Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Red, white and blue
A quiet Memorial Day. Holly came back from TeenPact with a cold and has been trying to catch up on her sleep. It's hot and muggy. Robert and I went to Kohl's; another unsuccessful outing at this horrid little store, surely the worst store in the chain. Trevor and I went for a walk. I admit, I am a little gunshy about everything, as my poison ivy continues to clear up (two weeks post contact). Memorial Day was celebrated with a dinner of cheeseburgers, corn on the cob, onion rings, and these adorable drinks.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Back to Tennessee
Ways we knew we were in Tennessee:
1. When the speed limit is 55 through Knoxville, everyone else is driving 70. Minimum. It's happened every time, and we used to it now. Much safer to drive with the traffic flow.
2. WE GOT HOLLY!!!!!!!
3. No, we did not eat here. But it was literally down the street from Daisy Duke's, another place at which we did not eat.
4. Beautiful Smoky Mountains.
5. Unfortunately, I was not prepared with my camera. I got this shot just fine--
but I missed the right side of the building. Just past the JESUS IS LORD sign is another: WE BUY GUNS. It was a little weird.
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All in all, we flew.
12 hours
720 miles
two food/bathroom stops
two gas stops
one change driver stop
one rest area stop
two kid pick ups
We're home and tired of driving!
1. When the speed limit is 55 through Knoxville, everyone else is driving 70. Minimum. It's happened every time, and we used to it now. Much safer to drive with the traffic flow.
2. WE GOT HOLLY!!!!!!!
3. No, we did not eat here. But it was literally down the street from Daisy Duke's, another place at which we did not eat.
4. Beautiful Smoky Mountains.
5. Unfortunately, I was not prepared with my camera. I got this shot just fine--
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All in all, we flew.
12 hours
720 miles
two food/bathroom stops
two gas stops
one change driver stop
one rest area stop
two kid pick ups
We're home and tired of driving!
Monday, May 28, 2012
May 22
Robert and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary. I'd been battling both bronchitis and a nasty case of poison ivy, calling in sick two days last week. I guilted myself into working on our anniversary.
He came all the way down to work and brought me flowers.
When I came home, Robert and I went with Trevor for pizza at Bellacino's. For the past many years, we've enjoyed going out by ourselves, but Holly was in Tennessee, and it just seemed right to celebrate with Trevor along too.
He came all the way down to work and brought me flowers.
When I came home, Robert and I went with Trevor for pizza at Bellacino's. For the past many years, we've enjoyed going out by ourselves, but Holly was in Tennessee, and it just seemed right to celebrate with Trevor along too.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Teen Pact National Conference
Robert and I drove Holly down to Dayton, TN last Sunday for TeenPact's annual National Conference. It was a nice drive (loooong, but nice). We drove through a big rain/thunderstorm just before Dayton, but the camp was dry when we arrived.
Word is that there is a record number of teens attending, well over 500. There's a live feed of many of their speakers, and I've listened for a few minutes when I can.
We've been missing her desperately at home. Cell phone reception is quite spotty. Yesterday morning a received a quick text, "Omg I found reception!" When I excitedly responded, she wrote back that she was "good" and was in the middle of doing something else. Oh well! I am looking very forward to picking her up tomorrow!
The beautiful lodge where the girls stay
Word is that there is a record number of teens attending, well over 500. There's a live feed of many of their speakers, and I've listened for a few minutes when I can.
We've been missing her desperately at home. Cell phone reception is quite spotty. Yesterday morning a received a quick text, "Omg I found reception!" When I excitedly responded, she wrote back that she was "good" and was in the middle of doing something else. Oh well! I am looking very forward to picking her up tomorrow!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
End of soccer season
At the end of regular season play, our RAMS ended up in third place (out of eight teams), earning a spot in the "consolation" game between the third and fourth place teams.
We had more than the usual interest in winning this game. The other team's new coach had left our RAMS 9-12 year old team to take on the Titans 13+ year old team. Understandably, he also took his own kids off of our 13+ team, along with several players from the 9-12 team.
We'd already played them in our first game this season. Despite their "new and improved strategy," we beat them in that game, 1-0. They'd improved as the season went on, barely making it into fourth place.
We easily won our "consolation" game, 6-2.
You'd think we'd be jumping for joy!
