Saturday, May 26, 2007
Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes
1 3/4 c all-purpose flour
1 t baking soda
1 c sugar
1/2 c chopped walnuts
2 eggs
1/2 c vegetable oil
1/2 t almond or vanilla extract
1 pkg frozen sweet strawberries or 1 cup (10 oz) crushed fresh strawberries mixed with 3 T sugar
Mix together flour, baking soda, sugar and nuts in a bowl. In another bowl, beat together eggs, flavoring and oil until well blended. Add strawberries and beat at slow speed of mixer until berries are partially broken. Beat in flour mixture slowly until smooth, but pieces of berries are still visible. Pour batter into greased muffin tins, filling to half.
Bake at 350 deg F for 30 minutes, or until they test done. Or, bake in greased 9x5x3" loaf pan for at 350 deg F for 1 hour, or until done. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.
From http://www.razzledazzlerecipes.com
Leave the Strawberries Alone!
For The Carolina Gateway (May 16, 2007)
The crop of strawberries is so outrageously sweet and succulent this year it’s almost a travesty to cook them. Just put them in a bowl on your counter and the family will gobble them up faster than you can say “save some for me!” I put mine in the handle basket on the counter and warned my guys that there would be trouble if they ate so many that I wouldn’t have enough to make the two desserts that I needed for the newspaper. 12-year old Taylor solved the problem by implementing a “strawberry debit sheet.” He listed all our names and instructed each of us to make a hash mark for each berry we consumed. Dire warnings were posted (on my behalf by Taylor) on the bottom of the sheet. Sometime later, when older son Nate noted that Taylor has 3 hash marks, he accused him of eating 111 berries!
If you do feel compelled to do something fancy with strawberries, try to cook them as little as possible and be sure to go easy on the added sugar. The berries are so sweet this year that you can easily lose the fruity goodness by adding too much sweetener. For your ice cream and shortcake toppings, try just mashing them a little with a fork and letting them sit for a few minutes. I think you’ll find they don’t need any sugar at all.
It’s natural to want to preserve the bounty for later. The easiest and freshest way is to simply freeze the berries in a single layer on a cookie sheet in the freezer. Once they are frozen through, drop them into zip-top bags and return them to the freezer for later use. They will keep this way for up to a year. Once they thaw they will be mushy, but the flavor will be just as fresh. Thawed frozen berries are perfect for muffins, cakes and syrups.
Many home cooks like to make strawberry preserves. If you aren’t up to the canning process, you can make a simple frozen jam. Mix together 2 cups of crushed strawberries (about a quart of strawberries will crush to 2 cups) and sugar to taste (up to 3/4 cup). Set aside. Place 4 cups of water, and a box of Sure Gel® in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil and let it boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the water mixture to the berry mixture and stir about 3 minutes. Pour the mixture into sterile freezer containers. Cover tightly and let sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then freeze. Thawed, the preserves will keep in the refrigerator up to 3 weeks.
But do yourself a favor—don’t cancel out the health benefits of strawberries (1 cup will give you 50% of your daily requirement of vitamin C and 15% of your needed fiber) by dumping a lot of sugar on them. Just clean them and eat them raw and fresh.
Gotta go. Everyone else is up over a dozen berries a piece. I’m way behind and one thing I’ve learned about goodies in this family: you snooze, you lose!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Our Lunch Adventure
Yesterday my friend Nannette took me out to lunch. We went to the Penguin Drive-In in Charlotte. Nannette has lived here all her life, heard about the Penguin all her life, and never eaten there.
We drove and drove and drove and missed our turn once. We ended up calling Mensa Boy at his office to see where we went wrong. (note to self: give Nannette a map of Charlotte for her car...just for my own peace of mind)
We finally found the place, and saw all these folks standing outside chatting, drinking various beverages...mostly sweet tea, of course.
The building is no bigger than an auto repair shop. And it's not a drive-in anymore. When we opened the door, we saw maybe 15 tables in there, a bar in front of the grill, and it was packed and noisy. We looked at each other, wondering if we should stay.
