Look--I didn't even push anyone

Love 'em or hate 'em--they are mine.

And while there are those moments we all want to kill
each other, there are also these moments when
you forgive it all and are glad you have them.

Well.....except for Joe and his "Huh??" every time someone
said something. That made for a very long week.

(Hey, don't forget the First Ever Duck and Wheel Giveaway!)

A Giveaway???! At the Duck and Wheel???!

I was at my niece's graduation party earlier in the summer when I ran into some of the long lost relatives. They weren't lost--I sorta was, but it didn't matter, it sure was nice to see them after so many years.

Once such find was my cousin, Tracy. She's my cousin....uh....like a few times over, but who cares? Either way, she's a hoot. She's all bubbly and cute and has this sweet family and talks all fun-like. She and I were chatting it up and nobody could get a word in edgewise--it was great.

Tracy is "colorful", which is Joe's way of describing most of my family members. You see, his family is what I call "beige"--they talk about safe things like weather and golf scores. My family....well, we all have opinions and we all talk really loud and laugh even louder. There is no beige in my family--we are all fun, colorful characters.

So, while I'm chattin' it up with Tracy, we both compare notes and find out that while I blog, she has a website and a blog for her business:

(Spiffy, eh?)

Turns out girlfriend is rockin' it with these really cool cards that she makes. And they are sweet!

There is some talented chickies in our family--you can go to her website and check it out.

http://www.sincerelyyoursbytracy.com/

So, I tell Tracy that I dig her stuff and that I'm gonna do a big pitch at the Duck and Wheel for her website. And then I decided that we need to do a big giveaway too. Now I'm excited AND she's excited--which just leads us to more talking and laughing and being all animated.

I could tell you all about my super cool cousin, Tracy, and her business, but I think she writes it best:

"Sincerely Yours by Tracy is a specialty greeting card company that designs customized, hand crafted cards for all special occasions. We enjoy designing unique, One of A Kind invitations, announcements and custom notecard packs that you are not able to find elsewhere....

In addition to a variety of high-quality note cards, we offer a one-of-a-kind greeting card service, Unforgettable Cards. Unforgettable Cards will automatically manage your greeting card needs all year long. Each card is individually designed and customized for each person. Whether personal or professional, this is a convenient and memorable way to recognize the special people in your life.

Unforgettable Cards is a greeting card service that will keep track of all of your greeting card needs, all year long. What makes this service special is that each card is individually customized for each person for any occasion. You provide us the name, occasion, month, and special interests for each card, and we will design the perfect hand crafted greeting card. We take time to incorporate their hobbies etc. into the design of the card so they know that card was made JUST FOR THEM! We want to WOW each person that opens up a card from Sincerely Yours!! And best of all, we will do this for you every year, automatically."

Cool, eh? I like the cards and the concept. I like that you can find specials on her Facebook page and that she is so darn quick with her orders. And the cards---oooh, the cards.

So, to celebrate the reunion of those wacky Zacker/Shukes girls--I'm going all out and having a giveaway at the Duck and Wheel. Yep, believe it or not, being a pally has its privileges.

There will be no posting requirements, no guessing my Grandmother's name, no math problems, or changing of tires in order to win. All that I am doing is asking you to pop on over to Tracy's site, pick out a package of notecards that you would like, come back here and leave me a note of what you would like to have if I draw your name. I'm gonna treat TWO of you wacky readers if you are so inclined to join in the fun.

Please go over and see what Tracy creates--I think you are going to like it. I'm gonna let this giveaway ride for the weekend and do the drawing on Tuesday. I can't wait to see who wins!


Oh--happy weekend, pallies! I'm off on adventures and the quest for blog posts--I'm sure you are too. Who knows, maybe I'll find some more fun relatives.

I Love Hobbes Thursday

There are some downfalls to vacation, like all that packing and unpacking, dirty laundry, and riding in the car with your closest family members for eight hours debating things like who has the stinkiest feet. There is also that cramming four of us into a small kitchenette for the week and trying to find counter space in the wee bath area when you've got a teen gal with ya.

Yeah, I'm sure there has been more than one call to the murder hotline by distressed, over-the-edge family members who can't take it anymore. It does test your stress levels at times, I have to say.

So, while all that is going on, there is one thing that always sticks in the back of my mind:

And as much as I missed the kitties, I think they missed us more.

