Jake is this week's artist since the art in question is getting shopped off to Grandma's and I wanted to snap a few photo's before it was gone.
During the first half of the school year Jake was taking an art class, I already featured a painting from that selfsame class here. He had a great time in his lone visual art class in middle school. It's a pity that the students do not get much of a chance to take art. He has had an elective, band, but that precluded anything else until 8th grade.
So this year he finally got to do something else, art for the first half and wood shop for the second. Since they are semester long courses, a great deal of artwork followed him home halfway through the school year. Most of it is leaning against the wall in the dining room. It is out of harms way and awaiting a trip to the framing store.
Except for the mask.
As I mentioned Grandma would like to have it for her home. It really appealed to her and she pretty much knows where she is going to put it. The hard part will be getting it there.
You can tell by the shadows in the picture that the mask is not at all flat. The cardboard base has raised areas at the top and bottom. Coupled with the wooden block eyes and nose the entire thing is a bit too big to fit in a conventional box. Then, of course, the delicate nature of the whole thing adds to the awkwardness of sending the mask.
But, I think I have found a solution. I'll know by Friday evening if it all works out.
Anyway, Jake is very pleased that at least one piece of his artwork has found a good home.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Ultimate Rock, Paper, Scissors
Pretty much everybody has played rock, paper scissors at some point in their life. It's a fun game, with a definite psychological aspect. After the first throw I pretty much can predict what my children are going to do and win most of the time. And thus maintaining my omnipotent mom status.
Some people take it very seriously, to the point that there is an official World RPS Society. The WRPS Society Championship was held this past November in Toronto. Sadly the page has not been updated with the results of said championship. For the more literary inclined fans of RPS there is The Official Rock Paper Scissors Strategy Guide available in paperback over at Amazon (some of the reviews are a hoot).
There is also a five option variant called Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard and Spock. And here is how you play:
My kids take up to another level and play Ultimate Rock, Paper, Scissors. Instead of hand gestures that count off to three and then shout out their entry. Their only rules are that you can't repeat (either your own or someone else's entry) and no endless variations on a theme (ie godzilla followed by pink godzilla). After they shout out there is a discussion over which entry reigns supreme.
This weekend I got to hear some pretty hilarious battles.
Deathstar vs Luke Skywalker vs Giant Space Goat. Luke beats Deathstar, but Space Goat eats Luke.
Professor Charles Francis Xavier vs Rock and Roll. Rock and Roll was just bearly given the win.
Exploding sun vs Ethel Merman. Ethel Merman defeats all!
There were a few other memorable wins- crab grass, because nothing can kill it all off. And then there was Rebecca announcing that her forehead hurts. She was given an unconditional win by all three of her brothers.
Pretty much anything can win, you just have to be able to back it up with some good reasoning. I find it fun to listen to and beats the usual squabbling from the back.
Some people take it very seriously, to the point that there is an official World RPS Society. The WRPS Society Championship was held this past November in Toronto. Sadly the page has not been updated with the results of said championship. For the more literary inclined fans of RPS there is The Official Rock Paper Scissors Strategy Guide available in paperback over at Amazon (some of the reviews are a hoot).
There is also a five option variant called Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard and Spock. And here is how you play:
Scissors cut paper, paper covers rock, rock crushes lizard, lizard poisons Spock, Spock smashes scissors, scissors decapitate lizard, lizard eats paper, paper disproves Spock, Spock vaporizes rock, rock crushes scissors.For a neat graphic on the hand gestures head on over to here and take a gander.
My kids take up to another level and play Ultimate Rock, Paper, Scissors. Instead of hand gestures that count off to three and then shout out their entry. Their only rules are that you can't repeat (either your own or someone else's entry) and no endless variations on a theme (ie godzilla followed by pink godzilla). After they shout out there is a discussion over which entry reigns supreme.
This weekend I got to hear some pretty hilarious battles.
Deathstar vs Luke Skywalker vs Giant Space Goat. Luke beats Deathstar, but Space Goat eats Luke.
Professor Charles Francis Xavier vs Rock and Roll. Rock and Roll was just bearly given the win.
Exploding sun vs Ethel Merman. Ethel Merman defeats all!
There were a few other memorable wins- crab grass, because nothing can kill it all off. And then there was Rebecca announcing that her forehead hurts. She was given an unconditional win by all three of her brothers.
Pretty much anything can win, you just have to be able to back it up with some good reasoning. I find it fun to listen to and beats the usual squabbling from the back.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Lego House
I recognize James May from Top Gear, an absolutely terrific show that my lame-o cable company doesn't carry (well it does, but I have to spend far too much extra to get it).
Anyway, we love all things Lego and this house is amazing.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Happy Birthday Nana!
Today is not only the anniversary of the midnight ride of Paul Revere, it is also the birthday of my favorite octogenarian.
Last year, along with my brother, I was able to visit my mother and celebrate her 80th in style. We went out, we spent hours and hours talking, and just had a good time.
This year we couldn't visit. I had seemingly a million commitments this weekend and my brother has a new job and a new baby. So we had to settle with long phone calls and flowers.
My cousin was going to come up from Boston and take her out, but at her insistence she put it off for a few weeks. He was busy and she knew he would be stretching himself mighty thin with the visit. She declared that if the Queen of England can pick when her birthday was to be celebrated, then she could too. May should have nicer weather and her nephew could have a far more leisurely visit.
That's my mom, Queen of Vermont.
Last year, along with my brother, I was able to visit my mother and celebrate her 80th in style. We went out, we spent hours and hours talking, and just had a good time.
This year we couldn't visit. I had seemingly a million commitments this weekend and my brother has a new job and a new baby. So we had to settle with long phone calls and flowers.
My cousin was going to come up from Boston and take her out, but at her insistence she put it off for a few weeks. He was busy and she knew he would be stretching himself mighty thin with the visit. She declared that if the Queen of England can pick when her birthday was to be celebrated, then she could too. May should have nicer weather and her nephew could have a far more leisurely visit.
That's my mom, Queen of Vermont.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Run Ragged Redux
I'm bushed.
Spent the day making soup, delivering soup, setting up soup, and then bringing home soup.
Shoehorned in a Costco run. Oh Costco how do I love thee, let me count the ways...
Then started dinner and Challah, took the soccer players out to get goalie gloves (my feral princess really likes being goalie and is very fierce in the goal when she is not dancing). Picked up a couple of birthday presents for a party tomorrow, then back home to finish dinner and eat.
Whew, and there was even more that I left out.
So anyway have a good weekend and I'll, hopefully, see y'all on Sunday.
Spent the day making soup, delivering soup, setting up soup, and then bringing home soup.
Shoehorned in a Costco run. Oh Costco how do I love thee, let me count the ways...
Then started dinner and Challah, took the soccer players out to get goalie gloves (my feral princess really likes being goalie and is very fierce in the goal when she is not dancing). Picked up a couple of birthday presents for a party tomorrow, then back home to finish dinner and eat.
Whew, and there was even more that I left out.
So anyway have a good weekend and I'll, hopefully, see y'all on Sunday.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Run Ragged
For Nate has just been plain wiped out this week.
After a week of vacation it has been hard getting back into the normal rhythms of the school year. He has had late nights of homework, practice and yesterday evening a lacrosse game. The poor guy has trouble settling down at night and arising in the morning.
Today after school he was in a foul mood, lashing out at his big brother and just plain being a pill. I called him out on his behavior and stuck him in time out. When I called him over to talk he practically collapsed both emotionally and physically.
The poor thing needs his rest, but just doesn't know how to get it. I got him off to bed at an almost decent hour, so that should help. Friday will be relatively quiet as well as Sunday. Saturday will be a bit crazy with lacrosse- a game to play, team pictures and a match over in Charlottesville to attend.
My poor baby.
After a week of vacation it has been hard getting back into the normal rhythms of the school year. He has had late nights of homework, practice and yesterday evening a lacrosse game. The poor guy has trouble settling down at night and arising in the morning.
Today after school he was in a foul mood, lashing out at his big brother and just plain being a pill. I called him out on his behavior and stuck him in time out. When I called him over to talk he practically collapsed both emotionally and physically.
The poor thing needs his rest, but just doesn't know how to get it. I got him off to bed at an almost decent hour, so that should help. Friday will be relatively quiet as well as Sunday. Saturday will be a bit crazy with lacrosse- a game to play, team pictures and a match over in Charlottesville to attend.
My poor baby.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Artist of the Week: Self Portrait
This week's artist is Mr. Max.
The picture I chose of him is from way back in September at the Amelia County Fair. He looks so cute with his stuffed animal prizes and the blue in his eyes seems to pop out a bit more. His eyes are very much like his fathers, a clear slate blue. As we like to say with his blond hair, blue eyes and CF he is recessive in every way except in personality. Like his siblings, he very much his own person. We have four kids and each one has very distinct personality.
Either way he is still my blue eyed little boy.
As to why I picked this particular picture, well it was just too good a match with this week's piece.
While rummaging about the the piles of homework papers on the kitchen table I found this self portrait of Max. He didn't have much to say about it. Jake asked Max about the orange hair, but Max was not very forthcoming on the subject. I told Jake that in all likelihood this was the best match Max had in his box of crayons. Particularly since I just had to buy him a new box today to replace what few he had left at school.
I think it is a very cute picture. If you look carefully to the right you'll see a little green and brown figure. I think it's a sea turtle, hands down it's Max favorite creature. I'll have to ask Max about it in the morning.
The picture I chose of him is from way back in September at the Amelia County Fair. He looks so cute with his stuffed animal prizes and the blue in his eyes seems to pop out a bit more. His eyes are very much like his fathers, a clear slate blue. As we like to say with his blond hair, blue eyes and CF he is recessive in every way except in personality. Like his siblings, he very much his own person. We have four kids and each one has very distinct personality.
Either way he is still my blue eyed little boy.
As to why I picked this particular picture, well it was just too good a match with this week's piece.
While rummaging about the the piles of homework papers on the kitchen table I found this self portrait of Max. He didn't have much to say about it. Jake asked Max about the orange hair, but Max was not very forthcoming on the subject. I told Jake that in all likelihood this was the best match Max had in his box of crayons. Particularly since I just had to buy him a new box today to replace what few he had left at school.
I think it is a very cute picture. If you look carefully to the right you'll see a little green and brown figure. I think it's a sea turtle, hands down it's Max favorite creature. I'll have to ask Max about it in the morning.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Life In a Jar
I get a fair amount of email that has been forwarded along by friends and acquaintances. Some of it is hilarious, some of it is bunk, and some of it is drivel. I usually tried to find out the origins because I'm a bit compulsive that way and I like try to see if there is any validity or nuggets of truth therein. Once in a while this pays off in a big way.
Today I was forwarded the following:
Well guess what, the real story is even more astounding. The overall gist of the letter is true, just the details are a bit off. She portrayed herself as a nurse and not a plumber, the dog is a bit exaggerated and she was Polish, not German. She passed away on May 12, 2008.
There is an absolutely fantastic web site about Irena called Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project. The home page is a bit sparse, but from there you can read about Irena's life on the facts page and learn about the project that the site is based on.
