It isn't always sweetness and light in this household. Siblings yell at each other, slam doors and whine about the unfairness of it all, but on the whole they all do get along remarkably well. Last night was one of those moments when I'm really amazed at how much they care for each other.
For the past two nights Nate had been on an extended sleepover. This has been a bit rough on Max because he shares his room with Nate. Max doesn't like sleeping alone, which is understandable since he has never been alone except for the odd sleepover for Nate.
Max started roaming the hall and went in to see Jake. He asked him if Jake could come sleep in his room. Jake called down and asked if it was all right with me. I said it was completely up to him. Jake then moved into his brothers' room and slipped into Nate's bed. He hung out there until Max was fast asleep. He came out and asked if it was okay if he went back to his own bed. I said sure and told him I was very proud of what he did for his little brother.
Jake is a very kind and loving big brother and times like these I'm very proud to be his mom.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Friday, August 01, 2008
Pizza
A little homemade pizza to round out the week.
Every now and then we have make-your-own-pizza night. It takes a bit of planning, but the end result is well worth the trouble.
The most important step is to start the dough early. It is best if it has two hours to rise before you make the pies. The recipe I used is one I found on the back of a bag of King Arthur Flour.
Their web site has a great tutorial on how to make pizza, but for whatever reason they changed the recipe. The original one is what I use:
2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 packet/tablespoon active dry yeast
1 tablespoon salt
5 1/2 to 6 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
In a big bowl dissolve the sugar in the water, then add the yeast. Once the yeast has finished proofing (it needs to sit a few minutes, once its bubbly you are ready to go) add the salt. Using a wooden spoon, mix in the flour. Add the olive oil and mix some more. Then turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough until it is smooth and springy. Clean the big bowl add a bit of olive oil and return the dough it the bowl. Roll the dough around in the olive oil (this keeps the surface of the dough moist) and then cover the bowl. Let rise until the dough is doubled in size (1 to 2 hours).
Preheat the oven to 450. Punch down the dough and divide into 4 pieces (two of the four get divided again- this results in four pie tie 9 in sized pies and two 12 inch pies). slowly roll out and stretch the dough to fit the appropriate sized pan. I like to lightly brush the pan with olive oil and the top of the crust. If you allow the dough to periodically rest it will eventually fill the pan and not shrink back.
Then top with sauce, cheese, what have you. I used fresh tomatoes marinated with balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and basil instead of sauce. Then a liberal sprinkling of cheese, some onions, a little bit of minced garlic and pepperoni. It takes about 15 minutes for the pie to cook.
And oh boy does it taste good!
Every now and then we have make-your-own-pizza night. It takes a bit of planning, but the end result is well worth the trouble.
The most important step is to start the dough early. It is best if it has two hours to rise before you make the pies. The recipe I used is one I found on the back of a bag of King Arthur Flour.
Their web site has a great tutorial on how to make pizza, but for whatever reason they changed the recipe. The original one is what I use:
2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 packet/tablespoon active dry yeast
1 tablespoon salt
5 1/2 to 6 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
In a big bowl dissolve the sugar in the water, then add the yeast. Once the yeast has finished proofing (it needs to sit a few minutes, once its bubbly you are ready to go) add the salt. Using a wooden spoon, mix in the flour. Add the olive oil and mix some more. Then turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough until it is smooth and springy. Clean the big bowl add a bit of olive oil and return the dough it the bowl. Roll the dough around in the olive oil (this keeps the surface of the dough moist) and then cover the bowl. Let rise until the dough is doubled in size (1 to 2 hours).
Preheat the oven to 450. Punch down the dough and divide into 4 pieces (two of the four get divided again- this results in four pie tie 9 in sized pies and two 12 inch pies). slowly roll out and stretch the dough to fit the appropriate sized pan. I like to lightly brush the pan with olive oil and the top of the crust. If you allow the dough to periodically rest it will eventually fill the pan and not shrink back.
Then top with sauce, cheese, what have you. I used fresh tomatoes marinated with balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and basil instead of sauce. Then a liberal sprinkling of cheese, some onions, a little bit of minced garlic and pepperoni. It takes about 15 minutes for the pie to cook.
And oh boy does it taste good!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Snow Cone Twins
Sometimes it's fun to be a twin. Especially when your twin sister decides to buy a snow cone at a ballgame for you to share.
Yes that's right, I have six year olds that decide on their own to share a snow cone and to use their allowance money.
But the best part was the after photo. To get a true gauge of the purple wonder of their mouths check out this photo.
Yes that's right, I have six year olds that decide on their own to share a snow cone and to use their allowance money.
But the best part was the after photo. To get a true gauge of the purple wonder of their mouths check out this photo.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Artist of the Week: All Star
In honor of the end of baseball (well at least for this year) Nate is the Artist of the week.
He had a lot of fun, even though he was (in our opinion at least) underutilized. He is one of those natural athletes that loves to play the game, any game at all.
In baseball he is a decent little hitter (and a very cute one at that) that always, and I do mean always, runs full steam. He'll make it to first when some kids might have let up and been beat out.
Out on the field he'll do a good job in any position, remaining focused and in the game. He is best utilized in the infield, there his quick reflexes really pay off. During the regular season he was the primary catcher, but could be a pitcher in a pinch.
For the All Star games he was limited mostly to the outfield, but he did get a couple of innings as catcher. That's him there , behind the plate in the lower picture. I'm really pleased with this picture because I got it just after he caught the ball. You can see the ball safely tucked inside the glove, his right hand just where it should be, with a little puff of dust surrounding the glove from the ball's impact. Nate had a great attitude even with the late nights and high temperatures. For that alone he deserves recognition.
He had a lot of fun, even though he was (in our opinion at least) underutilized. He is one of those natural athletes that loves to play the game, any game at all.
In baseball he is a decent little hitter (and a very cute one at that) that always, and I do mean always, runs full steam. He'll make it to first when some kids might have let up and been beat out.
Out on the field he'll do a good job in any position, remaining focused and in the game. He is best utilized in the infield, there his quick reflexes really pay off. During the regular season he was the primary catcher, but could be a pitcher in a pinch.
For the All Star games he was limited mostly to the outfield, but he did get a couple of innings as catcher. That's him there , behind the plate in the lower picture. I'm really pleased with this picture because I got it just after he caught the ball. You can see the ball safely tucked inside the glove, his right hand just where it should be, with a little puff of dust surrounding the glove from the ball's impact. Nate had a great attitude even with the late nights and high temperatures. For that alone he deserves recognition.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Summer Busy
We are in the heart of summer break and it is a very busy time for us. Baseball has finally and absolutely draw to a close, but we still have our morning tennis lessons (or let's give the moms a child free hour to go grocery shopping). Then there are the afternoon classes at the MathScience Innovation Center, the same place Jake went for LEGO Robotics.
Last week Nate took a course called computer math games. He got introduced to a nifty piece of software that enables you to create your own computer game. Nate being who he is designed the most ambitious and complex game. In fact he was unable to finish it the time the class ended. We're going to get the software and have him finish his game and create new ones.
This week Jake is learning all about architecture. He is having a grand time and has already had a chance to display his sense of humor. On the first day he designed a floor plan that had a funny little space. He was asked about it and replied "that's where the rats live." That's my boy, very bright and very quirky.
And all these activities mean we are a very busy family. I don't begrudge the afternoon classes, but next year I'll push for the boys to do them during the same week. All this driving around is very grueling and not cheap.
Last week Nate took a course called computer math games. He got introduced to a nifty piece of software that enables you to create your own computer game. Nate being who he is designed the most ambitious and complex game. In fact he was unable to finish it the time the class ended. We're going to get the software and have him finish his game and create new ones.
This week Jake is learning all about architecture. He is having a grand time and has already had a chance to display his sense of humor. On the first day he designed a floor plan that had a funny little space. He was asked about it and replied "that's where the rats live." That's my boy, very bright and very quirky.
And all these activities mean we are a very busy family. I don't begrudge the afternoon classes, but next year I'll push for the boys to do them during the same week. All this driving around is very grueling and not cheap.
Monday, July 28, 2008
So Close
This is John Fratelli of The Fratellis performing an acoustic version "Whistle for the Choir." I love both this recording and the studio version. I think it speaks very well of a band if they can put out equally good versions of a song in and out of the studio. I first heard the Fratellis on Letterman a few months ago. Since then I have become a bit of a fan.
From what I've heard and read they put on terrific concerts. Happily they will be touring the US this year and will be in the Mid-Atlantic region this fall, but... not in Richmond. The most frustrating aspect of their tour schedule is they will be in North Carolina on October 1st (a Wednesday) and up in DC on October 2nd. The band will literally drive through my area. There is no hope of them picking up anything around here unless they extend their tour.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
You Gotta Watch Out for the Gazpacho
Nate has a computer game that he loves to play. It's basically a world War II shoot 'em up and Jake usually watches (with just a bit if kibitzing) while Nate plays.
Today Nate was playing along, I was in the kitchen and Jake was watching his brother. After a bit Jake came over and started talking about the gazpacho and how dangerous it was. He went on for a while saying gazpacho this and gazpacho that when I finally had to stop him. Laughing, I told him that he wasn't quite getting the pronunciation right.
It's ge-sta-po not gaz-pa-cho.
I went on to tell him that he was talking about a cold vegetable soup, not the nazi Germany secret police. He found his mistake just as hilarious as I did. When I told Larry later he too was amused and his only comment was that he didn't like either.
Today Nate was playing along, I was in the kitchen and Jake was watching his brother. After a bit Jake came over and started talking about the gazpacho and how dangerous it was. He went on for a while saying gazpacho this and gazpacho that when I finally had to stop him. Laughing, I told him that he wasn't quite getting the pronunciation right.
It's ge-sta-po not gaz-pa-cho.
I went on to tell him that he was talking about a cold vegetable soup, not the nazi Germany secret police. He found his mistake just as hilarious as I did. When I told Larry later he too was amused and his only comment was that he didn't like either.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Maxfield Parrish
In honor of Maxfield Parrish's birthday I'm posting this picture I took a little over two years ago. I was at baseball practice and the sun was getting low in the sky. I just snapped a few and this is what I got. The only editing I've done was to crop out a building and run it through the "water color" filter.
It hasn't quite got the luminescent colors of his work, but it'll do. I have had it as my desktop's wallpaper for quite some time.
