I had to take the trash out just now. It has been raining and it isnt just now, just foggy and still. A little chilly. I have to say, when it is just a little dark and/or foggy here I just love it. I love the way the rocks and trees and (if I am out and about) the coast line are all slightly sinister and mysterious, and a little bit tragic. I love the way the air smells here. Fresh and green and a little salty.
I stood out on the deck, breathing in the air and the fog and thinking I should get my coat and some tea and come sit out on the deck, when suddenly it hit me.
A big fat June Bug.
Yep, it's time to lock myself in the house and turn off all the lights for My Favourite Month In Nova Scotia.
:::shudder:::
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
A picture is worth a thousand words
I think I will take the words.
Seriously. A lot of the time I don't post because I have pictures that go with the post. And I am just too lazy to find the camera, dump the pictures, put them in blablabla. Sooo lazy. We went down town the other day (yarn store and Value Village, remember?) and we ended up goofing off on the Waterfront all day. So I will post about that and put the pics up later. Promise.
Yesterday, we went to Hatfield Farm to ride a pony. The pony was Closed for Repairs. (Actually it isn't peak season yet so they only have it on weekends, but wouldn't it be funny if it really was closed for repairs? How would you repair a pony anyway? Where would you put the screwdriver? Oh wait. I forgot. Ponies take nails.)
Right. Off track a bit there.
Anyway, the petting zoo was open, so we paid $1 for petting zoo got $2 in quarters for the Oat Machine and we fed oats to goats. They also had a big donkey who just stood there and stared, two llamas, and a massive wild turkey who was guarding one goose that was sitting on eggs. The llamas weren't alpacas but they still had some nice fleece. I was thinking of asking if they ever sheared it but I forgot.
We also got to pet the big draft horses. I can never get over how monstrously huge they are. They pull wagon rides in the summer and sleigh rides in the winter. The horses were very friendly and Ian was not afraid of them at all. I think he will do well when I take him back for a pony ride later on this summer. Hatfield Farm is only about a ten minute drive from us. I may decide to bike out there later this year if I can get in a little better shape. The farm also does trail rides, but kids need to be eight so in a few years we can go as a family. Maybe we can do riding lessons as well. It's good exersise.
I did have the camera in my pocket but I forgot to take pictures. Maybe next time!
Seriously. A lot of the time I don't post because I have pictures that go with the post. And I am just too lazy to find the camera, dump the pictures, put them in blablabla. Sooo lazy. We went down town the other day (yarn store and Value Village, remember?) and we ended up goofing off on the Waterfront all day. So I will post about that and put the pics up later. Promise.
Yesterday, we went to Hatfield Farm to ride a pony. The pony was Closed for Repairs. (Actually it isn't peak season yet so they only have it on weekends, but wouldn't it be funny if it really was closed for repairs? How would you repair a pony anyway? Where would you put the screwdriver? Oh wait. I forgot. Ponies take nails.)
Right. Off track a bit there.
Anyway, the petting zoo was open, so we paid $1 for petting zoo got $2 in quarters for the Oat Machine and we fed oats to goats. They also had a big donkey who just stood there and stared, two llamas, and a massive wild turkey who was guarding one goose that was sitting on eggs. The llamas weren't alpacas but they still had some nice fleece. I was thinking of asking if they ever sheared it but I forgot.
We also got to pet the big draft horses. I can never get over how monstrously huge they are. They pull wagon rides in the summer and sleigh rides in the winter. The horses were very friendly and Ian was not afraid of them at all. I think he will do well when I take him back for a pony ride later on this summer. Hatfield Farm is only about a ten minute drive from us. I may decide to bike out there later this year if I can get in a little better shape. The farm also does trail rides, but kids need to be eight so in a few years we can go as a family. Maybe we can do riding lessons as well. It's good exersise.
I did have the camera in my pocket but I forgot to take pictures. Maybe next time!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Oh plus...
