Dynamic Light and Shade

We should get out more.
Saturday's cookout at Rich and Holly's place confirms my suspicion that we have become troglodytes, hermits, cave dwellers. We come out to work or to replenish our cave stores. We have Netflix. We have the internet and a garden in a wine barrel. Our parties are small affairs, where we invite the usual suspects, and I cannot remember the last time we even did that. It's to the point where I am not only a reluctant hostess, I am a pretty lame guest. I feel shy and out of the loop and tragically unhip. I didn't even remember to bring a dish or extra drinks... I offered to bring something and then nothing. We are out of sorts, out of practice.


Rich and Holly had us, neighbors, and James, Deanne and Parker over for some grilling, some great mixed drinks and laid-back relaxing in their beautiful courtyard. I think those few hours were the clearest and warmest of the entire winter the sequel weekend. The sun did shine and the rain/drizzle/wind held-off. So, with interesting conversations, delicious food, the light of the sun, children playing, bubbles drifting and those mixed drinks! I was feeling pretty good. Mighty, pretty good. Holly, what was in those drinks? I was recalling the divine epidural of '04, when I was so mellow I thought we should leave and find a better place to hang out, and Geoff gently reminded me we were there to have a baby.


Speaking of babies... Oh, Parker! If I showed you his full head of honeyed dark brown hair, you would be overcome with baby love... he is that adorable. Just a day shy of 4 months, and already tuned to everyone and everything around him. He studies the faces he sees and looks ready to make a statement, or recite an epic poem. He is that clever. You may say I am biased, but trust me: This boy is exceptionally yummy.



At the beginning of the party both Izzy and Maria were asleep. I think the happy anticipation of playing together wore them out, and luckily they both woke-up with plenty of time to eat and play and enjoy the gathering.


Grapes. Maria loves grapes. And strawberries, nectarines, watermelon, apples, blackberries, bananas and mangoes. No, not mangoes. I love mangoes.

For the sake of full disclosure, so that I can keep track of this, that, and the other... I am making a list. And my list goes something like this:

1. Garybob, our landlord, asked to come over with prospective tenants. Before fainting, I had the good sense to say, "No, you cannot come over in 24 hours. Please come next Saturday." Then I fainted. Then I woke up and cursed and cried, and then I fainted again. And I have been cleaning ever since I regained consciousness.

2. We had a quiet troglodyte funeral for Lola, laying her to rest in a bed of bougainvillea in the wine barrel. Everyone shared kind words and dear memories of our little chica.

3. Then we had to be brave ranchers and go back to the feed store for a 3rd chick. Not much of a mourning process, I know, but we want 3 hens and waiting is risky.

4. We brought home a barred rock. Also known as a Plymouth. She'll look like Luna, Chickenblog's banner hen. And it's good we did not wait. The chick dynamic was full of upheaval and conflict the first day. The new chick is feisty and aggressive and cocky... uh-oh... let's hope she is not cocky-doodle-do cocky!

5. Everyone in Chickville has settled down, and if I weren't teaching long division and cleaning Garage Mahal, I would be sitting in the yard, holding chicks and designing a darling hen house.

6. I should be cleaning. I should be cleaning. I should be cleaning. I should be cleaning. I should be cleaning. I should be cleaning.

7. We made an offer on a trailer. It comes with land and something that could be a house. I am trying to be indifferent and detached.


Must be like a cat. Cool and collected. Confident. At home, wherever I hang my apron.

We Are Inside, The Landlord is Outside
Twice a year GaryBob, a name composed of 2 different landlord names, likes to pull up weeds, trim trees, spray insecticides and knock stuff around. I come to dread this day, as he has pulled out my flowers, shattered my potting table, broken my vases and garden pots. He is not a mean person. He is not cruel. He is reckless in a dorky kind of get the job done kind of way. Already today, the blackberries have succumbed to his method.

I cannot go on hating him and cursing the whole tenant/landlord relationship. All of the anguish and suffering is locked up in my head, because I don't have the confidence and daring to confront him and to say out loud all of the ways he infuriates me. I feel angry and hurt by what he does, sad about how it makes me feel and really frustrated that I have not addressed him on each occasion of his offenses.


This morning I had a learning moment, an epiphany of self realization and enlightenment: I rarely, if ever, speak up on my own behalf. Haha... it does not escape my notice that I am still not addressing the individuals that I am actually mad at. I never want to hurt someone's feelings, appear petty or insensitive. I never want to create conflict or make waves. But I am realizing that the net result of sparing other people pain or conflict is that I endure it all for myself. I subject myself to sadness, aggravations, anger and a black hole of a knot in the pit of my stomach. This is no favor to me, and it is no favor to the one I presume to spare. What I don't release is bottled inside and festering. GaryBob and a few other unsuspecting folks have me so furious and disgusted, so darn mad and hurt, and as they go along their merry way, I am left with the belly ache, and a powerful dislike, disrespect and stink-eye for them.


There is a point at which I am not a victim, but a bitter martyr, disingenuous, and depleted of self-worth and dignity. I think of the people I am mad at and I realize that there was a beginning when what they did upset me, but as long as I cannot address the issue there will not be an end. They are free to repeat the offense and I am free to replay it in my head over and over again, so that I victimize myself. Aggh... enlightenment can be so hard on the eyes! I don't like seeing this in myself, let alone saying it out loud.

Hmmmm... now what?

Geoff re-injured his knee, the right one, the one with the torn meniscus. This is so sad. He really should get a break from exercise related injuries. He wants to be out there playing, getting healthy, staying healthy. I feel so bad for him. He can hardly walk.

If you should happen to come to our place and we invite you to dinner, sit carefully. I don't know what we've done to deserve it, but our sturdy, rustic, heavy duty solid wood chairs are crap. We started with 8 and I think we are down to 5. They just get loose, come undone, fall apart. One chair cut my leg and Max's with an exposed screw. This morning another chair popped a railing and left an exposed screw that punctured William's back. I want to burn them.

So, gee. I seem to have a list of aggravations and frustrations. Eh. It's good to purge now, then in a year when we are living in our own home and savoring the beauty of the day and our fine lives, we can look back and rejoice over how far we've come. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.


Maria is driving her car. Her baby and her driving hat are in place and she is turning corners, seatbelt fastened. Did you notice her haircut? Oh, these dear rites of passage. She cried after I committed the first snip and she sobbed, "I not want a haircut!" It's not up for debate. The deed is done, and we all think she looks pretty with her healthy, fresh do.


Her steering wheel is very big. She purses her lips and makes a motoring hum. When I sit behind her she fastens my seatbelt too.

