13 for Thursday

1. Yeah! We have a watermelon up! She's my little garden shop of horror, "Feed me! Feed Me!"

2. I'm worried the rabbits will beat us. We won't have a chance to install chicken wire, excuse me, I mean poultry fencing, until tomorrow afternoon.

3. Darn! I just spilled nacho. Shouldn't try to multi-task lunch and blogging.

4. Can't wait to watch Mega Shark Versus Giant Octopus! Cheesy CGI, Debbie Gibson, Lorenzo Lamas, sharks... How can it not be great!

5. Only I can walk through the entire Kohl's Department store and not find something to spend my $20 Kohl's Cash on. I just am not a shopper.

6. All Wisconsin State Parks are free Sunday June 7th! Can't wait to go to Devil's Lake.

7. Will I be bad and have a Diet Coke tonight?

8. Dentist appointment tomorrow. Sigh.....

9. I think its time to let go of my Twitter. I'm getting teased about it.

10. Did you know your cell phone, even though locked, may still dial 911 automatically? Warning- pool story - One of the dad's watching his child in lessons locked his phone and slipped it into his pocket. The tracball scrolled down to emergency and 911 was called without him knowing. The police were dispatched and from the phone signal they figured out it was coming from our pool. The police officer told me he averages about 10 such calls a week.

11. Looks like I won't have that book finished by the 31st. He'll forgive me.

12. I really need to clean this desk.

13. Lunch break over. Time to get ready for the crew to arrive.

The Elephant In The Locker Room

Maybe its the influence of my grandmothers, my mother or just being raised in a female dominated home, but you can't intimidate me, Creepy Dude.

Last night at the pool a younger staff member, (a description that pretty much covers everyone I work with,) nervously runs up to me at the front desk and says, "There's a guy in the women's locker room! What do I say?"

"How about- THIS IS THE WOMEN'S LOCKER ROOM. YOU CAN'T BE IN HERE!" Too nervous to confront him herself, (she said he was one of the "mean" dads,) I offer my voice.

Upon entering the locker room I was stunned to see it filled with several women, all staring at the man, but not one of them feeling comfortable enough to ask him to leave.

I get the man's attention, inform him of the obvious and his response back to me was, "Well where am I suppose to change my daughter!?"

We have a family restroom, changing stalls on deck and of course he could have always taken her into the men's locker room. Why he chose the ladies' locker room almost leaves me to come to a very creepy conclusion.

When my boys were little guys, I would take them into the ladies' room, not the men's. Most parents use "their" locker room, well in fact, every parent I know has done this except for Creepy Dude. We inform our guests, families with children over the age of 5 must use the family restroom or poolside changing stalls.

I wanted to give this guy the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he couldn't read English? You would think a room full of women, wrapped up in towels staring at you would give you pause, but then again, none of those women said boo to him, and he was focused on dressing his daughter, not feeling the piercing stares all around him.

Afterward a coworker asked me, "What if he wasn't a guy?" I suppose he/she would have been offended by my actions, but with the rest of the guests feeling he/she was in the wrong place, I was willing to take that chance.

She brought up a good point though. In this day and age, gender lines are criss crossed more often. Maybe next time, I'll pause after first saying, "this is the ladies locker room," and wait for a response before I say, "GET OUT!"
  

Dawning's Rhubarb Muffins

Description:
These came out so delicious, I'm sorry to say, they will not last long. Next time I will double the recipe and make 2 dozen. They would be great for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients:
1/2 C brown sugar
1/4 C butter
2 eggs
1 C fat free, plain yogurt
1 1/2 C flour
1 t baking soda
1 t cinnamon
1 1/2 C chopped raw rhubarb

Topping:
brown sugar and cinnamon (mix a few spoonfuls with cinnamon to taste)

Directions:
Cream together the brown sugar and butter.
Add in the eggs.
Add in the yogurt.
Mix in the baking soda, cinnamon, flour and rhubarb.

Spray a muffin pan with non stick spray.
Fill each muffin cup with about 1/4 cup of batter.
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the tops.

Bake with love in a 375 over for 20-25 minutes.

Anyone have any rhubarb recipes?

Blessed with rhubarb, I need recipe ideas. For now I've chopped up a bit and simmered my stainless steel pots to a brilliant shine, without chemicals. The acid in the rhubarb polishes naturally.

