It was a busy day at our Boondock home yesterday! It all started late Sunday afternoon, when Pa declared the new clothes washer was ready for it's initial test spin.
We all gathered in the bathroom, where we had set our new family member up. I measured a small amount of my homemade detergent into the proper receptacle, closed the drawer, pushed the power button, determined how to set the dial, then hesitated before pushing "start". I was nervous! The fellow who had helped us load the machine into the pickup had warned us if we didn't have everything unhooked, hooked up and leveled correctly our new machine could become quite violent! After taking a deep breath I pushed the button, and we all watched and listed as the water began trickling in, finally reaching the level where we could actually see it.
The glass door on our front loading machine is a smokey color, so in order to see inside we need to use a flashlight. Our flashlight got a lot of use on Sunday! We took turns positioning ourselves in front of the machine, squatting down, facing the beam of the flashlight in just the right direction so we could see what was going on. We were amazed at how little water the machine used. That made us a bit nervous, but we continued to watch for the 54 minutes it took for the machine to finish it's course. There were multiple oohs and aahs, and "look at it spin!" comments from each of us in turn, until it finally finished.
We left the room feeling quite impressed. Within a couple minutes time I decided I really couldn't wait until the next day. My family followed me in and watched as I loaded an incredible amount of laundry into the machine, once again measured detergent into the little drawer and pushed all the right buttons.
As the machine began doing it's job, which on Monday seemed to be the all important job of providing entertainment to the four of us, Lindsay plopped herself down in front of it, crossed her legs and shined the flashlight inside. I think she remained in that position for 20 minutes before I couldn't stand it any longer. She relinquished her position to me. I chose not to sit on the floor, opting to watch from a semi standing position (known at our house as "Sit-standing")
I was fascinated at the way this machine worked. It uses so little water, which it seems to manage to disperse through the clothing utilizing gravity. Then it began spinning. Wow! That thing can really spin! Even Pa was impressed! Once it was finished, and the light informed me my clothes were clean, I began pulling the massive load out. More amazement. As I pulled each item out, I was shocked, not only by the cleanliness, but by the lack of moisture in them. That thing had extracted so much water from the clothing that it was like they were halfway dry already!
Yesterday, I got an early start on laundry. It was a sunny day, but just the same, I was amazed at how much I was able to wash and dry out on my line. This is a king sized washer, and we filled it to capacity each time. At the end of the day I had managed to wash, hang, remove when dry and replace with more, 4 full loads of clothing! All but 3 of those items were completely dry. Those 3 items included one flannel sheet, one heavy comforter, and a pair of Pa's jeans. Even those items were close though, and considering they didn't find their way out on the line until after 5 PM I sure couldn't complain about that! At one point yesterday, I wandered into the bathroom in search of Pa. I thought I'd seen him go in there, but he was gone such a long time! I found him, fully clothed, sitting on the toilet, facing the washer, peering inside, just enjoying the show.
Today brought cloudy skies to our area, so we're taking a break from laundry. Last we heard the sun will be returning again tomorrow. You'll never guess what I have planned for tomorrow!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
A Merging Of The Greens
We just love our little bit of paradise in the boondocks, and tend to stay home and just enjoy all it has to offer, rarely venturing out other than for necessary trips to town, and the occasional visit to family.
With fuel prices, and the resulting rising retail prices of most everything else, it seems a lot of folks are doing pretty much the same thing these days. There are some obvious disadvantages in this situation for some local economies, while it may actually be a boon for other areas that don't normally benefit from the tourist traffic.
Another area that may benefit would be the online retailers. While we have, and will continue to utilize the web based retailers, partially due to lack of product availability in our small community, we are also conscious of the need to support our local merchants. It is with pleasure that we support those businesses at every personally viable opportunity. We also think globally when shopping. Our idea of thinking globally includes, and is dominated by ecological concerns.
However, we, as well as rather large portion of Americans these days, have another concern when it comes to our shopping habits. That concern would be personal economics. It bothers me when I want to support a local merchant, or when I desire to do the ecologically responsible thing, but am hindered by artificially inflated prices for these items. Yes, I realize that in many cases the items we are in search of will have higher base prices, but in many cases it would seem they are multiplied many times over before they reach the consuming public.
Someone on a board I often visit once asked how one might encourage others to make more green choices. As with any other product, I believe the answer lies in some pretty basic concepts.
