The end of summer 2010

Dyl and Naomi found a turtle on the road while out running and brought it back for us to check out.

I love to see Jed out swinging ( although he mostly a swing- hog, much to the consternation of his siblings :) because it reminds me of my younger days when I would spend hours out on our backyard swing. Complete with my cherished "tomato" radio sitting next to the tree waiting for "Kung Fu Fighting" or some other popular song to come on. Thankfully, Jed usually listens to a "Redwall" book on cd.
Black Eyed Susan's stolen....er plucked from a neighboring field.
Summer sewing projects; purse A
clutch ( which I will use for jewelry when traveling...since I travel so often! ha ha)
apron made from a thrift store sheet
Purse B for Naomi
Somewhat lame attempts at face painting, which I thankfully didn't have to do much of at the festival!


more clandestine wildflowers. Well, to assuage my raging conscience, I tell myself that this path has almost no one ever on it but us, and is SO overgrown it is almost unpassable at times...so who would miss a few bunches of flowers? Still, I nearly cringe on the way back to the car hoping no one will come by and yell at me.

Outside my window: Very chilly and fall -like. For how long? Who knows? I thought I saw it is supposed to be near 90 in a couple days!

I am thinking ---- The ironies of life. One day this week I was on my way to "Papa Joe's", a gourmet market in town. I was listening to the news and of course, there was some big story on the gloom and doom of the economy. It seemed so funny to drive into a parking lot filled with shiny, new, expensive cars and stand in line with a crowd of people waiting in line at the deli to pay 10.99 a lb for turkey breast right after hearing that. (Of course, I wasn't paying that! heck no! ;) I just wanted some coleslaw and feta, which, of course, were reasonably priced....cough, cough ;) It felt very surreal to be in this fancy market, as if on a different planet than the one touted in the news story. Quite a different *scene* from a graduation party we recently attended where there was story after story of people/families struggling to get by. Not many shiny new cars lined the street of that get-to-gether. I don't really know what all this means ( well, I have some ideas), but it has crowded my thoughts lately.

From the schoolroom: I am struggling to get school together for it's big start on Tuesday. It doesn't help that I am not feeling well, but you can't expect life to make everything easy for you ( although I always do ;) I must say I am more nervous about starting this new year and new program than I have been in a long while. Deep breath. One day at a time!

From the kitchen: I made some eggplant Parmesan this week for the first time in a while. I realized why I don't make it that often is because I am the only one who will eat it and I am not fond enough of it to keep eating it day after day.

I am reading,watching and listening:

Read: The Island Under the Sea by Isabelle Allende

This was a good read. I do like I. Allende because she usually writes historical novels about somewhere in Latin America. Sometimes she gets a little, uh, I don't know, melodramatic? Kind of a funny word to describe a novel. If you can't be melodramatic in a novel, where can you be?:) I like this quote from it. "Walking and walking across the world he will gradually find consolation, and one day, when he is too fatigued to take another step, he will realize that he cannot escape sorrow, he will have to tame it, so that it doesn't harass him."

Started: Fathers and Sons by Alexander Waugh. An autobiography/biography of a few generations of the "Waugh" men. Specifically the father/son relationships ( hence the title! ;) So far, I am finding it very interesting and informative.

Listened to:

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand

This was a charming book. Probably not one I would have picked had I just read the description, but I had heard good reviews. A lovely story of finding love later in life, of rural life in modern day England and the struggles with prejudices they deal with there. (It really wasn't as hokey as I make it sound :)

Watched: "House of Eliot"
which was a British mini series from about 10 years ago. It focused on two sisters working in the London fashion industry in the 20's ( side note: how I would love to see "20's" style back in vogue. Feminine and pretty but with a bit of flair !) At times a bit cheesy, but it hooked me and I plodded through all 500 episodes ( not really ;) before it ended with a thud. Apparently they didn't know the show was to be canceled so it was a bit of a cliffhanger that will leave you eternally hanging. :)

Around the house: Tried to start painting the bathroom but that didn't really ever get off the ground.

What we will do this week: Well, besides starting school...what else is there? :) 3,000 soccer practices and games ( I am a bit prone to exaggeration today) An equal number of birthday's. ;) and perhaps a get-together or two.

Party like a rock star?

A visit from Matt and Alex facilitated a Vrazo-tastic party.
Tim and Al at the "jam" session
Unca Joe on the drums.... ( Aly and friend looking on)
Just had to include this because it reflected the chaos ( all good) of the moment. Imagine 6 children under 7, past their bedtimes while a rock concert was taking place in the next room. Good TIMES! :)
We see you, George!
Al shredding
collaborative effort
Oh yeah- and cousin Matt was here somewhere!

