecca's.
Nate's teacher said pretty much what I expected. Nate is a fun kid to have in class and is much smarter than his grades show. His problem is that he rushes through things and never goes back to check his work. As a result he does a lot of silly mistakes that he would catch if he would just slow down.
With Kindergarten there was not much to report. As Larry views it, kindergarten is puppy socialization. The real hard core learning doesn't happen until first grade. Interestingly both Max and Rebecca got the same exact score in the reading assessment test. Then there were the funny observations about our children from the teachers.
According to Max's teacher he sometimes seems more like twenty than six. He is an extremely polite and articulate child that is very responsible about his needs. He reminds his teacher about his enzymes and dutifully keeps me informed about when I need to bring in something.
Rebecca's teacher, Mrs. S, had the best observation of them all. Larry and she got on the subject of Rebecca having three older brothers. Larry feels that they will protect her as she grows up. Mrs. S noted that her older brother was indeed protective of her, but her younger wasn't. But that was alright , because she knew how to put him in his place. Mrs. S noticed that Rebecca was fully capable of handling boys. At one point she saw little Miss Rebecca had a bigger boy in a headlock out on the playground.
I thought that was hilarious. Though I was a teensy bit mortified that my daughter was beating up on a boy. Then again, he had to have done something to provoke such a reaction from her.
Nate's teacher said pretty much what I expected. Nate is a fun kid to have in class and is much smarter than his grades show. His problem is that he rushes through things and never goes back to check his work. As a result he does a lot of silly mistakes that he would catch if he would just slow down.
With Kindergarten there was not much to report. As Larry views it, kindergarten is puppy socialization. The real hard core learning doesn't happen until first grade. Interestingly both Max and Rebecca got the same exact score in the reading assessment test. Then there were the funny observations about our children from the teachers.
According to Max's teacher he sometimes seems more like twenty than six. He is an extremely polite and articulate child that is very responsible about his needs. He reminds his teacher about his enzymes and dutifully keeps me informed about when I need to bring in something.
Rebecca's teacher, Mrs. S, had the best observation of them all. Larry and she got on the subject of Rebecca having three older brothers. Larry feels that they will protect her as she grows up. Mrs. S noted that her older brother was indeed protective of her, but her younger wasn't. But that was alright , because she knew how to put him in his place. Mrs. S noticed that Rebecca was fully capable of handling boys. At one point she saw little Miss Rebecca had a bigger boy in a headlock out on the playground.
I thought that was hilarious. Though I was a teensy bit mortified that my daughter was beating up on a boy. Then again, he had to have done something to provoke such a reaction from her.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Pumpkin Buffet
Saturday afternoon I looked out the front door and saw three deer availing themselves to the pumpkins on our front steps. I gasped in surprise, called out to Larry and ran to grab the camera.
The noise I made was sufficient to spook two of the deer, but the one was greedy enough to keep on munching on my pumpkin. I was able to shoot the first picture through the window flanking the door. Rebecca then came in to see what was up and she too saw the deer.
I moved to another window to get a better angle when I heard a door slam in the background. The noise caused the deer to briefly lift its head, but soon it was back to chowing down on my pumpkin. Then suddenly the deer startled and looked up the pathway to the driveway.
At that moment I realized who slammed the door. It must have been Rebecca. Just before she came into view the deer bounded away and I told Larry "I bet it's Rebecca coming to see the deer."
And I was right.
Here is what is left of my poor little pumpkin. It was the ghost, but alas the ghost has been chewed away. I haven't seen the deer since Saturday, but the pumpkin has been getting progressively smaller and moving closer to the edge of the lawn.
I guess the deer couldn't wait for me to chuck the pumpkins into the woods this year.
The noise I made was sufficient to spook two of the deer, but the one was greedy enough to keep on munching on my pumpkin. I was able to shoot the first picture through the window flanking the door. Rebecca then came in to see what was up and she too saw the deer.
I moved to another window to get a better angle when I heard a door slam in the background. The noise caused the deer to briefly lift its head, but soon it was back to chowing down on my pumpkin. Then suddenly the deer startled and looked up the pathway to the driveway.
At that moment I realized who slammed the door. It must have been Rebecca. Just before she came into view the deer bounded away and I told Larry "I bet it's Rebecca coming to see the deer."
And I was right.
Here is what is left of my poor little pumpkin. It was the ghost, but alas the ghost has been chewed away. I haven't seen the deer since Saturday, but the pumpkin has been getting progressively smaller and moving closer to the edge of the lawn.
I guess the deer couldn't wait for me to chuck the pumpkins into the woods this year.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Mazel Tov Meryl!
