Amazingly we still have snow on the ground, a rare occurrence in these parts. At most the snow lingers for a day and a half. However the wintery weather with the temperature staying below freezing has allowed the snow to stay.
It isn't the nice fluffy two inches pictured here, but there is more snow visible than not. The brisk weather and snow has made at least two of my children say it is almost like Vermont. This cold weather will last for a few more days and by the end of next week it will be much , much warmer.
So us crazy northern types will enjoy winter while it lasts.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Man and Dog
This week has been a total wash in regards to school. Monday was a holiday, Tuesday school was cancelled in anticpation of the snow fall, and there has been no school since then plus Friday has been called as well.
All we got was barely 2 inches of fine powdery snow. However this fine powder quickly compacted to ice that gets thoroughly frozen each night as the temps dip well below freezing. I ventured out Wednesday and it was a white kuckle ride down the hill in my subdivision. I didn't skid, but I could feel how little traction my relatively new tires had. Today was much better, but there are still areas in the school district that are still icebound. The upshot is that Monday's planned student holiday/teacher workday is now a regular school day.
School or no school, Larry has the right idea. It is a good time to read a good book with a dog in your lap.
All we got was barely 2 inches of fine powdery snow. However this fine powder quickly compacted to ice that gets thoroughly frozen each night as the temps dip well below freezing. I ventured out Wednesday and it was a white kuckle ride down the hill in my subdivision. I didn't skid, but I could feel how little traction my relatively new tires had. Today was much better, but there are still areas in the school district that are still icebound. The upshot is that Monday's planned student holiday/teacher workday is now a regular school day.
School or no school, Larry has the right idea. It is a good time to read a good book with a dog in your lap.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Artist of the Week: Paper Airplane
Yesterday on Colossal a paper plane was featured. Specifically a 1:60-Scale Boeing 777 Built Entirely from Paper Manilla Folders by Luca Iaconi-Stewart. The attention to detail is phenomenal, you really should go click on the link for the story. To get an idea of how meticulous the model is watch the video below. It is almost a working model of the engine.
It is simply incredible.
It is simply incredible.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Snow!
After numerous fits and starts, the much promised snow made its appearance. The schools had been shut down in anticipation of its mid-day arrival, so of course nothing really happened until about 4 pm. We could have easily snuck in at least a half day of school. Anyhoodle, we had a lovely day home.
Nate of course had to run outside barefoot. He does this every year and pretty much regrets it about three steps in. This evening he then "complained" that I was mean for making him put on shoes to take out the garbage and move the can to the curb. I replied that he was more than welcome to do the whole task barefoot if it was such a horrible thing to wear shoes. With a big smile he put on sneakers and went out sans coat. Turns out it is pretty cold outside.
He's such a silly boy.
Nate of course had to run outside barefoot. He does this every year and pretty much regrets it about three steps in. This evening he then "complained" that I was mean for making him put on shoes to take out the garbage and move the can to the curb. I replied that he was more than welcome to do the whole task barefoot if it was such a horrible thing to wear shoes. With a big smile he put on sneakers and went out sans coat. Turns out it is pretty cold outside.
He's such a silly boy.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Notes on Blindness - Op-Docs
John Hull, a writer and theologian, loses his vision shortly after the birth of his second child in 1983. Years later he starts keeping an audio diary of his thoughts and feelings in regards to his blindness. This short film is a dramatization of his diary. Beautiful shot, the film captivates the viewer.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
First Snow
And first walk of the year.
After endless seeming rain, extreme (at least for here) cold weather, and a variety of aliments plaguing the dogs we finally got back into our old routine of a long walk after the last two kids get on the bus. It was still snowing, but that wasn't going to stop me. Dell wasn't too sure about the idea, he keep looking for a signal that it was all a joke and we were going to cut the walk short and head back home. John meanwhile, with nary a limp, just motored along. Eventually Dell got over it and was far more enthused for the last third of the walk.
Of course the renewed vigour most likely came about when Dell realized how far we had gone and we were headed in the right direction for home.
Recalcitrant dog or not, it was very nice walk after being cooped up for the past few weeks.
I love how pretty everything looks with a nice coating of freshly fallen snow. Since it was the first snow of the season I brought my camera along to take pictures. I knew the snow would be gone by late afternoon so if I wanted pictures it would have to be in te morning.
I was not at all disappointed with the scenery. the newly fallen snow was working its magic. I think my best picture from this morning is this lovely shot over he water course leading to a pond. It starts out as a just a glorified drainage ditch, but it does have running water for most of the year. with all the snow the trees have a feathery appearance. The water acts as a strong anchor in the composition while the sky above adds in soft colors with just a hint of pink.
The snow is all gone, but we did get our first snow for the year.
After endless seeming rain, extreme (at least for here) cold weather, and a variety of aliments plaguing the dogs we finally got back into our old routine of a long walk after the last two kids get on the bus. It was still snowing, but that wasn't going to stop me. Dell wasn't too sure about the idea, he keep looking for a signal that it was all a joke and we were going to cut the walk short and head back home. John meanwhile, with nary a limp, just motored along. Eventually Dell got over it and was far more enthused for the last third of the walk.
Of course the renewed vigour most likely came about when Dell realized how far we had gone and we were headed in the right direction for home.
Recalcitrant dog or not, it was very nice walk after being cooped up for the past few weeks.
I love how pretty everything looks with a nice coating of freshly fallen snow. Since it was the first snow of the season I brought my camera along to take pictures. I knew the snow would be gone by late afternoon so if I wanted pictures it would have to be in te morning.
I was not at all disappointed with the scenery. the newly fallen snow was working its magic. I think my best picture from this morning is this lovely shot over he water course leading to a pond. It starts out as a just a glorified drainage ditch, but it does have running water for most of the year. with all the snow the trees have a feathery appearance. The water acts as a strong anchor in the composition while the sky above adds in soft colors with just a hint of pink.
The snow is all gone, but we did get our first snow for the year.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Artist of the Week: Elephant
Nate, the boy who seems to be always in motion, is this week's artist.
Rebecca took this picture of him on Thanksgiving day and it is a classic shot of Nate. He does like having his picture taken and actively avoids the camera. I only get a limited time frame to take the annual picture of him and his siblings. After about 15, 20 minutes he is itching to go. I have to work fast and be aware of how the mood is. Once I think I have my shot they all scatter to the four winds (dogs included).
As for the artwork in question, Nate made this in middle school at the same time he made his battleship box. I kept meaning to post this, but it just never happened until now.
Anyhoodle, it is a very nice clap sculpture of an elephant. I included a quarter in the picture for scale. It is a nice solid piece that makes happy when I see it. Sadly it lost a tusk shortly after it was fired and he said tusk was somehow lost on the way home. Nonetheless, it is a very nice elephant.
