Merry Christmas to all!

This One's for You, J

Sunday we got leaves out of the back yard. Seeing as it will be 67 degrees today, James and I decided to tackle some of the yard work. I don't have any lawn bags so we just worked leaves today. And by worked leaves, I mean go outside and randomly point my blower toward the street. I bragged about the size of my leaf pile on the Facebook, but really, to be fair, I am also doing the front yard of the empty house next to us. The folks across the street mow in the summer, so in the fall I figure it's the least I can do. Winter will depend on if I get the hang of the snow thrower, and how cold it is. That is a corner lot, after all.
When I left for Tucson I was a bit bummed as fall colors hadn't really reached a good photo point. It was pretty, but not unbelievably pretty. As I suspected, that occurred shortly after my return. It was nice to come back to. I have so many photos from last year, I didn't really take too much. I missed Homers transformation-he lost his leaves pretty quickly this year. But a request from a dear friend, a desert dweller, came across the lines, and really, how could I say no? I stepped out into the mid 60 degree weather and took a few shots. A day like today is really special. I may let Ava postpone her piano work and get those kids out on their bikes. After Friday's snow, who knows how much longer we'll have to bask in this autumn glory?

Random Saturday Morningish Musings

1) I love my vacuum cleaner. And not in a "Ms. Jackson if you're nasty" kind of way. It works awesome, AND it's orange. Love it.
2) How cute is this?
3) Hint: Not as cute as this.
4) I feel my life moving in an unanticipated direction. I didn't put much thought into it, but something happened recently that made me kind of wonder if it means something. This morning I was starting to think about it-if there's some deep meaning, if I am being steered in this direction, what it could mean for our family, and future, and suddenly I smelled the wonderful aroma of roses. A friend had sent flowers when I lost my mom-well over a week ago they arrived. They are still lovely, but I've been thinning the arrangement as some of the flowers are well past their expiration date. It seemed to awaken me to the probability that yes, my life is changing course, and yes, I am supposed to listen. We'll see what happens. Right now I am resolved to be relaxed and open to all the possibilities that life offers. Even if they're scary or I am unsure. I know I'm taken care of.
5) Lately, at the library, and eerily only since my Mom passed, books are flying off the shelves. The first time I thought it was an isolated incident; perhaps someone on the other side had jammed a book in and caused something to come out the other side. But I peered around the corner and there was nobody there. I informed my mother out loud (I am pretty certain everyone already thinks I am crazy) that she is not allowed to haunt me. But if she's not going to listen and do it anyway, she cannot come to my house. The library is fine, but she needs to stay out of the kids section. Fiction only-there are a lot of mysteries there, and it's the quickest to reshelve.
6) I am doing some research on something I know nothing about. Wish me luck. I hope to find helpful information for the party that put me in this charge.
7) Someone told me that in Fort Wayne, there's one degree of separation. At first I thought that might me true. But if it's so, why did we really never connect with folks we were going to church with for several years? And why does it seem that our group has expanded beyond just a few only in the last year or so? I'm not complaining-our group of friends includes some of the best people you'd ever want to know. I'm just saying I don't necessarily think it's that easy. I think some things are kind of meant to be. Serendipitous.
8) I wish my hair looked as good as Ava drew it in the photo above!

Cloudy Skies

I am sorry for the complete and total abandonment of late of this blog. For quite some time, it's felt like a blahg. I've had some stuff on simmer going on over here, and the heat has gradually increased. My mother, who had been sick for quite some time with lung cancer, passed away a week ago. It was expected, yet a bit unexpected as the doctors had given her a couple of months, and she went in a few weeks. She knew when she was ready. Sadly there's more on that burner with some other stuff. That knob gets turned up every so often. Today it felt like it was on high. I am searching for an answer I am afraid isn't there for me to find. I looked today to someone I was certain would know but he seemed as lost as I am to complete the puzzle and put everything back together as it should be. So I pray (oh yes we pray just to make it today-great, now Hammer's in my head...) every day to find comfort for those close to me that really truly need it. Healing and comfort and grace. And although I feel my light is diminished, I hope it shines just a smidge on those who are looking for help. And I'll keep praying for my light to grow, so if the answer doesn't come from me maybe those who need it can use the light to find it for themselves.

