Summer Begins!

1.  Memorial Day weekend always kicks off the summer for us.  Our tradition is to head to Keuka Lake to spend time with family and to camp at the state park.  This year was no exception.  We headed up Friday around 4 and got in around 10.  We had three relatively good nights of sleep and spent the days at the cottage with family.  Today we had a very long drive back through construction traffic and didn't get home til about 8.  The girls are finally tucked away for the night and I'm hitting the tub.

2.  Grace started a different dose of her medicine on Saturday and it was amazingly effective!  We had a really calm weekend.  She sees her Dr again this week and then Rich will come with us next week.  I'm feeling really good about her!

3.  Lola's birthday party is next Sunday.  Eek!  I'm hoping my cleaning ladies can come on Friday to help me get ready.  I'll be unpacking, doing laundry and cleaning out the camper and truck all while trying to get the party preparations done.  Here's hoping for another amazing weather weekend!  Oh, I am taking a little break out tomorrow for a massage!  Tomorrow is Lola's last day of school.  I can't believe it!  Grace still has three more weeks.

Hope

1.  I feel a real sense of hope tonight after meeting with Grace and her new doctor.  It was a good experience for her and I feel like we have someone that has "our back."  Ahhh.

2.  After the doctor appointment I took advantage of having a sitter and went out to dinner with a friend.  It's so nice to have a friend who tells it like it is.  Ahh.  I'm feeling much better today than yesterday, as you can tell!

3.  I spent a good portion of the morning getting the Airstream cleaned up.  I packed up the car with the cushions and bedding and drove it out back to load up.  Rich is out of town and it's a lot for me to get done, but will get done by the time we hit the road.  I'm sorry that I've missed most of my workouts this week, but wouldn't have had time to do the packing otherwise.  Or, wouldn't have had time to take advantage of the killer Boden sale!  I finally ordered after loving their catalog for so long.  They offered me 25% off plus free shipping and returns.  I ordered a bunch for me and some for the kids.  I have very little in my closet and need some new stuff.  Packing for the weekend was tough as I don't even have t-shirts!  Grace is asleep and I'm hoping for another good night.

Boo Hoo

1.  OK, I did get a little emotional watching AI tonight.  It was Simon's farewell show and it just won't be the same without him.  Paula was embarrassing.  I liked some of the collaborations.  I was rooting for Crystal at the end, but do like Lee.  Don't know if I'll let myself get sucked into another season.

2.  Tonight was a bit depressing on several levels.  I went to Grace's new school orientation.  And, as was the case last week at her school concert, I barely knew anyone.  I've found it difficult to meet other parents as she doesn't do play dates and there aren't many other opportunities to meet other families.  I did sit with a friend, but she was talking with someone else.  Later she sent me a sweet email, which boosted my spirits.  Next year I plan to be more active in the PTO and also the Newcomer's Club.  I happen to be feeling particularly isolated right now and don't like it.

3.  Today I was able to get the electrician over.  He wasn't able to fix our problem.  I was able to get the landscapers to come to get a major project done.  Turns out there are multiple problems that need to be addressed.  He and the arborist are working together to get our property back under control.  I do hope I'm feeling more optimistic tomorrow.  We all got an amazing night of sleep last night, but now Grace is still up at almost 11.  Ugh!

New Friend

1.  I'm delighted to say that I've met a new friend!  She and I met for coffee today and we had a really nice conversation.  It was fun to talk to someone so real!  This set the mood for a good day! 

2.  Next I headed to the gym for yoga.  I'm still amazed at how difficult this is and how it's going to take me a long time to get it right.  I then got a shower and left my hair to dry naturally.  I haven't done this in a long time and now remember why.  I look like a poodle tonight!

3.  I got two doses of reality tonight.  AI with Lee and Crystal.  I think it's going to be Crystal after her stellar performances tonight.  I watched the Bachelor last season and then had to tune in to see Ali become the Bachelorette.  Why, oh why, do I get sucked in to these stupid shows?  I'll tell you why!  Life is draining and stressful and it's a way to escape for a short time.  Thankfully I have a DVR so I can zip through the commercials and other stuff I don't want to see and can watch it in much less time.  How's that for rationalization?!

Brutal Night

1.  Last night was ghastly.  Grace fell asleep and then was up within the hour and didn't fall back to sleep til 5 am.  She slept three hours and then I took her to school.  She wasn't able to swim for the third week in a row because she was just too tired when she got there.  I explained our situation to the person that heads up the swimming and she was nice enough to give us a credit for the unused classes.  Can you believe Grace is still awake now at 10:15 pm?!  I don't know how her little body can keep going.  It was all I could do today to get up and clean up her massive mess and then get her to school and Lola to her gym class.  Then later we went to friends' for a play date and then to swimming.  I did take on the ambitious job of cleaning out the craft cabinet.  That was spurred by not being able to find Grace's project that is due Friday.  Neither of us have no idea where it could be.  I was happy to find some lost library books, though.