Rebecca took this picture of him on Thanksgiving day and it is a classic shot of Nate. He does like having his picture taken and actively avoids the camera. I only get a limited time frame to take the annual picture of him and his siblings. After about 15, 20 minutes he is itching to go. I have to work fast and be aware of how the mood is. Once I think I have my shot they all scatter to the four winds (dogs included).
As for the artwork in question, Nate made this in middle school at the same time he made his battleship box. I kept meaning to post this, but it just never happened until now.
Anyhoodle, it is a very nice clap sculpture of an elephant. I included a quarter in the picture for scale. It is a nice solid piece that makes happy when I see it. Sadly it lost a tusk shortly after it was fired and he said tusk was somehow lost on the way home. Nonetheless, it is a very nice elephant.
Monday, January 13, 2014
REVIVE
Revive is the Tropfest Australia 2013 People's Choice Award.
It's a fairly short feature, just over seven minutes long, but it is long on emotion. Interestingly he dropped out of an engineering program to pursue his film making dreams. The young director packs quite a wallop, it will be interesting to see what he does down the road.
It's a fairly short feature, just over seven minutes long, but it is long on emotion. Interestingly he dropped out of an engineering program to pursue his film making dreams. The young director packs quite a wallop, it will be interesting to see what he does down the road.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Odd Signs
The other day I espied this sign while sitting at a stop light. Using a large storage container lid is an odd choice for a sign, the fact that it is for a lost wheelchair pushes the whole thing into bizarro land.
I've lost all sorts of things, sippy cups, baby socks, keys, and so on. But a wheelchair? How is that possible? I guess it could have fallen out of an overloaded pick-up truck. Maybe it was stolen, but again how. Usually you have a wheelchair because you need it. You just don't park it and walk away.
I would love to know the story behind this.
I've lost all sorts of things, sippy cups, baby socks, keys, and so on. But a wheelchair? How is that possible? I guess it could have fallen out of an overloaded pick-up truck. Maybe it was stolen, but again how. Usually you have a wheelchair because you need it. You just don't park it and walk away.
I would love to know the story behind this.
Friday, January 10, 2014
On the DL
Poor John has been on the disabled list for the past couple of weeks. He somehow subluxated his right shoulder and has been a very unhappy pup.
Fortunately he has been taking it easy and allowing me to carry him off the couch and down the steps. Which is a very big deal since this is the dog that does not like being picked up and toted around. When he is well he squirms about and has the most disgusted expression. Now he just looks up at me and waits to be picked up.
Tghe reduced activity is paying off, I've tapered him down to half does of the pain killer and he is starting to be his old self. He has even started wriggling just a bit when I carry him outside. Del misses their wrestling sessions, hopefully John will soon be off the disabled list and back in the game.
Fortunately he has been taking it easy and allowing me to carry him off the couch and down the steps. Which is a very big deal since this is the dog that does not like being picked up and toted around. When he is well he squirms about and has the most disgusted expression. Now he just looks up at me and waits to be picked up.
Tghe reduced activity is paying off, I've tapered him down to half does of the pain killer and he is starting to be his old self. He has even started wriggling just a bit when I carry him outside. Del misses their wrestling sessions, hopefully John will soon be off the disabled list and back in the game.
Thursday, January 09, 2014
Concentrated Dose of Winter
This week we got a dose of real winter weather. No snow so far, but some seriously low temperatures for the area. Single digit lows with below zero wind-chills knocked the area for a loop. Schools systems initiated 2 hour delays or cancelled classes outright.
On the first day of the arctic blast I understood the reasoning behind our school system's 2 hour delay. Some of the schools have antiquated systems that might not be up to the task (we are in the land of the heat pump) and then there is the very real possibility that the buses might not all start up. A 2 hour delay gave the powers that be time to check things before opening up the schools.
Happily there were no problems and children all made it to school.
So you would assume that since there were no problems school would be back to normal on Wednesday, the following day. But that is where you would be wrong, we got a second 2 hour delay. Meanwhile Chicago laughs at Virginia's cold weather paralysis.
As for today, things were all back to normal. It was starting to warm up and I got inspired to go outside and take a few winter pictures. So I present to you Ice Crystals and Ice Columns.
On the first day of the arctic blast I understood the reasoning behind our school system's 2 hour delay. Some of the schools have antiquated systems that might not be up to the task (we are in the land of the heat pump) and then there is the very real possibility that the buses might not all start up. A 2 hour delay gave the powers that be time to check things before opening up the schools.
Happily there were no problems and children all made it to school.
So you would assume that since there were no problems school would be back to normal on Wednesday, the following day. But that is where you would be wrong, we got a second 2 hour delay. Meanwhile Chicago laughs at Virginia's cold weather paralysis.
As for today, things were all back to normal. It was starting to warm up and I got inspired to go outside and take a few winter pictures. So I present to you Ice Crystals and Ice Columns.
Wednesday, January 08, 2014
Artist of the Week: Cards
This week's artist is the irrepressible Rebecca.
She at first did not want me to post this picture, but after I gave her a choice of photos she decided it was a decent picture. I really like it, the picture captures her silly, dramatic side. She can be a real hoot to be around such as today, I took the picture while she was playing a video game and the running commentary was hilarious. The both of us like to create avatars that look nice and she bemoans the fact that she can't change things after she starts playing, then she goes and defeats the dragon. My feral princess in action.
When she is not busy slaying dragons she like to create things. This week's art took the form of a couple of cards she made in school. They cute little snowmen made from paper and glue on beads. She had made a third one, but messed it up and turned it into a gift tag. the tag is not pictured because we used it on one of Nana's presents. The cards are very well made, all neatly glued in place and no ragged edges. I'm glad we ere able to use the tag for someone who would appreciate Rebecca's effort. I'm not sure what she plans to do with the cards, but whoever does get them will be very lucky.
She at first did not want me to post this picture, but after I gave her a choice of photos she decided it was a decent picture. I really like it, the picture captures her silly, dramatic side. She can be a real hoot to be around such as today, I took the picture while she was playing a video game and the running commentary was hilarious. The both of us like to create avatars that look nice and she bemoans the fact that she can't change things after she starts playing, then she goes and defeats the dragon. My feral princess in action.
When she is not busy slaying dragons she like to create things. This week's art took the form of a couple of cards she made in school. They cute little snowmen made from paper and glue on beads. She had made a third one, but messed it up and turned it into a gift tag. the tag is not pictured because we used it on one of Nana's presents. The cards are very well made, all neatly glued in place and no ragged edges. I'm glad we ere able to use the tag for someone who would appreciate Rebecca's effort. I'm not sure what she plans to do with the cards, but whoever does get them will be very lucky.
