Last night Spyder and I stayed up extra late to watch the Perseid meteor shower.
In our area the best time to watch was around 1 am. The parent in me balked at letting my son outside that late (early?). Spyder is enthralled with all things astronomical though, so he was excited about seeing it. The homeschooler in me decided to relax and go with it.
It was a great night for stargazing in general, really. There was a new moon, so the star field was much clearer than usual. Spyder got out his Dangerous Book for Boys and his star chart and found several constellations while waiting for a meteor. He had such a great time stargazing that he decided that he wanted to go stargazing at every new moon.
He saw the first meteor around 12:45, and we saw a total of 5 between 12:45 and 1:30 am. By then we were both so tired that it was a struggle to keep searching. Spyder came in and (quite literally) fell onto the bed and went to sleep where he landed. I came in a few minutes after, took off his shoes, washed his feet, and tucked him in. I think he was already asleep before I ever got there.
It was a great experience though, and I'm glad that I stuck to the commitment that I had made to let him see it.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Take Your Family to Work Day
Today was my usual once-a-month working day at the bookstore. I work the big storytime, where we have a character in costume and lots of crafts as well as the usual reading time.
The character today was Arthur. My children love Arthur, both of them, although Spyder doesn't want most people to know. He's "too old" for that stuff. Har. Har.
Considering how much they like Arthur, I had wanted to bring them anyway. But Skeeter told me yesterday that he had to work this morning, although he wasn't sure how long he'd be. When he told me that, I called the manager and asked if I could bring them along. She had invited me to bring them before, but I thought it was best to call and ask just in case. She said, "Sure, bring them on! We'll put them to work if we need to."
So last night, I told both of them that they had jobs today. It ended up that Skeeter finished up around 8 am, so he was home, but they children were so excited that I wanted them to come anyway. So Skeeter, the children and I all went to work today. And let me just proclaim loudly -- they were fantastic!
The organizer hadn't realized how much prep work there would be for the crafts, so she waited until this morning. Thank heavens I decided to get there early, and I spent an hour and a half cutting felt for the main craft. Sass spent the time cutting out paper hats (and did a great job).
Here's the main craft we did. It's actually one that I did at home with Spyder when he was about 3. It's just a balloon made to look like Arthur, but the children loved it.
These aren't the best examples, but I had a hard time taking photos while the balloons were weaving and wobbling. We also made some to look like DW, although that was a first for me. Some of the children got a little overenthusiastic about the hair (yarn) though, and some of the DW balloons were a little top-heavy.
After the balloon craft, Skeeter read the stories. We were short one person, and he enjoys reading to children, so he volunteered. Spyder helped during storytime by getting children settled, then during the actual reading, he showed the pictures while Skeeter read. Skeeter decided he wouldn't be any good at reading upside down or sideways like I normally do. :)
After the stories, Arthur made his appearance.
Sass was feeling shy at first, but she eventually went over and gave Arthur a high-five.
I was slightly amused to find Spyder helping a customer after storytime too. He was walking along with a grandmother and her grandson, recommending books and telling them that next month's big storytime is Corduroy.
Despite the rush to prep everything at the beginning, it was a fun storytime, and I'm so glad that my family got to join in on the fun. They all did such a great job that the manager invited them for next time and said she'd pay them in cookies, milk, and coffee. That got a thumbs-up from everyone!
The character today was Arthur. My children love Arthur, both of them, although Spyder doesn't want most people to know. He's "too old" for that stuff. Har. Har.
Considering how much they like Arthur, I had wanted to bring them anyway. But Skeeter told me yesterday that he had to work this morning, although he wasn't sure how long he'd be. When he told me that, I called the manager and asked if I could bring them along. She had invited me to bring them before, but I thought it was best to call and ask just in case. She said, "Sure, bring them on! We'll put them to work if we need to."
So last night, I told both of them that they had jobs today. It ended up that Skeeter finished up around 8 am, so he was home, but they children were so excited that I wanted them to come anyway. So Skeeter, the children and I all went to work today. And let me just proclaim loudly -- they were fantastic!
The organizer hadn't realized how much prep work there would be for the crafts, so she waited until this morning. Thank heavens I decided to get there early, and I spent an hour and a half cutting felt for the main craft. Sass spent the time cutting out paper hats (and did a great job).
