Howdy Y'all

Sudoku it is not

2009-03-02T12:10:00.005-05:00

Well, it *finally* snowed in Cho-ville. Real, honest to goodness snowed. It was particularly lovely to wake up to everything covered in white. And, go to bed knowing the Cho-boys had a day off was even better.
After a delicious pancake and bananas breakfast, they went to frolic outside, and I set to purging a few closets. That just made me cranky, though, so I started to troll the internets for amusement.
I feel I have found something very worth sharing. The trolling came about searching for Gooey Louie™, a beloved and simply stupid game I gave a friend forever ago. It consists of a plastic head (Louie) and gooeys (aka boogers) you put in his head. The game then has you stick your finger up his nose and remove a booger. Oh, excuse me, "gooey". One special gooey is rigged to make his brain pop out of his head. I kid you not! See review here.
Turns out, the smart folks at Pressman's figured out a way to improve ol' Louie, as he now talks and his brain AND his eyes pop out. WOW!

So this particular internet tangent lead me to the mecca of all silly games sites. Really, all in one place? I can hardly contain my amusement! Here are a few highlights, but you really must check it out yourself.
To begin,

a yodeling pickle
as if talking pickles weren't enough!

next

Oh! to choose is torture!
Really, today, bacon is bound to win, I don't care what tofu and his monocle unleashes in the wake of second place, but snow day = bacon hands down.

And finally (well, I had to stop somewhere)

Poor poor piggy. I am not sure what motivated this toy, it goes from unrecognizable mush to pig-shaped in minutes! But, well, I color it Fun!

Now off you go - there's loads more to explore. I feel a game night comin' on.

My My My

2009-01-19T10:50:00.005-05:00

Happy 2009 Y'all!
Just one more day until we swear in our President-Elect, Barack Obama. I am busy printing out free posters and obamicon-ing myself on Facebook.

What else have I been up to? Hmmm. The winter holidays have long since passed, although, ahem, I have a few things to send out. Yea, I'm bad. However, I did make a few presents this year, and they were all sorts of fun to do.
vanilla was simple fun AND useful and if you are closely related to me and haven't received yours, well, consider yourself un-surprised now. oops. I am not sure why putting something in a box and taping it closed takes the energy akin to sawing through a redwood tree, but there you have it. I am blocked. No real excuses.
The other handmade items involved some Etsy inspiration (of which there is loads - checkout my favorites there and you'll see what I mean). Goosegrease kindly had for sale wooden peg doll blanks, and I patiently added up how many I would need. Lessee . . . 3 adult girl bodies, 3 adult boy bodies, 5 girl bodies, 2 large boy bodies, one small boy body. Did I leave anyone out? Her work is perfect and charming, and patiently reflects people she doesn't even know. I thought it was worth a try to render my sister's families on wood with tiny pots of bright acrylics.

I am having some knockdown drag out fight with iPhoto right now, so I can't actually share the finished product with you at the moment.

Moving on.
The next Holdiday is Valentine's Day. Another opportunity to craft! or not. Last year, the girls and I assembled at Elsie's house and cut, pasted, stamped and doodled to our hearts content. I suspect something similar is in order for this year. Although, I still have a stash of Fiendish Valentines and could mark another person off my list with a lottery win over at belladia's crafty crow blog. I actually Know My Vintage Valentine IRL, when we were much much (much) younger, mere shadows of our current fabulous selves. Her etsy store(s) are chock full of vintage finds and the Valentines are mighty tempting. It's hard to pick a favorite, as the contest requires, and throwing darts blindly at the computer screen is frowned upon, so I listened to my sappy vintage heart and went with the turtle.

My youngest boy's name starts with T, so turtles have been linked to him since birth. I even fashioned his moses basket lining from turtles fabric. So there you go, I made a decision and I am sticking with it. I also like this particular card because it's a "HI" Valentine, no faux sentimental request to Be Mine or declaring You're Sweet, just a hey, howareya, it's February 14th and well, Hi.

In case you are wondering, the runner up was the teacher valentine (I could definitely see the boy bestowing that on his current teacher) with the declaration of "like" valentine in a close third.

so pickmepickmepickme! I mean randomly, of course.

Looking for Me?

2008-11-18T15:29:00.004-05:00

I will be at the Charlottesville Holiday Market selling my delightful children's clothing and accesspries beginning this Saturday Nov 22 from 10-5.

We vendors will be at the end near the Pavillion.

I hope to be there most Saturdays, but sometimes it just isn't possible - you can check here for updates, or email me if you have questions.

Stop by and say hi!

2008-11-12T17:11:00.005-05:00

I do kind of love this as a time line. But it's backwards. And the ending (/beginning) doesn't do the evening justice. But since there's a few other folks with similar posts, I would not fret about finding out the whole story if I were you.

They be all lived and s*&t

2008-06-26T16:07:00.003-04:00

Amazingly enough, the toads made it to maturity. Well, they got their legs at least. Mature? I can't begin to speculate, but they were not fighting amongst themselves and were eating lots behind my back.
Not that we didn't lose a few as tadpoles (toadpoles?), but I tend to think that's unavoidable. I set up a really nice environment for them and dug up insects and such. Apparently, I am they type of person to buy maggots. Yup. I couldn't find anything tiny and suitable for the critters, so I bought.maggots. *sigh* fortunately, they did eat them up, yum, and the 7 were realized to Elsie's magnificent backyard, where they are no doubt hanging up their twinkling party lights and settling in for a spoiled Summer. They have a smörgåsbord of delicacies and their own swimming pool. Sweet.

2008-06-15T11:06:00.001-04:00

Flickr meltdown
Originally uploaded by ♥ shhexycorin ♥

Hello Reader. Or Readers.
It has slowly dawned on me that I no longer want the commitment to this blog.
I am not very good at keeping up with it and since Summer has hit, I want to focus past my lap.
The boys and I making the best of media-free weekday mornings, and it's getting me out of the computing habit. Which is a good thing.

Not that I won't ever blog again, but perhaps you could subscribe to the feed and then and little shiny email will alert you to new posts, rather than you coming back here over and over and finding nothing fresh.

Don't think I haven't been thinking about this space, and spending more than one occasion in the moment thinking about how it would translate to a post! I just don't enjoy the little voice that nags at me when I don't update (my voice, it wouldn't be yours would it now?).

I'd rather see you all in person, or chat on the phone of you live elsewhere. This has never been a blog larger than my circle of friends, and I end up telling you the stories that lie within here anyway.
I do enjoy taking pictures though and don't expect that to change.
We'll see what happens, 'kay?