2.  I just booked the hotel for my OH weekend.  I decided to stay where my aunt and uncle are staying.  Hopefully my sister and her partner will stay with me.  Since we just stayed at a Choice Hotel I'll now have the opportunity to get the $50 Chili's gift card for staying two times by August.  So, not that I'm trying to make a profit on the weekend, glad that something positive can come out of it.  I'm really dreading it.  I'm not looking forward to going through all my mom's things.  Although, I do hope I can find some things to bring home as mementos.  I gave her a bracelet for Christmas and when I went to see the psychic she told me that my mom wanted me to have the bracelet-and to wear it!

3.  I'm praying for some sleep for all of us tonight.  Tomorrow I'm planning to meet a new friend for coffee and then go to my yoga class.  I hope this happens!  (I just figured out how to use spell check and won't have the yellow marks anymore!)

Old Sturbridge Village

1.  We've driven by the "brown sign" on the Mass Pike several times and always wondered what Old Sturbridge Village was-til now.  We are members of Mystic Seaport and can get a few bucks off to go to OSV, which isn't bad.  But, Lola's school had a silent auction for their yearly shindig and we were the only people to bid on the OSV tickets!  We got them for a very good price.  I had seen on their website that if you come for a day you can come in the next ten days for free.  So, I called them to ask if we'd get in free the next day, too, with our passes.  I wasn't trying to be greedy, but just trying to plan the weekend.  They were very nice and offered us the second day free without much begging.  When we got there, the woman at the counter knew about us and we weren't given a hard time.  The drive from our home was only 2 hours.  This could have been a day trip, but we decided to stay over Saturday night.  We stayed at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Sturbridge.  We read the reviews on Trip Advisor and weren't disappointed at all.  The place was very clean and nice.  They're right behind a gas station with a Subway and Dunkin Donuts and a Cracker Barrel.  The grounds are immaculate and while the furnishings aren't my taste, is still very nice for a night away from home.  Grace wasn't enjoying the car ride so we stopped at a rest area and kicked a soccer ball around.  Then we stopped at Tim Horton's for donuts and lemonade and then got some food at McDonald's.  Yes, this is foreshadowing for a very bad eating weekend for me.  I've been very good during the weeks and on weekends I've started letting loose a bit too much!  We ate in the car and then went directly to OSV.  We spent about 2.5 hours there the first day.  If you've been to Colonial Williamsburg it's along that vein-as well as similar to Mystic Seaport.  It's a gorgeous natural setting and there are costumed people walking around like back in the 1830's.  They have a boat ride, wagon ride and stage coach ride.  These all cost extra.  We did the boat ride as they were having a special $1/ride/person this weekend.  I could go on and on about this place, but suffice it to say it's a "must do" if you have kids and especially if you have kids that are interested in history.  We had the continental breakfast at the hotel and then went in for our second day.  We spent another few hours and then hit the Chinese buffet restaurant down the street on our way out of town.  Speaking of eating, we had Saturday night dinner at Picadilly.  This is a chain restaurant throughout MA.  We had a really good dinner.  It's extremely kid-friendly.  We may make a tradition out of this weekend!

2.  Grace had two really bad nights back to back this week.  Saturday we spent at OSV and then after dinner we went to the pool at the hotel.  We spent about an hour there and in the hot tub.  I guess I'll fess up and mention that we ate donuts for dessert.  I mentioned there was a D&D nearby.  Ugh!  I forgot to mention I also had my favorite apple fritter at Timmy's that morning!  I digress.  The point is that we all had an amazing night of sleep and slept til 8:30-9.  Ok, my sleep wasn't amazing because Lola's feet were constantly poking me somewhere on my body, but it was pretty darn good considering.  We got a suite at the hotel with two double beds and a pull-out sofa.  We thought we'd let Grace have the bed to herself to make sleeping as easy as possible for her.

3.  Tonight we got home and cooked out.  I'm happy to say that I took the propane tank to Stew's myself and got it filled.  $13.99 for a fill is an amazing price!  Don't pay more than that when you can go to Stew's!  I just ate the remains of my New York Super Fudge Chunk and now will try to abstain from all the junk til we go away next weekend!

To the Dump, to the Dump, to the Dump, Dump, Dump!

1.  That title is to be sang to the "Lone Ranger" theme.  Anyone remember that show?!  I took both girls with me to the dump today.  They were both really good about helping to sort all the recyclables.  I feel like taking our trash to the dump teaches all of us to use our resources more wisely and to recycle what we can.  Also, it just takes me back to dump runs with my dad when I was a kid.  Aww!

