A few weekend road trip notes before I forget all the fun details....

Drive up went great. Kept watch on our speed, lots of police all the way through Wisconsin and across Minnesota as well. Can certainly tell these states need revenue. By the 9th hour in the car, we were getting a little punchy. Rolled into town giggling like crazy.

Mormor and Grandpa's little house is as cute as always. The boys settled into the loft and we really enjoyed the cool night air coming in the windows. Mormor's garden is pretty impressive for being this far north.

Saturday morning I scored a bread machine from my parent's neighbor's garage sale. Can't wait to get home and give it a try.

Enjoyed delicious Canadian Walleye for lunch with Grandpa. YUM! I can't live up here because I'd eat too much, that's for sure.

After lunch, we walked and played along the lake front. Saw a huge Osprey in the trees right above us. I'll have to post the photos when we return. Hopefully they will turn out.

Did a little shopping and ended back at the little house, relaxing, watching movies.

Tomorrow morning we're headed to the Lost 40. Its an old growth forest that never was logged because it wasn't mapped correctly. We may find a few 300 year old trees! I can't wait!

The rest of the day we'll visit at my sister's house by the lake. The boys will probably hunt for leeches and try a little fishing. We'll eat more Canadian Walleye! Yeah! (Wish we could get this fish down by us.)

Better, get going. Grandpa says the corn on the cob is ready and they're giving me grief for not eating!!! HELP!!!

Enjoying the big north woods. Tomorrow we search for the Lost 40 to find a few really old trees in need of hugs. Hoping the hike will help burn off some of the delicious calories we are consuming!

Better late, than never! It looks like we can head out on our road trip after all! I'll catch up with you when we return. Have a great weekend!

Its a cool, rainy morning. So perfect for opening the windows, piling on the blankets and watching a movie!

Babbling On...

Yikes! I'm home alone! Well, sort of. Yumi and the birds are with me, but my children went over to a cousin's house to hang out and drool over his X-box.

Why is it I dream of having the place to myself, yet when that comes true, I freeze, not knowing how to best enjoy it?

Wait....let me go put on my music and grab a Dandy Blend Latte.

I should be cleaning and packing for our Minnesota trip, but that's no fun. I should be re-drafting training documents for work, but I'm not feeling it.

Instead, I'd rather sit here, by the breezy window and let my thoughts wander.

Last night I had to ask a little girl's parents to not allow her to dance and jump in the windowsill. You would think that would be a no brainer. She was dancing and jumping in the window like it was a stage. They had actually moved a chair so she could climb up into the window to perform. They completely failed to see the danger in allowing your child to jump inches from a glass window. Sometimes I feel like I'm surrounded by morons. The little diva threw a temper tantrum, and I received dirty looks from her parents. Of course you know if this child would have fallen through the window, we would have been sued.

Got my feet wonderfully muddy this morning, picking cucumbers for my mommy. She wants to make "pick-a-lily" (don't know how to spell it but that's how it sounds.) I'm not a fan of relish, but I do love farm fields. I was very grateful the farmer allowed me to self pick and even more surprised when he wouldn't take any money for the cucumbers. He also invited me to pick all the Romas I wanted no charge, but I told him I was waiting for ours to ripen. I hope I don't regret that decision. A part of me wanted to pick them though just to bring to a food pantry somewhere. I can't believe how much food is wasted not even harvested!

Made my Mamma Jama Boob Squish appointment. I'm just a little overdue. The death of a home schooling mom I knew pushed me to pick up the phone. She lost her battle with breast cancer and my heart is breaking for her two children who must go on without her now.

Parents shouldn't have to leave their children until those children are old and grown themselves. Not that there is ever a good time to lose a parent, but it seems so unfair she was called to heaven before her children were ready to be without her. So please bring those cold metal plates down on me and pinch away. I'd rather have a head start if I ever have to run the cancer race.

Better get moving. Maybe its the tunes or the fact I just realized, I could be dancing around like a crazy lady since no one is home to see me! :)

Is a little freaked she has the house to herself right now. - Wait. I'm referring to myself in the third person like I'm on Facebook or something! :)

Crazy time

Its turning out to be one of those weeks where everything seems out of our control. By the time our weekend get away comes, I will be so ready for a break. We are heading to my folks house in northern Minnesota, a true little house in a big wood.

Yesterday we had a huge flock of cowbirds pick our spot to hang out. They devoured the bird seed feeder and then attacked the garden. There had to be over a hundred birds. The tomato cages collapsed but I think they mostly pecked at the grasshoppers.