Availability! This does not just mean it's out there, waiting to be purchased in sufficient quantities. It also means it needs to be financially available to an economic base of folks beyond those in the top 10%. If someone wants to purchase a quality shopping bag that will be usable for the long term without breaking down, in order to reduce the amount of paper or plastic bags they use (provided for free in most places) then it needs to be available for a reasonable price. Same goes for "green" cleansers, food storage containers, and most anything else you can think of. Then there's the most basic of our needs, food. I can see where it may be a bit more expensive to produce organic edible products, but, again, I'm not wholly convinced those extra expenditures warrant as high a price as I'm seeing at the retail level.
I'm not saying these products should be artificially lowered. I do realize the providers of these products need to see a profit, but neither do I think they should be overpriced as a specialty item, making them available only to those in a higher income bracket. If those who are manufacturing these products, and those providing access to them are truly ecologically concerned, as they would have us believe, then I would think they would want to provide these products to the largest customer base possible, and common sense would seem to dictate that would be those in the lower 90%. I'm also thinking this may be one of those times when selling more for a lower, more affordable price may ultimately provide a higher income than fewer at a higher price.
Quality! While the products do need to be financially viable, they also need to be of good quality. A durable shopping bag, cleaning products that actually work, well constructed, strong storage containers, with the features that make them useful.
Aesthetics! While green alone is fast becoming the "hip" thing, we gotta face facts. "Cool" will always be a factor, especially if we want to encourage our younger population to get involved. I'm not seeing any reason why organic, reusable, and ecologically sustainable needs to be ugly, or "blah".
To keep up with the theme, my usual weekly feature is brought to to you by our Public Library, a local economical and ecologically sound resource ;-)
Saturday Night At The Movies
Last night, we watched a film Pa had been wanting to see for some time. Bee Movie, an animated tale featuring the voice of Jerry Seinfeld, as well as many other recognizable names, was an entertaining film for all four of us. The kids enjoyed it on one level, while Pa and I were able to appreciate the little morsels directed more to the "grown-up" viewers. This film is rated PG, and due mostly to a couple brief scenes which may be disturbing to younger audiences, I would have to say it is a good rating. If your children are a bit older, (mine are 9 and 11) then I'd say it's fine family fare, with something entertaining for the whole clan.
Today, Pa is going to perform the final steps required to get my washer up and running. I am beyond excited about it! I'm also pleased to note the weather guessers are predicting some great laundry drying weather for the next few days. My clothes line is going to get a workout this week! I'm looking forward to breathing in that wonderful aroma that only line drying can give. Aaaah. I can almost smell it now!
With fuel prices, and the resulting rising retail prices of most everything else, it seems a lot of folks are doing pretty much the same thing these days. There are some obvious disadvantages in this situation for some local economies, while it may actually be a boon for other areas that don't normally benefit from the tourist traffic.
Another area that may benefit would be the online retailers. While we have, and will continue to utilize the web based retailers, partially due to lack of product availability in our small community, we are also conscious of the need to support our local merchants. It is with pleasure that we support those businesses at every personally viable opportunity. We also think globally when shopping. Our idea of thinking globally includes, and is dominated by ecological concerns.
However, we, as well as rather large portion of Americans these days, have another concern when it comes to our shopping habits. That concern would be personal economics. It bothers me when I want to support a local merchant, or when I desire to do the ecologically responsible thing, but am hindered by artificially inflated prices for these items. Yes, I realize that in many cases the items we are in search of will have higher base prices, but in many cases it would seem they are multiplied many times over before they reach the consuming public.
Someone on a board I often visit once asked how one might encourage others to make more green choices. As with any other product, I believe the answer lies in some pretty basic concepts.
Availability! This does not just mean it's out there, waiting to be purchased in sufficient quantities. It also means it needs to be financially available to an economic base of folks beyond those in the top 10%. If someone wants to purchase a quality shopping bag that will be usable for the long term without breaking down, in order to reduce the amount of paper or plastic bags they use (provided for free in most places) then it needs to be available for a reasonable price. Same goes for "green" cleansers, food storage containers, and most anything else you can think of. Then there's the most basic of our needs, food. I can see where it may be a bit more expensive to produce organic edible products, but, again, I'm not wholly convinced those extra expenditures warrant as high a price as I'm seeing at the retail level.
