there are always pine needles

January in New England??

2012-01-02T11:16:00.001-05:00

God be here, God be there,

We wish you all a happy year;

God without, God within,

Let the Old Year out and the New Year in.

(as found in "Festivals Family and Food")

January 2012 Simple Woman's Daybook Entry

2012-01-01T15:59:00.002-05:00

Outside my window... the trees dance on this unseasonably warm New Years day. The neighbor's granddaughter is playing in the yard with her puppy, my son is in the tree line spying on them. The grass is still green, when it should be golden or hidden by snow. The clouds move so fast I get dizzy if I stare too long.

I am grateful... for a new kitchen, and lots of family and friends to share it with!

I am thinking about... getting real.... back to life... purposeful existence. How did my son become so mainstream?? Can I reverse it?

From the schoolroom... a break. No formal lessons...lots of independent exploration.

From the kitchen... not much in the cupboards. No sign of Christmas and New Year visitors other than a burnt down candle and a french press resting on a tea towel.

I am reading... "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell. Just started it so I can't give a little review thus far but I knew I had to read it when I read the back cover.

I am hoping... that as the year grows I will continue to put aside time to sew for Haiti. I have new ideas and hope they are received well within Haitian Health Foundation.

I am praying... for the spirit of Christmas to swell up in me during this Christmastide, so much so that I notice it. It was an unusual Christmas for us, surrounded by home renovations that prevented my usual comfort zone...so I haven't felt much of the real season.

I am hearing...the kind of silence only experienced with the absence of a very sanguine child. The furnace occasionally rumbling. I hear the tapping of my husband working at something down on his workbench.

A few plans for the rest of the week... frequent vacuuming to stay on top of this never-ending dust! Real grocery shopping for real food for real health :) Getting outdoors!!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...(ps...if the polka dot towel looks familiar let me know..it showed up in my kitchen and it's not mine)

for other people's Daybook entries go here

Martinmas/The Feast of St. Martin of Tours

2011-11-11T15:57:00.000-05:00

O Jesus, sent to bring good news

To poor and broken hearts to bind,

We praise you that in ev'ry age

You bring forth shepherds great and kind.

Saint Martin, once a soldier brave,

Became a soldier of your cross,

Renouncing force, embracing peace,

Rejecting wealth as useless dross.

As bishop, Martin taught the Faith

With constancy and gentle zeal,

And the way he led his flock,

Proved to the world God's grace was real.

Concern for lowly, helpless folk

Was in the forefront of the task;

"What's done to least is done to me!"

The poor we help are Christ in mask.

http://mariannedorman.homestead.com/Martin.html

With the unusual October snow storm that destroyed thousands of trees in the Northeast we were literally plunged into acts of kindness by people far and wide. The clean up is still ongoing and children received an unexpected week off school.

This story of St. Martin was on my lips just before we lost power for 7 days. I told the story and then we played it out with the castle set. It was easy to recognize St. Martin in many people during this disaster.

May the spirit of St Martin be with you always

Simple Woman's Daybook October 2011 Entry

2011-10-09T18:14:00.002-04:00

Outside my window... the golden pine needles flutter to the ground, the sun shines and the animals and children are full of energy from this gift of summer in fall. The wood pile has grown triple it's size from the wood of the old maple, and splinters of wood cover the ground from a days worth of hard labor.

I am grateful... for family life...always in the forefront, no matter where it takes us. For little blessings tucked into the creases of those events. For a husband who likes to experience new places with our children in tow, because he wants them to know the world first hand.

I am thinking about... how thankful I am for the goodness in the hearts of many.

From the schoolroom... slowing down Isaac's mind to be better in sync with the rest of him. Independence! Lots of reading now... wow! he's a book worm.

From the kitchen... canning jars line the counter waiting for more harvest, evidence that I have been out of the home most days for a week, oats soaking for some granola bars, small lego-people waiting to be put away, and a dishwasher full of clean dishes. I want this week to reflect a coming home again so I am planning some good down-home meals!

I am reading... The Gospel According to Matthew with my study group. I read about the changes to the Mass, which will officially begin the first Sunday of Advent. I missed the discussion about this and was sad to miss it because I have so many thought on it. I am also reading more about boys and the 9 year change. I am also researching how to approach our parish school about improving the quality of their school lunch program. I still will not let Isaac get hot lunch because what is being offered is appalling!

I am hoping... my pulled muscle heals soon and I can get some real sleep.

I am praying... "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference!" it's on my coffee mug...a nice reminder every morning :-)

I am hearing... silence as Isaac takes advantage of this beautiful day outside playing with neighbor friends, and a husband who is taking a well deserved nap.

A few plans for the rest of the week... writing out thank you notes to all those who helped me with Book Fair, a visit to the local appliance store to price out new kitchen appliances, some much needed grocery shopping, getting back into daily exercise, and getting to bed early every night.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...my daughter, friend and trainer after completing the BAA Half Marathon today!

for other people's Daybook entries go here

Summer Fun! Part 1

2011-08-08T20:27:00.008-04:00

Years ago I read a book by Tasha Tudor, and in it she weaves a summer childhood image that is so delicious I was drawn right in and lived it right along with her. In her recollection she talked about how she and her cousins would make up plays, with costumes and all, to perform after dinner for the grown ups. She talked about running barefoot in the woods and all the natural adventure they had, which included laying in the tall grass watching the clouds go by. When I read this, those many years ago, I vowed to open the door to the arts and freedom in nature especially all summer long. One way we have maintained this tradition is sending the kids to Theatre in the Open....a marvelous theatre camp outdoors at Maudsley State Park. The kids spend all day outside from 9am - 2pm! Above is Isaac with one of his Fairy houses. This year they learned about body expression...so their performance was done through gestures with a narrator. Their dance blended all the age groups together with a slight rock beat. Isaac looks forward to attending again next year :-)

One of the special treats to going to Theatre in the Open is we stay with my parents. My parents are all about the grand-babies so it isn't unusual to see things like the picture above! One of the perks of staying with them is they live on an Island off Newburyport MA with a beautiful, rugged barrier beach of the Atlantic Ocean. We spend a lot of time there...mostly after 4pm when most beach-goers have gone home.

The photo above I am going to frame. I wove a wonderful story about the little merman captivated by the sea.

Plum Island Reservation has a fabulous rock-hounding area. You have to work a bit for it because it's about 6 miles down a dirt road and you have to battle greenheads to get there. It's worth the trouble. This visit pictured above we were just coming home from camp and decided to enjoy the water even though we didn't bring our swimsuits!There is a wonderfully open ended playground called Mosely Pines just before the chain bridges that we just love! I don't have a photo but there is a huge tree stump that stands about 15 feet high and about as big around as my kitchen table. They have climbers grips all over it for kids to scale. There is a huge zipline and trails, like the one above, to the river. On this hike Isaac found a couple of jellyfish stranded in the reeds from the recent storm. Of course what would living on the water be without a kayak trip or two! The basin is a great place for young adventurers and one day soon I know Isaac will be venturing out without the adult escort.We know the cousins are all getting bigger when they ask to sleep in a tent alone. They made it as far as sundown ;-)

At the last minute we decided to drive up into Maine to see my sister and her family for a few days. We enjoyed swimming off their boat and tubing. Isaac actually went alone! He also jumped off the top deck of the boat which I am even a little scared to do! We got our usual 4 gallons of Maine blueberries, which were small this year and I think we nearly went blind picking over them to bag. We visited the Maine State Museum and then visited the Maine Desert...yes, I said ME and Desert. The owner of this once fertile farmland cut down too many trees too fast and did not rotate his crops and the whole land turned to desert. Sound familiar? Above is part of the 50 acres that is left of the original 300 acres back in the 1800's. Mother Nature is reclaiming this land - it gives me hope!

Nature Brings Us Together

2011-07-30T19:39:00.002-04:00

I am reading "The Nature Principle" by Richard Louv and just finished chapter 12, titled "The Bonding - How Nature Principle can strengthen our relationships with family and friends". Part of the chapter talks about how primal energy streams from one person to another and, without intention, is a force shared.

I vividly remember just such a bond during a family trip to the beach. It started how it usually does...at the water's edge, breathing in the oceans majesty. The kids noticed a gift from high tide - a log. Feet touched the log and there was a spark of energy....
They started digging a hole. Voices turned to shrills of excitement.
The log became an inspiration and then it was like lightening struck each and every person!
Brainstorming began and it was as if there was a thread of neurons connecting everyone, they didn't have to speak and they knew each other's thoughts. Work, Work, Work they did!
More people joined the effort...The tide decided to join in but the great human attachment circle worked at a fever's pitch!
The ocean tried to reclaim the log, but success was ours. You know the saying, "Time flies when you're having fun"? Entrenched in this communal experience two hours passed!

I believe that bonding is not so much about the words we share but the physical closeness combined with uninhibited channels of energy. Whether we all realize it or not, our family became even closer after today.

Married 25 Years!!

2011-07-26T16:23:00.000-04:00

On a VERY hot, hot day in late July David and I were married. Here it is 25 years and three children later and I still feel like we were just married! Knowing that our eldest two are in the midst of their University educations we didn't expect a party, but they had other plan.

We were genuinely surprised! No small feat given I can usually sense these things a mile away. We were told we were having a quaint dinner to celebrate Emily's birthday. I did think the 2:15pm reservation was a bit strange, but stranger things have happened so I just went with it.

When we arrived and saw a party on the restaurant terrace I remember thinking, "What a nice day for an outdoor party!".... still clueless it was for US!

We were surrounded by friends and family from all over. It was a memorable event. My daughters even made us a beautiful video of our 25 years...

Here's to 25 more!!

He's Eight

2011-06-10T20:10:00.004-04:00

Out of a world that seems

To us today

A world of long ago

And far away,

A world of old, gold dreams,

These old, gold stories flows.

Yet out of it's olden gleams,

Out of it's golden glow,

Into our own time streams

The world we know.

Out of this ground we grow.

Isabel Wyatt

It is hard to believe that 8 years ago our family was blessed with our Wonder-boy! He was one of those blessings...a surprise that breathed a life into our family that lifted us up to an existence beyond anything we thought we could be.

Battles between good and evil prevail in the mind of this new eight year old, and so a superhero party is what we had! What better place to have a pizza party than Little City Pizza, where the theme of the restaurant is....superheros! The boys all dawned their favorite costumes and we walked from school to the restaurant for an early supper. We had hulk (Isaac), Batman, Power Ranger, 2 Captain Americas, and to spice things up....a Darth Vadar.
Then we walked to the local ice cream parlor J. Foster's for cones piled with two scoops of their favorite flavors. This is truly when they were at their quietest!
But as the afternoon wore on the boys melted under their hero-ware and were forced to shed part of their clothes so they could better play at fishes and minnows and other running games. Thank you to Emily and Patrick for playing with the boys!

The boys were sufficiently fed, and exhausted when a car pulled off the road to warn us that a black bear was heading our way! Excitement welled...but no bear dared to come near the rowdy superheros.

Our Hulk-8 Year Old Wonder Boy is sound asleep.....

June Garden

2011-06-05T19:39:00.002-04:00

Lots of snow and rain amounts to lots of green! What I didn't expect is such a bumper crop of berries and my local sugar house told me, Thursday, he hasn't seen the sap run this well since he's been sugaring! This is music to my ears and, perhaps a warning that we should stock up for another LONG winter. We are going to have enough strawberries this year to enjoy fresh, freeze, and make jam. We harvested our very first last week and they are very sweet!

We are in cycle 3 of our 4 year garden cycle. I use the successive planting technique trying to take advantage of a plant's natural relationship with the soil - what it gives and takes. It requires annual rotation and the use of cover crops. Nothing Grandma didn't already do.