Our Romas still seem ok. In fact we picked our first two ripe ones this morning. I'm watching for blight which I understand is a huge problem in our area this year. We started our plants from seed, outdoors though, so I don't think they are effected. The blossom end rot doesn't seem to have effected all the of the fruit either. Of course I'm thinking the majority of our maters will turn red while we are away!

I'm thinking we're headed towards an early fall. Not only are birds beginning to flock, the Canadian Geese are practicing formations. Our neighbor's tree seems to be turning colors too!

I'm trying to run errands, getting stuff done before we head north this Friday, but I'm also trying to put in extra hours at work. When will I learn?

I'm going to slow down this afternoon and force myself to take a break, even if everything isn't done. I'm looking forward to listening to Dayna Martin's Unschooling discussion on blog talk radio.

Our crazy ass bitch kitty just bolted out the patio door, launched herself from the deck, landed on the unsuspecting Tom Cat in our yard and ended up tangled in a ball of fur under my neighbor's deck. Thankfully she came out when I shook her treat container, not a scratch on her. She may be one tough cat, but what I am going to do with her?!

Weekend Update 8/24

Cross Demolition Derby off DS10's bucket list. Sunday we visited the Kenosha County Fair and spent the afternoon in the sun, watching cars smash up. I've found a new vice! I can't wait to see another one.

We ate yummy fair food, and I really appreciated the Kiwanis booth for offering such great low prices compared to the other booths around. We ended our day at G(ma)s and its a tradition, if you're in Kenosha, you have to eat pizza. Today I have to go back to healthier choices.

Saturday we watched a really good movie, Dororo. A  very interesting story of a man who makes a deal with 48 demons. In exchange for power and control of the world, he offers up the body parts of his unborn son. The baby is born missing 48 body parts, but still alive. The wicked father wants to strike it dead, but the mother, desperate to save her son, wraps the baby up and places him in a basket, floating him down the river. The baby is discovered by a Shaman who loves and cares for the baby, helping him to grow by Frankensteining body parts for him. The baby grows to a young man, and then sets off to find and destroy the 48 demons. As he slays each demon, the Frankenstein body part is replaced with his true body part, released from the demon. Of course he eventually learns how his biological father cursed him and they eventually meet up to resolve that.

I know it sound gruesome, and yes there is violence in it, but the story was compelling, and there is comic relief. A young woman who was orphaned and forced to became a thief, joins him on his journey and through helping him, her heart is changed.  

They're all still asleep. I think I should make some noise.

Slow....sleepy....rainy morning. Feels so good!

Peanut Butter Two Chip- Cookie Project # 6

Description:
Experimented with using Smart Balance and peanut butter instead of butter. Came out really tasty!

NOTE TO SELF- DH loved these and declared them his, "new favorite cookie."

Ingredients:
1/2 C Smart Balance spread
1/2 C peanut butter
1 C brown sugar
1 C sugar
2 eggs
1 T vanilla
3 C flour
1 t baking soda
1 C peanut chips
1 C chocolate chips



Directions:
Preheat oven to 375

Cream Smart Balance, peanut butter & sugars. Add eggs, & vanilla. Stir in baking soda, flour and chips.

Drop by spoonfuls and bake for 10-11 minutes

Trying to grab the reins...

My dreams are trying to warn me. I've been saying yes a little too often. I was busy, busy, busy and when I woke up for real, I had that feeling like I was forgetting something. I can't help it. I do like to stay engaged in life, and my body can't keep up with my brain. There are just so many things I want to do and learn about.

DH took the boys out to drive golf balls. It was their first lesson and they had a great time. Now we have to look for better used clubs. The ancient ones we have will not hold up and if fact, one of them shattered to pieces as DS13 hit the ball. I bet that made it more enjoyable actually. DH said the range was empty except for one other man, so they practically had the place to themselves. They are going to try and make this a regular "boys' night" activity.

I'm jealous. I want to learn to golf too. Of course I also want to learn more about permaculture, immunology, glycemic index and metabolism, cultivating yellow watermelon, peach trees, stone mosaics, recipes for Nutella, Pilates, and networking printers... to name a few. Not enough hours in the day to satisfy this autodidact.

Somewhere in all of this I have to factor in housework, but lately, I've discovered its easier to walk away- literally. I've been going for hour long strolls. My new walking shoes are definitely broken in and you know, I feel no guilt leaving the vacuuming undone. Its better for my health right if I walk instead of clean house?

I'm sure at some point this will be debatable, but isn't this how it usually goes? We are busy enjoying living and learning, and the house cleaning gets pushed to the breaking point. Or you have company coming and you're forced to drop it all and pull out the dust rags. Either way, its not wrong to wait for that motivation. Life has priorities and dust bunnies will hang around and wait for you.  