We left them in the care of various sitters--Sammy the Wiener Dog's mom and G'ma Phyl all made sure they were well taken care of. Wiener Dog's mom made sure there was fresh water, plenty of food, and a clean litter box, while G'ma Phyl dished out the lovin' on a daily basis. Hobbes is a lovin' guy--he can't go without out smooches for more than a day or two.

In spite of our best intentions, the cats always manage to act all miffy when we get home. It is our penance for daring to leave them in the house for a whole week.

Grace walks right past us and darts out the door--relishing the fresh air that she was missing all week. Who cares that she doesn't really go outside when we are home--it's just that she had no choice in the matter while we were out of town.

The only thing faster than Grace plowing us down to get out the door is Hobbes. You have never seen 17 lbs of orange ottoman breaking land speed records until you have seen Hobbes after being in the house, with Grace, for more than 6 hours. Homeboy was gasping the stale air conditioned air, suffering for days upon days--or so he says with his reprimanding mews.

There is no petting or attention for us lame humans for at least an hour or so. We must be taught a lesson and there is no forgiveness--well, until they realize that they need a little scratch on the chin. Ahhhhh, there is no love like Mom love--just ask them. G'ma Phyl is good, but she doesn't know about that spot right under the chin.

All is forgiven now that we have been home for days, but Hobbes still insists on darting out the door first thing in the morning. He isn't taking any chances that we might leave again.

Butterfly Hunt Part II

Criminy. If it's not one knucklehead, it's the other.

I walked outside the other night to find this:

Yeah, Grace is on the prowl for butterflies now.

She's an old lady now, that Grace, and doesn't get off her chair in the family room
for much. Every once in awhile, if I go outside in the evening, she'll follow--but
it is definitely the rare occasion. Girlfriend prefers air conditioning and a
soft cushion to garden mulch and mosquitoes.

But there is just something about those butterflies that are calling her name....

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

Although some are bothered by the plethora of over-sized insects in the south, I find them fascinating. Of course, you knew I would, right?

One of my favorite beings are the luna moths that dance with the light as we dance in the pavilion on humid vacation nights. It's hilarious to see the square dancers break their stride to avoid stepping on the green iridescent loveliness that is a luna moth momentarily taking a break from it's attempt at reaching the faux moon set in the beams of the wood structure. They typically don't get squished because, apparently like me, everyone sort of has a soft spot for these gigantor moths who have but a week to live with wings so lovely.

Me--I like their fuzzy antennae. That fuzziness is the sole difference between moths and butterflies--a fact lost on many because folks automatically think butterflies are colorful while moths are not. Not true.

I found Romeo and Juliet hanging out together on a log near our cabin one afternoon. I took many photos of these two that day, but some just weren't appropriate for my G Rated blog. Yep, when I walked up, I swear Barry White was softly playing somewhere and these two were makin' out--moth style.

I kept sending the kids out to look at them, but Em was mortified, not wanting to interrupt whatever they were doing. I finally found them just hanging out, enjoying each others company, readying themselves for whatever moths do for fun. I dunno, maybe they were making small talk, who knows? They were sweet and I think I took a trabillion photos of these two--amazed at their markings, those wacky antennas, and just how freaking large they are (4 1/2 inch wingspan).

One of life's hardest lessons is that of nature and my moth friends were not immune to the grim realities of being a bug. We returned home later that night to find that either Romeo or Juliet had met an awful fate--apparently somebody larger was hungry and left us with much sadness and a bit of wing or two on the sidewalk.

My heart was heavy as I realized that I captured the very end of one of these beauties and all I could do was to hope that Juliet survived to lay her eggs on a leaf somewhere to start the cycle all over again. Damn, nature is brutal.

Reality Bites

A week of "Kentucky slow" has nudged me into a fog. After being here for a week,
I'm moving a bit slower, a bit happier, and a lot more relaxed. There is elixir in them there hills, and the warm sunshine and mega doses of sleeping in late does a gal wonders.

I escaped for a few days with the family to the Appalachians and spent my time hanging out at the pool working on my tan and worrying about whether or not I could beat Mr. Woods at shuffleboard.