But three of our players are graduating seniors, and it was their last game ever for our soccer league.
One very happy coach.
Cooling off and winding down.
"Y'all better come back next year!" (Robert doesn't really say "y'all." But I do.)
Reliving one really sweet victory.
Giving thanks to God for a great season.
We had more than the usual interest in winning this game. The other team's new coach had left our RAMS 9-12 year old team to take on the Titans 13+ year old team. Understandably, he also took his own kids off of our 13+ team, along with several players from the 9-12 team.
We'd already played them in our first game this season. Despite their "new and improved strategy," we beat them in that game, 1-0. They'd improved as the season went on, barely making it into fourth place.
We easily won our "consolation" game, 6-2.
Coming off the field after the game
You'd think we'd be jumping for joy!
But three of our players are graduating seniors, and it was their last game ever for our soccer league.
One very happy coach.
Cooling off and winding down.
"Y'all better come back next year!" (Robert doesn't really say "y'all." But I do.)
Reliving one really sweet victory.
Giving thanks to God for a great season.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Soccer season is almost over. Our team has done quite well.
As of last week, we were in a three way tie for first place. For the last regular game, we played the worst team in the league, and the other two first place teams played each other.
Unfortunately, the worst possible scenario happened. The other two teams played first and tied. Robert was out of town, so we didn't have our regular coach. And we lost, 0-1.
So a game that should have clinched our second place position ended up putting us in third place.
Not such a bad place to be, but it sure would have been nice to play in the championship game instead of the consolation game this week.
(All photos in this post were taken earlier in the season.)
As of last week, we were in a three way tie for first place. For the last regular game, we played the worst team in the league, and the other two first place teams played each other.
Unfortunately, the worst possible scenario happened. The other two teams played first and tied. Robert was out of town, so we didn't have our regular coach. And we lost, 0-1.
So a game that should have clinched our second place position ended up putting us in third place.
Not such a bad place to be, but it sure would have been nice to play in the championship game instead of the consolation game this week.
(All photos in this post were taken earlier in the season.)
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Peruvian street food
I am so in love. Holly ate this last year in Peru. We ate it last month while driving through DC. It was easy enough to replicate, and it was delicious--ultimate comfort food.
SALCHIPAPAS
One bag of frozen fries (regular, smaller than steak fries, larger than McD-style fries)
One package all beef hotdogs, or other high quality dogs
condiments
Prepare fries as directed on bag.
Meanwhile, slice hotdogs. Add small bit of oil or PAM to fry pan, and heat to medium high. When it is hot, add hotdogs, frying on both sides, until just beginning to brown.
When fries are done, evenly distribute among dishes. Top with dogs. Further top with condiments of choice (ours were mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise).
For future reference, I am noting here that I might consider trying a homemade rosa(?) sauce next time.
This is not something Robert would appreciate, but it was a perfect fun meal when he was out of town. If you need to feel healthy, make a smoothie to go along with it.
SALCHIPAPAS
One bag of frozen fries (regular, smaller than steak fries, larger than McD-style fries)
One package all beef hotdogs, or other high quality dogs
condiments
Prepare fries as directed on bag.
Meanwhile, slice hotdogs. Add small bit of oil or PAM to fry pan, and heat to medium high. When it is hot, add hotdogs, frying on both sides, until just beginning to brown.
When fries are done, evenly distribute among dishes. Top with dogs. Further top with condiments of choice (ours were mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise).
For future reference, I am noting here that I might consider trying a homemade rosa(?) sauce next time.
This is not something Robert would appreciate, but it was a perfect fun meal when he was out of town. If you need to feel healthy, make a smoothie to go along with it.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Family History
My great-great-great grandfather Herman Franz Teupen was born in Germany in 1837. Upon arrival in the U.S., he became known as Frank Teupe and made his home in Louisville, Kentucky. He was a piano tuner and craftsman. He patented what was known as his vertical "giraffe" piano. I am guessing that one of his children or grandchildren brought one of these pianos to Seattle, as one has recently made the news there. (The current seller is no relation.)
After Frank's death in 1901, his daughters put his patent up for sale. I do not know if there were any buyers.
