But I Don't HAVE any Horses!

Seasoned Traveller

2011-07-08T21:03:00.001-04:00

Bridget left for NH yesterday. I miss her, but take comfort in the knowledge that she is spending so much quality time with her Nana and Grampy.

Firefly Personality Quiz

2008-08-14T21:21:00.001-04:00

You are Kaylee Frye (Ship Mechanic)

Kaylee Frye (Ship Mechanic)		85%
Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)		80%
Dr. Simon Tam (Ship Medic)		75%
Derrial Book (Shepherd)		75%
Wash (Ship Pilot)		65%
River (Stowaway)		65%
Inara Serra (Companion)		60%
Alliance		60%
Malcolm Reynolds (Captain)		55%
Jayne Cobb (Mercenary)		55%
A Reaver (Cannibal)		10%

You are good at fixing things.
You are usually cheerful.
You appreciate being treated
with delicacy and specialness.

Click here to take the Serenity Firefly Personality Test

(From James at Hell in a Handbasket)

2008-07-13T14:09:00.008-04:00

Bridget learned how to knit this spring. (It is very hard work for me... I am asked to fix it every few stitches... and she forgets where to put the yarn or the needle about every six stitches... but she is happy.

She also has decided that she loves to kayak, and she likes to fish. She doesn't paddle yet, she is just along for the ride, but it is fun and exciting for her all the same.

The boys also spent some time in the kayaks on the Fourth of July, but I was so busy paddling (trying to keep up) that there is no photographic evidence. I suspect we will go again soon, and there will be photos next time.

In addition to kayaking, knitting and finishing Kindgergarten, Bridget also learned to ride a bicycle without training wheels this summer. Charles and Aaron were the most help- Aaron was patient and helped her start, and Charles taught her how to push off on her own. So far, she has bruised her legs and ankles, and got a bit of a strawberry from leaping off the bicycle mid-ride. I can only imagine what it is going to be like when she's riding on cement and pavement.

All I Want for Christmas...

2007-12-06T19:28:00.001-05:00

We've Been Busy...

2007-10-07T14:24:00.001-04:00

Memorial Day

2007-06-02T21:41:00.000-04:00

We drove to the Eastern Shore Railroad Museum last weekend- it was closed for the holiday, but we were still able to look at the old rail cars and walk on the tracks.

Bridget is turning out to be quite a photographer. She took a lovely photo of Tom and me while we were at the museum:

Bridget also helped water the garden with Tom's Dad:

Then she drove the miniature John Deere around the yard for about 1/2 an hour. It was a very nice weekend.

Visit from Aunt Jane

2007-05-27T13:47:00.000-04:00

Aunt Jane came for a short visit this week- Bridget already misses her. Here is Aunt Jane with Bridget and Emily:

And Bridget insisted she be allowed to photograph Aunt Jane with Emily, and Carrot with me.

Metamorphosis

2007-05-27T08:03:00.000-04:00

We purchased Painted Lady larvae weeks and weeks ago- and they arrived a month and a half ago... and ate and grew, and ate more, and grew more, then ate and ate and grew... then they crawled to the top of the jar and became chrysalis(es?)- and finally, this week, the cocoons opened up, and we had five Painted Lady butterflies.

Concrete Ships and a Short Walk

2007-05-05T21:03:00.000-04:00

Tom and Bridget and I went up to Kiptopeke to see the concrete ships last weekend, then we took a walk.

Bridget brought Carrot along for our walk- they found flowers everywhere.

Purple Ponies

2007-05-05T20:55:00.000-04:00

We went up to Chincoteague to see the lighthouse and the ponies a few weeks ago:

Bridget was upset that we did not see any purple ponies.

Happy Birthday Janie

2007-03-25T18:22:00.000-04:00

Hopefully these days, nobody's hogging the Pillsbury Dough Boy and gloating about it.

I sincerely hope that both of us are dressing a little better. The blue polka-dot dress you are sporting here is a little unfortunate, but there has got to be a law against pants as bad as the ones I'm wearning. Good grief... it looks like we were auditioning for the circus... but it does make me giggle.

Bridget thought our outfits were beautiful, so it must be a crazy kid thing.

Happy Birthday. Here's a big hug. (big hug)

Party Manners

2007-03-23T21:47:00.000-04:00

I need to go grocery shopping tomorrow- there is not much in the house to make a meal... unless you know a recipe that incorporates veggie refried beans, crushed tomatoes and frozen peas.

So, since we got home later than I would have liked, Bridget and I went to an Indian restaurant and ordered Spinach something (with tofu instead of the cheese... I forget the proper name, but it is very good, and Bridget loves it...) and we sat in the dining room to eat.

I had planned on taking the leftovers home, but Bridget ate them ALL. She leaned over to me at one point and said, "This is very good." Then she leaned over again before I could answer her and she whispered in a very tiny voice: "Mom, it looks like poop. Poop starts with a "P"."

This was whispered- she almost NEVER whispers ANYTHING... her normal voice in public is one that shatters eardrums and pierces walls- so I calmly and very quietly said to her "Yes, Bridget, You're right. It kind of does look like that. It tastes very nice, though, and polite people don't discuss it when things- especially food- look like that."

Then I realized that my five year old daughter who hates anything about the alphabet or letter sounds sounded out a word all on her own. I needed to recognize her achievement, even if it wasn't an appropriate word for dinner conversation... so I squeaked out- "Good job with your letter sounds. That word does start with a "P." Polite people who are using their VERY BEST MANNERS don't talk about that word, especially in restaurants. Good job, though."

She answered "Oh. Okay, Mom." And that was that. She ate the rest of the food, sat politely while I waited for the check, didn't lose her mind when I told her she couldn't have something she wanted, and held my hand as we walked to the door. She talked about how she was happy she remembered to use her party manners all the way home; then she kept saying the first letters of words while we were driving. She got right in bed when we got home, no fussing, and went right to sleep.

I don't know what came over my daughter, but I like it. Hooray for party manners.

The Origin of Black Holes, Mystery-Solving Orthodox Nuns, Children's Books, and The Cat in the Hat Turns 50.

2007-03-11T17:46:00.000-04:00

The weather today was wonderful. Unfortunately, there was too much chaos in Bridget's room for us to enjoy the weather. I was afraid that if Bridget's room got any worse, the stress on the universe would be too intense, and we would become the center of a black hole.

She's still cleaning. I have a sinking feeling that she is not going to be finished cleaning her room until she's 18 and has left the house to live in a dormitory, or I am commited to a mental institution- whichever comes first. My money's on the institution.

I used my birthday present from Mom to purchase two books today- a newly published (in the US) Boris Akunin mystery entitled "Sister Pelagia and the White Bulldog," and C.S. Lewis' "Till We Have Faces."

I also purchased two titles for Bridget. One was the book she picked out- St. Patrick's Day by Gail Gibbons. The second, I chose for her. It is a Level One "I Can Read Book," and she can read most of the words, which I hope will give her the confidence and momentum to start sounding out more words. We'll see.

More book news-Ancient Faith Radio has announced they will soon begin broadcasting readings of children's stories. Bridget and I listen to books on CD in the car constantly. Sometimes it seems that the car is the only time we have to read with our busy schedule. I am looking forward to hearing/reading what AFR will have for us. Bridget has also been asking to listen to "church music" in the car. It would be wonderful if I could somehow stream Ancient Faith Radio in the car for her.

The Cat in the Hat is turning 50. You can color and send a virtual birthday card here.

I personally preferred the Goldfish... the Cat (Thing One and Thing Two as well) made me feel a little sick to my stomach. The Goldfish was the only one with any common sense.

Socks, More Socks, Curry and Books

2007-03-05T19:12:00.000-05:00

It has been a good day. Mom sent books, my friend at work brought me socks (socks make me happy... I almost learned to knit socks this weekend- it's the toe seams I need help with...) all of my siblings called or sent greetings, and I had curry for dinner.

Bridget wrote "I OIY OYO A HB A HB BERA" in my notebook for work. It says "I hope you have a happy birthday." It is a good thing she can translate it. She also drew a picture with the two of us holding balloons and flowers. We both have pigtails.

I am going to curl up with a book and sip a cup of tea. What a perfect day.

After 33?

2007-03-04T15:48:00.000-05:00

Today is the last day of my 33rd year.

This really didn't hit me until today. Every year before now, sometime in January, my mind switches over to thinking that I am the "next" age. If someone asked me my age in mid-January, I would automatically admit to being as old as I would be on my birthday coming up- and by the time my birthday arrived, I was well adjusted to the new age.

Not this year.