It all started when a rural Kansas teacher encouraged students to work on a year-long National History Day project. The teacher presented four students with a short clipping from a March 1994 issue of News and World Report, which said, "Irena Sendler saved 2,500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942-43." He noted that number of children saved was in all likelihood a typographical error since he had never heard of Irena Sendler. The four girls set to work to find out more about Irena Sendler.
What they found out was astounding. I quote from the web site:
So go here now, you won't regret it.
Today I was forwarded the following:
If even half of this is true, it is an amazing story.
Irena Sendler The death of a 98 year old heroine
Look at this lady - Let us never forget!
Irena Sendler
There recently was a death of a 98 year-old lady named Irena.
During WWII, Irena, got permission to work in the Warsaw ghetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist.
She had an 'ulterior motive'.
She KNEW what the Nazi's plans were for the Jews (being German).
Irena smuggled infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried and she carried in the back of her truck a burlap sack, (for larger kids).
She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto.
The soldiers of course wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the kids/infants noises.
During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants.
She was caught, and the Nazi's broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely.
Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar, buried under a tree in her back yard.
After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived it and reunited the family.
Most had been gassed. Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes or adopted.
Last year Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize.
She was not selected.
Al Gore won --- for a slide show on Global Warming.
63 years later
In MEMORIAM - 63 YEARS LATER
Please read the little cartoon carefully, it's powerful.
Then read the comments at the end.
I'm doing my small part by forwarding this message.
I hope you'll consider doing the same.
Non Sequitur June 11, 2006
It is now more than 60 years after the Second World War in Europe ended.
This e-mail is being sent as a memorial chain, in memory of the six million Jews, 20 million Russians, 10 million Christians and 1,900 Catholic priests who were murdered, massacred, raped, burned, starved and humiliated!
Now, more than ever, with Iraq , Iran , and others, claiming the HOLOCAUST to be 'a myth'.
It's imperative to make sure the world never forgets, because there are others who would like to do it again.
This e-mail is intended to reach 40 million people worldwide! Join us and be a link in the memorial chain and help us distribute it around the world.
Please send this e-mail to people you know and ask them to continue the memorial chain.
Please don't just delete it.
It will only take you a minute to pass this along.
Thanks!
Well guess what, the real story is even more astounding. The overall gist of the letter is true, just the details are a bit off. She portrayed herself as a nurse and not a plumber, the dog is a bit exaggerated and she was Polish, not German. She passed away on May 12, 2008.
There is an absolutely fantastic web site about Irena called Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project. The home page is a bit sparse, but from there you can read about Irena's life on the facts page and learn about the project that the site is based on.
It all started when a rural Kansas teacher encouraged students to work on a year-long National History Day project. The teacher presented four students with a short clipping from a March 1994 issue of News and World Report, which said, "Irena Sendler saved 2,500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942-43." He noted that number of children saved was in all likelihood a typographical error since he had never heard of Irena Sendler. The four girls set to work to find out more about Irena Sendler.
What they found out was astounding. I quote from the web site:
The students wrote a performance (Life in a Jar) in which they portrayed the life of Irena Sendler. They have performed this program for numerous clubs and civic groups in the community, around the state of Kansas, all over North America and in Europe (250 presentations as of November 2008). The community of Uniontown has little diversity and no Jewish students in the school district. The community was inspired by the project and sponsored an Irena Sendler Day. The students began to search for the final resting place of Irena and discovered she was still alive and living in Warsaw, Poland. Irena's story was unknown world-wide, even though she had received esteemed recognition from Yad Vashem in 1965 and support from the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous in New York City. Forty-five years of communism had buried her story, even in her own country.The whole site is an incredible read. You really, really should go over and read the story yourself. It's very moving and I can't do it justice.
So go here now, you won't regret it.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Modlin Center for the Arts
I'm just posting this because I want to.
In order to go to the concert I attended at the University of Richmond, Jake and I were instructed to cut through the Modlin Center of the Arts.
I have never been to the University of Richmond and I was very pleasantly surprised by the campus. It's tucked in the far west side of Richmond and a pretty little jewel of a campus. Lots of green, green grass and brick buildings. The school was founded in 1830 and many of the buildings have a castle like flair.
Jake and I immediately noticed the fake portcullis at the entrance of the art center and really liked the effect.Inside was a very dramatic long corridor, paneled in wood with a great arching barrel vault of a ceiling. I loved the space and regretted not bringing my camera. I knew not all was lost, in a short time I would be back and this time with my trusty camera.
In order to go to the concert I attended at the University of Richmond, Jake and I were instructed to cut through the Modlin Center of the Arts.
I have never been to the University of Richmond and I was very pleasantly surprised by the campus. It's tucked in the far west side of Richmond and a pretty little jewel of a campus. Lots of green, green grass and brick buildings. The school was founded in 1830 and many of the buildings have a castle like flair.
Jake and I immediately noticed the fake portcullis at the entrance of the art center and really liked the effect.Inside was a very dramatic long corridor, paneled in wood with a great arching barrel vault of a ceiling. I loved the space and regretted not bringing my camera. I knew not all was lost, in a short time I would be back and this time with my trusty camera.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Sofia
I think this is the prettiest little Alaskan you'll ever see.
My little niece Sofia, in my extremely biased opinion, is easily the cutest baby around.
I can't wait to get more pictures!
My little niece Sofia, in my extremely biased opinion, is easily the cutest baby around.
I can't wait to get more pictures!
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Two Dog Couch
Our solution to keeping dogs off the furniture is to give them their own couch. Technically it's a love seat, but we call it the dog couch.
We acquired the love seat from Larry's dad when his father was moving and no longer had any use for it. It's cushions were tattered and coated with cat hair, but that was no problem. We chucked the cushions and used a folded quilt as a seat pad and stationed it on our covered porch.
Two moves later the love seat ended up indoors with new cushions and became the dog couch. The dogs were happy and so were we. It's just low enough for them to leap on and it still looks pretty good. Particularly once I replaced the worn and broken seat straps with oaken slats.
John will occasionally nibble on the cushions, but on the whole they seem to respect it. At least it keeps them off the rest of the furniture.
We acquired the love seat from Larry's dad when his father was moving and no longer had any use for it. It's cushions were tattered and coated with cat hair, but that was no problem. We chucked the cushions and used a folded quilt as a seat pad and stationed it on our covered porch.
Two moves later the love seat ended up indoors with new cushions and became the dog couch. The dogs were happy and so were we. It's just low enough for them to leap on and it still looks pretty good. Particularly once I replaced the worn and broken seat straps with oaken slats.
John will occasionally nibble on the cushions, but on the whole they seem to respect it. At least it keeps them off the rest of the furniture.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Artist of the Week: Charles Ritchie
This week I'm featuring an artist from the exhibit I visited up in Richmond. Before a few weeks ago I had never heard of Charles Ritchie.
Now I have become a big fan of at least one of his works, to whit "Blue Twilight."
Jake and I were both captivated by this piece the first time we went through the Surface Tension exhibition. It's a very hard piece to photograph to photograph well. It is a very deep, yet oddly luminescent shade of almost cobalt blue. As you draw closer you see trees formed of inky blackness and dotted with flecks of gold. Even closer you start to see the houses in the back ground. There is so much detail and depth captured on such a small canvas.
I could have stood there all day gazing upon this one piece. Rebecca was also captivated and it was a treat to see here exclaim over the same details.
Here's another shot, this time lighten a bit so you can see a bit of the detail. But really, this picture is nowhere as good as the real thing.
The artist, Charles Ritchie has a copy of his journal online. If you head on over, and you really should, you get a peek at what he was thinking when creating this piece and yet another picture. It's even lighter than mine, so the image loses a fair amount of its depth, but then you can truly see the details. As I said, Blue Twilight is not an easy piece to capture with photography.
I would love to own a print or poster, but none are available at this time. Of course it would be a bear to reproduce it accurately, but so worth the effort.
Now I have become a big fan of at least one of his works, to whit "Blue Twilight."
Jake and I were both captivated by this piece the first time we went through the Surface Tension exhibition. It's a very hard piece to photograph to photograph well. It is a very deep, yet oddly luminescent shade of almost cobalt blue. As you draw closer you see trees formed of inky blackness and dotted with flecks of gold. Even closer you start to see the houses in the back ground. There is so much detail and depth captured on such a small canvas.
I could have stood there all day gazing upon this one piece. Rebecca was also captivated and it was a treat to see here exclaim over the same details.
Here's another shot, this time lighten a bit so you can see a bit of the detail. But really, this picture is nowhere as good as the real thing.
The artist, Charles Ritchie has a copy of his journal online. If you head on over, and you really should, you get a peek at what he was thinking when creating this piece and yet another picture. It's even lighter than mine, so the image loses a fair amount of its depth, but then you can truly see the details. As I said, Blue Twilight is not an easy piece to capture with photography.
I would love to own a print or poster, but none are available at this time. Of course it would be a bear to reproduce it accurately, but so worth the effort.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
A Little Bit of Art
The kids are all home on spring break this week. Yesterday they mucked around outside and watched tv. They rediscovered the excitement of mommy buying groceries and various errands. Today had a much more cultural bent.
Last weekend I had attended a concert with Jake on the University of Richmond campus. In order to reach the concert's venue we had to cut through the Modlin Center for the Arts. As we passed through the lovely building we noticed a small gallery tucked off to the side. The current exhibit is titled "Surface Tension: Pattern, Texture, and Rhythm in Art from the Collection" and featured some delightful works of art.
Jake and I quickly went through the gallery and decided it was definitely worth a second look when we had a bit more time. Sadly it was closed by the end of the concert, but would be open during spring break. I thought it would be a good field trip for my crew because it had the added bonus of a create your own work of art area.
So today I dragged my brood on over to the gallery. Max was a bit underwhelmed at first and promptly sprawled on the bench. He did, however, perk up when he found out he could make an art work at the end of our visit.
Rebecca and Jake were far more interested in looking at the art. Jake was happy to revisit the gallery and point out his favorites to his siblings. Rebecca drank in the art and carefully examined each piece. I love this picture and how it captures the moment.
Meanwhile Nate wandered about bored and uninterested in the whole enterprise. He was more more interested in the lacrosse practice happening just outside the building along side the parking lot. He made a half-hearted collage at the end while asking me when would we be going home.
Barring Nate, I think the rest of them had a good time. Max even announced this was his favorite museum.
Last weekend I had attended a concert with Jake on the University of Richmond campus. In order to reach the concert's venue we had to cut through the Modlin Center for the Arts. As we passed through the lovely building we noticed a small gallery tucked off to the side. The current exhibit is titled "Surface Tension: Pattern, Texture, and Rhythm in Art from the Collection" and featured some delightful works of art.
Jake and I quickly went through the gallery and decided it was definitely worth a second look when we had a bit more time. Sadly it was closed by the end of the concert, but would be open during spring break. I thought it would be a good field trip for my crew because it had the added bonus of a create your own work of art area.
So today I dragged my brood on over to the gallery. Max was a bit underwhelmed at first and promptly sprawled on the bench. He did, however, perk up when he found out he could make an art work at the end of our visit.
Rebecca and Jake were far more interested in looking at the art. Jake was happy to revisit the gallery and point out his favorites to his siblings. Rebecca drank in the art and carefully examined each piece. I love this picture and how it captures the moment.