I am conducting another experiment....since this spring rotation of lettuce is harvested young I decided to just sprinkle all the seeds in the bed and did not thin them out. I'm pleased and we've been harvesting for a week with no disappointment. I'll sew the next round in another bed in a few weeks while this bed will hold carrots.
I have a love affair with sage.....I've always had it in my garden no matter where we lived. My favorite use for it is in pumpkin ravioli, but it also is a beautiful tea..especially for a sour tummy. I am taking the advice of a fellow blogger and trying my hand at freezing some to use through winter. I'll be moving this one, again to its permanent location (promise?) this week.

I am expanding my garden again, really it's phase 2 of my original plan. All perennials will be in the fruit garden block, with the exception of the thyme...
I dug up my two year old English Wedgewood Thyme. It was HUGE!! I divided it and hope it will be happy along the foundation by the patio. Nothing else seems to survive this location because of foot traffic. I watched this thyme being stepped on all summer last year so my fingers are crossed.

Hopefully I will have an update later this month.

Labyrinth

2011-05-14T08:36:00.009-04:00

A pilgrimage is, after all, a journey of self-discovery, an attempt to recover the true self from beneath our constructs of layers and masks. What is discovered must be acted upon.

-Frank Cunningham

The Labyrinth is an ancient symbol of the holistic human...a metaphore of man's journey of life here on earth. They can be found in the floors of great cathedrals throughout Europe and beyond.

I was introduced to the Labyrinth when I was very young. I can't even recall why or where, but I was a child. It filled my senses and I have been drawn to them ever since.

The Labyrinth, like life, is not a straight path but is full of twists and turns, winding this way and that, but one path for one lifetime. Some of the turns we can ease into and are predictable, but others take us by surprise. As we walk the Labyrinth, with our feet, we are mindful of our own life path.

I walk passing through three stages; Purgation, Illumination, and Union

Purgation is a time of emptying. Letting go of thoughts and worries. This is the walk to the center. This stage can take some practice if you are not in the habit of meditation. Still the mind... becoming empty like the circle at the center of the Labyrinth.

Illumination is a time of receiving what God intends for you. A time spent at the center of the Labyrinth in prayer and meditation. I like to imagine I am an empty vessel being filled with God's love and peace.

Union is the return journey out of the Labyrinth. It is a time to become empowered to carry out what has become illuminated in our soul. God's healing is at work and every twist and turn is met with new confidence to overcome things that may stand in our way.

As I exit the labyrinth I am overcome with a peace that penetrates my consciousness, I am lighter on my feet and living on a higher level.

Peace be with you all.

Thus says the Lord;

Stand beside the earliest roads, ask the pathway of old, Which is the way to good?

and walk it; thus you will find rest for your souls.

-Jeremiah 6:16

Crossing Over..

2011-04-29T20:19:00.001-04:00

On my honor I will try to do my best

to do my duty to God and my country

to help other people

and to obey the law of the pack

The Cub Scout Promise

Tonight my Tiger Cub earned his badge and crossed over to become a Wolf Cub! I used to think Boy Scouts was a little extreme....until I learned the heart of what they do.

They build great men.

All it takes is reading a few of the handbooks for the lower ranks to realize that their mission is to bring to the surface the soul qualities all boys possess. I am proud to announce my Wolf Cub..Isaac Cyril!

Rebirth

2011-04-17T19:22:00.009-04:00

Spring Poem

Waken, sleeping butterfly,

Burst your narrow prison.

Spread your golden wings and fly

For the sun is risen!

Spread your wings and tell the story

How He rose, the King of Glory.

The raspberries are rising, the lilacs have burst. The long winter nap nestled in the deep snow has been a blessing! It was quite a sight to see so many tiny raspberry spires reaching for the sun! Perhaps we may even have some lilacs this year.

Rhubarb is growing fast. We'll have a pie in a week or so! Not pictured but doing equally well is thyme, bee balm, echinacea, strawberries, chamomile, cat mint, and chive.

The earth is breathing out now, as am I. Rebirth in mind, body, and spirit. Lent has been good food for my soul. I am feeling much like that butterfly bursting free from the darkness.
Another kind of rebirth has occurred in our home as well...the rebirth of a dear old friend. Em's friend asked if she could mend his favorite love. She made a sort of footie-pajama for him and added a bit of wool to give him new life!

Play

2011-03-26T16:10:00.006-04:00

Out of a world that seems

To us today

A world of long ago

And far away,

A world of old, gold dream,

These old, gold stories flow.

Yet out of it's golden gleams,

Out of it's golden glow,

Into our own time streams

The world we know.

Out of this ground we grow.

Isabel Wyatt

I have Spring-Fever!

I am still on my "take it easy" orders from the Doctor. With all this resting I have had a lot of time to reflect on things.

Isaac, almost eight, is playing a lot more sports with neighbor friends than last year at this time. His boy energy if funneled into cooperative strategies and good sportsmanship. It's mainly because the one family with two boys rarely want to play anything else. Isaac is very easy going. Just as long as there's fun in it!

When all the kids are out the favorite is "family", where being the baby, so I hear, is the "best" role. They use the sand area as their kitchen, making baby food and banquets for their large family. The men go hunting for food with stick-guns. Sometimes this permanently removes the men-boys from playing house as they find the hunt far more satisfying than being told what to do by a bunch of girls (go figure!).

The kids bring in all sorts of unknown games and play that I am completely unaware of as well. We moms keep an eye out the windows but we aren't privy to every word spoken like we were when we sat within ear-shot. There's a lot of running, laughing, yelling sometimes, equipment is shared and discarded in each other's yards.

But by far...tree climbing really rocks now...I mean REALLY rocks! He climbs with friends and alone but I believe he prefers solitude when he is in the cradle of these giants. It's difficult to sit and watch my little one happily swaying back and forth with the wind at the top of trees. I shouldn't be surprised because he did tell me he wished he were a bird. So, I engage his senses in a story and talk him down a few branches to slow my heart rate.

It all started here in my post The Perfect Playground. I really am happy he's still climbing.

Welcome Spring!

2011-03-25T17:17:00.004-04:00

"Come, fill the Cup, and in the Fire of Spring
The Winter Garment of Repentance fling:
The Bird of Time has but a little way
To fly--and Lo! the Bird is on the Wing."
- Omar Khayyám

I am well enough to wander through the gardens! It is Spring! Time to cut back the Butterfly Bush. I sunk my trowel into the dark earth with such force it nearly disappeared, to my surprise.

The Bleeding Hearts are up. This is the largest plant I have actually ever seen, and it's in MY garden! I will never move it (promise!).
But the MOST exciting little head to see pop up through all the leaves is the Rhubarb. Two healthy plants ready to serve my family another season.
Even my Rosa Rugosa is starting to bud out we've had such nice weather. While surrounding my kitchen garden with rugosa roses sounds lovely, it doesn't allow for expansion. I will have to consider relocating them this spring.
Although hard to see at first this Bee Balm is happy, happy! It's a staple in my garden for sure!

Cup of tea in hand, I strolled in and out through all the nooks and crannies of our property breathing in spring. It's good to be back!

How to Catch a Leprechaun

2011-03-15T19:10:00.010-04:00

by Isaac Buda

First we found a box taller than a Leprechaun . Cut a trap door in the top. (you can see the faint vertical line of the side of the trap door in the center of the photo above).

Next we spread glue all over the top and sprinkled gold glitter all over the glue because it sparkles like gold!

Then we cut fifty pieces of grass and we laid the grass on a long piece of string and tied it to the Leprechaun Trap. I made stairs out of nails on the side.

Last we painted two rainbows with wet on wet watercolors. We cut the rainbows out and cut a slit in each. We slid one rainbow over the other and put it on the top of the trap!

The End

Late Winter

2011-03-12T19:42:00.007-05:00

Redeeming God,

Be with us as we begin this Lenten journey to resurrection.

Open our hearts that we might truly listen to your call to deeper communion with you and all of our brothers and sisters.

Give us a fuller understanding of discipleship and service that we may eagerly live the Gospel.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

(opening prayer in "Open Our Hearts - A small group guide for an active lent" )

It has been a late winter full of excitement here at Pine Needle Garden!

I am blessed to live in a country where the smallest of things are on people's minds...namely the very tiny bone in the middle ear named the Stapes or stirrup. This very tiny bone did not function in my right ear due to a condition known as Otosclerosis and a few weeks ago I had surgery to remove the stapes and replace it with a prosthetic. I can hear! I didn't know the breadth of sound in so many things I can't name them all. I am grateful. It hasn't been a simple recovery, which is why the long silence in blogging. Like many homes this time of year ours was passing around a virus. With my low threshold for fighting infection while I heal I caught the virus with it's full force and today had my first day sitting in the glorious sun feeling human again. It will take a while for my body to get used to a 'moving' stapes again but my Dr put it accurately when he asked "So can you hear the grass growing now?" at my last appointment!

I so look forward to Spring!

During my absence from mothering my nineteen year old darling daughter stepped in and mothered...me. She checked on me, brought me tea, picked up her little brother from school, and cleaned (that last one is a big deal for a 19 year old). I am one proud Mama. Emily is also a wonderful baker. She has 'the gift'...not from me, from her Grandmother. She enjoys the show Cake Boss and one day decided to make a cake with a fondant. I just used my phone camera so the pics aren't so great but I tried to tell her that people would pay her good money for her talents.

and it tasted delicious!

Isaac spent a day at Holcomb Farm for "Winter Wildness". A great little program they run during school break. He went snowshoe hiking, made vegetable soup and bread, and learned all about the animals. And this is how I know it's a fabulous program - He couldn't wait to tell me all about it!

Our Lent is here. Ash Wednesday has come and gone...Isaac is still bothered by having ashes put on his forehead. He's decided not to give anything up for Lent. I am giving up sugar. I'm not sure about the rest of the household. I meant it when I said I was just starting to get back into things :-)

I am part of a couple Lenten Study Groups...one formally lead by our Deacon, and a casual one with a few of my Monday Study Group friends.

Blessing to all!

Happy Daylight Savings

Simple Woman's Daybook - February Entry

2011-02-11T18:29:00.000-05:00

My February 2011 Daybook entry -

Outside my window...

The flat grey sky and shivering tree limbs tell me it's a cold, cold morning. Black Capped Chickadees, dark eyed juncos, and a woodpecker or two flit from feeder to quivering branch. There is a large pile of snow on the neighbor's roof.

I am grateful...

for enjoying the company of my family

I am thinking about...

mortality and my efforts here and now

From the schoolroom...

poetry, reading, stretching limits and challenging the mind. Kindness.

From the kitchen...

granola bars are in the making for next week, a new apothecary jar full of flax seed sits on my counter nestled between the honey and dried basil, the floors have been cleaned and show their age, the blender hopper is still dripping on the cloth from my last smoothie. The humidifier is spreading high volumes of warm mist into the air.

I am reading...

"The Acts of the Apostles" by Little Rock Scripture Study chapters 9-12. The passage that speaks to me right now is 10:43 "To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." Baptism has always been one of my favorite ceremonies in the Church. The other account I am inspired by is the conversion of Saul. I know many modern-day Sauls and the scripture gives me hope.

I am hoping...

to have the will to do the exercises given to me by my Drs. Why is it that we procrastinate even when the result is a good thing?

I am praying...

for my Aunt Barb, who had a massive heart attack and has also been diagnosed to be in the end stages of cancer. I pray that she can remain comfortable in these ends days, and I pray for strength in acceptance for all those who love her.

