More Oregon


An alternate title for this post could be: Things I left Behind


At the top of Delia and Ron's quiet street is a feed store, where there is always a variety of happy, rescued animals to visit. A hand written note nailed to the door reads: If you must drop off an animal, please leave some cash to help us out... or something like that. In these economic times there are many stories about abandoned pets, but this feed store has been making room for all kinds of unwanted animals for many years.


Horses and dogs, cats and pigs... all are sheltered and fed to the best of the store owner's ability and without any assistance. The owner was getting a lot of complaints from a few vocal citizens that accused him of not keeping the animals in better facilities. I find it so disheartening when people want to complain, but don't want to find solutions, to help or contribute. I admire the effort of the feed store owner to shelter and feed abandoned animals, to find homes for them, especially since he cannot stop people from anonymously dumping their responsibilities on his front door.

Besides a big pig, some healthy chickens, free-range bunnies, horses, dogs and cats, the feed store also has an attic full of antiques and collectibles. It's a dusty, eclectic array of stuff, adjacent to the hayloft and smelling of sweet alfalfa.


During our stay, and in past visits, we spent a lot of time exploring the corners and shelves of the feed store.


I think it would be so strange to find my portrait in some random shop. I suppose famous people are accustomed to this, but I've always felt a kind of sadness when I see boxes of old family photographs. Once treasured photographs, in second-hand stores, like long forgotten memory orphans. At least Mr Peck has the advantage of being recognized and remembered kindly.


"Antiques" is a term that gets thrown around rather loosely in second-hand shops and resale stores. That's okay... one person's junk is another's junqué. But some antique items make me feel old. What's this VCR repair manual doing here? Hey! VCRs are not old! Right? Why, when I was a girl, we didn't even have VCRs. We waited for the moon to be full so we could do hand shadows on the outhouse door.


The sweetest surprise of this visit was the kitty that kept meowing and meowing and meowing and walking away, while looking back at Alex. She wanted him to follow her, and she kept waiting for him to catch-up, then she'd meow some more and walk away, always look back for him and waiting. Alex caught on to her game and followed her to where the attic of the feed store meets the hayloft of the barn, and that is where he saw what Ms Kitty was so eager to share...


She had a very shy, very black baby, with the very bluest eyes. The momma cat exuded so much pride she could not contain herself. She purred and padded back and forth, she snuggled and meowed and looked to us for affection, approval and admiration. She ranks very high in my memory of happy momma cats. And her woolly black kitten was almost impossible to leave behind.

Do you remember BP, the potbellied pig I wrote about? The one that Maria conversed with? I actually filmed a bit... it's the last part of Maria explaining to BP how to "Oink, oink, oink." It seems she was not impressed with the snuffling, snorting kind oinking BP did. She thought it was so funny that the pig did not literally o i n k!

Coos Bay Sights


In Coos Bay farmer's market days are Wednesdays, May through October, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Arrive early if you have your heart set on cranberry walnut bread. We came for fruit and baked goods, to leave a message with a gallery owner for my Mom, to visit "Threads That Bind", a wonderful quilt shop that sits right in the heart of the farmer's market, and to take in whatever sights there might be to enjoy. Sights like a tall sailing ship in the bay, slipping by Commercial Avenue.


Just behind the boys is the gallery where my Mom has jewelry for sale... Bay Moss Studio is a beautiful gallery, with many lovely examples of Oregon art. And those tables you see there are laden with all kinds of breads and nutty, fruity treats. I liked the cranberry-apricot bread I sampled.


And speaking of good food, Alex remembered our visit last year to Foodies Grill and we had to go back. Before I launch into gastronomic praise of Foodies: I am so tickled because when I Googled "Foodies," my recent post about them came up... I am happy to spread the good news about good foods! So, I was wrong about there only being 3 menu items. Did they expand? I dunno, but you can see for yourselves that the menu is small. Do not be dismayed... small menu, big flavor! Oh, I wonder if I can order some of that Blackberry Barbecue Sauce? Savory and sweet, and full of berry delectability. So, half a block up from the farmers market, just across from the fire station, look for a stand (bigger than a bread box, smaller than our minivan) and inside they are cooking delicious food and serving it with smiles and style. Max recommends the freshly blended strawberry coconut lemonade.
I recommend arriving hungry!