The house needs cleaning, and we are expecting Hans and Gretchen for dinner. Obviously, Geoff cannot help and I am too cranky and moody to feel motivated, yet. I suppose when the work outside is done, I will breath easier. GaryBob just finished washing the whole yard with a "mild oil to kill black stuff." And I said nothing, because having an epiphany and doing something about it are not the same thing.

So Many Deep Thoughts

I am all about the deep thoughts. Unfortunately they are so deep and unwieldy they defy articulation, expression, reason. In other words if I bother to post today, I risk being obtuse, dull, random and simply confusing. Ah, but I am going to post anyway. (insert maniacal laugh) To counter the effects of my unformed philosophies, I will include snapshots of beautiful flowers, which were a gift from my visiting Virginia friend, Carol L..


Carol was in town for just 2 days, so I was delighted she found time to spend a few hours with us. The children were disappointed that Tamsyn could not come, and by all accounts Tamsyn was very disappointed as well. I know I should say all supportive things about them living in Virginia and making the best and most of their circumstances, but it sure would be nice if the world would adjust and shift and make it possible for them to return to California. The children miss their best friend. I miss our friends too.


My pants smell bad. I suppose I should own more than one pair of pants, which get washed once a week, whether they need it or not and clearly, they do need it. Now that was a fine example of why I should be doing anything else beside writing my thoughts at this moment. Just be relieved I am not writing down all of my thoughts. The solution is obvious at least. I will put on my skirt, the other half of my wardrobe, and throw these jeans in the wash. I wish all of our other issues had solutions as simple and obvious as this.

I am tempted to list all of the issues we grapple with and post them here for your review. You could tell me whether they smell bad and offer solutions... the solutions I am not seeing, don't recognize, refuse to accept or am too disoriented to appreciate. I am tempted, but I am not compelled. One thing I have finally learned is that for every issue there are many solutions and even more opinions about which is the best solution.

Have you ever noticed you agree with whoever most closely expresses what you already believed in the first place? On the other hand, I am always a little alarmed at how easily I can be persuaded of one idea or another, and then switch back when I hear a new angle. The net result is that there is little or no point in soliciting the free advice and earnest opinions of concerned citizens. You can breath a sigh of relief now.


Geoff came home, late (is it really necessary for me include "late?" It goes without saying.)... he came home and said he did some investigating and confirmed that we can have chickens, as backyard pets, in our community. 10 chickens in fact. 10 is a lot of chickens. He added, for further emphasis, that in some neighborhoods we could have 25 chickens.
Well.
And what should I make of this?
So, I asked whether I could go to the country right now and bring home an actual chicken, and he said,
"Sure, if it will turn everything around for you, I will deal with the landlord."
Hmmm. I wonder.
Would a chicken, a plucky hen, turn everything around?
That seems like a tall order for a chicken. It's been almost 5 years since I had chickens and in that time I have probably romanticized the whole idea of chickens... but only just a little. And while my heart and soul pine for chickens, I think I know better what it all really means. I want the liberty of creating our own space, of settling in, like a hen on her nest, in her yard, and feel like I am home. I do not want to placate a landlord, deal with a landlord or beg permission from a landlord. It's too soon. I've waited this long and in all likelihood I will have to wait at least 1 more year, or maybe 2. So, even though the sound of a chick peeping and the sight of a hen dancing across the lawn would cheer and amuse me, I am, unfortunately, too smart to open that door just yet.

Today is take your son/daughter to work day. People at Geoff's office still ask, "How many kids do you have?" I've suggested he offer a different number every time. Keep 'em guessing. Today he will have 3 children, when I drop the boys off this afternoon. Then Maria and I will have the rest of the day alone, together.


I know I said I would not solicit opinions, but I have this 1 question: When is a property a fixer-upper in need of TLC and when is it simply a disaster?

Expect to be Surprised


Part wisdom, part affirmation... expect to be surprised.


I thought our invitation to Mitchell and Julie's was for a potluck picnic, or something as casual. I should have brought our tuna salad in a prettier dish. I should not have brought Fritos. What can I say? Sometimes a bag of Fritos are a rite of Spring, like daffodils and new shoes. We arrived to a garden and home in full bloom. Julie had set the table with her beautiful china and silver, and elaborate dishes were coming out of the oven.


And they even had supplies for decorating eggs, and Alex mixed the potions, so we could get down to business. I realize these pictures may cause a bit of a stir in some parts of the country where snow is still falling... yes, it has been gorgeous in Southern California, and yet, I think I would actually enjoy a few more weeks in Wisconsin.


This little bunny dropped egg after egg in the cups of dye, so the artistic part of the program went fast.


Alex made a newly hatched chick. She's still popping out of her shell.


Here's the hen that laid her.


Most fun things, and even some difficult things, are more fun when shared. Our afternoon together was beautiful, and fun, relaxed. Mitchell's a sweet boy, with an easy laugh.

Something Quick, Before We Head Out

Even though Geoff set up a wireless network here at Grandma Nancy's, and even though he set up a laptop computer for her and brought along his own as well, it has been really hard to get time online.

Maybe I miss my own computer and the streamlined operation we have set-up for posting photographs, and maybe I miss our kitties too, but mostly I feel like I could settle in here and make a home, and so my days have been full of enjoying all that Wisconsin and Winter have to offer before it is time to say goodbye.

It is time to say goodbye. We are on our way to Chicago, to see Margie, Corm's sister, and her family. We were with Paul yesterday, and I regret that our visit was so brief. We could have enjoyed a few days hanging out, and enjoying his cozy home up north. I suspect that our time in Chicago is going to pass too quickly. That's how it is when you are in the company of good people... suddenly it is time to say goodbye, and yet you don't even want to leave.

Everyday Life 30 :: 29


Thank you so much for the words of encouragement, the prayers.
We are absorbing all of it, putting one foot in front of the other, and slowly facing the new day.

It rained so hard yesterday. And the wind whistled through the house and left the yard strewn with leaves. The children and I had no place to go, so we played quietly at home, cleaned and reflected.
And it rained in Honoka'a, where for months and months it has been very dry, where the water tank that fills with rainwater has been sitting empty for a long time. The water tank is full now. The water gauges overflow. So much rain. The heavens bursting. Clouds torn apart. It's hard not to believe someone had a hand in this.

Saturday morning we were out together, enjoying the first day of Geoff's freedom from the long, arduous hours he has been working. We had decided to mix business with pleasure, taking a trail hike before going to have a tire fixed on our GreenGoose. We were at the trailhead, looking for the peacocks that live at the public rancho, when Geoff got the call. We had renewed our resolve that morning... it was to be a fresh start, a recommitment to our goals, and we were feeling so happy. He only had to say, "No," hearing this, seeing the pain spread across his being, I knew something was terribly wrong. Something irrevocable. I did not want to know who died. I wanted to know who was safe.

