Hope (Documented by Satch)

"The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." - Allan Chalmers

Yesterday morning, after breakfast, Satch hopped into his stroller and we began our almost 2 mile (and partially hilly) hike to go vote. He brought his camera and documented our adventure.

Along the trail, the tall trees showered us with jewel toned leaves.

\

"They're giving trees!", Satch exclaimed, and instructed me to place his gifts in the bottom of the pram. "Lets find more giving trees", he said. "We don't need to look for them", I replied, "they will find us". "Can they see us?", he asked. "No, they feel us", I explained. We sauntered along pausing every so often to breathe in the scent of the pines and firs.
















We stopped at the intersection so Satch could photograph a friendly dog...

and again because he discovered "an X".

When we reached our funky polling place, I felt very emotional, so full of hope as I slid my ballot into the optical scanner. One of the volunteers handed Satch a sticker and he immediately affixed it to his jeans and took a photo.














I could not stay awake last night to watch the numbers, but I awoke at 4 AM and wept with joy to read the news.

*Photo credit to my three year old son, Satch. He used his V-tech Kidizoom.

Most Alive Monday: Not Photographed

There have been many magical moments experienced, but not photographed:

• Satch and I were walking to the pool when I stopped the stroller for fear of running into what I first thought was a dog. It was a DOE! We stood motionless as she backed up a few steps and continued eating the brush, then two fawns appeared from behind her. We watched for some time before slowly inching forward. It was beautiful.

• We took Satch to the nature center Friday evening for a children's event about night creatures, after which the wees roasted marshmallows 'round the campfire. Satch was so excited to be at his first campfire, and even more excited by the thought of roasting and eating his first marshmallow. Every so often, he asked impatiently, "Where are the MELLOWS?". His first s'mores was a big hit!

• On Sunday we went to the 4H fair at Frying Pan Farm. His pal R, met him there and they bounced themselves silly on one of those inflatable bouncy thingies. Hearing those sweet giggles gave me a flashback from my own childhood when, on one golden July day in Jonesport, Maine, I jumped around inside one of those things with my grandmother and great aunt, Sue. I'll never forget hearing their laughter and imagining what they must have been like as little girls. I'm so lucky to have had that moment with them as a child, even luckier to have relived it yesterday through the squeals and laughter of my son and his friend. Later we went back to R's house for yummy tofurkey paninis.

(and in between, I cleaned the house, did 4 loads of laundry, weeded the garden and mowed the lawn)

My cat is seeing a specialist today and so there's no word on that situation. My camera is still in the shop and there's no word on that either.

The only photo I can share is this one from my childhood. It was taken on the same on the same day that my grandmother and great aunt bounced with me in the inflatable moon walk. It was shot in 1970-something during the July 4th parade. My great uncle, Philip Huntley, and his merry band dressed as clowns and crashed the parade in his 6 wheeled amphibious vehicle, "The Scrambler". Thankfully, someone had the good sense to capture the moment with a Polaroid, and I have the good fortune of being the keeper of this photo. Uncle Phil was well known for many pranks, mayhem and sidesplitting fits of laughter.

*About Most Alive Monday: I've decided to make at least one "most alive choice" each day and post my favorite each Monday. This, of course, is to motivate me to consciously "live juicy"! I hope you'll join me and share your "most alive moment" in the comments section so we may inspire each other.

To Be Dazzled... (a rather long post)

or more examples of why I'm the luckiest person on earth....

So we spent the brisk, yet beautiful day indoors yesterday because I was feeling so crummy. I got out the bubbles and a bubble gun and let Satch blow bubbles in the bathroom so I could take a hot and longer-than-five-minute-shower. When I asked him if there was something he'd like to do, wouldn't you know he said, "oooh sum rafts" (crafts). So I got out the paintbox and he painted and then asked for tape and stuck his creations up all over the studio window. We then read some books, had a pretend picnic where he served a mysterious imaginary brew he calls "pupatino"! While he took his nap, I finished reading a book that I found at B's yard sale on Saturday.

