tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32592894782395512502024-03-13T12:36:02.314-04:00Round Stone RevivalJen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-64699680766661702262012-11-16T08:08:00.003-05:002012-11-16T08:11:16.216-05:00This Moment<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This Moment - A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" target="_blank">Soule Mama</a>. </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A simple and special moment that I want to hold onto and cherish.</span></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ClR6HVCEBfw/UKY61cmsXuI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/_dzR6w_nX8Q/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ClR6HVCEBfw/UKY61cmsXuI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/_dzR6w_nX8Q/s320/IMG_0048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 27px;">If you feel inspired to do the same, please </i></div>
<div style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">leave a link to your moment in the comments.</i></div>
Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-52689122978629136472012-11-15T08:25:00.000-05:002012-11-15T08:25:42.418-05:00For the Love of Lobster Mac and Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4E1_osVc-nM/UKQ2SAh7ERI/AAAAAAAAA8c/CtbLaKMnhPY/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4E1_osVc-nM/UKQ2SAh7ERI/AAAAAAAAA8c/CtbLaKMnhPY/s320/IMG_0128.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One Friday night recently my neighbor popped in after supper. Miss B was already in her nightgown. Five minutes later and I would have been too... anyhoo this lovely neighbor wanted to know if we enjoyed eating lobster. Why yes, we do! Apparently her daughter, who is a recent graduate and now a marine biologist has been doing some fishing/lobstering work on the side for extra money. She invited Miss B and I over to pick out a couple lobsters to take home and cook. We threw on boots and sweaters and were there in a flash. We are no strangers to live lobsters, my dad being a recreational lobsterman and all, so Miss B was not at all squeamish about picking out our haul. <br />
<br />
These were quite honestly the biggest lobsters I'd ever seen. I ended up steaming them for 15 minutes (a far cry longer than I generally would), and we picked them and had lobster rolls the following day. But we still had a ton of meat - ah such a problem, I know ; ) I love sweet fresh lobster straight up. Steamed and maybe dipped in a bit of melted butter, but that's it. However my taste buds being a bit wonky these days I decided instead on a lobster mac and cheese. Normally I find dishes like this absolute sacrilege, I mean why mess with perfection, but like I said, these are strange times. <br />
<br />
I ended up using <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lobster-mac-and-cheese-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">this recipe</a> from the Barefoot Contessa. Miraculously I had all the ingredients on hand, or worthy substitutions (I used Comte instead of Gruyere). It was insanely good! My plan was to serve it one or two meals and freeze the rest in smaller portions for the darker days of winter, but it was so crazy good the hubs and I ate it for both lunch and dinner until it was gone. I cannot recommend this recipe enough. If you've ever been tempted by lobster mac and cheese I implore you to use this recipe. Yumm, yumm, yummy!<br />
<br />
Thanks neighbor! Now plotting her tasty thank you. Maybe a jar of the rose petal syrup we made this spring?Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-10912480032345677862012-11-13T21:03:00.000-05:002012-11-13T21:03:17.505-05:00Where I've Been<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3bFvqnR3qs/UKL61sE2ldI/AAAAAAAAA7s/JyykMCswLek/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3bFvqnR3qs/UKL61sE2ldI/AAAAAAAAA7s/JyykMCswLek/s320/IMG_0027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely Salmon Falls River sporting in fall costume.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Why hello there! You may have wondered what black hole I have fallen into...well it is a black hole of happiness so to speak.<br />
<br />
While I have not been blogging I've been...<br />
<br />
Celebrating a second heartbeat!!<br />
<br />
Spending a lot of time in the bathroom.<br />
<br />
Spending a lot of time on the couch.<br />
<br />
Spending a lot of time on our other couch.<br />
<br />
Calling my hubby and asking him to bring sandwiches home for supper.<br />
<br />
Celebrating a second heartbeat!!<br />
<br />
Getting really good at saying no thank you to opportunities to do more.<br />
<br />
Getting really good at just being, but getting at least a short walk in every day.<br />
<br />
Telling Miss B she is going to be a big sister.<br />
<br />
Watching her process this, and do a happy dance because she is so excited.<br />
<br />
The next day answering her questions about whether or not you can marry your brother ; )<br />
<br />
Still celebrating that second heartbeat and now feeling flutters of movement!!!<br />
<br />
It is now a rare day when I actually vomit - yay! And though I can still over do it, I feel my energy is on the upswing.<br />
<br />
Dressing up as a super hero, maybe super mom, for Halloween, cause you know, I am ; )<br />
<br />
Anyway, I hope to reconnect with this space, with the caveat there may be a few more things baby running through my noggin. Just saying.<br />
<br />
<br />Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-32463928924461110592012-10-01T09:44:00.000-04:002012-10-01T09:44:04.287-04:00Fairy House Festival <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mH4wfLvKcVM/UGmZ4oWHZKI/AAAAAAAAA60/oibteMwVgxU/s1600/100_2391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mH4wfLvKcVM/UGmZ4oWHZKI/AAAAAAAAA60/oibteMwVgxU/s640/100_2391.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This fairy house was made from a gourd and I adore the little ladder.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We attended the 8th Annual Fairy House Festival in Portsmouth, NH this year and it was enchanting! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DC-NdWQvMRY/UGmXJnPaU8I/AAAAAAAAA3g/j53VuDfag1M/s1600/100_2334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DC-NdWQvMRY/UGmXJnPaU8I/AAAAAAAAA3g/j53VuDfag1M/s400/100_2334.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bridge is amazing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OpDUeKE28Lc/UGmYBw-4JkI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/2q8JMcEVEpk/s1600/100_2347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OpDUeKE28Lc/UGmYBw-4JkI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/2q8JMcEVEpk/s400/100_2347.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss B dressed as a baby fairy (hence the lack of fairy wings) complete with blue hair : )</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Gardens in full bloom with fairy houses nestled among the flowers. Spotted among the fairy dwellings were miniature swings, twig ladders leading to fairy sized lofts, teeny beds with feather blankets, seashell lined walkways and acorn cap bowls filled with itty bitty fairy food. The attention to detail that went into these pint sized creations was awe inspiring. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N94auGKMeVA/UGmXU7dUfaI/AAAAAAAAA3o/sv7i44VV9zk/s1600/100_2338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N94auGKMeVA/UGmXU7dUfaI/AAAAAAAAA3o/sv7i44VV9zk/s400/100_2338.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a darling seashell swing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2E4qw2v0tFg/UGmXgMn24DI/AAAAAAAAA30/Q1bdverYwkM/s1600/100_2339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2E4qw2v0tFg/UGmXgMn24DI/AAAAAAAAA30/Q1bdverYwkM/s400/100_2339.JPG" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lot's of bark and lichen in play here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V1jKwK_vIb0/UGmXpwarg1I/AAAAAAAAA38/WhXp_TTrF-8/s1600/100_2340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V1jKwK_vIb0/UGmXpwarg1I/AAAAAAAAA38/WhXp_TTrF-8/s400/100_2340.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the tiny table and chairs - oh my word!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xeoklA5tv-0/UGmX62Df2II/AAAAAAAAA4Q/h-nq0UEr6NI/s1600/100_2342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xeoklA5tv-0/UGmX62Df2II/AAAAAAAAA4Q/h-nq0UEr6NI/s400/100_2342.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one has cattails and feathers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5aqcla9B1M/UGmYG-52ZbI/AAAAAAAAA4k/HZmgVgV5LnM/s1600/100_2351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5aqcla9B1M/UGmYG-52ZbI/AAAAAAAAA4k/HZmgVgV5LnM/s400/100_2351.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birch bark, rosehips, and smooth beach stones - lovely.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most of the young attendees