I still will not type the name. I have been keeping a mixed record of our days here... sometimes being trivial and pointless, sometimes ranting or whining, often sharing and recording the joyful, momentous and distinct events in our lives. We have come to appreciate Chickenblog as a chronicle of our days, so much so that it would be remiss of me not to mention these days, what we are coping with now. But I cannot write it out. Not yet. It's true: I am in denial. It hurts just slightly less, if I don't say his name. I'm sorry. I don't know if we will ever come back, years from now, and read this post. It won't be strange or confusing... we will remember the loss, who we miss so terribly.

Tomorrow will the 30th day of the Everyday Life posts, and I will be with the children, on our way to be with Geoff, his sister and their mother. Everyday Life was supposed to be 30 days of pictures that reflect a focused view of the details of our daily lives... including the little things we don't always take particular notice of or record. Looking through the archives, I can see we have had some remarkable days, and we have had some very quiet days which is a blessing too. Cooking, cleaning, playing, working, nature, the messes and the active play of our imaginations... all part of our everyday lives. Today we are coming to terms with death, another part of life.


Today we are anticipating a birth... isn't it poignant? Our dear friends, James and Deanne are having a baby today. It's so wonderful. *Update: I had to go see him. Never mind packing and cleaning... there's a new baby to welcome. Mother and father are well, and Parker is as cute as can be.




















Aloha nui loa

Everyday Life 30 :: 6
We Wish!

If this were our everyday life it would mean that we found a way to be neighbors with Tamsyn again, that we could have the pleasure of her company on a regular basis, that the children would have their best friend to hang out with. Well, at least for 3 days, being with Tamsyn, and hearing 5 children laugh, it is our everyday. What a joy.

She is with us for the weekend, before she flies back to Virginia. The children gave her the Christmas presents we had saved for her, including the big photographic collection of baby mammals and the pink and green handbag I ordered from Tracy. Both very good choices, and the children were so happy to see they pleased their friend. Then we had the fun of telling Tamsyn we were taking the liberty of celebrating her birthday a week early:


Fun. Fun. Fun. Fun. Fun.
Need I say more?
Beautiful children, beautiful weather, lean crowds, and a very happy way to fill a day. We enjoyed all the favorite rides, our picnic lunch with homemade chocolate chip cookies, running all over what was formerly Tom Sawyer's Island... now it is a pirate's island, and full of deliciously creative "Pirates of The Caribbean" details and amusements.


Shiver me timbers! Don't eat me!


We never fail in to slip in to a what if conversation, when we visit the island.
What if we could live here...
What if we hid in the cave and spent the night on the island...
What if we found a secret cave, with a hidden room with real treasure...
What if we could invite all of our friends and family for an exclusive, private Disneyland day...
What if we could design our own island...
We go on and on.


On this occasion they could have renamed the ride: Soaked Mountain. "Splash Mountain" is too understated. William and Tamsyn were positively drenched. It was comical seeing Tamsyn pull off her shoe and pour water out.


As it turns out we do have our own treasure.

Sweet Diversions
I don't know what possessed me to call friends over, but I have no regrets. We finally made time and squeezed in our annual gingerbread decorating party. It's our family tradition, having friends over and we bequeath them a kit and we offer them hot glue for assembly and food for their appetites, and, in recent years, we slip "Elf" in the player. And then it's sweet creativity and sugary abandon for the rest of the evening!


Alex worked on an Ikea house, so he could, at long last, try skipping the hot glue, and go all icing. He had great success with this, though we did have to modify the very thick icing.


I whipped-up a little hot glue and graham cracker creation just for Maria to decorate. Why hot glue? It's fast and it holds, and we never eat our houses. That's how we do it.


Our friends, Adam, Anne and Jacob, voted to go with an all icing construction too. Patiently they waited out the 15 minute drying time... alas, in the end, the icing was less than effective, so we came in with a last minute hot glue fix on the roof. It's like retrofitting, which is something Californians are quite accustomed to.


Mitchell and William worked together as a dream team... I think they could enter a Food Network Challenge!


Without debate or conflict, they quietly set to making a very thoughtfully decorated gingerbread masterpiece.


Maria scored points for patience and novice skill. She even endured the dreaded sticky fingers! And then she discovered they were sweet and sticky fingers... hmmm, not bad!


She really loved this decorating business.


Max was disappointed that Mom was too lazy to let him mix 4 different colored icings this year. I won't apologize: I didn't have my partner and fellow clean-up man, Geoff, this time, so I meant to keep it simple... simpler... somewhat.


Mitchell could not believe that we never eat our houses and my boys could not comprehend wanting to eat the houses. They do look good enough to eat, but it's just not part of our tradition.


The *L* Team: Jacob, Anne and Adam. Their house is going to smell so good and gingery!


Our house smells good and gingery too.


Maria was so happy this morning when she got to show her daddy her house.


I found another old post about our gingerbread traditions, from 2003,, but I need to unlock all the pictures... that might not happen too soon, but I'll try. (Update: I fixed the photo links. Good grief that was hard.) Now, I am off to make tamales!

Update part 2, with a part 3 in the works:

Max wanted to see the photos of gingerbreads past, so we went searching. No digital before 2003. We covered 2004, in this link. I didn't take pictures last year... shocking! So, that leaves 2005: We were in the Treehouse and... well, here are the photos...

























Oh my goodness... such wonderful memories.

Six Simple Steps to Get Ready For Guests


I am fortunate. I manage to find humor in many places, some unexpected. Sometimes my boys look at me, and I am laughing for some random, inexplicable reason, and they have to ask, "Why are you laughing? And most times I can't even give them a good reason. To quote my favorite Buddy: "Smiling's my favorite." So, when Martha Stewart emails me a special, personal email message, (What? You got one too?) my mind is already primed to see the humor in her suggestion that there only "Six Simple Steps to Get Ready For Guests." The subject alone had me profoundly amused, the idea of me successfully applying the 6 Simple Steps is freakin' hilarious.

Step One: Create a Welcoming Space
Well, this one's not so bad... I mean, my guests are welcome. I want guests. OKay, but for God's sake please call first, like at least 2 days ahead. I will stop doing anything except clean, and I will burn a lot of incense and stuff things under beds. I will glare at Geoff whenever he sits or starts taking off his socks. I will give the children withering looks, when they ask, "Have we had breakfast?" And I will answer all requests with a shrill, panicky, "I'm cleaning!" Driving myself to the brink of exhaustion, cursing my landlord... the house will get clean passably clean.



Step Two: Clear Out the Clutter
What? I thought we covered this. No. No, I guess the "Welcoming Space" bit wasn't about sanitizing... it was more about giving up our bedroom and the comfy chair. Note to self: Must get a comfortable chair.