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
Baking With Julia- French Bread
I have pretty much fallen off the wagon in regards to the Baking with Julia stuff, but it did get me to buy and use a wonderful cookbook. So instead of sticking to the schedule I will continue on in my own way and maybe some day get back on track.
Which brings me to the lovely bread pictured here. On New Years I decided to bake a brie, but the big question was what to serve with the cheese. I asked Larry what he would like and he said French bread. Which is a bit of a challenge since I have yet to have found an easily accessible loaf of good French bread in the area. So I decide to make it myself, how hard could it be?
Well it turns out it isn't particularly hard, but it is very labor intensive.
I had to first make pizza dough for a 1/2 once of starter. From there I had at least 3 different rises, an in the fridge rest, and a steam filled oven. The end result was very good, precious little of the four loves made to the new year, just a four inch stub that Nate devoured the next day. A good crust, chewy bread, a faint sour tang, and a lovely open structure. The bread was a roaring sucess and it was the first time I had ever baked French bread. I think I will do it again, but really it took a good 24 hours to make it. What is it with French and their complicated bread products.
Which brings me to the lovely bread pictured here. On New Years I decided to bake a brie, but the big question was what to serve with the cheese. I asked Larry what he would like and he said French bread. Which is a bit of a challenge since I have yet to have found an easily accessible loaf of good French bread in the area. So I decide to make it myself, how hard could it be?
Well it turns out it isn't particularly hard, but it is very labor intensive.
I had to first make pizza dough for a 1/2 once of starter. From there I had at least 3 different rises, an in the fridge rest, and a steam filled oven. The end result was very good, precious little of the four loves made to the new year, just a four inch stub that Nate devoured the next day. A good crust, chewy bread, a faint sour tang, and a lovely open structure. The bread was a roaring sucess and it was the first time I had ever baked French bread. I think I will do it again, but really it took a good 24 hours to make it. What is it with French and their complicated bread products.
Monday, January 06, 2014
Wind
A wordless, but far from silent, short about how individuals cope in an area with extremely windy conditions. created by Robert Löbel, it is his graduation project for his degree from Hamburg University of Applied Sciences’ Department of Design.
WIND from robert loebel on Vimeo.
Thursday, January 02, 2014
Max
It has been a rather wet winter break. The snow is always North and West of us, all we ever get is rain. As a result a fair amount of time has been spent indoors. Fortunately the kids get along fairly well and the house is big enough that we are not all piled up on each other.
The older two boys are finishing up homework. my goal is to avoid the classic Saturday afternoon freak out when a child realizes that school starts up again on Monday. I think they are in decent ship. I'll have to ask a few pointed questions tomorrow. Either way, playtime is coming to an end.
The older two boys are finishing up homework. my goal is to avoid the classic Saturday afternoon freak out when a child realizes that school starts up again on Monday. I think they are in decent ship. I'll have to ask a few pointed questions tomorrow. Either way, playtime is coming to an end.
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
Artist of the Week: Handel's Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus
I have used this picture before, but it is so very fitting for this week's edition of Artist of the Week.
Way back on December 12th was Jacob's turn for a winter concert (Max's was the previous day). In a new to me format, it was a combined Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Chorus concert. Each of the groups got to perform several songs separately and them come together in the end for a combined concert. It was a nice change and I enjoyed the en mass concert.
I fully intended to post this on Christmas Day, but I was too preoccupied with the magnificent roast we had and the company that made it possible (thanks again Meryl for that lovely bit o'beef!). So it's a bit late and not quite as seasonally appropiate as last week, but it is a nice high school rendition of Handel's Messiah, the Hallelujah Chorus.
Way back on December 12th was Jacob's turn for a winter concert (Max's was the previous day). In a new to me format, it was a combined Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Chorus concert. Each of the groups got to perform several songs separately and them come together in the end for a combined concert. It was a nice change and I enjoyed the en mass concert.
I fully intended to post this on Christmas Day, but I was too preoccupied with the magnificent roast we had and the company that made it possible (thanks again Meryl for that lovely bit o'beef!). So it's a bit late and not quite as seasonally appropiate as last week, but it is a nice high school rendition of Handel's Messiah, the Hallelujah Chorus.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Happy New Year!
Our New Years Eve treat is baked brie with fresh baguettes.
The bread was hugely successful while the cheese only appealed to the older half of the family. Jacob had to run back upstairs to stop himself from eating all the brie. Meanwhile, Larry and I keep going back for one more piece. It's a nice change from the usual desserty type thing. The crusty bread, still warm from the oven, is lovely with the honey drizzled and baked brie.
The bread was hugely successful while the cheese only appealed to the older half of the family. Jacob had to run back upstairs to stop himself from eating all the brie. Meanwhile, Larry and I keep going back for one more piece. It's a nice change from the usual desserty type thing. The crusty bread, still warm from the oven, is lovely with the honey drizzled and baked brie.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Kitty Cat Ice Cream
I got a bit of a surprise when I opened up a new carton of ice cream and found a kitty cat inside. You can even see it on the underside of the top. The kids were very much impressed and Rebecca said I should take a picture.
So far this has been the biggest excitement around here during winter break. Mind you we had had some lovely meals, the highlight being the roast beef I made last week. Meryl wanted to celebrate and picked up a lovely bit of beef from Costco. It was nicely marbled with a good sized fat cap. It roasted to perfection and yielded tasty drippings for the traditional Yorkshire pudding.
We have been mostly slobbing around the house and reveling in our not having to be anywhere in particular. Just the occasional movie, trip to the library, and going to services.
I miss not being up north with my Mom, but I don't miss the horrific drive it usually is to get there this time of year.
So far this has been the biggest excitement around here during winter break. Mind you we had had some lovely meals, the highlight being the roast beef I made last week. Meryl wanted to celebrate and picked up a lovely bit of beef from Costco. It was nicely marbled with a good sized fat cap. It roasted to perfection and yielded tasty drippings for the traditional Yorkshire pudding.
We have been mostly slobbing around the house and reveling in our not having to be anywhere in particular. Just the occasional movie, trip to the library, and going to services.
I miss not being up north with my Mom, but I don't miss the horrific drive it usually is to get there this time of year.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Friday, December 20, 2013
Run!
I have not much to say other than I am so very glad that it's officially winter break and that we aren't driving up north.
Rebecca took this picture of Nate and Max running around in the yard on Thanksgiving. I had herded the kids outside for our annual picture and was busy setting up the hammock. My hands were full so I gave Rebecca the camera. She took quite a few pictures of her brothers messing around.