I wanted to put this in the last post but couldn't figure out how to work it in logically. Not that the last post was logical, but hey. Whatever.
I went in to tuck Ian in the other night and tripped over this:
Believe me. That wasn't there when I put him to bed. I was pretty aggravated about that until I saw this:
He was just so sweet I had to take pictures. And the flash made him roll all over so I tucked him back in and took the opportunity to (finally) take a picture of the WGB:
How many other knitting blogs do you know that wait until the finished object has been peed on three times before posting a picture? And how many of them heroically take said picture in the pitch dark, relying entirely on the flash for illumination? That's right! None! So tell your friends!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Random thoughts that flit in and out of my head while blogging.
Well, Ian's party went well. Not a lot of shower uppers but better than last year for sure. We had Thomas Cake and Lemonade. Ian made out like a Railway Bandit, he got plenty of Thomas crap to spread all over the house. I have train tracks everywhere. However, I would fight tooth and nail to keep them, since today when we were at the library and it was time to go, he did not have a tantrum. I advised him that he has some trains at home he can play with, and he very cheerfully left the building. Woo hoo!
The weather was really nice for the first part of the day, warm and sunny, but by 3 or so the sky clouded over a bit and it cooled off, so we nixed the water fight I had planned. I gave away a few of the water guns I had purchased and we didn't get a chance to use the new Diego Sea Splash Waterslide, but we have all summer for that.
I have been working intently on my sweater (with only a few dishcloth breaks, and I have this lovely example of an acre of stockinette to show you:
I know a lot of people complain about stockinette but I really like to be able to sit and knit with my hands and not with my head, and at the same time read or watch tv. It makes for much more relaxing downtime. I am about a third of the way through the second skein and I am going to The Loop tomorrow to get a couple more wound (since I don't have a ball winder of my very own. Yet.) and also I have some questions about the pattern. Since it has mistakes. Mistakes I didn't make. I will try and escape the store with no more yarn. I will also take that opportunity to pop into Value Village, as I have 3 bags of clothing to give away. I could wait for my yard sale, but honestly who buys clothing at a yard sale? Nobody. I would rather spend my time making the mountain of other junk items I have seem more enticing. This yard sale is planned for some time in June, unless my street holds a yard sale again before then, in which case I would rather get in on that action.
Wow, that paragraph was all over the place, wasn't it?
You know, I really wish I posted here more often. I have all kinds of Head Blogs I think of all the time, but they are usually at inopportune times, such as bedtime, while I am in the shower, or while I am driving. Then I can't think of anything while I am sitting here.
Who wants to hear bloggy good news? The Yarn Harlot came here! Woo Hoo! I am Knitting Celebrity Style now! She tried to comment but doesn't have a Blogger account. So she sent an email! She says my stash is not too bad. Awesome! Take that, Travis! Also, I found another blog I really like, Tales from the Den of Chaos, to which I have added a link on the side. I read all the archives first and it was a really good read. I recommend everybody go take a look. Right now. Do as I demand. Anyway, it took me like two weeks to read the whole thing and since I only have a kitchen chair at my computer I ended up with a really sore neck. I think I better add Office Chair to my list of things I need for the house. Only, since reading that blog, I think I better check the secondhand stores first.
Well sorry about the long rambling post folks. But I better go now, I have a stinky little butt to wipe. Yay for Mommyhood! I will leave you with some great party images:
Mack Truck received the day of his actual birthday. He already has two of those cars. I told him it was from Phoebe (and the slip and slide was from Catnip) and so he has been telling everybody about how the cat went to the store and got him a present:
The toy Mommy liked to play with the most. I Extruded for over an hour that night!
What are you looking at?
Henry! And he's Green!
So! Exciting!
The slightly disappointing Thomas cake. The icing is just globbed on. And you would think for almost thirty dollars they could at least get the train track straight. I really really can't decorate cakes at all but I think I am just gonna suck it up in future.
