Hi all,
So, yesterday I welcomed summer by getting my first sunburn in a swimsuit. It may be the first summer in 2 years, but I did it. Monday afternoon Hum asked if I would take a group, including the new villager, to the neighboring community for a waterpark outing. Sam can't drive, so I felt semi-obligated to say yes. It was pretty much what I expected. Except for someone having to go to the hospital (one young person's father after a rollercoaster ride...hopefully ok...) as a precaution.
It was pretty disorganized, but I only really had to keep tabs on Maria and Connie, as the new villager was assimilated back into his old friend group. We first went on a kiddie train and then on a "gondola". Which was pretty much a ski lift. I sucked it up and sat next to Maria, who after a first 15 seconds of nonstop questions decided to really just go with it. I was just happy she didn't wet her pants and me by default. This thing moved SO SLOWLY, about 1/5 as fast as your typical lift. However, when she started bouncing around to YMCA, I told her no bouncing. Then she turned to me and said: "Sissy! Sissy!" while laughing.
This is the same girl who wouldn't go down a waterslide 5 minutes later. Frustrating. So We had to park her at the bottom so I could do rides with Connie. We did something called the "Tornado" which was awesome. Shaped like a large funnel, you get dropped from about 15 feet to build up momentum and then careen back and forth as you go down it. Crazy.
It was a long day though, but we made it through with no major hitches. I went and watched Amelie with Bean and a few other co-workers and enjoyed it. Funny to realize that I'm now supposedly older than Amelie. Sigh.
Today Okiwa came again and as it was raining this morning (and everything was soaked...), neighborhood lunch was canceled. This makes thing easier, not having all the deals to try to manage with just Julia. We were both relieved. So I taught Okiwa how to cook millet and we made a variation of the millet cakes with zucchini. They fell apart and hissed in the oil a bit more, but were really good. Frankin had an appointment this morning, so I watched the oldest child (who ran next door to visit and freaked me out...) and managed the other villager who comes in. She had one of her days where she cries because she says that her house has no food, so I taught Okiwa the trick of pretending to call her house and have her overhear me affirming that they have food.
Neighborhood meeting was fine and pretty short. Connie's still having a really rough time, and everyone has different advice. I know that once the neighbor house parents come back from vacation that things will level out a bit. I hope.
Anyhow, I'm really tired and am going to bed!
Hope all is well,
Steph
Showing posts with label BEAN. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BEAN. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
I Pushed the Button
Hi all,
But that is not why my internet is working. Hather called the local tech guy who ascertained that he'd plugged it into the wrong port. So apparently he didn't put things back where they were. Which led to the last 6 days or so with only internet stolen from the neighbor's network in 5 minute chunks. Although the 2 Macs in the house managed just fine.
Yesterday evening Sam decided he would drive a friend's car to Hudson, so I asked if Bean and I could come with. We could do a craft night with Schmee. Although it didn't really work out that way. Schmee was a bit shellshocked (and not surprisingly) because a deer had attempted to jump their yard fence and gotten it's leg horribly mangled. They called the police (it was about 8 pm) and it took them a long time to get there. When I called, they still hadn't arrived, so I volunteered Sam and myself to take care of it if the police didn't come. I felt even worse when I found out the poor thing had probably been there since dawn, but since it was in a secluded corner and quiet, no one on the street had noticed. Although I think we could've put the poor thing out of it's suffering, it really is better that the police finally came, and brought a back hoe. They had just dispatched it when we drove up.
Today I didn't have much time to think about it, however, as the morning was slightly chaotic. I tried to make yogurt, but the milk must've been a little off. When I cooked it, it turned all spongy. I strained it and decided to try anyway. 7 hours later it was a mess. So, luckily I have some reserved in the fridge and can try again Sunday with fresh milk. However, I think the cake I made for the fundraiser dinner tonight turned out ok (turned out that we made too many, and mine wasn't even cut up!) and the pesto was great. I did a lot of non-stop cooking, and the biggest challenge was the 3.5 year old who always wants to "help". But then won't keep doing what you find for him to do. Which, ok, not much of an attention span there. Not usually a problem, but when the morning is super-tight, definitely.
Luckily, he idolizes Sam, who is great with him.
Lunch was a nightmare. Connie was in full-out tyranny mode even before I served her. After countless reminders and then warnings - from all of the co-workers..., I finally "pushed the button". When I asked her to leave the table, she made the fuss I knew she would. Unfortunately, the amazing neighbor houseparents closest to us are on vacation. So I had to call someone else. Connie followed me out of the kitchen and trapped me in the pantry. I wasn't as intimidated as last time, even when she made a grab for the phone. Luckily, Hather came quickly and told her to back off and backed me up. Hum came too and took the phone (which made me nervous, I didn't want Connie to unthinkingly harm her...the whole pregnancy thing makes it worse...) and we got her to go up to her room. Sam stayed with and kept the table calm - Beau had been scooting his chair back during the meal and was perturbed by Connie's behavior. And then Connie took it out on Maria.
After a talk with an intervention person, Connie was saying she wanted to switch houses and not share a room with Maria. When I talked with her morning workmaster (Maria has also been there in the mornings this week because the house she goes to is on vacation and didn't set up something different for her!), I found out that Connie had been in a mood all morning and made Maria cry several times. So this made it even better. Sigh.
I guess no one said it would be easy.
Obviously moving houses isn't an option, I'm afraid no one in the village could/would take her - it's a delicate balance. The combination of post and pre-next-vacation stress, new houseparents, broken listening habit and the baby and new villager coming is taking its toll. So tomorrow on my day off we're going out to lunch and to the yarn shop. I need her to see the effort that I'm trying to take with her, and that I'm not trying to be mean. I want her to have the same peace that she was having before. She's so tightly wound right now that she can barely get her words out. It must be so frustrating to be trapped like that...
