I'm working on that.
Meanwhile, here's a pic of me, after last night's work in the vegetable garden:
About the only green thumbs I'll ever have.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Green thumbs
After being gone about 4 weeks out of 7, my gardens are suffering mightily. After I got back from singing school (which happened after camp and was a MAJOR blast), I endeavored to get it under control before the weeds overtook it.
I'm working on that.
Meanwhile, here's a pic of me, after last night's work in the vegetable garden:
About the only green thumbs I'll ever have.
I'm working on that.
Meanwhile, here's a pic of me, after last night's work in the vegetable garden:
About the only green thumbs I'll ever have.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Random
Ok, so I'm here working on Friend Cherylyn's birthday present and thought I'd just drop in to say hi and catch up on what's been going on. I have to say that I'm just thrilled about Cherylyn's present. I don't usually have good ideas for gifts but I thought of this one last year and am just tickled by it. I know she'll love it.
What I haven't been doing is getting ready for camp. I told Friend Husband on Monday that I wanted to be packed and ready to go early this year. I so detest running around at the last minute, plus trying to clean the house at the last minute. But when you feel as rotten as Friend Husband and I have felt this week, it makes packing a little difficult. Yesterday was the only day for a week that I haven't crashed in the afternoon, and I certainly crashed at bedtime! I have been keeping up on the laundry and it shouldn't take that much time to pack, but the organizing is my bete noire.
What else? It's raining here. It's hot and muggy already. And I hear it's even hotter at camp...highs in the mid 90's expected next week. Yay. I'll be in my air-conditioned trailer, if anyone wants me.
I can't remember if I wrote it here or not but I did go to the doctor and she said that I had bronchitis brought on by allergies. So now I'm taking antibiotics, an inhaler, and cough syrup at night. I am supposed to be taking allergy meds but I keep forgetting them...wonder why?!
Ok, I guess I'd better go and get some stuff done. Not much exciting going on here anyway. Y'all have a happy Hump Day!
What I haven't been doing is getting ready for camp. I told Friend Husband on Monday that I wanted to be packed and ready to go early this year. I so detest running around at the last minute, plus trying to clean the house at the last minute. But when you feel as rotten as Friend Husband and I have felt this week, it makes packing a little difficult. Yesterday was the only day for a week that I haven't crashed in the afternoon, and I certainly crashed at bedtime! I have been keeping up on the laundry and it shouldn't take that much time to pack, but the organizing is my bete noire.
What else? It's raining here. It's hot and muggy already. And I hear it's even hotter at camp...highs in the mid 90's expected next week. Yay. I'll be in my air-conditioned trailer, if anyone wants me.
I can't remember if I wrote it here or not but I did go to the doctor and she said that I had bronchitis brought on by allergies. So now I'm taking antibiotics, an inhaler, and cough syrup at night. I am supposed to be taking allergy meds but I keep forgetting them...wonder why?!
Ok, I guess I'd better go and get some stuff done. Not much exciting going on here anyway. Y'all have a happy Hump Day!
Friday, June 05, 2009
Fair warning
My baby has her learner's permit! 
It's ok, I can deal with this but it does lend itself to a certain number of wistful reminisces about when she (and her siblings) were smaller and under control. Just another way that they grow up and you have to let them walk out and learn about the world on their own.
So, Friend Husband is ill with whatever the creeping crud is that I've been dealing with for 3 weeks (I told you that kissing would get you in trouble!) So I volunteered to take Sarah to get her license and to take the twins so he could rest. We had to wait for the UPS guy to deliver her birth certificate, which he did at around 2:45. Then we had to go to the doctor's office to get her shot record. Why? Because, somewhere along the way, I have misplaced Sarah's birth certificate and Social Security card. Yeah. So the first order of business was to get another one ordered AND to get a numident form for today (that's the piece of paper that has the SSN on it and is proof enough to the BMV that you are you and this is your own number). Oh, and without my asking, the clerk fixed the error that some clerk made 16 years ago on her original card, which I tried to fix at the time but was unable to because a birth certificate was not proof of spelling.
The SSA was remarkably empty, especially for a Friday. Those of you who have been with me for a while may recall the last visit we made to the SS building, strangely enough, with the same people involved. It was a lot more hectic, I assure you. I was grateful for the relative peace and quickness with which the transaction was made because I knew we had a lot to do and little time in which to do it.
Next stop was a few miles up the road at the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles). On the way there, Sarah and I were talking about the driving test she'll have to take to get her "real" license and how they're given by state troopers. She did not know this and was a little startled by the information. I told her that they have absolutely no sense of humor and it's better to not even attempt to make a joke around them. We agreed that it would be more comfortable for her if her trooper was a woman but I did not hold out much hope of that. All of the examiners were BIG men when I got my license. Lo and behold, every single trooper in the building today was female. They still had no sense of humor, though.