I'm not saying these products should be artificially lowered. I do realize the providers of these products need to see a profit, but neither do I think they should be overpriced as a specialty item, making them available only to those in a higher income bracket. If those who are manufacturing these products, and those providing access to them are truly ecologically concerned, as they would have us believe, then I would think they would want to provide these products to the largest customer base possible, and common sense would seem to dictate that would be those in the lower 90%. I'm also thinking this may be one of those times when selling more for a lower, more affordable price may ultimately provide a higher income than fewer at a higher price.
Quality! While the products do need to be financially viable, they also need to be of good quality. A durable shopping bag, cleaning products that actually work, well constructed, strong storage containers, with the features that make them useful.
Aesthetics! While green alone is fast becoming the "hip" thing, we gotta face facts. "Cool" will always be a factor, especially if we want to encourage our younger population to get involved. I'm not seeing any reason why organic, reusable, and ecologically sustainable needs to be ugly, or "blah".
To keep up with the theme, my usual weekly feature is brought to to you by our Public Library, a local economical and ecologically sound resource ;-)
Saturday Night At The Movies
Last night, we watched a film Pa had been wanting to see for some time. Bee Movie, an animated tale featuring the voice of Jerry Seinfeld, as well as many other recognizable names, was an entertaining film for all four of us. The kids enjoyed it on one level, while Pa and I were able to appreciate the little morsels directed more to the "grown-up" viewers. This film is rated PG, and due mostly to a couple brief scenes which may be disturbing to younger audiences, I would have to say it is a good rating. If your children are a bit older, (mine are 9 and 11) then I'd say it's fine family fare, with something entertaining for the whole clan.
Today, Pa is going to perform the final steps required to get my washer up and running. I am beyond excited about it! I'm also pleased to note the weather guessers are predicting some great laundry drying weather for the next few days. My clothes line is going to get a workout this week! I'm looking forward to breathing in that wonderful aroma that only line drying can give. Aaaah. I can almost smell it now!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Another Great Award!
Thank you very much, Marcia, at HDMacs Crafty Blog And More, for this wonderful, and fun award!
I love the story behind this award, and am honored, as a recipient, to be included in the blogroll associated with it!
I am equally honored to be able to pass this award on to 3 blogs, and their authors that I find to be exceptional. I do have to say it was difficult to choose just three, as there are many that I enjoy, but choose I must, so here goes..
First I would like to bestow this award on Alexandra, at Happy Hearts at Home. Alexandra's Blog is one you just have to see for yourself to appreciate. Hints, tips, freebies, and some great old-fashioned printables are all generously shared, as well as some fantastic resources for Homeschoolers! I have to be careful when I visit her site, as I could easily lose myself in it for hours!
Connie, at Play Wit Me Nana, is another I would like to pass this award on to. Connie does a wonderful job of sharing her life experiences with her delightful and quite talented Granddaughter. Even my children enjoy peeking at her blog on occasion, seeing some of the masterpieces Kenzie has created. I'm also looking forward to the arrival of her next Grandchild. The adventure continues!
I'm rounding off my list with Dorothy, at Grammology. She describes her Blog with the words, "Hip Wisdom", and I can't think of a better description. She is an incredibly inspiring lady, who has passed through, and conquered the challenges and trials life has thrown at her with such strength and grace that I am left in awe. She shares her trials, and her human weaknesses, as well as the lessons learned from it all. I am truly grateful to her for sharing so freely, and for the imparting of her "hip wisdom"
There are some rules that go along with this award, that I need to post:
1) If you receive the "Rock on Sistah Friend" award, you must post the button on your blog (in sidebar or in a post), and link back to Color Me Untypical.
2) Let me know if you receive the award from someone, so I can add you to our Sistah's Who Rock Blogroll, and give them my personal "Rock On Sistah Friend!"
3) In the post on your blog, you must give the award away to 3 other Sistah's who you think rock. Post links to their blogs, why they rock, and post the rules to the award. Also, let them know you've given them the award so they too can celebrate themselves and pass on the love.
These three blogs, as well as Marcia's, where you can find some great crafts, recipes, organization tips, and heartwarming family stories, are all well worth a visit. I hope you do drop by, and be sure to take a moment to say hello while you're there!
I love the story behind this award, and am honored, as a recipient, to be included in the blogroll associated with it!
I am equally honored to be able to pass this award on to 3 blogs, and their authors that I find to be exceptional. I do have to say it was difficult to choose just three, as there are many that I enjoy, but choose I must, so here goes..
