A fine spring day here. Great for observing neighbourhood Nature, such as the noisy woodpecker hammering its favourite tree across the road; huge American robins everywhere looking for worms; the chipmunk, who is once again making tunnels under our patio (grrr), dragging home a dog biscuit (?!?) from next door's yard...
After a run of cold days we are back to warmer temperatures, and I felt more than cosy dressed in my owl costume (ah yes, that again) for an event at the local elementary school this evening. It was a "camps fair", showcasing various summer offerings: camps for gymnastics, drama, science, art, lego robotics, Harry Potter - you name it, it's out there. Even camps where you camp. Of course I was there promoting Five Rivers, which runs a summer Family Program where parents get to hang out with their children and do naturey stuff together.
My kids came along (the Girl was helping out at the Indian Ladder Farms table), but they disowned me on account of my costume. Other people's children seemed to appreciate me more, although one very small child did point out that I wasn't the "real Aries" (the much-loved half-blind, one-winged, captive owl at Five Rivers Center). And one person mistook me for a turkey.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
A day of many parts
The day's activities included (jointly or severally):
mowing the lawn
Japanese dining
clearing Buckingham Pond with a buddy
attending an event at Five Rivers
getting some branches trimmed in the backyard
cycling to a party
going to a different (skating-related) party.
Feel free to try and work out who did what.
mowing the lawn
Japanese dining
clearing Buckingham Pond with a buddy
attending an event at Five Rivers
getting some branches trimmed in the backyard
cycling to a party
going to a different (skating-related) party.
Feel free to try and work out who did what.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Trading post
Fair trade sale today at the Methodist church. All the familiar vendors were there - it made for a good team feeling. I think everyone did ok (this sale can't compete with the one held a month before Christmas, but people do turn out for it). There was a lot of enthusiasm for the High Schoolers' new FT club (and for the superb home-baked FT brownies they'd made to tempt people to their table), so I hope they felt good about that. As ever, it was fun catching up with old contacts, making some new ones, batting ideas around and sharing a spirit of camaraderie.
Meanwhile the Man took the Girl to the 4th annual Albany Children's Book Festival, where she was able to buy the just-published last book in her favourite Sisters Grimm series - from the author himself, Michael Buckley. So that was pretty cool. And though they missed out on the aforementioned brownies, Man and Girl did enjoy cupcakes on the top deck of Bettie's bus.
Meanwhile the Man took the Girl to the 4th annual Albany Children's Book Festival, where she was able to buy the just-published last book in her favourite Sisters Grimm series - from the author himself, Michael Buckley. So that was pretty cool. And though they missed out on the aforementioned brownies, Man and Girl did enjoy cupcakes on the top deck of Bettie's bus.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Assembly meeting
A friend had invited us to a small gathering at her house this evening to meet with a potential candidate for the NY State Assembly (equivalent to becoming an MP in Britain). It was fascinating to be in at the start of this person's campaign, as they try to establish what issues they need to focus on to gain popular support - initially just to succeed in the party primary.
This particular Assembly seat represents some areas of the city of Albany and also several suburbs. The candidate, who is city-based, was anxious to find out what the hot-button issues are in our rather comfortable suburb. The room tended to agree, the main concern locally is education (the school budget is under discussion right now, and there will inevitably be cuts in valued provisions).
Of course, any candidate has to do what it takes to get whatever votes are available and must make a stand for what their constituents care about. But the Man and I sat struggling to think of urgent local issues, and ended up hoping that if this person does get elected they'll actually focus more on urban advocacy and taking a stand for people whose need is really very much greater than ours.
This particular Assembly seat represents some areas of the city of Albany and also several suburbs. The candidate, who is city-based, was anxious to find out what the hot-button issues are in our rather comfortable suburb. The room tended to agree, the main concern locally is education (the school budget is under discussion right now, and there will inevitably be cuts in valued provisions).
Of course, any candidate has to do what it takes to get whatever votes are available and must make a stand for what their constituents care about. But the Man and I sat struggling to think of urgent local issues, and ended up hoping that if this person does get elected they'll actually focus more on urban advocacy and taking a stand for people whose need is really very much greater than ours.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
The $12.99 Clues
There's a fair trade market on Saturday and I've been preparing some display materials for it today. This year I should have plenty of help on my information table - I'm promised volunteers from the Middle School and from the recently formed High School Fair Trade Club. It's great that students want to get involved. Among other things we'll be selling bracelets left over from the elementary school FT fundraiser - so that's all the levels in the local school district represented! Yay!