I never imagined myself being older than 33. This may sound weird, but as a child growing up in a Catholic school and a religious household, my ideas about grown-up life (and life in general) were centered around the Church, around Christ's life, and the lives of the Saints. Christ's ministry began in His 30th year, and He was crucified in his 33rd year. Somehow, I got the idea in my head as a youngster that the years between 30 and 33 would be the ones that mattered the most in my life... and I never truly thought about what would come after.

These last three years have been the hardest, the most terrible- and the most wonderful years of my life thus far. I have learned more these three years about how to try to live than I learned the prior 30. But now I need to figure out how to take these lessons from the last three years and apply them to living out the rest of my life.

It's strange, however, reaching this point- where tomorrow, I will be older than I ever imagined I would be-before today.

Daylight Savings Time

2007-02-26T20:52:00.000-05:00

I am ready for spring, for light, for warm and long days.

Bridget and I had errands to run today after school... and before bed. Instead, I ran all over town trying to get my front tire plugged. All the tire places close early. I have to drive 40 miles tomorrow on the baby spare and take the car in to the shop at lunch. I either need to give up the errands (which are pretty important...) or do them tomorrow after work and school... and take an hour of vacation on Wednesday.

It seems sometimes that every week is a rush, every day is a struggle. It's okay, and I am working on making the days run a little smoother.

I have a few friends I can depend on in a pinch, and if they were not there, I don't know what I would do... but days like today make me wish my Dad or my brothers lived around the corner and could jump in and fix my tire... so I could get everything done... including dinner, homework and a timely bedtime for Bridget.

If wishes were pennies...

I am glad Daylight Savings Time is coming early this year. I could use the little bit of extra daylight. Daylight makes everything look better.

Of Pigs and Spiderwebs

2007-02-04T19:33:00.000-05:00

We are reading E.B. White's Charlotte's Web. Bridget received a copy of the book for Christmas, and she was also given a CD recording of the book made by the author.

I forgot how much I loved this book as a child. As an adult, White's simple descriptions bring me right back to the barn of my childhood- and to the joy of reading a great story for the first time. I love rereading the first description of the Zuckerman barn- the smells are so vivid I am nearly there. Fern's milking stool had a mate in my parents' barn- as a child, I think I loved Charlotte's Web not just because it was a wonderful book, but also because I understood the scenes and the language of the barn and the farm.

I love the recording, too. E.B. White has a way of speaking that also evokes childhood memories- his speech is that of a northern New Englander. Some phrasings remind me of my Dad, others of my brother or uncles. He sounds like a man who loves solitude, who loves nature and family- and for whom, those things are enough.

I am glad to have been blessed with this book twice. I hope Bridget reaps as much joy from it as I have.

Bridget's Name Day...

2007-01-31T21:07:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is Bridget's name day.

This is the icon that hangs behind the choir. Bridget sits right in front of it most of the time- and points it out to the other kids- "This is Saint Brigid. She's watching me. She watches me. We have the same name." Then I usually have to intervene so the icon does not tumble off the wall again. This one seems to travel more than the others. I think it has something to do with a little one named for her.

There is a pretty grace attributed to St. Brigid in Thomas Cahill's "How the Irish Saved Civilization." It's a little long for Bridget to memorize, but I am fond of St. Patrick's Breastplate- which can be found in the same book.

Ick. Again.

2007-01-22T14:16:00.000-05:00

Pinkeye is on the very top of my list of disgusting, creepy disease that kids get.

Bridget had a visit to the doctor again today when she woke up with (both this time) her eyes crusted shut.

I am mostly impervious to the gross-factor of regular, everyday snot and boogers. Living with a small child does this to moms. Pinkeye, however, has me disinfecting everything in sight- bleaching all the towels, sheets and washing the blankets in scalding water, while wearing yellow rubber gloves.

Ick.

Cravings

2007-01-20T23:29:00.000-05:00

Bridget helped me pick out a slow-cooker on Friday. She helped me pick out a roast tonight- she marked down in her "Handy Dandy Notebook" all the things we bought... her grocery list looked like this:

ROAST
CAROTS
MOSHROMS
POTATOS
ONONS
MILK
JUS
SPISIS

I know the spelling is mostly wrong, but she is learning to use phonetic or inventive spelling at school- and it is actually teaching her more than memorizing words would. In September, she couldn't read or write at all- except her name. Now, she arranges word cards into sentences, writes lists and reads simple sentences all the time. She also follows along when she stands with the choir. (I think the notes help her sound out the really long words in the hymns, too.)

SPISIS on Bridget's list is a jar of herbs de provence. I looked for one that included lavender- and coated the roast in the herb mixture, right before I added a cup of wine to the pot. I didn't use a recipe...but I did write down all the parts I tossed into the pot, so if it turns out well, I might be able to repeat it. I prefer to cook by the seat of my pants... I look at most recipes as guidelines... and sometimes, a little experimentation makes for a delicious (or much less often, inedible) surprise. I like the excitement.

It smells great right now... I am looking forward to enjoying a wonderful dinner tomorrow afternoon. (And I am also hoping to put up enough leftovers that I won't have to worry too much about meals next week.) The biggest reason for getting the slow cooker is the overnight cooking- I'm hoping to freeze a lot of stews and soups on the weekend- rather than depending on mac n' cheese so much.

Film Fest...

2007-01-10T21:46:00.000-05:00

I have been catching up on some old movies (I honestly can't say enough good things about Netflix)... and Friday night, I finally watched The Deer Hunter. I have no idea how I managed to live as long as I have without having seen it... especially since once upon a time, I had a house-mate who was a film student.

Maybe it was the time of year- or the music... or the Russian wedding that begins the film... or how young and fresh all the characters are as they start out- but whatever it was, I haven't been able to stop thinking about the movie since I saw it almost a week ago. It was simple, and poignant, and horrifying at times- and ultimately sad... yet hopeful. Somehow, when the film was over, it left me feeling quiet and mournful, but full of hope... and thinking of it all week, that same mood has persisted.

Now I need to watch something else, but I don't want to follow something that affected me so much with something trite...

Doctor Zhivago just arrived in the mail today... somehow I have read the book 10-15 times, yet have never seen the film... I can't explain it either.

The Lady Grey is steeping in the teapot... and I must begin before it is so late that I fall asleep as soon as I begin...

I Have Opened a Can of Worms...

2006-12-19T19:59:00.000-05:00

I love riddles and puzzles... and one day, they will probably be the end of me.

I found this last night... and was bitten. I then proceeded to infect my co-workers with the riddle bug.

weffriddles

I am supposed to be knitting at the speed of light right now- not addicted to puzzles!

Someone help!

Remembrances

2006-12-12T22:54:00.000-05:00

We had Vespers for St. Herman of Alaska tonight. We also remembered my grandfather, "Daddy Jim." When I was fresh out of Navy boot camp, I visited my Uncle John, who dug out Daddy Jim's Navy logbooks, and pored over them with me... telling stories the whole time. It was wonderful to feel part of a chain of people, connected not just by blood, but also by a tradition of service. I felt my time in the Navy had to be especially fruitful and honorable, since I was representing my grandfather and uncles, as well as myself. When I thought it would be possible to reenlist, I had planned to travel south to take my oath on the deck of the ship Daddy Jim had served aboard.

I found that it isn't quite as hard as I thought it would be to sing while holding a snoring five-year old. It is easier than trying to sing while giving the hairy eyeball and attempting to (unsuccesfully) keep an unruly, grouchy and sleepy five year old interested in the vespers service instead of chaos and havoc.

This is a very long article, but it is worth the time to read... on the life of St. Herman of Alaska.

"The Bob..."

2006-11-26T15:59:00.000-05:00

Bridget asked for a haircut while she was in Alabama. She wanted it cut "up to my ears."

It makes her look a little older... and a little taller, too.

She thinks it is beautiful. So do I.

City of DEATH!

2006-11-24T22:37:00.000-05:00

I have a night all to myself. I will be spending it watching Doctor Who and Romana defeat Jav'Roth in Paris... in "The City of Death"

I love this episode... it made me run and hide in my closet when I was little, but now, I watch it over and over and over... dreaming that I am Romana... in Paris... she is the epitomy of elegance... aah...

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T15:12:00.000-05:00

Bridget is away, and I am going to spend the evening with my Goddaughter and her parents... and we are throwing tradition to the wind by having spaghetti for dinner.

I am planning on making a Cape Cod Cranberry Pie to bring to work on Monday. Just the smell of it baking brings holiday memories... and it tastes wonderful, too.

May your hearts and homes be filled with blessings.

**The menu was changed. We had Moussaka and boiled wine. It was one of the best Thanksgiving Days I have had in a long time.**

It has Eight Furry Brown Legs and I've Scooped it into a Wine Glass...