This fresh, perfect air, cool summer breezes and sunshine will not stick around. We have to get out and enjoy it when we can.

"Its okay to smile back at me."

Next time I wake at 4:00am, I'm just going to try and stay up. I think I hurt my back by laying in bed awake too long.

Been Crazy Busy

Feeling bad for not blogging as often and since this has become a journal of our lives, I need to stay with it.

Been busy working with DH on prototypes for a project he's designing. Trying not to think about what will happen if one is chosen, and then I have to make 30 instead of only 4.

Red Lobster belated birthday supper Friday night- Yum! I love me some garlic mashed potatoes and cheesy garlic rolls!

Scored a few gems at Half Price books- 2 Pilates books and The Ultimate Brownie Book (1000 recipes) How's that for Ying-Yang book shopping?

Scored more inspiration at the library- Pebble Mosaics, Gaia's Garden and A Weed By Any Other Name-The Virtues of a Messy lawn or Learning To Love The Plants We Don't Plant

DMIL visit! Glad she's back from Europe and seeing her photos makes me want to see my ancestral homelands.

Short but sweet hike at Carver Roehl Park. (See photo)  Plan on going back with boots and a change of clothes for frog hunting.

Refused to pay $89.99 for a compost bin. Bought a $10, made in the USA, black garbage can instead. Tomorrow we drill holes!

Smashed a huge spider inside my t-shirt. I won't soon forget the crunch and ooze. Let it be a warning to others thinking of hitching rides out of the forest.

Yumi's appetite is alarmingly up. Gobbles up her daily allotment way too quickly. Poor kitty can't have more. She's already overweight. Why is she so hungry lately?

Butternut squash is now growing vertically with the aid of used knee highs. No complaints from the new neighbors yet.

Alarmed to discover two Romas starting to ripen only to have black bottoms. Is that blight? We're hoping they're not all doomed.

Looking forward to the weather cooling off this week. Its easier to walk for that hour if its not so hot and humid. Autumn will feel good but this year its bitter sweet as we'll have to put our garden to bed for the winter.

Better get to bed. Have an early morning work meeting, but the rest of the day we can chillax.

Postponing my birthday until Friday-Saturday-Sunday. If I have to work and my family can't share it with me, it just doesn't feel like a special day. I can wait for it. Its only a few days away.

Last Day of 40

I'm trying to relax, but something's got me tense. I think its the sewing project I've been trying to help my husband with. I'm sewing prototypes for several products he's designing and although I can crank out Halloween costumes every year, I'm not a professional sewer. I'm sure I'm not ergonomically sitting correctly because my neck is stiff after only one full morning of sewing.

DS13 is reading all about pistol, revolver and machine gun history. Not what I would want to study, but its interesting to him. He also did a little tinkering, fixing our computer speakers and helping me hook up, once again, the dryer vent. We need to figure out a permanent fix for that darn thing. Its driving me crazy! 

DS10 is spending a great deal of time playing Earthbound and Fun Orb. I kick him off of the computer every now and then so I can get some work done.

I know we've all been spending more time indoors with the temperatures climbing but that's okay. I so want to turn off the central air and bring the fresh air back in, but right now it isn't very fresh outside. There's still one last dairy farm within olfactory distance. Plus when its hot and humid, I just shut down and lose all productivity. 

Need to wrap my head around how I'm going to finish all my work projects before I leave for vacation in a few weeks. There doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day, but what else is new. I know I should take it one day at a time and not stress.

I actually had a dream last night wasps were keeping me from sleeping. The boys bed's were fine, my MIL' s was fine, but for some reason, DH & I had wasp nests above our bed. DH was trying to calm me telling me the wasps wouldn't be active at night while we slept, but I couldn't relax knowing there were wasps over my head. Its mirroring my real life.

It just doesn't seem like tomorrow is my birthday, so I'm postponing it until the weekend. I'll enjoy it more when I don't have work commitments.

On that note, I'm going to try and relax now before I have to head out.

Chicago Road Trip Day 8/9/09

Outside of the Shedd. DS10 is holding up 4 fingers because he noticed the Chicago Flag has 4 stars on it.

Last minute road trip to Chicago. We went the the Shedd Aquarium and the Willis Tower.

Hot Town Summer In The City- Weekend Notes 8/8-8-9

Saturday DH & I enjoyed our errand date, but I made the mistake of not being vigilant, skipping breakfast and then over doing it at lunch. I regretted that cheeseburger the rest of the day. My body shut down. I wanted to sleep and my brain got fuzzy. For me, it was a confirming lesson to eat right or pay for it- every bite counts!

