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Monday, April 30, 2007
The cupboards were bare, and so was the fridge. Additionally, the laundry was piling up, and I had no detergent.
Thus, there was no alternative.... I HAD to go to the grocery store.
So, the plan was to go after I took the boys to the doctor for their check up. Both kids are fine. Liam is
a little on the small side, but nothing to worry about. Jaxson has evened out and is right about average as far as size/age
goes. The visit went well, despite a BUSY office. It was two hours before we were out of there. Liam, for
obvious reasons, was going stir crazy, and Jaxson was a bit on the duh side from the four shots he had to get.
Got to the grocery store, and was off to a bad start. Liam was not satisfied with the "car cart" that I'd picked,
and was having a fit well into the produce section. Then he figured he'd grab what ever he could at his level.
Luckily, it was at about this time, that Russ called and wanted to know if I needed any help. I told him to come and
get Liam.
It was about 7:00 before I got home. I will NEVER shop for the monthly groceries alone in the evening like that
again. Then there was the job of putting the groceries away. I just put the cold stuff in the fridge, and left
most of the canned stuff on the counters until the next morning.
We planned to be outside for most of the weekend. On Saturday morning, once Russ got up, I went to the nearby town
of Valley Lee to retrieve a guy's old Futon. I wanted something for the dogs to lay on during the day that was up off
the floor of the basement. I'd put a Wanted Ad in the local online classifieds, and this guy was willing to part with
his futon for free. Good deal. It just barely fit in the van, but once home, perfectly fit just where I wanted
it to. Ash and Rita both love it. I like it because the cover comes off for easy washing too. I put an additional
duvet cover on it too.
After bringing in the futon, we headed to Sears to drop off the NEW mower for service. Something broke on it the
last time Russ used it. Thankfully it was under warrenty so it was free. Ironically though, the trip to Sears
was NOT free. They were having a sale, so Russ ended up ordering a little garden tiller. We'd planned to get one
at the end of the season anyway. I only wished they'd had one in stock. It would have made my garden planting
go a little easier.
Before heading back home, we stopped by Target to pick up the boys pictures. To see copies of them, go to
Liam's Fourth Year page.
Once home, the fun began. Luckily the cloudy morning subsided, and the sun came out. I planted the garden
with a tiny bit of help from Liam. Russ mowed the yard with the old mower. He also worked on fixing a broken electrical
outlet outside. Then he started power washing the house and porch, and really spiffed it all up. I started doing
a little weeding up on the South corner of the yard, but my arms were pretty tired by that point in the late afternoon, so
we called it quits.
That evening we steamed some shrimp, and had some corn-on-the-cob (from FL??) for dinner.
Up again on Sunday morning. We didn't dally too long after breakfast before heading outside again. Russ did
some more power washing out front (I think he just wants to play in the water) and mowed the steep side yard by the garage.
I went straight to the South corner of the yard again and resumed my weeding. Russ helped for a little while too...
before I saw the first snake. I retrieved the shovel, and Russ went all medieval on the little brown creature.
He then said that he was done helping me weed for a while.
So I weeded some more - this time, being a bit more cautious. Finally, Russ did come back to help me and just in
time to see two more snakes. One got away, the other suffered repeat carnage. Liam beared witness to this slaying,
and I think he felt bad for the slithery thing. As we were moving the mulch around (there was actually really GOOD buggy