Tonight the Girl is up in her room doing sudoku, and the Boy is stretched out on the couch, engrossed in volume six of The Thirty-Nine Clues. Reluctant reader no more! This adventure series has completely grabbed him. It's a collaborative effort, each volume written by one of a team of six established authors. It may be a gimmick, but it seems to work well for the Boy as the style varies from book to book which keeps it all fresh. He's also now going to be on the lookout for other books by the writers he has liked best. One thing I dislike about the series is that it's only available in hardback, at $12.99 a book - grrr to Scholastic. There are eleven volumes in series 1 alone, and series 2 is now well under way... It's a good thing our Boy doesn't mind borrowing them from the library.
Tonight the Girl is up in her room doing sudoku, and the Boy is stretched out on the couch, engrossed in volume six of The Thirty-Nine Clues. Reluctant reader no more! This adventure series has completely grabbed him. It's a collaborative effort, each volume written by one of a team of six established authors. It may be a gimmick, but it seems to work well for the Boy as the style varies from book to book which keeps it all fresh. He's also now going to be on the lookout for other books by the writers he has liked best. One thing I dislike about the series is that it's only available in hardback, at $12.99 a book - grrr to Scholastic. There are eleven volumes in series 1 alone, and series 2 is now well under way... It's a good thing our Boy doesn't mind borrowing them from the library.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The best pictures
I've probably mentioned before that I'm a bit of an insomniac. When I'm lying awake at night I'll often put the radio on to try and lull myself back to sleep. Sometimes it works, but it depends what's on, of course. Our local public radio station broadcasts the BBC World Service through the small hours on weekdays. Sometimes it's just too good to sleep through.
A few months ago, I lay listening to a programme that has stayed with me ever since. It was an episode of Witness, a ten minute show that sheds light on events of modern world history through the accounts of people who were actually present. It covers a huge range of topics, and is nearly always fascinating. This particular episode was on Ruby Bridges. As a six year-old in 1960, Ruby was the first black child to attend the all-white William Frantz Public School in New Orleans. She had to be escorted there each day by federal marshals, to safeguard her from the angry crowds outside.
You can listen to the story here - it is simply told, by Ruby Bridges herself, and it's extraordinarily powerful. In a scant ten minutes we see both the worst and the very best of humanity. This programme, like so many in the Witness series, proves once again that - yes - the pictures really are better on the radio.
A few months ago, I lay listening to a programme that has stayed with me ever since. It was an episode of Witness, a ten minute show that sheds light on events of modern world history through the accounts of people who were actually present. It covers a huge range of topics, and is nearly always fascinating. This particular episode was on Ruby Bridges. As a six year-old in 1960, Ruby was the first black child to attend the all-white William Frantz Public School in New Orleans. She had to be escorted there each day by federal marshals, to safeguard her from the angry crowds outside.
You can listen to the story here - it is simply told, by Ruby Bridges herself, and it's extraordinarily powerful. In a scant ten minutes we see both the worst and the very best of humanity. This programme, like so many in the Witness series, proves once again that - yes - the pictures really are better on the radio.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
You say banana...
I don't know why we were talking about bananas but we were, the Boy and I, on our walk to school this morning. I pointed out to him, "You say banana like an American - b'NAnna. I say b'nahnuh."
The Boy tried it for size. "B'nahnuh. B'naaahnuh!" and then he laughed, "I sound like an American pretending to be an English person."
It's true. Though he would tell you his heart still belongs in Britain, in many ways he has assimilated over here. He calls his friends "dude" (Dude, whaddaya mean?!). Have we really been here so long? Well, yes, I suppose we have. After all, this conversation took place nearly five years ago...
The Boy tried it for size. "B'nahnuh. B'naaahnuh!" and then he laughed, "I sound like an American pretending to be an English person."
It's true. Though he would tell you his heart still belongs in Britain, in many ways he has assimilated over here. He calls his friends "dude" (Dude, whaddaya mean?!). Have we really been here so long? Well, yes, I suppose we have. After all, this conversation took place nearly five years ago...
Monday, April 23, 2012
Obama-rama
Well, you know how it is in D.C. - turn your back for a second and suddenly a member of your family is on TV hobnobbing with the President...
