86/365
Not quite a splash...
Not quite a splash...
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Caterpillars...Grrr...
85/365
This is what remains of a leaf, after the swarm of winter moth caterpillars has had its way. As a matter of fact, this leaf looks pretty good when compared to many others. What's worse than all the trees looking like swiss cheese is the mess the little buggers leave underneath. Lucky for you, I took no pictures of that.
This is what remains of a leaf, after the swarm of winter moth caterpillars has had its way. As a matter of fact, this leaf looks pretty good when compared to many others. What's worse than all the trees looking like swiss cheese is the mess the little buggers leave underneath. Lucky for you, I took no pictures of that.
Friday, May 29, 2009
My Mostly Companion
84/365
Meet Wally. He is seventy pounds of fluff and slobber. Although we start most days with a vigorous walk, he proceeds to spend the rest of the day pretty much as you see him here. He does this upstairs when I am upstairs, and downstairs when I am down. Like a duckling imprinted on a mommy duck, he follows me everywhere. I don't mind -- he's great company, and hardly ever talks back.
Meet Wally. He is seventy pounds of fluff and slobber. Although we start most days with a vigorous walk, he proceeds to spend the rest of the day pretty much as you see him here. He does this upstairs when I am upstairs, and downstairs when I am down. Like a duckling imprinted on a mommy duck, he follows me everywhere. I don't mind -- he's great company, and hardly ever talks back.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Must. Get. Organized.
83/365
Have you ever seen the I Spy picture books for children? They are filled with photographs of incredibly dense, detailed scenes, and readers are invited on a treasure hunt to find certain objects within.
Looking at the corner of the kitchen where I keep my "stuff", I realized I could create my own I Spy game...Want to play? I spy: a keychain, a squeaky toy, chapstick, an iPhone, gum, a calculator for the visually impaired, cheaters, a screw, a screwdriver, clothespins, earbuds, two stamps, Everyday Food magazine, a dogeared book of sudoku puzzles, Maggie's cocktail sauce dish that she left here at Christmas, a remote control and a handpainted Happy Mother's Day tile with a spaceship on it. (Because nothing says "Happy Mother's Day" better in the mind of a 7 year old boy than a spaceship. But that's a story for another day...)
How'd you do?
Have you ever seen the I Spy picture books for children? They are filled with photographs of incredibly dense, detailed scenes, and readers are invited on a treasure hunt to find certain objects within.
Looking at the corner of the kitchen where I keep my "stuff", I realized I could create my own I Spy game...Want to play? I spy: a keychain, a squeaky toy, chapstick, an iPhone, gum, a calculator for the visually impaired, cheaters, a screw, a screwdriver, clothespins, earbuds, two stamps, Everyday Food magazine, a dogeared book of sudoku puzzles, Maggie's cocktail sauce dish that she left here at Christmas, a remote control and a handpainted Happy Mother's Day tile with a spaceship on it. (Because nothing says "Happy Mother's Day" better in the mind of a 7 year old boy than a spaceship. But that's a story for another day...)
How'd you do?
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Iris
82/365
Yes, that's another drippy plant from my garden. Even on a rainy day like today, I can look out there & delight in knowing that something beautiful is happening in my yard. Winter lasts a long time, these blooms only for several days. So bear with me.
Yes, that's another drippy plant from my garden. Even on a rainy day like today, I can look out there & delight in knowing that something beautiful is happening in my yard. Winter lasts a long time, these blooms only for several days. So bear with me.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Cindy's Garden
81/365
Yesterday being Memorial Day, I had wanted to include these poppies...but the photos I took in the midday sun looked like they came from Mars. So I returned early this morning, to try again.
I'm including this extra because everyone needs a friend like Cindy, who knows how to grow stuff. Already, her garden is overflowing with plants like these mustardy greens, which start to glow when the sun peeks over the fence. And she doesn't even mind when I show up early in the morning to kneel in her compost and take photos of it all.Monday, May 25, 2009
I'm a Little Airplane
80/365
Late afternoon is the best time at the beach. The sun is still warm, but not harsh. And the crowds are gone, leaving plenty of room to run.
