Rainy Day Art

Another rainy day in Vermont. We had a few sunny ones in the middle. It is always interesting what the girls will do to entertain themselves inside on a rainy day. Alexa was building a path for her stuffed animals to walk on. The path is made up of books and the dog was the evil dragon in the middle. Poor Cabbie becomes an evil dragon in a lot of the games around here.

The biggest entertainer around here in the rain is art projects. We usually pick up a couple of craft books for kids in the library each week. Today we decided to make cats. It kept them busy for a good chunk of time.

Chloe then went on to spend about and hour and a half coloring a washable fabric horse. It amazes me how long she will sit and work on things like this.

My biggest problem with their love of art projects is what to do with them. I can not tell you how many projects are around my house. I have an entire tote in the basement filled. There is a wall in my kitchen that I divided in half (one side for each kid) to hang art work on- it is full. In fact it is more of a collage because everything over laps everything else. There is a pile in my office on top of their easel. Plus there is no telling how much stuff I secretly slide into the recycle bin on Monday nights for the Tuesday morning pick up. It is crazy. I harbor a secret guilt that one day they will discover how many of the, "I made this just for you mommy" pictures that I have parted with. If I didn't I think I would have been buried in them.

Inventions I Don't Understand

I went for a six mile run this afternoon while the girls were having dinner with dad. I actually was hoping for more like 9 or 10, but it like 85 degrees out there. I know that for those of you in the West that is your low temperature, but for here that is hot and I am sooo not cut out for running in it. I cut it down to 6 and totally consumed the water I left for myself along the way in a matter of minutes. While I was running I was noticing a few things. Some things that just made me wonder who comes up with this stuff?

I know it is probably just me (usually is) but I really don't get these. One, I don't get who thought it up and thought it was a good idea. Two, they pitched the idea to other people and they thought it was a good idea too. And three, people bought it and paid money for it. Seriously I think I am missing something. So here it is the three things that I came across on my run today and I can not figure out why they were ever created.


First off capris for men. I know I brought this one up in an earlier blog the first time I saw it. I am on sighting like five now and I really, really, really, do not get this fashion choice. I must just put it out there for all the guys I know and say, "This is not a good look for you." Because frankly people it isn't a good look for anyone. It looks like you are wearing your wife/girlfriend/ sister's clothes. I mean I am OK with that if that is what you are into and all, but as a fashion choice it really does NOT work.

Secondly bike trailers for dogs. Is it just me? I passed two of them on the bike path today. One contained two dogs and they were barking the whole time. How can this be pleasant? These are not kid trailers that people stuck the dog in either. These are bike trailers for the dog. So picture the board meeting when that one got pitched. How is it possible that the majority of people in that room thought it was a good idea. I am not saying as a business idea it was bad. I mean lets look at it I saw two of them in under and hour so somebody is buying them. I just can't quite picture how you take yourself seriously talking about it.

The third thing is very similar to number two- dog strollers. Saw it- kid you not. People walking along happy as you please pushing the dog in the stroller. I was wondering doesn't it work better when you take the dog for a walk to... um.. I don't know.. actually walk the dog? Does the dog need a walk after the walk to do all the things dogs do on a walk? Just wondering.

Caution

Caution should always be exerted when a small child is armed with a hose.

One can also never be careful enough when swimming. Even if the pool is only about a foot and a half deep. Note the protective eye wear in the event that anyone should get splashed.

Summer is finally here and it is getting a little crazy here people.

A Special Mommy Surprise

This morning Chloe told me she wanted to make me a special surprise. She asked if I would go in the office and not peek so she could work on it. Well, this sounded good to me and I settled in to grab a few minutes to check my email. I could hear the girls chatter away about how special this was going to be for me. Until it stopped. Things got awfully quiet and the I heard the tell tale signs of mischief.

Giggles

and then... "Quick put it over here and don't tell Mommy."

