Theo and Toby

2012-02-10T07:44:00.000-08:00

Potato Chip Scarf

Margot and I started knitting the other day

Using the almost "viral" potato chip scarf pattern that Francie sent me (well--I've given the directions to a few admirers).

I'm wearing the one Francie knit for me--still the very best.

And here's the one Margot's started. Both of ours are full of holes (we were talking too much to count rows).

2012-02-07T06:54:00.000-08:00

Visit

Sarah and Alan came to see us over the weekend.

Enjoying a leisurely breakfast.

Their two dogs got along famously with Tulip, proving that pugnaciousness (on the part of all the dogs) does diminish with age.

And, to show that it's really winter, not just pretend (because it's been so warm on the East Coast), Tulip is growing her long winter hair,

which she objects to my combing out, even though she leaves reams of it wherever she sits.

2012-02-01T11:42:00.001-08:00

Carol's

Yesterday I drove up to see Carol, one of our storytelling clan, in her amazing, multi-story converted barn outside of Boston.

Come in the front door, at the back, and into one of many living rooms on the huge first floor. Overhead are platforms and staircases leading to more floors and tucked-away rooms.

This is the sunken dining room, portraits and glass everywhere.

On up to another living room with a graceful Christmas tree.

The cozy den with wood stove where we sat and talked.

Outside the kitchen and under walkways leading from one room to another.
Imagine raising children here. She did, and they did swing from the rafters.

Here's Carol in her kitchen

surrounded by the most alluring array of pots, pans

and paraphernalia one could imagine.

Plus the surprise of discovering that one of the ovens was filled with crackers and pasta. "That oven doesn't work," said Carol. "I had to do something with it."

Then, on leaving, discovering this one round stone resting on a round stone table--from delicious abundance to delightful simplicity!

2012-01-26T09:33:00.000-08:00

Hurray!!

After 10 hard-working years

our good friends the Eritreans became US citizens.
(above: Hiab, Kifle, Senai, Wunesh)

We celebrated their enormous patience and perseverance
at a gala dinner chez Page.

2012-01-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

Storytelling-Our 20th Year!

We met in Vermont for the weekend, told stories, and gathered in our finery for an elegant Victorian evening on Saturday night:

In come the "guests"--Jay and Susan,

Susan and Lyn ,

Katie and Gerry,

and Toby, amused by it all, in his old high school tux.

Then a romantic,

candle-lit dinner

followed by our usual

antics

and play acting.

Dancing until midnight (well, perhaps 10pm).

A fabulous evening--and weekend!

2012-01-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

A few more photos from the Page/Bethel visit...

Simon helping David make a tasty Christmas dinner.

Toby and Gwen discussing matters of importance.

And, finally, the send-off photo at the airport. So sad to see them go. We LOVED the visit!

2012-01-13T14:46:00.000-08:00

A Day in North Conway

A few days before Rachel and David and kids went back to Panama, we took a ride on the Conway train (the same train that Emmy took lots of grandchildren on perhaps 30 years ago). This is just a 55 minute ride and it was exciting to see the big locomotive and climb aboard (Max would love it).

Here we are, all smiles, at the beginning of the trip. Gradually, without any great views to hold the attention or much, actually, to do, all the little kids in our car got very restless, jumpy and noisy, and 55 minutes started to seem like an eternity. Toby was able to doze off.

Afterwards we stopped at McDonald's and ate in the kids' room where the twisty, turny slide was. Gwen was intrigued...

She climbed by herself up almost to the top, pretty high, but then couldn't quite get down. It did look daunting, so Rachel climbed up and went down the slide with her.

Then Toby went up and showed her how to go down the slide.

We waited at the bottom of both slides for her to appear.

Finally a very happy Gwen came down the slide herself. And went on to do it again and again and again. McDonald's was the hit that day.

2012-01-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

Simy Surges

Simon charged through a lot of things on his list during the week he was in Chocorua.

He already had decided that no one should feed him but himself.

After the first few days of cutting two teeth and feeling lousy, that winning smile emerged.

Then he started crawling on BOTH knees, a real crawl, plus sitting up quite sturdily, then standing and then even taking a few very tentative and wobbly steps hanging on to Taisie. It was breath-taking!

He was very interested in the green lady, in from the summer garden,

and he never did make it through the baby/dog barrier successfully--he's about to be grabbed back in this photo.

We were amazed at so many achievements in so short a time. Then we heard that as soon as he got to his other grandparents in Tulsa, he learned to clap!

2012-01-01T05:27:00.001-08:00

More Snow

Two snowfalls this week

giving Simy his first touchdown in the cold stuff.

and Gwen her first chance to build a snowman

with Rachel and David's help.

The orange plastic sled was great for a hike to Heron Pond

and super great for rides downhill.

2011-12-29T10:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day

All was in readiness for the early morning risers.

After several attempts, even Theo's cinnamon rolls were rising.

Breakfast in front of the wood stove, snow softly falling outside.
Then stockings,

and presents--Simon puzzling over his new puzzle,

Theo addressing her glamorous grey speaker and powerful tiny IPod.

Relaxing, taking it all in, enjoying a lovely day,

and playing with Uncle Rob.

2011-12-24T13:32:00.000-08:00

Snow!

And Gwen's first sledding.
Shrieks of delight and "now more!"

2011-12-23T04:50:00.000-08:00

Getting the Christmas Tree

After everyone bundling up for the cold, scouting the property, and much deliberation

we finally found the right tree--small but full (for here) and kind of jaunty.

Toby and David were sent in to cut it down,

Pine necklace crafted by Gwen.

"Straight--Yes? No?"

Magnifique!

2011-12-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

Panama Arrives

Happy, happy to see them!

At the airport, getting ready for venturing out into the cold night.

And the next morning, pancakes,

plus Cheerios, Simon's favorite.

Then on to play--with the train set, brought up from Barrington, with faithful Tulip always slightly underfoot.

2011-12-20T14:28:00.000-08:00

So cold that...

the wet mop froze.

2011-12-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

Temperature

Thinking about things here and looking back at my recent Chocorua blogs, I realize how much energy we spend just keeping up with the elements: safety from hunters when we go walking with Tulip, outside animals wanting to be in (mice in the kitchen, raccoon in the barn), powder post beetles in the firewood, and cold.

Look how cold it got last night! The 9.8 degrees is outside, inside is 62.

But thanks to a new furnace, radiators, wood stove, and some baseboard heat, we stayed warm. Barrington is comparatively so easy...but not half as exciting..

2011-12-15T11:59:00.000-08:00

Mouse Pad

No, not this kind,

But this, the kind kids use to make inky images like whales or cars. Max used these in Barrington to print his foot.

We brought them to Chocorua and, in an effort to find out how very wily mice were getting into our kitchen cabinet and destroying, among other things, my lovely supply of chocolate (sigh), we put a dab of peanut butter on a piece of tinfoil in the middle of each pad, thinking we could see which way their little, now inky, paw prints were going and how they got in.

