The JCPenny catalog pose

or, as Audrey would say "Don't I look smart doing this?" Which made us all just crack up! I got a new toy and we were playing last night.

Bogged down in blog land

Yesterday, I started my morning as I usually do. Cup of coffe in hand, at the computer, checking my e-mail and the blogs. I had several things on my mind, one of which is teaching an adult arts/crafts class. Going into blogland was not the place! I visited photography blogs, sewing blogs, quilting, crafting, scrapbooking, and more! Each one is a specialized, focused place. I, on the other hand, do not focus in one area. I saw incredible works of creativity using fabric, plastic, needles, hooks, and you name it! I viewed beautiful, organized workrooms. I checked out Flickr pools that amazed me. It brought me down but yet I couldn't tear myself away! It was like watching an accident. And I came away exhausted, frustrated, and anything but inspired or full of creativity.

It's all about balance. Finding that fine point where you can be, peace amidst chaos. My Handsome Prince went to see his Orthopeadic Oncologist for his yearly exam (14 years running). After years of being clean, they have found a spot on his lung. Now we are waiting. Finding that balance. Wondering who to tell, what to say, but really there is nothing to say because we don't know. Now he is making appointments for full body scans, consultations with Cardiothoracic surgeon, and possible surgery. And we wait.

We are ok. We have found our balance. The girls are good, as they should be. We just have another issue in our lives to deal with. It is up to us to find the balance in which to deal with it. So, unlike yesterday, I am not going to get bogged down in blogland. I'm going to go into my own corner of creativity and come out with some ideas. Sometimes that wide spectrum is just too much, don't you think?

Not your average, ordinary, homemade, patchwork belt

Cute patchwork belt, shiny buckle, belly complete with stretch marks.

Making this belt sure made me thirsty for a cold beer. Dang! No opener!

Wait a second, my belt buckle is an opener!

YES! It worked! And no beer down my fly!

America on the Move

This week has been America on the Move week at they YMCA. It's about taking small steps towards a healthier, fitter lifestyle. My YMCA gave out pedometers to the first 100 participants. This started on Saturday (?). Last night I was on duty as a fitness attendant and discovered there were two pedometers left. Hmmmm, mind thinking, I wonder how many steps I take a day? Audrey is in the middle of a health class, this would help her determine how active she is. I snatched them both. Last night, in a period of 4 1/2 hours, I walked over 5,000 steps! This morning, before 9:30, I walked 4,700. I wonder how many steps Audrey walks in the high school daily? We will find out. Anybody want to guess how many steps Audrey takes in high school? She has 4 classes daily. Anybody want to guess how many steps I take in a day? Keep in mind that I teach an average of two fitness classes a day. BTW, 10,000 is the daily goal and 1 billion steps nationwide, this week.

Family Weekend

The thought of going to college was not an easy one for Emma. She had many concerns, one of which was making friends. Does it look like she is having trouble making friends? She is truly embracing college life, the fun, the stress, dorm life, music, work. I hope it continues.












Here are the roommates and their sisters. They stayed together all weekend. Although a good time was had, I think two extra people in a dorm room was a bit much! Surprisingly, Emma is keeping a neat room. She never did at home (hand up to mouth, Jack Black style, "Ooops, did I say that?").











Here we are, Mom, Grandma, and sisters.

The weekend itself: Mom and her Sister, Phyllis arrived before we did. The got the initial introductions to the dorm floor. Emma told a funny story of a boy down the hall screaming something inappropriate (at least for Grandmas and Grand Aunts - in his opinion - he doesn't know our family) and stopping standstill upon seeing them in her room. The arrived bearing gifts of peach cobbler, chocolate, and eclairs (for Audrey, which we accidentally left). We arrived a bit later, just in time to attend the Wind Ensemble concert. Emma's roommate was in this group. It was a short concert, featuring the works of Aaron Copeland. An outstanding concert! It ended with the piece of work that featured quotes from Abraham Lincoln. Spectacular!

