Saturday, June 28, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Cats and Food and New Bike
Of course, now that we have a new kitten, there will be lots of boring posts about kitten cuteness, kitten antics and kitten updates.
The kitten is doing great. He is very verbal - either his unique personality or because he is a siamese mix. Peggy has already spoiled him. She gave him a lick of Redi Whip and he went nuts. Now he climbs our legs in the kitchen hoping for more. I told her that kittens (and even dogs) can't have milk and will get diarrhea. Sure enough, it happened. He used the litter box, but the mess got tracked in the floor and his paws were stinky. He had his first bath and I got bit. Peggy likes Angel and says she might get a kitten!
He had his first vet appt today. In the car, he rode to the vet clinic on my shoulder. While waiting on the vet, he sat on my shoulder. Shoulders are his preferred location- that's where he is 99% of the time. The vet conferred that cats cannot have milk (cows are herbivores and cats are carnivores, therefore their milk content is different). She did say that he could have a teaspoon of yogurt as a treat. We'll try that in a few months. Angel was a trooper at his appointment and the vet fell in love with Abbie and wants her to marry her son.
Baby does not hate the kitten!
We took Peggy to dinner at Gourmet & Co tonight. This is one of our favorite restaurants. It's like eating the food we see on Food Network. Duck confit, sundried tomato ragout, pineapple foam.... Our meals were wonderful! I knew I was saving room for dessert - bananas foster. This is a specialty for this restaurant, and they didn't have it tonight! I have a recipe. I just need to make it myself.
We got Abbie a new bike for her birthday. She didn't ask for this. Paul put it together last night, but burst a tire as he was inflating it. He got a new tube today, fixed the tire and presented the bike to her tonight. She wasn't very impressed. It doesn't have training wheels - that's why. But we did install a long handle off the back that we hold onto to help her with balancing. It was too dark for her to practice, but maybe she will be a little more enthusiastic tomorrow?? But a gift that we got her that she really does like -- Seasons 1, 2, and 3 of Little House on the Prairie.
Tomorrow, we are going to make Abbie's selection from the cookbook that Annie got her. She chose to make Chocolate Chip-Peppermint Scones.
The kitten is doing great. He is very verbal - either his unique personality or because he is a siamese mix. Peggy has already spoiled him. She gave him a lick of Redi Whip and he went nuts. Now he climbs our legs in the kitchen hoping for more. I told her that kittens (and even dogs) can't have milk and will get diarrhea. Sure enough, it happened. He used the litter box, but the mess got tracked in the floor and his paws were stinky. He had his first bath and I got bit. Peggy likes Angel and says she might get a kitten!
He had his first vet appt today. In the car, he rode to the vet clinic on my shoulder. While waiting on the vet, he sat on my shoulder. Shoulders are his preferred location- that's where he is 99% of the time. The vet conferred that cats cannot have milk (cows are herbivores and cats are carnivores, therefore their milk content is different). She did say that he could have a teaspoon of yogurt as a treat. We'll try that in a few months. Angel was a trooper at his appointment and the vet fell in love with Abbie and wants her to marry her son.
Baby does not hate the kitten!
We took Peggy to dinner at Gourmet & Co tonight. This is one of our favorite restaurants. It's like eating the food we see on Food Network. Duck confit, sundried tomato ragout, pineapple foam.... Our meals were wonderful! I knew I was saving room for dessert - bananas foster. This is a specialty for this restaurant, and they didn't have it tonight! I have a recipe. I just need to make it myself.
We got Abbie a new bike for her birthday. She didn't ask for this. Paul put it together last night, but burst a tire as he was inflating it. He got a new tube today, fixed the tire and presented the bike to her tonight. She wasn't very impressed. It doesn't have training wheels - that's why. But we did install a long handle off the back that we hold onto to help her with balancing. It was too dark for her to practice, but maybe she will be a little more enthusiastic tomorrow?? But a gift that we got her that she really does like -- Seasons 1, 2, and 3 of Little House on the Prairie.
Tomorrow, we are going to make Abbie's selection from the cookbook that Annie got her. She chose to make Chocolate Chip-Peppermint Scones.
Monday, June 23, 2008
2nd post for today
This is my second post today, this one will mostly be pictures. This is Abbie's new kitty.
This is Angel.
The fluffy flip flops we made at Abbie's birthday party.
Haley (Abbie's cousin), Rachel, Riley, Tatum, Abbie
The treasure hunt map.
Hunting for clues.
See the shark? They had to handle the guts to get the next clue.
Preparing a test run of our art project. Abbie displays some acrylic paint.
Some color combinations that we tried.
Here is part of the process. You just hold the paint brush as the wheel turns. Paul converted the seed/fertilizer spreader for our art contraption.
I operate the drill - that spins the platform.
This is just a test run. I prefer a different color combination, but we're ready to make the real thing.
Abbie and her cousin, Andrew, who spent the night.
Andrew looking like the cool country boy that he is. It's summer, but he's wearing jeans and boots. He had his mom cut off his t-shirt sleeves. He's imitating the look of his older brother and pulling it off very nicely. Notice the accurately curved bill of his hat. That's exactly how it's supposed to look - a straight bill is not cool.
Our yummy waffles.
Paul's new expresso machine. He made me a cappacino the other day and it was exactly like I get at Starbucks (of course, I milked it and sugared it up).
The picture was supposed to be up with the other art project pictures. The is what the contraption looks like before we add the canvas. We got 7!
Abbie and I went back to the Animal Shelter today. I was very, very, very, very sad to discover that my precious favorite kittens were no longer there. Abbie's first and second choice kittens were no longer there. I noticed several differences from the day before. On a positive note, they could have been adopted. I'll just keep telling myself that!
I am so behind on posting pictures. Paul has been hogging the computer so I use the laptop (and I don't download photos on the laptop). I promise to catch up soon.
I knew in my heart that we would come home with more than one kitten. I was going to get one of those precious, sweet, fluffy, ragdoll-like kittens and let Abbie get whichever one she wanted. What's one more cat?
Ultimately, Abbie chose a kitten that I really liked, but I really didn't persuade her. I let her hold everyone she pointed at.
Our new kitten is a boy - finally another boy in the house with Paul - this is our first boy cat. He is 8 weeks old and is a siamese mix. Currently, he is mostly white with peach points - ears and tail. Abbie saw him sleeping and said he looked like an angel cat, hence his name, Angel.
He is currently ensconced in the master bathroom since we are having company soon. We need to keep him separated from Baby until he gets his shots. His vet appointment is Thursday.
Paul called after lunch to see how many kittens we actually got (he knows me so well). I told him 7.
He was surprised when he got home and we had only one. If I had gotten a second kitten today, it would have been an emotional decision and possibly a poor decision. Paul says I can get as many cats as I want if I make them outdoor cats. Hmmm. He's probably going to be sorry he told me that.
I am so behind on posting pictures. Paul has been hogging the computer so I use the laptop (and I don't download photos on the laptop). I promise to catch up soon.
I knew in my heart that we would come home with more than one kitten. I was going to get one of those precious, sweet, fluffy, ragdoll-like kittens and let Abbie get whichever one she wanted. What's one more cat?
Ultimately, Abbie chose a kitten that I really liked, but I really didn't persuade her. I let her hold everyone she pointed at.
Our new kitten is a boy - finally another boy in the house with Paul - this is our first boy cat. He is 8 weeks old and is a siamese mix. Currently, he is mostly white with peach points - ears and tail. Abbie saw him sleeping and said he looked like an angel cat, hence his name, Angel.
He is currently ensconced in the master bathroom since we are having company soon. We need to keep him separated from Baby until he gets his shots. His vet appointment is Thursday.
Paul called after lunch to see how many kittens we actually got (he knows me so well). I told him 7.
He was surprised when he got home and we had only one. If I had gotten a second kitten today, it would have been an emotional decision and possibly a poor decision. Paul says I can get as many cats as I want if I make them outdoor cats. Hmmm. He's probably going to be sorry he told me that.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Birthday, More Frustration (funny), and A Visit to Local Animal Shelter
I've been planning Abbie's 8th Birthday Party for several weeks. We decided to base the party on The Daring Book for Girls (plus other ideas that I gathered here and there). Warning: the next part will sound like over-the-top bragging, but I am just setting the stage for the frustrating part. I designed the invitations myself and mailed them to 2 nieces and every girl in Abbie's class. If I wasn't thinking about the party, I was planning some aspect, making lists, cleaning the house, deep cleaning Abbie's room, buying supplies, crossing things off my list, researching activities (instructions), more cleaning, testing each project for age appropriateness and to make sure the instructions made sense, more shopping, cleaning, planning, cleaning, planning. I LOVE themed parties, and I will humbly give myself a pat on the back for doing a good job at tying all the details into the theme. We decided this would be a 5 hour party in order to do all the girly activities we had planned and to give parents a break while their daughter was at the party. I planned for lunch and a snack and had additional chaperones lined up to help me with each activity. We made fluffy flip flops, God's Eyes, friendship bracelets, played outside, played with Lego, made each girl a pretty hair do, and had *2 treasure hunts. About an hour into the party, I was regretting planning a 5 hour party, but everyone soon settled down and the rest of the party went smoothly. All the activities went well. Everyone had fun and played well together.