Whew!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Top Ten Fascinating Ian Facts
10. His favourite colour is green. And he's jealous of green. He gets mad when I say I like green too.
9. He is very mellow, easygoing, and agreeable. He is always ready to go and see something else. Unless he is at the Library/Toys r Us/Baby store/Edumacational Toy Store playing with the Thomas and it is time to go. Then, be prepared for Hurricane Ian. Today, he tried to physically force me back into the store, wailing as if his life were ending the entire time.
8. Not a big meat eater. Likes broccoli. Go figure.
7. Likes to make me coffee. As in "pot of". I have to supervise a bit but he has it down, from draining out the dregs and rinsing the pot (if necessary) right through grounds and putting water in the tank. I accidentally joked about him making me a pot of coffee once and he took it WAAAAAY too seriously.
6. Messiest. Eater. On. Planet. Earth. I swear, he could lose in a Neat Eating contest with the Tasmanian Devil. I have no clue where he gets this from. (She says as she tries to wipe coffee off her shirt and crumbs out of her bra)
5. Freakishly tall. He is the size of a 5 year old. No kidding. Thus making the attempt to press me back into the toy store a very real possibility.
4. Will become a famous chef. I am certain. Between the coffee making, bread kneading, risotto stirring, and flour sifting, he has the makings of a fine cook.
3. On the other hand, has no taste in yarn whatsoever. I can't go to the craft section in Zellers at all without having to pull ball after ball of Discount Gag Me Green Acrylic out of the cart afterward. (throws up a little in mouth)
2. Can spell his own name. And type it on the computer. And spell it on the fridge.
1. Is the most amazing, brilliant, funny, adorable, energetic, free spirited beautiful new three year old on earth.
Happy Birfday Ian!
Love, Mommy.
9. He is very mellow, easygoing, and agreeable. He is always ready to go and see something else. Unless he is at the Library/Toys r Us/Baby store/Edumacational Toy Store playing with the Thomas and it is time to go. Then, be prepared for Hurricane Ian. Today, he tried to physically force me back into the store, wailing as if his life were ending the entire time.
8. Not a big meat eater. Likes broccoli. Go figure.
7. Likes to make me coffee. As in "pot of". I have to supervise a bit but he has it down, from draining out the dregs and rinsing the pot (if necessary) right through grounds and putting water in the tank. I accidentally joked about him making me a pot of coffee once and he took it WAAAAAY too seriously.
6. Messiest. Eater. On. Planet. Earth. I swear, he could lose in a Neat Eating contest with the Tasmanian Devil. I have no clue where he gets this from. (She says as she tries to wipe coffee off her shirt and crumbs out of her bra)
5. Freakishly tall. He is the size of a 5 year old. No kidding. Thus making the attempt to press me back into the toy store a very real possibility.
4. Will become a famous chef. I am certain. Between the coffee making, bread kneading, risotto stirring, and flour sifting, he has the makings of a fine cook.
3. On the other hand, has no taste in yarn whatsoever. I can't go to the craft section in Zellers at all without having to pull ball after ball of Discount Gag Me Green Acrylic out of the cart afterward. (throws up a little in mouth)
2. Can spell his own name. And type it on the computer. And spell it on the fridge.
1. Is the most amazing, brilliant, funny, adorable, energetic, free spirited beautiful new three year old on earth.
Happy Birfday Ian!
Love, Mommy.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Seriously. No. Seriously.
Does Timbaland have to be in EVERY SINGLE SONG on the radio? I mean, I don't think I could possibly go 15 minutes without hearing the dude. The only possibly explanation is some kind of deal with the devil. It's not that I don't like him. It's just that, well, I would like to hear something else once in a while.
(Yeah, I know I could change the radio station to something other than C100. Shut up.)
My Stash. An Overly Descriptive Essay by Leoal
This started out as a comment here and I noticed it was getting way out of hand and decided it would be a post of its very very own. Ooo, fancy!