Tonight was the benefit dinner to raise funds for a truck repair. It raised about 600 dollars and was well received. Even better, it really pulled a lot of the volunteers together in a show of camaraderie and support -and with zero percent involvement of house parents. Although, a lot of them are on vacation now, or stayed home with those who didn't go.
Anyhow, tomorrow must be better,
Hope all is well,
Steph
But that is not why my internet is working. Hather called the local tech guy who ascertained that he'd plugged it into the wrong port. So apparently he didn't put things back where they were. Which led to the last 6 days or so with only internet stolen from the neighbor's network in 5 minute chunks. Although the 2 Macs in the house managed just fine.
Yesterday evening Sam decided he would drive a friend's car to Hudson, so I asked if Bean and I could come with. We could do a craft night with Schmee. Although it didn't really work out that way. Schmee was a bit shellshocked (and not surprisingly) because a deer had attempted to jump their yard fence and gotten it's leg horribly mangled. They called the police (it was about 8 pm) and it took them a long time to get there. When I called, they still hadn't arrived, so I volunteered Sam and myself to take care of it if the police didn't come. I felt even worse when I found out the poor thing had probably been there since dawn, but since it was in a secluded corner and quiet, no one on the street had noticed. Although I think we could've put the poor thing out of it's suffering, it really is better that the police finally came, and brought a back hoe. They had just dispatched it when we drove up.
Today I didn't have much time to think about it, however, as the morning was slightly chaotic. I tried to make yogurt, but the milk must've been a little off. When I cooked it, it turned all spongy. I strained it and decided to try anyway. 7 hours later it was a mess. So, luckily I have some reserved in the fridge and can try again Sunday with fresh milk. However, I think the cake I made for the fundraiser dinner tonight turned out ok (turned out that we made too many, and mine wasn't even cut up!) and the pesto was great. I did a lot of non-stop cooking, and the biggest challenge was the 3.5 year old who always wants to "help". But then won't keep doing what you find for him to do. Which, ok, not much of an attention span there. Not usually a problem, but when the morning is super-tight, definitely.
Luckily, he idolizes Sam, who is great with him.
Lunch was a nightmare. Connie was in full-out tyranny mode even before I served her. After countless reminders and then warnings - from all of the co-workers..., I finally "pushed the button". When I asked her to leave the table, she made the fuss I knew she would. Unfortunately, the amazing neighbor houseparents closest to us are on vacation. So I had to call someone else. Connie followed me out of the kitchen and trapped me in the pantry. I wasn't as intimidated as last time, even when she made a grab for the phone. Luckily, Hather came quickly and told her to back off and backed me up. Hum came too and took the phone (which made me nervous, I didn't want Connie to unthinkingly harm her...the whole pregnancy thing makes it worse...) and we got her to go up to her room. Sam stayed with and kept the table calm - Beau had been scooting his chair back during the meal and was perturbed by Connie's behavior. And then Connie took it out on Maria.
After a talk with an intervention person, Connie was saying she wanted to switch houses and not share a room with Maria. When I talked with her morning workmaster (Maria has also been there in the mornings this week because the house she goes to is on vacation and didn't set up something different for her!), I found out that Connie had been in a mood all morning and made Maria cry several times. So this made it even better. Sigh.
I guess no one said it would be easy.
Obviously moving houses isn't an option, I'm afraid no one in the village could/would take her - it's a delicate balance. The combination of post and pre-next-vacation stress, new houseparents, broken listening habit and the baby and new villager coming is taking its toll. So tomorrow on my day off we're going out to lunch and to the yarn shop. I need her to see the effort that I'm trying to take with her, and that I'm not trying to be mean. I want her to have the same peace that she was having before. She's so tightly wound right now that she can barely get her words out. It must be so frustrating to be trapped like that...
Tonight was the benefit dinner to raise funds for a truck repair. It raised about 600 dollars and was well received. Even better, it really pulled a lot of the volunteers together in a show of camaraderie and support -and with zero percent involvement of house parents. Although, a lot of them are on vacation now, or stayed home with those who didn't go.
Anyhow, tomorrow must be better,
Hope all is well,
Steph
Friday, July 2, 2010
I Get Around...
Hi all,
No, no no...not in that way. Far too much gossip happens in this village for me to be even tempted to do that. Anyhow, I spent a majority of my day in the van today. After making pancakes by myself - : ( - I did the garden market/meat run and got back to send Connie off to work. Then I took Franklin with me to the doctor's office, then we zipped into the IGA (or Eye-ga as poor Hum thought...), post office, pharmacy and bank. And we got back before 10:30. Nice.
After a tea break, Franklin did some jobs while I whipped up a really good spaghetti sauce. I browned a garlic shoot thing, onion and then the hamburger, and the 3.5 year old helped add the mushrooms (and was very put-out later when he couldn't find them in the sauce...lol). I sloshed some red wine in and put a cover on it. Then I browned some zucchini, added a little wine and fresh herbs from my pots outside. Several forms of basil, oregano and rosemary found their way in. And some garlic powder. Then I added the crushed tomatoes with basil, tomato paste and finally 6-7 chard leaves. Then I added the meat. It was pretty darn good. I didn't do bread today, but I'm saving my sanity.
Lunch with Connie was a disaster. We had 3 guests and she wouldn't stop talking, breaking her just 'listening' rule that we've had in place successfully for months now. Some of it is post-vacation stress, some is the new family I'm sure. However, it was very hard. Hum thinks it's kind of mean (but I am making time for her in the evenings now, and she wasn't here for the bad months!), but it's truly a slipperly slope. You can't just have one meal where you engage her and expect her to go back to listening. Or ask just 1 question and not open the flood gate. Unfortunately for me, Hum seems determined to learn this lesson the hard way. Maybe she'll find an even better solution though, I'm trying to look on the bright side!
