Holly, our Maid of honor graduated this year from Northeastern. She just accepted a job today working for a company that makes products used in Research. YEAH for Holly!!!!!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
The Maid of Honor
Holly, our Maid of honor graduated this year from Northeastern. She just accepted a job today working for a company that makes products used in Research. YEAH for Holly!!!!!
The corner garden
My Glads bloomed for the first time this year. They grow in the corner garden up by the road. The flowers do not last long there as the neighborhood kids always pick them. Fine by me. Their parents always scold them. But what is the point of growing a flower if a little kid cannot share the beauty?
The line up
Julie, Jamie, Nikki, and our neighbor Mouse are all set to head to the big kid bus stop down the street. Joe has one more year at the little kid bus stop. He is not in the photo BTW as he had to wash chicken manure off his head...the baby chicks can fly!
Happy me they are going to school
Joe took this picture of me while he asked me what was I gonna do while they were all in school. I happily gave the same answer that I do every year. I told him on the first day of school all Mommys rent a Moonwalk and go out for Chinese food to celebrate!
Neighbor's kids getting ready for the bus
I have been trying to get blogger to upload five pictures at a time to show off the first day of school, garden. etc. But for two days I have had no luck. Still cannot get video uploaded either....grrrrrr
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
more nikki hair
Ok so it posts one at a time. Still frustrating though because I want to post start to finish not end ot start. Ah well. Here we are blocking her hair and startign the braids.
Another attempt to blog Nikki's hairstyle
Ok I cannot for the life of me load five pictures at a time to show Nikki's hair salon. So I shall try to blog one photo at a time. I don't know about blogger. They hope to be cutting edge but they take way too long. And today they are suppose to start adding their video capability to blogger. If they cannot load five photos in a timely, how will they load a whole video?
Anyway this is Nikki's extension hair, fresh out of the package and divided up ready to go. You have to be VERY careful and keep the strands neat and untangled.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Your're still the One.
24 years ago today, at this time, I was sliding into my wedding gown. It was a tricky maneuver. Its not easy to get a gown on while keeping your hair perfectly coiffed.
Last night as I watched my 20 year old niece describe her archaeological dig adventure in Italy, I tried to imagine myself at that age, about to be married.
Stephanie, for all her worldly airs, seems far too young to be married! But I don't recall thinking I was!
Now , 24 years later, it is hard to even inhabit the mind of the 20 year old me. I can recall feeling VERY excited and curious and not the least bit afraid. I do remember being so very eager to be a grownup and have my own place, my own stuff.
Here I sit this morning, surrounded by my STUFF, alright, although precious little of it is my very own. In our house everything tends to belong to everyone, a commune of cacophony!
But the me 24 years older still has one thing left from the 20 year old me...my boyfriend, and best friend, my partner in crime, in good times and bad, in richer or poorer (ok we have not tried richer yet!) my Donnie.
We are still on this same adventure together, haven't yet tired of one another. He still hogs all the blankets, I still have to have the last word.
When we watched Mary and Matt on the dance floor at their wedding, as we observed her siblings surrounding her with laughter and love we knew we created a very good thing.
Man is truly godlike in his ability to create. We did not just create that beautiful young bride. We created the love that weaves around them, that connected everyone in the room together in celebration.
Tonight Don and I will sneak out to dinner. There are no gifts to unwrap, too close to back top school to indulge in more than a meal. But we will laugh and reminisce and later, late at night, there will be time for just us... candlelight and more smiles. Happy Anniversary baby.
Last night as I watched my 20 year old niece describe her archaeological dig adventure in Italy, I tried to imagine myself at that age, about to be married.
Stephanie, for all her worldly airs, seems far too young to be married! But I don't recall thinking I was!
Now , 24 years later, it is hard to even inhabit the mind of the 20 year old me. I can recall feeling VERY excited and curious and not the least bit afraid. I do remember being so very eager to be a grownup and have my own place, my own stuff.
Here I sit this morning, surrounded by my STUFF, alright, although precious little of it is my very own. In our house everything tends to belong to everyone, a commune of cacophony!
But the me 24 years older still has one thing left from the 20 year old me...my boyfriend, and best friend, my partner in crime, in good times and bad, in richer or poorer (ok we have not tried richer yet!) my Donnie.
We are still on this same adventure together, haven't yet tired of one another. He still hogs all the blankets, I still have to have the last word.
When we watched Mary and Matt on the dance floor at their wedding, as we observed her siblings surrounding her with laughter and love we knew we created a very good thing.