My motto for the week was "No hiking, no sweating, and no drama"--which was achieved for the most part. The moist air was heavy and a body couldn't help but stir up some sweat with the tiniest of actions, even breathing caused a bead of sweat or two to drip down the small of my back. Needless to say, square dancing caused a downpour of perspiration and one had to chose their dances wisely.

There's a few tales coming, but you'll have to give me a day or so to re-group. We strolled in last night and the panic of stinky laundry, an overgrown lawn, two kitties who need to be fussed over, and that darn Kentucky slow-down needs to be addressed. It would be easy if life would shut down for just one day, but the morning greeted Joe and I with the call of employment and Band Camp is calling one very crabby teenager this morning. Uh--make that two as one of those teens has to drive the other there before 8:00 a.m.

I did my best to answer comments from my "office" at the lodge, but you know, it is very difficult to be online when scenic views are calling. So, while I preached about unplugging and relaxing, know that I stayed true to my word and did just that.

I'm spending the day rushing about doing have-tos, catching up on appointments, and returning to the madness that is city life. I'm also re-adjusting my ears to fast-talking and twang-less conversation.

Most of all, I'm just wishing I was back on vacation.

Bees are fools

Is it me or is this summer busy or what??! Criminy, there isn't enough hours in the day.

I've noticed the blogs are a tad quiet and the visitors fewer. Not that I'm any different, I've been awful at finding the time to visit and comment on all the blogs I follow. I feel like I'm behind on everyone's story these days.

I think last summer I instituted "Blog Off" on the weekends. That is where I took some time off to just disconnect--from the computer, from the blogs, from media in general, and from the craziness that is life. I think I'm gonna try and do that for the remaining weekends of summer. I'm gonna try and catch up on life rather than what is going on in the lives of everyone else, including Lindsey Lohan.

I think I'm gonna go watch some bees work or something. Maybe get that blessed hammock out after all and just hang out--literally and figuratively.

Come join me, won't you? Turn off the cell phone and shut down the computer. Be a little inaccessible for a moment or two and enjoy the freedom that brings. Make folks wonder where you are and what you are up to. And most of all--breathe deep and enjoy.

Happy Weekend, pallies! See you Monday.

I Love Hobbes Thursday

The hunt continues.

The yard is swarmed with Admirals and when they aren't landing on us, they are tormenting the cats. Hobbes hasn't landed one yet. "Yet" being the key word in that sentence.

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

Every so often we get a frog that isn't afraid of humans. I've got one frog pally this summer that just sits and looks at me when I come out into the yard--which I love. I like to sit on the patio and just watch the little guy most evenings.

Or maybe he is thoroughly entertained by me.

Packaged Pee

"Does it work?" is the big question with admitting that I paid $20 for coyote pee. Everybody asks.

Oh, I don't know. I turned the air conditioning off the other night and the odor was very strong. Almost like a skunk, but not quite as permeating. You just sort of notice a stinky smell and then you remember what it is. Skunks kinda stink up the whole world when they are doing their "stinky" thing that they do.

I haven't seen any intruders in the yard--but then again, I didn't see them the other times either. Grace isn't affected by it, Hobbes doesn't like it, Sammy the Wiener Dog sniffed it and walked away--so I'm guessing it probably doesn't really work all that great. There aren't any big fish left, so maybe the lunch crowd is gone because the buffet has been shut down.

So, while I am sad for the loss of my fish, I guess I am grateful I don't have this problem:


'Cuz what the heck do you get to get rid of lions and tigers that hang out on your patio?? Get one of those circus ladies with a whip?

Uncle Jerry and Aunt Mary Pat are a little freaked out by their bobcat visitors. I highly doubt a little coyote pee is gonna work on those bad boys.

I think I have the perfect solution:

That ought to scare anything. Including bobcats.

Already?

Do you know what begins one week from today? Marching Band Season. Yep, it's kinda like the official sign that summer is over.

The kids march a few nights this week and then they begin full days of marching through the dry grass of the rehearsal field, sweating like pigs to the tink-tink of the metronome perched high on the band director's scaffolding.

It is not something the kids look forward to each year, and I'm sure Mr. P feels the same way. The sun is blazing, the kids are crabby, and the week is long. Very long. Us parents just ignore the complaints of exhausted kids, driving them home in silence as they beef about how hot they were and how much their feet hurt. We provide cool drinks and relaxing showers, only to get them ready for the next day and the day after that.

