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| To the beach! |
| 06.30.04 (11:41 am) [edit] |
Off we go - to the beach! Hooray!
8) 8) 8)
Do you live near a beach? Fresh or salt water?
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| Nolan's summer |
| 06.30.04 (9:50 am) [edit] |
Nolan was looking over my shoulder at the blog last night, and said, "Hey, I thought this was my blog!" Well, it is true I haven't been writing as much about him specifically. In fact, I've been neglecting my "other blog" because I find this one to be more fun! It has to do with the interesting comments I get from all of you!
Anyhow, I thought I'd tell you a little bit about what Nolan will be doing this summer. He is one lucky duck, that's for sure.
During the week, the normal schedule consists of him going to a day camp part-time. It is put on by the Navy(!), and as it turns out, he gets to do some pretty fun things. Tomorrow they get to go to a Seattle Mariner's baseball game! When I'm not working (like today), he stays home and we get to take hikes or do nothing if we feel like it.
This summer he gets to take three great trips with his dad. Over the 4th they're heading to the coast for an overnight hike. Then later this month, they go to Kentucky to visit cousins and have an all around good time. And in August they're going to the Oregon coast for a week! It's going to be kind of lonely around here when he's gone.
We don't have any big trips planned for this summer. However, we're going to keep taking our hikes in the parks, and plan a camping trip or two. Also, it looks like we'll be taking the train to Montana in December, but that's not this summer, is it?!!
Did I mention his birthday is in July? He'll be turning the big 1-0, hitting double digits! Of couse there's summer reading to be done, and video games to be conquered, and who knows what else?
Anyhoo, that's Nolan's summer in a nutshell!
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| Sunny Monday! |
| 06.28.04 (9:54 am) [edit] |
How did it get to be Monday so quickly?!! We're facing another sunny [i]dry[/i] week here. I ran to the store real quick this morning, and was surprised at how warm it was already. I enjoy the sun, but we really need more rain here.
Yesterday Nolan, Chris and I took a great hike in the same place we went last weekend. The area is called the kettles, after the geologic features left behind by the ice sheets. And by golly - we hiked through one absolutely beautiful kettle, with a little mossy area in the bottom, and wild rhododendrons, and cedar and fir trees everywhere. The whole time we were asking ourselves what the heck we've been doing for the last five years?!! Mind you, this park is a fifteen minute drive from our house. So close, and we've been pretty much ignoring it. What dopes! :oops:
In the two hours we were hiking we saw one guy on a mountain bike. One. Only one person. Amazing.
Anyhow, we bought our state park pass and now can park in any of the nearby parks for free. Nolan and I can take our Wednesday hikes like we did last summer, and maybe hit a few different locations this year.
Oh, and yes, I will be getting that digital camera soon. I'm going to order it this week. Hooray! I will soon be able to share the beautiful sights with all of you!
8)
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| Blammo! |
| 06.27.04 (11:01 pm) [edit] |
Et tu'? Do [i]you[/i] belong in another century? Which one?
Blessings!
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| Kablooey! |
| 06.27.04 (10:43 pm) [edit] |
I shoulda been a pioneer girl in the 1800's.
Sigh.
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| Phooey! |
| 06.27.04 (5:32 pm) [edit] |
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Man, I was born in the wrong century.
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| I know! |
| 06.27.04 (11:03 am) [edit] |
I've got a great idea - I'm going to read all of the Newberry Award winning books. I've already read several, but I'll reread them. Whenever I look at the list of "classic" books that floats around, I see that I'm terribly deficient when it comes to what I've read. Rather than read those, I'll take on the list of children's books! More chance of success that way!
Bwa ha ha ha ha ha :P
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| Today's question |
| 06.27.04 (10:12 am) [edit] |
What I'm wondering today - is there something you really like to do that other people might find odd about you? Like it doesn't seem to fit your personality?
My thing is going to the demolition derby. I can't help it! I love to watch the cars drive around and smash into each other! There's just something about the intentional destruction of technology that I kind of like. And when they pull boats around ([i]not[/i] on trailers), that's almost better! And the school bus figure eights! Oh! I'm so excited just thinking about it!!!!! :lol:
Who would think this nice library lady would like such a thing?!!
Now, if only there was such a creature as a television smashing derby, then I'd be in heaven....
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| Beach time! |
| 06.26.04 (5:42 pm) [edit] |
Today has been a great do-nothing Saturday, in the words of Zencat! We spent the morning messing around here at home. It's a beautiful sunny day, so we sat out back and read, blew bubbles at the cat (she doesn't like them much), and watching those little capsules-that-turn-into-f oam-creatures-when-you-pu t-them-in-water. Woohoo! Then we bought some new D&D miniatures, only these are from the new Giant set. Unfortunately the two giants that we got were the same! :? Oh well.
