The fields are alive, with the light of fireflies!
We're at Fundad's brother's house, preparing for the annual family reunions. He lives in the country, surrounded by fields. The fields, tonight, look like a fiberoptic display of lights - they are gorgeous! The firefly lights stretch as far as we can see, making undulating waves of flickering stars. I've never seen so many fireflies, but I suspect that the warm day and the still air, coupled with the corn and soybean fields, are making them congregate. It's awesome!
Blogging the Boy!
snapshot memories of my son, my family, and anything else that comes to mind
Friday, July 08, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
why must I lose things?
I'm an avid patron of the public library. And I pride myself on not losing things - like books, for example. I would find it quite embarrassing to own up to such irresponsibility. Thus, you can imagine my chagrin when I checked my record to find that the library showed a DVD set overdue. I would swear that I returned that set. It's not on the bookshelf where we store the library items. I didn't watch it, simply because I decided I didn't have time. And I would SWEAR that I returned it.
SWEAR.
So now I'm contemplating where that DVD set might be. It's possible that it's on the shelf in the library, and never got checked in. It's also possible that I set it down somewhere in the house as I collected items. It's even possible that it slipped behind or next to something at the library. Or that it's under the seat of my car. But I'm extremely chagrined. I don't want to have to pay for it (five DVDs? no thanks.), because I'm feeling very poor. And I'm, of course, very embarrassed. There's really no reason, except that I'm always stretched, which means that I forget things. Last week, there were two books of Stevie's that we had to find under a cabinet in order to avoid a late charge. Arrgggghhhh. So, tomorrow I'll check at the library and maybe, hopefully, I'll find it there. Maybe, maybe, maybe.
SWEAR.
So now I'm contemplating where that DVD set might be. It's possible that it's on the shelf in the library, and never got checked in. It's also possible that I set it down somewhere in the house as I collected items. It's even possible that it slipped behind or next to something at the library. Or that it's under the seat of my car. But I'm extremely chagrined. I don't want to have to pay for it (five DVDs? no thanks.), because I'm feeling very poor. And I'm, of course, very embarrassed. There's really no reason, except that I'm always stretched, which means that I forget things. Last week, there were two books of Stevie's that we had to find under a cabinet in order to avoid a late charge. Arrgggghhhh. So, tomorrow I'll check at the library and maybe, hopefully, I'll find it there. Maybe, maybe, maybe.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
it's time
It's time that I try going to bed after 9 pm, I think. It's been so rare, over the last seven years, that I hardly remember what it's like to go outside after dark. Tonight I went for a jog/walk, and it was weird. Other after-dark joggers appeared from nowhere. Kids on bikes without lights went past me as they went to raise havoc. Stevie was fast asleep by around 9 pm tonight. (I'm glad that he's still too young to go out riding around with his friends.)
Actually when Stevie was an infant, Randy and I would take turns walking our dog, thus getting out after dark. But to be honest, I hardly remember it. It's difficult to believe that I had the energy for it. Optimistically, I'd like to run the July 4th run (5K), realistically, I'm not sure that will happen. We'll see.
We're coming off a really busy but fun weekend. Randy came home from fishing on Wednesday. Thursday night, he and the boy went to a Brewer game in Milwaukee. Friday night we three went to another Brewer game, then stayed overnight at my Aunt's apartment. Saturday we met Randy's nephew & family at the Zoo. We came home, I took a shower, and went to bed. Stevie and I watched a movie until we fell asleep. It was crazy!
Actually when Stevie was an infant, Randy and I would take turns walking our dog, thus getting out after dark. But to be honest, I hardly remember it. It's difficult to believe that I had the energy for it. Optimistically, I'd like to run the July 4th run (5K), realistically, I'm not sure that will happen. We'll see.
We're coming off a really busy but fun weekend. Randy came home from fishing on Wednesday. Thursday night, he and the boy went to a Brewer game in Milwaukee. Friday night we three went to another Brewer game, then stayed overnight at my Aunt's apartment. Saturday we met Randy's nephew & family at the Zoo. We came home, I took a shower, and went to bed. Stevie and I watched a movie until we fell asleep. It was crazy!
Saturday, June 04, 2011
swimmin' in the backyard
We're finishing up our second day of swimming and sunning. The pool still works - with no hitches thus far. Our chlorine levels, ph levels, alkalinity, and... something else... are all good. The chlorine dispenser is working fine, and we've had lots of fun, although Stevie still hasn't put his head underwater without crying.
Oh, to be an drama king and only child. :-)
Stevie has also started his second weapon in karate. He's learning to use nunchuku, or as they're more commonly called, nunchuks. There's nothing relaxing about watching a group of 30 7-12 year olds twirling metal sticks. He seems to like it, although he bopped himself in the head once. Each child is allowed one "ouch" during a class. Otherwise they have to just deal with it.