Launching myself from the chair I rounded the corner to see what was going on. I spotted these

And this

I did a sharp breath intake and asked the obvious, "What did you do?" question to which I got the expected answer of, "We cut our hair."

Luckily as you can see here they only got off a small snip and seem no worse for wear.

We had the seasoned scissors are for paper conversation, and I did not let them create unattended any longer. As you can see the picture is lovely and the hair is vacuumed up.

Stella

I named my car Stella. I share this only because I know that I am not the only person who gives their cars names. Stella got her name from the play "A Street Car Names Desire." You know the famous scene where Stanley realizes he screwed up majorly and is yelling "Stella!" up the stairs. It is because of that scene and my laziness in shoveling my driveway that my car arrived at its name.

See Burlington, Vermont gets a lot of snow; a whole heck of a lot of snow some years. Sometimes I just don't realize that it is going to snow as much as it does and therefore don't get up early enough to shovel the driveway out. Sometimes I come home from work to find the street plows have closed the drive in, and sometimes (my favorite) I get up shovel the drive and in the two hours it takes me to shower, dress, eat, get the kids up, dressed, and fed the street or sidewalk plow has come by again and plowed another pile at the end of my drive. That makes for a grumpy start to your day I tell you. It also leads me to offer you the real estate advice to never buy a house on the right hand side of a one way street- because guess what side they pile all the snow on? Anyhow sometimes I have been known to just drive through the pile of snow at the end of my drive. When this occasion arises it seems that you should cheer for the car. I mean Subaru's are great for winter driving, but occasionally even I think I have asked her to clear a pretty big pile. At any rate, I have trained my girls to shout, "STELLA" while we back through. If nothing else it distracts them from the impact.

So Stella, yes Stella, is my car. She has had a bit of a rough time of it lately. The latest was my return to NH from Boston yesterday when my check engine light came on again for the second time in three weeks. I decided to call the closest Subaru dealer to where I was staying in Derry on the off chance that they would be open on a Sunday. I was surprised when a very peppy woman actually did answer. I explained my situation that I was traveling and heading back to Vermont tomorrow and that the check engine light came on. I went on to ask if someone might be able to look at it and tell me why it was on and if I could drive it home.

Peppy woman: "Oh I am sure it is nothing."

Me: "Well, I know it could be nothing, but I have a ways to drive tomorrow and I just want to be sure."

Ms. Peppy: "Oh I am sure it is no big deal these lights just come on."

Me: "But it is a check engine light. I mean shouldn't we, um, you know, check the engine?"

Ms. Peppy: "How about I put the manager on and he can reassure you it is nothing?"

I re-explain my situation to the manager.

Manager, " Oh sure we could probably help you tomorrow. The repair department isn't open today. They open tomorrow at 7:30. Why don't you call then and they can fit you in."

This seemed like a good idea. So I called at 7:40 this morning and spoke to a man in the repair department. He seemed to feel that since the light was on constantly that it was probably something not firing right. Apparently you are in really deep doo doo if it is flashing on and off. Then you can't drive it at all. He said it should be fine to drive home I just might find that I had less power on the hills. Because you know there aren't any hills crossing New Hampshire and Vermont. It is practically like Kansas out there...what with the two MOUNTAIN RANGES I CROSS.

Never the less I decided that maybe I was being overly paranoid. This being me and I am prone to about 14 different neurotic tendencies. I decided to head for home as is. I did pack extra water and food and charge up the cell phone in the event of a breakdown.

I would like to tell you that I was so happy and relaxed to have made my decision that I sailed right on home. I did sail right on home car wise, but of course this is me so I obsessed over every lurch, squeak, and ping for the entire 4 hours. The hills were especially fun as I crawled up then at between 40-45 miles per hour. I discovered that it behaved better if I didn't try to accelerate too much but kept an even pace. This was, of course, difficult on the steeper hills. I really enjoyed the red tractor trailer who sped up behind me blowing the air horn for me to go faster. Everyone relaxes more when we look in the mirror and see a giant grill and the word MACK written on it. I am not sure why he felt it so difficult to move to the left to the passing lane and go around me. There was no other traffic, perhaps he wanted the dog to move its head so he could see the Wonderpets movie on DVD too. I know the kids complained a lot about that.