Honestly, we could have spent many days seeing sights just in Coos Bay and North Bend, and in the few square blocks where we went to the farmer's market, Threads That Bind quilt shop, Foodies, Bay Moss Studios and Leaf's Treehouse, we were not seeing all of the sights. It would have been fun to spend the afternoon in The Pottery Company, on Anderson Avenue, where we could have painted pottery. I think it could be fun to paint my own teacup and saucer, then turn it in to a bird feeder, like this one I saw in Leaf's Treehouse, "Your this-n-that Store."

In The World article about the reopening of the "Flea Market," the Leaf's said, “(We) live locally, and want to see this historical town noticed in people’s travels." Well, I certainly noticed. Their shop is full of old stuff, cool stuff, funky stuff, and it was a nice place to browse and treasure hunt. I had to bring home some those bird feeders and Maria found an armful of books she could not part with.


And yes this is the same place where we came across the Polish hens I posted about. Maria was so excited to have her picture taken with them. If ever a hen dressed for high tea, it was a Polish hen for sure. You might think I am satisfied with the zoo I have already, but seriously... I regret not bringing these 3 hens home with me. If you know where in So Cal I can get Polish chicks, please don't let me know!

Home School's Science Fair: Alex's Tank-Bot

Yesterday was a full one, and we did make it to the science fair. It was the home school science fair, for students enrolled in homeschooling in our county. The woman who coordinates these events, seminars, classes and activities is wonderful. She is one of those dear people that extends herself and with sincere warmth and kindness she makes everyone feel special. I might ask for her number, so I can call her over summer and get good advice, affirmations and encouragement... for the children... of course, for the children.


Alex has been reading "Robot Builder's Bonanza," a technical and, for him, inspiring book all about designing and constructing robots. Not light reading. My favorite part about this book may be the suggestions to visit thrift shops and look for parts that can be rescued and salvaged for making robots. No need to flog the wallet on specialty kits and fancy sets. Alex decided to give robot thrifting a go and we headed to our favorite thrift store for supplies.

Here are some excerpts from Alex's report and presentation:

Hypothesis:
My objective was to make a robot from found parts and broken toys. I wanted to see if I could find a remote controlled device that was not working, repair it and possibly make it better than it was before. I hoped to make the toy operational again and was interested to see whether I could give it more power, greater range of motion and to add an arm to it.

Method:
I went to the thrift store and searched in the toy section, the home appliances section, and the electronics section. I was looking for remote controlled toys that were broken, that also looked salvageable. I found a 6-volt Radio Shack replica tank that had been discarded. It was missing a custom manufactured rechargeable battery pack, and its charger. In the other departments I did not find anything to help my experiment.


Process and Results:
The first thing I did to make repairs to the tank was to find a new battery pack. I bought 2 battery packs, to hold a total of 8 AA batteries. To prevent the total voltage from exceeding 6 volts, I had to parallel wire them. “Parallel wiring” is when you attach 2 positive wires, of the same color (usually red,) to a load. The “load” is whatever you are powering. I also had to attach 2 negative wires, of the same color (usually black) to the load. It is important for it to not exceed 6 volts to prevent the motors overheating. If the motors overheat they can melt the protective coating of the wires, and short circuit the motor; this can start a fire.


The antenna was glued to the turret and I had to pull it out. I measured the black wire that served as an antenna and cut a new antenna of equal length. I soldered the new piece to the section that had been cut. Instead of reattaching it to the turret, I raised it above the chassis by slipping it through 2 soda straws that were taped together. The new antenna stood vertical out of the center of the vehicle.

With the improved antenna, and the new battery pack, I am able to control the robot vehicle from over 100’ feet away. The vehicle’s base and drive system is extremely powerful and can carry 3 pounds, and possibly 4.