I am hearing...

not much...it's a quiet day and my congestion paired with my otosclerosis makes it quite silent.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

Luau Family Dinner at Isaac's school, hockey, finish house cleaning, make valentines!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/2011/02/february-daybook.html

Lots of Snow

2011-02-06T14:08:00.005-05:00

Snowflakes

DAVID KUHRT

Snowflakes

white as frozen light

where darkness dies

and heaven lies

incarnate on the ground.

We have had a heavy dose of snow this winter. Record snowfall for January 22.5 inches, and record snowfall in a 24 hour period. We're running out of places to put it.

The kids have been making forts galore and sledding is in full swing, not like last year when you had to take your chances heading over to the town hill. The snow/ice build up on roofs has been a problem. Roof rakes are a hot commodity and at least one or two neighbors are having leaks.

Our elder neighbor used his snow thrower to create a path though his yard so my son can walk safely over to his friend's house. Snowbanks along the roads are so high you can barely see the tops of the cars let alone a small child walking in the street- not something we're used to.

So do we like all this snow? Yes! Because one of the other perks has been school closings :-) The landscape is just beautiful.

We're getting another storm this week.....

2011-02-02T09:47:00.001-05:00

Now dismiss Thy servant, O Lord,
In peace, according to Thy word:
For mine own eyes hath seen Thy salvation,
Which Thou hast prepared in the sight of all the peoples,
A light to reveal Thee to the nations
And the glory of Thy people Israel.

Luke 2:29-32

Happy CandleMas Day

Today we remembered the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Mary's respect for tradition is one more reason why I hold her in a place of honor in my heart.

Pinewood Derby: Part 2

2011-01-30T20:41:00.006-05:00

...well, after all the hand tools were used to shape the car he sanded the whole body down and then painted it. We left it to dry overnight. The next day school was cancelled and somewhere in the day between playing in the snow and skating at a friends he announced it was done. What!?

Done!

He had gone to his workbench and finished the car himself. Bravo! The only thing we had left to do was add weight to the car. They actually have a variety of weights you can buy for this task. And since he loved using the drill, we got the weights that were cylindrical and could be inserted right into the body of the car with a little urging.

He was so excited to have done this project with just a little verbal guidance.

Friday night Weigh-In...

Amidst a slight fever and laryngitis we managed to get to the weigh-in. His car weighed in at 4.6 ounces. Need more weight. NO problem.....they had a table set up called the "Body Shop" complete with powdered graphite and a glue gun. We added a few coins to the bottom of the car and his final weigh-in was 5.0. This was the heaviest a car was allowed to weigh in at. Now for the part we talked at length about...they [impound] the car until the race. Yes, they take it from him and place it in a special car-case with all the other cars. I was amazed at the variety of cars in the case. Some were obviously kid-made, others...well, you know how we adults can get a little carried away when we "help".

Race Day!

Isaac was feeling better. No fever. Still can't talk. We sign in and the Derby begins. The race is all computerized, complete with revving engine sounds to start each heat. Each car is numbered and cross referenced. Times are kept to the fourth decimal! Each car got to run once in each of six lanes.
Isaac's green car is in lane 4 in the above picture.
He was so excited to see his car racing.

Now I know what all the excitement is over this Pinewood Derby. I sure am glad we took the time to participate.

Pinewood Derby: Part 1

2011-01-25T20:55:00.003-05:00

My 7 year old is a Tiger Cub Scout...and with it comes participation in an annual Scouting event called the Pinewood Derby. The boys build their own cars and then race them to see which car is fastest! Like most things Boy Scout there are lots of rules and lots of fun! Every boy in our Pack was given the same car kit. From there it's all about ability, creativity, and desire. We did a little research about how to build a fast car and Isaac took from it what he wanted and was off and running. I like to think of myself as a "spotter" as Isaac drilled holes, used a plane, and even did a fair bit of whittling. He will be racing in the First Grade category. We still have some work to do...stay tuned for more!

Our Wonder Book

2011-01-23T20:34:00.005-05:00

The Seven Year Old Wonder Book by Isabell Wyatt has been a joyful read for me and my son. It is a tale about Sylvia and the seasons of her seventh year; woven rich with tradition, spirited tales, and lots of love. The story is written in a tone appealing for both girls and boys. Sylvia could very well have been a boy. My son's deep understanding of each story and strong desire to drink in the words over and over filled me with satisfaction. He talks about Sylvia like she's an old friend. He relates her adventures to his own and especially enjoys living into her bedtime tradition of leaving a Wonder Book by her bedside for the rhyme elves, stretching the telling tale into poetry and art.

This is our second time reading this book at the request of my son, now 7 1/2 year old. This time with a request. He wondered if he were to put out a Wonder Book -would the rhyme elves leave him a delightful picture and poem?

So we 'tried'....

I happened to peer through the crack in his door one morning to find him with book in hand, softly tracing the drawing with his index finger and reading the poem to himself. All that boy energy focused on gratefulness and respect, reaching deep into his soul.
I feel privileged to have witnessed this.

I really am grateful that this particular book was written to help in the unfolding of this particular boy.

2011 Daybook - January Entry

2011-01-10T20:28:00.001-05:00

My January 2011 Daybook entry -

Outside my window...

The wind scoops up snow and is tossing it here and there. The trees are dancing and I can't help thinking it's all like watching a bunch of children playing.

I am grateful...

for heat, plain and simple.

I am thinking about...

organizing. The chore of putting all the Christmas decorations away has jump started me into year end organizing of the office, tender memories of my son playing on a simple little hill in the nearby woods and how he is now shares that hill with a trusted friend. I should write a story about it.

From the schoolroom...

spelling lessons increase, creative writing has fewer drawings and more words, violin lesson time has increased to 20 minutes of practice time at the student's request (imagine), storytelling is focusing on nature stories now, we found our main lesson book of letters while cleaning out a drawer and are having great fun with the familiar tongue twisters.

Actually we are doing a fair bit of reminiscing of last year with circle songs as well.

Good vibes in the schoolroom!

From the kitchen...

granola bar prep done thanks to Sweet Chow.

Still a few items on the counter from Emily's adventure making Spanish Doughnuts. My poor, poor worn out drawer next to the stove has given up and hangs precariously. The holiday coffee maker is switched out with the familiar blender as another reminder that the holiday is over. The smell of roast chicken still hangs in the air.

I am reading...

a few books now;

In my deep desire to know the temperaments of my children I am revisiting "The Temperament God Gave You" by Art and Lorraine Bennett and "The Temperaments and the Adult-Child Relationship" by Kristie Burns. I am fluxing between Choleric and Sanguine for Isaac who is past the 7 1/2 year now.

I am also reading a new book with my Monday Study Group "The Acts of the Apostles" by Little Rock Scripture Study.

For pleasure reading I have picked up "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I have to admit I feel a tad guilty when reading this.

I am hoping...

to have an epiphany! The winter season is ever present in me right now and I almost feel my very impulse sleeping. I am also hoping that I can discern my charity. I continue to hope my daughter finds and embraces her gifts. She is such a bright light in this dimly lit world.

I am praying...

for healing for several friends, for clarity in my own life

I am hearing...

the wicked winds, a cough every so often, one of the showers, my son's hushed voice as he plays with is favorite stuffed cat.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

massage therapy, Mystery reader, hockey practice, snow storm

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

to read Daybook entries from other women, or to participate in the Simple Woman's Daybook yourself visit http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com

Silent Saturday

2011-01-08T14:56:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-26T18:46:00.012-05:00

Joy to the World!!

Bringing joy to classmates

Twenty year Christmas Eve Neighborhood tradition...luminaries

Christmas Eve family traditions...gingerbread house building

Candle light Mass

late night walk

ho ho ho

May this season of profound Love fill your hearts the whole year through.

God Bless

Thanksgiving Time

2010-12-10T20:19:00.009-05:00

Bless us oh Lord

for these thy gifts

which we are about to receive

from thy bounty

through Christ the Lord

Amen

Amazing how life can happen and absorb time. Here it is already the end of November, finding us giving thanks and turning our thoughts inward. Looking for that light...inside now.

Thanksgiving dinner brought our family together again...an eclectic fair with one who doesn't eat turkey, a few vegetarians, and the rest who were glad to find a feast at the table! We have a lot to be thankful for this year.

Hubby-D took this shot of me in my garden. Sipping chai (of course) and dreaming about slumbering herbs and seeds that sleep in my seed bin in the deep dark basement waiting to dance next spring. Introspective, I am. I feel like the earth; tired, dark, dry. I admire the brittle stems and seed heads we left for the song birds. There's beauty in death in a garden. Sit a while, you'll see it.

Holiday times means relatives making an effort to get together. Hard when we live so far apart. My sister and her family visited for a few days and we kept the kiddles out of school and went to the new local science museum. What a great place! We bought a membership and learned that, by far, the best time to go is on a Wednesday when the rest of the school age population are busy at their desks in school. We practically had the whole museum to ourselves! The kids spent almost an hour in the Kids Space playing with forces of water, exploring at their own pace.

this exhibit was in the Forces in Motion room. Simple; using the jet stream of air coming out of the orange cone guide the ball up and through the ring. Not so simple but very engaging. Lots of fun in this indoor science center for both old and young together. This is what I like about this museum...every exhibit had something for all ages, we didn't have to go into separate rooms.

A late fall walk through our favorite forest.

I didn't take a photo but he found his favorite hill, the one he's played on since he was 2.

He knows it well.

Tree limbs can be the best catapults!

He is reading well these days... experimenting with the written language. I find the sweetest surprises,

(grin)

Halloween

2010-11-06T20:37:00.006-04:00

Cobwebs

as found in the EarthSchooling First Grade Syllabus by Kristie Karima Burns

Between me and the rising sun

This way and that the cobwebs run

Their myriad wavering lines of light

Dance up the hill and out of sight

There is no land possesses half

So many lines of telegraph

As those spider-elves have spun

Between me and the rising sun.

Isaac was a Bandito for Halloween this year. He got to wear his costume to 4 different events! I think that's the best use of a costume for him yet. The first event was a haunted house put on by one of his classmates. This was an [all out] haunted house. Their whole first floor was a series of black satin tunnels leading to goolish sights and experiences. Isaac went through over a dozen times.

The second was an event put on by his school called Trunk-or-Treating where each child trick or treats at the trunks of cars in the parking lot decorated in halloween themes. This was followed by his classroom party. No candy at these events and no masks or weapons. I'm thankful his teacher sent the notice home a week early so I could prepare Isaac seeing as the sword is... well... the exciting part of the costume :-)

Then we went to Pumpkin Bingo (sorry no pictures), an evening of bingo for families. David won 5$ and Isaac literally ran around with his classmates for 2 hours, ending in a parade. He was pooped!

As usual we had some jack-o-lanterns to make. We waiting until Daddy got home to carve so we were carving in the dark. I don't recommend it. I just couldn't bring the mess inside though since we had had such a long day. Isaac is totally independent in carving his now.

He especially enjoys making the chimneys in everyone's pumpkin lid!

Then it was one more time to get that costume on for our neighborhood Trick-or-Treat. It was quite cold this year, and damp. He went with five other friends and dads....

and this year they went onto adjacent streets and came home with an obscene amount of candy!

He gorged himself when he got home, after he sorted the candies to find out what the favorite was this year. Reeces peanut butter cup won, with Kit Kats not far behind. Then he carefully chose a small basket of candy to keep and the rest was left out for the Sugar Fairie, which, by the way, I was told is a BOY. The Sugar Fairie was pleased with the loot and traded it for a Star Wars lego kit.

Isaac was ecstatic!

Autumn Activities

2010-10-26T10:38:00.006-04:00

Although I have been out of sight I have not had blogging out of mind....