2006-11-13T20:30:00.000-05:00

This friendly arachnid was hiding out under my towel rack in the bathroom when I arrived home from work today. Bridget thought she was "cool and icky." I thought she was large enough that if she rally wanted to stay here, she'd better be pitching in for rent. She is actually large enough that I am still not happy.

She fills up WAY too much of the wine glass that is her new home.

Here's a fuzzy shot of her underside...

Blech.

*Editor's Note- It seems to be a Wolf Spider (maybe trying to get out of the rain and cold?) It still give me the creeps a little. It is definitely way too hairy and large for it to be welcome for very long in our house...

Grape Nuts, Knitting, Ear Infections and a Pathetic Lack of Photographic Evidence...

2006-11-05T19:20:00.000-05:00

Fall is here. Suddenly, in the past week, the trees have either turned reddish/orange-ish/yellowy brown, or the leaves have all dropped off them overnight. The crepe myrtles are pretty- the leaves are all fiery hues, orangey red, with small leaves the size of half an oak "helicopter." I've had to turn on the heat, and I am knitting hats and socks and scarves. All at once. So I have four projects on my needles, and none are more than an inch long. There's something extremely comforting about knitting when it is cold outside and dark early.

I have a craving for GrapeNut pudding, and anything flavored with ginger and nutmeg. My Grammy used to make GrapeNut pudding, and it was probably the only thing (besides rabbit stew) I ever remember always tasted good. Cooking and baking were hit or miss with Grammy- either it was edible, or it wasn't. Nothing ever tasted the same the next time you had it when Grammy was cooking... except the GrapeNut pudding. Somehow, it was always the same, and it was always good. Maybe Bridget and I will make some this week.

Trick-or-Treating went well- I made Bridget carry her sack of candy, so she was wiped out by the time we'd been gone for 1/2 an hour. We came home, counted her loot, and she went off to bed dreaming of her candy.

Friday night was another story... for some reason, ear infections and fevers always seem to be most acute at night, after the regular doctor's office is closed- on the weekend, so a lengthy visit to the emergency room is the only answer. We were up very late, and the doctor prescribed tylenol with codeine in addition to the antibiotics- "to help her sleep." Tylenol 3 does not make my daughter sleep-it winds her up into a frenzy. It is either the red dye (most likely- red Kool-Aid has the same effect, and regular children's Tylenol in any "red" flavor, too...) or it could actually make her tired, but when Bridget is extremely tired, she fights it with all her being, and works herself into a frenzied, terrifying state that makes Animal from the Muppets look like a pretty laid-back, calm guy.

So Saturday, I rested. I was tired from all the excitement.

I don't have any photos- I have been carrying my camera with me lately, because I saw this- and have thought it was a great idea- but I seem to be so busy most of the time that taking pictures isn't really a priority.

"You Smell Like a Toad"

2006-10-28T14:18:00.000-04:00

Bridget is of the opinion that the statement "you smell like a toad" is a complement. She is also not afraid of dirt or anything gross. She is oblivious to chaos, mud and filth. Therefore, I was pretty surprised today when she became hysterical because she thought she was going to miss out on a shower.

Yep, you read it right. A shower. She cleaned her room in 2 1/2 minutes flat because she didn't want to miss out on taking a shower. She'd been in the room making a bigger mess for 3 hours, making excuses for not cleaning it. I told her she couldn't leave her bedroom until it was clean, so she cleaned it in the wink of an eye to take a shower.

Some days, I have no words to explain what is going on. Today is one of those days.

...Insert evil laugh from the Wizard of Oz...

That room is going to stay clean for as long as Bridget thinks showering is a good thing.

When the novelty of showering wears off, I'm going to have to find some new tricks.

Mystery Packages...

2006-10-25T20:02:00.000-04:00

Today, Bridget recieved a package in the mail. It was too heavy for her to pick up, and it was marked:

It was a LARGE box.

Bridget speculated that since it was from Nana and Grampy, it must be clothes. "Nana always sends clothes and stickers," she said.

"It's a little too heavy to be underwear and socks." I replied.

"It must be a whole LOT of socks," was Bridget's answer to THAT.

The box held half a ton of styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap...

And a mystery orange sphere taped all around with packing tape- the kind you can never tear...

Nana and Grampy sent Bridget the SMALLEST pumpkin from Grampy's pumpkin patch. Back in April, Bridget and Grampy planted seeds, and this pumpkin was the littlest one! It's a good thing they didn't send one of the big ones.

A Short Visit Accompanied by Bedtime Stories

2006-10-19T23:36:00.000-04:00

Uncle John and Claire sent Bridget a beautiful Disney fairy tale book for Christmas last year. Bridget talked Uncle John into reading her some of the stories from the tome this evening.

Bridget thought Uncle John was growing- because his head touched the roof of the car while we were driving. We both enjoyed his company, and were glad to spend the time together, even if it was only a few hours.

Stinky Rubber Snakes in a Bathrobe

2006-10-10T21:35:00.000-04:00

Meet Bridget's friend "Snake".

I don't know his real name, but she wore him around her neck and slept with him all summer the year she turned four, despite the fact that he smells like a rotting rubber tire.

He is currently "sleeping" in her bathrobe on the floor in her room. She had to make him a "comfy nest, because he's a good snake who always do's what he's s'posed to, he never bees bad, he's always a good snake." (Please excuse the grammar, that's just the way Bridget explained it... grammar isn't her strength these days...)

I don't quite know what to say to that. He's keeping the lizard menagerie company. The five plastic lizards live in a wooden box, and get to come out and watch Bridget write her homework. They also come to the church for Adult Study one a week, and although they stay outside in the car during Liturgy, they are allowed to come inside for coffee hour.

I am just glad she thinks these plastic critters are "real", because it means she's not asking for live reptiles.

Tools and Their Uses

2006-10-04T20:21:00.000-04:00

There used to be a Navy lecture about making sure you used the "right tool for the right job." Sometimes, though, it's all about what you can do with what you have on hand.

I hate having to do electronics work at home. The last time I absolutely had to re-crimp a cable connector, my brother and I did it with a set of vice grips and a toenail clipper. The same connector is still attached to the TV jack in my living room.

Today, when I got home, I ran in to my desk to quickly finish up something for work I had forgotten to finish before I left. No internet. I looked a the modem- no signal. Just to see, I turned on the TV. No cable. Everything was plugged in inside the house, so I wandered outside to check the line- and it was in three pieces. The groundskeepers for the building must have run it over with the lawnmower. More than once. It was not only in three pieces, but all the pieces were nicked and gaping with holes.

Outside cables are less reliable if you crimp them with toenail clippers and vice grips. I broke down and bought a cable crimper and waterproof connectors. I was not happy.

It worked right away, but I must have looked like a criminal working away diligently cutting and splicing random wires in the back of the house in the dark. I got a few odd looks from people walking by.

I really needed to go out and purchase some precision tools to use at work... I jsut hadn't planned on spending the money on THESE ones. Especially since I don't use that type of cable at work... Oh well. Next time I can leave the toenail clippers in the drawer.

Italian Ultrafine Merino, German Submarine Films and Russian Detective Stories...

2006-09-25T20:26:00.000-04:00

I have officially established that I can knit scarves. It takes me forever, but I usually knit while I am unwinding in the evening, watching movies, and drinking tea (or more rarely, a glass of wine...)

I finally finished the scarf I started last March- Sport weight Blue Sky Alpaca in a dark charcoal grey. I have not been moved yet to block it or even to weave in the ends. Perhaps this weekend. It is lovely, but now I wish I'd picked a color that was a little more cheerful.

I did fall in love with Karabella Aurora 8 ultrafine merino on Saturday- and yet again, I picked a charcoal grey. I am making a plain ribbed stocking cap from this lovely yarn, and I am tempted to rip it all out and do something a little more daring, since it feels like a catnap on a featherbed during a rainy autumn afternoon. It deserves more than a simple ribbed stocking cap. I also have a feeling it is not wide enough. I got 4 stitches to an inch, but it just doesn't look big enough to fit on a regular-sized grown-up head...

But it makes me happy to feel it knitting up, so I'm going to keep going for a bit and re-evaluate. (I knew I should have put it on circulars.)

I have had Das Boot for a week now- and I am dying to watch it, but it's subtitled (I refuse to watch dubbed films... Hero was on TV last week, and I almost cried when I realized it was dubbed- it ruined the mood of the film...) but I can't watch Das Boot if I am knitting... I'll miss all the dialogue- and I am not ready to put down the merino tonight...

I am also anxious to finish Boris Akunin's The Winter Queen... it's such a fun read... it's as tempting as the merino and a cup of Lady Grey... and it has a foolish but well-intentioned young man trying to foil a despicable plot- and it looks so far that he might just succeed- despite himself.

