John and Steve went to Redsfest yesterday in Cincinnati. It was a fun time. John was able to get 6 autographs from Reds players and photos with 4 Reds players. The highlight of the day was getting a photograph with his favorite player, Joey Votto.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
John with Joey Votto
John and Steve went to Redsfest yesterday in Cincinnati. It was a fun time. John was able to get 6 autographs from Reds players and photos with 4 Reds players. The highlight of the day was getting a photograph with his favorite player, Joey Votto.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The Week of the Dog
I’m telling the story here, in order to reach many family members (and any interested friends) at one time. It’s too tiring to have to go into it, over and over.
We owned a dog for a week. We kept it a secret from those family members who are soon coming for a visit, so that you’d be surprised upon arrival. A certain surprise, that Steve and Colleen had finally caved in to the request to get a dog!
We chose her from the county shelter. It seemed a good match from the beginning. She was sweet, quiet if there weren’t other dogs barking, and got along well with all the kids. Even Clare seemed fine with her.
We called her Rosie, after Rosie Cotton, the hobbit. The kids had planned so many names from Lord of the Rings, but they were all male names. Of course, we ended up with a female dog. She was about a year old, a mix of German Shepherd and Chow. She had been found abandoned in the bark park near the shelter, so no one knew anything about her history. I think she must have lived around people, because the first time she heard Steve clinking silverware, she got very excited.
The first few days went fine for 4/5 of the children. Clare decided she didn’t like the dog, after all. In various ways, her behavior reverted to that of a child half her age. It was exhausting. It had me ready to send the dog packing, the first 48 hours or so. Additionally, it was hard to work the dog’s schedule into our own. Her daily health needs were bewildering. You see, I took her to the vet, the day after we got her. She had two different types of worms, she had fleas, and she had a fungal infection on her head. In my entire lifetime, I don’t think I’ve taken as much medication as that dog needed. One other thing I didn’t like was her doggie smell. Since she had just had her surgery, we couldn’t bathe her until the incision was healed. Ick.
But, over the weekend, things took a turn for the better. We grew accustomed to having to meet a dog’s needs. Some of her medications were no longer needed. She was getting used to us, we could tell: she was becoming more playful, more energetic, and more involved in things. She was a quick learner. Toileting problems did exist, but I hoped that it wouldn’t be long before that was solved because she seemed to be a quick learner. She knew “sit,” most of the time. She (almost) mastered “Rosie, come.” She knew to keep off the sofa and loveseat. We were working on “lie down.”
Then, on Monday, Clare became so comfortable that she was able to play in the same room with Rosie. She didn’t play with the dog, but she was able to relax in the same room. That was the day that Rosie’s personality came out, in good ways and bad. She was the most playful with me that she’d ever been, but she decided she didn’t like Clare. It started out with a growl. Clare didn’t know what it meant and thought it was funny. Emily and I tested the dog a few times, to see if she was really growling at Clare. She was. And then it went from a growl to a baring of the teeth. We put her in her kennel. Emily went online right away, to see if this is something that can be cured. Clare hadn’t done anything to provoke the ill feelings, other than be in the same room with Rosie. We learned that it might have been the Chow in her. Apparently, they can begin to show their aggressive tendencies when they’re about 15 to 24 months of age. That might have been Rosie’s age. There were some gruesome stories, but I’ll spare the readers of this blog. If you’re curious, you can read plenty online about aggressive dogs, especially Chows and even Chow mixes.
When Steve came home, he said that was that. He’d had multiple experiences as a child, being bitten by dogs, only once was it provoked. He said we weren’t qualified to deal with training an aggressive dog. I reluctantly agreed. Emily, who saw the fangs lifted at her sister, was the child most easily persuaded that returning the dog was the best course of action.
The next morning, Rosie expanded her aggressive feelings to include Lydia. She never showed her fangs at Lydia, but she growled when Lydia came too close. I’m not sure why she didn’t show this less-than-pleasant side of her personality when she was flea-bitten, wormy, and recovering from surgery. No, it only surfaced when she was feeling more herself and settling into her new home.
