I was going through some old pictures today for Nate. He had an assignment in Hebrew school about firsts: first steps, first day of school, and so on. The teacher requested that the students bring in as much memorabilia as possible, including pictures.
I was able to dig up the outfit he came home in from the hospital and the the very first hat the hospital staff placed on his head. What was particularly nice was that I had found pictures to go with a fair amount of Nate's big first time events, including his first Halloween.
He was just eleven days shy of his first birthday, but he had been walking for quite some time. We reused Jake's first costume for Nate, a cute little dinosaur/dragon. Jake, at all of four years of age, was in his rhinoceros costume. The two of them were utterly adorable together, the rhino and the dino. I have a fair number of pictures of them seated together, but this is one of my favorites, the two of them toddling off across the lawn.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Dragon Ash
This was sent to me by an old high school friend who is a complete and total music geek. The group is from Japan, which makes this song all the more surprising.
Enjoy.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Bloom is Not Yet Off the Rose
Or rather the moss rose.
I bought this plant way back in June for Jake's Bar Mitzvah. I loved the colors and as an added bonus it was labeled "water wise."
And boy they were not kidding.
I think I only watered them two, maybe three times this summer. They just kept on blooming. The plants are starting to look a bit seedy now and the blooms aren't nearly as profuse, but I certainly got my money's worth.
It will be interesting to see how they fair this winter. I'm hoping for the best, but I won't be surprised if they go belly up. Either way, I'm buying these again.
I bought this plant way back in June for Jake's Bar Mitzvah. I loved the colors and as an added bonus it was labeled "water wise."
And boy they were not kidding.
I think I only watered them two, maybe three times this summer. They just kept on blooming. The plants are starting to look a bit seedy now and the blooms aren't nearly as profuse, but I certainly got my money's worth.
It will be interesting to see how they fair this winter. I'm hoping for the best, but I won't be surprised if they go belly up. Either way, I'm buying these again.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Artist of the Week: Weather
This week's artist is Mr. Max, pictured here on the beach when we were on vacation.
Interestingly enough he was just talking to me today about our trip to the Outer Banks. He loved having the beach so close by and he wants to go again. It was fun being able to play in the waves and build sand castles as the mood struck.
It looks cold in the picture, I could have warmed it up, but it was cloudy and fairly early in the morning. I try to resist doing too much to my pictures. It's tempting to keep tweaking the picture to make it better, then ultimately the heart of the picture is lost. But that is just my opinion, of course sometimes a picture just begs to be played with.
Anyway this is not about me and my pictures, but Max and his.
At school Max's class has been studying weather. They have been learning all about different forms and what a forecast is. One of their assignments was to make a little book about weather.
I found it stuck inside his folder today while looking through his backpack for any handouts. It is hard to tell from the picture, but it is a series of pages you flip up. Each page gets progressively larger as you go through the book. The book itself defines all sorts of weather related terminology. From blizzard on down to wind, it is all neatly defined with a small illustration accompanying the text.
I love Max's spare little drawings. Rebecca would have drawn things in a much bolder fashion, but that is not Max.
I think my favorite page is drought. Max drew the absolutely cutest cow skeleton. I don't know why it appeals to me so much, but it does. If you click on either of the two pictures they will take you to the picture's page in my Flickr photostream and from there you can go to the picture set. I uploaded the whole book. You'll get to see another one of my favorites, the tornado and hurricane page. I don't know if it was intentional, but I love how the word "hurricane" is upside down. The bending teeny tiny palm trees complete the picture.
I think Max did a terrific job.
Interestingly enough he was just talking to me today about our trip to the Outer Banks. He loved having the beach so close by and he wants to go again. It was fun being able to play in the waves and build sand castles as the mood struck.
It looks cold in the picture, I could have warmed it up, but it was cloudy and fairly early in the morning. I try to resist doing too much to my pictures. It's tempting to keep tweaking the picture to make it better, then ultimately the heart of the picture is lost. But that is just my opinion, of course sometimes a picture just begs to be played with.
Anyway this is not about me and my pictures, but Max and his.
At school Max's class has been studying weather. They have been learning all about different forms and what a forecast is. One of their assignments was to make a little book about weather.
I found it stuck inside his folder today while looking through his backpack for any handouts. It is hard to tell from the picture, but it is a series of pages you flip up. Each page gets progressively larger as you go through the book. The book itself defines all sorts of weather related terminology. From blizzard on down to wind, it is all neatly defined with a small illustration accompanying the text.
I love Max's spare little drawings. Rebecca would have drawn things in a much bolder fashion, but that is not Max.
I think my favorite page is drought. Max drew the absolutely cutest cow skeleton. I don't know why it appeals to me so much, but it does. If you click on either of the two pictures they will take you to the picture's page in my Flickr photostream and from there you can go to the picture set. I uploaded the whole book. You'll get to see another one of my favorites, the tornado and hurricane page. I don't know if it was intentional, but I love how the word "hurricane" is upside down. The bending teeny tiny palm trees complete the picture.
I think Max did a terrific job.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
This Way and That Way
It's very entertaining having two dogs, particularly when they are half brothers and best buddies.
They love to wrestle each other under my feet, odd noises emanating from them as they try to flip each other over and suck on each others' ears. Then they are off for, what is to them, a well earned nap.
When they go outside one will wait for the other before going down the short staircase to the lawn. I'll see then stop at the top of the stairs looking back towards the other as though to say "Come on! Lets go!" Of course all bets are off if they spy a squirrel or a deer in the backyard. Then it's a pell-mell race to get to the intruder, barking all the while.
Mind you it's not all sunshine and roses.
When they race across the lawn it sometimes looks like a roller derby. John will bump Dell's shoulder with his own to slow his brother down. John does not like it when Dell pulls ahead and does his best to head his brother off. I have even seen him barking with his muzzle literally in Dell's ear. Dell couldn't care less and keeps on going, much to John's irritation.
But most of the time you can find them nosing about the lawn together, perfectly content to just be in the now.
Like today. After a week of nasty cold, wet weather we had our second sunny day in a row. It was glorious outside and the boys enjoyed the sunshine while I tried to find something colorful and autumnal to photograph.
The leaves were a bust (which wasn't too big a surprise), but then I looked at the dogs. At first both were looking at me as I got down to take their picture. Then something grabbed their individual attention and I got this fun series of pictures of them looking in opposite directions. Normally they will look in the same direction, but not this time. I'm just glad I caught them in the act.
They love to wrestle each other under my feet, odd noises emanating from them as they try to flip each other over and suck on each others' ears. Then they are off for, what is to them, a well earned nap.
When they go outside one will wait for the other before going down the short staircase to the lawn. I'll see then stop at the top of the stairs looking back towards the other as though to say "Come on! Lets go!" Of course all bets are off if they spy a squirrel or a deer in the backyard. Then it's a pell-mell race to get to the intruder, barking all the while.
Mind you it's not all sunshine and roses.
When they race across the lawn it sometimes looks like a roller derby. John will bump Dell's shoulder with his own to slow his brother down. John does not like it when Dell pulls ahead and does his best to head his brother off. I have even seen him barking with his muzzle literally in Dell's ear. Dell couldn't care less and keeps on going, much to John's irritation.
But most of the time you can find them nosing about the lawn together, perfectly content to just be in the now.
Like today. After a week of nasty cold, wet weather we had our second sunny day in a row. It was glorious outside and the boys enjoyed the sunshine while I tried to find something colorful and autumnal to photograph.
The leaves were a bust (which wasn't too big a surprise), but then I looked at the dogs. At first both were looking at me as I got down to take their picture. Then something grabbed their individual attention and I got this fun series of pictures of them looking in opposite directions. Normally they will look in the same direction, but not this time. I'm just glad I caught them in the act.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Long Day in the Saddle
Poor Larry is not feeling so well, so today I got to play chauffeur for all four kids.
It was a long day and I'm bushed. We ran the gamut from a dental appointment, to soccer practice, and a football game. Of course they were spread out all over the county, but the timing worked out just fine, I was on time if not a bit early for each event.
Tomorrow I have a lighter load and hopefully I will have a bit more pep at days end.
It was a long day and I'm bushed. We ran the gamut from a dental appointment, to soccer practice, and a football game. Of course they were spread out all over the county, but the timing worked out just fine, I was on time if not a bit early for each event.
Tomorrow I have a lighter load and hopefully I will have a bit more pep at days end.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Party for Two
Thursday was Max and Rebecca's official 8th birthday. They didn't quite get the full birthday treatment as I was just recovering from the piggy flu (and just for the record, Tamiflu totally rocks, it's the best drug ever!).
Instead of cake for breakfast they had to settle for brownies I had made earlier in the week. I did not bring in the planned sugar cookies to share with the classmates. I decided I needed to kept my germy self at home and not serve up a batch of scratch made sugar cookies with a touch of H1N1. Instead we'll make them this coming week.
Admittedly I was feeling much better on Thursday, but I was still not well enough to bake them a cake. So Larry and I stopped by a local ice cream shop and picked up a basic 6" round ice cream cake. We got lucky with our timing and the girl behind the counter was able to pipe their names on top.
But today was a different story.
Their joint party was today.
We have gotten this twin party down to a science. Max invites a bunch of boys and Rebecca invites some girls. We tried to invite their soccer team, but between my being ill and there being no practice or games since the Friday before last we were only able to get one teammate.
For the most part the kids separate out with the boys hanging with the boys and the girls sticking together and that is the way it should be. We try to avoid double invites because I feel kind of bad when parents have to come up with presents for two kids. Mind you we do have a few exceptions. One of the boys invited rides the same bus with the dynamic duo and brought presents for both of them.