First I would like to bestow this award on Alexandra, at Happy Hearts at Home. Alexandra's Blog is one you just have to see for yourself to appreciate. Hints, tips, freebies, and some great old-fashioned printables are all generously shared, as well as some fantastic resources for Homeschoolers! I have to be careful when I visit her site, as I could easily lose myself in it for hours!
Connie, at Play Wit Me Nana, is another I would like to pass this award on to. Connie does a wonderful job of sharing her life experiences with her delightful and quite talented Granddaughter. Even my children enjoy peeking at her blog on occasion, seeing some of the masterpieces Kenzie has created. I'm also looking forward to the arrival of her next Grandchild. The adventure continues!
I'm rounding off my list with Dorothy, at Grammology. She describes her Blog with the words, "Hip Wisdom", and I can't think of a better description. She is an incredibly inspiring lady, who has passed through, and conquered the challenges and trials life has thrown at her with such strength and grace that I am left in awe. She shares her trials, and her human weaknesses, as well as the lessons learned from it all. I am truly grateful to her for sharing so freely, and for the imparting of her "hip wisdom"
There are some rules that go along with this award, that I need to post:
1) If you receive the "Rock on Sistah Friend" award, you must post the button on your blog (in sidebar or in a post), and link back to Color Me Untypical.
2) Let me know if you receive the award from someone, so I can add you to our Sistah's Who Rock Blogroll, and give them my personal "Rock On Sistah Friend!"
3) In the post on your blog, you must give the award away to 3 other Sistah's who you think rock. Post links to their blogs, why they rock, and post the rules to the award. Also, let them know you've given them the award so they too can celebrate themselves and pass on the love.
These three blogs, as well as Marcia's, where you can find some great crafts, recipes, organization tips, and heartwarming family stories, are all well worth a visit. I hope you do drop by, and be sure to take a moment to say hello while you're there!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Laughter Really Is The Best Medicine
Yesterday, our weekly Library and shopping day, took a different turn. The kids and I started out at the Library, as usual, while Pa made his run across the street to the Post Office. I was tickled to learn the History books I had ordered for school had arrived. After leaving the Library, we veered from our normal routine. Rather than grocery shopping, Pa and Nathan dropped Lindsay and me off at the mall, while they headed off in another direction. It seems the male half of our family really isn't nearly so interested in mall happenings as Lindsay and I are.
For some reason, this last week has been a difficult one for me. I just haven't been feeling quite so happy go lucky as usual. Yesterday's trip to the mall, accompanied by my youngest daughter was just the thing to shake me from my doldrums. We started out at the restroom which it turned out was a very good thing! Our next stop was at Macy's, a store we seldom even bother glancing at. We tend to be of a more frugal mind than that shop allows. This time though, we were in a mood to try something a bit different, maybe get a taste of how the other half lives. Once inside we headed to the women's undergarment section. I'd been curious about the shapewear that seems to be all the rage, and there was quite the selection to choose from. I grabbed a few different styles and Lindsay and I headed to the fitting room. Fortunately, we were the only customers in that area.
The first piece a tried on, a cami was entertaining. I slipped it over my head, and attempted to pull it down. It wasn't cooperating. Finally, I figured out a hook had grabbed on in the back, where I couldn't reach it. Fortunately, Lindsay was with me and, doing her best to control her giggling, reached up and unhooked it, leaving me able to pull the garment down and into place. It fit okay, except for the top portion, which was too small. I managed to remove the garment with minimal difficulty, and we headed out to grab a couple more sizes to try. That's when the fun began!
I tried the next garment on, another cami. This one went on a bit easier.Naturally, the top portion of this one was too big. I decided to go ahead and hook the crotch anyway, just to see what I thought of the general fit. As leaned over, my glasses slipped off. Lindsay began giggling again. After repeated attempts at hooking, and keeping my glasses in place, I began chuckling. Lindsay's giggles had become laughter. Then came the removal. I gently began to pull it over my head.Then something odd happened. It stopped. It only made it part way over my head. The rest of the garment was stuck just below my shoulders. There I was, bent over at the waist, with this large, very strong rubber band stuck at my shoulders, dangling over my head, with my arms stuck hanging out beyond the dangling portion. Lindsay was laughing again. I said "Uh-Oh!". Her laughter became louder. As I attempted to wriggle out of this odd position, I gasped, as quietly as possible, "Oh No! I'm stuck!" My laughter joined Lindsay's, and soon, with me still in this rather strange, contorted position we were both laughing uncontrollably. She was standing against the door, as it didn't have a working lock. She tried to help me out of my impossible situation, pulling at one end with all her 9 year old might, to no avail. That made us laugh even harder! She was laughing so hard she could barely remain in a standing position. Fortunately, the bench was directly behind me, as I too was laughing so hard I could no longer stand. I fell back onto the bench. Somehow, while laughing so hard tears were welling up, and Lindsay holding her stomach from the pain of it all, I managed to wriggle out of my self imposed elastic torture chamber.
