So, we're off to Kansas for a family reunion celebrating the 70th wedding anniversary of Paul's grandparents. Their actual anniversary is in April but this was the easiest time for all of the family to gather together. I typically enjoy Paul's family--there aren't that many of them, they aren't terribly loud or obnoxious, none seem to belong on Springer (none of which can be said for my own family).
But as is the case when we visit my family, it's just too many people in too small of an area. One (or both) of us typically ends up with a splitting headache because there are just TOO MANY PEOPLE around and we have to be "on" for the entire time.
And let's just be honest here--Paul and I are borderline hermits. We keep to ourselves, quietly going about our business at home, venturing out to the occasional dinner with friends or various meetings. But usually, the lights are low, the shades are drawn, and we don't even answer the telephone. If we didn't have jobs (and we didn't enjoy the basic things like food), we'd probably cross that line to full-blown hermits. This makes it difficult when we have to be around more than two other people at a time. And then be entertaining and intriguing and engaging. And then act like the other people are entertaining, intriguing, and engaging. Because, really, after about 10 minutes, I've gotten caught up on your doings, you know all about me, and it takes about seven more minutes for you to figure out that we're really dull people with a happily boring life. And we're in a town of about 100 people so we can catch up on all their doings within the half-hour as well.
I'm hoping to meet up with a friend who moved to Kansas from ABQ. She was the band director at my school for three years and we were great partners in crime. Plus, it's a great excuse to escape the inlaws. Not that I don't love them but as I've mentioned to Paul, my own family drives me batty. Why wouldn't his?
At least we're guaranteed some ice cream at some point in the weekend. Paul definitely inherited his grandfather's sweet tooth. Owen loves his sweets--ice cream, chocolates, cookies. One year, we had six pies for eight people, thanks to Owen. We got to have pie for breakfast. And it was good.
Five years ago, we had a big gathering for the 65th wedding anniversary. This party isn't as large but in the past five years, ther have been three weddings and four babies born so at least the family will be bigger. His grandparents are 93 and 92 now--we don't know how many more trips to Kansas we'll be making. And this one will be a celebration.
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
Memorial Day Weekend, 2006
My sister Amy, her husband David, and their two children joined us for Memorial Day weekend.
Totally edible.
Paul at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden in the Children's Fantasy Garden. We took the little train from the Rio Grande Zoo to the Botanic Garden because it sounded like an entertaining trip for Abigail and an easy way to get between the two places. It turned out to be a better idea than a reality. The trains were running way behind schedule (the powers-that-be chose to have Memorial Day weekend be the test-run for two trains) and were very crowded as a result. So...
we walked from the Botanic Gardens back to the Zoo with two very tired, hot babies (who did enjoy the ice cream and the animals once we got back). It's a shortish walk (1 mile or so) but made longer since there isn't exactly a back entrance to the zoo from the walking path (although in the extra-long ice cream line, we chatted with a lady who said she and her family did the same thing, also with two little ones, except they begged the service entry to let them back in). We all decided that the train idea could use some work and perhaps a back entrance to the zoo is just what is needed.
After the long day on Saturday, we had a lazy start to the day on Sunday morning. Amy and I did a little shopping while David and Abigail went to the park and Paul babysat Benjamin (who was sound asleep and stayed that way, much to Paul's delight).
Paul and Abigail enjoy blueberry smooties and pita chips. Paul declared it a lesson in textures but I think he just wanted chips for breakfast.
Sunday evening, we took in an Albuquerque Isotopes game. We're deciding whether to start with something nutrious like a hot dog and nachos or just dive right in to Dippin' Dots and Icees.
#1 fan (who didn't like having her picture taken all weekend--this is a sneaky shot). Abigail did enjoy the mascot, Orbit, and learning how to headbang, thanks to her Aunt Carrie and Uncle Paul. (Long story short, one of the players had AC/DC as intro music. Abs was fussy and it seemed like a good distraction. It worked and was really amusing for all the adults.) Unfortunately the ballgame ran long and we gave up before the fireworks after the game.
All in all, it was a very enjoyable weekend for everyone. Abigail was taken by a bit of a stomach bug after the baseball game and Amy and David almost extended their visit. But thanks to the wonders of modern medicine (and the resilliency of a 3-year-old) she was back to 100% by mid-afternoon and they were on their way back home.
And Paul and I have decided we'd like to order a Benjamin when we decide to have a child. Such an easy-going mellow little guy. And he's got great hair.