Man is truly godlike in his ability to create. We did not just create that beautiful young bride. We created the love that weaves around them, that connected everyone in the room together in celebration.
Tonight Don and I will sneak out to dinner. There are no gifts to unwrap, too close to back top school to indulge in more than a meal. But we will laugh and reminisce and later, late at night, there will be time for just us... candlelight and more smiles. Happy Anniversary baby.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Hiking Weather
Makes me want to go hiking it is so lovely outside. Fresh air, sunshine, cool breezes. Why would anyone want to live anywhere else besides New England?
Thursday, August 16, 2007
America's Hometown 3: Mary's birthday and Entrain
We all went to hear the bands Entrain and Third Left down at the Plymouth waterfront. Absolutely not as relaxing as the other nights listening with Donnie. But it had its own charms. Mary and Matt went on their first date to hear Entrain back when she was a senior in high school. So they thought they would enjoy the nostalgia. Well they barely got to hear the band. The rest of us had been saving a spot for Matt and Mary who had a long rush hour commute. Needless to say by the time the newlyweds arrived the little ones were all set for a more rough and tumble form of entertainment.
Corey picked up Yon from work and he and friends joined the party. We even had a guest friend Katrina, from Germany. She was VERY impressed. We do certainly make an Impression.
Holy BATman
So Corey comes down into our bedroom the other night and says, "Dad you won't believe this but I think a bat is flying around our bedroom."
Donnie races upstairs and sure enough, flying above a sleeping Joe and Jamie is a little brown bat. Don was able to knock it down with a blanket and he set it free outside. He then does a quick search for a hole in the screens and finding none, heads back to bed.
So the NEXT night, KNOCK KNOCK. Again its Corey and again its a bat. Julie grabs the camera and whispering like an announcer at a golf tournament she films the frantic bat flying over Joe's bed.
I am going to try and upload the film onto the blog. Otherwise she will post it on YouTube. (I cannot believe my first entry into YouTube will be a bat in the boys room.)
Donnie closes the door on filmmaker Speilberg Blauss, Corey and Julie hear a WHACK, then Don victoriously opens the door.
"Its all set, Donnie beams, "Jesus killed the bat!" Sure enough swinging from Donnie's right hand is Corey's big brass JESUS belt buckle and belt.
Donnie then leans down to scoop up the bat, it resurrects and flies up at him. According to Corey, Donnie squeals like a girl and whacks at it again. He then raps it in a doggy blanket and brings it outside.
Cats, dogs, bunnies, even baby chicks in the house are fine. But I draw the line at BATS in my belfry!
Animal Farm
Well...Nikki took the picture of Lily and Bambam sitting on the couch, after she groomed them. Then there is the photo of Joe in the new chicken coop. Finally we snapped a photo of three newborn bunnies.
Retreat at CampAgna
Don and I met up with some Youth Minister friends for a relaxing weekend in Wareham at our friend Jen Campagna's family's vacation home. We missed the first half of the weekend do to my work and need for sleep! But I think we managed to keep up with the gang once we got there. Played Scatagories, watched the Meteor shower, went for a couple of midnight swims. We even painted ceramic butterflies. (All guests have the opportunity to paint butterflies and add them to the upstairs bathroom.)Thanks Jen!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
? is this.
This is poor Patchy The Pirate's tail. We are determined to make her a house cat. She is determined to get out the door. So Jamie tried to slam it, she tried to book it....the tail didn't fare so well. Now its all bandaged up and she is on antibiotics and they are questioning amputation.
To add insult to injury we got her spayed as well. Poor Patchy will no longer be able to be the Wild Wanton. Lets just hope she can keep her tail.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Why is the Sky Blue?
Since the dawn of mankind there have always been simple questions that require complex answers. The trick is to know the answer (or where to find it) and how to answer in the simplest terms.
When Mary asked, at age four, why was the sky blue I thought to say, " I always wondered that too, why do you think it is?" She had a lengthy and creative answer that more than satisfied both of us.
Julie's response, at around age 5, was sweet and intuitive, "God thought the color blue was restful."
Leave it to Tim to demand a cut and dry scientific answer. I had to go the the East Bridgewater library and look it up to satisfy his need!
The people at Verizon have added more and more complicated technology to their ever expanding phone empire. I was so happy when I received my new cellphones and resigned up for another two years of cellular service.
The problem is I do not actually understand cell phone service, or the difference with landline phones, why I need both, how does the internet work, or the wireless, and why in the world can't I access my internet email , IM, etc from my phone without having to pay ungodly extra for it?