My mom says I should chop it all into 1/2 inch pieces and freeze in two cup portions, as most recipes she knows of use this amount. She also warned me not to eat more than one to two servings a week as rhubarb can block the absorption of calcium.

Years ago I had a rhubarb crisp that was delicious, but I'm also thinking I may like jam. I can't decide just yet.

Any suggestions?

I think its funny when I see rhubarb for sale at markets. Most people I know who have rhubarb growing in their garden can't give it all away. Who is buying it?

I remember my mother's garden growing up. The rhubarb plants were huge and invasive. I would pretend they were monsters. I was probably frightened of them after my mother warned me not to eat the leaves as they are poisonous. If the garden trolls found me in my secret lilac bush cottage, they would drag me to the rhubarb. Years later I was happy when my mother replaced them with raspberry bushes. A garden princess fairy could eat her fill of those!

My grandmother told me a funny store about a friend of hers who threw a party and insisted his guests take care of business near the rhubarb to help fertilize it. I bet he couldn't give his extra rhubarb away!

I love rhubarb's color. Its a cheerful color as the blushing pink stems turn to fresh green. I wish I could find fabric like that. I'd make curtains for my kitchen.

Well, I better stop babbling about rhubarb and get it into the freezer.

Dandy Blend

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

My good friend introduced this wonderful drink to me knowing I was seeking out dandelion tea to improve my health. I've never been a big coffee drinker, but I was corrupted into drinking mochas and lattes by a Diva sister who shall remain nameless.

On my first impression, my taste buds told me this was coffee, only a better, not bitter coffee. My second sip had me hooked. I don't like the taste of straight coffee, but this is better than coffee with a natural sweetness.

I've been drinking it cold, adding a little soy milk and its exactly like an iced latte to me. I'm thinking of splurging and making a smoothie with it later to see if I can make a healthy version of a frappe.

I'm sending a sample to my mom, who had to give up coffee for health reasons. Another perk, (no pun intended), its caffeine free!

I found my supply at a health food store called Green Earth located in Middleton, WI. I imagine you could also order it online from their website. http://www.dandyblend.com

"Ridiculous, Why Have Children Just To Get Rid Of Them"- Gomez Adams

This was posted on an Unschooling list I'm on. The Adams family were a terrific example of an Unschooling family. My favorite part is their Marie Antoinette doll! That really does happen in Unschooling homes, only in ours we built a Lego guillotine.  

Gardening Babble That Turned Into Deep Thoughts (Don't you love free writing?)

We are beginning to see tiny sprouts so I guess we're not failing at this garden project we are attempting. I think this is the lettuce we planted.

The curious cat in me couldn't help but dig up our melon seeds to see if they are sprouting. Sadly, they looked like dried up seeds. I am now seed testing some of the seeds from the pouch. Maybe our seeds aren't any good? I'm not giving up that vertical melon dream just yet!

Life is getting busy again and I'm find myself struggling to let go and not sweat the small stuff, such as the dust bunnies rapidly multiplying in our Sleepyhouse. Mostly I'm concerned I'm not taking care of myself like I should. I'm a let go and ride the current type of person, but I usually do so without remembering to paddle towards my own needs in order to keep my boat afloat.

My next "have to do absolutely nothing" day is next month. How did that happen? I think I need to consider scheduling these days. It begins with the word, "No."

"No, I can't. That's my nothing day."  Do you think this will fly or will people be offended?

Hopefully I'll be forgiven. Forgiveness is something I've been focusing on lately. Coming to that place where you can forgive even the cruelest horror done unto you, is a journey, but once you get there, oh there is such peace!

I've realized how important forgiveness is in the equation. Being a Universalist, I believe I'll have to share heaven with everyone, whether I agree with them or not. I don't get a say in the matter. It's really the same here on earth as well. I have to share my life with people that don't agree with me. This is why forgiveness is so vital. If I can forgive, I can live in peace here and there.

Forgiving myself is the journey I'm still very much on. Why is this so difficult? Who taught me to hate myself so much?

I came across a quote from a wise artist, (yes he's in Blind Melon.) He is referring to drug addiction, but it struck a chord in me. (No pun intended.)

"In no way do I mean to diminish the pain that you are currently enduring....