Here's the main craft we did. It's actually one that I did at home with Spyder when he was about 3. It's just a balloon made to look like Arthur, but the children loved it.
These aren't the best examples, but I had a hard time taking photos while the balloons were weaving and wobbling. We also made some to look like DW, although that was a first for me. Some of the children got a little overenthusiastic about the hair (yarn) though, and some of the DW balloons were a little top-heavy.
After the balloon craft, Skeeter read the stories. We were short one person, and he enjoys reading to children, so he volunteered. Spyder helped during storytime by getting children settled, then during the actual reading, he showed the pictures while Skeeter read. Skeeter decided he wouldn't be any good at reading upside down or sideways like I normally do. :)
After the stories, Arthur made his appearance.
Sass was feeling shy at first, but she eventually went over and gave Arthur a high-five.
I was slightly amused to find Spyder helping a customer after storytime too. He was walking along with a grandmother and her grandson, recommending books and telling them that next month's big storytime is Corduroy.
Despite the rush to prep everything at the beginning, it was a fun storytime, and I'm so glad that my family got to join in on the fun. They all did such a great job that the manager invited them for next time and said she'd pay them in cookies, milk, and coffee. That got a thumbs-up from everyone!
Thursday, August 09, 2007
So long, Pippi!
We've just finished reading Pippi Longstocking, and we all enjoyed it tremendously. Sass and Spyder both loved Pippi's unorthodox ways of doing things, and each had a little epiphany during Pippi's escapades. Spyder was annoyed by the ending though. There was no closure, and he hates that.
Sass drew this today while we were reading.
Not bad, eh? The little blobs off to the right are Tommy and Annika. I was especially pleased with her drawing of Mr Nilsson.
So for now we say goodbye to Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Efraim's Daughter Longstocking. I've just put Pippi Goes on Board on hold at the library though, so we'll see her again soon.
Sass drew this today while we were reading.
Not bad, eh? The little blobs off to the right are Tommy and Annika. I was especially pleased with her drawing of Mr Nilsson.
So for now we say goodbye to Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Efraim's Daughter Longstocking. I've just put Pippi Goes on Board on hold at the library though, so we'll see her again soon.
Oh joy! Oh happy day!
I've just found out that Scholastic is having a warehouse sale through Saturday. I had completely forgotten about it! As I've mentioned before, I love the Scholastic sales!
There's just nothing that sets my heart a-flutter like cheap books.
Today we were planning to take the afternoon and create our Zoology notebooks. That plan? Gone, out the window, flying away in the breeze. (Or sitting lackluster outside the window in the stifling heat -- take your pick.)
Spyder and Sass are almost as excited as I am. They both know that we come away with great stuff.
In fact, I think Spyder even more excited. He's planning to scour the shelves in hopes of finding Mad Science items.
There's just nothing that sets my heart a-flutter like cheap books.
Today we were planning to take the afternoon and create our Zoology notebooks. That plan? Gone, out the window, flying away in the breeze. (Or sitting lackluster outside the window in the stifling heat -- take your pick.)
Spyder and Sass are almost as excited as I am. They both know that we come away with great stuff.
In fact, I think Spyder even more excited. He's planning to scour the shelves in hopes of finding Mad Science items.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Works for Me Wednesday: Puzzle Storage
My daughter loves puzzles. Getting them in and out of the game closet tends to wear the boxes though. Plus someone always ends up stepping on it, causing the sides to rip. For ages I attempted to tape the boxes back together, only to find puzzle pieces scattered on the floor of the closet. I've come up with a better solution: ziploc bags!
I cut out the picture of the puzzle and put it and the pieces in a ziploc slider bag. (Slider bags are all-important here. I tried it with the regular bags, but my 5 year old didn't always close the regular bag properly, and I'd end up with puzzle pieces scattered from the dining room to the closet.)
All of the puzzle bags are kept in a small-ish storage tub, and it makes for easy in-and-out of the closet. Plus, getting them all out at once saves trips to the closet every ten minutes when she's done with one and needs another.
Be sure to visit Rocks in My Dryer for all of the great Works for Me Wednesday tips!
