the end

All good things must come to an end. We ended ours by cruising up to Santa Cruz and walking about the boardwalk.

As you can see, we weren't alone. And many of those people you see pictured made for some mighty fine people watching.

There was some lovely beach watching, sail sighting,

toe dangling,

and raucous riding!

It was beautiful. There really is something about that California coast, it gets me every time.

But the best sight is what greeted us at home (note how they donned their souvenir t-shirts and are wielding their darling otters - Jimmy's shirt reads "The Otters Strike Back" and Grace's shirt of course depicts "Hairy Otter")

Happy Summer, one and all!

ps school starts next week, can you believe it?!

discovery

Guess what I found that I love to do and never did before...

Did you guess, kayaking? Good job if you did.

We rented a kayak for two and skimmed on top of the Bay. It was so fun. I did get a bit nervous when I realized there were real live animals (with real live teeth) that were swimming about near us.

Nate loved the fact that there were real live animals swimming near us and didn't seem bothered by the idea of their teeth in the least. The most fun to watch were the otters. They would laze about on top of kelp beds (lots of kelp beds, one of the reasons the otters love Monterey Bay) and then get up and play and frolic about. The stinkiest animals to see were the seals (or were they sea lions?) Thankfully we weren't too close to note the location of their ears which is how one would differentiate between the two (see I do know things, even if I don't read all the signs).

Above you will see a view of where we stayed. It was very Water-Front.

After kayaking about, we got cleaned up and hit the town. See, aren't we just darned cute? Have we really known each other for 17 years? We certainly don't look that old, well at least in this light, right (right??)

And while we were dining I discovered a new treat. See, prawns used to knock my socks off. They are still good, but I found more that scallops would swim about in my culinary dreams. And after this delight, a perfectly executed calamari steak floats right at the top. Here it is - the best meal of the trip - teeny, tiny micro greens on top of a mountain made of calamari steak, sea scallops, and prawns, on top of a bed of creamy risotto, flecked with capers, with sweet asparagus thrown in just to make things even better.

This is us after we are full. Full and happy.

Oh man, I love vacation.

(Think we need to find a new selves-portrait pose? We've perfected this one, I'd say.)

love on the rocks

With temps in the low 60s and scenery more than beautiful, we not only were tempted by the bike rental people on Cannery Row, we were sold - hook, line, and sinker. We headed into Pacific Grove, had lunch at a tiny, darling place, and then coasted on over to, well, to the coast!

We found an area where the bike trail led to a foot path, which led to some crazy tide pools. We thought after our visit to the Aquarium, and after our year living in San Diego, a mere tide pool would not hold any bait for us. Boy were we wrong. It was full of crabs and fish and sea things (things I would know what they were called, but I didn't read the signs at the Aquarium).

There were birds galore!

But the sight of this bike tour we seem to remember the most was when we quite obviously interrupted someone's secret rendezvous for two (yes, THAT kind of rendezvous). They (the two people interrupted) were rather put out.

But honestly, is two steps off a public foot path on the coast full of rocks and sand and aquatic creatures really where you would want to rendezvous? I think not. They should be thankful and consider taking their business elsewhere, such as a place with no public, no foot paths, no sand, no rocks, and potentially no aquatic creatures.

the aquarium

Nate loved our first visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium so of course we had to do it again on this visit. I enjoyed it more this time. We seem to have figured out how to make our very different museum paces work out over the years. I'm more of a walk-around-see-cool-things-read-about-only-the-coolest-looking-thing-find-the-gift-shop-then-go-out-to-lunch kind of museum visitor. Nate is more of a read-every-single-sign-plaque-pamphlet-ponder-what-you've-read-study-everything-you-see-ask-the-docents-insightful-questions-ponder-more-and-forget-one-has-to-eat-lunch kind of visitor. (Its nice we've had some time to work on this, don't you think?)

This time we got tix that would let us in for two consecutive days. This was great because I could pause and read many more signs and plaques than I used too and Nate could skim as many signs and plaques as possible, knowing that he could ponder and read and study even more the next day. This allowed us plenty of time for lunch.

During our first visit, we noticed most of the docents were retired from other professions and now volunteered at the aquarium. Nate decided that was what he'd like to do upon retirement. This was decided well before he even applied to medical school.

Considering the insightful questions he posed during this trip, I would say he's well on his way to living his retirement dreams.

Though if you ask him about it, he just might clam-up.

note -

The pictures were all taken when I wasn't reading plaques or signs. Had I been reading them, I could tell you the names of these amazing sea creatures. All I can tell you is that the first two are different kinds of jelly fish and I loved watching them dance around. I found them to be mesmerizing (this was good, because Nate took the opportunity to ponder). The next two pictures are of different sea horses. The sea horses are amazing. I had no idea about their variety and complexity. I loved the one that resembled a plant. The final picture is of my favorite kind of species, though he is not only a sea creature - he is a land dweller as well. And bipedal. Amazing ;)

13 is a great number

I've never had fresh flowers delivered to my swanky hotel room before! I certainly hope to again!