Anyhow we made it. In my stress ridden drive I did have a lot of time to think about this situation. I think I have a suggestion for Subaru that will help cut down the stress of other rule following drivers like myself who feel that check engine means one should, you know, check the engine. Perhaps we could have three different lights come on instead that would describe the situation more accurately. They could say something like this:

1- Check engine, you know when you get around to it I have plenty of time no worries.

2- Check engine, now, we got big problems brewing

3- Get out of the car do not drive 5 more feet or the car will be engulfed in flames.

Maybe it is just me but I would find this more helpful. That way I would misplace my stress. As it was I fretted so much my all the way home waiting for my constant on light to start flashing I never changed my CD once. That means I spent 4 hours listening to the same Kasey Chambers' CD. I am now complete depressed about starving children in Cambodia and every guy who ever broke my heart. I am going to need long run in the morning to recover form all this.

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Boston photo highlights:

Grammie Sharon proves herself fearless by pulling out a crab (I wasn't going to touch that thing) for the girls to pet.

New England Aquarium

After spending a leisurely morning with Grammie and Auntie Kim, the girls and I headed down to Boston to the aquarium. I had gotten on line before leaving home and purchased the tickets online. I highly recommend this should you go. We by-passed a huge line on a warm day and got right up to the reserved ticket window.

I lived in Boston for a year while I went to graduate school. However, I was a poor graduate student and definitely didn't have money to go to the aquarium. Not to mention I got around via bus and subway. I really had no idea how to get to the aquarium via car. You would think that knowing all this I would have printed out a map before leaving- you would be wrong. It made for an interesting adventure. It actually didn't take us too much time to get there. Despite my miserably poor sense of direction, the Big Dig having tunneled under any interstate highway I would have remembered, and my usual backwards attempt to find things (water..it is near the water..which way is the water). We made it.

The girls enjoyed the seals and penguins. They are always a big hit. The touch tank area is fun too. Grammie was able to brave the dangerous terrain and reach in to pull a crab up for petting. Leaving Chloe to brag, "My Grammie could do it."

We had lunch in the cafe. The hit the gift shop on the way out where the girls each picked out a new stuffed animal. That way they can join the mass of 50+ other stuffed animals in their bedrooms. Should those suckers ever organize in some kind of real life Toy Story adventure we are done for. The best for me was the check out guy at the gift shop who was rapping his way through each transaction. I admire people who can be upbeat and fun even at the most mundane jobs. The guy was a riot!

Everyone had a good time even though it was really crowded. We seemed to spend the perfect amount of time there. Not being one of those parents that feels like they need to drag their kids through each and every exhibit to get their money's worth (although I do appreciate those people- they help make my kids look like the well behaved ones). I am content to leave when ever the kids seem to reach the point where they are getting weary.


Unfortunately, my car seems to be rebelling against any traveling I do this summer. On the way out my check engine light came on AGAIN. I called and found a place in Manchester that can look at it in the morning. Considering all the work I just had done on it I am more than a little annoyed. I am going to run it in early and hope for the best. Grammie says she can watch the kids. Maybe this way I won't have my dog up in the car lift like I did the last time. Although it may have had them take pity on me.

And We Are Off!

Off we go on a wild adventure to Boston. Well, Derry New Hampshire but who is being picky. Since the girls and I have been home for like two whole weeks or something, It is time to wander again. We are heading down to visit Grammie Sharon, Auntie Kim, And Uncle Louis. Tomorrow we are going to the Aquarium in Boston- Already got the tickets. Nothing like some time in the BIG city!



I must say I think I enjoyed packing back when no one had opinions about what to wear. Can any one figure out how to explain to Chloe that a pink shirt and green and blue plaid shorts really don't mix? When you see the pictures know that I tried to stop this combination.