But....you now have choices.
You need to concentrate on your strengths, and stop feeding your weaknesses.
F**k all this junkie bullshit....
The loss of control should anger you...

fight the war and win. period." - Rogers Stevens

I'm not addicted to drugs, but I do lose control when it comes to eating and I fail to recognize my pain. To eat when I'm not hungry is to feed my weakness. It is time to get angry, but also its time to forgive myself and focus on my strengths.

Dump It All In Bean Soup

Description:
I wasn't in a recipe following mood. I started just grabbing stuff and throwing it in to clean out my pantry and refrigerator. It turned out very satisfying and really inexpensive to make. I try not to cook with salt to keep my blood pressure down. I'm hoping I can freeze it because it made a huge pot.

**This recipe is very similar to one I've previously posted. Here's the recipe for Bouquet Garni from that previous bean soup recipe.
Garni Bouquets
(makes 12 for use in making soups/stews)
-12 dried bay leaves
-1/4 C dried thyme
-1/4 C dried parsley
2 T dried celery leaves
Crush the dried herbs with a rolling pin and mix together.
Cut a double layer of cheesecloth into 3 inch squares.
Put 1 T of herb mixture on each square and tie up tightly into a little bag using string.
Store in airtight jars.

Ingredients:
1 T olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
4-5 cloves of garlic, crushed and minced
10 baby carrots, chopped
1 Jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 Can of no salt added chopped tomatoes
1 quart of low sodium vegetable broth
1 Can of Pinto beans, drained, rinsed and smashed
1 Can of Black beans, drained and rinsed
1 C cooked brown rice
1/2 C frozen corn
(Seasonings to taste)
1 bouquet Garni
1-2 t cumin
1-2 t chili pepper
1/2 t pepper


Directions:
-In a large soup pot, add the olive oil and cook the onion until translucent.
-Add the green pepper, garlic, carrots, Jalapeno pepper.
-Pour in the liquid from the canned tomatoes. Chop and add the tomatoes.
-Add in the vegetable broth
-Drain and rinse the Pinto beans and mash them with the back of a spoon, add to pot.
-Drain and rinse the Black beans- add them whole!
-Add in brown rice, frozen corn and seasonings.
-Simmer until desired consistency and flavors are well blended.
-Remove bouquet garni and enjoy!

Study Ball- Because Learning Should Be Like Living In Prison...

This is horrific! I thought it was a gag gift, but I've since learned there are actual parents using this device to force their children to study.

How can they really believe it helps their children retain information? I can't believe there were people willing to pay over $100 U.S. for this either! I guess child abusers worry about being posh.

As an unschooler, I have witnessed first hand how much a person can learn if the motivation comes from within. If it is something that interests you, drives your passions, learning is not a chore, but it feeds your soul.

True learning isn't prison like at all. If you want to kill your child's natural ability to use their curiosity, just force them to study something that doesn't mean anything to them. Only add the Study Ball if you want to go medieval. 

 

Our Sunday Out and About

After a little yard work, we drove to Madison for popcorn and sunshine. Our plans to hike the ICT put on hold while my lungs continue to clear up. Strolling through the zoo was all I could manage without wheezing.

Madison was crowded. Graduation weekend, students moving out, plus the weather was perfect so everyone crawled out from under their rocks despite Swine Flu fears.

I'm actually stunned that our state has the second highest count of Swine Flu cases. I would have put my money on Texas,California and New York beating us, but only Illinois has. I'm not worried we'll get it though, even after sharing all that air space with a zillion zoo families.

The prairie dogs saved the zoo experience for me with two babies coming out of their hole to test the sun's rays. They were too cute. I was sorry I didn't bring my camera. When mom discovered there were out, she stopped eating and ran over to them.

The rest of the zoo was a disappointment. The lion family was off display as was the polar bear. Two of our three giraffes have left to spend the summer in Minnesota and the rhinos only let us stare at their backsides.

It was still a beautiful day to be outside, and my family did buy me a flat of petunias to plant today. I may try to carve out a little me time too, breathing deep to clear up the rest of my lungs. My asthma is easy to control as long as I stay clear of pollutants.

Have a great day!

Saturday

Weird! I'm blogging at night. Didn't get my daytime fix I guess.

I worked this afternoon at our pool's safety day and swim meet. It all went very well and my boss totally spoiled me by assigning me the grill station. I got to be outside, grilling up burgers and hot dogs, passing out cookies and chips.