2.  Lola has had a cold this week.  I kept her home most of the day to just rest so we can go away for the weekend.  I skipped my workout, which was a bummer.  Grace got home early from school for a teacher in-service day.  She had a rough night last night and went into school late.  I can't wait to get this insomnia problem solved!  Praying for a good night tonight!  Too bad she's still awake at 11:22 pm!

3.  We had a sitter and went to Greenwich for dinner.  We ate at Asiana.  Frankly, I didn't love the dumplings, summer rolls or salad I had.  Rich liked both his rolls.  We then drove around Greenwich ogling large homes and ended up in NY.  We then drove back downtown Greenwich and walked around.  Of course, we ended up in the cute little crepes place called Meli-Melo.  Yum!  Tomorrow we're off to soccer and then off to Old Sturbridge Village for an overnight.

Mexican Fiesta!

1.  Today was an incredibly busy day.  I got Grace out the door, got Lola to school, ran to Stew Leonard's to fill the propane tank and to do a bit of shopping.  Then ran home to put stuff away.  Found the "Call Before You Dig" guys checking out our dead trees that are to be cut down.  Then went to school for Lola's wonderful parent teacher conference.  Then went to meet a new psychiatrist and was thorougly impressed.  Then went home and vegged for a bit.  Nope, no exercise today.  Picked up Lola and came home for a while.  The handyman came and took care of putting the batteries back in the Airstream.  We are all ready for our first camping trip of the season!  Then went to pick Grace up and took her to the glasses store to have her glasses spruced up.  Then went home to relax for a few hours-and got to take a shower!

2.  Then we made smoothies and had some snacks before we left to go to Grace's concert.  They had a lovely Mexican Fiesta with a musical concert and art show.  It was really impessive!  The kids sang all the songs in Spanish and Grace's group danced the Mexican Hat Dance.

3.  Then we went to Cobb's Mill Inn for dinner.  This was our first experience.  When walking in the place smells very musty.  After all, it is old and on the water.  The place was empty at 7:15 on a Thursday night, which seemed very odd.  We were surprised not to see other families from the school there.  We got a table in the empty dining room with a great view of the waterfall.  There were cobwebs on the window treatments and the chandeliers.  The server we had was quite odd and not very good.  We found the food to be good, though.  The problem was that everything took too long to come out.  We thought this was strange given that there were no other customers.  The kids had the ubiquitous pasta and chicken fingers and french fries.  I had a salad and Rich had the special prix-fixe menu.  We were stunned that the price was $86 with tax and service.  We would go back, but just have to know that the kids' meals are $12.  Rich was charged for coffee when it was supposedly included in his meal.  He said it was very strong.  We were in a hurry to get home to get the kids to bed so he didn't dispute the charge.  If I were still in the restaurant I would have!  More people came in as we were winding our dinner down.  We saw a woman I know and I mentioned that we'd never been there before.  She shrugged and said "It's convenient."  So, I don't hear people raving, but they will go for convenience.  I do like to support a local business that gives back to the community.  I know the family that owns the restaurant donated a large sum for the building of our new firehouse.

Good Belly Laugh!

1.  I got my mom's obituary emailed to me today.  It hit me so hard to see it in print.  I was so happy to get to watch Modern Family tonight.  Oh, we laughed so hard!  Too bad it's the end of the season. 

2.  I did yoga today.  I'm really sore and have had a headache all day.  I've taken 6 Advil today.  Ugh.  Lola and I went to storytime and picked Grace up and went to SuperKids.  I had a delicious meal waiting in the crock pot.  Rich and I enjoyed pulled chicken bbq sandwiches.  Yum!  I also tried the canned marinated bean salad from Trader Joe's.  Yummy, too.

3.  Rich shared his Yankees story with his Dad tonight.  So, we just took a break from watching American Idol.  His story is that he went as a client and got to hear the general manager speak, had a huge buffet dinner, got his picture taken with the '09 World Series trophy and got to meet David Wells and Bucky Dent.  He told Bucky that I used to watch because of him!  Bucky said that was what he brought to baseball-young girls started watching!

Over 500 Hits!

1.  Thanks to you folks reading this blog!  I don't think about what I'm going to write and then just sit down and dash off three things for the day.  I'm hoping once I have two kids in school next year I can really take off with something.  I keep thinking about what I'll do with all the free time.  I've been mandated to start a filing system.  I have to go through the art cabinet.  I have to go through all the toys in the basement; all the books in boxes...so much to do and really so little time.