This weekend it has been all about Aunt Meryl, or rather her Bat Mitzvah.
Friday night we got to dine with her and her out of town guests. Actually it was just me and the kids since the early hour, 5:00, precluded Larry joining us for dinner. Instead he joined us at the Synagogue for Friday night services.
As we ate the skies darkened ominously and Meryl pointedly asked if I went to the dump. I had indeed, but it was gorgeous out the the forecast was just for wind, Noel was just going to rip up the coast.. It never did rain, but it sure did look dicey for a bit. The good part was after the front passed Rebecca perked up. She is very weather sensitive and I can always tell that a storm front is approaching when she droops and complains of a headache. The boys, on the other hand, were their cheerful selves.
Saturday we had to slip in a little soccer before morning services. I was able to just make it in time for Meryl's big moment. She sounded great even though she was not entirely happy with it, but it was over. All that was left was the kiddish luncheon and dinner.
We all had a great time at the dinner. The kids got to run around and at one point the boys got to show off their dance moves.
Max is so cute on the end with his green hat and white shirt. It was another late night and I was very thankful for the time change slipping us another hour of sleep.
In fact the whole weekend was so much fun that Max announced he wanted to has his next birthday at the same place Aunt Meryl did. Meryl you throw a darn good party and Mazel Tov!
Friday night we got to dine with her and her out of town guests. Actually it was just me and the kids since the early hour, 5:00, precluded Larry joining us for dinner. Instead he joined us at the Synagogue for Friday night services.
As we ate the skies darkened ominously and Meryl pointedly asked if I went to the dump. I had indeed, but it was gorgeous out the the forecast was just for wind, Noel was just going to rip up the coast.. It never did rain, but it sure did look dicey for a bit. The good part was after the front passed Rebecca perked up. She is very weather sensitive and I can always tell that a storm front is approaching when she droops and complains of a headache. The boys, on the other hand, were their cheerful selves.
Saturday we had to slip in a little soccer before morning services. I was able to just make it in time for Meryl's big moment. She sounded great even though she was not entirely happy with it, but it was over. All that was left was the kiddish luncheon and dinner.
We all had a great time at the dinner. The kids got to run around and at one point the boys got to show off their dance moves.
Max is so cute on the end with his green hat and white shirt. It was another late night and I was very thankful for the time change slipping us another hour of sleep.
In fact the whole weekend was so much fun that Max announced he wanted to has his next birthday at the same place Aunt Meryl did. Meryl you throw a darn good party and Mazel Tov!
Friday, November 02, 2007
Finger Prints in the Butter
Rebecca loves butter. According to her, and I agree, almost everything is better with butter.
She is also a bit of a butter thief. Occasionally I'll find little dimples in the butter we have in the butter dish. They are in fact finger prints and are the handiwork of little Miss Rebecca, from the times she can't resist and helps herself to a little taste.
A few weeks ago she was over by the butter and burst into tears. I came over to the sight of my daughter clutching the top of the butter dish in hand, tears streaming down her face and the bottom half of the butter dish resting upside on the stool she was standing on. I asked her what happened and she said she was just "sniffing" the butter and it fell down. I chided her for wasting the butter and salvaged what I could.
I wasn't sure if the tears were from getting caught, having something go wrong or losing all that butter. It was probably a complex mixture of all three since nothing is simple with Rebecca.
Tonight we dined with Aunt Meryl and Rebecca was happily eating a little bread with some butter. And yes, that is butter on her lips.
She is also a bit of a butter thief. Occasionally I'll find little dimples in the butter we have in the butter dish. They are in fact finger prints and are the handiwork of little Miss Rebecca, from the times she can't resist and helps herself to a little taste.
A few weeks ago she was over by the butter and burst into tears. I came over to the sight of my daughter clutching the top of the butter dish in hand, tears streaming down her face and the bottom half of the butter dish resting upside on the stool she was standing on. I asked her what happened and she said she was just "sniffing" the butter and it fell down. I chided her for wasting the butter and salvaged what I could.
I wasn't sure if the tears were from getting caught, having something go wrong or losing all that butter. It was probably a complex mixture of all three since nothing is simple with Rebecca.
Tonight we dined with Aunt Meryl and Rebecca was happily eating a little bread with some butter. And yes, that is butter on her lips.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
A Happy Halloween
This certainly isn't shocking, but the kids had a great time last night. I did the traditional picture before they went out with their father, then I stayed home on candy distribution detail.
All four came back with a fairly respectable haul and got to enjoy three pieces of candy before heading off to bed. I, on the other hand had a very quiet night.