I cut out the picture of the puzzle and put it and the pieces in a ziploc slider bag. (Slider bags are all-important here. I tried it with the regular bags, but my 5 year old didn't always close the regular bag properly, and I'd end up with puzzle pieces scattered from the dining room to the closet.)
All of the puzzle bags are kept in a small-ish storage tub, and it makes for easy in-and-out of the closet. Plus, getting them all out at once saves trips to the closet every ten minutes when she's done with one and needs another.
Be sure to visit Rocks in My Dryer for all of the great Works for Me Wednesday tips!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
She's growing up, that girl o' mine.
As of yesterday, Sass has lost two teeth! She lost the first one on July 18. It had been loose for a few days, so it was only a matter of time, really. Our tooth fairy gives out gold dollar coins, and we were in the bank getting fairy coins when the first one came out. Today's was slightly less dramatic, since we were at home and she's now an old hand at losing calcified bits.
My Sass, with her loot from today, complete with dirty face and fingers:
She's so proud and feels the need to show everyone her "gone tooth." Of course, now she's obsessed with teeth and will ask random people in the grocery store if they've lost a tooth. Makes for a good icebreaker, I suppose. The cashier at Kroger knows all about Sass's "gone tooth" and the "monies" she gets instead.
In the car on the way home from Kroger, Spyder and Sass were plotting the extortion opportunities available to them. After all, it's not like they'll need them in thirty years anyway.
My Sass, with her loot from today, complete with dirty face and fingers:
She's so proud and feels the need to show everyone her "gone tooth." Of course, now she's obsessed with teeth and will ask random people in the grocery store if they've lost a tooth. Makes for a good icebreaker, I suppose. The cashier at Kroger knows all about Sass's "gone tooth" and the "monies" she gets instead.
In the car on the way home from Kroger, Spyder and Sass were plotting the extortion opportunities available to them. After all, it's not like they'll need them in thirty years anyway.
Definitely on the "Bad Idea" list
Today I got four passes to see a free screening of the new movie Arctic Tale. This really isn't anything new. We get the free passes at my bookstore all the time. Plus, I know the person who organizes all of the free showings for the metro area, and I can email her any time and say "put me on the list" if I don't happen to get one another way.
Have you ever been to one of these free screenings? They're fun. The crowd is always in a jovial mood (hello? free movie? of course people are happy!). Sometimes they give out prizes too.
But the key word in that paragraph above is crowd. I have been to exactly one of these screenings where people weren't turned away. (The Incredibles, and that was only because it was a downtown showing and there was a massive storm.) Generally, you have to get there over an hour before the showing to actually get a seat.
I'm all about free stuff. But . . . as much as I think my Sass will love this movie, I am not going to stand in line with her for an hour or more -- with a load of other people and the chance that we'll get in -- just to save the price of the tickets ($10). No how, no way. If it's just Skeeter and me, no problem. We just wait our turn and chat. We've done it loads of times, and it's a great cheap date.
Chasing after the urchins? Nope, not interested.
Have you ever been to one of these free screenings? They're fun. The crowd is always in a jovial mood (hello? free movie? of course people are happy!). Sometimes they give out prizes too.
But the key word in that paragraph above is crowd. I have been to exactly one of these screenings where people weren't turned away. (The Incredibles, and that was only because it was a downtown showing and there was a massive storm.) Generally, you have to get there over an hour before the showing to actually get a seat.
I'm all about free stuff. But . . . as much as I think my Sass will love this movie, I am not going to stand in line with her for an hour or more -- with a load of other people and the chance that we'll get in -- just to save the price of the tickets ($10). No how, no way. If it's just Skeeter and me, no problem. We just wait our turn and chat. We've done it loads of times, and it's a great cheap date.
Chasing after the urchins? Nope, not interested.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Dinner solution
I resolved the dinner dilemma.
This morning I realized that take-out would be taking the easy way out, fulfilling the letter of the law but not the spirit.
I did decide on an easy dinner though -- baked spaghetti and meatballs, fresh corn on the cob, garlic bread, and chocolate chip cookies. Since she lives so far away, I decided to assemble the baked spaghetti and let her heat it and melt the cheese. I had debated on making fresh corn casserole that I found through Multitasking Mama, but I had already put the corn on to boil when I looked it up, so alas, that will have to wait.