The hostess came up to us and said "Come in and shut the door." I told her we weren't sure if we were staying.
"Of course you'll stay, and it will be worth the wait," she replied.
She took my name, suggested we get a drink and hang around. "I'll come find you when I have a table for you."
"So we can wait outside and you'll find us?" I asked.
"I don't care what you do, as long as you clean up your own mess," she said.
And so we hung around. Soaking in the racket and the people and mainly watching the hostess. The girl was maybe in her late 20s? With a bright red eye shadow. I was fascinated by the eye shadow. And the way she and the obvious regulars greeted each other. Big hugs, loud exclamations. You know, those of you ladies that might have trouble with fellows looking at you with their eyes focused lower than your face? Try a stripe of scarlet-colored eye shadow above each eye. That should keep their attention focused on your face. For a while, anyway. Maybe you ought to have little designs drawn up there...
The fellow who was the waiter was also fascinating. He had this earring that looked like two claws hooked together on either side of his earlobe. Later Nannette commented that his hairstyle made him kind of look like a penguin. All swept upward into a point. I admit I hadn't noticed that.
After about 15-20 minutes, we were given a table. Big enough for 4. There were still a few folks waiting, so we told the hostess we'd be happy to share a table with another couple. We figured no one could hear our conversation anyway...we'd be lucky if we could hear each other!
I don't think people make that offer very often. The hostess seemed a bit surprised and then went to figure out who would be game to sit with two strangers. She brought us a nice couple from Ohio who were in town for Speed Street. They come every year and like to try restaurants they hear about. They'd heard about the Penguin on the Food Network.
We ended up talking to them throughout our meal, and the waiter stopped by every once in a while to be sure we were "getting along." They ordered fried pickles, which I'd never had. Apparently that is a delicacy in Ohio as well. The order they received was huge, so they shared them with us. I had one...when they were very hot. I have to say I liked it. But I didn't have any more because I was under the impression that they would not be very good once they cooled.
We talked about various places to eat. They had gone to Statesville the day before and eaten at Carolina Bar B Q of Statesville...our family ate there last year and really liked it. I asked them if they'd tried Bill Spoon's BBQ in Charlotte. They had not, so I told them about where it was. And we told them about South 21 Drive-In.
The burgers were pretty good. If I lived in the neighborhood, I imagine I'd go there when jones-ing for a good burger. It's a lot like Matt's in Minneapolis, or the 5-8 Club.
It was a fun lunch! Took 3.5 hours total, but very fun. I think we are going to try to hit some other fun places throughout the summer. And I will definitely put a map in her car. Even if I have to do it when she's not looking!
We drove and drove and drove and missed our turn once. We ended up calling Mensa Boy at his office to see where we went wrong. (note to self: give Nannette a map of Charlotte for her car...just for my own peace of mind)
We finally found the place, and saw all these folks standing outside chatting, drinking various beverages...mostly sweet tea, of course.
The building is no bigger than an auto repair shop. And it's not a drive-in anymore. When we opened the door, we saw maybe 15 tables in there, a bar in front of the grill, and it was packed and noisy. We looked at each other, wondering if we should stay.
The hostess came up to us and said "Come in and shut the door." I told her we weren't sure if we were staying.
"Of course you'll stay, and it will be worth the wait," she replied.
She took my name, suggested we get a drink and hang around. "I'll come find you when I have a table for you."
"So we can wait outside and you'll find us?" I asked.
"I don't care what you do, as long as you clean up your own mess," she said.
And so we hung around. Soaking in the racket and the people and mainly watching the hostess. The girl was maybe in her late 20s? With a bright red eye shadow. I was fascinated by the eye shadow. And the way she and the obvious regulars greeted each other. Big hugs, loud exclamations. You know, those of you ladies that might have trouble with fellows looking at you with their eyes focused lower than your face? Try a stripe of scarlet-colored eye shadow above each eye. That should keep their attention focused on your face. For a while, anyway. Maybe you ought to have little designs drawn up there...
The fellow who was the waiter was also fascinating. He had this earring that looked like two claws hooked together on either side of his earlobe. Later Nannette commented that his hairstyle made him kind of look like a penguin. All swept upward into a point. I admit I hadn't noticed that.