It hasn't quite got the luminescent colors of his work, but it'll do. I have had it as my desktop's wallpaper for quite some time.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Coolest Cake Ever
You have to go to this site, Cake Wrecks.
Mostly it is a blog about truly awful professionally decorated cakes. But today's was a departure from the norm. I just love it.
Mostly it is a blog about truly awful professionally decorated cakes. But today's was a departure from the norm. I just love it.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Artist of the Week: Maps
This week's artist is Max. I'm reposting this picture of him from last November because it is so very appropriate for today's post.
As you can see Max has a lot of stuffed animals or, as we like to call them, stuffies. He drags them all over the house, upstairs, downstairs and even out in the car. Which is fine as long as he picks them up when they are downstairs. The dogs too are rather fond of stuffies, but in a very destructive fashion.
A few days ago Max had part of his collection downstairs scattered about on the floor. The dogs were loose and Max realized that he needed to relocate his toys into safer waters. He pushed them into a big pile and just before he picked them up he noticed something.
He had inadvertently created a fairly good rendition of the continental US. He rushed over to show me what he had done and asked me to take a picture. I was impressed as was all of his siblings. We all oohed and ahhed over his creation.
I love how he got the coastlines, I admit I ever so slightly readjusted Florida (by less than an inch), but the rest stand as they were. Maine is a bit out there, but I love the suggestion of the Great Lakes via the snake's coils. It really is quite remarkable and doubly so that a 6 year picked up on it all by himself.
As you can see Max has a lot of stuffed animals or, as we like to call them, stuffies. He drags them all over the house, upstairs, downstairs and even out in the car. Which is fine as long as he picks them up when they are downstairs. The dogs too are rather fond of stuffies, but in a very destructive fashion.
A few days ago Max had part of his collection downstairs scattered about on the floor. The dogs were loose and Max realized that he needed to relocate his toys into safer waters. He pushed them into a big pile and just before he picked them up he noticed something.
He had inadvertently created a fairly good rendition of the continental US. He rushed over to show me what he had done and asked me to take a picture. I was impressed as was all of his siblings. We all oohed and ahhed over his creation.
I love how he got the coastlines, I admit I ever so slightly readjusted Florida (by less than an inch), but the rest stand as they were. Maine is a bit out there, but I love the suggestion of the Great Lakes via the snake's coils. It really is quite remarkable and doubly so that a 6 year picked up on it all by himself.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Like a Hole in the Head
You know the phrase "I need this like another hole in my head"? Well, sometimes you do need an extra hole (or two) in the head.
Max went in to day to get the tubes in his ears replaced. His old tubes were pretty much out and needed two new holes to be put in his head. We had a good long ear infection free run with the old set, but now he was getting them again.
Things were a little bit different this time around. There still is the same old no food after midnight, but now it is acceptable to have clear liquids up to two hours before surgery. And I must say it makes all the difference in the world when you can give a kid a spot of lemonade before you drag them into the hospital. That hit of sugar made him a far cheerier person. Admittedly he was still hungry, but not nearly as grumpy as last time.
In fact he was downright hilarious when the pre-anesthetic cocktail hit him. It was just a little something to reduce his anxiety (which he has a lot of) and relax him before they put him under. They handed it off to me in a little plastic cup for him to drink down. It took a bit of prodding, but he did slug it down. He was initially fine, but after about 10 minutes it hit him like a sack of bricks. He couldn't sit up, much less stand and his speech became exaggerated and slurred. It was like having a miniature drunk college student in my lap. He had a toy phone smashed against his face and kept saying "Heeeey Naaate!" Nate and Rebecca, meanwhile, caught on to what was going on and started dancing about in a slow motion while waving their arms. All four of them were giggling madly. Then the staff came and whisked Max away in a little red wagon.
Max went in to day to get the tubes in his ears replaced. His old tubes were pretty much out and needed two new holes to be put in his head. We had a good long ear infection free run with the old set, but now he was getting them again.
Things were a little bit different this time around. There still is the same old no food after midnight, but now it is acceptable to have clear liquids up to two hours before surgery. And I must say it makes all the difference in the world when you can give a kid a spot of lemonade before you drag them into the hospital. That hit of sugar made him a far cheerier person. Admittedly he was still hungry, but not nearly as grumpy as last time.
In fact he was downright hilarious when the pre-anesthetic cocktail hit him. It was just a little something to reduce his anxiety (which he has a lot of) and relax him before they put him under. They handed it off to me in a little plastic cup for him to drink down. It took a bit of prodding, but he did slug it down. He was initially fine, but after about 10 minutes it hit him like a sack of bricks. He couldn't sit up, much less stand and his speech became exaggerated and slurred. It was like having a miniature drunk college student in my lap. He had a toy phone smashed against his face and kept saying "Heeeey Naaate!" Nate and Rebecca, meanwhile, caught on to what was going on and started dancing about in a slow motion while waving their arms. All four of them were giggling madly. Then the staff came and whisked Max away in a little red wagon.
Monday, July 21, 2008
All Star Update
So far we've won two and lost one game and only just barely.
Tonight's was a real doozy we won 17 to 3, only giving up the three runs during the last inning. Nate got to catch during the last inning and it was fun watching tear off the helmet to snag errant balls. Nate does everything with a great deal of enthusiasm and it's a pleasure to watch him in action.
So now we are done with pool play. Our team did well enough that they advanced to the single elimination championship round. That'll be on Wednesday, so we get tomorrow off.
Tonight's was a real doozy we won 17 to 3, only giving up the three runs during the last inning. Nate got to catch during the last inning and it was fun watching tear off the helmet to snag errant balls. Nate does everything with a great deal of enthusiasm and it's a pleasure to watch him in action.
So now we are done with pool play. Our team did well enough that they advanced to the single elimination championship round. That'll be on Wednesday, so we get tomorrow off.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Cake or Death
I love Eddie Izzard and this bit is very appropriate for this blog.
And I must add, there is nothing funnier than a bunch of kids careening about, chanting "Cake or Death!"
Friday, July 18, 2008
He's an All Star Baby
You know how I said waaaay back in June that we had played our last baseball game of the season.
Well I was wrong. Nate got nominated to the All Star team.
For the past two weeks he has been practicing with his team in preparation for the tournament that starts this weekend. He'll be playing tomorrow, Sunday and Monday. If his team does well he'll get to play a few more games.
It'll be brutally hot, but we'll be cheering him on with the added bonus of Meryl joining us with her mother. And then really, no more baseball.
Well I was wrong. Nate got nominated to the All Star team.
For the past two weeks he has been practicing with his team in preparation for the tournament that starts this weekend. He'll be playing tomorrow, Sunday and Monday. If his team does well he'll get to play a few more games.
It'll be brutally hot, but we'll be cheering him on with the added bonus of Meryl joining us with her mother. And then really, no more baseball.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
I Live In a Frat House Part 2
You know that sweet little girl I just featured yesterday as artist of the week, well it's not all sugar and spice and everything nice.
Not by a long shot.
As I have mentioned before, I live in a frat house. Thankfully the chugging contests have ended, but now we have a new facet of life with four kids. Last night I enacted a new rule at dinner that honestly I had never even considered before. In fact I even stated that I could not believe what I'm about to say.
Rebecca, my pretty little girly girl wearing a lovely sun dress (yes, that one in yesterday's photo), stood up on her chair with her right arm held straight up and announced that she could sniff her armpit. She then proceeded to demonstrate this ability. Next, she told her twin brother, seated on her right, to sniff her pit. He obliged and dramatically, with much giggling, said phew that stinks. Surprised, she sniffed again and said she didn't smell anything.
I was stunned as was Jake. Nate and Larry had already left for baseball, so I was on my own.
So now we have a new rule, no armpit sniffing at the table. Jake afterward shook his head over the outright surreality of the situation. I'm right there with him. But it was pretty darn funny.
Not by a long shot.
As I have mentioned before, I live in a frat house. Thankfully the chugging contests have ended, but now we have a new facet of life with four kids. Last night I enacted a new rule at dinner that honestly I had never even considered before. In fact I even stated that I could not believe what I'm about to say.
Rebecca, my pretty little girly girl wearing a lovely sun dress (yes, that one in yesterday's photo), stood up on her chair with her right arm held straight up and announced that she could sniff her armpit. She then proceeded to demonstrate this ability. Next, she told her twin brother, seated on her right, to sniff her pit. He obliged and dramatically, with much giggling, said phew that stinks. Surprised, she sniffed again and said she didn't smell anything.
I was stunned as was Jake. Nate and Larry had already left for baseball, so I was on my own.
So now we have a new rule, no armpit sniffing at the table. Jake afterward shook his head over the outright surreality of the situation. I'm right there with him. But it was pretty darn funny.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Artist of the Week: A Gift
This week's artist is little Miss. Rebecca.
She just constantly amazes us with her pictures. The girl is one person art show. Recycle day is always tough, because it's hard to decide which ones to keep and which ones to let go. She also loves to share her art. Every now and then will have a little flurry of drawings that need to be sent out to her grandparents and friends. And sometimes she'll draw something to give to us.
Last week Max was at one of his many regular doctor appointments. It was just Max, Rebecca and I. The older two were off with their father. Max went off with his doctor and Rebecca and I retired to the family waiting area/playroom. At first she hauled out some of the toys hidden in the room, but then she settled down with crayons and paper.
And this is what she created.
It is a wonderful undersea scape drawn just for Max. Unfortunately the picture is a bit on the pale side, I tried to bring it out as much as possible. The two main creatures are a sea turtle (Max's favorite animal) and a manatee. There are also a multitude of fish, a crab on the sea floor and a wonderful eel. I was very impressed, as were her brothers. In fact Jake declared it far better than anything he could make (well except for buildings and maps- which he does excel at).
She is quite a little artist.
She just constantly amazes us with her pictures. The girl is one person art show. Recycle day is always tough, because it's hard to decide which ones to keep and which ones to let go. She also loves to share her art. Every now and then will have a little flurry of drawings that need to be sent out to her grandparents and friends. And sometimes she'll draw something to give to us.
Last week Max was at one of his many regular doctor appointments. It was just Max, Rebecca and I. The older two were off with their father. Max went off with his doctor and Rebecca and I retired to the family waiting area/playroom. At first she hauled out some of the toys hidden in the room, but then she settled down with crayons and paper.
And this is what she created.