Anyhoo, we have been nervously watching the weather for the past few days. It has been cool and rainy for this week and we were hoping for just a brief respite from the rain. Today's weather wasn't perfect, but it was still pretty nice outside. I was able to fix up our bouncy tent and get it set up on the lawn.
As always it was a huge hit with our guests.
The girls did not spend much time in the bouncy tent, but that was understandable considering the how very very active the boys are. Instead they hung around indoors both downstairs and that was fine with me.
About halfway through the party, we decided to was time for our big activity, cup cake decoration. This was such a bit hit last year that we decided to bring it back this year. The kids loved getting to decide chocolate or vanilla frosting and picking out which of the sugar pieces to use. Throw in some sprinkles and you've got yourself a party.
And that is exactly what we got. In fact everyone was having so much fun, nobody wanted to go home. The hallmark of a really good party.
Instead of cake for breakfast they had to settle for brownies I had made earlier in the week. I did not bring in the planned sugar cookies to share with the classmates. I decided I needed to kept my germy self at home and not serve up a batch of scratch made sugar cookies with a touch of H1N1. Instead we'll make them this coming week.
Admittedly I was feeling much better on Thursday, but I was still not well enough to bake them a cake. So Larry and I stopped by a local ice cream shop and picked up a basic 6" round ice cream cake. We got lucky with our timing and the girl behind the counter was able to pipe their names on top.
But today was a different story.
Their joint party was today.
We have gotten this twin party down to a science. Max invites a bunch of boys and Rebecca invites some girls. We tried to invite their soccer team, but between my being ill and there being no practice or games since the Friday before last we were only able to get one teammate.
For the most part the kids separate out with the boys hanging with the boys and the girls sticking together and that is the way it should be. We try to avoid double invites because I feel kind of bad when parents have to come up with presents for two kids. Mind you we do have a few exceptions. One of the boys invited rides the same bus with the dynamic duo and brought presents for both of them.
Anyhoo, we have been nervously watching the weather for the past few days. It has been cool and rainy for this week and we were hoping for just a brief respite from the rain. Today's weather wasn't perfect, but it was still pretty nice outside. I was able to fix up our bouncy tent and get it set up on the lawn.
As always it was a huge hit with our guests.
The girls did not spend much time in the bouncy tent, but that was understandable considering the how very very active the boys are. Instead they hung around indoors both downstairs and that was fine with me.
About halfway through the party, we decided to was time for our big activity, cup cake decoration. This was such a bit hit last year that we decided to bring it back this year. The kids loved getting to decide chocolate or vanilla frosting and picking out which of the sugar pieces to use. Throw in some sprinkles and you've got yourself a party.
And that is exactly what we got. In fact everyone was having so much fun, nobody wanted to go home. The hallmark of a really good party.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Peep and the Big Wide World
Because it's Friday, it has been a dreary week, and dang it... this just makes me happy.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Eight Years Ago
It was eight years ago today that we went from a family of four to a family of six.
Tonight we celebrated Max and Rebecca's arrival in the world with dinner out at the restaurant of their choosing. We all had a good time and after wards we had an ice cream cake at home. This weekend we will have their actual party, but that's enough about them now. I'll write about their birthday party next week. Instead I'm sharing with y'all a bit about way back then.
I had already been down this road before, but it was the first time carrying twins and that made all the difference.
As twin pregnancies go, mine was text book and very easy. At the end of pretty much all my appointments my OB would declare me boring and send me home. I kept myself well hydrated, which prevented the dreaded swollen ankles and pre-term labor. From the front I looked like another other pregnant women. But from the side...
Whoa Nellie!
I was huge. I carried them straight out in front of me. From about six months on I was endlessly amused when I was out and about from the audible reactions. At first people would ask if I was due very soon, they would gasp when I would airily reply that a still had a few couple of months to go. As my due date drew near I grew larger and larger, strangers quickly cottoned on that I was carrying twins.
During the last month of my pregnancy we had all sorts of family members stay with us to help me out. The funniest moment was when I drove my brother to the airport. He had extended his stay with us and needed to get his ticket reissued. I tagged along in case he needed any extra cash. As I waddled up to the check in desk and the strained smiles turned my way very clearly told me that they did not want me to board their planes. There was an almost audible sigh when I declared my intention was not to fly, but to help straighten out my brother's ticket.
My expanding belly made things decidedly awkward for me. It was harder and harder for me to get comfortable at night. Pillows and special wedges only worked for a while. During the last week or so I ended up sleeping propped up in a comfy old arm chair in our bedroom. I was so glad that my scheduled induction was at week 36 and not 40. The last couple of weeks were agony. I mentally and physically could not go on much longer.
They were born on a Monday and my OB gave a little cheer when I showed up right on time. She thought I wasn't going to make it through the weekend. And it turned out it was a close thing indeed. I was 5 cm dilated before anything was done. Clearly Max and Rebecca were getting evicted that day.
And come they did. They both had full heads of hair, black for Rebecca and blond for Max. Ironically Rebecca had the longer hair- a punkish little hairdo. While Max, ever he good boy, had a far more conservative mop that ended neatly just above his shirt collar.
Happy birthday my littlest ones, it has been a very fun filled eight years and I wish you many more.
Tonight we celebrated Max and Rebecca's arrival in the world with dinner out at the restaurant of their choosing. We all had a good time and after wards we had an ice cream cake at home. This weekend we will have their actual party, but that's enough about them now. I'll write about their birthday party next week. Instead I'm sharing with y'all a bit about way back then.
I had already been down this road before, but it was the first time carrying twins and that made all the difference.
As twin pregnancies go, mine was text book and very easy. At the end of pretty much all my appointments my OB would declare me boring and send me home. I kept myself well hydrated, which prevented the dreaded swollen ankles and pre-term labor. From the front I looked like another other pregnant women. But from the side...
Whoa Nellie!
I was huge. I carried them straight out in front of me. From about six months on I was endlessly amused when I was out and about from the audible reactions. At first people would ask if I was due very soon, they would gasp when I would airily reply that a still had a few couple of months to go. As my due date drew near I grew larger and larger, strangers quickly cottoned on that I was carrying twins.
During the last month of my pregnancy we had all sorts of family members stay with us to help me out. The funniest moment was when I drove my brother to the airport. He had extended his stay with us and needed to get his ticket reissued. I tagged along in case he needed any extra cash. As I waddled up to the check in desk and the strained smiles turned my way very clearly told me that they did not want me to board their planes. There was an almost audible sigh when I declared my intention was not to fly, but to help straighten out my brother's ticket.
My expanding belly made things decidedly awkward for me. It was harder and harder for me to get comfortable at night. Pillows and special wedges only worked for a while. During the last week or so I ended up sleeping propped up in a comfy old arm chair in our bedroom. I was so glad that my scheduled induction was at week 36 and not 40. The last couple of weeks were agony. I mentally and physically could not go on much longer.
They were born on a Monday and my OB gave a little cheer when I showed up right on time. She thought I wasn't going to make it through the weekend. And it turned out it was a close thing indeed. I was 5 cm dilated before anything was done. Clearly Max and Rebecca were getting evicted that day.
And come they did. They both had full heads of hair, black for Rebecca and blond for Max. Ironically Rebecca had the longer hair- a punkish little hairdo. While Max, ever he good boy, had a far more conservative mop that ended neatly just above his shirt collar.
Happy birthday my littlest ones, it has been a very fun filled eight years and I wish you many more.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Artist of the Week: Bomba!
On Sunday Jake and I went to the Richmond Folk Festival to listen to a little Jazz and some Bomba.
Jake is, yet again, taking band and one of the courses requirements are attending outside activities. As a result I'm always on the look out for something a little bit different that is, ideally, free. The Richmond Folk Festival this past weekend certainly filled the bill.
Together we poured over the list of performers, listening to music samples and reading the short bios. I wanted to listen to some Zydeco, but Jake wasn't at all interested. Instead he wanted to go see Bob French's Original Tuxedo Jazz Band. Jake loves Jazz, but I pointed out to him that he has written quite a few papers on Jazz performances already and it would be a good idea to branch out into other musical genres. So in the end we settled on Jorge Negron’s Master Bomba Ensemble. And by happy accident it turned out the Jazz band would be appearing on the same stage after wards.
So I present to you this week's artist- Jorge Negron’s Master Bomba Ensemble:
They were great fun. What was really nice about their performance was that the group realized that to some extent this was an educational experience. Mr. Negron explained in between songs the differences in style and where each style originated in Puerto Rico.
I really enjoyed the interplay between the drummers and the dancers. It is one of the very few musical forms where the dancer calls the shots. The infectious rhythms of the drums, the graceful motions of the dancers (both male and female) and the blending of the voices result in a wonderful audio and visual experience.
Jake is, yet again, taking band and one of the courses requirements are attending outside activities. As a result I'm always on the look out for something a little bit different that is, ideally, free. The Richmond Folk Festival this past weekend certainly filled the bill.
Together we poured over the list of performers, listening to music samples and reading the short bios. I wanted to listen to some Zydeco, but Jake wasn't at all interested. Instead he wanted to go see Bob French's Original Tuxedo Jazz Band. Jake loves Jazz, but I pointed out to him that he has written quite a few papers on Jazz performances already and it would be a good idea to branch out into other musical genres. So in the end we settled on Jorge Negron’s Master Bomba Ensemble. And by happy accident it turned out the Jazz band would be appearing on the same stage after wards.