After about 15-20 minutes, we were given a table. Big enough for 4. There were still a few folks waiting, so we told the hostess we'd be happy to share a table with another couple. We figured no one could hear our conversation anyway...we'd be lucky if we could hear each other!
I don't think people make that offer very often. The hostess seemed a bit surprised and then went to figure out who would be game to sit with two strangers. She brought us a nice couple from Ohio who were in town for Speed Street. They come every year and like to try restaurants they hear about. They'd heard about the Penguin on the Food Network.
We ended up talking to them throughout our meal, and the waiter stopped by every once in a while to be sure we were "getting along." They ordered fried pickles, which I'd never had. Apparently that is a delicacy in Ohio as well. The order they received was huge, so they shared them with us. I had one...when they were very hot. I have to say I liked it. But I didn't have any more because I was under the impression that they would not be very good once they cooled.
We talked about various places to eat. They had gone to Statesville the day before and eaten at Carolina Bar B Q of Statesville...our family ate there last year and really liked it. I asked them if they'd tried Bill Spoon's BBQ in Charlotte. They had not, so I told them about where it was. And we told them about South 21 Drive-In.
The burgers were pretty good. If I lived in the neighborhood, I imagine I'd go there when jones-ing for a good burger. It's a lot like Matt's in Minneapolis, or the 5-8 Club.
It was a fun lunch! Took 3.5 hours total, but very fun. I think we are going to try to hit some other fun places throughout the summer. And I will definitely put a map in her car. Even if I have to do it when she's not looking!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Passing on the Skill
My dad has a special way of putting away his extension cords. It looks like a chain, compacts the cord nicely, and is easily undone with just a tug.
He taught his method to Mensa Boy. Mensa Boy says he forgot how for a while, but now he's remembered and here he is passing this method on to Taylor.
On another note: Yesterday I paid Roto Rooter $109 to come flush two toilets.
Yup. Just flush them.
The toilets have been a consistent problem here...the two that are used by the younger generation. Yesterday morning Mensa Boy said that he could not satisfactorily unplug them...they still drained slowly.
So I called Roto Rooter.
The fellow came in the door, flushed them and they worked great. He tossed lots of paper in there to clog them...still worked great.
ARGH!
He taught his method to Mensa Boy. Mensa Boy says he forgot how for a while, but now he's remembered and here he is passing this method on to Taylor.
On another note: Yesterday I paid Roto Rooter $109 to come flush two toilets.
Yup. Just flush them.
The toilets have been a consistent problem here...the two that are used by the younger generation. Yesterday morning Mensa Boy said that he could not satisfactorily unplug them...they still drained slowly.
So I called Roto Rooter.
The fellow came in the door, flushed them and they worked great. He tossed lots of paper in there to clog them...still worked great.
ARGH!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Dedicated to the Show "24"
Please release me
let me go
for I don't love you anymore
To waste our lives would be a sin
Release me and let me love again
let me go
for I don't love you anymore
To waste our lives would be a sin
Release me and let me love again
Monday, May 21, 2007
It's the Man's Job
"Hi! Welcome home! Would you please unclog the toilets first? Two of them are stopped up and the only one available is mine. Which I just cleaned. There are 3 boys in the house right now."
Another Taylorism
Taylor: "They should have a pie store."
Me: "You mean a store that sells pie? Like Baker's Square?"
Taylor: "No. A store where everything costs $3.14."
Me: "You mean a store that sells pie? Like Baker's Square?"
Taylor: "No. A store where everything costs $3.14."
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Travelin' Travelin' Through
Today Taylor and I head home from Norfolk. We had a very fun day yesterday at Jamestown. Even though our visit there was sandwiched between terrible traffic delays (2 hours held up on the way and 1.5 hours held us up on the way back...accidents), we had a good time.
We got back to Norfolk just in time to go the Franklin Graham Festival in downtown Virginia Beach. Guest artists were Nicole C. Mullen and Third Day. There was another band I hadn't heard of before...Isaiah and somebody. They were also very wonderful! We sat down on the main floor at the press table, so we were just a few yards from stage.