Meanwhile Nate wandered about bored and uninterested in the whole enterprise. He was more more interested in the lacrosse practice happening just outside the building along side the parking lot. He made a half-hearted collage at the end while asking me when would we be going home.
Barring Nate, I think the rest of them had a good time. Max even announced this was his favorite museum.
Monday, April 05, 2010
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Passover Posy
Here are some pretty spring flowers we brought home from our temple's community Seder last week.
They have been sitting in a vase on the counter near the sink all week. It wasn't until a day ago I was stuck by their beauty in the morning light. The light streaming down from the skylights hit them just so, highlighting the translucent qualities of the petals. I just had to take picture before the flowers dropped their petals and wasted away.
They have been sitting in a vase on the counter near the sink all week. It wasn't until a day ago I was stuck by their beauty in the morning light. The light streaming down from the skylights hit them just so, highlighting the translucent qualities of the petals. I just had to take picture before the flowers dropped their petals and wasted away.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Welcome to the World Baby Girl!
A title to a good book and a wonderful piece of news.
Today my brother became a father and I got a brand new niece.
She's a healthy 8 pounds and has bright red hair, just like her daddy when he was a baby. We have all been on pins and needles the past week and half awaiting her arrival. My brother has a job that takes him away from home and it was a worry if he would be around. But my sister in law got to have her husband home on the big day and he will get to spend some time with his newly expanded family before he has to leave again.
Sadly they live far, far away so I won't be able to visit right now, but maybe we can visit later this year. I was thinking about such a trip earlier in the day and my husband called me up from work and suggested maybe we could all go this summer. It's nice when you are married to someone on the same wavelength.
I really want to see the latest addition to the family, as do the rest of of us. Hopefully we'll get pictures soon.
Today my brother became a father and I got a brand new niece.
She's a healthy 8 pounds and has bright red hair, just like her daddy when he was a baby. We have all been on pins and needles the past week and half awaiting her arrival. My brother has a job that takes him away from home and it was a worry if he would be around. But my sister in law got to have her husband home on the big day and he will get to spend some time with his newly expanded family before he has to leave again.
Sadly they live far, far away so I won't be able to visit right now, but maybe we can visit later this year. I was thinking about such a trip earlier in the day and my husband called me up from work and suggested maybe we could all go this summer. It's nice when you are married to someone on the same wavelength.
I really want to see the latest addition to the family, as do the rest of of us. Hopefully we'll get pictures soon.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Spring or Rather Summer
Or maybe it's spring after all.
We seem to be doing some rather extreme yo-yo weather now.
Two weeks ago we had weather in the 70's. Last weekend, as evidence by this sweatshirt left outdoors overnight, was far cooler. We had frost at night and during the day it maybe reached the 50's. Then the rain came down with a rip snorter of a thunderstorm and ushered in warmer weather.
And by warmer weather I talking about 80's. Shorts and t-shirt weather for when I go bike riding. Now I feel sort of silly buying cycling tights just a few weeks ago.
But I know the pendulum will swing back again and it'll be a bit cooler in the not too distant future. As for the tights, well there is always next fall.
We seem to be doing some rather extreme yo-yo weather now.
Two weeks ago we had weather in the 70's. Last weekend, as evidence by this sweatshirt left outdoors overnight, was far cooler. We had frost at night and during the day it maybe reached the 50's. Then the rain came down with a rip snorter of a thunderstorm and ushered in warmer weather.
And by warmer weather I talking about 80's. Shorts and t-shirt weather for when I go bike riding. Now I feel sort of silly buying cycling tights just a few weeks ago.
But I know the pendulum will swing back again and it'll be a bit cooler in the not too distant future. As for the tights, well there is always next fall.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Artist of the Week: Rug
In one of those rare moments I got a happy Nate willing to have his picture taken. His only requirement was that he had to be holding Dell. Easy enough to do, though Dell looks a bit unsure of the whole idea. He is a cuddly dog, but Dell's not that thrilled with being carried around.
So anyway, Nate is this week's artist and for once (!) I had an east time of procuring a decent profile picture of the said artist.
I think he was so happy and cooperative because he had just finished putting together his project. He felt very good about how it turned out and was basking in our praise of a job well done.
You can see it in his beaming little face.
As for the project, it is a rug that features information about India. He did the whole thing on his own, all I did was instruct him on the right programs for the job and give him the construction paper.
The pictures really don't do the rug justice. The colors are much nicer in real life, here on the computer they look a bit muddy to me. I could have tweaked the picture a bit more for brighter colors, but then the text would disappear. In the end I usually think it's bit better to minimize the amount of tinkering with the pictures. Life is not perfect and I like my pictures to be honest.
And honestly, I do like that rug and particularly the not so little boy that made it.
So anyway, Nate is this week's artist and for once (!) I had an east time of procuring a decent profile picture of the said artist.
I think he was so happy and cooperative because he had just finished putting together his project. He felt very good about how it turned out and was basking in our praise of a job well done.
You can see it in his beaming little face.
As for the project, it is a rug that features information about India. He did the whole thing on his own, all I did was instruct him on the right programs for the job and give him the construction paper.
The pictures really don't do the rug justice. The colors are much nicer in real life, here on the computer they look a bit muddy to me. I could have tweaked the picture a bit more for brighter colors, but then the text would disappear. In the end I usually think it's bit better to minimize the amount of tinkering with the pictures. Life is not perfect and I like my pictures to be honest.
And honestly, I do like that rug and particularly the not so little boy that made it.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Oof
I'm bushed. After two late nights of baking chocolate torts for two different Seders, I'm done.
Last night was Meryl's very first Seder in her home. It was a bit loud and a little chaotic, but the food was good and the company more so.
Tonight was my congregation's Community Seder. WE all had a good time and even had a soldier join us at our table. As always the food was great and the Rabbi kept the mood light.
So no big post today. I have a happy tummy and I plan on sleeping all that food and wine off.
Last night was Meryl's very first Seder in her home. It was a bit loud and a little chaotic, but the food was good and the company more so.
Tonight was my congregation's Community Seder. WE all had a good time and even had a soldier join us at our table. As always the food was great and the Rabbi kept the mood light.
So no big post today. I have a happy tummy and I plan on sleeping all that food and wine off.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Lacrosse
This past week Nate and Max has started playing actual games. So far all they have done is go to lacrosse practice and maybe do a bit of scrimmaging.
Wednesday was Nate's big first game and his team won it handily 6 to 2. I didn't get to watch because it started at 7 and was about an hour away from home, but Saturday's game for the U9 team was a different story. It was only 18 minutes away and we had no other commitments.
At first the game play was a bit nonexistent. For many of the players, Max included, this was their very first game. However, as they got to play the game you could see them improve. Max at first spent a fair amount of time just standing at his assigned position. He would move when the ball came close, but not very much. Then he got caught up in the game and really started to play. Max, like all his siblings, has no fear and will get right in the thick of things. He is one of the smallest members of the team, but that doesn't stop him.
You can see him in this picture with his eyes on the ball. He has the lone black helmet and is right in the middle. What is really nice about this picture is that you can see coach daddy off to the side. It was a fun game to watch. It ended up being a tie at 5 all, which was nice. Everybody got to go home happy.
Wednesday was Nate's big first game and his team won it handily 6 to 2. I didn't get to watch because it started at 7 and was about an hour away from home, but Saturday's game for the U9 team was a different story. It was only 18 minutes away and we had no other commitments.
At first the game play was a bit nonexistent. For many of the players, Max included, this was their very first game. However, as they got to play the game you could see them improve. Max at first spent a fair amount of time just standing at his assigned position. He would move when the ball came close, but not very much. Then he got caught up in the game and really started to play. Max, like all his siblings, has no fear and will get right in the thick of things. He is one of the smallest members of the team, but that doesn't stop him.
You can see him in this picture with his eyes on the ball. He has the lone black helmet and is right in the middle. What is really nice about this picture is that you can see coach daddy off to the side. It was a fun game to watch. It ended up being a tie at 5 all, which was nice. Everybody got to go home happy.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Homeland Security
Dell and John take their job as watch dogs very seriously. In fact my husband refers to them as Homeland Security.
They constantly monitor our yard for invading hordes of deer, squirrels, and UPS trucks. They have no quibble with the UPS delivery staff, but the trucks are another story. It must be chased away from the house every single time a package is delivered.
If no threat is detected from inside the house they will survey the yard from the door way before launching themselves down the stairs and onto the lawn.
In the picture here I'm not sure what exactly they are looking at, but I can tell you they are at full alert.
They are such silly dogs
They constantly monitor our yard for invading hordes of deer, squirrels, and UPS trucks. They have no quibble with the UPS delivery staff, but the trucks are another story. It must be chased away from the house every single time a package is delivered.
If no threat is detected from inside the house they will survey the yard from the door way before launching themselves down the stairs and onto the lawn.
In the picture here I'm not sure what exactly they are looking at, but I can tell you they are at full alert.
They are such silly dogs
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Too Much Coffee
I never really cared for coffee, but I can appreciate how some people really and truly need their java. Dave Grohl took it a leetle too far and this is what we got, a drummer completely hepped up on caffeine.
From what I gathered he was beyond burning the candle at both ends. He was rehearsing with the Foo Fighters during the day, working with his side project Them Crooked Vultures at night, and had an infant at home.
He has since learned to scale it back.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Artist of the Week: Painting
Jake, interestingly enough, is this week's featured artist.
I say interestingly because a few months ago Jake pretty much announced that he was done. He didn't want to be part of this blog anymore except in the most peripheral way.
And then he started doing things, things that he was very pride of accomplishing. Grudgingly he allowed that I could still post about him. Especially when it was the very cool things he did with Future City and the Popsicle Stick Bridge Challenge.
The hard part is he is still a bit leery of the camera. I can sneak the occasional shot here and there and there are endless pictures of him striking a goofy pose. However, if I want any sort of portrait I'm pretty much out of luck. For example this picture was taken last summer unbeknown to him.
Luckily his art is not so camera shy.
This is a painting he created last semester during art class. He did a very nice job, the shading really captures the three dimensionality of the modeling forms. I think it's a great painting and his teacher did as well. She thought it was his best work and that he definetely has some artistic talent.
Now I just have to get it a frame and figure out where we'll hang it.
I say interestingly because a few months ago Jake pretty much announced that he was done. He didn't want to be part of this blog anymore except in the most peripheral way.
And then he started doing things, things that he was very pride of accomplishing. Grudgingly he allowed that I could still post about him. Especially when it was the very cool things he did with Future City and the Popsicle Stick Bridge Challenge.
The hard part is he is still a bit leery of the camera. I can sneak the occasional shot here and there and there are endless pictures of him striking a goofy pose. However, if I want any sort of portrait I'm pretty much out of luck. For example this picture was taken last summer unbeknown to him.
Luckily his art is not so camera shy.
This is a painting he created last semester during art class. He did a very nice job, the shading really captures the three dimensionality of the modeling forms. I think it's a great painting and his teacher did as well. She thought it was his best work and that he definetely has some artistic talent.
Now I just have to get it a frame and figure out where we'll hang it.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Flat Stanley Redux
Max and Rebecca are in second grade and in our school this means "Flat Stanley."