We went to a great birthday party today at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center. Now I'd like to sign Stevie up for a summer school class there, although many of the classes are full already. Stevie says that he doesn't like classes. But I suspect he really doesn't like anything that I suggest. Sigh.
My mom is staying with us, and kindly watching Harry Potter movies. Yesterday it was number 4, tonight it's number 1. She's being tolerant. I think our neighborhood is too quiet for her - she was marveling at how silent it was. Very relaxing though!
Oh, to be an drama king and only child. :-)
Stevie has also started his second weapon in karate. He's learning to use nunchuku, or as they're more commonly called, nunchuks. There's nothing relaxing about watching a group of 30 7-12 year olds twirling metal sticks. He seems to like it, although he bopped himself in the head once. Each child is allowed one "ouch" during a class. Otherwise they have to just deal with it.
We went to a great birthday party today at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center. Now I'd like to sign Stevie up for a summer school class there, although many of the classes are full already. Stevie says that he doesn't like classes. But I suspect he really doesn't like anything that I suggest. Sigh.
My mom is staying with us, and kindly watching Harry Potter movies. Yesterday it was number 4, tonight it's number 1. She's being tolerant. I think our neighborhood is too quiet for her - she was marveling at how silent it was. Very relaxing though!
Thursday, June 02, 2011
almost there...
I have only a few hours of work, and then my work week is over! I shouldn't really be this excited, since I had last Monday off - the week wasn't that long. Tomorrow morning I'm working for a few hours, then I'm off. I have to pick up my Mom and bring her to stay for a few days, while Randy is gone. I'm hoping that she'll bring food. Last time she came, she fed us for an entire weekend - breakfast, lunch and dinner. I told her to not bring that much food this time, but she might figure that I'm incapable of putting a meal together.
That's not far wrong.
I've been reading a bit lately. I finished Riordan's Percy Jackson series. I've been re-listening to the Harry Potter books, since Stevie was allowed to watch another of the movies. I like to stay ahead of him, and prep him for things that might be difficult or discussion-worthy. I'm also trying to put together a list of things to do during the summer. Last year I'd hoped to have lots for Stevie's babysitter to do with him, and I kind of failed miserably. She managed without problem, but I'd like some science or craft things for them to do.
We spent the evening at baseball practice, where Stevie and some of his friends were quite obnoxious. :-) But the practice went well. All the kids could hit the ball, and there are a couple parents that seem fairly athletic and willing to help. First game is next Tuesday, and we have another one on Wednesday. Randy should make it back in time for the latter. Wednesday and Thursday are big days at work, and (if I remember correctly) we have have Brewer tickets on Thursday AND Friday night.
Hopefully next Saturday I can stay home and relax. Or maybe I'll be bored if I try that...
That's not far wrong.
I've been reading a bit lately. I finished Riordan's Percy Jackson series. I've been re-listening to the Harry Potter books, since Stevie was allowed to watch another of the movies. I like to stay ahead of him, and prep him for things that might be difficult or discussion-worthy. I'm also trying to put together a list of things to do during the summer. Last year I'd hoped to have lots for Stevie's babysitter to do with him, and I kind of failed miserably. She managed without problem, but I'd like some science or craft things for them to do.
We spent the evening at baseball practice, where Stevie and some of his friends were quite obnoxious. :-) But the practice went well. All the kids could hit the ball, and there are a couple parents that seem fairly athletic and willing to help. First game is next Tuesday, and we have another one on Wednesday. Randy should make it back in time for the latter. Wednesday and Thursday are big days at work, and (if I remember correctly) we have have Brewer tickets on Thursday AND Friday night.
Hopefully next Saturday I can stay home and relax. Or maybe I'll be bored if I try that...
Monday, May 30, 2011
fun in the summer
Finally! A day of summer. I was starting to doubt that it would ever come. We tried out the pool, which was wonderful, although cold. It'll warm up eventually, I'm sure. Today the cold felt good, since it was so warm. We swam all day - until about 3:30 or 4 pm. Stevie fell under the water twice, near tears each time. Hopefully by the end of the summer, a trip underwater will not phase him. I'm crossing my fingers.
Our neighbor came over this morning to see the pool and the new garden. Randy finished the garden fence yesterday - he was determined to get it done. This week is going to be busy, and he leaves for fishing this weekend. It marks the start of about a week of increased busyness. (Is that really something new?)
The garden looks awesome, albeit a little crowded and haphazard. We have peas, green & yellow beans, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and swiss chard. (I like greens.) We'll see what actually produces edible veggies. :-)
Our neighbor came over this morning to see the pool and the new garden. Randy finished the garden fence yesterday - he was determined to get it done. This week is going to be busy, and he leaves for fishing this weekend. It marks the start of about a week of increased busyness. (Is that really something new?)