Then when I got home I discovered a number of things. One I got a Bluetooh handsfree wireless ear piece that works on voice command at the touch of a button. Two, the directions that came with the ear piece and the directions that came with the phone had to be combined to figure out how to use it. (Eventually I figured it out by plain fortuitous luck!) Three a small cable that had no directions on what it was for nor any pictures of it in the two handbooks that came with the phone.
So I had to go to Verizon and ask why was the sky blue.... or in this case what was the damn cable thingy for. (The simple answer is you plug the usb port looking thing in the phone charger area and then you can attach ear phones into the other part.)
Four, my phone can be and mp3 player and I feel I oughtta at least be able to transfer my cd music via computer onto my phone for free. But of course although Verizon implies you can, no where are there clear directions.
I did figure out via the Verizon website how to download the free music manager, but why can I not put one of those songs on my phone. Again Verizon is not clear, I may need a special cable but it does not specify that.
Modern tech. is complicated. But I think I am fairly savvy and at the very least I can follow step by step directions. But it is like trying to follow Great Aunt Martha's cake recipe when she says " add a dash of this and a dab of that" but you want exact measurements.
So if any of you can figure out how to add music to my phone please let me know. Otherwise next week I will lurk about the Verizon Kiosk and try to get reasonable answers to why is the sky blue.
When Mary asked, at age four, why was the sky blue I thought to say, " I always wondered that too, why do you think it is?" She had a lengthy and creative answer that more than satisfied both of us.
Julie's response, at around age 5, was sweet and intuitive, "God thought the color blue was restful."
Leave it to Tim to demand a cut and dry scientific answer. I had to go the the East Bridgewater library and look it up to satisfy his need!
The people at Verizon have added more and more complicated technology to their ever expanding phone empire. I was so happy when I received my new cellphones and resigned up for another two years of cellular service.
The problem is I do not actually understand cell phone service, or the difference with landline phones, why I need both, how does the internet work, or the wireless, and why in the world can't I access my internet email , IM, etc from my phone without having to pay ungodly extra for it?
Then when I got home I discovered a number of things. One I got a Bluetooh handsfree wireless ear piece that works on voice command at the touch of a button. Two, the directions that came with the ear piece and the directions that came with the phone had to be combined to figure out how to use it. (Eventually I figured it out by plain fortuitous luck!) Three a small cable that had no directions on what it was for nor any pictures of it in the two handbooks that came with the phone.
So I had to go to Verizon and ask why was the sky blue.... or in this case what was the damn cable thingy for. (The simple answer is you plug the usb port looking thing in the phone charger area and then you can attach ear phones into the other part.)
Four, my phone can be and mp3 player and I feel I oughtta at least be able to transfer my cd music via computer onto my phone for free. But of course although Verizon implies you can, no where are there clear directions.
I did figure out via the Verizon website how to download the free music manager, but why can I not put one of those songs on my phone. Again Verizon is not clear, I may need a special cable but it does not specify that.
Modern tech. is complicated. But I think I am fairly savvy and at the very least I can follow step by step directions. But it is like trying to follow Great Aunt Martha's cake recipe when she says " add a dash of this and a dab of that" but you want exact measurements.
So if any of you can figure out how to add music to my phone please let me know. Otherwise next week I will lurk about the Verizon Kiosk and try to get reasonable answers to why is the sky blue.
America's Hometown part 2
Last night we sat on Pilgrim property to watch the second band concert. Just Don and I again. Ok there were about 400 people but you know what I mean- no one I had to watch, correct, or entertain.
This week I was smart and brought pretzels to munch on and a flashlight for my book. (Julia Quinn writes Regencies and this new one is as engaging as her last. I think I have another favorite author!)
Apparently I am the only person in the world who doesn't think live outdoor band concerts are the Height of Excitement. There weren't as many cute dogs or cute kids at this concert, definitely an older crowd, but tons of people same as last week.
Both bands, the warm up act and the headliners Pousett Dart Band (have no idea of the spelling, if you love them you know it and if you never heard of them, really now why would you care how to spell their name?) both bands sounded terrific.
I actually knew almost every song as Donnie listened to them a lot all those years ago when we were dating. It is fun watching him listen to music. Musicians listen with their whole body. His feet move and he focuses on various instruments throughout the song. Sometimes his fingers move to a fret position although I am sure he is not conscious of it.
It occurred to me that when we were first married we often sat at night in our tiny living room,located on the corner of Dean and Summer, and later on route 106 in Bridgewater, he listening to music, me reading a book, both of us holding hands.
