My yard....

...is beautiful this time of year.

This is like a secret garden. We made this arbor about 7 years ago and the jasmine has really overtaken it making the whole area smell awesome.


A closer look.


A bird landing on one of our birdhouses.


A plum tree.


A ripe plum (this pic was taken by my brother.)

Coyote Sighting

I live in the city limits but there is a wooded area near where I live too. A few years ago, we noticed a pair of coyotes a couple of times...then a few years ago, there was only one. It travels on a little wildlife trail (made by whatever animals go back and forth on the back of our property to the adjoining drainage ditch where there is water.) The last time I saw it was right after my last son was born a couple of years ago. I recently saw it again. I was able to run out onto the porch and take a picture of it from afar. It trots fast only at the back of the yard and goes to wherever it lives in the woods, never into our yard or around us.

We used to visit a relative who lived in a rural county hours away from us. The coyotes there ate the livestock and were a menace. When one was killed, whoever killed it would hang it upside down on their wooden fence so that everyone else could see (as I assume it was their common practice to show that there is one less coyote out there.)

I don't normally see much wildlife like deer or coyotes where I live, but when I do, it's wonderful...



edit to add:
Check out Melody at SOOC (Straight Out of the Camera)
http://slurpinglife.typepad.com/

Robert Frost and home

I have always loved the poetry of Robert Frost...probably because I remember my mother reciting poems by him when I was young. I used to listen to some of his poetry on cassette tapes (back when I had a car with a cassette deck.) Since the one I liked doesn't come in CD version, I recently bought a CD of his poetry that is actually read by him. In both versions, one poem always stays close to my heart, "The Death of the Hired Man."

In this particular poem, a hired hand who has worked for a couple for many years during harvest time (and had eventually become old and not very dependable) returns one last time (looking very poorly.) Even though the man had a brother who lived close (but had not spoken to him in years), he returned to this place. The poem is like a conversation between the man and woman and the woman described why the hired man returned there, instead of his brother's house. She says...

“Warren,” she said, “he has come home to die:
You needn’t be afraid he’ll leave you this time.” 115

“Home,” he mocked gently.

“Yes, what else but home?
It all depends on what you mean by home.
Of course he’s nothing to us, any more
Than was the hound that came a stranger to us 120
Out of the woods, worn out upon the trail.”

“Home is the place where, when you have to go there,
They have to take you in.”

“I should have called it
Something you somehow haven’t to deserve.”

I've thought about this poem over the years...when relatives/adult children/etc come around and want to stay or when those close to me have similar things happening around them, I think of the circumstances and relate back to this poem.

It'd be nice if everyone in the world had some place they could call 'home' to return to in times of need or confusion.

SOOC: Pigeon up high...

While sightseeing at the top of the Empire State Building last weekend, I was quite surprised to see one pigeon! (this is my daughter in front of it as she's sending a pic via her cellphone)


I couldn't believe it was able to get up so high (we were on the 102nd floor observatory where you could stand there and feel the wind.) While I'm definitely afraid of heights, being up there didn't really scare me...until I reached out a little to use my camera/cellphone to take a picture and then it dawned on me just how high it felt...my stomach got all tied up in knots and decided I didn't need any more pictures.


What a brave bird!


See more SOOC Saturday posts here.

Riding the subway in NYC

Last weekend's trip was a nice change. While sightseeing in the big city, we rode the subway a lot. Normally, I follow my bff who lives nearby but she wasn't able to meet us so we tried it alone. It was at first a little overwhelming (especially since I couldn't see the little maps to follow those colored lines) but got the hang of it (and learned to just get off and look at the bigger maps to double-check the routes.)

It was so interesting to people-watch and see all the different people who ride the subway. On one ride, a man who was the building maintenance supervisor from the Metropolitan Opera sat across from me (he still had his nametag on.) He was sketching on a pad. I was thinking of how many concerts he had attended via work or the people he's met through his job. How cool that would be!! I was wanting to get up and see what he was drawing too because he looked like he was being very detailed in his drawing, but I didn't.

On some trains, there were quotes on the wall. I thought a lot about this one.

A year ago today...

...my mother-in-law left her home and has never returned. She was transported via ambulance to the hospital due to the paramedics thinking she were mentally incompetent. Interestingly enough, I saw her every week for years before then and, even though she seemed forgetful, I thought those instances were due to her age. She was 86. Her other signs of Alzheimer's were so similar to her personality (negativity, calling several times about something, becoming aggravated over something small) that even I, the person closest to her, didn't see them.