It occurred to me, as I watched Sarah navigate such an alien situation, that she is not very well-prepared for this. She didn't seem to get that the trooper wouldn't take her entire envelope full of documents and that she needed to get them all out and hand them over. She was also amazed that she had to answer questions about moving violations when she didn't even have a license. Ah, the innocence of youth. That I like.
Anyway, she got her vision test done, then her actual exam, after which we were directed to another building nearby to get the actual license. When we walked in, I had to stifle a deep sigh. It was filled with some of my least favorite people: mostly-undressed teenaged girls. I won't go any further but it was depressing to see. We went over and sat in a part of the room where no one else was.
By this time, the twins were bouncing off the walls. And sitting on one another. I finally told them that they could go outside and run up and down in front of the building (not the main entrance, interestingly), as long as they stayed on the brick walkway and did not get off. They found this to be most amusing, especially the fact that they could see us inside the building. I don't know what's so stunning about that but it kept them occupied.
We were finally called up and Sarah gave her papers to the clerk, who then asked for my license, as the co-signer. You know you've become an adult when you have to co-sign for something for your children. The clerk then asked me if I wanted to renew my license, since it was due to expire in about 12 days. I mentally reviewed my un-made-up face, minimalist hairstyle, and nondescript clothes and internally said, "No, thank you." Externally I said, "Sure." So we both ended up filling out forms, which I had to sign all around, and I ended up writing the check. We were sent down to another area to wait for the photo to be taken for the license.
Of course, at this time, the twins had to visit the necessary. Apparently, after I closed the door to the room, they started calling for me. It seemed to discombobulate everyone that I was not out there and the lady attempted to put Sarah's photo on my license. Sadly, she got it all figured out after I came out of the restroom with the twins and put my ugly mug on my own license and Sarah's lovely mug on hers. (Yes, this was hands down the ugliest DL photo I have ever taken. Serves me right for refusing to wear makeup, I guess.)
We walked out with our warm, newly-laminated pieces of American culture clutched in our hands. I paid careful attention to my driving on the way home, trying without success to imagine Sarah in the driver's seat instead. This is just another step in letting go of my child and I'm trying to rein in my sadness and protectiveness of her. Friend Husband is flat-out excited. He had her out for a "spin", if you can call pulling up and down the driveway an actual spin as soon as he got home. Why he is dealing with this so well is beyond me, but I'm glad he is.
So Sarah is now an officially licensed driver in the state of Ohio. You have been warned.
It's ok, I can deal with this but it does lend itself to a certain number of wistful reminisces about when she (and her siblings) were smaller and under control. Just another way that they grow up and you have to let them walk out and learn about the world on their own.
So, Friend Husband is ill with whatever the creeping crud is that I've been dealing with for 3 weeks (I told you that kissing would get you in trouble!) So I volunteered to take Sarah to get her license and to take the twins so he could rest. We had to wait for the UPS guy to deliver her birth certificate, which he did at around 2:45. Then we had to go to the doctor's office to get her shot record. Why? Because, somewhere along the way, I have misplaced Sarah's birth certificate and Social Security card. Yeah. So the first order of business was to get another one ordered AND to get a numident form for today (that's the piece of paper that has the SSN on it and is proof enough to the BMV that you are you and this is your own number). Oh, and without my asking, the clerk fixed the error that some clerk made 16 years ago on her original card, which I tried to fix at the time but was unable to because a birth certificate was not proof of spelling.
The SSA was remarkably empty, especially for a Friday. Those of you who have been with me for a while may recall the last visit we made to the SS building, strangely enough, with the same people involved. It was a lot more hectic, I assure you. I was grateful for the relative peace and quickness with which the transaction was made because I knew we had a lot to do and little time in which to do it.
Next stop was a few miles up the road at the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles). On the way there, Sarah and I were talking about the driving test she'll have to take to get her "real" license and how they're given by state troopers. She did not know this and was a little startled by the information. I told her that they have absolutely no sense of humor and it's better to not even attempt to make a joke around them. We agreed that it would be more comfortable for her if her trooper was a woman but I did not hold out much hope of that. All of the examiners were BIG men when I got my license. Lo and behold, every single trooper in the building today was female. They still had no sense of humor, though.
It occurred to me, as I watched Sarah navigate such an alien situation, that she is not very well-prepared for this. She didn't seem to get that the trooper wouldn't take her entire envelope full of documents and that she needed to get them all out and hand them over. She was also amazed that she had to answer questions about moving violations when she didn't even have a license. Ah, the innocence of youth. That I like.
Anyway, she got her vision test done, then her actual exam, after which we were directed to another building nearby to get the actual license. When we walked in, I had to stifle a deep sigh. It was filled with some of my least favorite people: mostly-undressed teenaged girls. I won't go any further but it was depressing to see. We went over and sat in a part of the room where no one else was.