Would you sit with me for a spell because it's a good story?

You see, I met B via freecycle...she offered some Waldorf-ish lanterns that she and her beautiful son, J made some years ago with jars and tissue paper. I thought that I could use them for Satchel's birthday party in May or have a summer evening lantern walk and then enjoy them all year long when we want a bit of candle light. I also felt that a mother and son project such as this one should not end up in the trash. So I responded to her post, plopped Satch into the pram and walked to the other side of the lake.

Am I ever glad I did!

The lanterns were beautiful and B was quite a lovely soul AND her son J charmed Satch right out of his shy sideways glance into full fits of laughter. Satch was completely smitten with this delightful 7 yr old chap. We sat and chatted over fresh mango and discovered we had a lot in common. It turned out that this family was moving and having a yard sale the following week. Naturally, I planned to stop by.

When we returned from our Thomas the train adventure, however, the yard sale was over so I phoned to ask B if we could still pop by. Her sweet son, J, answered and asked, "Is this Wendy of the lanterns"? "Why yes it is", I relied. When we arrived at their home, I announced myself, "It is I...Wendy of the lanterns", and explained to J that I very much like the name he gave me.

B had some items set aside for us and I just couldn't believe our good fortune: TWO butterfly nets which I'm sure will catch many a bug, a blue Ukulele, this magic kit, a puppy costume, paint, a big bag of wool roving AND...this book, which I've just finished reading and absolutely love! Satch spent a good part of the afternoon pulling silks out of a bag and yelling "abba ba dabba hokey pokey" and slept with the puppy costume, and one of the butterfly nets.

If that isn't amazing enough...I found this book and this book at the Library book sale! The latter I've already started reading and it made me teary and gave me all sorts of ideas to adapt in our home. And I'm sure there are some who wonder how I manage to read so many books and the truth is, I don't watch tv so I read a lot. Except for yesterday because I was feeling so yucky so when Robert came home and took Satch outside to set his worms free, I flipped the tv on for just a second and was smacked in the face with one disaster or another...a shooting, tornadoes, wild fires and Rachael Ray. Ah! I'm not missing much - back to my books!

Oh, yes...last week 'tween the upcoming birthday crafting and Mother's Day gifts, I made a worm house for Satch and we cared for earthworms all week. (Pics of those as the events draw near)

I awoke several times last night freezing and covered in sweat. I'm guessing it means I kicked that bug from yesterday because I do feel that I'm on the mend this morn.


"Still, what I want in my life
is to be willing
to be dazzled-
to cast aside the weight of facts


and maybe even
to float a little
above this difficult world" - Mary Oliver

April Showers Continued

"the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting —
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things" - Mary Oliver

Drizzle yesterday so we pulled out all the stops here....dancing and driving and a walk in said drizzle for more art supplies, a walk that turned out to be sacred...

I found a deer antler in the grass beside the sidewalk, slightly smelly with a bit of fur on it. I tried to imagine that it was a shed antler, but the banging of my heart in my chest told me otherwise. I stood stunned for awhile and tried to answer the stream of questions spilling from the little red pram beside me.

I could not leave it there. I wrapped it in a plastic bag and carried it home. In my imagination, a buck walked beside us...I could hear the puffing of his breath and the sound of his footsteps. We were almost home when suddenly Satchel yelled, "MAMA WHAT'S THAT", and there in the grass near the school yard was another antler attached to a piece of skull. My eyes began to sting as I pushed back the tears that wanted to fall. I could see the suture line in a portion of the bone. I picked it up, placed it in the bag and explained to Satch that we would call the medicine woman and ask her how to clean it and if we should keep it or return it to a special place. Oh the stream of questions: what happened to the deer; where did the deer go; how did it return to the earth; is it sad; is it happy we have horns, etc.