Just two groups stopped by for a total of four kids. The first two were brothers dressed as spider man and an adorable little dragon. The dragon (just barely two by my guess) was having a hard time with he whole candy thing. He insisted on clutching his treats and didn't understand that if he put the treats in his bag he could have more than one piece. I ended up stuffing a generous handful into his bag.
The other half of our crowd, brother and sister, had actually been sent over by my husband. The oldest, dressed in black robes, is a friend of Jake's and his little sister was dressed as a cute little devil in red. They had met up with my crew and my husband they had to stop by our house. Their mom was seriously impressed by the pumpkins and said "Now I know what you are doing with your spare time now that all the kids are in school."
Then that was it for me. I wish our neighbors participated or that we were on the main drag. Ah well, this just means more candy for me and I don't have to buy any more to fill Nate's pinata weekend after next.
Oh and if your interested, if you click on the pumpkin here it will lead you to the Flickr set of all of our pumpkins in their lit glory.
All four came back with a fairly respectable haul and got to enjoy three pieces of candy before heading off to bed. I, on the other hand had a very quiet night.
Just two groups stopped by for a total of four kids. The first two were brothers dressed as spider man and an adorable little dragon. The dragon (just barely two by my guess) was having a hard time with he whole candy thing. He insisted on clutching his treats and didn't understand that if he put the treats in his bag he could have more than one piece. I ended up stuffing a generous handful into his bag.
The other half of our crowd, brother and sister, had actually been sent over by my husband. The oldest, dressed in black robes, is a friend of Jake's and his little sister was dressed as a cute little devil in red. They had met up with my crew and my husband they had to stop by our house. Their mom was seriously impressed by the pumpkins and said "Now I know what you are doing with your spare time now that all the kids are in school."
Then that was it for me. I wish our neighbors participated or that we were on the main drag. Ah well, this just means more candy for me and I don't have to buy any more to fill Nate's pinata weekend after next.
Oh and if your interested, if you click on the pumpkin here it will lead you to the Flickr set of all of our pumpkins in their lit glory.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Artist of the week: Pumpkins
It's Halloween and it's all about the pumpkins.
I never carve the pumpkins ahead of time, I wait until the day itself. Part of it is procrastination, but there is also a logic behind it all. Pumpkins rot and the earlier you crack those babies open the longer they have to molder. There is nothing worse than reaching into a pumpkin to light it on All Hallows Eve and finding a thriving colony of black slime. And Virginia has both the mold, the humidity and the heat to make it all happen.
This week we are all artists of the week. Jake got to carve his pumpkins on his own for the first time. All I did was open the pumpkin up for him. He was so excited to be able to do it all on his own this year.
Nate designed a very elaborate skull themed pumpkin that I did my best to carve. Then, when he saw his older brother carving pumpkins, he decided to try to do his own. It started out fine, but in the end he was a bit overwhelmed and asked me to finish it off.
Max was happy to have me create his first pumpkin, a happy bat. At first he only specified a bat, but knowing Max I asked if he wanted it to be happy and yes he did. His second pumpkin he actually picked up the marker and designed it himself.
Rebecca's first pumpkin too was a happy one. Her pumpkin is a nice classic design that was a snap to carve. The second one, however was a bit more intricate. As I struggled to carve out her vision she told me that she forgot that I was going to carve the pumpkin, she was just drawing a picture. But that didn't stop me, if they can draw it, I can carve it.
Myself, I got to carve six of my own design. The kids thought it was unfair, but since I bought 'em I get to choose what happens to them. I made two traditional jack-o-lanterns, a cat and a skull. Then this year I tried two new ideas, a dragon and a ghost. I was very happy with how both turned out. The kids all loved the ghost and Nate was very impressed with the dragon. He told me that the dragon after I carved it didn't look like much, but when it was lit up he was very impressed. You could really see the dragon's face once night fell and the candle was lit.
I love Halloween.
I never carve the pumpkins ahead of time, I wait until the day itself. Part of it is procrastination, but there is also a logic behind it all. Pumpkins rot and the earlier you crack those babies open the longer they have to molder. There is nothing worse than reaching into a pumpkin to light it on All Hallows Eve and finding a thriving colony of black slime. And Virginia has both the mold, the humidity and the heat to make it all happen.
This week we are all artists of the week. Jake got to carve his pumpkins on his own for the first time. All I did was open the pumpkin up for him. He was so excited to be able to do it all on his own this year.
Nate designed a very elaborate skull themed pumpkin that I did my best to carve. Then, when he saw his older brother carving pumpkins, he decided to try to do his own. It started out fine, but in the end he was a bit overwhelmed and asked me to finish it off.