I think just maybe... the book is going to win out tonight...

Library Thing

2006-09-23T20:52:00.000-04:00

I read about this a few months ago and pretty much forgot about it- but today, it popped into my head- and I checked it out- Library Thing is great. I can sort though all my books while I am away from home- and I can also put up a list of what I'm currently reading- or what I've just finished- or any list I want- on the blog. It's a fun site- and it's all about books, so it's twice as nice!

Crazy Week...

2006-09-22T20:09:00.000-04:00

Saturday was the baptism of my goddaughter. Bridget contained her jealousy and decided to be a good example for Dianna. It was beautiful- and I think Bridget learned a lot.

Sunday we spent with friends- and Bridget was exhausted- and fell asleep on the ride home. (I also finished knitting the scarf I started in March... now I need to block it and finish tucking in the straggly ends...)

Monday, she woke up with her eye crusted shut and swollen. We went to the doctor as soon as they opened- it was pinkeye. I have one thing to say about pinkeye- I would rather have my daughter vomit in my lap than have to think about the places the virus/bacteria that cause pinkeye could be lurking nearby. Just the thought of pinkeye makes my skin crawl. It makes me want to pressure-wash the entire house, plus the car. (Bridget and I stayed home and disinfected the house on Monday, in between eye-drop applications and frantic handwashing episodes... besides, they wouldn't let her go to school until she'd been on medication for 24 hours...)

Tuesday was back to school- homework, and dinner... reading... bedtime...

Wednesday, Bridget had her first Daisy meeting. She loved it- she was very upset when she learned they only meet once a week. Then we went home to do more homework, reading and bedtime.

Thursday evening, Bridget worked on her homework while I attended Adult Study at church. We made it work. Dinner, bedtime.

Today, we made dinner and relaxed- Bridget watched a movie while I cleaned. We read, played, talked about our day- and I am incredibly relieved that it is the weekend. We have a ton of cleaning to do, but I have two movies from Netflix that have been waiting for me to watch them since last Friday... so I might watch one tonight... (okay, I'll be honest- I'm going to put it on, then I'll fall sound asleep on the couch and wake up at 4 am with a horrific crick in my neck...)

I don't have any pictures- hopefully we'll take some this weekend.

Knitters Tea Swap

2006-09-10T17:41:00.000-04:00

This looks like fun... and I always have plenty of great tea and lovely yarn...

Lizard II

2006-09-10T14:05:00.000-04:00

Bridget and 2 of the other little ones at church received lizards during coffee hour- Bridget picked the one that looked most like the one that went UA.

Here's "Lizard II." I asked Bridget his name, and that's what she's calling him...

Now we have a photo... so if "Lizard II" decides to run off, we can put out wanted posters...

Squash Status and Wayward Lizard Update...

2006-09-09T20:54:00.000-04:00

We haven't found the lizard yet, but I know an inside source who claims Bridget might find some replacements after Liturgy tomorrow...

In other news, those little pumpkins Bridget helped Grampy plant back in April have grown quite a bit.

Here they are in late April and early May:

And on Nana's front porch today- I think this pumpkin (the first of the bunch) is very pretty... so tall and elegant. Bridget thought it looked like a comfy armrest.

Lost: Blue Lizard-Reward if Found

2006-09-07T17:49:00.000-04:00

Bridget got a tiny blue plastic lizard at the doctor's office on Tuesday. She has carried it in her pocket for two days- until this morning, when it was nowhere to be found.

It was a catastrophe.

We're still searching for the lizard.

If you see it, tell it to come home, Bridget's looking for it. (It answers to the name "Lizard.")

Anyone who brings it home is entitled to whatever ice cream we have on hand, plus bananas, whipped cream and strawberries.

First Day of Kindergarten...

2006-09-05T17:30:00.000-04:00

Bridget's first day of Kindergarten was today. Since she came back to Virginia on Saturday, she was a little late for her first day because the school district will not allow students to sit in the classroom until they have a TB test... so we went off to the doctor's office this morning...

(I had Bridget pose in the front yard for a quick "first day" picture before we left...)

The doctor's office was MOBBED. Luckily, they realized all we needed was a form and a quick jab with a needle... sort of. Suddenly, she also needed a blood test... next thing I know, Bridget's been jabbed with a finger stick.

I HATE finger sticks. They hurt. A lot. Not to mention that most of the time, the blood you get from a finger stick dries up before it can be tested. I would rather have a regular blood draw than a finger stick any day- and I really dislike blood draws.

TB test and a finger stick... and paperwork. It's almost 930 now, so I figure Bridget will start school by 1000 at the latest- so she'll only have missed an hour of her first day. Unfortunately, we live in a high risk zip code, and she also needs a lead screening, but they don't do those at the doctor's office, I have to go to the lab for that- and it's another finger stick test- and the school won't admit her until it's been done. So we head over to the lab.

The nurses/technicians at the lab have it together- first, I had a bunch of paperwork to fill out, but as soon as it was done, they ushered Bridget in to the office- and Bridget is about to lose her mind since the finger stick hurt so much. She's not happy about another one- but they don't do sticks at the lab- because they hurt so much (probably because of the drying effect, as well...) They do regular blood draws. Too bad we couldn't draw once today and use the blood for both tests- anyway. It was quick, and Bridget was brave (as brave as could be expected... she'll do better next time, we said...) and we headed off to school at about 10 am. Everything at school went well... it was a beautiful, sunny, warm day.

This is what it looked like when I went back to pick her up:

Ick. My umbrella is in Maryland. It was really coming down. I had to use my car sunshade as a makeshift umbrella. Bridget thought it was pretty humorous. She wouldn't stop laughing on the way home...

It was a pretty good first day of Kindergarten.

Boatswain's Pipes for Kids...

2006-09-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

Just in time for my 4-hour drive to pick Bridget up at the airport, Ernesto rolled in. Being the paranoid mom that I am, I left 12 hours early- (just in case a tree fell over and someone wrecked and they shut down I-95...) All I could imagine was not getting to the gate on time, and the airline sending my 5-year old back to Alabama because I wasn't there to meet her.

I arrived with 8 hours to spare, and camped out in a comfortable coffee shop to read and try to relax.

Bridget arrived 15 minutes late, probably because of the wind- and told me "I was only a little bit scared when the plane got up." It went amazingly well.

We stopped in Bethesda, MD to visit some friends, then drove back to the accompaniment of Bridget's music- her favorite is a CD called "Rhinocerous Tap" by Sandra Boynton. Her favorite song (for the last few years) has been "The Crabby Song." It opens with a boatswain's pipe... I tried to play it on the way home from deployment, and it almost didn't make it back to the states... Kat and I were the only people who thought it was funny.

School starts tomorrow, so this weekend will be incredibly action-packed. We already braved Wal-Mart for school supplies- the place was a madhouse. Today, we are going to try and buy shoes and pants. (Although I am annoyed to be doing this at the last minute, she grew enough that I would have had to return everything if I'd bought it last month.)

A Pleasant Morning Run...

2006-08-22T19:24:00.000-04:00

I have been running in the mornings before work since Bridget has been away. Some weeks, I run once, some weeks, twice- and once, I ran three days. It is a short run- a little over two miles, and my running partner and I chat while we run, so we run at a very easy pace.

Running regularly has been one of the best things I have done all summer. It's a great way to start the morning- I have more energy on run days, and I am much more easy-going as well.

My running partner was unable to make it on Friday, so I ran on my own. I ran the entire 2+ miles, made very good time, and had a great day. I ran on my own on Monday, as well- but this time, there were a lot of students from the Navy schools out running- Marines, as well. I was on my own, and I felt pretty good, so I ran much harder than I would have otherwise. I also have a bit of a pride issue about passing other runners. Once I pass someone, I feel I have to KEEP running faster than they are running, no matter what. I was feeling great, though, so I passed a few people, and kept on running, and didn't stop. I got to work, showered, and had a great day. I wasn't sore, but I was a little tired.

I ran again this morning. I felt SO GOOD about my run on Monday, that I decided I would run every day this week. I decided I would only run a mile this morning, though- and that I would take it very easy, then stretch and run hard again on Wednesday. It didn't work out quite as I had planned, though.

Once again, there were a few runners out- and I started at my normal pace- having forgotten I was taking it easy. (It must have been the endorphins...) My first mistake was to pass someone. I ran faster. (I could hear footfalls behind me... so I ran faster still.) I reached the 1/2 mile mark- where I had planned to turn around- and I could still hear footfalls- and I felt good- so I kept running. I passed someone else. The next thing I know, I am at the back gate, where I usually turn around and head back. So much for a short, easy run. As I turned around, I realized there might be something not quite right with my leg.