I don't usually buy yarn just because I like it, I usually buy yarn because I go to the yarn store to buy yarn for "a sweater for hubby" or "a hat for my brother-in-law" or what have you. So all yarn is bought with a purpose.
I then have Upstairs Stash (my living room) which has yarn in ziplock freezer baggies for two or three (or eleven) projects on the go or soon to begin, along with the needles and if small enough, the pattern needed, as well as any notions particular to that project, such as stitch holders. I keep all of that plus all the loose patterns in a big wicker basket under the end table and I have a smaller basket full of all the other odds and ends, and the circular and dpns. Also a Glenfiddich Can full of the straights. That is all on top of the end table. Then when I go, I can grab one or two appropriate WIP's and put it in my (very large) purse.
The Downstairs Stash (Spare room (yep, my house is all topsy turvy)) has two large plastic containers. The one that is easy to get at has all the stuff that I plan to knit sooner or later, generally WIP's or sorted baggies with the pattern in. This bin is an extension of the Upstairs Stash, and is in rotation with it when the upstairs basket gets too full.
The other bin holds leftover yarn, plus a lot of stuff from a friend who gave away a lot of stuff to me when she moved away, and generally all the things with no specific plan. It is a good place to look when I am struck with the urge to make something not in queue but it is midnight on a Sunday or something. That's where the little striped poncho came from.
I also have a large basket of Handicrafter Cotton downstairs as I am addicted to Dishcloths... they are comfort knitting for when I am mad at my current project, undecided, nervous about trying something new, or just want something small and portable and patternless. I even have dedicated dischloth needles.
I am such a dork.
Anyway, I often find that my bags get all disorganised so I have to go through and re-sort everything into projects, and sometimes that involves changing my mind on the projects I had planned.
Also, the whole thing is getting way too big for me to handle. I need to go on a yarn diet.
So no more yarn for me. Unless it is for a specific project.
I don't usually buy yarn just because I like it, I usually buy yarn because I go to the yarn store to buy yarn for "a sweater for hubby" or "a hat for my brother-in-law" or what have you. So all yarn is bought with a purpose.
I then have Upstairs Stash (my living room) which has yarn in ziplock freezer baggies for two or three (or eleven) projects on the go or soon to begin, along with the needles and if small enough, the pattern needed, as well as any notions particular to that project, such as stitch holders. I keep all of that plus all the loose patterns in a big wicker basket under the end table and I have a smaller basket full of all the other odds and ends, and the circular and dpns. Also a Glenfiddich Can full of the straights. That is all on top of the end table. Then when I go, I can grab one or two appropriate WIP's and put it in my (very large) purse.
The Downstairs Stash (Spare room (yep, my house is all topsy turvy)) has two large plastic containers. The one that is easy to get at has all the stuff that I plan to knit sooner or later, generally WIP's or sorted baggies with the pattern in. This bin is an extension of the Upstairs Stash, and is in rotation with it when the upstairs basket gets too full.
The other bin holds leftover yarn, plus a lot of stuff from a friend who gave away a lot of stuff to me when she moved away, and generally all the things with no specific plan. It is a good place to look when I am struck with the urge to make something not in queue but it is midnight on a Sunday or something. That's where the little striped poncho came from.
I also have a large basket of Handicrafter Cotton downstairs as I am addicted to Dishcloths... they are comfort knitting for when I am mad at my current project, undecided, nervous about trying something new, or just want something small and portable and patternless. I even have dedicated dischloth needles.
I am such a dork.
Anyway, I often find that my bags get all disorganised so I have to go through and re-sort everything into projects, and sometimes that involves changing my mind on the projects I had planned.
Also, the whole thing is getting way too big for me to handle. I need to go on a yarn diet.
So no more yarn for me. Unless it is for a specific project.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Hey, I Posted this Without A Title! Yay for the Edit Post Button!