We got a three mile run in before leaving. My shoulder/neck are feeling better. Which is nice because being a hypochondriac I was already beginning to convince myself I was dying with some horrible disease. I packed my running stuff because visiting family sounds like free babysitting to me!



Plus that sweet lovable Grammie said she would make me dinner- no cooking! I should infringe on people's space more often.

Here we come!

Things I said this morning

The following area list of statements that I have actually spoken today. Now, I know that those of you with "hypothetical children" as I like to call them probably can't relate. I know back when children were nothing more than an idea I had, my children were completely different than the ones I actually have. My hypothetical children never had tantrums in stores, fought, refused to get their shoes on or brush their teeth, etc. My real children however are so much different. It is kinda like my hypothetical husband and the real one I had, but that could just be me.

So here we go things I never imagined I would have to say:

Why aren't you wearing underwear?

Where is your underwear?

Here let me fix your crown; it fell off.

Don't do that to the dog.

Don't do that to your sister.

Don't lick people.

You aren't suppose to eat lip gloss.

Please take that out of your mouth.

Did you just eat that?

Please do not scream like that.

It is just a spider. Get the shoe.

Please take the carrot off your head.

I'm not sure Raffi music needs to be that loud.

Why is there a scarf on the dog?

Yes, that is what we are eating for lunch.

That was just this morning. I thought about keeping track for 24 hours, but my hand was cramping up.

In case you think all they did was aggravate and bicker here they are coloring a picture together.

Ahhh so sweet.

Bike Path Hazards

I have had two days to run solo as the girls have spent the night with their dad. I am use to seizing these opportunities to run. Especially so this summer as he is gone a lot for his work schedule. Yesterday I ran 7 and today 8. I was thinking I should go longer but I hurt my shoulder/neck the other day running with the jogger. It is bothering me to the point I am taking some Ibuprofen (don't like to do that). Last night I took two baths to try to soak out the kink. I don't think it did much, but my skin feels great!



Needless to say I was running today later than I normally would have and the bike path was more crowded. There are three things which I have come to realize may do me in down there. I am not sure if it will one by itself or a combination of all three together.



Hazard number one: small children riding bikes.



I mean the really little guys with training wheels and all. Here is the danger, the little guy /girls (usually a boy though) is racing along ahead of the parents who are walking behind. The parents spotting a runner coming shout out to the child, "Johnny, watch out for the runner." Now here is where the problem comes in. The child doesn't hear the parents clearly (why do they never hear clearly? I don't know). So the child turns around to look back at mom and dad. "What?" Now at this point the bike changes the course of direction and begins to move in very haphazardly all over the path. The more this happens the more the parents yell the longer the child keeps looking back and yelling, "What?" I of course am now running up in the woods to avoid the situation all together.



Hazard number two: dogs on retractable leashes.



These things are deadly. I kid you not. And before anyone thinks I just have a things against dogs let me point out that I own one.

Not a very smart one but a dog none the less. Shown here having torn out the bottom of his dog bed, turned it upside down, and sleeping on it.


So dogs are not my problem, it is the type of leashes. See the leashes let the dog wander at a greater or shorter distance from the owner. Maybe to the other side of the bike path to sniff out all the delectable scents. The leash has an interesting feature in case you haven't noticed. The first few inches are usually an inch or so wide and made from a colored fabric. The main length of the leash is a thin, black cord. Black being the key. The leash is black, the bike path is paved with black top. I can not tell when running up to it that there is a leash attached to the dog. It blends in with the black top until I am right on top of it. And for some reason it does not occur to some people to pull the dog over to their side of the path. It usually involves a quick lunge, a stop, or a hurdle on my part. None of which I am prone to wanting to do in the middle of a work out.





Hazard number three: tourists (mostly from Quebec) on rental bikes.