The next morning this is what we found. Peanut butter gone, paw prints of green, red and blue all around but not going into or out of the cabinet. They especially loved the blue pad, tore it to pieces.

So, on the advice of people in the area who said mice could open cabinet doors and drawers, we taped up all the openings we could find, waited two days, and--sadly--found mouse droppings inside again!! Tonight we put flashlights inside, turn off all the lights and look for small cracks of light escaping anywhere.

2011-12-10T12:59:00.000-08:00

Moments

I love the magical moments our four grand kids always come up with, this time Max and Maddie the week after Thanksgiving:

Holding feet during the drive from New Jersey to Barrington.

Breaking into spontaneous dance while wearing masks and listening to the "ABCD" song on a little toy.

Stopping to look out the front door. They did this last visit too with Gwen--I wonder what they're seeing: Squirrels? Rhode Island drivers? The wide, wide world.

Total dedication to their cups of hot chocolate.

And this shot: the family snuggled under a blanket watching a few minutes of a movie before bedtime.

Fun, fun week. We love you!

2011-12-06T08:17:00.000-08:00

M&M's Week Continues...

with a story hour about owls at the Bristol Audubon Society (see Max's great creation)

and a trip to the Barrington Book Store which now has a big children's section. Max stayed at this marble chute for the entire time (except for falling off his chair twice)

and Maddie cruised the book and activity shelves, finally settling on

a make-it-yourself-with-tons-of-tiny-tiles tiara, which she did to perfection.

Sam and Jess spiffed up for dinner with friends and a night out.

Toby and I gave the M's their own special treat: pancakes for breakfast while watching "Finding Nemo."

2011-12-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

Movie Sets and Christmas Lights

Tuesday Toby, Sam and I drove up to Boston to see the amazing sets he's been making plans for in LA and sending to the construction crew in Mass. It's a huge set--the movie is called "RIPD" and Boston is very excited about it's being filmed there. It'll star Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey.

On Wednesday we boarded a version of the Polar Express in Edaville, MA (near the Cape),

a 40-minute ride pass zillions of lights, leaving Maddie and Max transfixed.

To top it off, Santa came to visit and gave each kid a silver bell. Rounds of "Jingle Bells" followed.

Max found a train set he could play with inside

and bouncy balls--red balls because Edaville is on the site of an old cranberry bog.

2011-11-28T05:01:00.000-08:00

Great Day--
The M's and their parents arrive!

Pancakes for breakfast,

Max has learned from Maddie to build high with blocks.

Then walks around the block

and at the beach.

A gorgeously warm day

to wade in the water

and take photos.

Wise parents to bring dry clothes before we go out for pizza.

2011-11-28T04:52:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving at the Gerbi-McIlwain's

Best turkey we've ever had!

Mug shots from Katie.

2011-11-24T09:06:00.000-08:00

Dinner Party

The Harrises and Gerbi-McIlwains came over for
a pre-Thanksgiving dinner last night--good talk and food

and a few naps after dinner.

2011-11-19T06:56:00.000-08:00

Tulip's Favorite Store

Now that we're back in Barrington for a few weeks, Tulip gets to go to Petco, the place with enticing smells at nose-level.

Once in the check-out line, she gets impatient for me to maneuver her large bag of dog food to the counter

because she's so eager for the many treats the sales clerks always give her (and the extra ones I pocket for the trip home).

2011-11-12T05:45:00.000-08:00

Winterizing Chocorua

Toby and I have slightly different ideas about winterizing...

his is to install the old storm doors,

mine is to buy a new rug in cheery colors for the dining room.

2011-11-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

Tulip's Halloween

After someone told her she looked like a wolf,

Tulip pretends to be a rectangular pumpkin and fool over-eager hunters.

2011-11-08T07:51:00.000-08:00

Addicted to Painting

Many new projects I'm working on---

Linda and I just talked--we agreed, we're addicted to painting.
There's never enough to paint.

2011-11-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

The First Snow

which melted in almost 5 seconds---

but was enough to make us worried about our outside faucets freezing.

So here's Toby in the crawl space beneath the red bathroom locating the water turn-off.

We spent Sunday night at Sarah and Alan's--seeing a very nice exhibit of their sculpture and photography and enjoying time together.

2011-10-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

End of Snow Farm Week

Early Thursday morning--a coating of heavy snow.

Starving--and lining up for dinner.

Libby came from LA and had this ladder-chair sent to paint.

Loretta started slowly then whizzed through projects with fantastic colors and patterns.

Sue not only finished this chest but painted several other things as well.

Sam finishes drying the top of her table.

Deb's sink base, finished with fish and funkiness.

Joy Raskin, a fabulous jewlery maker, brings Forest Gump in to say goodby.

2011-10-28T04:21:00.000-07:00

Snow Farm-Beginning of the Week

I'm here at Snow Farm, an arts and crafts camp near Northampton, Mass. teaching my pattern painting for the week.

I have a class of six women. We paint in two rooms in an old farmhouse.

The projects start,

People have brought large pieces of furniture to paint. This is a stand on which a colorful Mexican tile basin will sit.

And, of course, there are many, many bottles of paint.

Forest Gump, the resident hedgehog, keeps an eye on us all.

2011-10-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

Nature's Work

An early Christmas tree--adorned with red leaves,

and a double rainbow in the eastern sky.

And our work...

hauling the raft up the bank with the help of two planks, a come-along, a few dogs,

and Larry Nickerson and his crew.

2011-10-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

Not much happening this week,
so here are some round things:

a table top,

a stool top,

and the nifty interior of an orange.

2011-10-07T14:43:00.000-07:00

As the weather gets cooler

the dahlias finally decide to bloom,

and (now, no one panic) a milk snake finds her way into the kitchen, seeking warmth and, perhaps, mice!

But a very small snake, as you can see beside Toby's eyeglasses, and rather sweet.

2011-10-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

Summer's Over

The leaves are turning, but not much--it's not a great year for fall color.

The swing will soon be taken down for the winter, the pumpkin added to the compost pile,

and the toys will be put away.

Blue Crocs have been taken back to Gamboa.

The green lady will come inside for the winter.

But gloriously this year we have heat--look at the size of that propane tank!
We'll weather another month or so here in cozy comfort.

2011-09-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

The Wonderful Visit Winds Down...

Toby Bjorns Simon allowing the parents to pack.

Gwen comforts Tulip who became quite mournful seeing the red Prius getting packed and the Page/Bethels depart--doleful dog eyes and trying to get into the car. She saw her source of Cheerios depart as well as fun activities like following Gwen around on the lawn, at the lake, not even minding when Gwen frequently shooed her away from the compost pile. Why aren't these wonderful kids, Gwen and Simon, Maddie and Max, always here? She snuggled so closely with us Sunday night: everyone else--STAY!!!