Max was happy to have me create his first pumpkin, a happy bat. At first he only specified a bat, but knowing Max I asked if he wanted it to be happy and yes he did. His second pumpkin he actually picked up the marker and designed it himself.
Rebecca's first pumpkin too was a happy one. Her pumpkin is a nice classic design that was a snap to carve. The second one, however was a bit more intricate. As I struggled to carve out her vision she told me that she forgot that I was going to carve the pumpkin, she was just drawing a picture. But that didn't stop me, if they can draw it, I can carve it.
Myself, I got to carve six of my own design. The kids thought it was unfair, but since I bought 'em I get to choose what happens to them. I made two traditional jack-o-lanterns, a cat and a skull. Then this year I tried two new ideas, a dragon and a ghost. I was very happy with how both turned out. The kids all loved the ghost and Nate was very impressed with the dragon. He told me that the dragon after I carved it didn't look like much, but when it was lit up he was very impressed. You could really see the dragon's face once night fell and the candle was lit.
I love Halloween.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Fund Ranting
I have four children attending three different public schools. Each one of the schools is trying to get my children to raise money for the schools. It's the end of October and I'm heartily sick of the whole thing. Now I don't begrudge what the PTA does with the funds, one of the schools got a badly needed copier and each teacher is given money to spend however they wish for the classroom, I just hate how they get the funds.
The absolute worst is the first one they hit the students with at the start of the school year. The students are rounded up for a pep rally and are issued a folder with a catalog from one of the various fund raising organizations. The students are urged to sell as much as possible with little prizes given out at each sales level. Of course we are "not supposed to go door to door and are only to sell to those that you know and trust."
Yeah right, so who are we to sell to. I can't tap other Mom friends, because they have the same problem. Larry certainly can't drag it into work, especially with four kids worth of sales. Our extended families are multiple states away and there is no way I'm going to hit up the grandparents every time one of their grandchildren has to hawk goods. So we end up buying the stuff ourselves, which peeves me because there is precious little that interests me in the catalogs. If we're lucky there may be a whole page dedicated to Hanukkah, otherwise they are generally 60 % Christmas stuff and the rest is miscellaneous high priced junk. The past couple of years the folder has gone straight to the recycling bin.
But this year the middle school knocked it up to a whole new level of evil. Instead of cheesy prizes there was going to be a party. In order to just attend the party (held during normal school hours- which irked me to no end) each child had to sell a minimum of eight items. Successive sales levels included special bonus rides and the top level was a limo ride. So in order to prevent my child from feeling like a total social outcast we had to sell/buy eight things.
This was outright black mail.
I was furious and vented my spleen to other mothers and Meryl and they all agreed it was so very wrong. In the end I scoured the catalog for the cheapest items and sent in the check. Middle school is tough enough as is, and I don't want to make it any harder. The worst moment was when the folder first showed up, Jake knows how I feel about this stuff and said "I guess I'll just spend my time in study hall." (Just twist the knife in a little further please.)
Interestingly enough there was been no PTA meeting yet for the middle school. When it does happen, I planning on standing up and giving them my two cents. I could write a letter and complain directly to the fund raising chair, but I want my grievance publicly aired and I know I'm not alone.
Meanwhile, anybody want an Entertainment book?
The absolute worst is the first one they hit the students with at the start of the school year. The students are rounded up for a pep rally and are issued a folder with a catalog from one of the various fund raising organizations. The students are urged to sell as much as possible with little prizes given out at each sales level. Of course we are "not supposed to go door to door and are only to sell to those that you know and trust."
Yeah right, so who are we to sell to. I can't tap other Mom friends, because they have the same problem. Larry certainly can't drag it into work, especially with four kids worth of sales. Our extended families are multiple states away and there is no way I'm going to hit up the grandparents every time one of their grandchildren has to hawk goods. So we end up buying the stuff ourselves, which peeves me because there is precious little that interests me in the catalogs. If we're lucky there may be a whole page dedicated to Hanukkah, otherwise they are generally 60 % Christmas stuff and the rest is miscellaneous high priced junk. The past couple of years the folder has gone straight to the recycling bin.
But this year the middle school knocked it up to a whole new level of evil. Instead of cheesy prizes there was going to be a party. In order to just attend the party (held during normal school hours- which irked me to no end) each child had to sell a minimum of eight items. Successive sales levels included special bonus rides and the top level was a limo ride. So in order to prevent my child from feeling like a total social outcast we had to sell/buy eight things.
This was outright black mail.