2.  Grace had two sleepless nights in a row.  I'm praying she (and I) get sleep tonight.  I'm not very productive when I don't get much sleep.  I've been so worried about her that once I'm awake I barely sleep the rest of the night.  I'm seeing a new doctor this week in my quest for answers.

3.  Lola had a very busy day with The Little Gym, playground and swim class.  Grace was too tired to swim.  She's missed two weeks in a row.  Part of the problem is that she complains about the pool being too cold.  Rich is at the Yankee game tonight and I had two very tired little girls to deal with-should say three as I'm pooped, too!

Waffle Iron Burn

1.  Lola wanted my homemade waffles for breakfast.  She enjoys helping me make them.  I stepped to the sink and then looked at her.  She had a very odd expression on her face and I immediately knew she was burned.  I asked her and was so panicked myself that that's when she started to cry.  Poor baby!  I've been putting Neosporin on it all day and will continue to do so.  Tonight she explained how it happened and told me it was her hand's fault.

2.  Later we went for brunch with friends at The Bear and Grill.  They have a coupon for BOGO free buffet!  We had used the coupon before and found it to be very good.  We had another good meal today.  We then went to the beach armed with chairs, two towels and sand toys.  Luckily I had thought to bring jackets for myself and the girls.  Brrr!  When the sun was behind the clouds and the wind was blowing, it was cold.  We saw friends there that we chatted with and then when they left we packed up, too.  Two days down on our beach pass=$60.  I just might get our money's worth this year!

3.  This weekend has been all about panicking about something or other.  The big panic is over how I've been taking care of our brand new marine batteries for the Airstream.  Basically, I've dropped the ball and now hope our handyman can help me pick it up and run with it.  I'm so hoping that I haven't killed the very expensive batteries and we'll be able to use them.  We're camping for Memorial Day weekend.  He is just back from vacation and will be here on Tuesday morning.  I'm feeling better all ready. 

Power Outage

1.  Started the day with soccer.  Another chilly, windy day on the field, but at least Lola played.  Rich then took her to make up this week's swim class.  I cleaned up, Grace was intently working on art all day.  We went to lunch at Moe's.  Good coupons in the Clipper.  Then went to Coldstone's with coupons from the newspaper.  Oh, eating so well this weekend!  Raced back to get Grace to yoga.  Power out due to a tree that fell on the line down the street.  Lines were smoking!  Rich took her to yoga and said he'd go to the grocery for food for a cookout.  Relaxed with Lola and read some stories.  Power came up about three hours later.

2.  Rich used the new grill for the first time.  He did an exceptional job of cooking his burger, Grace's hot dog and my chicken kabob.  We ate out on our patio for the first time this season.  I had planted some flowers with Lola's help today.  It was a pleasant dinner-that I didn't have to plan, shop for, our cook!  I did have to clean up, though.

3.  We settled down to watch a movie after the kids were in bed.  All of a sudden the power goes out again and it's pitch black.  Grace was apparently still up by the screaming we heard from her room.  We walked up as quickly as we could get there and then did a flashlight search.  We definitely found ourselves unprepared for this and will get more flashlights and place them strategically for the next outage.  Seems to happen around here a lot!  Amazingly, Lola slept right through the screaming.  Must have been all the exercise!

Sore Today

1.  That exercise class left me very sore today.  Unfortunately, now there will be a bunch of days til I'm back at the gym.  Today I was the sitter for my babysitting swap with a friend.  The kids played beautifully while I actually got some things done.  Then we went to Bertucci's for lunch.  I love how they give the kids dough to play with as well as crayons and coloring menu.  I raced back to meet Grace off the bus early because of conferences.  Then we did a make up class at The Little Gym.  I lazed around the rest of the afternoon and evening.  Rich just ran out to Five Guys Burgers and Fries to get some dinner.  It's after 9 and I'll be eating French fries for dinner.  What a way to start the weekend!  He's celebrating a low cholesterol number.

2.  At lunch my friend brought up the idea of me starting an AD/HD blog.  She suggested even having Grace write some of it from her perspective.  This is exactly what I've been thinking about doing.  I think I would do it anonymously so I can be very candid.

3.  The weekend is full of soccer, swimming and yoga.  We have a free day on Sunday and it looks like it's going to be really nice.  We'll probably hit the beach!  I've already used my Compo Beach sticker once.  I want to see if I can get my $220 worth this year.  I don't think I did last year.  However, if I didn't have the sticker I wouldn't go because it costs around $20 to get in on weekdays and $40 on weekends!

Thanks!