Today involved numerous encounters with hazard number three. The first incident was three bikers that I needed to pass. That alone is problematic. I mean do you realize how slowly you have to be on a bike to be passed by someone running? I was thinking they may have wanted to save the bike rental money and just walk. I have digressed though. The problem was that they were spread across the entire path and kept switching positions with each other. I had to run across the lawn to get around with out some of us colliding. Then I rounded a corner to find a whole group (about 7) had just laid their bikes across the entire path to walk over and take in the view. It was kind of crazy.



I am grateful to have escaped today's run with no injuries. But I am telling you I feel like at some point one of these things will catch me!

Office Seating

I am 37 years old. I have spent the last 18 years sitting in this chair when ever I have "office" work to do.

This chair came into my life via my ex-husband. He "found" it on a loading dock of a former employer (we shall withhold that name to protect those that accidentally left it off the truck and then came to own it). We always called the chair "Grandpa". Grandpa has character squeaky wheels and the original, now rusty, metal screw to adjust it. Not that the adjustment actually works, but it is the original. This chair has been moved from Maine to Massachusetts to Colorado to New Mexico to Vermont. Sweet huh? It might surprise you to know then that I hate this chair.

I tried to recover it about ten years ago to feel better about it but as is often the case in such situations superficial changes do little to change our real feelings. My problem? It is the most uncomfortable chair ever! Part of the bottom is broken and it lunges back and slopes to the left. I have to remember to warn people before they sit in it. If I forget they flail their arms of their heads and get a rather panicy look on their faces (I'll admit that is kinda funny). You always feel like you are going to be dumped out of it. I use to tolerate it because I did not sit in it for long periods of time. However since I have new computer I find that I can get more done at home and quite frankly my back was starting to rebel.

So, I decided it was time to purchase a comfortable office chair. I wasn't looking for anything overly luxurious. Just something functional, not hideous to look at, and relatively inexpensive. I picked one out a Staples. I was surprised that no less than two employees tried to sell me the extra warranty coverage on the chair. "In the event that the parts do not hold up."

"Like what parts?" I asked.

"Well, the manufacturer's warranty only cover the basics like the wheels."

"What else is there on a chair?"

"Well, the seams could rip, or you could poke a whole in it and we would cover the replacement."

"I think I am all set."

"Are you sure?"

"It's a chair, but if it makes you feel better I will remember you did your best to warn me."

The sale moved ahead with out any more dire warnings and I happily arrived home with my box. I excitedly opened it and discovered I had some work to do.

But the title on the directions seemed hopeful.

Even using some humor which I can always appreciate.

And look! Another complimentary Allen Wretch.

Soon I will need a bigger tool box for all these little lovelies. Just think all my office furniture is now held together with funny little screws that require there own personal little assembly device. If I ever move I hope the movers appreciate that I am dutifully keeping all these. Of course I will have to warn them to be extra careful with the chair as I didn't buy the extra warranty.

You will be so happy to know that I did successfully assemble the chair. Ta DA!

It is called the Culley Luxuria Manager Chair. That's right people. I am now in the manager's chair. I feel more important already.

And what of Grandpa? Well, don't worry he is off to my ex-husband's house. It is best to keep him in the family. You know I am not totally heartless to the little bugger.

Fairy Houses

Lest you think that I have no construction ability what so ever just take a look at these fairy houses! I few months ago I brought home a book from my school library about the building of fairy houses which included photographs. The girls were fascinated. We have taken to constructing some in our own yard.

Here is Alexa adding sea shells from our extensive collection to act as... baby cribs of course for the baby fairies. Can't you just see them setting up shop as we speak?

Honestly the way this summer is going we would have been better off building the little buggers some rafts.

Growing Up

You know you are growing up when you can pour your own cereal into the bowl. All three bowls of Rice Krispies cereal- Chloe's new favorite- that she ate for breakfast this morning.

And look who is zooming on her bike all big! My friend Jason found this bike all abandoned and needing an owner. He tightened a few bolts (yeah, see everyone who knows me know of my limited mechanical abilities) and dropped it off for Alexa. She loves it! Each day since she has asked to go bike riding. So, off we go in a loop around the neighborhood. Thanks again to him for thinking of her when he saw it. He is probably just making sure that someone else is trained to be my water biker on the next marathon!