*The frustrating part - remember me saying how much time I spent planning for the party? Well, about 2 days before the party, Paul said, "Why don't we do a treasure hunt?" I said, "I'll have to revise the party schedule to add that activity, but it sounds like a great idea. Unfortunately, I don't have time to plan that so why don't you take charge of that activity?" Paul said okay and then went off and did something else. The day before the party, I left Abbie with Paul and headed to town one final time to get the last items needed for the party. When I came home, Paul had planned the whole treasure hunt. He had drawn a huge colorfu map of the outside of the house, written his clues, bought the treasure chest and the treasure chest items. Each clue was written in "pirate speak" and were very clever. In about 10 minutes, he created a shark out of a plastic tub and cooked 2 large pots of spaghetti to make shark guts (the girls would have to stick their hands into the shark mouth and search through the guts for clues inside plastic Easter eggs). At the end of the hunt, they would find a treasure box full of goodies like kaleidiscopes, ring pops, bubbles, candy necklaces, yo-yos, chocolate gold coins. I know the girls liked my activities, but they LOVED the treasure hunt that Paul creatively threw together in a short time. They loved it so much that they begged him for another treasure hunt. So in the last hour of the party, he wrote more clues with a different twist than the first hunt and hid them in different places. They loved it! I keep teasing him about being a creative genius.
In other news, we took our two bunnies to live on my brother's farm. I feel sad about this decision. My own moral code instructs me to research any animal I plan to get and pay for all it's vet bills and take care of it until the end of it's long life. I have broken my code, and I feel guilty. Paul wanted the bunnies out of the house. At the beginning, I thought they were so clean and unstinky (they used a litter box). But over time, the large room they were in acquired an odor and they started dumping their litter box, and not getting along very well. The breeder told me this might happen with 2 females, and I'd have to separate them, but Paul had no intention of building a rabbit hutch. My brother has outdoor animal pens perfect for bunnies (he used to have some) and he offered to take them. The problem was - how to convince Abbie that this was a good idea. On the spur of the moment, Paul told Abbie that she could have a kitten if she let the bunnies go live with Uncle Craig. She reluctantly agreed. We went to the animal shelter today, and I petted and talked to every cat in the place and petted almost all the dogs (and baby talked to them too). It is kitten season and there were so many choices! We all had a different favorite. We found ourselves saying, "I really like this one, but it's your choice, Abbie." I'm sure she was feeling the pressure. I held two little kittens that were like rag dolls - sweet, cuddly, quiet, limp, adoring eyes, fluffy, sweet.... We tried to pay attention to disposition instead of looks. There were 2 tiny white kittens with blue eyes. They were so tiny and kind of pitiful and needed cleaning up. For several months now (ever since finding the Kitty Committee blog), I've been feeling the urge to be a foster mom for kittens. I need a baby in the house in a big way. We didn't bring home a kitten today because we needed time to let it all soak in, but Abbie and I will go back tomorrow to make the final selection. I'm only supposed to bring home one kitten, right?
The dogs - there were so many! I feel so bad for all the unwanted animals of the world. I petted all of the dogs that would come to their door. Some I worried would maul my hand, but I stuck it in there anyway. I shed a few tears for a couple of dogs. One worker told me that they get about 1,000 animals a month! Holy Moly! And this is NOT a no-kill shelter. I asked if kittens get more time, but she said no, because adult cats have a better immune system and are more hardy. Makes sense. I held two kittens that she said had been there almost too long already. I can't swallow just thinking about it. How will I just bring home one kitten tomorrow?
I do plan to talk to the director about fostering. My dream is to have my own animal sanctuary someday (no-kill), and until then, I plan to start helping now.
*The frustrating part - remember me saying how much time I spent planning for the party? Well, about 2 days before the party, Paul said, "Why don't we do a treasure hunt?" I said, "I'll have to revise the party schedule to add that activity, but it sounds like a great idea. Unfortunately, I don't have time to plan that so why don't you take charge of that activity?" Paul said okay and then went off and did something else. The day before the party, I left Abbie with Paul and headed to town one final time to get the last items needed for the party. When I came home, Paul had planned the whole treasure hunt. He had drawn a huge colorfu map of the outside of the house, written his clues, bought the treasure chest and the treasure chest items. Each clue was written in "pirate speak" and were very clever. In about 10 minutes, he created a shark out of a plastic tub and cooked 2 large pots of spaghetti to make shark guts (the girls would have to stick their hands into the shark mouth and search through the guts for clues inside plastic Easter eggs). At the end of the hunt, they would find a treasure box full of goodies like kaleidiscopes, ring pops, bubbles, candy necklaces, yo-yos, chocolate gold coins. I know the girls liked my activities, but they LOVED the treasure hunt that Paul creatively threw together in a short time. They loved it so much that they begged him for another treasure hunt. So in the last hour of the party, he wrote more clues with a different twist than the first hunt and hid them in different places. They loved it! I keep teasing him about being a creative genius.
In other news, we took our two bunnies to live on my brother's farm. I feel sad about this decision. My own moral code instructs me to research any animal I plan to get and pay for all it's vet bills and take care of it until the end of it's long life. I have broken my code, and I feel guilty. Paul wanted the bunnies out of the house. At the beginning, I thought they were so clean and unstinky (they used a litter box). But over time, the large room they were in acquired an odor and they started dumping their litter box, and not getting along very well. The breeder told me this might happen with 2 females, and I'd have to separate them, but Paul had no intention of building a rabbit hutch. My brother has outdoor animal pens perfect for bunnies (he used to have some) and he offered to take them. The problem was - how to convince Abbie that this was a good idea. On the spur of the moment, Paul told Abbie that she could have a kitten if she let the bunnies go live with Uncle Craig. She reluctantly agreed. We went to the animal shelter today, and I petted and talked to every cat in the place and petted almost all the dogs (and baby talked to them too). It is kitten season and there were so many choices! We all had a different favorite. We found ourselves saying, "I really like this one, but it's your choice, Abbie." I'm sure she was feeling the pressure. I held two little kittens that were like rag dolls - sweet, cuddly, quiet, limp, adoring eyes, fluffy, sweet.... We tried to pay attention to disposition instead of looks. There were 2 tiny white kittens with blue eyes. They were so tiny and kind of pitiful and needed cleaning up. For several months now (ever since finding the Kitty Committee blog), I've been feeling the urge to be a foster mom for kittens. I need a baby in the house in a big way. We didn't bring home a kitten today because we needed time to let it all soak in, but Abbie and I will go back tomorrow to make the final selection. I'm only supposed to bring home one kitten, right?
The dogs - there were so many! I feel so bad for all the unwanted animals of the world. I petted all of the dogs that would come to their door. Some I worried would maul my hand, but I stuck it in there anyway. I shed a few tears for a couple of dogs. One worker told me that they get about 1,000 animals a month! Holy Moly! And this is NOT a no-kill shelter. I asked if kittens get more time, but she said no, because adult cats have a better immune system and are more hardy. Makes sense. I held two kittens that she said had been there almost too long already. I can't swallow just thinking about it. How will I just bring home one kitten tomorrow?
I do plan to talk to the director about fostering. My dream is to have my own animal sanctuary someday (no-kill), and until then, I plan to start helping now.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Frustration and Fun Stuff
Today, I was very frustrated to find that the landscaping crew took the weedeater to my new corn plants! 5 plants got cut down - I didn't have that many plants to begin with so losing 5 is a big loss. I called my mom in a hurry to find out if the plants would indeed die or if they would continue to grow and grow new leaves. She said they'd probably die so Abbie and I replanted them. I called Paul too and he said he'd put a fence around it so hopefully this won't happen again.