1.  Wow!  Thanks for the encouragement and for reading!  There are a few things I am passionate about and I keep thinking of writing about them.  I promised my daughter I wouldn't tell people about this, but she has AD/HD and our lives are a daily struggle.  I'm definitely passionate about finding a way to live more peacefully.  I don't feel I betray her trust by talking about it here.  She was referring to school and doesn't want anyone there to know.  I'm also interested in adoption advocacy as my two girls were adopted from Vietnam.  I'm interested in fitness and healthful eating.  I'm thrilled about saving money by using coupons, shopping off-price stores and consignment or thrift stores.  I used to sell on eBay and am thinking about doing that again once both kids are in school for longer days-which will be the fall!  I'm also interested in spirituality and what is beyond this life.  Oh, so many things to think about!  I do find that it's helpful to write about my day, but find that I'm not truly authentic in what I write.  If I kept anonymous I could write about nitty gritty stuff.

2.  I went to a killer weights class today and then took a shower!  It's a huge accomplishment to shower and blow out and flat iron my hair.  Then I went to Grace's conference and then we picked up Lola.  We headed over to Stew Leonard's for groceries, animal viewing and ice cream!  I find I don't buy much there as the prices don't really seem that great and because they don't offer organic produce.  I'm really trying to buy organic where possible and to avoid the "dirty dozen."  Google it if you don't know what I'm talking about.  I did buy their cheese ravioli, which Rich and I ate.  It was good-especially since I upped the nutrient factor by adding spinach to the sauce.  Neither kid would eat it.  I'm really tired of them not eating a regular dinner.  Grace was up before 4 this morning telling me she was hungry.  She's been up since then.  It's after 10 and she's still awake.  I truly don't know how her little body does it.

3.  Rich and I played my new Scrabble game tonight.  He got me the fancy deluxe version for Christmas and we haven't even opened the box til now.  It was fun and made me feel I was stretching my mind.  Of course, I won.  I didn't mention that during the game we kept hearing sounds from above.  I went to check it out after the game and yelled some obscenities when I found blue dots spattered over pink bathroom walls and floor.  There were markers everywhere and huge ink stains on the comforter.  I have vowed not to buy her new bedding until she is responsible enough to take care of her things. 

Why?

1.  Why am I doing this blog?  I realize it has no real purpose or theme and is probably boring to most people.  I'm really trying to think of a niche to write about, but can't come up with something compelling that hasn't been done before.

2.  Today was cold and rainy and just plain lousy.  I did make it to yoga, which helped my spirits.  Grace came home early and we went to storytime.  Grace decided to read about dogs while we were there instead of participating.  She is putting on the full court press for a dog.  She knows exactly the kind she wants and keeps telling us things about it, how she'll take care of it and on and on.  We don't feel it's a good time for a dog-and may never will be.  I know that it will be me that will end up taking care of it.  I also wonder how we'd work it out to be away as much as we are and have a dog.

3.  I made the nastiest dinner tonight.  I am so uninspired.  I knew I'd be gone til after 6 so I threw some chicken in the crockpot with what I thought was going to be tomatoes.  It was crushed tomatoes and was more like tomato sauce than tomatoes.  Then I threw rice in with water and put it on high.  The chicken turned out moist and tender, but the flavor with the tomatoes wasn't very good and the rice was still crunchy.  I took the chicken out and will probably wash it off and make pulled chicken sandwiches or enchiladas out of it tomorrow night.  I can't stand the thought of wasting it.  Rich ended up going to a diner for dinner.

Beach Walk

1.  I walked with a friend at the beach today.  It was so chilly, but sunny and beautiful.  It was so nice to get out and feel like summer is around the corner.  I did miss my yoga class, though.  We then went to Westport and did some shopping before we went to Villa Del Sol for lunch.  I've eaten there before and didn't love it, but it was pretty good today.  We rounded out the visit by sitting on our patio and then I had to go pick up Lola from school.

2.  I love to find bargains.  One of my secrets is that I look for the produce rack that has been drastically reduced.  I'm usually able to find bags of organic apples for $1.  Last week I got 35 oranges for about $12.  I pulled out our expensive juicer and made lots of orange juice.  Boy was that not fun to peel all those oranges!  I guess it sounds like a lot of money to spend on juice, but freshly squeezed juice is expensive.  Lola had a ball helping me with the juicer.  We then made popsicles out of the juice.  They both loved them!  I don't let them drink much juice because of the high sugar content vs. low nutrients.  But, sometimes I'm willing to make an exception.  We were in Williams-Sonoma today and I saw the same juicer that Rich paid $250 for online for $400!  I thought what we paid was outrageous, but felt better after I saw what it's going for there.  I also look at the day old bakery items and the "scratch and dent" section.  I'm able to find a lot of good deals on things I'd normally buy anyway.

3.  I'm not looking forward to the next three days of early dismissals for Grace.  I'll have to come up with some outings to keep us busy!