So I present to you this week's artist- Jorge Negron’s Master Bomba Ensemble:
They were great fun. What was really nice about their performance was that the group realized that to some extent this was an educational experience. Mr. Negron explained in between songs the differences in style and where each style originated in Puerto Rico.
I really enjoyed the interplay between the drummers and the dancers. It is one of the very few musical forms where the dancer calls the shots. The infectious rhythms of the drums, the graceful motions of the dancers (both male and female) and the blending of the voices result in a wonderful audio and visual experience.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
I Introduce My Children to Amphigorey
I was sitting in my husbands home office, idling examining the titles on his bookshelves when one grabbed my eye- Amphigorey Also.
I love Edward Gorey, his drawings are beautiful and the accompanying texts are wonderfully twisted and lyrical. I've read one description of his writings as Dr. Seuss for grownups. He dark and demented humor is not to every one's taste, but I adore his books. There is a wonderful meter that somehow presents the most macabre stories in a cheerful tone.
One of my all time favorite stories is the "Ghastlycrumb Tinies" in Amphigorey, a strange tale of children meeting their respective doom alphabetically. I read it to Nate and he was delighted. Jake stopped by and wanted to know what was going on so I handed him Amphigorey Too. When I last checked they were happily paging through the two books.
Max and Rebecca are far too young for these books, but the older two are ready. Now they will learn where mommy gets her sometimes dark sense of humor.
I love Edward Gorey, his drawings are beautiful and the accompanying texts are wonderfully twisted and lyrical. I've read one description of his writings as Dr. Seuss for grownups. He dark and demented humor is not to every one's taste, but I adore his books. There is a wonderful meter that somehow presents the most macabre stories in a cheerful tone.
One of my all time favorite stories is the "Ghastlycrumb Tinies" in Amphigorey, a strange tale of children meeting their respective doom alphabetically. I read it to Nate and he was delighted. Jake stopped by and wanted to know what was going on so I handed him Amphigorey Too. When I last checked they were happily paging through the two books.
Max and Rebecca are far too young for these books, but the older two are ready. Now they will learn where mommy gets her sometimes dark sense of humor.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Brownielicious
I'm tired, it has been a long day and I deserve a treat.
At Costco today they had some lovely looking raspberries. They smelt luscious and I just had to bring them home.
A few days ago I baked some long promised brownies for the kids. They love my brownies which are dense, a little bit gooey and oh so yummy.
Together, with the help of a bit of heavy cream, they made a lovely little dessert. I'd offer to share, but I don't think I can spare one bite.
At Costco today they had some lovely looking raspberries. They smelt luscious and I just had to bring them home.
A few days ago I baked some long promised brownies for the kids. They love my brownies which are dense, a little bit gooey and oh so yummy.
Together, with the help of a bit of heavy cream, they made a lovely little dessert. I'd offer to share, but I don't think I can spare one bite.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Getting Stuck
Have you gotten your garden variety flu shot yet?
I got mine on Saturday. There is no way we are going to have both strains ripping through our house. I'm on the fence about the H1N1, we all might already have had it by the time it is available.
I got mine on Saturday. There is no way we are going to have both strains ripping through our house. I'm on the fence about the H1N1, we all might already have had it by the time it is available.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Plague Redux
Poor little Nate.
He immediately bounced back from strep throat and had just finished his antibiotics on Wednesday. Everything seemed to be just ducky.
But his good health was short lived.
He seemed a bit under the weather yesterday, but I put it down to late night homework and football practice. He did seem a bit more easily upset than normal. He was able to go off to school and I really did think much about how he was feeling. There were no obvious signs of distress and he didn't say a single thing. However it was a very sick boy that dragged himself home.
So after dinner we made our way to the local walk-in clinic to get his nose swabbed. We got the same Doctor that Jake had two weeks ago and, as an added bonus, the other Doc was the mother of one of Nate's classmates. I got the full dish on what was going on in school and the flu. It turns out a fair number of kids have it and it is almost a matter of time.
At least we caught it early and it looks like he didn't get it from his brother, but from school.
He immediately bounced back from strep throat and had just finished his antibiotics on Wednesday. Everything seemed to be just ducky.
But his good health was short lived.
He seemed a bit under the weather yesterday, but I put it down to late night homework and football practice. He did seem a bit more easily upset than normal. He was able to go off to school and I really did think much about how he was feeling. There were no obvious signs of distress and he didn't say a single thing. However it was a very sick boy that dragged himself home.
So after dinner we made our way to the local walk-in clinic to get his nose swabbed. We got the same Doctor that Jake had two weeks ago and, as an added bonus, the other Doc was the mother of one of Nate's classmates. I got the full dish on what was going on in school and the flu. It turns out a fair number of kids have it and it is almost a matter of time.
At least we caught it early and it looks like he didn't get it from his brother, but from school.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Light as the Breeze
I drove Larry's car the other day and this song popped up on the iPod wired to the sound system. Since then it has been rattling around in my brain.
I have been dimly aware of Leonard Cohen, but this song really opened my eyes. I find it to be utterly sublime and it makes me weak in the knees.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Artist of the Week: Surprise
Rebecca is this week's artist with a little something she made last school year.
The picture of her is from our trip to the outer banks. We spent most of our time on the beach in the morning hours, which was great from a photographic stand point. I loved the lighting then, the tips of the waves would sparkle without the hard flat glare in the afternoon that washed everything out.
The pose she struck was utterly unconscious of the camera. I think I was just hitting the beach and she didn't know I was there. She is so naturally graceful as she played in the wash of the surf. Her subject matter is also something that can dance gracefully in the ocean.
It is a cute little fish that reminds me of The Rainbow Fish. A book I'm positive she has been exposed to at least once in school. The colors are similar, but that might just be coincidence, pink, purple and blue are Rebecca's favorite colors.
Her fish is a bit stouter with much smaller fins, but is none the less cute.
But that's not all.
The little fish has a bit of a surprise.
I don't know what the assignment was, but it looks like they were told to draw something on a piece of paper with an overlapping fold. After the first drawing was completed they then had to draw a second picture that incorporates part of the first after lifting the flap. Rebecca chose to make an ice cream sundae.
You can see how the tail of the fish has become the ice cream bowl. What I particularly like about the project is how well the colors work. As I already mentioned, purple and blue are among her favorites, they also work well in depicting glassware. The striations of the tail fin dovetail neatly with the base of the glassware.
Rebecca had noticed I had her picture out today and was obviously very pleased and proud of her creation. I think justifiably so.
The picture of her is from our trip to the outer banks. We spent most of our time on the beach in the morning hours, which was great from a photographic stand point. I loved the lighting then, the tips of the waves would sparkle without the hard flat glare in the afternoon that washed everything out.
The pose she struck was utterly unconscious of the camera. I think I was just hitting the beach and she didn't know I was there. She is so naturally graceful as she played in the wash of the surf. Her subject matter is also something that can dance gracefully in the ocean.
It is a cute little fish that reminds me of The Rainbow Fish. A book I'm positive she has been exposed to at least once in school. The colors are similar, but that might just be coincidence, pink, purple and blue are Rebecca's favorite colors.
Her fish is a bit stouter with much smaller fins, but is none the less cute.
But that's not all.
The little fish has a bit of a surprise.
I don't know what the assignment was, but it looks like they were told to draw something on a piece of paper with an overlapping fold. After the first drawing was completed they then had to draw a second picture that incorporates part of the first after lifting the flap. Rebecca chose to make an ice cream sundae.
You can see how the tail of the fish has become the ice cream bowl. What I particularly like about the project is how well the colors work. As I already mentioned, purple and blue are among her favorites, they also work well in depicting glassware. The striations of the tail fin dovetail neatly with the base of the glassware.
Rebecca had noticed I had her picture out today and was obviously very pleased and proud of her creation. I think justifiably so.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
You've Come A Long Way Baby
Rebecca has come a long way from when she first started playing soccer.
She hated practice and would only participate if I threatened to withhold the post game snack from her. Games at best were grudgingly attended. She was only in it for the snacks.
One time she decided, while on the field, that she was done. As she stood there, arms folded across her chest, the ball came to rest by her feet. She ignored it. Ultimately another child came by and booted the ball away.
We had her sit out a season, there was no sense signing her up if she didn't want to play. She still had to go to all of her brother's practices, sitting on the sidelines nearly bored to tears. As she watched them play and attended the end of the season parties she started to change her mind.
Now she is a little go getter on the field, running to get the ball and not at all afraid to get into the thick of things. She is turning into a fairly good defensive player and goalie. She still doesn't like practice, but now she is having fun during the games.
She hated practice and would only participate if I threatened to withhold the post game snack from her. Games at best were grudgingly attended. She was only in it for the snacks.
One time she decided, while on the field, that she was done. As she stood there, arms folded across her chest, the ball came to rest by her feet. She ignored it. Ultimately another child came by and booted the ball away.
We had her sit out a season, there was no sense signing her up if she didn't want to play. She still had to go to all of her brother's practices, sitting on the sidelines nearly bored to tears. As she watched them play and attended the end of the season parties she started to change her mind.
Now she is a little go getter on the field, running to get the ball and not at all afraid to get into the thick of things. She is turning into a fairly good defensive player and goalie. She still doesn't like practice, but now she is having fun during the games.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Look Who's Coming For Dinner
moar funny pictures
Over at AMCGLTD Scott linked to an amazing story about a polar bear that decided to pop in for a visit.