"I don't know, but my guess", I said, "is that the deer would be happy that his antlers are with us and not near the road because we know that these antlers are special...all creatures are special. Every time we see or touch his antlers we will think of the deer, he will be remembered".

Pixie explained with comfort and detail all we needed to know. The antlers will make a trip to Squam Lake in the fall where they will be decorated in a traditional way by our two boys. Satch will be giving one to his spirit brother to take back to California. The other will remain with Satch and will be used as a talking stick for our family.


After lunch we danced to Cranberry Sauce Flotilla by Dog On Fleas up in the art studio. This hip acoustic album was recorded in a living room with an old upright piano, a base and other cool instruments! A mixture of traditional and original recordings, it was the biggie in the July 2007 issue of School Library Journal. Sort of Dixieland Jazz and Squirrel Nut Zippers - and we LOVE it!




Pre-nap we mellowed out to Dean Jones' Napper's Delight and did a bit of reading. It's Dean's first solo album...a beautiful collection of lullabies, some new, some traditional and includes vocals by the wonderful Elizabeth Mitchell (whom you KNOW we adore).

Post-nap...we did some Drivin'...

Is it a guy thing? What is is about boys and cars? Satch LOVES them....loves riding them, loves pushing them...LOVES in a font size too big for this screen. These days, when he's not outside "diggin' fo worms and yookin' fo bugs", he's playing one set of wheels or another....

The Automoblox car....it's SUPER cool! It fits together like a puzzle and is great for those wees who like to take things apart and put them back together again. It is very sturdy and rolls smoothly, fast and FAR! There are many models and each one is like a work of art.













The Plasmacar is the most AMAZING thing I've ever seen!

It's a kid powered car that uses the laws of physics to move. It really glides and can cruise at a respectable speed. It can hold up to 220 lbs. Satch and I get on together and race around the living room!






















 Here he is using it as a rescue vehicle for wayward alligators. 


















(The medical bag I made from an old canvas toiletry bag to store all his toy medical instruments).

You can click on the video to see it action!



We ended our day with a warm plate homemade Chana Masala and jasmine rice. The scent of garam masala filled the air and soft sitar music played in the background...all cozy in our place in the family of things.

Fall Collection

And all the leaves were calling me.
And the wind went sighing over the land,
Tossing the grasses to and fro,
And a shining rainbow held out its hand,
So what could I do but laugh and go?
- Richard Le Gallienne

More gifts from the trail to celebrate Autumn...

and Satchel's first watercolor paintings to brighten the shorter days to come...

and his paper butterfly fluttering suspended in the stairwell...perhaps we'll make some friends to keep it company.



Yesterday, while out (at least a 5 mile stroller trek) buying more watercolors and safety scissors and yet another digger because when Satch saw it he sighed, "I love diggers", so sincerely that I felt he should have it... we ran into a man with long white hair and beard to match and eyes that twinkled like Santa... come to think of it, he looked like David Crosby. "Look, Satch", I yelled jumping up and down, "he has a BANJO"! And the dear soul walked over and played for us and we sang made up lyrics to fit the moment like, "I've got a pinecone...how 'bout you".

Well...what can I do, but laugh and go. Have a good weekend everyone. See you Monday.

(To the mysterious banjo player, you were "the shining rainbow" yesterday...thank you for "holding out your hand".)

Most Alive Monday

"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly" -Buckminster Fuller

One most alive choice that I made recently was a split second decision to let a caterpillar crawl on my arm so that Satch could observe. It was a Halysidota tessellaris -- Banded Tussock Moth caterpillar.


If you know me well enough, you would understand that this was not an easy decision. Though I'm not fond of insects...and maybe even a bit repulsed by them, I did not want to imprint my revulsion on Satch. I didn't feel this way when I was a child and can clearly remember playing with caterpillars and snakes and all sorts of critters. I wonder why it is that creepy crawlers now give me the creeps.