The weekend featured concerts at all times. We attended three, the Wind Ensemble, the Jazz Ensemble, and of course, the Choirs. All of which were amazing! Emma is in the Shenandoah Chorus. The school also features Cantus Singers, Jazz/show singers, Chamber Singers, and a Conservatory Choir. The world is her oyster. What is incredible is that all the groups only had about 6 practices. I can only imagine the progress these groups will make. I will be attending as many concerts and performances as I can.

Emma remarked that she was surprised that she made it into the University Conservatory. She is so fortunate to be surrounded by music and theatre. She is learning to play the piano and guitar and loves her voice teacher!

We did the usual shopping, Emma needed a few items. We had her car serviced, ate out every meal, and managed to leave her alone for short periods of time. She was a bit stressed with us there but we all enjoyed being together again.

I thought this time would be more difficult than it is. I thought I would have a more physical grief than I do. This does not mean that I don't miss my child, just that I've done my job, so far. The joy I have at seeing her at school and hearing of the experiences she might have is worth every worry, every tear I shed during the year. My time with Audrey is expanding, much to her chagrin. We both like our solitude, so we are easing into our time together. Mornings are quiet, with Audrey very focused on getting ready for school. We talk a little of what the day holds and I sit with her while she has breakfast. No music is on. We are enjoying "House" together, which I had never seen before, now, I hope, it is our show. She has a paper route, which is not quite what she envisioned, so we are waiting for a paycheck before a decision is made. I am enlisting her help with some photo management. After school is another quiet time where we get to talk. We have brief moments, that are just right. We will get acquainted, yet again, this lovely daughter of mine and me.

Gram's Sugar Cookies

1/2 C. shortening

1 C. sugar

1 egg

1 t. vanilla

1/2 C. sour milk

3 C. flour

1 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

Cream shortening and sugar together. Add egg and vanilla. In separate bowl, combine flour, soda, and salt. To make sour milk, add a little bit of vinegar. Sorry to be so vague, but that's the way we've always done it. Alternately add the flour mixture and the sour milk to the shortening sugar mix. Dough is going to be stickey. Roll into balls and flatten with floured glass bottom.

My sister is the master of these cookies. After making them yesterday, I discovered why I don't make them very often. I ended up covered in a sticky, cookie dough mess. It was quite delicious. These cookies were always available when visiting my Great Grandparents. Big, puffy, and biscuit like. I think I remember my Great Grandpa (Gramp) dipping his cookie in his coffee. I also remember him pouring his coffee into his saucer to drink.

 

Best Concert Ever!

Holy Moly! Last night was an unexpected blast! We intended to have a great time, but the music far exceeded our expectations.

The Wood Brothers - Two guys, one steel guitar, one double bass, that's it. Yes, they jammed. The one brother beat the hell out of the bass, crunched himself all over it, and got music you would never expect to hear. Also gave great face. The other just sat, played his guitar, sang, and grooved to the music. They were incredible! I'm going to buy their cd, just to remember the evening.

Grace Potter and The Nocturnals - I've been listening to her cd "Nothing but the Water" for a few months now. It's a great cd, bluesy and soulful. Her concert, on the other hand, was headbanging and rocking! Hair flying, toungue out reminiscent of Gene Simmons, laying on the floor pounding on her guitar. The crowd was wild. We all left laughing and hard of hearing.

8x10 Time

Tonight
The Wood Brothers and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Woohoo! Music season has started. Next month is Jamie Cullum. November brings Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks Band, Los Lonely Boys, and Ozomatli. Sorry if I have repeated myself, but these are going to be great! Anyone want to party?

Your Mission, should you choose to accept it...

I remember watching Mission Impossible as a kid, watching that fuse, listening to the mission, sitting on the edge of my seat. It was our Sunday night, along with 60 Minutes, I think. When Tom Cruise starred in the movie, whoa, I was there! It was cool. My ringtone has been Mission Impossible for years, because it's always a mission and I usually choose to accept. Luckily my phone does not self destruct. I like the Limp Bizkit version "Take a Look Around", hard rock edge, although not necessarily the lyrics. I guess that's the closest version that's on my phone.