I've never stayed this close to the ocean before, I certainly plan to again!

Here is the sun peeking through the clouds during breakfast one morning. It was a chilly 55 degrees. Heaven for someone who just came from the Valley of the Sun.

Here is a quick shot of Nate and I at Monterey Bay. We have a similar shot taken 13 years ago during our Honeymoon.

I think this one is fabulous!

13

Happy Anniversary Eve, dearest!

light dusting

We got back into town around 5 Tuesday night. We were home by 6. Dinner was off the grill by 7. Good thing, because by 8 it was a crazy world outside our door. It was difficult to see the trees and cactus behind the pool. Opening the front door ensured your eyes would be full of grit (and possibly beams and motes). The wind just wouldn't quit. And my favorite - the entire house smelled like fresh dirt from the garden.

Turns out we were in the midst of an "haboob." Yes, you should google it. At one point it engulfed all of Camelback Mountain. It was said to be at least a mile high and spread about 50 or 60 miles wide.

By morning the wind had stopped, but there was dust and dirt EVERYWHERE. And our pool was as dirty as I've ever seen it. Apparently it wasn't the only pool with such troubles, the high school swim team had to cancel practice because of their own murky water.

Dust seemed to hang in the air. It seemed hazy almost, but very different.

We stayed inside most of the day except for a few back-into-town errands to run (because we would have to eat, y'know).

It occurred to me this was like a distorted reflection of Christmas break. We were hunkered down inside, all cozy with fun movies, toys to play with, and great books to read. When we did emerge from our cocoon, it wasn't for long and we hurried (along with the rest of the shoppers at Costco) inside and then hurried back to the car.

Today we won't be making dustman or sledding down dust hill, but we will be hosing down the patio furniture and doing our best to revive our sad garden.

For some reason, I just can't get "It's beginning to look a lot like..." out my head. Perhaps we will have to break out some holiday tunes to get us through our chores today.

brand new beauty

Today I used a brand new vacuum. This was quite exciting as I have never used or owned a new vacuum before. We began our newly married life (almost 13 years ago) with a 1981 Electrolux. It was Grandmother Darling's pride and joy, but the canister was proving too heavy for her and she and Grandpa were very happy to present this machine to us. We were happy to have it as we didn't have a vacuum and knew that there are some parts of marriage that really did need to suck (mainly the carpet that you'd walk on day in and day out).

Years later the Electrolux began to show her age. About this time we were presented with a much less heavy Oreck from my mom. She acquired this when I was about 12 or 13. (You can do the math on that one). It was awesome until the last few weeks.

So last Friday, I talked the kids up and filled them with excitement as we headed to the Vacuum Store after soccer. Jimmy was well prepared to face whatever came our way with his shin-guards, but he gratefully relinquished his ball to the confines of the car. He and Grace graciously checked out all the Vacuum Store had to offer. Grace then settled into her library book (because, you never know when you might need to read your library book in the exciting Vacuum Store) and Jimmy took it upon himself to notify a Vacuum Store employee their floor was very dirty (he had found their demo area and it truly troubled him, probably because shin-guards were no match to the mess the demo area provided).

The Vacuum Store regretfully informed me the repairs on my "elderly" vacuum would be over 100 bucks. I regretfully informed them I would not be seeking a $100 plus repair on my "elderly" vacuum. We did leave as friends, but I was sure not to impart my phone number.

After days of pondering, searching, researching, and hemming and hawing, the day arrived to purchase a brand-spankin'-new vacuum. As Grace had a previous engagement that particular afternoon, only Jimmy was there to accompany me on the purchase of a new vacuum. While cruising the aisle approaching our new-to-be acquisition, Jimmy pointed to each and every vacuum and said,

"Hey, Mama, check out this beauty!"

"Oh, look at that beauty over there!"

"I think this could be our new beauty, its purple!"

"Wow, what a beauty!"

It made buying a new vacuum even more awesome that it could have been.

This afternoon I assemble my new Beauty. It totally sucks.

I'm very happy.

into the light

It was light. It seemed far too early for the sun, but no doubt about it, the light was peering right into my eyelids. I blinked them open. It was light all right. Man, did it feel early!

Time on the clock - 1:57 a.m.

Huh?

Blinking a few times I discover its not the sun causing this disturbance, its the lamp on the bedside table.

Nate is sound asleep. "Honey," I say, "Did you turn the light on?"

"Yes," he says, "I turned it on to examine the neck adhesion."

"Of course," I say, "well the procedure is over, will you please turn the light off now?"

"Oh, yeah."

