{this moment}

Autumn Walk

The warm hats and clothes finally came out this weekend, as temperatures finally dropped. The wood stove is on, and the cider has been warmed with cinnamon. We are embracing fall... Uli and I searched for items to include on our nature tree, all the while being photographic by the family cyclops. A good day...

Artistry

Late last week Uli and Brian went to the store and came back with a lovely new art easel. Although we didn't need another chalk board (two big walls in our house are covered in chalkboard paint), the easel came with one. While the Sunny Son waited for his paints to arrive, he was busy with his chalkboard and colored pencils. I think Dad was a little proud of his son...
*
I have been feeling better since my surgery, and my back is healing nicely. I still get tired during the day, and sleeping is still a bit uncomfortable, but we are researching alternatives to help me sleep. I am keeping busy with projects (so many new crochet items...) and slowly knocking things off my list. It's been nice to feel some sense of completion. I head back to work in two weeks, and my calendar is slowly filling up. I keep reminding myself to slow down and enjoy this time...

1 week of rest

A week has gone since I had my surgery - funny - it went by quickly. Could be the medication haze to which I am NOT accustomed. I am already brewing some herbal concoctions to save my stomach from the NSAIDs and heavier chemicals, and I am pretty certain a fast is in my near future. Until then, I will continue occupying my days with many crochet projects, like Uli's vest above, and catching up on all the silly shows I've missed since we gave up TV. Thank God for the Internet.

{this moment} - thank you, friends

Please forgive the unmade bed and sheets that barely fit. This picture is me these last few days post surgery, and the love I feel from my friends. Those flowers remind me of the beautiful people I know from work and play. Thanks for helping me and getting me through this time. I am not nearly as strong or tough as I once thought. Much love...

Welcome Autumn

Autumn is here, and this family is celebrating. This is Brian's favorite time of year, and I suppose I am warming up to it, too. There is only one thing that I don't like about autumn, and its that winter is riding its' tail. Boo.

This last weekend was the last that I will be chasing my son for a while, and definitely the last this season that I will be lugging fruit and veggies around to put up later. No no no... its definitely not over, I still have apples and tomatos to can... its just that now I will need a sherpa to carry all that wonderful goodness home.

And to close... my surgery went well. I am sore and swollen and tired, but otherwise I can't complain. My sciatica seems to be resolving, which was really the goal. The real challenge is in the weeks ahead: 4 weeks of rest. Right.... (I've already made Uli new slippers, started work on a sweater, and sewn up a cold pack for my back). Think peaceful, restful thoughts for me.

Transition into Fall

(temporary fall garland until I feel up to sewing again, post-surgery... inspired by ROTH)

(Green Tomato Pickles in the back, Herb books in the front... preparing for winter)

We are only a few days into this Autumn Season of 2010, and already this family has been experiencing many changes, with at least one big onestill looming ahead of us. Uli successfully (and happily) started Montessori school, and it makes my heart sing to know that he is finally in a place that believes the same things that Brian and I do when it comes to parenting and helping children through their lives. The physical transformation of fall is upon us (quite early this year), and already we are picking up leaves in our back yard (and making garlands), and putting our vegetable gardens to 'bed.' My canning season is slowly coming to a close, too. But, most importantly, my surgery that I have been putting off for one reason or another, is finally here. After Tuesday, I will be a renewed mother, woman, wife. I am terrified and relieved.

(and to end this... I may transition to a new blog... this is making me nutty)

A Big Boy...

No diapers, no naps, and no good night songs. Big boys fall asleep reading...

So sweet and peaceful. Love.

Road Trip - Fruitland to McCall and Back

Council, ID:

Old Steam Engine

Ponderosa State Park, McCall, ID:

Heading out for a hike

SO many butterflies...

'being the Daddy' and hiking in the front

Checking out Payette Lake

This Moment

Inspired by Amanda Soule

More pictures to come this weekend, our last full week in Idaho!

Oregon Trail

LaLa lives very close to the Oregon Trail; as a matter of fact, she lives less than 10 miles from Fort Boise, one of the army forts along the Oregon Trail, used to re-supply the wagon trains when there were enough stores. Instead of just poking around locally and checking out the sites nearby, we drove to Baker City, Oregon, home of one of many Oregon Trail Interpretive Centers.

Checking out one of the wagon replica's on display.

Beginning the 2.5 mile loop from the Interpretive Center to the wagon wheel ruts on the Oregon Trail. Uli and LaLa were a bit pooped out from that walk...

...and a Bison. Uli's crusade to own a cow continues...

We finished the day at a nearby Mexican Restaurant. Practiced a little spanish, and ate my fill of good food. A lovely day.

{This Moment}

2 moments, inspired Amanda Soule

Uli: "Can I be a farmer, Mom? Can I have a cow?"

Me: "Yes. Can I have a goat?"

Please?

We may be dairy farmers in the near future... stay tuned.

Idaho!

Uli and I arrived in Idaho on Thursday for our three week visit of our wonderful LaLa and some members of our extended family. Thursday was a beautiful Uli-LaLa day...

Many people have asked what one does in Idaho, specifically, is there running water, indoor plumbing, Internet, etc. Well... yes! The pace is much slower here (drastically different than our Boston home) and it really is a little piece of Heaven on Earth for both me and my Sunny Son. This is the heart of farm country. Fresh produce everywhere and huge farm equipment around every corner - Uli and I can't go anywhere without getting super excited about something... I nearly jumped out of the car when we passed a combine. Oh the joys of being the mother of a nearly three year old boy.