So, apparently cleanliness is paramount to receiving guests. Martha is very practical on this subject and she suggests we hold a "tag sale." Get rid of the mess. Sell it off piece by piece. Good idea. OKay... that part where I ask for 2 days advance warning of your arrival? Better make it 2 weeks.



Step Three: Set Out Individual Hand Towels
Sure. No problem. After cleaning for 2 weeks, Step Three is a cake walk. Martha suggests I tie the fancy, individual towels in a festive ribbon, thus giving the appearance of a five star establishment. LOL... Who knew? Festive ribbon is all that stands between our place and The Hilton.



Step Four: Supply a Bedside Water Glass
Hold on... when did we provide a bed? No worries. William and Alex can double bunk and that frees William's room. Now, about the water glass... which do you think, giant plastic Zoo cup or giant plastic Legoland cup? And please, do remember to cover it, unless you don't mind sharesies with Chango. Cats get thirsty too you know.



Step Five: Pick Out The Right Sheets
May I just say, if this were a test I would be getting high marks. I know the answer to this one! The right sheets are the clean sheets. Score!

What was I so intimidated about? This is pretty easy.



Step Six: Provide a Handy Guide to Your Appliances
See? Now I am laughing again, because our appliances are On or Off models... the ones that work. The landlord might have a few pointers to add, like "Do not put anything in the garbage disposal." Nothing. Same for the downstairs guest bathroom: Do not put anything in the toilet. Nothing. Also, most of the windows are either stuck shut, or fall closed faster than a French Guillotine. Don't lean too heavily on the stair and balcony railings... well, best to avoid using the railing period...


Two weeks notice, that's all we ask.


In the meantime, we're at the beach.

Falling into Fall


6 cooks and no recipe... we are a little off our game, but we are willing to try, try, try again. Max kept saying, "More lemon. Definitely more lemon." While Maria stood on the step chanting, "Suga' pease! Suga' pease!" Alex believes we could have gone with more cinnamon and less lemon. I wish we had let it bake a bit longer.


We happily recalled that come January it will be our 10th anniversary... that is our 10th apple peeler-corer-slicer anniversary. It was a birthday gift for Geoff, procured by Jola, when I was too overcome with morning sickness to leave the house. She added a huge bag of apples, so we could bake our first pie, but slicing apples, and munching them on the spot, proved so much fun we never had enough left for even a turnover.


Alex was in charge of the crust, which we agree came out perfect. He used his birthday crust cutter to cover this crust with birds. Then we brought the two pies to share with everyone at Deanne and James' house. Holly, Izzy, Nick and Rich were already there when we arrived, and the whole evening was spent enjoying good company and good food. And wine. My goodness...


Oh, and thinking up names for the baby coming in February. James and Deanne are expecting! I get so tickled every time I think of this!


What the...?! Another WIP? I can't help it. Yes, I have 3 quilts in progress, 4 children, laundry, a blog...


I stole this was inspired by "Lady Harvartine" and her Zipped Up quilt. It seemed like the ideal start for some Moda charms I've been staring at. As Geoff was leaving for work this morning, I was on the floor laying pieces out, and I think he could see that I was supremely happy.

Little Kitty


This little kitty has been coming to our door since we moved in last October. I thought she was a kitten, but she may be just a little kitty. She's no bigger today than she was the first day she sang for her supper. She looks healthy. Her fur is silky, her eyes are clear.

We are allowed "One" cat. Ahem. So we cannot keep her. No. Out of our hands. Well, once, when her crying was so pitiful it tore at my heart, I held the door open for a really long time and looked the other way. (The landlord can't hold us responsible for a cat that visits, right?) She didn't come in. Not even for a visit. But she keeps coming back to our front door, and she sings and sings.



No matter how many times I feed her,
she keeps coming back.
Silly little kitty.

1, 2, 3... Ready, Set, Pay It Forward!

Tracy got me all excited about playing a sharing game... and now it's time for me to work on my end of the bargain. She's sending me something she's made. Have you seen the pretty things she makes? Oh, my! Purses, zip bags, totes, necklaces, ribboned brooches with antique buttons... all so beautiful and feminine. I could close my eyes and make-believe I am just a bit Jane Austen! While I am anxiously awaiting my surprise, I will begin making three arty, crafty, clever, handmade somethings of my own to give to 3 interested PIF players. You have to leave a comment or email me and say "I want to Pay It Forward." Be one of the first three and I will send you a surprise handmade treat. Be one of the first three and you are agreeing to make three somethings to pass on to another lucky three.


What is a something? It's beads, knitting, crocheting, something stitched or assembled or glued or configured. It's a work of art, drawn painted, molded, shaped, trimmed, produced, designed, strung together, twisted, hammered... baked? Make it. Share it. Be daring, I am. I only glanced before I leaped and now I am thumping my head to think of 3 unique, thoughtful, giftable things that someone might be happy to find in their mailbox. I may cheat and promote some of my mom's amazing jewelry. I'd like to make another pin cushion, maybe an apron or maybe another doll quilt or some pennants. I made some fabulous salsa the other day, but I don't suppose that would ship very well.


I paid a visit to my grandmother yesterday... we saw aunt Becky and uncle Dan and their dog, Molly. We even spent five fun minutes with my very busy cousin, Julie. Rather spontaneous, wouldn't you agree? Our school schedule and Grandmother's travels prevented us from getting together and we hadn't seen her since last December... oh, that's too long between visits. I do wish she were still living with us, like when we were all together at El Rancho.


Grandmother told us about her time in Colorado, about my cousins and their children, about mountain storms and the beautiful trees. Honestly, my grandmother looks younger... I think Henry and Eva took good care of her. We all enjoy having her in our care, because she is so dear to us.


Max didn't want to leave his aunt Becky's house. He thought we should only come home to pick up a few necessities, like the cats and his piano, then we should return to Pasadena and live with Grandmother and his great aunt and uncle. We could live in a tent, or two.


When Grandmother and Grandpa lived with us we did have good fun... there was lots of laughter and shared joy. We didn't have to be doing anything particularly exciting. It's just a comfort and pleasure to have loving people around to share the evening with, to sit with or cook with... I miss walks in the garden, watering geraniums, watching chickens run around, hearing Grandmother's stories, and Grandpa's laughter.


So, it's good to make time to make new memories. Our trip was a quick one, but we had a very nice visit.

We Have Company!

Calamity Kim has been singing praises about Chickenblog, and sending her friends this way. It's like the doorbell ringing, when you thought you were going to spend the day alone in the laundry room.

Oh, my goodness!

I wasn't expecting company.

Is there anything in my teeth?