This afternoon Nolan and I headed to the beach for a couple of hours.
![]() =http://img37.photobucket.com/...
It looked very much like this, and wasn't too far away based on that concrete there. We picked up sticks, rocks, shells, and then had an epic battle with three pieces of wood that we threw into the water. We bombarded them with rocks and prevented their landing and taking over our outpost. Sadly, though we had plenty of ammunition left our weaponry wore out and it was time to go home.
Back home I watered my plants, and sat outside and finished reading my book ([i]Boston Jane, the Claim[/i]). I'm cooking chili for dinner, reading blogs and taking silly quizzes, and enjoying the day as it winds down. Nolan is playing a video game, and Chris is taking a nap. All is as it should be!
There is the problem of my sunburned knees though....
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| Keep on the sunny side! |
| 06.26.04 (5:17 pm) [edit] |
I'm sorry, I couldn't resist this one! Once again, me to a tee! Wow, these internet quizzes are eerily accurate.
Your soul is OPTIMISTIC. You tent to look to the
brighter side of things, and your positive
outlook on life makes others happy. People love
your open, unassuming nature and your innocent
belief in good for you, the grass on your side
of the fence is always greener. You are rarely,
if ever, pessimistic or doubtful, and you try
your hardest to make life the best it can be,
for yourself and others. You are a joyful and
radiant soul.
What Is Your Soul's Trait?
brought to you by Quizilla
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| Still Stranded! |
| 06.26.04 (8:53 am) [edit] |
Okay gang, this desert island question needs some clarifying, so let's try again!
Imagine you are stranded on a desert island. For some inexplicable reason, you have been allowed to choose some items to bring along. You may bring the following:
Two books (only two!)
Some music and a listening device (ahem), please list up to five bands/artists/songs that you would include.
One practical device (this does not include your music listening device).
The question is then, what would you bring and why? Thanks to those that have answered so far, and I know I can't get out of making these tough choices so here goes...
1. Complete works of Shakespeare - I could memorize the different parts and act out plays for fun.
2. The Bible - this could be read and studied at different levels, and memorized. Also, it is very long and you get alot of bang for your buck with this one.
3. Leatherman tool - all the little blades and gadgets could come in handy for things like building shelters and spearing, um, mice.
4. Music, music, music - this is where it gets tough!
~ Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - before I left I'd make a compilation of their best tunes from "Dream," "Uncle Charlie and His Dog Teddy," and the "Will the Circle be Unbroken" collections. One of my all time favorite bands.
~ Amadan - "Hell Bent 4 Victory." Rip roarin' Irish music, perfect for those days when you want to dance around and sing at the top of your lungs. Includes my favorite song of theirs, "Rhyme of the Remittance Man."
~ The The - "Uncertain Smile," another of my all time favorite songs.
~ Bahngra music - I would make a compilation of the best I could find, but I don't know the name of any artists except Panjabi MC. Great rhythm and very danceable!
~ A compilation of "strong woman" music. It would include songs by The Meat Purveyors, Dance Hall Crashers, Liz Phair, Lucy Kaplansky, Lucinda Williams, Alice Stuart, "Come on Eileen" by No Doubt, Dar Williams, Shakira, June Carter Cash, Kasey Chambers, Kate Rusby, Neko Case.....
Okay, I totally cheated there. And I made the mistake of scrolling through our music files on the computer. I haven't even mentioned John Hiatt, Bruce Cockburn, Rank and File, Stewart and Winfield, Orchestra del Desierto, DJ Irish, XTC, They Might Be Giants...I better bring an ipod too.
WAIT! You get a last minute bonus - choose ONE movie soundtrack to bring along. My choice would be "A Mighty Wind." Great music, great lyrics.
Okay, I'm all worn out now from making choices. Better go whip up some breakfast. Can't wait to hear what you all will bring along!
8)
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| Desert Island - Stranded! |
| 06.25.04 (6:55 am) [edit] |
Say [i]you[/i] were stranded on that proverbial desert island. What music would you want to have with you? Which book? Okay, you can take two books - but only two! And finally, which one practical device would you want to have along? Don't forget to tell us why each of these things is important to you!
Start stranding!
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| Life is good - good music! |
| 06.24.04 (2:18 pm) [edit] |
Ahhhhh, much better. I'm listening to Volume III of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Will the Circle be Unbroken." If you are fond of bluegrass music, all three of these are must haves. This volume includes the following guest artists:
Johnny Cash
June Carter Cash
Sam Bush
Del McCoury
Iris Dement
Emmylou Harris
Doc Watson
Jimmy Martin
Dwight Yoakum
Willie Nelson
Tom Petty
Taj Mahal
Vassar Clements
Matraca Berg
Earl Scruggs
Alison Krauss
Vince Gill
Ricky Skaggs
...and a few more
If I ever find myself stranded on that proverbial desert island, just leave me with something by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and I will be forever happy.