By this time, the twins were bouncing off the walls. And sitting on one another. I finally told them that they could go outside and run up and down in front of the building (not the main entrance, interestingly), as long as they stayed on the brick walkway and did not get off. They found this to be most amusing, especially the fact that they could see us inside the building. I don't know what's so stunning about that but it kept them occupied.
We were finally called up and Sarah gave her papers to the clerk, who then asked for my license, as the co-signer. You know you've become an adult when you have to co-sign for something for your children. The clerk then asked me if I wanted to renew my license, since it was due to expire in about 12 days. I mentally reviewed my un-made-up face, minimalist hairstyle, and nondescript clothes and internally said, "No, thank you." Externally I said, "Sure." So we both ended up filling out forms, which I had to sign all around, and I ended up writing the check. We were sent down to another area to wait for the photo to be taken for the license.
Of course, at this time, the twins had to visit the necessary. Apparently, after I closed the door to the room, they started calling for me. It seemed to discombobulate everyone that I was not out there and the lady attempted to put Sarah's photo on my license. Sadly, she got it all figured out after I came out of the restroom with the twins and put my ugly mug on my own license and Sarah's lovely mug on hers. (Yes, this was hands down the ugliest DL photo I have ever taken. Serves me right for refusing to wear makeup, I guess.)
We walked out with our warm, newly-laminated pieces of American culture clutched in our hands. I paid careful attention to my driving on the way home, trying without success to imagine Sarah in the driver's seat instead. This is just another step in letting go of my child and I'm trying to rein in my sadness and protectiveness of her. Friend Husband is flat-out excited. He had her out for a "spin", if you can call pulling up and down the driveway an actual spin as soon as he got home. Why he is dealing with this so well is beyond me, but I'm glad he is.
So Sarah is now an officially licensed driver in the state of Ohio. You have been warned.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Life's a beach
I never thought I was a beach person. I do know that I enjoy the mountains and if I had the choice, I'd go to the mountains over the beach any time. I don't like being hot and I don't enjoy baking in the sun.
That said, we had a fabulous time at the beach in Florida on our last day there. It had rained all night (well, it actually rained all WEEK) and spotty rain was happening when we left to drive there. We girls all had our cool new swimsuits on (that I spent 2 weeks sewing) and we were ready to go. We got to our beach destination, the beach we'd been to a couple of years ago when we'd last gone. I made a pit stop, and by the time I started down the wooden steps to the beach, they were walking back up. I looked out at the water, which looked quite angry. Large waves were washing up onto the beach. It was scary. My in-laws said we'd check out another beach which, while more public, was in a safer location.
So we packed up again and headed down the road to the new beach. Once there, we noted that there was a red flag on the lifeguard tower, which indicated that we shouldn't be in the water. How frustrating! They ended up taking it down before much longer but we'd already decided that we'd just stay and build sand castles, if that was all we could do. We ended up spending hours there, playing on the sand, playing in the water, and having a good time. My poor in-laws spent their time up on the beach in beach chairs, watching us. I think Rhea said the water was too cold for her and Irwin didn't even dress for water, so that was out for him. We, on the other hand, had a major blast.
All too soon, we had to pack it up and leave. The threatening storms had finally started with the thunder and lightning and the beach closed. We had such a good time in just the few hours we were there. For us, it was an added bonus that the sun was hidden behind the thick clouds. No sunburns! Didn't even have to wear sunglasses!
Here are a few pictures, in roughly chronological order. This was definitely my favorite day and favorite activity of the time we were there. Rhea thinks we should do 2 beach days the next time we come, since we enjoy it so much. I heartily concur with her opinion.
That said, we had a fabulous time at the beach in Florida on our last day there. It had rained all night (well, it actually rained all WEEK) and spotty rain was happening when we left to drive there. We girls all had our cool new swimsuits on (that I spent 2 weeks sewing) and we were ready to go. We got to our beach destination, the beach we'd been to a couple of years ago when we'd last gone. I made a pit stop, and by the time I started down the wooden steps to the beach, they were walking back up. I looked out at the water, which looked quite angry. Large waves were washing up onto the beach. It was scary. My in-laws said we'd check out another beach which, while more public, was in a safer location.
So we packed up again and headed down the road to the new beach. Once there, we noted that there was a red flag on the lifeguard tower, which indicated that we shouldn't be in the water. How frustrating! They ended up taking it down before much longer but we'd already decided that we'd just stay and build sand castles, if that was all we could do. We ended up spending hours there, playing on the sand, playing in the water, and having a good time. My poor in-laws spent their time up on the beach in beach chairs, watching us. I think Rhea said the water was too cold for her and Irwin didn't even dress for water, so that was out for him. We, on the other hand, had a major blast.