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Dog tired
The Girl was out at a sleepover last night, not getting any sleep (predictably enough) - apparently she and the six other girls were playing dodge ball in the basement at four in the morning. Urrrgh.
I went to collect her before lunchtime. I took care to avoid the large black dog that loped out onto the driveway as I pulled in - it likes to jump up at anything that moves, including cars. It also throws itself in front of them, especially at night. In other death-wish moves (I was told today) it eats whole packs of medication whenever it can, and tubes of sunscreen. And it has twice had to be rescued from a freezing pond having wandered out on the ice and fallen through. The second time it was touch and go - but he was right back on the ice again the next day.
I was asked when I got inside the house if I wanted a dog. Every visitor is routinely asked and everyone replies no thanks, especially not that one... No one wants it, even its real owner, who left it with this family a couple of years ago and has never come back for it.
I went to collect her before lunchtime. I took care to avoid the large black dog that loped out onto the driveway as I pulled in - it likes to jump up at anything that moves, including cars. It also throws itself in front of them, especially at night. In other death-wish moves (I was told today) it eats whole packs of medication whenever it can, and tubes of sunscreen. And it has twice had to be rescued from a freezing pond having wandered out on the ice and fallen through. The second time it was touch and go - but he was right back on the ice again the next day.
I was asked when I got inside the house if I wanted a dog. Every visitor is routinely asked and everyone replies no thanks, especially not that one... No one wants it, even its real owner, who left it with this family a couple of years ago and has never come back for it.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Trees; a crowd
To celebrate Earth Day, Five Rivers laid on a tree planting opportunity. Some enormous new houses have recently been built adjacent to one of the preserve's boundaries, which many visitors complain spoil the view across a major expanse of grassland. The Five Rivers director had managed to get hold of some spruces and conifers which ultimately should grow up and provide a good screen, as well as creating suitable roosts for owls and hawks.
More than 300 trees in fact. Blimey! Earlier in the week there was some concern that not enough people would turn out for the planting - no-one had signed up. But come the day there was a huge crowd, armed with thick gloves and shovels. All sorts of people: elderly ladies; families with young kids; and even Joe Martens (the Commissioner of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, no less).
Fortunately, given how dry it has been lately, the maintenance crew had been through ahead of time and dug all the holes with a machine. All we volunteers had to do was shake the trees out of their pots, plonk them in the holes and do a little back-filling. With so many hands to the work, 300+ trees were planted in less than half an hour.
And now those trees are left to the mercies of Nature - who seems to be feeling pretty merciful, actually. The dry spell broke later in the afternoon and now we're having some good soaking rain (at last), and even a little lightning - perfect conditions to help newly-planted trees settle in.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Good reception
The Man and I attended the Friends of Five Rivers' first Anniversary Reception and Annual Awards Ceremony this evening. It was great. The venue was Albany Country Club, which was looking very fine this sunny, summer-like evening. We had a smallish room, which was comfortably packed with guests (and even the most dedicated pond-dipping instructors had cleaned up nicely and looked suitably smart).
Awards were presented first to two early Friends whose contribution had never been formally recognised before; then there was a posthumous award, accepted by her daughters, in honour of a very long-serving instructor who sadly died last year; and finally a Youth award went to a 16 year-old who has been volunteering his time at Five Rivers Center since he was 11. All were very worthy recipients.
Our MC was Scott Sauer, from the local public TV station. He did an excellent job (enviably fluent in front of an audience), including persuading people to go and make their bids in the the silent auction.
Everyone agreed that the event had gone extremely well, and we are now confident that we can make this a regular fixture on our fund-raising calendar. Hats off to our administrator, Joanne, who pulled it all together.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Trouser pressed
Anyway, that was the morning. In the afternoon I was trying to track down new clothes again. Unusually, I've another dress-up do to go to, the second in two weeks. Tomorrow evening is Friends of Five Rivers' first ever attempt at a fund-raising reception, and it'll be held at a golf club so we're expected to be smart.