Late afternoon is the best time at the beach. The sun is still warm, but not harsh. And the crowds are gone, leaving plenty of room to run.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Guitar Hero
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Treasure
76/365
Collected at the beach last summer, these shells endured winter on the back porch. I considered pitching them, but in a fit of spring cleaning, they got moved out to the yard for a rinse and some time in the sun. When I encountered them this evening, the shells were still warm from the day's heat, spread out on a sand-colored boot tray, with the sunset throwing long shadows over them.
Summer is back!
Collected at the beach last summer, these shells endured winter on the back porch. I considered pitching them, but in a fit of spring cleaning, they got moved out to the yard for a rinse and some time in the sun. When I encountered them this evening, the shells were still warm from the day's heat, spread out on a sand-colored boot tray, with the sunset throwing long shadows over them.
Summer is back!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Melon
75/365
I'm not even sure what kind of melon this is...at the store, the label said "Sweet and Juicy".
Good enough for me.
I'm not even sure what kind of melon this is...at the store, the label said "Sweet and Juicy".
Good enough for me.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Hit and Run
74/365
That's road rash. Apologies if it grosses you out.
Yesterday, we were snapped out of our big-boy reverie by a phone call from the school nurse...She reported that Prince Firstly was OK, but he had been clipped by a car while riding his bike to school, and was a little banged up. The driver did not stop. We are most grateful that this minor scrape, plus another on his knee, is the extent of his injuries.
So, just in time for summer, here's my soapbox message: Make sure you and your kids know how to ride your bikes safely. Wear helmets. And if you are driving...do I really need to say it? Pay attention. No texting or emailing. Share the road. Helmets are optional.
That's road rash. Apologies if it grosses you out.
Yesterday, we were snapped out of our big-boy reverie by a phone call from the school nurse...She reported that Prince Firstly was OK, but he had been clipped by a car while riding his bike to school, and was a little banged up. The driver did not stop. We are most grateful that this minor scrape, plus another on his knee, is the extent of his injuries.
So, just in time for summer, here's my soapbox message: Make sure you and your kids know how to ride your bikes safely. Wear helmets. And if you are driving...do I really need to say it? Pay attention. No texting or emailing. Share the road. Helmets are optional.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Girls
72/365
This has got me thinking that maybe we should keep chickens.
These hens are living a fine life out here in suburbia, in a darling little pre-fab henhouse/enclosed chicken yard at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Their house is a durable plastic mod igloo, with the shade-covered run extending from the back. Food and water dishes are labeled "grub" and "glug", and hang on the side, within easy reach. At night, the hens are secure inside their funky coop, and they lay their eggs in there, too. The whole thing can be moved all over the yard, so the chickens can peck the lawn free of grubs. If you think you might want one, too, just go to your local poultry store and ask for an "Omlet."
This has got me thinking that maybe we should keep chickens.
These hens are living a fine life out here in suburbia, in a darling little pre-fab henhouse/enclosed chicken yard at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Their house is a durable plastic mod igloo, with the shade-covered run extending from the back. Food and water dishes are labeled "grub" and "glug", and hang on the side, within easy reach. At night, the hens are secure inside their funky coop, and they lay their eggs in there, too. The whole thing can be moved all over the yard, so the chickens can peck the lawn free of grubs. If you think you might want one, too, just go to your local poultry store and ask for an "Omlet."
Helping
71/365
Question: How many little girls does it take to wash a Jeep?
Answer: At least three, maybe more, but they're just participating so they can climb on top of the vehicle, play with the hose, and soak each other. Dirt removal is way down on the list.
Question: How many little girls does it take to wash a Jeep?
Answer: At least three, maybe more, but they're just participating so they can climb on top of the vehicle, play with the hose, and soak each other. Dirt removal is way down on the list.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Mowing
70/365
I had originally planned to make a snarky comment about what a beautiful thing it is to have your teenage boy doing some of the heavy lifting around the house...
But looking at this boy now, all I can think of is his toddler-sized overalls, and his superhero cape and pirate sword, and how he only ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch every day for at least two (three?) years. The boy in the photo certainly doesn't let me dress him anymore, he text-messages girls on his cell phone, and has a preference for buffalo chicken subs and grilled salmon. When he was little, it never occurred to me that this would happen. And, it's bittersweet. But mostly, it's a beautiful thing.