The pictures are incredible and you really get a sense of exactly how big those bad boys are. And just for the heck of it I threw in a caption for Scott.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Two Kids and a Dog in a Box
We have this storage box out on the deck. Inside the deck box we keep all sorts of odds and ends. Cushions for the chairs, an extension cord on a reel, miscellaneous base ball equipment and so on can all be found within he deck box.
The kids love to climb inside and hide. The cushions are on the top layer and make for a cozy little spot. The only rule I have about the box is that you can not trap anybody or anything inside.
Today Rebecca and Nate decided that Dell had to join them in the box. At first Dell was on his back and all you could see were four paws and a snoot. He was very happy to be inside the box and the center of attention. It was so utterly charming I had to get my camera.
Of course my getting up and going inside perturbed Dell and he was no longer paws up when I returned. But, it still made for a very cute picture.
The kids love to climb inside and hide. The cushions are on the top layer and make for a cozy little spot. The only rule I have about the box is that you can not trap anybody or anything inside.
Today Rebecca and Nate decided that Dell had to join them in the box. At first Dell was on his back and all you could see were four paws and a snoot. He was very happy to be inside the box and the center of attention. It was so utterly charming I had to get my camera.
Of course my getting up and going inside perturbed Dell and he was no longer paws up when I returned. But, it still made for a very cute picture.
Friday, October 02, 2009
They Might Be Giants: "Meet the Elements" (BB Video)
Larry found this and sent it along to me and the kids.
I love it. I always been a fan of They Might Be Giants and this is so delightfully nerdy.
My inner geek is dancing along.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Fast Asleep
Last Saturday night I was up late as usual, I'm a night owl at heart, listening to the rain pouring down on the house. It was a veritable deluge hammering on the skylights and roof. In fact it was so loud and so sudden I was perplexed at first by all the noise. At one point I got up, I think to turn off a light, when I discovered a little person had sneaked downstairs.
I found Rebecca sound asleep on the couch, I didn't even see her when she came downstairs. She must have been woken up bythe noise from all the rain. I thought she looked so cute there asleep on the couch, I just had to take a picture before I carried her back upstairs.
I was really pushing the limits of the camera's natural light setting, but I did not want to use the flash or turn on any more lights. I improvised a tripod and gave it a go. I'm pretty pleased with the resulting photo. It's fairly grainy, but I think it adds to the feel of the picture.
I found Rebecca sound asleep on the couch, I didn't even see her when she came downstairs. She must have been woken up bythe noise from all the rain. I thought she looked so cute there asleep on the couch, I just had to take a picture before I carried her back upstairs.
I was really pushing the limits of the camera's natural light setting, but I did not want to use the flash or turn on any more lights. I improvised a tripod and gave it a go. I'm pretty pleased with the resulting photo. It's fairly grainy, but I think it adds to the feel of the picture.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Artist of the Week: Editorial Comic
This week's artist is Jake. Larry was the one that caught this great picture of him at the Amelia County Fair. All I had to do was rotate it and it's good to go, I didn't even have to any cropping. I complimented Larry on the good job of capturing our son's smile and he said you really do have to take pictures when people are unaware. It makes all the difference.
Indeed it does, though we do sometimes get some funny mugging.
Anyway a couple of summers ago Jake to a cartooning class up in Richmond. He learned a few of the ins and outs of cartooning and to this day still likes to make the occasional strip. And thus brings us to this week's art.
A few weeks ago Jake had an assignment in class regarding an article he found in the newspaper. I don't know if he was told to do a strip, that is what he did.
The article in question was about four swine flu case presumed at VCU and a bit of a run down about the H1N1 virus. Irionically Jake has just spent the last three days home with the flu, but will be back in class tomorrow.
Hooray for modern drugs like Tamiflu.
Unfortunately the comic did not scan at all well, so I'll quote the panels for you from left to right, top to bottom.
1.) Today on VCU news, we will look at the topic of swine flu. There are four reported possible cases of it.
2.) Three of the students went home...
3.) While one stayed at his dormitory.
4.) Now we go to where they supposedly got the swine flu.
5.) Ahh!! Invasion of the pigs!
I just love that pig with the laser bean eyes in the final panel. It just cracks me up. I need to get Jake to finish coloring this in.
Indeed it does, though we do sometimes get some funny mugging.
Anyway a couple of summers ago Jake to a cartooning class up in Richmond. He learned a few of the ins and outs of cartooning and to this day still likes to make the occasional strip. And thus brings us to this week's art.
A few weeks ago Jake had an assignment in class regarding an article he found in the newspaper. I don't know if he was told to do a strip, that is what he did.
The article in question was about four swine flu case presumed at VCU and a bit of a run down about the H1N1 virus. Irionically Jake has just spent the last three days home with the flu, but will be back in class tomorrow.
Hooray for modern drugs like Tamiflu.
Unfortunately the comic did not scan at all well, so I'll quote the panels for you from left to right, top to bottom.
1.) Today on VCU news, we will look at the topic of swine flu. There are four reported possible cases of it.
2.) Three of the students went home...
3.) While one stayed at his dormitory.
4.) Now we go to where they supposedly got the swine flu.
5.) Ahh!! Invasion of the pigs!
I just love that pig with the laser bean eyes in the final panel. It just cracks me up. I need to get Jake to finish coloring this in.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Bohemian Rhapsody, Old School Computer Remix
I found this via The Improbable Research Blog.
I don't know how many hours it took, I'm sure it was not easy. It makes my little geeky heart sing.
Monday, September 28, 2009
A Plague Is Upon My House
This weekend proved to be interesting.
The soccer players in he family, Jake, Nate and Rebecca all got to play their games before I sallied forth off to a dog club event on Saturday afternoon. Upon my return all seemed well, I was able to see off Larry and Nate before Nate's football game.
Then my little house of cards fell down.
Jake has had a cold for the past week. Nothing serious, he had just your run of the mill runny nose and cough. After Larry and Nate left, a half an hour had barely passed when Jake gave me an update about how he was feeling. With a blanket clutched around his shoulders he uttered the following:
"Mom, I don't feel very good. I get hot then I get cold."
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
A classic flu symptom and here I was stuck at home with three kids on a Saturday afternoon. I really did not want to drag Max and Rebecca along on what could be a potentially long wait at the nearby walk in clinic (aka the house of germs). So I decided to wait until Larry was back to wrangle the rest while I take Jake to the clinic.
And yes, my fears were borne out- Jake has the flu. However because we jumped right on it, he was proscribed Tamiflu and it is really helping him beat the flu. He might even be back in school on Wednesday. Hooray for modern medicine!
Meanwhile Nate was definitely not himself. He didn't eat much on Saturday and wasn't his normal energetic self at the game. This was not a good sign. We packed him off to bed and decided to keep a wary eye on the boy.
On Sunday he was mostly his old bouncy self, that is until the end of the day. He started to complain about a sore throat and didn't have the same amount of spunk (he is a child that positively vibrates with energy if does not have recess at school). It was late and he didn't have a fever so we decided to wait. That's the hardest part of being a parent. You want to make them all better at the first sign of illness, but if you go too soon they'll have a false negative. We needed to wait for a clear sign such as a sudden spike in fever.
Today he was just able to drag himself out of bed and all he wanted for breakfast was toast. He had a hacking cough, looked miserable and felt worse. I looked into those sad brown eyes and told him he could stay home from school, but I was going to take him into the doctors. I wasn't sure what he had, but he needed to be checked out.
And guess what, it turns out he has strep throat. It was such a classic presentation the Doctor didn't even bother swabbing his throat. Nate had the start of an ear infection (which is typical for him and Strep) so we got a scrip for antibiotics and were sent on our merry way.
So between the flu and strep, I really don't recommend your stopping by our house anytime soon.
The soccer players in he family, Jake, Nate and Rebecca all got to play their games before I sallied forth off to a dog club event on Saturday afternoon. Upon my return all seemed well, I was able to see off Larry and Nate before Nate's football game.
Then my little house of cards fell down.
Jake has had a cold for the past week. Nothing serious, he had just your run of the mill runny nose and cough. After Larry and Nate left, a half an hour had barely passed when Jake gave me an update about how he was feeling. With a blanket clutched around his shoulders he uttered the following:
"Mom, I don't feel very good. I get hot then I get cold."
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
A classic flu symptom and here I was stuck at home with three kids on a Saturday afternoon. I really did not want to drag Max and Rebecca along on what could be a potentially long wait at the nearby walk in clinic (aka the house of germs). So I decided to wait until Larry was back to wrangle the rest while I take Jake to the clinic.
And yes, my fears were borne out- Jake has the flu. However because we jumped right on it, he was proscribed Tamiflu and it is really helping him beat the flu. He might even be back in school on Wednesday. Hooray for modern medicine!
Meanwhile Nate was definitely not himself. He didn't eat much on Saturday and wasn't his normal energetic self at the game. This was not a good sign. We packed him off to bed and decided to keep a wary eye on the boy.
On Sunday he was mostly his old bouncy self, that is until the end of the day. He started to complain about a sore throat and didn't have the same amount of spunk (he is a child that positively vibrates with energy if does not have recess at school). It was late and he didn't have a fever so we decided to wait. That's the hardest part of being a parent. You want to make them all better at the first sign of illness, but if you go too soon they'll have a false negative. We needed to wait for a clear sign such as a sudden spike in fever.
Today he was just able to drag himself out of bed and all he wanted for breakfast was toast. He had a hacking cough, looked miserable and felt worse. I looked into those sad brown eyes and told him he could stay home from school, but I was going to take him into the doctors. I wasn't sure what he had, but he needed to be checked out.