Sorry Naomi ( not really ;) Yes, Alex was here, too!
Dyl and Anne with plenty of room for the Holy Spirit!
Fun for all!
Winston
Immanuel, large and in charge!
London and G!
Zak-ree-Dee
Getting ready for grub.

Daybook July-August :)

Outside my window: Enough with the hot, sticky weather already! This is Michigan, not Houston! ;)

I am thinking ---- I have decided I have to work of thinking only what is really right in front of me or I am going to be in big trouble. :) Too many gi-nourmous tasks (some a possibility, some for sure) face me in the coming weeks and months.

From the schoolroom: First load of school books came this week. New school books always bring a sense of excitement to start school. For about 10 minutes. :) No, I am looking forward to getting back in the swing of things. Haven't really been through the books yet, but a quick once- over leaves me impressed.

From the kitchen: While I didn't plant any zucchini, a friend at church was giving some away which made some luscious fried zucchini ( not the best dinner choice when so many around here struggle with weight-- :) and zucchini bread. For me, sometimes I "know" things and then I KNOW them..... for example I read the book "The End of Overeating", (David Kessler) which of course points out that there is an epidemic of obesity in America and the reasons why. But it made me think of how the more...More...MORE mentality of eating has crept into my thinking and cooking over the years. Large and extra portions, abundance = good. I more and more notice that you are barely able to walk a yard in the grocery store without being assaulted by some tempting food ( sometimes it seems all they have are tempting foods there)! There are SO many places to eat and buy food. We just don't really need THAT much to eat. Much less than we think. How to feed my family nutritiously and adequately ( especially for the littlest who are dependent upon me for that) runs through my thoughts lately.

I am reading,watching and listening:

This has definitely been the summer of Kate Atkinson. Her novels are not comedy but are about the only ones I --L(laugh) O (out) L(loud) at. Probably because her humor is wry and British. ;) Latest read and almost favorite ( tie between "Behind the Scenes at the Museum) was "Human Croquet".

Listened to:

1000 Acres by Jane Smiley

This was supposed to be a modern day interpretation of "King Lear". I found it a moving meandering through the disintegration of a family. Where it started, where it ended, and all in between. I am impressed with Jane Smiley as an author. Also read "Private Lives" by her, which was also good.

Watched: Zelary- which was a czech film. It was a lovely story, but sad. 5 stars in my book.

Around the house: Well, this month was a bang up month for re-arranging things with the arrival of Al back to the old homestead. Gabriella moved in with Naomi, George and Jackson came upstairs, Noah, Dylan and Al went downstairs and Jed and Manny moved across the hall. It was a good clean up and clean out. The garden has yielded some great things. Lots of cukes, plenty of sunflowers, cilantro, basil and parsley. 2 green peppers ( one from each plant) which was a dud from a financial standpoint since I paid about 3.50 each for those plants. Tomatoes are starting to ripen in abundance. Sadly, I don't know if our pumpkins and melons will produce as some sort of rot has taken hold of things ( perhaps from all the heat and humidity? a certain insect?). Overall, the garden has been well worth the effort put in.

What we will do this week: Prepare for a family visit. Try to finish some projects as the end of summer looms LARGE! Soccer practices will probably start this week ( sigh :) Hope for some cooler weather so we can enjoy the outdoors!

Virginia

Swimming in the hotel pool was a popular past-time.
American Civil War Museum


Mountains!

We were blessed with a little unexpected trip to Richmond, Va. We were able to travel with Tim on a work project. It is a beautiful and historic place. Funny, we lived about an hour and a half away from Richmond for a year or so and only visited once. And it was for a conference, so I personally didn't tour through it besides the convention center.Oooh it was hot, though. That put a bit of a damper on touristy plans ( ie: I really wanted to visit Jamestown but I am glad I didn't) This estate was called "Maymont" and we had to walk about a half a block to get to the house. Since the thermometer read 102 that short walk was tortuous.
But, a beautiful place. Even the littles were impressed!

G taking a breather! :)


Manny in front of the turtle aquarium at the Maymont Nature Center.
Jackson in front of a statue of his namesake; Stonewall!
St John's Episcopal Church where Patrick Henry gave his famous "Give me Liberty" speech! This neighborhood was particularly charming. Almost like you were stepping back in time.

Father's Day

I have been blessed with a great Father. A great husband and father to my 10 treasures, a wonderful father in law ( who, I am sure, imparted his good fatherly skills to his son) and two terrific grandfathers ( God rest their souls, all three).  We celebrated their day last week.

Aunt NancyDyl, Anne, Zak, the man of the hour- Papa, Al, Meemaw and NanDyl made smoked ribs. Dee-lish!Gwen spent the weekend with us and although she wouldn't pose for the camera....I must document she was there. :) 

 Our new bluebird house thanks to Uncle Bob and Papa.

Zak had to bring his homework. :) Summer accelerated classes are no joke!