I let the little bugger crawl on my arm. It didn't feel at all like I thought or remembered as a child. It's numerous feet felt sticky like itsy bitsy pieces of velcro. As it turned out Satch wanted no part of the fuzzy insect crawling on him, he was satisfied to watch it on a leaf or the stroller. He didn't want to set it free so we had to bring it home to live in our garden.

I found some nifty links to help us identify the critters we stumble upon during the course of our day:

• What's that bug?
• Butterflies and Moths of North America
• What bird?
• Snakes of North America

We've also fallen in love with the Fun with Nature Take Along Guides!


Tomorrow I will be celebrating my 44th birthday! I will begin my day as I always do...by dancing to "Birthday" on the Sugarcubes' "Life's too good" album! I will be back Wednesday.


"She’s painting huge books
And glues them together
They saw a big raven
It glided down the sky
She touched it
Ohh...today is a birthday" - Sugarcubes


About Most Alive Monday: I've decided to make at least one "most alive choice" each day and post my favorite each Monday. This, of course, is to motivate me to consciously "live juicy"! I hope you'll join me and share your "most alive choice" in the comments section.

Most Alive Monday

I wish I could tell you what my most alive choice was last week, but it's all a blur.

First the good news...

Friday morning Satch and I went to the library book sale. It was insane in the membrane! I had to clear a spot under the table to keep Satch from getting trampled on by the mob of hungry bookworms. While he sat at my feet in his book-fort, I searched the boxes and found several books that were on Satchel's wish list as well as some gems that I had forgotten about.













(Left: Satchel's 2 dozen ~ Right: 20 gifts)

Here is a list of my harvest:

• Nuts to You! (Don't you love that title?)
  
• Swimmy
• Mouse Paint
• Leo the Late Bloomer
• The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash
• Play Time
• Biology for Every Kid: 101 Easy Experiments that really work.
• Recyclopedia
• Anatole and the Toy Shop
• David Goes to School
• Corduroy
• The Dot
• Possum's Harvest Moon
• Earthdance
• A House for Hermit Crab
• The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher
• Wind in the Willows
• Father Bear Comes Home
• Little Bear
• Little Bear's Visit
• Polar Express
• Stellaluna
• One Morning in Maine

I also bought a rather large stack of books to give as gifts...Elouise, Madeline, Little Prince, as well as some Sendak, Leoni, Potter and Silverstein classics! I won't tell you how little I spent on my GIANT stash because you will *very completely, most extremely, hate me (let me just say that the majority of the books were 50 cents and the most expensive was 2 dollars). On the way home, as we passed a grassy meadow buzzing with grasshoppers, a large hawk swooped low right over the stroller. It was so close that I could see the spots on it's breast. It called out and I felt like I was in an episode of Northern Exposure. "THAT was a hawk", I explained to Satch.

Now for the not-so-good news...

That evening Satch seemed tired, hoarse and a bit out of sorts (as you can see in this video hello to his pal). Then at midnight he woke up coughing so hard, it was gagging him. He cried and his body trembled. My immediate thought (from my past experience in family medicine) was Croup. I took him into the bathroom and ran the shower, filling the room with steam while trying to calm him down. He wanted no part of the steam and it didn't seem to be helping so I put a jacket on him and took him outside. I sat him on my lap on the stoop and pointed to the moon. He pointed to the halo. "Rain bone rown da moon", he said, sounding more like a frog than my son. We sat outside quietly looking at the sky, but the cool air wasn't helping either. I decided we should take him to the emergency room so Robert and I threw some clothes on and we went to the hospital. When we got there, his breathing was a little better. There was only one patient in the waiting room and I thought perhaps we would get in and out pretty quickly. Was I ever wrong. Two nurses evaluated Satch before the doctor came in. After the doctor diagnosed Satch with Croup and administered an oral steroid we waited another 45 minutes for a nurse to check on him and release us. As we walked to the car, Satch looked at the moon and the stars. It was completely silent except for the chirping crickets and sound of our footsteps. It was 3 AM.