Dinner went little better. I was late, as Franklin had a routine doctor's appointment over an hour away. So we both missed afternoon work. We had time to got to Target quickly and have a tea break at Barnes & Noble. It was nice to get out and we had a good time. Mostly because of Pegasus - Bean let me borrow her GPS again. I'll need it for tomorrow night when I go and pick up Sam from the airport in Albany. Urg. Tomorrow is going to be a very long day. Hum is feeling a little better, but the younger child has lymes. Not good, but she's been on treatment for a while now. Although if I get lymes, I'm going straight for the allopathic drugs. Sorry.
Anyhow, it's been another long day.
Enjoy the pictures.
Hope all is well,
Steph
No, no no...not in that way. Far too much gossip happens in this village for me to be even tempted to do that. Anyhow, I spent a majority of my day in the van today. After making pancakes by myself - : ( - I did the garden market/meat run and got back to send Connie off to work. Then I took Franklin with me to the doctor's office, then we zipped into the IGA (or Eye-ga as poor Hum thought...), post office, pharmacy and bank. And we got back before 10:30. Nice.
After a tea break, Franklin did some jobs while I whipped up a really good spaghetti sauce. I browned a garlic shoot thing, onion and then the hamburger, and the 3.5 year old helped add the mushrooms (and was very put-out later when he couldn't find them in the sauce...lol). I sloshed some red wine in and put a cover on it. Then I browned some zucchini, added a little wine and fresh herbs from my pots outside. Several forms of basil, oregano and rosemary found their way in. And some garlic powder. Then I added the crushed tomatoes with basil, tomato paste and finally 6-7 chard leaves. Then I added the meat. It was pretty darn good. I didn't do bread today, but I'm saving my sanity.
Lunch with Connie was a disaster. We had 3 guests and she wouldn't stop talking, breaking her just 'listening' rule that we've had in place successfully for months now. Some of it is post-vacation stress, some is the new family I'm sure. However, it was very hard. Hum thinks it's kind of mean (but I am making time for her in the evenings now, and she wasn't here for the bad months!), but it's truly a slipperly slope. You can't just have one meal where you engage her and expect her to go back to listening. Or ask just 1 question and not open the flood gate. Unfortunately for me, Hum seems determined to learn this lesson the hard way. Maybe she'll find an even better solution though, I'm trying to look on the bright side!
Dinner went little better. I was late, as Franklin had a routine doctor's appointment over an hour away. So we both missed afternoon work. We had time to got to Target quickly and have a tea break at Barnes & Noble. It was nice to get out and we had a good time. Mostly because of Pegasus - Bean let me borrow her GPS again. I'll need it for tomorrow night when I go and pick up Sam from the airport in Albany. Urg. Tomorrow is going to be a very long day. Hum is feeling a little better, but the younger child has lymes. Not good, but she's been on treatment for a while now. Although if I get lymes, I'm going straight for the allopathic drugs. Sorry.
Anyhow, it's been another long day.
Enjoy the pictures.
Hope all is well,
Steph
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Too Busy to Blog
Hi all,
For sanity's sake, I let it slide the past few days. Hum has been getting sicker and sicker, throwing Dather and myself together. Tuesday morning she managed to get a cake made for a neighborhood house father's birthday, and also ran the morning crew, but I think that's about it. It must be frustrating to be such a go-getter and be stuck in body (with another body...) and unable to do whatever you want. On would argue that a child is pretty good for recompense, but we all know that's debatable. : p
Really though, there are benefits to living with children. Like when they drag in the single flower that they cut and need a place for it, likewise for the wriggling worm. Pretty darn cute.
Anyhow, Tuesday morning I attached the chain I made to my piece. It took a little wrangling, but it now hangs almost absolutely straight. Not that I have anything to hang it on, but it will look nice in my window eventually. It's nice that they let me keep it, but I'm pretty sure it's not sale material...But I'll get there.
I also started on my new piece, which will feature an agate slice in the middle, and various shades of purple. One day I'll hit the warm colors...
Tuesday afternoon I brought Hum's cake and some peaches I'd cooked down in syrup to the neighbor's. The house had cafe lunch, and I'd made a delicious feast of noodles with garlic, greens and chard sauteed in butter with some parmesan cheese after I'd done the peaches. Yum.
I wasn't able to stay long, but appreciated Franklin and his friend's ridiculous vibrato...longest rendition of "Happy Birthday" ever.
I then had my first "rhythmic massage". It was less then idyllic, however, as the basement it's in is currently under construction and it's not reassuring to have dust falling through holes in the ceiling when all you're dressed in is a sheet! I'm not sure about the method either, but it definitely didn't hurt anything!
When I got home for dinner at around 5:30 - things always run late on Tuesday - nothing had been started for dinner. Dather seemed surprised at the thought that he could've started the proceedings. Sigh. It's going to take some time. I whipped up some pesto and had everything ready by 6 anyhow.
At 7:30 we had a mandatory meeting about some events that had transpired, but it was relatively painless. We had a good group discussion afterward, and I think we have a chance of getting a series of monthly (/bimonthly?) meetings out of it along with planning community events. We hope to have a karaoke night within the next 2 weeks. It could be ridiculously awesome...
I had a chat next door, due to some house drama and then went out with Julia. We were going to do a walk...but that was transformed into "Let's drive into Cupcake and get icecream!" Unfortunately, the drive was blocked off and the restaurant was closed. However, we realized that the restaurant was being filmed in - a commercial perhaps? - but since it's such a neat restaurant (think 50's diner), it could definitely be for a movie. We suppressed the (very mild...) urge to go and ask if they needed extras.
We returned and got ice cream at the co-op. Supporting the village and organic ice cream. Probably for the best...