Missing my Mom

1.  Here it is the first mother's day after my mom passed.  I had a good day with my family, but feel like something is missing.  I wonder if this feeling ever goes away?

2.  We went to Allentown today.  We left at 7 am and got there by 9:30 to have breakfast with all the family.  We stayed til 1:30 and then headed over to a friend's house to see them and their new place.  We then went over to the grandparents' for a little while and then headed home.  We stopped and looked at a few places for dinner at 4.  They were all packed!  We drove a little farther and got into a diner that was also pretty crowded.  By the time we left there was a wait.  Who else went out for Mother's Day?

3.  The kids played with my sister-in-law's dog today.  They were both asking for a dog all afternoon and evening.  Grace went to bed with a book about a girl with a dog and took pen and paper with her, too.  She said she was going to come up with good reasons to get one.  I can think of one big reason not to get one...because I would be the one to end up taking care of it!  We didn't say "no," but did say, "not now."

Super Saturday

1.  What a busy day!  It started with soccer for Lola.  Rich met our arborist while I took her to the field.  I retuned to some unpleasant news of our trees.  Then we quickly got ready and headed out to the zoo for a birthday party.  It was a cute party and we all had a good time.  Then we got home and cleaned like crazy in anticipation of guests coming this evening.  Nothing like having people over to light a candle under you!  I then took Grace to yoga where she met her friend that she met on the cruise.  They had a nice yoga class and I got to grocery shop.  Then we all went for ice cream.  Then we came back and cleaned some more and got the table set up for dinner.  Our dear friends came for what was supposed to be dinner and Scrabble, but ended up being a nice dinner and chatting and then we were all too tired for the game.  At some point I'll get to use my new Scrabble game I got for Christmas!

2.  I was a bit starstruck today as we spoke with Grace's new friend and her mom at the ice cream parlor.  We were talking about vacations and I said that we asked Grace where she wanted to go for Christmas last year and she had said "Paris" because she loves the movie, "Ratatouille."  The mom told the daughter to tell us her grandfather's little secret about that.  Turns out the grandfather had been the voice for Django!  I couldn't think of who that was, but as we talked more I realized her dad and the girl's grandfather is Brian Dennehy!  Rich and I are fans of his and really admire and respect his work.  Rich saw him back in '89 in Chicago where he was performing in "The Iceman Cometh."  Then he and I saw him on Broadway in '99 in "Death of a Salesman."  We've seen him several times at EPCOT doing the candlelight processional, including this past Christmas '09!  He's terrific in all his varied roles.

3.  Tomorrow we'll be in Allentown for breakfast with the family.  We're leaving very early and I need some sleep!  I'm going to bed with a belly full of "Half Baked."  I'm so good during the week and weekends I really let go!

Under Your Skin

1.  I just finished watching the documentary about Lyme Disease called "Under Your Skin."  That was one of the scariest things I've ever seen.  I have a friend suffering with the disease and now understand a bit more of what he's been going through.  I've spoken to so many people that have had Lyme.  Fortunately, most caught it early enough that they weren't debillitated by it.  Please watch this movie!  I spoke to a landscaper tonight who told me he thinks Lyme is an epidemic here and that it's being covered up to protect home values.  He said his son just had a tick test positive for Lyme.  They were fortunate to have a Lyme-literate doctor that put him on the antibiotics before they even got the test back on the tick.  He told me to make sure to take baths or showers every night and scrub with a wash cloth.  He said to inspect the kids and myself thoroughly for ticks.  I was just out weeding yesterday and don't think I'm going to be doing any lawn work myself anymore.

2.  I went to a mom's group meeting today.  Our meetings have changed in that there are no longer speakers, but it's just a social time.  The kids have babysitters in the church nursery and the moms get to talk.  I've been going to this group since we moved here almost two years ago.  Honestly, I have felt that I have never fit into this group.  Today I was trying to figure out why.  I think it's age, geography, religion and socio-economics.  I love the concept, but just don't have a very good time for the most part.  I took Lola out of the childcare an hour early and went to the gym.  I did the elliptical trainer and saw one of her classmates in the childcare and then went to look for his mom.  That's the second mom from her class that I found that works out there. 

3.  We have a busy weekend ahead.  Lola was invited to three birthday parties on Saturday.  I decided to only go to the first one that we were invited to and also do soccer and yoga for Grace.  Grace met a girl from a nearby town on the cruise and she will join Grace at yoga and then for ice cream afterward.  Grace is so excited!  I'm hoping they have a good time and will keep in touch.