Our days and nights have been fuzzy vignettes of sleeplessness, crying, fevers, and violent coughing. As you know, my sleep bank was already suffering a serious deficit before this happened. Satch was no better on Sunday so we didn't go to his swim class. We've been doing a lot of reading, and *we've watching a lot of Charlie and Lola. We're waiting for Satch to get well.

I'll be back tomorrow with an all new Mom to Mom interview!


About Most Alive Monday: I've decided to make at least one "most alive choice" each day and post my favorite each Monday. This, of course, is to motivate me to consciously "live juicy"! I hope you'll join me and share your "most alive choice" in the comments section.

You may also post photos of your "most alive moments" in my most alive flickr pool! (If you post a photo in pool, be sure to include your link in the comment)

Call of the Wild

"When I see birches bend to left and right...I like to think some boy's been swinging them" - Robert Frost

Although I grew up on the south shore of Long Island, the one place that truly felt like home to me was NYC and that is where I lived virtually all of my adult life until now. Even so, I knew all the really cool secluded spots in Central Park (still do) and was a bit of a renegade gardener, collecting any discarded plant pot that I found on the sidewalk and bringing it up to my roof.


The roof of my Sullivan Street flat quickly became an urban jungle. I learned to harvest my seeds for the following year, and by trial and error, became familiar with what was most suitable for a hot city roof top.

There was the corn experiment, which provided great privacy, but only produced "baby corn" (ok, baby corn just freaks me out); tomatoes that were stolen by smart city squirrels faster than I could pick 'em and potted strawberries that I ate in one sitting. I liked to have my morning coffee on the roof, sitting in a low vintage metal chair so that the wispy cosmos towered over me. In the evening, the scent of "four o'clocks" made the chore of two waterings a day worth the effort. I've always lived near a body of water. As a child it was the Great South Bay, and Atlantic Ocean. All three of my NYC flats were near the Hudson River. In spite of my need for the urbane, I find myself drawn to nature.


Satch and I took a stroll on the uplands trail that runs along a winding stream to Barnes & Noble to buy the new Bjork cd and so I could sneak a peek at, "Last Child in the Woods" by Richard Louv. While Satch played with the train table, I began reading the introduction and it really resonated with me...I was having a hard time putting it down so I bought it. The author points out that for most American kids today, natural play is being replaced by nintendo, and dvd players etc...and although they are taught about nature and global threats to the environment, their connection to nature and experience with nature is fading. I can't help but think how sad this is as a good part of my own childhood was spent romping around in the woods, climbing trees, and wading in icy cold streams. I urge you to read this book, and join the "No Child Left Inside" movement.

As we left the book store, I thought how fortunate we are to now live in an area that is surrounded by nature, yet close to two sizable cities. The sunlight pierced the canopy of leaves high above us in milky white spears and the only sound we could hear was the rustling of my footsteps, the chorus of birds and the tiny rumble of pram wheels. The breeze carried with it the scent of honeysuckle and it flooded my mind with childhood memories of licking the sweet nectar from the tiny buds.

My dream is to one day have an edible yard full of baby lettuces and herbs....
and a square flower garden with an old iron bed hidden in the center for nature naps. But today, I'm going to rock out to Bjork and get ready for a book arts class tonight. Be back soon....

The Elusive Whale Box

As you know, yesterday morn, Satch (don't his high tops look enormous in this photo?) and I headed into the woods with a list of clues in search of the elusive Whale Box.  We found the hiding place in a hollow at the base of a tree, but not the box.  We turned around and headed for home.

It was a little disappointing, but we saw some beauty along the way...like this family of turtles. (They were too far away, in a spot too dangerous for the stroller, so I couldn't get a clear photo)

And an itsy bitsy red spider.

