Totally edible.
Paul at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden in the Children's Fantasy Garden. We took the little train from the Rio Grande Zoo to the Botanic Garden because it sounded like an entertaining trip for Abigail and an easy way to get between the two places. It turned out to be a better idea than a reality. The trains were running way behind schedule (the powers-that-be chose to have Memorial Day weekend be the test-run for two trains) and were very crowded as a result. So...
we walked from the Botanic Gardens back to the Zoo with two very tired, hot babies (who did enjoy the ice cream and the animals once we got back). It's a shortish walk (1 mile or so) but made longer since there isn't exactly a back entrance to the zoo from the walking path (although in the extra-long ice cream line, we chatted with a lady who said she and her family did the same thing, also with two little ones, except they begged the service entry to let them back in). We all decided that the train idea could use some work and perhaps a back entrance to the zoo is just what is needed.
After the long day on Saturday, we had a lazy start to the day on Sunday morning. Amy and I did a little shopping while David and Abigail went to the park and Paul babysat Benjamin (who was sound asleep and stayed that way, much to Paul's delight).
Paul and Abigail enjoy blueberry smooties and pita chips. Paul declared it a lesson in textures but I think he just wanted chips for breakfast.
Sunday evening, we took in an Albuquerque Isotopes game. We're deciding whether to start with something nutrious like a hot dog and nachos or just dive right in to Dippin' Dots and Icees.
#1 fan (who didn't like having her picture taken all weekend--this is a sneaky shot). Abigail did enjoy the mascot, Orbit, and learning how to headbang, thanks to her Aunt Carrie and Uncle Paul. (Long story short, one of the players had AC/DC as intro music. Abs was fussy and it seemed like a good distraction. It worked and was really amusing for all the adults.) Unfortunately the ballgame ran long and we gave up before the fireworks after the game.
All in all, it was a very enjoyable weekend for everyone. Abigail was taken by a bit of a stomach bug after the baseball game and Amy and David almost extended their visit. But thanks to the wonders of modern medicine (and the resilliency of a 3-year-old) she was back to 100% by mid-afternoon and they were on their way back home.
And Paul and I have decided we'd like to order a Benjamin when we decide to have a child. Such an easy-going mellow little guy. And he's got great hair.
Monday, May 22, 2006
I come by it honestly
Paul and I always joke that we're not very good at being grown-ups. Despite all those things that are put in place to make us into adults (mortgages, jobs, car payments, etc.), we bumble our way through life, half expecting someone to figure us out for the frauds that we are.
After a conversation with my mother yesterday, I've decided that perhaps Paul and I could be runner-up to my parents for the title of Worst Grown-Ups Ever. Even my mom agreed.
It seems that my parents managed to burn down their well house after leaving a dead stump burning unattended. Dad started it burning, told Mom to check it, and left to help a friend with some fence work. Mom and I chatted on the phone for a bit and then she left for a party at a friend's house. She received a phone call an hour or so later from another friend who let her know that there was a fire on their place and let her know that fire trucks were on their way.
Yes, folks--all those years of fire safety lessons that my mother taught her own children and at school seemed to have been forgotten. They burned down their well house. To the ground. Nothing left. Not the well, the various lawn equipment and garden stuff stored in there. Farewell to the silly stuffed pheasant that is still a vivid memory from my childhood. Gone. All gone. Thankfully, while it is bad that they've lost a bit of stuff, it isn't as bad as it could have been. The house is fine, the barn, storage shed, and carport are all fine. My parents are fine (albeit without water for a bit).
I just realized that I forgot to ask about the condition of the stump.
After a conversation with my mother yesterday, I've decided that perhaps Paul and I could be runner-up to my parents for the title of Worst Grown-Ups Ever. Even my mom agreed.
It seems that my parents managed to burn down their well house after leaving a dead stump burning unattended. Dad started it burning, told Mom to check it, and left to help a friend with some fence work. Mom and I chatted on the phone for a bit and then she left for a party at a friend's house. She received a phone call an hour or so later from another friend who let her know that there was a fire on their place and let her know that fire trucks were on their way.
Yes, folks--all those years of fire safety lessons that my mother taught her own children and at school seemed to have been forgotten. They burned down their well house. To the ground. Nothing left. Not the well, the various lawn equipment and garden stuff stored in there. Farewell to the silly stuffed pheasant that is still a vivid memory from my childhood. Gone. All gone. Thankfully, while it is bad that they've lost a bit of stuff, it isn't as bad as it could have been. The house is fine, the barn, storage shed, and carport are all fine. My parents are fine (albeit without water for a bit).
