son

September 12, 2013

memories of Elizabethtown

I am watching the movie, “Elizabethtown.” We stayed there, in Kentucky, for several nights more than a few years ago now, on a family vacation. We went to the Patton Museum, Fort Duffield (an earthen fort…don’t ask) and toured a bunch of caves. My husband carried our youngest son through the whole tour of Mammoth Cave. That day we literally climbed 1,000 steps. We bookended the trip at the Children’s Museum and zoo in Indianapolis. After we returned home, the boys said that vacation was better than Disney World. It was A Good One. There are pictures too.

September 12, 2013

June 21, 2013

girl power

I mowed the yard this morning.
I wanted to try out the mower after my dad, nephew and oldest son tricked it out.
Blades sharpened.
Oil changed.
Something with the spark plug for an easy one pull start.
I texted my friend Kim at 12:14pm, “Mowed. Check.”
She texted back, “Good job…and even in this heat.”
I replied, “I’m not a shrinking violet. I’m a crazy daisy. ;-)”
She sent back a, “LOL.”
I’m smiling now, at the satisfaction of a job well done.
Best of all, the day is still young.

June 21, 2013

June 13, 2013

never a dull moment

This morning there was the most mega cat vs. dog race of all. Oh my word, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you! Snuggles was so smart and hid in the hallway bathroom bathtub. Blue didn’t figure it out (even though that crazy cat kept right on with her mountain lion growling). It wasn’t until after our walk that he found her. THEN he tried to get in the bathtub with her! I grabbed him by the collar and hauled him out. As I did, Snuggles ran away to the master bath, her safe spot. I closed Blue in my youngest son’s bedroom to give Snuggles time to make her getaway. I found her hunkered down, sitting alongside the tub in the master bath. I sat on the opposite edge, to hold and cuddle my Brave Like A Mountain Lion Cat. She was quiet. No growls. No purrs. I think she was in shock. That big Blue dog is still looking for that cat. He’ll be on the main floor sniffing one moment, then he runs upstairs to look for Miss Snuggles in the next. I really think he just wants to play, and considers their mega chase as a game. With his wagging tail and goofy grin, Mr. Blue is saying, “That was fun! Bring it on! I’m ready to do it again!” Me?! I’m just ready for coffee and some breakfast. The best part about Blue starting his day by chasing the cat was he didn’t strain against his leash as much on our morning walk. He even missed a chance to try to chase a wily rabbit that was sitting statue still less than six feet away. The rabbit and I acknowledged the other eye to eye, as I walked on past with my wolf-lookalike dog, Blue. Woof.

June 13, 2013

May 26, 2013

tastebuds awakening

My oldest boy asked for SPAM again at supper time yesterday. He wanted to try it as a sandwich this time, which I served cold. He took a bite and then asked if I’d warm up the SPAM in the skillet again. Of course I obliged. Afterwards my thirteen year old son decided he liked SPAM best with breakfast. I have a feeling this journey is just beginning: My Life As A SPAM Cook. ~ Janean

May 26, 2013

April 14, 2013

Sunday afternoon

Sitting on the back patio now. In the shade to avoid sun glare on my laptop screen. Have the wind in my hair – a l’il breezy but overall not bad. My dog is keeping me company and my youngest son just joined me. I’d summoned him out of doors to have a conversation – about cussing…because he said if he could cuss it’d let some of his mad out. I hear that! So much like his mama the way he slams doors, stomps and grr’s. I call him my grizzly bear cub and sign notes to him, “Grizzly Bear Mama.”

April 14, 2013 

excerpt from personal email correspondance

March 29, 2013 Image

I finished making the second piece of art last night at 6:00pm. Loaded up the frames I’d bought last week (when they were half price) and my reluctant youngest son. Art framed. Check. Art delivered by 7:00pm. YES!!! Supper was a late dinner date for two, a boy and his mom. Breakfast eaten on couch with cartoons on. Guess it’s time now to clear the remnants of art making from the kitchen table…before lunchtime rolls around. Kitchen table art is my favorite kind. A solid oak circle placed in the heart of the home. Feels right.
~ Janean

March 29, 2013