It was then we heard a voice from the other side of the door. The woman's voice sounded rather confused as she asked, "Is everything alright in there?" I somehow managed to choke back the laughter long enough to answer in the affirmative, before Lindsay and I both broke out laughing again.
As we exited the fitting rooms, and I replaced the garments in their original, undisturbed positions on the racks, the woman looked at us. She smiled as she commented that she had never heard anyone have so much fun in a fitting room before. Lindsay started laughing again as I responded, thanking her, and telling her it was fun. We walked through the doors of Macy's with no bags in our hands.We had spent nothing. What we left with was worth far more than money could buy. The smiles never left our faces the rest of the day, and we were still sharing some giggles over the whole ordeal this morning. I think I'll accept my 9 year olds words of wisdom. She says I'm already skinny, so I really don't need that sort of thing.
Of course, upon returning home I remembered reading somewhere that the way you don this sort of apparel, is to step into it, pulling it up, rather than attempting to pull it down over your head. Ah well. That wouldn't have been nearly as much fun!
For some reason, this last week has been a difficult one for me. I just haven't been feeling quite so happy go lucky as usual. Yesterday's trip to the mall, accompanied by my youngest daughter was just the thing to shake me from my doldrums. We started out at the restroom which it turned out was a very good thing! Our next stop was at Macy's, a store we seldom even bother glancing at. We tend to be of a more frugal mind than that shop allows. This time though, we were in a mood to try something a bit different, maybe get a taste of how the other half lives. Once inside we headed to the women's undergarment section. I'd been curious about the shapewear that seems to be all the rage, and there was quite the selection to choose from. I grabbed a few different styles and Lindsay and I headed to the fitting room. Fortunately, we were the only customers in that area.
The first piece a tried on, a cami was entertaining. I slipped it over my head, and attempted to pull it down. It wasn't cooperating. Finally, I figured out a hook had grabbed on in the back, where I couldn't reach it. Fortunately, Lindsay was with me and, doing her best to control her giggling, reached up and unhooked it, leaving me able to pull the garment down and into place. It fit okay, except for the top portion, which was too small. I managed to remove the garment with minimal difficulty, and we headed out to grab a couple more sizes to try. That's when the fun began!
I tried the next garment on, another cami. This one went on a bit easier.Naturally, the top portion of this one was too big. I decided to go ahead and hook the crotch anyway, just to see what I thought of the general fit. As leaned over, my glasses slipped off. Lindsay began giggling again. After repeated attempts at hooking, and keeping my glasses in place, I began chuckling. Lindsay's giggles had become laughter. Then came the removal. I gently began to pull it over my head.Then something odd happened. It stopped. It only made it part way over my head. The rest of the garment was stuck just below my shoulders. There I was, bent over at the waist, with this large, very strong rubber band stuck at my shoulders, dangling over my head, with my arms stuck hanging out beyond the dangling portion. Lindsay was laughing again. I said "Uh-Oh!". Her laughter became louder. As I attempted to wriggle out of this odd position, I gasped, as quietly as possible, "Oh No! I'm stuck!" My laughter joined Lindsay's, and soon, with me still in this rather strange, contorted position we were both laughing uncontrollably. She was standing against the door, as it didn't have a working lock. She tried to help me out of my impossible situation, pulling at one end with all her 9 year old might, to no avail. That made us laugh even harder! She was laughing so hard she could barely remain in a standing position. Fortunately, the bench was directly behind me, as I too was laughing so hard I could no longer stand. I fell back onto the bench. Somehow, while laughing so hard tears were welling up, and Lindsay holding her stomach from the pain of it all, I managed to wriggle out of my self imposed elastic torture chamber.