Whew!

This has been a busy week. Paul and Adam left Monday, it was the last week of James' t-ball, we had a picnic lunch with Peege, and VBS was also this week. It's overall been pretty good. We had a lovely playdate with our neighbor friends (best neighbors evah, except of course the Jensens!) and we are going to see (and consult on a repair project for) the new house of a friend who bought in Williams Woodland. Can't wait! Here are a few shots of James' tball. I will post about Paul and Adam later. I am currently slightly jealous that they are in Chicago and hoping they are having a blast!

Cyclists share coast-to-coast cause | The News-Sentinel - Fort Wayne IN

Cyclists share coast-to-coast cause | The News-Sentinel - Fort Wayne IN

These are the guys that stayed over the weekend. Their cause is great!

Got that Pouch done Just In Time

Birdie lost her first tooth!

WIP

A little work in progress to hold Birdie's tooth when it comes out so the tooth fairy can find the thing under her pillow. It will be a little pillow with a pocket when it is finished that will hold her baby teeth when she goes to sleep and a little present when she wakes up. I've seen these things on craft blogs, most of the people who post them have actual talent and lots of it. As for me, I took their ideas and mangled them into this. It's going to be super cute, and she's pretty excited. Now we just have to get that tooth out before PJ comes home and takes some pliers to it!

A little Martha Love in the Tummy

We are on Week 2 of the Summer CSA from Graber Farms. I really could not be more pleased. There have been a lot of salads, and the kids are loving the strawberries. I used to go to the grocery on Mondays, but now I wait till we get the box to plan the meals. This week there were some beautiful snow peas, and I had a red bell pepper in the fridge, so I thought I'd do a stir fry. Meijer had shrimp on sale (I know, Meijer?) really reasonably, so I decided to flip through the old cookbooks and see if I could find something to put it all together.


This was part of a gift given to me by one who knows me well. And this little gem didn't disappoint. I happened to have all the ingredients on hand, so I whipped out the rice cooker and got to work on the stir fry.

I made a couple of adjustments. First, I added the red bell pepper. Second, as I am occasionally multitasking (pouring a glass of wine, tending to the children, etc.) I didn't read the entire recipe all the way through before skipping a vital section where the lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar are stated to be served on the side. This information made it's way to my prefrontal prelateral cortex (thanks Dr. Fawver!) after it was poured into the pan. Oops. Seriously, oops. I grabbed some corn starch to thicken it up, and all together it wasn't that bad. It was actually really good. After it was in my bowl I added some crushed red pepper, and it was super tasty. It even got a mention from the Mister (who came in really late from volleyball and found it so good that he mentioned it in the morning!). So I believe it is a repeater. I will use chicken or even tofu as a sub for the shrimp in the future. Quick and easy. Just like Martha likes 'em.

Parkview Field

This morning there was a rally to show support for keeping Navistar in Fort Wayne. I have a big interest in this as one of my dearest friends' husband (also a good friend) works at Navistar, and I don't wish for them to move away. Their son is James' bestie, for crying out loud! So I spoke to said dear friend this a.m. and she suggested a little rally action, followed by a picnic lunch and some fun at the splash pad right there in the ballpark. Of course, we were in. It was a blast. It's so nice that the field is open to the public when there are no games being played. There is a place to have lunch, the fan shop is open so one could buy Tincaps gear, and there are even signs stating that the length of the concourse once round is a third of a mile. We saw folks walking the concourse, walking through, sitting and lunching, and of course, enjoying the splash pad. The supporters of this field should feel proud. It's pretty great. James is ready to go back right. now. Never mind that he is asleep, exhausted from play. He'd go if I said I'd take him. I didn't snap any pics of the rally, but there were a fair number of folks in attendance. The city even drove their Navistar trucks down, which James really liked!

