June 30

Hello folks!!! This will be a quick post, for I am beat and off to sleep!!! Had a fabulous day at Zoom Flume with Alan. Loved every second!!! Treasuring this vacation. It has been wonderful!!! No plans for tomorrow except swimming lessons late in the day....what adventures lie ahead tomorrow??!!!

He's a creator not a consumer. Right? Well, that was the goal...such a creative young fellow with such musical abilities....Ah! But lets remember the genes folks. It was only a matter of time....We have a very very savvy entrepreneur on our hands who just discovered that he can actually make a business out of his talents!!

When Alan decided that he wanted to sell his arts and crafts, while playing his music to attract customers, I shared this news with both his father and my family. After looking at the pictures and the "cute factor", both sides of the family quickly took credit :) - mind you it skips a generation on my side....I will work for chocolate (LOL!) Which family member tried to sell old newspapers?? LOL

Well, I think this is all because of Abdul. Something regarding "the thrill of the sell" clicked while helping him out at his booth at the Old Songs fest. I am not sure if it was the helping of the customers, or what, but he enjoyed that experience. He doesn't quite get the idea of "making money" though....today, When the postman walked by to look, he sadly said he didn't bring any money, Alan said, "don't worry, I have some, and opened the register with a fist full of pennies. Maybe he takes after me after all :)

No sale with the postman, so Alan patiently waited for a paying customer for about two hours. He was a little sad that nobody was around...It's not like when we lived on Washington Avenue when we were the social hub of the neighborhood with Alan greeting passersby with a cute "hello!"....not many people walking down and up our hill on a hot June day.....Thank goodness that Paula, a fabulous friend from the UUCC, learned what Alan was up to via facebook. What a TRUE GEM of a person....a beautiful person inside and out, she made a visit just to see Alan, to buy something from his little store.....I will never forget the kindness of this woman!!! She bought one of Alan's egg carton caterpillars, and other trinkets... It so made his day that he was ready to swim right after she left!!! Now that is pretty damn special!! Thank you Paula!!! Then, to the Saugerties Beach for the duration :)

Old Songs wrap up - quick jotting of memories

Feeling a bit tired, but wanted to record some memories from the Old Songs Festival before I forgot them all!! LOL!


Memories:

- Alan invites a boy named Eli to join him in the bird cage. They play music together, attract attention from passersby.... At first they called their band "the birds", but someone else suggested "the bird brothers", which they both seemed to like that. They hung out a lot at the festival. Very cute. :)

- Alan meets Naomi and her two brothers. They jam under a street tent. Throughout the weekend, Alan spots Naomi "Hi Naomi!".

- Alan enjoyed hanging out with Abdul and when he went to his van for a moment, Alan minded the store, and helped out the customers. "May I help you?".

- Jug Band - we had 3 rehearsals and learned about 5 songs. Alan played his Uke and harmonica. This year, he is happy to be up front :) Even professional musicians praised this little boy...

- OMG, the "Music Tent!". This retired English teacher as a service to the community trecked about 200 musical instruments into a musical "petting zoo" with unfettered access!!! OMG, this is where we spent most of our time!! Everything from hammered dulcimers (next on the list!), banjos, violins, drums, pianos, accordians, flutes, guitars...you name it, he had it!!!

- PARADE!!! Alan played the Uke in the children's parade!!! lots of fun!!!

- Alan's picture was in the Old Songs magazine (page 5), a photo taken last year with him playing the guitar and the kazoo.

We only came home with one instrument - Bob purchased a new guitar....

********
THEN, today, the fun continued!!! We made it to the beach by 11am, swam for an hour, out for lunch, then home again. Playdate with Julie and Jace at their house. Home by 3:30. Alan and I colored for an hour. Alan decided that he wanted to make a store for all of his "crafts", so tomorrow, you will see us on the side of our house with a cash register. LOL!!!

He is a creator, composer, and now an entreprenuer!!! Out of control....Absolutely!!! Loving every second of this boy!!!! :)

Here are song lyrics he wrote today"

"When I see a brown eyed girl, it reminds me of my mommy"

"I do something nice for you, you do something nice to me"

"Thank you mommy for all the nice things you do for me"

My heart is melting!!! :) Posting photos soon! :)

Friday!!!