It was hard, having to take her back to the shelter. Emily and I did it together. The woman was very sympathetic and said that you don’t want to mix an aggressive dog with young children. But I noticed that she had filled out on the paperwork, “dog barks at children.” I set her straight that it was more serious than that, as I wouldn’t return a dog for barking. She became alarmed at once, furiously typing information into the computer, when I mentioned “baring teeth.” I started to get upset, assuring her that she was fine for the adults and older children in the house. She said that doesn’t really matter, that special care needs to be taken with a dog that has done that without provocation. I think she knew that I was upset, as she made a trip away from the desk to the dog-drop-off area to tell me that they’d do their best to see if some rescue organization would be willing to take her. But I couldn’t help feeling that I’d sent the dog to her end.
So, that’s how the story ends. There is a happy element, in that Clare has turned back into the Clare we know. The very day that Rosie left, Clare was more her old self. I know she would have eventually adjusted to life with a pet dog. But, if one must find a silver lining in the cloud hanging over our pet dog fiasco, this certainly counts as that lining!
We owned a dog for a week. We kept it a secret from those family members who are soon coming for a visit, so that you’d be surprised upon arrival. A certain surprise, that Steve and Colleen had finally caved in to the request to get a dog!
We chose her from the county shelter. It seemed a good match from the beginning. She was sweet, quiet if there weren’t other dogs barking, and got along well with all the kids. Even Clare seemed fine with her.
We called her Rosie, after Rosie Cotton, the hobbit. The kids had planned so many names from Lord of the Rings, but they were all male names. Of course, we ended up with a female dog. She was about a year old, a mix of German Shepherd and Chow. She had been found abandoned in the bark park near the shelter, so no one knew anything about her history. I think she must have lived around people, because the first time she heard Steve clinking silverware, she got very excited.
The first few days went fine for 4/5 of the children. Clare decided she didn’t like the dog, after all. In various ways, her behavior reverted to that of a child half her age. It was exhausting. It had me ready to send the dog packing, the first 48 hours or so. Additionally, it was hard to work the dog’s schedule into our own. Her daily health needs were bewildering. You see, I took her to the vet, the day after we got her. She had two different types of worms, she had fleas, and she had a fungal infection on her head. In my entire lifetime, I don’t think I’ve taken as much medication as that dog needed. One other thing I didn’t like was her doggie smell. Since she had just had her surgery, we couldn’t bathe her until the incision was healed. Ick.
But, over the weekend, things took a turn for the better. We grew accustomed to having to meet a dog’s needs. Some of her medications were no longer needed. She was getting used to us, we could tell: she was becoming more playful, more energetic, and more involved in things. She was a quick learner. Toileting problems did exist, but I hoped that it wouldn’t be long before that was solved because she seemed to be a quick learner. She knew “sit,” most of the time. She (almost) mastered “Rosie, come.” She knew to keep off the sofa and loveseat. We were working on “lie down.”
Then, on Monday, Clare became so comfortable that she was able to play in the same room with Rosie. She didn’t play with the dog, but she was able to relax in the same room. That was the day that Rosie’s personality came out, in good ways and bad. She was the most playful with me that she’d ever been, but she decided she didn’t like Clare. It started out with a growl. Clare didn’t know what it meant and thought it was funny. Emily and I tested the dog a few times, to see if she was really growling at Clare. She was. And then it went from a growl to a baring of the teeth. We put her in her kennel. Emily went online right away, to see if this is something that can be cured. Clare hadn’t done anything to provoke the ill feelings, other than be in the same room with Rosie. We learned that it might have been the Chow in her. Apparently, they can begin to show their aggressive tendencies when they’re about 15 to 24 months of age. That might have been Rosie’s age. There were some gruesome stories, but I’ll spare the readers of this blog. If you’re curious, you can read plenty online about aggressive dogs, especially Chows and even Chow mixes.
When Steve came home, he said that was that. He’d had multiple experiences as a child, being bitten by dogs, only once was it provoked. He said we weren’t qualified to deal with training an aggressive dog. I reluctantly agreed. Emily, who saw the fangs lifted at her sister, was the child most easily persuaded that returning the dog was the best course of action.
