James is feeling better (and ornery at being home so long). We’re currently on the “24 hours of no fever you must stay home” part of the illness. I’m not sure which of us is climbing the walls more. If it was a lovely autumn day, we would go for the walk. Unfortunately, in classic southern California style, it’s over 100 and the air quality is awful from the ever present fires, so we’re sticking with driving each other crazy.
Sunday, we celebrated International Peace Day with our Roots and Shoots group by going to Santa Monica Pier (a crazy long drive from where I live in case anyone was wondering. I’ve actually never been before. So cross that off the list) and participating in a parade with a giant peace dove (participating in a parade, another new one, unless you count the parades put on by my me, my siblings and neighbor kids after decorating our bikes. No? O.k., then cross it off the list too).
The pictures I put on flickr are either from far away or only of James to protect the privacy of the other kids. However, here’s an idea of what the group of doves looked like.
There were tons of things to do at the parade/festival and we had a blast. Here’s James giving an “interview” to a local reporter. He went back and forth on wanting to do it, ended up looking miserable, and got the biggest applause; nothing cuter than pulling to together, mostly. Although there’s a supposedly a way to add the video to my blog, I am not getting it to work. So, here’s the link if you want to see it.http://www.ktla.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=57872247-86a1-4e79-a44e-c76dc99ceb25&src=front . It’s only 26 seconds long (if anyone’s counting).
Speaking of counting (checking to see if anyone is still reading 
), this is my 500th post. People pay attention to these things, you know. And they give things away. And what do I always give away on this here blog? that’s right, books. So, here’s what I have for you. A couple of vintage books (vintage sounds so much nicer than old). And I actually have five, 1 for each 100 posts I guess.
1. The Pooh Get Well Book Alright, apparently it’s only worth $.01 on Amazon. It’s free here, shipping included. Whatever. Amazon’s raining on my parade.
2. McBroom and the Big Wind Ha! We’re up to $1.72 now!
3. Sprout and the Helicopter $4.99 if you have the 1974 edition, which I do. $.01 if you have the 1977 edition. I don’t know the difference, except I look cheaper in my giveaway with the 1977 edition.
4. Newberry: The Life and Times of a Maine Clam $9.23 Holy Moly! I don’t know. Let me see what other $.01 books I have. Some of you may remember (because you hang on every word I say) we read this book prior to going to Maine. I referenced it in this post; it’s a great book.
5. The Canterbury Tales: Special Edition for Young Readers and $8.65 (a de Luxe Golden book – got that de Luxe)
That’s right readers, I think you are de Luxe. Not just regular Luxe, de Luxe.
So, with 5 books and 4 commenters, you should be a shoo in to win something. Put what you would like to win. We’ll have the contest end on . . . October 1st. Someone remind me, o.k.?
I had a post about what we did on Sunday (Peace parade in Santa Monica, great pictures I’m sure, off the camera sometime). But in the meantime, James has gotten the flu. So rarely sick. Colds. Sure, but sick sick. No.
So, we have hunkered down. He’s sleeping fitfully. And so am I. Only, I’m not doing as well with the sleeping in the day part. I’m working on it.
I made a hug pot of chicken soup and gatorade popsicles.
We’re reading, watching movies, sleeping, disinfecting. All those things you do for the flu. Our flu shots are scheduled for Oct. 3rd. And, with the two flu strains this year, we’ll still have to get them. No fair.
I’ll leave you with a random quote of the week (from James): “Is the government stupid or what?”
Yesterday, we went to the Discover Science Museum (it’s homeschool week and member days – or week?, anyway, we qualify for both). James took a class on Astronomy, a current love. I had told him about it, but hadn’t talked about it much. It was his first solo class. For many of you, this would be no big deal, but James has always been fearful of being without me in a class. He does sports, but my presence is there, on the sidelines, available, I could have registered with him, but I didn’t.
Waiting he immediately made a friend (he makes friends everywhere). He also had friends coming but they were late. When they called the class, he didn’t even say good bye. I was so proud – no fear at all. I’m sure the friend and the young, cute teacher helped.