And guess what, it turns out he has strep throat. It was such a classic presentation the Doctor didn't even bother swabbing his throat. Nate had the start of an ear infection (which is typical for him and Strep) so we got a scrip for antibiotics and were sent on our merry way.
So between the flu and strep, I really don't recommend your stopping by our house anytime soon.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Yom Kippur
For all my Jewish friends and family, g'mar hatima tovah. May your fast be easy and may you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a good and peaceful new year.
Mud Chef
Rebecca decided that today was a good day to make mud pies. Of course being a feral princess she had to wear a pretty dress and latex gloves. Apparently she does not like getting dirt under her finger nails.
She was using left over potting soil from the center pieces from Jake Bar Mitzvah. She added water and then formed the pies on her little plastic plates from her tea set. She then told me that once they are dried she will feed them to John.
Which was news to me.
She then went on to say that she tried giving the mud pies to Dell, but he would only give a quick sniff and walk away. Dell likes tea parties, but he is not a fan of the mud pie. Only John likes mud pies.
She was using left over potting soil from the center pieces from Jake Bar Mitzvah. She added water and then formed the pies on her little plastic plates from her tea set. She then told me that once they are dried she will feed them to John.
Which was news to me.
She then went on to say that she tried giving the mud pies to Dell, but he would only give a quick sniff and walk away. Dell likes tea parties, but he is not a fan of the mud pie. Only John likes mud pies.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Tres Leches
Ree over at Pioneer Woman is a very, very good cook. She also is all funny as get out and is a hoot to read. If you don't know about her go over right now, I'll wait.
Anyhoodle a few weeks ago she posted the most divine sounding recipe, Tres Leches. I mentally bookmarked it as one to try and waited for the right occasion.
Last weekend I had a dog club potluck to attend, as per usual I volunteered to make desserts. I figure I should stick with my strengths and my club is always very, very happy to eat my baked goods. So I made my flourless chocolate torte ( dead easy and delicious) and the Tres Leches.
Oh my.
It was goooooood.
It perfectly complimented the dense chocolaty goodness of my other offering. And even better, it too was dead easy to make. It is not at all a fussy cake to bake. Especially if you follow along on Ree's website. She loves to take pictures of each and every step.
So head on over and try out her Tres Leches cake, it's worth the calories. You can always say it's for swine flu prevention if you use vitamin D fortified milk.
Anyhoodle a few weeks ago she posted the most divine sounding recipe, Tres Leches. I mentally bookmarked it as one to try and waited for the right occasion.
Last weekend I had a dog club potluck to attend, as per usual I volunteered to make desserts. I figure I should stick with my strengths and my club is always very, very happy to eat my baked goods. So I made my flourless chocolate torte ( dead easy and delicious) and the Tres Leches.
Oh my.
It was goooooood.
It perfectly complimented the dense chocolaty goodness of my other offering. And even better, it too was dead easy to make. It is not at all a fussy cake to bake. Especially if you follow along on Ree's website. She loves to take pictures of each and every step.
So head on over and try out her Tres Leches cake, it's worth the calories. You can always say it's for swine flu prevention if you use vitamin D fortified milk.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Fireflies
Fireflies is sweet song that I first heard courtesy of a friend from way back. Since then I've been hearing it on the more adventurous radio stations (ie WNRN- by far the best station in the Richmond metro area). It is one of the select few songs that will actually silence all four of my kids when it comes on the car's radio.
The video technically can not be embedded, you have to click through to watch it on YouTube. However, it is worth the effort.
I thought it was a fitting song as summer is drawing to an end, in fact the fireflies around have long since packed up and left. Otherwise I would have tried to take one tonight. I'll just have to wait until next year for my firefly picture. For now I'll just have to enjoy this song.
The video technically can not be embedded, you have to click through to watch it on YouTube. However, it is worth the effort.
I thought it was a fitting song as summer is drawing to an end, in fact the fireflies around have long since packed up and left. Otherwise I would have tried to take one tonight. I'll just have to wait until next year for my firefly picture. For now I'll just have to enjoy this song.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Artist of the Week: Research
Max is this week's artist. Larry got this picture of him at the Amelia County Fair a few weeks ago. In fact Larry, for a change, was taking the bulk of the fair pictures this year. I only took a few and honestly his came out better. I instead focused my energies on the demolition derby that evening. Anyway Max looks so serious on his motorbike and as an added bonus I see little Miss. Rebecca is in the background.
I really like our camera, this is yet another great shot straight out of the camera. If you pay attention you can get some great pictures with our little Fujifilm Finepix. Some day I learn how to use the more advanced features, but for now the fully automatic and natural light modes are just ducky for me.
As for the art portion of this post, I present to you Max's first grade Animal Research from last year. It was of course no surprise to me that Max choose to research sea turtles. They are his absolute favorite animal. His love for them is so great that he was even motivated enough to learn how to properly spell turtle. Pretty big deal for someone who can't be bothered with vowels half the time.
This was from the end of the year and his handwriting has come a long, long way since the start of first grade. I love his illustration of the sea turtles in their habitat. The two turtles on the far right are chasing jellyfish, the one on the left is in pursuit of a fish and the one in the middle is diving down with its mouth wide open for a bite of seaweed.
It doesn't have a grade on it, but I would give it a well deserved E for most excellent.
I really like our camera, this is yet another great shot straight out of the camera. If you pay attention you can get some great pictures with our little Fujifilm Finepix. Some day I learn how to use the more advanced features, but for now the fully automatic and natural light modes are just ducky for me.
As for the art portion of this post, I present to you Max's first grade Animal Research from last year. It was of course no surprise to me that Max choose to research sea turtles. They are his absolute favorite animal. His love for them is so great that he was even motivated enough to learn how to properly spell turtle. Pretty big deal for someone who can't be bothered with vowels half the time.
This was from the end of the year and his handwriting has come a long, long way since the start of first grade. I love his illustration of the sea turtles in their habitat. The two turtles on the far right are chasing jellyfish, the one on the left is in pursuit of a fish and the one in the middle is diving down with its mouth wide open for a bite of seaweed.
It doesn't have a grade on it, but I would give it a well deserved E for most excellent.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
What I Really Like About School
Like most parents that send their kids off to school, there is a big sigh of relief once the bus comes that first day of school. I love the resulting peacefulness that descends upon the house.
I'm not knocking motherhood, but the 24/7 aspect of summer vacation does wear a bit thin as the days stretch out. The constant noise and activity can be a exhausting. Mind you I don't get off completely scot-free, the first hour that they get home is breath taking in the sheer volume of noise and energy. They have spent the day apart and it is so exciting to be reunited again.
But the best part when they are off at school is lunch. No longer do I have to figure out what they want and make it. It's just me, myself and I. I still have to pack it in the morning, but that's easy. What makes lunch on my own so very, very nice is that I can eat any dang thing I want and not have to defend my questionable dietary choices or be a paragon of nutritional virtue. And I'll admit that sometimes I'll have a nutritionally bankrupt lunch. In fact during the first week of school I gleefully called up Meryl and announced I was having just potato chips for lunch.
It was great and I didn't have to share.
I'm not knocking motherhood, but the 24/7 aspect of summer vacation does wear a bit thin as the days stretch out. The constant noise and activity can be a exhausting. Mind you I don't get off completely scot-free, the first hour that they get home is breath taking in the sheer volume of noise and energy. They have spent the day apart and it is so exciting to be reunited again.
But the best part when they are off at school is lunch. No longer do I have to figure out what they want and make it. It's just me, myself and I. I still have to pack it in the morning, but that's easy. What makes lunch on my own so very, very nice is that I can eat any dang thing I want and not have to defend my questionable dietary choices or be a paragon of nutritional virtue. And I'll admit that sometimes I'll have a nutritionally bankrupt lunch. In fact during the first week of school I gleefully called up Meryl and announced I was having just potato chips for lunch.
It was great and I didn't have to share.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Armed and Dangerous
... with a staple gun.
Today I finally got up out of my chair and did something about it, literally.
This is what my poor chair by the computer looked like. The fabric was tattered and torn. The foam cushion beneath was shredding off, exposing the board it was glued on. Annoying bits and pieces of the foam are littered about the floor.
It was not a pretty sight and not terribly comfortable.
I like to think that even Dell was upset by the this sad, sad wreck of a chair and is begging for me to fix it. In reality he couldn't give a rat's patootie, all he wants is food and tummy rubs. But I do care and today was the day, I had all the materials- new foam cushion, sturdy fabric and a staple gun.
Having learned the hard way how messy a project this can be, I dragged the chair out to the deck to strip away the old fabric and foam. It took all of 15 minutes, then another 20 to cut out the foam and drape the fabric. The only snag was that I didn't have quite enough staples. However, I was able to tack the fabric down well enough until I can get more.
John seemed pretty happy with the final results and it is much cushier now with the new foam.
Today I finally got up out of my chair and did something about it, literally.
This is what my poor chair by the computer looked like. The fabric was tattered and torn. The foam cushion beneath was shredding off, exposing the board it was glued on. Annoying bits and pieces of the foam are littered about the floor.
It was not a pretty sight and not terribly comfortable.
I like to think that even Dell was upset by the this sad, sad wreck of a chair and is begging for me to fix it. In reality he couldn't give a rat's patootie, all he wants is food and tummy rubs. But I do care and today was the day, I had all the materials- new foam cushion, sturdy fabric and a staple gun.