We don't talk much about band camp. It is something we dread in the future, deal with in the present, and laugh about in the past. In its own way, marching season is the metronome of our lives, marking time as the kids move through high school all too quickly.

They're drunks, I tell ya....

I was wondering why those Admirals were flying like Japanese Kamikaze pilots when I realized what fueled their frenzy--literally. They were suckin' down hummingbird nectar like it was open bar in Vegas.

I'm not sure if this stuff has been fermented by the heat, I just know that they are fighting over those faux yellow flowers like there's no tomorrow. Then they fly off like drunken sailors to buzz the kitty's heads and anyone else that dares enjoy the lawn furniture.

Here we are, all thinking how sweet it is that they sit on your shoulder, when in reality, they are just stopping between cocktails to check out the ladies and the view from the skydeck.

Sheesh. Like a bunch of boys on leave.

Happy Weekend, pallies. May the nectar be sweet and sunshine warm on your wings. I'm off on adventures and I hope you are too.

I hope they fuzz out my face on "Cops"

Imagine the horror on my face when I read this in the local paper:

See??! It was STOLEN! Well, I think so, anyway.

I found this in the paper while I was at work--yes, I was working. Colin said something about some kid from school that was killed the other night and I was looking in the paper to see what happened....

Anyway, I saw this and let out a scream for Irene. Of course, Irene (and everyone else) had a field day with this one. Yes, I have a goose on my porch that does not belong to me. No, I didn't steal it. Yes, there is a report of a stolen concrete goose in the paper. I don't know if it is mine they are talking about in the police beat.

So, while I'm making wacky calls to local police stations to report my new found goose, I might as well add another precinct to the list and I call the town where the crime was committed. We don't live all that far, so I might as well see if it is "our" goose they are looking for.

This time the police department was a tad more understanding in listening to my plea to take this thing off my hands. I asked them to call the victims and see if they can identify the goose, as it is wearing some highly identifiable clothing. I don't believe there are many Laura Ingalls Wilder look-alikes around Dodge these days. The lady was pretty excited thinking they solved the crime and offered to come get the thing.

I don't know. I want to make sure that this is the goose that was stolen--I don't want my goose going just anywhere, you know.

I Love Hobbes Thursday

Why so glum, you ask?

Because we have a visitor....

A barky, hey-he-takes-my-spot-on-the-bed kinda visitor.

And while the rest of the family loves having the Wiener Dog here, Hobbes isn't quite so sure. He isn't fond of the litter box being up on the dryer or the cat food on the counter. He doesn't like somebody else sniffing around his butterflies or pooping in his yard.

I think he just doesn't like somebody else getting all the attention.

He ain't heavy.....he's my butterfly

The Admirals are taking over the yard as I think I counted 7 or 8 on the coneflowers alone. The cats are going crazy, chasing and jumping after these zig-zaggy flying teases--they are everywhere.

Em and I spent a recent evening sitting like mannequins and waiting for the butterflies to land on our heads and shoulders. Of course, I was making wacky faces to be silly when she started snapping the photos of me wearing the latest in butterfly accessories on my shoulder. Crap, there wasn't a good photo of me wearing a butterfly in the bunch. Whatever.

So, while I suck it up and post a really horrible photo of me, just focus on my butterfly, not my hot dog neck, brown spots on my skin, or my turkey chin, okay? Ignore the "I've-been-boozin'-it-up" look on my face too--you just gotta dig the little pally on my shoulder.

Criminy, what I don't do for a blog post.

Duck in Dress With Bonnet

Okay, who's the wise acre?

Friday morning, Joe left for work and then came running back in all worked up.

"LIN! There's a goose on the front porch!" he's all breathless.

"Well, go chase it away." I say calmly.

"I can't. It's wearing a dress."

Oh.

And then I open the front door to find this beauty staring at me. A very heavy beauty, I might add.

So, Joe and I just stood there staring at the poor thing, wondering what Grandma lost her goose off her porch the night before. And I hoped she wasn't sad that it was gone and now sitting on my front porch--uninvited and pretty much unwelcome. And we wondered what the heck to do with this thing in the ugly dress.

The crime here isn't that some hoodlums stole this thing and put it on my porch--it is how horribly dressed this poor duck/goose is.

And now my porch is fodder for harassment over at Along Life's Highway. I wonder how many points I get for submitting my own tacky yard art?