Taylor pretty much never complains. Until he just hits the wall with fatigue. And even then it's pretty much just "I'm ready to go home now."
But he's not ready to go back to Indian Land. He wants to stay here and tour naval shipyards and stuff.
We'll definitely have to come back.
edit: Israel Houghton and New Breed was the name of the other band. Thanks Kristen!
We got back to Norfolk just in time to go the Franklin Graham Festival in downtown Virginia Beach. Guest artists were Nicole C. Mullen and Third Day. There was another band I hadn't heard of before...Isaiah and somebody. They were also very wonderful! We sat down on the main floor at the press table, so we were just a few yards from stage.
Taylor pretty much never complains. Until he just hits the wall with fatigue. And even then it's pretty much just "I'm ready to go home now."
But he's not ready to go back to Indian Land. He wants to stay here and tour naval shipyards and stuff.
We'll definitely have to come back.
edit: Israel Houghton and New Breed was the name of the other band. Thanks Kristen!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
How Far is Long Distance?
We are in Virginia Beach, VA! Mensa Boy is working here this week and so Taylor and I came up to see what he does and to just hang out. Nate is at his buddy Ryan's house for the weekend.
I'm pretty lucky. Most moms get to hear about puke and snot and motocross and stuff when they travel with their young sons. I get to hear detailed descriptions of SpongeBob episodes and am asked questions that make me wonder at the creativity of this young person that is my spawn.
Yesterday's first question was, "how far is long distance?"
From there we discussed cruise control, RPM, cooling lights and those little prongy things that stick out under the 0 mph and the 120 mgh. If they got snapped off somehow, could you go faster?
We took a wrong turn when entering the city last night and ended up in a rather scary section of town with just about no gas. And no map. So we stopped in at a gas station and bought a map and discovered we were quite close to a major intersection. Taylor was obviously concerned at first, but seemed to appreciate my navigating skills.
We found out hotel, which turned out to be somewhat of a resort and spa. We were escorted to our room by a bellman who also works at EB Games. Lucky Taylor! But after we were all checked in, he said "I think I'd rather stay at cheaper hotels. I'm more comfortable when I'm treated like dirt!"
Today he gets to choose what we do for sightseeing. I mentioned the naval shipyards and he jumped at that.
Then I mentioned Jamestown.
And he immediately touched my heart by choosing that. Maybe there's a history major in there somewhere?
I'm pretty lucky. Most moms get to hear about puke and snot and motocross and stuff when they travel with their young sons. I get to hear detailed descriptions of SpongeBob episodes and am asked questions that make me wonder at the creativity of this young person that is my spawn.
Yesterday's first question was, "how far is long distance?"
From there we discussed cruise control, RPM, cooling lights and those little prongy things that stick out under the 0 mph and the 120 mgh. If they got snapped off somehow, could you go faster?
We took a wrong turn when entering the city last night and ended up in a rather scary section of town with just about no gas. And no map. So we stopped in at a gas station and bought a map and discovered we were quite close to a major intersection. Taylor was obviously concerned at first, but seemed to appreciate my navigating skills.
We found out hotel, which turned out to be somewhat of a resort and spa. We were escorted to our room by a bellman who also works at EB Games. Lucky Taylor! But after we were all checked in, he said "I think I'd rather stay at cheaper hotels. I'm more comfortable when I'm treated like dirt!"
Today he gets to choose what we do for sightseeing. I mentioned the naval shipyards and he jumped at that.
Then I mentioned Jamestown.
And he immediately touched my heart by choosing that. Maybe there's a history major in there somewhere?
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Family Communications
I always tell someone where I'm going and when I anticipate being back.
It's just polite.
But often not effective.
My friends tell me that, when they call for me and I'm not here, the answer is usually "I don't know where she is. I don't know when she'll be back." or "She's at the farm."
It doesn't matter what day or time of the day, they often will tell callers I'm at the farm. I have no idea why.
I left this note for Nate one day when the three of us scattered in all directions and no one knew when they'd be back.