Wednesday was interesting from the start as I'd planned out the day, only to have it broken to pieces when I found out that we'd be having a neighborhood lunch. I ended up making Mexican millet for 20 people. Long story short, I also threw together Julia's vegetable stir fry as she was cleaning up projectile vomit that also happened to hit her. It was a tad bit crazy. The lunch went fine, however, and the meeting as well. It was a gorgeous afternoon, with beautiful clouds.
Last evening I took a walk with Connie, and we've decided to make it a weeknight tradition (minus Thursdays, because of activities) for the summer. It's easier to listen to her when we're walking, I think the movement helps and she's more relaxed. She's also not disturbing me when I'm trying to concentrate on cooking or doing meds or such, which is also good.
Then I went and said goodbye to S&B friends (not Bean...who's finally back from vacation again...), and we had tea and made s'mores in the toaster oven. They're leaving me...one by one...
I then popped over to another house around 9:30, and had good timing - they'd just began the film "The Perfume". I didn't think it could be as disturbing as the book, but I have to say that they got close. It was good to be out and around people last night, even if it was almost midnight by the time I got back. Tonight I really need to work on and finish some tomato planters, so during the activity night I'll be with Bean.
Hope all is well,
Steph
For sanity's sake, I let it slide the past few days. Hum has been getting sicker and sicker, throwing Dather and myself together. Tuesday morning she managed to get a cake made for a neighborhood house father's birthday, and also ran the morning crew, but I think that's about it. It must be frustrating to be such a go-getter and be stuck in body (with another body...) and unable to do whatever you want. On would argue that a child is pretty good for recompense, but we all know that's debatable. : p
Really though, there are benefits to living with children. Like when they drag in the single flower that they cut and need a place for it, likewise for the wriggling worm. Pretty darn cute.
Anyhow, Tuesday morning I attached the chain I made to my piece. It took a little wrangling, but it now hangs almost absolutely straight. Not that I have anything to hang it on, but it will look nice in my window eventually. It's nice that they let me keep it, but I'm pretty sure it's not sale material...But I'll get there.
I also started on my new piece, which will feature an agate slice in the middle, and various shades of purple. One day I'll hit the warm colors...
Tuesday afternoon I brought Hum's cake and some peaches I'd cooked down in syrup to the neighbor's. The house had cafe lunch, and I'd made a delicious feast of noodles with garlic, greens and chard sauteed in butter with some parmesan cheese after I'd done the peaches. Yum.
I wasn't able to stay long, but appreciated Franklin and his friend's ridiculous vibrato...longest rendition of "Happy Birthday" ever.
I then had my first "rhythmic massage". It was less then idyllic, however, as the basement it's in is currently under construction and it's not reassuring to have dust falling through holes in the ceiling when all you're dressed in is a sheet! I'm not sure about the method either, but it definitely didn't hurt anything!
When I got home for dinner at around 5:30 - things always run late on Tuesday - nothing had been started for dinner. Dather seemed surprised at the thought that he could've started the proceedings. Sigh. It's going to take some time. I whipped up some pesto and had everything ready by 6 anyhow.
At 7:30 we had a mandatory meeting about some events that had transpired, but it was relatively painless. We had a good group discussion afterward, and I think we have a chance of getting a series of monthly (/bimonthly?) meetings out of it along with planning community events. We hope to have a karaoke night within the next 2 weeks. It could be ridiculously awesome...
I had a chat next door, due to some house drama and then went out with Julia. We were going to do a walk...but that was transformed into "Let's drive into Cupcake and get icecream!" Unfortunately, the drive was blocked off and the restaurant was closed. However, we realized that the restaurant was being filmed in - a commercial perhaps? - but since it's such a neat restaurant (think 50's diner), it could definitely be for a movie. We suppressed the (very mild...) urge to go and ask if they needed extras.
We returned and got ice cream at the co-op. Supporting the village and organic ice cream. Probably for the best...
Wednesday was interesting from the start as I'd planned out the day, only to have it broken to pieces when I found out that we'd be having a neighborhood lunch. I ended up making Mexican millet for 20 people. Long story short, I also threw together Julia's vegetable stir fry as she was cleaning up projectile vomit that also happened to hit her. It was a tad bit crazy. The lunch went fine, however, and the meeting as well. It was a gorgeous afternoon, with beautiful clouds.
Last evening I took a walk with Connie, and we've decided to make it a weeknight tradition (minus Thursdays, because of activities) for the summer. It's easier to listen to her when we're walking, I think the movement helps and she's more relaxed. She's also not disturbing me when I'm trying to concentrate on cooking or doing meds or such, which is also good.
Then I went and said goodbye to S&B friends (not Bean...who's finally back from vacation again...), and we had tea and made s'mores in the toaster oven. They're leaving me...one by one...
I then popped over to another house around 9:30, and had good timing - they'd just began the film "The Perfume". I didn't think it could be as disturbing as the book, but I have to say that they got close. It was good to be out and around people last night, even if it was almost midnight by the time I got back. Tonight I really need to work on and finish some tomato planters, so during the activity night I'll be with Bean.
Hope all is well,
Steph
Sunday, June 20, 2010
All Packed Up, Except for Me
Hi all,
We got the ball rolling at about 9:45, and packed until 11:45 when I stopped to heat up lunch. I'd helped with carrying boxes that weren't too heavy - as my back immediately gave me a warning the first time I tried to heft something a bit too heavy. I've also decided that I should definitely find a massage therapist/chiropractor or masseuse to date. My back would love me. However, we had 3 strong backs and a few others that helped (although help was scarce...definitely would've been easier to find people during the week...). We were all packed up within 2 hours after lunch. Phew.
Well, minus the mattresses and some bedding and clothing that they need.
And, the backpack that will most likely stuff together tomorrow morning at 8. The targeted time to leave is 10, and we'll see how it goes. I'll be riding in the minivan, and it could be a long 6 hours with the kids - although between snacks and travel entertainment they should be pretty set. I'll bring along some metal working, as the tomato planters are just too messy. It should be fine.