Hello folks, I'll be taking a break from writing this blog until Monday-Tuesday. However, you can still be in touch via facebook. I'll be uploading photos there from my cell.... :) All is good....later, Michelle

Thursday, June 24

It's Moving Up Day today at Alan's school. You can count on me posting pictures later, though it will be a busy busy day. Check Facebook if you want instant updates....Krauses Chocolates for Alan's teachers, all 7 of them!!! What a most interesting, challenging, surprising, and gratifying year its been. I think we ALL learned a lot this year. Two of his teachers have requested his "autograph" as they are convinced he will actually be famous some day....He has spent significant time in the new summer classroom, the new teachers are awesome. They will be arranging for "special" lunches so Alan can visit his previous classroom...this school is AWESOME!! They have stepped up to the plate in every manner possible, helping us through rough patches with grace and skill....and have supported us all the way...I remember when we were exploring possible schools, and this one stood out...It was like being on a college search, trying to find the best fit for him....

Teachers, we love you!!!

Sun-burned....June 23

Some solitude after lunch by treating myself to the "walkway over the hudson" before picking up Alan. Enjoyed a quick visit to Alan's classroom and arrived home early enough for some significant swim time at the lake.

After dinner, baked homemade blueberry crisp for the Heritage folk music meeting....Alan was so cute. He wanted to greet everyone as they arrived, and gave them each a "Ticket" so that they knew that they had arrived at the right home.

I'm a litte sun-burned and there is sand in my shoes :) It's official....summer!

....for the birds

Snapped this using my cell phone this morning..it's a cardinal in our new bird feeder right outside my front window. So fascinating! Need to get a bird book to identify our visitors....have a great day folks! I am only working a half day!

June 22

Sorry, wish I had more exciting news to report to you...Just the usual, work was all good, etc... we were too tired to swim after school/work, plus it was rainy. ...I threw some turkey burgers on the grill, and stir fried some onions & mushrooms...Just finished a press release and the UUCC newsletter....didn't make it to the gym....paid bills, budgeted...Learned that my parents are making an unexpected visit back next weekend...that was fun to learn....We are having a gathering here tomorrow, so I bought fresh blueberries and will be making something special with that....something sweet and mushy :)

Yesterday....my life

Woke up with a flurry of activity – would you like the details?

6:00am - Alarm blares. (I am typically up before the alarm goes off, but had a restless night’s sleep). Made fresh coffee. While it was brewing, I took a shower….then made my cup of coffee, and allowed myself to play on-line scrabble and check email/facebook.

6:30 Approached mountain of clean clothes….played this game with myself that I would fold until I found something to wear. Finally got dressed…through my hair up in a scrunchy, brushed my teeth…no makeup.

6:45 Realized I didn’t have anything for Alan’s lunch or food for the week, so I went to Price Chopper and did our weekly shopping.

7:30 unloaded the groceries. Began making Alan’s lunch. Spilled a bag of pirate bootie on my toes. Packed up things to leave.

7:50 Watered my sunflower garden and sidewalk garden.

8:00 Left to go pick up Alan in Kingston

8:05 – home again, forgot pocketbook and wallet.

8:15 arrive at quickcheck in Kingston. Alan not there yet, so I go into the quickchek bathroom to finish getting ready, comb my hair, put on my makeup. Then I still needed to buy Tuna as Alan will only eat Tuna from Quickcheck. While I am making my coffee, Alan comes up behind me to greet me!! It takes a while to get out of Quickchek, and we are running late.

8:45 – pulled over by police on Rt. 209 for speeding. Talk my way out of the ticket... He let me go! Drive to school was pleasant. Alan is listening to more Hindu music and a CD with ocean sounds.

9:010 – Drop Alan off at school. We are late, but he is greeted at the door, and gave me a hug…

9:35 – WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK

5:35- DINNER...my suggestion....BIG stuffed shells!!!! Baked...YUM

6:00-7:00 BEACH!!! Nothing like an evening swim at the lake....Alan jumped off the dock about 100 times....nice to wear him out...it was great. Water was cool, but refreshing!!! It also was a good workout for me as well!

7:30 - showed Alan a little bit of "Singing in the Rain".

BEDTIME....I think I fell asleep somewhere about 9:15...