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| What a crowd! |
| 06.24.04 (12:48 pm) [edit] |
Well, the picture truly is worth a thousand words. Our final program attendance count: [b]769[/b]! Door count for the day, 1443. Summer reading as an extreme sport!
![]() =http://img37.photobucket.com/...
Nolan is in there somewhere!
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| Summer reading onslaught - part two |
| 06.23.04 (7:46 pm) [edit] |
Yes. There is more to this story. That last post was just the background...set up for this tale.
Yesterday (Tuesday) was our first summer reading program, which we traditionally call the kick-off program. We always have a guest performer come from outside the library, and this year it was the Reptile Man. He brings a variety of creepy crawlies along, and teaches the kids about them, then even lets them touch some of them. If you know any kids, you will understand that a program like this might be [i]very[/i] popular. We even have two shows, because we expect lots of people to come.
I think we should have had three or four shows.
The day started fairly slow, but by the time I left for lunch at noon things were starting to pick up. I picked up Nolan from day camp, because this was one program not to be missed by him. He would have pet snakes if we let him, and enjoys seeing the creatures. We arrived back at the library at about 12:40, and the line was already down the hall and almost out the door. I waited with him and walked him into the meeting room, but then it was back to work for me (it's so nice now that he's a bit older and can do these kinds of things by himself!).
The meeting room (occupancy 78) was soon overflowing and we were turning people away, telling them to come back for the 3:00 program. Many of those people came into the library to sign up for summer reading and check out books while they waited. In the meantime, many of the people that had arrived for the first program had returned the books they had checked out, and when I came back for lunch we already had overflow carts of books that hadn't been returned yet. I was supposed to be working the return desk, but was also back-up for checkout. Pretty soon we had a third person helping us, and still we were swamped!
This scenario went on almost non-stop for the next three hours. I have never seen so many people, and so much chaos in that library as there was yesterday. At times we had four people checking books out, just to make sure the line didn't get too long.
At one point a lady standing off to the side said, "You guys have so much courage! I would have called in sick!"
The second show was also too full, and many people had to be turned away. That was really too bad, but it just shows that we really need a new library! Hopefully everybody will spread the word and our election this fall will be successful. But that is another story.
Nolan had an enjoyable time, and got to touch a huge snake, a small crocodile, and a turtle. He saw several kids he knew, too. There was of course the lady who pushed Nolan and his friend, and said, "Move! My kid wants to see!" I will now refrain from all the nasty horrible comments I could say now about obnoxious people teaching their kids to be rude too. I find it hard to believe that it's that difficult to see past all fifty-five skinny pounds of Nolan. But then, I am biased in his favor!
Fortunately we all survived, and life will go on a little less hectic at the library. Tuesdays will still be crazy, but hopefully not quite so bad. Most everybody will be signed up for summer reading, and now it will just be the normal checkout and returns. So, like I mentioned in the last post - we love summer reading, but boy, sometimes it's hard to see the forest for the trees!
Cheers - and if you have kids don't forget to take them to the library!
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| Summer reading onslaught - part one |
| 06.23.04 (8:42 am) [edit] |
Yes, that's right. I said ONSLAUGHT. Isn't that a great word? I think so. The definition is short and sweet: "A violent attack" (American Heritage Dictionary).
Our library, like all public libraries across the land (and across the border) have summer reading programs for the kids, to promote reading and library usage during the summer. Our staff, like all staff (most likely) has a love-hate relationship with summer reading. We love the idea of encouraging kids to read over the summer, and we want to see our libraries busy with excited families. We love providing interesting programs and activities for all family members. We hate the sign-up process and the repetitive explanation entailed, on top of our regular circulation duties (which, oddly enough are increased during this time - coincidence? I think not).
Those of you not familiar with summer reading might ask, how bad could it really be? Let me tell you! Our program consists of the following pieces, which must be explained to every family that signs up:
Name the critter contest choose one of three stuffed animals hanging over there in the children's area and make up a name and we will have a drawing at the end of the summer maybe you'll win!
Set a goal for how much you'd like to read this summer this can be number of books or amount of time it is totally up to you as a family we don't require any specific goals this is your journal to keep track of what you read bring it in when you meet your goal and you will get a certificate and a coupon for a free book from a local bookstore [note - I used to work at said bookstore and got to experience the other side of summer reading for several years.]