soil underneath all that crappy weeds) I saw another snake (or maybe this was the one that got away?), but it went in a
hole by the tree before I could take my turn with the shovel.
As we were having lunch, I decided that we really needed to seed that area with grass. I was figuring that it might
tighten up that soil a little, and prevent the snake habitat a little. Russ had planted some "deep shade" grass in another
shady part of the back yard a couple of weeks ago, and it is growing really well, so I wanted to get some more for that corner.
So we went to LOWES.
LOWES was CRAZY, just CRAZY! We stood in a line of about 15 people just to pay for our grass seed.
Then we went for a quick trip to Target to get some patio chair cushions I'd seen. We looked online for cheaper
source, but didn't find any, so we got these for $13 a piece. They will work just fine on my second hand patio set -
even if they don't match the umbrella all that well.
Home again, kids down for a nap, and we hit the yard a little more. By this time, we were getting a little burnt out,
and were losing our momentum. Still, we got the "snake corner" seeded and I planted four azalea bushes that I'd gotten
a couple of weeks ago.
We decided to throw in a couple of frozen pizzas for dinner. That worked out well, and as we were eating our pizzas
out in the back yard, our neighbor friends, Rick and Tammy and their two kids stopped by. So we chatted for a little
bit while the kids played in the yard. When they left, Liam asked, "Where's my girlfriend go?" So I think he was quite
charmed.
As the weekend came to a close, I could not help but steal every chance I could to look out the window to our back yard.
It is SO much work, but I simply LOVE to see things greening up - snakes and all.
Monday, April 23, 2007
April 19-21, 2007
On Friday I went out to get the paper and noticed the Chimney Sweep gentleman was already there. So he was right on
time and I welcomed him in. I got breakfast around while Erin got the boys ready
By the time the chimney was spic and span we were packed and ready to head to Pennsylvania. Leaving mid day on Friday usually
beats the traffic jams and this Friday was no different. We had a nice ride up. I called Noah after school while we were heading
up. He wanted to go to the movies with his friend Joe so we said we would pick him up Saturday at 9 AM.
We picked up my Mom at the grocery and then headed back to the apartment and had a hot dog dinner. We then went on a
movie spree and watched North, United Flight 93, a movie called SSSSSS about snakes that my Mom and I had seen at the drive-in
when I was 9 or ten. I then watched Red Dawn by myself before turning in.
On Saturday everyone woke early. We had a tentative plan to hit a few yard
sales. Mom even had a few marked in the paper. Well I looked over the paper and
lined up a half dozen. Mom and Erin found a few items. Mom got glasses that match her set at home. Erin found a booster seat
for Jaxson to use at mom's and I found 3 old Sony Speakers that we may be able to use for music in the yard. They were only
a dollar a piece so I didn't sweat it. While Mom and Erin were perusing the yard
goods, Noah and I waited in the van with the other boys. This gave Noah and I
a chance to talk about some of Noah's habits and plans for the summer. Though
we are not always happy with his decisions, we do our best to advise, guide, love, and direct.
After lunch Erin, Noah, Liam, and I went for a walk thru the Mercer Woods. It gave Erin a little time to visit with
Noah by a brook while Liam and I went to see the "castles". We then went in the
"castle" Moravian Tile Work and looked around. I had a landscaping idea but the tiles, although beautiful, were to rich for
my budget. Noah and I then passed football while Liam and Erin went to the other "castle" the Mercer home and took some pictures. The weather was so warm that we worked up a thirst, so we strolled to the nearby
7-11 for some Slurpies before returning to the apartment.
 