He didn't seem to appreciate it.
It's just polite.
But often not effective.
My friends tell me that, when they call for me and I'm not here, the answer is usually "I don't know where she is. I don't know when she'll be back." or "She's at the farm."
It doesn't matter what day or time of the day, they often will tell callers I'm at the farm. I have no idea why.
I left this note for Nate one day when the three of us scattered in all directions and no one knew when they'd be back.
He didn't seem to appreciate it.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Pleasant Surprises
Several weeks ago older son Nate was selected by the school to be sent to The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Seminar at Erskine College this summer. The seminar lasts a week. The Indian Land Rotary is sponsoring him, paying his tuition and they have offered to drive him there. I'll probably take care of that.
I have not known anything at all about the rotary before. Our Indian Land rotary is a brand new group, chartering just a few months ago. Several of my friends are members. They are business and community leaders. Just by virtue of the fact that these wonderful people belong, I've considered that this must be a great organization.
I knew that each person who attends RYLA will receive a $1000 scholarship to Erskine.
I did not know that Nate would be presented this gift at the high school awards ceremony on Monday. In fact, I didn't know about the awards ceremony itself until that morning.
I walked into the ceremony and one of Nate's teachers said, "Oh hey! You just missed it?"
"Missed what?" I asked.
"They gave Nate his award." she replied.
"What award?" I asked. And she told me.
I asked Nate why he didn't tell me he would be presented that morning.
"I didn't know about it," he said. "I was sitting there, and [the counselor] started talking about the next award. He was describing it, and I thought, 'hmmm...that sounds like what I'm doing.' And then he called my name!"
Then last night the Indian Land guy called to ask if I'd received the packet of info about the conference. We talked for a few minutes and he said, "You know, there is a lot of scholarship money out there for these kids that go to RYLA. Full ride scholarships. And lots of them go to Erskine."
He also said the local rotary would like Nate to speak their breakfast when he comes back, and they would like him to help them start a youth chapter at the school next year.
This is so exciting! I can barely stand it!
I have not known anything at all about the rotary before. Our Indian Land rotary is a brand new group, chartering just a few months ago. Several of my friends are members. They are business and community leaders. Just by virtue of the fact that these wonderful people belong, I've considered that this must be a great organization.
I knew that each person who attends RYLA will receive a $1000 scholarship to Erskine.
I did not know that Nate would be presented this gift at the high school awards ceremony on Monday. In fact, I didn't know about the awards ceremony itself until that morning.
I walked into the ceremony and one of Nate's teachers said, "Oh hey! You just missed it?"
"Missed what?" I asked.
"They gave Nate his award." she replied.
"What award?" I asked. And she told me.
I asked Nate why he didn't tell me he would be presented that morning.
"I didn't know about it," he said. "I was sitting there, and [the counselor] started talking about the next award. He was describing it, and I thought, 'hmmm...that sounds like what I'm doing.' And then he called my name!"
Then last night the Indian Land guy called to ask if I'd received the packet of info about the conference. We talked for a few minutes and he said, "You know, there is a lot of scholarship money out there for these kids that go to RYLA. Full ride scholarships. And lots of them go to Erskine."
He also said the local rotary would like Nate to speak their breakfast when he comes back, and they would like him to help them start a youth chapter at the school next year.
This is so exciting! I can barely stand it!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
The Graduate
My baby brother finished his college degree this spring. It was a long haul for him. He went into the Air Force out of high school and, after a 4-year hitch, he got out and worked for a while.
After a couple of years of that, and accumulating a wonderful wife, a cute house, and two Australian Shepherds, he went to college part time.
And in true Ted style, none of us found out he'd completed the degree until a bit after it all happened. Unlike my sister and I, Ted did not call up everyone and crow about his accomplishment. I wasn't there when my parents found out, but I imagine it probably just slipped into casual conversation one day.
Congratulations Ted-reeko!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
The Meal That Doesn't Want to Be
Every once in a while, the best intentions just go awry.
It's 7:08 and we have still not eaten supper.