My Uncle Don graciously shared his children's toys with Uli, the prize is of course the mini-cast aluminum John Deere Tractor. Uli spends at least an hour a day cleaning it and riding it around the yard. Oh the simple joys of being Uli. If he's not cleaning the tractor, he's cleaning or running around the yard with his new best friend, Paisley. They were so pooped out Saturday night that they just cuddled up next to LaLa and took a little rest together.

Looking so forward to the remainder of my trip: baking a cherry pie, teaching mom to can, visiting the Oregon Trail and Hell's Canyon... so much to do, so little time. Why did I say I would work while I was here???

Quiet Morning

I woke up beautifully early today, 6 minutes before 5:00 a.m. I must say, sleeping pain-free is a vast improvement to the alternative. I feel so much more rested in the morning.

I spent the hour and a half I had to myself this morning doing a little yoga, drinking my tea, and wandering through my garden. It was truly blissful. Here are a few things I saw...

A little Roma tomato peaking through the foliage

Huge heirloom squash blossoms greeting the day,

and freshly 'put up' blueberry lime jam that my precious boy helped to make last night {heart}.

Have a lovely day...

Thoughts

We went blueberry picking again - this batch is headed right for the jam jars with a little lime. Should be yummy!


One can't pick blueberries without ending the session with a little cider slush and silliness...

I have had a lot on my mind lately, and part of those thoughts lay with two blogger families I have come to 'know' over the last year or so... I hope both Heather and Amanda are doing well, and I look forward to their regular post about their love for their families and their ceaseless creativity. Hugs to both of you.

the skirt and a challenge

The 'Three Needle Skirt' is done. Let me just say, this was a huge test of my patience. Despite taking and checking my measurements three times AND trying it on a few times during construction, it was still way too big. I had to futz a bit with it when it was done, ripped out and re-did the zipper, and messed around with the back seams. Its fits better now, but not great. Next time, I go with smaller size, and NOT linen.



My next challenge is out of the the 4/2010 Ottobre magazine. No seam allowances on the patterns! Quite a challenge for me to figure this all out. It's been good, because I am taking my time, and have relatively few errors. I can't wait to try these one The Ooch when they're done!

I heart Westborough: blueberries...

We have a lovely little farm within 1/2 a mile from our house, which we frequent, especially on our long, hot, summer days. They have a lovely little area for ducks and other water critters, as well as a huge area for a group of very personable goats. Of course, it wouldn't be a dream come true for Sunny Son if there weren't tractors, and this place has two: one John Deere front loader with all the accessories, and one vintage parked permanently by the barn. We go up there every weekend, if only to feed the goats.

In the summer time, the farm has a huge selection of organic produce that they grow there, as well as some fruits supplied by local farms. Our latest draw has been the huge blueberry field, which is Farmer Harvey's pride and joy. It doesn't disappoint. We have been up there three times now, intent on enjoying summer's bounty. On the menu were lemon blueberry scones and of course a blueberry pie which didn't make it long out of the oven...

Next up, freezing and canning to maintain a winter supply. We'll keep going until we're fighting the birds for those last few blueberries.

a summer's evening...

Papo, Sunny Son in a sprinkler, Father and Son singing 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' while canoeing over land, and a few of the goodies from the garden. A beautiful summer evening for which I have zero complaints.

Happy Summer.

Calling it a day...

I have had a skirt pattern in my drawer for some time now, and it quietly, but persistently, has been calling my name. I promised myself I would make it once I was done with The STORK order, and once I had make Uli some more pajamas...

I started the skirt yesterday. It was smooth sailing, and went together quite easily despite the pleats and pockets (I am so very excited about the pockets). I put it away late last night before I became too cross-eyed, but started on it again this morning, as I so wanted to wear it to work on Monday. Despite taking my measurements several times, trying the thing on a few times, etcetera... the skirt was way too big!!!!

It looked like it could have inflated into a balloon.

So, I ripped out the back seam, took out the zipper, remeasured, re-fit, and re-sewed. I have the size down right now, but alas, the Universe is against me on this one, and I am off to go watch a few episodes of Bones.

When you break two needles in a row, trying to finagle the zipper foot, that is your sign to call it a day.

Maybe I will get to wear the skirt on Tuesday.

Idaho bound

The lists are being started, the research being done...

Uli and I are going to LaLa's house. Idaho, here we come.

I am going to have to pack a loooooooot of stuff.

more Independence...

a busy weekend

Happy Independence Day!

To celebrate, we:

Rented a Canoe, and caught some lily pads......and headed to Gram & Grampy's to swim in the pool and eat some ice cream.

THEN, we went for a long walk (and a short bush wack) around the Quabbin Reservoir, and picnicked in the shade...

...and finished off the long weekend with a trip to the beach, a purchase of an air-conditioner, and hiding out in the house while munching on non-cooked food and watching a new movie.

All in all, a good way to spend a long summer weekend.

{this moment}

One Finished, Two W.I.P.'s

Finished: one swanky pair of 'Buzz' Oliver + S Bedtime Story Pajamas

One Beach quilt started, hope to finish for the weekend

...and ??? :) Should have been done on Monday night, but I chose poorly when it came to fabric paint colors and bias tape. ETC = 4 days.