The sweater is about 3/4 of an inch long... and extremely nerve wracking. The increases started right off the bat and the pattern doesn't say how many I should have after each row so I am very paranoid about what has been going on. Also, my usual method of knitting is to memorize the "gist" of the pattern, then just sit and knit it. So that I don't have to pay attention. I have no idea what I am doing here and so I am following the pattern to the letter.
I went and bought some stitch markers, especially for the occasion. I had some open-ring stitch markers but they kept getting caught up in the knitting. So anyhoo, I bought these little ring markers and then I took my knitting to the library. I cast on the first stitches and then realised I forgot the stitch markers and therefore was only able to cast on. Not to be deterred, I created stitch markers from paper that was in my pocket. 40 stitch markers to my name and I am using scrap paper.
I went on Kijij yesterday morning, and I put an ad up for my swing set which has been languishing in my shed lo this past year. By 11:30 am it was gone and I was several $20's richer. I also answered some ads for a babysitter. I have 3 girls left to meet, and I met one this afternoon. She seems really nice. I have never really had to find a babysitter before (Ian has been babysat, but he was with Chrys's kids, and she was the one to find the girl)
So this girl brought her mom to the interview. I took it to be a good sign. She has first aid and cpr, and a babysitting course. She plays sports. And she is in grade 10, so she isn't like a baby or anything either. She was tidy looking as well... she wasn't wearing pajama bottoms and a bra or anything. So I think I will call her for Friday just to see how she does, and maybe this will mean I will be able to get out of the house once in a while. Woot!
Today was Garbage day, and last night my neigbours a couple houses down put a table and chairs out for pick up. The chairs are in great shape, really sturdy wood and they don't look too bad with my set (although they in no way match) So... SCORE!!!
So all in all we had a pretty good weekend. Other than the incessant pouring rain. And freakishly itchy bug bites from the 1 hour it wasn't actually raining and we could go outside.
So tomorrow I have a massive huge chore to do. I need to move Ian's room to the spare room and vice versa, and sort all the stuff to be Yard Sold at some point within the next few months. And I really should check Kijiji for a dresser for him.....
Busy busy busy here!
I went and bought some stitch markers, especially for the occasion. I had some open-ring stitch markers but they kept getting caught up in the knitting. So anyhoo, I bought these little ring markers and then I took my knitting to the library. I cast on the first stitches and then realised I forgot the stitch markers and therefore was only able to cast on. Not to be deterred, I created stitch markers from paper that was in my pocket. 40 stitch markers to my name and I am using scrap paper.
I went on Kijij yesterday morning, and I put an ad up for my swing set which has been languishing in my shed lo this past year. By 11:30 am it was gone and I was several $20's richer. I also answered some ads for a babysitter. I have 3 girls left to meet, and I met one this afternoon. She seems really nice. I have never really had to find a babysitter before (Ian has been babysat, but he was with Chrys's kids, and she was the one to find the girl)
So this girl brought her mom to the interview. I took it to be a good sign. She has first aid and cpr, and a babysitting course. She plays sports. And she is in grade 10, so she isn't like a baby or anything either. She was tidy looking as well... she wasn't wearing pajama bottoms and a bra or anything. So I think I will call her for Friday just to see how she does, and maybe this will mean I will be able to get out of the house once in a while. Woot!
Today was Garbage day, and last night my neigbours a couple houses down put a table and chairs out for pick up. The chairs are in great shape, really sturdy wood and they don't look too bad with my set (although they in no way match) So... SCORE!!!
So all in all we had a pretty good weekend. Other than the incessant pouring rain. And freakishly itchy bug bites from the 1 hour it wasn't actually raining and we could go outside.
So tomorrow I have a massive huge chore to do. I need to move Ian's room to the spare room and vice versa, and sort all the stuff to be Yard Sold at some point within the next few months. And I really should check Kijiji for a dresser for him.....
Busy busy busy here!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Hey! Guess What? I've been Knitting!