came dressed as fairies, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
adding to the magic of the event. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7SoOzWnCMpQ/UGmYlJnqUYI/AAAAAAAAA5I/cj0CYGoAa3s/s1600/100_2366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7SoOzWnCMpQ/UGmYlJnqUYI/AAAAAAAAA5I/cj0CYGoAa3s/s400/100_2366.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
A bubble tower blew out a constant and generous
stream of bubbles for the little ones to chase and pop, in between face painting
and constructing new fairy houses in an enchanted forest fairy village set up on Pierce
Island. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gAkq_MXqIf4/UGmYgh3dleI/AAAAAAAAA5A/8OpHbf6ithw/s1600/100_2359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gAkq_MXqIf4/UGmYgh3dleI/AAAAAAAAA5A/8OpHbf6ithw/s400/100_2359.JPG" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bubble tower made from a very nicely adorned stepladder. Brilliant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JBcHgquzJ-8/UGmYY7m8xfI/AAAAAAAAA44/_-Zsv66CB_s/s1600/100_2353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JBcHgquzJ-8/UGmYY7m8xfI/AAAAAAAAA44/_-Zsv66CB_s/s400/100_2353.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting lots of new ideas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8JIGR6Pul8/UGmYOwW08LI/AAAAAAAAA4s/pVoqRHdKqpw/s1600/100_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8JIGR6Pul8/UGmYOwW08LI/AAAAAAAAA4s/pVoqRHdKqpw/s400/100_2352.JPG" width="326" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was enough to tucker out my
own little fairy. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aQyZqRtnMh0/UGmYs_GYiAI/AAAAAAAAA5U/vUMl5S_V2qU/s1600/100_2370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aQyZqRtnMh0/UGmYs_GYiAI/AAAAAAAAA5U/vUMl5S_V2qU/s400/100_2370.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fairy version of peter peter pumpkin eater.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ysZeZQvx9NY/UGmZE7pcOWI/AAAAAAAAA5w/9WEVwRy4W90/s1600/100_2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ysZeZQvx9NY/UGmZE7pcOWI/AAAAAAAAA5w/9WEVwRy4W90/s400/100_2378.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This yarn shop complete with loom and spinning wheel was one of my favorites.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MAiy8TNW-5A/UGmZL6w38QI/AAAAAAAAA54/cdjwMg4EKTk/s1600/100_2381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MAiy8TNW-5A/UGmZL6w38QI/AAAAAAAAA54/cdjwMg4EKTk/s400/100_2381.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just look at the milkweed pod baskets filled with naturally dyed yarns!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_79znQwZgw/UGmY4l0iSQI/AAAAAAAAA5c/UJPodJMNTeE/s1600/100_2371+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_79znQwZgw/UGmY4l0iSQI/AAAAAAAAA5c/UJPodJMNTeE/s640/100_2371+%25282%2529.jpg" width="475" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This fairy observatory was awesome!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h0UAT7ODuZU/UGmY8QvTViI/AAAAAAAAA5k/spqGEMY2KwY/s1600/100_2371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h0UAT7ODuZU/UGmY8QvTViI/AAAAAAAAA5k/spqGEMY2KwY/s400/100_2371.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Complete with teeny, tiny scrolls presumably of the stars. So sweet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We are already looking
forward to attending the festival next year, and I am certain we will be making
a lot of fairy houses in the meantime. <br />
<br />
<br />Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-62222126523727136202012-09-26T09:20:00.000-04:002012-09-26T09:20:22.461-04:00Taking it easy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7G75BdJR8OA/UGMAwXyhGYI/AAAAAAAAA2o/rf8l5EZ84LU/s1600/100_2412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7G75BdJR8OA/UGMAwXyhGYI/AAAAAAAAA2o/rf8l5EZ84LU/s400/100_2412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Miss B had developed a cold... Then her breathing seemed faster than usual so I thought I'd just take her into the our local walk-in clinic for a quick lung listen by a professional. Fully expecting to be told it was fine, just a cold. Not the case at all. We ended up in the ER with Bronchiolitis. Breathing stuff is scary!! So thankful for such wonderful medical staff! And the next day at the follow-up a double ear infection!<br />
<br />
So last week we were laying low. Miss B missing her friends and dance class too : ( We were itching to get outside, so we decided a short fall stroll through lovely Vaughan woods was in order. Sunlight and fresh air are healing no? Well, actually this did not work out well at all, Miss B got quite winded quite fast, and the woods were full of babies and their people! We spent our time trying to slowly stroll back to the car, while taking the trails less traveled and going off trail to avoid the little ones and sharing our sickness. Crazy! We felt like spies sort of. Miss B was very good about it all.<br />
<br />
I remember as a child my own mother took me to the beach one time after a doctor appointment, for the sea air to work it's magic. This seemed a lot like playing hooky to me and it was thrilling.<br />
<br />
Miss B just loves fall - its powers of transformation. Each day feels like a holiday...maybe the trees will look different. The discovery of one beautiful leaf after another.<br />
<br />
We're back to our regular things this week, but I/we still feel worn out. But I have missed this space and will work on getting back in here. I do appreciate your patience. <br />
<br />
Wishing you a restful day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-44327098400665224662012-09-21T08:41:00.000-04:002012-09-21T08:41:56.936-04:00<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This Moment - A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" target="_blank">Soule Mama</a>. </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A simple and special moment that I want to hold onto and cherish.</span></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3Rg-spBDOI/UFxgVFejxAI/AAAAAAAAA14/v8qWN41VkXk/s1600/100_2353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3Rg-spBDOI/UFxgVFejxAI/AAAAAAAAA14/v8qWN41VkXk/s400/100_2353.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 27px;">If you feel inspired to do the same, please </i></div>
<div style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">leave a link to your moment in the comments.</i></div>
Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-74047793497224127992012-09-18T10:27:00.000-04:002012-09-18T10:27:35.989-04:00Things we are loving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzHP_7aUTiM/UFiDiMrQAoI/AAAAAAAAA1M/3Je0AUREwaU/s1600/100_2406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzHP_7aUTiM/UFiDiMrQAoI/AAAAAAAAA1M/3Je0AUREwaU/s320/100_2406.JPG" width="301" /></a></div>
<br />
One of our favorite librarians, Miss Kathleen, recently introduced us to Mo Willems and his pigeon books. Pure genius! I think it's really hard to be so flipping funny in so few words. Just amazing. One of the books we borrowed from our library had a disc with Mo reading <u>Don't Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late</u> and it was out of this world. <br />
<br />
Miss B is enjoying the games and printables on the <a href="http://www.pigeonpresents.com/" target="_blank">pigeon's website</a>.<br />
<br />
The perfume I am wearing now...tee-hee...it's called tomato plant. Only available for a limited time...and in your nearest garden.<br />
<br />
Completing outside projects before winter. I finally bit the bullet and resurfaced our paved driveway myself. It actually came out remarkably well. I like to think all my years of squeegying the floor of the creamery translated into my awesomeness with the driveway squeegee. It also helped that all the neighborhood walkers cheered me on. I felt like a superstar. Love our neighborhood.<br />
<br />
Dream catchers - we're on a kick of sorts...and they do seem to be helping Miss B sleep better. Next up we want to make a giant one out of a broken hula hoop. How fun would that be? Also, it would make it so she doesn't have to spend so much effort positioning herself directly beneath the small one we made initially. Here's a <a href="http://www.nativetech.org/dreamcat/dreminst.html" target="_blank">great tutorial</a> from NativeTech and another from <a href="http://www.thatartistwoman.org/2009/07/how-to-make-dreamcatcher.html" target="_blank">That Artist Woman</a>.<br />
<br />