On 9/9/2006, I participated in the Fifth Annual Respond to the Call. The theme was "We remember, we are responding. Again." On that day, I worked with 8 other women. Our job was to sew, quilt, crochet, and knit various items. I have never seen hats so tiny, for premature babies, smaller than a tennis ball. There were beautiful crocheted hats (made by my Mother) to be donated to chemo patients. We completed two full size quilts to be donated to Prisoner's Aide. More baby caps were knit, layette blankets sewn, and more. Other teams rehabbed houses, cleared lots in the city, harvested apples and tomatoes, painted and bordered rooms in a children's home. The youngest participant was 2 and the oldest in his 70's. Side by side, old and young, Christian, Hebrew, Muslim, working and believing we can start that ripple of peace in our community.

So your mission, should you choose to accept is to promote peace in your community, in honor of those who died on September 11, 2001.
http://www.habitat.org/
http://www.projectlinus.org/index.shtml
http://www.carewear.org/
http://www.shawlministry.com/
http://www.nomrf.org/index.html

or start your own
http://www.respondtothecall.org/


Some jumping points. What else can you find?

Knitting with Auntie

I met my Aunt in Funkstown on Friday at this cool little shop. Every two weeks they have a knit in and my Aunt had been inviting me for some time. There were about 7 of us, including the owner of the shop, all working on different things. I had not taken a project with me so did some shopping (okay, more than some) to start something. I bought this, which will be a poncho. I've been dying to make one! I'm hoping to finish it this week to wear to the Maryland Wine Festival. I was a delightful little gathering and I plan to go back. The shop itself is pretty cool. I don't know actually if it is any better than others I frequent, but it's always nice to see fresh yarns, models, and patterns. I spent way too much money to have more projects to finish!

We went from there to the Offray Ribbon outlet. Holy Moly, that place is overwhelming! I could not just buy ribbon for the sake of having ribbon. There was way too much to choose from. I did buy probably a thousand yards (only slight exageration) of a heavier ribbon to make patchwork belts. Guess what everyone is receiving for Christmas?!

From there we had a yummy lunch at The Funkstown Tavern, the local watering hole. Basic hamburger, french fries, and draught beer. Mmmm, I love a beer at lunch once in a while.

We did a little running around in Sheperdstown, then I needed to head back to Hagerstown and wait for Emma. We were meeting for her to come home. It was a nice homecoming. She was very chatty and positively beaming with college life. What a welcome change from having to light a fire under her butt just to apply and visit. Let alone what I had to do to encourage her to stay at the campus once we arrived to move her in. She's such a good kid. The reunion between sisters was so sweet. Audrey was at a football game at the high school, so we went there to pick her up. Audrey went running towards Emma and literally jumped into her arms. They hugged and laughed! So glad to see each other.

I had a wonderful day with my Aunt and then in the evening with my children.

Happy Anniversary My Handsome Prince

This morning at 3AM, I awoke to one of our smoke alarms chirping, indicating that the battery was low. I woke the Prince up and asked him if he could disonnect it. It was one of those things that I would obsess about and never get back to sleep. After disconnecting, he got back into bed, whispered "Happy Anniversary, honey" and promptly went back to sleep. It made me smile and chuckle, even at 3AM. Today is 21 years. He is a good man. He has played a major role in who I am today. He has supported and encouraged me in my position of a stay at home Mom, for over 18 years. Never complains about all the crap I collect and encourages my ideas. Always brings me home beer caps from band practice. I love laughing together, and we laugh a lot, sitting in the hot tub, camping, kayaking, heated discussions, even when I am stubbornly trying to sway him to my point of view - he humors me, listening to him sing in the band, going to church, and of course being together with our daughters. He thinks I'm sexy and I think he is handsomer than ever, more so as he ages.
Last year, we spent months planning our 20th anniversary, debating what to do. We invested in our future and bought kayaks rather than a one time expensive vacation. We thought it would give us something else to do together. It was the best choice. This year we have barely talked about our anniversary. I have to work tonight and he has drill this weekend. We were going to go to Kclingers tonight, but even that has been put on hold as he has to get up before the sun tomorrow. Oh well, there will be time for reminiscing, planning and laughter. We will make time. That's why it's been 21 years.