Scene at Logan Airport--Simon trying to focus people on getting to the plane on time.

Gwen, waiting while Rachel and David decide on exactly which carry-ons to take, which to be sent later.

Then the family photo--best of Rachel and David and the luggage.

We love you, we miss you. It was a wonderful visit!!!

2011-09-24T05:48:00.000-07:00

Exploring and Eating

Gwen in her new "house" -- the barn, upstairs and down.

Simmy, trying to help Toby on his computer.

Now, the eating part--

Simon LOVING his bottle,

Gwen sampling pancake batter,

and celebrating Rachel's 38th birthday!!!

2011-09-20T04:55:00.000-07:00

Visitors!

Over the past few days, Gwen and Simon have been introduced to many new people, and re-met some they already knew.

Christina came from Maine exclusively, as Gwen imagined, to read stories to her and play on the lawn.

Linda came from Lake Champlain with bagfuls of art supplies to make sure the family art gene was well nourished.

And Andrew, the source of Gwen's beloved pig "Puerquito," came from New York City to be the accomplice in continuous play for both Simon and Gwen.

Saturday night, we hosted a group of Malcolm Coulter's friends who flew in from around the country for a reunion of field biologists.

2011-09-17T04:54:00.000-07:00

Night Away

Rachel and David celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary by going away for the night to a rustic inn in Maine--leaving Gwen with the GP's but taking Simon, too small to be separated from his mom.

Gwen was the perfect companion. She went to her Tamworth pre-school in the morning, a place she seems to really like with a very nice teacher and four or five other girls about her age.

Then home for a nap--meaning watching "Polar Express" for Gwen and actual
napping for Tulip.

Then, before we knew it, her parents were back--Simmy too! Relaxed and refreshed.

A very happy homecoming!

2011-09-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

This Weekend...

brought David's dad and brother up here on Friday--much to Gwen's delight, Simon's too.

and also Tom Diebold, who came over on Saturday afternoon after a 9-mile hike up (and down) Mt. Lafayette.

It looks freezing cold from this photo, but actually was quite nice for a Sunday morning brunch in September on the porch.

2011-09-10T09:02:00.004-07:00

The Week in Chocorua

After some beautiful weather, it got cold and rainy.

but cozy inside with a fire in the wood stove and a late birthday celebrations for Theo!

Simon had his very first tastes of something besides breast milk--first, sucking on an orange and here, on a piece of canteloupe, and he was an instant convert.

And Gwen learned the morning routine--eating cereal with Tulip and Taisie on the breakfast porch outside the dining room.

Finally, a short visit from the Harris' and their dogs--here, three out of the four golden retrievers they brought with them. Tulip was a tiny bit overwhelmed and so dosed inside.

2011-09-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

Sunny Days

Since the Page Bethels arrived, we've enjoyed some warm, sunny days,

perfect for playing on the lawn

or at the lake.

2011-09-05T05:41:00.000-07:00

Remick Museum

Toby and I took Gwen to the Remick Museum in Tamworth--
Dr. Remick's old place (Toby's doctor when he was a kid) all renovated and made into a beautiful working farm. The Nubian goats were very pet-able,

the pigs very piggy,

and Clover the cow very milk-able.

Then I discovered, when I downloaded my pix,

David very photograph-able,

especially for a camera-prone-able curly red-headed 3-year old.

2011-09-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

They've Arrived!

At Logan Airport on Thursday, after two flights and a very rushed and close connection in Atlanta, they're finally here!

Gwen twirling in the airport, waiting for the third bag to arrive,

which it didn't until an hour later, giving David a chance to have a long-awaited authentic American hamburger.

Tulip was tons and tons of licks for everyone and stuck close to Wren, happy she's here, hoping for some dropped Cheerios.

And Simon in his wooly hat being held by Gwen. "Simy," as Gwen says.
Chocorua welcomes them, Tulip does, Toby and I--we love it that they're here.

2011-08-31T05:18:00.000-07:00

Storytelling in Maine

Toby went to our storytelling meeting last weekend, braving the ummarked windy roads south of Mt. Desert Island and the impending Hurricane Irene. He found this idyllic spot on Eggemogin Reach

and the group assembling on the porch, summoning the muses. Lyn demonstrates the way Toby sits in a chair as he listens to stories.

There was time for beach walks and swims in the cove in surprisingly warm water.

And the famously fabulous breakfasts that the group (mostly Lyn) puts together every time we meet.
Theo and Tulip stayed home, peacefully weathering the storm, while the surgery on Tulip's leg healed up.

2011-08-22T06:13:00.000-07:00

Tamworth Artisans' Coop

I've joined this artisans' group from Chocorua, Tamworth and the area around. It's fun to have a place to show and sell my furniture and to get to know some of the local artists. Also many others as I work there from time to time--

Besides my furniture, there's pottery, jewelry, glass, carved granite, quilted pieces, and lots of other things including, as might be expected, many, many, exceedingly MANY painted and photographed images of Chocorua Mountain and Lake.

Last Saturday I brought Tulip in with me. She sniffed around, gazed at the chickens in the back yard, seemed bored. But at 4pm a bevy of little girls entered and, when they saw Tulip, sat on the floor, talked to her, patted her, loved her, told her about their cats. She was ecstatic--licking each of them on the face. I made no sales, but Tulip was happy.

There's something mysteriously magnetic between a dog and a child. Toby and I were down at Mass. General last week (he for a routine check-up). As I walked Tulip around outside the Yawkee Medical Pavilion, a little girl spotted her and said over and over to her mother: "Look, there's a dog!!"--the mom paid no attention. Then I watched the eyes of a boy in a wheel chair get larger and larger as he spied Tulip. He didn't say anything--he just watched. The grown-ups didn't notice her, for the most part, but the kids were awed.

2011-08-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

Art Extraordinaire sur la Frigidaire!

By these talented young artists:

Madi (otherwise known as Maddie) Page, exuberant in her colorful, abstract style,

Max Paige (aka Page), ingeniously using miniature vehicles for brushes,

And Gwendolyn Wren,
creating vibrantly crisp, clean lines with the stroke of a hand.

2011-08-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

Miscellany

A brave wood duck on the lawn outside the kitchen.

Theo on here way to the 100-plus year old Chocorua reading group (group's 100, not the people).

Flowers from Amy.

See that white box under the peak of the eave--that's how I can send a blog from here!!!

See that very small red balloon above the trees and to the left of center--that's Verizon testing out a new cell tower site. Theoretically, if we see the balloon, they can't build the tower.

Tulip slipped down part of the stairs yesterday--so we we made alternative first-floor sleeping arrangements for her and one of her devoted fans.

2011-08-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

End of July Pictures

Here's an assortment of happenings from the last few weeks, but first

a sweet photo I found in my Picassa file from July 4th--Max getting both Fiona-time
and Jess-time.