The next morning, Rosie expanded her aggressive feelings to include Lydia. She never showed her fangs at Lydia, but she growled when Lydia came too close. I’m not sure why she didn’t show this less-than-pleasant side of her personality when she was flea-bitten, wormy, and recovering from surgery. No, it only surfaced when she was feeling more herself and settling into her new home.
It was hard, having to take her back to the shelter. Emily and I did it together. The woman was very sympathetic and said that you don’t want to mix an aggressive dog with young children. But I noticed that she had filled out on the paperwork, “dog barks at children.” I set her straight that it was more serious than that, as I wouldn’t return a dog for barking. She became alarmed at once, furiously typing information into the computer, when I mentioned “baring teeth.” I started to get upset, assuring her that she was fine for the adults and older children in the house. She said that doesn’t really matter, that special care needs to be taken with a dog that has done that without provocation. I think she knew that I was upset, as she made a trip away from the desk to the dog-drop-off area to tell me that they’d do their best to see if some rescue organization would be willing to take her. But I couldn’t help feeling that I’d sent the dog to her end.
So, that’s how the story ends. There is a happy element, in that Clare has turned back into the Clare we know. The very day that Rosie left, Clare was more her old self. I know she would have eventually adjusted to life with a pet dog. But, if one must find a silver lining in the cloud hanging over our pet dog fiasco, this certainly counts as that lining!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Swine Flu
It visited us!
Madeleine had it the worst of anyone, which is why she ended up in the doctor's office. John, Lydia and Clare were no worse off than if they'd had the seasonal flu. No one else caught it (so far? yet? ever?).
The first night Madeleine was sick, I do admit to being worried and playing over the worst of scenarios in my mind. I felt better after seeing the doctor, as then we had our instructions for knowing when to be concerned about Madeleine and/or the rest of the family. And she reinforced the best method of treatment: to get plenty of fluids and lots of rest. That we were already doing!
So, even though not everyone in the family has had it, I refuse to get stirred up by the media's panic. The doctor was quite calm about the diagnosis, the treatment and the prognosis. She went to medical school; I'm guessing the local news anchor and local newspaper editor did not. Yes, my sympathies do go out to those with underlying conditions which would cause complications. I do not minimize their plight. But, for anyone out there who is worried, do take comfort from the fact that I meet more people every day who have had it and lived to tell.
And I won't worry about this whole thing until I seem the same panic in the eyes of my doctor that one sees in the local television news crew. . . . ;-)
Madeleine had it the worst of anyone, which is why she ended up in the doctor's office. John, Lydia and Clare were no worse off than if they'd had the seasonal flu. No one else caught it (so far? yet? ever?).
The first night Madeleine was sick, I do admit to being worried and playing over the worst of scenarios in my mind. I felt better after seeing the doctor, as then we had our instructions for knowing when to be concerned about Madeleine and/or the rest of the family. And she reinforced the best method of treatment: to get plenty of fluids and lots of rest. That we were already doing!
So, even though not everyone in the family has had it, I refuse to get stirred up by the media's panic. The doctor was quite calm about the diagnosis, the treatment and the prognosis. She went to medical school; I'm guessing the local news anchor and local newspaper editor did not. Yes, my sympathies do go out to those with underlying conditions which would cause complications. I do not minimize their plight. But, for anyone out there who is worried, do take comfort from the fact that I meet more people every day who have had it and lived to tell.
And I won't worry about this whole thing until I seem the same panic in the eyes of my doctor that one sees in the local television news crew. . . . ;-)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Garden Updates
It's been a while. Here are some garden photos.
This is the butterfly garden, which attracts not only butterflies, but also bees and birds. The finches have the most fun in this garden. The garden is looking a bit tired in this photo, but a number of the flowers have rebloomed one more time before the fall. Behind the fence, where it's all dirt, the neighbors just had sod put down. So, it's one big stretch of green now.