Happy Anniversay Darlin'
I love you, Man!
D

Little Orleans Overlook, looking towards Bonds Landing 

Little Orleans Overlook, looking towards Fifteen Mile Creek.


Drive about 3 miles from the lodge and there is an overlook, once again, in the middle of nowhere on a bumpy dirt road. It overlooks the Potomac river, into West Virginia. We kayaked this whole expanse. We started slightly south and west of this overlook at a place called Bond's Landing (great place for primitive camping, part of Green Ridge Forest) and floated the great bit curve and ended at Fifteen Mile Creek, a hop, skip and a jump from downtown Little Orleans, literally. There were 5 kayaks and 3 canoes, 11 people total. The river was high, but not too high, and running at a good pace. It was fast enough that not much paddling was involved, only to steer. The day was overcast, but warm (or at least warmer and dryer than it had been), and it was a good run.

Little Orleans MD

We went camping and kayaking in Little Orleans, MD, our new favorite place. It is smack dab on the Potomac River and the C & O Canal towpath. Also in the middle of nowhere. There is a campground, actually two, a lodge, and Bill's. Okay, this is the old Bill's, the new bills is just across the street, while looking a bit better, is really not. It calls itself a grocery, bar, restaurant. I don't know if I would ever eat there, although last year I was dying to say we spent our 20th anniversary at Bill's. It's smokey, has a small selection of grocery type foods, maybe one shelf worth, and beer, lot's of beer. There are dollar bills plastered along the ceiling with messages and locations of patrons that have come through on the towpath. A little scary, but not really. Mom got lost on her way to the lodge, stopped at Bill's, stated she was lost, they said "No, you're not, you are in downtown Little Orleans!" then directed her the 1/2 mile to her location. Bill's also rents canoes, beat up, metal canoes. It's a great place, seriously.

The Little Orleans Lodge is a simple place. We stayed there last year on our anniversary. The owner's, Steve and Mary, and the nicest people you could ever meet. We reacquainted ourselves with them, especially Sunday morning when we discovered we did not have our percolater and we NEEDED coffee. They had dinner with us then invited us for breakfast the next morning. Mom was staying with them and thoroughly enjoyed herself. It's an old one room schoolhouse that they have added on, and added on, making rooms for those coming off the towpath. They have great stories and I think, truly enjoy almost everyone that comes through. If ever in the area, stay with them.

Backtrack a bit: We arrived late Saturday, waiting for the rain to let up and me to feel better. I was not about to camp in the cold and rain, with a head cold! By the time we got there, the sky was clear. We set up camp in the primitive camp area, walking distance to the lodge, Bill's and the water and canal towpath at Fifteen Mile creek. The shower and flush toilet were driving distance. It's funny how we traveled a couple hours just to meet up with our neighbors, literally. We met the couple that lives 3 doors down! Never seen them before in my life! But they said, "Hey, don't you live on Deep Run?" Our camping neighbors were from Westminster. Geez, it's a small world.

We went to dinner at Tari's in Berkeley Springs, another repeat from last year's anniversary trip. We met up with a friend of My Handsome Prince, and his wife. A really nice, easy going couple. He's a photographer, not sure what she does. Our conversations revolved around camping, kayaking, nature, and big mistakes we've made (loosing all your money on the way to your honeymoon - OMG, I'm surprised we've made it 21 years!). I really enjoyed meeting them and we all hope to get together again this fall.

Sunday, more friends arrived, we found our way to Bond's landing, driving along roads that were more like paths, hoping we did not meet another car going the other way. Got in the water and spent the next 3 hours just floating.