Its now dark. And I've got about four more hours of darkness to snooze!

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pee-wee

Have you ever seen little pee-wee shin guards and soccer socks? I'm not sure if there are many things cuter than they are.

Have you ever seen a little boy dash across the field full-throttle wearing the said pee-wee shin guards and socks?

Well, you should. It really will make your whole day better.

for you, kathy b.

We received terrible news today. A member of our ward (congregation) was killed. He was Grace's Primary (Sunday School) teacher. Our prayers continually are in behalf of his wife (who also teaches Grace's class) and his family.

However, I find that my hands need to be busy. After cleaning the house, they were still in need of work. They really seem to be the most at ease in the kitchen. To prevent myself from baking cookies (you know that is my stand-by in times of stress), I considered baking brownies. But I saw the effects of both would be the same - I would consume far too many of each. Instead I busted out the cookbooks and whipped up an old favorite I haven't made in eons; and while doing so I realized I promised faithful reader, Kathy B., I would post Nate's Favorite Pork Chops. She said she wasn't interested in pork that turned out dry. Never you fear, my dear, these are wonderful!

So here are two family classics:

Savory Summer Pie - adapted from a Southern Living magazine dated ages ago

1 unbaked pie crust

1 small red pepper, chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped

4 large eggs

1 cup half and half

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack

1/3 cup shredded Parm cheese

3 plum tomatoes, sliced

Fit pie crust in a 9 1/2 inch deep pie plate. Prick bottom and sides. Bake at 425 for 10 min. Remove from oven and set aside.

Saute bell pepper, onion, and garlic in hot oil for 5 minutes or so. Stir in basil and remove from heat.

Whisk together eggs and the next 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in sauteed veggies and cheeses. Pour into crust; top with tomato slices.

Bake at 375 for 45-50 minutes or until set. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

(Also, someone I know loves some Tabasco on his serving of this)

Nate's Favorite Pork Chops

1/4 cup flour

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp pepper

6 pork chops, not the skinny ones mind you, make sure they are nice and thick!

olive oil

2 medium tomatoes (or one can diced tomatoes with all the juice)

1 onion, sliced

3 Tbsp soy sauce (the secret ingredient, if you will)

1/2 cup water

Combine flour, garlic powder and pepper; coat the chops with the mixture. Brown both sides of pork in the hot oil over medium heat. Sprinkle tomatoes and onion pieces over top of the chops. Pour soy sauce and water over all. Simmer, covered for 45 minutes (or less if you weren't able to get those nice, thick chops), until tender, turning once.

Please, please, please serve over rice.

summer

Summer has officially come, as it is now summer break. We kicked it off right with a trip to the Grand Canyon.

It is really big.

Today was the first day of summer day camp, not quite sure why the word camp is used as it is a three hour class the children get to go to a few days a week for a few weeks.

Jimmy's is Masterpieces. This involves messy painting and other artwork all the while studying a letter of the day and doing corresponding yoga moves to emphasis the letter. He digs painting and loves letters. I'm sure he'll get over the yoga.

Miss Grace is now in summer term at Hogwarts. Thankfully Hogwarts has a campus in a town nearby (and thankfully that campus shares rooms where Jimmy's summer camp is - whew). She received a letter in the mail (at least we think it was mail, there was no evidence of an owl delivery). It was addressed in a toned-down version of calligraphy and had a wax seal on the back. The letter of course was on parchment.

As the students enter their classroom they each have to say, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." And when they leave they have to say, "Mischief managed."

They also played Spell Tag today. Have you ever played before? The children yell "Stupify" as they tag one another and those tagged become toads. Someone needs to do a leapfrog over the stupified toad to unstupify the tagged kid.

It is awesome.

I hope your summer is awesome too. Let me know if you get anything delivered by owl.

going home

For weeks Grandma has been in and out of the hospital with some in between time at a nursing home. Her great plan was to make it home by Mother's Day. And she did.

Grandma passed away Friday evening. As patient as Grandpa always is, I'm sure he was grateful she finally came. I love this picture of them (above) taken in 1941 on the streets of Chicago. Arm-in-arm, he listening to every word she said, and she saying a LOT of words.

Three Interesting Things:
1. I loved hearing the stories of the two of them and their social life. They would often hit the strip clubs with their friends, probably when she was about my age. Apparently that's just what one would do with one's spouse and friends on a Saturday night. They loved banging the little hammers on the table and chanting, "Take it off! Take it off! Take it off!" Makes me rethink our current social life and date night. Nate, do you have any little hammers lying around? We might need 'em.

2. She only had one kidney. One time, many years ago in the hospital, a resident came into her room, all very earnest-like and said, "Um, well, excuse me. But did you know you only have one kidney?!" Without blinking an eye her reply was, "Well what did you do with the other one?!" And then she laughed. I think eventually he laughed too.