Chloe has taken it upon herself to walk/run the dog while Alexa rides. It is actually mostly a run which impresses me about both of them. Since neither Chloe nor the dog are known for their desire to exert themselves. She takes a special thrill in wiping him out so he falls asleep when we get home.

And me? Well, I get to feel grown up because I picked out my own furniture. See my new office addition? I had a bed in here for when guests came, but the frame broke while being moved. I had been thinking for awhile that a futon would be more practical for us. Since it is located in my office. I posted an ad in the local paper to give the old one away. I had a lot of calls, but first come first serve. A woman came to get it for her daughter to sleep on and off it went. So now I will take reservations for the new accommodations. It is more comfortable than the old bed. Chloe picked out the cover which she likes to point out is washable. "You know Mommy just in case someone spills on it." Uh, yeah, I still said no eating or drinking on it. I paid the extra $25 for the delivery guys to put it together. I mean who was I kidding when I even thought about it? It was enough of a struggle to get the cover on! I would still be sitting there with bolts, wood, and directions all over my floor clutching my complimentary Allen Wrench and muttering.

Grammie Sharon Visits

We had company this weekend. Grammie Sharon came to visit from New Hampshire. Grammie visits are always fun for all of us, myself included. Grammie likes to spoil us. She took us shopping at April Cornell on Church Street telling the girls that they needed to help her pick out something for Mommy (a late birthday gift). Which went something like this:

Chloe or Alexa (it alternates as they pick items off the racks): Mommy how about this? This is really pretty.

Me: Oh that is a rather bright flower pattern,

or I don't know if I have ever seen that much embroidery on one shirt,

or Um that is a pretty bow on that jumper.

You get the idea.

I did get a beautiful skirt and top despite my handy assistants. Grammie also bought the girls each a very girly dress. They were very excited. She went on to have her own shopping time on Church Street to get some travel basics for her month long trip to Europe in September (including seven days in Paris!).

Other treats for me included a nine mile run ALL BY MYSELF! It was a good run. I am still trying to see if I can get enough long runs in this summer to be ready for a fall marathon. I usually try to set a 13 mile long run as my base, and then build from there. We shall see if I make it. I still have some time before I will know for sure. I have some other guests coming that I can shove off babysitting tasks on (too late to change those plane tickets now people).

Plus, Grammie cleans for me... here she is slaving away cleaning up the kitchen while I get the little people off to bath and bed. And no that isn't a new frock she bought to wear in Paris. She actually took the rug outside and shook it out. Huh. Is that how it is done?

It is a big treat not to have to clean up the kitchen after getting everyone tucked in.

Grammie also brought me some goodies from her old house in Maine that she sold. She gave me a weed whacker- practically new. And this...

a drill thingy. Excellent. It will have a lot of uses I am sure. Now I just need to figure out how to use it. So the question is, what sucker do I rope into showing me how? Start working on your patience now Curry. Yep your job as a brother-in-law is never done. See why Ryan won't leave Arizona?

Other big events?

Look at this.

Can you read it?

It says, "Alexa." Yep, she did it all by herself.

She is kinda proud can you tell?

Single Parenting

Having started this blog it has made me curious about what other people write in theirs. So from time to time I do a little searching on the topics that I write to see what other people are writing. Last night I read about the topic of single parenting. While I don't really like that label and try not to connect myself. However, I have become rather attached to the song by Clem Snide lately with the line, "When we become what we're running from." So in an effort to be more accepting of myself- it is what I am. I read quite a few blogs on the topic. Some people came to this life style by choice, some as a result of death, but most were similar to me- divorce.