I tried on endless pairs of trousers at the shops (quite confused as to how I could have dropped two sizes since first coming out here, without having actually lost any weight - methinks the clothing industry doth flatter). I came home empty-handed, and will once again be making do. I really don't think the other guests will mind. After all, we are most used to seeing each other in muddy boots and bramble-snagged sweatshirts - I'm not sure we'll all recognise each other if we tart ourselves up too much.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Allotment
On the way to visit my friends I saw the damage caused by a terrible fire that happened on Sunday just a few streets from their apartment. They told me about the flames they'd watched reaching above the rooftops. There are pictures of the aftermath here - though in fact three of the burnt-out buildings have already been bulldozed since these photos were taken. The street is still cordoned off. Thank goodness no-one was hurt, but twenty people were made homeless, including four refugee families. I can't imagine how horrendous it must be to see your home burn down. If in addition you've had to flee your country, exist at subsistence level in a refugee camp for two decades, then try and settle in an entirely new and confusing country...you must wonder what life has left to throw at you.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Back to basics
We've had very little precipitation of any kind - snow or rain - this year, so everywhere is dry. For the last couple of days our area has been under a red flag warning, which means there is a high risk of brush fires and such. Ponds and lakes are at low levels - which I noticed today on an outing around Five Rivers.
I was there for "Basic Training", an annual refresher course required of all volunteer instructors. I felt particularly in need of it, not having taught for quite a while. We spent most of the time outside being led on a plant walk - identifying different trees and shrubs and foliage and learning interesting ways to pass on information about them to students.
I'm happy to take a walk around Five Rivers in any circumstances, but the place really comes into its own when you're being led by a gifted instructor (as we were today) with a group of enthusiasts. Yesterday had been uncomfortably hot (over 90F), but today was just pleasant and sunny and generally perfect. I felt like I'd spent my morning well.
I was there for "Basic Training", an annual refresher course required of all volunteer instructors. I felt particularly in need of it, not having taught for quite a while. We spent most of the time outside being led on a plant walk - identifying different trees and shrubs and foliage and learning interesting ways to pass on information about them to students.
I'm happy to take a walk around Five Rivers in any circumstances, but the place really comes into its own when you're being led by a gifted instructor (as we were today) with a group of enthusiasts. Yesterday had been uncomfortably hot (over 90F), but today was just pleasant and sunny and generally perfect. I felt like I'd spent my morning well.
Monday, April 16, 2012
The Apprentice
At one of the Fair Trade conferences I've attended I sampled some chocolate products which I liked a lot, and the other week I contacted the company, Kopali Organics, requesting some samples to share at an upcoming Fair Trade Market [for local readers: it's on Saturday April 28, 11am-3pm at Delmar Methodist Church]. I also offered to take product samples to a couple of stores that I thought might be interested.
It felt a bit like setting off to do a selling challenge from The Apprentice, except that I wasn't accompanied by a bunch of muppets who think they are to sales what sharks and rottweilers are to...? I don't know, I don't really understand those animal metaphors. Why would I want to buy anything from a rottweiler? Anyway, it was just me and a box of yummy chocolate-covered banana-snacks.
First stop, Honest Weight Food Coop in Albany. I had all my spiel ready... Nah, I didn't, I'm no good at patter. I just thought I'd let the buyers try the products and see if they liked them or not. But to cut a long story short, it turns out they do carry some Kopali products already - the fact that I didn't know this should probably have embarrassed me, but actually it wasn't embarrassing at all. They are terribly nice at the coop, they really are.
As they are at Delmar Health Hut, which also stocks some of the products already - but has offered to give the chocolate-covered cocoa-nibs a go. So my sales efforts weren't a complete wash, though I don't suppose Lord Sugar/Mr Trump would have been very impressed with me. Hm, I can see the finger pointing at me...yep, I'm fired.
It felt a bit like setting off to do a selling challenge from The Apprentice, except that I wasn't accompanied by a bunch of muppets who think they are to sales what sharks and rottweilers are to...? I don't know, I don't really understand those animal metaphors. Why would I want to buy anything from a rottweiler? Anyway, it was just me and a box of yummy chocolate-covered banana-snacks.
First stop, Honest Weight Food Coop in Albany. I had all my spiel ready... Nah, I didn't, I'm no good at patter. I just thought I'd let the buyers try the products and see if they liked them or not. But to cut a long story short, it turns out they do carry some Kopali products already - the fact that I didn't know this should probably have embarrassed me, but actually it wasn't embarrassing at all. They are terribly nice at the coop, they really are.