A picnic on Page Hill with the Fischhoffs.

Tulip luxuriating in final pats from Maya.

Two huge granite slabs hidden under our front porch are on their way to become doorsteps outside the north room and the dining room doors.

Carol Phenix's oil painting of a dragon at the Chocorua Village Art Show this last weekend. One of Carol's dragons became the prototype for the stool I painted for Max--the stool that roams around the Burbank house helping small children reach high things.

Toby's cooking artistry--mounds of meringue on a key lime pie.

2011-07-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

The Fischhoffs Arrive...

the weather cools, and we enjoy an "al fresco" dinner on the lawn.

Tulip is in 7th heaven with all the attention from Maya.

Yesterday, while the ditches kept being dug around our house, Thad found a moment to search for the Fischhoff clan atop Mt. Chocorua.

We saw them, photographed them (or tried to through the telescope), but couldn't signal with the mirror/sun method because it was too cloudy.

2011-07-22T15:59:00.000-07:00

Blog Without Photos

A humungously hot day, one that had us driving from Barrington to Mass. General then on to Chocorua. Toby had a good checkup with his melanoma doctor--no worries. thank goodness. Walking to the car Tulip limped--the pavement was so hot she couldn't walk on it. Toby and Tulip found shade and I brought the car around and picked them up.

Driving to Chocorua--best place to be, in an air-conditioned car.

Thinking of Max at age 2--his birthday! What a sweet surprise he was, what a delicious person he is!

So glad we have Chocorua to retreat to. We took swims as soon as we got back, Tulip too.

Then a dinner on the porch, sun setting, no bugs, all cool from the water, Toby and I talking about art and Julian Freud and the book Rachel and David gave Toby for Christmas, "Proust was a Neuroscientist."

Me in just a black sleeveless jersey dress, Toby's orange tee shirt echoing the orange lilies all around. Food bought at "Chipotle" on the way up, a little wine--no cooking!

Wow, I thought, this is as good as it gets.

2011-07-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

Opening Up Chocorua

Literally! Opening up a big ditch near the kitchen door to take out an old underground tank that our insurance company had a fit over.

Opening up a pathway under the screened porch for new electrical and telephone lines to go to the house--and also to the barn where lightening must have run through the old underground parkway cable and almost blew out the box--very scary and needed attention immediately. The insurance company never complained about that!

But found was this gorgeous flat piece of granite that was hidden under the porch and will now be a large step by one of the back doors.

And on a more manageable note, Toby on his way to the lake to"open" up the beach by raking away the leaves in the water.

2011-07-13T05:40:00.000-07:00

Time to Go Home

I left Burbank early, early Saturday morning, sad to be saying goodby to everyone. Here are a few photos from my time with Sam & Co.

On our way to dinner.

Supervising two talented artists.

At school with Maddie (who's a terror on trikes)

and into pink shaving cream.

Max in his Hawaiian attire on the 4th of July,

and watching a fantastic (and very close) fireworks display at John and Erin's.

Alternative transportation.

Watching the final Atlantis lift-off with Dad.

The fabulous four!!!

I miss you cozy, cozy guys!

2011-07-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

Playing Dogs

Maddie is Tulip, walking on all fours and barking.

Max is Jack (of the Woodward clan)--preferring pacies to bones.

2011-07-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

Games

Max and Maddie weren't deterred by a 100-degree day in Burbank. They played games:

Max playing his inside-the-net-hockey game.

Max and Maddie at the blow-up-the-balloon-let-it-go-whoosh game.

The sitting-on-Sam game

also played by Oscar the cat.

Finally one of the best: the "we're-higher-than-our-patient-parents" game.

2011-07-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

Burbank Evenings

Late afternoon out here is a lovely time--the weather has finally cooled off and the light is beautiful, Sam's finished his work, dinner's ready, and we're outside in the back waiting for Jess to come home from work.

The kids are relaxed--picking purple flowers,

gobbling grapes.

Then Jess comes home and, before bedtime looms and kids get rebellious,

there's time for a lot of silliness.

2011-07-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

The Mayo Square Dance

Last weekend was the Mayo annual square dance in Connecticut--a great gathering of family

and old Roslyn friends,

also siblings!

On Sunday morning we gathered in the Mayo's backyard to remember Bobby. Geoff and John and Debbie started with poems and remembrances, followed by thoughts from many of us about what a special friend Bobby was to us all.

2011-06-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

Back in Burbank

I'm so glad to be back here with the ever inventive ones!
They had ideas about what to do with these boxes I got at Ikea--

better than just storing clothes in them.

And there was a lot of concentration piecing together a rubber rug,

plus a lot of help for Dad who's working at home this week.

When I took Maddie and Max to school today, we all went across the street to a song fest at the library.
Here's Maddie with Miss Marty, her good teacher,

who transformed into a rooster for one song,

much to the amazement of her students.

2011-06-25T06:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Sweet Gwenlet

Make a wish,

Blow out the candles--

And have a very, very happy 3rd birthday. We love you!!

2011-06-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

The Nest

Chee Heng's been watching the robin's nest outside my studio, reporting that two chicks hatched and that they'd fledged a few days ago. One, he said, took off very easily.

The other refused to leave despite all his parents' encouragement. He perched on the gutter above and waited. Until his mother (or could have been his father) grew disgusted and, in desperation and anger, began to tear apart the nest. The young robin's no longer there. With his home wrecked and in disgrace, he must have finally decided to take the leap.

I have to say, it's really an act of courage to be a little bird and look way down and really hope those wing-things work.

2011-06-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

A Brief Visit to Chocorua

Tulip and I are in Chocorua for a few days, opening up the house and establishing the gardens--also fighting the ferocious black flies! Both Tulip's eyes were swollen yesterday from bites she got while faithfully guarding me while I planted basil--and my neck is full of itchy bites. But they say that soon these tiny monsters will disappear, to be followed by the more easily swat-able mosquitoes. Ahh, New Hamphire in the spring.

But we did find two changes--the remade bridge between the little and the big lakes--artistic yet sturdy enough to meet the town's safety standards.

And the window in the upstairs bedroom--when that's finished and the new cellar entrance is painted, the roof fixed where the chimney was and the staging removed, it'll finally give a whole new look to the backside of the house.

2011-06-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

Drama in the Backyard

Tulip gets really ticked off at this rabbit
who comes blithely every day to nibble grass just outside my studio.

In the hopes that the barking will stop, and the confidence that the rabbit is faster than Tulip, I open my studio door. And the chase is on.

Tulip loses. But now I have an anxious, pacing robin, the one who nests just above my studio.

Ohh--I see. Good mom--her chicks are hatching.

2011-06-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

Graduation Weekend

Friday night we went to see Senai play in his final volleyball game in high school. It was especially exciting because the Barrington team had made it to the state's finals and Senai was the star with his smashing returns at the net. Sadly, they lost. But we saw fantastic plays and were immensley proud of Senai. Here he is later with his girlfriend Katy, also a volleyball player. Senai graduates today!