Rebecca took this picture of Nate and Max running around in the yard on Thanksgiving. I had herded the kids outside for our annual picture and was busy setting up the hammock. My hands were full so I gave Rebecca the camera. She took quite a few pictures of her brothers messing around.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Life on the Farm
For the past month this has been our kitchen table. Nate has been working on a science project involving plants and magnetic fields. There are 90 plants in this picture, three per pot and ten pots per variable. The pots in the foreground have battery powered electromagnets, the next section has permanent magnets, and at the far end the plants have neither electro nor permanent magnets.
Monday was the end of the whole thing and I was very happy to see the plants grow. Theoretically I could have kept a few going over the winter and planted them next spring.
No.
The plants were already starting to lean and wrapped themselves around each other. It was quite a challenge for Nate to tease them apart for the final data collections. It was easier for him to cut each plant flush with the soil and then take all of the measurements. I could see differences between the two groups, but Nate hasn't crunched all the data yet. My guess is the the electromagnets stimulated the most growth.
Monday was the end of the whole thing and I was very happy to see the plants grow. Theoretically I could have kept a few going over the winter and planted them next spring.
No.
The plants were already starting to lean and wrapped themselves around each other. It was quite a challenge for Nate to tease them apart for the final data collections. It was easier for him to cut each plant flush with the soil and then take all of the measurements. I could see differences between the two groups, but Nate hasn't crunched all the data yet. My guess is the the electromagnets stimulated the most growth.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Artist of the Week: Jingle Bells
Max and his middle school beginning band are this week's artists. The picture I have here is Max at one of his final regular season games.
He is not the best player on the team, but he has a lot of heart and loves soccer. He understands that practice is something you have to do to get better. His first year of travel soccer has been very challenging, but has remained undaunted. Hopefully this same perseverance will carry through in his other endeavors.
Case in point band. This is not the best rendition of Jingle Bells you'll ever hear, but it is remarkable considering way back in the beginning of September the students were picking out their instruments. It is hard enough to learn to play an instrument and read music, adding in learning how to play in a band makes it even harder. A sort of musical sink or swim situation. so I'm very proud how the band was able to make it's way through Jingle Bells, squeaky clarinets and all. Oh and Max, he is playing the glockenspiel off in the back.
He is not the best player on the team, but he has a lot of heart and loves soccer. He understands that practice is something you have to do to get better. His first year of travel soccer has been very challenging, but has remained undaunted. Hopefully this same perseverance will carry through in his other endeavors.
Case in point band. This is not the best rendition of Jingle Bells you'll ever hear, but it is remarkable considering way back in the beginning of September the students were picking out their instruments. It is hard enough to learn to play an instrument and read music, adding in learning how to play in a band makes it even harder. A sort of musical sink or swim situation. so I'm very proud how the band was able to make it's way through Jingle Bells, squeaky clarinets and all. Oh and Max, he is playing the glockenspiel off in the back.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Enough with the Rain
This has been an all too common sight this past few months. Thankfully I did not have to go out and fetch someone in the rain tonight, but that's only because we are nearing winter break. The winter part being an abstract idea since around these parts there has been precious little winter weather. We did get some ice on the trees and the temperatures have dipped down for a little bit, but no snow.
Right now it's pouring outside and the temperature is at a solid 42 and has not budged. I wish it was snow instead. This rainy weather is a bore.
Right now it's pouring outside and the temperature is at a solid 42 and has not budged. I wish it was snow instead. This rainy weather is a bore.
Monday, December 16, 2013
PROXiMITY (A Short Film by Ryan Connolly)
PROXiMITY is an interesting and suspenseful short film, an action movie boiled down to the basics. there is not a whole lot of story, nor character development, and even less dialogue, but the intensity is phenomenal. I found this via Short Film of the Week.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Bubbly
I was making waffles this morning and I was struck by how the egg looked half submerged in the batter. The light was just right, begging for me to break out the camera. A decidedly odd choice for a photograph, but I think worthwhile.
I had just put in all the wet ingredients, buttermilk, oil. and eggs. The final whisking was the next step. Normally I don't use oil in my cooking, but the oil makes the waffles light and crispy. And it turns out, it also makes for an interesting picture.
I had just put in all the wet ingredients, buttermilk, oil. and eggs. The final whisking was the next step. Normally I don't use oil in my cooking, but the oil makes the waffles light and crispy. And it turns out, it also makes for an interesting picture.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Friday Night Lights
The High school football season is coming to a close this weekend and it has been overall a good one. I finally hied myself to two games to see what it was like in person.
My high school had a terrible football team, I think they never had a winning season while I was there. The big athletic stars were the soccer team, state champions at least every other year. Also we never had a marching band, so this whole high school football/marching band thing is very alien to me. Dartmouth (our local college) has a football team, but I never went and their marching band is a "scatter band," wasn't much of a point of reference either.
What I have learned the past four seasons is that the game is important, but a huge part of the experience is the socialization. kids get to wander around, eat junk food, talk, goof off, and watch their team in action. I kind of understand the appeal of going to the games. I still don't "get" football, but I can see how being at the game is fun.
My high school had a terrible football team, I think they never had a winning season while I was there. The big athletic stars were the soccer team, state champions at least every other year. Also we never had a marching band, so this whole high school football/marching band thing is very alien to me. Dartmouth (our local college) has a football team, but I never went and their marching band is a "scatter band," wasn't much of a point of reference either.
What I have learned the past four seasons is that the game is important, but a huge part of the experience is the socialization. kids get to wander around, eat junk food, talk, goof off, and watch their team in action. I kind of understand the appeal of going to the games. I still don't "get" football, but I can see how being at the game is fun.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Frosty
We haven't had any of the severe weather that has been sweeping up the coast. The most we have had is some icing on the trees. Mind you there were power outages, but it wasn't nearly as bad as predicted.
Heck we haven't had any snow days or even a two hour delay.
This picture was from Monday. The upper branches have a thin coating of ice while the roads remain clear. Pretty much the ideal ice storm, pretty trees without dangerous road conditions. However I would have enjoyed to sleep in even more.
Heck we haven't had any snow days or even a two hour delay.
This picture was from Monday. The upper branches have a thin coating of ice while the roads remain clear. Pretty much the ideal ice storm, pretty trees without dangerous road conditions. However I would have enjoyed to sleep in even more.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Artist of the Week: Best Team Ever
This past weekend I was in Virginia Beach with Rebecca for her last soccer tournament of the season. It was miserable weather, cold and rainy with the threat of an ice storm for the ride home. Not exactly beach weather and just barely soccer weather.
The first game was brutal. It was at 8:00 am with a cold, driving rain and the temperature at about 38 F. The fields were soaked, puddles and squelchy turf being the order of the day. Our team was on one of the better, if not the best, fields. The one next to us quickly turned into a vast mud pit. I was grateful for my duck boots and having the foresight to bring our boot dryer for Rebecca's cleats. The game was a struggle with the other team dominating us and ultimately beating us 2 to 8.