Personally, I like to make my corn a little different (boiled, then roasted with butter, salt, and a bit of Parmesan cheese), but I wasn't sure it would go over well, so I opted for plain old corn on the cob. I did give her the recipe for how I like it though.
The chocolate chip cookies were a last minute idea, sort of. My friend Michael Ann gave me the BEST chocolate chip cookie recipe ages ago, and I've made it so many times that it's almost second nature. Since I went with an easy menu, I thought the cookies would be a nice extra. Who doesn't like chocolate chip cookies? :)
So, at long last, here is the meal I prepared (minus the garlic bread):
Easy, but foods that are liked by most people. She was quite gracious when I delivered it, and even apologized for walking away from me at church yesterday.
Here's hoping this is the beginning of a new path!
This morning I realized that take-out would be taking the easy way out, fulfilling the letter of the law but not the spirit.
I did decide on an easy dinner though -- baked spaghetti and meatballs, fresh corn on the cob, garlic bread, and chocolate chip cookies. Since she lives so far away, I decided to assemble the baked spaghetti and let her heat it and melt the cheese. I had debated on making fresh corn casserole that I found through Multitasking Mama, but I had already put the corn on to boil when I looked it up, so alas, that will have to wait.
Personally, I like to make my corn a little different (boiled, then roasted with butter, salt, and a bit of Parmesan cheese), but I wasn't sure it would go over well, so I opted for plain old corn on the cob. I did give her the recipe for how I like it though.
The chocolate chip cookies were a last minute idea, sort of. My friend Michael Ann gave me the BEST chocolate chip cookie recipe ages ago, and I've made it so many times that it's almost second nature. Since I went with an easy menu, I thought the cookies would be a nice extra. Who doesn't like chocolate chip cookies? :)
So, at long last, here is the meal I prepared (minus the garlic bread):
Easy, but foods that are liked by most people. She was quite gracious when I delivered it, and even apologized for walking away from me at church yesterday.
Here's hoping this is the beginning of a new path!
Patience? Yeah. She got that from me.
SASS: Are the cookies ready?
ME: Just a couple more minutes. I'll get them out of the oven, we'll let them cool for a couple of minutes, then you can have one!
SASS: Cool? COOL? I don't care about COOL! I just want a cookie!
ME: Just a couple more minutes. I'll get them out of the oven, we'll let them cool for a couple of minutes, then you can have one!
SASS: Cool? COOL? I don't care about COOL! I just want a cookie!
Good things come to those who surf
My friend Julie knows my affection for Hob Nobs. It's an English oatmeal cookie, but oh so much more. I haven't been able to reliably find them here in the US, although I'm sure they're available. For a few blessed months in 1997, I was able to find them at Sam's Club -- in a mega-pack, of course!
While surfing and clicking around to nowhere in particular, I came across Elizabeth at Frabjous Days, who must also love the sinfully delicious Hob Nobs. She's even written a sonnet in honor of them.
Check it out! And if you ever run across a place that sells Hob Nobs, buy a package. Or a case. And invite me over. :)
While surfing and clicking around to nowhere in particular, I came across Elizabeth at Frabjous Days, who must also love the sinfully delicious Hob Nobs. She's even written a sonnet in honor of them.
Check it out! And if you ever run across a place that sells Hob Nobs, buy a package. Or a case. And invite me over. :)
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Dinner dilemma
Skeeter and I are part of a "care unit" at our church. We are part of a team of people who bring meals, visit ones in the hospital, call members we haven't seen in a while . . . you get the idea.
Tomorrow I'm scheduled to make a meal for a couple who just had a baby. Normally it's not an extraordinary task. But tomorrow's will be, for me.
I'll be taking a meal to one of the members who has shown obvious disdain for me. We had an altercation once. It hasn't really gotten better. Since then I've tried to be the bigger person, but she sends those signals -- you know what I mean -- every time I've spoken to her. Today at church I walked over to her to ask if she had any particular likes or dislikes for her meal, and she looked at me, said, "I've got to feed the baby" and walked off.
So now I'm in a dilemma. Should I get take-out for them (nice take-out, but still, not homemade) or do I spend three hours in the kitchen making something I fear she'll just toss in the trash because it's from me? I think I'd be better with having lost the $25 than three hours. And to make matters slightly more difficult, her house is thirty miles from mine. Nothing I take will still be warm enough to eat.