Here is the schedule of all library events going on at all of the libraries on the island we are here on the back and on August 10th the mayor will be here to shake the hands of kids that finish by this date but you're not required to finish by then you actually have until just before school starts
Here is something new this year one of the local coffee places will give a free italian soda to kids that read 10 books so write down your titles and take it to the coffee shop here in town it's the new drive-thru by Wendy's
Here is another new thing this summer we are having a poster and writing contest for what kids would like to see in our new library you can draw a picture or write about it here are the instructions
Oh I almost forgot the baseball tickets each child gets two tickets to one of the games here are the dates you can choose a date now or come back after you check your calendar or if you take a date now you can trade if you need to
Whew! Never mind they have a zillion questions, and if I remember there is also teen and adult summer reading to explain. I would estimate it takes at least 8 minutes per family to go through everything. This may not sound like much, but when you have people lining up that want to check out books it starts to get a little crazy. On top of this, each child was given a new library card on a wrist band at the schools, and they are wanting to activate them.
Fortunately, we have a number of volunteers that come in to help with the sign-up on the busiest days, like yesterday. I don't know if they know how much their help is appreciated, but it really is! We all cheered the arrival of our most shy and serious teen volunteer the other day. I don't think she really knew what to think of that!
Did I mention yesterday was busy? I'll get to that in part two. I need a breather!
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| Nolan is a - - - Merman! |
| 06.22.04 (5:30 pm) [edit] |
Well okay. The quiz came up as mermaid, but then they don't account for whether you're a boy or girl. That being said, Nolan is a [u]MERMAN[/u]!
Mermaid:
Mermaids, similar to Centaurs, have a torso of a
human and the body of a fish. You are curious
yet reserved in your actions. You like to have
fun but never at the expense of others and you
never roughouse. You love water and the
creature in it and feel it is your job to make
sure they stay safe.
What Mythological Creature Are You (Many Results and Beautiful Pics)
brought to you by Quizilla
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| Wahoo! |
| 06.22.04 (4:35 pm) [edit] |
Hey! We made hot blogs, coming in at 93! Thanks to everyone that's been visiting. We'll see if we can't come up with some interesting tales for your reading enjoyment.
8)
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| I really exist! |
| 06.21.04 (11:26 am) [edit] |
This is me, only now my hair is longer.
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| Golf balls and trees |
| 06.21.04 (10:11 am) [edit] |
Well, here it is Monday already. Darn. We had a good weekend though, so I can't complain too much. To put things into perspective, Nolan is gone every other weekend to his dad's. On these weekends I work on Saturday, so half my weekend is spent inside a stuffy library (I love it, but the air quality sucks). Then Sunday is the day for fun.
The weather has been sunny and warm the last several days, almost too warm. I can be such a weather wimp sometimes! Also, I will try to ignore the fact that everything is about to dry up and blow away like dust. It's kind of disturbing.
ANYHOW, I did something yesterday that I haven't done in years. Chris and I headed out to the driving range and hit some golf balls. I actually did quite well, all things considered! It was fun, and we plan to do some real golf soon at the nearby 9-hole course (3 to 5-par). My arm is sore today, and if I twist a certain way I can feel my hip muscles, too. No complaining though, I had a really good time!
After golf we headed to one of the state parks for a bit of hiking around. We watched a guy taking paraglider lessons for a bit, then hiked along the bluff and then into the woods. Surprisingly we saw very few people once we got a little ways into the woods, and only nearly got run over my mountain bikers twice! There's a network of trails throughout the area, and we will have to make it a point to hike there more often.
Did I mention that it is really dry? It was very noticeable in the woods. I harp on this issue quite a bit. Despite the recent rain we've had, this has been a really warm and dry spring. Last year there were several fires on the island, and I expect this year could be even worse. It just makes me cringe every time I hear somebody setting of fireworks now, too. They were the cause of a few of the fires last year. I don't know how people can't notice how dry it is, but then I shouldn't expect people to have common sense and brains, should I? Not too far from here is an Indian reservation where one can buy all manner of booming and sparking things, and inevitably they get brought home to the island. I don't want to be a party-pooper here, but it just isn't very smart to set off fireworks anymore!!! And I think it's irresponsible to sell them, too! I don't care how "same and sane" they are! Dry grass doesn't care one hoot about that, and a spark is a spark.
Okay, I'm not even sure how I got going on that one. Oh yeah, it's really dry here. And I can't help but to worry about it.
Gee, I hope everybody else had an excellent weekend too, and had a chance to enjoy good weather. I certainly know that my fellow bloggers just across the border in Canada have been enjoying the beautiful weather too.
Blessings!
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| Me - most definitely! |
| 06.18.04 (7:56 pm) [edit] |
Faerie:
Faeries are sweet loving beings who love to help people. They are not held back by reality and love to dream and fly around. You probably are very creative and although not the most popular person in the world you are probably loved by many for your sweet caring personality.