At the end, I had been told to meet him at the entrance. Unfortunately, the woman at the front was wrong, and by the time I got him, he (and his two friends) were the last kids. I thought I had ruined him good time. But no, he wasn’t at all upset and happily told me what he learned (so he even paid attention 
).
And, to top all it off, he laid on a bed of nails! 
Something he has been eyeing for years, but hasn’t quite gotten his courage up. So, it was a good day.
In the afternoon, we went to Roots and Shoots. And to answer Chelle’s question, Roots and Shoots is not Boy Scouts (or Girl Scouts). How’s that for an answer? Defining by the negative. Oh, wait, that doesn’t work. Try again. Roots and Shoots was founded by Jane Goodall, it’s a co-ed, multi-age organization focusing on encouraging kids towards making changes in their communities while having fun (slipped into teacher talk for a minute there). There are three main focuses each group is supposed to have: environment, animals, and community. So, James’ group is doing projects for all three areas. Let’s see, one example of each. Make cat toys and deliver to an animal shelter (animal), deliver meals to the elderly (community), clean up the beach (environment). So far, the people who are doing it, so far , have been really organized, read a picture book, have a craft (or course, we bring some supplies), make it really fun. James has really been looking forward to going.
And, for Ami, a larger picture of the volcano cake:
Finally, I’ve added to my sidebar a link to secularhomeschool.com. I must admit, since I’ve cutback on on-line time, I don’t spend much any time there. But, I encourage you to. It’s a good resource. If you have time. I also added a couple “new” blogs, new as in I started reading them this year. If you would like to be added, if I missed you, please let me know. I update all the time.
Some fun! Two kinds of volcanoes, the standard baking soda kind and this completely amazing, involving dry ice so it has to be fun, volcano cake. You should really look at the link, because mine (as James pointed out), looks nothing like the picture. He did stop complaining once the exploding/eating began. Robot building. Can I mention how thankful I am for Darren being home when this set came in? I ordered it with some of the funds I get from the charter school, sure that James would love it (he does), but I can get befuddled by larger Lego kits. This was perfect for me not to be involved in . And swimming, lots of it. Much more than the rest of the summer combined. It’s cooled down enough for it to be swimming weather (although this particular picture is inside). James went, 4 different locations, 4 different times last week.
So, loads of fun.
We also went to a Roots and Shoots group. I’m tentatively positive; James is quite excited. An interesting conversation I had there. One of the mom’s asked if I was a “100% homeschooler”. I must have looked blank, because she continued, “Do you use a charter?” Yes. (For those outside of CA, who may not have the charter system, or have a different type of charter system, it’s one of the 3 options for homeschooling which exist here). A few more questions ensued and she found I was indeed a “100% homeschooler” because James didn’t go to the charter for any classes. Her kids took 2 days of classes a week, which I guess made her a “60% homeschooler” (check my math, 3/5 no?). Anyway, it caught me off guard and struck me as funny (my own “being on the out” with the jargon).
School’s going quite well so far. I’m happy with the choice to switch to unit studies/interest led for science and history this year. It’s revitalized our studies.
We go on Friday to the Dr. to assess Darren’s arm and (he sincerely hopes) get permission to take a shower. He’s greatly improved, although he still has pain (of course). He’s getting up and about most days, for at least part of the day, he’s starting to work some on the computer (he cleaned mine today, which he claims is going to improve it, something about it being disgusting? hair in the keyboard? whatever), so we’re hopefully for a good prognosis.
Alright, so I think I’ve filled you on the major and some of the completely inconsequential events since I last posted. Hopefully, with a working computer, and a continuing full, fun schedule, I pop in more often.
directly after surgery.
And that’s all I have to say about that.
Other than that, all is well. Darren has done surprisingly well, thankfully. He even played chess with James last night. I think, when the anesthesia wore off, he was a little surprised by the amount of pain he was in, an I will have to make an ice run today, because our ice maker simply cannot keep up, but he is coping well and is able to do more than I expected.