It is a wonderful undersea scape drawn just for Max. Unfortunately the picture is a bit on the pale side, I tried to bring it out as much as possible. The two main creatures are a sea turtle (Max's favorite animal) and a manatee. There are also a multitude of fish, a crab on the sea floor and a wonderful eel. I was very impressed, as were her brothers. In fact Jake declared it far better than anything he could make (well except for buildings and maps- which he does excel at).
She is quite a little artist.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
A Whole Range of Colors
We have a whole range of hair colors here at Life At Full Volume. If fact you can so the two ends of the spectrum in this picture of Max and Jake.
Max is always been called the blond of the family, in fact he has been called the white sheep by the pediatrician. But except for that ,I tend to forget about the varieties of color offered by the rest of the crew.
Until it's hair cut time.
Yesterday I rounded up the shaggiest of the bunch and gave them haircuts. Rebecca's bangs wee always in her eyes, Jake's face was disappearing under his mop and Max just plain wanted a haircut. Nate got a pass this time because his last hair cut was pretty drastic. The cuts themselves were pretty basic, but it is the aftermath that was very striking.
Jake's hair looks almost black, making Rebecca's seem far lighter than it really is. As for Max, well he still is the blond one. In case I'm not completly clear: Jake's is on the top, Rebecca's hair is the lower right and Max's is the lower left. Nate's, if it was there, would fall between Jake and Rebecca. It is much closer to Jake's color than their sister's.
Max is always been called the blond of the family, in fact he has been called the white sheep by the pediatrician. But except for that ,I tend to forget about the varieties of color offered by the rest of the crew.
Until it's hair cut time.
Yesterday I rounded up the shaggiest of the bunch and gave them haircuts. Rebecca's bangs wee always in her eyes, Jake's face was disappearing under his mop and Max just plain wanted a haircut. Nate got a pass this time because his last hair cut was pretty drastic. The cuts themselves were pretty basic, but it is the aftermath that was very striking.
Jake's hair looks almost black, making Rebecca's seem far lighter than it really is. As for Max, well he still is the blond one. In case I'm not completly clear: Jake's is on the top, Rebecca's hair is the lower right and Max's is the lower left. Nate's, if it was there, would fall between Jake and Rebecca. It is much closer to Jake's color than their sister's.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Something for a Rainy Day
No tennis today, so instead we are stuck indoors. My friend Kathy, from college, sent me this and the kids love it.
So do I.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The First Tomato
Yesterday we picked our first official tomato from our deck garden.
I say official because we had two Romas that I stripped off the vine due to blossom end rot and the one Roma that inexplicably dropped off the vine while still very green.
But this one, is a keeper.
This has been a much anticipated event. It looked a bit dicey for a bit with the aforementioned end rot with the Romas (they are fine now, turns out I wasn't watering regularly enough) and some mysterious critter stripping off leaves and nibbling a tomato.
I don't know what the animal was. Judging by the height of the bite mark and the stripped leaves I would hazard a deer had done the deed. But I find that hard to believe. The deer would have to climb up the steps onto the deck and then walk the full length of the deck to reach the plants. Our deer are bold, but I don't think they are that bold.
Anyway Rebecca was pleased to model with the fruit of our labor. She was a bit miffed that I picked it and not her, but she got over it. I'll let her pick the next one.
Oh, and I have to let you in on a not so little secret. Rebecca lost one of her front teeth the other day, hence the gappy smile. She was very upset by the whole thing and we are not to talk about it. Kind of hard when it's a front tooth.
I say official because we had two Romas that I stripped off the vine due to blossom end rot and the one Roma that inexplicably dropped off the vine while still very green.
But this one, is a keeper.
This has been a much anticipated event. It looked a bit dicey for a bit with the aforementioned end rot with the Romas (they are fine now, turns out I wasn't watering regularly enough) and some mysterious critter stripping off leaves and nibbling a tomato.
I don't know what the animal was. Judging by the height of the bite mark and the stripped leaves I would hazard a deer had done the deed. But I find that hard to believe. The deer would have to climb up the steps onto the deck and then walk the full length of the deck to reach the plants. Our deer are bold, but I don't think they are that bold.
Anyway Rebecca was pleased to model with the fruit of our labor. She was a bit miffed that I picked it and not her, but she got over it. I'll let her pick the next one.
Oh, and I have to let you in on a not so little secret. Rebecca lost one of her front teeth the other day, hence the gappy smile. She was very upset by the whole thing and we are not to talk about it. Kind of hard when it's a front tooth.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Cause and Effect
This doe (and her many, many cohorts) is a major cause of consternation for Dell and John. Mostly it is Dell that gets upset, but John has no love for what I refer to as the tall rats in our backyard.
I took this particular picture yesterday just after lunch. Dell started barking hysterically at the window near our dining table. I swear Dell almost had an stroke from the barking. John, too, got seriously revved up by the deer and his half brother's histrionics. The doe was less than 15 feet away from the window was completely unconcerned by the barking dogs inside the house. I snapped this picture just before letting loose the hounds and filming their reaction.
The millisecond the door opened the doe took off. The red boys never had a chance, but they did have a glorious full tilt run around the bush telling off the local wildlife that this was their backyard.
I took this particular picture yesterday just after lunch. Dell started barking hysterically at the window near our dining table. I swear Dell almost had an stroke from the barking. John, too, got seriously revved up by the deer and his half brother's histrionics. The doe was less than 15 feet away from the window was completely unconcerned by the barking dogs inside the house. I snapped this picture just before letting loose the hounds and filming their reaction.
The millisecond the door opened the doe took off. The red boys never had a chance, but they did have a glorious full tilt run around the bush telling off the local wildlife that this was their backyard.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Artist of the Week: LEGO Robotics
This week's artist is Jake. Today was the last day of his LEGO Robotics course that he took under the auspices of the Summer Regional Governor's School (scroll down the page for the summer school programs). The courses are free and are open to gifted students that have been accepted into the program via a competitive application. It is a wonderful program and, as you can see in the picture, Jake was one very happy camper.
He was very willing to get up early each morning of the eight day session and ride in with his father and be dropped off before the opening bell at 8:30 am. Not once did he gripe to me about going to school. I think his only disappointment was concerning their field trip to a local robotic manufacturer, because the students were not allowed on the production floor.
Anyway, he had a great time and this is about the final robot that he helped to produce. The students would get partnered up with different kids then design, build and program a robot for the challenge of the day. The kids were not only learning about the engineering side, but also about teamwork.
Today family members were invited to attend the last robotic challenge. It gave us a chance to see exactly what had been going on during the past eight days of class. Fortunately both Larry and I were able to go and see the fun firsthand.
For his last project Jake was teamed up with the young lady in the picture. She seemed like a really sweet girl and was bright and chatty when we met her today. She explained the program and the robot to us and was very impressed with Nate's knowledge of radar (thank you History channel- aka the WWII channel). It looked like she and Jake worked well together and were having a good time.
The robot they designed was meant to follow a course and hit four different targets. The course, on white paper, was laid out on several tables in the classroom. A black lined marked the preferred path to the targets. From what I could see Jake's team used line/color sensor to find the line and an ultrasonic sensor to find the target. They used a laptop to set up the running program and then downloaded it into the LEGO NXT Intelligent Brick (the brain of the robot).
Each team got two tries with time built in to modify the robot in between runs. The course stared off fairly simply with a straight path to the first target. Then it got tricky. The robot had to turn and cross a short yet narrow bridge. After the second target the course got progressively harder.
Here is a longish film of the two runs spliced together.
I'm very proud to say that their robot came in second overall. It wasn't able to complete the course, but points were awarded for hitting the taget and following the line. One robot almost finished the course. It just missed hitting the final target. The two teaching assistants made special trophies to commemorate the occasion. Jake, of course, promptly put it on his head and walked around with it precariously perched on top. I t was such an utterly Jake thing to do I just had to share it with y'all.
He was very willing to get up early each morning of the eight day session and ride in with his father and be dropped off before the opening bell at 8:30 am. Not once did he gripe to me about going to school. I think his only disappointment was concerning their field trip to a local robotic manufacturer, because the students were not allowed on the production floor.
Anyway, he had a great time and this is about the final robot that he helped to produce. The students would get partnered up with different kids then design, build and program a robot for the challenge of the day. The kids were not only learning about the engineering side, but also about teamwork.
Today family members were invited to attend the last robotic challenge. It gave us a chance to see exactly what had been going on during the past eight days of class. Fortunately both Larry and I were able to go and see the fun firsthand.
For his last project Jake was teamed up with the young lady in the picture. She seemed like a really sweet girl and was bright and chatty when we met her today. She explained the program and the robot to us and was very impressed with Nate's knowledge of radar (thank you History channel- aka the WWII channel). It looked like she and Jake worked well together and were having a good time.
The robot they designed was meant to follow a course and hit four different targets. The course, on white paper, was laid out on several tables in the classroom. A black lined marked the preferred path to the targets. From what I could see Jake's team used line/color sensor to find the line and an ultrasonic sensor to find the target. They used a laptop to set up the running program and then downloaded it into the LEGO NXT Intelligent Brick (the brain of the robot).
Each team got two tries with time built in to modify the robot in between runs. The course stared off fairly simply with a straight path to the first target. Then it got tricky. The robot had to turn and cross a short yet narrow bridge. After the second target the course got progressively harder.
Here is a longish film of the two runs spliced together.
I'm very proud to say that their robot came in second overall. It wasn't able to complete the course, but points were awarded for hitting the taget and following the line. One robot almost finished the course. It just missed hitting the final target. The two teaching assistants made special trophies to commemorate the occasion. Jake, of course, promptly put it on his head and walked around with it precariously perched on top. I t was such an utterly Jake thing to do I just had to share it with y'all.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
AOTW: Postponed
It's late and what I want to do won't be ready until tomorrow, so Artist of the Week is postponed until tomorrow.
Really, I promise.
Really, I promise.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Free Movies
I love movies, but I have very little time to see them. As a result there are many decent films out there I haven't seen. My husband and I considered Netflix, but again there is that whole time thing. We would end up paying money for movies we don't have time to watch and feel pressured to watch them because we paid for them. It's only five bucks a month, but I know there'll be months when we don't watch anything.
Enter the library. It turns out or local library has quite a collection of DVDs. Even better, there is also the option of inter-library loan. They don't have all the movies I want to see, but they have enough to keep me happy. Especially when you consider the price, free for seven days. I can put in a request online and the library calls me when it is ready for pick up. You can't beat that for convenience.