Mom picked up a woman at the lodge and invited her to eat with us. It was the 3 of us, Mom, Steve, Mary and Theresa. She was doing the entire canal on bike by herself. She was in remission from Lyme Disease and just wanted to do something for herself. A pleasant dinner.

It was a grand weekend! Audrey was the best! This was not her thing, dinner out with 2 couples and her Grandma, not interested in floating down the river, stayed back with Grandma, they played games, looked at photos, read, and had a quiet afternoon. Being the only kid around has changed things. That will be covered in another post. Anyway, we left early Monday, she'd had enough of the primitive, solitary child, life.

BTW, Blogger or my computer has been giving me fits and had to post photos another way. I tried all afternoon! *$%*#@!

She's got the whole world, in her hands...

Not really, but she does have a big a** ball of yarn in her hands. And it is aiding the world by recycling. Audrey says it's big and heavy enough it could kill someone. In searching the Guiness Book of World Records database, I can't find a record for the largest ball or longest skein of yarn. I'm not quite there yet. Do you think? This yarn is being made from discarded clothing that was no longer donatable or sellable or hand-me-downable, or I just liked the color. I will use it to make a rug or two like the one I made out of pot holder loops. I'll keep you posted. This is about all I have the energy for these days. Still feeling yucky. This was supposed to be a camping/kayaking weekend. We are waiting for the rain to let up and will leave tomorrow.

Summer Cold

I've got a summer cold. I don't feel good. It comes at a pretty good time, if there ever is one. I don't have to teach any classes. My work schedule is limited. I can rest during the day. Resting is good. I've napped, I've read. I don't feel up to hand work, so I've turned on the tv. Now, anyone who knows me, knows I don't watch tv. Evenings are usually spent reading, working, sewing or running with the girls. For the past day and a half I've managed to catch the worst and parts of the best. I've watched a Chuck Norris infomercial, Next - MTV's version of dating game, part of the movie "Dogma" which made me want to rent again, Montel and Jerry, the Carroll County Government channel with the debate on the dog tethering law, Hulk Hogans family, and slept through Alex Anderson Simply Quilts which featured Sue Spargo (a shame, since I like her style). Unfortunately, I never hit upon a Lifetime movie, which is generally favored upon us sick girls. They are great to snoozing material. I hope tomorrow's line up is better.

Since My Last Post...

• Audrey's had a job interview at the library
• Audrey got a paper route - 1 day a week
• Had a back to school party for 15 freshman (Audrey's friends)
• Floated down the Gunpowder in an innertube with 20 other people - a defininte do over!
• Spoken to Emma several times and listened to her ups and downs - I operate by the no news is good news theory, yet am always anxious to receive a call or e-mail from her.
• Audrey started high school this morning!
• Had crabs, again! Yummm.
• State Fair today - I did not enter my rug as entry day was packing and moving day. I'll save it for next year.

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

Remember that saying? It was a poster in our kitchen growing up. Today was a day of change. Emma is officially a college student away from home. Today was the day, my heart breaking, my daughter saying she wanted to go back home, didn't want this, my husband short and testy with everything we had to do, Audrey caught between boredom and the uncontrollable urge to torment her sister, and me with whatever it takes, to strengthen and encourage, while all I wanted to do was leave. My family wants all the details and I don't want to talk to anyone.

On another note, this is very exciting. She is doing something neither MHP nor I ever did. She called later to see how her sister's "date" went and also told me she will apply for the overseas study that happens during spring break. That's a good thing. She didn't want to talk long. The three of us left at home went for a swim (we are pool sitting again, along with chicken and goat sitting), and watched a movie "The World's Fastest Indian" . New dynamics for our family.

Emma and her roommate are "thoulmates" , as they would say. They have the same major, a little sister, and came with the same pillow, and color scheme. I hope these discoveries continue on a deeper level. It is all good.

Wristlet

Look what I made to take with me to Hot August Blues. I cute wristlet just big enough for money, id, and a cell phone. I love it! And it's just for me! 

