welcome to the jungle

No school this fine sunny day. Two children with lots of time to occupy. What is one to do?

In the wilds of Chesterfield lay a treasure beyond compare, a "jungle about butterflies."

The take-charge girl took her field guide and led us through the tropical heat (85 degrees with matching humidity).

Species were examine closely.

While an amazing variety of butterflies were seen, the Blue Morpho was the star (y'see its March Morpho Mania at the Butterfly House, its a kind of butterfly twist on March madness only there are no brackets and no losers and no betting (well usually)).

(I am happy to report no butterflies were harmed during this expedition.)

Grace and James, Butterflytologists Extraordinaires

baa-ha-ha

This was brought to my attention from my favorite neighbor who now lives in Boston. I'm one that admires animals from afar and this certianly meets my qualifications.

looking sharp

A Chicago street photographer captured this back in 1941 just a year or so before these two were married. My grandma likes to point out that even back then her "mouth was going" (ie she always has something to say). I think my grandpa looks rather dashing.

Chief

92 is a big number, especially when it is one that is used when counting years. Grandpa Chuck would have turned 92 next month. A restaurant he and Grandma used to go to would give you a percentage off your bill if you ate there on your birthday (so if you were 50 that day they'd give you 50% off, if you were 6 that day they'd give you 6% off - I think you get the picture). Grandpa was looking forward to the day they'd have to pay him to eat there! He got close, that's for sure!

Grandpa was a Navy man through and through. He'd be more than happy to answer to 'Chief' any day. He and Grandma were married for more than 65 years. He was a hard worker and could fix just about anything. He loves to tell about the rescue missions he's been on. They are pretty incredible.

One of my favorite stories he would tell was of when he and Grandma were dating. They would go to an ice cream parlor and share a milkshake or an ice cream soda. They would sit real close together and he would pinch her straw to make sure he got as much milkshake as he wanted! I loved it.

Grandpa passed away this morning. I think I miss him already. Perhaps a milkshake is in order.

random-mess

Its been too many days since I've last written. Here are things in no particular order that have a). been going on, b). have made me happy, or c). I just think you should know:

• Its been more springy than wintery here and I love it. I know it isn't here to stay just yet, but I have shoots coming up in the front, there are buds on the trees, and I've been to the park a couple of times.
• Nate took his last major-all-day exam of residency. The next big test is Boards which will take place in about a year from now. He wore his testing pants and I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to frame them and hang them in his office some day.
• Jimmy has been saying many very funny things, I think I'm going to have to start a column on the side of the blog for him similar to 'Grace-isms.' If anyone has a good name for that, let me know.
• DWTS started last night. I celebrated with a big bowl of popcorn. Do you pop your corn on the stovetop or the micro. If' you've never tried stovetop popping, click here for a good recipe (and eliminate the rosemary).
• I got to hold a brand-new 8 hour-old baby!! So cute, so sweet, so happy to hold him and then go home to my babies who are no longer babies. Another friend of mine will be having her brand-new baby in the next couple of weeks. I'm pretty excited for her (well and for her husband too).
• I found one of my favorite Agatha Christie books and its been so long since I've read it I can't remember what happens next. (I'm sure it'll be finished by the time I go to bed tonight, but it still makes me happy).
• I am not as freaked out about selling our house as I have been. There still is much to be done, but I feel good about the whole thing.
• Some friends told us about a website where you can order prescription glasses (including lenses) starting around $12 (with only a $4.95 shipping charge!) We're going to give it a whirl. Check back in a few weeks to see how its going.

little miss sunshine

Yesterday - Freezing with frigid, brisk wind

Today - Sunny, bright, breezy, birds were even singing

Yesterday - Grumpy, stressed, overwhelmed with all that must be done to sell the house and move

Today - Happy, actually enjoying myself, far-less tension in my shoulders

What a difference a day makes! And also an attitude. One main problem for me is seeing how all of this will possibly come together. I now accept that it is not all in my hands (nor in Nate's and certainly not G or J!). We feel strongly moving to SD is the thing we should do and that the time has come to say goodbye to STL.

It is said that faith precedes the miracle. So today I put my heavy winter blanket away. It is starting to be spring here, at least in my house.

zoology basics

J: "What those owls over there?"

Me: "Umm, what owls?"

J: "Those ones, those ones. Oh Mama, they's chickens!!!!!"

J: "Bak, Bak, Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaak! Ha ha, I sound a chicken!"

Incidentally, you and I might refer to the "owls" or the "chickens" as pigeons. But really, what do we know?