In the Weeds

1.  I've decided to take on a few jobs that I normally pay to have done.  Recently I cancelled our trash pick up and have been taking our trash to the dump.  It's amazing how much less trash we have now!  I make sure that everything that can be recycled here goes to the recycling bins, which are free, instead of into the trash.  Next, I weeded the front of our driveway today.  I don't know if I'll be able to keep this up as there is just too much to weed, but did get a feeling of accomplishment from it.  I also felt more of a pride of home ownership than I've felt in a while.  It was fun working outside, but I know this will get tougher as it gets hotter outside.  I've been thinking about getting a mower and doing the lawn myself, but I don't think this is realistic.  I heard my neighbor saying he hit a rock and bent his blade.  There would be a lot of maintenance on a mower that I wouldn't be able to perform.  I used to take my little lawnmower to Sears service, but that wouldn't be as convenient around these parts.

2.  I went to pilates again today.  I feel like I'm starting to get the hang of pilates and yoga.  They are definitely wonderful for core strengthening and making me feel powerful.  I used to get on the cardio machines or weight machines and am now switching gears for a while.  Between the weeding, pilates and pushing Lola on the swing today, I'm pooped!

3.  Oh yeah, and eating Mexican food with a friend tonight.  We had dinner at Ole Mole, which I always enjoy.  I had half a veggie burrito and will have the rest for lunch tomorrow.  Looking forward to my mom's group meeting and just the fact that it's Friday!

You're Fired!

1.  I had to do something very unpleasant today.  I had to fire the landscaper.  This guy has been really good to us and even let us borrow his box truck on our moving day when the big truck couldn't get in our driveway.  We have three dead trees and something called a "shotgun fungus" in our mulch that has left tiny spots all over our house.  I had a home restorer/painter come over and try to pressure wash it off the house and it wouldn't budge.  He said it comes off by hand, but who would want to pay to have someone scrub your house?  There were a few other things and I finally called to tell him it's over.  He told me it wasn't fair and kept trying to defend himself.  I truly don't think he meant any harm, but we just felt he wasn't as competent as we would like.  Now I have to find a new landscaper-pronto!  I had a referral and the guy hasn't called me back.  I used to mow our yard in DE, which took me three hours with a push mower.  There is no way I could do that here.  And, I don't think I want to invest in a riding mower.  Any referrals would be appreciated.

2.  After the grill fiasco Rich went out and bought a new grill.  He ran out to Home Depot with my car and then came back to get the truck.  It's another big one and we need help getting it off the truck and into the back yard.  So, let's see when we'll actually be able to use the thing!

3.  We watched Modern Family as usual for a Wednesday night.  That show is such a hoot and always produces belly laughs.  I usually don't watch the elimination nights for AI, but did because I wanted to see Harry Connick, Jr.  Oh, how I used to love him!  I just don't know what the appeal for Lady Gaga is, though.  Yuck!

Om

1.  I took a yoga class today!  It was really hard, but really exciting.  At the end the teacher read a poem about a butterfly from "Going In and In."  It was so amazing it made me cry.  She started the class by telling how her kids watched a Sponge Bob episode this morning that talked about making the day the best ever.  She asked what would make this the best day ever for us.  I thought if my mom were alive it would be the best day.  We went through the class and then her poem struck me as so profound because my mom had told me only months before she died that the butterfly (and heart) was going to be the sign she sends me when she's gone.  The poem struck me to my core because it brought my mom to me today.  I'm going to order the book and try to read the poem at her memorial service.  I actually don't think I'll be able to do it, but may try.

2.  Grace met a girl on the cruise from a nearby town.  They exchanged info and we finally sent her an email asking if she'd like to join Grace for her yoga class and ice cream on Saturday.  Grace is so thrilled that she's going to join her!  She had been asking everyday to contact her friend-and the friend has been asking everyday to contact Grace!

3.  I just watched an episode of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution.  Amen.  I'm doing really well with my challenge to myself of better eating.  My problem is getting the kids on board.  I'll keep plugging away. 

One of those Days

1.  We had a doozy of a night last night.  Grace was up the entire night.  Rich was sneezing and finally got up with her.  I was up and down with her all night.  Lola slept like a rock.  I had to get up and do the mad cleaning dash before the cleaning ladies came this morning.  Rich didn't get up til very late and Grace was up when I walked downstairs with Lola.  I got them ready and took Grace to school first.  I then ran Lola over to her gymnastics class to find that the power was out in that part of Westport.  So, no class and no time for me to dash to the grocery store.  We dashed home so I could continue the mad dash cleaning of the kitchen and family room.  Did I mention Grace's room was worse than normal because she was playing all night long?!