I don't remember if Jake got to do it, but Nate definitely did and when he switched over to the center based gifted school in third grade he got to do it again.
Max's class has just finished the book ( A small boy gets squished flat, but is otherwise fine. He and his family discovers that he can be mailed and thus starts his adventures.) and have sent out their flat Stanleys/Stacys. Last week we were asked to send in a stamped envelope addressed to someone willing to host a Flat Stanley. I asked a friend of mine, who is a teacher in Portland Oregon, that just happens to be on sabbatical if she could do it. She was more than happy to take on the job and so off Stanley went to Oregon. My friend Kathy has already emailed us about his adventures and promises to give Stanley an exciting visit.
Meanwhile Rebecca's class has just started to read the book. We are trying to see if any of our friends in the Chicago area are up to the task. We'll know in a couple of days, which is plenty of lead time for Rebecca's project. We have friends farther afield, but the quick turnaround time makes the international destinations a bit problematical. Either way the main thing is to find someone reliable and enthusiastic.
It's a fun project and I'll keep you posted on what happens to our Flat Stanleys.
I don't remember if Jake got to do it, but Nate definitely did and when he switched over to the center based gifted school in third grade he got to do it again.
Max's class has just finished the book ( A small boy gets squished flat, but is otherwise fine. He and his family discovers that he can be mailed and thus starts his adventures.) and have sent out their flat Stanleys/Stacys. Last week we were asked to send in a stamped envelope addressed to someone willing to host a Flat Stanley. I asked a friend of mine, who is a teacher in Portland Oregon, that just happens to be on sabbatical if she could do it. She was more than happy to take on the job and so off Stanley went to Oregon. My friend Kathy has already emailed us about his adventures and promises to give Stanley an exciting visit.
Meanwhile Rebecca's class has just started to read the book. We are trying to see if any of our friends in the Chicago area are up to the task. We'll know in a couple of days, which is plenty of lead time for Rebecca's project. We have friends farther afield, but the quick turnaround time makes the international destinations a bit problematical. Either way the main thing is to find someone reliable and enthusiastic.
It's a fun project and I'll keep you posted on what happens to our Flat Stanleys.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Forever's Not So Long
Forever's Not So Long from garrettmurray on Vimeo.
Great short movie about having just a little time left in the world.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Lizard Princess Barbie
I posted this earlier over on Facebook, but this was too good not to share over here.
I was not doing much the other day when Rebecca presented to me her creation, dubbed by Jake, Lizard Princess Barbie. My immediate reaction was laughter closely followed by the urge to take pictures.
It looks photoshopped, but it really is a Barbie head stuck on top of a lizard body. From what I gathered, Rebecca was picking up her room and in the process of putting away her Barbies a head popped off. Instead of replacing the head on the appropriate body, Rebecca elected to give Barbie a lizard body. I have no idea what inspired her, but I find it brilliantly inspired in a sort of twisted way.
The amazing thing is the lizard fits perfectly in the doll's neck hole. You can actually dangle the creation by the tail and the head stays firmly attached.
Thank you Rebecca, I really enjoy the laughter that your Lizard Princess Barbie creates.
I was not doing much the other day when Rebecca presented to me her creation, dubbed by Jake, Lizard Princess Barbie. My immediate reaction was laughter closely followed by the urge to take pictures.
It looks photoshopped, but it really is a Barbie head stuck on top of a lizard body. From what I gathered, Rebecca was picking up her room and in the process of putting away her Barbies a head popped off. Instead of replacing the head on the appropriate body, Rebecca elected to give Barbie a lizard body. I have no idea what inspired her, but I find it brilliantly inspired in a sort of twisted way.
The amazing thing is the lizard fits perfectly in the doll's neck hole. You can actually dangle the creation by the tail and the head stays firmly attached.
Thank you Rebecca, I really enjoy the laughter that your Lizard Princess Barbie creates.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Why I Don't Have a Garden
There are many reasons why I don't a garden (I'm too busy, I'm too lazy, there aren't any good spots in our yard), but the biggest reason is pictured here on the right.
Yes there are at least 14 deer in my friend's yard at 5:40 in the afternoon. I was coming home from the store when I saw them off to my left. For once I had my camera with me, so I turned left instead of right and eased the van forward to take a picture. By slowing down to a crawl and turning off the radio I was able to take quite a few pictures. The deer were a bit wary of me, but the didn't spook.
The scary part is that this is just one of the herds in my neighborhood. I normally have four or so does loitering in my yard that are part of this larger family grouping. They spend their days ghosting through the neighborhood and only returning tho the state park, just down the street from me, when they are seriously spooked.
Yes there are at least 14 deer in my friend's yard at 5:40 in the afternoon. I was coming home from the store when I saw them off to my left. For once I had my camera with me, so I turned left instead of right and eased the van forward to take a picture. By slowing down to a crawl and turning off the radio I was able to take quite a few pictures. The deer were a bit wary of me, but the didn't spook.
The scary part is that this is just one of the herds in my neighborhood. I normally have four or so does loitering in my yard that are part of this larger family grouping. They spend their days ghosting through the neighborhood and only returning tho the state park, just down the street from me, when they are seriously spooked.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Back In The Saddle Again
Bike saddle that is.
For whatever reason I stopped biking sometime last summer. The definitive moment was while we were on vacation and my slowly disintegrating tires finally gave out. Considering that they were the original tires on a roughly twenty year old bike, I really can't complain. I did get them replaced, but school started and my bike languished in the garage.
Mind you I haven't been a total slug. I have joined up with a couple of other moms in the 'hood and we have been walking together after the bus picks up our respective children. It takes us about half an hour to walk a hilly 1 1/2 mile loop. It is some decent exercise and I'm actually being social. We have started going to movies on Thursdays. It's nice having so mom friends.
And it was all well and good, but lately I've missed my bike. I liked the zooming along in the neighborhood and just pondering about things. The weather has been simply gorgeous lately, perfect weather for biking. So I hauled out my bike and went for a spin.
I wasn't as fast or as bold as I used to be. There is a fair amount of loose sand on the roads from this past winter and I'm a bit leery of it. I don't need another wipe-out like last summer. It hurt like heck on the hills and my tush hasn't quite forgiven me, but I did my old route. Today was a little harder, my bottom was still a bit unhappy and my legs burned a bit more, but I know I'll get better by next week. I really only have myself to blame. When you stop riding regularly you lose your conditioning.
But I'm back in the saddle and having a good time, creaky body and all.
For whatever reason I stopped biking sometime last summer. The definitive moment was while we were on vacation and my slowly disintegrating tires finally gave out. Considering that they were the original tires on a roughly twenty year old bike, I really can't complain. I did get them replaced, but school started and my bike languished in the garage.
Mind you I haven't been a total slug. I have joined up with a couple of other moms in the 'hood and we have been walking together after the bus picks up our respective children. It takes us about half an hour to walk a hilly 1 1/2 mile loop. It is some decent exercise and I'm actually being social. We have started going to movies on Thursdays. It's nice having so mom friends.
And it was all well and good, but lately I've missed my bike. I liked the zooming along in the neighborhood and just pondering about things. The weather has been simply gorgeous lately, perfect weather for biking. So I hauled out my bike and went for a spin.
I wasn't as fast or as bold as I used to be. There is a fair amount of loose sand on the roads from this past winter and I'm a bit leery of it. I don't need another wipe-out like last summer. It hurt like heck on the hills and my tush hasn't quite forgiven me, but I did my old route. Today was a little harder, my bottom was still a bit unhappy and my legs burned a bit more, but I know I'll get better by next week. I really only have myself to blame. When you stop riding regularly you lose your conditioning.
But I'm back in the saddle and having a good time, creaky body and all.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Artist of the Week: Lion
Rebecca is this week's artist, although in reality she always is an artist.
She loves to draw and is often found with a bit of paper and a handful of markers. When she is done she loves to share her latest creation. Sometimes they are presents, either hand delivered or sent off in the mail. The rest are scattered about the house with the very best, according to her criteria are pinned to her bedroom walls.
This winter we had an inordinate amount of snow that resulted in quite a few snow days. Inevitably the storm would start over the weekend and, much to Rebecca's disappointment, school would be closed the following Monday. The disappointment came about because, you see, her classroom's art day is Monday.
Fortuitously we were able to sing her up for an after school art class. It ran for six weeks, once a week. The class was organized by the school's PTA and was offered along with cooking, cake decorated, sign language, and so on. (Max opted for chess.)
Rebecca's class focused on learning the different types of media available for drawing. This handsome lion was created using crayons. The class also learned about markers, pastels and pencils. Rebecca had a great deal of fun and was glad she got a bit more art into her life.
She loves to draw and is often found with a bit of paper and a handful of markers. When she is done she loves to share her latest creation. Sometimes they are presents, either hand delivered or sent off in the mail. The rest are scattered about the house with the very best, according to her criteria are pinned to her bedroom walls.
This winter we had an inordinate amount of snow that resulted in quite a few snow days. Inevitably the storm would start over the weekend and, much to Rebecca's disappointment, school would be closed the following Monday. The disappointment came about because, you see, her classroom's art day is Monday.
Fortuitously we were able to sing her up for an after school art class. It ran for six weeks, once a week. The class was organized by the school's PTA and was offered along with cooking, cake decorated, sign language, and so on. (Max opted for chess.)
Rebecca's class focused on learning the different types of media available for drawing. This handsome lion was created using crayons. The class also learned about markers, pastels and pencils. Rebecca had a great deal of fun and was glad she got a bit more art into her life.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Stupid Spammers
Since Haloscan had the gall, the gall I say, to up and die on me I've had to make decisions.
I could continue on with ECHO powered by JS-Kit (which took over Haloscan), go back to Blogger comments, find some other software, or just chuck the whole commenting idea.
I let it ride for a bit, I wanted to see what ECHO was like and it was the path of least resistance.
And I didn't like it. After the free thirty day trial it was going to cost me $12 a year. Admittedly that is not a whole heck of a lot of money, but I don't want to pay. The blogging thing is a hobby and I already pay for my Flickr account, I don't want to sink any more money into this. Flickr is worth the cost simply because it acts as a back up for my pictures and allows friends and family to see them without the bother of getting reprints or reminding me to drag all my pictures along when we visit. So I stripped out the old Haloscan code and fired up Blogger.
Which has been very interesting.
I got a couple of spammy comments which prompted me to switch over to moderated comments. And hoo-boy, 19 spams and 1 lone legitimate comment (thank you Robbo). This could be problematic. I think I have to tinker a bit more with the settings. I don't want to close comments, but I don't want eleventy billion spams either.
This is going to require a bit more research on my part.
I could continue on with ECHO powered by JS-Kit (which took over Haloscan), go back to Blogger comments, find some other software, or just chuck the whole commenting idea.
I let it ride for a bit, I wanted to see what ECHO was like and it was the path of least resistance.
And I didn't like it. After the free thirty day trial it was going to cost me $12 a year. Admittedly that is not a whole heck of a lot of money, but I don't want to pay. The blogging thing is a hobby and I already pay for my Flickr account, I don't want to sink any more money into this. Flickr is worth the cost simply because it acts as a back up for my pictures and allows friends and family to see them without the bother of getting reprints or reminding me to drag all my pictures along when we visit. So I stripped out the old Haloscan code and fired up Blogger.