The local firefighters drove their truck over and allowed the families to check it out. The poor captain was sitting directly in front of the horn when a little person decided to try it out. I've never seen a man jump like that. That's an image that will keep a smile on my face whenever I think about it!

The local news shot some video. I'm hoping I'm not in it, but the camera woman was filming for quite a long time. I think she wanted a cookie. Last year's news crew got embarrassing coverage of me teaching the kids to "reach and throw, don't go." Again, I can't tell you how grateful I was being grill mistress this year instead!!

My men drove in to meet me after I was finished working and we had supper at Chili's. I'm really not a big fan of Chili's but they enjoy it. After doing all that grilling, I surprised myself and ordered a black bean burger.

With stuffed bellies we headed over to our favorite used book store. (Am I the only one who always wants to go book shopping after a big meal?) I'm delighted to see this bookstore is moving to a bigger location soon, but on the downside, many of the books have already begun moving over. I didn't find anything, but DH found the two Sandman books he was missing and DS13 is excited about that. I suppose he'll be up all night now reading them.

I'm a little worried about the garden tonight. We have a frost advisory. Why did I plant this past week?! I'm hoping for the best. One calendar I checked said Mother's Day, but a friend said she heard May 25th was our safe date. I'm keeping my fingers and toesies crossed.

Tomorrow I'm hoping we can hike more of the Ice Age Trail. If we make it across the county this summer, I may break down and buy the trail map book. Or I'll end up being the obnoxious person who keeps checking it out from our library.

There are some books I wish I could ask our librarian if we could "foster" in our homes if I promised to bring them back to the library if someone really wanted to check them out. I see it as a win- win arrangement. I'd promise to take care of the books and it would free up space on the shelves for others. I'm sure she'd think- crazy home schooler!

Its time for a warm cup of Sleepytime tea so I'll say goodnight.

Soapbox Moment- WATCH YOUR CHILDREN!!

Have you heard about the poor toddler who drowned after first crawling through the doggie door? The family is suing the doggie door maker, placing the blame for the child's drowning. They feel the doggie dog manufacturer should have warned people this could happen or taken appropriate steps to prevent children from crawling through them.

I work at a pool. I know drowning statistics. I also know the only way to prevent drowning is to WATCH YOUR CHILDREN!

I can remember when my boys were toddlers, even within the house, I never let them out of my sight. If it meant I couldn't take a shower until DH got home or that I had an audience when I had to do my business, so be it. We had baby proofed our home, but I didn't trust that completely.

If I lived in a home with a swimming pool, I would have a locked fence around it. I would also get my baby into lessons at age 5 months. Toddlers can be taught to roll over and float on their backs so they can maintain their airway long enough for you to pluck them from the water. That is provided you are watching them so you are aware they are in danger!

When we did go swimming, I didn't trust floatation devices. I always kept the boys within arms reach at all times. It meant I had to wear my infant in a sling while I splashed with my toddler, but not once did anyone lose their footing, go under and be tramatized. My boys learned to swim without fear.

Of course being able to swim does NOT prevent you from drowning. This is why you must always swim with a lifeguard present or someone watching, ready to "reach and throw." Unless you are trained, never jump in to save someone drowning. Reach out to them with poles or throw them flotations. A drowning person will bring you down.

I do feel sorry for this family's huge loss, but its not the doggie door's fault. For that short time they weren't watching, this kid found his way outside. Little guys know how to open doors too.

Take for instance, the family who's young son unlocked their door and wandered out into the woods for two days. They aren't suing anyone. They simply said, "We need to install the lock higher."

Last night a 3 year old wandered out from the locker room unattended. (I can't tell you how often a parent dresses their child and then tells them to go out while they themselves change.) This little one picked up our stamps and began to stamp the backs of her hands, which most kids enjoy doing. However, without a parent watching, she began to roll up her sleeves and stamp away. I offered her paper but she refused.

For about 20 minutes, I did my best to keep my eye on her, but I'm alone at the desk. I have to answer the phone, check people in, assist with guest's needs. I can't babysit. The mom comes out and sees her daughter's inked arms and glares at me!

When my children were 3, there is no way I would have allowed them to be unsupervised for 20 minutes, let alone unsupervised at a swimming pool!! We do have lifeguards, but with hundreds of families coming and going you need to supervise your own. The danger isn't just the pool.