I think the similarity in every ones was about how hard it is and how tired you get. I was thinking about that this morning while I ran a 6 with the girls. There is this hill along the route for 6. The funny thing about this hill is that I have run it hundreds of times alone and never gave it much thought. But when I run it with pushing them in the jogger it is a beast. I am breathing hard and my pulse rate is really high. I dread it coming and feel weak when it is over. I think that is what being a single parent is like for me. Everything that you don't even give a second thought to doing by yourself becomes five times harder.

• grocery shopping


• running out to grab milk/bread


• getting to work (that is a three hours just to get everyone up, dressed, and dropped off)


• mowing the lawn


• shoveling the drive


• dropping the car off for repairs (that was this week, we walked the mile and a half home and back)


• dating (we won't even go there)


• clothes shopping (can't remember the last time I tried anything on before buying it)


• house cleaning (it never ends!)


• laundry (I think it multiplies)


• having to go to the bathroom while your out some where (drag them in too)


• using the computer (Alexa on my lap as we speak)

I could keep going but you get the point. You get use to it. You plan. You pack. You organize and accept that it will be like this for a while. The good out weighs the tough. The laughs out weigh the tantrums (thank goodness) and you learn. As they get older it is getting easier. In another ten years they can stay home while I run and do a quick errand.

Just to prove my point here they are swinging all by themselves yesterday while I cook dinner. That was not the case last year. I already look at that development with a little sadness.

Home work

So I can imagine you have been wondering what is up with the house? Did she finish the porch? I hope it hasn't kept some of you up nights- if so I apologize humbly. Here I have been posting away about summer fun with the girls and not a peep about my home renovation work. Well, rest assured my fellow readers...all two of you... I have been working. It has been slow, but I have been working.

So here it is the front porch.

Beautiful, no?

It took awhile to get through. There has been a lot of rain so having enough dry weather to dry everything out and paint has been tricky. Also I can't work on it and take care of the little people too. So that slowed things down a bit. Luckily they go to bed early, and it stays light late so I can work in the evenings. I did realize the other night I was sitting out and painting the railing on a Friday night. I tend to forget what day it is what with me being on vacation and all. I have to admit that felt a smidge pathetic when I realized, but given that I have distant memories of the last time I was on an actual date. I figured it isn't like I had anything really exciting to do anyhow. Plus it allowed for some people watching, which in this neighborhood is always interesting. Did you know there was such a thing as male capris? I had no idea!

Summer Camp

Chloe is at the age where a lot of children attend summer camps. Some of these camps are over nights and some are just day camps. I have students who attend one camp after another for the entire summer. These are often the same students who have multiple activities going on during the school year often two a night. As a teacher I always shake my head at these parents because their kids are often exhausted. As a parent I have no intention of involving my children in more than one or two activities a year. Enough to give them experiences, but not to the extent that our entire time as a family is spent shuttling them from on activity to the next. Besides how do you pay for all this stuff?

Never the less I have been hit this year with my first battery of, "What camps does your daughter do?" questions. So here it is... I call it Camp Mommy.

We have read aloud, water play, field trips, photography, art activities,

creative building,

cooperative group play,

and imaginative role playing that involves other household members (featured here as an evil dragon trying to attack the princess and her good friendly dragon...thus needing to be contained).

The staff is highly skilled, on call 24/7, and sadly underpaid- I vote everyone chips in to get her a nice massage.

Really who could ask for anything more out of a summer?

Pet Show

Last night was the 30th Annual Children's Pet Show at Battery Park. Since we have our beloved Cabbie I scanned the categories to see where he might be able to participate (you can enter three).

Longest ears... probably not

Cutest dog... we tried but he didn't even place... Golden Retrievers get all the glory.

Craziest tail...well, he has none

So, we hit upon Best Costumed Pet and Owner.

Ladies and gentlemen may I present the first place winners!

The hummingbird bird,

the butterfly,

and the flower..

We had a little wardrobe malfunction at show time, hey ask Janet Jackson it can happen to the most seasoned performer. We overcame the problem and walked away with the first place prize bags. See it isn't all about looks! Our costume idea came from Chloe- bet you guessed that!