Surprise!

So the Big Four Oh just whizzed by. Technically, I am in my forties. Over. The. Hill. But Herr Thuringer salved the wound by purchasing a big surprise prezzie for the big day. An ipod touch. Holy crap was that ever a whopper. A good present from Peege is no shocker, but this specific one was. Bigger than anticipated. It's so fun. As a thank you I cleared out my little ipod (the nano he got me for xmas a few years ago!) and put on his song library. Now he can rock through his days. And I can rock, podcast, look at pictures, watch youtube videos, check the weather, check and send emails, etc. etc. etc. So if I am not around these parts for a little while, please understand and be patient. School is out, I have two chickens in sports, and a shiny new toy to play with.

Love,
The Old Lady
photo courtesy of Google Images

Video Friday

I've gotten James weaned off the Damien Walters video. But only by watching this one. I love this one. I found it last year, and the song reminds me of when the Real Geeks Ride guys, Joe and Carlos, were here. It was really nice to have them here. Anyhow, here it is. It doesn't hurt this guy is Scottish. I know I am Irish thru and thru (Great grandparents born in Ireland and all) but I have a soft spot in my heart for a Scottish bloke. (Craig Ferguson, James McAvoy, Ewan MacGregor, and now this dude.) While you are watching, I will go make sure that James is not in the garage getting out his bike and trying tricks. He has already tried to stand on the seat of it and proclaimed this video as "sick". I may be in trouble.

James and I have been watching this seemingly in all of our spare time for the last two days. He enjoys the music almost as much as the movement. He tells me he wants to do this when he grows up. I said he'd have to start now-and practice would consist of more than his current routine of jumping on the couch or jumping from couch to beanbag chair. He is only moderately interested in starting now. My mother's heart is slightly relieved, but I may look into gymnastics for him. It's pretty sweet. Enjoy

Wednesday

So today is not being looked upon by me as being "top ten" material. This morning on the way to take the kids to school I was running a few minutes behind and got stopped by a train. The kids got to school on time, tho. Then I took James over to his school, and when I got there they asked if I had a present for chapel. There was a flyer sent home that the kids were donating gifts for a "baby shower" to help little ones with special needs. Of course I did not. I thought it was next week!!! So off I go before I head to Ava's school to the store to pick up some diapers, rash cream, a rattle and gift bag. I suppose it worked out as I had additionally neglected to pick up something for Ava's teacher for teacher appreciation week. So while I was there I got her a thank you card and a little gift. Then off to Ava's school, late, where I begin making copies for the take home readers and in the middle of the first batch I run out of toner. I go back to the office (almost the opposite side of the bldg) to get the toner, then replace it, and finish copies. Finish my work in the class a few minutes late, and go to get Jam Master James. I get out onto Anthony without incident, and figure this will help me make up a few minutes, but at Creighton I get diverted by a policewoman. Anthony is closed heading north. So I detour, Creighton to Hanna then Berry back to Anthony, but was a couple of minutes late to pick up James. I was pretty dejected about the day at this point, but the sweetest boy on the planet sees me, flashes the biggest smile, and hands me a card with his handprints in it and a marigold planted in a mug. The bad stuff melted away. Sweet!
Things seemed to take a turn for the better as he was extremely well behaved at Meijer. I found only two New Belgium folly packs left, which of course I purchased, and one thing of my hair product left, which I purchased. I did not look upon this as a bad thing, as I needed only one hair thing and it will take us a while to get through 24 beers. I went through my blogs and websites when James had quiet time and saw on weather.com we are going to probably get some rain tonight, so I thought I would get ahead of the game and mow the lawn. I got through the back yard easier than last week, but alas, I think I had used up all my good fortune, as halfway through the front yard the damned thing BROKE.
Do you think John is trying to tell me something?

