memories

My daughter read my blog entry over my shoulder the other day as I typed, and said she, 'never thought someone like [me] would have a blog.'  I asked her what she meant 'like me' and she couldn't explain, so I'm not sure if she thinks it's cool, or odd, but her next observation made me happy.   She proceeded to read aloud, dramatically emphasizing each word - btw, I can never belittle the dramatics... she gets that from me and I love it!  But as she read, chuckling, she said it sounded like a book.  And that was my 'aha!'  That's what I was going for so I'd succeeded... at least to a 10 year old who is dramatic. :)   She read it like a suspense novel and we both had a good laugh.

It's how I've been helping her with her homework too.  Studying colonial America, I'm hoping by interjecting some realism and humor, she'll relate to it better than I did in school, and remember not only the history with a smile, but our times together as well.  

Sir Walter Raleigh initially unsuccessful left the colony he'd set up to return to Europe for funding to continue exploring.  He returns to find England fighting with Spain.  So we joked in Spanish (which she's also learning).  He then sends John White back in a 2nd attempt, which begged the question - if he was so determined, why did he send John White in his stead?   John White returns 2 years later! [a long time to wait on this end, we commented] and finds no colony... just "CROATOANS" written on a sign posted on tree.  So it remains a mystery. But should it, we joked?  Raleigh clearly knew what he was doing sending someone else... so Raleigh's wife was probably nagging the whole time how Walt was a chicken.  And before White got back, these Croatoans might have eaten the colonists, or convinced them they had food so, to go with them... or was it all a dream by either explorer since after months on a ship, tossing in the waves, hungry and tired, what would you "see" when you hit land, legs and brain still bobbing as if on sea?  In jesting with my 10 year old, it made her think outside the box....and that's all I'm hoping to instill.

Being home with them after school these days has been the best thing that's happened to me in the past year.  My life changes with work, and my present ability to explore other opportunities and interests, as well as continue to fail at cleaning up my house, have been liberating.  Writing more in my blog, continuing to create stories & attempt to polish them in further progress, possibly exhibit my photography... how exciting!  I'm creating and the world is my oyster.  But the extra time I've had with my kids has been a priceless gift.  It's certainly informing my search for the next thing in my life... how to maintain some light fun and laughter in our days, so the memories are ones they'll hold forever with smiles.

The last snow...

I can only hope that today was the last snow storm of the Winter season.  And it dropped more snow than any of the many other storms that have managed to hit religiously, and relentlessly almost every Sunday for the past month and a half.  Winter wasn't going gently into the night... that was for sure.  With clocks springing forward this Sunday, we can only hope there still won't be snow on the ground, with the current predicted temps in the 40's next week... 

As I looked out at the blizzard falling snow today, as it piled up and up slowly and steadily on every static object outside, and as I go to bed knowing the next 2 days are due to be frigid, the predicted warmer days coming does instill a slight sense of melancholy.  For as much as I hate being cold, with my fingers acting as 2 personal ice-packs (until June) for sinus headaches or surprising little ones with a sneak attack on their bare necks, the stillness that accompanies snow fall is quite peaceful.  

There wasn't a bird in sight today, or in earshot. They were tucked deep in the trees, I hope, in their nests, awaiting those 40 something degree days.  The bright and cheerful sounds of a delightful Spring time bird have brightened my spirits the past week.  I joked recently that they sound so lovely, but it's probably the wife bird yelling at the poppa bird...."you told me it was going to be Spring soon.  This doesn't look like spring to me!  We just HAD to leave the South in March. You couldn't wait a couple more weeks. NOOO... we had to go when your brother went. Now look at us...covered in snow. Nothing to eat."  But to us it sounds like "tweet-le, tweet-le, ... chirp chirp." 

But I have faith in nature. The birds have been returning... so I'm certain warmer days are coming.  I was more certain before yesterday when slushy days were upon us... but now cannot believe there is over a foot of snow out there!  But Spring is near!  I hope!

Winter snow blanket covers us

A blizzard blew in Monday and kept us home Tuesday, but didn't hit with quite the force they'd predicted.  And thank goodness for that - power stayed on, and the Northeast was covered in a perfect blanket of white.  While cold weather isn't my favorite, suffering with cold fingers and toes, and in a continuous search of clothing to keep me warm, I recalled this morning on my walk to the post office the delight in a brisk cold air hitting one's face.  The snow looks like powdered sugar, and crunches under foot with each step.

Memories of living in Saratoga Springs flood back, with each step. How this sound was heard when heading off to school, or romping in the snow with a sled over one's back, heading to a great hill in the woods across the street.  Cold weather was a way of life as a child - Winter lasts from November through March in full force.   In NJ, we get some reprieve as early as February, when a warm day may bless us and melt some snow.  The snowdrops ? crocuses?  pop through the snow or up from the cold ground and provide a glimmer of hope for warmer days to come.

For now we'll enjoy the heightened glow of the sun during the day, and the lights that shine at night  on the white earth.  And know warmer days are just around the corner.

Friendship that insists on agreement on all matters is not worth the name.
    - Gandhi

"Andy"

The other day the kids were finishing up playing before bed. K had headed up to brush her teeth and put on pjs.  Dad was listing things C needed to do to finish up and get upstairs.  And then he headed upstairs, saying "And he needs to brush his teeth."  C gathered up his blanket and dutifully started up the stairs asking, "Who's Andy?"  

We laughed and laughed!  C wasn't sure why so we explained - it was adorable.

R responded to something C said with, "You're a good person." (in a slightly slow, announcing it sort of way)  and C answered from the bathroom.... "Thank you old man."

Oh dear. :)  K and I thought it was funny... poor R, not so much. ash...

Gratitude

Getting ready for our vacation I bought donut holes and packed them in a food bag to bring and enjoy on our porch with coffee (or milk, depending on who's enjoying) and Christopher spotted them and said...or rather exclaimed, "Mommy, thank you!" I asked for what and her replied, "for getting us Donkey Donuts for vacation!!" Sometimes it's the little things... Gotta love it!