A friend said, "It's not you. She has hurt others with her words. We need to pray for her."
I agree with that. Wholeheartedly. And I have been praying for her. But I have also been intentionally not putting myself in a position for her to say anything particularly hurtful to me.
So tomorrow will be a test for me -- for my strength and my patience. All over dinner.
Tomorrow I'm scheduled to make a meal for a couple who just had a baby. Normally it's not an extraordinary task. But tomorrow's will be, for me.
I'll be taking a meal to one of the members who has shown obvious disdain for me. We had an altercation once. It hasn't really gotten better. Since then I've tried to be the bigger person, but she sends those signals -- you know what I mean -- every time I've spoken to her. Today at church I walked over to her to ask if she had any particular likes or dislikes for her meal, and she looked at me, said, "I've got to feed the baby" and walked off.
So now I'm in a dilemma. Should I get take-out for them (nice take-out, but still, not homemade) or do I spend three hours in the kitchen making something I fear she'll just toss in the trash because it's from me? I think I'd be better with having lost the $25 than three hours. And to make matters slightly more difficult, her house is thirty miles from mine. Nothing I take will still be warm enough to eat.
A friend said, "It's not you. She has hurt others with her words. We need to pray for her."
I agree with that. Wholeheartedly. And I have been praying for her. But I have also been intentionally not putting myself in a position for her to say anything particularly hurtful to me.
So tomorrow will be a test for me -- for my strength and my patience. All over dinner.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Let me direct you to a few good places
Saints and Spinners: I wish that Alkelda the storyteller would move next door to me. Or at least lived in the same state (I'd even take the same region) as our family so we could attend her gigs. She is so talented and clever that I feel a wee bit more clever myself whenever I visit her little corner. Oh, and she's a Blackadder fan. No more needs to be said -- she's brilliant.
Wise Bread: Not quite your typical personal finance blog. Recent entries include "What's the worst thing you ever bought?" and "What to pack for a road trip with Rover?"
Zen Habits: In the same personal finance genre, but with more of a simplicity leaning. Interestingly, I think of it as very Flylady-ish without all of the pink and purple themed merchandise and cutesy sayings.
Home Ec 101: Loads of great homemaking tips. Got a home-related question? Cooking? Cleaning? Laundry? It's all tackled here. And they answer reader questions.
Callapidder Days: Katrina is a book fiend, which is how I found her (through a reading challenge at Jennifer Snapshot). But my favorite part of her blog is her game reviews. We're a game lovin' family, and I've found several new favorites simply because of her reviews.
Wise Bread: Not quite your typical personal finance blog. Recent entries include "What's the worst thing you ever bought?" and "What to pack for a road trip with Rover?"
Zen Habits: In the same personal finance genre, but with more of a simplicity leaning. Interestingly, I think of it as very Flylady-ish without all of the pink and purple themed merchandise and cutesy sayings.
Home Ec 101: Loads of great homemaking tips. Got a home-related question? Cooking? Cleaning? Laundry? It's all tackled here. And they answer reader questions.
Callapidder Days: Katrina is a book fiend, which is how I found her (through a reading challenge at Jennifer Snapshot). But my favorite part of her blog is her game reviews. We're a game lovin' family, and I've found several new favorites simply because of her reviews.
My Alligator King
"The Alligator King" was one of my favorite songs years ago when I was an avid Sesame Street watcher. Remember it?
I have my own Alligator King. He's not the original in the Sesame Street ditty, but he's close enough to remind me of it. I can't remember how I got him. It seems as if I've had him forever, but I'm sure he must have shown up as part of Spyder's toys.
Spyder has long since outgrown these types of toys, and I've claimed him. He sits on the windowsill in the kitchen.
Every day, usually twice a day or more, I look at him while I'm washing the dishes and sing, "Said the Alligator King to his seven sons . . . ."
I have my own Alligator King. He's not the original in the Sesame Street ditty, but he's close enough to remind me of it. I can't remember how I got him. It seems as if I've had him forever, but I'm sure he must have shown up as part of Spyder's toys.
Spyder has long since outgrown these types of toys, and I've claimed him. He sits on the windowsill in the kitchen.
Every day, usually twice a day or more, I look at him while I'm washing the dishes and sing, "Said the Alligator King to his seven sons . . . ."
