A little weekend followed by a bunch of knitting. Y'know, the usual business.

Pie Report: the crust was thin (I couldn't find my usual recipe and the one I used didn't make enough) but the filling was good. I added just a tiny bit of sugar so it was pretty tart, but I'd rather have it tart than sticky sweet.

Felt half-sick all weekend. Kinda achy, chest feels cruddy but not enough to keep me immobile. This meant no lake time or biking. Despite thinking I didn't have enough yumpf for leisure activities, I somehow managed to bake a pie, make a veggie stew, wash the porch windows, mop, vacuum, change the sheets, run errands, do 4 loads of laundry and some weeding. I probably should have gone to a lake or biking, eh?

Finished birdy number two for next week's birthday boy. I gotta bust out some nests (one long overdue for Kidlet) but Clapotis is calling louder and louder. I only have 4 or 5 pattern repeats and then I'm done! That's about 50 rows, but they fly along now that I'm decreasing every row. I'm starting the 'what shall my next project be' daydreams. I have a long-promised itty bitty kitty to knit for my mom and I also made a commitment to making some warmies for those in need. But looking beyond that...do I look forward to tackling my first sweater? More lace? Some complicated-sounding fingerless gloves? I'm leaning toward sweater, but that requires a big yarn purchase. Everything else I have, ready to go. Ahhh, daydreams to fuel my work life. Speaking of work life...off to it.

Kidlet whistled for the first time today. It was an accident, but now she understands how it works. She managed to get one other little whispery whistle out before reverting back to saying 'wheet! wheet' while putting her hands up to her mouth and pretending to whistle.

A little overwhelmed with stuff which just makes me want to do absolutely nothing.

Nothing except toast marshmallows. I'm still down for that.

I got to take Jake out for a spin this weekend. I love that bike. I made the perfect choice.

I put some limeade in the fridge to make limey sno-cones tonight.

I sewed the legs on a little knitty bird this morning.

The light outside at 5:45 a.m. was delightful.

Drinking tea again.

Busy, busy.

The New New Rules

1--Friday morning shall now officially be known as "Nutella Toast and Rock 'n Roll Morning". You know you are on the right track when the music makes you think of riding the Music Express at a carnival.

2--Enjoy!

I had some other rules, but I'm deciding they got in the way of rule number 2.

I bid you to follow rule number 2 this weekend! Hugs all around...

Change is a'comin'

It's only the end of July, but I can already feel Summer rush past. The temperatures are down to the high 50s at night. Sunrise is happening later and sunset earlier. I know Summer in our neck of the woods tends to go on and on until I'm begging for 12 minutes of Fall before we hit Christmas, but I feel it's slipping through my fingers like sand. What happened to the camping trips? The s'mores? What happened to the s'mores, for crying out loud?!

Luckily, August and September are usually pretty good months...balloon races (with chocochip cookies), state fair (ferris wheel and soft serve), more mountain lake trips (followed by lunch at the Char-Pit). But school is one month off and it feels like the end of freedom. Go straight to class, do not pass go. I'm really dreading it. I try to remind myself that it's my ticket to a new career, but as my career goals are still kind of nebulous it makes the final goal that much more intangible (I'm just getting a history degree to get out of the undergrad as quickly as possible and then the masters will be for what I really want to do...whatever that may be). I guess I'd better just throw myself headlong into what remains of Summer and try to be in the moment as best I can.

Say Hello to Jake

I did it. I am now a happy bike owner, once again.

I need to take it back down to the shop to get the brakes adjusted since not having much in the way of brakes makes for an interesting ride when flying down a hill. But all in all, it's very good. I was going to wait for the back order on a sexy Italian bike, but I decided to get the one that I actually was able to take on a test ride. It feels like a Cadillac, smooth and strong. My body, on the other hand, is not so smooth and strong.

I am so out of shape. Before Kidlet, I was a yogini. I'd finish work and go to yoga class a couple times a week (ahhh, back in the days when I had something called "free time"). And before my plantar fasciitis came on strong, I was a runner. I miss yoga but I miss running most of all. I distinctly remember one of the last long distance runs I did, a 12 mile run on trails with Kiko amongst the sunflowers. I was trying to train for a full marathon but my body was breaking down so I abbreviated my goal and managed to do the half. I hope my bike and I will become as good of friends as me and my running shoes once were.

Jaune

Whew. I made my last contribution to yellow week with just a couple hours to spare. Yellow squash on a yellow table with a yellow wall. Now that I look around, there's a fair amount of yellow in my life. It's a cheerful color to live with. I'm just not that good at finding it, (despite the fact my whole living area is painted yellow).