It needed to be done

2008-06-05T16:55:00.002-04:00

really. there's a story.

moar funny pictures

House Guest

2008-06-02T15:32:00.006-04:00

I wanted to start off this post with something complimentary about our house guest, really, I did.

Just as I sat down to type, she walks into the living room with food literally dripping from her eyebrows. Yerg. And I think she spent the whole day sleeping. Sheesh.

SHG, is on a little vacay, and her wobbly kitty has come for a visit. The premise was so we could keep an eye on her, her bowels, her food dish. Little did we know we would all fall under her Spell. The little Princess. I even got her a present from the grocery store! Now, I don't even by my kids presents from there, much less my own
kitties! What is happening??

Isn't it cute? It's a catnip housemouse, but I haven't shown it to her yet- I'm gonna let her get cleaned up first so I don't embarrass her.

She was put up in the guest room - complete with it's own bathroom. She's slept on some favored quilts (with permission) but prefers the closet with loads of stored fabric, so she can choose her texture: denim? charmeuse? wool? Today, it was gingham. Purple.

She also favors a basket by the door. Not the cat bed mind you, the one lined with comfy fleece and a sweater from SHG for those homesick moments. But a basket by the door, with odds and ends in it, so now it has the sweater in it. I am a caterer.

She hasn't missed the litter box yet (and btw, I am sold on the wheat litter that she packed in her suitcase) and the one time she barfed, she did it in the shower. A little binge after snacking on Cho-kitties dry food.

So yea, she mews, she gets fresh wet food mixed with organic homemade chicken broth. While we eat take out and what not. She does OK sleeping alone, but has gotten noisy mewing before we all fall to sleep. Thoughts of Ferberizing the cat last night made me chuckle. And I also entertained the thought that she's spend the night free to do as she'd like. I have no will power. And like to spoil people. And animals apparently.

I did let her spend the day outside of her suite (the first since she arrived last Thursday) and no one seems the worse for wear. Our calico is seemingly terrified of The Princess. Soaking wet, the Princess doesn't weight half of Trudy. Oldest Cho Cat is Not Amused. But is behaving.

That's the Princess there in my lap. I suppose I can see why Esme is upset.
(And as you can see, it was a reason to abandon the laundry - my lap was needed!)

So overall, House Guest has been enjoying our laps and many many pets and much admiration from Youngest Cho Boy who denounced the notion that dogs are man's best friend.

But SHG, company and produce are no replacement for you! Come home and have coffee with me!!

2008-05-28T20:22:00.004-04:00

Family Bonding

2008-04-28T17:03:00.002-04:00

Well, while we figure out the perfect parenting words, we distracted ourselves with a family celebration. The father in law was having a birthday, and closing in on retirement, has found himself with some extra time on his hands.
Cue Explosions.
This family has always been fond of blowing things up for family celebrations. Sticking tiny firecrackers in various foods, rotten and otherwise, and lighting the fuse. Kapow! Splat.
Well, this one blew all that came before out of the water. Even the Mentos and Soda concoction.
Behold the Potato Rocket.
Woe be the tiny red bliss pototo.
PVC pipe stuffed with one said potato + oh wait! this can be a list:

wake up
have time on hands
get access to tools and random plumbing apparati
pvc pipe
tamper apparatus
propane
full box of spuds
clearance

And by clearance, I mean, know where your neighbors' houses are so as not to drop rocketing potato down their chimney. Or through their window.

push potato down PVC pipe with tamper (pipe being whittled just so, so PVC and potato make contact all around
aim rocket
fill other end of pipe with propane
quickly! screw on end cap
push ignition plunger
wait mere seconds for satisfying phoomp
watch in awe as potato is rocketed towards the sky, tree or aimed destination
REPEAT REPEAT REPEAT

why oh why did I not have this whole thing on film?!
It was freakin' hysterical and so so wonderful.
I will definitely post pictures the next time I am in the vicinity of the Spud Rocket.

Update . . .

2008-04-28T15:44:00.004-04:00

I appreciate all the ears I bent retelling the Tale. It was traumatic, but we are recovering. I don't think he will leave again, but of course, I am wary of making an absolute statement on that.
The weekend was spent enforcing yard restrictions and not having much patience left to tolerate the least foul mood out of him. There was more yelling and loss of resolve and not good sleep.

He is going to see the councilor at school as I am concerned there are a myriad of frustrations he puts up with all day, only to come home and not know how to talk about it, or let it out constructively. Or maybe he doesn't want to talk to us. This has led to thoughts of a punching bag or similar physical therapy as well as making sure he's got his own space in our house to chill out and be alone when needed. He's really always very well behaved at school which means it's nearly impossible for his teachers (his whole schooling life) to picture him the least bit temperamental.

The Smokin' One and I believe we are good parents. Our kids are a reflection of their great inborn personalities, but also a testament to our raising them. And there's nothing on Earth better than a happy Youngest Cho-Boy. I want that guy around. I can appreciate the sentiment that he trusts in us enough to show us this ugly angry side, but we'd also like some reassurance that we're not completely screwing him up in some way.
We realize we could be more consistent and somehow "helpful" and that's where we might seek some guidance. At the risk of Over Analyzing the whole situation, we will probably call on a Professional. An outside perspective.

Not to eradicate bad moods or displays of temper or anger. Just to make sure he's balanced. Or at least not confused or overwhelmed. I am hoping I am over-thinking all of this. Lots of kids have gotten the bee in their bonnet to take off from home. I just want to make sure. It was too scary to not treat it as a possible wake up call, and I trust SomeOne will tell me to chill out if I need to. Even if they charge by the hour.

Where to begin

2008-04-23T12:31:00.004-04:00

I suspect there are very few of you who read my blog that don't know me in Real Life, so this story won't be new to you. I figured I'd first just tell the story, and then have a few more entries thinking over the ramifications.

We've had a few days to "process" and I am not feeling nearly as emotional as last Thursday. Or Friday. Or Saturday. Or Sunday.

Last Thursday Youngest Cho-Boy left the house mad. Not unusual. What was unusual was that when went to call him in, he was no-where. Well, at least not answering, and again, that's not unusual in itself when he's upset. But it was just before 8 and down at the creek, where the leaves filled in, it was growing dark. Taking off, then putting back on my glasses, trying any trick to "see" him. It became obvious that he was gone. Gone. Flashlights came out, shouting, calling, checking the creek up and down, the bamboo forest, the bushes beside the house. Inside the house. Expecting at every turn to find him curled up under a comforter or crouched beside the bushes. After just 15 minutes, I panicked. Lost it. The worst ever thoughts were at the forefront of my brain. Gone. It was dark now. Everywhere. He does not spend time in the dark alone inside or outside. This was a scary first.
I thought I would never ever see him again.
Ever.