Yesterday, Abbie and I joined my brother and his family for a fun, fun day at Splash Country in Sevierville/Pigeon Forge. This is a large water park owned by Dolly Parton. It is an offshoot of Dollywood. There are 3 water playgrounds, several high thrill water slides, some medium thrill water slides and several tame ones for little kids. There is also a large lazy river and a wave pool. We have had really nice weather lately - sunny, yet breezy, and not too hot. Very, very pleasant! So we did not bake yesterday. When I first arrived at the park (it was my first time there), my brother pointed to the slide that I had to go on first. I said, "Sure!" in a nonchalant way because I've been to a really nice water park in Virginia that had plenty of intense water slides. The slide was called Mountain Scream, and I was excited to ride it. It took me 4-6 seconds from top to bottom, and I was fairly speechless as I got off. I was completely discombobulated. Not only could I not keep my eyes open as I went down, I had no idea where I was, my arms kept flying open, I couldn't tell if I was airborne or still on the slide, and I had water up my nose and felt like I was under a tube of water. Was I drowning? Dead? Was it over? I didn't scream or cuss - I was just speechless at the end. When I finally realized that it was over, I stumbled off the slide and discovered that my brother was laughing at me and I had broken my sunglasses (my brother fixed them though). I didn't ride that one again, but surely I could do it again since I lived to tell about it, right? But I have to draw the line somewhere so I will never ride this one.
We stayed until the park closed at 7 pm. Abbie said, "I never want to leave Splash Country." She really had fun with her cousin in the water. I bought season passes as we left so we can go back as many times as we want, and we can go to Dollywood as much as we want too. We're really looking forward to more of this fun this summer. I told Paul that he and I need to go by ourselves one day (because Abbie won't ride any of the thrill rides and she doesn't qualify for the height requirement for others, but she still had a ton of fun doing all the other stuff) so that we can do all the big slides together. Except for Fire Tower Falls.
In other water news, Abbie is swimming in the deep end. With her instructor with her but not touching or helping her, she can swim across the deep end. She has also learned to tread water, swim on her back, streamline underwater, and has really strengthened her freestyle. But she still lacks confidence and hangs onto to me if we go into the deep end together, but I saw her using many of her skills yesterday at the water park.
Yesterday, Abbie and I joined my brother and his family for a fun, fun day at Splash Country in Sevierville/Pigeon Forge. This is a large water park owned by Dolly Parton. It is an offshoot of Dollywood. There are 3 water playgrounds, several high thrill water slides, some medium thrill water slides and several tame ones for little kids. There is also a large lazy river and a wave pool. We have had really nice weather lately - sunny, yet breezy, and not too hot. Very, very pleasant! So we did not bake yesterday. When I first arrived at the park (it was my first time there), my brother pointed to the slide that I had to go on first. I said, "Sure!" in a nonchalant way because I've been to a really nice water park in Virginia that had plenty of intense water slides. The slide was called Mountain Scream, and I was excited to ride it. It took me 4-6 seconds from top to bottom, and I was fairly speechless as I got off. I was completely discombobulated. Not only could I not keep my eyes open as I went down, I had no idea where I was, my arms kept flying open, I couldn't tell if I was airborne or still on the slide, and I had water up my nose and felt like I was under a tube of water. Was I drowning? Dead? Was it over? I didn't scream or cuss - I was just speechless at the end. When I finally realized that it was over, I stumbled off the slide and discovered that my brother was laughing at me and I had broken my sunglasses (my brother fixed them though). I didn't ride that one again, but surely I could do it again since I lived to tell about it, right? But I have to draw the line somewhere so I will never ride this one.
We stayed until the park closed at 7 pm. Abbie said, "I never want to leave Splash Country." She really had fun with her cousin in the water. I bought season passes as we left so we can go back as many times as we want, and we can go to Dollywood as much as we want too. We're really looking forward to more of this fun this summer. I told Paul that he and I need to go by ourselves one day (because Abbie won't ride any of the thrill rides and she doesn't qualify for the height requirement for others, but she still had a ton of fun doing all the other stuff) so that we can do all the big slides together. Except for Fire Tower Falls.
In other water news, Abbie is swimming in the deep end. With her instructor with her but not touching or helping her, she can swim across the deep end. She has also learned to tread water, swim on her back, streamline underwater, and has really strengthened her freestyle. But she still lacks confidence and hangs onto to me if we go into the deep end together, but I saw her using many of her skills yesterday at the water park.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The 20 Year Mark
Today is our 14 year wedding anniversary and the 20 year anniversary of being together. Unfortunately, we weren't really able to celebrate today because I am busy with Abbie's birthday party plans, and I forgot to get a babysitter lined up. But that's okay. After all this time, we don't have to go out or buy special gifts to celebrate - although we do enjoy those things! I cooked supper and had it hot and ready when Paul walked in the door. Paul remembered the day and brought me a canister of Almond Rocha and a nice card. It said, "Sometimes when we're lying in bed, I look over at you and think, "I am so lucky." the inside said, "Then you start snoring in that snorty way, and I think, "Well, that's annoying, but I'm still lucky." What's funny is that I don't snore (sometimes he does), but I did wake him up last night to tell him that he seemed to be having bad dreams. I was trying to break the cycle so he could start over with something nice when he went back to sleep. I had gotten up to go to the bathroom and when I came back to bed, I quietly said his name while I was standing on my side of the bed. He woke up with a start and completely freaked out to see me standing there. I had good intentions!
Anyway, he wrote in the card that he looks forward to coming home to me everyday and that he would marry me all over again. That's the best gift I could have gotten. I told him that I would also marry him again and that I also look forward to him coming home. With a wry grin, he said, "I know because you follow me around the house as soon as I walk in the door."
Anyway, he wrote in the card that he looks forward to coming home to me everyday and that he would marry me all over again. That's the best gift I could have gotten. I told him that I would also marry him again and that I also look forward to him coming home. With a wry grin, he said, "I know because you follow me around the house as soon as I walk in the door."
Monday, June 16, 2008
Which color?
I called a painter today, and he is coming tomorrow to give me a quote on painting the kitchen and sunroom.
IF we move, we need the kitchen paint redone - it's the room in the house that we are in the most and therefore has the most blemishes. Several months ago, Paul and I watched an episode on HGTV, and the kitchen had cabinets very similar to the color of ours. They painted the kitchen a green color - I want to call it a moss green, but it's definitely not a bright kind of moss, and it is not a hunter green. Oh well, I can't quite put my finger on what you'd call the color, but I'm leaning in that direction for the kitchen color. It looked great in that kitchen in TV.
Directly off the kitchen is the sunroom which houses our dining room table. That room is a light shade of yellow, but today, I thought it was looking rather parchment. I'm not liking it. But the 2 main reasons we need to paint is because this room hasn't been painted since we moved in 7 years ago (not sure how long the paint was there before we moved in). Also, Paul had to install new drywall in one large area of the room, and he has never finished sanding and repainting that area. I have my fingers crossed that the painter will say he can also do that kind of work. Not sure what color I should pick for that room. It has 8 windows and a really high ceiling. Paul thinks this room should have a neutral color.
I'm going to Benjamin Moore store tomorrow to consult with the designer who will be able to help me narrow down some choices. I will bring home the paint swatches and tape them to the wall and see which colors I can live with. I think this is one of the best ways to choose a color before you actually buy the paint and begin. I usually get several swatches and tape them in different areas of the room - near a cabinet, near a pantry door, on a solid wall.
The sunroom also needs a rug under the dining table. On one hand, I just want to go to the big rug store in Virginia and pick something there. On the other hand, I'd love to get one of the multi color rugs by Flor. I have my eye on one that is gigi palm, kiki cream, fifi orange, zozo yellow, coco chocolate, cece chalk, and toto teal. I love color, and this rug just screams "sunroooooom!" I plan to go online and get an estimate.
IF we move, we need the kitchen paint redone - it's the room in the house that we are in the most and therefore has the most blemishes. Several months ago, Paul and I watched an episode on HGTV, and the kitchen had cabinets very similar to the color of ours. They painted the kitchen a green color - I want to call it a moss green, but it's definitely not a bright kind of moss, and it is not a hunter green. Oh well, I can't quite put my finger on what you'd call the color, but I'm leaning in that direction for the kitchen color. It looked great in that kitchen in TV.
Directly off the kitchen is the sunroom which houses our dining room table. That room is a light shade of yellow, but today, I thought it was looking rather parchment. I'm not liking it. But the 2 main reasons we need to paint is because this room hasn't been painted since we moved in 7 years ago (not sure how long the paint was there before we moved in). Also, Paul had to install new drywall in one large area of the room, and he has never finished sanding and repainting that area. I have my fingers crossed that the painter will say he can also do that kind of work. Not sure what color I should pick for that room. It has 8 windows and a really high ceiling. Paul thinks this room should have a neutral color.
I'm going to Benjamin Moore store tomorrow to consult with the designer who will be able to help me narrow down some choices. I will bring home the paint swatches and tape them to the wall and see which colors I can live with. I think this is one of the best ways to choose a color before you actually buy the paint and begin. I usually get several swatches and tape them in different areas of the room - near a cabinet, near a pantry door, on a solid wall.