Which has been very interesting.
I got a couple of spammy comments which prompted me to switch over to moderated comments. And hoo-boy, 19 spams and 1 lone legitimate comment (thank you Robbo). This could be problematic. I think I have to tinker a bit more with the settings. I don't want to close comments, but I don't want eleventy billion spams either.
This is going to require a bit more research on my part.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Brazil- Ministry of Information
A scene from one of my favorite movies, Brazil. This particular clip is a wonderful depiction of bureaucracy run amok.
For years I've been thinking about getting Brazil. I've seen all three different cuts from the first studio cut, the much darker director's cut and the misbegotten TV version. I'm so enamored of the film I even got the book, "The Battle of Brazil," which details the struggle Gilliam had with the studio to make the movie he envisioned.
Last week I finally did something about it and the movie just arrived in the mail today.
I think I know what I'll be watching sometime this week.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Have Some Pi
Today is Pi day, as in 3.14 or March 14th, and we celebrated in grand fashion. We ha quiche for breakfast, pizza for lunch and a runny lemon meringue pie for dessert. Which was totally my fault- I got impatient and decided to put the custard in the shell before it was really custard. My bad.
The pie pictured here was a far more successful attempt at pi day baking goodness.
Nate's class had a Pi day party on Friday and i brought in an apple pie. With the leftover scraps from the pie crust I was able to fashion a fairly decent pi symbol. It was a big hit with the kids and only one slice went back home with me.
I really get into the whole pi day spirit. I like to bake and I like math, so Pi day is full of win for me. Hopefully next time I'll just have a bit more patience for the custard in my pie and I'll be able to add one more baked good to my repertoire.
The pie pictured here was a far more successful attempt at pi day baking goodness.
Nate's class had a Pi day party on Friday and i brought in an apple pie. With the leftover scraps from the pie crust I was able to fashion a fairly decent pi symbol. It was a big hit with the kids and only one slice went back home with me.
I really get into the whole pi day spirit. I like to bake and I like math, so Pi day is full of win for me. Hopefully next time I'll just have a bit more patience for the custard in my pie and I'll be able to add one more baked good to my repertoire.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Where Does The Time Go?
I want to know where all my free time goes.
Oh I admit I spend far to much time staring at my computer screen reading just one more blog, but really where does my time go?
I'm a full time mom and theoretically once they are all in school I should have hours of freedom each school day. And yet I don't.
This week I had to take one kid to the ENT for a check up. I had a pie to bake and bring in for Pi day. (Which really is the most awesome day for me, I bake and I like math. March 14th is full of win for me.) I had to find a small motor and magnets for one child (hooray for Radio Shack) and divvy up change for two others.
Oh and cleats I had to get cleats and drive people to practice, both musical and sports.
Then there is the complex scheduling and figuring out when and where everybody needs to be. The first week of any new activity is always the worst.
So I guess it comes down to that I'm the mom and parents (cause heaven knows my husband has even less spare time) aren't allowed spare time.
And yet in the end it is all worthwhile when you get the big hug and shining smiles when it all comes together. My children do appreciate what we do for them and are very good about thanking us. Once in a while I'll drop the ball, but even then they understand. They see how much we do and realize they that in the end what matters is that they are loved. We expect the best from the them and in return we try to do our best for them.
Oh I admit I spend far to much time staring at my computer screen reading just one more blog, but really where does my time go?
I'm a full time mom and theoretically once they are all in school I should have hours of freedom each school day. And yet I don't.
This week I had to take one kid to the ENT for a check up. I had a pie to bake and bring in for Pi day. (Which really is the most awesome day for me, I bake and I like math. March 14th is full of win for me.) I had to find a small motor and magnets for one child (hooray for Radio Shack) and divvy up change for two others.
Oh and cleats I had to get cleats and drive people to practice, both musical and sports.
Then there is the complex scheduling and figuring out when and where everybody needs to be. The first week of any new activity is always the worst.
So I guess it comes down to that I'm the mom and parents (cause heaven knows my husband has even less spare time) aren't allowed spare time.
And yet in the end it is all worthwhile when you get the big hug and shining smiles when it all comes together. My children do appreciate what we do for them and are very good about thanking us. Once in a while I'll drop the ball, but even then they understand. They see how much we do and realize they that in the end what matters is that they are loved. We expect the best from the them and in return we try to do our best for them.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Whither Art Thou Pumpkin?
Last Thanksgiving it was devilishly hard to find cans of plain old packed pumpkin, but I persevered and was able to snag a couple. Thanksgiving is just not right without pumpkin pie. After a bit of research I found out that the pumpkin crop was wretched in 2009 resulting in a shortfall in the supermarkets.
So I was out and about today searching for the elusive can of packed pumpkin. Nate's class is celebrating pie day on Friday and I offered to make a pie, namely a pumpkin pie.
Well it looks like there is still a massive pumpkin shortage. I've been to three stores and have had no luck so far. I'm willing to try any and all brands as long as I can get a pie out of it. So it looks like I'm going to have to go to plan B: apple pie.
Mmmm, apple pie!
So I was out and about today searching for the elusive can of packed pumpkin. Nate's class is celebrating pie day on Friday and I offered to make a pie, namely a pumpkin pie.
Well it looks like there is still a massive pumpkin shortage. I've been to three stores and have had no luck so far. I'm willing to try any and all brands as long as I can get a pie out of it. So it looks like I'm going to have to go to plan B: apple pie.
Mmmm, apple pie!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Artist of the Week: Snow Globe
This week's artist is Max.
I took this picture a few days ago at his behest. We were having lunch and he noticed that one of his potato chips looked a bit like a snowman, right down to the two eye spots on the head. He wanted the picture so he could eat the chip and still have proof of his amazing find.
So we trooped outside for our photo shoot.
He's very practical that way. Why save a chip when you can have a picture taken. That way you get to enjoy its deep fried potato goodness and still have a memento.
Smart boy.
Anyhoodle, his profile picture is very fitting considering this week's art project. A snowman, even if it is of the potato chip variety, goes very well with a snow globe.
He brought it home from school on Monday. I'm not exactly sure when he made it or why, but I do like it. It has a little family of foxes standing in the snow near the edge of a forest. What you can't see is that a clear circle of plastic overlays the globe portion. This helps creates the illusion that there is a globe.
He did a nice job cutting out all the circles and assembling the the globe. I always love his little foxes and this is no exception. I think this was a fun project. I don't recall either of his older brothers making the same sort of thing in second grade. It's nice to see that new things (at least to us) are still popping up at school.
I took this picture a few days ago at his behest. We were having lunch and he noticed that one of his potato chips looked a bit like a snowman, right down to the two eye spots on the head. He wanted the picture so he could eat the chip and still have proof of his amazing find.
So we trooped outside for our photo shoot.
He's very practical that way. Why save a chip when you can have a picture taken. That way you get to enjoy its deep fried potato goodness and still have a memento.
Smart boy.
Anyhoodle, his profile picture is very fitting considering this week's art project. A snowman, even if it is of the potato chip variety, goes very well with a snow globe.
He brought it home from school on Monday. I'm not exactly sure when he made it or why, but I do like it. It has a little family of foxes standing in the snow near the edge of a forest. What you can't see is that a clear circle of plastic overlays the globe portion. This helps creates the illusion that there is a globe.
He did a nice job cutting out all the circles and assembling the the globe. I always love his little foxes and this is no exception. I think this was a fun project. I don't recall either of his older brothers making the same sort of thing in second grade. It's nice to see that new things (at least to us) are still popping up at school.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Signs of Spring
Since last week my friends and I have noticed a few brave daffodils in bloom along our morning walk. It has just been a handful of blossums along the more protected stretch of road. For whatever reason at the farthest point of our walk the street seems just a touch warmer, maybe it is a bit more protected from the wind, I have no idea.
Today we lamented the fact that nothing was in bloom around our respective homes. The shoots are up, but there are no signs of the cheerful yellow flowers.
Then this afternoon I spotted just the tiniest splash of yellow along side our driveway. A wee little crocus had managed to survive the predations of deer, mice and squirrels. I had put in a boatload a few years ago, but they had been quickly eaten up.
Except of this one.
It had somehow eluded the fate of all the other crocuses I had planted. I'm so glad I had spotted it today.
Today we lamented the fact that nothing was in bloom around our respective homes. The shoots are up, but there are no signs of the cheerful yellow flowers.
Then this afternoon I spotted just the tiniest splash of yellow along side our driveway. A wee little crocus had managed to survive the predations of deer, mice and squirrels. I had put in a boatload a few years ago, but they had been quickly eaten up.
Except of this one.
It had somehow eluded the fate of all the other crocuses I had planted. I'm so glad I had spotted it today.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Gearing Up
Winter is (finally!) drawing to a close. With epic snow falls for the Mid-Atlantic region, I'm so very glad that we don't do much sports wise. No having to schlep to practices or contending what would have been canceled or postponed games.
But that is coming to an end.
Nate and Max have been going to lacrosse practice for a while, but starting this week soccer starts for Jake and Rebecca. Evenings will be a jumble of homework and practice. The schedule is tight, but it looks like it all fits together, even with the various instruments the kids are learning. I am so very, very glad that Max's drum lessons are on Sunday, a relatively quite day.
It is a whole lot of work getting everybody where they need to be, but it is well worth it.
But that is coming to an end.
Nate and Max have been going to lacrosse practice for a while, but starting this week soccer starts for Jake and Rebecca. Evenings will be a jumble of homework and practice. The schedule is tight, but it looks like it all fits together, even with the various instruments the kids are learning. I am so very, very glad that Max's drum lessons are on Sunday, a relatively quite day.
It is a whole lot of work getting everybody where they need to be, but it is well worth it.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Goodnight Forest Moon
A friend of mine on Facebook posted about a delightful Star Wars themed version of Goodnight Moon called Goodnight Forest Moon.
Goodnight Moon was a bedtime staple for years, I think we burned through two copies- one board book and one hard cover. It is almost a standard issue bedtime book, at least among my crowd.
It's gentle cadence a nice way to run down a busy day.
As for the Star Wars angle, well anybody who knows us will be aware of the fact that this is best idea ever. And the best part is if you follow the link it will take you to the author's site where he tells you how to download and created your very our copy.
How cool is that ?!
I think I'm going to have to whip one up and send it along with a copy of Goodnight Moon to my brother.
Goodnight Moon was a bedtime staple for years, I think we burned through two copies- one board book and one hard cover. It is almost a standard issue bedtime book, at least among my crowd.
It's gentle cadence a nice way to run down a busy day.
As for the Star Wars angle, well anybody who knows us will be aware of the fact that this is best idea ever. And the best part is if you follow the link it will take you to the author's site where he tells you how to download and created your very our copy.
How cool is that ?!
I think I'm going to have to whip one up and send it along with a copy of Goodnight Moon to my brother.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
This Too Shall Pass
Utterly amazing Rube Goldberg type contraption.
Oh and the song is pretty good as well.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Artist of the Week: Popsicle Sticks
This week's artist is Jake, would be engineer for NASA and trumpeter.