Enter the library. It turns out or local library has quite a collection of DVDs. Even better, there is also the option of inter-library loan. They don't have all the movies I want to see, but they have enough to keep me happy. Especially when you consider the price, free for seven days. I can put in a request online and the library calls me when it is ready for pick up. You can't beat that for convenience.
Monday, July 07, 2008
What Kinda of Parent are You?
I think I'm becoming the unexpected Mom according to at least one of my sons' friends.
I asked Nate's friend how his Fourth went. He was a bit surprised that I asked, I guess he's not used to adults asking his opinion. Anyway he replied that it was good, they did some fun things and saw fireworks. My response "it's fun watching things blow up" stunned him. Most Moms would, at least in his experience, never admit such things. But I am the mother of three boys and I'm a bit of a Tom boy and watching stuff go boom is fun. Honestly that why we love Myth Busters so very much. Nate then went off to play at his friends house for the rest of the day.
Around 4:00 Nate came back home along with his friend. They then spent a good 20 minutes messing about on our driveway with their bikes. Which sounds a bit boring unless you know our driveway. It's a gravel drive and over the years it has developed bumps in it. Our ultimate goal is to pave the whole mess, but for now we have a bumpy driveway. Nate has discovered that he can jump the bumps with his bike. The boys had a terrific time going back and forth over the bumps. I even shot a little video of Nate in action.
I think his friend was a bit surprised that I allowed, almost encouraged borderline dangerous behavior. However, in my defense, the jumps really weren't that big and they were both wearing helmets. When it was finely time for Nate's friend to go I asked him if he liked our driveway. He thought it was pretty cool.
I asked Nate's friend how his Fourth went. He was a bit surprised that I asked, I guess he's not used to adults asking his opinion. Anyway he replied that it was good, they did some fun things and saw fireworks. My response "it's fun watching things blow up" stunned him. Most Moms would, at least in his experience, never admit such things. But I am the mother of three boys and I'm a bit of a Tom boy and watching stuff go boom is fun. Honestly that why we love Myth Busters so very much. Nate then went off to play at his friends house for the rest of the day.
Around 4:00 Nate came back home along with his friend. They then spent a good 20 minutes messing about on our driveway with their bikes. Which sounds a bit boring unless you know our driveway. It's a gravel drive and over the years it has developed bumps in it. Our ultimate goal is to pave the whole mess, but for now we have a bumpy driveway. Nate has discovered that he can jump the bumps with his bike. The boys had a terrific time going back and forth over the bumps. I even shot a little video of Nate in action.
I think his friend was a bit surprised that I allowed, almost encouraged borderline dangerous behavior. However, in my defense, the jumps really weren't that big and they were both wearing helmets. When it was finely time for Nate's friend to go I asked him if he liked our driveway. He thought it was pretty cool.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Yummy Ribs
This is what the ribs looked like on Friday and I have my friend Google to thank for telling me how to cook them.
The first site I hit was this one, Texas Style BBQ Beef Ribs. It was invaluable for the great pictures and general advice. It was there that I learned about the importance of taking your time, beef ribs need to be slow cooked at about 250 for 6 - 7 hours. From there it was pretty much the seat of my pants.
I decided Thursday night that I really should apply the dry rub and that night and let the ribs sit overnight in the fridge with the rub on. Of course I never did find a dry rub I liked so I had to make my own. After endlessly sifting through many different sites for recipes I found one to my liking that filled my main criteria. It had to only have ingredients I have on hand.
This one fit the bill:
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/4 paprika (that used up my little jar)
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
The directions accompanying the above were dead simple.
1- It is very important to peel the membrane off of the inside of the rack of beef ribs before starting.
2- Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
3- Sprinkle the mixture on both sides and rub it in.
4- Grill on medium heat grill for 2-3 hours or until rib meat is tender.*
*I did not actually grill the ribs (*horrors!) Instead I baked them in the oven for 6 and 1/2 hours at 250. I had wrapped them overnight in aluminum foil and placed the packets on jelly roll pans. After an hour of cooking I opened up the packets, but left the ribs on the foil; to contain the mess. During the last couple of hours I brushed on some commercial barbecue sauce. I used Jack Daniel's Original No. 7 Recipe after a great conversion in my local super market with a guy that had tried them all.
After a few hours the kitchen started to smell great. After six hours the ribs were just right. Max passed on them (I think they looked too messy to him), but everybody else enjoyed the ribs. Jake is already begging me to make them again.
The first site I hit was this one, Texas Style BBQ Beef Ribs. It was invaluable for the great pictures and general advice. It was there that I learned about the importance of taking your time, beef ribs need to be slow cooked at about 250 for 6 - 7 hours. From there it was pretty much the seat of my pants.
I decided Thursday night that I really should apply the dry rub and that night and let the ribs sit overnight in the fridge with the rub on. Of course I never did find a dry rub I liked so I had to make my own. After endlessly sifting through many different sites for recipes I found one to my liking that filled my main criteria. It had to only have ingredients I have on hand.
This one fit the bill:
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/4 paprika (that used up my little jar)
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
The directions accompanying the above were dead simple.
1- It is very important to peel the membrane off of the inside of the rack of beef ribs before starting.
2- Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
3- Sprinkle the mixture on both sides and rub it in.
4- Grill on medium heat grill for 2-3 hours or until rib meat is tender.*
*I did not actually grill the ribs (*horrors!) Instead I baked them in the oven for 6 and 1/2 hours at 250. I had wrapped them overnight in aluminum foil and placed the packets on jelly roll pans. After an hour of cooking I opened up the packets, but left the ribs on the foil; to contain the mess. During the last couple of hours I brushed on some commercial barbecue sauce. I used Jack Daniel's Original No. 7 Recipe after a great conversion in my local super market with a guy that had tried them all.
After a few hours the kitchen started to smell great. After six hours the ribs were just right. Max passed on them (I think they looked too messy to him), but everybody else enjoyed the ribs. Jake is already begging me to make them again.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Happy Fourth of July
I hope y'all stateside had a good Fourth of July.
Ours was tasty one. The ribs came out great and Meryl brought some very very delicious corn.
The fireworks, alas, were a bust. A line of thunderstorms bulled their way through just as we sat down for dinner a bit after 5:00 pm. The winds were impressive, tossing about the trees and doing some serious damage up by the fireworks site.
Of course we did not know this until we headed up there at 7:30. The roads were blocked and the troopers redirected us away from the show grounds. We didn't know what was up until we found an electronic billboard informing us that the fireworks had been canceled. I was a bit peeved because I did call the special events hot line number and checked the news websites before heading out.
But as I said the food was fabulous. We set off some sparklers outside and had a little show inside when I made Bananas Foster for dessert.
Ours was tasty one. The ribs came out great and Meryl brought some very very delicious corn.
The fireworks, alas, were a bust. A line of thunderstorms bulled their way through just as we sat down for dinner a bit after 5:00 pm. The winds were impressive, tossing about the trees and doing some serious damage up by the fireworks site.
Of course we did not know this until we headed up there at 7:30. The roads were blocked and the troopers redirected us away from the show grounds. We didn't know what was up until we found an electronic billboard informing us that the fireworks had been canceled. I was a bit peeved because I did call the special events hot line number and checked the news websites before heading out.
But as I said the food was fabulous. We set off some sparklers outside and had a little show inside when I made Bananas Foster for dessert.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Ribs for the Fourth
Normally we just do the basic grill out for the Fourth, but this year I've decided to be daring and try making beef ribs.
The major inspiration for this was, surprise surprise, that the store had them on sale. I don't know exactly what I'm going to do, but it should be interesting. We can always do burgers and dogs if it turns out poorly.
The major inspiration for this was, surprise surprise, that the store had them on sale. I don't know exactly what I'm going to do, but it should be interesting. We can always do burgers and dogs if it turns out poorly.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Artist of the Week: Time Line
Nate is this week's artist. He looks so darn cute in this picture. It's hard to see his eyes underneath the shaggy hair, but if you look carefully you can see their sparkle. Mind you, I cut his hair not so long ago and he hated it- In his opinion his hair was far too short.
Anyway, hair cuts side, we are here for art. Specifically a neat little time line I fished out of the huge pile of papers he dragged home.
Last spring Nate's class did a unit called Galleon. The students were grouped into teams. Each team had a ship that they had to pilot across the Atlantic. Part of the assignment was to make a time line summarizing key events in the voyage.
This Nate's time line.
Unfortunately it is a bit small, but if you go here you get a better view of it. I love all the little details in the pictures. It is about a foot and half long, I think Nate did a terrific job in rendering the ships. His teacher liked it as well and the grade ( check plus) reflects that.
Anyway, hair cuts side, we are here for art. Specifically a neat little time line I fished out of the huge pile of papers he dragged home.
Last spring Nate's class did a unit called Galleon. The students were grouped into teams. Each team had a ship that they had to pilot across the Atlantic. Part of the assignment was to make a time line summarizing key events in the voyage.
This Nate's time line.
Unfortunately it is a bit small, but if you go here you get a better view of it. I love all the little details in the pictures. It is about a foot and half long, I think Nate did a terrific job in rendering the ships. His teacher liked it as well and the grade ( check plus) reflects that.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Red Boys
Most non-dachshund people have a hard time telling the red boys apart. To me, and those that know John and Dell, it is fairly easy to tell them apart. Heck, when I pat them in the dark I instantly know which dog it is.
The most striking difference is their size. Both are good sized standards that dwarf the far more common miniature. (A mini is defined as a a full grown dachshund that is a eleven pounds or less. My boys weigh in at 27 and 25 pounds apiece.) John is a fairly robust 27 lbs with thicker, hound-like features. He is of the old fashioned hunting type. Dell is the lighter of the two and has the more elegant type favored today.
Interestingly their personalities do not match their body types. Dell, my elegant dog, is a complete oaf. He bounces around with absolutely no regard for what surrounds him. Today for example Nate was on the floor stretched out next to the sofa. I was happily reading a book while on the sofa. At some point I called over Dell. He dashed over, trampling Nate and then proceeded to bounce all over Nate while I patted him. Nate thought it was hilarious that Dell was oblivious to what he was doing to Nate.
After a bit I got up and let out the dogs. Dell paused for his half brother to reach the deck, then launched himself onto the lawn and careened about. John meanwhile, calmly surveyed the yard and then sedately descended the few steps to the lawn.