Sometimes he would get up and grab a guitar and begin playing along. When it was a familiar song I wasn't surprised but he would also do it to a song he never heard before. We would be listening to the radio, a song would come on that intrigued him and he would play along.
Usually the song would have a guitar in it, but not always. He says if the song is right you can hear the instrument piece missing, its "implied."
If you are a real musician you understand that, if not, well you don't know what you are missing I guess.
When we were newly married and holding hands and I was reading and he was musicking I thought, this is what it will be like to be an old married couple, we will be doing this every night.
Well we never just sit at home, ever. The tv is always on, someone else is always awake, there isn't even enough room to even sit next to one another as a kid, or cat, or dog always manage to wiggle their way between.
I am not complaining, we wanted all those kids and cats and dogs. They have brought us much joy and aggravation and more than a few adventures. I mean who else types on their computer with 26 baby chicks peeping up at them. What's not to love?
But last night, sitting there holding hands in the dark, listening to music, reading a good book, loving a good man... it is more than enough. It is everything.
PS: Do not expect Romantic drivel in the America's Hometown Part 3 Next week is Mary's birthday, we are having a family picnic at the band concert. Mary and Don will be caught up in the music and I will be parenting squirmy rambunctious kids, keeping teens in line, feeding and tidying and fussing... ah summer lovin.'
This week I was smart and brought pretzels to munch on and a flashlight for my book. (Julia Quinn writes Regencies and this new one is as engaging as her last. I think I have another favorite author!)
Apparently I am the only person in the world who doesn't think live outdoor band concerts are the Height of Excitement. There weren't as many cute dogs or cute kids at this concert, definitely an older crowd, but tons of people same as last week.
Both bands, the warm up act and the headliners Pousett Dart Band (have no idea of the spelling, if you love them you know it and if you never heard of them, really now why would you care how to spell their name?) both bands sounded terrific.
I actually knew almost every song as Donnie listened to them a lot all those years ago when we were dating. It is fun watching him listen to music. Musicians listen with their whole body. His feet move and he focuses on various instruments throughout the song. Sometimes his fingers move to a fret position although I am sure he is not conscious of it.
It occurred to me that when we were first married we often sat at night in our tiny living room,located on the corner of Dean and Summer, and later on route 106 in Bridgewater, he listening to music, me reading a book, both of us holding hands.
Sometimes he would get up and grab a guitar and begin playing along. When it was a familiar song I wasn't surprised but he would also do it to a song he never heard before. We would be listening to the radio, a song would come on that intrigued him and he would play along.
Usually the song would have a guitar in it, but not always. He says if the song is right you can hear the instrument piece missing, its "implied."
If you are a real musician you understand that, if not, well you don't know what you are missing I guess.
When we were newly married and holding hands and I was reading and he was musicking I thought, this is what it will be like to be an old married couple, we will be doing this every night.
Well we never just sit at home, ever. The tv is always on, someone else is always awake, there isn't even enough room to even sit next to one another as a kid, or cat, or dog always manage to wiggle their way between.
I am not complaining, we wanted all those kids and cats and dogs. They have brought us much joy and aggravation and more than a few adventures. I mean who else types on their computer with 26 baby chicks peeping up at them. What's not to love?
But last night, sitting there holding hands in the dark, listening to music, reading a good book, loving a good man... it is more than enough. It is everything.
PS: Do not expect Romantic drivel in the America's Hometown Part 3 Next week is Mary's birthday, we are having a family picnic at the band concert. Mary and Don will be caught up in the music and I will be parenting squirmy rambunctious kids, keeping teens in line, feeding and tidying and fussing... ah summer lovin.'
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Joe's bed
He was very proud to make his bed all up. Then he wanted to sleep on the floor because his bed was too neat. Sigh...
cell phone magic
Its called Sliver....red and sleek. It is even an mp3 player....when I figure it out. And it takes pictures and videos.
Tomato tomatoe
All summer we have been making 'Margo Salad'. You need vine ripe tomatoes cut in bite size peices. Add fresh mozzerella, two table spoons of olive oil, fresh basil and fresh oregano from the garden, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix together and even Martha Stewart will be impressed.
Garden Magic
I have such amazing garden talent. Notice the apples AND the black berries? Actually the apple trees are dwarf and the thornless blackberry canes are VERY tall. The berries are so sweet and luscious. Lu8cky for us there are no black bears around.
My First Trip To Martha's Vineyard
I went to Martha's Vineyard for the first time yesterday. It was a gift from my friend Wanda at work. She (A former Whitman girl) lives there with her husband (who grew up there) adult son and huge dog Joe.