I many ways, it is also harder than I expected. Dishes to be done; I can’t just leave them knowing someone will pick up the slack later (dishes are my nemesis). Dogs need to be fed (that’s me too, although soon assigned to James, at least at night). Trash to be taken out; you’re looking at her. And while I feel this way when Darren is at a conference, it’s more so now, because James and I pare down to minimum then. Dinners, we don’t so much care. Soup from a can, out with friends, pizza in bed. It’s a special time. Now, I have three. At home. For three meals. A friend has graciously offered to bring us dinner tonight. She didn’t have to offer twice .
We are also coming to the realization of the shock of the different way we do things.
A commotion in the bathroom. “Did you realize he’s lying on the floor of the show?” “He always does that.” “It’s filling up?!” “He never overflows it?” “But why?” “I don’t know. I don’t care as long as he uses soap and doesn’t shower too long.”
James and I in sweaters when the temperature is over 100 outside because Darren has the a/c cranked much lower than we are accustomed to. He’s used to office living; we only turn it on when the house reaches 85. I shudder to think of our electric bill.
“Have you fed the dogs yet? . . . Have you fed the dogs yet? . . .Have you fed the dogs yet?” “It’s not 8 a.m. yet. They will learn to wait. I am the human. They are the dog.”
All things said, it is hard. It’s hard not to be able to do what you use to do. Hard to have to pick up the slack. And hard to be the kid, having to scale back your fun. But, it will get better. That’s the whole idea.
And, it’s better than expected, at least by me.
Darren’s birthday is Saturday. I’ve have multiple plans all of which have fallen to his surgery. He’s turning 40, so I would have like to have done something more than usual, but in the end, once he gets final word today about the details, we’ll most likely do our usual quiet family observance. Since he got a car, even my thunder of a great gift is gone (well, there’s the car) and I was left kind of befuddled on what to do at all. I finally decided on a family picture, something we have very few of, not professionally done, but just set up the tripod and take a few shots.
Here’s his favorite:
But here’s mine:
In case anyone is wondering, my hair is constantly getting into my face, James always had his “kitties” pestering, and that dog is always underfoot. Put Darren in jeans and a t-shirt, James in shorts and no shirt, my shoes off, and you have a true family portrait.
But, Darren likes the image of a composed family better and it is his present. I’m looking to get a print and have it framed.
In other news, the skirt is done.
I’m quite happy with it. It did used to be my favorite tablecloth. As such, there are a few small stains, but they seem to be well hidden. The pattern is from the Sew Everything Workshop
; it was easy to follow, easy to do. I added a pocket on the side, just the right size for an iTouch (a gift from Darren). I find myself easily annoyed by clothes with no pockets. As I was adding this one, it occurred to me that I could add pockets willy nilly. I didn’t have to sew the whole item to add a pocket.
And, for those who are interested, here is my car organizer. 
For a really nice one, plus the tutorial I used, go here.
And then will probably be all for a while. With Darren’s surgery on Thursday, I’ll probably pop to twitter to say he’s o.k. and do blog visits, but I’m doubting I’ll have a lot of time to come post here for a time. Not that I am the world’s most regular blogger anyway.
Take care everyone.
It’s August, in southern California, and I’m cooking soup. Not a delicious, cold gazpacho, because my tomato plants have really not cooperated with anyone except the lizards, not even a cold strawberry soup, but pots of hot soup. Yes, pots, two of them, on the stove top right now.
We are a soup eating family, really no matter the weather. James will eat pretty much any vegetable if it is put in a soup and every month, he requests some form of soup.It is possible that even at 100, we will be eating soup.
I took a cooking class with a friend a month or so ago and they had a suggestion I just loved. Take your vegetable scraps, keep a freezer bag, and use them for your stocks. Now, I had been saving them for compost, but we have been having a fruit fly infestation problem so I started limiting my compost to garden waste only. And I always save chicken carcasses for stock, but now I could keep my vegetable scraps from going to waste and not have to buy vegetables “just” for stock.