This next photo was very hard to get. A monarch was flitting from flower to flower, but flew away whenever I got close with the camera. These flowers are Mexican sunflowers and they brought not only butterflies and bees to our garden, but also hummingbirds. The hummingbirds were a delight to watch. Once, we were able to see one perch on a branch of morning glory (climbing up the wall behind the sunflowers, but not visible in the photos). That was the first time I've ever seen one sitting still!
Alas, we lost most of this part of the garden in a severe thunderstorm, almost two weeks ago:
This is the butterfly garden, which attracts not only butterflies, but also bees and birds. The finches have the most fun in this garden. The garden is looking a bit tired in this photo, but a number of the flowers have rebloomed one more time before the fall. Behind the fence, where it's all dirt, the neighbors just had sod put down. So, it's one big stretch of green now.
This next photo was very hard to get. A monarch was flitting from flower to flower, but flew away whenever I got close with the camera. These flowers are Mexican sunflowers and they brought not only butterflies and bees to our garden, but also hummingbirds. The hummingbirds were a delight to watch. Once, we were able to see one perch on a branch of morning glory (climbing up the wall behind the sunflowers, but not visible in the photos). That was the first time I've ever seen one sitting still!
Alas, we lost most of this part of the garden in a severe thunderstorm, almost two weeks ago:
All the sunflowers, all the Mexican sunflower, all the cosmos came down in the storm. The tomatoes survived and the morning glory survived. One lonely Mexican sunflower is staked up with the tomatoes and one droopy sunflower is resting against the deck. We saw a hummingbird the day after the storm, but never again. I'm not sure if they are migrating, or if they've just given up on our garden!
The last few days have been acting more like the end of September, rather than the beginning of September. The cool weather is nice, but I hope we still get lots more tomatoes before the end of their growing season. Our tomatoes have been such a treat!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Emily's Big Day!
Somebody is officially a high schooler now!
From the reception (because it wouldn't be a blog post by Colleen without mention of food):
A group photo:
From the reception (because it wouldn't be a blog post by Colleen without mention of food):
A group photo:
Monday, May 25, 2009
My Confirmation
Yes, I was Confirmed last week. The ceremony was very nice, and it was a good day.
Today, I played with water guns (with Maddy, John, Lydia, and Clare), and we also went in the sprinkler. My hair got extremely wet!
Today, I played with water guns (with Maddy, John, Lydia, and Clare), and we also went in the sprinkler. My hair got extremely wet!
Some New Photos
I posted a few new photos on the Photo page. These include some pictures from the day of Emily's Confirmation (congratulations, Emily!) and some pictures from our family picnic/walk at the Transfiguration Center near Troy, Ohio.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Catching Up: Easter
Happy Easter!
Here are the children, in their Easter finery:
John received his First Communion at the Easter Vigil.
Q: Why did the Button cross the road?
A: He wanted to see his flat mate!
Not a joke I would have appreciated, if I hadn't been exposed to British culture!
Here are the children, in their Easter finery:
John received his First Communion at the Easter Vigil.
Easter day was lovely. We went for a walk in the woods and it wasn't too muddy.
I'll resist the urge to talk about what we ate. Surely, you will all be convinced that food is all I think about! Just one food story, I promise!
The special treat in the Easter baskets was British candy. Steve and I purchased the sweets from a local British food importer -- the sweet that was each person's favorite while we were living there. Not that Lydia remembered; not that Clare lived there.
Here's the joke from Lydia's Buttons package:Q: Why did the Button cross the road?
A: He wanted to see his flat mate!
Not a joke I would have appreciated, if I hadn't been exposed to British culture!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Lovely Day
It is a glorious spring day today. I did some weeding in the garden and was pleased to see all sorts of our perennials, beginning to wake up for the season. The next two days are meant to be rainy, then some sun and warmth. Perfect for the garden. I have a few photos, eventually to be posted.
But, for now, here are some photos, snapped by Madeleine!
Last spring, Steve bought a baby swing for Clare. She liked it the first time and hated it ever after. This spring, we gave it another try; she still hated it. So, Steve put back the swinging bar that came with the swingset.