It was then we heard a voice from the other side of the door. The woman's voice sounded rather confused as she asked, "Is everything alright in there?" I somehow managed to choke back the laughter long enough to answer in the affirmative, before Lindsay and I both broke out laughing again.
As we exited the fitting rooms, and I replaced the garments in their original, undisturbed positions on the racks, the woman looked at us. She smiled as she commented that she had never heard anyone have so much fun in a fitting room before. Lindsay started laughing again as I responded, thanking her, and telling her it was fun. We walked through the doors of Macy's with no bags in our hands.We had spent nothing. What we left with was worth far more than money could buy. The smiles never left our faces the rest of the day, and we were still sharing some giggles over the whole ordeal this morning. I think I'll accept my 9 year olds words of wisdom. She says I'm already skinny, so I really don't need that sort of thing.
Of course, upon returning home I remembered reading somewhere that the way you don this sort of apparel, is to step into it, pulling it up, rather than attempting to pull it down over your head. Ah well. That wouldn't have been nearly as much fun!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
This That And The Other Thing
For some reason I wasn't feeling inspired yesterday. There was actually plenty to talk about, but I couldn't seem to put it down in words.
Monday, Labor Day was a good day for us. We just hung around the house and relaxed for the most part. Of course the kids idea of relaxing was a bit more energetic. The neighbor girl came down for a bit, and they had a fine time running around, spending some of the excess energy they always seem to have.
Naturally, being Labor Day, we had to have a BBQ for supper. Pa cooked up some chicken, which turned out wonderfully as usual. We had scalloped potatoes and Deviled eggs with it. For some reason deviled eggs are a prerequisite for any holiday meal, fancy or casual, and according to Lindsay, they are never complete until I sprinkle them with "the red stuff", otherwise known as paprika.
The kids enjoyed having the extra day off from school on Monday, but yesterday it was back to school. Pa and I have noticed the kids seem to get along better on school days. They normally get along pretty good, but after a weekend off from school, they seem to need the focus that school brings to start their days.
Night before last I finally managed to finish "Undaunted Courage". What a great book! Once I finished that, I headed over to the bookase and scanned it for my next selection. I finally chose "The Clan Of The Cave Bear", by Jean Auel. I figured Nathan had read it, and enjoyed it so much that perhaps I should give it a try. I finished the first chapter and started on the second. While I understand why my then 10 year old son enjoyed it, I am also awed at his ability to read, and comprehend it.
Fall is on it's way. The evening, and early morning temperatures are dropping, and the day time highs don't seem to last quite so long. I'm rather looking forward to evenings spent curled up on the couch, watching a favorite show, or reading a good book as I feel the warmth, and hear the crackling from the woodstove.
As Fall approaches, and we anticipate the cooler crisp air, the rich colors the season brings, we also wonder at what this winter will bring. At the same time we are planning ahead to next Spring. Nathan has been immersing himself in various gardening books. In addition to his greenhouse plans, he is learning about, and planning to utilize his new knowledge in Fall and Winter soil preparations, including Fall cover crop plantings, meant for enriching the soil, and if I understand him correctly, we may even realize some edible winter treats from some of it! That boy knows as much as I do about gardening now, and more! He's already teaching me new things. It makes me wonder anew at what he may grow up to do. Whatever it is, I've no doubt he will do it with enthusiasm.
The kids have finished with school for the day, and are now requesting lunch, and so I will wish you all a happy midweek, with hopes that I will be able to come up with a more focused update for tomorrow!
Monday, Labor Day was a good day for us. We just hung around the house and relaxed for the most part. Of course the kids idea of relaxing was a bit more energetic. The neighbor girl came down for a bit, and they had a fine time running around, spending some of the excess energy they always seem to have.
Naturally, being Labor Day, we had to have a BBQ for supper. Pa cooked up some chicken, which turned out wonderfully as usual. We had scalloped potatoes and Deviled eggs with it. For some reason deviled eggs are a prerequisite for any holiday meal, fancy or casual, and according to Lindsay, they are never complete until I sprinkle them with "the red stuff", otherwise known as paprika.
The kids enjoyed having the extra day off from school on Monday, but yesterday it was back to school. Pa and I have noticed the kids seem to get along better on school days. They normally get along pretty good, but after a weekend off from school, they seem to need the focus that school brings to start their days.