Once we wee all back inside Nate asked me why does John always looks out before going down the steps. I thought for a bit and replied that John likes to check out what is going on before he gets involved. Which is true for John in general. Our big red boy is far more aware of what he is doing than Dell. John almost never bounces on Nate. When we repeated the set up we had with Dell (Nate stretched out on the floor by my side), John only stepped on Nate once and that was only because Nate got in his way. John would carefully stretch out above Nate so I could reach him. And then, when he was done, would neatly sit back down without touching Nate. It was amazing to watch the precision of John's movements. Far different from his manically happy half-brother, Dell.
It just goes to show you really can't judge a book by its cover.
The most striking difference is their size. Both are good sized standards that dwarf the far more common miniature. (A mini is defined as a a full grown dachshund that is a eleven pounds or less. My boys weigh in at 27 and 25 pounds apiece.) John is a fairly robust 27 lbs with thicker, hound-like features. He is of the old fashioned hunting type. Dell is the lighter of the two and has the more elegant type favored today.
Interestingly their personalities do not match their body types. Dell, my elegant dog, is a complete oaf. He bounces around with absolutely no regard for what surrounds him. Today for example Nate was on the floor stretched out next to the sofa. I was happily reading a book while on the sofa. At some point I called over Dell. He dashed over, trampling Nate and then proceeded to bounce all over Nate while I patted him. Nate thought it was hilarious that Dell was oblivious to what he was doing to Nate.
After a bit I got up and let out the dogs. Dell paused for his half brother to reach the deck, then launched himself onto the lawn and careened about. John meanwhile, calmly surveyed the yard and then sedately descended the few steps to the lawn.
Once we wee all back inside Nate asked me why does John always looks out before going down the steps. I thought for a bit and replied that John likes to check out what is going on before he gets involved. Which is true for John in general. Our big red boy is far more aware of what he is doing than Dell. John almost never bounces on Nate. When we repeated the set up we had with Dell (Nate stretched out on the floor by my side), John only stepped on Nate once and that was only because Nate got in his way. John would carefully stretch out above Nate so I could reach him. And then, when he was done, would neatly sit back down without touching Nate. It was amazing to watch the precision of John's movements. Far different from his manically happy half-brother, Dell.
It just goes to show you really can't judge a book by its cover.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Tennis For Everyone
But Not So Much With Biking
So far so good with the tennis lessons. All four seem to be having a good time. In fact Jake is a bit disappointed that he'll be missing eight days of lessons while he attends the Governor's school.
Biking is another story. Jake and Nate are loving the freedom of going back and forth on their own. Max and Rebecca are having a tougher time. Max is a real trooper and manfully works his way up the hill. Rebecca not so much. She has resigned herself to biking to and from the courts, but she still complains a fair amount. I complimented her the other day at dinner at how she has gotten better biking home and she replied "Yes, I don't whine as much now." Which was utterly hilarious and completely true.
So far so good with the tennis lessons. All four seem to be having a good time. In fact Jake is a bit disappointed that he'll be missing eight days of lessons while he attends the Governor's school.
Biking is another story. Jake and Nate are loving the freedom of going back and forth on their own. Max and Rebecca are having a tougher time. Max is a real trooper and manfully works his way up the hill. Rebecca not so much. She has resigned herself to biking to and from the courts, but she still complains a fair amount. I complimented her the other day at dinner at how she has gotten better biking home and she replied "Yes, I don't whine as much now." Which was utterly hilarious and completely true.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Jake's Big Weekend
I really intended to post this Sunday, but at a storm blew through and we lost power that night. So I'm putting this up, but dating it yesterday.
That out of the way, Jake had a big weekend starting last Thursday. We have finally figured out the whole summer birthday thing. Have the party during the week. Too many people take off during the weekends, either coming or going on vacation. By having the party on a weekday, let's say for example a Thursday, there is a good chance that you'll get a decent amount of guests.
It took Jake a long time to make up his mind, but a week and half before the big day he settled on who, what and where. Most of the kids could make it and they all had a great time playing laser tag. This of course required a cake and I happily obliged with my classic 1-2-3 cake with chocolate frosting. It's not Jake's favorite cake, but it is one that his guests would most likely enjoy.
The following day, Friday, we brought cupcakes down to tennis lessons. Jake rarely gets to bring cupcakes to school for his birthday (since school ends two weeks beforehand) and I thought it would nice for him to bring a treat. I made orange cupcakes and piped a white lines on top to make them look like tennis balls and they were a big hit with the kids and the instructor.
All that is left is the big day itself, Sunday.
Jake wanted spinach pies for dinner and, of course, cheesecake for desert. Both were easy enough requests. I'm more than happy to pick up something as healthy as a spinach pie for dinner and cheesecake is always a good idea. But the end result of all this celebration is a fridge full of desserts. I guess it is a bit excessive making three desserts for one birthday boy, but what's the fun of being able to bake if you can't spoil your children on their birthdays?
That out of the way, Jake had a big weekend starting last Thursday. We have finally figured out the whole summer birthday thing. Have the party during the week. Too many people take off during the weekends, either coming or going on vacation. By having the party on a weekday, let's say for example a Thursday, there is a good chance that you'll get a decent amount of guests.
It took Jake a long time to make up his mind, but a week and half before the big day he settled on who, what and where. Most of the kids could make it and they all had a great time playing laser tag. This of course required a cake and I happily obliged with my classic 1-2-3 cake with chocolate frosting. It's not Jake's favorite cake, but it is one that his guests would most likely enjoy.
The following day, Friday, we brought cupcakes down to tennis lessons. Jake rarely gets to bring cupcakes to school for his birthday (since school ends two weeks beforehand) and I thought it would nice for him to bring a treat. I made orange cupcakes and piped a white lines on top to make them look like tennis balls and they were a big hit with the kids and the instructor.
All that is left is the big day itself, Sunday.
Jake wanted spinach pies for dinner and, of course, cheesecake for desert. Both were easy enough requests. I'm more than happy to pick up something as healthy as a spinach pie for dinner and cheesecake is always a good idea. But the end result of all this celebration is a fridge full of desserts. I guess it is a bit excessive making three desserts for one birthday boy, but what's the fun of being able to bake if you can't spoil your children on their birthdays?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Chopin and CF
It has long been thought that Frédéric Chopin died of tuberculosis. A very common aliment in the 18th century. However, researchers have been reexamining Chopin's life and the possible causes of his death and a new diagnoses has been brought forward. He might have suffered from Cystic Fibrosis.
Here is the abstract from the article in The Journal of Applied Genetics.
CF wasn't definitively described until the late 1930's, but it certainly had been around long before then. It also present a broad range of affects and cases can range from mild to severe. Max, for example, is on the more severe end of the scale. His lung function is excellent (117% when compared to a a normal, unaffected child) but, he is completely unable to digest most foods. It is only through an incredible amount of drugs and therapies that he is able to thrive. Before he was diagnosed he was literally starving to death. He would eat vast quantities of food and yet he lagged far behind his twin sister in growth.
Finding out whether or not Chopin suffered from CF really wouldn't change much, but it would mean a great deal to those who do suffer from it. It would show that it is possible to leave your mark on the world despite what set backs CF can present to you. And maybe it might just inspire Max to keep with piano.
Here is the abstract from the article in The Journal of Applied Genetics.
Abstract: Fr̩d̩ric Chopin Рa great Polish composer and pianist Рsuffered from
a chronic disease. Both during his life and after death physicians disagreed on the subject
of Chopin’s diagnosis. His contemporaries accepted the diagnosis of a disease
common in the 18th century – tuberculosis. Description of new clinical entities provoked
new dilemmas in the 20th century. In our opinion the most tenable seems to be
the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. In this work we present F. Chopin’s case history
and discuss cons and pron for cystic fibrosis as the cause of F. Chopin’s suffering
and death.
Key words: Chopin, cystic fibrosis, genetics, late diagnosis.
CF wasn't definitively described until the late 1930's, but it certainly had been around long before then. It also present a broad range of affects and cases can range from mild to severe. Max, for example, is on the more severe end of the scale. His lung function is excellent (117% when compared to a a normal, unaffected child) but, he is completely unable to digest most foods. It is only through an incredible amount of drugs and therapies that he is able to thrive. Before he was diagnosed he was literally starving to death. He would eat vast quantities of food and yet he lagged far behind his twin sister in growth.
Finding out whether or not Chopin suffered from CF really wouldn't change much, but it would mean a great deal to those who do suffer from it. It would show that it is possible to leave your mark on the world despite what set backs CF can present to you. And maybe it might just inspire Max to keep with piano.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Artist of the Week: War and Peace
Max is a complex little guy. He gives the best hugs and loves to tell jokes. Mind you the jokes more often than not miss the mark, but when they hit the mark they are genuinely funny. He is my little snuggle bunny, but don't call him that. He is just Max and he gets very mad if you add anything to his name.
When properly motivated he produces some very fine art.
On the last day of school he brought home a large tube of rolled up art projects. One of them was a collage inspired by Monet's Water Lily Pond and Bridge. I think it is a lovely collage. When I asked him about it he told me that when he made it he organized the lilies like battleships. In fact, he even shaped the tissue paper to resemble ships, but they all got squashed down when he brought the picture home.
Which brings me to another part of Max. Like many little boys he is fascinated by all things associated with war. He loved watching the history channel with his brothers before Comcast took it away. I'll often find my three boys piled up together looking at the latest World War II book we have brought home from the library.
This fascination is evident in his art. The pictures that he draws at home on whatever pieces of paper he get his hands on are inevitable some sort of battle. Originally this drawings were inspired by Star Wars, now they feature planes and tanks. This particular drawing was made at the ball field during either Jake or Nate's last game.
It is a pretty classic example of his work. The people are stick figures, but the vehicles are fairly detailed. To really appreciate his work you need to present when he draws. He often will give a running narration of the battle as he sets it to paper. Planes are drawn and then blown up. Tanks are shown moving from one place to another. It is all rather complicated, just like Max.
When properly motivated he produces some very fine art.
On the last day of school he brought home a large tube of rolled up art projects. One of them was a collage inspired by Monet's Water Lily Pond and Bridge. I think it is a lovely collage. When I asked him about it he told me that when he made it he organized the lilies like battleships. In fact, he even shaped the tissue paper to resemble ships, but they all got squashed down when he brought the picture home.