We came back in the afternoon to no more rain and the temps hovering at about 40. So it was marginally better, if you ignore the stiff wind. The girls played very well. Unfortunately the game ended in a tie. So the girls were cold, wet, tired, and happy for the good effort they put in the the second game. While at dinner we discussed the change in format for the next day. With the threat of an icestorm to the west the tournament organizers decided to speed things up so that people could go home and beat the storm. The remaing games would be penalty kick shootouts.
Sunday dawned grey and very wet. The temperature hadn't changed much and it was still raining. The team warmed up on the field as we waited for the shootout to begin. We have an excellent goalie on the team giving us a bit of hope for a win. Sadly it didn't happen and we lost 3 to 1. Our goalie was devastated, tears running down her face, she felt that she had let the team down,
Then something wonderful to watch happened. Unprompted, the girls started to give the goalie hugs. Soon it was one huge group hug. Tears were soon dried when the goalie realized that nobody blamed her for the loss. What a terrific bunch of girls. They want to win, but they also care about each other. This is the best team ever.
The first game was brutal. It was at 8:00 am with a cold, driving rain and the temperature at about 38 F. The fields were soaked, puddles and squelchy turf being the order of the day. Our team was on one of the better, if not the best, fields. The one next to us quickly turned into a vast mud pit. I was grateful for my duck boots and having the foresight to bring our boot dryer for Rebecca's cleats. The game was a struggle with the other team dominating us and ultimately beating us 2 to 8.
We came back in the afternoon to no more rain and the temps hovering at about 40. So it was marginally better, if you ignore the stiff wind. The girls played very well. Unfortunately the game ended in a tie. So the girls were cold, wet, tired, and happy for the good effort they put in the the second game. While at dinner we discussed the change in format for the next day. With the threat of an icestorm to the west the tournament organizers decided to speed things up so that people could go home and beat the storm. The remaing games would be penalty kick shootouts.
Sunday dawned grey and very wet. The temperature hadn't changed much and it was still raining. The team warmed up on the field as we waited for the shootout to begin. We have an excellent goalie on the team giving us a bit of hope for a win. Sadly it didn't happen and we lost 3 to 1. Our goalie was devastated, tears running down her face, she felt that she had let the team down,
Then something wonderful to watch happened. Unprompted, the girls started to give the goalie hugs. Soon it was one huge group hug. Tears were soon dried when the goalie realized that nobody blamed her for the loss. What a terrific bunch of girls. They want to win, but they also care about each other. This is the best team ever.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Operation Cookie Drop 2013
Every year, round about now, I go on a huge chocolate chip cookie baking binge. I like to give my children's teachers a little something for the holidays and I settled on making them my homemade chocolate chip cookies. They are always well received and very much appreciated. Particularly with the high school teachers.Most parents are burnt out with teacher gifts by the time their children leave elementary school.
At first I got small cookie tins, since it was only a few teachers. But over the years, as the number of teachers increased, I had to switch over to gift bags. Thus the focus is on the cookies and not the container.
Each bag has a dozen and a half freshly baked cookies. Each child has six to eight teachers. Throw in a few extras like trumpet teachers, bus drivers, and clinic staff (Max has to stop by daily for medications during the school day) and you have a boatload of cookies. Pictured here were the eighteen bags I made up for today. There was originally 19, but I had already given one to Jacob's trumpet teacher who was here for Jacob's lesson. Anyhoodle, I make up the bags and put them into a grocery bag and it's up to the child to distribute the cookies.We had a successful operation cookie drop today, none were forgotten or misplaced.
Meanwhile when the kids were at school I started making another twelve for the remaining teachers plus another for our garbage collectors. So that's 32 bags or 48 dozen cookies.
Whew, that's a whole lotta baking going on.
At first I got small cookie tins, since it was only a few teachers. But over the years, as the number of teachers increased, I had to switch over to gift bags. Thus the focus is on the cookies and not the container.
Each bag has a dozen and a half freshly baked cookies. Each child has six to eight teachers. Throw in a few extras like trumpet teachers, bus drivers, and clinic staff (Max has to stop by daily for medications during the school day) and you have a boatload of cookies. Pictured here were the eighteen bags I made up for today. There was originally 19, but I had already given one to Jacob's trumpet teacher who was here for Jacob's lesson. Anyhoodle, I make up the bags and put them into a grocery bag and it's up to the child to distribute the cookies.We had a successful operation cookie drop today, none were forgotten or misplaced.
Meanwhile when the kids were at school I started making another twelve for the remaining teachers plus another for our garbage collectors. So that's 32 bags or 48 dozen cookies.
Whew, that's a whole lotta baking going on.
Monday, December 09, 2013
The Wikidrummer
A demonstration of how environment affects the acoustical properties of drums. No reverberation is added, the differences are all from where the drumming is being done. I saw this over at Colossal: Art and Visual Culture, No Reverb Added:An Acoustical Experiment in Drumming.
Thursday, December 05, 2013
Dogs In Elk
This story has been floating around on the nets for years. I first read it back in 1999 and it is just as funny now as it was then. It is not for the squeamish, being a rather extreme example of life with dogs. And the best part is that it is true.
I present to you: Dogs in Elk.
I present to you: Dogs in Elk.
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Eighth Night
Tonight is the last night of Hanukkah and was the last night for the turkey.
I made a matzoh ball soup using the carcass and leeks. It was fairly easy and tasted great, everybody enjoyed it. Accompanying the soup I made potato latkes. The kids had been pestering me about them all week. Apparently the ones we ate at our congregation's Hanukkah party were not enough. I just needed a night without soccer practice to pull it off. The two worked well together and made for a very yummy meal.
I made a matzoh ball soup using the carcass and leeks. It was fairly easy and tasted great, everybody enjoyed it. Accompanying the soup I made potato latkes. The kids had been pestering me about them all week. Apparently the ones we ate at our congregation's Hanukkah party were not enough. I just needed a night without soccer practice to pull it off. The two worked well together and made for a very yummy meal.
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
Seventh Night and a Birthday
Today is my husband's birthday. We celebrated with flank steak and chocolate cheesecake, I even got us a nice bottle of wine for the occasion. The dinner prep was a bit rushed, Rebecca had soccer practice at 7. Unfortunately I was a bit slow and for the first time ever her ride was early. So no steak for the girl. The rest of us got to enjoy the steak and she had a nice bowl of her favorite soup when she got home.
Then we broke out the menorahs and lit the candles for the seventh night of Hanukkah.
Then we broke out the menorahs and lit the candles for the seventh night of Hanukkah.