The sunroom also needs a rug under the dining table. On one hand, I just want to go to the big rug store in Virginia and pick something there. On the other hand, I'd love to get one of the multi color rugs by Flor. I have my eye on one that is gigi palm, kiki cream, fifi orange, zozo yellow, coco chocolate, cece chalk, and toto teal. I love color, and this rug just screams "sunroooooom!" I plan to go online and get an estimate.
Rumble, BOOM, Crack!
Another thing I love about summer - thunderstorms!
The clouds roll in, the sky darkens, the wind picks up, and the first, faint rumble of thunder in the distance makes me happy. Sometimes you see flashes in the dark gray sky without hearing any cracks of lightning. Then the rumbling comes closer and becomes more of a boom, boOM, BOOM - a sound that you can feel in your chest. The rain might begin lightly but usually comes in torrents, and the lightning finally begins. You know the storm is right on top of you when you hear, "BOOM - pause - pause - CRACK!"
Of course, I don't want to be outside during a thunderstorm. Well, on the porch sometimes, depending on how close the lightning is. I know I've loved thunderstorms since I was very young. I think always having a snug house has made me feel safe therefore I can appreciate a good thunderstorm. We've had three storms so far this summer. One fizzled out quickly, but one was a doozy!
The clouds roll in, the sky darkens, the wind picks up, and the first, faint rumble of thunder in the distance makes me happy. Sometimes you see flashes in the dark gray sky without hearing any cracks of lightning. Then the rumbling comes closer and becomes more of a boom, boOM, BOOM - a sound that you can feel in your chest. The rain might begin lightly but usually comes in torrents, and the lightning finally begins. You know the storm is right on top of you when you hear, "BOOM - pause - pause - CRACK!"
Of course, I don't want to be outside during a thunderstorm. Well, on the porch sometimes, depending on how close the lightning is. I know I've loved thunderstorms since I was very young. I think always having a snug house has made me feel safe therefore I can appreciate a good thunderstorm. We've had three storms so far this summer. One fizzled out quickly, but one was a doozy!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Father's Day
We're having a great day. For Mother's Day, Abbie and Paul made breakfast for me. Not to be outdone, Abbie and I made breakfast for Paul.
We made belgian waffles with our new waffle maker. I broke down and bought the restaurant style belgian waffle maker. For some reason, I like belgian waffles better than the ones with the smaller divots (is that what you call them?).
When Paul saw the new waffle maker, he said, "Hey, I was going to get you one of those for Mother's Day but I couldn't find one." So now I don't feel bad about the expense.
For Paul's main gift, we got him an expresso machine. He's been wanting one, but he just couldn't make up his mind so I decided for him. I didn't take it out of the box in case he wanted to take it back, but he's keeping it.
I also bought and prepared Dunkin Donuts coffee this morning. We had scrambled eggs and served blueberries, raspberries, and whipped cream with the waffles (and of course real maple syrup). They were so good, we had them for lunch too.
The best news is that the waffle recipe I used was awesome! I just lucked out. I was going to use the recipe that came with the waffle maker, but that recipe called for 1 packet of dry yeast. I didn't have any. So I pulled out my trusty Better Homes and Garden cookbook - I used that recipe but added 1/4 cup of sugar. It was amazingly good. I'll have to post it soon when I post pictures. Paul said it was like donuts (not sweet, just a really good flavor). The waffles came out perfect with a light crispy outer layer and soft and fluffy on the inside.
Paul was really surprised with his 10 for $10 candy. He's already opened the licorice.
Church today was a very moving experience. For one, Abbie likes to be held while we sing. Paul holds her and she puts one arm around Paul and one arm around me. It's a great family experience, being so close while we sing (Paul doesn't sing although Abbie is encouraging him). Second, a new member sang a solo titled "I Want to Be Like You." Basically, the lyrics are "I want to be like You because he wants to be like me." -- His little boy looks up to him and wants to be like his father so the father wants to be like the Heavenly Father. It was very moving and there were a lot of tears in the congregation. It makes you realize that you do need to be as good of a person as you can be because you are setting an example for your children who are watching. The lyrics could have easily been "I want to be like You because she wants to be like me." -- You can apply this to a son or daughter. Third, our preacher is a very good story teller and spoke about his father today. He always keeps our attention.
Currently, Paul and Abbie are playing Star Wars Lego on the Wii. Just before that, we did another test run of the new art project we're working on. I took pictures and will post examples soon.
We made belgian waffles with our new waffle maker. I broke down and bought the restaurant style belgian waffle maker. For some reason, I like belgian waffles better than the ones with the smaller divots (is that what you call them?).
When Paul saw the new waffle maker, he said, "Hey, I was going to get you one of those for Mother's Day but I couldn't find one." So now I don't feel bad about the expense.
For Paul's main gift, we got him an expresso machine. He's been wanting one, but he just couldn't make up his mind so I decided for him. I didn't take it out of the box in case he wanted to take it back, but he's keeping it.
I also bought and prepared Dunkin Donuts coffee this morning. We had scrambled eggs and served blueberries, raspberries, and whipped cream with the waffles (and of course real maple syrup). They were so good, we had them for lunch too.
The best news is that the waffle recipe I used was awesome! I just lucked out. I was going to use the recipe that came with the waffle maker, but that recipe called for 1 packet of dry yeast. I didn't have any. So I pulled out my trusty Better Homes and Garden cookbook - I used that recipe but added 1/4 cup of sugar. It was amazingly good. I'll have to post it soon when I post pictures. Paul said it was like donuts (not sweet, just a really good flavor). The waffles came out perfect with a light crispy outer layer and soft and fluffy on the inside.
Paul was really surprised with his 10 for $10 candy. He's already opened the licorice.
Church today was a very moving experience. For one, Abbie likes to be held while we sing. Paul holds her and she puts one arm around Paul and one arm around me. It's a great family experience, being so close while we sing (Paul doesn't sing although Abbie is encouraging him). Second, a new member sang a solo titled "I Want to Be Like You." Basically, the lyrics are "I want to be like You because he wants to be like me." -- His little boy looks up to him and wants to be like his father so the father wants to be like the Heavenly Father. It was very moving and there were a lot of tears in the congregation. It makes you realize that you do need to be as good of a person as you can be because you are setting an example for your children who are watching. The lyrics could have easily been "I want to be like You because she wants to be like me." -- You can apply this to a son or daughter. Third, our preacher is a very good story teller and spoke about his father today. He always keeps our attention.
Currently, Paul and Abbie are playing Star Wars Lego on the Wii. Just before that, we did another test run of the new art project we're working on. I took pictures and will post examples soon.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Loving Summer
As I was driving in the car today, I was thinking about how much I love summer. One of the big reasons (besides the obvious reasons) is that I have no schedule.
For the last three years, while Paul had his office, I had to work part time in the summer which meant that I had to find child care for Abbie or bring her with me. That was not how either of us wanted to spend our summer.
During the school year, we have a pretty tight schedule and Abbie is not in a heck of a lot of activities. Monday, right after school is ballet for an hour. Then home where Abbie starts homework and I start supper. Then we do some chores - dishes, sweeping, feeding the cat, scooping litterboxes. Suddenly, it is time to start the bedtime routine. On school nights, we expect Abbie to be in bed by 8:00. Since she is slow getting on her pajamas and brushing her teeth and putting away dirty laundry, we usually start bedtime at 7:00. On weeknights, she has to read at least 20 minutes and log it in her daily reading log for school.
On other weekdays, when she doesn't have ballet, sometimes we run errands and sometimes we come straight home, but there is little time for play. It always seems that something gets left undone or we have to compromise and say we'll do some sort of desired activity the next day.
Either before bed or after she goes to bed, we pack lunches, make sure her homework folder is in her backpack (I have to sign the reading log), etc.
The days can get tedious. At the beginning of the school year, I make sure we pack a healthy, balanced lunch. By the end of the school year, we are just throwing whatever in the lunchbox and politely quarreling over who gets to pack the lunch that day. And we all dread the early morning alarm and the getting-ready-for-school routine.
Ahhh, but summer is here. We ignore the 8:00 bedtime. We're still reading a lot each day since we joined the summer reading program at the library, but it feels more carefree when there is no "requirement" to read each day. We have no set schedule. Anything on the calendar is usually a fun activity that we want to do.
So far, we have gone bowling, stayed in a hotel out of town and toured around, gone swimming, browsed the library, went to a pocketbook party, spent the day with my dad and then my mom, made strawberry jam, baked a cake, played outside, gone for walks, baked cookies, had a picnic....
We've got more things planned, but nothing is a have-to, nothing is required. Abbie might take swimming lessons (probably definitely) and she might go to horse camp, but we'll plan it when we want and skip it if we want.
I love these schedule-free summer days, and I love sleeping in while we can!