This week's profile picture was from a recital a few months ago. I had followed him into the ready room with camera in hand. Seeing me he struck this pose while warming up. He really enjoys playing the trumpet and has even agreed to additional lessons outside the class room. I think he wants to carry on in high school and beyond, hopefully in some sort of jazz band.
As for his engineering goals, he has joined the pre-engineering club in his school. Last year they were working on Future City projects and y'all know how that worked out. This semester they were creating popsicle stick bridges. The competition was last Sunday over at the Science Museum of Virginia and sponsored by the Richmond Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The rules were fairly straight forwarded. The bridge had to be at least 24 inches long, able to span a 22 inch gap, have a continuous road way and be able to pass a 3.5 inch cube along the entire length of the roadway. Only craft (popsicle) sticks and Elmer's white glue can be use. There are a few more details about overlap and such, but that is the essential idea.
And this little beauty was what Jake and his partner created.
From what I understand there were roughly 60 entries, 28 of which were in Jake's division. After the weighing in and evaluation, the bridges then got tested for their load bearing ability. The load Efficiency Rating would be calculated by the following formula: Load carried by the Bridge before Failure (lbs) divided by the Weight of the Bridge (lbs) squared.
This is when the fun really started. The bridge busting was done with a large frame supporting the bridge. A metal bar would be placed across the middle of the bridge on a load bearing surface. The load weight was adjusted using a pulley system with a load spring attached to a digital weight display. The bridges fell into roughly three catagories, the lightweight group (usualy very bare bones affairs) that would collapse at about ten pounds, the mid-range which could handle 50 to just under 100 lbs, and the super loads- 100 lbs plus.
I'm happy to report that Jake's team had created a super-load bridge that made it all the way to 200 pounds. There were only three other bridges that exceeded that weight (One of which was disqualified for incorrect construction. Though it was awesome to behold, holding steady at 400+ pounds). However load capacity was not the be all end all, the weight of the bridge was critical. They ended up with a very respectable 6th place finish after the Efficiency Ratings were calculated. They got 211, first place was well over a thousand and the monster 400+ lb bridge didn't even come close the breaking 100.
I'm proud to say they designed a built their bridge on their own. All I did was measure up the roadway and point out that it need to be at least 3 1/2 inches square.
Good job guys, it was a very well made bridge and was also pleasing to the eye.
But I still find popsicle sticks to be the bane of my existence.
This week's profile picture was from a recital a few months ago. I had followed him into the ready room with camera in hand. Seeing me he struck this pose while warming up. He really enjoys playing the trumpet and has even agreed to additional lessons outside the class room. I think he wants to carry on in high school and beyond, hopefully in some sort of jazz band.
As for his engineering goals, he has joined the pre-engineering club in his school. Last year they were working on Future City projects and y'all know how that worked out. This semester they were creating popsicle stick bridges. The competition was last Sunday over at the Science Museum of Virginia and sponsored by the Richmond Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The rules were fairly straight forwarded. The bridge had to be at least 24 inches long, able to span a 22 inch gap, have a continuous road way and be able to pass a 3.5 inch cube along the entire length of the roadway. Only craft (popsicle) sticks and Elmer's white glue can be use. There are a few more details about overlap and such, but that is the essential idea.
And this little beauty was what Jake and his partner created.
From what I understand there were roughly 60 entries, 28 of which were in Jake's division. After the weighing in and evaluation, the bridges then got tested for their load bearing ability. The load Efficiency Rating would be calculated by the following formula: Load carried by the Bridge before Failure (lbs) divided by the Weight of the Bridge (lbs) squared.
This is when the fun really started. The bridge busting was done with a large frame supporting the bridge. A metal bar would be placed across the middle of the bridge on a load bearing surface. The load weight was adjusted using a pulley system with a load spring attached to a digital weight display. The bridges fell into roughly three catagories, the lightweight group (usualy very bare bones affairs) that would collapse at about ten pounds, the mid-range which could handle 50 to just under 100 lbs, and the super loads- 100 lbs plus.
I'm happy to report that Jake's team had created a super-load bridge that made it all the way to 200 pounds. There were only three other bridges that exceeded that weight (One of which was disqualified for incorrect construction. Though it was awesome to behold, holding steady at 400+ pounds). However load capacity was not the be all end all, the weight of the bridge was critical. They ended up with a very respectable 6th place finish after the Efficiency Ratings were calculated. They got 211, first place was well over a thousand and the monster 400+ lb bridge didn't even come close the breaking 100.
I'm proud to say they designed a built their bridge on their own. All I did was measure up the roadway and point out that it need to be at least 3 1/2 inches square.
Good job guys, it was a very well made bridge and was also pleasing to the eye.
But I still find popsicle sticks to be the bane of my existence.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
A Bit Under The Weather
Max and Rebecca were decidedly not well on Monday. To the point that they welcomed the whole notion of seeing the doctor. So, being a very accommodating mom, I hauled them into the pediatrician.
Sore throats and a nagging cough led to strep tests for the both of of them.
It turned out in the end it was nothing more than a cold for a Max and the Little Miss has a case of bronchitis. No school for the both them, just a stern admonishment from the doctor to eat their vitamins and veggies, drink plenty of water and no playing outside. Rebecca got a script for antibotics and both are to take children's mucinex.
They still weren't up to snuff this morning, so I kept them home. Only this time things were a bit more boring. No tv and they could watch one movie after lunch.( I like to keep sick days on the boring side to prevent them from being too seductive.)
After breakfat they scampered upstairs and after a bit they called me upstairs to Rebecca's room. According to them, Max decided he wanted to take a nap with Rebecca. They decided that her bed was best and wanted me to record the cuteness.
And it was so very, very cute.
Sore throats and a nagging cough led to strep tests for the both of of them.
It turned out in the end it was nothing more than a cold for a Max and the Little Miss has a case of bronchitis. No school for the both them, just a stern admonishment from the doctor to eat their vitamins and veggies, drink plenty of water and no playing outside. Rebecca got a script for antibotics and both are to take children's mucinex.
They still weren't up to snuff this morning, so I kept them home. Only this time things were a bit more boring. No tv and they could watch one movie after lunch.( I like to keep sick days on the boring side to prevent them from being too seductive.)
After breakfat they scampered upstairs and after a bit they called me upstairs to Rebecca's room. According to them, Max decided he wanted to take a nap with Rebecca. They decided that her bed was best and wanted me to record the cuteness.
And it was so very, very cute.
Monday, March 01, 2010
Nuit Blanche
Another brilliant short film. This one is from Spyfilms and features lovely music with arresting imagery.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
One Tough Apple
This image, along with a slew of others, was emailed to me today. Something about it's crazed expression really appealed to me.
I'm not sure who created it, but my best guess is someone with the handle of Ayrro over on Deviant Art. It's hard to tell since it's been scattered all over the internet. Either way it's a quirky little thing and I like it.
I'm not sure who created it, but my best guess is someone with the handle of Ayrro over on Deviant Art. It's hard to tell since it's been scattered all over the internet. Either way it's a quirky little thing and I like it.
Friday, February 26, 2010
It's Alive!
I was hand washing a few pots the other day and I had left the water running in the sink with dish soap to fill it up with nice hot sudsy water. While my back was turned, Rebecca brought her step stool over to the sink.
I turned round when she started giggling and this was what I saw.
Apparently she was playing with the bubbles. A long tentacle of soap bubbles was sticking up from the sink with a large bubble on the top. It was both amazing and hilarious.
My sink has come alive!
I turned round when she started giggling and this was what I saw.
Apparently she was playing with the bubbles. A long tentacle of soap bubbles was sticking up from the sink with a large bubble on the top. It was both amazing and hilarious.
My sink has come alive!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday Playdate
I've started to socialize with a couple of other moms in the neighborhood. It started out with my walking the dogs after getting my youngest two on the bus. I would go to the bus stop with Max, Rebecca and the dogs, once the dynamic duo was ensconced on the bus I would take the dogs for a walk. My route would take me to the next closest bus stop and I would say hello to the two moms waiting with their children. Soon we all started walking together on a nice one and a half loop.
We talk about this and that and pick up the litter on the side of the road.
And now we have started going to the movies.
We are up for almost anything. It's a treat for us to see non child oriented movies. Our only requirement is that the movie ends in time for us to get back to our respective bus stops to meet our children.
So far we have seen Holmes, Valentine's Day, Blind Side, and Avatar. We are not interested in great cinema, just interesting movies that fit into our time restrictions. I used to see all the movies and it is nice for me to abe able to do it again at matinee prices.
We talk about this and that and pick up the litter on the side of the road.
And now we have started going to the movies.
We are up for almost anything. It's a treat for us to see non child oriented movies. Our only requirement is that the movie ends in time for us to get back to our respective bus stops to meet our children.
So far we have seen Holmes, Valentine's Day, Blind Side, and Avatar. We are not interested in great cinema, just interesting movies that fit into our time restrictions. I used to see all the movies and it is nice for me to abe able to do it again at matinee prices.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Artist of the Week: Lego Ahoy!
This week's artist is Nate, pictured here with Dell.
I had him pose with his siblings last year for the annual photo, but this particular session didn't pan out. It was a race against falling light levels and waning (or in some cases non) enthusiasm for the project. Nate was pretty game, but as always it was a challenge to get him to straighten up and be still. Dell wrangling helped hold him place, but to the detriment of sitting nicely.
Aside from all that, it is a very cute picture of Nate.
As for his art this week, it is his favored medium, the Lego. Some days it feels like it is all Legos, all the time. I'm just thankful for the fact that they have been banned downstairs. A few do make their way downstairs, but we are not awash with them. Just the odd Lego here and there that has dropped off from when a particularly interesting item is brought downstairs to show off.
And this is a prime example of what gets brought downstairs for exhibition.
It is a battle ship of sorts with numerous guns on its topside. I like how one even has a sight for the person manning the gun. Nate even added neat details like a movable rudder. He was justifiably proud of his creation and requested I photograph it for posterity. The life span of such a complex structure is not very long in our household. They get dropped, or kicked, or broken apart for other projects.
Some days I get a bit exasperated by the Legos, but then I remember what creative toy they are and how much pleasure my children get from them.
I had him pose with his siblings last year for the annual photo, but this particular session didn't pan out. It was a race against falling light levels and waning (or in some cases non) enthusiasm for the project. Nate was pretty game, but as always it was a challenge to get him to straighten up and be still. Dell wrangling helped hold him place, but to the detriment of sitting nicely.
Aside from all that, it is a very cute picture of Nate.
As for his art this week, it is his favored medium, the Lego. Some days it feels like it is all Legos, all the time. I'm just thankful for the fact that they have been banned downstairs. A few do make their way downstairs, but we are not awash with them. Just the odd Lego here and there that has dropped off from when a particularly interesting item is brought downstairs to show off.
And this is a prime example of what gets brought downstairs for exhibition.
It is a battle ship of sorts with numerous guns on its topside. I like how one even has a sight for the person manning the gun. Nate even added neat details like a movable rudder. He was justifiably proud of his creation and requested I photograph it for posterity. The life span of such a complex structure is not very long in our household. They get dropped, or kicked, or broken apart for other projects.
Some days I get a bit exasperated by the Legos, but then I remember what creative toy they are and how much pleasure my children get from them.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Snowflakes
It looks like we might get another bit of snow tomorrow.It shouldn't be much, but then it doesn't take much to mess things up around here.