Having learned the hard way how messy a project this can be, I dragged the chair out to the deck to strip away the old fabric and foam. It took all of 15 minutes, then another 20 to cut out the foam and drape the fabric. The only snag was that I didn't have quite enough staples. However, I was able to tack the fabric down well enough until I can get more.
John seemed pretty happy with the final results and it is much cushier now with the new foam.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Shanah Tovah, Matey!
Today makes the start of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. So I would like to wish all a sweet new year.
But wait, there's more!
Saturday also marks the official Talk Like a Pirate Day, an odd confluence of events to be sure. So to celebrate Capt. Long John and his scurvy mate Dirty Dell got out their pirate duds and are on the lookout for a sweet new year. They recommend Jewschool for some good ideas to bring out your inner Jewish pirate.
Shana Tova Umetukah! Arrrgh!
But wait, there's more!
Saturday also marks the official Talk Like a Pirate Day, an odd confluence of events to be sure. So to celebrate Capt. Long John and his scurvy mate Dirty Dell got out their pirate duds and are on the lookout for a sweet new year. They recommend Jewschool for some good ideas to bring out your inner Jewish pirate.
Shana Tova Umetukah! Arrrgh!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Peanuts as Performed by Peanuts
I don't remember exactly how I got to this little gem. I know I had clicked through to a similar Peanuts-Police mash-up, that one featuring Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic. It was a fairly decent clip, but this one espied on the sidebar really blows off the doors.
And really, what could be possibly be better than the Peanuts singing Peanuts?
And really, what could be possibly be better than the Peanuts singing Peanuts?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Artist of the Week: Poetry
This week's artist is Nate.
Lately it has been all football, all the time. We elected to keep him on the minor team again this season. He is not particularly big and we felt he would be a little more likely to be squished if he played in his actual age group. He still easily made the weight cutoff, he is just not allowed to advance the ball since he is a "striper." (Stripers have a one and one-half inch wide stripe six inches long running horizontally across the front and back of his helmet. The stripe shall be of a contrasting color to the helmet.)
Mind you can still do kickoffs and all other types of positions. Nate will be starting in both offensive and defensive plays and be doing the kickoffs. As a result he was like a wet dishrag by the end of the first game.
Anyway, I was cleaning out the kids backpacks and supply bins a couple of weeks ago before the start of the new school year. Amongst all the papers and such I found a book of poetry Nate created last year in school. They are simple little poems with illustrations accompanying them on each page.
The poems are all original compositions created for certain themes presented to them by the teacher. The illustrations are a mixture of clip art and his own drawings. My favorite of the lot was the one titled Dell, I'll rewrite it here so it's a bit easier to read. The white type on the cute little puppy clip art is not very easy to read, particularly in the small picture here in the post. I could make y'all click through to the large image, but then you are still stuck with the white typeface.
So here it is, Nate's poem from his Poetry Collection.
Lately it has been all football, all the time. We elected to keep him on the minor team again this season. He is not particularly big and we felt he would be a little more likely to be squished if he played in his actual age group. He still easily made the weight cutoff, he is just not allowed to advance the ball since he is a "striper." (Stripers have a one and one-half inch wide stripe six inches long running horizontally across the front and back of his helmet. The stripe shall be of a contrasting color to the helmet.)
Mind you can still do kickoffs and all other types of positions. Nate will be starting in both offensive and defensive plays and be doing the kickoffs. As a result he was like a wet dishrag by the end of the first game.
Anyway, I was cleaning out the kids backpacks and supply bins a couple of weeks ago before the start of the new school year. Amongst all the papers and such I found a book of poetry Nate created last year in school. They are simple little poems with illustrations accompanying them on each page.
The poems are all original compositions created for certain themes presented to them by the teacher. The illustrations are a mixture of clip art and his own drawings. My favorite of the lot was the one titled Dell, I'll rewrite it here so it's a bit easier to read. The white type on the cute little puppy clip art is not very easy to read, particularly in the small picture here in the post. I could make y'all click through to the large image, but then you are still stuck with the white typeface.
So here it is, Nate's poem from his Poetry Collection.
Dell
Dell is a crazy little dog.
Now he's sniffing a log.
He runs all around, and now he's down.
And he makes a great big sound.
Now he's eaten a hog!
You are a crazy little dog!
Now he's run into town,
And he eats the ground.
Now he's sniffing a log.
He runs all around, and now he's down.
And he makes a great big sound.
Now he's eaten a hog!
You are a crazy little dog!
Now he's run into town,
And he eats the ground.
It's a charming little piece. Nate loves Dell dearly and I think it shows.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Early Morning Ride
As I had mentioned earlier, on Saturday we had a couple of sporting events. Jake had a soccer game and Nate had a football game. Jake's game was at 9:00 am and just under an hour's drive away, meanwhile Nate had a 10:00 am game at the field 15 minutes from our house.
Larry had volunteered to be part of the chain gang so he was in charge of Nate. Which left me with Jake and the dynamic duo.
It was Jake's first game of the season and the coach requested that the players show up about 8:30 am. Which meant we needed to leave the house no later than 7:30 am, earlier would be even better because of my planned McD's pancake run to appease the younger set.
Miracle of miracles w actually left the house before 7:30 am. I guess having a week of school helped prime them for another early morning. Who knows, I'm just glad it all worked out.
It was a bit cool out and the ride was beautiful. As we approached a river we could see a low bank of fog laying over the water. Mist wreathed the trees on the riverbank and swirled across the bridge. It was a struck by the view and desperatly wanted to capture, but alas I was driving.
Fortunately I had Jake with me and he sensed my need to at least try and photograph our ethereal surroundings. Without any prompting he offered to take a few pictures. I fished my camera off of the front passenger seat and passed it on back to him. He was able to take quite a few very nice shots before we crossed the bridge.
The rest of the ride had a few more dips into low lying fog, but none as dramatic as he first time on the highway. We wound our way through farmland and onwards. We got to the playing field a few minutes before 8:30, just beating the coach by five minutes.
Our team's players showed up in dribs and drabs, with the last two players to fill out a field of 11 showing up just before game time. One more boy showed up a few minutes later and gave our team a much need substitute. We have a roster of 16 or so, but quite a few didn't make it.
In the end it all worked out. Our team was a bit ragged at first, but over the course of the game they started to come together as a team. It was fun to watch them improve and even though they lost it was a very good game. The other team was challenging and gracious. Both teams agreed it was a very satisfying game to play.
Larry had volunteered to be part of the chain gang so he was in charge of Nate. Which left me with Jake and the dynamic duo.
It was Jake's first game of the season and the coach requested that the players show up about 8:30 am. Which meant we needed to leave the house no later than 7:30 am, earlier would be even better because of my planned McD's pancake run to appease the younger set.
Miracle of miracles w actually left the house before 7:30 am. I guess having a week of school helped prime them for another early morning. Who knows, I'm just glad it all worked out.
It was a bit cool out and the ride was beautiful. As we approached a river we could see a low bank of fog laying over the water. Mist wreathed the trees on the riverbank and swirled across the bridge. It was a struck by the view and desperatly wanted to capture, but alas I was driving.
Fortunately I had Jake with me and he sensed my need to at least try and photograph our ethereal surroundings. Without any prompting he offered to take a few pictures. I fished my camera off of the front passenger seat and passed it on back to him. He was able to take quite a few very nice shots before we crossed the bridge.
The rest of the ride had a few more dips into low lying fog, but none as dramatic as he first time on the highway. We wound our way through farmland and onwards. We got to the playing field a few minutes before 8:30, just beating the coach by five minutes.
Our team's players showed up in dribs and drabs, with the last two players to fill out a field of 11 showing up just before game time. One more boy showed up a few minutes later and gave our team a much need substitute. We have a roster of 16 or so, but quite a few didn't make it.
In the end it all worked out. Our team was a bit ragged at first, but over the course of the game they started to come together as a team. It was fun to watch them improve and even though they lost it was a very good game. The other team was challenging and gracious. Both teams agreed it was a very satisfying game to play.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Six Cars and a Mud Pit
So as I mentioned yesterday, there was a little old thing called a demolition derby at the fair. We had never been to one before and we thought to would be fun to actually see one in person. As an added bonus it was part of the fair so we wouldn't have to shell out any more money.
We went with high hopes and we were not disappointed.
At first I was surprised at how small the area for the cars was. Somehow I envisioned something far larger, but after the first heat I understood that the small size resulted in far more intensive action. It was fun watching the big cars slew about in the mud, shooting up rooster tails of red clay. The crowd cheered with every impact. And in the end it all came down to two smoking wrecks.
We went with high hopes and we were not disappointed.
At first I was surprised at how small the area for the cars was. Somehow I envisioned something far larger, but after the first heat I understood that the small size resulted in far more intensive action. It was fun watching the big cars slew about in the mud, shooting up rooster tails of red clay. The crowd cheered with every impact. And in the end it all came down to two smoking wrecks.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Best County Fair Ever!
Saturday we were all over the map, literally.
In the morning Jake had a soccer game three counties over, necessitating our getting up at the crack o' dawn. I had to take him and two seven years old at 7:30 in the freaking morning. To promote a more positive attitude and willing participation among the younger set I bribed them with McDonald's pancakes at the beginning of our nearly hour long drive. We got there on time and Jake had a good game. Then it was back home to met up with Larry and Nate once Nate's football game was over.
Then it was time for the serious fun to begin.