Thanks for hosting a lovely week, Tracy! It's been a good challenge and has me looking around with a little more attention (always a good thing).

Ok, I'm beat. It's off to bed and my latest books...have a swell weekend, friends.

Yellow: Mediocre

Or how about 'Yellow: Medi-ochre'? Bwa ha ha...I crack myself up.

When the yellow challenge was set, I started looking around my everyday surroundings. I knew I would capture some of the many, many yellow flowers that have overtaken my yard. But what else? Oh! I have brilliant idea! Take a photo of the curb! It was so much cooler in my head, but when it came out...eh, not so much. I've taken so many yellow photos today but none of them made me proud. I'm sure I could have done better if I got over my "I feel so goofy (fill in awkward position here) taking photos of (fill in mundane subject here)" feelings. Tomorrow is another day. Another golden, sunny day.

Good Night Sweetheart

An impromptu night of backyard camping. The new(er) neighbors in the rental quieted down just as it got dark. Kidlet was fidgety and talking, talking, talking.

"Is that a planet? Is that one a planet too? Are they all planets?"
"Sweetie, there aren't that many planets in our solar system. That one looks like Venus and that one looks like Mars. The rest are stars. Or airplanes."

Yip, yip, howwwwwwl....a coyote chimes in with the crickets. We sleep in the cool night air.

Kidlet loved it.

Me too.

A Walk Around the Yard

It's the height of summer and I'm looking at the yard thinking "hmmm...what do I need to do to make the yard better next year?" I like to make our yard hospitable for wildlife. This year, I'm seeing an absence of bees but more butterflies. Tons of birds (as always) and last night we even saw a toad. Here's what I want to add, some for beauty, some for critters...

--Clematis. A neighbor has one growing all over the remnants of a dead tree and dang, it's amazing. I tried one once and it promptly shriveled up and died.

--Cosmos. They used to be plentiful in our yard but they have disappeared. Maybe the birds ate the seed?

--Mums. I buy 'em at the store sometimes and try to put them in the garden and...you guessed it, they shrivel up and die. But I am ever hopeful. Try, try, again.

--Queen Anne's Lace. There's a ton out here by work. Thinking about collecting some seed and sowing it. So pretty.

--More poppies! My fave!

--More gladiolas. I have a lovely stray peach gladiola that I always forget until this time of year when it pops out in all its peachy-ness.

--Wildflower Mix. I've annually tossed it all around the yard with varying results. I think I'm going to try a different brand this year. 3 years ago the brand that I've been staying true to did me well. Ever since, I've got nothing. Hoping to get some more bees with the right mix.

--Peony. Peony. Peony.

--Less yellow! A funny thing to say during yellow week, but all I have in my yard is yellow with a smattering of white.

Are you making plans for fall planting? I always think when fall rolls around I'm going to remember what I think I might want for the next season and I'm always way off since everything has died back by that point. It's good to take notes now.

Rain and Rides

The air is thick with the scent of rain this morning. A giant flash of lightning roused me from a dead sleep. I thought it was my alarm at first (as I have a Moonbeam Clock) but I realized it wasn't 6 a.m.. I waited for the thunder. A low, long rumble rolled through the sky. I love summer storms just as long as they don't spark a fire in the hills.

A couple of battered blooms to start off yellow week. I'm loving the hunt for yellow.

I'm dreaming about bikes. Really. I wake up and feel like I pedaled a leg of the Tour. I test-rode several this weekend and they are all lovely. Trying to decide which direction to go...flat bar road bike or drops? Touring? Cyclocross? I have to say, cyclocross bikes are winning my heart as you can do just about anything on them. I like to be prepared.

Good Morning Glory

I've emerged from my 'quiet time' feeling a bit more refreshed. I forget that it's good to shut up every once in a while. I didn't make it as long as I thought I was going to, but I think I've stepped back long enough.

I didn't do much during my quiet time except just live daily life: work, shuttling the small one to school, going to outdoor and family events. I've been thinking more, doing less. Keeping my eyes open and trying to soak up inspiration. Speaking of inspiration, if you haven't already been visiting, you should make your way over to echoes. Wow. And I'm kick starting my photo brain coming up for ideas for Tracy's yellow week. I've got 3 in my head already.

Still waiting for my tomatoes and blackberries. Still deciding on the 'perfect' bike. Still haven't set a toe in a cool lake. In other words, same ol', same ol'.

A small list...

--Listening to Dr. John's Gris-Gris a bunch. Something about that slow-as-molasses swampiness is working for me.