Next I decided to build a remote controlled arm to add to the vehicle. Inspired by suggestions from the book “Robot Builder’s Bonanza” by Gordon Mc Comb and Myke Predko, I designed a cable-operated grabber. It works by winding a string around a part of the gearbox that was intended to rotate the turret of the tank. Modified like this, the gearbox now opens and closes 2 arms or “fingers” that extend from the front of the vehicle. I built the arms from pre-cut steel brackets, 2 rubber bands, tooth-lock washers, and locking nuts, and I added a second antenna to link with the controller for the new arm. The arm needed a separate power supply, so I equipped it with its own 6-volt battery pack.



Conclusion:
I hoped to build a robot from broken toys and electronic parts, to make it better and equip it with an arm. I wanted it to have greater remote range, be more powerful, and I wanted it to have additional features. The tank I found was not functional, but I was able to repair it. By adapting the antenna I increased its range, so I can control it from greater distances. The arm I designed and built allows me to retrieve objects, so that the robot can manipulate its environment.

I learned how to solder wire using a hand held electric soldering gun. I learned how to use a digital multi-meter; it tests voltage, it tests to see if circuits are complete, resistance and amperage. I practiced patience and diligence, reading the “Robot Builder’s Bonanza” for guidance, and I was able to successfully achieve my goals. In the future I hope to attach a video transmitter, so I can see the vehicle’s path from a remote location.

My heart swells.
Pardon me for a moment while I breath deeply and reflect on the joy I have thinking of my children. William helped carry in Alex's equipment. Max was on hand to keep an eye on everything. Maria took a nap, and was very cooperative and helpful when she woke. Alex was reluctant to enter the science fair, because of uncertainty, shyness and such, but William encouraged him, pushed him... I'm just trying to express how happy it makes me that these children look out for each other, they offer support and concern and they make me very proud. I cannot think of a better indication of success than having children that are creative, nice, inquisitive and a pleasure to be with.

This Morning:

Max: The dishes in the dishwasher look dirty. Can I use a fancy plate?

Me: Sure.

Max: I didn't know we could use these plates.

Me: You can only use them today and never again.

Max: Oh.

Me: Just yolking.

Max: Yolking?

Me: Joking. Yolking. Egg yolk.

Max: Why do people assume everything can be funny? Some things are just weird.


Last Night, Driving Home From Mom's Night Out:

Maria: I love dat pardee. And all the ladies are so booful.

Me: I loved the party too. Maria, you were a lady too, so good.

Maria: No. I'm not a lady. I'm jus' M'ia. And what dos ladies called?

Me: Linda.

Maria: Oh, yes, Leenda.

Me: Anne.

Maria: Anne. I like Anne. She's booful.

Me: Vera

Maria: Veela

Me: Jola

Maria: JoLA

Me: Janice

Maria: Janice

Me: Yanina

Maria: Fun-sheena

Me: Belinda

Maria: Buhlinda

Me: Josie

Maria: Joseee

Me: And Gigi

Maria: And Gigi, and the chockie fountain. And it was a pardee, and Lucas showed me the chockie fountain. I like Lucas. So fun.

rrrRibbit


I let Max make a sugary syrup for the bee keeper. He hung it from the olive tree. We made many happy ants and then one happy spider! I wonder if they tasted sweet.
The backyard has a ficus and an olive tree, star jasmine, bower vine and a red honeysuckle kind of vine. There are also a lot of bromeliads and lantana, bougainvillea, and a prickly evergreen ground cover. There are some giant bird of paradise, huge sago palms, asparagus fern and a patch of lawn that struggles to look respectable... something we don't help when we pitch a ginormous tent for 4 day backyard adventures. I cannot fault the plants themselves, but I cannot say they are any I would have chosen. So many of them are sharp, prickly, ragged, imposing. The bower vine is pulling down the shared fence with the neighbors... not our problem, right? Something else is compromising the high stuccoed wall that divides the garden along the length of the property... I moved the sand box away from this. No need to tempt quake-fate.