I started the fire at 5:30. But I waited to put the pork chops on until the potatoes were nearly done.
By the time I decided to put the chops on, the fire had completely burned up.
Re-started the fire.
I just put the chops on.
The potatoes are very close to being burnt.
It's 7:08 and we have still not eaten supper.
I started the fire at 5:30. But I waited to put the pork chops on until the potatoes were nearly done.
By the time I decided to put the chops on, the fire had completely burned up.
Re-started the fire.
I just put the chops on.
The potatoes are very close to being burnt.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Table Conversation
"Talk about the pot calling the kettle black," I said.
"Well, now...that doesn't make sense. What if the pot isn't black?" Nate wanted to know.
And from there it all degenerated.
One thing I will definitely miss about having Taylor in 6th grade is his constant references to his two male teachers.
"Mr. B-- says this,"
"Mr. B--thinks that."
"I think Mr. P plays 'Warcraft' when we are all doing our deskwork."
"I'm worried that Mr. B--is addicted to caffeine."
"Mr. P--is always saying we should think outside the box."
I sure do hope he gets 7th grade teachers that are half as good as the team he had this year. He struggled in math and gotten a little lazy periodically in Social Studies, but for the most part he's had a great year.
"Well, now...that doesn't make sense. What if the pot isn't black?" Nate wanted to know.
And from there it all degenerated.
One thing I will definitely miss about having Taylor in 6th grade is his constant references to his two male teachers.
"Mr. B-- says this,"
"Mr. B--thinks that."
"I think Mr. P plays 'Warcraft' when we are all doing our deskwork."
"I'm worried that Mr. B--is addicted to caffeine."
"Mr. P--is always saying we should think outside the box."
I sure do hope he gets 7th grade teachers that are half as good as the team he had this year. He struggled in math and gotten a little lazy periodically in Social Studies, but for the most part he's had a great year.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
New 7 Wonders of the World
So we've all heard about the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World:
The commonly known Seven Ancient Wonders of the World were all man-made monuments, selected by Philon of Byzantium in 200 B.C. Today, only the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt remain.His selection of wonders was essentially a travel guide for fellow Athenians, and the stunning sites were all located around the Mediterranean basin, the then-known world.
The monuments he chose, to be remembered in perpetuity, were:
The Lighthouse of Alexandria
The Temple of Artemis
The Statue of Zeus
The Colossus of Rhodes
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
The Pyramids of Egypt
All had been built between 2,500 B.C. and 200 B.C.
The commonly known Seven Ancient Wonders of the World were all man-made monuments, selected by Philon of Byzantium in 200 B.C. Today, only the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt remain.His selection of wonders was essentially a travel guide for fellow Athenians, and the stunning sites were all located around the Mediterranean basin, the then-known world.
The monuments he chose, to be remembered in perpetuity, were:
The Lighthouse of Alexandria
The Temple of Artemis
The Statue of Zeus
The Colossus of Rhodes
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
The Pyramids of Egypt
All had been built between 2,500 B.C. and 200 B.C.
Well, since only the Pyramids remain, there is an organization now that has decided it would be good if new wonders were selected. But rather than having the sites chosen by only one guy, they have launched a project enabling people from all over the world to vote on them.
21 sites are listed on their website. Votes will be collected until July 7.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Bed Perspectives
3:11 a.m.
ME: "Hey!"
HE: "You've got all the covers!"
6:07 a.m.
ME: "Yeah...look. I don't have hardly any covers."
HE: "You gave 'em to me."
ME: "Hey!"
HE: "You've got all the covers!"
6:07 a.m.
ME: "Yeah...look. I don't have hardly any covers."
HE: "You gave 'em to me."
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
I've Been Remiss
I haven't posted since late April. And here it is almost the middle of May.
School is winding down and so of course there is stuff going on over there. Now we are in the middle of standardized tests, so I'm helping monitor test-takers each day. 5 days in all. It's not too bad. I take a book and just glance around. There are two adults for each group. Each day it's about 3 hours.
Mensa Boy has done quite a bit of traveling these past few weeks and there will be more coming up. I think things won't die down until the second week of June.