Wunesh, who can grow anything, showing us one of the tiny stalks of asparagus starting to grow in the backyard,

and Kifle, helping Toby convert complex files to a CD.

2011-06-04T06:19:00.000-07:00

Working in Barrington

This last week has been all about various kinds of work:

Tulip, working to maintain a thick coat so she can shed all summer,

the robin, back again to tend her nest,

the peonies, in gorgeous blossom so someone can pick them!

Toby, hurrying to finish up his working paper with Louis,

Theo, figuring out how to redo her "how-to" book,

and Tulip again, working very hard to eat those biscuits in her red rubber bone.

2011-05-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

Another Try

Last Wednesday all was set for Maddie's operation. But at the very last minute it was cancelled--due to Maddie having a cough. After a long and not always calm (according to Mimi) drive back to Burbank the next day, life went on.

For me, still up in Palo Alto visiting with the Feinsteins, it meant a calm breakfast outside in the sunshine,

a shopping expedition with Lea to find an outfit for Noah's August wedding,

and other outfits as well.

I got to Burbank in time to catch Max in his "apres-le-bain"outfit.

Friday, the start of the Memorial Day weekend, the grand kids ramped up into their weekend activities: butterfly outfits, bike riding and hockey playing.

Maddie, in a quite motherly mood, rode her baby doll around on the back of her bike (a doll Mimi gave her with a hand-made dress that matches one she gave Maddie--nice to have a grandmother that really knows how to sew).

A surprise for me: that reluctant artichoke plant in the garden finally growing up and blooming!

A yummy early brunch out on Saturday morning with a visit to the pet store next door. Two very energetic kittens roughhousing--2 Ms fascinated.

Then time for a pull-up or two,

a Max cuddle,

and a shot of the Kender/Page toothbrushes before I went to catch my plane back to Providence.

2011-05-23T04:22:00.000-07:00

New Things, Old Things

Goodbye to my trusty old camera which was taking increasingly pink-toned photos.
Hello to my new, nifty orange Elf!

And a few days ago we officially celebrated Tulip's 14th birthday (said to be somewhere between June 9th and 12th). We'd thought she was 14 for a few years, but at her annual check-up her vet said she'd just turned 14. Better than being 16!

Tulip's birthday wish? "Kibble, kibble, I wish you'd give me that kibble!"

2011-05-20T06:58:00.000-07:00

Home Time in Gamboa

Rachel and David, Wren and Simon live in a quiet little town halfway between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It was built to house engineers working on the Panama Canal. The houses are all elevated with the first floor where a normal second floor is to let in any breeze that happens by. There are ceiling fans and air vents and big overhanging eaves, all to keep things cool. I wish I'd taken more pictures of the inside of R&D's house because it's very charming, full of fun fabrics, rugs, quilts, pictures, Panamanian arts and crafts.

Here's the kitchen, David and Toby chatting, a picture by Linda on the wall. Out the window are hummingbirds at the bird feeder and agoutis running over the lawn, like very short-haired, tailless squirrels.

Rachel wanted to liven up the patio walls, so we got lots of bougainvillea in Panama City and brought back ceramic pots from El Valle, and had a big planting day just before we left, including some packets of seeds I brought from the US. The arugula sprouted two days after it was planted--that's fast!

Gwen would like to show her LA cousins how adept she is at eating pasta, her favorite (and just about only) dish.

And show too how much she loves her baby brother.

We visited Rachel's and David's offices just a few blocks from their home (very convenient). The father of Gwen's good friend Freya has painted wonderful pictures on the walls--here are bats, one looking like it's echo locating those tiny Tungara frogs. The black wiggy-looking things on the front of David's desk are mist nets used to catch bats.

And the great mustard yellow bathroom with a lizard on the floor and a frog foot (is it?) on the seat.

So we left peaceful Gamboa after a wonderful almost two weeks there--so cozy to be with Rachel and David. We fell in love with Simon Orion, a very sweet and wise little person, just beginning to smile and learning to coo.

And fell in love again with Gwen Wren, the girl of many curls, bright eyes, funny faces and wonderful thoughts. Oh, and a few really well-learned songs (Baa, Baa Black Sheep.....)

Bye-bye. See you in Chocorua!

2011-05-17T14:00:00.001-07:00

El Valle

Another of the great places Rachel and David took us in Panama was El Valle,
a small artistic town in the mountains, not too far from Gamboa.

The inn where we stayed had all sorts of attractions for Gwen--lazy fish and turtles eager for a kibble in a meandering pond.

A fierce-looking horned goat that did not intimidate Gwen.

Furry friendly rabbits,

and ducks watching us watch the rabbits.

It's the rainy season in Panama, meaning you take umbrellas wherever you go. But it's quite pleasant as the rain doesn't last too long and it cools things off.

We found horses to ride--again, a fearless Gwen (she has much in common with her cousin Maddie)--very disappointed to dismount and say good-by to her horse Droopy.

El Valle has a great market place full of Panamanian crafts.

I especially love the Molas--fabric designs sewn on fabric by the Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands. The patterns and colors are fabulous!

And at the end of our stay, a short walk through the jungle, over several hanging bridges to see a waterfall. David tests out the bridge--

and we make it safely back to our car and then home to Gamboa.

2011-05-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

Adventure!

Our first adventure in Panama was taking Gwendolyn to the zoo--nearby, but I had to drive the big New Car over the scary bridge (a one lane rumply old railroad bridge over the Chagres River). It turned out to be easier than our Prius because we were up high and could see out the back.

The foxes starred at the zoo--especially this young one. And the Harpy Eagle too--looking gothically Harry Potter.

On Mother's Day David drove us up past Colon and along the coast towards Isla Grande. A short, choppy boat ride took us out to the "Bananas" resort on the far side of the island where we luxuriated in a soft island breeze, swam for many hours in the curvy swimming pool with Gwen, watched the sunset and ate good meals.

We hiked across the island the next day

into the island's small town, full of vividly painted houses, boats with palm fronds,
with a small church and statue of a black Christ out in the water.

Gwen found a flock of tame parakeets to get very close to,

Toby found a mural of Bob Marley to stand next to,

and we all found a wonderful calm beach with deliciously warm water to swim in.
Then back to Gamboa in the early evening with very sleepy children and happily adventured grown-ups.

2011-05-07T05:57:00.000-07:00

Coming to PANAMA
(We're really here!)

David met us at the airport on Wednesday night. We settled into a nifty B&B just around the block from R&D's house, then were greeted early on Thursday morning

by proud big sister Gwen Wren and not-so-small-anymore little brother Simon Orion.

Gwen is an accomplished Simon-holder,
and Simon a stoic and uncomplaining holdee.

Then a flurry of Wren activities:

Meeting Gwen's friends at playgroup.