The September light. It is so golden and with the crisp air you just know it is important to enjoy it now while we have it. Much like many things in this world/life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-47016520237478692472012-09-17T09:29:00.001-04:002012-09-17T09:29:57.023-04:00These Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-39e9ptecVh8/UFcljfntBgI/AAAAAAAAA0c/_RIYBoH9u8U/s1600/100_2298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-39e9ptecVh8/UFcljfntBgI/AAAAAAAAA0c/_RIYBoH9u8U/s400/100_2298.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Trying to get into the swing of fall routines.<br />
<br />
Soccer. Dance. School.<br />
<br />
Miss B came home Friday and informed us that it was her last day. We said right, now you have the weekend off, and then you'll go back to school on Monday. No, she insisted, they said it was the last day. We're out. Oh, bless her little heart. I want this transition to school to go so smoothly, and it is turning out to be quite a transition indeed. Particularly the saying goodbye in the morning. When I pick her up, she does not want to leave...and she speaks fondly of school and her teachers...still we are struggling to adjust. And tears are spilling. I just want her to be happy.<br />
<br />
Soaking up a few more barefoot days at the beach (I just realized I deleted the pictures from our last trip - agh!). Making plans for winter beach days (with hats, and boots, and scarves and most likely snowpants!). The ocean is just such a comfort. We feel so lucky to be so close to the sea.<br />
<br />
Lot's of tomatoes and canning - my local shop is actually out of canning jars!! Hoping to try <a href="http://www.foodinjars.com/2010/09/tomato-jam/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> for tomato jam from Food In Jars tomorrow. Our kitchen is a fruit fly free for all. My usual apple cider vinegar and dish soap traps do not seem to be working. Tomatoes must be so much tastier. Anyone else have any ideas? I'm all ears.<br />
<br />
The sun has nearly dried the grass now, and the garden is calling. <br />
<br />
I hope your day is a gentle one.<br />
<br />
<br />Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-78969247247238502412012-09-14T09:22:00.000-04:002012-09-14T09:28:23.594-04:00This Moment<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This Moment - A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" target="_blank">Soule Mama</a>. </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A simple and special moment that I want to hold onto and cherish.</span></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kTDjudgi1s/UFMw7O-j_-I/AAAAAAAAAzw/HCEZ1NW7PeQ/s1600/100_2258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kTDjudgi1s/UFMw7O-j_-I/AAAAAAAAAzw/HCEZ1NW7PeQ/s400/100_2258.JPG" width="292" /></a></div>
<em style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 27px;">If you feel inspired to do the same, please </i></div>
<div style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">leave a link to your moment in the comments.</i></div>
Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-60549781646998674952012-09-11T18:28:00.001-04:002012-09-11T18:28:20.563-04:00Bench Makeover and Flame Retardants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CS9AzQD54Qo/UE9vzvWiMSI/AAAAAAAAAxc/EyXGtAMIT0s/s1600/100_2271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CS9AzQD54Qo/UE9vzvWiMSI/AAAAAAAAAxc/EyXGtAMIT0s/s400/100_2271.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before - in good shape, but tired and worn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sometimes it is rewarding to complete something doesn't it? This little project was low on time, cost absolutely nothing, and makes me feel great every time I see it. Yay!<br />
<br />
In cleaning my Nana's house and trying to declutter a bit to accomodate a hospital bed in the living room, this little bench had to go. It is old, old, old but is in nice shape and I had visions of tucking it under the vanity/desk in Miss B's room. I put it in the garage for a couple weeks (that wasteland indeed ; ) And dug it out the other day about a half hour before supper. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0-HotyFiHP8/UE9v75k2BWI/AAAAAAAAAxk/fZqRKuLqGyo/s1600/100_2272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0-HotyFiHP8/UE9v75k2BWI/AAAAAAAAAxk/fZqRKuLqGyo/s400/100_2272.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All I needed was a screw driver, and this puppy came apart easily.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I unscrewed the 6 screws holding the seat on, and then folded my fabric in half and tightly folded it over the top of the bench (over the existing fabric). The existing fabric was held on by little nails. I was planning on securing the new fabric with staples (but my staple gun appears lost in the afore mention garage abyss). For now I held it on with masking tape. Yes, you read that right, masking tape! When I put the screws back in I used my cordless drill to screw them in as I needed more power than just my elbow grease to punch holes in the new fabric. The screws seem to be holding the fabric on nicely. When I find my staple gun I will staple the edges, but for now it's good to go. In less time than it took whatever I was making to finish in the oven.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpgZ_FW6eXQ/UE-myPVvRlI/AAAAAAAAAy8/uzzhXyuJ4kQ/s1600/100_2276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpgZ_FW6eXQ/UE-myPVvRlI/AAAAAAAAAy8/uzzhXyuJ4kQ/s400/100_2276.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now isn't this better?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sadly it doesn't fit underneath the vanity, but it brightens up Miss B's room anyway, and we both love it.<br />
<br />
The bench was free, the fabric from my stash, screw drivers and cordless drill on hand. Very, very satisfying!<br />
<br />
Did you all catch <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/09/magazine/arlene-blums-crusade-against-household-toxins.html?hpw" target="_blank">this article</a> in the NYTimes Magazine this weekend? It made me feel ill. Now we're considering getting rid of our old couch, and maybe getting a futon instead? Flame retardants are scary indeed.<br />
<br />
The article basically reinforces and lends legitimacy to my slightly impractical desire to acquire an antique fainting type sofa for our sun nook. Wouldn't that be nice? And safe to boot. I can see more projects with old (pre-1979) furniture in my future.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-68979208105759996722012-09-06T21:23:00.000-04:002012-09-07T09:16:42.324-04:00This Moment<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This Moment - A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" target="_blank">Soule Mama</a>. </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A simple and special moment that I want to hold onto and cherish.</span></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nIrZgREZP4w/UElMNU-atMI/AAAAAAAAAws/WjqNj24kVBY/s1600/100_2129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nIrZgREZP4w/UElMNU-atMI/AAAAAAAAAws/WjqNj24kVBY/s400/100_2129.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 27px;">If you feel inspired to do the same, please </i></div>
<div style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">leave a link to your moment in the comments.</i></div>
Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-48543784425222522992012-09-05T14:03:00.001-04:002012-09-05T14:03:35.856-04:00First Day of Preschool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UFz3mEIPudE/UEeRDr5PP6I/AAAAAAAAAv4/oCBo4DRad5Y/s1600/100_2245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UFz3mEIPudE/UEeRDr5PP6I/AAAAAAAAAv4/oCBo4DRad5Y/s640/100_2245.JPG" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
Yesterday was Miss B's first day of Pre-K. She has been very, very excited about starting school. After initially bounding out of bed and to the coat rack by the front door in her pj's declaring she'd just have breakfast at school, she seemed thoughtful, quiet and patient. After oatmeal and cheese for breakfast, and vitamins and hairbrushing etc. it was absolutely pouring. We ended up driving rather than walking, which made poor Miss B have to wait even longer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaGbsu-ySwM/UEeRJbySgCI/AAAAAAAAAwA/lYQb6m6STtM/s1600/100_2246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaGbsu-ySwM/UEeRJbySgCI/AAAAAAAAAwA/lYQb6m6STtM/s400/100_2246.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
She is adoring her new raincoat (thrifted and in awesome condition). I worry it is a little too juvenile - but dude, she's only four once right? And in the right mood I like to think I could pull a raincoat like that off as well : )<br />
<br />