A Maryland Farewell

Three girls, different schools, different communities, same church, growing up together. One off to California, one to Kentucky, and one to Virginia.






What could be more appropriate than a crab feast, featuring fresh, live crabs straight from the Eastern Shore courtesy of My Handsome Prince who was doing time in Salisbury. That's a bushel and a half you see there.









Emma actually wrote her name on this one.




















A Serenade by one of the Father's and Grandfather of "Susannah's a Funny Old Man". I think this was before too much wine/beer was imbibed.









The girl's table. The other two, Audrey and Sam are buddies just like the three. We'll be doing this again before we know it!












The Moms.
















The spirit of one of the Dads, evident in a quilt made by two of the Moms.










The Last at the table.














And life goes on. We have done our jobs as families, parents, siblings, friends, and a community of faith to send these girls off into another phase of their lives. Life is good.

Another Girl's Day Out

We went to Fells Point this time. I had not been there since we got two flat tires late at night on my sister's graduation from college. Let's just say it's not something you want to do. We found some funky shops, one called "Killer Trash" that was so full of thrift/vintage/costume clothing! The women in the shop know everything in there which is amazing. Audrey bought a silver sequin/glittery skirt/short thingy. Too funky! It was another nice couple hours, walking, driving, singing, eating, shopping. We finished the day at the Maryland SPCA with Emma begging for a puppy. Needless to say, we did not get one. Fells Point was fun and we met a woman in a shop who wants to do Graduate work in music therapy at SU. Then in another shop, a young girl greeted us, who was a neighbor and babysat the girls when she was Audrey's age. So far from home, yet a small world. Some photos from the day.

OK GO

I'm sure this is all over television, but I never watch. Check these guys out! So clever.

Girl's Day

Today was a day with the girls. We started with lunch at The Pour House, sitting outside, chatting about people and places. They were both in such good spirits, looking so young and beautiful. When lunch was over and we were leaving they both thanked me. Then off to Target to do the dreaded college/high school supply shopping. OMG! I called the Prince to warn him about the Target bill. The bugger called me 10 minutes later, played "I'll Tumble for You" by Boy George, just to get that stupid song in my head and make me sing it the rest of the day. I do not like that stupid song nor do I like Boy George! But it is catchy and he was singing it the other day. I told him he was a sick man! Back on track, we bought everything from q-tips and tampons to pillows and desk organizers. Afterwards, Emma had to have her TB test read, which just so happened to be right next door to the best ice cream place ever! Hoffman's makes the best milkshakes ever. No contest. Don't even try me! Another thank you. I just love it when the girls appreciate the time we spend together and the things we do. We decided to hit Goodwill where we bought 3 sweaters, the cutest wrap blouse for me and another metal freezer bin like these ($.75 can you believe?!). Then to the mall! You have to remember, I hate shopping! I did buy something at the mall, which I will wait to unveil until I get the rest of it. So cool! We finally made it home and my Dad joined us for a lovely dinner on the deck. It was such a fun day! We just laughed, chatted, sang, and shopped! Tomorrow, we are going to try to hit the thrift/retro shops in Fells Point.

What I'm listening to:
I splurged today and bought Bruce Springsteen, We Shall Overcome, The Seeger Sessions. Some powerful music. I've only listenend to it about 3 times so far, with distractions. I look forward to putting it in the car. This was recorded live in only 3 sessions without rehearsals. Amazing! I remember listening to Pete Seeger when I was a young girl. I also remember a trip to Chicago with my Dad and seeing Pete, sitting on the ground with a few people. I want to remember that he was strumming but I know he was not. My Dad spoke to him and told him we enjoy his music. I distinctly remember Pete Seeger saying thank you. That's my famous siting, as my family likes to play.