Is the house decent... oh bother, we know the answer to that.

Please come in and don't mind the state of things. We are busy living and playing, and being amused by all that comes in a home with 2 cats, 4 children, some goldfish and a rabbit.

I was just at school, where William and I brought pizza and cake to the middle school class and teachers, in honor of Alex's 13th birthday! Sometimes I assign myself moments of craziness, but the results are well worth it. All year long I swell with pride when I look on my children, and for their birthdays it's a joy and honor to treat them to an extra abundance of affection and indulgences. William and Maria helped me, Costco too, and I think it was a big hit. Somehow it became a policy that everyone had to sing for their cake slice and we had some very endearing and some very silly renditions of "happy birthday." Mr. P. was the last to join us and he sang his Beatles' version accompanied by his own guitar playing! It was awesome.

And I am off again. Back to school. I made a DVD slide show of the entire school year (whew!) and I am due at the premiere in 30 minutes. Actually I am just sharing it with the middle school class. I hope they like it.

I do feel as though I am leaving with visitors sitting around my kitchen table... so rude. Please excuse me. I'll be right back, we can talk then, and in the meantime, thank you Kim for thinking so highly and kindly of Chickenblog. Have a look around.


Don't mind Chango. He wants the milk from Maria's cereal bowl. Naughty kitty.

I would like to be just like Benjamin, slip into a cozy den, or chicken coop in his case, and chill. He's relaxed. He has no stress, no worries, no hurries. I'm not even sure how he wedged his furry booty into such a snug box.

Supposedly we are going on a relaxing, but quick, restful, but completely unplanned vacation. We leave tomorrow? Good grief. Someone had better find a cat sitter, clean-up a bit, finish the laundry, hose out the car, then pack. Oh, and we might want to actually decide where we are going and then quick! make reservations. Families with four children cannot afford to just "see what happens;" trust me, I know. Also, before leaving the city, I have to pay the rent (must not forget, must not forget) and drop off photo discs for the yearbook. Was there anything else? Piano lesson, get garbage and recycling to curb...

Sorry... this is so not interesting... making my list of things to do makes for a pitiful post.

I have taken a lot of pictures for the yearbook and I am a bit overwhelmed by the task of organizing all of them, particularly identifying each student; it's not the sort of thing I want to get wrong. I would feel really bad if I called any student by the wrong name and it got printed that way in the yearbook. My other little project is coming along quite well. Can you keep a secret? I am making a memory gift for the boys' teachers. Again, I am anxious about making glaring mistakes, like leaving a student out or messing up on names... must leave plenty of time to edit, and proofread and repeat. The bigger, better files from the new camera are flogging my poor Mac. I hope she holds it all together until I am done.

We spent one last day with Jim and Ruth. They made it to Maria's dance class, and Jim caught some of Max's keyboard class. Overall, their stay was too short. There are 6 grandkids and they all have so much to share with grandma and grampa. Time does fly, and though we did squeeze in a lot, it still seems too soon for them to be leaving.

Oh, I guess I should get back to the list and of course to doing the things on the list. It really is hard work getting ready for a little rest and relaxation. We are long over due for a family vacation... especially Geoff. I hope I can post from wherever we go. I am looking forward to seeing new trees, more sky, funny billboards. I hope we find a little adventure and enjoy the pleasure of being together, playing and exploring.

What's Cooking

We really have been busy, which is why, I guess, that I have not been keeping the blog up to date. We were at the beach one day and we've been doing more to move-in. I repaired my sewing machine. I went to Josie's birthday party, which I briefly alluded to, but have not even begun to describe (it was awesome.) And we have been enjoying the company of our ohana, and what else? Well, there's always laundry, cooking, yearbook meetings, changing diapers, feeding the cats, killing ants, answering the phone, and driving.

So, with all that's been going on, you might not think I would dare to make chile rellenos. Chile rellenos which are delicious and by far one of the most time consuming recipes in my repertoire... right up there with bourbon pecan cakes and tamales. I don't know what possesses me sometimes. For added challenge I made them without a sous-chef, but with Maria, while photo-documenting the process.

Has anyone ever sliced in to a bell pepper that was full of baby peppers? It looked quite alien and made me wonder about genetically engineered food... cue Twilight Zone music.


There are a lot of steps in making chile rellenos.


I always like to pause between phases and make a quick assessment... I pee, check the phone for messages, change Maria's diaper, wipe my brow, scrub and recommence. (Geoff says, "don't say 'pee' when writing about food. He doesn't know that this is a legitmate function that must be addressed when committing to a 4-5 hour cooking project.)


There are some things, like whipping the egg whites, that are an absolute commitment to the next step in the recipe. After the whites are fluffy I have to proceed immediately to dipping the peppers and then frying them.


It would be bad news if I got stopped or derailed at this point, and I have to say Maria was a dream through the whole relleno process. She sat on her special stool and played with stickers and crumbled her piece of cheese.


In the end the hard work, the anxious moments, and the sink full of dishes, pays off. Geoff loves chile rellenos. Love. Love. I made 34 chiles, stuffed with cheese and sitting in a rich and savory broth yesterday. They have been sitting in our refrigerator until tonight, because they taste even better the next day. Mmmmm. Beans are simmering. Beer's cold. What are you doing for dinner?


Ruth and Corm came with me to pick Alex and Max up from school. My Hawaii in-laws were visiting New Mexico and Arizona, looking for new places to enjoy their retirement years. If they have to leave their beautiful Island home, I hope they find some place closer than N.M. to live.

Back from school and Max sits down to play with the typewriter we found last summer. He is transcribing the puppet play he and Geoff wrote.


One of my favorite ways to spend time is around the kitchen table with family. Max and his Tutu played Othello. Grampa Corm sliced grapes for Maria. Geoff was home early (!!) We were joined by Holly, Nick and Izzy.


It's so nice to be in the company of extended family. We laughed, talked, remembered, and shared. Simple, pleasant, easy, good.


Alex treated us to his strawberry muffins. Here he is with his cousin Nick.


Max did such a good job of teaching his grandmother how to play Othello, she won. Othello is a fun game.


After dinner we enjoyed fresh strawberries and the muffins Alex baked.


Here is Ruth with her Izzy girl. Holly saw Izzy walk earlier in the day, and I had the very special honor of seeing her take a 5 step jog... really, she didn't walk, she sort of jogged. She's fast!

Oooh! The beans are smelling good. Geoff is hovering, asking about the rellenos. Maria is playing every loud instrument in the house, Alex is telling me his homework is weird... I think I am done posting... too many distractions... this may be why I have better luck posting at 2:30 in the morning, when the locals are asleep.