The drop off went well, though, not at all as I envisioned. We were perfectly on time (according to all the clocks we saw in the school) and yet somehow, somehow, her class line had already left the gymnasium and gone to their classroom. Note to self, be at least five minutes early from now on. A kindergarten teacher took Miss B under her wing, and said she would drop her off at the appropriate classroom as she went by it. I think this teacher thought Mr and I would walk along with Miss B, but Miss B, all shy smiles took this teacher's hand and said "See you later alligator." To which we dutifully replied "After a while crocodile." Then we watched her leave. She seemed so excited and brave too. <br />
<br />
On the drive home of course I cried a bit. It's such a milestone. Then I hustled around finally buying an umbrella...and then catching up on dishes and before I knew it, it was time to pick her up. I connected with some of the other moms I knew from last year at various activities, as well as some other neighbors I had not yet had a chance to meet. I think I will look forward to the pick up chitter chatter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Miss B seemed happy, maybe even a bit older (really in just two and a half hours!) but kind of cryptic about her day, so I didn't push it and as the afternoon wore on I learned all kinds of things.<br />
<br />
The girl's bathroom is MAGICAL! I think this means automatic flush and automatic faucet.<br />
<br />
Her teacher's favorite color is pink.<br />
<br />
They read a story about how not to miss people when you are away from them...Miss B demonstrating a special hand kiss that will make it so I don't miss her while she is away at school. Oh my teary word!<br />
<br />
Here's the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Kissing-Hand-Audrey-Penn/dp/0878685855" target="_blank">The Kissing Hand</a>. I may just have to borrow this one from the library. It made quite an impression on Miss B.<br />
<br />
On another note, Miss B is now using the phrase "Silly pants" all the time. I think that one is from me actually - silly pants indeed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-4191051982102848142012-09-04T09:39:00.000-04:002012-09-04T09:39:59.124-04:00Glitter Painted Horses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pe-zd19njzE/UEQMmyUnCYI/AAAAAAAAAu4/0nP6BsPFvaU/s1600/100_2165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pe-zd19njzE/UEQMmyUnCYI/AAAAAAAAAu4/0nP6BsPFvaU/s400/100_2165.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Last week Miss B noticed a few dings and scratches on a toy horse she has. She asked if we could paint spots on it to fix it and I suggested we take this project to the next level with glitter nail polish. She shrieked in the affirmative and we were off. Such a simple project and we were both thrilled with the results. I'm not a huge fan of these plastic horses, but painting them to make them your own is a whole different story. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Plastic horses (thrifted or gifted)<br />
Plus<br />
2 bottles nail polish (one glittery, one pearl)<br />
<br />
Equals a very fun time.<br />
<br />
If you wanted to get real fancy you could paint swirls or designs or whatnot, but Miss B was quite happy with brushstrokes here and there, and I was happy to see her rocking out with her own technique.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CORs2Hxbd_I/UEQMgryAVDI/AAAAAAAAAuw/V3YKp7vUZjE/s1600/100_2159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CORs2Hxbd_I/UEQMgryAVDI/AAAAAAAAAuw/V3YKp7vUZjE/s320/100_2159.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maximus's newly glittered flank.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-29402851352408950772012-08-31T12:21:00.000-04:002012-08-31T12:21:09.794-04:00This Moment<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This Moment - A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" target="_blank">Soule Mama</a>. </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A simple and special moment that I want to hold onto and cherish.</span></em><br />
<em style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DKAt2d5H0ZE/UEDkD6pRSfI/AAAAAAAAAt4/RBk9UhWZLWk/s1600/100_2210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DKAt2d5H0ZE/UEDkD6pRSfI/AAAAAAAAAt4/RBk9UhWZLWk/s640/100_2210.JPG" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 27px;">If you feel inspired to do the same, please </i></div>
<div style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">leave a link to your moment in the comments.</i></div>
Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-3952911769999126372012-08-29T12:54:00.000-04:002012-08-29T12:54:38.853-04:00Butterfly Bush Love and Good Clean Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj4Ycnn9vOo/UD45PiokbKI/AAAAAAAAAsc/1aNmwuZbpu4/s1600/100_2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj4Ycnn9vOo/UD45PiokbKI/AAAAAAAAAsc/1aNmwuZbpu4/s640/100_2107.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mermaids plus dish soap equal hours of fun in shade.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-895I1655mZw/UD45VCG-y4I/AAAAAAAAAsk/IoRTiMKy0Uc/s1600/100_2108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-895I1655mZw/UD45VCG-y4I/AAAAAAAAAsk/IoRTiMKy0Uc/s400/100_2108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Cutting the hydrangeas back so that the oil (crikey, I almost typed "olive oil" I wish!) delivery person can actually make a delivery when they chose to. Fall is in the air. We generally try our darnedest not to use our heat until October (or was it November?). We are of the put another sweater on, no shame in wearing a hat and scarf inside ilk.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZM4D3VdcAQ/UD45gGN0CWI/AAAAAAAAAs4/Q8hunt6rDVw/s1600/100_2111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZM4D3VdcAQ/UD45gGN0CWI/AAAAAAAAAs4/Q8hunt6rDVw/s640/100_2111.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This butterfly bush is so incredibly fragrant I could swoon! I am hoping to save seeds to start more bushes in the spring. Last fall I wasn't thinking far enough ahead, but this year I am.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPZxQxQBB38/UD45rbASdCI/AAAAAAAAAtA/hjVmyNm28Xs/s1600/100_2113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPZxQxQBB38/UD45rbASdCI/AAAAAAAAAtA/hjVmyNm28Xs/s640/100_2113.JPG" width="468" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lavender and Thyme looking good. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love to run my fingers through these on the way out the door.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0CPOGl4BZQ/UD45wx9bY9I/AAAAAAAAAtI/4GU3eySoCjs/s1600/100_2117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0CPOGl4BZQ/UD45wx9bY9I/AAAAAAAAAtI/4GU3eySoCjs/s640/100_2117.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Butterflies - this one in the lavender, but more are in the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
butterfly bush. Sometimes 20 at a time! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today at Miss B's Pre-K orientation there was a huge billboard in the cafeteria covered with the loveliest butterfly fabric. Actually two fabrics, each of which I had made dresses with as a teenager! For a long while butterflies were a power animal of sorts for me. Maybe power animal isn't quite the right phrase, but I had/have quite an affinity for them. I saw this familiar fabric as a very good omen. Which is good, it may be harder than I anticipated not to get teary over my little one heading off to school.</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/29/dining/in-brooklyn-an-abundance-of-fig-trees.html?ref=dining" target="_blank">This article</a> today in the NYTimes has me wanting to give figs a go. Anyone with experience overwintering them in a cold climate? We're zone 5.<br />
<br />
I hope your day is a pleasantly fragrant one.<br />
<br />
<br />Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-50758561588989644092012-08-28T11:17:00.000-04:002012-08-28T15:06:08.003-04:00Dancing Around Dementia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr8x43qhmCc/UDzYq-jbhHI/AAAAAAAAArc/eLVK7KIE12A/s1600/100_2095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr8x43qhmCc/UDzYq-jbhHI/AAAAAAAAArc/eLVK7KIE12A/s400/100_2095.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This weekend was a bit of a blur really...though I will say it was a happy one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sER5u75veiA/UDzY07rxD8I/AAAAAAAAAro/FSTLiB3OUBk/s1600/100_2100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sER5u75veiA/UDzY07rxD8I/AAAAAAAAAro/FSTLiB3OUBk/s320/100_2100.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
<br />