These photos are of the piano today (well, in the last few years). Isn't it beautiful? Last I read (in the article linked above), it was for sale. I wish we had the money to buy it, but as the current sellers put over $10K into it for restoration, I'm thinking it's a bit out of my price range.
For several years before homeschooling, I worked on my and Robert's families' genealogies. All of my stuff is either on an old hard drive from three computer back, or stuffed in file cabinets somewhere in my basement. I enjoyed it back then. Meanwhile, several of my relatives have started a email list to discuss family, memories, etc. I am appreciating seeing different pieces pulled together, and I appreciate that someone recently saw and shared pictures of this piano. I'd already known that our Teupe ancestor was famous for his pianos, but I didn't know further details.
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Note for future reference: Frank married Elizabeth Kortmann; their daughter Mary married Bernard Droppelmann; Mary and Bernard's granddaughter Rose married Bernard Connor. "Mother" Rose was my mom's grandmother.
After Frank's death in 1901, his daughters put his patent up for sale. I do not know if there were any buyers.
These photos are of the piano today (well, in the last few years). Isn't it beautiful? Last I read (in the article linked above), it was for sale. I wish we had the money to buy it, but as the current sellers put over $10K into it for restoration, I'm thinking it's a bit out of my price range.
For several years before homeschooling, I worked on my and Robert's families' genealogies. All of my stuff is either on an old hard drive from three computer back, or stuffed in file cabinets somewhere in my basement. I enjoyed it back then. Meanwhile, several of my relatives have started a email list to discuss family, memories, etc. I am appreciating seeing different pieces pulled together, and I appreciate that someone recently saw and shared pictures of this piano. I'd already known that our Teupe ancestor was famous for his pianos, but I didn't know further details.
------------------
Note for future reference: Frank married Elizabeth Kortmann; their daughter Mary married Bernard Droppelmann; Mary and Bernard's granddaughter Rose married Bernard Connor. "Mother" Rose was my mom's grandmother.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
National Law Day
We don't have many organized homeschool field trips here. It's not even that we don't do them; there aren't a lot of opportunities. There are several co-ops, but the "big" homeschool group doesn't even have any sort of regular get togethers. It's more of a clearing house to get out information.
One of the local moms pulled together a visit to the federal court house in honor of National Law Day.
The court house is conveniently located in downtown Roanoke, and the court staff went to great lengths to provide a full morning for our group of about 35 middle school and high school kids.
The lobby was set up with several information stations just for us. There were flow charts, a U.S. Marshals' vest to try on, photos of evidence, displays with (fake) illegal drugs, and more. Meanwhile, Holly had been randomly chosen to sit on the jury.
The marshals showed us a number of very cool high tech toys that are often used when searching for bad guys.
We were shown a short video of the "crime" that took place. The defendant was a boy from our group who also plays on our soccer team. His alias was Mad Dog, and he was brought into the court room in shackles. I called him Mad Dog a few days later at soccer, but he didn't seem to appreciate it.
The jury listened to both the prosecution and the defense, and the defendant was found guilty. There were a few audio difficulties during the morning, which unfortunately made for too much time where we could not hear anything at all. Overall though it was fun and informative, and I'm glad my kids have seen something more real life than what is shown on tv.
After court, we decided with Kurt and Judy to lunch. Holly suggested our mutual favorite Alejandro's.
Alejandro's--yum!!
A pretty walkway.
I liked this sign: "Yes. Ladies Enjoy Eating Here."
It was a fun day. I wish we did more field trips.
The court house is conveniently located in downtown Roanoke, and the court staff went to great lengths to provide a full morning for our group of about 35 middle school and high school kids.
The lobby was set up with several information stations just for us. There were flow charts, a U.S. Marshals' vest to try on, photos of evidence, displays with (fake) illegal drugs, and more. Meanwhile, Holly had been randomly chosen to sit on the jury.
Trevor and Kurt
The kids viewed a mock trial to show them how the system works at a
federal level. In addition to the judge spending the entire morning
with us, there were also two federal prosecutors, two public defenders,
several marshals, a probation officer and other court staff. All provided great insight into their role in the system and were eager to answer any questions our group had. (Haha, aren't homeschoolers notorious for not asking questions?)
The marshals showed us a number of very cool high tech toys that are often used when searching for bad guys.