We have taken in the Autumn splendor as much as we could this month. It's hard to believe October is nearly departed! This year we decided to try the corn maze at Ellsworth Hill Farm.

they add to the thrill of being lost in the tall stalks by giving us a crossword puzzle to do. Each clue is hidden somewhere in the maze. Isaac read the clue and was able to answer all of them. We also selected some great pumpkins for carving, some apple cider donuts, and of course a piping hot cup of apple cider.

During the week Isaac had a day off from school so we went over to Jinny's farm Lost Acres to see what she had left for apples. The season was about 2 weeks early this year. Back in the spring we had a hail storm and so the apples are a little "ugly". We don't mind ugly when we know Jinny didn't spray this year. We picked Delicious Reds and Cortlands. Isaac has become quite proficient in using the long handled picker.

One can not go to Lost Acres and escape the bakery/store. We feasted on home made chicken and wild rice soup and apple pie for lunch.
...boy were we full!

Simple Woman's Daybook - October Entry

2010-10-26T10:37:00.001-04:00

have you ever found yourself so wrapped up in creative pursuits that you abandon other forms of creativity? Selecting just the right things for home renovation reaches my creative muse...and so I have been on a little hiatus from my blog. I'm glad to be back for a bit :-)

My Daybook - October 26, 2010

Outside my [open] window...

I could swear it's still late summer, if only the crabapple still had it's leaves. I can see my car parked on the side of the road to make room for the contractors truck in the driveway. The leaves on the maple are being tickled by a gentle breeze.

I am grateful...

for those very small moments of growth in my seven year old, even if they don't look like much to most people; for finally seeing the light at the end of this tunnel of "busy"; and, among other things, for the quiet moments between the lines of chaos where I find peace.

I am thinking about...

my children and how their anxiety is my anxiety, how their sadness is my sadness, and how natural it feels.

From the school room...

Reading ten minutes a night from my favorite Faith and Freedom readers with "I". Homework sent home by teacher, Monday violin lessons now also include a little session with Miss Linda working on hand dexterity and whatever teacher sees a need for. This is a big step for me, to yield in this way. All the grown ups working in concert with one another. Our circle of learning is one big happy family! Our special night time book is "Puck the Gnome" now. Such a fascinating tale spun out of the natural world. Tiger Cub Scouts field trip to Phelps Museum.

From the kitchen...

A new batch of granola fills the jar. My oven is worse off now than ever before. One tray actually burnt while the other barely cooked. Beautiful squash of all kinds fill baskets on counters, and corners hold baskets full of apples. It's the height of Autumn!

I am reading...

Free Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy. Lenore, at first, seems like an irresponsible mom but when you really get into the pulp of the book it's more about how our culture has stripped away layers of real independence in our children and the brave things she's done to help counter that. I am thoroughly enjoying her humor as well! I am also reading Introduction to the Bible by Stephen Binz with my Monday Study Group. This week we spent a good amount of time in the literary styles of each book, and what the authors intention was in bringing it to us. It is grounding to see the Scriptures in a human sense, knowing that they are inspired by God and valuable to any generation.

I am hoping...

to have my house back in order for Thanksgiving.

I am praying...
for my friend's continued recovery from surgery... for a new friend who found out she has cancer again... for my neighbor's slowly healing shoulder, and for a silent intention.

I am hearing...the wind gently lapping at the shades in the open windows, a truck working in the distance, the contractor working in the spare bathroom.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

being on hand for the contractor, Cub Scouts, make apple sauce, various halloween parties and trick or treat, finish cleaning out basement closets.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...this morning's walk

to read Daybook entries from other Mamas go to Simple Woman's Daybook

Garden Update - Early September

2010-09-12T13:11:00.004-04:00

Harvest is slowing in our little kitchen garden. The watermelons are ready for harvest and the green beans are at a quart a week. We have a dozen or so tomatoes still clinging to their vines, and three potato plants keeping nicely in their earthy bed. I pull about 12 carrots a week now.

The garden is so peaceful in it's almost sleep.

The zinnias grace our table

with sunflowers taking a back seat now

oh fennel seeds are coming forth by the hundreds. I am collecting seeds this year.

the echinacea is hanging on here and there but the seed heads out-number the blooms now.

calendula is enjoying the cool nights. It is still going hard. I have already collected 2 ounces of their seeds, and hope to collect a lot more.

the rosemary - I never quite know what to do with it at this point. It will be the main event in some of my fall-ish meals in the coming weeks.

I never tire of buying mums from our local nursery. They grace our back deck.

Now we [know] Autumn is near!

those adorable foxes who started their lives under our neighbor's shed are still close by. I thank them for keeping the foragers under control all summer. Not a plant lost to little furry friends.

Autumn sports have started. Isaac is running cross country and trying his hand at basketball so I have started making granola bars again. These are a no nut variety so he can take them to school as well. I thank the local bees for their honey!

Simple Woman's Daybook - September Entry

2010-09-06T11:30:00.001-04:00

FOR TODAY.......

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW... the wind is gayly playing with the leaves on the trees. The blue, blue sky holds puffy white clouds - the kind you lay in the grass and spend hours seeing dragons and ships and a million other things in their shapes. The shadows cast by nature look different and tell me we are approaching the Autumn Equinox.

I AM GRATEFUL... for parish priests who have time (outside of confession) to casually chat about day to day.

THOUGHTS IN MY HEAD... all my thoughts are turning inward; preparing the house and my heart for winter. I need to make a list or I will wander aimlessly.

FROM THE SCHOOL ROOM... violin practice returns to our rhythm, reading a wonderful adventure book about four children who journey to restore real words to our language called "The Wise Enchanter". We are doing a letter a week in our tongue twisters, along with some drawing and copywork. We have added using the Little House on the Prairie tv series for moral lessons (but don't tell!). This is the first television show with people we have offered to "I". It has already had an effect on him! A boy's desire to help is a wonderful thing paired with their budding strength and need to keep their hands busy. No homework yet from school being the first week but it will start next week.

IN THE KITCHEN... still preserving the harvest. Squash, eggplant, tomatoes, and a giant watermelon sit on the counter waiting. An ambitious menu for the week hangs precariously on the side of the fridge. My teapot looking like it needs polishing, and most importantly, newly washed floor worthy of white stocking feet with no worries!

NOURISHING MY MIND... with "Hold on to your Kids" by Neufeld.

I AM HOPING...this life of mine reflects the real me each day. Sometimes the easy road is to blend in...but if we do this too much we lose who we really are. I am hoping that my children are strong in who they are too.

I AM PRAYING... for my friend recovering from brain surgery, my family, and for my son's school.

PLANNING... The week is a busy one:

get amendment from accountant to sign
pick up paint supplies
prepare "I"s room for paint
lunch meeting for book fair
prime all doors, and new stairs
sit down and print out Holiday Organizer
CSA and Farmer's Market

A PICTURE THOUGHT I'D LIKE TO SHARE...

click here to read Daybook entries by other bloggers

Blog Makeover

2010-09-02T13:20:00.005-04:00

The seasons live in me...

You haven't stumbled onto the wrong blog

I needed my blog to reflect the changes I am sensing

I look forward to more time here with you.

Peace,

Wendy

Feelings of Late Summer

2010-09-01T09:58:00.006-04:00

He couldn't get over it....the baby snake on the ground was dead. During our hike today "I" found a dead baby Eastern Ratsnake. He carried it for over a mile. "It's not fair...he was just a baby" he said. "The circle of life is always in motion" I said. We talked of life and dust......we buried little snake and quietly went home.

Ever turn your back on a hair stylist? I brought "I" in for his back-to-school haircut. "A little off the edges so he can see better, and so it doesn't touch his shirt collar" I said.

Sigh

I nearly threw up when I saw what she did. The mohawk was just the icing on the cake. He's scalped!

On to more pleasant things...like engaging in imaginative play. "Green Man", so he called himself. Running around the house, talking all the while. Playing alone...and happily. I recognize that green cape. It's the towel I wrapped and cuddled him in after his baths when he was a tiny. New life from an old friend.

Pure Bliss!

Simple Woman's Daybook - August Entry

2010-08-23T20:42:00.015-04:00

My Daybook - July 13th

Outside my window...

I see swaying tree limbs, clouds rushing by, and birds in flocks rushing from here to there. I see grass that hasn't needed cutting in two weeks and a garden exploding with produce.

I am grateful...

for being formed with a forgiving heart, a generous spirit, and the ability to see goodness.

I am thinking about...

sewing, knitting, and all things warm weather... how my son's shoulders are broadening, and his face elongating right before my eyes.

From the schoolroom...

Summer is one week shy of the first day of school. Vacation on the Cape was a complete escape from day to day living and now it's time to get back into our familiar rhythm. Exploring my first grade enrichment curriculum by EarthSchooling. Lots of verses, art, storytelling, and handwork. I granted "I" a hiatus from his violin for much of July so lessons begin again next week.

From the kitchen...

Preserving the harvest every day now. Lots of salsa, tomato sauce, green beans, and pickles. Organizing cabinets better in preparation for heavy use over the holidays.

I am reading...

Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers

by Gordon Neufeld, Gabor Mate

with an insightful group of women over at The Parenting Passageway

I am hoping...

to get all "I"s school shorts done before the weekend, and to start on some Christmas gifts.

I am praying...
for a friend who had to travel to the other side of the country for surgery.

I am hearing...
the wind gently lapping at the shades in the open windows. The leaves rustling. My son urging me to get off the computer.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

dentist appts, CSA, tend the garden, lots and lots of sheets to launder and hang out.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Garden Update: Early August

2010-08-03T12:39:00.004-04:00

I harvested my very first new potatoes!
They were so easy to grow. I think my only error was staggering them. The row wasn't really wide enough to do this. Next year I will do them right down the center so I can hill them more. They are shown here in my favorite summer skirt. It has two layers and I just love harvesting this way ;-)
while away for two weeks I neglected to ask someone to harvest cucumbers....I returned to pick 27 enormous beauties. We have eaten the raw, I've been adding them to my smoothies, I fixed an Indian rice dish with them and have had a request to make some pickles.
The heat and humidity...adding the weight of so many bunches of cherry tomatoes, so labeled, literally bent the stake!
do these look like cherry tomatoes to you?? I'm sensing Roma....so be it! Great for sauces and salsa.

Green beans are still plentiful. I froze 6 gallon bags so far with plenty of fresh in the fridge. Watermelons and Melons are also coming along nicely. Birds and beneficial insects are doing their thing. Looks like rain is on it's way...we need a good soak.

Morning Walk in August

2010-08-03T11:22:00.010-04:00

While "I" attends camp where we do our CSA I took advantage of the miles and miles of trails on their property. This set takes me through a garden on a hillside with a breathtaking view of the small mountains.

Pumpkins whisper Autumn is coming

I chose the Vernal Pool loop today...just as I rounded the corner an owl crossed my path in a flurry. The trail was laced with webs and I felt the solitude.

evidence of the dry season....boardwalks not needed and mud dried out and easy to navigate without my wellies. This area is a favorite of deer and I either just missed them or they were hiding because I could see lots of scat and smell them. My hearing has worsened and I am in the care of a doctor to see if there is anything we can do about it. Because I am deaf in one ear and almost deaf in the other my sense of smell and sight is heightened.
A fairie house I spied

fungi in the trail
All along the trail the scent of horses was thick. Scat and hoof prints too. When the trail wound into the pine grove I saw why.

leaving for the day...what a beautiful view. All these pictures were taken with my phone because I forgot my camera. Such a peaceful place.