Saturday Miss B, her little friend and her mum and I all went to check out the dance studio where the girls will be starting lessons in a couple weeks. Our girls galloped around the room, flip flops slapping, and seemed a bit like little bulls in a closet (no china thank goodness). We are so fortunate to have received as hand me downs a lovely pair of tap shoes (by the looks brand spanking new) in the required color and just the right size for Miss B so we have only a few things to pick up at the thrift shops...and some new ballet shoes. Raiding the dress up box for tutus. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xzrPkE_jO-s/UDzYh4yNQdI/AAAAAAAAArU/g0RqEh5FGp0/s1600/100_2094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xzrPkE_jO-s/UDzYh4yNQdI/AAAAAAAAArU/g0RqEh5FGp0/s400/100_2094.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
My dear Nana who has been suffering from dementia for quite some time was ill last week and had taken to bed, and it seemed her candle had blown out in some way, but she seems to have perked up a bit, and is drinking and eating more, and it was so, so nice to see her and to see her so excited to see us during a few moments of lucidity. My sister and I spent most of Sunday rearranged their living room to try to make it more inviting and useful for she and Gramp, and so that it can accommodate the hospital bed that it now houses. Now they can both see the television, and the lovely water view, and they can sit and hold hands as they tend to do (so sweet!). Change can be hard, but after a bit of heckling (directed at us), even Gramp came up with some shocking suggestions (like moving his favorite recliner!). Sometimes people surprise you. There is much more I would like to say about dementia but I think for now I will let it simmer a bit.<br />
<br />
I am loving, loving, loving <a href="http://www.buyolympia.com/q/Category=Nikki-Posters" target="_blank">these prints by Nikki McClure</a> (and found on <a href="http://momfilter.com/at-home/nikki-mcclure-posters" target="_blank">Momfilter</a>) and am already asking for these for the holidays - I think 6 would be reasonable right? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-or2l5iVuQAU/UDzY6CzYJfI/AAAAAAAAArw/DfV-hxIUat8/s1600/100_2103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-or2l5iVuQAU/UDzY6CzYJfI/AAAAAAAAArw/DfV-hxIUat8/s400/100_2103.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Miss B has a little friend over for the day and they are making a circus, from a vintage magnuteer magnetic circus set I got while thrifting with my sister last week. Our kitchen (where the circus is set up of course!) is a nice, nice place to be this rainy morning.<br />
<br />
Hope your day is peaceful friends.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-19417984294788716652012-08-27T07:33:00.001-04:002012-08-27T07:33:29.182-04:00Summer Visit<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1bfyKl88GQk/UDrQ1Kp8dyI/AAAAAAAAAoo/zvlFV8Vxzxo/s1600/100_2034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1bfyKl88GQk/UDrQ1Kp8dyI/AAAAAAAAAoo/zvlFV8Vxzxo/s400/100_2034.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quite cousin time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My sister, aka Auntie, and Cousin H came for a visit last week. It's a rare treat to have them visit us and it was super fun. We started with the Lantern Festival of course, and then had a day of good food, thrifting and pool time. We wrapped the visit up with walking for takeout pizza...they live out in the woods basically, so being able to walk to pick up food or a book at the library or whatnot is a novelty.<br />
<br />
We made sure to go the the Friendly Toast in Portsmouth, NH for breakfast. I love this place so much I was actually thinking about it as I was drifting off to sleep the night before and planning to bring a cooler and gel packs so I could bring my leftovers home (their portions are HUGE)...and we were planning on some thrifting afterwards. Of course I totally forgot about this plan, so we could only bring home our left over toast...which was still delicious. <br />
<br />
This place is great for kids. They can get a half portion of anything on the menu. Miss B always gets the Flying Fish Scramble (smoked salmon with scrambled eggs). It's nice and loud in there, and there's a ton of cool kitch with which to play "I spy." <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--S6ENWoZ_1o/UDrQ6v-ybbI/AAAAAAAAAow/SYxKxpxFOgo/s1600/100_2038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--S6ENWoZ_1o/UDrQ6v-ybbI/AAAAAAAAAow/SYxKxpxFOgo/s640/100_2038.JPG" width="475" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-buLvk90p08w/UDrRAAzyD1I/AAAAAAAAAo4/TKm0ziZLIN4/s1600/100_2040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-buLvk90p08w/UDrRAAzyD1I/AAAAAAAAAo4/TKm0ziZLIN4/s640/100_2040.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jVOxBVrxV0Q/UDrRGfWxD9I/AAAAAAAAApA/6IOp_F39TCQ/s1600/100_2041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jVOxBVrxV0Q/UDrRGfWxD9I/AAAAAAAAApA/6IOp_F39TCQ/s640/100_2041.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Warning, I'm not a huge fan of their coffee, but they have a great tea menu. Be sure to ask for it. I generally get the Napoleon Dynamite tea. I also always get the Mexican Mash, which is too spicy to share with Miss B, but a risk I am willing to take. No trip is complete with out a trip to the loo. I can't vouch for the men's room, but the ladies' room always has a unique toilet seat. Generally it is clear plastic resin of some sort with either candy or rubber ducks within. A huge hit with Miss B, and me too for that matter.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_unOC043ivI/UDrRL80rN-I/AAAAAAAAApM/JiQcP4xcH_o/s1600/100_2042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_unOC043ivI/UDrRL80rN-I/AAAAAAAAApM/JiQcP4xcH_o/s400/100_2042.JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin H engaging with sidewalk art.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RyrkXT4p9S8/UDrRRVV9ZzI/AAAAAAAAApU/9XhaqVHzMGA/s1600/100_2043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RyrkXT4p9S8/UDrRRVV9ZzI/AAAAAAAAApU/9XhaqVHzMGA/s400/100_2043.JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strong Auntie holding up Miss B.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We've been talking all summer about taking Auntie and Cousin H to our friend's pool...which we use while he's at work and generally feels like our own private pool (complete with enchanted frog). We spent the afternoon and it was soooo nice. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvTg7fux4pM/UDrRXK--WKI/AAAAAAAAApc/-SVUaM9p4Bk/s1600/100_2044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvTg7fux4pM/UDrRXK--WKI/AAAAAAAAApc/-SVUaM9p4Bk/s640/100_2044.JPG" width="475" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WiBX6yhmo6c/UDrRcGMQGSI/AAAAAAAAApk/xKB_RsZMVqo/s1600/100_2045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WiBX6yhmo6c/UDrRcGMQGSI/AAAAAAAAApk/xKB_RsZMVqo/s640/100_2045.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayDNJWygi1I/UDrRkUybDcI/AAAAAAAAApw/ie6v8P3SEoo/s1600/100_2054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayDNJWygi1I/UDrRkUybDcI/AAAAAAAAApw/ie6v8P3SEoo/s400/100_2054.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friend, eyeing us a bit warily.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9Y_MbvZynI/UDrRpgbQzSI/AAAAAAAAAp4/WingvRhYvrU/s1600/100_2051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9Y_MbvZynI/UDrRpgbQzSI/AAAAAAAAAp4/WingvRhYvrU/s400/100_2051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6TOLFvc8E8/UDrRuq7D7DI/AAAAAAAAAqA/ApXjnksx19U/s1600/100_2052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6TOLFvc8E8/UDrRuq7D7DI/AAAAAAAAAqA/ApXjnksx19U/s400/100_2052.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukfX0mj1hjE/UDrR0MKY2pI/AAAAAAAAAqM/9JqNWZjHo-o/s1600/100_2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukfX0mj1hjE/UDrR0MKY2pI/AAAAAAAAAqM/9JqNWZjHo-o/s640/100_2061.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MU_W09BvbTY/UDrR5g4mnvI/AAAAAAAAAqU/U7lHiyV2WRo/s1600/100_2068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MU_W09BvbTY/UDrR5g4mnvI/AAAAAAAAAqU/U7lHiyV2WRo/s400/100_2068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPepXbiYLIk/UDrR_bmjhZI/AAAAAAAAAqc/NJyoq2Sqc44/s1600/100_2069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPepXbiYLIk/UDrR_bmjhZI/AAAAAAAAAqc/NJyoq2Sqc44/s400/100_2069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0FwxiGn7dA/UDrSE3kKapI/AAAAAAAAAqk/DAjvP53WvYc/s1600/100_2070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0FwxiGn7dA/UDrSE3kKapI/AAAAAAAAAqk/DAjvP53WvYc/s400/100_2070.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Good summer fun, and such a treat to have the two of them here!! </div>