And maybe I'll get to take a picture like this one featured here. I found it over at Scary Mansion (a rather odd site) via Morbid Fashion (which is just as strange) via Black and WTF (which is a tad tamer).
I go on some very long and strange journeys on the internet.
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Story of Bubble Boy
Here is another entry in this year's Tropfest. It is a lovely little movie and my favorite one so far this year. I don't care for this year's overall winner, but there are plenty of little gems like this one still to be found.
I've only seen the Australian entries so far, but I'll be checking out Tropfest NY in the not so distant future.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
A Box, A Boy, And His Dog
Much to our children's delight we have a accumulated a fair number of large boxes.
Max still has his drum box and now Nate has a large box of his very own.
When he first got his box Nate liked to put the dogs inside it. They would at best sit inside for a few seconds and then, with a mighty bound, escape their prison. However Dell was more than happy to curl up with Nate inside the box privided there was a comfy cushion and Nate. I thought the two of them were very cute and snagged this shot.
Of course it's now a very tattered and limp piece of cardboard. Nate is very hard on this things and the box was no exception. He was quite irate the other day and discovered the therapeutic value of chucking stuff. To whit: small metal airplanes are great fun to whip at cardboard, particularly if they are thrown like a ninja's throwing star. He happily spent a few hours systematically demolishing his box.
I glad I took my picture when I did, because now the box is no more.
Max still has his drum box and now Nate has a large box of his very own.
When he first got his box Nate liked to put the dogs inside it. They would at best sit inside for a few seconds and then, with a mighty bound, escape their prison. However Dell was more than happy to curl up with Nate inside the box privided there was a comfy cushion and Nate. I thought the two of them were very cute and snagged this shot.
Of course it's now a very tattered and limp piece of cardboard. Nate is very hard on this things and the box was no exception. He was quite irate the other day and discovered the therapeutic value of chucking stuff. To whit: small metal airplanes are great fun to whip at cardboard, particularly if they are thrown like a ninja's throwing star. He happily spent a few hours systematically demolishing his box.
I glad I took my picture when I did, because now the box is no more.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Snow Berries
This picture was from last Wednesday, the 10th, after we got our last snowfall. It was only a few inches, but it was enough to throw the area into a tizzy. The snow squall hit just as the buses were going round picking up high school and middle school students.
It was awful out so I drove Jake to the bus stop and allowed him to wait in the car. Visibility dropped to 50 feet and there was no way I was going to let him stand by the side of the road in such conditions. We waited for a good half hour when a teacher who lived in our subdivision stopped by and informed us that the school system just declared a two hour delay. We thanked her and struggled home with the car fishtailing twice during our less than two block drive.
Ultimately school was canceled, much to my relief and the delight of the kids. Unfortunately quite a few kids were stranded at school until the weather cleared that afternoon.
Since then the weather has remained fairly cold and the snow has hung around far longer than the norm for here in Central Virginia. But I think it'll be mostly gone, excepting the larger piles of shoveled snow, by the end of this weekend. Temperatures will be up in the mid fifties and that should melt it away.
Oh and the tracks, those are from the deer. They lead from the woods right up to the tree next to the house. We see them almost anytime of day around here and they are very bold. So bold that I've even found deer tracks under the deck. However the tracks do add to the composition of the picture.
It was awful out so I drove Jake to the bus stop and allowed him to wait in the car. Visibility dropped to 50 feet and there was no way I was going to let him stand by the side of the road in such conditions. We waited for a good half hour when a teacher who lived in our subdivision stopped by and informed us that the school system just declared a two hour delay. We thanked her and struggled home with the car fishtailing twice during our less than two block drive.
Ultimately school was canceled, much to my relief and the delight of the kids. Unfortunately quite a few kids were stranded at school until the weather cleared that afternoon.
Since then the weather has remained fairly cold and the snow has hung around far longer than the norm for here in Central Virginia. But I think it'll be mostly gone, excepting the larger piles of shoveled snow, by the end of this weekend. Temperatures will be up in the mid fifties and that should melt it away.
Oh and the tracks, those are from the deer. They lead from the woods right up to the tree next to the house. We see them almost anytime of day around here and they are very bold. So bold that I've even found deer tracks under the deck. However the tracks do add to the composition of the picture.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Artist of the Week: Village
This week's artist is our little snow angel Rebecca.
She is not quite the builder her brothers are, instead she likes to just mess about in the snow. With our last snowfall she made a small pile and then spent the rest of her time outdoors charging about and making snow angels. She has fun, just in her own way, Which is just what I would expect from my very independent daughter.
When she does decide to do something she fully commits to the project. Which brings us to this week's project.
At one point this year second grade was studying the various tribes of native Americans across the North American continent. One of the tribes, the Powhatan ( a local tribe still in existence in Virginia), had a project devoted to them demonstrating the life of an Eastern Woodland tribe. The students had to depict 10 examples of the various aspects of life in and around a village.
The rubric pasted on the underside of her project lists examples to be used and they are:
Home: Longhouses
Animals: deer, bear, turkey, squirrel, fish rabbit, and raccoon
Plants: trees, flowers, berries, corn, beans, and squash
Land: forest and rivers
Other: canoes, people, and tools
Rebecca loved this project and decided to make it 3 dimensional. The canoe and the fire are a bit off scale, but the rest all nicely mesh together. She made little fish in the river, animals are by the edge of the woods, and people are scattered about. It's a fun project and she included well more than twice the required 10 examples. From her teacher she got a well deserved E (excellent) for her effort. I think it's absolutely terrific.
She is not quite the builder her brothers are, instead she likes to just mess about in the snow. With our last snowfall she made a small pile and then spent the rest of her time outdoors charging about and making snow angels. She has fun, just in her own way, Which is just what I would expect from my very independent daughter.
When she does decide to do something she fully commits to the project. Which brings us to this week's project.
At one point this year second grade was studying the various tribes of native Americans across the North American continent. One of the tribes, the Powhatan ( a local tribe still in existence in Virginia), had a project devoted to them demonstrating the life of an Eastern Woodland tribe. The students had to depict 10 examples of the various aspects of life in and around a village.
The rubric pasted on the underside of her project lists examples to be used and they are:
Home: Longhouses
Animals: deer, bear, turkey, squirrel, fish rabbit, and raccoon
Plants: trees, flowers, berries, corn, beans, and squash
Land: forest and rivers
Other: canoes, people, and tools
Rebecca loved this project and decided to make it 3 dimensional. The canoe and the fire are a bit off scale, but the rest all nicely mesh together. She made little fish in the river, animals are by the edge of the woods, and people are scattered about. It's a fun project and she included well more than twice the required 10 examples. From her teacher she got a well deserved E (excellent) for her effort. I think it's absolutely terrific.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Snow Shot
A few days ago on the news it was briefly mentioned that on February 12th there was snow in 49 out of fifty states and Washington DC. I thought it was a cool little tidbit was just a wee bit disappointed about Hawaii. I know there can be snow on the higher peaks and it was a pity that they were bare during one of the few times Texas and Florida got a bit of snow.
Well it turns out all fifty states did have snow. If you go to here, Ramblings of a Graduate Student, you'll get the whole story. Then click over to the Snow Shot of America for all the pictures.
I found out about this from my friend David on Facebook and it made my geeky, weather junky heart sing.
Well it turns out all fifty states did have snow. If you go to here, Ramblings of a Graduate Student, you'll get the whole story. Then click over to the Snow Shot of America for all the pictures.
I found out about this from my friend David on Facebook and it made my geeky, weather junky heart sing.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Something Beautiful
Ólafur Arnalds - Ljósið
I found this absolutely lovely video and I just wanted to share.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Five And Still Alive
Well I have been puddling along here now for five years.
Sharing pictures, telling odd stories and posting things that just plain amuse me.
This isn't the most exciting or best written blog, not by a long shot. But... it's my blog and it's my little corner of the interwebs. So thank you for stopping by and leaving the occasional comment.
And who knows maybe someday I'll start posting at a far more civilized hour and not at my usual "oh heck it's almost midnight" post panic. Just don't hold your breath.
Sharing pictures, telling odd stories and posting things that just plain amuse me.
This isn't the most exciting or best written blog, not by a long shot. But... it's my blog and it's my little corner of the interwebs. So thank you for stopping by and leaving the occasional comment.
And who knows maybe someday I'll start posting at a far more civilized hour and not at my usual "oh heck it's almost midnight" post panic. Just don't hold your breath.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Just A Bit Freaky
Meryl and I talk about some of the oddest things when we are on the phone. It might start off reasonably enough, usually about a recent blog post or something in the news, but then we get sidetracked and end up in freaky town.
Case in point: her recent post about Jenny Tonge. Somehow we ended up discussing who she most resembled and settled on Keith Richards. Upon further reflection I decided that they both look like apple dolls (For the uninitiated, it is a doll with a head made out of an apple that has been carved with human features and allowed to dry.)
You have to admit there is some similarity among the three.
This, however, is not the end of the end weirdness. Oh no, we go much further.
To find an image of Keith I googled Keith Richards Apple doll. I figured I was not the only person to think this and I was right. I found a great article that has Keith chastising Amy Winehouse. Which alone is an amazing concept. Never mind the coconut tree incident- Keith Richards thinks Amy Winehouse is a train wreck..
Wow.
So without our weird phone calls I never would have googled the phrase "Keith Richards apple doll" and my life would be that much poorer.
Case in point: her recent post about Jenny Tonge. Somehow we ended up discussing who she most resembled and settled on Keith Richards. Upon further reflection I decided that they both look like apple dolls (For the uninitiated, it is a doll with a head made out of an apple that has been carved with human features and allowed to dry.)
You have to admit there is some similarity among the three.
This, however, is not the end of the end weirdness. Oh no, we go much further.
To find an image of Keith I googled Keith Richards Apple doll. I figured I was not the only person to think this and I was right. I found a great article that has Keith chastising Amy Winehouse. Which alone is an amazing concept. Never mind the coconut tree incident- Keith Richards thinks Amy Winehouse is a train wreck..
Wow.
So without our weird phone calls I never would have googled the phrase "Keith Richards apple doll" and my life would be that much poorer.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Blind Side
One of the nice things about the kids being school is that I get to do fun grown up stuff like going to the movies. There are a couple of mothers in the neighborhood that I'll go on a daily walk with after the bus picks up our respective children. And when we can shoehorn it into our schedules, we grab the occasional movie.
Today we saw The Blind Side.
We chose it because it fit best with our biggest requirement, getting back home before the the bus. Jake had seen it when it first came out with his classmates on a field trip (And at this point I must digress- when did it become normal for schools to have field trips to the movies? I never got to do that when I went to school.) and loved it. I was a bit unsure about the movie, being a nonfan of football, but I thought I would give it a shot.
I loved it. It is a terrific movie and Sandra Bullock gave an incredibly strong performance. Both heartbreaking and uplifting, the movie kept me glued to my seat. I'm so glad that I saw it. Meryl got to join us today and she too thought it was an amazing film.
It is definitely worth seeing.
Today we saw The Blind Side.