As they are at Delmar Health Hut, which also stocks some of the products already - but has offered to give the chocolate-covered cocoa-nibs a go. So my sales efforts weren't a complete wash, though I don't suppose Lord Sugar/Mr Trump would have been very impressed with me. Hm, I can see the finger pointing at me...yep, I'm fired.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
OMG 2 - the next day
So, everyone survived the sleepover. Some on a lot less sleep than others. We said goodbye to the last guest around lunchtime, and since then we have been creeping about carefully as if slightly hungover - which we aren't, it just feels that way, our brains still reverberating from all the screaming of the day and night before.
The Girl's friends are not short on personality, that's for sure. Individually they are all perfectly nice, but en masse they're, like, totally overwhelming. However, the Girl enjoyed their company and had a great time. And it was worth it if only for an experience in contrasts: I don't think the house has ever felt so peaceful as it has this afternoon.
Ahhh. Never again. Well, not until the next time, anyway.
The Girl's friends are not short on personality, that's for sure. Individually they are all perfectly nice, but en masse they're, like, totally overwhelming. However, the Girl enjoyed their company and had a great time. And it was worth it if only for an experience in contrasts: I don't think the house has ever felt so peaceful as it has this afternoon.
Ahhh. Never again. Well, not until the next time, anyway.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
OMG
That's: Oh my, GIRLS!
They're loud, there are lots of them, and they're all over our sitting room. The Girl is having a late (in two senses) birthday party - one of those supposed "sleepovers" - with an indeterminate number (I think it's seven) of her friends.
What possessed us?
They are quiet at the moment, at least. Not sleeping, but watching a movie. Between movies...did I mention they are LOUD? And I thought ten year-old boys were noisy (incidentally, our own one of those has wisely shipped out to a friend's house for the night. No such luck for me and the Man).
Tomorrow's posting might be a bit bleary-eyed...
They're loud, there are lots of them, and they're all over our sitting room. The Girl is having a late (in two senses) birthday party - one of those supposed "sleepovers" - with an indeterminate number (I think it's seven) of her friends.
What possessed us?
They are quiet at the moment, at least. Not sleeping, but watching a movie. Between movies...did I mention they are LOUD? And I thought ten year-old boys were noisy (incidentally, our own one of those has wisely shipped out to a friend's house for the night. No such luck for me and the Man).
Tomorrow's posting might be a bit bleary-eyed...
Friday, April 13, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
DC picture post
A Blackbird - capable of flying from L.A. to Washington D.C. in 64 minutes, and of jamming all TVs for a 100 miles around.
The practice shuttle Enterprise (it was to be named the Constitution, but Trekkies got on the case and petitioned for a name-change...)
Model of the sunken Titanic, at the National Geographic Museum.
I'm sure you know who live here...
Excellent view of the Capitol Building, from beside the Washington Monument.
Said Monument, closed due to earthquake damage, but simply impressive as ever.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Snowline drive
The Park Ranger who took our entry fee shyly told us, "And if it starts to snow, head on out of the park at once." Snow! Really!?
We ascended quickly. As the official park guide notes, spring comes in here at about 100 feet per day. It had settled in well lower down (leafy trees, blossoms), but still had more than a month to go to reach the top of the ridge.
There were many places to stop and take in the views, which we did, despite a brisk breeze. The Man and I even managed a tiny hike - but then (so the Ranger wasn't kidding...) it started to snow.
We headed out of the park. But we would have done so anyway. It was time to take the much longer drive home.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Washington post
We were back in DC again today. We spent a while in the American Art Museum, which had an exhibition of video games (not really my cup of tea, but others enjoyed it - though the Boy complained about the lack of Pokemon), among many other interesting exhibits.
We then split up for a while. Man and Boy visited the original National Air and Space Museum. The Girl and I tried out the Newseum - a museum, you'll have guessed, about news.
It has all sorts - a section of the Berlin Wall, a "4D" movie, the American Civil War as it might have been tweeted, lots of computer games about journalism and interactive info-panels to illustrate the changing face of the media...and on and on. I could have spent much longer there, but the Girl found two hours about enough - perhaps not least because we ended with a collection of Pulitzer prize-winning photographs, which include so many painful images of conflict, famine and distress. Most of them were familiar to me (and still upsetting), but they were all new to the Girl.
The family met up again to eat. Before leaving town we squeezed in one last museum - the Museum of American History. Lots of intriguing stuff in there too, but the Boy for one only had legs for a little of it. But I liked seeing the First Ladies' frocks, anyway.