I kept running. (I could still hear footfalls behind me.) My right quadricep at this point is on fire, but I was not stopping. I ran another 1/4 mile before I realized the pain in my right leg was not just in my head. I slowed to a quick walk, while rubbing my leg. I stopped, stretched, and started running again, thinking to myself "it'll go away in a minute." I started walking again- my muscle was still on fire. Then someone passed me. I kicked it up in high gear and ran another 1/4 mile- and just when I couldn't handle it anymore, I realize I'm running in front of a class of young Navy students. I kept running- actually, I ran faster. I finally started walking just in front of my building. I showered- then hobbled up the stairs to work- and nearly fell over every time I stood up from my chair.

I think I should not run again for a day or two, but I am tempted to go out and walk tomorrow. I am afraid that it will turn out the same (or worse) than today, though... I seem to be a little too competitive when I run alone.

Sadness and Translation

2006-08-10T21:48:00.000-04:00

I am sad today. Although I am glad to have time to myself, I thought before Bridget left that I would have more DONE before she got back. I did work on a lot of things- but it was almost completely invisible... inner work. Good things, but there are some outer things I need to do- and soon... before the summer is over. I am sad because now is the time to do those things- and because I miss the excitement of Bridget's daily presence- as much as she makes my life a little crazy...

I really miss having Bridget here. She fills up my days, so there is no boredom- no time... no quiet in which to wonder what I should do next. Having her here makes me do laundry, cook, clean... and get things done...

Kat was unable to attend the Esperanto meeting this week- and I missed it. The Esperanto lessons I have been working on have reminded me of my days of studying Latin... and that, in turn has brought back the refrain of the "Pater Noster" which we recited at the start of every class... which was the first Latin I learned... even before we inked our names in our books. It echoes through the back of my mind as I work, as I drive home... even now. I sat down to try and translate it into Esperanto- which is harder than it seems, since the meaning of the words can be lost since English is so vague... I think I'll be working on it for a while.

In the meantime... the Pater Noster-

Pater Noster, qui es in caelis,
sanctificatur nomen tuum.
Adveniat regnum tuum.
Fiat voluntas tua,
sicut in caelo et in terra.
Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie,
et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos
dimittimus debitoribus nostris.
Et ne nos inducas in tentationem,
sed libera nos a malo.
Amen.

Weekend Trip to Georgia...

2006-07-31T22:06:00.000-04:00

I spent the weekend in Georgia- west of Atlanta, to be precise, and it was wonderfully relaxing- and a great break from rushing about, trying to figure out what I need to do (while I have the chance since Bridget is in Alabama) and what I can do to keep myself as busy as possible (because I can barely stand to stop- it is too quiet by myself with Bridget gone...).

I visited friends, and took a walk on the Silver Comet Trail, which was once a railway between New York and Birmingham, Alabama, but is now a paved walking and bicycling trail.

I meant to take pictures of everything- and managed to take a total of about 5 photos.

The three young men below are some of the most well-mannered fellows I've ever met. (The one in the middle claims an allergy to vegetables, but I won't hold it against him... not yet, anyway.)

Pumpkin Update...

2006-07-25T22:28:00.000-04:00

One week later...

(Images appear larger than they are...)

This pumpkin is now the size of Bridget's fist.

"Little, Fuzzy, Green Pumpkins"

2006-07-15T21:38:00.000-04:00

When Bridget and I visited New Hampshire in the spring, Bridget and her Grampy planted pumpkin seeds. Grampy has been sending pictures to update us regarding the progress of the pumpkin seeds, and today, I received the news that the plants had produced "little, fuzzy, green pumpkins the size of the end of your thumb."

This is incredibly exciting news, and I had to call Bridget in Alabama to share. She was thrilled, and cannot wait to see the pictures.

I think we are going to have to visit NH in the fall to help Grampy harvest these pumpkins...

Superhero Poetry

2006-07-07T18:34:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago Kat and James had discussions about Superheroes. This morning as I drove to work, NPR's The Writer's Almanac featured "Female Comic Book Superheroes" by Jeannine Hall Gailey from Becoming the Villainess.

I couldn't help but smile as I sped along the highway, listening...

Yankee or Rebel?

2006-06-21T23:20:00.000-04:00

Listening to the radio on the way in to work yesterday, I heard about research done by the Harvard Computer Society- and a quiz which picks apart regional dialects. It was fun...

I used to call carbonated beverages "tonic." I still do sometimes when I visit home. I guess you can't beat the Yankee out of me...

Bee Dance

2006-06-21T21:16:00.000-04:00

Bridget has been obsessed with bees for the last month or so. Every time she sees one, she points it out, then exclaims "Look! A BEE! It's DRINKING NECTAR from a flower!" It's cute- and I am glad she isn't running away screaming and flailing the way she does when she sees a housefly. It is a little hard to maintain enthusiasm after the 200th bee in two days, though.

Last night, she asked me if bees talk to one another. (It was immediately before bedtime, so she could have been stalling, but Mom kept bees when I was little, and there are SOME things you never forget...) I promised to show her how bees communicate by dancing. We are going to explore NOVA Tales From the Hive later this week- the dances are there, and games, too. I think she'll enjoy it.

Superpowers, Superheroes

2006-06-18T12:48:00.000-04:00

James compares Superheroes, and determines who he would emulate.

Kat posts about a young lady whose wish is to be a superhero.

As a National Public Radio addict, I was mesmerised by an episode of "This American Life," where one of the segments explores the power of invisibility vs. the power of flight. There are limitations on the powers- you will be the only one who has the power you choose, if you choose invisibility, you and your clothing will be invisible, but not items you might pick up. If you choose flight, you can only carry things you would normally be able to carry.

You only get one superpower. Which would you choose? How would you use it? It's harder than it seems, because the more I think about it, the more my choice SAYS something about who I am... who I want to be... who I am trying hard to pretend I am not... or who I may have been, but am trying to leave behind.

Or does it?

Yellow Speck Poofball Ballet

2006-06-10T22:00:00.000-04:00

I borrowed a video camera for Bridget's ballet performance, then realized in the parking garage just before the event that the tape I had was the wrong size, and would not work. So... I resorted to my digital camera... and the girls all look like itty-bitty yellow poofballs on legs. The yellow poofballs are still kinda cute, though, but the video is awful... and all I have to show is a picture of the two of us afterward.

The girls were dressed as buttercups. They tiptoed out with their hands above their heads to Bach... pirouette, plie, move up to the front of the stage, hold hands... it was sweet.

Near the end, they all sashay in a circle... then are supposed to go back to a line, then do some plies and pirouettes, and tiptoe off stage. One little girl tried to do this... she started pulling the girls next to her out of the circle, but they wouldn't budge, and a tug-of-war began... then little girl who remembered it was time to stand in a straight line ran offstage looking quite a bit upset- and the rest of the girls started hopping like toads.

Meanwhile, the ballet instructor was frantically signalling the girls to move offstage... and they do. Which is a good thing, because otherwise, they'd probably have started imitating less cute animals... tasmanian devils, perhaps? Or Tyrannasaurus Rex?

It was sweet. The first thing Bridget said to me afterward was "MOM! Did you see me forget to go to first position?"

It was very cute. It's weird how little kids going out on stage and mucking up the choreography is sweet and makes people laugh.

William the Hippo and Fencing

2006-05-31T21:14:00.000-04:00

Bridget and Kat after the EPeT meeting on Monday.

Note that William the Hippo is studiously admiring the natural fencing weapons in their hands- two long grass stalks...

EPeT

2006-05-29T22:16:00.000-04:00

Bridget and I attended the EPeT meeting tonight- and although we did not speak or discuss much Esperanto, Bridget learned how to soften the sound of certain letters in Esperanto. She also learned two words: c^erizo- (cherry) and patkuko (pancake).

I have only attended one other Esperantist meeting- in Halifax in 2004- and it was amazing. Although I had no exposure to the language at all, I was able to sit in a room with 10 other people and understood nearly 75-80% of the conversation- because the roots were simple, and the grammar style made sense. I think my Latin from 15 years ago also helped a little, but not too much.

It's definitely something I want to spend more time exploring.

Memorial Day

2006-05-29T21:25:00.000-04:00

Jackalgirl attended a Memorial Day remembrance for submariners this weekend.

Her post reminded me of my visits to the SUBASE in Groton, Ct, where the streets are all named for lost subs- and the street signs list the date the sub was lost, along with the number of souls lost with her.

Filthy Habits...

2006-05-21T19:18:00.000-04:00

CNN reports that internet addiction is destroying lives.

I think I'll go play with Bridget outside for a bit, then glare and twitch at my knitting until Big Love is broadcast tonight.

Clown Socks...