It's been exactly 1 month since we brought home tadpoles from the east county creek. Remember, I assured the boys we were not breaking any laws or jeopardizing the fragile balance of Earth's ecosystems. We will return healthy, vigorous frogs. It will be like a conservation effort. A rescue, if you will. I am so in love with those little tadpoles, with the celery growing in the thrift shop aquarium and the tiny snails that have begun to appear. Today we found a dragonfly larvae.

The tadpoles dart and dash, and seem to enjoy exploring in the early evening. And they are growing. It was imperceptible at first, but very recently I have noticed feet. Tiny, tiny feet and the black dots of toes. They are forming just at the base of the tails. Did you know that their metamorphosis can take as long as 2 and 1/2 months? Imagine how much more smitten I will be by then, how eager I will be to hear the first pips of their Pacific Treefrog calls. Being the most prevalent frog in California i.e. Hollywood, the call of the Pacific Treefrog is the call of all television and movie frogs.

I have begun to hope, to ponder... do you suppose there is any chance we will find our home in the next 2 or 3 months? A place with room for a pond, or maybe one with a seasonal stream? Wouldn't the frogs, the happy, well loved frogs, frogs native to the entire region, wouldn't they be happy in a backyard pond? I think they could be. Yes, that would be very nice.


If not, if they become frogs while we are here in Garage Mahal, well, I know we will have to return them to their oak lined creek. Sigh. The children will be a bit disappointed... the mother will be totally bummed... I tell ya, I am really lovin' those frogs!

And yesterday's post? Well, what can I say? It's not always easy or honest to keep smiling, and so it helps relieve some of the pressure when I can let it all hang out. The comments and support are a great help. Thank you.

Cutie Pants and Chocolate Croissants... Yeah, We're Creative


This is Maria's line-up. I can't think of a nicer way to tone down the looming towers of faux columness that grace the entry of Garage Mahal. True, she does tend to overrun the house with her collections, assortments of odd this and that, and sacred altars of randomness. I could do an entire blog devoted to things Maria puts in boxes, bags and cupboards. But if this is her art, her expression, well then, it is sacred to me too.


I can't think of a time when we haven't been a creative family, enjoying spontaneity and the pleasures of discovery and invention.

Jennifer, those stamps you sent us have been a huge hit. It took me a while to remember to bring home a fresh stamp pad, and when I finally did show Maria what magic was contained in those funny wood blocks she was ecstatic. Then Alex jumped in and filled a giant page with his stamped tales. Max was racing through his school work, so he could join them, and he stamped these stars dancing across the waves. Yesterday he used the 3 dragon parts to make a dragon of unusual length.

William's creativity has been applied to stop motion animation. The latest family interest has been of extra special interest to William. He is our resident film enthusiast-graphic art-CGA expert... a true prodigy, his father's son. I promise to figure out some way of posting video, so I can show-off some of the fun William, Alex and Max have been having with stop motion animation.

Warning: Here Comes The Chocolate Part!


Alex likes to mix things up... his creative enterprises are all over the galaxy and in the kitchen too. Heavens! He decided to try his hand at making chocolate croissants. We had some leftover chocolate chips from Trader Joe's and in the freezer was some puff pastry, also from Trader Joe's. Love that place! Defrost, cut, fill with a few chips, fold and bake... and then drizzle with melted chocolate. They are small and tasty and I think Alex has a baker's gift...


Nothing satisfies like chocolate, except, perhaps, a good read. Maria has an uncanny ability to immerse herself in a book, any book, pictures optional, and turn it page by page. Sometimes she makes a running commentary, a sort of lecture or lyrical narrative, and she does not appreciate being interrupted. Fair enough.


These reading sessions can last a long time.
Self-conscious Mother Moment: I washed her shirt and she pulled it on again, so no, she hasn't been in it for 3 dirty days. Oh, I feel better.

So, what's up with the Creativity Theme? Well, I finally couldn't resist bringing home Amanda Blake Soule's "Creative Family" book. There is so much good buzz about the book and I really enjoy visiting her blog, so when she offered signed copies, I jumped.