<br />Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-88904474550766128522012-08-24T09:17:00.001-04:002012-08-24T09:17:58.452-04:00This Moment<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7ZER8FEZCY/UDd-wy_EBII/AAAAAAAAAn8/1kohv4y6NQE/s1600/100_1475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7ZER8FEZCY/UDd-wy_EBII/AAAAAAAAAn8/1kohv4y6NQE/s400/100_1475.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<em style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />This Moment - A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" target="_blank">Soule Mama</a>. </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A simple and special moment that I want to hold onto and cherish.</span></em></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you feel inspired to do the same, please </i></div>
<div style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">leave a link to your moment in the comments.</i></div>
Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-70297727324238354442012-08-23T16:58:00.001-04:002012-08-23T16:58:34.458-04:00Lantern Festival 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WQ9gidRfWfk/UDYeP_USI9I/AAAAAAAAAlA/qJWci9qye9M/s1600/100_1986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WQ9gidRfWfk/UDYeP_USI9I/AAAAAAAAAlA/qJWci9qye9M/s640/100_1986.JPG" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This lovely creature welcomed one and all to the festival.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7INAqAvuc-Y/UDYgcPMWsnI/AAAAAAAAAl4/K4DVCIW_BM4/s1600/100_2004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7INAqAvuc-Y/UDYgcPMWsnI/AAAAAAAAAl4/K4DVCIW_BM4/s320/100_2004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanterns, lanterns everywhere lighting up the night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mBS5B-STnZA/UDYg23p5wVI/AAAAAAAAAmo/j2SU0HV3mgs/s1600/100_2029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mBS5B-STnZA/UDYg23p5wVI/AAAAAAAAAmo/j2SU0HV3mgs/s400/100_2029.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once lit, the heat from the flames caused these paper <br />lanterns to take flight and soar off into the night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qsHqDRdt1q0/UDYhBg78oyI/AAAAAAAAAm4/rY3RsxmsCIk/s1600/100_2022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qsHqDRdt1q0/UDYhBg78oyI/AAAAAAAAAm4/rY3RsxmsCIk/s400/100_2022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So cool, and kind of dangerous seeming in a thrilling way.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8NyUiHj7Ab0/UDYgznVR6AI/AAAAAAAAAmc/reG6JWFtDrQ/s1600/100_2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8NyUiHj7Ab0/UDYgznVR6AI/AAAAAAAAAmc/reG6JWFtDrQ/s400/100_2018.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our homemade seltzer bottle lanterns.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NoeMbdT9jK8/UDYg8TNWPgI/AAAAAAAAAmw/UH5aGi9TAK4/s1600/100_2032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NoeMbdT9jK8/UDYg8TNWPgI/AAAAAAAAAmw/UH5aGi9TAK4/s320/100_2032.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lighting the way home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Such a lovely night! Good music, good friends. My sister and Cousin H made the trip down and were totally impressed by the festival. Us too. Filled with happiness that this place is our home with all these wonderful people. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are blessed indeed.</div>
Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-29805568436518678132012-08-22T08:12:00.000-04:002012-08-22T08:12:03.724-04:00Lead Contaminated Soil - A Hidden Danger<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8gNKV9q_k8Q/UDQ06HTRt_I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/7vYQjimOiiM/s1600/100_1878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8gNKV9q_k8Q/UDQ06HTRt_I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/7vYQjimOiiM/s400/100_1878.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss B beneath a mammoth cucumber vine which was a "volunteer" this year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A while back I shared that I had received the results of our soil lead scan and one of the garden beds I had tested came back highly contaminated, while the other two beds I had tested came back mildly contaminated. I gave up any hope of eating the cukes and squash from the highly contaminated bed, and have held off on consumption of the gorgeous patty pan squash from the third bed until I the quantitative results come back...while waiting I have done a fair amount of learning about lead contaminated soil.<br />
<br />
<b>Where does lead come from?</b><br />
<br />
Paint - lead was in paint prior to 1978. So if your house is older than that you could expect to find lead around the house where paint was scraped off for repainting at some point.<br />
<br />
Leaded gasoline - this was phased out in the starting in the 70's but if you are on an old main road (like we are) you could pretty much guarantee your soil is contaminated with lead along the road.<br />
<br />
Old Orchards - lead arsenate was in heavy use until WWII<br />
<br />
Scrap metal - discarded roof flashing, lead pipes etc.<br />
<br />
<b>Numbers what they mean</b><br />
I've found differing breakdowns on the numbers but the consensus seems to be this.<br />
<br />
<u>Less than 50 ppm</u> = <u>Normal/Background</u><br />
No steps needed<br />
<br />
<u>50-300 ppm</u> = <u>Slight Contamination</u><br />
Wash all vegetables. Wash and peel root crops. <br />
Move play areas to an uncontaminated site.<br />
<br />
<u>300-500 ppm</u> = <u>Moderate Contamination</u><br />
Grow fruiting vegetables only. Avoid leafy vegetables. Avoid root crops. Wash vegetables thoroughly. Keep soil pH 6.5-7.0 (this prevents the lead from being taken up by the plants). Add manure/compost each year.<br />
Move play areas to uncontaminated site. Have blood lead level tested.<br />
<br />
<u>More than 500 ppm</u> = <u>Heavy Contamination</u><br />
Avoid breathing dust during cultivation. Mulch or maintain grass cover to keep down dust/rain spatter. Move edible garden to uncontaminated are or bring in clean soil to build new garden.<br />
Move play areas to uncontaminated site. Have blood lead level tested.<br />
<br />
Our soil results and what I will be doing now<br />
Our front side garden (near the house and road) came in at 1000 ppm! Yikes! I had already torn up the squash and cukes I had growing there. Most of this is lawn, and then some lovely giant snowball hydrangeas. When I cut the hydrangeas back this fall I'll bag them and dispose of them at the transfer station (will check with the folks there to see if this is the proper way to handle). The small strip of sod I'd torn up and thrashed to make a bed for the cukes and squash (the dust was flying - and of course I was inhaling it - agh...) I will heavily mulch and any weeds pulled from this bed will go to the transfer station as well (again with their permission). No edibles in this bed unless I put down a membrane impermeable to roots and create a new raised bed there. Hydrangeas for now!<br />
<br />
Miss B's flower garden came in at 130 ppm. Not too bad. Fortunately, I did most of the planting while she has done most of the cutting. Long term I would like to build an arbor over this area with grapes and wisteria, and a little cobblestone patio of sorts...so I'm not going to take action, just continue to limit Miss B's "helping" to cutting, and add compost and whatnot.<br />
<br />
The back garden where I have strawberries, elderberries, blueberries (planted by the previous owners), squash, black beans, and tomatoes is 100 ppm. Again, not too bad. My plan for this bed is to add compost and manure to increase the organic matter, continue to wash everything from this bed thoroughly and to abstain from planting leafy greens, or tubers. <br />
<br />
All in all I breathe a sigh of relief. As I continue to develop a plan for our yard, with heavy emphasis on the edibles, I will definitely be doing additional soil testing. Our composting program will also be going ahead full throttle. Must make more new "clean" soil.<br />
<br />
I also found some research is being done on growing specific plants to take up the lead and then when the plants are removed the lead (or some of it the hope is) is taken too. Will be doing more research this winter. Who knows, maybe I'll get involved in such a study : )<br />
<br />
I feel there is so much interest in urban gardening right now, and I've seen very little information outlining the importance of testing for lead in the soil. I hate to be a negative nelly, but won't you please help me spread the word? Maybe I/we can come up with a striking poster or button or something and place it on the side of this blog, or around town next spring. If you know of anyone gardening nearby an old home, or along an old heavily trafficked road, please ask them if they've tested for lead. It's terrible to find out you have lead contaminated soil, but would be so much worse not to ever find out and be breathing the dust and eating contaminated food.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ME_uOgsjxk/UDQ0nqXZDII/AAAAAAAAAkE/oJ3T-_cd-Xc/s1600/100_1700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ME_uOgsjxk/UDQ0nqXZDII/AAAAAAAAAkE/oJ3T-_cd-Xc/s400/100_1700.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not contaminated. These beauties are heading to the freezer!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So the verdict is in on the Patty Pans and now I can blanch and freeze, and feel good about it. These sure will make lovely soups and stir fries this winter. With a bit of coconut milk, onion and curry powder - delicious. And I will rest easy knowing for a fact they are safe. One of the big benefits of a home garden is increased health right?<br />