I helped Julia make her "Green" dinner for the baseball game tonight. The garden is chock-full of green stuff (lettuce, various asian greens, spinach, etc), and the garden crew came up with the idea to have everyone bring a green entree and a salad for a salad-eating contest at the baseball game tonight. Obviously, they're really just checking up on our first aid training, because how great of an idea does speed-eating salad actually sound?!?
Then Julia and I did a dip in the swim pond, which was pretty lovely. If only it wasn't so murky at the bottom. Better than nothing, and a good temperature. I still had to go home and shower though, because it was hot and sticky (except for the last hour of packing, where it downpoured...). We went out to dinner in town because we didn't have the time, energy, nor motivation to make dinner. It was a bit of a circus with the children, but still nice. We got back in time for the ball game, which was smaller than average. I think the green meal scared people away, and lots of people are on vacation.
I borrowed Bean's house's vacuum since it's much newer, and once I removed a bit wood block from the head it worked great. But I didn't manage to vacuum up any basil plants.
: )
Anyhow, it was very sweet. The nearest houseparents brought over ice cream and we (housemom, her eldest and them and their teenage daughter and later son) had a little party. Sam was out being social, so he missed it. It was very nice. I'll miss the energy that the housemoms create.
On that slightly sad note...
Hope all is well,
Steph
We got the ball rolling at about 9:45, and packed until 11:45 when I stopped to heat up lunch. I'd helped with carrying boxes that weren't too heavy - as my back immediately gave me a warning the first time I tried to heft something a bit too heavy. I've also decided that I should definitely find a massage therapist/chiropractor or masseuse to date. My back would love me. However, we had 3 strong backs and a few others that helped (although help was scarce...definitely would've been easier to find people during the week...). We were all packed up within 2 hours after lunch. Phew.
Well, minus the mattresses and some bedding and clothing that they need.
And, the backpack that will most likely stuff together tomorrow morning at 8. The targeted time to leave is 10, and we'll see how it goes. I'll be riding in the minivan, and it could be a long 6 hours with the kids - although between snacks and travel entertainment they should be pretty set. I'll bring along some metal working, as the tomato planters are just too messy. It should be fine.
I helped Julia make her "Green" dinner for the baseball game tonight. The garden is chock-full of green stuff (lettuce, various asian greens, spinach, etc), and the garden crew came up with the idea to have everyone bring a green entree and a salad for a salad-eating contest at the baseball game tonight. Obviously, they're really just checking up on our first aid training, because how great of an idea does speed-eating salad actually sound?!?
Then Julia and I did a dip in the swim pond, which was pretty lovely. If only it wasn't so murky at the bottom. Better than nothing, and a good temperature. I still had to go home and shower though, because it was hot and sticky (except for the last hour of packing, where it downpoured...). We went out to dinner in town because we didn't have the time, energy, nor motivation to make dinner. It was a bit of a circus with the children, but still nice. We got back in time for the ball game, which was smaller than average. I think the green meal scared people away, and lots of people are on vacation.
I borrowed Bean's house's vacuum since it's much newer, and once I removed a bit wood block from the head it worked great. But I didn't manage to vacuum up any basil plants.
: )
Anyhow, it was very sweet. The nearest houseparents brought over ice cream and we (housemom, her eldest and them and their teenage daughter and later son) had a little party. Sam was out being social, so he missed it. It was very nice. I'll miss the energy that the housemoms create.
On that slightly sad note...
Hope all is well,
Steph
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Staying Healthy is Hard Work
Hi all,
Yesterday evening I was out with Flo printing pictures, and then hanging out with Bean working on (surprise...) more tomato planters. It was almost midnight by the time I went home, and so bed won out over blog.
Yesterday morning I made a baked spanish rice dish = lots of garlicky goodness. It was a busy morning and pretty much passed in a blur. During the rest hour I had to do the town run, and ended up once again at the car repair shop, dropping off some other co-workers to pick up their serviced cars. It was pretty uneventful, save for the fact that while driving Pixs around to find a cafe key we got stuck in front of the cows. Pretty sure the car didn't get any new dings, but not for lack of trying on one cow's part. As it moseyed past it really didn't mind where it brushed up against.
The co-op was pretty standard, although the butter we ended up cutting turned out to be the type we already had chunked, so we had to freeze it. And that was pretty much the excitement for the afternoon.
Urg.
I'm not going to share details of the last half an hour, but it wasn't nice. So, quick recap before I crash into bed hoping that sleep will help heal all. I went to the glass workshop and am almost done with my piece. It's ok looking. I went to Bean's house for lunch and she cooked some delicious stuffed green peppers. And I met her grandparents. I didn't get to work as I had another chiropractic appointment with housemom and the kids, and so didn't get back in time. I was feeling unwell for most of the afternoon and ended up sitting dinner out. I was supposed to go to craft night (and bring the s'mores cake..mmm) for Flo's going away surprise gathering. Hopefully he shows up. I ended up just passing the cake on to Bean and making my apologies. Just in time.
So, g'night and I hope all is well (and healthy!)
Steph
Yesterday evening I was out with Flo printing pictures, and then hanging out with Bean working on (surprise...) more tomato planters. It was almost midnight by the time I went home, and so bed won out over blog.
Yesterday morning I made a baked spanish rice dish = lots of garlicky goodness. It was a busy morning and pretty much passed in a blur. During the rest hour I had to do the town run, and ended up once again at the car repair shop, dropping off some other co-workers to pick up their serviced cars. It was pretty uneventful, save for the fact that while driving Pixs around to find a cafe key we got stuck in front of the cows. Pretty sure the car didn't get any new dings, but not for lack of trying on one cow's part. As it moseyed past it really didn't mind where it brushed up against.