Her school locker-I wondered where that nickname came from.

Indulging in Brownie batter.

Lacing up Toby's boots.

Simon's activities seem to consist mainly of naps and nursing.

It's fabulous to be here, connecting with the Page Bethels, escorting Gwen to class or the pool or the zoo, not only holding Simon but gazing into his wise blue eyes, eating yummy fish curry at the new dining room table.
So cozy with Rachel and David, Gwen and Simon.
Yeah for kids! Yeah for grand kids!

2011-05-02T06:09:00.000-07:00

Spring in Barrington

We arrived back in Rhode Island just in time for spring--
so that meant yard clean-up and flower planting.

Tulip sighted another sign of spring--little rabbits!

She stealthily stalked this rabbit, grazing in the back yard.
But the rabbit didn't bat an ear. Tulip stopped, sat, then--finally deciding that either she was too old for the chase or maybe life was more about enjoying nature than destroying it--she lay down and just gazed at the rabbit, who continued eating without a worry.

Ahhh-the wisdom of growing old!

2011-04-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

Driving Home

The middle of April and time for Toby, Tulip and me to drive back to Rhode Island.

But first, with our old friends John and Betsy Blue, we visited the brand new wing of the Nixon Library: The Watergate Wing. We all remembered so well the slow unraveling of the Nixon presidency as Woodward and Bernstein published incriminating story after story in the Washington Post. John gleefully discovered this license plate in the parking lot: Nixon knew all along about the break-in and the cover-up.

Then a Sunday morning brunch in the back yard with the Burbank gang and Sam's cousin Spencer. (Impossible for me to take a photo without people eating.)

It was a hot day and a great idea to bring the ladybug sprinkler over from Burbank. Kids a bit hesitant to run through it, but the parents showed them how.

Then time to say goodbye to our wonderful California kids and grand kids. We've loved our sojourn in LA: seeing old friends, having a respite from the harsh weather back east, loved incredibly being near Sam and family.

It was breath-taking to drive through the canyons of Utah--helped not feel so sad to leave S&J, M&M.

Tulip was a good traveler--luckily she loves to drowse.

She revived a lot when we stopped at the Green River in Utah, where Sam went on an Outward Bound camping trip when he was a teenager.

But then back to sleep again as Toby and I barely made it over the snowy Vail Pass in Colorado, dodged tornadoes in Missouri (we didn't see any--we were ahead of the storms by a day or two), drove through the endless plains of eastern Colorado and Kansas, and eased into Pittsburgh to stay the night with our ever-hospitable friends the Woodwards in their home there. The next night we stayed with the Harrises near Princeton, then, on Easter Sunday, arrived back home to Barrington--and to a spring just starting, small green shoots and daffodils and forsythia blooming--my favorite time of year--and to the anticipation of soon seeing our Panama gang--and meeting Simon Orion!

2011-04-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

Our Last Week in LA!

Jess and Theo and the kids went to Peekaboo Playland in Eagle Rock, a great indoor space full of toys and equipment for kids to play with and on. Maddie and Max loved this slide attached to a bounce house.

The only rule was "no shoes!"--but Max was so in love with his new shoes that he carried them around with him from activity to activity.

Wednesday night Sam and Jess took us out to a fabulous restaurant in downtown LA which served Spanish/South American cuisine. We all had the tasting menu--so for about 3 wonderful hours we were brought plates and plates of tiny amounts of delicious and different food with wines on the side--gazpacho in small glasses to begin with, lamb, pork, chick peas, Peruvian potatoes, a huge scallop each, much more and then three different flans for dessert. Thank you so much Sam and Jess!

Last night Toby and Tulip and I babysat the kids to give the tired parents one more night away. Maddie built high towers with her lego-like blocks.

No one thought about eating tangerines until Toby started peeling one, then they became an instant hit.

And, of course, the star babysitter is Tulip--who endured many pats and excruciating near encounters with food she would have liked to eat, and finally, being put to bed like a baby and covered all up. She didn't go to sleep then but now, back at the Woodward's, she's is sleeping it off--just like a wise, old baby.

2011-04-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

Weekend Activities

Over the weekend, Maddie helped make pie crust,

while Max seemed to enjoy

silly faces made by Taisie.

Sam and Toby preparing to go on a hike in the Burbank mountains.
Toby expecting rain--Sam not?

Afterwards, there was time for backyard basketball Sam-style
with Maddie high in the air and Max ready for the rebound.

Well-maybe not quite ready enough.
(He didn't get hit, this time).

2011-04-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

Back in sunny LA...

The women cook in the Woodward's kitchen,

and took the kids to have pony rides in Griffith Park.
Maddie loved it--notice her non-nonchalance in the saddle.

Max preferred the railroad train.

Pretty exciting to ride the rails.

And guess who are good enough friends now to share a bed--Tulip and Jack!!

2011-03-31T09:55:00.000-07:00

Synopsis of a Busy Week or Two

Starting when? With Simon Orion's birth on March 18th. Hurray!

Then Maddie's 3rd birthday party celebrated on March 19th. Hurray again!

Jess showing Max the perfect pinata batting stance.

The great gift from dad--an indoor hockey game

where crawling into the nets (or, as the pros call it, "playing goalie") is fun.

Old friends--Erika Oller and Stephenie Frederick--over for dinner.

Then up to Palo Alto

Toby and I visit with Glenn and Nancy and Emma and Sam at their wonderful new house in Half Moon Bay.

Seeing Chiemi for a Japanese lunch in Los Altos.

Being hosted by Carl and Lea, a cozy couple, in Palo Alto.

Passing time at the Feinsteins--Maddie tossing a ball over and over again to Bridget, the ever-ready, with gales of laughter.
Waiting to hear if there would be an operation.

There wasn't, this time. But there will be.
Here are the always-ready shoes, big and small.

2011-03-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

Just arrived!

SIMON ORION PAGE BETHEL

born on Friday, March 18th
(almost the night of the full moon)

8 lbs., 10 oz.

to Rachel, David, and Gwen Wren
(who's very happy to be a big sister)

in Gamboa, Panama

2011-03-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

Sleep-Over

While Sam and Jess took another well-deserved night away (this time to Big Bear with a group of friends), Toby and I got to stay with the M's.

Tulip too-and she was a hit! She seemed happy with all the attention--except for a few accidental step-ons by the kids. On Sunday morning Max snuggled in next to Tulip, very gently patting her while holding his paccies in the other hand.

And Maddie? She owns the kitchen now--getting her own snacks out of the refrig, climbing up on the counter to see what's going on, and loving to wash dishes--especially if there are lots of bubbles. On Sunday morning she pulled out the exact right size metal bowl for making pancakes, stirred the batter, made sure there was maple syrup, and happily ate her good cooking.

2011-03-10T15:04:00.000-08:00

Sushi a la Mad and Max

Yesterday Jess and I took the kids to Sam's favorite Japanese restaurant.