What Mythological Creature Are You (Many Results and Beautiful Pics)
brought to you by Quizilla
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| Drats |
| 06.18.04 (6:34 pm) [edit] |
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And there's a storm rolling on by with no action......
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| Mother Nature shows off! |
| 06.18.04 (2:23 pm) [edit] |
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Oooooh, there's a storm rolling in......
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| Digital Camera questions |
| 06.18.04 (11:06 am) [edit] |
Hey all - we're getting ready to purchase a new digital camera soon, and I was wondering if those of you out there that have such gadgets could answer a few questions.
1. What camera brand/model do you have?
2. What do you like about it?
3. What do you not like about it?
4. Any other comments you would like to add?
Thanks so much!! I'd like to gather as many opinions as possible, and sure appreciate your input!
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| The moment you've been waiting for! |
| 06.17.04 (4:07 pm) [edit] |
At last! I have the time and energy to share with you some of my favorite children's books. I could easily fill gigabytes of computer space with my entire list, so for now I shall limit it to just a few faves.
Of course, we enjoy the classic favorites - Dr. Seuss, [i]Harry Potter[/i], etc. Nolan loves to read [i]Calvin and Hobbes[/i] and [i]The Far Side[/i], both of which I encourage for his development of subtle humor. It seems to be working quite well! Inevitably though, there is never enough time to read all of the books we'd like to! We listen to some on tape, and at times that can be better than reading the book itself. Anyhow, here goes.......
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[b][i]Squids Will be Squids[/i] - Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith (illustrations)[/b]
Morals like Aesop wrote, only weirder! If this book doesn't make you laugh, well, then you've got a problem.
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[b][i]The Austere Academy, A Series of Unfortunate Events #4[/i] - Lemony Snicket[/b]
Hey all you candysniffers! If you haven't read these books yet you should. Each book gets more and more absurd than the last. With names like [i]The Miserable Mill[/i], The [i]Ersatz Elevator[/i], and [i]The Vile Village[/i], how can you go wrong? The mystery surrounding the author is almost as fun as the stories themselves...heh heh heh. And just who is Beatrice?
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[b][i]Edgar and Ellen, Rare Beast[/i] - Charles Ogden[/b]
If you're seeing a trend toward weird tales here, you're very observant. The stranger the better in our house! Edgar and Ellen are two misfit orphans who decide to kidnap all of the neighborhood pets, disguise them, then sell them back for big bucks. Will their scheme work? Read the tale and find out. Book two, [i]Tourist Trap[/i], is just as good. Visit their web page to create your own rare beast. http://www.edgarandellen.com/...
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[b][i]The Twits[/i] - Roald Dahl[/b]
Roald Dahl is of course the master of all things offbeat and funny. [i]The Twits[/i] is one of our favorites. Mr. and Mrs. Twit play such nasty tricks on each other! However, the monkeys they hold captive finally get the better of them after making their escape. Other Dahl favorites include [i]The BFG[/i], and [i]The Enormous Crocodile[/i].
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[b][i]Pure Dead Wicked[/i] - Debi Gliori[/b]
This book is actually the second of three about the eccentric Strega-Borgia family and their cadre of unusual pets, Tock the crocodile, Ffup the dragon, Sab the gryphon, and Knot the yeti. The family is forced to move to the local hotel, Auchenlochtermuchty Arms, while the recently collapsed roof of their castle is being repaired. Soon chaos reigns as Titus and Pandora (the two older children) must cope with 500 pink mini-cyberclones of themselves, and a plot unfolds as some rather unscrupulous characters try to steal the family's home. This is probably one of the funniest stories out there, and one I recommend for listening. The reader does some excellent voices for the characters. Warning - do not drink milk or any other liquids while listening, as it is likely to spurt out your nose!
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[b][i]Hank the Cowdog, The Case of the Swirling Killer Tornado (#25) [/i]- John Erickson[/b]
Here is another story better listened to than read, as the author does a superb job of bringing to life Hank and his sidekick Drover. All of the stories are excellent, but this is definitely one of my favorites, followed closely by [i]The Deadly Ha Ha Game[/i]. In this tale, Hank and Drover talk in their sleep, fight the deadly Charlie Monsters in their, sneak into Sallie Mae's kitchen, and eventually find themselves in the middle of a killer tornado. And there's a bonus in this story - Drover sings his own song, "Never Ever Bark at a Funnel-Shaped-Cloud." Try to figure out who is actually smarter - Hank, or Drover.
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[b][i]Swamp Angel[/i] - Anne Isaacs[/b]
In the best tradition of tall tales, this is the story of Swamp Angel, a rather large girl living in Tennessee. She finds herself trying to outwit a pesky bear called Thundering Tarnation. Will she win, or will the bear get the best of her? Great illustrations, and an even greater story.