The co-op was pretty standard, although the butter we ended up cutting turned out to be the type we already had chunked, so we had to freeze it. And that was pretty much the excitement for the afternoon.
Urg.
I'm not going to share details of the last half an hour, but it wasn't nice. So, quick recap before I crash into bed hoping that sleep will help heal all. I went to the glass workshop and am almost done with my piece. It's ok looking. I went to Bean's house for lunch and she cooked some delicious stuffed green peppers. And I met her grandparents. I didn't get to work as I had another chiropractic appointment with housemom and the kids, and so didn't get back in time. I was feeling unwell for most of the afternoon and ended up sitting dinner out. I was supposed to go to craft night (and bring the s'mores cake..mmm) for Flo's going away surprise gathering. Hopefully he shows up. I ended up just passing the cake on to Bean and making my apologies. Just in time.
So, g'night and I hope all is well (and healthy!)
Steph
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Schmee Takes the Cake
Hi all,
Wednesdays have become my unofficial evening off, since Maria is usually at class until 9. I get her ready (shower/teethbrushed) after dinner and then someone else sends her to bed. It's nice to have a 2 hour time block to use as you wish. I should have used it to study for the last medicine giver's test, but since it was Schmee's birthday today Bean and I (plus another co-worker) trekked over to Hudson to celebrate with her. Her housemom told us it should be a surprise, so I baked a cake and we showed up after dinner. She was surprised (in a good way, I hope) and I think we had a lot of fun. I would've liked to have had a tape recorder, as there were many quotable quotes:
"Oh my goodness, there's so many babies coming this summer...one after another!"
"Yes, there must be something in the water!"
"Or rather, something not in the water..."
Plus tons of other gems I can't even remember.
However, this was at the end of the day. I need to get to sleep soon because I was rather tired this morning. I managed to drop off immediately after breakfast and was in a dead sleep for about 20 minutes. I made a millet casserole (using up some small squashes by peeling, grating and sauteing them with onions and sausage to put in the millet) which was held together with milk, cream cheese (out of quark) and had some cheese melted on top. Housemom and Sam were out today for different reasons, so I held the meal - even with two guests. It's amazing that I used to find the thought of this daunting. Although, given the guests that could be possible, it still could be, I suppose.
We had our neighborhood meeting (sad...no nap : ( ) after lunch. I'd say that it probably wasn't necessary for me to be there for about 95% of the information. So it goes. At least people were in good spirits, for the most part. The co-op was very quiet this afternoon, with only me and one villager for the majority of the afternoon. We got a lot done though: finished up bagging/cutting/pricing the prunes, half the dried mangos, 55 pd bulk butter, mozzarella cheese and raisins.
And that was pretty much my day...
Hope all is well,
Steph
Wednesdays have become my unofficial evening off, since Maria is usually at class until 9. I get her ready (shower/teethbrushed) after dinner and then someone else sends her to bed. It's nice to have a 2 hour time block to use as you wish. I should have used it to study for the last medicine giver's test, but since it was Schmee's birthday today Bean and I (plus another co-worker) trekked over to Hudson to celebrate with her. Her housemom told us it should be a surprise, so I baked a cake and we showed up after dinner. She was surprised (in a good way, I hope) and I think we had a lot of fun. I would've liked to have had a tape recorder, as there were many quotable quotes:
"Oh my goodness, there's so many babies coming this summer...one after another!"
"Yes, there must be something in the water!"
"Or rather, something not in the water..."
Plus tons of other gems I can't even remember.
However, this was at the end of the day. I need to get to sleep soon because I was rather tired this morning. I managed to drop off immediately after breakfast and was in a dead sleep for about 20 minutes. I made a millet casserole (using up some small squashes by peeling, grating and sauteing them with onions and sausage to put in the millet) which was held together with milk, cream cheese (out of quark) and had some cheese melted on top. Housemom and Sam were out today for different reasons, so I held the meal - even with two guests. It's amazing that I used to find the thought of this daunting. Although, given the guests that could be possible, it still could be, I suppose.
We had our neighborhood meeting (sad...no nap : ( ) after lunch. I'd say that it probably wasn't necessary for me to be there for about 95% of the information. So it goes. At least people were in good spirits, for the most part. The co-op was very quiet this afternoon, with only me and one villager for the majority of the afternoon. We got a lot done though: finished up bagging/cutting/pricing the prunes, half the dried mangos, 55 pd bulk butter, mozzarella cheese and raisins.
And that was pretty much my day...
Hope all is well,
Steph
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
A Monday Tuesday Sort of Affair
Hi all,
So, I did technically post yesterday, but since it was for Sunday, I suppose it doesn't count. All together then. Monday was relatively laid back. We did a simple breakfast and then some chores around the house. We had a very simple lunch since we were having a picnic with one of the other houses in the neighborhood. Housemom was getting a little frantic, but it's not as though things ever really start on time, we had plenty of time before the game and we were 1/2 of the crowd. So how much could happen without our house? Housemom said that I'm very level. Although she's seen me melt down over tofu, so I'm not sure how seriously I should take this compliment.
Anyhow, I made a green salad and we brought meat and cookies that housemom made (double chocolate with walnut...mmmm!), a tea/fruit drink, meat condiments and chips. The meal was very laid back and I had fun talking with the people there. The new houseparents (who are staying off-site right now) were also there, but I didn't actually talk with them at all. It's weird enough as it is, and I don't want to have to force an awkward conversation. Which, yes, is probably only awkward in my mind. I want to enjoy the time I have left with housemom and the kids. I can pretend that life as I've grown accustomed to (and love) will not be changing drastically in 3 weeks. Not for the worse, necessarily, but I'm sure it'll be different.