The garden looks awesome, albeit a little crowded and haphazard. We have peas, green & yellow beans, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and swiss chard. (I like greens.) We'll see what actually produces edible veggies. :-)
Monday, May 23, 2011
weekend invitation
Randy is putting Stevie to bed tonight. They're reading a new book about Harry Potter which Stevie bought at the school book sale. It warms my heart. :-)
We spent the weekend doing outside "getting ready for summer" chores. We moved some plants in the front flower bed, Randy finished the garden and Stevie and I planted it, Randy planted grass in a variety of places, and (most importantly) we put the pool up. Stevie even jumped in today, even though it was pretty chilly. Hopefully we'll get some good swimming time this summer.
On Saturday night, Stevie was quite tired of Randy and I working. He was in and out of the house, and wanted someone to play with him. Finally, after an extended absence, he came out and announced that we were "invited" inside. I was almost done at that point, so I cleaned up and came in. There, on the table, were three place settings, and SIX candles arranged (but not lit). Stevie was sitting proudly at his place.
I was very impressed.
Regrettably he hadn't made dinner, but that's expecting a bit much. We ended up having rice, chicken fries and veggies. Nothing fancy because, let's face it, fancy is beyond me these days. We lit the candles and had dinner together, and then watched Tron: Legacy, a movie that Stevie had started watching on Friday night at karate. (It was pretty good.)
Prior to that moment, Stevie had been a bit of a twerp. He'd had a busy weekend with activities on Friday and Saturday morning. Sunday we washed the cars and put up the pool. He played so hard in the pool as it was filling that he fell asleep on the couch in the sunroom. That doesn't happen often!
We spent the weekend doing outside "getting ready for summer" chores. We moved some plants in the front flower bed, Randy finished the garden and Stevie and I planted it, Randy planted grass in a variety of places, and (most importantly) we put the pool up. Stevie even jumped in today, even though it was pretty chilly. Hopefully we'll get some good swimming time this summer.
On Saturday night, Stevie was quite tired of Randy and I working. He was in and out of the house, and wanted someone to play with him. Finally, after an extended absence, he came out and announced that we were "invited" inside. I was almost done at that point, so I cleaned up and came in. There, on the table, were three place settings, and SIX candles arranged (but not lit). Stevie was sitting proudly at his place.
I was very impressed.
Regrettably he hadn't made dinner, but that's expecting a bit much. We ended up having rice, chicken fries and veggies. Nothing fancy because, let's face it, fancy is beyond me these days. We lit the candles and had dinner together, and then watched Tron: Legacy, a movie that Stevie had started watching on Friday night at karate. (It was pretty good.)
Prior to that moment, Stevie had been a bit of a twerp. He'd had a busy weekend with activities on Friday and Saturday morning. Sunday we washed the cars and put up the pool. He played so hard in the pool as it was filling that he fell asleep on the couch in the sunroom. That doesn't happen often!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
the final stretch
We're heading into the final stretch of first grade, and I have to say that I love it. It's busy and exciting and a bit hectic. We had a spring concert earlier in spring, and the "He and Me" breakfast. Last night was the end-of-year potluck for cub scouts. Tomorrow Stevie is getting his summer haircut, and Friday is the family/school picnic. Friday night is karate fun night, and then fireworks to kick off the Civil War Celebration weekend. Stevie's friend is staying overnight, and on Saturday morning we're going to watch his soccer game. Then we're hoping to visit the Civil War reenactors.
Sunday (if it's warm enough) is garden planting day. Next Monday is the first day of the school book sale, and Tuesday is the end-of-year field trip, which Fundad and I are chaperoning. Next Friday we're going to the Brewer game to kick off Memorial Day weekend. We don't have any plans for Memorial Day, believe it or not. But the following Friday I have to pick up my Mom on Friday afternoon. Randy is leaving for his fishing trip on Saturday, and Stevie has a birthday party.
On Sunday, the karate school is going to go see Kung Fu Panda en masse. That Monday is the last full day of school. Tuesday Stevie has a half-day of school, and Mom and I are going to see his class perform Hansel and Gretel.
Then school is over. Sigh. I think that I'll miss it. :-)
Sunday (if it's warm enough) is garden planting day. Next Monday is the first day of the school book sale, and Tuesday is the end-of-year field trip, which Fundad and I are chaperoning. Next Friday we're going to the Brewer game to kick off Memorial Day weekend. We don't have any plans for Memorial Day, believe it or not. But the following Friday I have to pick up my Mom on Friday afternoon. Randy is leaving for his fishing trip on Saturday, and Stevie has a birthday party.
On Sunday, the karate school is going to go see Kung Fu Panda en masse. That Monday is the last full day of school. Tuesday Stevie has a half-day of school, and Mom and I are going to see his class perform Hansel and Gretel.
Then school is over. Sigh. I think that I'll miss it. :-)
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