A Day At the Zoo

Just before school let out this year, I was asked to chaperone the 4th grade class to the Toronto Zoo. What a great place! There was alot of walking, but the boys I was in charge of were able to keep up with me ;)


My oldest son, walking with a Canada Goose


I'm the "cool" Mom, who likes to hold snakes, ha ha ha
the "Reptile guy" asked if anyone wanted to hold him, and I think I trampled a few small children getting to the front of the crowd ;)


My son admiring the Ball Python, right before it had to go back into it's tank


TOP OF THE WORLD, MA!
just beyond this climbing exhibit, were some really cool mountain goats with their "kids"

Over the next several weeks, I'll sneak in some more zoo pics :)

Self Portrait Thursday

Self portrait Thursday...A small peek at the person behind the camera, behind the keyboard...
I have far too many facets to capture everything, but little snippets can be found, here and there...

Trying to figure out the settings on my camera

I think I got it :)

Some days, you have to be reminded to "BREATHE"

'Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button, girl.
So cradle your head in your hands
And breathe... just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe

...Breathe, by Anna Nalick
to hear the whole song, click on BREATHE
on the playlist to the right --->

Is it safe to look?


This song was my favorite, while pregnant with my daughter, over 18 years ago; I still love it (also on my playlist)

Sweet Child of Mine
by Guns n Roses

She's got a smile that it seems to me
Reminds me of childhood memories
Where everything
Was as fresh as the bright blue sky
Now and then when I see her face
She takes me away to that special place
And if I'd stare too long
I'd probably break down and cry

Oh, Oh, Oh
Sweet child o' mine
Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh
Sweet love of mine


She's got eyes of the bluest skies
As if they thought of rain
I hate to look into those eyes
And see an ounce of pain
Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place
Where as a child I'd hide
And pray for the thunder
And the rain
To quietly pass me by

Oh, Oh, Oh
Sweet child o' mine
Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh
Sweet love of mine


So that's my "Artsy-Fartsy" Self Portrait Thursday...
Next post will be back to our regularly "un"scheduled Summer
:)

To The Moon, Mama!

My kids love to swing, doesn't matter on what...a rope, a tire, or on one of the swing sets out back
They squeal with delight, "Push me HIGHER, Mama, I want to fly to the MOON!"
I always ask them to get me some cheese while they're there...
That *is* what the moon's made of, right?


I risked life and limb, by laying under the swing, for this shot!

Come Sail Away....

You can lead a boy to water, but you can't make him bathe!
This is my youngest, sailing a little wooden boat in a trough. Simple things bring such joy and hours of amusement...you just can't buy the smile that a puddle of water can bring...or a steep grassy hill to roll down!
It wasn't all that long ago, that laying in the grass, and watching the clouds float by seemed like a perfect afternoon activity...try it sometime, whether you're 10, or 110, you won't be disappointed!

The Boys of Summer

The smell of leather from a well oiled glove, the dust from the ground, used as hand powder, the crack of the bat, the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat...it's baseball season and my oldest son is the picture of Americana.
When not on the field, he can often be found practicing catching pop flies in the back yard, batting into the tree line, or running the bases...you can see it on his face, he can even here the roar of the imaginary crowd in his ears...Ahh, his first love...baseball (or is it hockey? Stay tuned!!)

Suiting up to be Catcher




Put 'er There!



STEE-RIKE!



Awwww, Shucks!



Rally Caps

Baseball players are VERY superstitious, and in the last inning, when they are behind, can often be found wearing their hats inside out, for "luck" :)

A Little Bit of Heaven

The air is just a little greener, there...the water, more clear, and if you listen very carefully, you may hear Angels singing......
What *is* it about a little stream in the woods? Do Faeries live there? How about Frog Princes? Are there magical creatures to discover in this mystical place? Let's find out!

A Cheap Date

Looking for cheap/free fun for kids and kids-at-heart this Summer? Look no further than your local dairy farm! Many farms invite the public to feed the calves once or twice per day, and then maybe enjoy some homemade ice cream! YUM! If you can get past the aroma, many happy memories await you!

Come Out, Come Out, Where Ever You Are!

We recently "rescued" a painted turtle from certain death on the highway... thus far, he's none too grateful...he he he. He'll live out the summer in a 55 gallon aquarium in our barn, then we'll release him in the swamp when it's time to hibernate.
My daughter has big plans of turning that aquarium into a home for a Ball Python!

Let Your Inner Child Run Free

Since I have decided to take a semi-break from seamstress work this Summer, I will devote the next few posts to my children, and their passion for life. Isn't that what Summer is all about? Running barefoot through the wet grass, mudpies, fishing, and catching fireflies? I'll be doing lots of that, this year! I'm going to dust off my camera, and try to capture some of the magic of childhood...stay tuned!