Afterward we went to the baseball(softball) game. It was late (of course), and the teams were heavily tilted. But my team managed to stay ahead most of the time and we ended up tying. Unfortunately, Beau wasn't back yet and missed out. However, it's a special weekend coming up for the families/siblings to come, and so there will be another game on Friday. This weekend I may not get a day off...
Today was a bit harried in the morning, getting cafe money set up and other small things - I still need to turn in my timesheet...But I got to the glass workshop on time. Soldering is definitely much different with an electric component and where you want to have a raised area of solder. With the jewelry making you wanted as little solder showing as possible, as you had to painstakingly file and sand down the seams of whatever was left. My highest compliment (from the male workmaster, who's pretty gruff but hilarious) was "Well, it isn't as bad as I expected", for which he earned a swat from his wife. It's a fun work environment. I also soldered my fingers (twice...talent...), which leaves a nice blister immediately. I shall try to refrain from repeating this in the future...
My piece needs a frame and a chain now, although I probably won't make the chain for a bit. We had 4 people at Stitch 'n Bitch tonight, and while the other two knitted, Bean helped me try to make my tomato planters. The burlap sewed up well, although I didn't know how heavy the soil (and water) would make it, so I half-expect to find my poor plant crushed tomorrow on the patio. Plus, the burlap lets all the water straight through, so I may need to double-line them? I will try to take a picture tomorrow...
Anyhow, I went out to lunch with Flo today, and we had a nice time at a Chinese restaurant in Millerton.We even got it MSG-free, always a plus. We had hoped to have some time to do other things, but they weren't exactly speedy. At least the food was pretty good. Always a fun time with Flo though.
Anyhow, that's about it...
Hope all is well,
Steph
So, I did technically post yesterday, but since it was for Sunday, I suppose it doesn't count. All together then. Monday was relatively laid back. We did a simple breakfast and then some chores around the house. We had a very simple lunch since we were having a picnic with one of the other houses in the neighborhood. Housemom was getting a little frantic, but it's not as though things ever really start on time, we had plenty of time before the game and we were 1/2 of the crowd. So how much could happen without our house? Housemom said that I'm very level. Although she's seen me melt down over tofu, so I'm not sure how seriously I should take this compliment.
Anyhow, I made a green salad and we brought meat and cookies that housemom made (double chocolate with walnut...mmmm!), a tea/fruit drink, meat condiments and chips. The meal was very laid back and I had fun talking with the people there. The new houseparents (who are staying off-site right now) were also there, but I didn't actually talk with them at all. It's weird enough as it is, and I don't want to have to force an awkward conversation. Which, yes, is probably only awkward in my mind. I want to enjoy the time I have left with housemom and the kids. I can pretend that life as I've grown accustomed to (and love) will not be changing drastically in 3 weeks. Not for the worse, necessarily, but I'm sure it'll be different.
Afterward we went to the baseball(softball) game. It was late (of course), and the teams were heavily tilted. But my team managed to stay ahead most of the time and we ended up tying. Unfortunately, Beau wasn't back yet and missed out. However, it's a special weekend coming up for the families/siblings to come, and so there will be another game on Friday. This weekend I may not get a day off...
Today was a bit harried in the morning, getting cafe money set up and other small things - I still need to turn in my timesheet...But I got to the glass workshop on time. Soldering is definitely much different with an electric component and where you want to have a raised area of solder. With the jewelry making you wanted as little solder showing as possible, as you had to painstakingly file and sand down the seams of whatever was left. My highest compliment (from the male workmaster, who's pretty gruff but hilarious) was "Well, it isn't as bad as I expected", for which he earned a swat from his wife. It's a fun work environment. I also soldered my fingers (twice...talent...), which leaves a nice blister immediately. I shall try to refrain from repeating this in the future...
My piece needs a frame and a chain now, although I probably won't make the chain for a bit. We had 4 people at Stitch 'n Bitch tonight, and while the other two knitted, Bean helped me try to make my tomato planters. The burlap sewed up well, although I didn't know how heavy the soil (and water) would make it, so I half-expect to find my poor plant crushed tomorrow on the patio. Plus, the burlap lets all the water straight through, so I may need to double-line them? I will try to take a picture tomorrow...
Anyhow, I went out to lunch with Flo today, and we had a nice time at a Chinese restaurant in Millerton.We even got it MSG-free, always a plus. We had hoped to have some time to do other things, but they weren't exactly speedy. At least the food was pretty good. Always a fun time with Flo though.
Anyhow, that's about it...
Hope all is well,
Steph
Friday, May 7, 2010
Delinquent
Hi all,
I suppose it doesn't help to say that I feel a little bad when I don't post for several days? Anyhow, here's a conversational gem from tonight at supper:
Me: So, I took the children out today...and one died."
Sam: "Which one?!" (Staring pointedly at the 2 empty chairs at the table)
Me: "Oh. Not those children..."
Sam: "Ahhh."
*Hysterical Laughter*
Housemom: "Well, I didn't find it to be particularly funny..."
*Inappropriate Hysterical Laughter*
Of course, the children I meant were the plants I've been keeping in the "nursery" upstairs, with the running joke that they're ours. I'd completely forgotten that the two girls were still out catching sunnies and the slightly stricken and confused expression on Sam's face was priceless.
I hope that came across as funny.
Moving on.
Wednesday I had Bean and Indi (a co-worker I sadly don't get to see much, except in passing usually) for lunch. Wednesday is a vegetarian-friendly day in the house and I made mexican millet (of course - and on Cinco de Mayo - how fitting!) and some fried breaded tofu. We also had our two regular lunch guests (although one had told us he wasn't coming...whoops). However, Sam was out to lunch and housemom and the kids were late, so it was a manageable crew. It did become evident how much houses do things differently when, after the blessing, both Bean and Indi jumped out of their seats. It threw me for a second, and I had to pose a question. Apparently, most houses have more than one person dish up at a time. I suppose it would go faster. However, we serve out of a 70's style counter window, and so things would get a bit squished I think.