Hey folks. I am sure some of you come her for the knitting. You never know. Anything's possible.
Despite the lack of knitting related posts (and posts in general) I have been knitting away. I just haven't been doing anything terribly dramatic. I made these:
(Don't you just love the patterns the variegated yarns make when they are used as the background colour?)
Here is a closer pic. It goes from left to right in a rainbow. They always do that.
I have also knit a few of these:
They are my own design. They have a very rough texture. I think they will be good for scrubbing.
I am currently working on this:
Which are the reverse of the mittens from here. The skeins make two pairs of mittens.
I also bought myself a sweater. It is still in yarn form:
Ain't it purty?? It is Cascade Yarns Heathers colour 8401, 100% Peruvian Highland Merino wool. I have more than what shows there. I even did a swatch!
However, I am terrified of actually knitting the sweater. I have never made a sweater before. So I am finding all kinds of other things to knit. Like a ream of dishcloths. And a pair of mittens. In May.
So maybe soon I will finish the mittens and since I am out of dishcloth yarn (erm... at least in the upstairs stash) I will have no excuse not to sit down and make the sweater.
Although I do have a few ends to weave in....
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
New Family Member
Introducing Catnip, the newest member of our little family. Ian named him. He is so clever.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
This is a test
I have this funkadelic thingamajig for typing on my blog without actually going to it. I wanna see how well it works, particularly since I hate the way I have to put pics on blogger. It takes forever. So this doesn't count as a real post, k?
To practice on, here are some pics of the Iroquois leaving which I never got around to posting. PS If you go to that link and sign the guest book the boys (and girls) will see it! Plus if anybody wants to write to Travis, send me an email and I will give you his email and/or mailing address, or you can mail it to me and I will take it down to the MFRC for free posting, or put it in my care package I am putting together. PPS it is really hot where he is going, nothing that will spoil, please. That includes chocolate. You can just address the chocolate to me thankyouverymuch.
A Walk in the Park
Ian and I went for a picnic and walk at Shubie Park yesterday. We had a great time, the weather was fantastic, probably around 20c and sunny. We walked 1.244 K. I used this tool to figure it out. We took a ton of pics. There was a story around every corner!
We started off with a picnic. We had some fresh multi grain French Bread, with butter, some Applewood Smoked Cheddar, some chicken breast, and some strawberries (that whole feast cost us a mere $6! I love me the Superstore Deli!) Here is the best pic I got of Ian during the picnic:
And here are our pasty white winter feet getting a bit of sun:
After that, we packed the picnic back in the car and hiked halfway around the park. Here is a view of the canal from one of the bridges:
Here is a duck wandering along the path, all alone:
He was quite a ways away from the water:
Stomping ants. (I don't know where this urge to kill ants comes from!)
Cute squirrel No. 1:
The helicopter that scared cute squirrel No. 1 away:
Some evidence of the Hurricane (at least I think so) you can still see some signs, even 5 years later.
Nova Scotia is basically a great big rock with a skiff of dirt over it. So rather than having deep roots that run down into the ground, trees send their roots through the dirt, spreading out all over the surface of the rock, clinging there for dear life. They are flexible and withstand the wind, they don't usually snap; rather they are torn right out of the ground. Here are some pictures of the tree roots winding their way along the ground:
The roots run under the path and heave it up in some places; the first time Travis and I came to this park, we broke a stroller wheel! The tree roots make nice homes for some kind of animals:
Cute Squirrel No. 2
Spring finally beginning:
Cute Chipmunk No. 1: We stood really still, and he came right up and touched Ian's shoe!