2.  Later I decided it was long overdue to clean the oven.  I pulled the racks out and got a sliver of metal in my finger.  I worked for a long time to try to get it out.  I think I got most of it.  At least it doesn't hurt anymore.  I took Lola to swim class, but couldn't find Grace's wetsuit.  Fortunately, she didn't have a fit.  She miraculously made it through the day and through swim class and didn't get to bed til after 9.  I don't know how her little body can just go and go.  When we got back from swim class and the pharmacy I turned on the oven to clean it.  Phew!  I about smoked us out of here!  We had to have windows open and the stove fan on to draw out some smoke.  Rich and I both were complaining of burning eyes.  I had to run back to the pharmacy to get another RX that was called in late.  I barely have any gas left and have a few things to do in the morning before I get to a gas station.  Let's hope I make it!

3.  I speed watched two American Idols tonight.  I do love when they get down to the end and you get some really good performances.  We keep saying we're going to turn the tv off at night and play a game or read books.  Hasn't happened yet!  When I'm done putting kids to bed I like to plop down on the couch and veg!

Marvelous Mystic

1.  We enjoyed a great day at Mystic Seaport!  We joined in March and have now been twice on beautiful spring days.  We're always amazed at how empty it is.  We stopped into the membership building for some free lemonade and the lady there told us that it is wall to wall people after Memorial Day.  Ah, good to know!  Their new restaurant Latitude (something) was open and we had a really delicious lunch.  It is upscale, but also kid-friendly with a nice kids' menu.  We highly recommend it! 

2.  On the way home we stopped first at Tim Horton's, which is now a tradition whenever we're in the area of a Timmy's.  I had their iced cappuccino and Rich had hot chocolate!  We then stopped at the Christmas Tree Shoppe and A.C. Moore and found some things for Lola's birthday party.  She is having a mermaid party and it's really tough to find mermaid-y things.  We've branched out a bit to include other sea things to make the planning a bit easier.  We bought the doll cake pan at the craft store and then came home to watch some youtube videos of mermaid cake decorating.  Of course, other things come up when searching and we found ourselves watching a tutorial of a woman putting on mermaid eyeshadow.  Then Lola wanted to watch something with Barbies.  I let her watch and then came to check that she didn't click on anything else and found that what I thought was a kid's video was a porn video!  Thank goodness it said "Blocked for your safety."  Yikes!  Be careful of youtube!!

3.  To continue with my scary story from yesterday...this morning I was putting on mascara and noticed that the side of my head that had the hair burned also had burned eyelashes!!  I am still so shocked that I wasn't hurt and so grateful!!  Rich cooked another burger tonight and I let him light the grill!

Thank God!

1.  No kidding, I've been thanking God all night that I'm still alive and/or not burned.  Tonight Rich wanted to grill out and I showed him how the handyman had told me to light our grill.  The grill fell over and is not working very well anymore.  He showed me how to turn the burners on and then light it.  I did that and then lit it and POOF!-a huge woosh of fire came up in my face!  It was the single most scary thing that's ever happened to me.  At first I thought I was going to die and then I thought I was not going to die, but be burned very badly.  Rich was standing by me and I jumped back very quickly.  I could smell a bad smell and noticed my hair had burned.  Thank God we were both ok!  But, one side of my hair did burn.  It curled up at the ends.  I ran upstairs to check the damage and combed it out.  A lot of burnt ends were in the sink.  I also singed the hair off both forearms and slightly burned one arm.  A little Neosporin helped that to feel better quickly.  I really feel someone was looking out for me tonight!  I kept thinking it could have been so much worse.  My mom worked at a place where a chicken fryer blew up.  A woman in front of it was burned severely.  My mom was burned quite badly and went through a lot of burn therapy.  She said it was the worse pain she had ever endured in her life.  Oh, thank you God!

2.  Rich and I had date night tonight.  We went to see Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes at the Ridgefield Playhouse.  It's our third time seeing them together.  He grew up listening to their music and turned me on to them several years ago.  Good concert!  We called around looking for places to go for dinner afterward.  Needless to say nothing was serving that late so we ended up at Orem's.  So, if you want to know when to go to Orem's and not have to wait-late night is the best time!

3.  We started our morning at soccer.  Lola played for about 30 minutes til she got knocked over.  She then was done.  That's better than her first time she went and clung to me the entire time.  I worked at the concession stand today and enjoyed it.  It made me feel like I was back working in high school.  I then took Grace to the doctor and Rich took Lola to a make up swim class.  We then all met up and went to Wilton Pizza and sat outside.  The best part of the day was the gorgeous weather and driving around in the convertible.  Ah, summer is just around the corner!  I even got to take a small nap today.  And, the sitter cleaned up the huge mess in the family room.  Now it's off to bed before one of the kids is yelling, "Mooooommmmyyyyy!"