We missed out on our county fair last week. We were tired after seeing the Velvet Marias and our county's fair is not at it's best on its last day. We did, however, notice that Amelia county was having its fair Sept. 9th on through the 13th. This would work and as an added bonus there would be a demolition derby in the evening. I was totally sold on the idea.
After lunch and bit of noodling about the house we loaded up the van and headed on out to Amelia. Our plan was to meet Meryl in Amelia and take it from there.
There was a bit of grumbling at first, the kids wanted to just hang out at home, but we dragged them along anyway. We had pre-purchased wristbands for the rides and by gum we were gonna use them.
I am so glad we went. It was a smaller and much friendlier event than our own county's fair. I'm not knocking ours, but it's nice being able to let the boys wander about and not worry about where they are. It was far less crowded and the venue was easily a third of the size. You could easily survey the whole thing from the ferris wheel. The rides were pretty much the same and the kids had a good time.
The only thing we missed out on was the carousel. There was one available, but Rebecca had no interest in it until after we had dinner. By then it was too late, Our wristbands expired at 5:00 pm and it was well past that. I'm a little bit saddened that I don't have our annual picture of Rebecca on the carousel, but I'm not going to force her. As the expiration hour of the bands drew near I explained to her several times that if she wanted to go on any more rides, now was the time to do it. I wasn't going to buy additional tickets once the wristband time period was over. She was a bit disappointed, but she didrealize it was her own fault. I had mentioned it to her on several occasions.
And anyway we had a demolition derby to attend.
I'm not going to write much here about it. Suffice it to say we had a great time. It was just as good, if not better, than I expected. It'll be a subject for my next post.
I'll just leave you with the image of my two oldest battling it out with their midway light sabers. They provided some good entertainment between heats at the derby.
In the morning Jake had a soccer game three counties over, necessitating our getting up at the crack o' dawn. I had to take him and two seven years old at 7:30 in the freaking morning. To promote a more positive attitude and willing participation among the younger set I bribed them with McDonald's pancakes at the beginning of our nearly hour long drive. We got there on time and Jake had a good game. Then it was back home to met up with Larry and Nate once Nate's football game was over.
Then it was time for the serious fun to begin.
We missed out on our county fair last week. We were tired after seeing the Velvet Marias and our county's fair is not at it's best on its last day. We did, however, notice that Amelia county was having its fair Sept. 9th on through the 13th. This would work and as an added bonus there would be a demolition derby in the evening. I was totally sold on the idea.
After lunch and bit of noodling about the house we loaded up the van and headed on out to Amelia. Our plan was to meet Meryl in Amelia and take it from there.
There was a bit of grumbling at first, the kids wanted to just hang out at home, but we dragged them along anyway. We had pre-purchased wristbands for the rides and by gum we were gonna use them.
I am so glad we went. It was a smaller and much friendlier event than our own county's fair. I'm not knocking ours, but it's nice being able to let the boys wander about and not worry about where they are. It was far less crowded and the venue was easily a third of the size. You could easily survey the whole thing from the ferris wheel. The rides were pretty much the same and the kids had a good time.
The only thing we missed out on was the carousel. There was one available, but Rebecca had no interest in it until after we had dinner. By then it was too late, Our wristbands expired at 5:00 pm and it was well past that. I'm a little bit saddened that I don't have our annual picture of Rebecca on the carousel, but I'm not going to force her. As the expiration hour of the bands drew near I explained to her several times that if she wanted to go on any more rides, now was the time to do it. I wasn't going to buy additional tickets once the wristband time period was over. She was a bit disappointed, but she didrealize it was her own fault. I had mentioned it to her on several occasions.
And anyway we had a demolition derby to attend.
I'm not going to write much here about it. Suffice it to say we had a great time. It was just as good, if not better, than I expected. It'll be a subject for my next post.
I'll just leave you with the image of my two oldest battling it out with their midway light sabers. They provided some good entertainment between heats at the derby.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Project 2,996: Martin Boryczewski
Martin Boryczewski would have turned 37 on August 17, 2009.
Marty, as he was known by friends and family, was only 29 when his life came to an abrupt end on September 11th, 2001.
He was 6 foot 2, 180 pounds, with hazel eyes. From what have learned about him he played baseball in college at St. Peters in New Jersey, to the extent that it took him seven years to work through and finish with a degree in financial management. After college he gave himself four years to get out of the minors and into the big show. In that time he played for Class A and AA teams of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Detroit Tigers. When the four years were up he ultimately ended up at Cantor Fitzgerald.
Sadly, he wasn't even supposed to be in the North Tower that fateful day. He was to head the new office on the Jersey Shore. Originally it was slated to open in July, then Labor Day, only to delayed yet again.
When asked about his future goals, we stated that he wanted to retire at 35 and become a fly fishing guide in Montana. Ideally he would work for seven months, then ski the remaining five. If was still alive today he would have been two years into his retirement.
His friends and family have set up a scholarship foundation in his honor. From the foundation's website:
To support their endeavors an annual golf outing held, this year it is on Sept. 19th at the Black Bear Golf Club in Franklin, NJ. Last year was wildly successful and they were able to make the $3000 yearly commitment to the school.
Here's hoping that Marty's name and the good works done in his honor live on.
Note: for more tributes head on over to Project 2,996. I also did this in 2006 and profiled Robert Garvin McCarthy.
Marty, as he was known by friends and family, was only 29 when his life came to an abrupt end on September 11th, 2001.
He was 6 foot 2, 180 pounds, with hazel eyes. From what have learned about him he played baseball in college at St. Peters in New Jersey, to the extent that it took him seven years to work through and finish with a degree in financial management. After college he gave himself four years to get out of the minors and into the big show. In that time he played for Class A and AA teams of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Detroit Tigers. When the four years were up he ultimately ended up at Cantor Fitzgerald.
Sadly, he wasn't even supposed to be in the North Tower that fateful day. He was to head the new office on the Jersey Shore. Originally it was slated to open in July, then Labor Day, only to delayed yet again.
When asked about his future goals, we stated that he wanted to retire at 35 and become a fly fishing guide in Montana. Ideally he would work for seven months, then ski the remaining five. If was still alive today he would have been two years into his retirement.
His friends and family have set up a scholarship foundation in his honor. From the foundation's website:
The Friends and Family of Martin Boryczewski Scholarship is awarded to a member of the junior class at Morris Catholic High School. Established in memory of Martin Boryczewski, a 1990 graduate of Morris Catholic, this scholarship is awarded to a student who has actively and consistently demonstrated the true Crusader Spirit of “character, community and commitment.”
This is a two-year scholarship that provides for $3,000 of the recipient's tuition for junior and senior years.
The scholarship will be awarded to a junior student as selected by the Morris Catholic administration and based upon the following criteria:
- The student should be an honor student, but not necessarily the highest-ranking student in the class.
- The student must be involved in various activities -- a participant in school, community, and athletic and/or extra-curricular activities.
- The student should possess leadership qualities and be of high moral character and sportsmanship.
To support their endeavors an annual golf outing held, this year it is on Sept. 19th at the Black Bear Golf Club in Franklin, NJ. Last year was wildly successful and they were able to make the $3000 yearly commitment to the school.
Here's hoping that Marty's name and the good works done in his honor live on.
Note: for more tributes head on over to Project 2,996. I also did this in 2006 and profiled Robert Garvin McCarthy.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Rebecca and School
Sometimes it's Hard to be the Parent
Rebecca is a free spirit. She likes to do things on her own terms and at her own pace. Heaven help anyone that asks her a question before she is ready, especially in the morning. She is not a pleasant person when she first wakes up and before she has eaten. She has firm opinions and does not hesitate to share them.
This morning she was irritated that she would be having Chinese class today. She hates Chinese, according to her it's boring, stupid and pointless. As she was getting worked up Max watched her in amazement. He too has Chinese class and he doesn't care for it, but not to the same extent as his twin.
I let her run down without comment. A teeny, tiny part of me knew I should be championing the class, it's good to be exposed to foreign languages and it is the most widely spoken language. But... I agree with her.
Last year the school district decided that the elementary school would have foreign language instruction for one hour once a week. The individual schools could choose the language- French, German, Spanish and Chinese. Most schools opted for Spanish or French, a few choose German and our school was the only one to pick Chinese. A language I might point out that is not supported in the middle school.
So here I am with a very unhappy child that is justifiably irked and I just can't muster the enthusiasm I should for the class. I too think it's a waste of time and resources. One hour a week is not enough to learn a language. And why oh why couldn't it be a useful language like Spanish? There is a large Spanish speaking population in the area and there are frequently new kids in the school that start school knowing little to no English. This could be the one class they could really shine in.
So yeah, it's hard to be the mommy when you agree with your kid.
(Oh and about the picture I like the version I posted, but I think the uncropped version is even better- but then Rebecca becomes too small in the picture to use in a post. If you want to see that picture click here.)
Rebecca is a free spirit. She likes to do things on her own terms and at her own pace. Heaven help anyone that asks her a question before she is ready, especially in the morning. She is not a pleasant person when she first wakes up and before she has eaten. She has firm opinions and does not hesitate to share them.
This morning she was irritated that she would be having Chinese class today. She hates Chinese, according to her it's boring, stupid and pointless. As she was getting worked up Max watched her in amazement. He too has Chinese class and he doesn't care for it, but not to the same extent as his twin.
I let her run down without comment. A teeny, tiny part of me knew I should be championing the class, it's good to be exposed to foreign languages and it is the most widely spoken language. But... I agree with her.