Since that time, she has continued to deteriorate mentally to the point where she doesn't know her family. She has no friends (they're all deceased) and the closest relatives (us) are very familiar to her but she doesn't realize we are related. She just knows she has a positive, comfortable feeling about us. I don't think she remembers my big girls but she loves playing with my little boys. If it weren't for the boys going over and playing with her, I wouldn't know what kind of conversations to have with her.

I took her some new glasses today. Her last eye test was about five years ago. She broke her glasses a few weeks ago so I had to take her to get another eye exam and then order some new glasses (two pair, just in case.) The lens of the broken glasses have still not been found. She just wore her broken ones until I brought these new ones to her today. They were a little different, but she didn't even notice. In fact, within a minute of having them on, and the broken ones out of sight, she had no memory of anything related to them.

We've requested assistance from the VA (my FIL was in the Navy during WWII.) It took eleven months to process her claim for aid and assistance (which could provide up to $1056. a month.) We have just received one check finally for that amount. However, they propose to declare her mentally incompetent and want to appoint a fiduciary (someone to take care of that money they'll be sending her.) Well, of course, she can't take care of her money, that's a given. But the process in which this is done with them takes an average of 12-18 months. When they actually start that process, the monthly funds will stop until the claim has completely been processed, and then when it is finished, they'd then send the accrued amount during the processing time. Is that not crazy? Meanwhile, she will be in a deficit of $1700 a month.

Her money runs out in a month, maybe two...I'm in the middle of writing one of those letters to send to the remaining children of hers (my husband's siblings.) I am carefully choosing each word on paper before I email them to beg for monetary assistance to keep her in her expensive assisted-living facility where she is most happy. If she is in a nursing home, with her unique personality, she'd become abused or neglected by the personnel. She has a certain way about herself....luckily, the staff where she is now have learned how to handle her and what to expect from her. I want to keep her there and am crossing my fingers that whenever I send this request out, that one of them will find some nest-egg to keep her safe in her little tiny room until that day in which she moves on......

Close to the ground.

This week, I found cute little magnifying glasses at Target (I just love the front dollar section.) I bought one for each of my kiddos and they've been exploring outside ever since. The toddler seems even more interested than my preschooler in discovering little bugs and treasures in the yard. I even went back to the store and bought about twenty for my preschooler's teacher so she can have them in her repertoire of cool stuff. Luckily that was a good idea since she normally borrows some from another teacher...now, she doesn't have to.

I tried to help my toddler find little things to look at but never found any. I did notice that he found these bugs. I guess it's because he's so close to the ground.






Follow along each Saturday with Straight Out Of Camera started by Slurping Life.
What it is you take a photo straight out of the camera No Editing allowed.
Then head over to Slurping Life & link up.

An afternoon in Houston

This past week, the boys and I traveled to Houston to visit a friend whose daughter was in the hospital. We were going to also visit another friend but they became ill so we had extra time. Beforehand, I packed a lunch because I knew we'd be hungry at some time. After my preschooler got out of school at 1pm, we headed out.

It was a couple hours away so the kiddos had a nap along the way. I just pointed the camera behind me while driving while watching the road (that's why it's off-center.)


The medical center is full of many hospitals that line this really long street. It was a little scary to drive in the traffic because it was unfamiliar territory and because there were so many things to see while trying to find the correct hospital (I had never been there before.) I finally found the hospital and then I had to drive around again to get to the correct parking lot. After visiting our friend (where I forgot the camera in the car), we had a picnic in a grassy area of a park. It is a huge park next to the zoo and museum district.


Then we went to find the train depot. There is a lengthy train track that surrounds the park and we walked and walked and walked looking for it.


It was later and we barely made it there and got to ride it before it closed. The zoo was still open though (for another hour) so we went on in. It was the perfect time to be there...on an afternoon on a school day near closing...no crowds.


And we rode the carousel twice (we were the only ones on it!) My preschooler was incredibly happy to find this particular animal to ride on...the raccoon...because his 'lovey' is a small raccoon named Ricky and he knew by riding it, it'd make Ricky happy!


After the zoo closed, we played on a huge hill near an amphitheater. The boys ran up and down it for about thirty minutes.