After a longer time of pacing and searching in circles, enlisting the neighbors at this point and calling in relatives for reinforcement. Choking out words on the phone as best I could: We've lost ChoBoy, please come with a flashlight.
Then the call to the police after we'd been looking for close to 40 minutes. We didn't want to admit defeat in a way. That call meant he really was lost, gone, we may never see him again. Help. Within minutes, literally, of that call, he was home. The MotherinLaw didn't even have time to get to our house before he showed up in a police car.

Hi Dad, I'd better go say Hi to Mom.

Did I mention he was barefoot? How bout the lady that asked him if he needed help (and thank you Lady for not being Evil) He got into her car and she called the cops for assistance. Seemingly at the same time The S.O. was making our call to them.
So he collapses on the bed, sobbing, with me on top of him, keening for all I was worth.

to-e here we are again

2008-04-15T20:13:00.003-04:00

to-e-bster
Originally uploaded by cho girl

Ok, So I tried to pick a title that wouldn't get the f o o t fetish people looking here.
I couldn't resist this picture.
Fresh from the creek, cocky rolled up hems and dirty toenails. He and the neighbor kid hunted down a gigantic crawfish and netted some minnows. Spring anyone?

*update: the crawfish didn't make the night. Not really certain as to the exact cause of it's demise, but be sure there were some tears this morning. Please send internet hugs to a sad guy.

Break

2008-04-12T12:08:00.002-04:00

Ha! A sunburn! I got a sunburn. And not while at the beach.
I got the sunburn Friday, hanging out on the stoop with Starrhillgirl, drinking a latte. It was hot. Hot. Not like the beach. The beach? This is what the beach looked like:

It was about 15 degrees cooler than expected and very very cloudy. It didn't stomp romps on the beach or shell collecting, but did exclude dawdling in the sand. The trip served its purpose as a change of scenery, accompanied by several soaks in the motel hot tub and Family Bonding over SpongeBob episodes.

Highlights included the always somber-seeming pelican sightings, one large sea star we threw back into the ocean, a visit from a 2 year old Loggerhead Sea Turtle during a trip to the Aquarium, hunting for and finding shark teeth, and of course, the local cuisine. Not to mention many pairs of saltwater-soaked socks and pants, and the heat cranked up to high in the room.
Please enjoy the following photos.

From Spring Break

Just Sayin'

2008-04-07T21:56:00.001-04:00

Granted, it may not look like much -
but there's sand and salty water.

Tree

2008-04-05T13:37:00.002-04:00

pear tree.JPG
Originally uploaded by cho girl

Yea!
Is this a pear or a cherry?
I dunno. All I know is that the light changes when Y-CB and I walk under it on our way to and from school. It hushes. Quiets. The blue-sky-light filters through the blossoms and speckles our faces and a few petals waft down to litter the pavement. A lovely way to begin and end the school day.
Down the street, in front of our house, the willow is greening and the beetles and wasps and yellowjackets are feasting on the sap. It is much louder than this tree. I stop and look for the pollinators here, seeing not a one, sadly.
However, a solitary bee is pacing between the window and screening when we arrive home, so we set it free, sending it off to make up the lost time.

Something Different

2008-03-29T13:07:00.004-04:00

Um, I am about to go to Elsie's house and "install" bees.
In case I don't return, it's been nice knowing you.

Not feeling too bad these days

2008-03-26T19:33:00.005-04:00

Good bye Winter! And good riddance.
A few weeks ago, Older Cho-boy came down with 5th disease, and then so did I. A quick internet search confirmed he had the classic rash. And I also learned that once the rash appears, he is no longer contagious. oops. He barely broke a sniffle in the prior weeks. And wasn't even itchy. Mine made my legs feel sunburned and my joints arthritic for most of a week. (The cat and I limped up the stairs together.) I was surprised to surmise that neither of us had had it as children . But I am guessing Younger Cho-Boy did because he never showed any signs, and he is always on top of his brother so transmission would've definitely happened. But he being merely 7, how could I not remember? He can be stubborn, so perhaps he suppressed the rash? He'll save the break-outs for poison ivy.

Spring has arrived for sure since I took care of the shaving of the winter legs.
whew! and my toenails are now pink to boot. And my demeanor is much, much improved with all the sunshine we've had. (p.s. I still don't care much for the cold morning, just fer yer FYI).

And then there was Easter. (and, whew, bunny-less this go round, even though I know of one Lurker that may vomit upon visiting that link, as she is up to her eyeballs in bunnies of the Big Footed variety)

OK, I tried my new Pixelmator and still have a bit to learn. One caption says: Blue fingers are important for productivity and the other says "this looks like the moon" or maybe it doesn't. Do you have a magnifying glass? Or Super~~sonic~~ super eyesight? Yes, you DO detect an attitude.

We got some lovely brown eggs from Elsie and a box of Pas. They turned out super and quick. Not like many years ago when Martha Stewart possessed my kitchen and I really thought a toddler and a 3 year old would be into the delayed gratification of natural dyes. The results are spectacular, but time- intensive. Maybe another year when I know it's Easter more than 3 days in advance. You would think with all this fancy technology, and oh, a calendar, I would be more with it. I blame daylight savings.
But one funny thing that happened. YCB went first with the dyeing and decorated his egg with a clear crayon. (this is unbeknownst to me, mind you) Then I sauntered into the kitchen all like, hey can I have a turn too, and drew on my egg. Toby's was in the dyebath at this point. A few moments later, both our eggs are dyed and out to dry. Notice any similarities?

Yup. Same pattern. Same. Charley Brown like stripes around the middle, circle at the "poles" and random dots throughout.
Discuss.

still waiting

2008-03-19T15:48:00.002-04:00

you're still waiting aren't you?
at the time, i was inspired to write, but didnt' have the time to compose, now . .. well, lessee if I can get it all doctored up enough to be an interesting read.

Cause that's bound to be more interesting than listening to me sob about my car.

And dealing with said car has taken a lot out me emotionally. Which just seems stupid.
Granted, I have been pretty cheerful during the process- in a what the fuck else am I supposed to do? kind of way. But inside, I am pretty darn stressed out.
I like the car, and was looking forward to loving it. We've hardly gotten to know each other as it's only been 2 years. But she's asking for a lot of money right now. References to dependable call girls aside: Is she worth it? What's her long range probability?