All too soon, we had to pack it up and leave. The threatening storms had finally started with the thunder and lightning and the beach closed. We had such a good time in just the few hours we were there. For us, it was an added bonus that the sun was hidden behind the thick clouds. No sunburns! Didn't even have to wear sunglasses!
Here are a few pictures, in roughly chronological order. This was definitely my favorite day and favorite activity of the time we were there. Rhea thinks we should do 2 beach days the next time we come, since we enjoy it so much. I heartily concur with her opinion.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Bad Career Move
It's a bad career move to eat too many beans. I'm just sayin'.
Ok, off to day two of our Florida trip. On this day, we traveled down to Miami to the Miami Seaquarium, which is where they used to film the show Flipper. Here are the children with a Flipper statue.
We saw a good many shows here: dolphin shows, killer whale shows, a truly corny sea lion show (which was really a preach-a-thon about the environment), and I forget whatever else. This is a very cool picture that Friend Husband took of Rachel, the twins, & me getting splashed by a dolphin.
Salt water is not very lovely to get splashed by.
It was hot, but fortunately there was a good stiff wind to cool us off, most times.
The children held parrots.
Here is a picture of most of the family standing "in front of" Miami. Look way in the background.
Oh, I almost forgot...in the big middle of the sea lion show, David pulled his first tooth! He was very brave about it. And it was more interesting than the show, in my opinion.
We were all happy to get in the a/c and eat lunch.
Much to my chagrin, Keziah has been using my camera a lot. I told her she could take one picture while we were waiting for lunch.
Do you see the remnants of the poison ivy on my arms? I still itch but not as bad.
When we went home, David developed a new game involving unstrung badminton racquets, tennis balls, and golf/tennis/soccer moves. It is called "Garmasicle".
Tomorrow...the beach!
Ok, off to day two of our Florida trip. On this day, we traveled down to Miami to the Miami Seaquarium, which is where they used to film the show Flipper. Here are the children with a Flipper statue.
We saw a good many shows here: dolphin shows, killer whale shows, a truly corny sea lion show (which was really a preach-a-thon about the environment), and I forget whatever else. This is a very cool picture that Friend Husband took of Rachel, the twins, & me getting splashed by a dolphin.
Salt water is not very lovely to get splashed by.
It was hot, but fortunately there was a good stiff wind to cool us off, most times.
The children held parrots.
Here is a picture of most of the family standing "in front of" Miami. Look way in the background.
Oh, I almost forgot...in the big middle of the sea lion show, David pulled his first tooth! He was very brave about it. And it was more interesting than the show, in my opinion.
We were all happy to get in the a/c and eat lunch.
Much to my chagrin, Keziah has been using my camera a lot. I told her she could take one picture while we were waiting for lunch.
Do you see the remnants of the poison ivy on my arms? I still itch but not as bad.
When we went home, David developed a new game involving unstrung badminton racquets, tennis balls, and golf/tennis/soccer moves. It is called "Garmasicle".
Tomorrow...the beach!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Florida Trip
Sunday night we returned from a semi-annual trip to see Friend Husband's dad in Florida. And Dad's wife, who is indeed my mother-in-law, but not the mother of Friend Husband. Blended families are so complicated. Anyway, we had a splendid time (and yes, Cherylyn, I was mostly able to keep my mouth shut...thanks!). The first full day we were there was Abby's 10th birthday. We went to a cool playground, which was closed when we got there (rain had made it wet and slippery, I think), so we went inside the community building to play in the science exploratorium and to look at the quilts. We finally got to go into the playground which was indeed worth the wait. After the playground and a suitable period of rest, we celebrated Abby's birthday. It was a lovely day.
Since Xanga is being recalcitrant, I'll have to give y'all the link to my Facebook album to see the pictures. Off to laundry. Vacation is nice but we sure need a vacation day or two to make up from the vacation!
Since Xanga is being recalcitrant, I'll have to give y'all the link to my Facebook album to see the pictures. Off to laundry. Vacation is nice but we sure need a vacation day or two to make up from the vacation!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Gah!
I would be blogging very merrily about our trip to my sil's farm except that I came home from said farm with a very special gift: poison ivy rash. All over, even on my face and in my hair. It's about to drive me crazy. Although it is not as bad a case as the one I had a few years ago, it's still waking me up nights and keeping me from doing some things that I like to do. Like holding children or resting my arms at all.
And we're getting ready for another trip. And I'm trying to get stuff into the garden. It's beautiful spring here and I'm trying to enjoy it as well as I can!
Happy spring!
And we're getting ready for another trip. And I'm trying to get stuff into the garden. It's beautiful spring here and I'm trying to enjoy it as well as I can!
Happy spring!
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