While Jaxson was napping, Liam, Noah, and I ran to get Potato Salad to take up to Sue and Perry's. Noah and I laughed
because I told Liam some toy was too expensive at K-Mart and he said "What do you want from me Dad" in the funniest tone.
I did find a nice Americana planter for our living room at the grocery on sale.
Saturday evening we loaded up all the kids and went to see Sue and Perry. They hosted all of us and our friends for
a cook out. It is always so great to see everyone and catch up. Dave and Terri, Paul and Sandy, Don, and Diane stopped by
as well a couple of Sue's co-workers. The eats were great but we all retired by 9:30. The little ones were tired although
Liam loved playing with Brendan's (Sue and Perry's 5YO grandson) Cars car collection.
Once we were back at the apartment, and the younger boys were in bed, Noah and I watched SNL and Erin watched a for
a little bit.
 
We were all lazy on Sunday reading the paper and having a big breakfast. Erin and I then ran over to K-Mart and looked
at outdoor cushions that were on sale. They were still too expensive and ugly. We then played a few rounds of Mad Libs we
picked up at one of the Yard Sales. We dropped Noah off at three as he had to work Sunday night and we needed to get on the
road with the kids. It takes a bit longer now to get home now since we need a break to eat with the kids. We stopped at Dairy
Queen and had a good dinner.
Once home we got the kids rolled in and watched a little TV and then rolled into bed ourselves. Next weekend we hope
to continue on yard and garden projects. The kids have Doctor's appointments on Friday afternoon.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Got a load of wood from a friend of mine on Tuesday. Russ helped me unload it all to the side of the garage.
It'll be the first of a few trips, I'm sure.
Just had to get a few goals accomplished this weekend before the rain was due to come.
On Friday, I left work a little early because the sun was shining, and I knew it wouldn't be around for long. We
needed to get the garden spot fenced so that I could get the peas in the ground. Had to have a fence up to keep the
dogs out. On the way home, I stopped by a lady's house to pick up the rest of a patio set that I'd purchased from her
for $65. Nice glass top table, umbrella and four chairs. Good condition, but I'll need new cushions. Then
I went home, unloaded the table and pounded in a few fence posts.
Around 4:00 I called the vet to see how the dogs were doing. They'd had some dental surgery done, and I needed
to know if they needed to be picked up. Since the surgery took so long (Ash lost 11 teeth), they both ended up spending
the night to recover from the anesthesia.
Since I didn't have to pick up the dogs, I headed to Anna's to pick up the boys. I had discovered that I needed
a couple more fence posts, so as soon as I loaded up the kids, we headed for Lowe's. After Lowe's we got some more shampoo
from the "soap store" aka Bath & Body Works, and then swung by Petco to get some dog food before returning home.
Luckily, Russ was bringing dinner home from KFC.
As soon as we were done with our High Carb feast, Russ and I took turns hammering in the remaining fence posts.
We got most of the fencing up before we decided the light was fading enough to call it quits.
The next morning, we didn't dare daudle too long before going to the Vet's to retrieve the dogs. It was an
expensive trip, but some of tour income tax returns helped get them into better shape. Once we got the dogs home, we
quickly went back outside to finish the fence. We got the fence all finished - including a dandy gate that Russ
came up with - and Liam and I planted some peas. It was about this time that it just started to rain. We returned
to Lowe's for a couple of lawn items, and got a little lunch at Burger King. Then we got a few groceries and were about
to return home when another lady from the local classifieds called my cell phone to tell me that another pair of tables that
she'd advertised were still available. Since, we'll be needing tables for our Open House on May 19th, we decided to
go give them a look. For $25 it was worth the trip. They are just simple rubbermaid tables, but will be perfect for
some extra space. With a full van, we finally returned home. While the kids napped, Russ tried to replace the
electrical outlet cover outside, but it was terribly rusty, so we decided to wait, and replace the whole thing.
     After the kids had had a nice nap, we decided to use the Schieble's couple we had, and get some dinner. (no, I
haven't cooked a decent meal at home in a while!) We had a great meal, and the kids were both very well behaved - for
once.
Sunday morning brought down pours. It was dark, dreary, and the kind of morning where you just don't want to get
out of bed... so we didn't hurry to. However, morning hunger pangs were taking over, and Liam was begging for
some cereal so we ventured to the kitchen.
Russ and Liam got "their " Monster Trucks out and watched a special on CBS all about the new Monster Truck phenomenom
they both seem caught up in.
Jaxson continued to tes his new crawling abilities and even showed us he could try and climb gates too!!!!
For a rainy day, it was kinda nice. I got a lot of overdue tasks done. I had fun doing some sewing projects
(Batman cape and hood for Liam) and learning about my serger. I got all the laundry done, and Russ even donned a poncho
and replaced our mailbox since the old one's door had rusted and it was hanging by a thread. Liam and I had fun playing
board games and Jaxson and Liam actually played together without injuring each other!
We wrapped up the weekend with a comfort meal of soup and sandwiches. Perfect meal to a rainy day.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Easter Weekend
It was a busy Easter weekend. On Thursday
night we decided to eat at CiCis on the way to Bill and Janet’s to borrow their tiller. Liam loved seeing Rosie for a few
minutes.
On Friday morning we were up early. Erin
ran the boys to Daycare while I went outside and got the leaves over to the burn pile. We had borrow a pickup truck from Erin’s
co-worker Mike and a co-worker and buddy of mine Gerry and his son Justin came over. The four of us worked quick and hard
to take two loads of brush over to Gerry’s ravine. It was much appreciated and Gerry and his wife Ranu gave us a tour of their
place.
 
Erin and I then decided we would eat lunch
and then go to Lowe’s to finish up our decision on the garden-fencing project. We finally decided to go with green stakes
around the green polymer fencing. We debated for a week but in the end decided to go with something not so permanent.
 