I found myself growing jealous hearing of a guy that went to the scrapyard and found a tandem bike for $4 that he's now fixing up. I heard the story cause I asked BikeGirl about keeping an eye out for one. Just a bit tardy in the Universe I guess. Not that I have found myself at the scrap metal yard lately and could say I Just Missed It. (- and why not?! I think I shall put it on my todo list.)
And my goodness, does that really mean I am interested in BIKING places?
And all this wraps around in some way to the last teaser post and how now I don't' feel like writing it now. Because it's a bit hokey, the Universe speaks to us y'know - and how at the time that was Great and Comic.
But does The Universe now want me to walk everywhere? Yes? Crap.

You won't believe it when I tell you

2008-03-13T20:30:00.001-04:00

And I will tell you soon.
A post is a brewin'

Lobster Happens

2008-02-25T11:30:00.002-05:00

Lobster
Originally uploaded by cho girl

Sometimes, lobster happens.
If you send your child off to his grandparents for his first ever solo plane ride and subsequent many days away from home, SOMEtimes, you are rewarded for your bravery.

It happened to me at Chez Cho. I hadn't even told y'all about the absence of ChoBoy The Elder.

He had a week off of school ("winter break" pshaw) and it seemed a good time for an Adventure.

He was much much braver than I. I wouldn't drive him to the airport for fear of completely freaking him out with my loudly silent worrying. He worries enough on his own. He was so chipper and excited, but questioning whatsgoingtohappenifs, so at least he wasn't paralyzed by his lack of experience to fall back on. He called home once a day, calm, a little chatty - just touching base. I was the Lighthouse and he the little ship at sea.

Plus, he got to see snow, the little bastard. And ordered lobster in a restaurant. With a side of seaweed salad. And bought a present with his own spending money for his little brother.

And carried off the plane 1/2 dozen lobsters for us landlocked Cho's.

That's when my bravery kicked into full gear. Many a time, I have rubbed lobster heads with the thought that it hypnotizes them, and swiftly plunged them into boiling water. But this time, upon recommendation, I knifed them in the head with the intention of a quick mercy kill. It was hard.

And I wish I had a pot of boiling water for each individual guy, because the second and 3rd one were screwed by the cool down, and even though I had stabbed 'em in the head, they werent' exactly motionless. I don't think I need to go on.

They were delicious.

Flickr

2008-02-25T11:28:00.001-05:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Nothing to smell here . . .

2008-02-22T15:20:00.002-05:00

move along.

So Monday was my update day? You don't say?
Nothing nothing nothing to report.
Head cold #2.

And now I haz teh lehmons for teh toddy.
(insert amusement here that most toddy recipes are from the '70's: c'est tout les chic)

All will soon be well in Cho-land.

And not that this has anything to do with me, 'cause lately I am a good sharer, or anything but ha-ha's, here you go:

Monday it is

2008-02-04T10:43:00.000-05:00

Well, it seems Monday has become my Update Day.

It now stikes me how little I see of the Older Cho-boy. He comes home at a reasonable hour, but by then he's been missed by his brother, has homework, or disappears outside or to the basement. I do find time to connect with him, but being alone with him is a rarity. Fortunately, he is not immune to my charms, and does still seek out my company. Most recently, we trade books to read. He handed off The Lightning Thief, which he read for school and loved. At the beginning of his reading, an innocent question on my part turned into a lengthy synopsis that did indeed show me he not only read the assignment, but understood and was then contemplating the next chapter. And I don't need much encouragement to read a good book - 6th grade level or not. I have also just started Bone and am loving it. I regret a bit buying the complete epic only because it proves to be unwieldy. But I have so much enjoyed the humor and fantasy. It will certainly keep me busy today when I am not staring out the window nursing a cold. snif snif.
Anyway, last Friday found Cho-ville ice-y in the morning (weather-wise, I am not being figurative here) and the late start to school kinda screwed with my motivation. Then Saturday was sunny and cold. Beautiful. YC-b and I were alone with the cats, a comforter, refreshments by our sides and two packs of playing cards.
I am wise, though, and only used one stack. But what a choice! a) Snoopy cards, circa 1970, with my sister's name sticker? . . . or b) more recent vintage British Airlines, with all sorts of airplane graphics? He chose the planes and off we went . . . to War!
Relaxed and teasing, no one getting upset at losing cards. And it lasted 40 minutes. A record for tolerance and good sportsmanship all around.

From War! 2/3/08 5..."

Monday Monday Monday

2008-01-28T15:06:00.000-05:00

The sun sure was a treat today. I am sure you'll agree that you don't quite realize how gloomy it's been until the sun and warmth return. It was so pleasant in fact, that I opened a window. Our house is old and leaky, but it still helps to air the place out with gusto every once in a while.

The morning started off rather unkempt - weepy children, a stuck-tight dresser drawer, late everybody. But I was going to have none of that. The dresser is still a mystery, but I helped the sobbing child get to school with the promise of an early pick up then assisting how I could to get everybody's heiney out the door.

Weepy Child, YoungestCho was exhausted from a Saturday overnight at a friends' house. Complete with Dr. Pepper for dinner AND breakfast and a super-late bedtime. We had known to cover the fact that his friend goes hunting so there are guns at the house, now we'll cover the caffeine another time.

He fell asleep while picking up his room yesterday, and had the nap of the DangNabbed as we call it. Too long, too late. When your eyes are rolling back in your head as you struggle to pull yourself into conscienceness. When it's all to easy to convince yourself that closing your eyes is precisely the right thing to do. My remedy is a quick, cold glass of OJ and bearing witness to the quiet glugs and nose breathing the accompanies the rabid and delicious drinking going on in the comfort of my lap. Blood sugar rising, blood pumping. Eyes open.
This morning he had to be woken up for school. An anomaly for sure. He was so tired, he couldn't muster his usual energy for confrontation. Although he continued his usual mule-like reluctance to eat, get dressed and brush his teeth, he actually did them all, an improvement over some mornings where he gets everyone in a tizzy. I'd say 3 days a week, he's got everyone's number. As much as we don't want to hand him our ticket. His ability to suck us all in is a major focus for our adult chats about parenting. We are still learning/yearning to be consistent.

I got him early from school today and that proved to be a good decision. His class has recess at the end of the day and I figured I'd free him from having to run and negotiate random friendship drama. "you're late!" he piped. "hmm" me, out loud, "am not" grumbled in my head, not engaging, not engaging. He is green. Cheeks, both palms, shirt, backpack straps. From oil pastels. Pretty cute. At home, he immediately changed into comfy pants and wanted a snuggle. His ability to suck us all in is pretty noteworthy. . .