Night before last I finally managed to finish "Undaunted Courage". What a great book! Once I finished that, I headed over to the bookase and scanned it for my next selection. I finally chose "The Clan Of The Cave Bear", by Jean Auel. I figured Nathan had read it, and enjoyed it so much that perhaps I should give it a try. I finished the first chapter and started on the second. While I understand why my then 10 year old son enjoyed it, I am also awed at his ability to read, and comprehend it.
Fall is on it's way. The evening, and early morning temperatures are dropping, and the day time highs don't seem to last quite so long. I'm rather looking forward to evenings spent curled up on the couch, watching a favorite show, or reading a good book as I feel the warmth, and hear the crackling from the woodstove.
As Fall approaches, and we anticipate the cooler crisp air, the rich colors the season brings, we also wonder at what this winter will bring. At the same time we are planning ahead to next Spring. Nathan has been immersing himself in various gardening books. In addition to his greenhouse plans, he is learning about, and planning to utilize his new knowledge in Fall and Winter soil preparations, including Fall cover crop plantings, meant for enriching the soil, and if I understand him correctly, we may even realize some edible winter treats from some of it! That boy knows as much as I do about gardening now, and more! He's already teaching me new things. It makes me wonder anew at what he may grow up to do. Whatever it is, I've no doubt he will do it with enthusiasm.
The kids have finished with school for the day, and are now requesting lunch, and so I will wish you all a happy midweek, with hopes that I will be able to come up with a more focused update for tomorrow!
Monday, September 1, 2008
A Wonderful Award
Thank you so much, Alexandra from Happy Hearts At Home for this wonderful award, which means so much to me!
With gratitude I am pleased to pass this award on to some fantastic ladies who have been so generous in leaving great comments on my blog!
Marcia, at HDMacs Crafty Blog And More
Connie, at Play Wit Me Nana
Dorothy, at Grammology
My sister Carol, at Too Many Hats
And last, but certainly not least, my daughter Kimmi, at Musings Of A Pastry Case
Thank you all so much for your support through your comments. You've made me smile, and you've made me laugh. I am truly grateful to each of you!
With gratitude I am pleased to pass this award on to some fantastic ladies who have been so generous in leaving great comments on my blog!
Marcia, at HDMacs Crafty Blog And More
Connie, at Play Wit Me Nana
Dorothy, at Grammology
My sister Carol, at Too Many Hats
And last, but certainly not least, my daughter Kimmi, at Musings Of A Pastry Case
Thank you all so much for your support through your comments. You've made me smile, and you've made me laugh. I am truly grateful to each of you!
Weekend Catch-Up
Happy Labor Day!
So far our Labor Day weekend has been quiet, calm, and uneventful, as expected. As with other holidays, we stayed home, preferring the quiet our property affords us to the hustle and bustle of the tourist traffic.
Yesterday, for whatever reason Lewis and Clark, and the history of our State name was on my mind, so I neglected to give my usual movie review. So, a day late but, since it is a long weekend for most, hopefully not too late, I'll do it now!
Saturday Night At The Movies
This week's featured event was Nanny McPhee,starring Emma Thompson and Colin Firth, and featuring another favorite actress, Angela Lansbury. This was a movie we had seen in the racks at the Library many times, but for some reason had passed over. Not sure why, but it seems those are the ones that end up being the most entertaining for us. This film was no exception. At first I was a bit put off by the comparison made on the container, "The new Mary Poppins". Certainly nothing could ever replace that classic from my youth! By the end of the movie, my opinion hadn't changed, but I did have to admit, it came close.
The children portrayed in this film were more unruly than the two in Mary Poppins, and there were more of them. Perhaps the ones in Mary Poppins would've been more rambunctious as well if their numbers had been larger? Both films portrayed some magical moments, but while the older film incorporated the magic into fun and frolic, for the most part the newer version's magic was utilized as a tool to keep the kids in line. There were definitely some laughs to be had from it's use in the second though, and lessons to be learned. Both Nathan and Lindsay enjoyed the film, although Nathan thought the ending a bit mushy. At 11 years of age, "Almost a teenager!" romance is considered a bit "yucky". That's fine with me. I'm rather hoping he'll hold on to that notion for awhile! ;-)
Pa and I weren't so taken with our choice of movies for the evening. We really couldn't find any complaint abut it though, it just wasn't quite what we had in mind. Since I can find neither fault nor praise for it, I'll review a movie we watched earlier in the week instead. Martian Child, starring John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Bobby Coleman, and costarring an actor I enjoy, and you may recognize from "West Wing", Richard Schiff, was enjoyed by both of us. It is a story about a boy who had been abandoned by his parents, withdrawn and spending his days in a box, and the widower who took him in, resulting in multiple rather unique challenges for all involved. It is a story of love and acceptance, perhaps even honoring differences. It was at once humorous and touching, and provided a valuable lesson no matter your age. Due to subject matter which may be confusing, or even troubling for younger children, I would not recommend this film for family viewing, but I do not recall any of the usual things that would normally warrant a PG13 or R rating.