<br />
Won't you please help me spread the word?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-74099346858047933652012-08-21T10:46:00.002-04:002012-08-21T10:46:43.960-04:00Let's Eat Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yim_gtPVLow/UDOeSc4vJII/AAAAAAAAAjg/j61-lf4z8xs/s1600/100_1977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yim_gtPVLow/UDOeSc4vJII/AAAAAAAAAjg/j61-lf4z8xs/s400/100_1977.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Working on a lead soil post...but it's not going to be ready today, so in the meantime...here's a picture of the cake I made for Mr. B's Birthday, <a href="http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/chocolate-guinness-cake-3086" target="_blank">Nigella's Chocolate Guinness Cake</a>. Any recipe where the first step involves melting butter (a whole stick mind you) in stout is pretty impressive. Thank you Lily for the recommendation!<br />
<br />
The result was delicious. A bit like a wacky cake (an old family favorite) but richer with a hint of bitterness from the Guinness. I am currently without a mixer so everything was creamed and whipped by hand. Miss B and I kept thanking our arm muscles! <br />
<br />
Mr. B was pleased as punch and we got up early before Miss B to indulge in cake for breakfast. Isn't nice to be a grownup?<br />
<br />
<br />Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-13416454315923777332012-08-20T09:34:00.000-04:002012-08-20T09:34:18.568-04:00Weekending<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4y5by6XRJs/UDIwWDuGtyI/AAAAAAAAAfU/MO8cy7mzl9I/s1600/100_1886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4y5by6XRJs/UDIwWDuGtyI/AAAAAAAAAfU/MO8cy7mzl9I/s640/100_1886.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahh, aren't hotel sheets luxurious?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
We spent the weekend in Boston for Mr B's early birthday.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
We took the train from Woburn, which is only about 20 minutes out from North Station. $7 a day for parking and $12 round trip on the train - this may be our new favorite way to get in to Boston!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtgT1uNdEI8/UDIyhI3-GnI/AAAAAAAAAiA/caJsZBesVQI/s1600/100_1968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtgT1uNdEI8/UDIyhI3-GnI/AAAAAAAAAiA/caJsZBesVQI/s640/100_1968.JPG" width="468" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our hotel room. We were endlessly enthralled with the comings <br />and goings at the City of Boston Fire Department directly across the street.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZbrGyeK8mM/UDIyq2VY_cI/AAAAAAAAAiM/rPHviqYuQag/s1600/100_1969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZbrGyeK8mM/UDIyq2VY_cI/AAAAAAAAAiM/rPHviqYuQag/s400/100_1969.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfIjDXUfElU/UDIyH4vVRgI/AAAAAAAAAhk/eMBzWJaWCSw/s1600/100_1958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfIjDXUfElU/UDIyH4vVRgI/AAAAAAAAAhk/eMBzWJaWCSw/s320/100_1958.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room service - Bubbe and Miss B ate in while Mr B and I ate out. Well not out actually, we went for a stroll along the waterfront and then thoroughly enjoyed dinner at the hotel's French restaurant. Such a treat, and I think I may have fallen in love with polenta!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NuNyquyulW4/UDIwgMeOUuI/AAAAAAAAAfc/2xL7ieMOIiw/s1600/100_1889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NuNyquyulW4/UDIwgMeOUuI/AAAAAAAAAfc/2xL7ieMOIiw/s640/100_1889.JPG" width="460" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out and about. The city felt so festive.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6FzxelROLV0/UDIyCsq4VBI/AAAAAAAAAhc/xBNaY5HJCow/s1600/100_1954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6FzxelROLV0/UDIyCsq4VBI/AAAAAAAAAhc/xBNaY5HJCow/s640/100_1954.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water side of our hotel. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zbRorZppjs/UDIyQidXC5I/AAAAAAAAAhw/QHyo6xHej3Y/s1600/100_1959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zbRorZppjs/UDIyQidXC5I/AAAAAAAAAhw/QHyo6xHej3Y/s400/100_1959.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water front was fairly quiet in the rain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzjcq-osGMw/UDIz-Y-gwoI/AAAAAAAAAiU/mTI2M4BFAGo/s1600/100_1892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzjcq-osGMw/UDIz-Y-gwoI/AAAAAAAAAiU/mTI2M4BFAGo/s400/100_1892.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contemporary art at the MFA.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVwJppdwWXU/UDIwzqY_P6I/AAAAAAAAAfw/XBUdWOD0X-c/s1600/100_1897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVwJppdwWXU/UDIwzqY_P6I/AAAAAAAAAfw/XBUdWOD0X-c/s640/100_1897.JPG" width="470" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are these chairs fun or what?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQyjmFNy4_M/UDIw4gVQTaI/AAAAAAAAAf4/EJcf8ef4Euk/s1600/100_1898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQyjmFNy4_M/UDIw4gVQTaI/AAAAAAAAAf4/EJcf8ef4Euk/s400/100_1898.JPG" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this chandelier!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-nLRIif7Mg/UDIxBFD1_zI/AAAAAAAAAgA/-k8Tck37Myc/s1600/100_1902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-nLRIif7Mg/UDIxBFD1_zI/AAAAAAAAAgA/-k8Tck37Myc/s640/100_1902.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This woman looks so capable and self assured.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sC88KVC5NFc/UDIxHqdW_6I/AAAAAAAAAgI/o5zPcj26gVU/s1600/100_1918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sC88KVC5NFc/UDIxHqdW_6I/AAAAAAAAAgI/o5zPcj26gVU/s400/100_1918.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a crack at the base of this by the feet and Miss B was convinced she could see something inside. She was beside herself with excitement.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3J5Qw8QBDE8/UDIxa-OkkMI/AAAAAAAAAgk/KnsuJOePtdU/s1600/100_1921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3J5Qw8QBDE8/UDIxa-OkkMI/AAAAAAAAAgk/KnsuJOePtdU/s640/100_1921.JPG" width="448" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYF4HXpICN4/UDIxlxkNC4I/AAAAAAAAAg4/g5rhErJdHHY/s1600/100_1927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYF4HXpICN4/UDIxlxkNC4I/AAAAAAAAAg4/g5rhErJdHHY/s640/100_1927.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving these colors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GSQlUUkJ7Yo/UDIx5Xx3y7I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/zepMQyUoCjc/s1600/100_1951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GSQlUUkJ7Yo/UDIx5Xx3y7I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/zepMQyUoCjc/s640/100_1951.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water play at The Boston Children's Museum </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbE94c44-F8/UDI6tx_o30I/AAAAAAAAAi8/8Ea-NPq_vl4/s1600/100_1939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbE94c44-F8/UDI6tx_o30I/AAAAAAAAAi8/8Ea-NPq_vl4/s400/100_1939.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was an absolutely amazing collection of dollhouses on display.<br /> As we kept discovering more rooms we kept shrieking<br /> "Shrink me, oh, please shrink me!"<br /><br />A fantastic trip! Super spur of the moment (we decided the day before), and not all that expensive. We Hotwired the hotel, and borrowed a pass from one of our libraries for discount admission to the MFA, and then we went one hour before closing for half price admission to The Children's Museum (which was perfect). It was not nearly as crowded as it has been other times we've gone, and they periodically announced how much time was left so you could be sure to see what you wanted to. <br /><br />Mr. B seems pleased too, having gotten his city fix for a bit. <br />Cake tonight!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-2177477090684643262012-08-17T08:06:00.000-04:002012-08-17T08:06:05.685-04:00This Moment<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This Moment - A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" target="_blank">Soule Mama</a>. </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A simple and special moment that I want to hold onto and cherish.</span></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KdOeEeo-7ks/UC4zg-fjamI/AAAAAAAAAes/H_SIH6d538c/s1600/100_1844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KdOeEeo-7ks/UC4zg-fjamI/AAAAAAAAAes/H_SIH6d538c/s400/100_1844.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you feel inspired to do the same, please </i></div>