Saturday night we had cousins over for game night, which was followed by more horrendous eating, but Uncle Mike's Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip bars are too good to be refused. 

Our wonderful neighbors offered us the rest of their City Passes. They had been on vacation and hadn't used up all the tickets. So Sunday was an impromptu road trip to Chicago!

We got up early to beat the traffic and it paid off. We first visited the Shedd Aquarium. Our favorite was the giant shark tank. Its shaped so that when you stand there, all you see is fish and sharks swimming around you. Its very cool. You can't really see where the glass is. The Sawfish kept swimming back to flirt with me.

Our ticket included the 4-D movie Planet Earth. It was fun, but if I would have had to pay money for it, I would have been disappointed. It was very short. Its "4-D" because the seats are rigged to spray air and water at you. The seats also vibrate and there is an annoying poker in the back as well as a wire that whips your legs. So when the shark jumps out of the water to grab the seal, you jump, when the rats are running across the screen in 3-D, you feel them scratching at your ankles.

After spending half the day at the Shedd Aquarium, we headed to the Willis building, the former "Sears tower." Its the tallest building in the midwest. If our neighbors hadn't given us their City Passes, there is no way we would have enjoyed this. The line was a 3 hour wait to get to the top, but because we had City Passes we were treated like VIPs, allowed to go to the head of the line. If you visit Chicago and want to do the museum circuit, (Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry and the Willis Tower), buy the City Pass. Its so worth it!

I was surprised my fear of heights wasn't that bad up there. I even ventured out onto the glass Skyview box. You are 103 stories up, with nothing around you except glass. Of course I had to cling to DS10 when I was out there, but I did it! Another great one to add to my list of Forty Firsts!

On the way home, we decided to stop for what else, pizza of course. (I'm getting back on track with healthy eating today!)

As we headed back to Wisconsin, we drove into a storm, but missed the worst of it. It was exciting to watch the lightning and see the storm clouds roll in.

By the time we made it home, I was ready for a shower, my PJs and bed, but my sister brought over a Dala Horse Birthday cake decorated hippie style. She gave me the best Birthday card too! She is so sweet! (My birthday is Wednesday.)

I'll post photos from our weekend in an album soon. Today I have to get back on track!

Random Thoughts On A Stormy Morning

Scary nightmare this morning! Glad the thunderstorm woke me up early.

Praying MIL makes it home safe.

Who brought that evil Pecan Kringle into the house?

Is there crack in Kringle?

I'm excited about my "errand" date with DH. We are going to his work so I can help him on a project he's designing, making a stop at Cosco and then grabbing popcorn. Its not what you do, but who you do it with!

The more I walk, the more I want to keep walking. Came across an inspiring story of a woman who went from barely being able to walk half a mile to jogging in marathons within 2 years. She didn't change what she ate, but still dropped almost 100 pounds.

When you are used to sewing on a machine made in the early 60's and you have the chance to sew on a machine made within the last decade, you learn to love sewing again!

Hoping DH's entry wins that $9000 machine at the fabric store!

Of course it would be strange having a sewing machine that's worth more than the car I drive.

Found it interesting in the book the Stand, the government tells the people not to worry. Its not like this flu is "Swine Flu."  Could we not have chosen a better book to read right now?!

Think I'll make brownies for our gaming guests tonight.

Wish we had a rain barrel.

I need to research light speed, wartime death tolls and wildebeest. 

Better jump in the shower and get this day started.



 

Why do I always find more books at the library when I forget to bring our tote?

Its after 2:00pm but it still feels like 10:00am. I'm in trouble.

Artist Title Questions

Pick an artist or group and then answer the questions using their song titles.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pick your Artist:
Blind Melon

Are you a male or female:
Vernie

Describe yourself:
I Wonder

How do you feel?
So High

Describe where you currently live:
Sleepyhouse 

If you could go anywhere, where would you go?:
Tones Of Home

Your favorite form of transportation:
Drive

Your best friend is:
Soul One

You and your best friends are:
All That I Need

What's the weather like?:
No Rain

Favorite time of day:
Sometimes

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called?:
Life Ain't So Shitty

What is life to you:
Wishing Well

Your current relationship:
New Life

Your fear:
Tumblin' Down

What is the best advice you have to give?
Change

Thought for the Day:
Make A Difference

How I would like to die:
Last Laugh

My soul's present condition:
Soak The Sin

My motto:

With The Right Set Of Eyes

Oh no! I think I killed a baby melon!! I could have stepped on the vine, snapping it off. I promise I'll watch my step from now on.