As you can see, she loves this! And never stops hanging from it.
Madeleine felt the need to capture these moments, too:
Lydia took her turn on the swing and Clare wasn't happy.
And when Clare fought back, Lydia wasn't happy, either!
But, for now, here are some photos, snapped by Madeleine!
Last spring, Steve bought a baby swing for Clare. She liked it the first time and hated it ever after. This spring, we gave it another try; she still hated it. So, Steve put back the swinging bar that came with the swingset.
As you can see, she loves this! And never stops hanging from it.
Madeleine felt the need to capture these moments, too:
Lydia took her turn on the swing and Clare wasn't happy.
And when Clare fought back, Lydia wasn't happy, either!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
St. Patrick's Day, Part Two
Most of the photos from the St. Patrick's Day run didn't turn out well. Too dark, Steve was too far away, etc. Here's the clearest, even if Emily's not dancing:
We had our St. Patrick's Day dinner on Wednesday, because of Tuesday's hectic schedule: Irish stew, potato soup, and soda bread. Oh, and brownies with Bailey's-flavored frosting.
While Emily, Madeleine and Steve were doing the dancing thing that day, I took the youngest kids to a park district class about moss. Lydia loves moss. It's because of a storybook she loves.
We learned new things about moss and John was given permission, nay encouraged, by a bona fide, park-employed naturalist to roll over logs during treks through the woods, as long as he rolls them back after inspecting what's living underneath. After the class, he did just that. And found a centipede. As he was bringing it to me (because, surely, Mom wants to see a centipede up close), he jerked his hand away, as it appeared the bug was going to bite him. I guess it is a good thing he dropped it! According to a Texas A&M entomologist, one should never handle centipedes. Poisonous venom. Lovely.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
St. Patrick's Day!
Yesterday, I went around Dayton performing with some of the other dancers from Celtic Academy.
We went to four different schools, which was a lot of fun. We also performed at the Dayton Convention Center for a Democrat fundraiser, the Dublin Pub, and the Irish Club.
I woke up at six and didn't get home until around 9:30, but it was really fun!
(If I can find photos of me online I will post them)
We went to four different schools, which was a lot of fun. We also performed at the Dayton Convention Center for a Democrat fundraiser, the Dublin Pub, and the Irish Club.
I woke up at six and didn't get home until around 9:30, but it was really fun!
(If I can find photos of me online I will post them)
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Dessert, again
After a long silence, I'm back. With photo and comments and about . . . food. One wonders if I discuss anything else? I've given food its own category label.
I'm especially pleased with the recipe I've adapted for tiramisu.
I'm especially pleased with the recipe I've adapted for tiramisu.
After one failed attempt, after much studying of various recipes, I've come up with my own. This recipe uses whipping cream, rather than egg. Therefore, no worries about eating raw egg. Also, I used marscapone, which makes a wonderful substitute for Philadelphia Cream Cheese & all its gums that I cannot eat. I'm looking forward to trying marscapone in so many cream cheese recipes I've had to give up!
We didn't have the correct sized dish to make it a 4-layered tiramisu, as most of the recipes called for. But, it was still just as delicious from a 9x13 baking dish.
So, I send family and friends a cyber cup of coffee and a wish that you could have been here to eat our lovely dessert with us!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Bald Eagles near our home!
Bald eagles nest in Dayton
The Metropark mentioned in this article is one quite close to our house. John thinks he saw two of the eagles, just yesterday. He was playing outside when he noticed the birds. Believing them to be bald eagles, he took us by surprise when he suddenly rushed into the house, hoping to grab one of our bird books before the birds flew away. The book's description seemed consonant with what John saw, flying up in the air. Then, today, Steve found this article online. This seems to confirm the eagle sighting!
The Metropark mentioned in this article is one quite close to our house. John thinks he saw two of the eagles, just yesterday. He was playing outside when he noticed the birds. Believing them to be bald eagles, he took us by surprise when he suddenly rushed into the house, hoping to grab one of our bird books before the birds flew away. The book's description seemed consonant with what John saw, flying up in the air. Then, today, Steve found this article online. This seems to confirm the eagle sighting!