Theatre Camp

2010-08-02T22:55:00.006-04:00

For two weeks "I" was immersed in the world of the theatre...outdoors! The entire camp is outdoors; Drama class, dance, art, storytelling, and some fairie house building. I was told they even chased a goblin through the forest! The last day of camp was Share Day. The children performed a modern dance piece called A Wave For You. It was so full of energy and large body movement...thank you Scott! "I" still loves being in the front.then each age group put on their own production..."I"'s group did Peter Pan...guess who was Captain Hook!?
Always eager to bring his energy to the public stage he "grrrrred" and screamed when the crocodile came near in a perfect Captain Hook style.
taking a bow while the audience clapped...he is still not fond of people clapping for his work. Among other crafts they made masks...
this one strongly resembles the spitfire he hung all over his door to keep the bad dreams away.
lurking in the shadows!

This Moment

2010-07-31T12:35:00.002-04:00

we are so grateful to live among wildlife

Annual Summer Cousinfest

2010-07-27T09:20:00.008-04:00

Yankee Homecoming was a real hit this year! We were surrounded by family...cousins galore! We started the day at the Pancake Breakfast on the Mall....once the kids were all fueled up we headed to Art in the Park to check out local artists. So much talent. A little break by the water ...

Isaac couldn't resist getting as close as possible to the tiny dragonfly on the rock....we headed into the children's area...
this body artist was the fastest painter I've ever seen. "I" wasted no time picking his scary design....
cousins showing off their body art
there were lots of things for the kids to do..."I" dunked this poor girl three times. He also got a healthy taste of failure when his second turn yielded no dunks.
Using recycled glass kids made suncatchers. "I" entered into a calm rhythmic breathing while creating his sun catcher. He chose each color and shape carefully. It was a wonderful breathing in moment in the middle of a highly energized day.
then it was ice cream and back to the house and in the pool to end the day.

{this moment} in July

2010-07-16T10:46:00.004-04:00

{this moment}

- A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

I love all the inspiring suggestions from other bloggers, and today I thought I would join SouleMama with this photo.

Simple Woman's Daybook - July 13, 2010

2010-07-13T19:31:00.006-04:00

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

My Daybook - July 13th

Outside my window...

I see a weedy lawn...again, a sandbox wide open with construction in progress by little hands. The clouds hint rain and the air is thick and hot. My kitchen garden waits to be watered...it might have to wait all day until the rain comes. It doesn't look like it's suffering any. One of my giant baskets of petunias has toppled off the post and lay in an unpleasant heap on the garden path. The clothesline is empty - no laundry today.

I am thankful...

for trees that surround and shade our home.

I am thinking about...

my game-plan for the coming vacation. It's always harder to plan when we leave half the family at home. It's planning...twice.

From the schoolroom...

Summer break so we are having fun with Little Stories for Little Folks. "I" is reading through them easily, and the content is such a blessing! "I" is also participating in our Public Library Reading Program "Splash Into Reading". Lots and lots of spontaneous learning happening!

From the kitchen...

Chicken casserole time two, more smoothie popsicles, and a purring dishwasher - aaaah

I am reading...

nothing at the moment

I am hoping...

to have my summer to do list finished off by the end of August. I am depending on a lot of other people so this might just not happen.

I am praying...
for a friend recovering from surgery and the unborn now that abortion is part of the federal health plan.

I am hearing...
my son narrating his play in the sandbox, the birds sweetly singing, and the hum of the a/c.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

Car getting new tires
packing, packing, packing
CSA/Farmer's Market

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

that infamous "pile" we all start when we are getting ready to pack
the nerf gun is just something we see all over the house now

A Greener Summer

2010-07-11T16:28:00.010-04:00

For my Summer small change I decided to hang up some electricity guzzling conveniences......my dryer and my hairdryer. The latter is a much bigger deal than the former because I was already well on my way to never using the old dryer again anyway. To make it official I unplugged it and I swear I heard the electrical lines throughout the house sigh a big thank you. I will struggle when we have several rainy days in a row...because of the sheer volume I will have to hang inside. I'll be ordering another wonderful folding wood rack from Lehman's.

The bigger deal......drying my hair. I'll just say right now I don't have long hair, or do I have curly hair. I have fairly straight flat hair and I like my hair "fluffy". LOL The only way to achieve this feat is to force it into a different shape. I sort of feel like I am walking the plank because I have a thing for my round brush and hairdryer. So this one will be a challenge...but I know it's just all good and I am not going into this without ideas. I am growing my hair out so I can just about pull it back into a clip....just about. UGH. Hats are good on the beach and in the garden and for those times I want to feel all prettied up I found these curlers that are sort of velcro-ish. NO doubt I may just be calling on my hair stylist Karen for some moral support!

Camps... so Far

2010-07-09T17:03:00.009-04:00

St Mary's Church Vacation Bible School
High Seas Expedition!
LET'S GO!!

I helped out with Crafts....specifically Clipper Ship Crafts and Mission.
Our mission was with Operation Kid-to-Kid where each "crew" made a blanket for kids in Africa through World Mission.
I had to get up in front of everyone and say a prayer so each crew could present their blanket. It was very moving and a moment I will never forget.

The Dolphin Crew
Can't wait for next year!

The next camp Isaac went to is through our Community Farm, where they grow organic crops for the needy. Part of the camp included chores on the farm; harvest, weeding, cleaning out animal stalls and feeding. The other focused on the natural world that touches farming. This week was about Bugs

this dog made us all laugh. He is getting a drink from the very aggressive sprinkler!
Sharing with a new friend

parent's day ... the white pipe structure is something they made. It's a human car wash :-) I chanced to see it in use and truth be told it looked like they favored the mud puddle under it most.

The kids used their new knowledge of the insect world to try and stump all of us. Two older boys are helping Isaac read the clues (written by another child):
I cew your howse
I werk for my queen, who gets fadder and fadder and fadder
Who am I?
(answer below :-) )
The highlight of their new-found knowledge was an activist attitude about the newest threat to our trees....the Asian Longhorned Beetle
The children knew all about them and presented each parent with identifying cards so we all know what they look like and what to do if we find one. Heck they each even wore tattoos of the beetle. Now THAT'S getting it out there!

They ended singing a guitar accompanied song
"This Land is Your Land"

It has been a growing summer so far for this new seven year old.

...oh yes...carpenter ant

More...Me Time

2010-07-08T21:35:00.001-04:00

The Rails to Trails program where Simsbury meets East Granby. It is right down the street from the farm Isaac was attending camp so I took advantage of the proximity for a new experience.

Lake Basile is so alive! I stepped off the paved trail onto a sandy trail that wrapped around the north side of the lake. It was thick with lily pads and algae and I saw pond skimmers, dragonflies, and little fish by the hundreds. It was a highly scented area with all the life growing in the lake. This wasn't a lake to swim in for we humans. This area is also home to remnants of the old Farmington Canal, which stretched from New Haven CT 88 mile into Northhampton MA. Read more about the Farmington Canal Heritage Greenway. I just love embracing something aged with a story to tell. The rubble of this canal sent chills up my spine. I could feel it in my bones, the tales of the old canal.

what a gorgeous day! I hopped back onto the trail and went another mile or so and then headed back to my car happy to have discovered this special place.

Me Time

2010-07-08T16:11:00.009-04:00

"self/Self
The use of lower case "s" in the word "self" is to indicate the finite sense of self within the individual, already in the child, which will later form a relationship with the transcendent, or infinite, Self. This usage is based on my understanding of C. G Jung."
- Judith Duerk "Circle of Stones V1"

My town was voted the most Bike Friendly town in CT. Not entirely sure what that means but I'm pretty sure it has to do with the miles and miles of trails, some paved some not, that wind their way through Simsbury. I consider this a privilege, living in a town that cares about getting people outdoors. We also have dozens of hiking trails to choose from.

Today I treated myself to some "Me" time and hiked two trails off the Ironhorse portion of the 'Rails-to-Trails' trail. I am seeking silence, that gap between thoughts.

The River Walk Nature trail grabs your attention as soon as you ascend the steps with it's tall White Pines flanking the trail for a far as you can see. It's was a hazy morning so it was like jumping into the scene of a mystical fairy tale.

UNfortunately, today, I had to turn back at the 1/4 mile mark due to an abundance of poison ivy! It was evident, also, that there had been a fire on the trail recently. Hopefully they weren't trying to burn the ivy because from what I understand it is also poisonous in the smoke. I'll ask around about the trail maintenance and hope to do all 2.2 miles later in the summer. I wouldn't even consider trying to plow through the poison ivy because it's height and thickness is nothing I've ever seen before!

Continuing on the rail-trail I stopped at a quaint little trail called Helen's Way. It wends it's way through native flowers and plants by way of a boardwalk and ends in a small field.

Cat o' nine tails (as my mom would say) or Common Bullrush were just about done flowering. I think these might have been planted as a bioremediation because I noticed the town sewer plant not too far from the trail. The area is mostly marshy.

When I saw the Queen Anne's Lace it brought back vivid memories of my childhood. They grew on the hill in front of our home. We would dip the giant heads of florets in food coloring and arrange them in a vase on the dining room table. Along this trail they grow in varying heights where the land is dry. They are considered a noxious weed in parts of the country, but not here.

Along the trail I paused.....and breathed deep. Into my nostrils the wet air carried the musty marsh, life mingling nature. I breathed out appreciation.
I found silence.
This is nothing like being alone.

I enjoyed the time with my[self] and ended my walk with a cup of chai tea at Peaberries.

Early July Garden

2010-07-05T10:51:00.007-04:00

Sunshine Fairies
by Betty Jones
We are the sunshine fairies
And with our sparks of light,
We shimmer and glimmer in the air,
Hugging flowers with colors bright!

We are picking lots of berries now! These one year olds are producing enough for our breakfasts.

I am surprised how many blueberries are on this tiny bush

The Stars and Moon watermelon are starting to send out their tendrils. I hope they are happy to ramble over the wood chips.

Now that the cucumbers are also growing we will erect the wire tunnel for them to climb.

The carrots are happy and need a little more thinning out.

Peppers are growing nicely next to the bee balm and rosemary. I didn't plan to put them here but they sure are healthy.

Bush Beans are starting to fruit. These are the one crop we harvest all summer long. Everyone loves to snap these off to snack on.

I have about 12 plants to harvest from. I am hoping to have enough to can as well.

Cherry Tomatoes are big! I am surprised! They are nestled in the calendulas and show no signs of aphids or rot.

Heirloom Tomatoes are starting to approach full size. I just can't wait for our first harvest of these!

Not every plant in my garden is happy. These sunflowers look sick....I found a teeny, tiny caterpillar who may be responsible. They are still growing...slowly.

I moved my mint into barrels and bought some Spearmint as well. This mint is quite happy and even found a tiny crack to sneak out of.

The echinacea is almost five feet tall this year. I have never had it grow this tall before.

It and the gooseneck loosestrife have drawn a myriad of pollinating insects to my garden. I counted over 12 different insects busily working today.

I have had no slug damage this year so far. I am beginning to attribute this to the sharpish wood chips in the walk way and the fact that I am only watering in the mornings.

Happy Birthday America

2010-07-05T10:37:00.002-04:00

My country, ’tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From every mountainside,
Let freedom ring!

My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture thrills,
Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees,
Sweet freedom’s song;
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.

Our fathers’ God, to Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing;
Long may our land be bright
With freedom’s holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King.

-Samuel F Smith

Happy Independence Day America!

It was a wonderful holiday weekend for us with all the 'kids' home together. We continue our tradition of having a fire outdoors on the 4th.....with sparklers and this year we added a little fireworks (very little).

It was HOT and it was nice to be home

Buda Rock!

2010-06-27T17:33:00.012-04:00

Today we celebrated Isaac's 7th birthday with his friends. The seventh is a big deal in our family and so we traditionally do something, well.......outrageous!