Nate needs to find a job for the summer. I suggested to him last night that he list a few places he'd like to work. He mentioned Lowe's Home Improvement, but that would be a bit of a drive. I'd like to see him within 10 minutes of home, since I'll be taking him to and from work most of the time.
Taylor does not have plans for the summer at this point. Our boy Freddy, who comes here after school, will be with us most of the summer and they will have a good time. We've also talked about Taylor taking some pottery lessons from a friend of mine, and he may also go to Minnesota for a week-long visit before we go up there.
I do not have summer plans. The school stories will of course fall away, so I'll be hoping to pick up some other interesting things to write about. But I would also like to do some painting here at the house. We still have a few rooms that have not any paint at all. Still the contractor's flat cream color from 2002. Yeah, we are slow about stuff like that.
So this is a dull post. Sorry about that. Perhaps one of these days I'll post a message full of righteous indignation that my least favorite people won "The Amazing Race." Maybe I'll save that for when "American Idol" and "Survivor" all wind up.
Oh. The snake. I didn't mention the 12-foot python.
There are not too many people who can get me to stuff like this. Best friend Rena was able to talk me into going to her brother's to take a photo of the 12-foot, dead python they found in their shed. My photos did not turn out...as it was all crawling with MAGGOTS! The assumption is that someone had it for a pet and could not care for it any longer, releasing it outside.
hmpf. Just tried to put Eric's photo on here and it won't upload.
School is winding down and so of course there is stuff going on over there. Now we are in the middle of standardized tests, so I'm helping monitor test-takers each day. 5 days in all. It's not too bad. I take a book and just glance around. There are two adults for each group. Each day it's about 3 hours.
Mensa Boy has done quite a bit of traveling these past few weeks and there will be more coming up. I think things won't die down until the second week of June.
Nate needs to find a job for the summer. I suggested to him last night that he list a few places he'd like to work. He mentioned Lowe's Home Improvement, but that would be a bit of a drive. I'd like to see him within 10 minutes of home, since I'll be taking him to and from work most of the time.
Taylor does not have plans for the summer at this point. Our boy Freddy, who comes here after school, will be with us most of the summer and they will have a good time. We've also talked about Taylor taking some pottery lessons from a friend of mine, and he may also go to Minnesota for a week-long visit before we go up there.
I do not have summer plans. The school stories will of course fall away, so I'll be hoping to pick up some other interesting things to write about. But I would also like to do some painting here at the house. We still have a few rooms that have not any paint at all. Still the contractor's flat cream color from 2002. Yeah, we are slow about stuff like that.
So this is a dull post. Sorry about that. Perhaps one of these days I'll post a message full of righteous indignation that my least favorite people won "The Amazing Race." Maybe I'll save that for when "American Idol" and "Survivor" all wind up.
Oh. The snake. I didn't mention the 12-foot python.
There are not too many people who can get me to stuff like this. Best friend Rena was able to talk me into going to her brother's to take a photo of the 12-foot, dead python they found in their shed. My photos did not turn out...as it was all crawling with MAGGOTS! The assumption is that someone had it for a pet and could not care for it any longer, releasing it outside.
hmpf. Just tried to put Eric's photo on here and it won't upload.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Pushed Over the Edge
The bread I normally buy was not available at the grocery store the other day. So I bought some different stuff.
Let me just say that I always buy whole wheat bread. I never buy white bread.
But apparently Taylor took exception to this particular brand of bread that I bought the other day. Yesterday he left me this note.
This morning Mensa Boy took the offending loaf out of the bread drawer and said, "Is this the bread that pushed Taylor over the edge?"
(In very tiny print on the lower left side of this note, Mensa Boy put a comment: "Whole wheat bread is really fun." Taylor is not amused)
Friday, April 20, 2007
Evidence
Found this in Taylor's room this morning when I went in to wake him up.
How do you suppose he so neatly got the tops off all these cans?
PERHAPS WITH A CAN OPENER???
How do you suppose he so neatly got the tops off all these cans?
PERHAPS WITH A CAN OPENER???
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)