We ran into another mama on the trail and was invited to join a group of tots at the playground. They climbed, played ball...

splashed in the fountains and ate blueberries by the dimpled fistful.






I don't think there is anything cuter than a bunch of soggy wee boys with blueberry stained faces romping about in diapers and underoos!

A Grain of Sand

"To see a world in a grain of sand
and heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
and eternity in an hour." - William Blake

(click on photo to enlarge)
We walked the uplands trail to the Town Center. You asked to pick a flower along the way as you always do (but later will exchange for a rock or a stick). The trail followed a tiny rippling stream then crossed over it with a small wooden bridge. We passed a ball field and the green tufts of wild onion. "UN YUH!", you say. We saw a marble fountain and heard music and the chatter of many conversations through the open windows of the cafes. The sky was bright blue and the sunlight golden as clusters of people sat eating their lunches outside at bistro tables. We stopped for a falafel sandwich and ate lunch with a total stranger who was visiting from LA. We followed the sound of live guitar to the coffee shop outside Barnes & Noble and parked the pram right in front of the musician. After the song, we clapped loudly and cheered before strolling back home to play in the sandbox. This would be your first time in a sandbox. (The silica free white beach sand had to be ordered)
The sand sparkled in the sunlight and you let it fall through your fingers. You rolled in it, dug in it, poured it, pushed it and tasted it. "Mmmmmmm, GOOOM", you said with a gritty smile.

Have a good weekend everyone...may it be "sane and sunly"!

A Walk Before the Rain

Satch and I hit the trails 'fore the rain arrived.

We took the pram because Satch refuses to wear his mud worthy "big boy" shoes. He prefers his cozy Robeez Booties (I can't blame him) from Grandma & Grandpa C.

We stopped along a mossy bank to snap a few photos.

I read in a community flyer that there are owls, red fox, flying squirrels and eagles to spy on. We already knew about the hawks...Satch and I watched them circle one afternoon from our bed post nap. The community has all sorts of wonderful nature activities for children. We will be taking Satch to the "owl prowl". There is a community center with music, arts and even aquatics classes for tots. Much to look forward to.








While we were away Elvis the cat got a much needed rest from all the chasing and teasing.

Oodles Of Doodles

Yesterday Satchel received this groovy Travel Magna Doodle and some wonderful books from the Gutierrez family. (Satchel says, "Muchas Gracias!") I must have read The Carrot Seed at least 5 times...he kept signing "more". I love it too. It has a great message: Don't let the doubts of others stop you from following your dream.

When I asked Satch about this illustration, he pointed and replied, "Laaaaaaaaa Na". (Long neck) He is obsessed with giraffes and calls them "long necks".




Satch found an advert for a Lincoln Navigator in the box. It was shaped like the front grill with text on one side and a photo of the front grill on the other. He held to his ear and pretended it was a phone.






Later, we had to take a stroll to have some documents notarized and Satch wanted to bring the Magna Doodle with him. I clipped it to the pram with THIS...








and I put a mitten on his free hand.

Watching him doodle reminded me of when I was a very little girl. My dad (a Disney fan) taught me how to draw Donald Duck, Mickey and a few other assorted toons. I had a tiny spiral memo pad where I wrote down words that I liked and where I practiced drawing. I once sat in the playground of River Elementary School at recess making little drawings and giving them to the other kids. I can still remember my magenta No. 2 pencil and the voices asking me to draw this or that.

You don't have to be Walt Disney to sit down and draw make believe worlds for your kids. Just pick up a couple of Ed Emberley books...like THIS one.

Both you AND you child can whip out swell doodles in about 20 seconds. It's a great esteem builder! My husband can't draw so I handed him the book and said, "Here, draw this giraffe for Satchel". Then he sat down and drew the most adorable and imaginative (red with black spots) giraffe in less than a minute. He was thrilled and said, "Now THIS makes sense".