For the last three years, while Paul had his office, I had to work part time in the summer which meant that I had to find child care for Abbie or bring her with me. That was not how either of us wanted to spend our summer.
During the school year, we have a pretty tight schedule and Abbie is not in a heck of a lot of activities. Monday, right after school is ballet for an hour. Then home where Abbie starts homework and I start supper. Then we do some chores - dishes, sweeping, feeding the cat, scooping litterboxes. Suddenly, it is time to start the bedtime routine. On school nights, we expect Abbie to be in bed by 8:00. Since she is slow getting on her pajamas and brushing her teeth and putting away dirty laundry, we usually start bedtime at 7:00. On weeknights, she has to read at least 20 minutes and log it in her daily reading log for school.
On other weekdays, when she doesn't have ballet, sometimes we run errands and sometimes we come straight home, but there is little time for play. It always seems that something gets left undone or we have to compromise and say we'll do some sort of desired activity the next day.
Either before bed or after she goes to bed, we pack lunches, make sure her homework folder is in her backpack (I have to sign the reading log), etc.
The days can get tedious. At the beginning of the school year, I make sure we pack a healthy, balanced lunch. By the end of the school year, we are just throwing whatever in the lunchbox and politely quarreling over who gets to pack the lunch that day. And we all dread the early morning alarm and the getting-ready-for-school routine.
Ahhh, but summer is here. We ignore the 8:00 bedtime. We're still reading a lot each day since we joined the summer reading program at the library, but it feels more carefree when there is no "requirement" to read each day. We have no set schedule. Anything on the calendar is usually a fun activity that we want to do.
So far, we have gone bowling, stayed in a hotel out of town and toured around, gone swimming, browsed the library, went to a pocketbook party, spent the day with my dad and then my mom, made strawberry jam, baked a cake, played outside, gone for walks, baked cookies, had a picnic....
We've got more things planned, but nothing is a have-to, nothing is required. Abbie might take swimming lessons (probably definitely) and she might go to horse camp, but we'll plan it when we want and skip it if we want.
I love these schedule-free summer days, and I love sleeping in while we can!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
I can do some things
Tagged from another blog - although I removed a few items that would have embarassed me.
The Rules: Bold the things you can do and you leave in normal type the things you can’t. Sarcastic comments in parenthesis are encouraged.
1. Give advice that matters in one sentence.
2. Tell if someone is lying.
3. Take a photo.
4. Score a baseball game. (Huh?)
5. Name a book that matters.
6. Know at least one musical group as well as is possible. (I am not a fact memorizer).
7. Cook meat somewhere other than the grill. (But I always have to check the recipe or look up cooking time instructions).
8. Not monopolize the conversation. (I can do this, but I do like to talk.)
9. Write a letter.
10. Buy a suit.
11. Swim three different strokes.
12. Show respect without being a suck-up.
13. Throw a punch. (I'm not going to bold this one, but I think I could. After all, I grew up with an older brother.)
14. Chop down a tree. (Don't even want to.)
15. Calculate square footage.
16. Tie a bow tie.
17. Make one drink, in large batches, very well. (do you like pina coloda?)
18. Speak a foreign language. (In all honesty, I can't bold this one, but I wish I could.)
19. Approach a woman/man out of his/her league.
20. Sew a button.
21. Do a cartwheel.
22. Name flowers on sight. (but not with the biological name.)
23. Be loyal.
24. Know his poison, without standing there, pondering like a dope.
25. Drive an eightpenny nail into a treated two-by-four without thinking about.
26. Cast a fishing rod without shrieking or sighing or otherwise admitting defeat.
27. Play gin with an old guy.
28. Play go fish with a kid.
29. Understand quantum physics well enough that he can accept that a quarter might, at some point, pass straight through the table when dropped.
30. Feign interest. (I hate to do that.)
31. Make a bed.
32. Describe a glass of wine in one sentence without using the terms nutty, fruity, oaky, finish, or kick.
33. Hit a jump shot in pool.
34. Dress a wound.
35. Jump-start a car. Change a flat tire. Change the oil.
36. Make three different bets at a craps table. (I've never gotten the opportunity to play.)
37. Shuffle a deck of cards.
38. Tell a joke.
39. Know when to split his cards in blackjack.
40. Speak to an eight-year-old so he/she will hear.
41. Speak to a waiter so he will hear.
42. Talk to a dog so it will hear.
43. Install: a disposal, an electronic thermostat, or a lighting fixture without asking for help. (Help!)
44. Ask for help.
45. Break another man’s grip on his wrist. (I hope I could if I had to.)
46. Tell a woman’s dress size.
47. Recite one poem from memory. (Not anymore, but I know a lot of nursery rhymes.)
48. Remove a stain.
49. Say no.
50. Fry an egg sunny-side up. (I just scramble.)
51. Build a campfire. (Paul always beats me to it, but I think I could.)
52. Step into a job no one wants to do.
53. Sometimes, kick some ass. (I practice a lot of restraint.)
54. Break up a fight.
55. Point to the north at any time. (I am so so bad at this. I can't find my way out of a paper bag.)
56. Create a play-list in which ten seemingly random songs provide a secret message to one person.
57. Explain what a light-year is.
58. Avoid boredom.
59. Write a thank-you note.
60. Be brand loyal to at least one product.
61. Cook bacon. ( And it's turkey bacon these days.)
62. Hold a baby.
63. Deliver a eulogy.
64. Cook a meal without recipes.
65. Throw a baseball over-hand with some snap.
66. Throw a football with a tight spiral.
67. Shoot a 12-foot jump shot reliably.
68. Find his/her way out of the woods if lost.
69. Tie a knot.
70. Shake hands.
71. Iron a shirt. (Paul says I'm not good at it.)
72. Stock an emergency bag for the car.
73. Give a good back massage.
74. Know some birds.
75. Negotiate a better price.
The Rules: Bold the things you can do and you leave in normal type the things you can’t. Sarcastic comments in parenthesis are encouraged.
1. Give advice that matters in one sentence.
2. Tell if someone is lying.
3. Take a photo.
4. Score a baseball game. (Huh?)
5. Name a book that matters.
6. Know at least one musical group as well as is possible. (I am not a fact memorizer).
7. Cook meat somewhere other than the grill. (But I always have to check the recipe or look up cooking time instructions).
8. Not monopolize the conversation. (I can do this, but I do like to talk.)
9. Write a letter.
10. Buy a suit.
11. Swim three different strokes.
12. Show respect without being a suck-up.
13. Throw a punch. (I'm not going to bold this one, but I think I could. After all, I grew up with an older brother.)
14. Chop down a tree. (Don't even want to.)
15. Calculate square footage.
16. Tie a bow tie.
17. Make one drink, in large batches, very well. (do you like pina coloda?)
18. Speak a foreign language. (In all honesty, I can't bold this one, but I wish I could.)
19. Approach a woman/man out of his/her league.
20. Sew a button.
21. Do a cartwheel.
22. Name flowers on sight. (but not with the biological name.)
23. Be loyal.
24. Know his poison, without standing there, pondering like a dope.
25. Drive an eightpenny nail into a treated two-by-four without thinking about.
26. Cast a fishing rod without shrieking or sighing or otherwise admitting defeat.
27. Play gin with an old guy.
28. Play go fish with a kid.
29. Understand quantum physics well enough that he can accept that a quarter might, at some point, pass straight through the table when dropped.