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
The beginning of the end
As of today, I have our school materials for the coming year. I only needed two things to round out our studies, but I've been trying to find them cheap with no success. I found an eBay seller who had both for decent prices and reasonable shipping, so I ordered them last week, and they arrived today.
Let me emphasize my complete nerdiness by saying how excited I am about this year! Spyder and Sass will both be studying etymology, specifically Greek and Latin roots, and my inner nerd is loving it!
Spyder and Sass will also both be studying beginning biology, which I (personally) am more excited about than last year's astronomy. We'll be doing another earth science as well, since Spyder can't get enough of science.
I haven't decided exactly what our history lessons will encompass yet. The three of us decided today that we've had enough of the ancients -- thank heavens! -- and it's time to move on. I'm voting for the end of the Roman Empire to the High Middle Ages, but the children are leaning more toward early America. Either way, I have the materials, so it's just a matter of deciding. I'm betting we'll go with American since it's what they're more interested in studying.
Spyder and I decided that we'll begin at the same time as the regular schools this year, which works for me. That gives me about two weeks to get the schedule worked up and making the rounds at Target for basic supplies. Sounds easy enough, but those school supply aisles just make me giddy. I have to go in with a very specific list, otherwise I come out with all sorts of things that I just loved but don't particularly need.
"A bouquet of newly sharpened pencils" may be ideal for our first day, if only for myself. :)
Let me emphasize my complete nerdiness by saying how excited I am about this year! Spyder and Sass will both be studying etymology, specifically Greek and Latin roots, and my inner nerd is loving it!
Spyder and Sass will also both be studying beginning biology, which I (personally) am more excited about than last year's astronomy. We'll be doing another earth science as well, since Spyder can't get enough of science.
I haven't decided exactly what our history lessons will encompass yet. The three of us decided today that we've had enough of the ancients -- thank heavens! -- and it's time to move on. I'm voting for the end of the Roman Empire to the High Middle Ages, but the children are leaning more toward early America. Either way, I have the materials, so it's just a matter of deciding. I'm betting we'll go with American since it's what they're more interested in studying.
Spyder and I decided that we'll begin at the same time as the regular schools this year, which works for me. That gives me about two weeks to get the schedule worked up and making the rounds at Target for basic supplies. Sounds easy enough, but those school supply aisles just make me giddy. I have to go in with a very specific list, otherwise I come out with all sorts of things that I just loved but don't particularly need.
"A bouquet of newly sharpened pencils" may be ideal for our first day, if only for myself. :)
Monday, July 30, 2007
Alas, poor Grasshopper
I never introduced him here, so none of you knew him. But we did.
Grasshopper was our turtle (specifically a Red Eared Pond Slider), found on Skeeter's construction site in February. He rescued him from sure death by front-end loader and brought him home. By necessity, he taught us quite a lot about turtles during his time with us.
During the cold weather, he lived inside under a warming light. But once warm weather hit, he lived outside. He and the doggies got along most of the time, but Grasshopper would make a try for freedom on occasion, and it would annoy Lucy to no end. It almost always happened in the morning, between 7 and 8. Lucy would start barking like mad and I would know that Grasshopper was making a try for the fence.
For being turtle, Grasshopper could really book it when it had a purpose. And oddly, he'd always head toward the gate, as if he could just open it and walk out.
Grasshopper made his last bid for freedom while we were on vacation.
Brenda had agreed to stop by and feed the dogs and turtle while we were gone, and poor Grasshopper was missing that first evening when she came to feed everyone. She looked for an hour and a half, but no Grasshopper. She looked every day, and we looked and looked when we got back.
I just hope that he made it safely to the pond across the road.
So, in memoriam, our Grasshopper:
Grasshopper was our turtle (specifically a Red Eared Pond Slider), found on Skeeter's construction site in February. He rescued him from sure death by front-end loader and brought him home. By necessity, he taught us quite a lot about turtles during his time with us.
During the cold weather, he lived inside under a warming light. But once warm weather hit, he lived outside. He and the doggies got along most of the time, but Grasshopper would make a try for freedom on occasion, and it would annoy Lucy to no end. It almost always happened in the morning, between 7 and 8. Lucy would start barking like mad and I would know that Grasshopper was making a try for the fence.