Some pigeons:
I took the picture because the one in the middle was kinda different looking. Unfortunately I did not get a pic of the drama that ensued moments later. We followed these three pigeons around a bend, and then we saw a squirrel (Crazy Squirrel No. 1, here forth known as CSN1) So we stood really still, because, after all that chipmunk came right up to us. The pigeons found a stash of corn somebody had left along the side of the trail and proceeded to eat it. The CSN1 made his way down the tree he was in, and onto a fallen log, where he started screaming and chattering madly at the pigeons. They paid him no heed, and continued eating. CSN1 came down from the log, skittered over to the pigeons, and sat there for a minute, then suddenly and without warning, he made a run for the pigeons, who flapped off in terror into the bushes, feathers everywhere! I don't think I ever saw Ian laugh so hard at anything!
We sat there again, because we could see the pigeons were making their way back towards the corn, and CSN1 was getting all worked up again, you could see the manic glint in his beady little eyes. Ian could barely contain himself, he was so excited (he loves chasing pigeons). Sadly, the drama was interrupted by a jogger who came along and scared the entire menagerie away.
We started off with a picnic. We had some fresh multi grain French Bread, with butter, some Applewood Smoked Cheddar, some chicken breast, and some strawberries (that whole feast cost us a mere $6! I love me the Superstore Deli!) Here is the best pic I got of Ian during the picnic:
And here are our pasty white winter feet getting a bit of sun:
After that, we packed the picnic back in the car and hiked halfway around the park. Here is a view of the canal from one of the bridges:
Here is a duck wandering along the path, all alone:
He was quite a ways away from the water:
Stomping ants. (I don't know where this urge to kill ants comes from!)
Cute squirrel No. 1:
The helicopter that scared cute squirrel No. 1 away:
Some evidence of the Hurricane (at least I think so) you can still see some signs, even 5 years later.
Nova Scotia is basically a great big rock with a skiff of dirt over it. So rather than having deep roots that run down into the ground, trees send their roots through the dirt, spreading out all over the surface of the rock, clinging there for dear life. They are flexible and withstand the wind, they don't usually snap; rather they are torn right out of the ground. Here are some pictures of the tree roots winding their way along the ground:
The roots run under the path and heave it up in some places; the first time Travis and I came to this park, we broke a stroller wheel! The tree roots make nice homes for some kind of animals:
Cute Squirrel No. 2
Spring finally beginning:
Cute Chipmunk No. 1: We stood really still, and he came right up and touched Ian's shoe!
Some pigeons:
I took the picture because the one in the middle was kinda different looking. Unfortunately I did not get a pic of the drama that ensued moments later. We followed these three pigeons around a bend, and then we saw a squirrel (Crazy Squirrel No. 1, here forth known as CSN1) So we stood really still, because, after all that chipmunk came right up to us. The pigeons found a stash of corn somebody had left along the side of the trail and proceeded to eat it. The CSN1 made his way down the tree he was in, and onto a fallen log, where he started screaming and chattering madly at the pigeons. They paid him no heed, and continued eating. CSN1 came down from the log, skittered over to the pigeons, and sat there for a minute, then suddenly and without warning, he made a run for the pigeons, who flapped off in terror into the bushes, feathers everywhere! I don't think I ever saw Ian laugh so hard at anything!We sat there again, because we could see the pigeons were making their way back towards the corn, and CSN1 was getting all worked up again, you could see the manic glint in his beady little eyes. Ian could barely contain himself, he was so excited (he loves chasing pigeons). Sadly, the drama was interrupted by a jogger who came along and scared the entire menagerie away.
Unfortunately, I didn't get a pic of CSN1, but rest assured, he looked like a regular squirrel. Not unlike the crazy neighbor who seems so nice but is chopping up hitchikers on the weekends.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Having money problems? Come live in Ian's world!
1. The other day Ian wanted me to buy a new car. were sitting at the table and I asked him "How many dollars for a new car?"
Ian: "Three Dollars"
Me: "How many dollars for a house?"
Ian: "Three Dollars"
Me: "How many dollars for bread?"
Ian: "Three Dollars"
Me: "How many dollars for milk?"
Ian: "Four Dollars"
Me: "How many dollars for pants?"