I had originally planned to make a snarky comment about what a beautiful thing it is to have your teenage boy doing some of the heavy lifting around the house...
But looking at this boy now, all I can think of is his toddler-sized overalls, and his superhero cape and pirate sword, and how he only ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch every day for at least two (three?) years. The boy in the photo certainly doesn't let me dress him anymore, he text-messages girls on his cell phone, and has a preference for buffalo chicken subs and grilled salmon. When he was little, it never occurred to me that this would happen. And, it's bittersweet. But mostly, it's a beautiful thing.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Allium Appears
69/365
For me, planting bulbs is like putting on a jacket I haven't worn since last year, and finding twenty bucks in the pocket.
A couple of weeks ago, I noticed something coming up in the flower bed that I didn't recognize. Was it an iris? A daylily? And then, limited by my lack of plant knowledge, I had to give up guessing... But then, blooms started happening, and I remembered the allium I planted last fall.
What a nice surprise.
For me, planting bulbs is like putting on a jacket I haven't worn since last year, and finding twenty bucks in the pocket.
A couple of weeks ago, I noticed something coming up in the flower bed that I didn't recognize. Was it an iris? A daylily? And then, limited by my lack of plant knowledge, I had to give up guessing... But then, blooms started happening, and I remembered the allium I planted last fall.
What a nice surprise.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Skipper
68/365
Bikes are important to our family. We have several road bikes, mountain bikes, tandems, unicycles, and of course, kids' bikes in several shapes and sizes. This one, a Schwinn Skipper, is a favorite. Given to us over 10 years ago by some elderly neighbors who were cleaning out their garage, it is prized for its fine geometry, long wheel base, and old school style.
Bikes are important to our family. We have several road bikes, mountain bikes, tandems, unicycles, and of course, kids' bikes in several shapes and sizes. This one, a Schwinn Skipper, is a favorite. Given to us over 10 years ago by some elderly neighbors who were cleaning out their garage, it is prized for its fine geometry, long wheel base, and old school style.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Next Question...
67/365
Ok, so the last one was too easy. Apparently, everybody knows a greasy derailleur when they see it. But do you recognize this?
Ok, so the last one was too easy. Apparently, everybody knows a greasy derailleur when they see it. But do you recognize this?
Monday, May 11, 2009
What is it?
66/365
And now for something completely different...
My homework this week is to photograph an object from all different angles. So, I set off to find a suitable object, and came up with this. Admittedly, I wasn't quite sure at first what it was...other than very grimy. Care to make a guess, anyone? Anyone...?
And now for something completely different...
My homework this week is to photograph an object from all different angles. So, I set off to find a suitable object, and came up with this. Admittedly, I wasn't quite sure at first what it was...other than very grimy. Care to make a guess, anyone? Anyone...?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day
65/365
The kids kept reminding me that today is my "special day"... and with just the right amount of irony, I might add. Anyway, I thought I might get a "special" Mother's Day shot out of our brief trip to the beach. But, no. Conditions were quite windy, and rather silly.
And yes, if you are keeping track at home, that's the same shirt she had on yesterday. Proof right there of what a special day it was.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Coaching
64/365
Getting a few pointers from Dad before the play resumes. Going to save this photo as a memento of the time in her life when she would listen to us....
Getting a few pointers from Dad before the play resumes. Going to save this photo as a memento of the time in her life when she would listen to us....
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wondering
62/365
When I saw this rubber duck sitting on the fence, I wondered: Why is there a rubber duck on the fence? Who left it there? Why is he holding a little green shovel? What is he looking at? Who is going to paint that fence, anyway...?