We were shown a short video of the "crime" that took place. The defendant was a boy from our group who also plays on our soccer team. His alias was Mad Dog, and he was brought into the court room in shackles. I called him Mad Dog a few days later at soccer, but he didn't seem to appreciate it.
The jury listened to both the prosecution and the defense, and the defendant was found guilty. There were a few audio difficulties during the morning, which unfortunately made for too much time where we could not hear anything at all. Overall though it was fun and informative, and I'm glad my kids have seen something more real life than what is shown on tv.
The jury; Holly in the back row, second from left.
After court, we decided with Kurt and Judy to lunch. Holly suggested our mutual favorite Alejandro's.
Cool old church downtown
Alejandro's--yum!!
A pretty walkway.
I liked this sign: "Yes. Ladies Enjoy Eating Here."
Friday, May 11, 2012
Playing with Trevor
We've always enjoyed our word games, although we don't play them as much as we should. While I made every effort to win (and offered occasional suggestions to him), he killed me in Scrabble, 304 - 252.
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Walk the dog
Trevor has been bringing Lucky on our walks lately.
For the longest time, he's asked if he could. Lucky is so calm at home but is a pain to walk. He's excited, he pulls, and I could only remember Trevor as a little boy driving me crazy by yanking poor Lucky with his gentle lead.
The gentle lead goes around his muzzle. It's easier to walk the dog--as long as it's snug enough. And several years ago, he slipped out a couple of times, which was just one more reason that I didn't want to bring him along.
But that was a loooong time ago. I'd forgotten that Trevor has grown a foot since then and is old enough to walk the dog without input from me. Lucky seemed to be able to tell the difference too. He was excited, sure, but he also behaved very nicely for Trevor.
So nice to be able to get out not just with my son but for us to have our sweet doggy with us too. Lucky seems in perfect health, but at 12 (11? can't remember!), he's getting old. We've been so blessed by this puppy from the very first day that I'm happy to do something to make him so happy too.
So nice to be able to get out not just with my son but for us to have our sweet doggy with us too. Lucky seems in perfect health, but at 12 (11? can't remember!), he's getting old. We've been so blessed by this puppy from the very first day that I'm happy to do something to make him so happy too.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Beach (Wednesday, Thursday)
I'm still a few weeks behind blogging. Blogger, like all else google, has undergone radical changes in the past week or so. Meanwhile, my computer started dying, so I'm getting used to my new computer, trying to gets photos transferred from the old one, and work with the blogger redesign. If I were going any faster, my head would spin!
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Wednesday at the beach. Another sunrise on the porch. No pics from the day. Trevor and I took a long walk on the beach with Dave and Janet and even saw dolphins, always a highlight! Robert and the kids back to the Boardwalk. Pizza for dinner to wrap up our last night.
Thursday. Last sunrise.
A treat for everyone shortly before we left!
I'd checked out several Peruvian restaurants near Washington, DC, along our way home. I pored over reviews, gave the menus to Holly and Trevor and told them to choose the restaurant. Their decision was unanimous.
They were convinced by the lomo saltado on the menu. Holly had eaten this a few times in Peru and loved it. I came nowhere close to replicating it at home. We also ordered Peruvian broiled chicken, salchipapas, and fried yuca. And the kids had Inca Kola. The place was not fancy, but the food was incredible. It was the perfect way to end our vacation, and I can't wait to go again--to both the beach and out for more Peruvian food!
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Wednesday at the beach. Another sunrise on the porch. No pics from the day. Trevor and I took a long walk on the beach with Dave and Janet and even saw dolphins, always a highlight! Robert and the kids back to the Boardwalk. Pizza for dinner to wrap up our last night.
Thursday. Last sunrise.
A treat for everyone shortly before we left!
I'd checked out several Peruvian restaurants near Washington, DC, along our way home. I pored over reviews, gave the menus to Holly and Trevor and told them to choose the restaurant. Their decision was unanimous.
They were convinced by the lomo saltado on the menu. Holly had eaten this a few times in Peru and loved it. I came nowhere close to replicating it at home. We also ordered Peruvian broiled chicken, salchipapas, and fried yuca. And the kids had Inca Kola. The place was not fancy, but the food was incredible. It was the perfect way to end our vacation, and I can't wait to go again--to both the beach and out for more Peruvian food!
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