Ian: "Forty Dollars"
So there you have it folks. Ian's world has great prices on everything! Except Bread!
2. The ants are back. You can see the ants way back when. I haven't got as many this time. The first year was the worst, then the second year they focussed on the kitchen. When Christmas came I went to make some butter tarts and the corn syrup was full of dead ants. (I threw it out and got some more.) Last year they weren't so bad, just a few weeks in late spring. This year, I have seen two ants. I have a different strategy I heard that when you crush ants they release a pheromone that attracts more ants. So what you are supposed to do is to wash the ant up with a soapy cloth. I guess that neutralizes the pheremone and also washes their trail off of the floor or wherever. So I have rinsed the two ants down the drain and that was it. And that was several days ago. So I may have finally defeated them!
3. I have been trying to rescue my lawn this year. I am probably wasting my time. But it has involved some hours of yard work. Almost all of my seedlings have died, except 2 pea plants and 2 zucchini plants, neither of which are looking particularly healthy. I also planted some pomegranate seeds and they are doing surprisingly well. But generally speaking, I don't know why I even bother. It is so depressing.
4. We have been getting out a fair bit. We go somewhere almost every day. Either the park, the library, or the waterfront. Whenever we go downtown Ian asks if we are going to go pick up daddy. It's pretty sad. Anyway, that is why I haven't been posting much, we just have been so busy.
5. Today we are going to a meet and greet at the MFRC, and I have to bring dessert. I was going to make a strawberry Jello pie. I was going to go to the Superstore first thing today and get strawberries, because yesterday I was feeling really unwell and just couldn't go. But I forgot that they don't open until 11 on Sunday and I need to be at the MFRC at 1 so I think I may need to come up with something else! I could go to Pete's but I don't want to pay $8 for a pint of strawberries. I'll let you all know how it comes out.
Ian: "Three Dollars"
Me: "How many dollars for a house?"
Ian: "Three Dollars"
Me: "How many dollars for bread?"
Ian: "Three Dollars"
Me: "How many dollars for milk?"
Ian: "Four Dollars"
Me: "How many dollars for pants?"
Ian: "Forty Dollars"
So there you have it folks. Ian's world has great prices on everything! Except Bread!
2. The ants are back. You can see the ants way back when. I haven't got as many this time. The first year was the worst, then the second year they focussed on the kitchen. When Christmas came I went to make some butter tarts and the corn syrup was full of dead ants. (I threw it out and got some more.) Last year they weren't so bad, just a few weeks in late spring. This year, I have seen two ants. I have a different strategy I heard that when you crush ants they release a pheromone that attracts more ants. So what you are supposed to do is to wash the ant up with a soapy cloth. I guess that neutralizes the pheremone and also washes their trail off of the floor or wherever. So I have rinsed the two ants down the drain and that was it. And that was several days ago. So I may have finally defeated them!
3. I have been trying to rescue my lawn this year. I am probably wasting my time. But it has involved some hours of yard work. Almost all of my seedlings have died, except 2 pea plants and 2 zucchini plants, neither of which are looking particularly healthy. I also planted some pomegranate seeds and they are doing surprisingly well. But generally speaking, I don't know why I even bother. It is so depressing.
4. We have been getting out a fair bit. We go somewhere almost every day. Either the park, the library, or the waterfront. Whenever we go downtown Ian asks if we are going to go pick up daddy. It's pretty sad. Anyway, that is why I haven't been posting much, we just have been so busy.
5. Today we are going to a meet and greet at the MFRC, and I have to bring dessert. I was going to make a strawberry Jello pie. I was going to go to the Superstore first thing today and get strawberries, because yesterday I was feeling really unwell and just couldn't go. But I forgot that they don't open until 11 on Sunday and I need to be at the MFRC at 1 so I think I may need to come up with something else! I could go to Pete's but I don't want to pay $8 for a pint of strawberries. I'll let you all know how it comes out.
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