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[b][i]Boston Jane, an Adventure[/i] - Jennifer Holm[/b]
I just finished this book a few days ago, and am now working on the second installment. This is the type of book I would have loved when I was young, and guess what? I love it now! Jane, a fine young lady, finds herself in a very small settlement in Washington Territory, and must adjust her attitude and her ways. Interesting characters, much humor, and as promised, lost of adventure as Jane finds her true self.
Whew! I think that's all for now, though it does not in any way provide a complete list of titles or authors. I kept thinking of more as I was writing, so maybe I'll add a nice list. Later.
Happy Reading! 8)
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| Children's books revisited |
| 06.16.04 (11:29 am) [edit] |
Thank you to everyone that has posted so far about their favorite children's books and authors. Rather than reply to each of you individually, I am going to list what people have suggested so far. And it's not too late to comment!
Here's the list.....
[i]When Vegetables Go Bad[/i]
[i]Rebellious Alphabet[/i]
[i]Anne of Green Gables[/i] series
[i]Berenstain Bears[/i]
Dr. Seuss
R.L. Stine
Christopher Pike
[i]House at Pooh Corner[/i]
[i]Magic Faraway Tree[/i] books
Dianna Wynne-Jones
[i]Northern Lights Trilogy[/i] - Phillip Pullman
Arthur Ransom
[i]Snow Treasure[/i]
[i]American Girls[/i] series
[i]Arthur[/i]
Itty bitty board books (with touchy feely stuff)
[i]Charlie Bone[/i] series
[i]Phantom Tollbooth[/i]
[i]Bread and Jam for Francis[/i]
[i]Cherry Ames[/i] series (the nurse)
[i]Winnie the Pooh[/i]
[i]Rose Blanche[/i] - Roberto Innocenti
[i]Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge[/i] - Mem Fox, Julie Vivas
[i]Faithful Elephants: A True Story of Animals, People and War[/i] - Yukio Tsuchiya and Ted Lewin
[i]The Mysteries of Harris Burdick[/i] - Chris Van Allsburg
[i]Where the Wild Things Are[/i] - Maurice Sendak
[i]Staying Fat for Sarah Burns[/i] - Chris Crutcher
[i]Little House on the Prairie[/i]
Judy Blume
[i]Raggedy Ann & Andy[/i]
Jon Sczieska
Graeme Base
[i]Good Night Moon[/i]
[i]Love You Forever[/i]
[i]If You Give a Moose a Muffin[/i]
[i]Snow Queen[/i]
I am of course being a naughty librarian today and not editing the list to include full author information. Sorry, I'm just not in the mood. Even us librarians get to take a break now and then!
Next post - our favorites!
More ~~~
[i]The Personality Puzzle[/i] - Florence and Marita Littauer
[i]Great Brain[/i] series
[i]In the Night Kitchen[/i] - Maurice Sendak
[i]The Egpyt Game[/i]
[i]From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler[/i]
[i]Seraphina[/i]
[i]Ramona the Pest[/i]
[i]Island of the Blue Dolphins[/i] - Scott O'Dell
[i]The Velveteen Rabbit[/i]
[i]Julie of the Wolves[/i]
[i]A Wrinkle in Time[/i]
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| Sock Monkey |
| 06.16.04 (9:40 am) [edit] |
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We have just completed a successful surgery on Nietzsche, the sock monkey. I repeat, Nietzsche will survive.
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| What are your favorite children's books? |
| 06.15.04 (7:28 am) [edit] |
Good morning! The question for today is - What are your favorite children's books? And, if you are an adult (chronologically anyhow), do you still read them? I'm looking for answers beyond Harry Potter, but if that's the only kid's book you've read that's okay!
I just realized I don't have enough time before work to do proper justice to my list, so I will continue this post later. We'll be able to get input from Nolan then, too.
Ciao!
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| Featured Blog |
| 06.14.04 (6:37 am) [edit] |
Well it looks like we made it into the featured blog list this week!!! Thanks to those that voted for us :D
Welcome to all new visitors that venture a look here! We'll try to keep you entertained with our adventures. Summer vacation starts tomorrow, so you never know what might happen......
Blessings to all!
Anne, Chris, & Nolan
(& Princess Peachpit, too)
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| Field Day! |
| 06.11.04 (9:51 pm) [edit] |
Today I got to spend half a day helping out with Field Day at Nolan's school. I just tagged along with his class while they did several different events. I really enjoy talking to the kids, and watching them have such a good time (with a few exceptions). Fourth graders still have so much enthusiasm, and don't worry toooo much about whether what they're doing is cool or not. Next year, that could be another story.