It's strange... when William was born and I was merely 24 years old, none of my peers were into marriage or starting families or even remotely interested in going all domestic, so I felt like something of a loner-pioneer mom, and I also felt free to do things my way. My way has been a creative journey. These days? Well, these days I feel like a rather old mom. A been there, done that kind of mom, and I wasn't sure I needed a book about "creativity." Then I remembered something else from when William was born... Geoff questioned some method or approach I was taking in caring for our newborn son and he cited the advice of an expert from a hospital pamphlet. I did not agree with said expert and said as much, adding, "It's okay to do it our way. We'll just find another expert to support our style."

So, trusting my instincts, including finding help when I need it, has been my parenting style and I like to surround myself with experts, resources and support that confirm and validate my beliefs. I guess that might sound narrow... it isn't, and most importantly it's what works for me... which leads me to something else I've learned as a parent: You have to do what works for you and your family.

Well, since creativity works for our family, I realized I ought to welcome an expert into our home, someone who supports our beliefs and lends a fresh perspective, new ideas and terrific insight. And I must say buying this book was a very good decision. I am enjoying it immensely. It is thoughtfully written and full of lovely examples and real life illustrations from a real life family. No one asked me to review the book, so I hope she doesn't mind my deep thoughts and other musings!


Maria was the first one to get her hands on the book and she obliged me by reading me some of the pages. I love Maria's reading voice, the words she creates. Then, on page 42, we found something that really captured my imagination: "Constructing Children's Pants" was a perfect fit for something I have been working on lately and I could not wait to try my own version of this ingenious recipe.


I just recently finished a quilt top. It's been a very emotional project, involving Aloha shirts. I have been wanting to take a breather, a step back to prepare myself for the next step of finishing this quilt, and Amanda's idea seemed like an ideal transition. Her idea is to make something old new again, and in this case it involved turning a shirt into children's pants. Some of Geoff's old Aloha shirts were still on my cutting table... a fun print and careworn comfiness seemed ideal for some beach-combing, pajama-style pants for Maria.


Easy! Oh, man was this easy and gratifying and fun. Really, I am quite giddy about the results and even the process. The hem of the shirt finishes the hem of the pants.


Even the pocket transfered nicely... a feature that delights Maria. I had already used the sleeves to make soft baby blocks for cousin Izzy, and now much of the rest of this old shirt is new again and keeping Maria comfy-cozy and very happy.


I love the how the details of the shirt, like the cut vents in the shirt's side, make an easy, cute finish in the pants. Geoff joked that he might start missing some of his shirts. I will be on the lookout for any that are getting too shabby! Thank you Amanda Blake Soule... this creative family is feeling nurtured and encouraged anew!

The Healing Power of Spontaneous, Temporary Art

I am looking for those boots, or any red cowgirl boots with vintage flair and heroine powers. It is my quest. Staying focused on the bright side, the light side, is part of my quest too... an ongoing journey, made easier with your kind thoughts and encouragement.

Alex asked me if I could replace the button missing from his shorts. And I could. And I did.


And it was satisfying to see the problem, know the solution, to have the resources and skills to do the job, and then to make the effort to execute the plan. Alright, so it was only a button, but sometimes we have to acknowledge our successes, great and small.


I asked Alex to pull out some likely candidates for the replacement from the jar of buttons I keep on the shelf. My jar of buttons is one the pleasures in my life... one of the many pleasures. I like to recognize the little, simple things that go right, feel good. He made the happy face, then Maria made the sun.


Next came the whale. By this time his new button was securely affixed to his shorts.


I find this irresistible. I want to play. I want to sort the colors into rainbows and mosaics, mandalas and stories. Alex asked about making a quilt with buttons sewn all over it. I wondered about making a stop-motion animation.

There are many more things that need to be accomplished today, besides attaching one button to shorts. I have the usual list of errands, chores, promises to keep, and projects to wrestle into submission. Alex, Max and Maria scooped all of the buttons and dropped them back into their jar. There are many more things I have to do, but I am so glad we had these moments.

Public Service

Thought, care and strategy...