I have heard many stories over the years about the Vineyard but had never gone. The whole uniqueness of it, taking a boat, how do you navigate the island, where to go to eat, seemed all overwhelming.
But yesterday, I had Tim drop me off at Woodshole, and did the boat ALL BY MYSELF. Wanda met me in Vineyard Haven and I had my own personal insider's tour of the island. Everywhere we drove there were people of course, many just oozing wealth! Lines were everywhere but she knew the perfect hideaway spot to eat lunch, overlooking the ocean with its perfect lighthouse, and no lines!
The only shop we went into was the bookstore. (Ok we stopped at her grocery store to get dog food too) so it was a great trip! The funny thing was walking and driving by all the men sitting on benches outside stores while they waited for their wives to shop. I wonder how they view their vacation spent cooling their heels infront of every touristy store.
The boat ride home even came with a VERY frightening thunderstorm. But I was able to figure out the boat and the correct bus to take back to where Don awaited me. We finished the night together with seafood in Falmouth (ok you know I didn't eat seafood, but I did swallow EVERY bite of broccoli and cauliflower, ick I hate diets)and then a brisk walk along the canal.
Martha's Vineyard was lovely and relaxing and of course I could not ask for better company. But the amazing part of the trip was the ever present feeling of how I was 'doing it alone.'
I have had kids for almost 23 years now. Great kids, wonderful kids. But it struck me yesterday that it was the third time in all those years that I was ALL ALONE. Once I went to Provincetown to see a friend's daughter's art exhibit. At the last minute the friend had to back out and I went by myself. The entire time I had such a physical sensation of being far from home and having to decide what to do, where to go and what to eat. In all honesty I did not enjoy it. I kept missing Donnie and the kids. (The artwork was however amazing!)
Then two years ago I drove all by myself to visit my friend PJ and see his new house, almost at the New Hampshire border. We went for a jeep ride-top down, (the jeep's, not mine) ate out at a little outdoor cafe and walked around. Again it was so odd to just go and be away from everyone. The PJ part was great fun but of course I hated the route 128 part and then I worried the whole way home because Julie called sick and needed a ride to the house, and I was almost 2 hours away.
Then yesterday was my third time all by myself far from home, and I was conscious of it the entire time. I couldn't help but wonder if other people feel the same way or if they even notice. Maybe I am weird or something but I do not recall anyone ever talking about it.
Three times I have traveled VERY far (Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas) for rabbit conventions, but I brought kids two of those times and the third time I went with a group of people who needed parenting. (They were adults, most men are babies, and I gained a new appreciation for Donnie who NEVER whines and barely ever complains and is always a fun traveling companion. I have no idea how those women keep from burying their husbands alive in the back yard, ahem.)
But to go away from home, and leave all the home-stuff behind and simply be in the moment is not a thing I ever do alone.
Unlike the other two times though I really enjoyed the ALONE part. Even the thunderstorm which was REALLY scary (think Gilligan's island and the three hour tour) I felt able to deal with.
I looked at all the people traveling, many of them by themselves. I guess most people are use to it, the being alone part. Me -I always prefer being surrounded by my peeps.
So I think this year I am going to try to do more ALONE things, to see if the physical awareness of it lessens with practice. The last week in August I believe PJ and I have another date while the kids are in school. Perhaps I will slowly make my way hone and not just race to be back in time for the school bus. Who knows. It feels very bold.
My 19 year old niece just returned from 6 weeks in Italy where she worked on an archeology dig. She traveled alone and I don't think knew any of the people she worked with. I cannot imagine being brave enough to do that at 19. But I have friends who have vacationed alone, even live alone. So foreign to me.
But perhaps its foreign to other people that I sit typing with 26 baby chicks at my feet. Maybe its strange to have seven kids and want seven more. (Oh how cute all the babies and toddlers were on the boat and island, sigh)
Later tonight I will post some Martha's Vineyard photos. But its hot as heck here and the kids and I are ponding it for the day.
Thanks Wanda for my graduation present. Martha's Vineyard was a GREAT adventure!
I have heard many stories over the years about the Vineyard but had never gone. The whole uniqueness of it, taking a boat, how do you navigate the island, where to go to eat, seemed all overwhelming.
But yesterday, I had Tim drop me off at Woodshole, and did the boat ALL BY MYSELF. Wanda met me in Vineyard Haven and I had my own personal insider's tour of the island. Everywhere we drove there were people of course, many just oozing wealth! Lines were everywhere but she knew the perfect hideaway spot to eat lunch, overlooking the ocean with its perfect lighthouse, and no lines!