I have often had to leave my post and make a run for the parking lot because little ones walk out the door. I usually sit them down behind the desk and its amazing how long it takes for a parent to come looking for them!

I did lose DS10 once. At a Toys R Us at Christmas. He was a toddler and he squeezed past me and the cart. Blocked by a mountain of toys stacked in the aisle, I lost my arm's reach on him and he took off running. 30 seconds later, a kind woman stopped him, picked him up and began walking towards us. I bought a wrist tether at Toys R Us that very day.

My point is, I was watching and was aware the second he became in danger. His little feet may have been faster, but because I was watching, I knew which direction he took off in. There is no substitute for directly watching your children. Its what makes the difference.

Whenever I hear of a child drowning, it breaks my heart because I know they were left unattended for more than 3 minutes. Children drown in only inches of water, not just swimming pools. Whether your doggie door locks or not, won't make a difference. This kid could have slipped into the toilet! Sounds stupid, but why was this toddler able to crawl through the doggie door unnoticed? The blame as tragic as it is, has to return to the parents of that child.

One of these days, I'm going to snap. I almost did last fall at the beach. We came across a toddler, sleeping on a blanket, next to the water's edge of Lake Michigan, no parent in sight. We stood guard over this child until the mother returned. I wanted to lay into her. She had taken her older child to the bathroom and didn't want to wake up her sleeping toddler. She didn't think about the possibility he may wake and wander into the lake, or very easily been plucked up by a pedofile and taken away! I hope we scared her enough she won't do this ever again.

Thanks for letting me vent. One of these days I'm going to stop reading the news! 

Restless Legs

I'm feeling better today despite the odds. I went to work last night with a vicious headache that included nausea and body aches. I was sure I was coming down with a flu. I picked at a raw salad throughout my shift, and I think all that veg helped.

I drove home through a crazy storm, took two Advil and went to bed only to wake up 2 hours later with Restless Legs. I inherited RLS from my dad, and I've suffered from it since childhood. I will not take medication for it. Its a pain in the butt, (or more accurately, legs), but so is filling my body with chemical side effects.

I've noticed it flares up worse when I'm over tired. Sometimes I can ride it out, counting the seconds between jolts, trying to mentally force my body to resist the urge to move my legs. It feels like an electric jolt to me, and it only goes away if I get up and walk around. Problem is, this happens in the middle of the night, when you are dead tired.

I got up several times last night, but thankfully, my headache went away despite not getting enough sleep.  Today I won't try to be too busy. I'll take things easy and try to drink more water.

Evil Cat

I'm having a brain cloud day and its all this creature's fault!

"Its too quiet around here. I think I'll knock stuff down on my human's head!"

It was just after 4:00am. First came a baseball cap then came an avalanche of magazines. I got up and checked the tyrant's dish. She still had kibble. Water bowl was full.

I headed back to bed only to have bitch kitty attack my bare legs, claws and jaws style. OUCH!

What has gotten into her? Spring fever?

I may just give in, follow her lead and take a nap this afternoon. Hopefully it will take away this brain cloud.

Unschooling Our Garden & Ice Age Trail Planning

I messed up yesterday and planted our seeds in the wrong spots. I'm wondering if I should just wait for the young seedlings to sprout and then start over, or try and dig up the seeds. If I leave the vertical frame where we have it, when the melon vines are big and high, they will shade the rest of the garden. I had DH dig new trenches for which we will build new vertical frames. Today we will most likely just plant new melon seeds in the trenches.

I'm realizing that even though we really liked the idea of Square Foot Gardening, we couldn't come up with 16, let alone 9 different crops we'd actually eat that would grow nicely in the garden box. Most of our produce choices grow best on vines or trees. To my children's horror, I ended up dropping in flower seeds to fill in our SFG.

Although I had once envisioned a yard full of SFG boxes, I think we're going to end up with lots of vertical frames instead. Our garden is after all, ours. It should serve our tastes, our goals, our choices. I couldn't help but see the unschooling in that.

Yesterday, deciding we needed even more fresh air, we chose to ride our bikes to the library and check out Ice Age Trail maps. After realizing our bike tire pump had broken, we had to walk half of the 3 mile journey until we could fill up at the gas station. It wasn't until after my tires were properly inflated that I realized my back tire frame is bent. We had so wanted to invest in a bike for DH, and a bike rack so we could explore the 1000 mile Ice Age trail. Now we may need two new bikes and a bike rack. I hope this dream isn't slipping away.