June 20 Sunny Sunday

Lovely day.....continued to feel more woven into the fabric of my spiritual community....a UUCC family has offered to watch Alan together as a family (they are teachers on break from school with 2 kids) while Ashley is on vacation for 2 weeks in July....What a relief to have that taken care of!!! Plus others approached me today as well to check in (and vice versa)...as I've mentioned before, the socialabilty factor at a religious institution is something I am getting used to, but definately matches my personality :) Good fit! I am also taking on more responsibilty, I am now the communications chair, and actually need to write a press release tonight for them!!! (Also doing their newsletter, and flyers!) I'll need to get a committee together soon!! :)

I felt bad having to take off right after services, but there was so much on my list of things to do today...I hardly feel like I got them done....Sorry to have missed my friends at Mezz....I took too long at the nursery choosing hanging plants, etc. By the time I got settled, I just ate leftovers for lunch instead of treating myself as planned.....I did make it to the gym for 30 minutes...did more yard work, laundry, and now I am waiting for a homemade fritatta to finishing baking...(featuring freshly snipped cilantro from my garden)...

AND HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!! Spoke to my Pop's twice today! :)
Maybe more later :)

Hey there, what's new? June 19th

Just checking in? How the hell are ya? Pretty damn good!!! For a sunny Saturday in June, it was pretty damm good!! Alan and I played in the morning, then I drove him to his dad's for the weekend (father's day!)I hurried home to get ready for a fabulous picnic at Epworth Retreat Center...can the people at the UUCC be any nicer? Spent a few hours there, really getting to know people better. Bob and Henry played music together which added such a nice atmosphere to the event....Then upon returning home, I raced to the gym to workout for 30 minutes, then out to the movies, and out to dinner....nice weekend...Don't think I am going away.....Looks like my friends are playing a Mezzaluna tomorrow, so may catch up with them after lunch...Is this what they call a "staycation"?

Hope you are all having a great weekend too!!! :)

...or maybe

...Or maybe I'll stay home and SLEEEEEEEP ALL DAY!!!!!!!!

Spontaneous!! :)

...this weekend, all of the boys are busy, and I have a free weekend ahead of me, and just in time....I am tired, and in need of GETTING AWAY!!! Where does one go alone on vacation? With such short notice, no time to recruit anyone to come with me....and I am NEVER alone, so this will be a new experience for me....and it will have to be spontaneous. Maybe to the beach....a friend recommended Hammondassett in Connecticut, but that's tooooo far. Then, I was thinking maybe I would head to New Jersey!!!! It's been 27 years since my family moved from Vernon, and I have very fond memories there, so maybe a self-reflective weekend in the place where I grew up....the lake, the woods, the church, the hill, the red store, the gulf station where i had my first kiss...I am sure it's all developed now with a Walmart, but we'll see.....Who knows, maybe I'll end up doing chores all weekend with an hour at North Lake.

Whatever the case, I don't want to head out until after a my congregation's picnic on Saturday morning....that gives me time to plan (tonight!)but also limits me in what I can squeeze in......

June 18 Friday

....just a quick good morning, need to move swiftly....more tonight... :) TGIF

June 16

Nice having some time off today!! Here is my backyard vegetable garden.




You cant' really see them, but they are there!! Baby sunflowers popping up in the soil. Moments ago, Bob helped me nail in a pretty ornament on the back post...can't really see it. Thanks Bob!!



....back yard again...this is the herb garden....oregano and peppermint....



.....and this is the one you see from the road, it's along our sidewalk....Alan chose all of the flowers here.



We also have strawberries growing, and another garden that has been overtaken by weeds!!! Well, thanks for checking this out!!

June 15

...Greeting summer with much anticipation! Here is a ramble of what is on my mind tonight!!!

The lake is a short walk down the hill and Alan has learned to jump off the dock

...tomatoes and squash are flowering, berries are heavy and are dropping from the trees all over the yard...and in about 5 spots I have sunflowers growing....

I have given up on the rock garden. It looks fine with just pebbles.

Each time I go to the market, I leave with more flowers to plant!!! Tonight, 2 geraniums, red fox, and some other flower grabbed by the little one.

I have been gardening barefoot....and I am very prone to poison ivy, so this is not such a smart thing to be doing.....

What else? Bob and I practiced "Ashokan Farewell" yesterday. I played guitar, and Bob played mandolin. Many people don't realize there are words to this song as it is usually played instrumental. If you are familiar with the song, you can hear the melody in these lyrics.....

The sun is sinking low in the sky above Ashokan

the pines and the willows know soon we will part.