Only one and a half days of school left! We're really looking forward to the break ahead. My work schedule is such that Nolan doesn't need to go to the care program full time. And after spending two and a half years in school myself, I love having the extra time to spend with him now that I'm finished. Even if we don't do anything too wild and crazy, I know we'll have a good time.
Nolan does get to take a trip to Kentucky with his dad, to visit his cousins. It will be a very exciting trip for him. Last year they came out this direction, and most of the family took a river rafting trip. It's hard at times to admit that he's growing up, and not want to be the super-protective mom. But I know he's in good hands when he's gone, and he's very fortunate to have so many fun opportunities.
and great news! He passed swimming level two and will be moving up to level three! This from the kid who said "Not gonna happen" when his dad signed him up for lessons a couple of months ago. Turns out he really loves it!
He's such a great kid.
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| Nolan's movie persona |
| 06.09.04 (2:52 pm) [edit] |
Here's a funny one for you - Nolan and I just took the "What movie do you belong in?" quiz that I found over at Shark's. http://quizilla.com/users/Sup...%20movie%20Do%20you%20Bel ong%20in%3F(many%20differ ent%20outcomes
We got the same answer -
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What a hoot! It happens to be of our favorite movies (though Nolan has only seen parts of it when he was really supposed to be sleeping while at his cousin's cabin). But upon reading the text the quiz designer added to the result, we both agreed that it really doesn't describe us at all!
C'est la vie!
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| Nolan's writing |
| 06.09.04 (6:34 am) [edit] |
Here is the writing assignment that Nolan is working on for school this week.
[i] My favorite pet is my scorpion, and I am going to tell you why.
First because he glows my favorite color green, but only when he is under a black light. Also because he looks strange and neat. I also like it because it is not a common pet, and not very many people have a scorpion. It also is exciting because every day you think will it move. It is cool because I constantly learn about it.
Although a scorpion is not a pet for everyone, it is fascinating to own.[/i]
Yes, Nolan really does have a scorpion, and it lives at his dad's house. More space over there! :wink:
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| Lightnin'! |
| 06.08.04 (10:16 pm) [edit] |
Hey, we got to see lightning tonight!!!! Woohoo! We drove down to the thrift store parking lot to get a good view; saw several good flashes in the clouds. It was awesome. What a way to end the evening!
:D
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| Coffee and maps |
| 06.07.04 (10:00 am) [edit] |
Yummmmmmm......I just made my first espresso with our new machine, and it turned out pretty darn good! The steaming business will take some practice, and a bigger pitcher. Fortunately I was able to keep the milk from overflowing all over the place. I'm sure this machine will keep me away from the coffee shop, which is one big reason that I bought it. I also think I may actually drink less coffee, since my mugs aren't as big as what I'd usually buy.
Maps. We like maps here at our house, and if you look over there to the right again :arrow: you'll see a place where [b]you[/b] can sign my new guest map! I've hooked it up to both of my blogs, so if you do sign it let me know which blog you came in from. I'd sure be pleased to know where on the Earth you park yourself!
I like maps so much that when I was in school I did my fieldwork at the UW Map Library! http://www.lib.washington.edu... It was great fun, though it's not a terribly busy library. I was glad for the experience though.
I need to make things from old maps, like envelopes and collages and the like. Fortunately I have a whole bunch around the house.
Did I ever mention I'm kind of a packrat? I'm not even going to go there today.
:D
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| Reading Rules! |
| 06.06.04 (6:14 pm) [edit] |
Some of you may have noticed that I added what we're reading over on the right side there. :arrow:
One thing that I have always done is read to Nolan, since the time he was very small. It helps that I'm an absolute book freak, but books have always been a prominant part of our lives. I counted, and we have seven bookcases in our two bedroom apartment, and this doesn't account for the piles of books we have here and there. :?
Nolan was able to read very well by the end of kindergarten (thank you Montessori!), and one of the first things he started reading here at home was Calvin and Hobbes. What a great way to develop a good vocabulary, and catch a little bit of philosophy on the side!! Anyhow, as he's been reading things on his own, he's developed a liking for fantasy, and especially anything that has to do with dragons.
When Nolan was little, I always made it a point to read the most interesting things I could find. He also went through obsession "phases": trains, sea creatures, construction equipment - typical little boy stuff. I'd take him to the library, and he'd ask to go to the science section. We'd check out the Audubon field guide to sea creatures, and I would just name each one as he pointed to it. Fun days, those were!
So here we are, and I still read to him every night before bed. I wouldn't have it any other way!
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| I've been sucked in! |
| 06.06.04 (1:32 pm) [edit] |
I've been duped, conned, and sucked in. The other night I finally broke down and played the current favorite playstation game around here:
[b]SSX3 Snowboarding[/b]
And guess what? I like it!!! And it doesn't even have little brightly colored geometric shapes in it, and I have to use my thumb to steer my way down the slopes. It requires coordination.