After reviewing the dated maps, and realizing our bicycle set backs, I think we'll make our first goal to hike the portion of the trail that goes through our county first. Its about 18 miles, very doable by summer's end, if not sooner.

DS10 is a little stressed, thinking 1000 miles is an impossible goal, but I'm reminding him its a lifetime goal. We won't be walking 1000 miles this year. After our bike ride, he did say some encouraging words. He's admitted that our daily walks/rides are increasing our fitness levels. I just hope it will click that anything that seems stressful can be managable when you take small, consistent bites at it. 

Zonotrichia leucophrys (White Crowned Sparrow)

Start:	May 12, '09
Location:	Sleepyhouse bird feeder

One of these guys actually showed up a few weeks ago, but I thought he was a mutant sparrow. LOL! When I saw two together, I realized we had a new species visiting. We were surprised to learn they don't nest in Wisconsin. They are migratory.

Our weekend...

(I'm just now realizing my camera lens has gunk on it. Do I try to clean it myself or have it done at a camera shop? I don't want to scratch the lens.)

Friday night DH and I went out to eat for our anniversary. Although I did wear a different purplish shirt, no comments about wearing a red hats were heard. Yeah! We had an enjoyable supper and then cruised around Madison, watching the thunderstorm roll in.

Saturday we headed out to garage sales. DS10 found a new lefty baseball glove for only .25 cents! My favorite find was a .50 cent, silver plated "tea" spoon. It looks like a regular spoon except the tip is designed to hold loose leaf tea. Its tarnished, but I managed to polish off enough to see its an Oneida spoon and its marked, " WM. A. Rogers A1Plus". I'll have to snap a photo once I get it all polished up.  Here's one I found online.

After lunch, we toured Olbrich Gardens, shopped Trader Joes and took Grandma to the Flower Factory to pick out a hanging flower basket for Mother's Day.

Sunday we hiked a few of the 1,000 miles on the Ice Age Trail. We're thinking we may have to make it a goal to map the entire trail out and try to hike all of it in our lifetime. Sunday's stretch was through Janesville. We all hopped onto this rock for a goofy photo. I was sure we'd get wet but thankfully, no one fell in!

We didn't get any gardening done, but that leaves us something to do for today.

Pheucticus Ludovicianus (Rose Breasted Grosbeak)

Start:	May 10, '09 11:00a
Location:	Sleepyhouse bird feeder

Mother's Day Treat! A Rose Breasted Grosbeak stopped at our feeder this morning! Migratory bird from South/Central America/Mexico, only hangs out in Wisconsin for the summer.

Blind Melon - Soul one

For my baby... I'll always be your girl!

Video Clip ; Shannon Hoon tribute.

---

Lyrics:

How come, girl was there when I needed one
How come, girl was there when the song is done
Some say, open your eyes to a brighter light
Okay, open my arms they were right
She was my soul one
She felt she was the only one
She was the sun, the sky blue eyes
She was my soul one

Inside, pain in my heart often made her cry
Outside, I cursed the birds and the sugar sky
How long take to realize she's the one
How long until I find my lost and lonely soul one

She was my soul one
She felt like the only one
She was the sun, the sky blue eyes
She was my soul one

Should of never taken the time
'Cause I found myself living a lonely lie
You said, you left to find yourself
But I never, no I never got the chance to say good-bye

She was my soul one I though she was...

Friday Family Fun Night Will Be Taking A Backseat...

Twenty three years ago we began dating this first week of May. Sixteen years ago today, he made me his wife.

He is my Soul One.

I was looking forward to a moonlit stroll tonight, hand in hand, but now it looks like I'll be kissed in the rain. Just as nice!

I am so grateful to be so blessed. He is a gift. Our marriage is a gift. He is everything a perfect husband should be, and he not only shares it all with me, but now also with our two sons.

I'm counting the hours until I can wrap my arms around him and let our night begin.

A Quote that touched my heart & soul...

A Facebook friend posted this today, and it really touched me. I wanted to stick it somewhere I could come back and draw strength from it when I needed it, so I'm posting it here.