We are playing today, and we played yesterday. And for extra goodness, I am happy to announce that Geoff was available to play with us. He is on call, cell phone handy, but yesterday was the first day he didn't have to go in to the office. If this trend can continue, we will slowly unwind and catch our collective breath and begin to feel tendencies of wholesome family joy. And there will be more golden opportunities to play, like these...


Tutu and Grampa have come for a visit and Southwest road trip. Yesterday we all got together at Holly and Rich's. For the older children, the fun began earlier in the day, when uncle Rich took all the boys to Legoland. Lucky!


Max and Maria playing together in cousins Izzy and Nick's backyard.


A ride up for Maria...


... then a slide down.


A backyard playground is so much fun!


And cousins to play with makes for twice the fun.


I love Izzy's Action Tongue of Concentration and Joy.


Izzy enjoyed watching all the activity in the comfort of her daddy's arms.


And with neighbor friends and cousins running around, there was plenty to see.


Inside, Geoff was sharing his knowledge of real estate web searches and market trends with Corm. I think this little cold snap we are having may be rough on Corm, coming from sunny Hawaii, but I think he enjoyed the day just the same.


Izzy and Maria figuring out the Hot Wheels.

Today we are going to an Avocado Festival. Holy Guacamole! I am already eager to make some hot corn tortillas for my fresh aguacates... wish I could have some ¡Real Coca Cola Mexicana! to wash 'em down.

More things on my mind... quilting and craftiness, like what I found at "Calamity Kim's Craft Cottage." I was strolling around and found more craftiness at "Echoes of a Dream," and then I found she has a lovely Luna-like hen too. Sigh. Not in the mood to quilt, crochet or craft? How do you feel about food? If you are hungry approach "Cream Puffs in Venice" with caution! She left me drooling. Geoff gave me something to read. "Bailing out the subprime lenders:" Should be sobering enough.

That is all.
We are well.
How are you?

Get comfortable. Have you had your coffee? Rest your eyes for a moment. We are about to take a journey and you may have to pace yourself to get through this post...

Saturday was mostly spent reveling in the bliss of not having to take anyone to school... for a week! In other words: We didn't get much done, which was nice. Then sometime before dinner and after sunset, William asked, "We are coloring eggs, right?" And I thought 'eggs?' Then I scrambled... er... I mean boiled.


It takes time to boil and cool eggs, clear the dinner table, find clean mugs, locate the remains of the PAAS box that Maria has been carting around the house for 3 weeks and then make the secret dye formula...


...so, by the time we reached the point when we could commence egg coloring it was already 9 p.m. Bedtime lands between 7:30 and 9:00 in Cramalot, so the idea to start any project at 9 p.m. is sheer madness. Madness, I tell you!


Nonetheless, we proceeded. And everyone was happy and eager.


William brought the globe to the dining table and began his earth egg, complete with continents and oceans.


I love the intent look of focus on these boys' faces. They know how to immerse themselves in their work and play.


Did I mention that some children are asleep by 9 p.m.? If some children are not in bed, happily asnooze, then all kinds of suffering, frustration, misery, woe and despair may ensue. Warning: Due to the graphic content of the images proceeding this message, it may be unsuitable for grandmothers and sympathetic, emotional beings. Please scroll down to Alex and his bunny eggs, if you cannot endure a sad, angry, worn out and crying child.


I tried to console her.


I tried to comfort and reason with her.


She was in the depths of egg coloring despair.


Alex colored a bunny egg. The face in front and a tail and big fuzzy bunny feet around the back.


This might have cheered Maria.


And she did eventually recover when her daddy was finally able to leave work and join us. Can't you just hear her post cry sigh?


Max colored 10 9 eggs... I remembered it as 10, but he just explained that he "lost one." Should I be worried?


Last Halloween Geoff brought out his dremmel tool and 'carved' an elaborate tiki head pumpkin. We were sound asleep, as he sat in the dark, late night yard, chiseling away. And what do you think he started around 11 p.m. Easter eve?


Answer: The Egg Lathe (patent pending.)
He melted wax to the end of the egg and attached it to his cordless power tool, then gave it a spin. As the egg turned he applied crayon, pens and markers and the egg finished with beautiful and expertly applied stripes. I love Geoff.


Easter morning. Maria made a complete recovery, and found in her Easter basket a baby all her own to love and console. Holly and Rich are the best ever Easter hosts and we made it to their home just in time for the egg hunt and omelet buffet.


When was the last time we saw this little girl... it's been too long. Izzy looks almost ready to walk. Now that she is one year old she is adopting lots more sweet skills, like saying "hi" and clapping her hands. Love it.


The boys got new shirts to wear for Easter and my stylish son added his navy coat to complete his ensemble. Handsome boy. I think this may be the same coat he wore to James and Deanne's wedding. It was completely oversized at the time and the only one we could procure. Or is the one William wore...? I think so. It fits now.


Did I mention Holly and Rich are the best? They always have everything organized, they are generous and creative and they provide right down to the last detail.


In to the bucket; Maria figured it out.


William is funny. He looks serious most of the time, but he's got an intelligent humor and we bust each other up. Here is his "I'm too old for this, but I will oblige you with a determined egg hunter's grin," look.


There were lots of hidden eggs.


There were lots of children. When Holly told me the head count, including some neighbors and friends, I gasped, "Wow, that's a lot of people."
She laughed knowingly, then clued me in, "Your family alone is 6 people!"
Oh, ya. We tend to fill a party out.


Ahh... Easter cousins in their pretty dresses, sharing treats.


Max wore this shirt, because it's an Easter rule. He will follow rules... he might protest that button down, blue shirts are ugly, but he will follow rules. And do you see the boy behind him? That is the elusive cousin, Nick. He moves fast.

Here are our beautiful hostesses, Holly and Izzy


Holly's friend brought a coconut bunny cake. We ate, and ate, and ate, and played all day.

It's dark as night outside. Maria and I are the only ones up. She's awake. I am just on auto pilot. Some people don't click-on until coffee has saturated their guts and senses. Since I can't handle the caffiene scene, I turn to the news, either on TV or the internet, and I look for email and comments, then I slowly start to become coherent, sort of. No one in our family ever truly sleeps late, unless he or she is sick. Being sick of school sometimes causes Alex or Max to linger in bed a bit later. I wish I could sleep late, the way I could as a teen. William is our resident teen and even he gets up reasonably early. Geoff is the most cat-like in his sleep habits. Sometimes he falls asleep early in the evening, then wakes in the middle of the night. He gets naps, more than a goodnight's sleep. Then he is up and on his way back to work. His long hours are horrible for maintaining regular sleep patterns.