Lets put this in perspective - the old Atari games came into being when I was in high school, so needless to say I didn't grow up with video game fingers. Nolan, on the other hand, can whip his way through just about any game in his sleep. He's especially good at the snowboarding game, pulling every super uber trick in the book. I'm still working on getting down the slope without wiping out too much.
Anyhow, maybe I'll just go do a few runs.....only a couple......really.....
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| Javalicious! |
| 06.04.04 (8:33 am) [edit] |
Now I truly am javalicious - we got a new espresso/coffee maker last night. Woohoo! Now I can make my own, and make Nolan cocoa (with toasted marshmallow flavoring) and steamed milk before bed.
Just think of the money I will save from not going to the coffee shop! Millions, I'm sure.
Back to the bookfair today, I'll update later.
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| aaaaack! |
| 06.03.04 (12:26 pm) [edit] |
Shouldn't have chosen the "javalicious" mood yesterday - I proceeded to dump a large amount of coffee on myself (and the couch) shortly thereafter. :evil:
Not much time today - off to help out at the Scholastic Book Fair at the school.
Ta ta!
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| A parent's dilemma |
| 06.02.04 (1:32 pm) [edit] |
This past weekend we had a friend of Nolan's spend some time with us; this is the first time since starting at public school for 4th grade. He previously attended a Montessori, and had a good friend that is attending a different school this year.
So, what's the dilemma, you're wondering?
How do you encourage your child [i]not[/i] to be friends with somebody, without directly saying that you believe that child to be bad news?
We're hoping that it will work itself out, and Nolan will see for himself the bad qualities that we observed. Here are just a few things:
* I caught him cheating at cards twice
* He told Chris he beat up a 16-year old twice (this kid is a small 10 year old)
* He said he doesn't care about the rules when he plays games, and likes to play with people that don't know them so he can take advantage of them
* Chris had him take the "Which Dungeons and Dragons Character are You?" quiz, and told him to answer honestly. He randomly clicked the last few questions, but based on his answers he was a Chaotic Evil Human Fighter Thief. Random clicking probably wouldn't come up with this skewed of an answer. (I know it sounds strange, but the types of questions asked are very telling)
* Not a single thank you for all that we did for him this weekend.
There were some other things as well, but you get the drift. I've met his mother, and she seems nice enough, but it seems that this boy (and his younger brother) have almost no supervision at all. A good information source told me today that they run around the neighborhood at all hours of the night. Now, these are the two youngest of eight children, and the only two left at home. Is it just that the mom is so tired by now that she doesn't care?
Am I a snob for wanting my child to hang around with quality people? I know that he will be exposed to a wide variety of kids over the years, but how do I guide him in selecting friends that good children? As I mentioned, we are hoping that it will work itself out over the summer. Nolan will be seeing his other friend at the summer care program, so we are pleased for that. And maybe he won't be in the same class as this boy next year. After that is middle school (YIKES!), and my guess is they won't have many classes together as Nolan is a very good student. Maybe he will move away, and solve all the problems!!
I guess the biggest realization for me is that I don't have as much control over Nolan as I used to, and that my tactics will have to change.
If any of you have advice or words of wisdom, I'm all ears!!!! Or eyes, since I'm reading these words on the screen. You know what I mean.
Blessings!
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NOLAN!
Who Links Here
What We're Reading Now:
Warriors #1 - Into the Wild
by Erin Hunter
Recently Finished:
The Vile Village
by Lemony Snicket
Other Recent Favorites:
Artemis Fowl - the Arctic Incident
by Eoin Colfer
Gregor the Overlander
by Suzanne Collins
The City of Ember
by Jeanne Duprau
People of Sparks by Jeanne Duprau
Leon and the Spitting Image
by Allen Kurzweil
Pure Dead Brilliant (audiotape)
by Debi Gliori
The Amulet of Samarkand, the Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 1 (audiotape)
by Jonathan Stroud
The Thief Lord
by Cornelia Funke
Hank the Cowdog (audiotapes)
by John Erickson
My quest to read the Newberry Award winning books!
This is slow going, but I will do it!!
Finished
The Tale of Despereaux - Kate DiCamillo (2004)
Crispin, The Cross of Lead - Avi (2003)
A Single Shard - Linda Sue Park (2002)
Bridge to Terabithia - Katherine Paterson (1978)
The Witch of Blackbird Pond - Elizabeth George Speare (1959)
Caddie Woodlawn - Carol Ryrie Brink (1936)
It's raining meat
And I can't see my own two feet
Two tone tan
Falling heat
Stay long around
Butt scrapes the ground
Look to the moon
It's raining meat
Raining meat
Hard as hell
And the news man thinks it's neat
-That One Guy
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