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

So a few weeks ago we attended the 2nd annual Fort Wayne Cherry Blossom Festival. It was a celebration of Japanese culture. There was Taiko drumming (which Ava was all about after they visited her school the few days before the festival), sumi-e demonstrations, bonsai exhibits, free admission to the art museum where there was a manga drawing contest and where they had a reasonable amount of Japanese art (nothing as good as my Yoshi, tho!). There was also a origami exhibit with regular sized specimens and some really big ones too-dinosaur origami! Aaaarrrgh! So fun. But my favorite part was a Haiku competition for the wee ones. I love haiku and find myself composing it often when stressed out or in ridiculous situations to calm myself down. So of course, the kids were going to enter. Ava had just learned about haiku a couple of weeks before at school, so she was super excited. Of course, not to be left out, James wanted to do one too. Earlier in the day, bored with the Taiko drums (???) he and PJ had set out to do some exploring around Friemann Square. They found an expired duck and a plastic toy soldier. The soldiers gun was so big James decided it must be from outer space, so he referred to his new favorite toy as his Spaceman. This spaceman was the source of some gnashing of teeth earlier when it came out of James' pocket and yours truly had to go find him. Thankfully, I did, and not much later we went inside and partook of some haiku. I do not remember Ava's, however, James' was this:

Steve is my monkey
Spaceman is in my pocket
I love mac and cheese

The gentleman at the table accepting submissions was over the moon with this haiku. It is really lovely, as far as I am concerned, too. We left not thinking much beyond "That was so fun!"
Fast forward a few weeks and in the mailbox we find a letter stating James had won the contest! There was a reward certificate, the original haiku entry, a blue ribbon, and $20!
Everyone was pretty stoked. When asked what he was going to do with the winnings, James told me that I was going to take him to Target today so he could get a Nerf gun. I just hope he doesn't want one as big as Spaceman's!

I am back! (But for how long, really?)

Okay, I know that my husband wants this blog to consist mostly of pictures of his adorable offspring because their grandmother and grandfather miss them terribly. I get that. I have a gazillion pictures I need to put on the computer and edit (Yes, PJ, have you met me? Of course I am going to edit them!) But that is not happening right now. Oh noes. Right now you are going to get an earful about my latest desire. I want a John Deere lawn mower. Not a super phat rider, mind you. Just your run of the mill, noise polluting, carbon monoxide spewing lawn mower. No more reel mower for me. No more pushing and sludging through 3 day old grass on ramming speed. No more minute pieces of mulch getting trapped in the blades and rudely bringing ramming speed to a screeching halt, complete with grunting noise as said mower slams into my body. No. More. No longer do I consider the positive effects of the environment. How there's so little noise and no gas fumes that James can play outside when I am mowing. John Deere, how I am longing for our love affair to start.

Cuckoo!

During the trip back to the Homestead, PJ received as a gift from his aunt Kresent a beeeeeauuuuutiful piece of machinery. I still giggle with glee as it explodes in song on the hour and the half hour. Here are the chickens and the clock. So far they are doing great with the "look with our eyes not with our hands" thing. It's so fun!

The Desert

We're back from it. High and dry. Going thru a gajillion photos. Will post some of them soon!

Catching up

Post Christmas here at Wild Wild West Drive.
Here are some of the goings on:
New Years Eve Movie Party with the kids-in the basement, sleeping bags, 2 am lights out, Annie.
Getting the kids back in the school groove.
Getting ready for the big Phx trip. (Woot!)
Back to the gym.
Trying to journal.
The candied tangelo peels did not turn out as good as I would have liked. Need more tangelos to try again.
The winds are being whipped up again and may just blow us somewhere else. I am having a really hard time with this. I have faith that we will be okay, but right now going through this (AGAIN!!!!!) is unfortunate. It actually is more than unfortunate. It more than really sucks.
Ava starts new ensemble arts classes next week-Drama Games (She should be in honors for that!) and first grade choir. Tres exciting!
That is the little that is going on around here. Plugging along. Quietly. Trying.
Hoping that all my peeps are feeling their joy.
Later.