We are expecting company in April. Ruth and Jim are coming for an explore of the Mainland. We've heard a most distressing rumor that they are thinking of relocating. They've been Big Island regulars for close to twenty years. It's difficult to imagine them any where else. They have so completely adapted to Island living; sometimes I forget they were midwesterners and even dabbled in So Cal-ese. I wouldn't say they have island fever, a commonly cited complaint of some island dwellers. I think they have grand-baby fever, that is a burning desire to hang out with the next generation. The ocean between us is an awfully wide, and deep barrier to impromptu visits.

The rumor of their relocating is distressing because we have seen them spend happy, fulfilling time in Hawaii. Our family has been on a long quest to move to Hawaii and join them in the Island Style, warm days, tropical breezes, fresh fruit, exquisite views, and aloha. There is a perceptible change of attitude, mood and thinking that takes hold when one is in Hawaii, and we hate to think that Ruth and Jim could lose the pleasure of that, by selling their beautiful home and farm.

On the other hand... who are we to question the wisdom of charting new courses and making new plans, of following your instincts? We would mourn the loss of our tropical getaway, true, but we stand to gain more time with Ruth and Jim. We stand to gain opportunities for spontaneous visits and more holidays together. Holly and I make the most of our proximity for family togetherness, but other than that, regular time spent with extended family is hard to come by around here.

When they arrive, Ruth and Jim will spend a few days in the area, visiting all of us and getting familiar with some of the more rural neighborhoods of So Cal. Then they will motor east to Arizona and New Mexico, leaving a little time for more grand-baby bonding before they fly home. I am starting to really wake-up now and three ideas are coming to mind, rising like the sun: #1. Mom and Corm, if you want an easy driving range for frequent visits, keep the distance well under 20 hours. My mom can attest to this. A 20 hour drive is long, long, long and intimidates most visitors. #2. Anyone thinking of seeing Ruth and Jim should think about coming to town in April. #3 Family that ever thought "We'll have plenty of time to go to Hawaii and be treated to Island Style splendor," had better get busy. I know we are feeling anxious to ensure we have at least one last stay with Ruth and Jim, in their amazing home.

It's light out now. Time to find socks, eat whole grains, pack lunches, find books, comb hair and get out the door.

Merry Christmas!

Can I share Christmas Eve first? We were with Holly, Izzy, Nick and Rich last night, and we had a great time. It's so nice to arrive at their home, where everything looks so festive and beautiful. We did a lot, including watching the Chargers win one more, and watching Izzy try to crawl. We were fed what has become a favorite tradition: Holly's Hot Enchiladas! She can cook. What a treat. And there were gifts to exchange. Great Grandma Nancy always seem to know just what children will love. William loves his Superman gear, Maria loves her penguin, Max loves his football kicking game... Izzy and Maria looked adorable in their matching holly dresses. We can't wait to try Geoff's boogie sled on some mountain snow. I'm trying to sum it all up, which really isn't possible, so just think of laughter and anticipation, happy children, pretty lights, and the contentment we can have when we are with family, safe and thankful.










And here we are Christmas morning. We were up at 6 and now it's nearly noon. Maria still has unopened gifts. She's busy stacking lighthouse boxes that came from her Tutu and Grampa Corm. Geoff has been assembling and reading instructions since dawn. Alex already built a dragon. William is still wearing his Superman shirt. Max took his haul to his room and probably has it all in order by now. And me? I'm trying to share it all with you, with aunts and uncles and cousins and friends and grandmas and grandpas, because the only thing that could make Christmas morning more fun would be to have you here with us. Thank you for the National Geographic subscription, the books and CDs, for the rubber ducky collection and the new table cloth, the sweater for Maria and for pretty wood frames (I've already put pictures in them!) It's not all about the presents, of course. I am delighting in the collective spirit, love and good will that propels this holiday and keeps us together in tradition and joy. May the peace and cheer be with you all through the new year.

Our Thanksgiving was very good. Nicholas, Isabella, Rich and Holly came and they brought mashed potatoes and salad, gravy, cranberry relish and rolls. We feasted well. Mmmm fixin's and leftovers, and pie! Okay after the feast and clean-up we went for a little neighborhood walk. Max rode his bicycle and Alex brought his basketball. Around the corner is a cul-de-sac where the neighbors have backboards set up. In the same area is a compromised section of fence where you can get in to the canyon and that's where some of us went for a slightly extended walk.


William and Maria. William is 15 and next week Maria will be 2!
Nicholas is a camera shy boy these days, but Izzy and her mommy and daddy sat for this beautiful picture.

Alex loves basketball and since September he has gotten very good.

Maria likes to play too.

The sunset was also beautiful.

Isabella finished the day by trying her first pumpkin pie. This family is clearly divided between pumpkin pie eaters and the other types, so we were in suspense. Which gene did Izzy get? Will she join the ranks of The Pumpkin Pie Club? Yes! A resounding yes, and she ate an entire slice of pumpkin pie!

Hello. Testing... testing. This is me, blogging from Garage Mahal. We are nearly almost moved in, and Geoff set up my computer. I thought I would just check if everything is working. A lot of heavy furniture remains at the Treehouse and even more of those hard to pack odds and ends. Right now everyone is going to sleep. William just came downstairs for a glass of water. Holly, Nicholas and Isabella came by earlier for a visit. This is a disjointed, awkward paragraph with little or no point, except to sort of touch base with anyone out there... just proves I shouldn't blog in my sleep. I feel like I have been farway for a long time.

Playing with Janece and Tarie...

5 things in my fridge:
1. albondigas
2. carrots
3. napa cabbage
4. olallie berry jam, from Watsonville
5. dough for corn tortillas

5 things in my closet
1. yarn
2. skirts, shirts
3. a foot stool
4. "Orange County" movie DVD
5. my cowgirl boots

5 things in my purse
1. diaper
2. wipes
3. a tube of lipstick that is a little too orange
4. crayons
5. ticket stubs from "Nacho Libre"

Tag you're it! That means if you read this you have to play too, or are you too busy/special/secretive/bored________?

Oh, by the way... we are back from our road trip. Did you know we were gone? We sought adventure, Olallie berries, sea glass, and unique views: We were successful. We saw Georgie, Gracie, Alison and her bump, Bill and his magic, a sea otter, South African penguins, baby sea gulls, a creek that met the ocean, deep woods,a castle, art, nature, playgrounds, old movie theaters, swimming pools and old world charm. We ate beans that tasted like apple pie... freakin' delicious, sweet potato fritters with pecans and curry sauce, artichokes, strawberries, apricots, roast chicken, Belgian waffles, and we hiked, swam, walked, chased, climbed and wandered. We found green, clear, and brown sea glass on the beach at Cannery Row. We looked several places for Olallie berry pie and found it at Gizdich Ranch but not at Gayle's Bakery. We never slept in the car, but we did want to sleep in a tent, so we will be better prepared next time. We missed Geoff and our kitties, so we came home and showed him pictures and told him new stories.