I just realized that I forgot to ask about the condition of the stump.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Catching up
It seems that I have been neglecting things over here at the blog. It was a combination of lack of inclination and a lack of things happening in life right now. Now that things have perked up a bit, the inclination to write has reappeared.
1. I really need a reason to wear this hat again:
...and I'll insert a picture of my new straw hat with the big-honking flower as soon as I find the camera cord but in the meantime, just know that it is quite faboo...
It is from a Derby party hosted by a friend in Ft. Worth. It is a fabulous hat but I didn't quite think it through before I bought it that I would have to get it back home (I did, however, plan for the several pairs of shoes I bought and the couple of new outfits and left room in the suitcase). I kept telling people at the airport that it made more sense on Saturday when I had on the floral dress, drinking a mint julep, and chatting about the horse race while wearing the hat. And the fact that there were other people doing the same thing also helped (although I have been known to just slap on various head gear because it's entertaining, such as the obnoxious birthday tiara I wore around work on my 30th birthday). But the hat and I made it home unscathed, much to my delight and the amusement of my fellow flyers.
I was in D/FW for a long weekend--one I try to take every Spring to visit my sister and the variety of friends in the Metroplex. It seems that the number of friends is growing as is the number of small children I see each time. It is telling that I am of That Age because two of my friends were pregnant on this visit. I'm always a bit melancholy upon arrival back in ABQ--I miss being in Texas with all of the people I know there. I know that there are negatives to living there, just as there are positives to being here. But that is home and it always will be no matter how long I live in the Land of Enchantment.
2. Yearbook distribution was today. For all the weeks I've had of doing not much at work--this was the chance to make up for it all. It is a super busy morning. I was greeted by about 10 people waiting to purchase yearbooks at 8:00 a.m. and the line didn't shorten again until midway through the morning. I've had stragglers coming in throughout the day to purchase yearbooks, including several parents who were told by their children that they had to buy the yearbook RIGHT THEN or they would all be sold. I'm not sure my mother would have left work RIGHT THEN to come buy something as frivolous as a yearbook for me. A kidney, perhaps. But not a yearbook.
I was a little irritated with this year's yearbook staff not doing quite as much work as they should have done (and I'm much too nice to kick them off the staff because of it). I completed several of the pages myself and had to edit many more because! there! were! lots! and lots! of exclamation! points! on! them!!!! The staff all did show up to help with the distribution this morning though, which was a very good thing because we might have seen the librarian's head explode if they hadn't. But the end result seems to be well received and I've heard good things from staff and students (with a few sour comments thrown in just because someone has to be a sour puss). A favorite page is the one with various teachers' pictures from middle school, including that wonderful version of me in 1987. The students don't realize that in 20 years, they'll be trying to figure out what the heck they were thinking as well.
3. School lets out in two weeks. Hard to believe it's almost summer. The library renovation will continue into the summer. Originally, we'd been told they would finish in May. Of course, we were also told it would start last July so I knew not to believe them when the May date was given. The renovation will be finished during the summer, and I'll be into that new space in August. August 8, to be exact. But I'm not thinking about that right now. Instead, I'm concentrating on there are only being nine more mornings that I have to get up at 6:00 a.m. Or at least that the alarm goes off that early because I can't honestly say I've been out of bed at that early in a long time.
4. And in anticipation of summer, I've started planning out a variety of projects to accomplish in the next two months. One is to continue organizing those Fibber McGee closets in our house and also break out the knitting how-to and finally get that learned. We're not planning any long vacations this year (or next or the year after that thanks to the new company) but have made some tentative plans to take a few long weekends to see MLB games. We decided to extend the trip KS that we'll be taking in June for Paul's grandparents' 70th wedding anniversary to include a Royals game. So far on the Tour Of MLB Teams, we've seen the Cubs (2003), Rockies (2003), Astros (2004), Orioles (2004), Braves (2004), and the Mariners (2005). Looking at that list, one would think I like baseball but I don't really. But I do like my husband who does like baseball.
1. I really need a reason to wear this hat again:
...and I'll insert a picture of my new straw hat with the big-honking flower as soon as I find the camera cord but in the meantime, just know that it is quite faboo...