Now we've moved on elsewhere - more about that tomorrow...
We then split up for a while. Man and Boy visited the original National Air and Space Museum. The Girl and I tried out the Newseum - a museum, you'll have guessed, about news.
It has all sorts - a section of the Berlin Wall, a "4D" movie, the American Civil War as it might have been tweeted, lots of computer games about journalism and interactive info-panels to illustrate the changing face of the media...and on and on. I could have spent much longer there, but the Girl found two hours about enough - perhaps not least because we ended with a collection of Pulitzer prize-winning photographs, which include so many painful images of conflict, famine and distress. Most of them were familiar to me (and still upsetting), but they were all new to the Girl.
The family met up again to eat. Before leaving town we squeezed in one last museum - the Museum of American History. Lots of intriguing stuff in there too, but the Boy for one only had legs for a little of it. But I liked seeing the First Ladies' frocks, anyway.
Now we've moved on elsewhere - more about that tomorrow...
Monday, April 9, 2012
Flights and sights
We started with a massive breakfast buffet in the hotel, which set us up well for a full day.
First stop, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - the new wing of the National Air and Space Museum, out by Dulles Airport. It's excellent and we all enjoyed the visit. Among other exhibits there's the shuttle Enterprise (to be replaced - next Sunday - by Discovery); a Concorde; a Blackbird; and the thought-provoking Enola Gay. There was also an observation tower, from which we could watch planes landing and taking off from Dulles; and an interesting display explaining the amazing work of air-traffic controllers.
Next, on to a Metro station and into DC. The Girl had picked the National Geographic Museum as the place she wanted to visit - and it was a good choice. There were two special exhibits, one on samurai (great for our Girl,who's into all things Japanese); and one on the Titanic, which was of particular interest to the Boy.
We walked by the White House, where the annual Easter Egg Roll was taking place on the back lawn. 35,950 guests - but somehow we'd missed the invitation. Shucks. A very small child passing by did throw a wooden egg at my head, at least.
Then up to the Washington Memorial, which is closed to visitors since it was damaged last year in an earthquake (if you remember, in the two weeks we were in England last summer we missed an earthquake, a tornado and a hurricane on our edge of the States). From the ground we could see cracks and evidence of shifted stonework in the monument.
We'd hoped also to enjoy some famous cherry blossom (it's 100 years since Japan presented DC with 3,000 cherry trees), but we didn't see a single flower - by the looks of the leafy trees, the blossoms were long gone.
Anyway, like I say, a full day. We took photos, but unfortunately can't upload them yet. Check back in a couple more days...
First stop, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - the new wing of the National Air and Space Museum, out by Dulles Airport. It's excellent and we all enjoyed the visit. Among other exhibits there's the shuttle Enterprise (to be replaced - next Sunday - by Discovery); a Concorde; a Blackbird; and the thought-provoking Enola Gay. There was also an observation tower, from which we could watch planes landing and taking off from Dulles; and an interesting display explaining the amazing work of air-traffic controllers.
Next, on to a Metro station and into DC. The Girl had picked the National Geographic Museum as the place she wanted to visit - and it was a good choice. There were two special exhibits, one on samurai (great for our Girl,who's into all things Japanese); and one on the Titanic, which was of particular interest to the Boy.
We walked by the White House, where the annual Easter Egg Roll was taking place on the back lawn. 35,950 guests - but somehow we'd missed the invitation. Shucks. A very small child passing by did throw a wooden egg at my head, at least.
Then up to the Washington Memorial, which is closed to visitors since it was damaged last year in an earthquake (if you remember, in the two weeks we were in England last summer we missed an earthquake, a tornado and a hurricane on our edge of the States). From the ground we could see cracks and evidence of shifted stonework in the monument.
We'd hoped also to enjoy some famous cherry blossom (it's 100 years since Japan presented DC with 3,000 cherry trees), but we didn't see a single flower - by the looks of the leafy trees, the blossoms were long gone.
Anyway, like I say, a full day. We took photos, but unfortunately can't upload them yet. Check back in a couple more days...
Sunday, April 8, 2012
On the road
We're on the road again - another trip to Washington DC. The day has mainly been spent in the car.