Which brings me to another part of Max. Like many little boys he is fascinated by all things associated with war. He loved watching the history channel with his brothers before Comcast took it away. I'll often find my three boys piled up together looking at the latest World War II book we have brought home from the library.
This fascination is evident in his art. The pictures that he draws at home on whatever pieces of paper he get his hands on are inevitable some sort of battle. Originally this drawings were inspired by Star Wars, now they feature planes and tanks. This particular drawing was made at the ball field during either Jake or Nate's last game.
It is a pretty classic example of his work. The people are stick figures, but the vehicles are fairly detailed. To really appreciate his work you need to present when he draws. He often will give a running narration of the battle as he sets it to paper. Planes are drawn and then blown up. Tanks are shown moving from one place to another. It is all rather complicated, just like Max.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Freedom and Trust
Jake and Nate have gained new levels of freedom this summer. I let them bike to the pool and spend a little time at home without me.
Jake will be 12 at the end of the week and the two of them together are fairly reliable. They have earned my trust and I think they are ready. So in the morning I take Max and Rebecca down to tennis lessons and 45 minutes later I call home to tell the boys to head on down.
They love their newfound freedom. Of course this could all change if they don't behave, but they are good boys and they know what I giveth I can also taketh away.
And I must say it is nice not having to schlep everybody back and forth to the pool.
Jake will be 12 at the end of the week and the two of them together are fairly reliable. They have earned my trust and I think they are ready. So in the morning I take Max and Rebecca down to tennis lessons and 45 minutes later I call home to tell the boys to head on down.
They love their newfound freedom. Of course this could all change if they don't behave, but they are good boys and they know what I giveth I can also taketh away.
And I must say it is nice not having to schlep everybody back and forth to the pool.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Yet Another Busy Weekend
To say we had a busy weekend would be an understatement. This weekend we had two dog shows and four birthday parties.
Luckily the timing worked out. The dog shows were in the morning and, after a bit of fortuitous last minute rescheduling, the parties were all neatly spaced. Originally the two parties Nate was invited to were on at the same time and, ironically, at the same location. But due to baseball games, one of the parties got bumped back several hours and Nate got to go to both.
As for the dog shows, Saturday was my club's specialty show. Since I'm the president of the club I elected not to show. In reality I'm a nobody and in this particular case AKC rules don't forbid me, but I felt that ethically it would be best that I sit this one out. instead I got to watch the show and see Dell's sister Trudy finish her championship. Today, however, I was free to drag my boys out to the show. I drafted Jake to be my dog holder and possibly show Dell if needed.
Meryl was ring side and snapped few pictures of me in action. In this picture I'm with John, going down and back for the judge. At first John was a bit wild, but after a bit he did settle down. I have a big smile on my face because I was happy with John and pleased that he defeated his competition in his class. However, this meant Jake had to show Dell in winner's class.
Jake was a bit overwhelmed at first. He was standing just outside the ring, unsure about what to do. I had to call him in the ring and then he snapped out of his fog.
Both dogs were a bit on the exuberant side. We got them to stand nicely for the judge, but it wasn't enough. The miniature won the points and not us. I got the impression that this particular judge favored push button dogs. He liked little robots going around in well behaved circles. Happy goof balls need not apply. I wasn't too surprised, as I had been warned before hand that this particular judge could be interesting. I won't waste my time or my money with him again.
Luckily the timing worked out. The dog shows were in the morning and, after a bit of fortuitous last minute rescheduling, the parties were all neatly spaced. Originally the two parties Nate was invited to were on at the same time and, ironically, at the same location. But due to baseball games, one of the parties got bumped back several hours and Nate got to go to both.
As for the dog shows, Saturday was my club's specialty show. Since I'm the president of the club I elected not to show. In reality I'm a nobody and in this particular case AKC rules don't forbid me, but I felt that ethically it would be best that I sit this one out. instead I got to watch the show and see Dell's sister Trudy finish her championship. Today, however, I was free to drag my boys out to the show. I drafted Jake to be my dog holder and possibly show Dell if needed.
Meryl was ring side and snapped few pictures of me in action. In this picture I'm with John, going down and back for the judge. At first John was a bit wild, but after a bit he did settle down. I have a big smile on my face because I was happy with John and pleased that he defeated his competition in his class. However, this meant Jake had to show Dell in winner's class.
Jake was a bit overwhelmed at first. He was standing just outside the ring, unsure about what to do. I had to call him in the ring and then he snapped out of his fog.
Both dogs were a bit on the exuberant side. We got them to stand nicely for the judge, but it wasn't enough. The miniature won the points and not us. I got the impression that this particular judge favored push button dogs. He liked little robots going around in well behaved circles. Happy goof balls need not apply. I wasn't too surprised, as I had been warned before hand that this particular judge could be interesting. I won't waste my time or my money with him again.
Friday, June 20, 2008
I Want to Ride My Bicycle
It has been three and half weeks since I started biking again and I have only missed two days. I have lengthened out the ride to just under 5 miles and I'm still having fun.
I'm not ready to do any races, all I want to do is ride my bike.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Nature, Red in Tooth and Claw
I was out by the shed today, cleaning around the doors. The dogs had followed me out and were poking about the woods, John in particular was rooting about the leaf litter with a great deal of enthusiasm. After a bit he pulled back and starting barking at what he had found. I ignored him at first, thinking it was another stupid deer. But it was a different sort of bark, not his usual all out barkapalooza for deer (for some reason John is deeply offended by deer).
I looked over and asked him "what's up boy, did ya find a snake?"
He continued barking and looking over at me so I decided to check it out.
It turned out I was not too far off. It was indeed a snake with the added bonus of the snake eating a toad. To spare the snake phobic out there here is a link to the picture I ultimately took of the snake and toad. So don't blame me if you don't like the picture, it's your own fault if you click on the link.
Anyhoo, I had haul John inside in order to get him to quiet down. I felt bad for the toad, but that's life. I'm just happy it was the nonpoisonous Eastern Garter snake. I found found a dead Copperhead just the other day in front of our neighbor's house. What John found in our woods is far more preferable.
I looked over and asked him "what's up boy, did ya find a snake?"
He continued barking and looking over at me so I decided to check it out.
It turned out I was not too far off. It was indeed a snake with the added bonus of the snake eating a toad. To spare the snake phobic out there here is a link to the picture I ultimately took of the snake and toad. So don't blame me if you don't like the picture, it's your own fault if you click on the link.
Anyhoo, I had haul John inside in order to get him to quiet down. I felt bad for the toad, but that's life. I'm just happy it was the nonpoisonous Eastern Garter snake. I found found a dead Copperhead just the other day in front of our neighbor's house. What John found in our woods is far more preferable.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Artist of the Week: Picture Stories
This week's artist is Miss Rebecca.
T-ball has long since ended , but this is a terrific shot of her in the dugout. You can see her bright smile. She had a great time this season. She claimed all she liked was hitting the ball and getting the end of game snack, but I could she that she was having fun with her teammates in the dugout and was very focused in the field. But enough about t-ball.
Last week she brought home a ton of papers from school and I finally got around to emptying her backpack just the other day. Amongst the jumble of worksheets and pictures I found four sheets of paper neatly paper clipped together. I uploaded all four pictures, so if you click on the picture I posted here it will lead you to the picture set in my photo stream.
The pictures are utterly charming. Each sheet had an illustration and a few lines describing what is going on in the picture. The spelling is creative, but I was able to puzzle out the gist of the stories.
It's hard to say which one was my favorite. I really like the dog walking picture. The dog is obviously a dachshund and Dell, of the eternally wagging tail, was clearly the inspiration. The bird in the rocket is also wonderful and has a far more involved storyline. I wasn't able to figure out the end, but that is not a big deal. The dog playing fetch is also fairly involved and it was hard to decipher the storyline. Then, of course, there is the self portrait of Rebecca picking flowers.
They are all beautiful and I'm really impressed by the quality of her writing. Rebecca has come a long way this year and I have credit her teacher for teaching my little girl so much.
T-ball has long since ended , but this is a terrific shot of her in the dugout. You can see her bright smile. She had a great time this season. She claimed all she liked was hitting the ball and getting the end of game snack, but I could she that she was having fun with her teammates in the dugout and was very focused in the field. But enough about t-ball.
Last week she brought home a ton of papers from school and I finally got around to emptying her backpack just the other day. Amongst the jumble of worksheets and pictures I found four sheets of paper neatly paper clipped together. I uploaded all four pictures, so if you click on the picture I posted here it will lead you to the picture set in my photo stream.
The pictures are utterly charming. Each sheet had an illustration and a few lines describing what is going on in the picture. The spelling is creative, but I was able to puzzle out the gist of the stories.
It's hard to say which one was my favorite. I really like the dog walking picture. The dog is obviously a dachshund and Dell, of the eternally wagging tail, was clearly the inspiration. The bird in the rocket is also wonderful and has a far more involved storyline. I wasn't able to figure out the end, but that is not a big deal. The dog playing fetch is also fairly involved and it was hard to decipher the storyline. Then, of course, there is the self portrait of Rebecca picking flowers.
They are all beautiful and I'm really impressed by the quality of her writing. Rebecca has come a long way this year and I have credit her teacher for teaching my little girl so much.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Cake and a Spare
As y'all know by now I like to bake. When ever a cake is needed (and even when it isn't) I'll make one.
So for me the end of any sports season means it is time to get baking.
Yesterday Nate's team had its end of the season party. It was a nice low key affair held at my neighborhoods pool. Mind you the weather did get a bit dicey a first. There was a rumble of thunder just before hand that necessitated the closing of the pool for an hour. Normally we would have been asked to clear out, but because I had pitched a tent out back in the grassy area we were allowed to stay. After a big gust of wind that almost blew away the tent and a brief sun shower, the skies cleared and we were able to enjoy our party. A very nice side effect of the weather was that swim team practice ended early and the rest of the pool cleared out. We ended up having a private pool party.
The cake I made for the party was a big hit with the team. Not only was it delicious, but the boys loved having their names on top. After many, many end of season parties I have learned that nothing makes a child happier than having his or her name written on a cake. I knew they would like the cake, but I was a wee bit concerned about quantity. The big sheet cake I made should be enough, however I decided to hedge my bet. I made an emergency back up cake. If we ran out of the big cake I could pull out the spare. It was a snap to make and I was planning on making something for my dog meeting on Tuesday (it was a member's birthday last weekend and I thought it would be a nice thing to do). Either way the cake would be eaten.