We had a Be in a Rock Band party at Marttochio's Music, where Isaac takes lessons.

Jim Marttochio taught the children the steps....

writing the lyrics, composing the music,
and then playing it. Jim's energy is so contagious that the kids barely wanted to take a break for cake and snacks! They practiced,

and practiced,and practiced,and practiced for 2 hours.....and then they performed their two songs for all the parents.

Buda Rock Concert

playing Butterfly Birthday... and Puppy Puppy
Here's Isaac's drums solo in 'Puppy Puppy'

Zipppppp Line!

2010-06-23T19:38:00.005-04:00

It was time to add a little danger to our zip line. So the men fastened some sturdy steps up to reach the line at 9 feet.

It took about two rides to get the jitters out. It's the drop to the grass when the ride is over that takes some getting used to. He did figure out if he grabs the other tree with his feet as he approaches it he can just climb down....but what fun is that ;-)

Welcome Summer

2010-06-21T20:02:00.003-04:00

Look to this day!
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence:
The bliss of growth
The glory of action
The splendour of achievement,
For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow a vision of hope.
But today well lived makes every yesterday
a dream of happiness
And tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day!
Such is the salutation to the dawn.
~From the Sanskrit

Using some sturdy limbs from the pines that surround us we made an art easel. With a little cutting here and there. Some sanding, and fastening, and now we can put our feelings of these glorious summer days onto the canvas while we are out in the garden!

the pines even gave us a few hooks here and there to help us keep track of our brushes

So with every sunrise we welcome Summer with open paint cans and lots of paper!

His Favorite on Father's Day

2010-06-20T20:32:00.004-04:00

"For a father's blessing gives a family firm roots."
-Sirach 3:9

for Father's Day I made David his favorite pie.....tart rhubarb. In the morning just before I had my tea I went into the kitchen garden and gathered a good handful of rhubarb.
My recipe is simple....
butter crust lining Grammy's yellow and cream enamel pie plate.
(I saw this pie plate hold a multitude of pies all during my girlhood. I feel honored to have them.)
chop washed rhubarb into one inch pieces and toss in sugar, flour, and orange rind
bake in 425 oven for 55 minutes

no leftovers :-)
p.s. David told me it was the best I've ever made.....and peered into the garden and said,"it looks like there's a lot more rhubarb still...."
xoxo

Great Outdoor Challenge - climb

2010-06-19T21:48:00.001-04:00

simple instructions...
ring the bell

His [Official] Last Day of Kindergarten

2010-06-17T16:56:00.003-04:00

A feast for the eyes
Mrs. Corbett has christened them with the ceremonial t-shirts to close the door of their kindergarten year. I have to tell you that we moms without older siblings in the school were struck with wonder as we watched our little darlings quietly walk onto the alter aglow in blue instead of the usual white top.
blue?
It was revealed in Mrs Corbett's thank you that blue is her favorite color and reminds her of God's Love.
Each child is her favorite,
each child reminds her of God's Love.
If you think there was a dry eye in the sanctuary you would be wrong.
I even saw our stoic cannon lawyer priest dab his eye.
Mrs. Corbett has retired....this was her last kindergarten class.

This we enjoyed at the Last Day of School Prayer Service, which was one hour long....one hour.
It was put on....by the children!
With only gesturing and quiet cues here and there from Mrs Corbett they (each and every one of them) sang, they recited scripture, they prayed,
we all prayed....
they moved from one thing seamlessly to the next and did so with a maturity well beyond their years,
with Reverence

There was an intimate reception after where we showered teachers and volunteers with thank you gifts and hugs and where the children ate far too many sweets and played at chase through the chatting adults.
I think we are going to say goodbye to a 23 year tradition in our family. We have always gone out for ice cream to mark the last day of school. This year Isaac was just too stuffed to eat another bite.
I like the new tradition.

On to Summer!

Just Enough Rain

2010-06-12T20:09:00.009-04:00

The Kitchen Garden has grown three and four times it's size since my last post. Our cat prowls around keeping bunnies and chipmunks out so far. Bluejays helped themselves to some of the sunflower seeds but that's why I plant a boat-load. I still have a good 50 or so healthy plants now.

a living fence to keep out critters and kids. Rosa Rugosa produces the thorniest stems I have ever run across. I can pretty much use the whole plant for something. I will add 2-4 every year until the whole kitchen garden is enclosed in their care. The best part about them is they are a shrub needing little care and they seem to be thriving in this humus rich sandy soil.

The Lemon Balm is happy happy nestled next to the Johnny Jumpups. I especially enjoy using this for tea.

I had no idea these little prolific darlings would be so gosh darn happy under the bench! The best part about these flowers is finding out where they've "jumped" to come next year. Johnny Jumpups are welcome in my garden wherever they may land. Their edible flowers make any salad come alive.

My oregano is slow to get started but is now sending up good height and is flowering. I am not sure I want it to do this...must do some reading.

The dill surprised me this week with it's flower heads...again I am not sure I want them to do this.

Can you guess what this lovely fern like spray is?? It tastes oh so wonderful paired with onion in a quiche! Fennel!

My Borage has invited so many tiny friends into our kitchen garden. This adorable little bumble wasn't bothered in the least by my lense while he went about his work.

Echinacea is nearing bloom time and the plants are loaded with these buds! I have them planted right next to my tomatoes and noticed this little guy below....

busy at his work eating pests. I truly believe we need to learn to live with these beneficial insects in and around our homes. Let's stop and ask the question what are they here for? I can tell you that in my tomato bed this Daddy Longlegs (Harvestmen) has gobbled many a mite, aphid, and even a few small slugs!

I am shocked to see this cherry tomato so early in the year. We have had a combination of warm and rainy weather the past month and out-right tricked this plant into thinking it's summer.

I planted my sugar snap peas late.....it will be interesting to see if they amount to much given the warm weather in the forecast. I will not be discouraged but focus on the fall planting, which is said to yield the tastiest peas anyway ;-)

Melons look happy too. These are Moon and Stars Watermelons and I also have some regular melons in the next bed.

Potatoes have been hilled twice now and I am moving on to using salt marsh hay from here on in for no other reason other than the fact that I ran out of soil... Oops!

Rhubarb will be harvested this week on a dry day. We all look forward to this tart dessert.

Rubus Jewel Raspberries are happy. Wish I could say the same for the Heritage Reds...they seem to be too wet and are rotting. I have the mind to lift them and see if there is something going on with their roots.

Chippewa blueberries are ripening as are the North Blue. Jersey Highbush look as though the birds are helping themselves. Time to net them all.

Strawberries are producing about a quart a day now and Isaac enjoys fresh picked strawberries in his lunch every day. I have been picking first thing in the morning when I do light weeding and watering if needed.

2010-06-06T20:39:00.003-04:00

Martocchio Music presents students of Mr. John Crand!

We were treated to the musical talents of fourteen children and one grandma today. Isaac played selections from his Suzuki One book; Perpetual Motion, Andantino, and Minuet No 2. With his latest growth spurt he has grown out of his quarter violin so we will size up to a half violin tomorrow at his lesson.

Milestones - The Change of Teeth

2010-06-05T09:54:00.004-04:00

The Change of Teeth
Just 8 days shy of his 7th birthday he lost his first tooth
the tooth fairy was generous!

Beauty in a Walk

2010-06-03T20:44:00.009-04:00

With all the wet weather we had this year all the vines and undergrowth are double and triple their usual size. There is one stretch of the trail that is pure heaven to the senses.....the fragrance is so strong it could be bottled and sold! I have to duck my head the whole way through this area because it is just covered with viburnum (hobble) and I fear one of the usual dog-walkers might just come by one morning with his clippers tired of nature's tunnel. I have happened to hear a child or two hoot and howl as they ride through on their bikes! Nature's amusement park!
Flanking the trail in several spots there are wild concord grapes growing. I walk this trail so I can keep an eye on them....so I know just when to bring my wagon to harvest. I learned how to make Concord Grape Jelly from my grandmother and these are just tart enough for the job.
When the humidity is heavy like today I choose a paved path through the woods...and on the way am treated by the labors of a gardener with charity who planted a wonderful woodland garden all along the trail abutting her property. The peonies were all wet with dew bowing to day break.

Breathe in........Breathe out.

Simple Woman's Day Book June 1, 2010

2010-06-01T11:39:00.003-04:00

For Today...
Outside my window.....the sky is conflicted...azure blue mingled with thick fast moving clouds. The birds are tweeting and the wind is friendly.

I am thinking....a short week just means less time to do all the regular things - sadly.

I am thankful.....for peaceful moments
I am hearing.....the wind rustling the leaves of the crabapple outside my window. My daughter's footsteps as she scurries around trying to find what she needs for her long bike ride with a friend.

I am creating.....a haven for butterflies and pollinating insects

I am going.....to the market for weekly groceries and to a minor league baseball game with my son's school.

I am reading..... Chapters 19 & 20 of The Catholic Mom's Handbook by Lisa Hendey with my study group and a variety of magazines. Living Craft came the other day and I look forward to that one especially!

I am praying.....for my family.....for the souls of war here and those who have passed on.....for steadfastness

I am hoping.....one of the many contractors we called will call back

On my mind.....our failing food industry....as the public becomes more educated the industry becomes more unethical and spews even more lies about their products...READ LABELS PEOPLE and ignore ads and commercials.
From the learning rooms....recital practice, manners

Noticing that....my allergy to long UVA waves are at an all time high this year. I am going to have to buy more thin long sleeve tops.

Pondering these words.....No all who wander are lost.....Tolken

From the kitchen.....the kitchen is quiet.....a small basket of strawberries from my morning gathering, some new rolled oats.....and a clean counter.

Around the house....the house will have to wait again.....carpet sweeping and swiffering is all I can do today.

One of my favorite things.....witch hazel

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you....

The Kitchen Garden in May

2010-05-31T21:00:00.014-04:00

Lightning storm sounds thunderful;
these days are warm and wonderful!
Sunshine flickers, traffic sloshes,
grab you slickers and galoshes.
Mainers wear sweaters while Georgians sweat:
how much wetter can it get?!?!
(this May weather prediction poem is compliments of The Old Farmer's Almanac 2010)

Another week spending extra daylight hours laboring in my garden so long into the day that by nightfall I collapse onto my favorite bench.

On this last day of May my garden is.....flourishing....
echinacea - Purple Coneflower - one of my favorites
providing........
blueberries are already forming.....this variety should be ready for harvest in June.
The weather has dried out just in time for the berries to ripen! It is a bountiful year for the strawberries in my garden and so we will be seeing strawberry jam in the pantry this winter. Isaac will be thrilled. This is so welcomed as last year's crop was spoiled by excess rain. We began harvest this week and the neighbor children have been sneaking into the beds as well. This thrills me to see the children snacking in the garden!
unfolding.....
the potatoes are starting to take off. They grew a few inches over night. I have never grown potatoes so I have my nose in my organic gardening book, reading all I can. Trying to wrap my head around this business of hilling.
These sugar snap peas are looking great.....reaching about 2 feet now. I'm beginning to think I should have done more thinning.
and some of the tomatoes are already forming fruit! I put 5 varieties in, all heirloom. I staked them and hope these new leaner stakes will be able to hold their mature weight.
The tops of these onions are so much fun! These are onions shared by one of my gardening neighbors last season. I am so grateful to her for just giving me a handful of these.
and I wanted to add my fascination with petunias. I am a reformed MiracleGro gardener. I am 4 years off the poison and here's proof that with great compost your garden can be glorious!

Chive Vinegar

2010-05-21T09:54:00.003-04:00

The lovely Lemon Verbena Lady reminded me I still had time to use the chive blossoms to make yummy Chive Vinegar.

