6~ Unplanned

Wait... a... second... was that... a date?

Maybe I sighed extra hard, or just looked extra morose... something compelled Geoff to say, Let's go do something. Something fun. And even though I moved like a reluctant sloth, Geoff didn't throw in the towel. Come on! We're doing this, he coaxed. We drove. We drove some more. We debated, amicably, the possibilities, the options. We walked, and observed, and recalled. And we dared ourselves into going into a hip and happening spot... why not? My water glass was aglow. The cheese and meat board was intriguing, tasty, different. Holding hands, on the way home, I made a request... Do it again, please. Okay? Even if I am slow to catch on. Unplanned outings are good.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

5~ Expression

Chango is expressing at least half what I am feeling and thinking these days.

Frustration. Disappointment. Disgust. Dismay. Disapproval... and that's just with Congress. All in all, for many reasons, I cannot call myself a fan of 2017. Part of me is tempted to pour it all out, every hill and trench, and heartache, and dark valley I've faced, including dirty laundry, because I want to believe that in the near future I will look back at all of this and sigh, maybe laugh, and give thanks for what we overcame. Then again, I'm not sure I have the stamina to list all of it, or the resilience to read it and keep my hope and faith.

After many days, my computer is back, and after updates and other tweaks, it's working, too. That's a good thing. Chango's expression is a very good thing, reminding me that humor goes a long way toward holding us together. It's supposed to rain this weekend, and I welcome that. My car survived another hiccup, the hollyhocks are about to bloom, Geoff put up pretty curtains in our bedroom. Good things. I saw a quail in our tree, and have heard them in the garden. It's already May, almost summer, closer to Thanksgiving! I gotta admit, to conquer frustration, disappointment, disgust, dismay, and disapproval I need to actively think about being closer to Thanksgiving, having lovely friends, crocheting, painting, napping, breathing. Ah... I think it's obvious, now, I will keep blogging. One way or another, I will keep looking for good, describing our journey, and sharing pictures of my cats, or goats, or chickens, or robots.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

4~ Goats

Tasha Tudor Goat.


Ada Lovelace Goat.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

3~ Honored

Maria with her dear teacher, Ms G~

We were strongly urged to come out for a special assembly, Maria was nominated for an award. Judging by Ms G's expression and insistence, Geoff and I thought to invite Maria's Tutu, and Alex made it, too. It turned out to be a very special assembly, and a very special honor. Maria was recognized by the Association of California School Administrators for her academic achievements, particularly in the study of humanities. We were moved by the compelling stories of all of the honorees; their achievements, and pursuits were inspiring.

Maria's grandmother, Ruth, aka Tutu, brought Maria a gift that is still making Maria beam! Fruit, and chocolate? Maria shared these with William and Alex, and saved one of each to share with Max. This was definitely a favorite part of the evening.

My favorite part came when I was tucking her in... Maria confided, "Those fancy certificates were nice, but, honestly, the prizes and attention don't mean as much to me as being recognized by Ms G~ and my school, and having my family's support." (Yes, I am honored... to be her mom.)


With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

2~ It's Curtains For Us

Still feeling inspired by our Portland visit, and the Airbnb home we stayed in... first we replaced blinds in Maria's room. (And please note, "we" = Geoff, right??) Then, Geoff did the even bigger job of replacing our blinds. Our east facing window really shines in the morning, but with these new curtains, and the floral cut liners... it's just dreamy!

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

1~ Everything In Its Place

Cairo heard that I was tidying up, and he wanted to help. A place for everything, and everything in its place.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Everyone's Sick

Well, that's a crummy title. But, sometimes you gotta say it like it is. And at the moment we are deep in the middle of some darn crummy stuff. No computer. It's still in the shop. Don't even hint that this looks or sounds or seems 'real bad.' I'm trying to retain a blithly undisturbed attitude about it taking at least five days longer than they predicted. Now we are all in one phase or another of The Crud. Since I'm tapping a tiny touch screen to write this... I won't bother going into gross detail. Just know: We are not happy. Only Kleenex could be happy. The cats might be alright. They're not complaining, neither are the chickens. That's it. Typos and awkward sentences are the only guaranteed outcome from trying to blog from an iPhone. oh blargggh

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

30~ Oh My Goats

Out with the goats and chickens, and even a cat or two. A lovely evening, with fresh air, and fresh goat antics. Happy moments at the Bird House.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.