I was furious and vented my spleen to other mothers and Meryl and they all agreed it was so very wrong. In the end I scoured the catalog for the cheapest items and sent in the check. Middle school is tough enough as is, and I don't want to make it any harder. The worst moment was when the folder first showed up, Jake knows how I feel about this stuff and said "I guess I'll just spend my time in study hall." (Just twist the knife in a little further please.)
Interestingly enough there was been no PTA meeting yet for the middle school. When it does happen, I planning on standing up and giving them my two cents. I could write a letter and complain directly to the fund raising chair, but I want my grievance publicly aired and I know I'm not alone.
Meanwhile, anybody want an Entertainment book?
Monday, October 29, 2007
Go Sox!
That was an amazing game last night. You really had to watch it all the way to the end. There were some brilliant plays on the field, the Rockies' double play comes to mind. But in the end the Bo Sox swept the series, which is all right in my books considering over half my family lives in the Boston area.
But the I have to note that Fox's coverage was abysmal. I really did need the breathless A-Rod / Yankee's announcement during the game. It's the World Series! For crying out loud show the game.
But the I have to note that Fox's coverage was abysmal. I really did need the breathless A-Rod / Yankee's announcement during the game. It's the World Series! For crying out loud show the game.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Caramel Goodness
A few days ago I was having some very tart apple slices and swiss cheese for lunch. It was yummy (and good for me), but it needed something else, something sweet. I was of course online while noshing and tried to think what would be good with apples and cheese when it hit me.
Caramel.
That is exactly what I wanted.
I poked about the internet for a good, easy to make recipe for a caramel dip. Most of then required caramel to be added, either the sundae topping or the candies. Which is absurd, since the whole point of looking for a recipe means I didn't have any on hand. In the end I found an acceptable candidate over at RecipeCenter.com.
It's Caramel Dip for Apples as submitted by Steven C. Alpaugh. You can click over for the full recipe. I did just a 1/2 batch and it came out utterly scrumptious.
It totally hit the spot. It really is good to eat right after mixing it up, but it is even better after aging a bit in the fridge. I love dipping cheese cubes in it for a little snack. I might even share some with the kids.
Caramel.
That is exactly what I wanted.
I poked about the internet for a good, easy to make recipe for a caramel dip. Most of then required caramel to be added, either the sundae topping or the candies. Which is absurd, since the whole point of looking for a recipe means I didn't have any on hand. In the end I found an acceptable candidate over at RecipeCenter.com.
It's Caramel Dip for Apples as submitted by Steven C. Alpaugh. You can click over for the full recipe. I did just a 1/2 batch and it came out utterly scrumptious.
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
6 tbs. brown sugar
2 tbs. sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
Mix together until well blended. Dip apple wedges in caramel dip and eat.
It can be used right away, or mix ahead and refrigerate. This helps dissolve the sugars and blend flavors for a better caramel flavor. This stays creamy and ready to us as a dip right from the refrigerator.
It totally hit the spot. It really is good to eat right after mixing it up, but it is even better after aging a bit in the fridge. I love dipping cheese cubes in it for a little snack. I might even share some with the kids.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
The Worst Field Trip Ever
At least according Max.
Oh it started out all right, the day was sunny and everybody was looking forward to going to the pumpkin patch. Yesterday was the big kindergarten field trip to the pumpkin patch and I was going along as a chaperon.
Max was happy as was his friend when we first arrived. Then we waited. And waited some more for the tractor to take us out to the field to "pick" our pumpkins. But, there were dark clouds on the horizon, literally. A huge storm front was on its way to finally bring us some much needed rain. We could all see it massing to the South West of us. The parents nervously joked about it and we all hoped it would at least hold off until we got back to the buses.
As the wait dragged on for the tractors, the children got very antsy. One small group found a grub and were completely fascinated by the little creature. I jokingly pointed my camera ans announced that I should take a picture of what may be the high point of the trip.
Max, meanwhile, was very hungry and kept pestering me for food. It was about lunchtime and he was ready to eat and wanted to leave. The pumpkin patch was quickly losing its allure. Rebecca was as far as I knew fine. I'm not entirely sure about her because she elected to stay with her class.
Finally the tractors started to pull up to our crowd. Max's class was the last to load and just as we started to pull away from the buses the rain hit. And boy did it hit hard. A few minutes later the temperature dropped a good 10 degrees. Things were looking grim for pumpkin picking.
And grim it was. This was possibly the fastest pumpkin picking ever. As we stepped out into the cold, cold rain the kids milled about clutching their plastic bags. They would pick up whatever pumpkin was pointed out to them, stuff it in the bag and then look for shelter.