Lunch was a fun affair and both Bean and Indi left with Roma tomato plants. It was very sweet too, my favorite recurrent Wednesday lunch guest took great interest in my transplanting so I eventually asked her if she'd like a plant as well. Her face lit up and she came and rested her head on my shoulder for a moment, truly delighted. She proceeded to take the plant with her to the neighborhood meeting, and brought her co-worker into her room to show it off. Just one little plant...
The neighborhood meeting/support meeting were a lot more low-key than last week (boy, what a difference a week, sleep and no coffee and rooster make!). Afterward, the co-op was a nice and lazy afternoon.
Anyhow...I hate to cut this short, but I have an unrelated friend crisis that requires some support. I will continue this tomorrow.
Hope all is well,
Steph
I suppose it doesn't help to say that I feel a little bad when I don't post for several days? Anyhow, here's a conversational gem from tonight at supper:
Me: So, I took the children out today...and one died."
Sam: "Which one?!" (Staring pointedly at the 2 empty chairs at the table)
Me: "Oh. Not those children..."
Sam: "Ahhh."
*Hysterical Laughter*
Housemom: "Well, I didn't find it to be particularly funny..."
*Inappropriate Hysterical Laughter*
Of course, the children I meant were the plants I've been keeping in the "nursery" upstairs, with the running joke that they're ours. I'd completely forgotten that the two girls were still out catching sunnies and the slightly stricken and confused expression on Sam's face was priceless.
I hope that came across as funny.
Moving on.
Wednesday I had Bean and Indi (a co-worker I sadly don't get to see much, except in passing usually) for lunch. Wednesday is a vegetarian-friendly day in the house and I made mexican millet (of course - and on Cinco de Mayo - how fitting!) and some fried breaded tofu. We also had our two regular lunch guests (although one had told us he wasn't coming...whoops). However, Sam was out to lunch and housemom and the kids were late, so it was a manageable crew. It did become evident how much houses do things differently when, after the blessing, both Bean and Indi jumped out of their seats. It threw me for a second, and I had to pose a question. Apparently, most houses have more than one person dish up at a time. I suppose it would go faster. However, we serve out of a 70's style counter window, and so things would get a bit squished I think.
Lunch was a fun affair and both Bean and Indi left with Roma tomato plants. It was very sweet too, my favorite recurrent Wednesday lunch guest took great interest in my transplanting so I eventually asked her if she'd like a plant as well. Her face lit up and she came and rested her head on my shoulder for a moment, truly delighted. She proceeded to take the plant with her to the neighborhood meeting, and brought her co-worker into her room to show it off. Just one little plant...
The neighborhood meeting/support meeting were a lot more low-key than last week (boy, what a difference a week, sleep and no coffee and rooster make!). Afterward, the co-op was a nice and lazy afternoon.
Anyhow...I hate to cut this short, but I have an unrelated friend crisis that requires some support. I will continue this tomorrow.
Hope all is well,
Steph
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH
Hi all,
Unfortunately (for my sanity, at any rate), work was canceled not only this morning, but this afternoon as well. This meant that everyone was home while I was trying to plan out lunch. I did have to make a co-op run, although it was slightly treacherous. Trees were cracking and losing limbs left and right. More daunting, however, was the “dumping”. The trees were reaching maximum weight and if one clump of snow managed to slip off, all the rest would immediately follow with a:
Unfortunately (for my sanity, at any rate), work was canceled not only this morning, but this afternoon as well. This meant that everyone was home while I was trying to plan out lunch. I did have to make a co-op run, although it was slightly treacherous. Trees were cracking and losing limbs left and right. More daunting, however, was the “dumping”. The trees were reaching maximum weight and if one clump of snow managed to slip off, all the rest would immediately follow with a:
“WHOOSH!!”
The only warning was the first little dropping and a vague rustling sound. At times it seemed to be following me. 20 feet behind, then 10…then 5…the RUN! I discovered at least one person at the co-op who’d had the misfortune to be dumped upon, although he said it was a bracing and rather exhilarating experience. The paths weren’t cleared very well due to the downed branches and fast accumulation. I got what I needed, but Ross mentioned he needed onions. When I discovered he had cilantro, we decided to swap ingredients, as I’d been planning on a “Mexican Millet”. I trekked back home, got the onions and set off for our meeting place. I heard a beeping from the bakery, and fearing that a power outage had done something to the machinery, I went to investigate. I found out that the power had gone out and it was the attention alarm. I found out that the house Ross is at (with Bean) also had no power, except some back-up lights.
When I got back home I found mild chaos. The children have been quite whiney and cross lately, and this didn’t bring out the best in them. Plus, I kept having to shepherd people out of the kitchen. However, eventually the food was cooked and pronounced delicious and “Better than last time!” (oh, non-English-as-a-first-language-speakers…).
We had our neighborhood meeting (uneventful, but as hilariously quirky as usual) and then I found out about afternoon work being canceled as well. Luckily, housemom let me come with her and the children (very cranky…) into town to get to the library and to pick up a birthday present. The shop we needed was closed, but we went to another shop, a café and the library.
Dinner went fine, and the evening was stretching on until the power went off. I found myself with one girl in my arms, another latched to my side –both screaming- while in search for the candles. After about 45 minutes, power was restored; as it turns out they were only shutting it down to repair elsewhere. Thanks for the warning…idiots.
Bean came over tonight (also needing refuge after a too-long and trapped day) and we spent almost 2 hours chatting. I find it hilarious that she also says “Meh”, “W00T”, and “anywho” – it’s one of those “We just have to be friends” harbingers. Although, I must say that MA is a novel state in which “padiddle” is a stripping game…
Hope all is well,
Steph
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