So that is why there were two cakes in the garage fridge.
So for me the end of any sports season means it is time to get baking.
Yesterday Nate's team had its end of the season party. It was a nice low key affair held at my neighborhoods pool. Mind you the weather did get a bit dicey a first. There was a rumble of thunder just before hand that necessitated the closing of the pool for an hour. Normally we would have been asked to clear out, but because I had pitched a tent out back in the grassy area we were allowed to stay. After a big gust of wind that almost blew away the tent and a brief sun shower, the skies cleared and we were able to enjoy our party. A very nice side effect of the weather was that swim team practice ended early and the rest of the pool cleared out. We ended up having a private pool party.
The cake I made for the party was a big hit with the team. Not only was it delicious, but the boys loved having their names on top. After many, many end of season parties I have learned that nothing makes a child happier than having his or her name written on a cake. I knew they would like the cake, but I was a wee bit concerned about quantity. The big sheet cake I made should be enough, however I decided to hedge my bet. I made an emergency back up cake. If we ran out of the big cake I could pull out the spare. It was a snap to make and I was planning on making something for my dog meeting on Tuesday (it was a member's birthday last weekend and I thought it would be a nice thing to do). Either way the cake would be eaten.
So that is why there were two cakes in the garage fridge.
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Last Game
On Saturday was our last baseball game of the season.
Jake's team, the Braves, had also made it to the championship game. They were up against their main rivals and got to play them Friday night. The Cubs just barely won (one more inning and I think our boys would have pulled it off) and forced a second game.
It was, again, brutally hot out and the game was at noon. Jake's team got to be home and their best pitcher was once again eligible to play (there are strict pitch count rules and he was on mandatory rest after his last outing).
The game was a close one.
We started out with a bang, but the Cubs were no slouches. They surged ahead, but we were almost able to catch them. We lost by just one run. Most of the boys were crushed, but not Jake. He was happy to have made to the championship games. He had a good game, he made a few good plays and a decent hit or two. And for once he had been on a winning team.
The Braves had dominated the regular season and had been undefeated in the playoffs until the the championship games. They had beaten the Cubs in a close match earlier, but in the end they just couldn't quite put them away.
Jake's team, the Braves, had also made it to the championship game. They were up against their main rivals and got to play them Friday night. The Cubs just barely won (one more inning and I think our boys would have pulled it off) and forced a second game.
It was, again, brutally hot out and the game was at noon. Jake's team got to be home and their best pitcher was once again eligible to play (there are strict pitch count rules and he was on mandatory rest after his last outing).
The game was a close one.
We started out with a bang, but the Cubs were no slouches. They surged ahead, but we were almost able to catch them. We lost by just one run. Most of the boys were crushed, but not Jake. He was happy to have made to the championship games. He had a good game, he made a few good plays and a decent hit or two. And for once he had been on a winning team.
The Braves had dominated the regular season and had been undefeated in the playoffs until the the championship games. They had beaten the Cubs in a close match earlier, but in the end they just couldn't quite put them away.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day
This goes out to an all round great dad. Larry loves our kids and you can see they love him too.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Minor Champions
Last night was Nate's big championship game.
They were able to defeat the other team the previous night and force the second game.
And what a game it was. Our boys duked it out with the Orioles until they reached an unsurmountable lead in the fifth inning. The most amazing part was Nate.
He had been playing catcher in 100 degree weather and was still focused and making big plays at home plate. He is the team's best catcher and that was the position he played 24 1/3 innings out of the 29 innings of the playoffs. The rest of the time he was either shortstop (two innings) or pitcher (2 2/3). And to make it even more incredible the other team could not get a single hit off of him when he pitched.
In fact he pitched the last two innings of the final game. During the last inning he struck out two and caught the final out.
As I said to Nate, "Honey you own home plate."
This got a shy little smile and he ducked his head, pleased that I noticed what he is capable of doing. But of course Nate is still Nate. And when he wasn't out on the field he would inevitably be found in the bucket.
In the dugout there would be a large bucket for the balls. The bucket would normally be positioned near the exit to the main part of the field. Nate loved to sit not on the bucket, but inside the bucket. He evened got the nick name "bucket-boy."
He'd happily sit the the bucket watching his teammates bat. Rocking back and forth, spinning around and just being silly. It didn't strike me as a particularly comfortable seat, but what do I know.
Either way he still looked pretty darn cute.
Anyway, it was a great game that kept us riveted in our seats until the final out.
Right after the game ended the league officials brought out the trophies and awarded them out on the field. The stands all poured onto the field to watch (and photograph!) the presentation.
It was quite a night.
They were able to defeat the other team the previous night and force the second game.
And what a game it was. Our boys duked it out with the Orioles until they reached an unsurmountable lead in the fifth inning. The most amazing part was Nate.
He had been playing catcher in 100 degree weather and was still focused and making big plays at home plate. He is the team's best catcher and that was the position he played 24 1/3 innings out of the 29 innings of the playoffs. The rest of the time he was either shortstop (two innings) or pitcher (2 2/3). And to make it even more incredible the other team could not get a single hit off of him when he pitched.
In fact he pitched the last two innings of the final game. During the last inning he struck out two and caught the final out.
As I said to Nate, "Honey you own home plate."
This got a shy little smile and he ducked his head, pleased that I noticed what he is capable of doing. But of course Nate is still Nate. And when he wasn't out on the field he would inevitably be found in the bucket.
In the dugout there would be a large bucket for the balls. The bucket would normally be positioned near the exit to the main part of the field. Nate loved to sit not on the bucket, but inside the bucket. He evened got the nick name "bucket-boy."
He'd happily sit the the bucket watching his teammates bat. Rocking back and forth, spinning around and just being silly. It didn't strike me as a particularly comfortable seat, but what do I know.
Either way he still looked pretty darn cute.
Anyway, it was a great game that kept us riveted in our seats until the final out.
Right after the game ended the league officials brought out the trophies and awarded them out on the field. The stands all poured onto the field to watch (and photograph!) the presentation.
It was quite a night.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Papa Dell
Our silly little Delly Belly became a father for the second time.
This litter has four pups, two black and tan girls and two red boys. We will not be getting any of them, but it is nice to hear about them.
Dell is such a silly and sweet boy, it is nice to see his line being carried on. There are high hopes for this litter. One pup from his previous litter, Indigo, has been really tearing up the show circuit.
I really should get serious about showing this boy.
This litter has four pups, two black and tan girls and two red boys. We will not be getting any of them, but it is nice to hear about them.
Dell is such a silly and sweet boy, it is nice to see his line being carried on. There are high hopes for this litter. One pup from his previous litter, Indigo, has been really tearing up the show circuit.
I really should get serious about showing this boy.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Artist of the Week: Academic Excellence
Today was the Sixth Grade Award ceremony over at Jake's middle school. A notice had been sent home last week inviting us to attend since Jake was to receive an award. What the award was for was not revealed and it was requested that I keep the knowledge of the award secret from Jake. The organizers want the kids to be surprised.
Right, I'm to keep this secret from a very smart and inquisitive kid. The same kid that was given an envelope (at least it was sealed) to take home to his parents and bring back a reply.
We just settled on leaving the mystery of what the award was to be and left it at that.
However we had a good idea of what it was going to be about. Jake had scored a perfect 600 on all three of his SOL's this year and had at least a B or better grades.
And that was exactly what he got.
Jake got an award for being on the distinguished Honor Roll (I'm not sure what that means) and a certificate for each of his perfect SOL scores. The really neat part was that he was the only kid to get all three scores perfect 600s. Not too shabby.
He is one very smart cookie.
Right, I'm to keep this secret from a very smart and inquisitive kid. The same kid that was given an envelope (at least it was sealed) to take home to his parents and bring back a reply.
We just settled on leaving the mystery of what the award was to be and left it at that.
However we had a good idea of what it was going to be about. Jake had scored a perfect 600 on all three of his SOL's this year and had at least a B or better grades.
And that was exactly what he got.
Jake got an award for being on the distinguished Honor Roll (I'm not sure what that means) and a certificate for each of his perfect SOL scores. The really neat part was that he was the only kid to get all three scores perfect 600s. Not too shabby.
He is one very smart cookie.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
10 Kibble Diet
I like to keep our dogs trim.
They are, supposedly (ie I need to actually enter them in shows), show dogs and must be kept nice and trim. I also want to avoid a whole host of health problems that dogs get when they are obese. Dachshunds are prone to back problems and excess weight increases the likelihood of something going wrong.
I take pride in the fact that I have never gotten the fat dog speech at the Vets. Mind you, my dogs have gotten a bit plump at times. This always seems to correspond with when I have kids in highchairs. But, I have always been able to take the weight off.
John and Dell, however, have a different view about what is their correct weight.
This weekend they took matters in their own paws and decided to supplement their diet. Somehow the closet holding their food was let open. The boys then happily raided the food bag. I didn't realize what was going on until I saw Dell guiltily skulking about.
Both boys looked bloated.
It looks like they had gorged on several days worth of food in the span of less than an hour.
So now both dogs are on what I call the 10 kibble diet for the next couple of days. They'll get just token meals until I think they are ready to go back to full rations.
They are, supposedly (ie I need to actually enter them in shows), show dogs and must be kept nice and trim. I also want to avoid a whole host of health problems that dogs get when they are obese. Dachshunds are prone to back problems and excess weight increases the likelihood of something going wrong.
I take pride in the fact that I have never gotten the fat dog speech at the Vets. Mind you, my dogs have gotten a bit plump at times. This always seems to correspond with when I have kids in highchairs. But, I have always been able to take the weight off.
John and Dell, however, have a different view about what is their correct weight.
This weekend they took matters in their own paws and decided to supplement their diet. Somehow the closet holding their food was let open. The boys then happily raided the food bag. I didn't realize what was going on until I saw Dell guiltily skulking about.
Both boys looked bloated.
It looks like they had gorged on several days worth of food in the span of less than an hour.
So now both dogs are on what I call the 10 kibble diet for the next couple of days. They'll get just token meals until I think they are ready to go back to full rations.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Little Tomatoes
Last Thursday Rebecca excitedly announced to me that we now have some baby tomatoes. I went outside and lo and behold we indeed have tomatoes.
The Roma variety (pictured here) has much larger tomatoes than the Big Beef (about the size of a marble). I know I'll be getting regular updates from my little tomato lover, Rebecca. We are both eagerly anticipating our first home grown tomato of the season.