Commence snickering.

Muffin and His Beast Ride

Oh, gees, have you seen this? It's my new favorite commercial:

Which just reminds me of this:

Muffin--Em's hamster who was rockin' the beast ride long before those hamsters did.

Doo. Dah. Dippity.

I-hate-Hobbes Sunday--by Grace

Poor Grace. No matter where she goes, Hobbes has to follow, which annoys her to no end. Can't even go sit on the fence without a nosy stripey following. Sheesh.





After she jumped down and scared the bajeepers out of Hobbes, she proceeded to whack him one as she went by.

So, yes, there is somebody who doesn't love Hobbes.

Buzzkill

Fran's Dad doesn't think the coyote urine is going to work so well.....

Crap.

As a bonus today, there are TWO posts! Go on, pour another cup of coffee and read the next one.

Wishing I was there...

I was flipping through my Disney photos the other day, and I couldn't believe how quickly that trip came and went. The band planned and fundraised from the beginning of marching season (July) clear up to June went we boarded the plane headed for Florida. It was 5 days of pure bliss, as Disney sure knows how to make your vacation lovely.

If you have never been to DisneyWorld, I just have to prepare you for perfection. Everywhere you go, there are happy people, happy rides, happy sights, and happy smells. Not that annoying kinda happy--just nice happy. Like I-don't-have-a-care-in-the-world kinda happy. You just sort of forget your life for the time that you are there and sometimes, that is a good thing.

I just got an email from Disney the other day telling me of the specials that they are offering this summer. And while I just got back, I did take note of the prices out of curiosity. Being that the kids went with the school as a group, Joe and I went on our own and stayed with friends to help cut some of the cost. But I have to say, I'm not sure we saved much with the specials they are running.

Currently, Disney is offering a 7 day/6 night plan at a value hotel for $1769 AND that includes 2 meals a day for 4 people. This is actually a really good package should you have a hankering for a Mickey Mouse fix. I have to say, we paid far more than that for less time doing it on our own. Check the website for specials should you be interested--Disney is offering some great packages these days.

The kids marched in the night parade, leading off for the Main Street Electrical Parade. This was a parade from long ago that they brought back for the summer season, aptly named Summer Nightastic. Gees, it was sweet. You can't help but get excited to see all of your favorite characters floating down Main Street all lit up with colorful lights.

Pictures don't do it justice--it is sweet little bug after sweet little bug, all jazzed up with neon lights blooping down the street. Add in Pinnochio, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and Pete's Dragon (remember that one?) and it was dreamy. Sigh. It all went so fast.

I'm so glad we had this opportunity to go with the kids and the band this summer. We went once when the kids were younger, but you know, you just always want to go back. Time flies, pallies. Those darn kids are grown before you know it and those summer vacations together disappear too quickly.

If you can swing it, go take advantage of these deals--they really are good. I don't work for Disney and I certainly don't get paid by them--I'm just saying that in this economy, they are offering some sweet deals as well.

And you know, they just know how to make memories. Great ones at that.

Okay, who peed by the pond?

This was my horoscope the other day:

"Someone could be taken aback by your brutal honesty when you change your mind about plans they thought were set in stone. You're done with following other people's agendas just because it's polite, and you're ready to try new goals. Trust your instincts and use your emotional momentum to break out of old habits, whether emotional, professional or personal."


I love horoscopes, don't you? I especially love them when they hit the nail on the head. This is exactly where I am these days--tired of being polite and following agendas that aren't necessarily mine.

And the part about "brutal honesty"? Yeah, don't ask me 'cuz I'm gonna tell ya and you aren't gonna like it very much. Best to keep quiet, I say.

On another, very different note, I broke down and spent $20 on coyote urine. Yep, seems some coyote pee is supposed to help deter whatever the heck ate my fish. I've got two thoughts on this:

1) If I can make this much money on coyote pee, I wanna know where I can get myself a coyote. Heck, I figure I can sell his tinkle to make some money plus his mere existence would solve the whole who-ate-my-fish dilemma of late.

Okay, so he would probably scare the bajeepers out of the cats too, but I'll bet Yip Yap the Non-Stop Barking Dog wouldn't dare utter another peep out of his yapper. It just might be worth keeping Cujo the Coyote in my yard.