The only shop we went into was the bookstore. (Ok we stopped at her grocery store to get dog food too) so it was a great trip! The funny thing was walking and driving by all the men sitting on benches outside stores while they waited for their wives to shop. I wonder how they view their vacation spent cooling their heels infront of every touristy store.
The boat ride home even came with a VERY frightening thunderstorm. But I was able to figure out the boat and the correct bus to take back to where Don awaited me. We finished the night together with seafood in Falmouth (ok you know I didn't eat seafood, but I did swallow EVERY bite of broccoli and cauliflower, ick I hate diets)and then a brisk walk along the canal.
Martha's Vineyard was lovely and relaxing and of course I could not ask for better company. But the amazing part of the trip was the ever present feeling of how I was 'doing it alone.'
I have had kids for almost 23 years now. Great kids, wonderful kids. But it struck me yesterday that it was the third time in all those years that I was ALL ALONE. Once I went to Provincetown to see a friend's daughter's art exhibit. At the last minute the friend had to back out and I went by myself. The entire time I had such a physical sensation of being far from home and having to decide what to do, where to go and what to eat. In all honesty I did not enjoy it. I kept missing Donnie and the kids. (The artwork was however amazing!)
Then two years ago I drove all by myself to visit my friend PJ and see his new house, almost at the New Hampshire border. We went for a jeep ride-top down, (the jeep's, not mine) ate out at a little outdoor cafe and walked around. Again it was so odd to just go and be away from everyone. The PJ part was great fun but of course I hated the route 128 part and then I worried the whole way home because Julie called sick and needed a ride to the house, and I was almost 2 hours away.
Then yesterday was my third time all by myself far from home, and I was conscious of it the entire time. I couldn't help but wonder if other people feel the same way or if they even notice. Maybe I am weird or something but I do not recall anyone ever talking about it.
Three times I have traveled VERY far (Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas) for rabbit conventions, but I brought kids two of those times and the third time I went with a group of people who needed parenting. (They were adults, most men are babies, and I gained a new appreciation for Donnie who NEVER whines and barely ever complains and is always a fun traveling companion. I have no idea how those women keep from burying their husbands alive in the back yard, ahem.)
But to go away from home, and leave all the home-stuff behind and simply be in the moment is not a thing I ever do alone.
Unlike the other two times though I really enjoyed the ALONE part. Even the thunderstorm which was REALLY scary (think Gilligan's island and the three hour tour) I felt able to deal with.
I looked at all the people traveling, many of them by themselves. I guess most people are use to it, the being alone part. Me -I always prefer being surrounded by my peeps.
So I think this year I am going to try to do more ALONE things, to see if the physical awareness of it lessens with practice. The last week in August I believe PJ and I have another date while the kids are in school. Perhaps I will slowly make my way hone and not just race to be back in time for the school bus. Who knows. It feels very bold.
My 19 year old niece just returned from 6 weeks in Italy where she worked on an archeology dig. She traveled alone and I don't think knew any of the people she worked with. I cannot imagine being brave enough to do that at 19. But I have friends who have vacationed alone, even live alone. So foreign to me.
But perhaps its foreign to other people that I sit typing with 26 baby chicks at my feet. Maybe its strange to have seven kids and want seven more. (Oh how cute all the babies and toddlers were on the boat and island, sigh)
Later tonight I will post some Martha's Vineyard photos. But its hot as heck here and the kids and I are ponding it for the day.
Thanks Wanda for my graduation present. Martha's Vineyard was a GREAT adventure!
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Blog- I beg you
Why are none of my blogging friends keeping up with blogging? Seems like just me and Rosie are blogging these days.
I want to read read read my fellow bloggers!!!!!!
I want to read read read my fellow bloggers!!!!!!
Thursday, August 02, 2007
America's Hometown
Last night Donnie and I went to hear a free summer band concert in Plymouth, MA. America's hometown. I knew it was America's hometown because on the white trailer that serves as a stage it said that.
The stage is so silly, a white-trashy-looking-dented-trailer, plunked to the right of Plymouth Rock. (The Mayflower is to the left!) There were hundreds of people sitting on blankets and lawn chairs, settled in to hear the music. The bay with its gently bobbing boats, boasted great views. We even got to watch a red moon arising!
Parked next to us with a Ginormous telescope were some teachers from the Plymouth Middle school. At eight thirty nine you could view the space shuttle passing by, and see the great view of Jupiter. The announcer even mentioned the science teachers on stage!!! Apparently they go every week.