The journey was uneventful (except for a few wrong turns *sigh*). Near the state border with Pennsylvania we saw a lot of groundhogs who apparently live in the central reservation, which seems like a dangerous way to exist. And we passed through a bit of Amish country - horse drawn buggies and neat little farms - though it felt a shame to be ploughing through them on an Interstate.
And now here we are in a hotel, looking forward to a good kip and then a busy day exploring tomorrow.
The journey was uneventful (except for a few wrong turns *sigh*). Near the state border with Pennsylvania we saw a lot of groundhogs who apparently live in the central reservation, which seems like a dangerous way to exist. And we passed through a bit of Amish country - horse drawn buggies and neat little farms - though it felt a shame to be ploughing through them on an Interstate.
And now here we are in a hotel, looking forward to a good kip and then a busy day exploring tomorrow.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Wedding
It's too late to be blogging - we've just got back from a wedding in Saratoga. It was a lovely occasion, and we were glad to be there to celebrate with the very happy couple. They are no doubt still dancing the night away...but for me it's time to sleep now.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Dress test
I have a very dear elderly friend (and namesake) in Linton - anyone from the village reading this will know who I'm talking about - whose regular response to requests from the Brownies is always "Sorry, I can't give you any jumble - I'm wearing it!"
Well, that tends to go for me, too. I feel happiest wearing jeans and t-shirts, and will gladly wear the same ones for years until they fall apart. This makes "dressing up" for formal occasions quite a challenge. Tomorrow we'll be going to a wedding, so today I've been trying to shop for a dress.
I tried on all sorts (and several sizes - I still haven't quite got to grips with American sizing, which reckons I'm one size in trousers and another in tops, so where does that leave me when it comes to dresses?). I did manage to pick out two that I thought were worth bringing home...but I've lost faith in them since. So I've scrabbled about in my wardrobe and pulled together a jacket and pair of decent (i.e. not denim and no holes in the knees) trousers that will do fine. After all, the main thing is to celebrate a marriage. The bride will look beautiful and, so long as it's halfway respectable, what I wear is neither here nor there.
For future reference I've instructed the Girl to spare me any potential mother-of-the-bride costume agony by please getting married, if she does, somewhere like a goat farm. (Should be fairly economical too The Man adds).
Well, that tends to go for me, too. I feel happiest wearing jeans and t-shirts, and will gladly wear the same ones for years until they fall apart. This makes "dressing up" for formal occasions quite a challenge. Tomorrow we'll be going to a wedding, so today I've been trying to shop for a dress.
I tried on all sorts (and several sizes - I still haven't quite got to grips with American sizing, which reckons I'm one size in trousers and another in tops, so where does that leave me when it comes to dresses?). I did manage to pick out two that I thought were worth bringing home...but I've lost faith in them since. So I've scrabbled about in my wardrobe and pulled together a jacket and pair of decent (i.e. not denim and no holes in the knees) trousers that will do fine. After all, the main thing is to celebrate a marriage. The bride will look beautiful and, so long as it's halfway respectable, what I wear is neither here nor there.
For future reference I've instructed the Girl to spare me any potential mother-of-the-bride costume agony by please getting married, if she does, somewhere like a goat farm. (Should be fairly economical too The Man adds).
Thursday, April 5, 2012
On foot
The Man needed the car today, so I had to walk to my dental appointment about three miles from home. No problem. On the way back a neighbour passed in his car, rolled down his window and offered me a lift, but I decided to keep on walking anyway as I could use the exercise.
Later in the day I had a meeting to get to at a cafe in town, so I set off again - only half the distance this time. On the way back, someone I know drove past me in the opposite direction, rolled down her window and shouted hello. A bit further along, someone else did the same. And then, quite close to home, the same neighbour as earlier drove by and offered me a lift again. So this time I accepted as I didn't want to seem unfriendly.
Having complained before about how lonely it can be as a pedestrian in this country, all this (albeit brief) human contact was a nice turn up for the books.
Later in the day I had a meeting to get to at a cafe in town, so I set off again - only half the distance this time. On the way back, someone I know drove past me in the opposite direction, rolled down her window and shouted hello. A bit further along, someone else did the same. And then, quite close to home, the same neighbour as earlier drove by and offered me a lift again. So this time I accepted as I didn't want to seem unfriendly.
Having complained before about how lonely it can be as a pedestrian in this country, all this (albeit brief) human contact was a nice turn up for the books.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Blossoming talents
I had one of my domestic goddess days yesterday - baking and so forth. The bread rolls came out rather well. The fruit and nut bars were good too. Look and drool.