I clipped enough blossoms to fill two pint size canning jars. Then I soaked them in a cold water bath for about 10 minutes to force any ants out that may be hiding in the many tiny florets. Next I put them into the salad spinner to drain the water and then on to the cloth to dry some more.

When they are dry I fill two sterile pint size canning jars with the blossoms and then simply pour good quality white wine vinegar up to the neck. Cover with sterile lid and place in a cool dry place for 2 weeks, shaking a bit every so often.
After 2 weeks I strain the vinegar into a fancy decanter and now I have a tasty dressing for all those fresh veges!

Wash Wednesday...on Thursday (grin)

2010-05-20T22:18:00.005-04:00

(just a little clothesline humor)

CLOTHESLINE DECEIT

by Marilyn K. Walker

Miss Polly was a spinster
who lived a sheltered life
until a former classmate
asked her to be his wife.

But after they were marriedshe realized he was lewd.
It truly shocked Miss Polly
to know that he slept nude.

She wondered if her neighbors
observed her husband’s ways
and noticed no pajamas
were hung on laundry days.

Miss Polly went out shopping
and had a plan in mind!
She’d buy some men’s pajamas-the brightest she could find.

Now when she meets her neighbors
she holds her head up high
just knowing those pajamas
hang on her line to dry.
this poem was found on http://www.laundrylist.org/programs/art/68-laundry-writings

I am having some fun with Wash Wednesday. It reminded me of a tiny paper booklet I got from my grandmother entitled "Household Hand Book - Containing Reliable Hints and Suggestions for the Household".

wherein it is recommended that "an early start is imperative, for there is always some work to be done before the washing begins, and it is most necessary to get the clothes out to dry as soon as possible."

an early start was turned into a game between my old neighbor and me back in the 90's.....the game was to see who could be the first to get all our laundry out on the line. It was fun motivation and like the book said...left the rest of the morning to do other things, even walk to the park.

He Plays Lacrosse

2010-05-20T22:02:00.005-04:00

He was born ALL IN!
Each and every thing he puts his mind to doing is done with [all] his energy, emotion, and spirit. This first picture sort of sums that up ;-)

He's aggressive....and loves all the rough play. His helmet and pads get quite the workout. He continues to show flair in athleticism.
and the fact that he's out in the fresh air is a bonus!

Gorgeous Blogger Award!

2010-05-20T13:17:00.012-04:00

I recently received the Gorgeous Blogger Award from PrairieMaid. Thank you, Cheryl! I am deeply humbled by your words.

The rules that go along with this award are:
Accept and thank the person who gave the award to you!

List ten things about yourself.

List five additional things you DISLIKE.

Then pick five people to receive this award.

Ten things about me:

I love the forest, in any weather
I am at peace in my garden
I cherish the small, almost seemingly insignificant, things in life.
I don't like to watch television or care to talk about television shows.
I like my berries sun warmed instead of from the fridge
I am drawn to the ocean
I support local small businesses
I love the Catholic Church
I do not wear nail polish .... unless I am on vacation :-)

Five things I dislike:

Monsanto and any of their nasty offspring

Costco and the like

ignorance

rust....get out of my garden!
and last but not least, I dislike the character of a politician...I believe our country would be better served run by Mamas!

Now to choose five lovely, gorgeous bloggers to carry this award forward.

Choosing only 5 is almost painful.....the inspiration I draw from the blogs I follow are all equally special to me. I would like to continue Cheryl's efforts and pull out some of the new bloggers. Those of you who are just getting started...

I am going to start with a local...Berkshire Cottage...a friend who inspires me with her never-ending charity and energy. She is super-woman for sure!

next is Calm Reflections. Her insight into the spirituality of the garden is met in every post. She posts a running garden journal in the right column and I just love comparing notes. Brava!

Home on the Tundra is a window into life in a small Alaskan village....I am living vicariously through her daily habits and beautiful photos.

Natural Playgarden is another friend of mine who is a mindful Mama in ways of Waldorf, Nature, and Handwork. She's always got something up her sleeve.

and last, but certainly not least Heirloom Seasons. She is a sewing Mama capturing life's little blessings in photos. Her simple life calms me.

Well there you have it....I certainly could keep this list growing.

"Because our spirits remember the plan we chose for this life, we are often drawn to people or situations that impact us in important ways. This is often the force behind 'chance' encounters. I was told there are no coincidences. However, making the most of these opportunities is up to us as we exercise our free will."

The Ripple Effect, p. 20 Betty Eadie

Day Book Entry - May 18, 2010

2010-05-18T09:41:00.003-04:00

FOR TODAY.....
Outside my window.....the day is gray and still. The mother fox and 3 babies are playing a game of chase in my neighbors back garden. Leaves on the trees are their full size and the crab apple tree is still healthy. The azaleas, and rhodys are in full bloom and the bleeding hearts need to be cut back.

I am thinking....when a week starts outside the normal routine, it shakes up the whole week. I need to just let yesterday be yesterday and turn my focus forward.
I am thankful.....for patience, a son who is still not afraid to hug and kiss his mother in public, I am most thankful this week that I have been able to be at home with my children.

I am hearing.....the cry of the catbird, bluejay, and cardinal. The small song of the tiny finches and tree frog. I can also hear the tree work being done in the open space next door; voices making decisions and metal machinery grinding.

I am creating.....shorts out of old jeans for my son, diapers for Haitian babies, and gardens
I am going.....to the market today because I couldn't go yesterday due to Field Day and lacrosse practice with my son
I am reading..... Chapters 17 & 18 of The Catholic Mom's Handbook by Lisa Hendey with my study group

I am praying.....my son is able to find confidence to stop following a boy in his class who is leading him down a dark path.

I am hoping.....Emily gets the job she wants and works a lot of hours over the summer

On my mind.....Obama's Supreme Court nominee.

From the learning rooms....practice recital piece, storytelling, creating a painting for the art show, reading
Noticing that....the breeze coming in through the open window is cold and damp.

Pondering these words.....

"Transcending labels that you've placed on yourself or that others have placed upon you opens you up to the opportunity of soaring in the now in any way you desire." - Dr. Wayne Dyer

From the kitchen.....grocery list building, menu planning for the week. Another cup of tea steeping.

Around the house....floors need washing, books need to be put back on the shelf on the office(carefully choosing which stay and which to sell/get rid of).

One of my favorite things.....raw honey

A few plans for the rest of the week.....meetings for VBS, lacrosse practice, a very light week

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you....for more Day Book entries from other women click Here

Wild Harvest: Dandelion Salad and Dandelion Cookies

2010-05-16T14:28:00.000-04:00

To The Dandelion
by James Russell Lowell
...'Tis the Spring's largess, which she scatters now
To rich and poor alike, with lavish hand,
Though most hearts never understand
To take it at God's value, but pass by
The offered wealth with unrewarding eye...

In the field we have loads of these so-called weeds. They just thrive under the canopy of the pines, with the pine needles nestled all around them. The children, of course, love to pick the delightful yellow flowers and present them to all the Mamas in the neighborhood. But these common weeds are more than just a child's find....they are terribly nutritious and the whole plant is edible! So I gathered the kids, had a little cooking lesson, and made some delicious...

DANDELION FLOWER COOKIES
(...to go along with the thoughtful bouquets)

The first task is to remove all the tiny petals from the stem. Firmly hold the base of the blossom.

while squeezing pull the petals and they will all fall out...perhaps you did this as a child?

Measure about 1/2 cup of the petals
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
In a large bowl mix together - 1/2 cup oil, 1/2 cup honey, 2 farm fresh eggs, and vanilla
In a small bowl mix together - 1 cup flour, 1 cup oatmeal

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet and blend. Fold in the dandelion petals.

Drop by teaspoon onto greased pan (or use silpats) and cook 10-15 minutes.

Mmmmmmm!!!!!

For lunch the other day I fixed myself:

DANDELION SALAD WITH FRESH GOAT CHEESE AND APPLES.

Wash and dry one bunch of dandelion greens and remove the stems.

arrange on a plate
add 1 apple cut coarsley
crumble 1/4 pounds of fresh local goat cheese over the greens and apples
add 1/2 cup walnuts or pine nuts

make dressing:
2 T cider vinegar
3T vege or nut oil
1t dijon mustard
1t honey
mix all together until combined and drizzle over salad to your liking. Add sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper if you prefer.

This is best made and served immediately.
Enjoy!
(ps...I forgot to take pictures of the food and, well....this post has been sitter the better part of a week so I thought I'd post it w/o the photos of the food)

Primal Play....a special teddy

2010-05-15T22:09:00.011-04:00

primal summoning......feeling the vastness of freedom

driftwood a plenty for forts and furrowing

a stick with a tale to tell.....we see a shell and a tiny face

deep furrowing in hopes of a river way from the climbing surf

a special teddy....the kindergarten bear visiting us for the weekend

treasure

Simple Woman's Day Book - May 11

2010-05-11T09:32:00.010-04:00

For Today....
Outside my window.....I see all my tender flowers and vegetables safely tuck under the blankets that I put out last night. The glass tabletops are white with frost. The trees are dancing with the wind and the sun grows ever stronger.

I am thinking...complaining about things and not offering a solution does no good at all.

I am thankful....for local small farmers who carry on despite difficulties.

I am hearing.....the wind rushing through the neighborhood, the rustling of newspaper and clinking of silverware and china.

I am creating.....I don't feel very creative today....I feel utilitarian

I am going.....to help out at the school book fair during lunchtime (God give me strength). I also have to bring Isaac to lacrosse.

I am reading..... The Catholic Mom's Handbook by Lisa Hendey with my study group. We just finished the chapter on physical fitness and nutrition in the life of mothers. The author gives sage advice about how to look at this topic with kind and honest eyes. I have entered a point in my life, as a woman, where this topic has become easier for me to embrace. It was not so when my children were tiny.

I am praying.....for strength to be more positive, verbally. I woke up in a negative state of mind (for no apparent reason) and it is drawing the life right out of me.

I am hoping.... that Em doesn't have much more to bring home from the dorm since we have to fit it all in my car.

On my mind.....making of healthy children; mind, body, and soul.

From the learning rooms....making edifying books available to our evolving reader, memorizing more music, building marble runs, storytelling, and last but not least -

'Blessings Every Day'(I highly recommend this book)

Noticing that....the post-it notes next to my desk are fewer in number...and that is a positive thought!

Pondering these words.....Before you speak, it is necessary for you to listen, for God speaks in the silence of the heart. - Bl Mother Teresa

Around the house....a ceiling is waiting to be painted, a bathroom is waiting to be tiled, the floors could use a washing. The sink is sparkling in the morning sun.

One of my favorite things.....my blender

A few plans for the rest of the week.....painting, lacrosse, field day, bring Em home from college for the summer, I can't believe she is finished her freshman year already.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you....if you would like to read Day Book entries from other bloggers visit Simple Woman's Day Book

Happy Mothers Day!

2010-05-10T08:43:00.003-04:00

WHEN MOTHER READS ALOUD
unknown

When Mother reads aloud, the past
Seems real as every day;
I hear the tramp of armies vast,
I see the spears and lances cast,
I join the trilling fray;
Brave knights and ladies fair and proud
I meet when Mother reads aloud.

To read an ancient tale or weave a brand new one, spoken words are like water washing over the shore,
penetrating
nourishing

Great Outdoor Challenge....in more ways than one

2010-05-09T20:53:00.002-04:00

One of the challenges of the great outdoors is ticks.....everywhere and starving! This photo op was just priceless to me, seeing the kids nestled in the tall grass playing. But with tall grass comes ticks here in New England..and possibly Lyme disease. So at bath-time I checked and found two ticks already happily fastened to the nape of Isaac's neck. Tick-check from here on in every night.

