First Fruits

I picked our first few Sugar Ann snow peas yesterday.  We have already been enjoying leafy things from the garden, like spinach, lettuce, scallions, and the out-of-control oregano.  But there's something more satisfying, more complete, about the produce of  flowers.  The squash and tomato plants are blooming now, and I can't wait to taste their fruits. The peas were delicious stir-fried with some chicken. 

Fanfare for the Uncommon Caterpillar

Behold the Caterpillar!  Come, take a peek

at how he became a young man last week.

On Monday, awarded for language and math.

Wednesday, he finished the elementary path.

(His classmates felt it an afternoon drear;

an evening reunion brought them some cheer.)

I let him wear the coat he likes

for his twelfth birthday wetlands hike.

He shared a cake with Grandpa G.

The candles burned so merrily!

After the singing, like good Scouts,

they quickly put the fire out.

On Fathers' Day he became a deacon,

to serve and smile, and be a beacon.

His good example can't be hollow;

in his footsteps, brothers follow.

I think he'd like to spin a coccoon,

and disappear inside his room,

to talk 'til midnight, sleep 'til noon,

and read adventures in the gloom.

What will he be, metamorphosized?

Still mine, if he keeps his winning smile,

and his chocolate almond eyes.

Sir Isaac Newton

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The Caterpillar as Sir Isaac Newton

(he sewed the buttons on the frock coat himself)

Here are a few of the interesting facts the Caterpillar learned while studying the eccentric scientist this year:

Isaac Newton was born on Christmas Day, 1642.

His favorite color was red.  When he was Master of the Mint, he bought a set of new furniture, all in crimson.

After his death, people studied his laboratory, and discovered that he was an illegal alchemist.

Through his studies of the Bible, Newton predicted that the world will end in 2050.

As Sir Isaac Newton would appear today,

if he'd paid any attention in 6th grade

"I love my house, I love my nest..."

"In all the world, my nest is best!" sang the little bird in a memorable book. 

I love my house, too, and I am quite pleased with the nest I found outside yesterday.  I should have looked sooner, I suppose.  I did notice a bird or two taking bits of stuff into our tall juniper a few weeks ago, but I didn't want to interrupt.  And then I forgot.  Yesterday afternoon I peered into the bush, and yes, there was a nest.  At first it looked empty, though being right about at my eye level, it was hard to tell.  But when I moved the branches a bit, I saw

hungry baby birds, beaks wide, waiting for something delicious.  I grabbed a stool and the camera, instead, and we all took a peek.  I think there are three chicks, though this one is the most eager to pose.

The wary parents waited nearby.  They look like Oregon Juncos.  I think they have forgiven us, and I hope they don't mind our looking in again sometime.  And I hope that they think their nest is best!

Stash to Treasure: Drawstring Backpack

I've heard this too close to game time:
"Mom!  I can't find my cap!"
And this, too often, afterward:
"Oops.  I must have left my water bottle there."
So I decided it was time for an organizational tool.

I sewed Rollo a drawstring backpack, based on this tutorial from Noodlehead.  I used some fabric with which he should be comfortable: his own old jeans.  Old denim is pretty much a renewable resource around here.  I mostly use it for, well, renewing the resource.  But once the patches start ripping, too, the good parts are perfect for some other rough sorts of projects.  The initial comes from a scrap left from the quilt I made for the Caterpillar, lo, these many years ago, and I lined the bag with a light gray marbled fabric (original purpose forgotten).  All I bought this time was the string.

The bag holds a water bottle, and should be able to fit a mitt and cap as well.  And shin guards during soccer season.  I plan to make one for the Caterpillar's soccer things, and it will be easy to vary the pattern to make it bigger.  I just hope they don't lose the bags...

Speaking of baseball, Dandelionslayer speculated the other night about whether there will be baseball in heaven.

"I know how to play baseball in the Celestial Kingdom!"  Rollo announced right away.  "You use a really long celery stick for the bat," (he demonstrated his swing in slow motion) "and a meatball for a ball!"

I can hardly wait!

Branching Out

One part of this blog is growing beyond its bounds, so I have decided to provide more space that it may grow.  If you enjoy news and photos of the four cutest boys ever born in the world, garden updates, and crazy craft projects, and if you can put up with my more fact-based ramblings, please continue to visit us here.  To read my more creative writings, please visit T's Subplot!

Springtime Visitors

Grandma and Grandpa O came to visit, and brought Cousin S along for the ride.  Cousin S is one year older than D2, and they had a wonderful time together!

Here they explored a submarine hatch . . .

and steered the vessel on a wild ride.

Cousin S brought a few of her own toys, but she quickly adapted to our stock.

Train engines can play "house," too, you know!

We also enjoyed some baseball,

doctrinal discussions,

and games.

The sunniest day was a little too windy for comfort,

But we explored a nice, dry Mermaid's Cove.

Thanks for coming!  We love you!