2) Yeah, it might work (or not) to scare predators, but it's sort of scaring me and the cats too. Every time I bend down to look in the pond, I starting sniffing, wondering what the hell died around the pond. And then I start looking around and I realize it is those ridiculous vials of coyote pee that is stinking up the joint. Yeah, I have only done this like 5 times in a row--I'm a slow learner.

And as ridiculous as I look, you gotta see Grace sniffing those vials, making her "I smell poop!" face and walking away. (That face consists of her wrinkling her nose and opening her mouth to use the smell glands inside the roof of her mouth to identify what the hell just pooped/died around the pond. Yeah, it's a goofy look, Grace.) At least I don't do that.

Add to the scenario that Hobbes is officially freaked out by the vials of pee and won't go near the pond. He sneaks up, real slow-like, sniffing this way and that. He creeps up on one of those vials and BAM! He's gone!

Wow. That pee works.

Okay, so it works on my silly house cat. I'm just hoping for $20 that the heron/raccoon/feral cat/alligator/hobo or whatever ate my fish is a goner too.

I Love Hobbes Thursday

Hobbes loves nothing better than these two words:
"Kitty Tail"

There is a tall grass that grows in the yard,
and when you pluck one of its blooms,
he loves to chase it--
round and round until he collapses.
We call that playing "Kitty Tail".

I love Kitty Tail too.
But for different reasons.

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

See?!
I'm not lying about those darn butterflies that sit on your head.

Love and Death

"Uh, who killed this dragonfly, Hobbes?"

My question was answered with averted eyes
and a half-bored, half-guilty look.

Death seems to be the theme this week, as I noticed my big fish was missing yesterday morning. We emptied the hyacinths out of the water and searched high and low for an already hard-to-see black fish in a murky pond--all to no avail. Add that to my missing-in-action new fish of last week. Hmmmm.

I think we got ourselves a raccoon.

Crap. That is not good news as that puts my tadpole and frogs at high risk. Also at risk is my snails and minnows, although they don't come to the shallow end too often. On a much smaller scale, even the water plants are at risk as a hungry raccoon will destroy everything in its path to find food.

I am not happy.

Not happy at the death of my fish, nor at the prospects of having the other pond pallies at risk. Not happy that Joe isn't very helpful at solutions of any kind, and definitely not happy that he wasn't willing to trap the beast. I'm also not happy that my new replacement fish is hanging out with the minnows--they are like a gang at the bottom of the pond and now he's one of them.

I'm finding it hard to be responsible for all the living beings in my life these days. The kids are grumpy and snapping. Joe is snapping because I'm snapping at the kids. I'm sick of watering the flowers in pots and in the garden. I'm sad that my fish are dead. I'm sick of figuring out everything, and I don't know what to do about this damn raccoon.

Sigh. Things would sure be easier if I didn't care--but I do. As a mom, I have a soft spot for all life--the frogs, the fish, the baby fish, the snails, and the dragonflies. And as much joy as I have in their life, I feel their loss ten times over.

Love and death--I'm not sure which is hardest.

Left-overs

I love these "holidays" which are really just a day added on the weekend after a holiday. I love that we don't have to be anywhere today and I can just catch up on what needs to be done around here.....or not.

I love that when you finally do go back to work, you don't know what day it is. You are all "Ugh, Monday..." when it is really Tuesday and you are one day away from Hump Day. Or you think it is Thursday, but it is really Friday and you are wrapping things up for another weekend. I like that feeling.

We had a great 4th of July, I hope you all did too. I'm hopping over to your place today to read all about what your adventures were. I've got a lot of catching up to do today.

We went off with our pallies, Wendy and Steve, for a little jaunt in the cruiser on the Illinois River yesterday. We packed four kids and the four of us on their boat and just hung out for the day. It was lovely--the weather was great, the kids laughed, we gobbled down tons of food, and we just relaxed and enjoyed good company. How blessed we are to have such wonderful friends. We all came home tired and happy--it was a good day.

And to think we have that little left-over of a day! Hooray! Gees, I'm not sure I can squeeze any more relaxation into my weekend, but I'm certainly going to try.

Happy holiday-that-isn't-really-a-holiday, pallies!

Keep your eye on that grand ole flag!

Back in my sophomore year in high school, our spring musical was "George M". And while I wasn't one for speaking parts (go figure) back then, I was all about being part of the chorus of tap dancers. Add some patriotic songs to all that tippy-tapping and you've got one happy show--and one happy me.