This park has been a family favorite for ten years. Morro Bay.

After Hearst, we continued on Highway 1 and stopped for a hike at Limekiln State Park. First we sat at the creek where it meets the Pacific, then we hiked up alongside the creek and in to the woods. This was 'the longest day of the year' and we really did fit a lot in to it: Hearst Castle, Highway 1 and Big Sur, lunch at Nepenthe, then swimming at the hotel in Monterey and a bayside dinner at sunset.

The boys and I really wanted to return to this place with a tent and sleeping bags. It was so beautiful, inviting... often on this trip we would say, "We have to come back with Geoff."

Uncle Magic... Bill is great. I miss my brother all the time; his outrageous humor, his friendly nature, his energy. He's a great uncle, he does magic, makes up songs, cooks, plays... he's going to be an awesome dad.

Bill and Alison have a very nice home. Their hard work shows, so does their good taste.

Speaking of good taste... these are the olallies that Alex has had on his mind for three years. We thought we would find them at Gayle's, which is a beautiful bakery, but they stopped baking olallie berry pies the day before we pulled in to town... bummer timing. But Alison knows of a ranch where they grow the local berry and apples and strawberries too. She sent us in search of Gizdich Ranch, and Alex's wish was fulfilled.
There are lots more pictures on the homepage... link on the right, then click on 'Monterey.'

We were with Deanne and James, and little Sam. Max is seen warming up their new mini-bouncer. Alex, Max and Maria had a blast loosening its springs; I hope they didn't wear it out. Geoff and I had a blast inhaling Deanne's mango margaritas... those go down a little too easy! It was a Sunday afternoon that gently slipped in to evening, everything relaxed and with a beautiful sunset to keep all mellow and warm... or was that those margaritas?... it was all good.

Sam. Isn't he a charmer? You should see him in action. He's all affection and enthusiasm and everyone loves him.

And here are the Amazing Bouncers!
Technically it's still spring, but I can feel summer coming.

Friday was a busy day, a *Wild* day.
"Wild" was the aptly chosen theme of Alex's 12th birthday celebration. We started with a breakfast out with Geoff, then we sent him to work and we went to the vet with Benjamin F. Thunder Cat. Kitty checked out well and survived his booster shot. Our next stop was at Daniel's for Alex's haircut. Max was going to have his haircut too, but when he described the kind of cut he wanted ("I don't want it to have a shape, and I want it to stay the exact same length it is now,") Daniel wisely suggested a no-cut haircut. While Alex's hair was cut, Max sang and Maria danced.



When we got home we prepared for the evening's festivities by baking a wild chocolate-raspberry cake, and cooking enchiladas. There was also a little cleaning to do, naturally. Let's cut to the good part: Tamysn, Nicholas, Adam and Jacob came to our house to meet Ben the radical reptile dude. Ben is an old friend of my brother Bill, and he LOVES creepers, crawlers, slitherers, hoppers and other atypical pets. He brought some of his special collection, including hissing roaches, a hedgehog, a huge scorpion, a tarantula and several snakes. We got to hold, or pet or observe all of the above and more. It was Wild!


Alex actually turns twelve tomorrow. It never hurts to start the celebrating early.


Max did not shy away from any of the creatures that came to visit. He even held giant cock-a-roaches, and this boa-constrictor.


We didn't skip school, we just shifted it to an evening class and invited a guest speaker. I think we all learned some interesting new facts.


I think there were more volunteers to hold the big snake than anything else. But the tarantula, for me, was the most surprising discovery. The tarantula felt light and delicate, like barely being brushed by a downy feather. I even convinced Anne to let the hairy, eight legged beast crawl across her hands... I think she agreed: It's not as bad as you might imagine.

The Wild theme was for fun and amusement. We had crazy straws and pop rocks, paper crowns and a cake that looked like it was tossed by monkeys. Alex may be a year older but he's just as sweet and bright as ever. He was eager to see all his friends and to share a good time with everyone. He put a lot of thought in to the details of the party. He had a very good time. He hopes his friends had fun too.

After everyone left, when leftovers were stored and the house was quiet, Alex, Max, William and Geoff dragged pillows and blankets out to the screened tent in the yard. They took a flashlight and "The Hobbit." Maria and I stretched out on the sofa, near the garden door, where we fell asleep listening to crickets and night birds, and Geoff reading aloud. The wild day was through... do you want to see more pictures?

On the go...

A little of this, a little of that… during my Mom’s stay we’ve done some packing, some cleaning, some talking, some cooking… We stopped by Holly’s and Delia met Isabella. We went bead shopping, which is a vital activity for my Mom and her art. We almost made it to Olvera Street and/or the Zoo. We even scoped out a few rentals. And we enjoyed a visit from my brother, Hans.



Hans came with treasures from his adventures abroad. He brought each of us unique and beautiful gifts. You can’t say “treasure” without prompting Max to share his treasures. He keeps them organized and safely stowed away in his special box, and bringing out each coin, rubber frog, geode, and Lego commemorative brick is one of Max’s favorite pastimes. Uncle Hans is seen examining Max’s tooth. Hans may have shopped Middle Eastern bazaars for Persian rugs, but it’s not every day you get to hold a cracked tooth.



Delia and Frankie have been getting along fabulously. He loves to chew on her sterling silver bracelets, but he better not even lay a paw on the beautiful shawl Hans brought her. Hans and kitty hit it off too. Hans thinks he needs a kitten to keep his cat company; I’d love to find him one. Before Hans left the boys serenaded him with “Magical Trevor” and Maria danced.



Last night Alex and Delia made the dinner. Alex worked especially hard on his homemade strawberry muffins, which were delicious. Before his Grandma leaves he's going to learn how to make pie crust and quiche... lucky me! Max was trying to teach his Grandma how to play Zelda on the Nintendo 64, and she slipped in some reading lessons for him. Before she leaves, I think she may be asking William to teach her the words to "Magical Trevor."

Magical Trevor Lyrics

Everyone loves Magical Trevor,
'cos the tricks that he does are ever so clever,
Look at him now, disappearing the cow,
Where is the cow, hidden right now?

Taking a bow, it's Magical Trevor,
Everybody's seen that the trick is clever,
Look at him there, with his leathery, leathery whip,
It's made of magic, and with a little flick,

Yeah, yeah, yeah, the cow is back,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, the cow is back,
Back back, back from his magical journey.

What did he see, in the parallel dimension?
He saw beans, lots of beans, lots of beans, lots of beans,
Oh, beans lots of beans, lots of beans, lots of beans, yeah yeah...