When I saw this rubber duck sitting on the fence, I wondered: Why is there a rubber duck on the fence? Who left it there? Why is he holding a little green shovel? What is he looking at? Who is going to paint that fence, anyway...?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Beans
60/365
Remember in first grade, when you planted bean seeds in a cup of soil, sat the cups on the windowsill, and waited for it to grow? Pretty soon, you were proudly taking home a bean plant in a plastic cup with your name on it to show your family. But if it was a chilly, wet spring like we've had, you might recall that those seeds didn't sprout so quickly, or that maybe they got moldy before they even sprouted because your classroom wasn't exactly a greenhouse... No matter. First grade teachers think of everything. They plan for these contingencies, and solve these problems during the long weekend, so that everyone goes home with their very own beanstalk. Thanks, Ms. F!
Remember in first grade, when you planted bean seeds in a cup of soil, sat the cups on the windowsill, and waited for it to grow? Pretty soon, you were proudly taking home a bean plant in a plastic cup with your name on it to show your family. But if it was a chilly, wet spring like we've had, you might recall that those seeds didn't sprout so quickly, or that maybe they got moldy before they even sprouted because your classroom wasn't exactly a greenhouse... No matter. First grade teachers think of everything. They plan for these contingencies, and solve these problems during the long weekend, so that everyone goes home with their very own beanstalk. Thanks, Ms. F!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Toll House
59/365
I was on fire today. Hit the ground running this Monday morning... walked the dog, did the laundry, and got to the heart of this matter we call "crap management." That is, I took advantage of the kids being at school and "decluttered." (Ahem.) Then, feeling just a tad guilty, I quickly tossed the evidence (bulging trash bags) in the garbage can & made them cookies. Hope you're taking notes, 'cuz all I heard after school today was, "You're the best Mom ever!!"
I was on fire today. Hit the ground running this Monday morning... walked the dog, did the laundry, and got to the heart of this matter we call "crap management." That is, I took advantage of the kids being at school and "decluttered." (Ahem.) Then, feeling just a tad guilty, I quickly tossed the evidence (bulging trash bags) in the garbage can & made them cookies. Hope you're taking notes, 'cuz all I heard after school today was, "You're the best Mom ever!!"
Sunday, May 3, 2009
More Birthday
58/365
And so concludes the birthday celebrations for our newly minted seven year-old. Today it was a party with her four closest associates (two boys and two girls) at the Y pool. Nothing fancy, just swimming, followed by cupcakes and juice in the lobby, and done. Well, she did get to open a few presents first. The kids were all great -- don't they look well-mannered? It was lovely.
And so concludes the birthday celebrations for our newly minted seven year-old. Today it was a party with her four closest associates (two boys and two girls) at the Y pool. Nothing fancy, just swimming, followed by cupcakes and juice in the lobby, and done. Well, she did get to open a few presents first. The kids were all great -- don't they look well-mannered? It was lovely.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Ice Cream Cake
57/365
After almost 2 months at this, I'm realizing that there are certain themes starting to emerge in my photos. There's my family, things I find in my backyard, and...stuff I eat. Today we polished off the last of the birthday cake from a couple of nights ago. Made it myself, from a box of brownie mix, a quart of strawberry ice cream and a can of whipped cream. It was delicious -- and ingenious-- if I do say so myself. Take that, Martha!
After almost 2 months at this, I'm realizing that there are certain themes starting to emerge in my photos. There's my family, things I find in my backyard, and...stuff I eat. Today we polished off the last of the birthday cake from a couple of nights ago. Made it myself, from a box of brownie mix, a quart of strawberry ice cream and a can of whipped cream. It was delicious -- and ingenious-- if I do say so myself. Take that, Martha!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Crabapple
56/365
As far as I know, this crabapple tree is a volunteer. I don't think it was planted by anyone but the birds, and it's thriving under the shade of several maple trees in our backyard. It's not very tall, and we hardly ever notice it, except for a couple of weeks in the spring. That something with pretty flowers on it has appeared in our landscape, through no effort on our part, makes me feel like we must have done something to please the gardening gods.
As far as I know, this crabapple tree is a volunteer. I don't think it was planted by anyone but the birds, and it's thriving under the shade of several maple trees in our backyard. It's not very tall, and we hardly ever notice it, except for a couple of weeks in the spring. That something with pretty flowers on it has appeared in our landscape, through no effort on our part, makes me feel like we must have done something to please the gardening gods.
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