One of the great adventures of my life was learning to tap dance for the high school musicals, I can still do a mean time step if prompted. And I still know all the words from every song from that show. We'd sit backstage, cranking out the tunes with the "stars" while waiting for our cue for the next big number. I guess we were a little loud because during rehearsals the director would scream from the booth "Shut up backstage!". Always the buzzkill.

Anyway, so anytime anyone is the least bit patriotic, I start singing "You're a Grand Ole Flag" on the top of my lungs. Yeah, this goes over swell with kids. I just blame it on my "stage voice" and my years with the theater.

So, with that image in your mind, feel free to belt out a few lines yourself today while watching your parades or fireworks. Embrace your patriotism!

And add a few tappy toes while you are at it.

Admiral Delicious

There are a couple of Admiral butterflies that have been hanging out in the yard lately--which is driving Hobbes nuts. They are called Admiral butterflies due to their penchant for copping a seat on the shoulders of humans, like epaulets on an Admiral's uniform.

This butterfly is just a tease. He lands on everything BUT Hobbes, which is driving him mad. It flits from one flower to the next, casually buzzing the orange guy's personal space in the interim.

I'm just waiting for a weary Admiral butterfly to meet his demise by Orange Stripey. He may not be interested in catching frogs or birds, but he is very interested in catching one of these.

Hey, Happy 4th of July, pallies. We have absolutely no plans whatsoever, which is like heaven. We are gonna meet up with friends here and there, but no official parties or scheduled to-dos anywhere in the agenda. Hooray! I may just have a hook-up with the hammock after all!

We are celebrating a certain kid's (Colin) 18th birthday as well. Scary to think he's so old and I am not. I am requesting that everyone refer to me as his "older sister" now, and not his mother. I think I can pull that off, don't you?

Anyway,I wish you peace and the company of those you love this weekend. May you escape the clutches of electronics and enjoy life just a bit. I'm gonna try to catch up with all of you and then head out into the back 40 for a little breathing time as well. Enjoy!

It's not easy being green.....or growing arms

There are few joys in the pond like that of the moment you realize that your tadpole is officially a frog. Well, a froglet actually.

What's the difference? A froglet still has his tail, leftover from his tadpole days. This is a week-long stage when the new air-breathing, I-can-climb-out-of-the-water pally isn't quite a frog just yet. You see, he doesn't eat at this point--the absorption of that tail provides enough nutrients that he doesn't need to figure out how to catch dinner while he is finishing his transformation. I guess nature realizes how busy he is these days.

His little body also still looks like that of a tadpole, as the eyeballs are slowly moving up to the top of his new little frog head. Yes, he can climb out of the water to sit on a lily pad, but it will be a week or so before homeboy gets the strength and the gumption to actually hop out of the water completely to try his land legs--which is the opposite of his sea legs.

The process of going from tadpole to frog is something that always fascinates me, hence, the purchase of 2 or 3 tadpoles each spring. I love to watch those tadpoles swim around with some nubby legs that quickly blossom into big honkin' frog legs in a matter of weeks.

The arms are the last things to appear on a tadpole, appearing long after the eyeballs have started shifting from the sides to the top of their heads. Their little bodies slowly, slowly start taking on the shape of a frog and soon you know homeboy is gonna pop out some arms.

Sprouting arms is apparently a secretive process, as it is something that seems to happen overnight. One day you've got an armless swimmer and the next...poof!...there are some arms motoring your pally around the water. The ability to do that is not lost on me--I find that fascinating.

There was a Valentine's Day a few years ago that Joe brought me home some flowers. On that same day, the tadpole sprouted some arms. You tell me which gift was more awesome--I'm going with the arms. Nothing says love like sprouting arms--there's just so much....uh.....effort.

It's gotta be exhausting growing arms.

I Love Hobbes Thursday

Hobbes: Orange Stripey, ottoman look-alike, party planner.

Always a huge help in whatever I'm doing, Hobbes was right there for party preparations a few weeks ago. He wiggled around folding chairs, sniffed the sun tents, and poked flower arrangements.

He even provided the entertainment--walking the fence for amazed (and impressed) party guests. It's like going to Disney and going to one of those character dinners.

He's a character alright.