Uh O(uc)H

2008-01-27T13:30:00.000-05:00

OK, I've been outed.
As an arm wrestler.
I hate for too many people to see the video over at StarrHillGirl 'cause they may catch on to my winning tactics. And my unsavory competitive side.

It did help that I had not imbibed. I *think* I could still win over someone closer to my age and completely sober.

If they are being as kind as Lefty Red.

Thanks, LR, you are a good sport.

Mash Up

2008-01-22T12:09:00.000-05:00

The second installation in project Move Mopey Post to Unseen Page

Pardon the terrible photo editing, but feel free to dance. (get it? it's a mash up! And got a star rating/impromptu dance partay from Y.C.B)

This is how Youngest Cho-Boy and I spent the latter part of the morning on a day off of school.

I give all credit to him though, as really, he did everything. You'll see the plate of bacon and eggs he assembled, start to finish, raw to cooked, himself. It's hard to believe there's bacon just sitting there, but hey, there is sugar in OJ. And to be sure, they both did disappear after a few delicious glasses.
He even concocted a Clementine/oj mixture. He prefers pure OJ in case you are keeping tabs.

Monday, revisited.

2008-01-21T16:51:00.000-05:00

Meanwhile, in an attempt to move that last entry down the page, Cho-girl is going to post in rapid succession. . . let's read the first entry.

Not surprisingly, Aunt Flo visited soon after my last post, and well, the World took a turn for the better! This Monday, I am productive and happy - and fairly guilt-free. Why can't I remember good 'ol Flo? She has been sneaky - over the past year, my usual signs of her arrival have dissipated. I shouldn't complain, I know. But I used to count on a slight ache in my knee moments before her arrival, and well, I didn't get that until a few days into it. Not to mention that random screeching and lashing out at people. looking. at. me. Weird. But hey, I knew where my Diva cup was, and well, there you go. I won't post a link for you. I am sure that there isn't anyone who wants to hear about my cycle, or it's apparati. But you can always ask if you're curious.
SOOOOO
ANYway.

It snowed! I think most of my readers are also living in my town, but hey. Maybe it's news to someone?

After going to work for a pleasantly and ridiculously short amount of time, I came home, slowly, through the snow.
And. made. coffee.
I got a new latte mug from Etsy. I thought of it as spreading the good karma around so folks will buy some of my things! Is it karma if you force it? I wanted a ceramic mug that would fit in my car cupholder too. Since I drive an automatic, it wasn't necessary to have a lid. Is that askin' for trouble?
But I couldn't decide, so I got two. And only one fits in the car. But, I love 'em both, and I am going to post my current matched set of handled latte mugs (with coasters! if I can find them!) on Freecycle, so I will come out with less mugs in the end. I win!
But you know, the ceramic gets hot as hell, so now I need a coozy to keepy my fingers from harm. I don't subscribe to the tenet that if it's too hot to hold, it's too hot to drink.
Here is my winter morning latte with a giant foamy nipple/crescent/whatever.

Monday

2008-01-14T11:01:00.000-05:00

Well well well.
I am familiar with guilt. I have felt it many a time. The neighbor. Over this blog and it's lack of updates. etc etc.
Something else I started and did not finish or maintain.
Alas and alack! I am a girl of ideas! And I am optomistic, which gets me into trouble.
Not that not-blogging is trouble. At least it shouldn't be. I occasionally run through my day where I have these little typing sessions in my head, translating my day into prose. Only to forget it once I reach the keyboard. My life hasn't been very noteworthy. Or at least only interesting to me or the Ones Involved.
Do you want to hear about my vacation? I use that term loosely. Do you want to hear about my time out of town with my family? Surely not. It was a series of events like yours I am sure; driving, socializing, transportation-ing, movie-viewing, eating, sleeping, trying to establish Family Memories. They just became Extended Family Memories. And only a few Unsavory ones, and the fact that every day involved folks out of cho-family's immediate relations not all that surprising, actually. I shouldn't be so naive. And there was chocolate. And cider. Stongbow Cider. Two cans of it, which did the trick very nicely, thank you. And a hotel mattress that finally made us realize how crappy Chez Cho-mattress is enough to do something about it. Well, we made Real Plans to Do Something About It.

I do believe I succeeded over the holiday to tap into all of the Seven Deadly Sins. That must be an accomplishment in some books, eh? And to boot, some if not all of the Seven Virtues. 'Cause Cho-girl's a Libra.

Lust	Chastity
Gluttony	Temperance
Greed	Charity
Sloth	Diligence
Wrath	Forgiveness
Envy	Kindness
Pride	Humility

But at the moment, I think the scales are tipping in Sins favor. I can scratch off Chastity. Forever. Accomplished that in the weeks before I got married, just for fun. And in it's absence, if I recall, Lust had it's way with The Smoking One and me. That's another story all together, and maybe under another pseudonym.
And yesterday I blew up at my neighbor over her dog. Although I didn't really raise my voice, I am certain my face and tone gave way to my simmering interior. Not that I wasn't really upset about her dog, there's a History there and it's not all that pretty, but I was upset mainly at Youngest Cho-boy and took it out on her. And while he received some words and direction from me (and I now have a clean bathroom), I have spent the hours since that encounter reliving it and I am not happy with myself. Here comes that guilt again. I will figure out a way to make up for it. In a way that doesn't give her slack for the dog stuff, but at least apologizes for my tantrum. It's on the list.

Gack! How's your Monday?

I'm It!

2007-12-21T14:37:00.000-05:00

I got tagged for a meme! By Starrhillgirl! We don't both have "star" in our fake names! Oh, boy!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Yes, please. And recently? Soy Nog. So good in french toast!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
In paper with Santa on it of course. Although Other Santas I Know even leave the price tags on the unwrapped gifties.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
Both. Although last year was just white lights on the tree. Just. Lights. Lovely. And we don't have an outlet outside . . . but I am always tempted by the displays at CVS . . . And I do wish for candled windows.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
Yes! I am all about the pilfering of smooches.

5. When do you put your decorations up?
Tomorrow!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish?
Flanagan Heart Attack. Ok, that sounds terrible. But it's eggs and cheese and bacon and sour cream. Usually served with a side of Cinnamon Rolls (homemade, of course)

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child.
Opening stockings in my parents bed with my 4 sisters. Always an orange at the bottom.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I will blame that on my older sisters.
Although, admittedly it may be inaccurate.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas eve?
Yes, with the in-laws.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
We have some funny homemade ornaments and some "classy" ones. Usually there one box labeled : Kids can Open. I do the others.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?
love, love, love, LOVE

12. Can you ice skate?
Why, yes I can! I choose not to very often.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
Folks have been very generous to me over the years . . .