Emberley breaks things down into a handful of simple shapes...then he shows you how to put them back together to make anything in the world. OK, the perspective for his buildings are incorrect (i.e. you shouldn't be able to see both the front and side of a building unless you are at an angle), but who cares. It's perfect for rainy days. Check it out for yourself...you WON'T be disappointed!

I Carry You With Me

"I carry you with me into the world,
into the smell of rain
& the words that dance between people" - Brian Andreas














Robert had an interview in the DC area today and won't be home until tomorrow morning. I hope he is offered the position as it would be better for our family in a number of ways. Although we love the house we purchased in upstate NY, we decided that we don't want to plant roots here.

After lunch, Satch and I took a 25 minute trek to the playground. He loves the playground. He loves digging in the wood chips and, of course, the swings! We played for three hours and he still cried when it was time to go. The organic cheddar crackers that I brought to soften our departure were of little help...he ran away clutching the tiny tub. We had just enough time to get home and eat dinner before the 30 minute stroll to Toddler's Tango.

















It is the second day of autumn and already the air smells of fallen leaves. I handed Satch a crimson leaf...the color of his pram. He examined it closely and giggled before tossing it to the ground.

A Poem On My Heart

"Your eyelashes will write a poem on my heart" - Rumi

Yesterday afternoon was a bit rocky. I should have guessed by the morning clinginess...your little fists tugging my pajamas. It was nearly noon before I was able to shower. While I sorted your out-grown clothing (a pile for the rescue mission and a pile for a single mom who will be induced Wednesday morning), you did some sorting of your own...removing all the clothing from the storage bin and putting some back. When you seemed bored with your toys and books, I brought out some plastic mixing bowls and spoons. When stacking and mixing lost it's magic, colorful pieces of yarn did the trick.

I saw signs of fatigue...eye rubbing and frustration so I carried you to bed to nurse and nap. That's when our day took a downward spiral. You protested, cried and tossed yourself off the bed (landing on a pillow). You refused to nurse, refused to sleep. I gave in and we went to the living room to play some more, but nothing seemed to please you because what you really needed was a nap. I looked for your stroller and realized that your dad forgot to take it out of the trunk. I called him (while you cried in the background) and told him that I had a tired and upset little boy...and my "back-up nap" was in the trunk of the car. He said he would leave work early and take you for a nap drive. You slept for 30 minutes. I had an hour to de-stress.
When you returned, we had dinner...organic scrambled eggs, spinach latkes, and fruit - quick and easy! (The recipe is below, but to remedy the sour afternoon, these did the trick!!!) We went to bed at 8pm and you slept better than you had the last week. You woke to nurse at 12am, 2am, 5 am and finally at 6am with a smile and a giggle.

This morning you are too charming for words.

Spinach Latkes (and Spinach Tartlettes)

2 10 oz packages of frozen chopped spinach
2 cups grated potato (left over mashed works too)
1-2 onions finely chopped
6 eggs beaten
1/2 - 3/4 c of melted butter
1 c grated parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp garlic salt (or 2 cloves garlic minced and 1 tsp sea salt)
1/2 t thyme
1/2 t black pepper

Thaw spinach and squeeze out excess water. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Form mixture into small patties. Place on greased baking sheet. Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes until golden. (If I have any left over mozzarella, I throw that in too) Makes several dozen. *Patties can be frozen and baked later.

*For a funky twist, I call "Spinach Tartlettes" substitute the potato with 2 c herbed stuffing mix!

Napping, Gliding, Dancing, Fixing

Satch fell asleep in the stroller on the way home from our jaunt.....














So I took the opportunity to put my feet up and relax on the glider until he woke up.



















Earlier in the day, a family stopped their SUV in front of our house and got out and started dancing next to their car. Satch and I clapped our hands and cheered........"Hooray, Hooray for the spontaneous interpretive dance"!

This week, Robert and I will begin the kitchen renovation in our historic house (Fuller House) ...anyone want to come over and help? I can barter art, photography or a yummy meal....