2006-05-20T21:30:00.000-04:00

My semi-lacy alpaca scarf is about 3/4 completed. So... I bought some new yarn, and am playing around with toe-up socks on one circular needle. Bridget loves it, because she picked the yarn- gaudy purple and hot pink... it won't match anything, so she thinks it is perfect. She also likes it because I am making her try on the experiment at various stages.

I am trying to make notes as I go along, so I can duplicate the first sock... but now I'm more worried because Bridget wants the other sock to be GREEN and BLUE... instead of matching it's mate...

At least she isn't asking for stripes or diamonds...

Osprey Sighting...

2006-05-18T21:00:00.000-04:00

I grew up noticing birds. Every time I go home, I hear about the rose-breasted grosbeaks which frequent my parents' backyard, and I'll see a few woodpeckers (hairy and downy) and maybe a cardinal or two. My parents always had a birdfeeder (or three), and Dad keeps a set of binoculars in his truck so he can identify the birds he spies in his travels. I watch for egrets and herons while I am near marshes, and pelicans near water. I never expected to see the bird I saw yesterday while I was standing in my front door, though.

I was raising the seat of Bridget's bike last night, and I looked up to see several gulls trailing a larger bird- which was gripping a huge fish, and the fish was facing forward, like a jetliner. The bird was obviously an eagle or hawk, but I wasn't sure which type until I looked it up- it was an osprey- and it was flying pretty low, but faster than the gulls- and just slow enough for me to get a good look at it. It was amazing. I see herons all the time (I saw two this morning on the way to work) and eagles occasionally, but it was amazing to see a bird carrying a huge fish back to the nest... from my front door.

This is why I keep the Peterson Field Guide on the living room table... I have had to dig it out of the bookshelf too many times...

Bridget missed it of course... I remember my Mom pointing things out all the time when I was little... I always missed the really cool sights, too.

How to be Annoying on Mother's Day...

2006-05-14T19:44:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day.

My daughter has spent the day being as annoying as she can possibly be. Now she refuses to go to sleep, and is instead asking idiotic questions every three minutes at her bedroom door so she won't fall asleep. I am ready to go out on the front porch and swig pink wine straight from the bottle until she wears herself out and falls asleep from exhaustion.

It's fitting then, that I just listened to Jim Nader on NPR's Weekend Edition - with a lineup of "Annoying Mother's Day Music" that includes the folk song "Mammary Glands" and Frank Sinatra's rendition of "Mrs. Robinson."

It's worth a listen, just for a laugh- or to annoy your Mom... or anyone else in earshot.

Annoying Siblings

2006-05-13T14:36:00.000-04:00

Randy from A Secular Franciscan Life has posted a funny Mother's Day clip.

Mother's Day

2006-05-12T19:13:00.000-04:00

Bridget came home from school today bearing gifts- she couldn't wait until we got home (never mind until Sunday) to present me with a Mother's Day tile- handpainted with a flower, and a picture (of me- wow she thinks I have HUGE arms...) and a card she made herself. It was wonderful.

Maybe we'll go to the park and have ice cream afterward on Sunday.

The Puzzler... and Boston Accents...

2006-05-11T17:22:00.000-04:00

I have become addicted to The Puzzler on NPR's Car Talk.

15 years ago, when I moved to Tucson, hearing Click and Clack made me cry- because their pronounced Boston accents sounded like home to me. I've listened to them everywhere I've lived since then. Now, they just make me laugh- every Saturday morning.

This week's puzzler is about a pilgrim delivering film reels to the Marrakesh Multiplex.

Also... an Automotive Confession... you can tell the Dad in the story was in the Navy... he designated one of his kids as safety observer, and another as a fire watch (right before he did something REALLY dumb... which MIGHT have gotten them out of a pickle, if it had turned out right...)

New List for John... (Get an envelope and a Pen- Quick!)

2006-05-05T21:06:00.000-04:00

We didn't exchange our lists at Easter. Here's mine...

Here's my reading/listening list for the last few weeks... (scroll down on the music links... you can listen to tracks from most of the albums...)

Music:
Mazzy Star- (Everything)
She Hangs Brightly
Among My Swan
So Tonight That I Might See

Neko Case-
Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (Margaret Vs. Pauline, Hold On, Hold On, The Needle Has Landed)

PJ Harvey-
Stories From the City, Stories from the Sea (This Mess We're In)

Suzanne Vega-
Tried and True (The Queen and the Soldier, In Liverpool, Small Blue Thing and Gypsy)

Reading:
MacWorld
Mac OSX Panther Hacks

I'm still reading everything I was reading in this post.

I intend to make a HUGE dent in my laundry, knitting AND in my booklist this weekend. I anticipate an incredibly brave and focused effort- and dismal failure.

What are YOU reading?

Disassembly, Deconstruction (and Destruction?)

2006-05-04T22:53:00.000-04:00

I was thrilled to find this . Now I can look at the pictures of someone else's disassembled Mac Mini instead of twitching in the corner of my bedroom because I really really want to open mine up and touch all the parts....

I had to hide the box under a bunch of CD's and junk so I wouldn't think about prying open the case and rummaging around to see how everything fits together...

Snail Mail

2006-05-04T22:17:00.000-04:00

The US Postal Service is considering using a "universal rate" stamp that would always sell at the current postage rate, but would be good even if the rate increases in the future.

I think it's a great idea... I still run across books of $0.27 and $0.32 stamps in my office supplies... and grumble in discontent as I slap two of them on an envelope when I'm in a bind...

New stamps to be issued this summer will include DC Comics Superheroes, Katherine Anne Porter, Benjamin Franklin and Samuel Champlain...

Deployment...

2006-05-02T19:03:00.000-04:00

The USS Enterprise left today for a six-month deployment, and along with her was my former ship. It's crazy, but part of me still wishes I was there.

Deployment is not easy- but the things I accomplished and had the opportunity to do were things few civilians will ever experience. Who else gets to be mount captain of a 25mm chain gun? Fire a M60... drill for a shipboard fire... fix vital electronic gear in a hurry because it IS vital... (sometimes all in one day...)

There were days all I could think about were things I could not have... things like a bath (or a long shower...) peanut M&Ms, new books... a weekend where I had NOTHING to do... a day without a boatswain's whistle, bells and reveille... tea with milk when I wanted it, not just at mealtimes... so many things.

I've been collecting pounds of Starbucks coffee for a friend who always hounded me for fresh coffee while we were underway... and I've hoarded great tea, and a few other things that I hope will make a difference for my friends.

I miss being in the Navy almost every day. I don't regret leaving, because my reasons were sound, but I do wish I could have continued my Naval career.

Most people think I'm a little nutty for actually ENJOYING being in the Navy. (Then they think I'm crazier when I explain that I chose to leave, despite my passion for the job.)

Women and Guns...

2006-05-01T13:37:00.000-04:00

I asked James at Hell in a Handbasket for some gun advice. He responded- with photos and detailed, precise descriptions.

It is definitely worth the time it takes to review. Check it out here.

Dizzy!

2006-04-30T14:13:00.000-04:00

NPR, Lyrics Unsuitable for Children, Fire and Flying Food...

2006-04-28T21:21:00.000-04:00

Fridays are always good, because I either have the day off, or I only have an 8-hour workday. Today was a work day, but one of the girls at work brought me a mocha on her way in... and I got to listen to NPR all day. I can't ask for a better day at work.

After work, Bridget and I went to dinner with my best friend and her husband. In the car, on the way to the restaurant, Bridget said to me- "Mommy, this is a REALLY sad song. I like it, but it is very sad." Then she pursed her lips and nodded.

I was listening to Neko Case's new album- Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. I hadn't really listened to the lyrics... her voice is incredibly magnetic, and I knew the song had my name in it (Margaret Vs. Pauline) but that was pretty much it.

I asked "Why do you think the song is sad, Bridget?"

I almost ran off the road when she answered... it was not something I expected my four-year old to need to comprehend...

"One girl loses her sweater, and the other loses her finger. That's why it's a really sad song, Mommy."

Apparently, losing a sweater and losing fingers are equally tragic events when you are four.

She widened her eyes like saucers and looked up at me in the rearview mirror. Then she took a deep breath and declared:

"I LIKE sad songs, Mommy. Can we keep it forever?"