Last year the school district decided that the elementary school would have foreign language instruction for one hour once a week. The individual schools could choose the language- French, German, Spanish and Chinese. Most schools opted for Spanish or French, a few choose German and our school was the only one to pick Chinese. A language I might point out that is not supported in the middle school.
So here I am with a very unhappy child that is justifiably irked and I just can't muster the enthusiasm I should for the class. I too think it's a waste of time and resources. One hour a week is not enough to learn a language. And why oh why couldn't it be a useful language like Spanish? There is a large Spanish speaking population in the area and there are frequently new kids in the school that start school knowing little to no English. This could be the one class they could really shine in.
So yeah, it's hard to be the mommy when you agree with your kid.
(Oh and about the picture I like the version I posted, but I think the uncropped version is even better- but then Rebecca becomes too small in the picture to use in a post. If you want to see that picture click here.)
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Artist of the Week: Rockin' Out Loud
This week's artist is the Velvet Marias, Bon Air's finest "Rockin' Twang with a Sweet Stang."
We have been following this band for a while, checking out their gigs at watering holes around Richmond as our schedules permit. Larry met the bassist, Mike, through work and that is how we learned about the band.
They always put on a good show and do possibly the best cover of "These Boots Are Made For Walking," Sarah's voice has a great smoky quality and guitars are oh so nasty. They do a mix of covers and original compositions that make you want to groove. We caught them last Saturday at the Amelia Summer Series, a free family oriented event held on the court house steps in Amelia county. We brought the whole family along, including Meryl.
It was a good concert on a lovely summers day. The crowd wasn't very large, but it was friendly. Larry ended up passing out my cookies to not only the band, but the audience as well. I can now rightfully claim that my cookies are famous in two counties.
The Velvets are in the process of cutting an album and I look forward to hearing it.
We have been following this band for a while, checking out their gigs at watering holes around Richmond as our schedules permit. Larry met the bassist, Mike, through work and that is how we learned about the band.
They always put on a good show and do possibly the best cover of "These Boots Are Made For Walking," Sarah's voice has a great smoky quality and guitars are oh so nasty. They do a mix of covers and original compositions that make you want to groove. We caught them last Saturday at the Amelia Summer Series, a free family oriented event held on the court house steps in Amelia county. We brought the whole family along, including Meryl.
It was a good concert on a lovely summers day. The crowd wasn't very large, but it was friendly. Larry ended up passing out my cookies to not only the band, but the audience as well. I can now rightfully claim that my cookies are famous in two counties.
The Velvets are in the process of cutting an album and I look forward to hearing it.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Nate Skimboarding
While we were on vacation we all did a bit of boogieboarding, some more than others. Nate also spent a fair amount of his time learning how to skimboard.
This a a short video of what he was doing over the week. He got to be pretty good. Next year when we go to the beach he'll be ready to the more advance tricks such as turns and riding the waves.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Last Day of Summer Vacation
Tomorrow the kids are all back at school and of course it was a dreary rainy day.
As a sort of last hurrah of summer we took the kids to see Up again.
We had seen it when it first came out and loved it. It is a beautiful movie that is not just for kids. The opening storyline made me cry both times. It was well worth paying full price to see it the first time around.
Today, however, we got to see it at the Byrd Theater in Richmond. It is a classic movie palace that is now a second run theater with the occasional independent movie thrown in for fun. At two bucks a pop, it's the best movie entertainment value in town. The kids were impressed by the theater (less so by the seats- they are pretty much shot) and were amazed that there was only one screen.
There was pretty much a full house and the audience was great. There was a bit of anticipatory laughter before some of the more absurd bits and everybody was rooting for the good guys. The kids groused a bit about seeing a movie a second time, but in the end they had a fabulous time. I think we might try to wait out a fun more movies and catch them on the return at the Byrd.
As a sort of last hurrah of summer we took the kids to see Up again.
We had seen it when it first came out and loved it. It is a beautiful movie that is not just for kids. The opening storyline made me cry both times. It was well worth paying full price to see it the first time around.
Today, however, we got to see it at the Byrd Theater in Richmond. It is a classic movie palace that is now a second run theater with the occasional independent movie thrown in for fun. At two bucks a pop, it's the best movie entertainment value in town. The kids were impressed by the theater (less so by the seats- they are pretty much shot) and were amazed that there was only one screen.
There was pretty much a full house and the audience was great. There was a bit of anticipatory laughter before some of the more absurd bits and everybody was rooting for the good guys. The kids groused a bit about seeing a movie a second time, but in the end they had a fabulous time. I think we might try to wait out a fun more movies and catch them on the return at the Byrd.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Shout Out To My Homies In New England
This has been around for a while, but I thought I would share.
Very funny and pretty much dead on.
Very funny and pretty much dead on.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Hound Dog
Poor John, he has such a hangdog look about him.
Normally he has a soulful and houndy look, but right now he has taken it to another level. He's moping about the house, not really wanting to got outside. And you may ask what pray tell is the reason for all this angst.
Well you see he is missing his brother. Mr. Dell went on down to North Carolina yesterday for a dog show, three in fact and the earliest we'll be seeing him is on Sunday.
Nate tries to play with John, but its just not the same. Nate doesn't have long hound ears to suck and his wrestling is just not up to par. Poor thing.
Normally he has a soulful and houndy look, but right now he has taken it to another level. He's moping about the house, not really wanting to got outside. And you may ask what pray tell is the reason for all this angst.
Well you see he is missing his brother. Mr. Dell went on down to North Carolina yesterday for a dog show, three in fact and the earliest we'll be seeing him is on Sunday.
Nate tries to play with John, but its just not the same. Nate doesn't have long hound ears to suck and his wrestling is just not up to par. Poor thing.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
I'm So Looking Forward to Tuesday
I think I'll spend the whole day in bed.
Today I had to:
I can't wait for school to start.
Today I had to:
- Take Nate north to the orthodontist and then walk him over to his father's office building.
- Wash Dell and do his nails (he's going to some dog shows this weekend).
- Pick up the rest of the kids and drive south to Jake's school for his open house.
- Where we discovered his schedule was all out of whack and had to get it reconfigured.
- Then back home to pick up Dell, school supplies and soccer gear.
- Drive east to hand Dell off to his co-owner as she passed by on the highway en route to the aforementioned show.
- Then head back west to drop Jake off at soccer practice.
- Go to Max and Rebecca's school to drop off school supplies and hopefully meet their respective teachers (sadly both of their teachers had left before we got there).
- Drive north again to Nate's school and drop off his supplies and meet his teachers (we did better there and got to meet one).
- Head back on down to Jake's soccer practice (We were actually early!) and pick him up.
- Grab some dinner and head back home.
- And as a special bonus I went out one more time to get some caulk to reseal the shower.
I can't wait for school to start.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Artist of the Week: Clay Bird
We are back, tan, rested and ready to rock.
This week's artist is Rebecca, who is now all arms and legs. It's amazing watching her grow up. She still is the feral princess (and always will be), but she has changed so much this year. I think of her being my little girl then I remember that she'll be in second grade next week.
She is very independent, which is no surprise considering her maternal line. She descended from a long line of independent women. She'll insist on doing things herself and will keep at it until her age catches up with her and she melts down in a rather dramatic fashion. But slowly she is learning to regroup herself and make a small attempt at reigning in those storms.
Sort of, because she is feral and she is a princess.
Anyhoo, this week the spotlight is on a little clay bird she brought home at the end of first grade. It's just the cutest little thing and is the mate to Max's little bird featured here.
Rebecca's cardinal is a jaunty little fellow that also fits snugly in the palm of your hand. He actually suffered quite a bit during the journey home, his tail is bent, a wing fell off, and as did the end of his beak Both were quickly reglued and he seems none the worse for wear.
Right now he sits by my computer and I find his cheery presence and nice bright spot amidst the clutter.
This week's artist is Rebecca, who is now all arms and legs. It's amazing watching her grow up. She still is the feral princess (and always will be), but she has changed so much this year. I think of her being my little girl then I remember that she'll be in second grade next week.
She is very independent, which is no surprise considering her maternal line. She descended from a long line of independent women. She'll insist on doing things herself and will keep at it until her age catches up with her and she melts down in a rather dramatic fashion. But slowly she is learning to regroup herself and make a small attempt at reigning in those storms.
Sort of, because she is feral and she is a princess.
Anyhoo, this week the spotlight is on a little clay bird she brought home at the end of first grade. It's just the cutest little thing and is the mate to Max's little bird featured here.
Rebecca's cardinal is a jaunty little fellow that also fits snugly in the palm of your hand. He actually suffered quite a bit during the journey home, his tail is bent, a wing fell off, and as did the end of his beak Both were quickly reglued and he seems none the worse for wear.
Right now he sits by my computer and I find his cheery presence and nice bright spot amidst the clutter.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
All Lined Up
Here is one more picture from our vacation on the Outer Banks.
I was sitting on the deck reading a book and enjoying the sun and ocean breezes. While looking out at the horizon and admiring the view I noticed a little quirk of the shadows.
If I positioned myself just so I could line up the shadow of the crossbar of the railing with the horizon. I thought it was a neat little trick and grabbed my camera. Sometimes to get an interesting photo you just need to notice the little things.
I was sitting on the deck reading a book and enjoying the sun and ocean breezes. While looking out at the horizon and admiring the view I noticed a little quirk of the shadows.
If I positioned myself just so I could line up the shadow of the crossbar of the railing with the horizon. I thought it was a neat little trick and grabbed my camera. Sometimes to get an interesting photo you just need to notice the little things.
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