--Trying to plan a family 2.5 day vacation. Originally San Francisco but nary an affordable motel room to be had. Now I'm floundering.

--Read: A Book of Bees by Sue Hubbell (thanks, Bekka!) and (reread) The Summer Book by Tove Jansson of beloved Moomin fame. Both were so very good. Perfect summer reads. Almost done with Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers. What a bizarre book, but good. This past year, I watched the film for the (maybe?) first time and really, really loved it (Julie Andrews, you rule my school. Dick Van Dyke, you are quite a handsome devil.). Getting ready to reread The Great Gatsby and (an as of yet unchosen) Hemingway. I'm really enjoying rereading books that I tore through in my teens and catching all the nuances that flew right by me as a young person.

--Dreading going back to school. Yeah, I like to start my dread early. Can I really manage two classes that require tons of writing? Aieeeee.

Ok, that's what I've been up to...what do you have on deck for the weekend? I'm just going to drift and see where it takes me.

Gone Fishin'

Time for me to step away from the computer. I can tell when I'm spending too much time online and now is one of those times. I was able to cross just about everything off last post's 'To Do' list except "Keep computer time to a minimum" (well, that and buy slide film).

Hopefully when I come back I'll be able to tell you about tomatoes and blackberries from my own little plants, a bicycle, time with friends and family, swimming in lakes, making postcards and other goodness. I'll be on flickr to post my weekly CSA photos, just so I can keep them straight. I'm sure I won't be able to hold myself away from the internet entirely (impossible!) so I will be checking in on you, making sure you are having a lovely time.

Hugs! See you in a few weeks!

What I Will Do with my Long Weekend

1. Take Kidlet to the parade, although I feel she will be sorely disappointed after the parades she saw in Disneyland last week.

2. Keep computer time to a minimum.

3. Go to the farmer's market for fruit.
3a. Hoping for strawberries to make the famous strawberry freezer jam that is flying high on the blogging airwaves.
3b. Hoping for blueberries because I love them.

4. Drink a happy drink.
4a. Wine!
4b. Beer!
4c. Coffee!

5. Get my hair cut.

6. Install an air conditioner (we finally caved in).

7. Start knitting another bird for possible inclusion in the state fair (and for giving to a small person for his birthday next month).

8. Break open another pack of Polaroid film.

9. Buy more film.

10. Make the much beloved (but rarely made) peanut butter rice crispy treat ice cream sandwiches.

What do you have planned?

Vacation Recap

Well, back to normality (or what passes for normal 'round these parts). Sigh. I liked not having to make any decisions greater than "Shall I have the IPA or the wheat beer with my dinner?" or "Which ride shall we try to talk Kidlet into riding?" I make it sound like the trip was a breeze (it was not) but once I got into the proper spirit, it became easier.

As means of explanation, we are a quiet family. To be in an environment where everything is quickly paced and the volume is loud...it was a challenge to adjust. On the second night, it was when we were watching the electric parade that I had an "aha!" moment. Sitting on the warm pavement, watching wacky little cars covered in lights twirl to silly synthesized music I had a Burning Man flashback. And from then on, I was good. Yes, remembering a counter-cultural festival helped me find my way in a commercial mecca. From my years of Burning Man 'training', I've learned that sometimes you need to let go of all plans and schedules. Be prepared with a calm voice, water and snacks. When it gets overwhelming, step back for a while and hide in the dark of your cool motel room. Re-enter when you are ready. This advice to myself served me well.

Kidlet loved the parades best of all. I got teary-eyed watching her glow with amazement as each float rolled by. Riding the big ferris wheel at night, feeling the cool ocean-tinged breezes was another favorite for all of us. And wow, if you get a chance to ride the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, do. Quite fun. The big roller coaster was pretty good...I give it a 'B'. Excellent start, but the second half of the ride was a bit flat.

Well, I was hoping to come back with one or two projects done, ready to present to y'all, but no. I was going to do a "Disneyland in 10 Polaroids a Day" series but that camera ended up being too heavy and bulky (not to mention all the film I was going to have to juggle through airport security). Then I thought I would do a drawing journal project. I took out my little journal the first morning, started doodling and then...there just wasn't enough time. Letting go of expectations, Lesson Number 7 (or was it 8?) learned.

I'm going to try and look at all of summer as 'summer vacation', despite the fact that I am still going to work and dealing with all the usual stuff (fixing the dented car, paying the bills). I need to carry the spirit of vacation as long as I can. Happy vacation, all!