Driving over I had to photo the kids in their car seats:
Max often crosses his feet this way--so grown-up!

And Maddie had banana legs.

We all loved the restaurant. We ate in a tiny garden outside where Maddie
played with the pebbles on the ground for most of the lunch.

As to the food, well--Maddie loved Edamame, not eating it, but shelling it.

And Max loved the chopsticks but it got confusing
when he put them all in his glass
and found they didn't work like a straw.

And, yes, we did bring home a large crab meat rice salad for Sam--his favorite.

2011-03-08T18:39:00.000-08:00

Familiar Faces and Places

Last week one of Toby's students came to visit.
Zhang Lei (on the right) was in Toby's class at Renmin University in China and is now studying at UCLA. He and his roommate seemed unperturbed about taking many forms of transportation from LA's west side to Pasadena. But probably nothing compares to what they're used to: getting around Beijing. I got a big smile when I snapped this photo in Toby's study (well, really Julie's study).

On Sunday Toby, Tulip and I were reaquainted with the Eaton Canyon Trail going up into the San Gabriel Mountains. Bob and Jack (the beautiful poodle) showed us the way.

And then Sam and Maddie (Jess staying home to be with Max who was running a fever) drove us to Senor Fish for a late brunch and early lunch. Good old Senor Fish in Eagle Rock - tasty, atmospheric, fun - a familiar haunt.

This morning another mountain hike--partway up Echo Mountain, just north of Pasadena. We used to take our old dogs, Smokey and Conrad, here all the time. Tulip took right to it. Toby and I loved the gorgeous surroundings, loved a little less the steep drop-offs. We remember catching Conrad by the tail as he fell off the edge - a long time ago.

2011-03-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

Their Own Way of Learning

Coming back from the post office, Max decided to walk, not ride,
plus hold onto Tulip's leash.

Watching the fountain's for babies!
Max needed hands in the water,

and getting down to ground level to test out his key.

Maddie showed her own tenacity by insisting on carrying her boxes of treasures on top of her leftover lunch container--she did this very skillfully all the way to the car. It reminded me of kids learning to carry things on their heads in Africa!

2011-03-01T18:40:00.000-08:00

With the Parents Away for the Night,
the Grands get to play.

First, and as a distraction from Sam and Jess taking off
for a one-night getaway,
Toby shows Maddie and Max how to feed Tulip, one kibble at a time.

first Maddie,

then Max.

Making pizza for supper.

After which, Maddie reads to us,
zipping through a million little books in a very short time.

On Sunday, the kids wake up missing Sam and Jess.
But not for long,
'cuz Rachel skypes us from Panama and soon Gwen and Maddie
are playing skype-games--
offering each other pears and watermelon over the
internet, Gwen crawling into and out of a laundry basket,
Maddie crawling into and out of this blue cloth tunnel.

Playing with puzzle pieces in Panama!

We get deep into bubble wrap wear, take walks,
and, yes, even watch some Sponge Bob Square Pants.

We loved our special time with the M's,
it was busy and very, very cozy.

And then there was the great reunion

of the parents coming home.

2011-02-23T17:03:00.000-08:00

Week 2+ in LA

Rainy, cold--but nothing like back East!

Pizza night at the Woodward's--Toby showing his technique to stretch out the dough,

Maddie and Max putting on the fixings under the watchful eye of Jess.

Eating berries as the pizza cooks.

Brunch on Sunday--one reason Tulip loves the kids so much: cheese dropped on the floor.

Lea and Carl Feinstein join us for the weekend, here singing
their rendition of the song they sang at Adam's wedding: "We Ain't Got a Barrel of Money."

2011-02-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

First Week in LA

Monday we went to Max's music class--Maddie was in school,
Max quite pleased, a little puzzled having Jess all to himself.

Playing some of that music at home.

Tuesday, practicing walking in Cinderella high heels.

Wednesday, Julie and Bob in the Woodward's kitchen--
our kitchen too for the next two months. Jack, the dog,
wondering if those cookies are for him.

Thursday, Sam reading the required four books before bedtime, Maddie in her
"Woody" from "Toy Story 3" pjs.

A great first week, enjoying the sunshine, the friends, the family.

2011-02-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

Arrived!

After 5 days and 3500 miles,

passing through the gates to California,

passing by thousands of windmills in the mountains,

passing next to trucks loaded with fresh oranges,

we arrived in Pasadena and soon met up with Jess and Maddie and Max!
Maddie is gazing up at parrots in the tree and Max is thinking about Tulip.
Sam joined us later for pizza dinner at the Woodwards.
How wonderful to be here at last.

2011-02-03T18:54:00.000-08:00

Continuing on....

El Paso was truly cold--1 degree with a wind chill of much less, the city all but closed down by power failures. Ice. We've been dodging storms all the way across the country. Happily, our motel room in El Paso was cozy and warm.

Lunch at a little Mexican restaurant en route.

We're now about 30 miles west of Phoenix on Rte. 10.
3112 miles - more or less - from Providence. Hope to make LA tomorrow!!!!

2011-02-01T17:11:00.000-08:00

The Open Road!

..or not if there's rain and sleet and ice and snow.

So far we've managed to stay ahead of the storm by driving two and a half very long days, leaving Providence mid-day on Saturday and getting
to Austin, TX. late Monday night.

Tulip's been a model traveler, curled up in a small space in the back seat of
the Prius for long hours--and adapting quite rapidly to various motel rooms, quite liking the smells in these dog motels.

Today we had a leisurely and lovely drive from Austin towards southwest Texas over Rte. 290--now maybe my favorite road: lovely live oaks, many peach stands, closed for the winter of course, and pecan stands, also closed, and small and large ranches and horses and no billboards and hardly any trucks or other cars. Plus, occasional sunshine--first since Providence. We played David's cd mix of western songs, his "Tumbleweeds" tape and thought about him and Rachel too traveling that road back and forth between Austin and Silver City, New Mexico.

Toby found sun-bleached cattle bones along the side of the road (now in our trunk)

and looked kind of western in his hat. We're so glad we brought along our down parkas as it's been very cold and very, very, very windy.

So windy that the baseboard air conditioning/heating unit in our motel room in Austin was blown free from the wall. A screeching wind and a huge thump and curtains billowing wildly in the wind! So windy half this sign was blown out making it difficult to find our motel in Sonora, TX.

We're on our way to El Paso and beyond tomorrow, although they say it'll snow here tonight and maybe parts of Rte. 10 will be closed. Yikes!

2011-01-27T07:46:00.000-08:00

Cold and More Snow!!

A few days ago it was very cold. I've never seen these leaves curled up so tight.

Tulip keeps her nose warm at night.

Early this morning we woke up to more snow,

and the old snow shovels waiting once again for
the now quite weary snow shovelers.

A difficult task as the snow banks keep getting higher and higher.

California--here we come!!

