Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Fall
I'm not a fan of fall, but some of it is okay.
Eating on the deck.
Sleeping with the windows wide open all night. I don't even care that the house is chilly in the morning.
All of the bug sounds outside at night.
Trevor was out early (relatively) yesterday to ref a couple of games.
The fog was lifting off all of the surrounding hills. Gorgeous morning.
He went back to the park in the afternoon and played frisbee golf with a friend.
The weather has been spectacular, and I just wish it'd stay this way.
Eating on the deck.
Sleeping with the windows wide open all night. I don't even care that the house is chilly in the morning.
All of the bug sounds outside at night.
Trevor was out early (relatively) yesterday to ref a couple of games.
The fog was lifting off all of the surrounding hills. Gorgeous morning.
He went back to the park in the afternoon and played frisbee golf with a friend.
The weather has been spectacular, and I just wish it'd stay this way.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Touring Radford
Earlier in the week, I impulsively told Trevor we were going to visit and tour a nearby college and gave him a few options from which to choose. On Wednesday afternoon, we drove about 45 minutes south to visit Radford University. We knew going in that there were some negatives to the school.
There were three potential applicants visiting that afternoon. We listened to a 30 minute spiel from the admissions counselor, which was nice, intimate in our small group. Our tour was led by an Honors Academy student, and the two girls shadowing her were also Honors Academy. I've been on a dozen or so tours. Some were flashy, some were entertaining, and one or two were just bad--but I think this was THE most informative. Our guide kept my attention, which really says something. The campus was gorgeous; I didn't get a great shot, not wanting to embarrass Trev by stopping for great shots. I loved the layout, mostly centered around a quad area, and the size of the school, just under 10,000. The large majority of dorm rooms have undergone recent renovation (and the rest will be done in
We knew going in about the downsides to the school: a low average incoming GPA, a party reputation, and pretty rural. But we knew about and learned of several advantages: likely Honors Academy admission and potential for full tuition scholarship, lots of opportunity for undergrad research and to work closely with your profs.
So it was an interesting tour. Trevor and I both walked away impressed, and that was not what I was expecting. I'm always open for surprises--at least when it comes to college tours.It was a fun afternoon; I really enjoy doing these with my kids.
There were three potential applicants visiting that afternoon. We listened to a 30 minute spiel from the admissions counselor, which was nice, intimate in our small group. Our tour was led by an Honors Academy student, and the two girls shadowing her were also Honors Academy. I've been on a dozen or so tours. Some were flashy, some were entertaining, and one or two were just bad--but I think this was THE most informative. Our guide kept my attention, which really says something. The campus was gorgeous; I didn't get a great shot, not wanting to embarrass Trev by stopping for great shots. I loved the layout, mostly centered around a quad area, and the size of the school, just under 10,000. The large majority of dorm rooms have undergone recent renovation (and the rest will be done in
We knew going in about the downsides to the school: a low average incoming GPA, a party reputation, and pretty rural. But we knew about and learned of several advantages: likely Honors Academy admission and potential for full tuition scholarship, lots of opportunity for undergrad research and to work closely with your profs.
So it was an interesting tour. Trevor and I both walked away impressed, and that was not what I was expecting. I'm always open for surprises--at least when it comes to college tours.It was a fun afternoon; I really enjoy doing these with my kids.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Lost
Trevor and I began watching Lost on Netflix in the spring. Holly and I continued to watch over the summer. Trev lost interest. As she's gone back to school, we make arrangements several nights a week to watch the show together, pressing PLAY at the same time, and texting comments back and forth.
It's far more fun to watch it with her, via texting or not. I will typically voice text, mumbling comments while trying to continue to watch the show. It's not always successful. Holly's comments are in yellow.
I laughed until I could barely breathe.
It's far more fun to watch it with her, via texting or not. I will typically voice text, mumbling comments while trying to continue to watch the show. It's not always successful. Holly's comments are in yellow.