In previous years most kids would agonize over their pumpkins, spending a good twenty minutes going from pumpkin to pumpkin until finding the perfect one. Usually the arrival of the tractor to take them back would force the decision. But not this year, we grabbed our pumpkins and then huddled at the edge of the field under the trees.
Max was not happy.
He hates being cold and wet. Being hungry on top of all that made him one miserable little boy.
Most of the kids perked up once we were picked up by the tractor, which thankfully had a top that kept off most of the rain. But as you can see Max was deep in his funk and nothing was going right for him. It was at this moment he told me this was the worst field trip ever. And I kind of had to agree. Though I must note that he was his happy self again after he got to eat his snack on the heated bus.
Normally we would have done a few more things at the pumpkin patch, but we all agreed it was time to head back to school. I hope the next field trip works out a little better than this one.
Oh it started out all right, the day was sunny and everybody was looking forward to going to the pumpkin patch. Yesterday was the big kindergarten field trip to the pumpkin patch and I was going along as a chaperon.
Max was happy as was his friend when we first arrived. Then we waited. And waited some more for the tractor to take us out to the field to "pick" our pumpkins. But, there were dark clouds on the horizon, literally. A huge storm front was on its way to finally bring us some much needed rain. We could all see it massing to the South West of us. The parents nervously joked about it and we all hoped it would at least hold off until we got back to the buses.
As the wait dragged on for the tractors, the children got very antsy. One small group found a grub and were completely fascinated by the little creature. I jokingly pointed my camera ans announced that I should take a picture of what may be the high point of the trip.
Max, meanwhile, was very hungry and kept pestering me for food. It was about lunchtime and he was ready to eat and wanted to leave. The pumpkin patch was quickly losing its allure. Rebecca was as far as I knew fine. I'm not entirely sure about her because she elected to stay with her class.
Finally the tractors started to pull up to our crowd. Max's class was the last to load and just as we started to pull away from the buses the rain hit. And boy did it hit hard. A few minutes later the temperature dropped a good 10 degrees. Things were looking grim for pumpkin picking.
And grim it was. This was possibly the fastest pumpkin picking ever. As we stepped out into the cold, cold rain the kids milled about clutching their plastic bags. They would pick up whatever pumpkin was pointed out to them, stuff it in the bag and then look for shelter.
In previous years most kids would agonize over their pumpkins, spending a good twenty minutes going from pumpkin to pumpkin until finding the perfect one. Usually the arrival of the tractor to take them back would force the decision. But not this year, we grabbed our pumpkins and then huddled at the edge of the field under the trees.
Max was not happy.
He hates being cold and wet. Being hungry on top of all that made him one miserable little boy.
Most of the kids perked up once we were picked up by the tractor, which thankfully had a top that kept off most of the rain. But as you can see Max was deep in his funk and nothing was going right for him. It was at this moment he told me this was the worst field trip ever. And I kind of had to agree. Though I must note that he was his happy self again after he got to eat his snack on the heated bus.
Normally we would have done a few more things at the pumpkin patch, but we all agreed it was time to head back to school. I hope the next field trip works out a little better than this one.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Artist of the Week: Dominoes
This week's artist is Jake. For once I was able to watch some of his game this past weekend and I got this great shot of him in action. He loves playing soccer and this past week he had a lot of fun. His team lost, but it was a good game. I had fun watching him as well and had the added bonus of watching Nate too. Jake's team at best will have only substitutes at any particular game. It's hard on the players to out there running around for the full hour so when Nate is done he gets to sub in and give them a much needed break. It's fun watching the two of them together on the field.
Anyway, back to Jake.
He made this neat little structure about a week and a half ago and it is made from dominoes. Everything and I mean everything in this household gets used as a building material.
He made it one afternoon after school. As I recall this was actually a rebuild of the original structure. One of his siblings knocked into the table jarring the structure and causing a few dominoes to fall. After the initial outrage, Jake was able to repair the structure and I was able to photograph it.
It makes me think of a little Roman temple with its smooth white surfaces. The structure is just a pleasure to look at. I like Jake's sense of design and proportion.
Anyway, back to Jake.
He made this neat little structure about a week and a half ago and it is made from dominoes. Everything and I mean everything in this household gets used as a building material.
He made it one afternoon after school. As I recall this was actually a rebuild of the original structure. One of his siblings knocked into the table jarring the structure and causing a few dominoes to fall. After the initial outrage, Jake was able to repair the structure and I was able to photograph it.