2011-01-24T09:36:00.000-08:00

Storytelling

at Carol's farmhouse in snowy Vermont.
Four days of creativity and fun.

Jay O'Callahan leads us in telling our own stories--ones that we've thought of and worked on, and also in what he calls "sparks"--tiny vignettes, 1 minute or so, often working with another person.

This spark was "table and love". Hmmm-a hard combination, until Lyn and I thought of increasing our scant bosoms and playing paddle tennis on them--"add in, add out, love all"!

Jay had asked us to come with a Broadway song.
His was from "Evita!" (was that actually on Broadway or just a movie?).

Katie sang "I'm Just a Girl Who Can't Say No" from "Oklahoma."

Furry cats (Lyn and Carol) from "Cats!"

Toby, the formidable King of Siam,

as we begin a polka and sing "Shall We Dance?" from "The King and I."

We left on Sunday, full of stories and songs and dancing.
Goodbye everyone, goodbye cows.

2011-01-18T06:12:00.000-08:00

Good Friends

As Toby and I get ready to head out to California in a week or so, we host a couple of dinner parties for our good Rhode Island friends:

The Eritreans came over for dinner on Saturday night--Wunesh, Kifle, Senai, Hiab and two cousins--one recently arrived from Africa and the other from Washington, DC.

On Monday, we cooked and reread "Let the Whole World Spin," the choice this month for our
24-year-old-and-going bookgroup

which met this time at our house.

Getting started over wine and cheese.

2011-01-11T14:08:00.000-08:00

Hitting the Second Hand Stores

Margot and I went to a fabulous 2nd-hand store in Warren, RI on Saturday. Even Margot, who's not a thrift store enthusiast, was impressed.

My buys:

A Chinese jacket, orange-y and sleek. Need this for an up-coming costume affair.

Vintage Peruvian Connection sweater-perfect fit, warm, stylish.

And this ritzy gold shawl.

2011-01-07T06:24:00.000-08:00

Okay...

I'm a little bummed because, yesterday, I was reading about cars in a Consumer Reports-type magazine, and they said that in a recent DuPont car-color survey, choosing a popular car color is a good strategy, especially if you plan to resell. Are there any colors they you should skip? Yes--"...red is a real stinker"!!! Bottom of the list--ours was probably the oldest Prius on the lot because it's red. What are the most popular car colors in the US? White, black and silver...of all things!

So, once again I'm at odds with most of the people in America.

So how does America feel about red-spotted red socks?

2011-01-03T05:43:00.000-08:00

RED!

What is it about red that I like so much?

It's comfy--in the living room: the couch, the table cloth, Tulip's blanket.

It's cozy--in the bedroom: the rug, the pillow, dust ruffle, another Tulip blanket.

It's homey: red plates in the kitchen.

It's warm: red jacket and scarf.

It's hot! Red car.

It's welcoming: red door and doorstep.

Red's so warm it's totally cool!

2010-12-27T06:50:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

Greens on the door.

Homemade cinnamon buns in the morning.
To Newbury to be with Sarah and Alan in the afternoon
where we feasted on a fabulous turkey dinner.
Driving home Saturday night to be on hand for the

major snowstorm that started Sunday morning!
Shoveling, shoveling, shoveling!

BUT, the very best part of Christmas by far for Toby and me was being able to watch, on skype, Max and Maddie and Gwen Wren unwrap tricycles and little play figures, and eat candy canes on Christmas morning!

2010-12-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

Old Car

New car!

2010-12-22T07:01:00.000-08:00

Tree Trimming

On Sunday, Bill and Lenore hosted their annual tree trimming party in Hull, MA.

Linda drove in that morning from Port Henry, NY, to join the family and add her ideas to the trimming. Smyth/Speers family people have strong ideas about how a tree looks best: lights first, then big ornaments at the top, smaller as you go up. Tinsel laid on, not thrown. We all remember the wonderful elaborate Christmases growing up--celebrating on Christmas Eve, an old Austrian custom.

Lenore and Bill had a delicious lunch

and then there were family photos--some of Lenore's family and some of us (we never figured out who that guy was in the black vest).

A highlight was to see Hilary and Mike again and share stories with them about the joys of old country houses--they have one near the coast of Maine--mostly stories about what happens when the pipes threaten to freeze in the dead of winter.

Later, Lou came back to Barrington with us and we had a cozy dinner in front of the woodstove, lots of talk, no threat of frozen pipes.

2010-12-12T11:55:00.000-08:00

BACK

Here's Toby,

back at his desk, editing his book,
managing very uncomplainingly without the use of a lot his thumb,
very pleased the pathology reports came out clean.

2010-12-12T11:50:00.000-08:00

BYE BYE CHAIRS!

During the summer, I started these painting chairs.
They were a perfect canvas for me: a nice wide seat for patterns, a big enough back for a contrasting design,
and segmented legs that could be painted multiple colors.

Today, two of them (the ones on the ends) went to Caroline Rubin
(here with her husband Noah) for her office at Tufts University.

2010-12-02T09:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving in Portland

Thursday morning, we drove (on a totally non-traffic-y Rte.95)
up to Tom and Clarice's house in Portland.

First thing Tom wanted to show us was his early Christmas present,
a powerful, sparkling snow blower.

He'd prepared a Thanksgiving feast, with Clarice's help, Christina's too.
We're about to dive into this wonderful food--first, the requisite photo. At the table with Christina and me are Tom's friend Andrea and her daughter Anya.

We had good evenings watching movies from Tom's wide-ranging collection of DVD's.
This is our "alert" pose, taken after the overly schlumpy, not really flattering "relaxed" pose--

the "ate too much, just watched a movie" pose.

Tom and Toby, showing off the woodsy Maine look:
identical red LLBean sweaters and worn blue jeans.
For comfort: fleecy slippers.

2010-11-26T11:29:00.000-08:00

More Kids and Grand kids

Maddie, Max and Gwen Wren rotated among many activities each day--many each hour.

The piano was a great attraction--especially the growly low keys.

When other surfaces were exhausted, Gwen stickered her face.

And at bedtime, Max chose to use several toothbrushes--one for the top, one for the bottom?

Mealtimes were not exempt from busyness--here's Sunday brunch.

We found a bowl stuck in he refrig with appetizing description written on it.

Kudos to the wonderful parents

who patiently

and creatively steered their kiddos through each day.

Thanks so much for coming guys!

2010-11-23T05:56:00.000-08:00

Arrivals!

With the arrivals of the kids and grand kids at the beginning of the week, things got interesting and busy...

entertainment with hats,

block architecture,

bed bouncing,

sculpting with play dough,

playing on the piano and on table tops with Tulip watching,

dancing with Jess,

and a grand, messy balloon fest on the kitchen floor.

All-magnificent!!

2010-11-08T11:47:00.000-08:00

Toby with

bandaged thumb and lovely flowers from Christina.