14. What is the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Staying in pajamas late. It's all about the Vacay.

15. What is your favorite Holiday dessert?
Bark from Uncle Sam's Candy, a company in my Mom's home town.

16. What is your favorite Holiday tradition?
Well, when I was a kid it was obnoxious things like singing the ABCs in church instead of the actual words to Joy to the World at the end of mass. Try it! It works! My entire gigantic family would participate and have the giggles. Then Christmas morning, my Dad blaring the Hallelujah chorus to get us out of bed. These years, with my boys, hearing them rustling in bed and remembering what day it is, to have them come thundering in our room...

17. What tops your tree?
a perforated paper star with a light inside - a hand me down from the folks.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
If I could get it together more often: giving. I am full of want to make everything for everyone.

19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
I'll have a Blue Christmas without You. Little Drummer Boy.

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
Yum!

Your turn C'ville Elsie! AND Tag! I.d.a.

Elfin' Good TIme

2007-12-17T15:54:00.001-05:00

Ok, are you all in the spirit of the Holidays yet?
I am struggling with that. We have our tree, but it's still outside. I've been drinking nog, but it's not festive late at night in front of the t and v, is it?

So, I found something that helped me! And maybe it will spread some cheer to yourselves as well.

I think I look great in green velvet!
xo

bananas=monkeys

2007-12-10T17:28:00.000-05:00

'Tis the season!

I spent the morning with toddlers. But even their shenanigans couldn't keep this song out of my head.

P.S. I will let you choose whether you are feeling naughty or nice. Or maybe you go both ways.

Friday Meme

2007-12-07T12:57:00.000-05:00

Becca likes to dance and do gymnastics
Becca likes to play in corrugated boxes
Becca likes to draw
Becca likes to say she's adopted
Becca likes to lay back on the beat

Do you get the idea? You type in "(your name) likes to" -with the quotes!- in the search engine of your choice. My choice.
And then copy the first 5 or so responses.
Hilarity! And so accurate!

And for more anonymity, you could try your alias, or initials. . .
B* likes to study quantum physics
B* likes to comment
B* likes to focus on materialism
B* likes to brag on admissions tours
B* likes to use the term “medication management”

Did I Jinx It?

2007-12-04T23:18:00.001-05:00

Smells like snow outside y'all.
I even covered my wood pile.

Bragging

2007-12-03T09:48:00.000-05:00

My kids are great. Great!
The Smoking One is out of town (and just to clarify - that's Smokin' as in *hot*, not smokin' as in tobacco).
The kids might have noticed in the last 8 years or so that I don't get up really early. Dad does. So when the Smokin' One is out of the picture due to travel or illness, I do try to step up to the plate and fill his shoes. He prepares breakfast, coffee and lunches (! I know!) so I had quite a lot to organize.

But, unsolicited, the Older Cho-boy announced last night that he was going to take care of breakfast, I didn't need to get up early.
In fact, this morning, after I crawled out of the 3-snooze sleep, they practically dragged me back to bed. I resisted. I had programmed the coffee maker so I could get going easily. The OC-B, had already scrambled the eggs and was preparing the stove. Younger Cho-boy was collecting the biscuits from the refrigerator and heating up the toaster oven. They are awesome. OC-b served the eggs, gathered juice and forks and everything. I sat at the table tickled and sipping coffee. My contribution was to slice the pomegranate. They loves them some pomegranate. (as a side, I was surprised to hear that "lots of boys" bring them to lunch at OC-b's school)
The Smokin' One will be so sad to hear that they were all ready for school a good half hour before we had to leave. We had enough time to actually grant YC-b's wish to bring in a hermit crab for his classroom. That meant finding a suitable container, collecting water and food etc. Made his day.

This morning was charmed. My kids are great.

Augh!

2007-11-30T15:22:00.000-05:00

Tired of being in a bad mood.
Thought the toddlers had zapped it out of me yesterday, but today Asplundh showed up and stoked the coals. Giving it some thought, this is a Fresh Bad Mood, cause the toddlers and yoga and wine really did the trick yesterday. Who can be grouchy when met with all that sweetness and light and snuggle potential at the school gate?

I digress.
We have a lovely willow tree in the front yard. It's not without A Sordid History itself, but we continue to care for and love it.

Last year, the first year it was trimmed for the power lines, I thought to try and have a thoughtful conversation with the hired saws responsible for trimming branches. That didn't work out so well. I was left with a butchered tree, and about the polar opposite effect that I was lead to believe would occur. Gone, poof.

So this time, I felt better prepared. But no. Another hack job. After expressing my Extreme Disapproval and retreating hastily and unkindly inside, I thought better of it, collected myself and went back to dole out a bit of constructive criticism.
CC, as in "when you said "trim" that lead me to believe you are not taking FEET off the top of the tree. Or cutting off major limbs. It makes me think the tree is getting a little hair cut, as in "trimming" the branches that are actually touching the powerlines. CC as in, "Maybe when you speak to people, you should be Very Clear about the end result; i.e. "We plan to take at least 4' off your tree and leave a gaping hole that you will be able to see every morning this winter from your cozy living room." "Maybe you ought to stay out here and supervise us, because we are not professional arborists and don't really care that you have to look at this every day. We have a job to do and it does not call for thoughtfulness or beauty."

They followed the cut from last year, which is what I spend a while telling them was the wrong approach, how further topping the tree wouldn't help it grow away from the power lines, and in fact, it still need time to recover from what their conspirators did last year. We had a Professional Opinion and everything - So please, that there? No Touchy.
I would have grabbed my coffee and not learned the same lesson yet another way. I am peeved and sheepish and let down because I felt I was proactive and polite and being heard. I learned from History Y'all! I was not doomed to repeat it!!

Afterwards, all I could hear was, "I agree m'am, that does look bad".

And they did clean up their mess. That, I will give them.

*sigh* Then I was back in the basement sewing. It's kinda hard to sew adorable and lovely baby blankets after that upset. Stop by the market and see which ones are full of *hate*. He he. Kidding. But just in case, the Smoking One better cook dinner. Just to be safe.

It's Really Early . . .

2007-11-10T06:48:00.000-05:00

And I am up! Preparing for teh Market.

See if you can find me!