I'm back to reality and oh-so-tired.
Still processing photos and memories.
No one's eardrum exploded on the flight. No more misread itineraries.
Much learned about myself and traveling with a small one.
And fun was had by all.

Back here soon!

Check Once, Check Twice and Then Ask Someone Else to Check for You

So, when you read your itinerary and check your airline tickets, remember to check those two little letters behind the time. AM versus PM. Yeah. Instead of getting up at 5 AM (well, I woke up at 4 because I couldn't sleep), we could have slept in. Also, it kind of freaks out Kidlet when you are at the airport and you have to tell them that Mama read the schedule wrong and your flight is for PM. Personally, I think that those little gremlins from the old Bugs Bunny cartoons came and scrambled the letters on my itinerary and tickets last night. Hopefully they just stick to messing with Mama's tickets and not her plane.

Wish me luck for the remainder of the day/trip? I think I'm going to need it.

Sunny Side Up

Kidlet last night: a damp, burning limp noodle.

Kidlet today: vacillating between flushed and foggy to ecstatic jumping around ("I'm going to Disneyland!")

Still don't know if we are flying, driving, hitch hiking or doing the side stroke to get there (or our departure date for that matter), but we're gonna do something and dang it, it's going to be fun. This morning I came up with a project I want to do while on vacation. I'll keep it all hush hush and reveal the results when I get back.

This morning was full of crossing items off lists before I headed into work. I was happily crossing until...I walked out of the bank and saw someone ran into our car and didn't stick around or leave any contact info. It's all cosmetic, so I'm not too torn up about it but it just added another thing-to-do right when I was trying to get rid of things-to-do. C'est la vie.

I will be gleefully unplugging myself from all computers starting Sunday so I'll catch up with you later! If I don't 'talk' to you before then, have a lovely week.

The Ups and Downs

Holy cow, what a roller coaster ride and I haven't even left yet. Kidlet came down with a sniffle last Friday and it seemed to clear up. Middle of the night last night, howling and a little one tugging her ear woke me up. I had been asking her all week how her ears felt and there was one twinge last Saturday. Guess I should have listened to the twinge, eh? Guess I should have bought the travel insurance on my package deal, eh? What a learning experience. I'm trying to keep my chin high and my head together to come up with alternatives. I'd postpone the whole deal but due to my current work situation, it's either now or never.

If Kidlet's beloved doctor discourages us from flying, there are two words that are being tossed around...ROAD TRIP. I would be excited to drive instead of fly, particularly in light of the fact that I only recently found out that we will/would be flying on a PROP plane instead of a jet. As much as I do love flying, I am a little scared of flying and have never flown on a tiny plane. I don't want Kidlet to sense my nervousness on her first-ever flight. Also, if we drive, it will give me room to bring my new Polaroid camera and take lots of road trippy polaroids.

I guess we'll just have to see how it all plays out. At least our official date of departure isn't for a few days, so that will give the Little One some time to get better and time for us to regroup.

Thank You...and a Garden Update

Thanks Raina, Claire and KM (nice to see you!) for helping me with my assignment. I need to actually do it now, no more excuses.

It's funny how anti-poetry (well, more like afraid of poetry) I was for so long and now that I've dabbled, I'm in love. I'm so excited that there is so much amazing poetry out there that I have yet to discover. Two ways that I get my poetry fix are catching the Writer's Almanac on NPR on the way to work (and if I don't catch it, I receive the email version too) and listening to the Poetry Off the Shelf podcast from poetryfoundation.org.


The roses are a'rambling in our yard which means lots of deadheading. I love deadheading the roses ever since Kidlet made it into a game. Sometimes we throw the petals up over our heads to watch them come down and make lovely coverings for our paths. Or we gather the petals and make rose cakes. I love the spicy scent of my hands after an evening of rose play.

The tomatoes have taken off their jackets (wallo' waters) and are now in their summer finery (cages). They are still runt-y but I have (great) hope for them.

We are going to have a record crop of grapes (thompson seedless). That's what I get for just letting them run wild instead of trying to train and trim them like wine grapes.

The blackberries...I keep my fingers crossed! As I believe I mentioned before, last year we had tons of flowers but little black crisps instead of berries. I've been watering religiously with every bit of water I can glean from the house (old dog water, bath water, unfinished glasses of drinking water, cooking water) aside from its regular twice-a-week watering. I just pulled out a bunch of sumac vines that were starting to entangle itself with the berry bush (and everything else in sight) so hopefully it will be even happier than it already seems to be. Just make it through our vacation week and I will give you so much and water and love, k?