We chose it because it fit best with our biggest requirement, getting back home before the the bus. Jake had seen it when it first came out with his classmates on a field trip (And at this point I must digress- when did it become normal for schools to have field trips to the movies? I never got to do that when I went to school.) and loved it. I was a bit unsure about the movie, being a nonfan of football, but I thought I would give it a shot.
I loved it. It is a terrific movie and Sandra Bullock gave an incredibly strong performance. Both heartbreaking and uplifting, the movie kept me glued to my seat. I'm so glad that I saw it. Meryl got to join us today and she too thought it was an amazing film.
It is definitely worth seeing.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Artist of the Week: Snow Dome
Or another way to look at it, an igloo.
Even through the hits keep coming with our never ending winter storm watch, the artist of the week carries on. This week Jake is the one in the spotlight with his snow dome.
It first started out as a smallish fort like structure. He showed it off to me when I came out to see what everybody was building. After the requisite picture taking Jake asked me if it was a good idea to try to put a top on it. I gave him a breezy go ahead along the lines or "Sure! Why not!" I didn't think it would be particularly easy, but I figured why not give him some encouragement and see what happens.
That was all he needed.
He was outside long after his siblings bailed on their projects and came in for hot cocoa. It had even turned to light rain and he kept on building. In the end he was able to cap it off. I came out at just the right moment and stuck my camera inside with the lens pointing up.
So far his dome has weathered two more storms and has nicely iced over. It is not quite as big as the one over in Herndon, but then again he is just one boy. He didn't have three tons of snow at his disposal, just what he could scrounge in our backyard while designing it on he fly.
I think it came out looking rather nifty.
Even through the hits keep coming with our never ending winter storm watch, the artist of the week carries on. This week Jake is the one in the spotlight with his snow dome.
It first started out as a smallish fort like structure. He showed it off to me when I came out to see what everybody was building. After the requisite picture taking Jake asked me if it was a good idea to try to put a top on it. I gave him a breezy go ahead along the lines or "Sure! Why not!" I didn't think it would be particularly easy, but I figured why not give him some encouragement and see what happens.
That was all he needed.
He was outside long after his siblings bailed on their projects and came in for hot cocoa. It had even turned to light rain and he kept on building. In the end he was able to cap it off. I came out at just the right moment and stuck my camera inside with the lens pointing up.
So far his dome has weathered two more storms and has nicely iced over. It is not quite as big as the one over in Herndon, but then again he is just one boy. He didn't have three tons of snow at his disposal, just what he could scrounge in our backyard while designing it on he fly.
I think it came out looking rather nifty.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Snowlapse 2010
Here is a neat time lapse video of the big snow storm up in DC. I particularly liked watched the branches bend down as the snow piled up.
Down in Richmond metro area we got nothing close to the same amount of snow fall. Poor little teddy bear trapped in the snow.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Snow Days
Hopefully today will be our last snow day for a while. The county, as of this writing, has posted that there will be school on Tuesday and it will be starting on time.
And on the behalf of all the beleaguered parents and guardians out there, I'd like add a heartfelt amen.
So no more lounging about in pajamas, goofing off on the computer, or playing in the snow. At least until the next winter storm.
Or course there was nothing mentioned about the possibility of an early release, because we are supposed to get a nice wintry mix tomorrow afternoon.
And on the behalf of all the beleaguered parents and guardians out there, I'd like add a heartfelt amen.
So no more lounging about in pajamas, goofing off on the computer, or playing in the snow. At least until the next winter storm.
Or course there was nothing mentioned about the possibility of an early release, because we are supposed to get a nice wintry mix tomorrow afternoon.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
I See You
This is possibly one of the coolest pictures I have ever taken and it wasn't even my idea.
Nate had built a huge tower in our backyard from the snow we have gotten this weekend. It was literally taller than him. It was also riddled with tunnels and holes, Nate had me photograph them.
For this shot he told me to kneel down and shoot through the tunnel. He pressed his face near the tunnels far entrance with the idea that this would demonstrate the the tunnel goes straight through the tower to the other side. I could barely see his face, it was just a faint smudge through the viewfinder. I snapped two pictures, having him move just a smidge to ensure I got something.
Amazingly it was the first picture that came out best. I decided to post a larger version here so you can see the picture in all its glory. I love how you can very clearly see his brown eye peering at you from the other side.
Not bad for shooting almost blind.
Nate had built a huge tower in our backyard from the snow we have gotten this weekend. It was literally taller than him. It was also riddled with tunnels and holes, Nate had me photograph them.
For this shot he told me to kneel down and shoot through the tunnel. He pressed his face near the tunnels far entrance with the idea that this would demonstrate the the tunnel goes straight through the tower to the other side. I could barely see his face, it was just a faint smudge through the viewfinder. I snapped two pictures, having him move just a smidge to ensure I got something.
Amazingly it was the first picture that came out best. I decided to post a larger version here so you can see the picture in all its glory. I love how you can very clearly see his brown eye peering at you from the other side.
Not bad for shooting almost blind.
Friday, February 05, 2010
It May Be Snowy, But...
Baseball season is right around the corner.
This extremely cute video was made by one of the local schools in response to the name the mascot contest currently being held by Richmond's newest baseball team, The Flying Squirrels.
In fact the video is so cute they received an invitation to sing their song at the Diamond during the announcement of the mascots name.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
The Big Question
Are we going to get snow or ice?
Will we get a nice dumping of fresh fluffy snow or are we going to be socked in with sleet and rain?
And then there are the other questions.
Will they cancel school at 5 am? I just love that 5 am automated call. Nothing gets the blood pumping in morning like an early phone call, particularly when the call is tell you that you can sleep in.
Alternatively there could still be school, but then they can always end the school day early. I can at least prep the kids ahead and tell them I will be home, just ride the bus. Because I really don't want to drive when the weather is bad, they are much safer on the bus.
Either way, snow or sleet, I still get to wear my duck boots.
Update: At about a quarter 7:00 am we got the call, because the Governor declared a state of emergency- no school.
Will we get a nice dumping of fresh fluffy snow or are we going to be socked in with sleet and rain?
And then there are the other questions.
Will they cancel school at 5 am? I just love that 5 am automated call. Nothing gets the blood pumping in morning like an early phone call, particularly when the call is tell you that you can sleep in.
Alternatively there could still be school, but then they can always end the school day early. I can at least prep the kids ahead and tell them I will be home, just ride the bus. Because I really don't want to drive when the weather is bad, they are much safer on the bus.
Either way, snow or sleet, I still get to wear my duck boots.
Update: At about a quarter 7:00 am we got the call, because the Governor declared a state of emergency- no school.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Artist of the Week: Mountain
Mr. Max is this week's artist and his medium this week is snow.
As y'all well know by now we got some snow last weekend. Quite a bit for this area in fact. On Sunday, after it was all finished with snowing and blowing, we got a gloriously bright sunny day. Meryl helped Larry and I dig out the driveway and in the process we made a bit of a mound near the end of the driveway. Max was outside with us and promptly laid claim to it and dubbed it "Max Mountain."
He spent the rest of his time outside augmenting his mountain and adding features like caves. When we asked him the names of his caves he announced they were the Max caves. He did not like my suggestion of the Min caves of Max Mountain. Any way you can see one of his caves near the base of his mountain.
The column on top was originally smaller, but after I mentioned that it looked kind of like God's Thumb from the movie "Holes" (we had just watched that with Meryl) he decided to make it a bit bigger. The end result was even more like the movie version, which is ironic considering he claimed that he did not like the movie. Either way he had a good time mucking about in the snow and dang it, the boy is just too cute when he is all bundled up.
Meryl agrees with me and in fact I have to give her credit for this picture along with the one of Nate a few days ago. I was a bit of a slacker in the picture department this past weekend, but then again I knew somebody was going to take at least a few.
As y'all well know by now we got some snow last weekend. Quite a bit for this area in fact. On Sunday, after it was all finished with snowing and blowing, we got a gloriously bright sunny day. Meryl helped Larry and I dig out the driveway and in the process we made a bit of a mound near the end of the driveway. Max was outside with us and promptly laid claim to it and dubbed it "Max Mountain."
He spent the rest of his time outside augmenting his mountain and adding features like caves. When we asked him the names of his caves he announced they were the Max caves. He did not like my suggestion of the Min caves of Max Mountain. Any way you can see one of his caves near the base of his mountain.
The column on top was originally smaller, but after I mentioned that it looked kind of like God's Thumb from the movie "Holes" (we had just watched that with Meryl) he decided to make it a bit bigger. The end result was even more like the movie version, which is ironic considering he claimed that he did not like the movie. Either way he had a good time mucking about in the snow and dang it, the boy is just too cute when he is all bundled up.
Meryl agrees with me and in fact I have to give her credit for this picture along with the one of Nate a few days ago. I was a bit of a slacker in the picture department this past weekend, but then again I knew somebody was going to take at least a few.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Silly Me
I thought that since VDOT actually deigned to clear my road on Monday, a whole day earlier than the expected, that schools would shortly reopen.
Silly me.
On Monday we had no school, a no brainer considering we got close to 9 inches of snow on Saturday.
Tuesday we again had a snow day which was pretty much assumed and was no shock.
This afternoon I got word that we would have no school on Wednesday. The news was greeted by cheers from my crew and a rolling of eyes by me. I was really hoping for just a two hour delay, but I was far too optimistic.
I think school was canceled on account of tonight's forecast, rain, sleet and a trace of snow. Not a good mix for safe driving. I'm very glad there is a "Snow Day Party" going on in my subdivision tomorrow. I know we are all getting a little squirrelly and it'll be good to get out a spend time with other people.
Silly me.
On Monday we had no school, a no brainer considering we got close to 9 inches of snow on Saturday.
Tuesday we again had a snow day which was pretty much assumed and was no shock.
This afternoon I got word that we would have no school on Wednesday. The news was greeted by cheers from my crew and a rolling of eyes by me. I was really hoping for just a two hour delay, but I was far too optimistic.
I think school was canceled on account of tonight's forecast, rain, sleet and a trace of snow. Not a good mix for safe driving. I'm very glad there is a "Snow Day Party" going on in my subdivision tomorrow. I know we are all getting a little squirrelly and it'll be good to get out a spend time with other people.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Storm Grilling
So Meryl and I did a little side trip to the supermarket on the way back home. Did we get the classic OMG the sky is falling storm supplies?
Heck no! We got strip steaks and a propane tank.
Nothing beats the winter storm blues than a nice juicy steak hot off the grill.
I was able to set up the grill right outside the side door to the garage. All I had to do was open the door and "boom" the grill was there. I could tend to the steaks without setting foot in the snow.
It was great fun listening to the hiss of the snow flakes as they hit the grill. And the steaks- they were some of the best I've ever grilled. Tender, juicy and oh so flavorful. Paired up with some killer mashed potatoes, we feasted like kings.
Heck no! We got strip steaks and a propane tank.
Nothing beats the winter storm blues than a nice juicy steak hot off the grill.
I was able to set up the grill right outside the side door to the garage. All I had to do was open the door and "boom" the grill was there. I could tend to the steaks without setting foot in the snow.
It was great fun listening to the hiss of the snow flakes as they hit the grill. And the steaks- they were some of the best I've ever grilled. Tender, juicy and oh so flavorful. Paired up with some killer mashed potatoes, we feasted like kings.
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