I carry with me a belief not many others share, so I often feel alone. This isolation also means I'm challenged when it comes to defending my faith, however, just recently people have been placed into my path, making it a little easier. I've always felt like the odd one out, the black sheep, the minority, etc. but a path less traveled allows me to think and grow independently. (The same can be said of unschooling.)

Anyway, here's the quote:

"You are what you worship. We tend to become like our version of deity. If we believe God is a vindictive and unforgiving tyrant who tortures his enemies in flames of fire for all eternity, then we find it easier to accept our own torturing of one another, especially if that person doesn't belong to our group, religion, race, country, etc. As Thomas Paine once said, “Belief in a cruel God makes a cruel man”. Voltaire said, “Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.” And therein lies the problem. If we all had a more honest and realistic view of the Great Spirit, and if we all knew and believed the true inclusive gospel, we would all be more loving, forgiving, accepting, understanding, compassionate, etc."

Why I love him so much!!

Someone very special to me just told me, he hopes to have a wind farm someday with lots of land and a super big garden. He told me I can visit anytime I want to! He's also going to be a police officer and when he retires, he will sail the seas, taking his brother to Japan.

What a lovely dream to have.

Meme Stolen From Navarrofreak

1. If you were to kill a man, horror movie style, which kitchen utensil would you use?
It probably wouldn't be premeditated so most likely a knife.

2. Did you ever swallow a coin?
No, but I have a nephew who swallowed a Magnetix ball.

3. What was the worst gift you've ever received?
Underwear from my parents every Christmas

4. What is your most embarrassing childhood memory?
 I can't think of one, so I'll just say, "Jr. High". (Wasn't everyday of Jr. High an embarrassment?)

5. How many kids do you want?
I wanted 4. Two are with me now, two I'll have to wait and meet in heaven.

6. Whats your moms middle name?
Catherine- (for all you hackers, its not one I use as a password)

7. Have you ever operated a fire extinguisher? 
 No and I hope I never have to.

8. Worst car you ever had to drive and why?
 My Toyota Tercel. It was a money pit.

9. Who do you hate?
I really don't "hate" anyone, but I'm greatly annoyed by unsafe drivers.

10. What do you hope to have accomplished by the end of this year?
I'm done with goal making. I'd rather live in the moment.

11. Do you have any really crazy relatives?
You don't want to be here all day reading this right? 

12. Did you ever wake up under the influence of NyQuil, completely unable to move?
I HATE Nyquil! DH swears by it, but I cannot stand the taste and that feeling of wanting to shake my head like crazy after drinking it.

13. Are you feeling nostalgic right now?
Everyday I see how quickly my children are growing up, and I wish I had a time machine so I could travel back and hold and rock them just once more.

14. Did you own a Lite-Brite?
 No. Lisa did.

15. Can you dive? 
Not really well. I can't get over the fear of hitting my head and breaking my neck. Maybe if I was in the middle of the ocean, over an abyssal trench, I would be a better diver.

16. Do you own a mouthpiece for anything?
No

18. Have you ever used a pogo stick?
Yes. I got one for Christmas in addition to the underwear.   

19. Who was the most creative bum you've ever met, trying to get some money from you?
Not too long ago, a guy told me his daughter was hit by a bus, he had walked 5 miles from the mall and he just needed $12. The hospital was closer if he would have walked in that direction.

20. Whats your favorite Jelly Belly jelly bean flavor?
 Pear!! No question about it. You haven't tasted Jelly Bellies until you've eaten a pear.

21. Favorite food you CRAVEEE?
 Do you even need to ask? Chocolate of course

22. When was the last time you pulled lint out of your bellybutton?
 Since I shower everyday, this isn't a problem for me.

23. Did you ever use someone else's toothbrush?
 Yes. DH's. Hey, we're swapping spit anyway!!

24. Do you REALLY floss everyday?
Is my dentist reading this?

25. What is your favorite cologne/perfume you always wear?
 Its cheap but it works with my chemistry- Haiku by Avon.

26. If you were on Double Dare, would you take the physical challenge?
 No because the questions are not that difficult to answer.

27. What's the largest living organism that you killed?
 That I intended to kill- probably a wasp. I was once riding in a car when we hit a ground hog running across the road at night.

28. Did you ever take a lighting bug and smear its guts on your arm so you get a cool glowing effect like war paint?
 Not exactly, I did smear it on the sidewalk to see if it would really glow. I felt badly afterward, and never killed another firefly again.