May Day Tradition

2010-05-04T13:33:00.000-04:00

Good morning, Mistress and Master,

I wish you a happy day;

Please to smell my garland

'cause it is the first of May.

A branch of May I have brought you

And at your door I stand;

It is but a sprout, but it's well budded out

The work of our Lord's hand.

(from 'Festivals Family and Food')

This year we celebrated May Day in an [anonymous] fashion, by secretly leaving a basket of flowers at a neighbor's door early in the morning.

Isaac surprised me with his basket made at school. His teacher fills his life with the richness of the seasonal festivals, we cherish this in her!

Fun in Boston

2010-05-03T22:02:00.002-04:00

We spent our May Day celebrating my nieces First Communion. I have a real soft spot seeing young children all in white......in their age of innocence. Goodness in the flesh. Truth be told when my babies were tinies they were always in white. So this day my Goddaughter made her first Holy Communion, and I cried tears of joy.

We then went into Boston to see Heather and just enjoy the city on this gorgeous weekend......riding the T (Isaac was very excited that we took two different color trains this trip), watching street performers

and especially just relaxing as a family.

Dinner in the North End at La Famiglia Gorgio......dessert from the Italian pastry shop, Mikes (of course, and it is worth the wait in line) for cannolis and gelato. Taking advantage of the new terrace on the corner of Cross St and Hanover.

What I didn't anticipate was next morning seeing this everywhere...imagine a city with no coffee!

Luckily tea drinkers were not affected. It wasn't pretty!

We spent the day at the New England Aquarium.....one of our favorite places. Isaac noticed that the penguins were molting. With bathroom humor at it peak now in this almost 7 year old he was thrilled to see a penguin poop all over the rock and into the water like a water gun. Although he enjoyed this immensely when I asked him his favorite part of the visit today he said, "you know Mama, finding Mertle the Sea Turtle".

I always forget that city dwelling makes for good exercise .....walking everywhere. We were all good and tired tonight!

Simple Woman's Daybook: April 27

2010-04-27T10:34:00.001-04:00

FOR TODAY....
Outside my window.....the sky is like a giant white blanket, nature is drenched and drooping, the chickadees and robins are parading.

I am thinking...about all the poison ivy I passed on my walk today
I am thankful.....for good strong legs to carry me through my day
I am hearing.....silence amidst the tapping of the keys as I type

I am creating.....a colonial kitchen garden
This week I am going.....to my godchild's first communion, lacrosse, our first VBS meeting, and those necessary market runs

I am reading.....

Chapters 11&12 of The Handbook for Catholic Moms with my study group,

I am praying.....for the Dudley family who are in the last week of living with cancer. I am also praying for the President; that he may have a change of heart to see the evils of abortion.

I am hoping.....the pain in my neck and upper back go away some day
On my mind.....Nature Deficit Disorder right here in our little corner of the planet - Public Schools giving kids the option to do extra-curricular clubs like gaming, chess, and music instead of running around outdoors.
From the learning rooms....incentives for independent impulses, multi-step instructions, handwriting, and some more letter stories
Noticing that....it has been a bountiful year for growing plants this year! The forest is closing in on all the trails!

Pondering these words....."there's no peace outside of God's will" - St. Alphonsus Liguori
From the kitchen.....Egg Rice with spring veges for dinner, chicken soup slowly simmering for lunch filling the house with it's medicinal perfume.

Around the house....laundry will have to just pile up until this rain stops and I can use my clothesline. Spring cleaning continues with Isaac's bedroom; weeding out toys and clothes, washing walls and changing over to warm weather drapes and bed linens.
One of my favorite things.....clay ice packs

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you....

come on over to The Simple Woman's Daybook and read journal entries from women around the globe

Peace Be With You......

2010-04-25T16:41:00.000-04:00

.....today at Mass I experienced peace. Peace for longer than a few seconds, as is usual with my active six year old next to me. Today he was quiet.....still......peaceful. So, I was too and I noticed more.

During the Catholic Mass we offer each other a sign of peace with a handshake and utterance of the words "peace be with you". Today I noticed the whole sanctuary glowing with joy....I could feel the peace passing back and forth through the sense of touch. I noticed deep gratitude, happiness where happiness hadn't been in a long time, the awkward joy of children imitating their parents talking and touching strangers, and raised hands and smiles to those who were sitting too far away to touch. I knew we didn't want it to end. We wanted to reach out to....everyone. We were the Love of God. I was caught up in the moment. It never left me....I can still feel it.

The New Kitchen Garden!

2010-04-24T21:00:00.000-04:00

My kitchen garden is something of a must for me. My house is not a home unless it has some sort of life growing just steps from the kitchen door whereby I can nourish my family.

I admire how the first settlers organized their garden, a feast for the eyes and the pallet. Their attention to simplicity out of necessity lives on in my heart today as I strive to make my home a place of peaceful rest for my family.

The North end of the garden will hold all our vegetables. The south end garden I created a boxed in area I am calling the Fruit Garden, where there will be a tiny fruit tree in the center some day. For now I bought three different varieties of blueberry bushes to go along the southeast corner; Northblue, Jersey Highbush, and Chippewa.

the soil in this corner is like a woodland, they will love it here! On the north end of the Fruit Garden I planted a nice large Heritage Red raspberry bush.

The strawberries are along the dining patio and I gave them several shovel-fulls of compost as they start to set flowers. Along the NorthWest corner of the Fruit Garden I will plant my tomatoes when soil temperatures warm up a bit more. It is still fairly cool at 58-60 degrees.....just right for starting Calendula, which I sewed right in the tomato beds. I use what is called Companion Planting; pairing up plants according to their beneficial effects on one another. The Strawberries benefit from Borage planted nearby as the bees love to feast on the flowers, and so forth.

I did a fair bit of transplanting today as well. I moved the lemon balm and Oregano to either side of the bench, and added the chamomile to the south end of the Fruit Garden. I also reorganized a perennial border just inside the dining patio.

I seeded for Sugar Snap Peas today, building a primitive sort of tee-pee from last years tomato stakes for the peas to climb and sewed spinach and lettuce.

The half whiskey barrels along the sand play area is now filled to the brim with two kinds of mint. Now the mint is free to spread as much as it likes and the children can indulge in this tasty treat at will.

I recently purchased the book "Grow Your Own Drugs" and have added several suggested plants from the book to have on hand for remedies. I find each herb lends a very special sort of soul to the soil and look forward to creating many new teas and tinctures this summer.

Our last hard frost date is next week so I'll be posting again soon!

Great Outdoor Challenge: A Week of Air-Time!

2010-04-22T16:57:00.000-04:00

We took a little trip up to visit family this week. It was a nice change of pace and scenery and doesn't take long to get there. We spent almost all day outside every day! On our last day I snapped some photos of our time at the school playground. As I watched them play along side younger children I recognized how, now that Isaac is in his seventh year, his play is so very different and the obvious intention of each piece of equipment is stretched and challenged.

I have so often struggled with my feelings towards parents on the playground who feel it's their job to police all the children. I know they think they are doing the right thing.

Today I found just the right thing to say to a [concerned] mother of a preschooler to help her see the play needs of my older child. After the mom tried to tell Isaac to go down the slide the "right" way I gently assured her and her child that this was how big boys played. It was received with a good heart and we began chatting about child development. This parent carried so much fear in her soul.

So on and on they played for over an hour.......and then he slowed.

I gently motioned them toward the car and we were on our way home for dinner and a warm bath.

another wonderful day

Great Outdoor Challenge: Rainy Day Work

2010-04-17T10:48:00.002-04:00

Great Outdoor Challenge- let the rain fall

2010-04-16T20:56:00.003-04:00

One Small Change - April

2010-04-16T10:00:00.004-04:00

Here it is mid--April and I am just now posting my April Small Change. I have embarked on the daunting task of removing my name from the long, long lists of paper catalogs that come in my mailbox every day. This has been very time consuming but my heart is in it! I thought there must be a better way than contacting each vendor individually, but when I spoke to the post office their only option was to cease getting ALL junk mail, including my favorite magazines and local papers (I am not ready for that leap just yet).

The process is really very simple because vendors do make it convenient. In a few clicks you are done, and most retailers even say "thank you!"

Putting the House to Bed, again

2010-04-16T09:15:00.001-04:00

re-post by request

I recently had a conversation with a friend about how I keep house. I mentioned that I "put the house to bed" at night and heralded this as one of my secret successes to happy housekeeping and she wanted to hear more. So I thought it a worthy post and here we are.

Putting the house to bed means there are no common chores left to do and the house can rest. The psychology behind this is that you can shed the weight of the day and are rewarded with a fresh canvas in the morning, no baggage.

I had to journey deep into my unconscious to bring this routine to paper for this post. I never think about what to do next, I just do it.

So tonight I paid heed to my intentions and found that the first thing I do is to tidy up all toys, etc... all our toys have a [home]. Mail and what comes of it belongs in the office, so off it goes, into the IN box. Newspapers are placed in the fireplace crock to help start tomorrows fire, and all coats, clothing, etc... are returned to it's rightful place. (Whether this was born out of intention or organically evolved, everyone disappears from the first floor living area as I begin my task. David usually plays a game with Isaac in his room or down in the game room and Emily goes to do homework.)

Next I head for the kitchen sink area. The loading of the dishwasher and handwashing items that can't go in the dw, belongs to David. I always find at least a few pots and mugs resting on a cotton towel next to the sink to tend to. And so, I dry them and put them in their home. I then clean the sink, and counters. Once a week I use Comet powder to take care of any discoloration and to disinfect this very active area of our home. Otherwise I use Next Generation surface cleaner. I lift up everything on my counter to clean under them. This was not always easy until I learned we do not need to fill every space on our counters with stuff. Simplicity is pure bliss. I use the dishcloth for that day for these tasks, from the counters to appliances, and then wipe everything down with the dishtowel of the day. Once done the cloth and towel go in the dirty laundry and I set out fresh ones next to the sink for tomorrow.

I then move to the pantry to get the sweeper and I sweep and then swiffer the floors. Sounds simple enough, and it helps add to the life of the floor.

Next I head to the half-bath and use a pop-up wipe to wipe down the sink, toilet, and floor around the toilet. I remove the hand towel and place a fresh one on the hook. (these are often washcloths picked up in bundles for pennies)

I turn the night-light on in the kitchen and hall
That is it.....it's not lengthy and probably takes me all of 15-20 minutes
Out go all other lights....deep in breathe and .....exhale the domestic day.

The subtle light calms each of us, gently easing us into our time of rest. No electronics are used at this time. I sincerely believe that this reaches us so deeply as you all know how things [feel] different when the electricity goes out, there is a calm, a quiet like no other - physical peace.

Post Script:
to all those who are sure this is impossible for them I encourage you to begin with just one thing at a time. The most rewarding is keeping your sink area clean and shiny.
Start with that.
Once you can do it in your sleep move on.
I received this sage advice from FlyLady in 1995. I think I was one of the original Fly-Babies!

Great Outdoor Challenge: Spring Sport

2010-04-15T20:13:00.002-04:00

Great Outdoor Challenge: Sooooo much fun!

2010-04-14T19:28:00.002-04:00

Great Outdoor Challenge: Working in the Garden

2010-04-13T21:14:00.003-04:00

No picture because I had a shovel welded to my hand (well, it sure felt like it was welded)
Isaac spent part of the afternoon helping me dig a garden bed. He delighted in all the earthworms and (gulp) grubs he found. We lost track of time with the goal of finishing the bed....so dinner was a tad late tonight :-)