3. She and her sisters swear that their father's second wife killed him. And then she ran off with his car. Its like a true-life Agatha Christie, right in my family.

I really hope the Cubs make it through this year. She's only been able to cheer them on for a few weeks of the season. The remainder of this season must be done without their most ardent fan cheering them on and sharing "encouraging words" from her comfortable chair in her living room.

Grandma, you'll truly be missed down here. But I can only imagine what you and your sisters are gossiping about and what your latest schemes are. And I'm so happy your Steady is there to be by your side. Just be sure the two of you stay out of trouble!

Love you

off to the races

About a month ago we enjoyed a rain-filled adventure in California. For a few brief moments we were dazzled with sunshine. Luckily one of those moments corresponded with a certain nephew's birthday party.



(I have no idea what these scooters are called, but they are more than awesome and I think I'd like one for myself.)







The difference between the following two are hilarious to me. I think a certain niece of mine picked up incredible speed as she was turning a bend on the path. Fortunately she's rather tenacious and her handy dad and Uncle Nate-ness were nearby to avert any serious injury. The facial expressions and body language of everyone in the last of these two photos is quite telling. Don't you think?!





Ps. One of these isn't a kid. Can you guess which one???

sage advice and the help of a reading list

From a big sister to a little brother:
"There's an old saying that goes 'never judge a movie by its cover,' its the same thing with people."

I suppose one would say we watch a lot of movies around these parts? However, when we're not watching we are reading. Grace was featured in one of my friend's blogs. Check it out!

grumpy bunny

Incidentally, if you are in the market for a new picture book, might I recommend this. We've had it for seven Easters now and I never grow tired of it. Perhaps because I can be a grumpy bunny too!

getting your game on with your peeps

Its Easter-time. You know this by the crazy amount of Peeps one can find at any given store. But imagine if you will, that you've recently opened up your Easter seasonal box, y'know the one you left in STL for an extra year in storage and haven't been into since 2009 or so. Yeah, that one. Well, imagine your surprise and your husband's delight when within that box you find an unopened package of pink Peeps.

What does one do with these?
Let us show you:


You carefully throw the Peep at a child waiting "patiently" with a tennis racket.

In the following picture if you look closely you can see the tail end of a Peep right by the arrow. (I am sure by now you are used to our amazing photography around these parts.)


The child then whacks the Peep. This is done over and over and over again until all the Peeps are smashed to smithereens in the backyard. You then "graciously" pose for a picture with your racket on a rock and try not to get whacked yourself.


And that my friends, is how its done.

sometimes things are useful down the road

Big test today for 3-5th graders in the state. So big that McDonalds has offered a free breakfast to children within that age range. How a greasy egg mcmuffin will help test scores increase, I'm not sure. But I digress.

Apparently They (they being the school administration from the district down through the teachers) have been "reminding" the children how important it is they do well on these tests. Grace has taken this to heart and has become slightly concerned about it. Oh how I wish she did not take after me in the test-taking-anxiety mode! She should channel her father in this regard! He's the coolest test taker I've evern known. We've talked about how she's taken tests like this every year in school. My favorite was last year, because in CA they don't just take standardized tests like everyone else. Oh no, y'see they do STAR testing. Fancy.

She's decided to try and chill about it. But I can tell she still is a bit ruffled. So I did what any fabulous mom would do. I put a note in her lunch that says,
"You're good enough, you're smart enough, and gosh-darn-it we love you."

Seems only natural the pep talk I give my child I gleaned straight from SNL.

whew!

This has been one of our more wild weeks on record in a while. I am looking forward to the mundane and normalcy that should begin tomorrow.

All of our activities were good ones, there were just too many of them at the same time.

Some items I'll mention:
1. Nate ref-ed his first bball game. He needs to get a bit more comfortable when he blows his whistle. I think we're going to have to have some whistle practice. He also may consider not apologizing when he makes a call. But who am I to suggest such a thing? I apologize for junk All. The. Time. (Even when I have no business doing so!)

2. I was in a vocal trio at church today singing second soprano. I'm thinking if they knew how many notes I blew, they won't ask me again! Here's to hoping!!!!

3. I put on Jimmy's Super J cape today after we got home after church. I realize now I should have worn it to church as it certainly makes one more "super" and we all could have benefited from that during the "special musical number."

when I get to be 21 again

Say all you want about men not planning in advance. I sure have said much on that subject concerning one man I know, but I now need to take it all back.

He asked me out on a date for September 3. (I said yes by the way and am already planning on what to wear).

What could possibly be so important to promote such advanced planning?
The Def Leppard and Heart concert!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so excited. I'm thinking of some of those clip in hair extensions in dark purple are in order!!!

Now to line up a babysitter. Think I'll wait a little bit on that one.