29. What's the best toy you've ever gotten in a McDonalds happy meal?
 Flirting with my future husband, he gave me a Ronald McDonald Airplane, back in the day when the Happy Meal toys were McDonald related instead of advertising for movies or other toy companies.

30. If you could be anywhere in the world doing anything right now what would it be?
In my love nest with DH

31. Can you juggle?
I can multi-task. Does that count?

32. How do you feel right now?
 Thirsty

33. Do you remember that square candy bar called "Chunky"?
 Yes, but I usually bought Hubba Bubba instead. 

34. Predict the length of the next Peter Jackson movie.
Don't really care.

35. What was your favorite toy as a kid?
 Fisher Price people with my doll house my grandfather had made

36. Are you willing to go the distance?
 "I'm slow to finish but quick to start..."

37. Did you answer question 17? 
I would have if there was a question 17.

 

Gardening progress

Why is vermiculite so difficult to find?

We spent yesterday morning running around trying to collect the last of our gardening supplies. I followed a man in a red pick up truck from garden center to garden center. I think he was looking for vermiculite as well because at Farm and Fleet the garden attendant said to me, "Everyone is trying that Square Foot Gardening! You'll have to take photos and come back and show me what this is all about."

I picked up the electrical conduit at Menards and I think the guy helping me thought I was nuts. "What are you using this for?"

They wouldn't cut the 10 foot pipe so I was prepared to buy a hack saw and do it in the parking lot, but thankfully, with the seats folded down, my Vibe was just long enough to fit the 10 foot conduit. DS13 helped me hack saw it at home and attach the corners and fittings. We pushed the rebar into the ground but to be honest, the vertical frame we built does not seem sturdy enough to hold melons and squash. I think I may have to tweak that a bit and either go with longer rebar or something different.

DS10, after practicing his balance beam walk, was inspired by our progress and announced he wants his own box. So I suppose I'll go back to Menards, and see if I can find anymore secondhand 2 x 6's. I have to pick up something else for the vertical frames to work anyway.

I ended up special ordering the vermiculite. I hope it ends up being worth the bother. Maybe for DS10's box, we'll use regular potting soil & manure and compare the harvest results.

It looks like the rain will delay us a bit for a few days, but hopefully by this weekend, we'll start planting.

First Monday in May

The WPA conference was great. Our workshops were very well attended, and I did receive compliments and gratitude from several participants. I didn't sleep well in the hotel, but other than that, everything went well. I didn't trip and fall down cement stairs this year so that was a plus!

My family was on the tail end of their colds, so they were well enough to enjoy the weekend, and I never did get sick. It must have been all the Life Water I was drinking, a vice I must wean myself from. (My favorites pictured.) Now that I don't have to get up in front of a room full of 100 strangers and speak, I can allow myself to get sick.

We saw X-Men Origins: Wolverine. It was enjoyable, but I could have waited for the DVD. I'm just not a movie theater gal anymore, but every once in a awhile the husband NEEDS movie theater popcorn. We probably go to the movies 3-4 times a year. Its just so expensive, even the matinee show. Why not wait and buy the DVD?

After the movie, we were going to visit a favorite botanical garden that we hadn't been to in a long while and to my shock, they now charge admission. It used to be donations only. I had expected to donate $5, not be required to pay $15 so we left, feeling badly for the community. The city where this garden is located is suffering from very high unemployment. I just can't see how families can afford to take their children to the garden to learn about the importance and beauty of nature. Its such a shame, but I guess the garden must be financially struggling as well. We'll plan on visiting Olbrich Gardens in Madison, where its still thankfully, a donation offering admission.

Speaking of gardens, we have to get to work on our Square Foot one. I am having trouble locating vermiculite for the Mel's Mix. I'm going to give it one last try today, and if we can't find it, use something else. We should get our seeds in the ground this week. It looks like the frost risk has lessened.

Also on my agenda is returning library books and researching more about Mind Mapping. Do any of you use this technique? I attended a workshop, introducing me to it, and it looks intriguing. DH said they used to have the software at work but someone walked off with it. Mind Mapping uses radiant thinking, rather than lineal. It is supposedly, I better way to learn things, because its how your brain is naturally created.

Well, I better get moving. I promised I wouldn't waste this day away.