Margaret Vs. Pauline

Everything's so easy for Pauline
Everything's so easy for Pauline
Ancient strings set feet a light to speed to her such mild grace
No monument of tacky gold
They smoothed her hair with cinnamon waves
And they placed an ingot in her breast to burn cool and collected
Fate holds her firm in its cradle and then rolls her for a tender pause to savor
Everything's so easy for Pauline

Girl with the parking lot eyes
Margaret is the fragment of a name
Her bravery is mistaken for the thrashing in the lake
Of the make-believe monster whose picture was faked
Margaret is the fragment of a name
Her love pours like a fountain
Her love steams like rage
Her jaw aches from wanting and she's sick from chlorine
But she'll never be as clean
As the cool side of satin, Pauline

Two girls ride the blue line
Two girls walk down the same street
One left her sweater sittin' on the train
The other lost three fingers at the cannery
Everything's so easy for Pauline

Dinner was incredible. There was fire, an onion volcano, shrimp-flinging and chopsticks. How much more excitement can a four year old have in one day?

She asked to hear her "new favorite song" on the way home.

"You know, Mommy, the sad one with the sweater and the finger."

I wonder if this qualifies me as a horrible parent.

Time And Relative Dimensions In Space...and SCARVES...

2006-04-24T19:45:00.000-04:00

I started a Doctor Who scarf (Season 18-from the Leisure Hive) for John at Christmas... but I am not happy with the color scheme... the terracotta is too tan. I might have to start over.

I want one, myself... but I am currently busy knitting a lacy scallop pattern scarf from my sport weight charcoal alpaca... (so soft and snuggly... Bridget would say it was comfy...)

I keep catching the NEW Doctor Who on the sci-fi channel... but all I really want to see is Tom Baker's Doctor... the old ones used to play every night on NH ch 2 (PBS) and all day Saturday on Boston Public Television...

Meet "Sleeping Beauty"...

2006-04-23T13:23:00.000-04:00

Bridget has proclaimed this gypsy moth caterpillar her new "best friend." Her other best friend is the holly bush in the front yard. I told her it could NOT come live in the house.

Booklist...

2006-04-22T22:00:00.000-04:00

I finished reading The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd tonight. It was enjoyable. I read The Secret Life of Bees while on deployment, and it was also a very short book, easy to read- and thoughtful. On first impression, I enjoyed The Mermaid Chair better than the other, though. I'm not sure why quite yet. I'm going to have to think on that one.

I am currently reading:
A Scanner Darkly, Philip K. Dick (The movie trailer looks interesting, too...)
Nathaniel's Nutmeg, Giles Milton
The Hatbox Baby, Carrie Brown
The Fiery Cross, Diana Gabaldon (picked it up in an airport... been slogging through it for 8 months now...)
The Patriot Chiefs, Alvin M. Josephy, Jr. (borrowed upon Dad'd recommendation... I had to promise it would be returned...)

These are in the basket beside my bed... still waiting to be read...
Hart's Hope, Orson Scott Card
The Plot Against America, Philip Roth
The Shadow of the Wind, Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Aspiring Firefighter

2006-04-15T23:44:00.000-04:00

Bridget wants to be either a "firegirl", a sailor or a doctor when she grows up. Uncle John let her try on his fire hat.

It was so heavy that she had to use both her hands to keep it on. She loved it.

Beware the Vicious Attack Penguin...

2006-04-15T23:38:00.000-04:00

We visited the Boston Aquarium today. It was very expensive, but fun. Bridget said her favorite part was "The jellyfish. And the sharks. And touching the crabs and starfish. And the BIG turtles. And the penguins. And the seals. ALL of the things were my favorite."

John asked her if her favorite part was going inside, and she said "No. I didn't like that part so much."

Jane gave her a stuffed penguin that is almost as big as Bridget.

Brown Eggs, White Eggs...

2006-04-15T23:15:00.000-04:00

NPR's All Things Considered interviews Marie Simmons, author of " The Good Egg". She covers why some eggs are white, others brown, and even mentions Aracauna chickens, which lay blue-green eggs. (I was told I was confused when I told my kindergarten teacher my Dad had chickens that laid blue eggs. She wouldn't believe that they came out of the chicken that way.)

Travelling Light...

2006-04-15T16:07:00.000-04:00

Bridget packed her own bag for our trip to New Hampshire. She hung the backpack on the doorknob and announced that she had "everything packed" and she was ready to go.

After she went to sleep, I unzipped the bag and examined the contents:

1 stuffed giraffe (named "Sleeping Beauty")

1 pink stuffed rabbit (named "Carrot")

1 stuffed elephant (named "Elephant")

1 party dress (2 sizes too small)

2 pairs of underwear

I wish I could travel that light.

Mother of Invention

2006-04-13T18:38:00.000-04:00

When I lived in LA, there was Pink Dot. In Maryland, there was Peapod. There were others along the way, in the myriad of cities and towns I have lived. I could never comprehend shopping for produce (or for that matter, any type of grocery item) online before I had a four-year old child. Now, I want to hug whoever came up with the concept.

In Norfolk, there is Farm Fresh. At lunch, I can sit down for 10 minutes while I eat, order all my groceries and pay. I pick Bridget up on my way home, strap her into her seat, and drive up to the front of the grocery store, where I push a little green blinking button attached to an intercom on a post. Someone inside the store answers, asks my name, comes out with a receipt, (which I sign) and puts my (chilled) groceries in the trunk. They smile and wave, and I beam back because my daughter is strapped into her booster seat, unable to run screeching down the grocery aisles while licking random yogurt containers in passing. This all takes less than 8 minutes total... I LOVE INTERNET GROCERY SHOPPING. I will NEVER get THAT LOOK again in line while my daughter does her impression of the little girl from The Exorcist. I LOVE shopping for groceries online.

I'm a WITCH!!!!

2006-04-12T21:10:00.000-04:00

This photo is from the Family Day cruise on the McFaul in February. After 10+ hours onboard, Bridget was outside in the bitter cold and wet wind, and glimpsed a broom.

(Nylon brooms are usually found lurking in every closet and behind every door topside, since US Destroyers are made of steel, and when water from rain or sea spray pools on the decks, the decks rust. I can't tell you how many hours I have spent with a ratty black nylon broom, pushing salt or fresh water from one side to the other of the deck of a state-of-the-art US Navy warship to prevent it from rusting away. But that's another story...)

She saw the broom, and snatched it up, mounted, leapt up in the air and screeched "I AM A WIIITTCH!!! I'm A WITCH!" This lasted 45 minutes- and she wasn't tired. I was only able to pry her hands away from the broom because it was so cold that her hands were blue.

Mt. Trashmore

2006-04-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

We went to Mt. Trashmore- where Bridget and Eachen flew a kite, and ran amok on the playground. There was much more running amock than kite flying. We were there for a few hours, and I cut it short because they were hard to keep track of- it hurt my neck to keep swiveling my head so much. And we were all getting sunburned.

Bridget claims to like Wasabi Peas- but she won't eat any. She just wants to watch other people eat them. (Like me... but I eat them slow... I like being able to breathe.) They are yummy, though.

I LOVE the mac mini. I want to play with it more...

Bike Riding... and a visit with Eachen...

2006-04-01T08:55:00.000-05:00

We didn't get to fly kites yesterday.... it was after dark by the time we got back from the FedEx pickup, so Bridget and Eachen are going to fly kites after ballet. Eachen's parents need to pack, and Bridget needs some company, so all is well. Hopefully I will be able to retain my sanity during the process.

Bridget did get to ride her bike in the front yard yesterday... the weather for the next five days or so is going to be INCREDIBLE... I am happy... I love warm weather.

KITES!

2006-03-31T16:19:00.000-05:00

I haven't got much new right now, but we have plans to fly kites this evening... out at Mt. Trashmore or Ocean View Beach. I'm hoping we can go to Mt. Trashmore because then Bridget can wear herself out riding her bike afterward...

It is an amazingly beautiful day... it has to be 70-75 degrees. I'm excited about the kites.

(Will post pictures later after we go....)

I guess I won't store my tacks above the stove anymore... (Or... Why I love Edward Gorey...)

2006-03-17T19:12:00.000-05:00

What horrible Edward Gorey Death will you die?

You will swallow some tacks. You are a little weird, maybe not so much in a good way. Buy a yellow tie and wear it on your head.
Take this quiz!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2006-03-17T14:26:00.000-05:00

It is pretty brisk today, but Bridget wanted to blow bubbles in the front yard.

She woke me up this morning with a shout that "MOM!!! Today is Friday!!! AND it's St. Patrick's Day!!!!" and then insisted that she had to wear "lots of green" or "Santa's green elves" (who she also said were hiding behind all the furniture...) were going to pinch her.

I told her they were called Leprechauns, not elves, and that Leprechauns are not affiliated with Santa, nor do they live at the North Pole (and they don't hide behind the furniture). Then I found a green shirt and plaid skirt for her to wear.

There are a few events going on tonight... the "Greening of Ghent" and another outdoor Celtic music and craft festival... but it is so cold that I think we'll stay home and watch Doctor Who on the Sci-Fi channel instead.

We have ballet tomorrow, and a birthday party in the afternoon, so this will be a busy weekend already.