I laughed until I could barely breathe.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
A piece of history
My mom's Uncle Ellis. I remember him coming to visit us in San Jose when he would port in San Francisco (actually it was somewhere further south, I am sure). He would come in a taxi, and that was the only person I ever knew who'd actually ridden in one. Odd and exotic at the same time to me then. We also once dropped him off at his ship, if I am remembering correctly. He brought us gorgeous jewelry/music boxes from China, a big one for my mom and smaller ones for me and Lori, and he also brought us rice paddy-style hats.
There was also that famous family story about him walking down the street in New York City, passing a man, then turning around and asking, "Hey, aren't you my brother Bill?" Sure enough, it was. They were not a close family, needless to say.
As a kid, my mom and her sister and brother knew him as Uncle Elly Belly. He would visit sometimes and take them out for ICE CREAM, one of the most magnificent treats they could imagine. Somewhere out there, he has two children, around the age of my mom, but with a last name like Thomas, I'm not holding out much hope of finding them to share family history.
We knew he was a "seaman" but nothing much more (perhaps older relatives did). I found this gem about Uncle Ellis on the internet this week.
There was also that famous family story about him walking down the street in New York City, passing a man, then turning around and asking, "Hey, aren't you my brother Bill?" Sure enough, it was. They were not a close family, needless to say.
As a kid, my mom and her sister and brother knew him as Uncle Elly Belly. He would visit sometimes and take them out for ICE CREAM, one of the most magnificent treats they could imagine. Somewhere out there, he has two children, around the age of my mom, but with a last name like Thomas, I'm not holding out much hope of finding them to share family history.
We knew he was a "seaman" but nothing much more (perhaps older relatives did). I found this gem about Uncle Ellis on the internet this week.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Overheard at my house
Robert had worn a cord bracelet of Trevor's yesterday. Conversation with Trevor:
- - -
Robert: Didn't you notice that I was walking around all night wearing it?
Trevor: Do you think I look at you?
- - -
Robert: Didn't you notice that I was walking around all night wearing it?
Trevor: Do you think I look at you?
Monday, September 15, 2014
Sunday trip to GMU
Another day of food prep and getting ready to see Holly. Some of the food included bbqed steak, French onion soup, PW's green chile chicken, sloppy joes, lots of fresh raspberries on sale here, and frozen watermelon for frosties. Robert added chile rellanos and frozen homemade pancakes.
It was fun to unload the car and see her surprised by the cooler, the box of food, and the bag of fall clothes I brought for her. We went out to lunch at a new place, healthy, yummy food, a nice change for me (her, not so much!).
We were in the perfect spot--Holly's phone was in its final throes of death, and we were able to walk across the parking lot to both Best Buy and T-Mobile to find a replacement phone. Soooo convenient!
We went to Walmart and did a bunch of grocery shopping for her. It's a funky little Walmart, and I like it for some reason. I appreciate the foreign ESL checkers, the GMU kids shopping with parents, and the rest of the shoppers a wild mix of everything in between. We unloaded the car again, and she took me to our first Starbucks visit this year.
It was a great day, not too hot, not rushed. Always great to spend time with my girl.
It was fun to unload the car and see her surprised by the cooler, the box of food, and the bag of fall clothes I brought for her. We went out to lunch at a new place, healthy, yummy food, a nice change for me (her, not so much!).
We were in the perfect spot--Holly's phone was in its final throes of death, and we were able to walk across the parking lot to both Best Buy and T-Mobile to find a replacement phone. Soooo convenient!
We went to Walmart and did a bunch of grocery shopping for her. It's a funky little Walmart, and I like it for some reason. I appreciate the foreign ESL checkers, the GMU kids shopping with parents, and the rest of the shoppers a wild mix of everything in between. We unloaded the car again, and she took me to our first Starbucks visit this year.
It was a great day, not too hot, not rushed. Always great to spend time with my girl.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Second game of the season
Trevor reffed two earlier games. He enjoys it (and gets paid), and Robert and I appreciate having a reason to get to the games early and therefore scoring great parking spots. Parking gets ugly and far as the night moves on.
It was drizzly at first, and we weren't sure if we'd even play. I stayed holed up in the car for awhile.
Love seeing new bumper stickers that amuse me. I had to look at this for a minute to get it, as I kept thinking that I didn't know any homeschoolers who were such body piercing proponents.
Even when I was watching the game, I wasn't watching too closely.