Michael McDonald/Steely Dan

We went to see this combination last night at Nissan Pavillion. This was my birthday present to My Handsome Prince. He had never seen Steely Dan (his absolute favorite!), and has been enjoying Michael McDonald's motown cd. It was a perfect evening. The weather was beautiful, the crowd was fun, and the music was good. I have never been a SD fan and MM is okay. What was fun was hearing the excitement in the Prince's voice every time he called me during the day. He was looking forward to this, it was his night. I'm so glad we went and I have a new appreciation for Steely Dan. Earlier today, I buzzed him on the walkie talkie and confessed that I actually turned the volume up on the radio when a Steely Dan song came on. He laughed.

Steely Dan has a sound all their own. I have no particular reason not to like them but just never enjoyed their sound enough to buy cd's, although I always bought them for the handsome one. I love to listen and watch live music and this was no disappointment. Their music is complex, a jazz/rock style with an almost easy listening feel to it, yet it is not along those soft easy listening lines. I also find SD to be master of misunderstood song lyrics (check out this link - a great NPR Driveway Moment). I have NEVER been able to figure out what they said in most of their songs. I also did not know that Michael McDonald was part of the group for a bit and even sang lead, which once you pay attention, it's a slap on the head moment. Donald Fagen has an interesting lean to him, in that he leans to one side whether standing or sitting, when he sings. He also has this piano type thing that he blows to play, hmmm, verrrry intersting. Walter Becker shows abosolutely no emotion while playing his guitar. He does have a slight head bob and groove to his body. When he really got into it, their was the slightest lip quiver. I love it!

This was a big venue, which we do not do very often. We had great seats but still had to rely on the big screens to see any detail. I did find it humorous that it was a concert with the oldest crowd I have ever seen. Every other performance we have been to has always been a mix. This was the middle age crowd. Last year, when we went to see Little Feat at Bottle and Cork in Dewey Beach, the early crowd was older but once 11:00 hit, the young, partying gang came in (and they had no idea who Little Feat was!). Once again, it was such a lovely evening. I promptly fell asleep on the way home. Poor prince. Late night, motion of the car, snooze.

We have tickets to Hot August Blues, Susan Tedeschi/Derek Trucks Band, and buying tickets to Grace Potter and the Nocturnals/Wood Brothers.

Emma's got a sweet tat!

For real. She and her buddy Morgie went and got tattoos before going off to college. A bonding experience. I think it looks nice. She designed it herself, music and faith. 

Work Trip Sunday

Anyone who tells you, you can't make a difference, is wrong. Today was Work Trip Sunday, where various groups from the church lead the worship service. The youngest to work this summer was 4 and the oldest around 70 (I think). We sent out 4 groups to locations such as rural Maryland, New Orleans LA, Texas, Lake Charles LA and Lynchburg VA. The work varied. Middle school age kids planted an acre of pumpkins and cleared an acre of rocks and picked an acre of collard greens and picked another acre of Kale. High school kids demolished homes. Garbed in full paper suits over clothes, hard hats, respirator masks, they worked in 90 degree weather, and stopped in the middle of a task to listen to the stories the residents had to tell of their home. Intergenerational forces worked at a camp for underpriveledged youth, mulching, planting, painting. Ask any one of these people or the people they served if a difference was made and they would say yes. It was evident in the stories told, the photos on the screen, tears shed, and humor. Emma's rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" while photos of New Orleans, Lynchburg, and Maryland were shown, did not leave a dry eye and left us with a feeling of hope and renewal. I did not participate in these trips, but my children did going to the farm in Maryland and to New Orleans. I will be Responding to the Call on 9/11. What will you do?

BTW, their T-shirts say "Ask me how I spent my summer vacation" On the back it says "Building our ministry beyond the threshold" Christian Temple work trips 2006, Getting Dirty For Jesus and then lists the various work trips, groups and places.

The Bathing Beauties

Geez, aren't they beautiful?