Families with little kids, and tons of dogs wandered past us. Music by Jonathan Edwards a folk type singer from the 60s was terrific. Mostly I sat and tried to read by the fading light. So wish I had brought a flashlight.
I have never been a particular fan of band concerts, even as a kid. If I cannot jump up and dance who cares about hearing a band? And band concerts out on the town lawn are not known for having dance-able music in spite of what the middle school and high school dancers thought last night as they flailed their arms and legs about in front of the stage. I guess I am spoiled because in a house of musicians I truly have Music on Demand.
Over the years we have gone to such concerts and I spend the whole time trying to get the kids to behave as Don was either playing or so intently watching the musicians that he never even noticed the kids. So last night, just the two of us was a treat.
I read , he watched, we held hands. Nice and relaxing. In two weeks Mary and Matts first date band (Endtrain) are playing there so we will have a picnic and all watch them, for her 23rd birthday. The kids are bigger now so hopefully I will not be spending the entire time parenting them!
On the ride home Mary (who was also on a date with her husband) and I chatted on the phone about this and that. The big news is that Matt got a promotion and at only 24, he is officially a Programmer!!!!!!!GO MATT.
It was funny to think mother and daughter, both on dates with their strong silent type husbands, were chatting away. Makes me laugh.
Also wondered about those Pilgrims, 300 years ago and what music they listened to on America's front lawn. Just a nice summer night.
The stage is so silly, a white-trashy-looking-dented-trailer, plunked to the right of Plymouth Rock. (The Mayflower is to the left!) There were hundreds of people sitting on blankets and lawn chairs, settled in to hear the music. The bay with its gently bobbing boats, boasted great views. We even got to watch a red moon arising!
Parked next to us with a Ginormous telescope were some teachers from the Plymouth Middle school. At eight thirty nine you could view the space shuttle passing by, and see the great view of Jupiter. The announcer even mentioned the science teachers on stage!!! Apparently they go every week.
Families with little kids, and tons of dogs wandered past us. Music by Jonathan Edwards a folk type singer from the 60s was terrific. Mostly I sat and tried to read by the fading light. So wish I had brought a flashlight.
I have never been a particular fan of band concerts, even as a kid. If I cannot jump up and dance who cares about hearing a band? And band concerts out on the town lawn are not known for having dance-able music in spite of what the middle school and high school dancers thought last night as they flailed their arms and legs about in front of the stage. I guess I am spoiled because in a house of musicians I truly have Music on Demand.
Over the years we have gone to such concerts and I spend the whole time trying to get the kids to behave as Don was either playing or so intently watching the musicians that he never even noticed the kids. So last night, just the two of us was a treat.
I read , he watched, we held hands. Nice and relaxing. In two weeks Mary and Matts first date band (Endtrain) are playing there so we will have a picnic and all watch them, for her 23rd birthday. The kids are bigger now so hopefully I will not be spending the entire time parenting them!
On the ride home Mary (who was also on a date with her husband) and I chatted on the phone about this and that. The big news is that Matt got a promotion and at only 24, he is officially a Programmer!!!!!!!GO MATT.
It was funny to think mother and daughter, both on dates with their strong silent type husbands, were chatting away. Makes me laugh.
Also wondered about those Pilgrims, 300 years ago and what music they listened to on America's front lawn. Just a nice summer night.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
I just came back from Hollister
So Nikki is a clothes horse and in spite of owning four pairs of jeans and four pairs of jean capris, is certain she needs new jeans. I have agreed to go looking for back to school clothes which is an unheard of event.
Normally in mid-August with much complaining I go and buy all their back to school clothes, hating every minute of it, and panicking about cost.
Some years everyone gets two outfits and then through September and October I piece together more for their wardrobe. Normally by then someone in town has gone through their own children's closet and pass on the hand-me-downs.
I do not shop for the best bargains or hunt through stores and compare prices. I hate shopping and prefer in and out. Kmart and Bradlees when still in business, were where I shopped and now its Target and WalMart.
As the kids have gotten older they have decided on their own style and worked within our tiny budget to achieve it. Until Nikki that is. She was meant to be worshiped and insists on High Quality....which to her 11 year old mind meant Hollister. That is correct, the store that is so pretentious it has a front porch that juts out into the mall hallway.
So yesterday and today we have gone into a dozen stores comparing styles and prices and making decisions about what to buy. We have not bought yet. I am trying to show her how stores can mark up the same outfits. We are going over clothing and textures and talking about real quality. (It helps that I do not get paid until Friday.) She needs nothing except for socks, underwear, and sneakers. I have agreed to buy her four tops and four bottoms (no jeans I flat out refuse!)