For being turtle, Grasshopper could really book it when it had a purpose. And oddly, he'd always head toward the gate, as if he could just open it and walk out.
Grasshopper made his last bid for freedom while we were on vacation.
Brenda had agreed to stop by and feed the dogs and turtle while we were gone, and poor Grasshopper was missing that first evening when she came to feed everyone. She looked for an hour and a half, but no Grasshopper. She looked every day, and we looked and looked when we got back.
I just hope that he made it safely to the pond across the road.
So, in memoriam, our Grasshopper:
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Post-vacation recovery
So why is it that the post-vacation house is far messier than any other time? I've been making huge strides at getting rid of stuff and keeping the clutter down. Now I feel like I'm back at the beginning.
I sit among piles of laundry. Well, there are always piles of laundry, but these are far bigger and far more annoying piles. Plus there's all of the stuff that acted as stowaways for the ride home.
I still haven't cleaned out the car. Well, all of the stuff is out, but I haven't vacuumed it and such. The oppressive heat we've had for the last few days zaps me the moment I walk outside. I'm considering just taking it to the car wash/detail place. At this point, I'd happily pay them the $40 to clean it just so I don't have to be outside.
On a happy note, my friend Carla came by today to use the computer to enter her stuff for the consignment sale next weekend. I got my things out to enter, and she ended up taking all but two items, so I'm not going to bother with the sale. Wheeeee! My cedar wardrobe is cleaned out except for Skeeter's long sleeved shirts and a couple of Halloween costumes!
Oh, and Sass declared that she will be a pumpkin for Halloween this year. Works for me. There is a pumpkin costume in the closet, and it fits!
I sit among piles of laundry. Well, there are always piles of laundry, but these are far bigger and far more annoying piles. Plus there's all of the stuff that acted as stowaways for the ride home.
I still haven't cleaned out the car. Well, all of the stuff is out, but I haven't vacuumed it and such. The oppressive heat we've had for the last few days zaps me the moment I walk outside. I'm considering just taking it to the car wash/detail place. At this point, I'd happily pay them the $40 to clean it just so I don't have to be outside.
On a happy note, my friend Carla came by today to use the computer to enter her stuff for the consignment sale next weekend. I got my things out to enter, and she ended up taking all but two items, so I'm not going to bother with the sale. Wheeeee! My cedar wardrobe is cleaned out except for Skeeter's long sleeved shirts and a couple of Halloween costumes!
Oh, and Sass declared that she will be a pumpkin for Halloween this year. Works for me. There is a pumpkin costume in the closet, and it fits!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
More on the vacation and its aftereffect
PezMama hit it straight on -- swimming, swimming and a bit more swimming, briefly interrupted by a trip to the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.
digression
When I was in high school, The Michael and I were good friends with one of the exchange students, Stephan, from Germany. One of his choice expressions was "believe it or don't." Because of that, I always want to say or write Ripley's Believe It or Don't Museum. I actually did say it once, to Spyder, and he just looked at me like I'd lost my mind.
/digresssion
Having thought about all that swimming, I've decided to join the local YMCA. We have several throughout the city, and two of them are within 10 miles of my house. And luckily, a membership to one of them is good for any of them.
We spent loads of time at my friend Britt's pool last year, but this year poor Britt is hugely pregnant. She's due at the beginning of August, and I have such sympathy for her plight.
It's the south. It's the summer. It's the end of pregnancy. Poor, poor Britt. She emailed me last week and apologized for not having us over to swim. My response: "No apologies necessary! Not a bit, not at all! I know what you're thinking. 'It's hot; I'm as big as a moose and grumpy, and it's best if I stay away from everyone.'"
But not being able to go to Britt's this year made me realize that my urchins do love to swim, so the $65 a month for a membership to the Y is probably worth it.
digression
When I was in high school, The Michael and I were good friends with one of the exchange students, Stephan, from Germany. One of his choice expressions was "believe it or don't." Because of that, I always want to say or write Ripley's Believe It or Don't Museum. I actually did say it once, to Spyder, and he just looked at me like I'd lost my mind.
/digresssion
Having thought about all that swimming, I've decided to join the local YMCA. We have several throughout the city, and two of them are within 10 miles of my house. And luckily, a membership to one of them is good for any of them.