Follow this link!
Hurrah!
Someone's photo submission was chosen for one of the funniest blogs on the internet!
"ten minutes"
Someone is pleased with herself . . . .
Someone's photo submission was chosen for one of the funniest blogs on the internet!
"ten minutes"
Someone is pleased with herself . . . .
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
John's Birthday
For John's birthday last week, he chose a visit to the Air Force Museum as a special way to celebrate the Big Eight. Here are a few photos we took that very cold day. (Happily, it's warmed up nicely now!)
John, the pilot:
John's birthday dinner choice was pizza. Dessert was a vanilla cake with lemon curd filling and a lemon frosting. Yum!
Yes, I'm blogging here under a different name than before. It's still me, in case you couldn't guess. I need my Blogger account for another project, where it's more appropriate and professional to use my given name. ;-)
John, the pilot:
The Spitfire is one of John's favorite airplanes:
Just for fun, here's an image of some legumes, as they used to travel to space.
John's birthday dinner choice was pizza. Dessert was a vanilla cake with lemon curd filling and a lemon frosting. Yum!
Yes, I'm blogging here under a different name than before. It's still me, in case you couldn't guess. I need my Blogger account for another project, where it's more appropriate and professional to use my given name. ;-)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Victoria Sandwich Cake
Success!!!!
We haven't eaten one of these since leaving Britain. But, I found a few recipes online and gave it a go. It was quite delicious!
We haven't eaten one of these since leaving Britain. But, I found a few recipes online and gave it a go. It was quite delicious!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Snow photos
Well, the winter drama seems to have passed. Steve ended up with two days off; extra-curricular activities were cancelled both Tuesday and Wednesday. Things seem to be back to normal today. However, many of the schools were still closed down. I understand that the weather was more harsh to the north of us, but I'm not sure why the local schools were closed. We were out this morning and I know I've driven in much worse conditions than this! The sloping driveway was very easy to get into, thanks to a husband who did a marvelous job in keeping it cleared and salted/sanded! Hurrah!
As promised, the photos . . .
Madeleine and John cleared the snow off the slide with their backsides:
Clare's first real play in the snow.
As promised, the photos . . .
Madeleine and John cleared the snow off the slide with their backsides:
Clare's first real play in the snow.
The neighborhood stray, who eats nothing at our house except what he finds in the compost pile (ahem). He came for a bit of a play in the fort the girls built, before retiring under the back deck:
"I can't put my arms down!!" Maybe not as dramatic as the movie, but funny enough:
Here you can see the snow collected on the swings. Notice the very back corner of the yard. It's just a young butterfly bush, so it's not all that tall. Even so, it's a few feet off the ground. It's funny to see the top of it, sticking out of the snow:
This photo probably isn't as impressive, if you haven't seen our butterfly garden in person. But, for those of you who have, you can see how buried it is:
That's about it. I know, it seems much ado about nothing to those who live in harsher climes. But it was an exciting few days around here!
This photo probably isn't as impressive, if you haven't seen our butterfly garden in person. But, for those of you who have, you can see how buried it is:
That's about it. I know, it seems much ado about nothing to those who live in harsher climes. But it was an exciting few days around here!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
SNOW!
We're snowed in for the day!
Lots of snow yesterday. Then sleet. Then snow overnight. And it's still snowing now.
I've taken photos, which I hope to post later. I hope the camera does justice to the amount of snow we've got. The butterfly garden, for example, has an 8-inch wooden edge in front of it. That edge is buried under the snow.
Happy Snow Day!
Lots of snow yesterday. Then sleet. Then snow overnight. And it's still snowing now.
I've taken photos, which I hope to post later. I hope the camera does justice to the amount of snow we've got. The butterfly garden, for example, has an 8-inch wooden edge in front of it. That edge is buried under the snow.
Happy Snow Day!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Updates from Sollingerville
It's been a long time since anyone has posted, I can see. Here are the updates:
It was a hard time, getting back into a routine after our Christmas break. We're doing better at that.