Robert and assistant coach Tim watching.
Very late night, ending with a run to Chipotle for desperately hungry guys on the way home.
It was drizzly at first, and we weren't sure if we'd even play. I stayed holed up in the car for awhile.
Love seeing new bumper stickers that amuse me. I had to look at this for a minute to get it, as I kept thinking that I didn't know any homeschoolers who were such body piercing proponents.
Body Piercing by GLOCK
Even when I was watching the game, I wasn't watching too closely.
Robert and assistant coach Tim watching.
Very late night, ending with a run to Chipotle for desperately hungry guys on the way home.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Life is Rosey
Robert knew I was not having a good day on Tuesday. After dropping Trevor off at his first day of Logic class, he came by work to bring me this.
It was so sweet. It did make my day better, and it smelled really nice too (so unusual these days, right?). I've been able to enjoy it for the rest of the week too, something else I've really appreciated.
It was so sweet. It did make my day better, and it smelled really nice too (so unusual these days, right?). I've been able to enjoy it for the rest of the week too, something else I've really appreciated.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Amazing things online
My great-grandparents' marriage certificate. You should be able to click on it to make it larger. This is a find that thrills me to no end.
link to page: https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-21127-14282-85?cc=1589502
link to page: https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-21127-14282-85?cc=1589502
Sunday, September 07, 2014
Jealousy!
Kota's been more aware and showing unhappiness when any other pet gets attention. This may have something to do with whatever issues are between her and Pumpkin. Still can't figure this one out, if Pumpkin really taunts her, or if Kota just wants to be better friends. Or if Kota wants to fight her, who knows.
Even with Holly gone, it was quite a shock to see Pumpkin jump up into Robert's lap. Look at Kota laying there with her ears back. She's a little distressed, lol.
Head down, trying to look at the floor, sadly.
Finally deciding to completely ignore the entire situation, she turns her head and refuses to look at any of us.
Princess dog. She is entirely spoiled and precious.
Even with Holly gone, it was quite a shock to see Pumpkin jump up into Robert's lap. Look at Kota laying there with her ears back. She's a little distressed, lol.
Head down, trying to look at the floor, sadly.
Finally deciding to completely ignore the entire situation, she turns her head and refuses to look at any of us.
Princess dog. She is entirely spoiled and precious.
Monday, September 01, 2014
Move In, Part Deux
I spent Saturday baking and freezing buffalo chicken wings and banana bread, preparing boneless, skinless chicken breasts and queso dip, and doing some grocery shopping.
On Sunday morning, Robert and I loaded up the rest of the things Holly had requested we bring for her room--her tv, bookshelf for the tv, her fish and fishtank, along with the cooler.
We did a massive unloading of the car, and Robert set up the bookshelf and got the tv ready to go.
Holly and I unloaded food and some of her cleaning/bath supplies.
We went out to Q-Doba for lunch (yay, one of my favorites!) and took her grocery shopping at Walmart. Robert also picked her up a printer, and he set that up for her back at her room.
Leading to the kitchen is the hallway. Another single room door on the left, then Holly's door (the one with the light shining through). The mirrored door is the double room, and the door to the right is the shower. There's an open space with double sinks, and the last door on the right is the toilet.
The living room, with its wonderful windows!
It was a full day, but we were able to get a lot accomplished, and she's completely settled in!
On Sunday morning, Robert and I loaded up the rest of the things Holly had requested we bring for her room--her tv, bookshelf for the tv, her fish and fishtank, along with the cooler.
We did a massive unloading of the car, and Robert set up the bookshelf and got the tv ready to go.
Panoramic view
Holly and I unloaded food and some of her cleaning/bath supplies.
The girls' kitchen
We went out to Q-Doba for lunch (yay, one of my favorites!) and took her grocery shopping at Walmart. Robert also picked her up a printer, and he set that up for her back at her room.
Leading to the kitchen is the hallway. Another single room door on the left, then Holly's door (the one with the light shining through). The mirrored door is the double room, and the door to the right is the shower. There's an open space with double sinks, and the last door on the right is the toilet.
The living room, with its wonderful windows!
It was a full day, but we were able to get a lot accomplished, and she's completely settled in!
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