We spent loads of time at my friend Britt's pool last year, but this year poor Britt is hugely pregnant. She's due at the beginning of August, and I have such sympathy for her plight.
It's the south. It's the summer. It's the end of pregnancy. Poor, poor Britt. She emailed me last week and apologized for not having us over to swim. My response: "No apologies necessary! Not a bit, not at all! I know what you're thinking. 'It's hot; I'm as big as a moose and grumpy, and it's best if I stay away from everyone.'"
But not being able to go to Britt's this year made me realize that my urchins do love to swim, so the $65 a month for a membership to the Y is probably worth it.
Sound bites
"I'm just gettin' out my inner swing."
-- Spyder, while listening to his MP3 player and dancing in the back seat of the car
"Oh, Mama. Hug me and we'll think of happier times."
-- Sass, while watching me have watery eyes and sniffles during a sad part of the latest Harry Potter book
-- Spyder, while listening to his MP3 player and dancing in the back seat of the car
"Oh, Mama. Hug me and we'll think of happier times."
-- Sass, while watching me have watery eyes and sniffles during a sad part of the latest Harry Potter book
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
The rest of the story
When I was writing my previous post, I was sitting on the floor of the hotel room using my sister's computer and listening to my children and their cousins playing in the little gathering area outside of our room. I think that it was determined that I should be finished whether I truly was or not. I was happily typing away when all of a sudden I got the "your blog has successfully published" message. I suppose it's lucky that I was at the end of a sentence when it happened.
So, picking up where we left off . . .
Lisa, Jason, and I went shopping. Jason said, "I'll leave you off here. I'm going to the Black & Decker store." So Lisa and I went to a variety of places and ended up spending loads of time at Old Navy. I found loads of things for the children and Skeeter. Lisa and Sass got identical pairs of shoes, which Sass thought was just wonderful. Skeeter got a number of shirts and boxer shorts. I bought myself a new pair of tennis shoes at a different store because, well, my old ones were looking old.
But my favorite purchase is THESE:
These were bought the following day, when Skeeter and I had gone back to the outlet mall. I wasn't even really looking for shoes for myself on that trip. Skeeter wanted tennis shoes, so we had gone for him. I went wandering, and I just fell in love with these! I've been told by just about everyone that they're amazingly ugly. But hey, you just go on thinking they're ugly. They're comfortable and I like them. I have a feeling I'll be wearing them quite a lot.
After I bought them, I was told by my sister and my 15-year-old cousin that they're a popular brand at the moment, which I think it quite a riot. I'm never "in fashion."
For being in a place known for stuff to do and see, we did surprisingly little. In fact, the only place we went was the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. We're already talking about going back though.
The children spent this morning in the pool, for as long as they possibly could. We finally got on the road around 11 am today, and we got back home around 6 pm.
Everyone is tired and pleased to be home, but it was a lovely vacation!
So, picking up where we left off . . .
Lisa, Jason, and I went shopping. Jason said, "I'll leave you off here. I'm going to the Black & Decker store." So Lisa and I went to a variety of places and ended up spending loads of time at Old Navy. I found loads of things for the children and Skeeter. Lisa and Sass got identical pairs of shoes, which Sass thought was just wonderful. Skeeter got a number of shirts and boxer shorts. I bought myself a new pair of tennis shoes at a different store because, well, my old ones were looking old.
But my favorite purchase is THESE:
These were bought the following day, when Skeeter and I had gone back to the outlet mall. I wasn't even really looking for shoes for myself on that trip. Skeeter wanted tennis shoes, so we had gone for him. I went wandering, and I just fell in love with these! I've been told by just about everyone that they're amazingly ugly. But hey, you just go on thinking they're ugly. They're comfortable and I like them. I have a feeling I'll be wearing them quite a lot.
After I bought them, I was told by my sister and my 15-year-old cousin that they're a popular brand at the moment, which I think it quite a riot. I'm never "in fashion."
For being in a place known for stuff to do and see, we did surprisingly little. In fact, the only place we went was the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. We're already talking about going back though.
The children spent this morning in the pool, for as long as they possibly could. We finally got on the road around 11 am today, and we got back home around 6 pm.
Everyone is tired and pleased to be home, but it was a lovely vacation!
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