And finally, as it was nearing dusk, we played near the long pool thing watching ducks. Of course, the kids wanted to get as close to the edge as possible and put their hands in the water. Next time, we'll bring bread for the ducks.


For an unplanned event, we had a great afternoon. We spent just enough time playing around and visiting the zoo and park that we missed all the traffic and were able to easily make it home without any delays.

Workout partner

I got a call from a friend whose workout partner couldn't go walking with her and she wanted to know if I were interested in going walking with her. I said sure. It was at a place I hadn't been before but was curious as to what kind of path it was (and walking with someone always makes the time go faster!) She picked me up and we went to the place. Interestingly enough, she carried a little pouch which contained her necessities including her handgun (she has a permit) just in case. Um....ok. There were lots of other people walking, jogging or biking there as the route was 2 miles long. We walked it three times in an hour and forty-five minutes. I'd never done that before and was apprehensive about how I'd feel later on in the day. But....it wasn't too bad. It was definitely not something I could do daily but it's a good challenge once in a while. She called the next day and we'll go again on Sunday (her other partner doesn't want to do the whole six miles) so I'm looking forward to it. Now, if I can just stay away from the chocolate, I might actually lose a little weight, lol!

A Work Day!

Yesterday, we worked outside a lot. Well, the truth is more like, everyone but me worked outside most of the day. I'd come out, check out the progress, take a few pics and then return to my own projects inside (loads of laundry, cleaning the kitchen etc.) Here is a sample of bringing stuff to the road (cleaning up around the shed in preparation to rebuilding part of it.)

This pic is of my kiddo, who is an expert xtr (zero turn radius lawnmower) driver pulling the trailer followed by my hubby with another load. The blades are not on, btw, and they did this all afternoon. When I first tried to drive this thing, it took me a LONG time to get it right. He's a natural with driving stuff like that.

Wisteria everywhere!

I've been walking again this week in my neighborhood. The weather has just been beautiful and the air has the sweet scent of wisteria. Across from my house are huge vines and I love to look out and see them. I love the gorgeous purple colors as well as the white and yellow colors that hide inside the flowers. This is the perfect time of year here as it will be too hot in just a few weeks. But for now, spring has definitely sprung.



Up closer.







The honey and bumble bees also loved them! It sounded like they were swarming everywhere and it was cool watching them fly all around me as they searched for the perfect place to land.

My movie circle of friends -

I love going to movies! I always have...it's something my mom and I did all the time when she was alive (especially on holidays) and I love being in a theater with all the huge sounds and darkness! When I'm down or needing a pick-me-up, going to the movies is the perfect cure-all! Being able to be someone else, somewhere else, or just pretend that for those couple of hours, you're in someone else's world is awesome. I generally go to the first showing of the day (it's less expensive and less crowded.)

Just recently, a couple of friends have expressed an interest of going to movies as well, especially chic-flicks! So....that's what we've been doing. I am the one who usually sets it all up and plans a movie around our tight busy schedules. These two friends and I are very different. One is in her seventies - a retired teacher and an extrovert who loves wearing loud colors and big colorful accessories. The other is an older mom who is more conservative in her dress and lifestyle - her life revolves around her kids who are in med-school and college. Each are so unique in their own way and are wonderful people! Even though we're very different, we have some things in common, like enjoying ourselves together and going to movies as we have the same taste in what we want to watch. Yesterday, we went to see The Bounty Hunter, another love story with a twist, just our style!

I hate being sick!

I'm not too sick, just a little, but it's so irritating! I have a sinus infection that came up very quickly! I had a really difficult time getting up the other day but I had to. I had planned an outing with my neighbor and all our kids to go to a really cool park (with picnic.) After laying in bed while my kiddos rearranged my house for a couple hours, I took a really warm shower and loaded up on OTC meds to get me through the morning. I made it through and then took a really long nap. I normally never take naps unless I'm sick or very tired!!!

The next day though, I went in to the doctor as it seemed to get worse, not better. I've had so many throughout the years that I knew to just go ahead and bite the bullet rather than spend the next couple of weeks under the weather and unable to function. Especially since I was alone (hubby at work for the next couple of weeks.) It seems to always be that way. The last time I spoke to him, it seems hat he has the same issue happening at work with his sinuses so it's kinda of good we're not sick together at home.

I was able to send my daughter to the store to get my most favorite thing to eat when I'm sick....chocolate pudding that you cook (that cools in the fridge with the layering on top!) I always feel better when I eat that!