Lydia was ill at the beginning of the week. She almost got sick at church! But, after hurrying outside to make it to the shrubbery, (which doesn't sound fun, unless you consider the indoor alternative) she felt better. And was able to wait until she got home. That took a few days of recovery.
Now that we finally have accumulated snow, it's easier to track the wildlife visitors to our backyard. No more signs of mice in the compost pile. The cat tracks aren't around the compost any longer, even though the snow reveals that the neighborhood stray does still visit. So, if the owls didn't take care of the mouse/mice, I guess the cat did. Not sure what we're going to do about the compost pile now . . . .
It's been very, very, very cold. But it's meant to be in the 20s again today. It's interesting, though, that the smallest amount of sun does make a difference. Yesterday, some driveways and sidewalks were melted free of snow, even though it was only TWO DEGREES FAHRENHEIT! Incidentally, those driveways shoveled by hand are cleaner than those done by snowblower. Our efforts did not go to waste.
Our gently sloping property is a good thing during the spring and summer rains, keeping water away from the house. But the gently sloping driveway is tricky when it's covered in ice. I've used most a bag of kids' play sand so far this winter.
That's the brief summary. My apologies for once again lacking in my e-mails. I've spent quite a bit of computer time this last week, getting ready with the first batch of promotional e-mails for the Homeschool Conference. Spam filters are complicating the process. Maybe they help stem the tide of unwanted e-mails, but they don't help those who need to send large amounts of e-mail to people who are genuinely interested in hearing from them!
It was a hard time, getting back into a routine after our Christmas break. We're doing better at that.
Lydia was ill at the beginning of the week. She almost got sick at church! But, after hurrying outside to make it to the shrubbery, (which doesn't sound fun, unless you consider the indoor alternative) she felt better. And was able to wait until she got home. That took a few days of recovery.
Now that we finally have accumulated snow, it's easier to track the wildlife visitors to our backyard. No more signs of mice in the compost pile. The cat tracks aren't around the compost any longer, even though the snow reveals that the neighborhood stray does still visit. So, if the owls didn't take care of the mouse/mice, I guess the cat did. Not sure what we're going to do about the compost pile now . . . .
It's been very, very, very cold. But it's meant to be in the 20s again today. It's interesting, though, that the smallest amount of sun does make a difference. Yesterday, some driveways and sidewalks were melted free of snow, even though it was only TWO DEGREES FAHRENHEIT! Incidentally, those driveways shoveled by hand are cleaner than those done by snowblower. Our efforts did not go to waste.
Our gently sloping property is a good thing during the spring and summer rains, keeping water away from the house. But the gently sloping driveway is tricky when it's covered in ice. I've used most a bag of kids' play sand so far this winter.
That's the brief summary. My apologies for once again lacking in my e-mails. I've spent quite a bit of computer time this last week, getting ready with the first batch of promotional e-mails for the Homeschool Conference. Spam filters are complicating the process. Maybe they help stem the tide of unwanted e-mails, but they don't help those who need to send large amounts of e-mail to people who are genuinely interested in hearing from them!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Back to Routine
Christmas vacation is over.
And we're having a hard time getting up in the mornings, especially since it's still so dark.
Here are some photos that were taken the weekend between Christmas and January 1st. We had a spell of warmer weather and took the opportunity of walking on a trail where we've biked in the past.
Yes, Steve is on the walk, as well. He was the one with the camera, so he's not featured in any of the photos!
And we're having a hard time getting up in the mornings, especially since it's still so dark.
Here are some photos that were taken the weekend between Christmas and January 1st. We had a spell of warmer weather and took the opportunity of walking on a trail where we've biked in the past.
Yes, Steve is on the walk, as well. He was the one with the camera, so he's not featured in any of the photos!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
New Photos in the Album
In addition to making some cosmetic changes to the look and function of the entire site, I have uploaded a number of photographs to the photo album page. You can now view a selection of family photographs from 2008. I have also added a separate page containing some scenic photographs we have taken over the years during our travels. Enjoy!
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