30. Feign interest. (I hate to do that.)
31. Make a bed.
32. Describe a glass of wine in one sentence without using the terms nutty, fruity, oaky, finish, or kick.
33. Hit a jump shot in pool.
34. Dress a wound.
35. Jump-start a car. Change a flat tire. Change the oil.
36. Make three different bets at a craps table. (I've never gotten the opportunity to play.)
37. Shuffle a deck of cards.
38. Tell a joke.
39. Know when to split his cards in blackjack.
40. Speak to an eight-year-old so he/she will hear.
41. Speak to a waiter so he will hear.
42. Talk to a dog so it will hear.
43. Install: a disposal, an electronic thermostat, or a lighting fixture without asking for help. (Help!)
44. Ask for help.
45. Break another man’s grip on his wrist. (I hope I could if I had to.)
46. Tell a woman’s dress size.
47. Recite one poem from memory. (Not anymore, but I know a lot of nursery rhymes.)
48. Remove a stain.
49. Say no.
50. Fry an egg sunny-side up. (I just scramble.)
51. Build a campfire. (Paul always beats me to it, but I think I could.)
52. Step into a job no one wants to do.
53. Sometimes, kick some ass. (I practice a lot of restraint.)
54. Break up a fight.
55. Point to the north at any time. (I am so so bad at this. I can't find my way out of a paper bag.)
56. Create a play-list in which ten seemingly random songs provide a secret message to one person.
57. Explain what a light-year is.
58. Avoid boredom.
59. Write a thank-you note.
60. Be brand loyal to at least one product.
61. Cook bacon. ( And it's turkey bacon these days.)
62. Hold a baby.
63. Deliver a eulogy.
64. Cook a meal without recipes.
65. Throw a baseball over-hand with some snap.
66. Throw a football with a tight spiral.
67. Shoot a 12-foot jump shot reliably.
68. Find his/her way out of the woods if lost.
69. Tie a knot.
70. Shake hands.
71. Iron a shirt. (Paul says I'm not good at it.)
72. Stock an emergency bag for the car.
73. Give a good back massage.
74. Know some birds.
75. Negotiate a better price.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Farmer's Market
I never give up. Tenacious is my middle name. I apply this trait to several aspects of my life. If we are letterboxing, and Paul says the letterbox is missing, I keep re-reading the clue and backtracking and usually discover that we misread the clue and have gone the wrong way, and we usually find the box after all. If I lose something, I look and look and look and look until I find it. I could give numerous examples, but I won't. For several years now, I've told Abbie that our family motto is "NEVER GIVE UP." I didn't consult Paul on this; I just decided on my own. She knows our motto like our address and phone number. Anytime she is up against a difficult task, I remind her of our motto, and she will dig in and try again.
I've been wanting to go to the Farmer's Market for 2 weeks now. I went on Tuesday, but the sign said the Farmer's Market was Wednesday & Saturday. I went back on Friday only to discover that I had read the sign wrong - it said Wednesday & Saturday not Wednesday thru Saturday. By now, I was frustrated because the farmer's market is not close to my house. I almost talked myself into waiting until next Wednesday, but I got up this morning and decided to try again.
Eeeee! It was open! Paul stayed in the car reading while Abbie and I shopped. He was along for the ride because we went bowling afterwards. Apples, peaches, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, cherries, and beans were available (I'm sure I'm forgetting others). We bought strawberries from one lady and peaches and cherries from a man. I bought some homemade baklava from another lady. By then I had run out of cash. I wanted to buy some homemade bread and goat cheese too. I'll just have to go back next week.
After bowling and our errands, we came home and Abbie and I made a double batch of strawberry freezer jam (you actually can't double the recipe so we just made one batch, washed all our utensils and started over again). My freezer will be full now. Abbie helped with all the steps except measuring the sugar and boiling the sure jell.
I'm pretty excited about trying my hand at canning and preserving food. When Abbie was around three years old, I noticed a change in her personality. She became much more moody - in an extreme way. I did some research and discovered the Feingold Diet. It intrigued me. I will not go into detail about what this is all about because I know I will get facts wrong, but on a basic level, Dr. Feingold says that preservatives and food colorings and other additives are not good for anyone - especially children who might be sensitive to these things. Paul is very sensitive to certain foods so I decided to try this diet. So I tried to cut out as much foods with food colorings as I could. IT-IS-NOT-EASY! Just about everything has red dye #40 in it. I started buying only brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts much to Paul's dismay. Although I disliked the extra trip, I started buying certain foods at the Natural Foods Store. One thing Abbie was addicted to at the time was fruit snacks - those little gummy/jelly snacks. I stopped buying them. I think my "experiment" worked. Maybe it was all in my head, but I am pretty sold on the idea that all the extra preservatives, additives and dyes in our food is hurting our health. So what I'm trying to say with this back story about Abbie when she was three is that I've been interested in food and how it is made and how it benefits or hurts our bodies for several years.
Fast forward to 7 1/2 year old Abbie, and I now have the time to try gardening and canning. Now, I also have a bigger opportunity to buy organic and buy locally grown produce. And then Annie suggests that I read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and it all starts to tie in together.
Another coincidence is that one of Abbie's last assigned chapter books in school was Little House in the Big Woods. Although I'm a big reader and a big fan of the Little House tv series, I had never read this series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. We (Paul is now a big fan too) liked the first book so well that we have now bought the series. In the middle of the day, Paul will ask, "Lorrie, will you read to us for awhile?" We are currently on book 3, and these books are very farming oriented, cooking from scratch, making your own furniture, etc. Everything just seems to be pointing in a certain direction for me.
I'm following the signs; I'm following the signs.
I've been wanting to go to the Farmer's Market for 2 weeks now. I went on Tuesday, but the sign said the Farmer's Market was Wednesday & Saturday. I went back on Friday only to discover that I had read the sign wrong - it said Wednesday & Saturday not Wednesday thru Saturday. By now, I was frustrated because the farmer's market is not close to my house. I almost talked myself into waiting until next Wednesday, but I got up this morning and decided to try again.
Eeeee! It was open! Paul stayed in the car reading while Abbie and I shopped. He was along for the ride because we went bowling afterwards. Apples, peaches, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, cherries, and beans were available (I'm sure I'm forgetting others). We bought strawberries from one lady and peaches and cherries from a man. I bought some homemade baklava from another lady. By then I had run out of cash. I wanted to buy some homemade bread and goat cheese too. I'll just have to go back next week.
After bowling and our errands, we came home and Abbie and I made a double batch of strawberry freezer jam (you actually can't double the recipe so we just made one batch, washed all our utensils and started over again). My freezer will be full now. Abbie helped with all the steps except measuring the sugar and boiling the sure jell.
I'm pretty excited about trying my hand at canning and preserving food. When Abbie was around three years old, I noticed a change in her personality. She became much more moody - in an extreme way. I did some research and discovered the Feingold Diet. It intrigued me. I will not go into detail about what this is all about because I know I will get facts wrong, but on a basic level, Dr. Feingold says that preservatives and food colorings and other additives are not good for anyone - especially children who might be sensitive to these things. Paul is very sensitive to certain foods so I decided to try this diet. So I tried to cut out as much foods with food colorings as I could. IT-IS-NOT-EASY! Just about everything has red dye #40 in it. I started buying only brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts much to Paul's dismay. Although I disliked the extra trip, I started buying certain foods at the Natural Foods Store. One thing Abbie was addicted to at the time was fruit snacks - those little gummy/jelly snacks. I stopped buying them. I think my "experiment" worked. Maybe it was all in my head, but I am pretty sold on the idea that all the extra preservatives, additives and dyes in our food is hurting our health. So what I'm trying to say with this back story about Abbie when she was three is that I've been interested in food and how it is made and how it benefits or hurts our bodies for several years.
Fast forward to 7 1/2 year old Abbie, and I now have the time to try gardening and canning. Now, I also have a bigger opportunity to buy organic and buy locally grown produce. And then Annie suggests that I read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and it all starts to tie in together.
Another coincidence is that one of Abbie's last assigned chapter books in school was Little House in the Big Woods. Although I'm a big reader and a big fan of the Little House tv series, I had never read this series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. We (Paul is now a big fan too) liked the first book so well that we have now bought the series. In the middle of the day, Paul will ask, "Lorrie, will you read to us for awhile?" We are currently on book 3, and these books are very farming oriented, cooking from scratch, making your own furniture, etc. Everything just seems to be pointing in a certain direction for me.
I'm following the signs; I'm following the signs.
Trying My Hand at Gardening
Today (I am really late, I know) I planted some corn. Early in the year, around February (maybe earlier), I started thinking about planting a garden. I have lots of yard space for a garden, but we live on a corner lot so most of our lawn is "on display." Basically, the neighbors can see everything. And unfortunately, we do care a little bit about what the neighbors think. *But I could really tell some stories about things we've done that I know has caused the neighbors to laugh at us. We are "those people" in our neighborhood - the ones that cause people to point and whisper and crane their neck as they drive by. I'll tell those stories another time. I only bring it up now to prove that we only care a teeny bit about what they think about us. We mostly do whatever we want.
But I hesitate to just plant a garden anywhere because I am a pansy ass (a phrase that The Pioneer Woman uses and I like it). I don't enjoy the heat or sweating or getting dirt under my fingernails. Ick! And I know myself. I know my limits and my weaknesses. I know that if I plant a garden, I will let it get weedy or dilapidated. So in my early musings, I knew I couldn't have a big garden.
I approached my mom and told her that I am now (after all the years of being a non-vegetable eater and a non-helper in the garden in my growing up years) ready to learn about gardening. I asked her if she would let me help with her garden this year in exchange for her growing a little extra for me. She said she would, but so far she hasn't ask me to help. That's okay because when it is time to plant she doesn't have time to wait on my schedule to clear up. In anticipation of the planting, I sent off for some seed catalogs. I didn't purchase anything because my mom had the seed she needed, but I enjoyed reading the catalog. I saved it to use in case I really get the gardening bug. When it is time to hoe and weed my mom's garden this summer, I will have time to help her now that my schedule has cleared up.