And when I wasn't mixing and kneading and checking the oven I took a moment to enjoy the blossom on our trees. It's very pretty this year. Alas for our neighbours with magnolia trees, which bloomed too soon in that early summer we had a couple of weeks ago, and then perished in a killing frost.
And when I wasn't mixing and kneading and checking the oven I took a moment to enjoy the blossom on our trees. It's very pretty this year. Alas for our neighbours with magnolia trees, which bloomed too soon in that early summer we had a couple of weeks ago, and then perished in a killing frost.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
GeekStop
The kids persuaded me to take them on a pilgrimage to GameStop this evening, as they both had gift cards burning holes in their pockets.
The place is Nirvana for geeks (so would that be Nerdvana?). Just computer games, wall to wall - new ones, secondhand ones; games for Wii, games for Xbox, games for Nintendo DS; violent games, cute games, games for...kids who are too young to be playing video games, surely?
There's not much I have less interest in than computer games, and yet... I really love the store clerks at GameStop. Geeks to a man and woman. They love games, know them all inside-out, and are only too willing to share their enthusiasm with their customers (who, after all, are kindred spirits - or failing that, close relatives of kindred spirits). Since I'm a sucker for enthusiasts of almost any kind I find them utterly charming. The girl on shift this evening enthused about our Girl's anime-figure necklace, enthused about her choice of game (I have all three in that series - they are soooo cool!), and just all round seemed happy to be there serving us. Of course the clerks are nice enough in, say, Best Buy - but that's a store that also sells TVs and toasters. Not the same at all. Speciality - that's the key to creating a sense of retail community.
The place is Nirvana for geeks (so would that be Nerdvana?). Just computer games, wall to wall - new ones, secondhand ones; games for Wii, games for Xbox, games for Nintendo DS; violent games, cute games, games for...kids who are too young to be playing video games, surely?
There's not much I have less interest in than computer games, and yet... I really love the store clerks at GameStop. Geeks to a man and woman. They love games, know them all inside-out, and are only too willing to share their enthusiasm with their customers (who, after all, are kindred spirits - or failing that, close relatives of kindred spirits). Since I'm a sucker for enthusiasts of almost any kind I find them utterly charming. The girl on shift this evening enthused about our Girl's anime-figure necklace, enthused about her choice of game (I have all three in that series - they are soooo cool!), and just all round seemed happy to be there serving us. Of course the clerks are nice enough in, say, Best Buy - but that's a store that also sells TVs and toasters. Not the same at all. Speciality - that's the key to creating a sense of retail community.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Twelve - no kidding
Our Girl turned twelve today. Twelve!
There were presents, of course - including some "way cool" art supplies (for drawing manga), a money jar that counts your money as you fill it and a gift card to GameStop, her Shangri-la. Many thanks to the gift-givers, generous grandparents in particular.
There was also a cake, with goats on it.
There were presents, of course - including some "way cool" art supplies (for drawing manga), a money jar that counts your money as you fill it and a gift card to GameStop, her Shangri-la. Many thanks to the gift-givers, generous grandparents in particular.
There was also a cake, with goats on it.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Pranked
So frustrating when I switched on my computer this morning - the cursor was jammed. Nggh. Fiddled with the mouse plug - nothing. Switched the computer off and on again - still stuck. And finally I turned the mouse over and found the piece of masking tape someone had stuck over the laser eye.
The Girl's work. How the Man laughed at me for letting myself be April Fooled. Until he realised someone had switched the language on his iPhone, and with all the menus now in Arabic he had no idea how to switch it back.
The Boy, meanwhile, had picked a more traditional trick to play on his sister - stuffing her boots with cotton-wool balls.
And I told the Man I was leaving him to live in the woods with a beardy banjo player.
Did anyone else out there get pranked today - or did you play any good pranks yourself?
The Girl's work. How the Man laughed at me for letting myself be April Fooled. Until he realised someone had switched the language on his iPhone, and with all the menus now in Arabic he had no idea how to switch it back.
The Boy, meanwhile, had picked a more traditional trick to play on his sister - stuffing her boots with cotton-wool balls.
And I told the Man I was leaving him to live in the woods with a beardy banjo player.
Did anyone else out there get pranked today - or did you play any good pranks yourself?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)