So, today, I have a chicken in the pot, making chicken stock, and we will have chicken pot pie tonight, chicken salad tomorrow (that’s a green salad with chicken in it; personally I’m not a fan of the chicken with mayo in it fan, but James will probably want it that way for lunch), and use the chicken for sandwiches, wraps, etc. throughout the week, and I have beef bones and veggie scraps in another pot because we’re going to have beef barley soup later in the week. Stock not for use this week will get frozen in 2 c. portions.
So, there you have it, random housekeeping post for the month (perhaps the year ). Our love of soup.
For Mom #1 (and the benefit of anyone else who might be interested), it took me a couple of days to get the nerve up to actually use the new sewing machine. I was a little worried I would regret my decision. Silly I guess but there you have it. I love, love, love it! So far, I’ve repaired a car organizer I made with the old machine, which mostly was held together with a little bit of luck I believe). I will take pictures. Really . The thing is, it’s really dirty. James puts his feet all over it. Better it than the car seat.
I plan to make myself a skirt. I’m actually going to use an old tablecloth. That’s my plan. I have to pull it out and see if there are any major stains. None of my tablecloths fit my table anymore (new table a year or so ago) so I should be able to sew a few things without making any purchases, thus, justifying the cost of the machine. Right?
It’s what I’ve been lacking, so busy taking care of everyone else and failing to take care of myself. Cliche of me really. And so, I’ve consciously begun to take some care back.
It’s not time so much, I had things I did, it’s the space inside my head, it’s the time alone, the time for quiet, the time for putting myself first.
I’ve started losing weight, getting fit. I take walks, alone and with a friend. As my body feels stronger and healthier, my mind does as well.
I bought myself a new sewing machine, something I’ve been asking for for three years, but is never a priority for anyone but me (nothing fancy, but a basic, good machine). A serger will be coming in the months ahead.
I’m knitting more actively again, planning projects, casting on and letting my mind let go.
I made bath salts and body scrubs and I lock the bathroom door.
I minimize my on-line interactions (blogs and twitter pretty much). Actually, my real life interactions as well. I’ve cut out the fat, down to the lean. Held on to the best.
I’m starting for the umpteenth time The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and then Don Quixote (the 3rd time). My two favorite uplifting books, not particularly similar.
I’m working on accepting my limitations.
Do you find you have trouble placing limitations? Finding a place for yourself? What are things you do for your own serenity?
The lessons I learn from James are the same I learned when he was 3. Slow learner I guess. Is it his personality, mine, or a combination of the 2?
He, always pushing the boundaries, testing new waters, me having to learn not to instantly say no, to decide, why say no, is this o.k., safe, think before speaking, glad he’s independent, wanting him to be safe.
When he’s 30, will I still feel like a tight rope walker, over Nigara Falls?
So, I’ve mentioned a couple of times that Darren has trouble with his back. Turns out, this story goes back much further than this.
Perhaps 5, 6 years ago, pre James, pre thought of James, so it much be more 6-7 years ago, Darren and I went skiing, something we did back then, but this as turns out, was the last time. Darren fell (long story short) and broke his shoulder. Now, this story definitely starts there. Whether the damage occured at that time and wasn’t caught, or whether, as he ws warned at the time, “there may be future problems from bone spurs in this shoulder,” this is how the story begins.
Fast forward to 3 years ago, the pain begins, Darren goes to the Dr., and then the first of a series of orthopedist. He complains about his shoulder, but the Dr. narrows in on his neck. He sees a total of three different orthopedists (all at the same practice), is put on increasing strengths of pain medicines, given very limited physical therapy (which annoys me to no end), and multiple MRIs and diagnoses (none of which are particularly treatable or hopefully).
Yesterday, after yet another MRI and yet another Dr. he finds he has a torn rotator cuff. How blanking simple is that? As Darren said, “If I was a baseball player, I would have known this in an hour.”
Now, in classic CYA style, it’s “Well, you may still have other issues with your neck. We’ll have to see once we repair this.” Other issues like, being in pain for three years from an unrepaired injury?
Oh yeah, the health insurance system is jsut fine here in the U.S.