My brother has also planted a big crop of beets. He grows them and I can them and share them with him. I think we'll have a bigger crop this year.
But I was still itching to grow some things on my own - on a small scale. I currently have one tomato plant - in an upside down planter. It is growing well. I haven't forgotten to water it yet. I don't really like tomatoes - raw, anyway. But I do like salsa and plan to can some if this plant produces well.
Today, I planted 3 varieties of corn. When I was buying the seed, I couldn't decide so I bought the 3 I thought I'd like best. Paul found a spot for my small, small garden that is away from most of the neighbor's eyes. Paul was very helpful and enthusiastic about the project. I planted 2 rows with 6 seeds per row. I even drew a map so I'd remember which variety was planted where. I have already marked my calendar so I'll know when to expect to see the plants and when I should harvest. I watered and fertilized today.
We eat a lot of corn so I hope to be able to freeze several bags if my plants produce well. If this project goes well, maybe I'll plant peas or beans next year.
But I hesitate to just plant a garden anywhere because I am a pansy ass (a phrase that The Pioneer Woman uses and I like it). I don't enjoy the heat or sweating or getting dirt under my fingernails. Ick! And I know myself. I know my limits and my weaknesses. I know that if I plant a garden, I will let it get weedy or dilapidated. So in my early musings, I knew I couldn't have a big garden.
I approached my mom and told her that I am now (after all the years of being a non-vegetable eater and a non-helper in the garden in my growing up years) ready to learn about gardening. I asked her if she would let me help with her garden this year in exchange for her growing a little extra for me. She said she would, but so far she hasn't ask me to help. That's okay because when it is time to plant she doesn't have time to wait on my schedule to clear up. In anticipation of the planting, I sent off for some seed catalogs. I didn't purchase anything because my mom had the seed she needed, but I enjoyed reading the catalog. I saved it to use in case I really get the gardening bug. When it is time to hoe and weed my mom's garden this summer, I will have time to help her now that my schedule has cleared up.
My brother has also planted a big crop of beets. He grows them and I can them and share them with him. I think we'll have a bigger crop this year.
But I was still itching to grow some things on my own - on a small scale. I currently have one tomato plant - in an upside down planter. It is growing well. I haven't forgotten to water it yet. I don't really like tomatoes - raw, anyway. But I do like salsa and plan to can some if this plant produces well.
Today, I planted 3 varieties of corn. When I was buying the seed, I couldn't decide so I bought the 3 I thought I'd like best. Paul found a spot for my small, small garden that is away from most of the neighbor's eyes. Paul was very helpful and enthusiastic about the project. I planted 2 rows with 6 seeds per row. I even drew a map so I'd remember which variety was planted where. I have already marked my calendar so I'll know when to expect to see the plants and when I should harvest. I watered and fertilized today.
We eat a lot of corn so I hope to be able to freeze several bags if my plants produce well. If this project goes well, maybe I'll plant peas or beans next year.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Summer Hair-Do
Not too long ago, I got my hair cut. I keep a regular "beauty shop" appointment, and at the last appointment, I said "let's go shorter."
So she did. And I didn't hate it, but I never can fix it like she does.
Several friends, unprovoked, said that they really liked it this short. Now that comment could mean several things: 1) they lied, 2) they really did like it, 3) they noticed that my hair was shorter and thought a comment was in order and using their southern manners said they liked it whether they did or they didn't.
Paul doesn't like it. And truthfully, I don't either. I hope I don't disappoint all the people who told me they liked it and meant it!
So I've decided to let it grow out. Maybe really long, but my hair grows painfully slow so it will take awhile.
I've been straightening my hair for quite a while now. Since my hair is both naturally curly and ornery, straightening my hair is quite a chore. Quite--a--chore.
In the summer, I just don't want to go to all that effort. If I sweat or if it is humid, all my work will go to waste anyway. So now I have been washing it, applying lots of product* and sticking a headband in and skeddaddling!
*Products that I apply - mostly together - 2 or 3 at a time: Biosilk Silk Therapy or Kenra platinum silkening gloss AND Aussie gel AND Marc Anthony Strictly Curls. It takes a lot of product to kick ornery's butt and the frizz that goes with the natural curl.
So the other day, I was thinking my little curly do was cute. And I looked over at Paul, who was driving, and said, "so do you like my hair okay now that I've been letting it go curly?"
He didn't say anything. So of course, I said, "What?!?" Trying to choose his words carefully, he said, "well, it looks kind of messy, disheveled." And then he grimaced!
I pointed out that curly hair is rarely perfect looking. He said, "you've looked better."
Believe it or not, this doesn't hurt my feelings. The benefits that he doesn't realize is that it takes me 5 minutes to get ready. And I keep teasing him about the word disheveled. I've used that word about 6 times in the last 3 days.
But I'm still letting my hair be natural - curly, disheveled, and natural. I figure maybe I could be more creative, maybe find a new product that will tame the disheveledness right out of my hair. I just don't have time to fix it in the summer.
Now in the morning when I wake up - THAT is disheveled. This morning I told Paul that I looked like someone right out of Whoville - someone who had spent the night in the drunk tank down at the Whoville Police Station.
So she did. And I didn't hate it, but I never can fix it like she does.
Several friends, unprovoked, said that they really liked it this short. Now that comment could mean several things: 1) they lied, 2) they really did like it, 3) they noticed that my hair was shorter and thought a comment was in order and using their southern manners said they liked it whether they did or they didn't.
Paul doesn't like it. And truthfully, I don't either. I hope I don't disappoint all the people who told me they liked it and meant it!
So I've decided to let it grow out. Maybe really long, but my hair grows painfully slow so it will take awhile.
I've been straightening my hair for quite a while now. Since my hair is both naturally curly and ornery, straightening my hair is quite a chore. Quite--a--chore.
In the summer, I just don't want to go to all that effort. If I sweat or if it is humid, all my work will go to waste anyway. So now I have been washing it, applying lots of product* and sticking a headband in and skeddaddling!
*Products that I apply - mostly together - 2 or 3 at a time: Biosilk Silk Therapy or Kenra platinum silkening gloss AND Aussie gel AND Marc Anthony Strictly Curls. It takes a lot of product to kick ornery's butt and the frizz that goes with the natural curl.
So the other day, I was thinking my little curly do was cute. And I looked over at Paul, who was driving, and said, "so do you like my hair okay now that I've been letting it go curly?"
He didn't say anything. So of course, I said, "What?!?" Trying to choose his words carefully, he said, "well, it looks kind of messy, disheveled." And then he grimaced!
I pointed out that curly hair is rarely perfect looking. He said, "you've looked better."
Believe it or not, this doesn't hurt my feelings. The benefits that he doesn't realize is that it takes me 5 minutes to get ready. And I keep teasing him about the word disheveled. I've used that word about 6 times in the last 3 days.
But I'm still letting my hair be natural - curly, disheveled, and natural. I figure maybe I could be more creative, maybe find a new product that will tame the disheveledness right out of my hair. I just don't have time to fix it in the summer.
Now in the morning when I wake up - THAT is disheveled. This morning I told Paul that I looked like someone right out of Whoville - someone who had spent the night in the drunk tank down at the Whoville Police Station.
Artsy Fartsy
We're not going on a vacation this summer because we are saving for a big trip next year when we will be celebrating our 15th Anniversary.
The first week in June is when we like to go to the beach because it hasn't gotten crowded and so hot yet. Hello, Destin, we miss you!
Early in the year, before we were sure that we would not go to the beach, Paul scheduled himself to be off the first week in June. Once we were sure we were not going to Destin, we decided that we would spend the week at home doing some projects.
Mid week, we decided to go away for one night to Asheville, North Carolina - a favorite close-to-home spot. This is where I am getting to the artsy fartsy part of the story.
Asheville is a really cool town. It is eclectic, artsy fartsy, "granola," small townish, good eats, in the mountains, close to other cool places, and much more.
Here is a small sampling of what we like to do:
Stay at The Grove Park Inn . But we didn't stay there this time because it is pricey. Abbie calls this place "that place I think is heaven." Hands down, it has the best spa anywhere. I have not been to many spas and am certainly no expert, but I really don't think anyone can beat this spa. I'd like to go there for a facial every week. And float in the mineral pool. And sit under the waterfall in the hot tub. And relax with a book in the sitting area. And eat at the buffet (in the hotel, not the spa).
