Seventeen

Here's wishing the Aman twins a marvelous 17th Birthday!
My sisters have really spectacular children. You guys rock.

In their honor I have compiled a short 17th birthday playlist... :P

Seventeen

After the Feast

I hope you all had a marvelous and delicious Thanksgiving! Nathan and I had a great day. We took a mini vacation to my friend's house to dogsit her pup Paddington while she was away. The food was tasty and on time (check out that cornish hen we made for Nathan!) which I will consider a success. Paddington is a big goofball and a good host. He loved Nathan, but of course. It was a good holiday. Now, to prepare for Christmas time! :D

The Weekly Cute

I'm thankful for so many things this year--family, good food, mini vacations, friends new and old, income....and of course Cutes that add some aww to my Wednesdays. I hope they improve your Wednesdays too.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!

{Did you think I would post a turkey? I thought about it, but that seemed a little cruel. But do say your thanks to turkeys (and tofurkeys) this year!}

Vacation Recap

My, oh my, I've gotten behind again haven't I...
I was indeed gone for a few days, but it's been a week without posts since I got back. Droughts and downpours, I suppose. So here is what happened over Dad's birthday. A summary, if you will.

I had a really wonderful trip. Early Thursday the 12th I flew from this coast to the other and was happily met after a long travel day by some of my lovely family in DC. We--my folks, brother, sister Anna, nieces Jane and Jenna, and I--enjoyed some late sushi and catch up conversation before heading to my sister Stacia's home. Much of our weekend was spent in that great family tradition, lazing around the house chatting and eating, simply hanging about.

Friday afternoon the bunch of us, minus brothers-in-law and Jane who was at a conference, visited some amazing artist studios at the Workhouse Arts Center. The Workhouse site was formerly a reformatory and workhouse (hence the name). After a late lunch in a cute, nearby historical town (you'll have to help me out here, sisters, I forget) it was back to Stacia's for preparation of Dad's big birthday dinner. The sisters made a beautiful dinner for the whole clan, and dinner came with a side of Roast of Father....the laughing, story retelling kind. Dad's a good sport. :) The night capped with a small living room dance party...we're a silly lot.

Saturday was a laid back day for most of us...again Jane got stuck with a conference and also a soccer game. We showed up as a large, intimidating? family cheering section. :) Later that night we went out for a couple games of bowling. We were able to make two big teams and work up some friendly competition. The alley played dance hits. We danced some too. It just happens.

On Sunday we gathered at a park and had family portraits taken, a special occasion to have everyone together at once. We look pretty cute. Unfortunately I don't think I can post any here to better illustrate, but most of you who might read this will know. :) I was able to book a later flight and stay until Monday morning, allowing me one more night with everyone. I would have stayed longer. I miss all you guys.

...

It was a really fantastic weekend. Thanks, Pop, for turning 60, if just for all of us to have had reason to get together. I wish there didn't need to be special reasons. I wish we could all just drop by for dinners and conversations in the kitchen, for sporting events and family nights. Alas, here I am 2000 miles away, sending love from afar. :)

The Weekly Cute

Sharon Montrose takes absolutely amazing photos of animals. I'm in awe. And she has an etsy where she sells prints! Who doesn't need a rabbit or a baby goat portrait on their wall?

Happy Veteran's Day

My granddads sure looked handsome in their uniforms.

I know they've seen things I'll never have to, and that is why we have Veteran's Day. I don't like wars, and my feelings toward our military are less than rosy, but I realize I get to say that as a detached critic. It is a humbling matter to acknowledge those who have taken the soldier's path, whether out of duty or circumstance. Whether they were valiant or scared. This day is for them and for the families that wait for them; because I'd never let my loved ones go, and that is our luxury.

(Obama's speech at Arlington Cemetery is wonderful.)

The Weekly Cute

Meet Coyote.
Dare I say love at first sight? I spotted him at the shelter this morning and that was that. He has a little pink bottom lip and pink inside his ears. He has a rounder face than his friends and tiny white paws. He sure is a little lovey. Were it possible, I'd be ready to bring him home today. And I'd keep the name.

Monday Musings, Mi Amor

A rainy Monday, it makes me feel like I should stay in bed and read or watch 30 Rock all day. I work the late shift tonight, so I have the day to myself. Nathan is at school. I really love this kid. Sometimes I think of him all day. For instance:

We live together, and we like it.

He laughs at my quirkiness and only pretends he thinks I'm crazy.

He gets especially silly on only rare occasion, which makes it hilarious.

He has a way of knowing exactly when I need cookies, and then he makes them for me. Really good cookies, too!

He takes me to the movies I want to see.

You may notice that he pays attention to me in photographs.
He pays attention most of the time.

He cares how I think of him.
And I try to live up to what I'd like for him to think of me.

He and me, we've got history.

And maybe one day we're going to get married. And we'll get a dog.

The Weekly Cute

Le sigh. Mueski had to go home today. His lady-mom was very excited to see him. I will miss the snuggles and the funny cat tricks (like climbing headfirst into a standing paper bag and falling over). I was going to post a Mueski cute, but I think you've gotten the gist, and it's time to move on to new dreams. This will do, don't you think?

I usually feel a little bad for animals in costumes, but this one works out so nicely.

via cuteoverload

So Far, November

So far November has greeted us with surprising sunlight. For the past three days it has perfectly angled into our window and cast warmth around the room. It has a golden hue, or maybe it appears that way because of the yellow leaves outside. It seems to sparkle some. It is wonderful and kind, but it makes me feel a little sad...knowing it will not last, that the days are short, dark and cold by 5:00pm. It feels like Autumn is waving a glimmering hand 'goodbye' to us before it slips away, and I look on afraid it will go when I'm not ready. I'm never ready for fall to leave, though.

I am looking forward to seeing my family in just over a week. (!!) We are convening in Virginia with my sisters' families over my Pop's birthday weekend. I am excited.

Oliver Mueski

I am kittysitting for a friend this week while she is out of town. Little Mueski arrived on Nathan's birthday and has been growing on us. The first night he mewed at the door, homesick and confused, which kept us up. He settled in quickly after that and has been snuggling a lot...I think he particularly likes napping with Nathan. He enjoys looking out the window, chasing after a wiggled stick, bubbles, sunbeams, and cuddling. He is a sweet little boy.

(Here Mueski is assisting me with my Paper Source Halloween costume; his role is cat stuck in the tree.)

Mueski is here until this Wednesday, but I wouldn't mind it if he stayed longer.
Like, indefinitely.

Nathan's Birthday

Just a few shots and a little birthday recap from Wednesday as we celebrated Nathan's 23rd :) We had to stay up past midnight on the eve of his birthday to welcome 23 and open some patiently waiting mail. Nathan was very excited to open this package from Christopher. He got some fantastic drawings, a homemade memory game, and some birthday candy.

While he was at school I made him a chocolate bomb...chocolate cake and chocolate frosting covered in crunched Butterfingers. We are still eating it. It is delicious.

Here he is blowing out the candles on his cake.

Before the cake reckoning there was a delicious meal at Benihana's!
We hold out on N's favorite teppanyaki for special occasions. We last went with Melinda and Todd on N's birthday last year, and they so kindly sent a gift card for this year.

Had we not made reservations, we maybe would not have gone out for the night. Nathan worked around the clock last week to put finishing touches on the game before sending it out for competition consideration. So, a big Thank You, Melinda and Todd! :)

And thanks to everyone who passed along their birthday wishes and good tidings. I love to see the boy I love being celebrated!