A Lesson From a Baby Bird

The other morning, I noticed a baby sparrow at the feeder, enjoying an easy bite to eat. Soon its parent flew in to the feast and interestingly, the baby began to flutter its wings and cheep. Mom (or Dad) hopped over and began to feed this demanding child.

I watched as Mom would grab a few bites and transfer the meal over to her offspring, who before Mom arrived, was having no trouble feeding himself. While Mom had her back turned, filling up her beak, baby was again pecking at the millet. As soon as Mom was there, Baby was helpless again, chirping and fluttering those wings, "Feed me! Feed Me!"

It made me question, am I still doing things for my children that they could be doing themselves?

I've decided to delegate supper preparations. During the week, there are 3 nights I have to work away from home. Two of the those the boys will be responsible for having supper ready when Dad gets home and on one night, they can do boys' night take out.

So starting yesterday, I told DS13 he was expected to cook supper. I told him he could choose to make anything he wanted. He chose his favorite meal, crumbly meat, (browned hamburger), and mac and cheese. Dad thought the meal was excellent, and I was happy they enjoyed this meal while I was at work. It wasn't something I'd be particularity fond of.

Tonight DS10 is making burger bites with circle fries. I will help him pre-cook the mini patties before I leave for work, which he can reheat in the pan as dad arrives home. He's already practiced taking the cookie sheet out from the hot oven, so this will really come down to time management.

I see this arrangement working out very well. My menfolk can enjoy meals I would rather pass on, the boys learn life skills, DH can relax once he arrives home, and the pressure is off of me when it comes to deciding what to make for supper 3 nights a week. The trick to making this work is allowing them to choose what it is they want to eat and me accepting the "B" list nutritional value of these meals. 

Woke up feeling like there was something I had to do today, but I don't know what that is.

Its starting to heat up here and feel like a real summer. I won't complain. Our tomatoes and melons should love it.

Weekend Update 8/3/09

Note to self- GARAGE SALES JUST ARE NOT WORTH IT! We unloaded a few things and the boys made a few bucks for their ****fund, but yard sales end up being so much work with not that much reward. The best part of our sale was when I dropped off the leftovers at Goodwill. In the future, everything is just headed that direction.

Date night went well, but we need to work on relaxing when we're away from the boys. We pretty much ate our meal and then decided we missed the boys so we headed right home for the night. Part of this was I think, because it was a "Friday" night, time we usually spend with the boys as "Family Fun Night." Saturday dates work better because DH has a chance to see the boys during the say on Saturday. Friday after working all day, I'm sure he misses them.

Saturday we did a little shopping, picking up tasty goodies at Trader Joe's. I'm adding- learn to bake Ciabattini rolls- to my autodidact list. So good!

Sunday we gave the boys hiker's choice and they chose Magnolia Bluff, a beautiful park just south of where we live. Its one of my favorites too! I could sit and hang out with my turtle boulder all day long. I would love to visit more often, but truthfully, I don't feel safe yet visiting on my own. Maybe when the boys are a little bigger, we could visit without DH, but for now, this park is a little too deserted. I like it this way, but it also gives me the creeps if I were to be on my own out there.

Sunday evening we installed a new dryer vent. A few months ago we had the repairman out to fix our dryer and ever since I noticed our basement felt warm and humid. I checked and sure enough, he didn't hook up the vent correctly. Rather than get angry, it was a confirmation that we need to learn to do more stuff ourselves. I felt dusty and a little scratchy from brushing up against the insulation, but we fixed it. I won't have crickets jumping out at me when I open the dryer door anymore!

Well, I'm running behind this morning. I better get moving and get my walk in before things heat up. Have a great Monday!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Description:
Cookie Project #5

I tweaked a friend's perfect recipe, using chocolate chips instead of raisins because my family doesn't like raisins. I also switched from using all butter, to using half butter, half margarine, because I was worried they would spread out too much.

Ingredients:
1/2 C butter
1/2 C margarine
3/4 C sugar
3/4 C brown sugar
2 eggs
1 t vanilla
1 3/4 C flour
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
3 C oatmeal
1 1/2 C chocolate chips


Directions:
Cream together the butter, margarine, sugar and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients and add chocolate chips.

Preheat oven to 375. Drop by cookie scoop or spoonfuls onto a silicon or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-9 minutes.

BookCrossing - The World's Biggest Free Book Club - Catch and Release Used Books

http://www.bookcrossing.com/
This is really cool! Let's make the planet a giant library!

Unloaded a trunk full of garage sale leftovers at Goodwill. That felt soooo good!!