Eat at Salsa's. We never skip this place even though there are plenty of other unique places to try. It is NOT a chain. It is like a mexican/cuban/south american fusion thing. Not really sure. We start with the nachos with mango salsa - FRESH is the word. And I always order fried plantains if they are in season. Yesterday, Paul and I split the Jerk Chicken platter (I usually get the pork platter but I'm off pork now). It's a plate full of yummy stuff - I can't even name some of the ingredients. We just shovel it in. And they don't serve regular sodas, but the drinks are really good too. And the waitresses are tattooed and dreadlocked. And Abbie wanted to know why one of the guy waiter's came out of the women's restroom. And the place is small and there is usually a line to get into the joint. And they feature a different artist all the time so the artwork on the walls changes all the time. I was pretty full, but there was mango salsa left, and I didn't want it to go to waste so I shoveled the rest of that in - I'm pretty sure I hogged most of the salsa.
Shop. There are a lot of little eclectic shops in Asheville. And there are a lot of galleries. One new place we went this time is the Kress Emporium. It is a big place with a bunch of different booths for various artists - there is jewelry, metal sculptures, photography, cards, pottery, acrylic painting, watercolor paintings, funky stuff, cool stuff, stuff you have to touch, etc. I discovered a new artist this time. I didn't buy it......Paul says he will make me one of these. We'll see....I'm not giving up on this. I also found a pretty watercolor that I would like to have for the kitchen, but I didn't buy it either. I wish money grew on trees.
One thing I would really like to collect is art!!! I also found a photographer that had really vivid close ups of animals and nature - he printed them on large squares, maybe 15x15 and then attached it to a square solid black wooden piece, maybe 18x18 - I'm just guessing on size. The black really made the photo POP. I wanted about 3-4 of those. But where would I put them? I'd like to have a room dedicated to all of the art that I love. Eeeee! It makes me happy!
And we eat again. The Tupelo Honey Cafe is just so good, and there is always a huge wait. Everything is fresh and yummy and unique. When they say the sweet potato pancakes are served with peach butter, you are actually going to get butter with chunks of peaches in it. How am I ever going to get to try any new restaurants in Asheville when I keep going back to my favorites?
Then we went to a new town on our way home. We've never been to Black Mountain before, but it is a sweet little town with 2-1/2 streets that are fun to stroll on and shop. We were too full to eat anywhere but there was a restaurant called "My Father's Pasta and Pizza" that we'll probably be sorry that we missed - the smells wafting out of there were unreal!
Now we are home, and I just finished mopping and that is not the least bit artsy fartsy, but I was thinking about all the art I saw!
The first week in June is when we like to go to the beach because it hasn't gotten crowded and so hot yet. Hello, Destin, we miss you!
Early in the year, before we were sure that we would not go to the beach, Paul scheduled himself to be off the first week in June. Once we were sure we were not going to Destin, we decided that we would spend the week at home doing some projects.
Mid week, we decided to go away for one night to Asheville, North Carolina - a favorite close-to-home spot. This is where I am getting to the artsy fartsy part of the story.
Asheville is a really cool town. It is eclectic, artsy fartsy, "granola," small townish, good eats, in the mountains, close to other cool places, and much more.
Here is a small sampling of what we like to do:
Stay at The Grove Park Inn . But we didn't stay there this time because it is pricey. Abbie calls this place "that place I think is heaven." Hands down, it has the best spa anywhere. I have not been to many spas and am certainly no expert, but I really don't think anyone can beat this spa. I'd like to go there for a facial every week. And float in the mineral pool. And sit under the waterfall in the hot tub. And relax with a book in the sitting area. And eat at the buffet (in the hotel, not the spa).
Eat at Salsa's. We never skip this place even though there are plenty of other unique places to try. It is NOT a chain. It is like a mexican/cuban/south american fusion thing. Not really sure. We start with the nachos with mango salsa - FRESH is the word. And I always order fried plantains if they are in season. Yesterday, Paul and I split the Jerk Chicken platter (I usually get the pork platter but I'm off pork now). It's a plate full of yummy stuff - I can't even name some of the ingredients. We just shovel it in. And they don't serve regular sodas, but the drinks are really good too. And the waitresses are tattooed and dreadlocked. And Abbie wanted to know why one of the guy waiter's came out of the women's restroom. And the place is small and there is usually a line to get into the joint. And they feature a different artist all the time so the artwork on the walls changes all the time. I was pretty full, but there was mango salsa left, and I didn't want it to go to waste so I shoveled the rest of that in - I'm pretty sure I hogged most of the salsa.
Shop. There are a lot of little eclectic shops in Asheville. And there are a lot of galleries. One new place we went this time is the Kress Emporium. It is a big place with a bunch of different booths for various artists - there is jewelry, metal sculptures, photography, cards, pottery, acrylic painting, watercolor paintings, funky stuff, cool stuff, stuff you have to touch, etc. I discovered a new artist this time. I didn't buy it......Paul says he will make me one of these. We'll see....I'm not giving up on this. I also found a pretty watercolor that I would like to have for the kitchen, but I didn't buy it either. I wish money grew on trees.
One thing I would really like to collect is art!!! I also found a photographer that had really vivid close ups of animals and nature - he printed them on large squares, maybe 15x15 and then attached it to a square solid black wooden piece, maybe 18x18 - I'm just guessing on size. The black really made the photo POP. I wanted about 3-4 of those. But where would I put them? I'd like to have a room dedicated to all of the art that I love. Eeeee! It makes me happy!
And we eat again. The Tupelo Honey Cafe is just so good, and there is always a huge wait. Everything is fresh and yummy and unique. When they say the sweet potato pancakes are served with peach butter, you are actually going to get butter with chunks of peaches in it. How am I ever going to get to try any new restaurants in Asheville when I keep going back to my favorites?
Then we went to a new town on our way home. We've never been to Black Mountain before, but it is a sweet little town with 2-1/2 streets that are fun to stroll on and shop. We were too full to eat anywhere but there was a restaurant called "My Father's Pasta and Pizza" that we'll probably be sorry that we missed - the smells wafting out of there were unreal!
Now we are home, and I just finished mopping and that is not the least bit artsy fartsy, but I was thinking about all the art I saw!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Inspired by Annie
I sure am glad that my sister-in-law, Annie, convinced me to start a blog. So far, I'm not an everyday blogger, but I certainly have enjoyed keeping in more direct contact with my Nevada relatives. With blogging, I can tell more about my daily life without it seeming like I am talking non-stop about myself. Sometimes, when I send out a family email, I feel like all I am saying is "blah, blah, blah, me, me, me, me." But blogging doesn't make me feel conceited because people can choose to read it or not.
I visit several blogs - some are scrapbooking, some are animal related, some are just moms writing about their families, some are creative and odd, some have wonderful writing, and I always read Annie's 2 blogs (and she is the only other family member to have one so far).
While reading Annie's blog, I have been inspired to read some of the books she has mentioned. I am currently listening to Animal, Vegetable, Miracle - only the audio book was available from the library. I am really enjoying this book, and it has further inspired me in several topics that I was already interested in.
When Annie posted a picture of the strawberry jam that she made, I realized how much I miss the strawberry jam that my grandmother used to make. So yesterday, I went to my mom's house and we made two batches. It was so easy! Why haven't I tried this years ago? I bought extra jars and Sure Jell and sugar yesterday so that I can make more. I've already given away two jars to my brother. Tomorrow, Abbie and I will go to the Farmer's Market to buy more strawberries.
I plan to make regular visits to the Farmer's Market this year - which was inspired by Animal, Vegetable, Miracle - and Annie gets some credit too since she suggested the book.
Annie has also gotten me interested in composting. I still haven't bought the composter yet, but I will!
Annie, thanks for the pictures you post and the ideas you share because all of this really does make a difference to me! And I enjoy the up-to-date family info and photos.
I visit several blogs - some are scrapbooking, some are animal related, some are just moms writing about their families, some are creative and odd, some have wonderful writing, and I always read Annie's 2 blogs (and she is the only other family member to have one so far).
While reading Annie's blog, I have been inspired to read some of the books she has mentioned. I am currently listening to Animal, Vegetable, Miracle - only the audio book was available from the library. I am really enjoying this book, and it has further inspired me in several topics that I was already interested in.
When Annie posted a picture of the strawberry jam that she made, I realized how much I miss the strawberry jam that my grandmother used to make. So yesterday, I went to my mom's house and we made two batches. It was so easy! Why haven't I tried this years ago? I bought extra jars and Sure Jell and sugar yesterday so that I can make more. I've already given away two jars to my brother. Tomorrow, Abbie and I will go to the Farmer's Market to buy more strawberries.
I plan to make regular visits to the Farmer's Market this year - which was inspired by Animal, Vegetable, Miracle - and Annie gets some credit too since she suggested the book.
Annie has also gotten me interested in composting. I still haven't bought the composter yet, but I will!
Annie, thanks for the pictures you post and the ideas you share because all of this really does make a difference to me! And I enjoy the up-to-date family info and photos.
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