Oh Gawd

2007-11-06T09:35:00.001-05:00

This is what I get for cleaning. A nice case of the heebie geebies.
I collected the mop from it's perch on the porch. Classy, I know, right? Swished it around in the sink water to prepare for cleaning the kitchen floor. Swipe swipe, rinse rinse, swipe sw . . . what's that in the water? Floating and sinking Ophelia-like in it's stainless steel bathtub but a GIGANTIC wolf spider. I shudder now just typing that. Poor thing though, I hope it was dead before it came in. And to top it off there was ANOTHER (different kind of course to keep things interesting) spider crawling on the floor. I mustered up the energy to put a glass over it. Now it's wearing a 3" diameter circle path into our linoleum with it's tiny eight legs until I muster the oomph needed to put it outside. I do not want to go near it. It's dark red and juicy and , blergh, big. And now I also have a sink-full of cloudy, cantseethebottom spider-infested water to boot. I am just going to stay out of the kitchen for a while. The youngest CHO-boy can fend for himself outside. blergh.

Oh Noes!

2007-11-04T07:24:00.000-05:00

The Smoking One and I are not usually good planners. We can get a few parts in motion early (say, for instance, concert tickets), but save all the minutiae (say, uh, what to do with the kids?) for the last crunch. Well, this time, it wasn't (the very) last minute and things were in place!

Tickets to The Decemberists/Laura Viers show at the 9:30 club in DC. Check!

Scouting out rad hotels in the area. Check!

Grandparent taking the kids overnight. Double check.

Day dreaming of being back in Dupont Circle. Check.

Ah, yes. Uncheck All.

We even had comped tickets from a band member to add to that hot shit we are getting out of town together without the spawn look at us with free tickets feeling.

Hmmm, the grandparent isn't on the internet much . . .

You had me at Decapitated Bunny

2007-10-31T19:05:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween!

I spent the day in the basement, chugging lattes and churning out 2 costumes. This morning I got a call to substitute in a classroom. I had already waived the chance to volunteer for someone else on the 31st, but declined that offer weeks ago, knowing full well my carpet would be stuck with pins and my machines whirring up a storm today.

Who could resist this?

It had to become a lab coat for a crazed veterinarian. I took measurements but still it was Huge. What the . ..? (Better to wear every year hence, I say. I think it may even fit me.)

We've been having Alice in Wonderland moments. The Veterinarian's trying-on moment was Quite the Opposite of the younger brother, whose jumpsuit was lying on the couch this morning. After his fitting, everyone else in the room commented how it looked so big lying there, they didn't believe it would fit him - but there he was, dressed in a perfectly fitted blue fuzzy jumpsuit.

Earlier in the day, I sewed careful, even, secured, seams, pressed, with top stitching. The works. By the afternoon, it was all fusible web and safety pins. *sigh* The younger one went as Squirtle and I am happy he didn't notice he didn't have a tail. It's days like today I am forced to remember to put things in perspective. And remembered that it is several times a day that my kids don't even need a clothing change to pretend they are someone or somewhere else. The accessories can help cement the trip for others though.

I do love making costumes, but it is beyond me to actually get them done before Halloween. I would be happy with having them finished on the 30th. But as long as I can remember having kids, it has been a seat-of-the-pants kind of thing.
And here I was Today, thinking about all the costumes my parents helped me with. I remember clearly a red hooded windbreaker becoming a little devil outfit complete with a wood pitchfork my dad made for me. And the smell of the burnt cork used another year to blacken around my eyes when I was a ghost. Once, I was the Pocket Lady. I am not sure what was up with that. I do remember lots of pockets (duh) on my shirt and I stuffed them, curiosity cabinet like, with tiny plastic figures and other bits and bobs from the house.
Tonight, my little gremlins are off collecting their loot, I'll post pictures tomorrow. I am home playing crazy housewife - vacuuming and waiting for kiddies. I have glow sticks, thanks to the Shingled One, and gummy eyeballs, something I won't eat. OK, I've already had one. I didn't think I would be tempted, because basically, they looked gross. But now sadly I know they taste like lemony marshmallows... I am going to bestow handfuls on the next unsuspecting kids. Kids. I use that term loosely around here. The last, ahem, young ladies that came to the door were fully developed and without costume. So I razzed them a bit and they told me they were "Roca Girls 'cause they are urban." I think I am becoming more old-fashioned each year.

Along the lines of not-quite-a-costume, back in the day when The Smoking One and I lived in TN, I think we saw our Best Ever Sort of A Costume. A little guy came to the door. He must have been 3 or 4, and written across his forehead in marker was Simba with the "s" all backward you better believe it. And you better also believe it, he was Simba! He was strutted back down the steps so proudly while the SO and I smirked.
Nothing so charming tonight. Bah humbug.

2007-10-23T08:52:00.000-04:00

Hello Again

I am going to trust that you all will still love me even though I don't have anything much to go on about.
Trust me, I am not hiding anything.
My latest hours have been spent sewing, cleaning, or thinking about sewing or cleaning.
And now I have 10 minutes before my work day starts and I head downstairs.
Along the lines of cleaning, I did manage to replace the light fixture on the kitchen fan last week. We've lived with the old one for too long. One receptacle keep fizzing out the light bulbs, and would make a disconcerting crackling sound. Plus the whole thing just cast nasty light. This is the second attempt at replacement. This time around, the fixture also didn't fit. No grumbling here! Voila! My Swiss Army knife and a basic knowledge of leverage to the rescue! I crimped it all around so it would fit snugly into the fixture. And some green bulbs and yea! a bright kitchen. Now for the cleaning part . . .
Also, along the green lines, I have signed up for catalog choice. As much as I love to peruse catalogs, they do tend to pile up and it's not like I order anything anyway. And with Christmas right around the corner, my mailbox is only going to get more helpings of this planet destroying activity. So far I have eliminated 5 catalogs from my diet. Today was a recycling day, so I wasn't able to have my customer # on hand. It takes 10 weeks to go into effect, but then you can report them for sending you something you've opted out on. If you want to do that. I think I'll wait on telling my mother in law about that site. She shares her catalogs with me, so I can still use hers for inspiration and couch potato reading.
Uh, oh, it's past 9, I'd better be on my way. xo

I see you are not ready to Talk.

2007-10-12T14:12:00.000-04:00

I bet you were tired of seeing dinner on this page. Now you can read about my possessed phone.
I am serious.
Not kidding.
It constantly is dialing "9" today. Randomly. And locking out other commands. I have unplugged the battery, s'rsly.
I tried to take a video of it auto-dialing, but it wouldn't do it when the camera was on. When the camera isn't on, I plug back in the battery and it reads "Please...wait..." And then it dials 9.
It first happened when I was on the phone today - I thought I had accidentally hit the "9" key - but it wouldn't stop beeping the "9" tone. I returned it to the cradle and waited. Now, it will just sit there all innocentlike and when I push Talk, it reads "9". then 999. then 999999 then the whole LCD screen just fills up with 9s. It is freaking me out. And now it's sitting next to me all dismemebered and looking sad. Or is it angry? I hope it isn't angry.
I cleaned its buttons out with a toothbrush AND a toothpick. It's sparklin'. Hmmm. I rly hope it isn't angry.