Getting haircuts...

Last week, my toddler has his first haircut. I had been putting off getting it done because his hair was full of curls but it was starting to get in his eyes. Both he and his dad went to get their hair cut at the same time. It was from a place my hubby has been going for years and where my preschooler gets his hair cut as well. Now, they'll all be going there. Just a guy thing...

Toddler is not sure what to think.


Toddler and Dad.


All done!


For more fun with SOOC Saturday please visit Melody at Slurping Life.

So close to summer....

Even though so much of the US still has snow, where I live, it's getting hot! The a/c has been on inside for the last week and it was 79 degrees today. Unfortunately, I realized my car's a/c didn't work so I'm taking it in tomorrow to get fixed!! I'm already seeing mosquitos, the anthills are everywhere (and biting my toddler) and you can see signs everywhere that summer is close by!

Flowers are blooming in our yard.



My preschooler can't wait to go swimming...



(it was really cold, but he stayed in for a while.)



And of course, yummy ice cream!

TX Rodeo, preschool style!

I don't remember having a whole lot of fun in school. Even in elementary, I didn't have a lot of fun, didn't feel like I fit in or enjoyed it. It was something I had to do because there was no other choice. I want to make sure my kiddos have a different experience. I am in the same city and the same school district I grew up in so I am choosing to put my kiddos in private school (for as long as I can afford it.) So far, I'm having a great time enjoying his experiences!

Last week, after studying about TX and all things western, my preschooler's class had a rodeo and chili cookoff! Actually, they made stick horses and had horse races and then we all ate chili in the classroom. It was a great build-up and all the kids had a great time. They wore their western wear and looked so cute!

Doing a circle dance... (mine is wearing the duster)


A view from the back. who know that that Halloween costume I got last October would come in handy. He loves to dress up and my great shopping skills came in handy, lol!



The parents were invited to also do a circle dance with the kiddos. I stayed off to the side to take a pic and my hubby (and toddler on back) joined in.




He named his stickhorse "Megatron."



Pic of us.



My preschooler and his best buddy.

Another Perspective

While I was putting my preschooler to bed last night, my toddler decided to do this! Apparently, he decided to go into our pantry, take out our baking soda nad pour it everywhere!









Of course, I should have cleaned it up immediately. But, instead, shortly thereafter, I laid down with said toddler and fell asleep. Needless to say, the mess was still awaiting me in the morning. But, during the night, my hubby received one of these pics I had taken before we went to sleep (he is at work for a couple weeks at a time and I like to send pics to him.)

Thinking he'd find it a little funny and irritating as I did, he had a totally different perspective. He said, "Looks like he just made an opportunity to help clean. SEE I CAN CLEAN UP!" What an interesting thought...

At least my toddler tried, lol!, because I didn't even consider it until mid-morning.

new skill

Our new fence around the back yard surrounding the house in order to keep the kiddos contained safely....$3200.



The caribiners that lock the handles of the gates so the kiddos can't escape....$10.



The excitement in my preschooler's voice as he explained how he and his younger brother slithered under the fence like a snake through the hole he made....priceless.

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble."
- Helen Keller


I have little tips that refresh on my homepage on my computer. I try to read them when I logon each day. I just read this one and thought it was relevant to what I did today. I had been procrastinating doing certain things: scheduling a well check-up for my toddler, calling an attorney to do my will (and other documents), and getting that gigantic pile of clothes folded and put away. I did all those tasks today and it felt great.

I took the kiddos to the park a couple days ago and we played until it got dark, and then continued playing. Everyone had gone except us and we could run up and down the hills and be as loud as we wanted. ..Here's a couple of pictures I took while we were there. I felt like a kid too as we ran around and had a picnic in the grass.

Hiking

We went hiking yesterday and walked a long time. That is, for little toddler legs, it was a long, long time. We explored a lot along the way. Afterwards, we were extremely hungry and went to a Chinese restaurant and gulped down their egg drop soup. We all had a nice long nap afterwards as well.

While hiking, we found deer tracks.



And laid down in the soft sand.



My preschooler carried his backpack with our drinks for when we go thirsty.



My toddler had my camera for a while and took this picture. We were in an area full of these pine trees. I imagine that if I were his height, I'd be looking up at a lot of these too.



And, my preschooler took this one of myself and my toddler.