I want to respect her fashion interest and I certainly do not want to pass down money worries to her. At the same time of course I want to make her happy yet teach her real value and adding outfits that can mix and match. But to Nikki MORE has always been better MORE MORE MORE.
So today we went to the H store and it was as appalling as I imagined. Loud blaring music, dim maze like rooms. Tin ceilings and surfing decor. They even have live video feed of a beach in California where the beautiful people surf.
Nothing on sale. Everything outrageously overpriced with big HOLLISTER letters across almost all their merchandise. I could not help laughing. It even smells funny.
How can they charge 35 dollars for a cami? You can get a lovely one at Sears for 16 or a cheap but serviceable one at Walmart for 8.
Even Aeropostole had ones on sale for 12! It was so ridiculous. But she listed all the kids whose families shop there and I am in awe.
Now The Children's Place. H.M., and Aeropostole at least have different merchandise and although not cheap offer some reasonable prices and very reasonable sales, unlike the beloved Hollister. It was all so silly. But Nikki didn't see it that way. She thought that smelly, dark, loud store was a slice of heaven. Every inconvenient nook and cranny amazed her.
I don;t knwo what it means. I want to support my kids. I didn't mind when Julie went through her preppy stage and wanted to wear little black bow ties. Or Joe and his insatiable need for all clothing with Spongebob on it. Even Corey with his fresh tshirts and goofy hats paired with knee high sports socks I could take in stride.
But Nikki's attraction to EXPENSIVE means best is too much for me. Oh well, she had a wonderful afternoon and she can hardly wait until she is 16 and can work at Hollister and get their discount... Surfs Up.
Normally in mid-August with much complaining I go and buy all their back to school clothes, hating every minute of it, and panicking about cost.
Some years everyone gets two outfits and then through September and October I piece together more for their wardrobe. Normally by then someone in town has gone through their own children's closet and pass on the hand-me-downs.
I do not shop for the best bargains or hunt through stores and compare prices. I hate shopping and prefer in and out. Kmart and Bradlees when still in business, were where I shopped and now its Target and WalMart.
As the kids have gotten older they have decided on their own style and worked within our tiny budget to achieve it. Until Nikki that is. She was meant to be worshiped and insists on High Quality....which to her 11 year old mind meant Hollister. That is correct, the store that is so pretentious it has a front porch that juts out into the mall hallway.
So yesterday and today we have gone into a dozen stores comparing styles and prices and making decisions about what to buy. We have not bought yet. I am trying to show her how stores can mark up the same outfits. We are going over clothing and textures and talking about real quality. (It helps that I do not get paid until Friday.) She needs nothing except for socks, underwear, and sneakers. I have agreed to buy her four tops and four bottoms (no jeans I flat out refuse!)
I want to respect her fashion interest and I certainly do not want to pass down money worries to her. At the same time of course I want to make her happy yet teach her real value and adding outfits that can mix and match. But to Nikki MORE has always been better MORE MORE MORE.
So today we went to the H store and it was as appalling as I imagined. Loud blaring music, dim maze like rooms. Tin ceilings and surfing decor. They even have live video feed of a beach in California where the beautiful people surf.
Nothing on sale. Everything outrageously overpriced with big HOLLISTER letters across almost all their merchandise. I could not help laughing. It even smells funny.
How can they charge 35 dollars for a cami? You can get a lovely one at Sears for 16 or a cheap but serviceable one at Walmart for 8.
Even Aeropostole had ones on sale for 12! It was so ridiculous. But she listed all the kids whose families shop there and I am in awe.
Now The Children's Place. H.M., and Aeropostole at least have different merchandise and although not cheap offer some reasonable prices and very reasonable sales, unlike the beloved Hollister. It was all so silly. But Nikki didn't see it that way. She thought that smelly, dark, loud store was a slice of heaven. Every inconvenient nook and cranny amazed her.
I don;t knwo what it means. I want to support my kids. I didn't mind when Julie went through her preppy stage and wanted to wear little black bow ties. Or Joe and his insatiable need for all clothing with Spongebob on it. Even Corey with his fresh tshirts and goofy hats paired with knee high sports socks I could take in stride.
But Nikki's attraction to EXPENSIVE means best is too much for me. Oh well, she had a wonderful afternoon and she can hardly wait until she is 16 and can work at Hollister and get their discount... Surfs Up.
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