Dinner Part deux

2007-09-13T16:46:00.001-04:00

After the amazing tomato tart I made. Amazing. Tart. R decided we should all take turns cooking. I guess I made it look easy. (Ok, it was.)
Toby volunteered first and composed a delightful and delicious spread consisting of pizza bagels, cucumbers and salad. Seriously, he did it all, including taking the hot tray out of the oven. He looks really tall in the pictures, but that's ' cause he's standing on a stool. He's not that big yet!

And so they went

2007-09-10T14:04:00.000-04:00

Well fellow lovers of caterpillars and butterflies, my monarchs have flown the coop. As I suspected in my last update, the chrysalis hatched that Sunday morning, but no one was watching!
A shame, but these are pictures of the new hatchling once I returned from breakfast.
Subsequent collected caterpillars foiled my efforts to keep them contained in my planter and all 3 chose a more modest and hidden place to do their transforming. After, of course, they obliterated the milkweed plants.
Alas, no classroom examples to be had!
Next year, y'all, next year.

Popcorn, POPCORN, PoPcOrN

2007-09-09T12:19:00.001-04:00

Microwave or pan-popped?
Recently converted to teh latter.

Dinner or snack?
Some times the latter becomes the former.

Sweet or savory?
Savory although the kettle korn is equally as addictive.

Eat out of a bowl, bag, or out of the pan?
Bowl. every crumb.

All popped or leave some kernels?
Definitely leave some kernels leftover, not on purpose, but enjoyed nonetheless.

During a movie, would you throw it or do you prefer to make out?
Movies are for watching, popcorn is for eating.

What is the weirdest thing you have put on your popcorn?
Lemon pepper.

What's the best popcorn addition experiment that worked out well?
That would be to add M&M's.

Who do you share your popcorn moments with?
Aw, my hermit crabs love popcorn, and so do my kitties. (yes, this question was created entirely to mention my pets)

now, go read this article in the NY Times, cause it's excellent and builds on this whole popcorn meme thingy.

~~How do I tag someone? Or does this meme thingy just go around teh internets organically?~~

I would like to officially tag Corey and Roberta. Please, feel free to add questions! Then I will add them to this, Teh Original Popcorn Meme™.

um . . .

2007-09-07T16:42:00.000-04:00

So I thought I was totally punk rock when I dyed my hair pinkish purple a few weeks back. Loved it, and it's subtlety. But was a bit bummed the color didn't last very well. I learned I could remedy that by bleaching my hair before coloring it again.
Now you know what I was up to today. Bleached my hair. Hmm, pretty stark blonde, and added the "lilac". After the shock of just how purple "lilac" could be on bleached hair, I adding some Bubblegum Pink, and then added some more lilac, then bleaching out more strands . . . you get the picture. I have a good case of prune-y fingers from all the washing and rinsing. But I think I've settled on a good color, albeit, um, very noticeable.
And clean. My hair is so clean. . .

That time again

2007-09-01T15:07:00.000-04:00

Every year around this time I look forward to the monarchs. I am determined to create the necessary environment to aid their declining populations, as well as be able to educate the various school kids I have in my life.

These days, that means pulling over on the side of the road and hunting through the milkweed there to claim some caterpillars for my house. The last post featured a caterpillar the boys found on their Sunday Railroad Walk. That one has left our milkweed plants to do its thing, and last I checked, the other large caterpillar I abducted has gone missing. I was hoping that they wouldn't go too far to molt, but I haven't had any luck finding their hiding places. I still have a younger one, probably 2-3 molts away from its chrysalis stage, so I am going to try and remember to bring it inside when its bigger.

One side of the road jaunt did turn up a chrysalis, so it's already inside where I can keep an eye on it. After just a few short days at our house it's turning more translucent and you can now just barely make out the recognizable black and orange peeking through. I suspect it will unveil itself tomorrow morning. Granted it's Sunday, so the only school kids watching will be mine, but I also know they will enjoy it.

I'll post pictures if I get them.

i has . . .

2007-08-29T19:11:00.001-04:00

a friends.

I also has . . .

a secret.

Dinner

2007-08-27T19:40:00.000-04:00

i has

2007-08-24T20:23:00.000-04:00

a toad.

This is Bruce. Although he is a wild thing, hence he doesn't have a name (Just Like Me? Anyone?), he was ever so expertly named, forever, by Corey.
Notice how there are not any critters with him in the dirt? That's cause he ate them. That Bruce, he is one bad toad.
I found him in the driveway, what I thought was a leaf bouncing in the wind . . . well, then there was no wind, so I collected him and saved him until Toby got home. He was very glad to see the new critter. Did you know toads like to dig down into the dirt? I didn't. But I was glad to have wooded-ish landscape where we could find heretofore babied rollypollies, centipedes, crickets, worms and slugs to feed this mouth. And he ate them. He seems pretty comfy at our house. But, as the past has unfortunately taught us, it's best not to keep these wild things too long. Since he's eating, we are comfortable housing him overnight, we shall let him go in the morning.
He's cute though isnt' he?

And . . I also has

sangria.
mmm. It's turned out too sweet for Bill, so he added more club soda. It's a tiny crime that this is the first batch I have made all Summer. But I got it in before Labor Day and The Putting Away of White Shoes and all that.
mmmm.

Swimming Suit

2007-08-24T12:26:00.000-04:00

Well, over here I promised an update on my fascinating swimsuit project. Last year I bought an old fashion-y suit that I loved. Metal zipper and hooks, handmade from the look of it.

Loved the print and the fabric, the cut, and it pretty much fit, too. 'Ceptin' the bust, which I could not attempt to fill out with my chest, which is not at all bullet-shaped. Commence the alterations.

First, I had to remove the boning. In this case, it wasn't bone or plastic, but metal. Coiled together, looking like a flattened slinky.

So then all I had to do was fit it to me and whipstitch it closed, which I accomplished poolside, while wearing a different suit of course.
Voila!

Sewing

2007-08-07T16:42:00.000-04:00

This is my latest sewing project. That I have finished. And that my machine didn't eat. Please don't ask, it's still a bit painful.

My friend and previous co-worker Ida recently completed her Montessori training for the Primary class. We are all excited for her aren't we!? She will be fab.
So I made her a tote. With Maria watching.