There's a whisper in the wind of promises unspoken,

and a love that will always remain in my heart.


********
Isn't that gorgeous!!!

*******

Nothing else much to report tonight. Alan had a GREAT day at school. We discovered apple chips. We all had salad for dinner....and it was a pleasurable evening!! Goodnight! Caio Bella!

"Perfect" Monday!

Good News! Had a series of medical procedures the past month, and today the doctor said "perfect!" Now that is a word we like to hear!!! Guess my cocktail mix (I don't mean alcohol, hardly my thing)....of vitamins was making me sick!! Stopped taking the cocktail on May 1st per doctor's order, and she said within a month I would feel better....took only 2 weeks, and I feel 100% better!! Went through the process of all sorts of tests anyway, just because when one turns 40, you want to make sure you are healthy!!! (Actually that's when I started taking the cocktail!)....ANYWAY, I dropped a few pounds (just a few), and went to the gym 3 times this week....so feeling pretty good!! Today at the hospital, the first thought I had when I woke up was...how silly is it that a busy person like me has to schedule a medical procedure in order to squeeze in an afternoon nap!!! Well, I think that's funny anyway!!!

I think many of us in June are tired, and looking forward to vacationing!!! I am looking forward to a weekend away VERY soon, destination TBA!!! And also there is Old Songs Festival, a great FAMILY event. Alan CAN'T WAIT to see Abdul and Ariel, and is looking forward to playing in the band again (and sleeping in the tent!)....and of course, Bob can't wait for the instrument exchange!!

Sunday - List of things to do

Things to do - Sunday
- Church
- Put in screens in living room
- Fix bathroom sink
- Calk bathroom tub (upstairs)
- Laundry
- Weed side garden (all other ones are looking good!)

Let's see how much I REALLY get done! such an exciting post, right :) LOL

Saturday June12

Alan had a defining moment of his childhood at the supermarket. As I parked the car, he noticed a older bearded man in the car next to us who he believed was Pete Seeger. As I walked around the car to unlock the door for Alan, I told the man what my son believed. He decided to play along!!!

Alan was thrilled, and even asked him if he knew Bob!!!

The man responded, "Bob Dillon?"

Alan said, "No "Bob Lusk!"

(Turns out that the man ACTUALLY KNEW BOB!! Bob knows everybody!!

Anyway, every time we bumped into Uncle Pete in the supermarket, they would have a cute exchange, including a high five, etc. Alan thinks that Pete Seeger is "silly!"

OF course Alan wanted to call Bob right away....he shared the news with just about everyone. I guess he inherited his star gazer gene from his mommy! LOL!

************

Later we made a cake together for the our congregational pot-luck and annual meeting. What a group of such special, supportive (and interesting) people. Alan came with me, and he immediately sought out his friends that he has made there, and of course the reverend and Paula. I love our connections here!

I'll probably have more time to write later, so check back!
***************

Other news, T-ball cancelled because of rain, Alan went to the barber, I think we have some sunflowers finally popping out of the ground....Today Alan goes to his dad's and I have to prepare for tomorrow's medical procedure. Oh fun!

Hi!

No time to write!! Maybe later!! About to decorate a cake....

Garden 2010

Gardening

Vegetable Garden (back yard)
- carrots
- cilantro
- peppers
- tomatoes
-basil
-squash
-cucumbers
- row of flowers

Herb Garden
- Oregano
- Pepperment

Rock Garden - still being worked on - it's in the front yard. Will be getting more rocks today including the bird bath!!

Sunflower Garden - This is on the side of the house. Planted from seeds. We'll see!!!

Alan's Garden - mainly pentunias, but there is another yellow one with a name I can't remember. Also sunflowers (from seeds)

Strawberries - along hill on side of house...

This is definately a team effort!!! Each day we all contribute!!! Watering, weeding, etc. The rock garden will be finished today. Our lawn is still brownish. I am hoping that the rain this week helps out. Also want to get some hanging petunias for the front. It's been great not having to mow (hired someone), so that now I have time for all of the fun stuff!!! Worth EVERY $$$$!!!!

Back!

Yep, took a little break from writing, but I'll be back this week!!! Notes about this weekend:

- Alan learns how to jump off dock at lake, and is given the nickname "Foxman" by a man named Sparrow...

- Planted sunflower garden next to roses.