The Roma variety (pictured here) has much larger tomatoes than the Big Beef (about the size of a marble). I know I'll be getting regular updates from my little tomato lover, Rebecca. We are both eagerly anticipating our first home grown tomato of the season.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Too Hot
Yesterday Jake and Nate had play off games. Nate's baseball game was at noon and Jake's was right after at 2:00 pm. I spent the day shuttling kids back and forth because it was to hot for them to just hang out at the field. In fact the temp was measured on the field during Nate's game at about 102 F.
I even snapped a picture of the car's thermometer. It was truly ghastly outside and it well be even worse today.
Both boys were fine. We pushed water on them and made sure they kept cool, quite and hydrated. Nate's team lost, which is fine. It is a double elimination tournament and it was their first lost. As for Jake's team, they kicked butt. They only had 9 kids show up and they won 11 to 3. And according to Jake, they went through 200 cold towels.
Hopefully the temps will be better later in the week.
I even snapped a picture of the car's thermometer. It was truly ghastly outside and it well be even worse today.
Both boys were fine. We pushed water on them and made sure they kept cool, quite and hydrated. Nate's team lost, which is fine. It is a double elimination tournament and it was their first lost. As for Jake's team, they kicked butt. They only had 9 kids show up and they won 11 to 3. And according to Jake, they went through 200 cold towels.
Hopefully the temps will be better later in the week.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Did You Get Your Doughnut Today?
According to those fine folks over at Krispy Kreme, today is doughnut day.
I snagged my free one and picked up a dozen so as to spread the joy at home. Admittedly the drive to Krispy Kreme wasn't worth the free doughnut, but I was up in the area to return a book at the Richmond library that was due today.
On a more serious note today is also the 64th anniversary of D-Day. So maybe we should be sending doughnuts to our men and women in the armed forces to celebrate the sacrifices that have been made to give us the freedom to have silly things like doughnut day.
I snagged my free one and picked up a dozen so as to spread the joy at home. Admittedly the drive to Krispy Kreme wasn't worth the free doughnut, but I was up in the area to return a book at the Richmond library that was due today.
On a more serious note today is also the 64th anniversary of D-Day. So maybe we should be sending doughnuts to our men and women in the armed forces to celebrate the sacrifices that have been made to give us the freedom to have silly things like doughnut day.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
I Think I Got My Money's Worth
And then some.
I bought this wading pool almost nine years ago. It was just after we bought this house. We had a little inflatable one, but it wasn't quite enough.
I really got it for Nate. He loved (and still does) getting in the water and splashing about. It was the end of summer when our inflatable pool gave up the ghost, but it was going to be warm for quite a bit longer. I went to a Toys R Us and scooped up their last one. It was steeply discounted and they had to drag it out from the far reaches of the stock area. I wrestled it onto of the van and triumphantly brought it home.
Both of the boys were delighted and all four have played with it every summer. I store it under the deck during the winter and when the occasional hurricane roars through. It is absolutely disgusting when I pull it out, but with a little soap and elbow grease it cleans right up.
I bought this wading pool almost nine years ago. It was just after we bought this house. We had a little inflatable one, but it wasn't quite enough.
I really got it for Nate. He loved (and still does) getting in the water and splashing about. It was the end of summer when our inflatable pool gave up the ghost, but it was going to be warm for quite a bit longer. I went to a Toys R Us and scooped up their last one. It was steeply discounted and they had to drag it out from the far reaches of the stock area. I wrestled it onto of the van and triumphantly brought it home.
Both of the boys were delighted and all four have played with it every summer. I store it under the deck during the winter and when the occasional hurricane roars through. It is absolutely disgusting when I pull it out, but with a little soap and elbow grease it cleans right up.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Artist of the Week: Team Spirit
This week's artist is Max and Rebecca's tt-ball team, the Cubs.
One of the first things Larry did as coach for the t-ball Cubs was to start the tradition of singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" before each game with the "the Cubbies" being substituted for "the home team."
This policy was a huge hit with the team and even with a few other team managers. There really is nothing cuter than a bunch of little kids belting out a song.
So here it is, the t-ball Cubbies making Harry Carey proud.
One of the first things Larry did as coach for the t-ball Cubs was to start the tradition of singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" before each game with the "the Cubbies" being substituted for "the home team."
This policy was a huge hit with the team and even with a few other team managers. There really is nothing cuter than a bunch of little kids belting out a song.
So here it is, the t-ball Cubbies making Harry Carey proud.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
It's a Trap
The cable guy showed up (early!) today and figured out what was wrong and fixed it in under 20 minutes.
He had only one question for me:"When did you first get cable."
I was a bit surprised and told him 9 years ago. He then nodded his head and told me he now had a very good idea about what was going on. I probably had a video trap on my line and all he had to do was pull it off. Apparently it was installed when we first got cable and has now given up the ghost. We just have basic cable and the trap was installed to filter out the unwanted (to us) premium channels.
I'm not sure if he installed a new one, it might not even be necessary at the point. I just hope I don't get stuck in the same situation as this person.
He had only one question for me:"When did you first get cable."
I was a bit surprised and told him 9 years ago. He then nodded his head and told me he now had a very good idea about what was going on. I probably had a video trap on my line and all he had to do was pull it off. Apparently it was installed when we first got cable and has now given up the ghost. We just have basic cable and the trap was installed to filter out the unwanted (to us) premium channels.
I'm not sure if he installed a new one, it might not even be necessary at the point. I just hope I don't get stuck in the same situation as this person.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Heroes
OK, I'm a bit late on the bandwagon, but at least I'm here.
Meryl dropped off her DVDs of Heroes a few weeks ago and just know I've gotten around to watching them. She told me that the show was great, but I never got around to it, until now.
Friday we lost our cable tv. Oddly enough we still have high speed internet, which is a far more temperamental beast. After repeated phone calls I got an appointment for tomorrow for a technician to stop by and figure out what is going on. So far the lack of television hasn't been a big deal. The kids mostly watch it when Max is getting nebulized, so now they watch something from our vast DVD collection. I miss the news and weather, but we still have the internets and I can get what I need there.
Last night I was restless and wanted something to watch. I was chatting with Meryl on the phone when I remembered Heroes. I popped in the first disk and then I was hooked. While I was stuck at the house while our road was being repaved and baking a last minute cake I watched the next two disks.
I love the show. From the haunting music to the quirky characters. I'll be polishing off the rest of the disks this week, even after I get my tv channels back.
Dang now I have another show to watch.
Meryl dropped off her DVDs of Heroes a few weeks ago and just know I've gotten around to watching them. She told me that the show was great, but I never got around to it, until now.
Friday we lost our cable tv. Oddly enough we still have high speed internet, which is a far more temperamental beast. After repeated phone calls I got an appointment for tomorrow for a technician to stop by and figure out what is going on. So far the lack of television hasn't been a big deal. The kids mostly watch it when Max is getting nebulized, so now they watch something from our vast DVD collection. I miss the news and weather, but we still have the internets and I can get what I need there.
Last night I was restless and wanted something to watch. I was chatting with Meryl on the phone when I remembered Heroes. I popped in the first disk and then I was hooked. While I was stuck at the house while our road was being repaved and baking a last minute cake I watched the next two disks.
I love the show. From the haunting music to the quirky characters. I'll be polishing off the rest of the disks this week, even after I get my tv channels back.
Dang now I have another show to watch.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Nothing Says Romance
Like a giant fireball.
Larry and I went out for dinner Saturday night. We are always up for trying another place so he asked around at work for a restaurant recommendation and was pointed towards Juleps.
The place was easy to find and we were even able to snag some free parking. Mind this was after an interminable wait for a simply enormous SUV limo to move out of the way of a side street I had directed Larry to go down. I would like to note that just because you have rented a large limo it does not make you cool, especially if you are very drunk. Find a parking lot to decant yourselves and do not block any side streets. I really don't want to see you, your buddies or the driver paw through a bag's contents to determine if it is just trash.
Anyway, we did make the restaurant on time and had a wonderful meal. The service was excellent as was the food. Oftentimes one dish will stand out either for good or bad, but not this night. I stared with fried green tomatoes served with house made pimento cheese. I wasn't sure about the cheese at first, but after one bite I was converted. My main course, rack of lamb, was equally good. It was plump, juicy and cooked to perfection.
When we were done the waiter brought out the dessert menu. We decided to have the Bananas Foster for two. It was done, as it should be, table side. The waiter did a wonderful job, pausing just before the flambe so that the area could clear a little. The fireball generated by the rum was impressive as was the heat. The dessert itself was luscious. The warm bananas and slightly caramelized sauce melting into the vanilla ice cream. As an added treat the ice cream had been scooped into a chocolate dipped waffle bowl. The dessert is quite a production and well worth it.
Originally we had planned to stay out later, but after such a marvelous meal we decided it would be better just to head back home. It was a lovely evening.
Larry and I went out for dinner Saturday night. We are always up for trying another place so he asked around at work for a restaurant recommendation and was pointed towards Juleps.
The place was easy to find and we were even able to snag some free parking. Mind this was after an interminable wait for a simply enormous SUV limo to move out of the way of a side street I had directed Larry to go down. I would like to note that just because you have rented a large limo it does not make you cool, especially if you are very drunk. Find a parking lot to decant yourselves and do not block any side streets. I really don't want to see you, your buddies or the driver paw through a bag's contents to determine if it is just trash.
Anyway, we did make the restaurant on time and had a wonderful meal. The service was excellent as was the food. Oftentimes one dish will stand out either for good or bad, but not this night. I stared with fried green tomatoes served with house made pimento cheese. I wasn't sure about the cheese at first, but after one bite I was converted. My main course, rack of lamb, was equally good. It was plump, juicy and cooked to perfection.
When we were done the waiter brought out the dessert menu. We decided to have the Bananas Foster for two. It was done, as it should be, table side. The waiter did a wonderful job, pausing just before the flambe so that the area could clear a little. The fireball generated by the rum was impressive as was the heat. The dessert itself was luscious. The warm bananas and slightly caramelized sauce melting into the vanilla ice cream. As an added treat the ice cream had been scooped into a chocolate dipped waffle bowl. The dessert is quite a production and well worth it.
Originally we had planned to stay out later, but after such a marvelous meal we decided it would be better just to head back home. It was a lovely evening.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)