It is from a Derby party hosted by a friend in Ft. Worth. It is a fabulous hat but I didn't quite think it through before I bought it that I would have to get it back home (I did, however, plan for the several pairs of shoes I bought and the couple of new outfits and left room in the suitcase). I kept telling people at the airport that it made more sense on Saturday when I had on the floral dress, drinking a mint julep, and chatting about the horse race while wearing the hat. And the fact that there were other people doing the same thing also helped (although I have been known to just slap on various head gear because it's entertaining, such as the obnoxious birthday tiara I wore around work on my 30th birthday). But the hat and I made it home unscathed, much to my delight and the amusement of my fellow flyers.
I was in D/FW for a long weekend--one I try to take every Spring to visit my sister and the variety of friends in the Metroplex. It seems that the number of friends is growing as is the number of small children I see each time. It is telling that I am of That Age because two of my friends were pregnant on this visit. I'm always a bit melancholy upon arrival back in ABQ--I miss being in Texas with all of the people I know there. I know that there are negatives to living there, just as there are positives to being here. But that is home and it always will be no matter how long I live in the Land of Enchantment.
2. Yearbook distribution was today. For all the weeks I've had of doing not much at work--this was the chance to make up for it all. It is a super busy morning. I was greeted by about 10 people waiting to purchase yearbooks at 8:00 a.m. and the line didn't shorten again until midway through the morning. I've had stragglers coming in throughout the day to purchase yearbooks, including several parents who were told by their children that they had to buy the yearbook RIGHT THEN or they would all be sold. I'm not sure my mother would have left work RIGHT THEN to come buy something as frivolous as a yearbook for me. A kidney, perhaps. But not a yearbook.
I was a little irritated with this year's yearbook staff not doing quite as much work as they should have done (and I'm much too nice to kick them off the staff because of it). I completed several of the pages myself and had to edit many more because! there! were! lots! and lots! of exclamation! points! on! them!!!! The staff all did show up to help with the distribution this morning though, which was a very good thing because we might have seen the librarian's head explode if they hadn't. But the end result seems to be well received and I've heard good things from staff and students (with a few sour comments thrown in just because someone has to be a sour puss). A favorite page is the one with various teachers' pictures from middle school, including that wonderful version of me in 1987. The students don't realize that in 20 years, they'll be trying to figure out what the heck they were thinking as well.
3. School lets out in two weeks. Hard to believe it's almost summer. The library renovation will continue into the summer. Originally, we'd been told they would finish in May. Of course, we were also told it would start last July so I knew not to believe them when the May date was given. The renovation will be finished during the summer, and I'll be into that new space in August. August 8, to be exact. But I'm not thinking about that right now. Instead, I'm concentrating on there are only being nine more mornings that I have to get up at 6:00 a.m. Or at least that the alarm goes off that early because I can't honestly say I've been out of bed at that early in a long time.
4. And in anticipation of summer, I've started planning out a variety of projects to accomplish in the next two months. One is to continue organizing those Fibber McGee closets in our house and also break out the knitting how-to and finally get that learned. We're not planning any long vacations this year (or next or the year after that thanks to the new company) but have made some tentative plans to take a few long weekends to see MLB games. We decided to extend the trip KS that we'll be taking in June for Paul's grandparents' 70th wedding anniversary to include a Royals game. So far on the Tour Of MLB Teams, we've seen the Cubs (2003), Rockies (2003), Astros (2004), Orioles (2004), Braves (2004), and the Mariners (2005). Looking at that list, one would think I like baseball but I don't really. But I do like my husband who does like baseball.
Friday, April 28, 2006
A random assortment of photos
Jubjub had an itch
One of the giraffes at the Houston Zoo stretches out.
Waffle cup with chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, and a cherry for Paul--at the ice cream shop on the Square in Bay CityThen next three pictures are from the beach near Matagorda, TX.
The bottle with barnacles. According to six ten pine, a plastic bottle takes 450 years to break down after it's been thrown away. I wonder how long it takes for barnacles to attach to one.
I like this picture of Paul and My Bald Dad on the beach looking for sea shells. Paul had wanted to go swimming but the water was still a little chilly.
Someone got a pretty decent start on a hole to China--it was a good two feet deep.
One of the barn cats takes a nap in the back of the pickup on Easter Sunday.
So, Paul orders a shipping crate for the new company and it was sent to our house. In a box. A shipping crate in a box. We didn't understand it either.
Easily my two favorite people in the world.
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