Monday, December 02, 2013
Ari Lesser - Give Thanks - Hanukkah - Thanksgiving
Tonight is the sixth night and once again I barely eek out a picture. At this point the candles put out quite a bit iof light and heat, I love how the metal of the taller menorah glows from the reflected light.
since it's movie Monday I found this song that was recorded in the very rare confluence of Hanukkah and the US Thanksgiving. It is a nice upbeat song of thanks for this this very unique time.
since it's movie Monday I found this song that was recorded in the very rare confluence of Hanukkah and the US Thanksgiving. It is a nice upbeat song of thanks for this this very unique time.
Sunday, December 01, 2013
Fifth Night
Missed the past couple of nights due to Shabbat and being crazy busy. That said we did light candles om Saturday night. Since I didn't get home Friday until well after sunset we gave the third night a miss.
Today, however, was our congregation's Hanukkah party and latke fest. The Rabbi pulled out a few of the temple menorahs and lit them. This one, a Vietnam era helicopter , is my favorite. he rotor can be spun around, though that is not recommended when the candles are lit.
Today, however, was our congregation's Hanukkah party and latke fest. The Rabbi pulled out a few of the temple menorahs and lit them. This one, a Vietnam era helicopter , is my favorite. he rotor can be spun around, though that is not recommended when the candles are lit.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Second Night With Some Turkey
Today we celebrated our traditionally very relaxed Thanksgiving with the
added bonus of the second night of Hanukkah once all the dishes were
cleared away.
With the predicted bad weather for the week I was especially thankful we weren't traveling anywhere farther than the dining room. It turned out the storm only dumped rain on us and today was sunny and clear, but I'm still glad that I didn't do any driving. Instead we had Meryl over. She brought wine and chocolate while we proved the rest.
The turkey was brined this year and was scrumptious. Don't let the dark skin fool you, it was moist and flavorful. Well worth the extra steps and the sharp words I had with the bird on Tuesday. The turkey wasn't thawing on schedule, so I had to speed things along with cold water on Tuesady so I could mess around with it on Wednesday. The cold water worked and it was perfect by Wednesday evening.
I plopped the thawed and rinsed turkey into a bag with the brine mix which was then put in a large pot with ice. The whole works out then went into the garage that was at about 45 degrees. Todat at about 11am I rinsed the bird and soaked it about half an hour to clear out the excess salt. The turkey went in at 2 and by 5:15 or so was done. A little earlier than I planned, so I had a bit of a scramble to get the biscuits, taters, and such done on time. It all hit the table at about the same time and was very good.
After the main course we had our chocolate course, Meryl's big contribution to the dinner. it made a nice transition between dinner and dessert. And oh yes we did have dessert, pumpkin pie and apple tarte tatin aka apple tarty thingy.
Happy Thanksgivukkah!
With the predicted bad weather for the week I was especially thankful we weren't traveling anywhere farther than the dining room. It turned out the storm only dumped rain on us and today was sunny and clear, but I'm still glad that I didn't do any driving. Instead we had Meryl over. She brought wine and chocolate while we proved the rest.
The turkey was brined this year and was scrumptious. Don't let the dark skin fool you, it was moist and flavorful. Well worth the extra steps and the sharp words I had with the bird on Tuesday. The turkey wasn't thawing on schedule, so I had to speed things along with cold water on Tuesady so I could mess around with it on Wednesday. The cold water worked and it was perfect by Wednesday evening.
I plopped the thawed and rinsed turkey into a bag with the brine mix which was then put in a large pot with ice. The whole works out then went into the garage that was at about 45 degrees. Todat at about 11am I rinsed the bird and soaked it about half an hour to clear out the excess salt. The turkey went in at 2 and by 5:15 or so was done. A little earlier than I planned, so I had a bit of a scramble to get the biscuits, taters, and such done on time. It all hit the table at about the same time and was very good.
After the main course we had our chocolate course, Meryl's big contribution to the dinner. it made a nice transition between dinner and dessert. And oh yes we did have dessert, pumpkin pie and apple tarte tatin aka apple tarty thingy.
Happy Thanksgivukkah!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
First Night
I almost forgot to take a picture, the candles are burnt down to just a pool of wax. But they are still lit.
Today has been a flurry of preparation for turkey day. The obligatory pumpkin pie is tucked away in the fridge along with the cranberry sauce. The turkey is fully thawed, the result of my having words with it yesterday and speeding it along with cold water. Now the bird is brining in a bag and is stashed in the garage (it's about 45 in there) nestled in ice to maintain a safe temperature.
So happy Hanukkah and may your Thanksgiving be peaceful and full of good food.
Today has been a flurry of preparation for turkey day. The obligatory pumpkin pie is tucked away in the fridge along with the cranberry sauce. The turkey is fully thawed, the result of my having words with it yesterday and speeding it along with cold water. Now the bird is brining in a bag and is stashed in the garage (it's about 45 in there) nestled in ice to maintain a safe temperature.
So happy Hanukkah and may your Thanksgiving be peaceful and full of good food.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Pomelo Head
John is a very patient dog.
He was less than thrilled with my instance of a pomelo rind hat, but he tolerated it long enough for a few pictures. Which was far better than than his brother.
Dell, who believes that things are divided into two categories: food and potential food, was far more interested in eating the rind than wearing it. I should have recorded his attempts at grabbing the rind with his jaws every time I brought it near his head, it was hilarious.
He was less than thrilled with my instance of a pomelo rind hat, but he tolerated it long enough for a few pictures. Which was far better than than his brother.
Dell, who believes that things are divided into two categories: food and potential food, was far more interested in eating the rind than wearing it. I should have recorded his attempts at grabbing the rind with his jaws every time I brought it near his head, it was hilarious.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Travel the world via Instragram. Thomas Jullien combined 852 images fro Instagram to create a sort of stop motion trip. It's quite fun and the sound track from the Black Keys was a big plus for me.
An Instagram short film from Thomas Jullien on Vimeo.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
I'm Only Human
You see this muffin, doesn't it look delicious? All chocolatey and poofy. You just want to tear into it with a nice glass of milk.
Well it's not.
It is the blandest thing I have ever baked. It was supposed to be a chocolate muffin, Rebecca wanted to make chocolate muffins with me and we had a lovely time. Right up until we tried out the muffins.
They were such a disappointment. I added the upper end of the called for chocolate, but it tasted like I waved a stale bit of chocolate at the batter. Nate came up with the term bluffin, a contraction of bland muffin.
I tried one with some cream cheese frosting and all it did was ruin the frosting. I would have been better off just licking the frosting off the knife. I ended up tossing the last bluffin because nobody, and do mean nobody, wants a second one.
So not everything I bake is good, I'm only human.
Well it's not.