I think the Shopping Code goes something like this...
1. Rethink.
2. Reuse.
3. Recycle.
4. Homemade.
5. Buy local.
6. Buy organic.
7. Avoid products that are imported from a country with a disregard for child safety and a terrible environmental record.

Not easy. I know. A lot of people have no problem with this, but some of us are weak consumers, on a budget, eager for cheap thrills, short of time and creative juice... Truthfully: Selective shopping, making things by hand, buying local and organic, spurning cute and affordable toys and decor, in favor of nothing or something from a boutique, well... it's a luxury. Still, I think it behooves each of us to at least think about what we consume, why we consume and how we consume. Hey, this ain't no sermon... I am trying to pump myself up here.

So, the other day, when I was watching Anna Maria on Martha, I was happy to see a *how it's made* kind of segment at the Nordic Ware factory. Alex and I remember driving by the headquarters last summer on our Twin Cities Tour. I love those segments on the Martha Stewart Show when she features industry, craftsmanship, skilled people, workers... and I loved realizing that there is a wonderful American product, still made in the USA! Yay for Bundt pans... tee hee!

What else is made at home? And if not in the USA, at least in countries that haven't had a year of recalls and scary track records... So, I am on a mission to be on the look-out for options, choices, & possibilities. I am not a person that relishes shopping... I like to get out of the house, sure... and I like finding something I have in mind, but usually I count on a few stores I find reliable and then I am in and out. But, as long as I am in a store, I am going to make an extra effort to find things that are made somewhere other than China, and then I am going to pass along the tip here at Chickenblog.


My boys might insist I start with their all time favorite product, company and lifestyle... have you guessed? LEGO and it's bricks and blocks are, for the most part, not made in China. We breathed a huge sigh of relief about this, because LEGO has never failed to make the top 10 of all three boys' wish lists. The everlasting, creative, engineer training toy is a fantastic product. We can't say enough good things about LEGO bricks.

As for me, a sentimental favorite is PLAYMOBIL... I cannot resist those charming details and themes, especially the little chickens, bunnies, farmers, kitchens, hats and tractors. Like LEGO, they are pricey, but again, like LEGO, they are a toy that lasts, and one set can provide plenty of play fun for many years.

It was a happy discovery when I learned that Mad Libs is made in the USA! Is it just us? We love these silly books. And, really they aren't just silly, they are a sneaky learning device that any home-schooling family would appreciate. We bring Mad Libs out often, and always enjoy the fun.


Who remembers "Yes and Know Invisible Ink Books?" I always found these so intriguing, and the couple of times I got to play with them, they filled some slow time with a little amusement. You may have a super-sleuth in the house or someone that loves to puzzle and learn, and "Invisible Ink" books are made in the USA.


Holly. Holly, dare we give you another puzzle? There are a lot of really beautiful puzzles and I was happy to see there are many made in the USA and Germany. A click on the Ravensburger website even brings up an article about their safety testing standards.

Wow, I found quite a bit and I haven't finished going through my list. I am going to take a break for now... all this shopping has worn me out.

Paper Dragons and Copper Chickens

Our first summer day out took us east, where we stumbled upon the Origami collection at the Mingei Museum. It was third Tuesday free day! We easily found parking! I love it when good things coincide to make my life interesting and easy.


I love it when we discover something unique and intricate that makes us gaze with admiration, like folded paper dragonflies.



Alex and I like this wasp.


Max, our resident Origamist, would not look at the displays. He was in a mood. He sat on a bench and stared at the street outside the main entrance. Sometimes Asperger's Syndrome can be so vexing, but I've learned to give him his space and allow him to cope with the world as best he can. While he sat, we marveled at paper boxes, and the creases and folds of paper snow.


This is one of the few I thought I could readily try for myself.


I would like to try making these paper boxes. The shapes are lovely, but I think the prints on the paper make it especially engaging.


This can't be from a single square of paper, can it? I think the curator could have given more information about the processes involved in some of these.


Max said, "Other people's creations aren't as interesting to me as what I can compose myself." And so he was happy to find a table, where he could make his own origami. He made a finger puppet in the image of a fox's head.