Upon returning home we FINALLY finished
getting the leaves in the mulch pile or burned. We also tilled up the garden as well as did some patch seeding of the lawn.
We got cleaned up and picked up the kids and ate at IHOP for dinner. We finished watching Curious George the movie with Liam.
On Saturday we awoke to a freak 3-inch
snow in Southern Maryland. The streets were too warm for it to stick though. We were due at Target at 9:30 for Liam to get
his 3-year-old pictures. We barely made it on time but Liam was told if he did well he could get a monster truck after the
photos. Sophie, the photographer, hit it right off with Liam. Every shot turned out and Jaxson got in the act. We were done
in 15 minutes flat and it was hard too choose what we wanted. With a great coupon the cost was not bad. Liam then proudly
picked a new truck.
 
We then stopped for groceries and headed
home. After lunch Erin and I finished the border project in Liam’s room. Well we almost finished but needed a bit more racing
border. We had a seafood dinner of Shrimp. After the kids went to bed we watched a really good drama inspired by a true story.
Will Smith and his real life son in The Pursuit of Happyness. I would definitely recommend this drama.
 
On Easter Sunday we noticed the Easter
Bunny and come by. Erin made a big breakfast to tide us over until we had an early dinner. Liam then spotted some eggs out
in the yard so we went out in the yard on an Easter Egg hunt. Jaxson got to hold a couple himself.
 
Erin had prepped a turkey the day before
so I got the Turkey fryer around while Erin baked a Cherry Pie for us. We ate in the dining room and the Turkey turned out
perfect. It was good that we finished up early as all of us were tired. The boys were in bed by 7:30 and Erin by 8:30. I didn’t
feel great myself. It was a nice holiday weekend and we felt blessed at where we are now in our life.
 
Next week is pretty busy. We will be getting
a load of Oak Wood for free. The dogs go in for their dental work on Friday. Next weekend we will be getting the fencing up
for the garden and will do the initial planting of early spring items.
Monday, April 2, 2007
YARD WORK
I had a rough week. I have had Laryngitis since Sunday. Really bad. No voice at all, only a strained whisper, otherwise
I didn't feel that bad. Finally got into the doctor on Wednesday and got some amoxicillian. That's about all I can take while
I'm still nursing Jax.
Sad news about our little Rita. She has Mast Cell Cancer in the growth on her right front ankle. Because of her age,
we've decided to just do hospice care when the time comes. At this time she is not in any pain, and the cancer is localized.
We just don't want to put her through an amputation at this point. She and Ashy will get their teeth cleaned in a couple
of weeks, so that'll make them feel pretty good too.
Finally made it to Friday. Didn't have any - or make any - plans for the weekend.
On Saturday it didn't take long before we were looking for excuses to be outside though. Soon, we were raking and mowing,
and Liam was digging, and Jax was swinging. The warm weather and relaxed atmosphere (like I could argue much with Laryngitis)
made for a nice afternoon. We burned some more leaves, Russ mowed some of the lawn, and we moved the garden fencing around
to the side yard by the garage. We moved the fencing because we figured that would be a good place for a compost pile. You
can't really see it when you drive by the house or from any window. We went to Lowe's around dinner time, and got some supplies
to build a new fence around the garden area.
  
On Sunday, we took a long time getting around. Though still warm outside, the day was dreary, so we decided to just putter
around inside. Liam and I played with the PlayDoh for a good hour. Then he played the new horse racing board game with his
dad. It was a nice time to bond together, and Liam really needs that right now. Jaxson worked on his crawling, and I kept
the laundry going. I sorted out some clothes that were still too big for Liam into a bin, and then weeded out all the outgrown
clothing from Jaxson into two other bins. Moving into summer clothing now, and we are well supplied. Later in the afternoon,
we ventured to the grocery store and to look into renting a chipper for next weekend. We had a nice steak dinner, and after
the kids went to bed, Russ and I watched the movie, Man of the Year with Robin Williams. Russ thought it was great, but I
just thought it was good. Good story, but rather predictable.
Back to work this morning. Russ made a couple of phone calls to see if we could find a chipper to rent. Trouble is that
besides the $150 rental fee (about $75 more than we thought), we needed to find a vehicle with a tow hitch. Well, in our efforts
to locate such a vehicle to borrow, we figured we'd be further along to just borrow my co-worker's pick up, and haul the stuff
to the landfill. As the day progressed, a co-worker of Russ's offered his nearby ravine to dump the yard waste in, so now
we didn't even have to pay the landfill fee!
We're hoping for another dry, pleasant weekend ahead so we can get the waste pile out of the yard, the garden tilled, and
the new fence up. Wish us luck!
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