It is the blandest thing I have ever baked. It was supposed to be a chocolate muffin, Rebecca wanted to make chocolate muffins with me and we had a lovely time. Right up until we tried out the muffins.
They were such a disappointment. I added the upper end of the called for chocolate, but it tasted like I waved a stale bit of chocolate at the batter. Nate came up with the term bluffin, a contraction of bland muffin.
I tried one with some cream cheese frosting and all it did was ruin the frosting. I would have been better off just licking the frosting off the knife. I ended up tossing the last bluffin because nobody, and do mean nobody, wants a second one.
So not everything I bake is good, I'm only human.
Monday, November 18, 2013
The Crimson Permanent Assurance
This is one of my all time favorite short features, from the fine folks of Monty Python. Originally slated to be a Terry Gilliam animation during "The Meaning of Life," its scope grew such that Gilliam requested it become live action and a stand alone short at the beginning of the movie. A brilliant satire of the go-go 80's of London.
Friday, November 15, 2013
All Too True
Jacob sent me this image on FaceBook with the note "I think you will find this relevant."
Which is a very accurate description of how I play Skyrim.
I have been playing the game for a while ad I entertain my children with my all too frequent announcement "Now I'm going to do something stupid, it's time to do a save." My son totally understands me and I love his dry delivery.
Which is a very accurate description of how I play Skyrim.
I have been playing the game for a while ad I entertain my children with my all too frequent announcement "Now I'm going to do something stupid, it's time to do a save." My son totally understands me and I love his dry delivery.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Frosty Morning
We have had some very frosty mornings the past couple of days, as evidenced by the traceries of frost on the glass tabletop out on the deck. The sudden and rather early plunge in the temperature has caught out a few people in the neighborhood.
The backflow piping for sprinkler systems jut up into the cold air and those that hadn't winterized their systems yet swaddle them up at night to prevent freezing. Then they are forced into running their sprinklers in the predawn hours to keep the water moving. My neighbor was one such vicyom, which surprisd me since he is very handy about the house and fixes his own cars. It turned out he called his guy to winterize their system four weeks ago and they just got around to blowing out all the water today. i wouldn't be surprised if they hire someone else next year.
Meanwhile I'm happy that I never did fire up the lawn sprinklers this year. It was such a wet spring and summer I did not see the point of wasting water and money. As a result,I was already winterized. Being cheap sometimes pays off.
The backflow piping for sprinkler systems jut up into the cold air and those that hadn't winterized their systems yet swaddle them up at night to prevent freezing. Then they are forced into running their sprinklers in the predawn hours to keep the water moving. My neighbor was one such vicyom, which surprisd me since he is very handy about the house and fixes his own cars. It turned out he called his guy to winterize their system four weeks ago and they just got around to blowing out all the water today. i wouldn't be surprised if they hire someone else next year.
Meanwhile I'm happy that I never did fire up the lawn sprinklers this year. It was such a wet spring and summer I did not see the point of wasting water and money. As a result,I was already winterized. Being cheap sometimes pays off.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Artist of the Week: What Goes Up
I've been slacking off on the whole Artist of the Week thing Mostly because I have been wanting to feature Jacob and his band, but also due to the intense competition for my computer between yself, Max, and Rebecca. Silly middle schoolers with all their computer based homework.
Anyhoodle, this week's artist is Jacob in his final year of high school marching band.
I took this picture of him at the start of the football team's penultimate regular season game. His grandparents were visiting just to see him march and I was in attendance for my first ever high school football game. It was a beautiful night for football, the weather was clear and mild, much nicer than you would expect for November. We had a grand time and left after the halftime show since we were only there for the band.
The previous day I had gone out with the band for a recruitment drive. The idea was to visit several feeder schools, one elementary and two middle, and drum up some excitement for band. All of the students we met were polite, but the elementary kids pictured here were the most receptive. They asked plenty of questions and begged for the band to play a few more songs. Hopefully a few more kids will get turned on to music.
And now for the music, I never did get a proper video of this year's show "What Goes Up." The best I have is of a semi dress rehearsal (they have the be-plumed hats on) with the addition of a pickup truck that was not moved in time. The music was a bit flat, it was pretty darn cold with a wicked wind, but they did do a good job coping with the rogue vehicle.
Anyhoodle, this week's artist is Jacob in his final year of high school marching band.
I took this picture of him at the start of the football team's penultimate regular season game. His grandparents were visiting just to see him march and I was in attendance for my first ever high school football game. It was a beautiful night for football, the weather was clear and mild, much nicer than you would expect for November. We had a grand time and left after the halftime show since we were only there for the band.
The previous day I had gone out with the band for a recruitment drive. The idea was to visit several feeder schools, one elementary and two middle, and drum up some excitement for band. All of the students we met were polite, but the elementary kids pictured here were the most receptive. They asked plenty of questions and begged for the band to play a few more songs. Hopefully a few more kids will get turned on to music.
And now for the music, I never did get a proper video of this year's show "What Goes Up." The best I have is of a semi dress rehearsal (they have the be-plumed hats on) with the addition of a pickup truck that was not moved in time. The music was a bit flat, it was pretty darn cold with a wicked wind, but they did do a good job coping with the rogue vehicle.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Winter is Coming
Today we got our first snowfall of the season. It didn't stick and it didn't last for very long, but we did get a sustained snow flurry for about an hour.
I was on the phone with my husband when I glanced out the window are saw the first flakes come down. I blurted out with unrestrained glee "It's SNOWING!" Then proceeded to do a happy dance. Hopefully I didn't damage his hearing, I think not since he did sound genuinely happy for me. I'm a northern girl at heart and the first snowfall is always my favorite.
I know winter won't officially start for quite some time, but I'm ready for it. Our home has a new roof plus skylights and autumn has reached that dreary stage when everything seems dead. The lone holdout is my parsley, which still retains its vibrant shade of green. The weather is cold and our dogs have the right idea of getting all cozy under their blankets.
I was on the phone with my husband when I glanced out the window are saw the first flakes come down. I blurted out with unrestrained glee "It's SNOWING!" Then proceeded to do a happy dance. Hopefully I didn't damage his hearing, I think not since he did sound genuinely happy for me. I'm a northern girl at heart and the first snowfall is always my favorite.
I know winter won't officially start for quite some time, but I'm ready for it. Our home has a new roof plus skylights and autumn has reached that dreary stage when everything seems dead. The lone holdout is my parsley, which still retains its vibrant shade of green. The weather is cold and our dogs have the right idea of getting all cozy under their blankets.
Monday, November 11, 2013
15 Years of Excitement
This is Nate from well over a decade ago and he is still the same silly boy that is almost always in motion. He is almost my height now, it looks like he is just 2 inches shorter than me. that difference, however is not going to last. I swear he has grown a few inches in the past few weeks.