<div style="font-size: small; line-height: 27px; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">leave a link to your moment in the comments.</i></div>
Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-50241992770086575642012-08-16T07:49:00.001-04:002012-08-16T07:49:30.791-04:00How to Teach Resilience in a Wild and Precious Life<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_k_pax78Bpc/UCzaT8EiEhI/AAAAAAAAAd8/g6ib4n1vzq8/s1600/100_1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_k_pax78Bpc/UCzaT8EiEhI/AAAAAAAAAd8/g6ib4n1vzq8/s400/100_1857.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinosaur School (teacher in orange)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A recent op-ed from the New York Times, "<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/05/opinion/sunday/raising-successful-children.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all" target="_blank">Raising Successful Children</a>" talks about a study in which children that were praised for doing a simple puzzle and told how smart they were were more reluctant than unpraised children to try additional harder puzzles, presumably for fear of failing, and losing their status as "smart". Failing is an important, let's say very important, skill in life. <br />
<br />
I don't like that word "successful." It makes me cringe. What I most want for my daughter is happiness. I believe resilience is a key ingredient in happiness.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6uewwLx0ulA/UCzaO47tNtI/AAAAAAAAAd0/AOLC-B9sKwQ/s1600/100_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6uewwLx0ulA/UCzaO47tNtI/AAAAAAAAAd0/AOLC-B9sKwQ/s400/100_1850.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss B came up with whole dinosaur school idea herself and <br />class has been in session every morning this week. I am a student too : )</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Yet while there may be danger in over flattering, in the past I've noticed some children around me whose parents didn't praise them, seemed to doubt that their parents saw their value as a person. These children did not seem resilient, or more willing to try the hard puzzles in life, and they don't seem happier now. How do you teach the importance of trying? How do you teach that it's ok to fail? I suppose by encouraging your children to try, and even though it pains us, to let them fail. But also, importantly, to let your child see you trying and sometimes failing at a daunting puzzle or challenge. To live bravely, to try new things, to put yourself out there for the things you love and be able to show and talk about the failures as well as the successes. <br />
<br />
The last line in the article is just amazing.<br />
<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 27.5px;">"One of the most important things we do for our children is to present them with a version of adult life that is appealing and worth striving for."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 27.5px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 27.5px;">Are you doing that? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 27.5px;">I'm trying, and I bet you are too.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 27.5px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 27.5px;">"Tell me, what else should I have done?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 27.5px;">Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 27.5px;">Tell me, what is it you plan to do</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 27.5px;">With your one wild and precious life?"</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 27.5px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 27.5px;">- Mary Oliver, The Summer</span></span></div>
Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259289478239551250.post-90901770684376827662012-08-15T07:24:00.002-04:002012-08-15T07:24:56.033-04:00Corn Husk Dolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRe3JtJBnqA/UCsH8AZvueI/AAAAAAAAAc8/md3gSFNoDww/s1600/100_1835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRe3JtJBnqA/UCsH8AZvueI/AAAAAAAAAc8/md3gSFNoDww/s640/100_1835.JPG" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
We're in the thick of corn season here and loving it! <br />
<br />
Oh my word... I just heard a flock of geese fly overhead...a sure sign of fall (or spring when they're returning north, but in this instance definitely fall). <br />
<br />
But back to the corn. I didn't grow corn this year. I remember reading somewhere that by the square foot it really doesn't produce as much food as other plants...and it's sort of a heavy feeder. I'm not saying I won't do it in the future, but not this year. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
There are a number of small farms in our area with stands selling corn and we have made it a goal to buy corn from each of them (or as many as we can) and then rank the corn as we go and come up with a 2012 Corn Award. <br />
<br />
So far we've tasted from <a href="http://spillerfarm.com/" target="_blank">Spiller Farm</a> and our local natural grocer...will have to follow up with them to confirm which farm the corn was from, and so far it's Spiller Farm. Next up is Wally's and Zach's Farm. I used to get change from Zach when I sold cheese at the farmer's market years ago so I have a soft spot for him...also his stand looks just lovely filled with fresh cut flowers and all. We've been playing around with making corn husk dolls, something I've always wanted to do ever since I was a child and Miss B had the great idea of presenting the winning farmer with a cornhusk doll. Too fun!<br />
<br />
The dry husks have a wonderful sweet smell to them and I'm thinking of trying to make a couple little baskets. It is important to dry the husks for a day or two before using them otherwise your doll will turn dark with mold...which happened to some of our earlier dolls (as seen below). <a href="http://www.nativetech.org/cornhusk/dollinst.html" target="_blank">Here's</a> the tutorial we used to make the dolls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r5YeB2nxBQM/UCsHzQzypzI/AAAAAAAAAc0/S21bQPECnGs/s1600/100_1834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r5YeB2nxBQM/UCsHzQzypzI/AAAAAAAAAc0/S21bQPECnGs/s640/100_1834.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
When you're first laying the husks out with the corn silk in the middle I'd recommend laying them so the husks curl away from the silk. Then when you flip the husks outward after tying the first string they will lay a bit more happily/flat. We also generally stopped after we attached the arms, Miss B wanted them to be wearing gowns of course. I like them unaddorned, but Miss B chose to embellish with markers. I think white paint would look pretty neat too...maybe just two white dots for eyes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8wwh_aeX8oQ/UCsIBO2oMNI/AAAAAAAAAdE/DdaPsGawtco/s1600/100_1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8wwh_aeX8oQ/UCsIBO2oMNI/AAAAAAAAAdE/DdaPsGawtco/s640/100_1840.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
Tomatoes are coming in surprisingly steady here. We are eating them at nearly every meal...not breakfast yet, but we're still fairly early in the season, and I wouldn't say no to a spicy virgin bloody mary some morning. With the tomatoes that are not perfect I simply trim out the bad spots, chop them up roughly and throw them in a ziplock bag in my freezer. I will make these into tomato sauce later when it is cool, say late September or even October or November. The scent of garlic and oregano and basil will fill my kitchen and these tomatoes will release their juice faster (because their cells burst when they went through the freezing process). The heat from my stove will warm my home a bit which will be welcome then. When the geese really have flown south. So I feel like one smart cookie as I chop and freeze, chop and freeze during these hot days.<br />
<br />
On another but similar topic here is a phenomenal post from <a href="http://www.nwedible.com/2012/08/how-to-make-pectin-free-jam.html" target="_blank">Northwest Edible Life</a> on making jam without pectin. Makes me want to make more jam today!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Jen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592752919369872471noreply@blogger.com4