It makes me think of a little Roman temple with its smooth white surfaces. The structure is just a pleasure to look at. I like Jake's sense of design and proportion.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Unexpected Richmond
I was driving along today on the Mayo bridge when I glanced to my right . I was immediately struck by the view and pulled over at a little park just south of the James. I had to walk back along the bridge and get that picture.
I am fortunate that the Mayo bridge features generous sidewalks on both sides and the traffic, although fast, was not too heavy. In fact people regularly fish off of the bridge I was standing on today. It is such a popular spot for fishing that the city installed multiple waste barrels on both sides of the bridge.
So camera in hand I wandered around the area taking pictures of whatever struck my fancy. I even ventured down to the edge of the James. The river is very low now and in some parts up river by the rapids you can almost cross it by hopping from rock to rock. But down by the city proper the river smooths out and rock hoping is out of the question. The oddest things I encountered by the river's edge was a still serviceable, white construction helmet and the distinctive smell of clean wet cardboard.
Up on the bridge the views were lovely. This one in particular is my favorite. It really shows the contrast of the James River and the city of Richmond. In the picture there is a definite feel of autumn. The colors are not nearly as bright or as garish as you would find up North, but they are there. The drought we are experiencing has muted the colors even more, however I did spot a flash of scarlet on a vine growing just a few yards away from the bridge.
I am fortunate that the Mayo bridge features generous sidewalks on both sides and the traffic, although fast, was not too heavy. In fact people regularly fish off of the bridge I was standing on today. It is such a popular spot for fishing that the city installed multiple waste barrels on both sides of the bridge.
So camera in hand I wandered around the area taking pictures of whatever struck my fancy. I even ventured down to the edge of the James. The river is very low now and in some parts up river by the rapids you can almost cross it by hopping from rock to rock. But down by the city proper the river smooths out and rock hoping is out of the question. The oddest things I encountered by the river's edge was a still serviceable, white construction helmet and the distinctive smell of clean wet cardboard.
Up on the bridge the views were lovely. This one in particular is my favorite. It really shows the contrast of the James River and the city of Richmond. In the picture there is a definite feel of autumn. The colors are not nearly as bright or as garish as you would find up North, but they are there. The drought we are experiencing has muted the colors even more, however I did spot a flash of scarlet on a vine growing just a few yards away from the bridge.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Remedial Car Repair
Generally I don't do much in the way of car repair. I do have a decent idea of how an engine works, but I have neither the inclination or the tools to try to fix it. I can change a tire, replace fuses, and jump start it. If pressed I can even reset the various warning lights on the dash. But that is pretty much it until today.
The poor left bumper of the van has had a fair amount of trauma. It has a multitude of scuffs from not quite judging the garage opening when we first got the van. (In order for both cars to fit the van has to be on the far left. The van has a slightly, maybe two inches, longer front than the old one and it took a while to get used to it.) Then I was driving along and got lightly side swiped this year from someone who decided to make a left hand turn across oncoming traffic. Fortunately no one was hurt and all that happened was that my van gained a few more scuffs on the front left bumper.
Then this weekend the poor bumper got bonked again. Sadly it was not just a scuff, but a big dent right in the corner of the front left bumper (stupid garage). Luckily nothing broke. I decided to give it a good look today and see if there was anything I could do about it. The dent was in the bumper cover, which is made of some sort of heavy duty plastic. I first tried to remove the cover, but after 4 screws and a dozen or so more to go I stopped. This was getting far too complicated. I then felt around under the car and discovered the dent was in an empty space I could actually reach from the inside.
While laying on a somewhat grubby garage floor I could reach up into the space and push the dent out.
Whoo! Hoo!
It's not a perfect fix, but the van looks much better now.
Now if I could just make the scuffs disappear.
The poor left bumper of the van has had a fair amount of trauma. It has a multitude of scuffs from not quite judging the garage opening when we first got the van. (In order for both cars to fit the van has to be on the far left. The van has a slightly, maybe two inches, longer front than the old one and it took a while to get used to it.) Then I was driving along and got lightly side swiped this year from someone who decided to make a left hand turn across oncoming traffic. Fortunately no one was hurt and all that happened was that my van gained a few more scuffs on the front left bumper.
Then this weekend the poor bumper got bonked again. Sadly it was not just a scuff, but a big dent right in the corner of the front left bumper (stupid garage). Luckily nothing broke. I decided to give it a good look today and see if there was anything I could do about it. The dent was in the bumper cover, which is made of some sort of heavy duty plastic. I first tried to remove the cover, but after 4 screws and a dozen or so more to go I stopped. This was getting far too complicated. I then felt around under the car and discovered the dent was in an empty space I could actually reach from the inside.