Custom-Made Online Radio...

2006-03-11T19:28:00.000-05:00

Found this today... it's called Pandora, and when I put in a few artist's names (Tori Amos, Suzanne Vega, Jonatha Brooke...) it picked a bunch of artists and songs- and I liked all of them... some a LOT. Bridget kept coming into the room saying "I really like this song, Mom... can we keep it?"

Comments

2006-03-09T19:50:00.000-05:00

I changed the settings for comments so you don't have to sign up for an account in order to post.

The Speed of Light, Aliens.... And it is almost Science Friday!

2006-03-09T19:20:00.000-05:00

I miss hearing Talk of the Nation. I read about this episode, which reviews John Brockman's book What We Believe but Cannot Prove, which he asked 109 literary and scientific thinkers what they believe, but cannot prove: the answers included the theory that the speed of light may not be a constant- that it may be variable, and intelligent life out there somewhere in the universe. It's definitely going on my list of books to look up.

...And tomorrow is Science Friday! I can hardly wait.

This is why I love National Public Radio.

Cool! Quotes!

2006-03-08T21:42:00.000-05:00

I figured out how to get a random quote generator on my page... now I just need to figure out how to write one all by myself...

My favorite quotes this week:

-"We are all susceptible to the pull of viral ideas. Like mass hysteria. Or a tune that gets into your head that you keep on humming all day until you spread it to someone else. Jokes. Urban legends. Crackpot religions. Marxism. No matter how smart we get, there is always this deep irrational part that makes us potential hosts for self-replicating information."
~Neal Stevenson, Snow Crash

"You are a very attractive woman. Probably."
~Doctor Who

-"I wish you read books (you know those things that look like blocks but come apart on one side)."
~F. Scott Fitzgerald; in a letter to his wife, Zelda

-"As part of Mr. Lee's good neighbor policy, all Rat Things are programmed never to break the sound barrier in a populated area. But Fido's in too much of a hurry to worry about the good neighbor policy. Jack the sound barrier. Bring the noise."
~Neal Stevenson, Snow Crash

I'm on a Neal Stevenson kick right now. I also have Suzanne Vega's Small Blue Thing stuck in my head... it's nice...

I am cool and smooth and curious
I never blink
I am turning in your hand
Turning in your hand
Small blue thing...

Bookcrossing... And a Reading List...

2006-03-07T19:07:00.000-05:00

I heard about this website in the winter of 2002... it's a really neat idea- a good way to track your books, or promote literacy... or good (and bad) literature... and to share books and learn about new ones.

I also signed up for Harper Collins First Look program... free books are always fun!

I'm STILL reading Inkspell... but it is good, and I'm really enjoying it. Inkheart was my favorite book this summer... and I absolutely can't wait to read it aloud with Bridget.

Bridget and I are reading C.S. Lewis' The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe right now... about one chapter every few days, with little books sprinkled in for variety. (Kat gave us the whole Chronicles of Narnia...)

I have a ton of books on my list... a little pile of goodies waiting next to my bed...

Germs, Guns and Steel, Jared Diamond
The Needle's Eye, Margaret Drabble
Sea of Glory, Nathaniel Philbrick
The Plot Against America, Philip Roth
Prep, Curtis Sittenfeld
Collapse, Jared Diamond
The Shadow of the Wind, Carlos Ruiz Zafon (what a gorgeous name...)
Rich Dad, Poor Dad, (I forget the author's name... Jane sent me this and Career Warfare while I was in the Persian Gulf, and they were in a box I just unpacked... I NEVER find unread books! EVER!)

There are MORE, too. I have NEVER had this many unread books in my house.

A Movie, Curry and Pancakes

2006-03-05T07:39:00.000-05:00

Curious George is really sweet. I was suprised. I was prepared for 2 hours of boredom and idiocy, but I actually enjoyed the movie. The music is pleasant, George is really cute and curious in a more sweet and innocent way than he seemed in the books sometimes- and the story itself was updated for 2006, but in a good way.

We went out with Eachen and Eilenna- and stopped at Rom Thai afterward for Green and Yellow curry... (chicken satay for the kids...) and then had a sleepover (all four of us.)

We're about to make pancakes this morning... as long as the kids don't start WWIII.

More Birthday Pictures...

2006-03-03T21:38:00.000-05:00

Jenn thought Bridget looked just like Shirley Temple...

Birthday dinner at The Painted Lady

2006-03-03T21:29:00.000-05:00

Bridget took me out to The Painted Lady for my birthday... it was the nicest birthday I have had in years...

Jenn's birthday is a few days after mine, so we ordered an incredible cake, and we had a wonderful dinner.

Bridget's manners were impeccable, I couldn't have asked for a better birthday.

"Maybe on Friday"

2006-02-19T17:37:00.000-05:00

We went up to Baltimore on the USS McFaul- it was exhausting, but fun.

Bridget befriended ET3 Brown, who looks remarkably like her Uncle John- and played with Eachen and several other children on the boat.

We also visited the B&O Railroad Museum, Edgar Allan Poe's grave and house (we drove by the house... it was in a very scary part of town... we were afraid to slow down...) and had lunch at Ram's Head Tavern in the Power Plant area (near Port Discovery in the Inner Harbor.)

We had so much fun that all we did on Sunday was sleep.

Bridget wants to go on the ship again... "maybe on Friday."

New Haircut...

2006-01-04T20:03:00.000-05:00

Bridget had her hair cut during the holiday... and she also received ballet clothes for the lessons she'll be taking in February. She can hardly wait to take ballet... I let her try on her outfit tonight.

I need to go to the yarn store... Bridget wants to learn how to crochet... she wants to crochet while I am knitting... I need to learn how to crochet quick!

The pig she's holding is a pig with white wings... she picked it out for me for Christmas... and she feeds it a plate of pretend food every night... and decorates it with toy jewelry and scarves. (It must be a hungry, fashionable flying plaster pig...)

Merry Merry and Happy New Year

2006-01-02T22:08:00.000-05:00

I took these the night of Bridget's Christmas program at school.

The rest are from our ice skating adventure at the mall. (We also went to see The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe that day... it was very very good. Bridget is asking to go and see it again.)

--

3/4 of one mitten...

2005-11-25T18:40:00.000-05:00

And here's the mitten so far...

Second Scarf Complete! (and 3/4 of a mitten!)

2005-11-25T18:33:00.000-05:00

I finished Bridget's scarf today... just in time for 30 degree weather... and am mostly done with one puppet mitten.

I still have to sew the mitten's mouth into it, and add the eyes and whiskers and nose, but one mitten and a scarf in a week... I'm doing well... (never mind that the mitten is a little small... it will fit her at least until March, I'm guessing...I hope I finish the other one before she outgrows them...)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2005-11-24T09:48:00.000-05:00

I am baking a cranberry pie... Bridget is watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade... it's cool outside, but sunny and beautiful.

Mom sent me the pattern for Puppet Mittens... I started one last night... it took me a while to get the ribbing right... I'm really glad they don't have thumbs, or I'd really be in trouble!

Happy Thanksgiving!

More Knitting...

2005-11-19T20:13:00.000-05:00

I started Bridget's scarf... I figured that I would continue to practice the garter stitch- it looks pretty on both sides of the scarf, the pattern has a nice texture, and it is also thick, because the purl bumps are on both sides of the material- so it is really warm.

I was reading up on different stitches, and saw that if you slip a stitch (knitwise) at the beginning of every row, it makes for a much neater edge on the garter stitch. I wish I'd seen that last week... the edges were my only disappointment with the 14-year scarf. (That and the look of all the kinked yarn bits from unravelling and starting again... I can definitely tell where the unrevelled yarn was used again.)

The edges on Bridget's scarf are coming out much nicer.

The 14-Year Scarf

2005-11-19T16:43:00.000-05:00

I finished the scarf I started knitting when I was a freshman in at UNH. Bridget thought it was "brootiful" and asked me to make her a pink one. I told her I'd try, but if it takes as long as this one did, she'll be 18 before I finish it...

I found some really neat knitting pages... knitty.com, Yarnzilla, (lots of great yarn and patterns) and this one on Aran Clan patterns... I wonder if you can just get the pattern for those ones...

I have been drooling over this capelet... too bad the classes are in Minnesota... maybe I could get the pattern and try it after I practice a little more... Myabe I should just work on the puppet mitten pattern Mom is sending for me to suprise Bridget..

And the 14-Year scarf... in handpainted mohair/wool by Brown Sheep Wool... the color is Strawberry Patch.

Wild Animals...

2005-10-29T18:24:00.000-04:00

We went to the Zoo to Trick or Treat witn Eachen and his Mom and Dad. We had a blast.