As for his birthday, he didn't get the day off even though it is Veterans' Day. He did, however, get to have a couple of his favorite foods. His request for his birthday treat was cinnamon rolls. He is not a big fan of cake, coffee cake is more his speed.
He was willing to have me buy him a coffee cake, but I wouldn't hear of it. Dang it, I have made them before and I can certainly make them for my son's birthday. It just meant I had to have them all set to go in the oven before I went to bed and set the oven's time to preheat it so I could pop the rolls in a 5:30 am.
Nate was very pleased with his birthday treat and I think the smell of the cinnamon rolls made everyone wake up a little easier this morning.
As for his birthday, he didn't get the day off even though it is Veterans' Day. He did, however, get to have a couple of his favorite foods. His request for his birthday treat was cinnamon rolls. He is not a big fan of cake, coffee cake is more his speed.
He was willing to have me buy him a coffee cake, but I wouldn't hear of it. Dang it, I have made them before and I can certainly make them for my son's birthday. It just meant I had to have them all set to go in the oven before I went to bed and set the oven's time to preheat it so I could pop the rolls in a 5:30 am.
Nate was very pleased with his birthday treat and I think the smell of the cinnamon rolls made everyone wake up a little easier this morning.
Thursday, November 07, 2013
Clarity
We have had some big doings over here. As of today we officially have a new roof on our home. For the past three and a half days there has been a crew of guys ripping off the old, starting to leak shingles and replacing with lovely new ones. It's been very loud and I have been blocked from our garage and driveway from the assorted roofing materials and truck filling up the driveway. Plus there is the added joy of schlepping across the front yard to get to our vehicles.
I know, first world problems. However, I did have to drag a 40 bag of dog kibble across the lawn to replace the empty one.
Anyway, part of the whole re-roofing was the replacement of our seven (!) skylight, one in each of the upstairs bathrooms and the remaining five in the ceiling above the rear portion of the house. The top picture is on of the downstairs skylights with the old window. It's almost opaque, there is no view and the light is fairly dim.
Here is the adjacent skylight with the new crystal clear window.
I was shocked by the difference. I knew the previous skylights were not particularly good, but I didn't know how bad they were until now.
My eyes are continuously drawn to the new view. I just can't get over how much better the new skylights are. And the improvements don't stop there, the windows are far more energy efficient. The glass is insulated and sealed which could potentially lead to lower fuel bills in the winter and the summer.
In the meantime I'm going to enjoy the new view.
I know, first world problems. However, I did have to drag a 40 bag of dog kibble across the lawn to replace the empty one.
Anyway, part of the whole re-roofing was the replacement of our seven (!) skylight, one in each of the upstairs bathrooms and the remaining five in the ceiling above the rear portion of the house. The top picture is on of the downstairs skylights with the old window. It's almost opaque, there is no view and the light is fairly dim.
Here is the adjacent skylight with the new crystal clear window.
I was shocked by the difference. I knew the previous skylights were not particularly good, but I didn't know how bad they were until now.
My eyes are continuously drawn to the new view. I just can't get over how much better the new skylights are. And the improvements don't stop there, the windows are far more energy efficient. The glass is insulated and sealed which could potentially lead to lower fuel bills in the winter and the summer.
In the meantime I'm going to enjoy the new view.
Tuesday, November 05, 2013
Done
I voted today, sometime around 10:30 am. I like to avoid the morning rush, but still have the rest of my day. After I fed my ballot into the scanner I found out I was voter # 819 for my district, a pretty good turnout for fairly early in the day. The best part was as I walked out of polling place with the knowledge I was done with this very ugly election cycle. The two major candidates were awful, as I explained to a friend it was as though the barrel was emptied. And they were scraped out from the bottom. In fact The Richmond Times Dispatch refused to endorse any of the candidates, a pretty shocking state of affairs.
I'm just glad it's over along with all the political phone calls that have been tying up our phones.
I'm just glad it's over along with all the political phone calls that have been tying up our phones.
Monday, November 04, 2013
Handspring Puppet Co
Saturday I got to see the stage version of War Horse courtesy of Meryl. I wanted to see the movie, but missed it so I was thrilled when Meryl invited me to go with her. I knew going in that puppets were used instead of horses and I had a vague idea of what they looked like, however I was blow away by the creations in action. The construction and the manipulation of the puppets resulted in a very life like horse. The mannerisms and movement are spot on.
I found this video about the manufacture, Handspring Puppet Co. Based in Cape Town South Africa, they build the puppets almost entirely by hand.
I found this video about the manufacture, Handspring Puppet Co. Based in Cape Town South Africa, they build the puppets almost entirely by hand.
Sunday, November 03, 2013
Meimei
Meryl has gotten a new kitten and I have had the pleasure of being amongst the first to meet her.She a former feral and is a bit skittish, but Meimei is warming up to me.
She has a gloriously loud purr, I call it thunder purr. I can clearly hear her when I'm playing with her with the laser pointer. It is so much fun watching her zoom about with such obvious joy.
And a bit of joy is always something to be appreciated.
She has a gloriously loud purr, I call it thunder purr. I can clearly hear her when I'm playing with her with the laser pointer. It is so much fun watching her zoom about with such obvious joy.
And a bit of joy is always something to be appreciated.
Friday, November 01, 2013
Friday Night Lights
For the first time ever I went to a high school football game. Though in reality I was just there for the band.
it's Jacob's senior year and I realized that if I was ever going to go to a game I should get off my duff and actually go to one. It was the penultimate regular season game with nothing particularly special about it. My in-laws were in town and we decided it would be fun to go to the game. We would watch the first half of the game, the band's halftime show, and then head on back home.
It was a beautiful night for football, the weather mild with the rain holding off until after halftime and even then it was just a fine mist. I had fun chatting with Larry's mom and not watching the game (It was expected to be a rout and our high school did not disappoint, only one touch down by the visitors). I alsogot a kick out of the warm reception I got from the band members as I walked past. They are a nice bunch of kids and I'm glad my son is one of their number.
it's Jacob's senior year and I realized that if I was ever going to go to a game I should get off my duff and actually go to one. It was the penultimate regular season game with nothing particularly special about it. My in-laws were in town and we decided it would be fun to go to the game. We would watch the first half of the game, the band's halftime show, and then head on back home.
It was a beautiful night for football, the weather mild with the rain holding off until after halftime and even then it was just a fine mist. I had fun chatting with Larry's mom and not watching the game (It was expected to be a rout and our high school did not disappoint, only one touch down by the visitors). I alsogot a kick out of the warm reception I got from the band members as I walked past. They are a nice bunch of kids and I'm glad my son is one of their number.
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