Dining In
Saturday night is rapidly becoming bean night at our house. This week was no exception. As previously mentioned, I chose to experiment with a version of Bean and Bacon Soup this week. It turned out quite good, but not quite perfect. I'll be making a few changes next time I make it, and hopefully will find it good enough to post the recipe at that time. Last night Pa fixed dinner. He prepared pork chops, marinated then grilled outside with the addition of some fresh alder twigs. The result was a wonderful smoky flavored sensation that I am still relishing. This evening Pa is playing chef again. This time he plans to do chicken on the grill. I need to put my thinking cap on and come up with a yummy side or two to go with it. This will be a holiday meal after all!
A happy Labor Day to all, and Prayers for the safety of all those in Gustav's path!
So far our Labor Day weekend has been quiet, calm, and uneventful, as expected. As with other holidays, we stayed home, preferring the quiet our property affords us to the hustle and bustle of the tourist traffic.
Yesterday, for whatever reason Lewis and Clark, and the history of our State name was on my mind, so I neglected to give my usual movie review. So, a day late but, since it is a long weekend for most, hopefully not too late, I'll do it now!
Saturday Night At The Movies
This week's featured event was Nanny McPhee,starring Emma Thompson and Colin Firth, and featuring another favorite actress, Angela Lansbury. This was a movie we had seen in the racks at the Library many times, but for some reason had passed over. Not sure why, but it seems those are the ones that end up being the most entertaining for us. This film was no exception. At first I was a bit put off by the comparison made on the container, "The new Mary Poppins". Certainly nothing could ever replace that classic from my youth! By the end of the movie, my opinion hadn't changed, but I did have to admit, it came close.
The children portrayed in this film were more unruly than the two in Mary Poppins, and there were more of them. Perhaps the ones in Mary Poppins would've been more rambunctious as well if their numbers had been larger? Both films portrayed some magical moments, but while the older film incorporated the magic into fun and frolic, for the most part the newer version's magic was utilized as a tool to keep the kids in line. There were definitely some laughs to be had from it's use in the second though, and lessons to be learned. Both Nathan and Lindsay enjoyed the film, although Nathan thought the ending a bit mushy. At 11 years of age, "Almost a teenager!" romance is considered a bit "yucky". That's fine with me. I'm rather hoping he'll hold on to that notion for awhile! ;-)
Pa and I weren't so taken with our choice of movies for the evening. We really couldn't find any complaint abut it though, it just wasn't quite what we had in mind. Since I can find neither fault nor praise for it, I'll review a movie we watched earlier in the week instead. Martian Child, starring John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Bobby Coleman, and costarring an actor I enjoy, and you may recognize from "West Wing", Richard Schiff, was enjoyed by both of us. It is a story about a boy who had been abandoned by his parents, withdrawn and spending his days in a box, and the widower who took him in, resulting in multiple rather unique challenges for all involved. It is a story of love and acceptance, perhaps even honoring differences. It was at once humorous and touching, and provided a valuable lesson no matter your age. Due to subject matter which may be confusing, or even troubling for younger children, I would not recommend this film for family viewing, but I do not recall any of the usual things that would normally warrant a PG13 or R rating.
Dining In
Saturday night is rapidly becoming bean night at our house. This week was no exception. As previously mentioned, I chose to experiment with a version of Bean and Bacon Soup this week. It turned out quite good, but not quite perfect. I'll be making a few changes next time I make it, and hopefully will find it good enough to post the recipe at that time. Last night Pa fixed dinner. He prepared pork chops, marinated then grilled outside with the addition of some fresh alder twigs. The result was a wonderful smoky flavored sensation that I am still relishing. This evening Pa is playing chef again. This time he plans to do chicken on the grill. I need to put my thinking cap on and come up with a yummy side or two to go with it. This will be a holiday meal after all!
A happy Labor Day to all, and Prayers for the safety of all those in Gustav's path!
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