While laying on a somewhat grubby garage floor I could reach up into the space and push the dent out.
Whoo! Hoo!
It's not a perfect fix, but the van looks much better now.
Now if I could just make the scuffs disappear.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Flaming Ambulance
Today we took the whole crew to one of the small airports in the area for an air show and nothing says air show like a flaming ambulance.
The ambulance was a tricked out truck painted like an ambulance with a jet engine mounted in the back. It was incredibly loud, fast, spewed a huge flame out of the back and Nate loved it. The driver could make it produce a huge pulse of sound that you could actually feel in your chest. I have to admit that I though it was pretty cool too.
After the excitement of the ambulance roaring up and down the runway we checked out the NASCAR show car and the ubiquitous bouncy tents. Or more accurately the dynamic duo did the bouncy tent (shaped like the fuselage of a plane) and the boys checked out some planes on the tarmac. All the while planes buzzed about overhead.
The next act to catch our eye was a duo of stunt planes called "Iron Eagles." They put on an amazing show, the two biplanes perfectly matching each other. The planes did an incredible series of loops and rolls that completely captivated me. The smoke trailing from beneath them added to the show as they inscribed the sky with their routine.
In fact I got the best shot of the day when tracking them across the sky. I was annoyed as they flew towards the sun as I took frame after frame. It wasn't until I got home and downloaded the pictures that I could see how well the last frame I took came out. It violates the big rule of not shooting into the sun, but I love the great big flare of light in the picture. Bright and twisty indeed.
But that was not all, not by a long shot. The last act we caught was a group called American Barnstormer, Walt Pierce home of the Double Trouble Wing walking team. I didn't realize what was going on until I noticed the small upright figure on top of the plane.
It was with a sort of sick fascination I watched them. I couldn't believe that anybody could ride on top of a plane's wing while a plane executed all sorts of acrobatic maneuvers. I mean for crying out loud she was up their while her grandfather made the plane spin and loop about. I could have cropped the picture smaller so as to see the figure on top, but then you miss out on the smoke trail that shows where the plane went. It was incredible.
After an hour and half of excitement the kids then blew their allowances on a variety of model airplanes and then we headed back home. All four loved the show (Rebecca the most, she didn't want to leave) and want to go again. Max was particularly funny since he didn't want to go at first, but was full of smiles in the end. He was so happy as he left the show, broadly grinning and waving at the troopers, that the two policemen he passed couldn't help but break into huge answering smiles.
The ambulance was a tricked out truck painted like an ambulance with a jet engine mounted in the back. It was incredibly loud, fast, spewed a huge flame out of the back and Nate loved it. The driver could make it produce a huge pulse of sound that you could actually feel in your chest. I have to admit that I though it was pretty cool too.
After the excitement of the ambulance roaring up and down the runway we checked out the NASCAR show car and the ubiquitous bouncy tents. Or more accurately the dynamic duo did the bouncy tent (shaped like the fuselage of a plane) and the boys checked out some planes on the tarmac. All the while planes buzzed about overhead.
The next act to catch our eye was a duo of stunt planes called "Iron Eagles." They put on an amazing show, the two biplanes perfectly matching each other. The planes did an incredible series of loops and rolls that completely captivated me. The smoke trailing from beneath them added to the show as they inscribed the sky with their routine.
In fact I got the best shot of the day when tracking them across the sky. I was annoyed as they flew towards the sun as I took frame after frame. It wasn't until I got home and downloaded the pictures that I could see how well the last frame I took came out. It violates the big rule of not shooting into the sun, but I love the great big flare of light in the picture. Bright and twisty indeed.
But that was not all, not by a long shot. The last act we caught was a group called American Barnstormer, Walt Pierce home of the Double Trouble Wing walking team. I didn't realize what was going on until I noticed the small upright figure on top of the plane.
It was with a sort of sick fascination I watched them. I couldn't believe that anybody could ride on top of a plane's wing while a plane executed all sorts of acrobatic maneuvers. I mean for crying out loud she was up their while her grandfather made the plane spin and loop about. I could have cropped the picture smaller so as to see the figure on top, but then you miss out on the smoke trail that shows where the plane went. It was incredible.
After an hour and half of excitement the kids then blew their allowances on a variety of model airplanes and then we headed back home. All four loved the show (Rebecca the most, she didn't want to leave) and want to go again. Max was particularly funny since he didn't want to go at first, but was full of smiles in the end. He was so happy as he left the show, broadly grinning and waving at the troopers, that the two policemen he passed couldn't help but break into huge answering smiles.
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