Alex made a swan. I bought paper to bring home. I'll Google 'origami boxes.'

We picked up sandwiches from our favorite market, where Manuel still knows the children's names and he fed them Fuji apples. We haven't lived in that neighborhood in 4 years, but I love going back to Major Market. After our parking lot picnic, I took the children to my new favorite thrift shop. It's huge and always unbelievably busy. I have to loop and wait for a parking space. Unlike Anthropologie, where cool things are meant to look flea market hip, the thrift store is packed with undiscovered treasures that can be brought home for pennies on the dollar.


Everyday at the thrift store is a new day in discovery. The inventory changes hourly. Yes, there is a lot of crap, and tasteless things too. There are also unexpected finds, like the slot machine Max wanted. We passed on the slot machine and bought a very nice pair of binoculars instead.


I like it when they sort things by color, so you can look on a rainbow aisle of shirts, or blue spatterware.


Themes are fun too, like this Pez collection. And the best part is finding something in good condition, something for .95 cents, something you know you can use and enjoy.


When it's just right it feels like you've won a prize


and it feels good to find the right fit.


I came home with Pyrex mixing bowls, little ones. I've been wanting some small bowls, and these are sturdy and cheerful.


Sometimes you have to splurge a bit when you find something that's too appealing to pass up. For $1.95 this copper chicken came home with us.

Today we go to Maria's dance class, and the boys will get their first chance to see Maria in school. Then we take our car for a tune-up, in preparation for our road trip. We've been doing lots of little things to get ready. The tent is pitched in our living room. Max and I tested our tent skills and made sure it's complete and sound. I found the camp stove. We need propane and one more sleeping bag. The week will be full. How is you summer starting off?

This is what I finished last night, when Maria was up until midnight. She took a long, late nap, that we should have woke her from, so it's not surprising that she could not fall asleep at her usual bedtime. My little pin cushion is rather cute for an experiment. I didn't like the traditional, but cheaply made tomato pin cushions at the fabric store, so I adapted my yo-yo's in to my very own green tomato double cushion with button top. Now I have a place to stick pins, which is handy, because I have been sewing quite a bit.


Maria didn't sleep very late, considering her late night. Maybe we can get her back on her schedule today. She woke-up and found me arranging my latest pennant decorations. And wasn't she clever to recognize the Lotería theme I appliqued on some of the triangles? She found our game cards and started decorating the plain triangles: ¡EL ALACRÁN, LA LUNA, EL GATO, LA PERA! Actually there is no "El Gato" in Lotería... it's one we made and added to our own game.


"Con los cantos de la sirena no te vayas a marear."
My favorites are El Gallo, El Sol, La Luna, y " Rema, rema va Lupita, sentada en su chapulita."


Some day we'll have a party with music and sangrias, and we'll play Lotería. I'll bring out my best flatware for eating the enchiladas. A while back I realized we were down to having no more than 4 forks and almost no more little spoons, the kind we usually fed Maria with. Where were they going? Landfill. Maria is a very good little girl, who regularly excuses herself from the table, then takes her plate and cup to the sink and her flatware to the trash can. Oops! I caught her a few times and thought we broke the habit. She must have seen us throw out some plastic picnic forks.


I couldn't bring myself to buy a whole new set of flatware and risk losing any more to El Trash-can, so I've been keeping my eyes open in the thrift shops. Each of these lovely forks, knives and spoons cost one quarter. I may be somewhat addicted to finding new patterns to add to the collection, which don't seem to be disappearing any more. I think Maria likes them too. She likes to count them. There are plenty of other treasures I have been bringing home, like the rooster table cloth. It cost me $3 and it's in perfect condition.


This bowl was a bargain too. I eat my granola from it, and yesterday it was full of diced green onions for the enchiladas I made. I made 3 trays. We froze one, shared one and ate one. ¡Sabroso!

Why can't we all just get along? This morning I found my latest amusement... it is a sweet and optimistic blog called "Let's Be Friends." 100% kid safe and sure to amuse and delight.