Family photo

What a funny family portrait, yet I think this is it. We never got a formal one done. We didn't take any this summer. Even the girls and I didn't take one of us in our string bikinis (yes, the girls talked me into one on sale at Victoria's Secret- probably because they each wanted one too). We had a delightful week. Despite my promise, I still did not take any photos. I'm in a creative funk. I hope to dig myself out soon. I will tell stories, though, as long as you don't require visual assitance. Glad to be home, sort of.

BTW, from left to right, the Prince, Audrey, Emma in a floppy hat, and Me.

Finally!

I finished Mom's bag. I made two of these, one with fabric straps and this one with the wooden handles. These handles were difficult to work. There are always things to learn from new projects. I hope Mom still likes it. I still have not made one for myself. I'm hoping to do so over the next couple weeks. Adios! We are off to the beach tomorrow for 5 days. This time I'll take some photos to share.

It's a tough job...

but somebody's got to do it. We are pool watching for a couple days. Audrey is having a small party tonight so we took them over here. They had a ball playing under water ladder tag, Marco Polo, and having cannonball competitions. We'll go back tomorrow, duh! 

Small, Loud and Bossy!

These are the qualifications the Baltimore Rowing Club is looking for in a coxswain. At 5'4", 135 solid, size 2 or 4 (depending on the time of the month or whether I've been to Kclingers a few times), always accused of being too loud by my family, and definitely bossy in my classes, I think I'm a good fit. Tonight was going to be my first class, but with the heat and a memorial service of a BRC member, the beginning Coxswain class has been cancelled. It is rescheduled for next week while we are on vacation. MHP has told me I can make the trip from Bethany into Baltimore. I've been wanting to try rowing ever since I read all Laura Lippman's novels and managed to catch 5 minutes of a BRC special on MPT. Next summer, I'll learn it all!

Audrey and friend wanted to have a picnic today at Christmas Tree Park. They were celebrating the birthday of another friend. They made a card, sandwiches, found the picnic basket while I dug out the linen tablecloth and cloth napkins. They were having a bonafide picnic! We picked the young man up and went to the park. They walked around, played on the slides, and other equipment. I found a nice bench swing in the shade and had an absolutely lovely afternoon, reading the latest James Lee Burke novel. Twenty years ago, when My Handsome Prince and I first moved to the area, I used to go to Christmas Tree Park after work. It was when he was on 3-11 shift. Tuffy the Wonder pup and I would go, she would wander around and I would sit on the bench swing and read. It's a nice park, full of pine trees and typically about 5 degrees cooler. There are the usual park amenities, tennis courts, sand pit for volley ball, slides, swings, and one of those things that goes round and round and usually someone either throws up or gets hurt. They're great!

I am thankful that 90% of my time as a parent has been in the stay at home capacity. I had and still have the freedom to do these things with my kids. Today, I witnessed a grouchy Grandpa with his grandkids, calling the middle boy a sissy and just not pleasant to these kids. What was the point? They weren't doing anything that wasn't childlike. I guess it's the heat, brings out the worst sometimes. But he made a point of telling me that his daughter, their mother, doesn't do anything and he's caregiver 24/7 and it pisses him off! TMI. I also witnessed a daycare group, tired, hot, but on the go, doing things to keep them active and not bored. I am thankful, especially, when the kids I picked up today and yesterday, enter the car, with thank yous and I love yous. I have always been the transporter, the one who gets called from school because an instrument has been left at home and parents can't get it or picked up from work because they can't reach their parents. I'm thankful I am trusted by these kids.

Audrey apologized today for staying at the park so long and me having to pick everyone up. I told her exactly what I have written. It's been a delight!

One more thing, we had a ball at my sister's yesteday. It was especially funny once her husband got home. We all piled up in a small boat, 6 of us, 3 kids, 3 adults. We were laughing so hard! That along with the crazy boat/float races. It's always a hoot going over there!

Hot

Today I was sweating just eating my cheerios. Don't do much, just hang around in my suit, figuring out whose pool to invade. No one comes to mind today. Audrey is flitting around from friend to friend. Yesterday she went to the movies, tonight she is going out to eat with a friend. Tomorrow we will probably invade my sister's house.