Something Smells Skunky!

Success! We bargained with our little one and got him into his skunk costume without tears or incident. (M&m's are always a good convincing tool.) He looked soooo cute! I took him over to our neighbors and they thought he looked adorable!

We went to the Fun Fair at the school yesterday evening. The night was loud and sticky, but Bacon Bits had a great time and wore his costume the whole night. The librarian was there reading books (Bit's favorite stop), there was a "Go Fishing" wall, Cake Walk, coloring, and even a hot dog concession stand. So much fun for kids and parents!

Mr. Xenopus figured out, "Hey, if I wear a costume, people give me candy!"

Last night was a little crazy with an overly sugar-hyped almost-2 year old; he was wiggling and giggling all over the floor for no obvious reason.

Tonight is the real trick or treating for the rest of the neighbors to see him, but I think Mommy will allow less candy to be consumed.

Drift Wood and Pine Cones

I came up with a use for some of my drift wood pieces and pine cones. I've painted the pine cones in three different shades of green and tied a gray grosgrain ribbon onto them through a screw eye. I found these neat playing cards via etsy and added two different vintage papers to them and attached a gray grosgrain ribbon as well. Green is in ya know...and I'm loving drift wood right now.

So I made up a bunch of them and good news for you. If people don't fully grasp their coolness as much as I do, they may end up gifted to some of you. Now don't cringe, they're not that bad really. Best yet, you could always re-gift them next year.

I may or may not admit to having three currently hanging in my house. This could be because I needed to photograph them, but they do look good grouped together, and look good in a living room, kitchen, or dining room.

By the way, I was not silly enough to use those big type of pine cones that are all sappy and sticky---these are the cute little chubby pine cones.

Beef Jerky and Golden Pines

We had plans to head to the Big Lake yesterday. Mike's day ended early after some meetings, and the weather was quite nice, so we made the best of it.

Bacon Bits decided he didn't want to go to Lake Superior and told us he'd rather walk at the park and around our lake here, so that's what we ended up doing. We had an enjoyable walk at the park, but Bits walked around kinda lost in his surroundings. The swings are gone, the teeter-totters, and now the dock has been pulled in for the winter. Not much fun for a baby who always had lots of equipment to play on.

We went half way around the lake and had to stop for Bit's much requested M-nems (m&m's for the rest of you). Mike prefers Holiday, so we crossed US-2 and all ended up having a less than healthy early dinner at the gas station. Completely unplanned and verbally disapproved by Mommy; dinner consisted of doughnuts, chocolate milk, beef jerky, and pop tarts.

With our bellies full of over priced junk food, we continued our walk around the rest of the lake, and headed for home for baseball and silliness from a sugar-hyped baby.

*side note- In reference to the title, there's a pic. of some pines that change color in the fall. Ohh, also check out the pic of the hills, the clouds formed a similar hilly silhouette above.

Ooooo...Frosty!

This morning, the outside was covered with frost. Although frost normally means cold, it's different than waking up to a bunch of snow. Frost is sparkly, crisp, beautiful, and very much temporary.

You have to catch the really frosty sights before the sun is up long enough in the morning to warm the ground and melt it all off into plain, boring wetness.

Yes, it was cold this morning, but with frost adding a little beauty and the sun adding hope for a warm bright day, there will defintely be exploring to do.

Realization: I am not a Skilled Pumpkin Carver

Yesterday evening was family pumpkin carving night. Here's how it began:

The Baconator, after fierce competition among characters, chose Big Bird's pattern to adorn our pumpkin. These patterns come in a nice packaged kit with carving tools and a happy, smiling Elmo on the front. Very appealing to new Moms and Nanas.

Two slices with the toothy carving tool and the blade bends in half. After I straightened the blade back out, two more slices snaps it off completely from its handle. A little "Aaargh" from Momma and I grab a Chicago Cutlery knife. That did well enough to remove the stem cover piece.

Bacon and Daddy rolled up their sleeves for the gooey removal of the "pumpkin guts". With ewws and ohhs, Bits had a great time taking out the guts with the little kit's scooper.

I proceeded to punch little holes along the pattern which would not stay securely taped on. After all the little punches, I attacked the guide lines with a small knife. An hour or so later and a beak that was looking very odd. I gave up to defeat.The carving tool would have worked perfect for this (too bad its currently in two pieces).

With Mike's encouragement and a moment of quite reflection, I finished carving the pumpkin into a very nice, classic jack-o-lantern with two triangle eyes and a wide grin; very professional indeed.

The pumpkin was placed back on its resting spot on the porch and we all took a minute to admire it outside in the rain lit by two electronic candles.

Sandy Winter Boots

The snow melted throughout the day and has left our yard with with spotted slushy handfuls.

Mike had gone out later to finish shoveling the drive way and was visited by our elusive red headed woodpecker. Bacon Bits and I got to see him and get a decent snap shot.

After the driveway was clear, we took a brief drive into Ironwood and headed to Black River Harbor. What a perfect day it turned out to be. Just one degree cold enough to need hats and mittens, but perfect for an exploration up the beach. The snow had not hit Lake Superior and fall colors were still hanging around. Of course, there was much driftwood to be gathered as well.

Bits is truly a great little hiker; we traveled quite a distance along the sand and he eagerly and happily kept right along. Whenever we hit up the Big Lake, Mike and I revert to being little kids. I get excited with all my beachy finds, and he skips stones and sneaks big tosses of driftwood back into the lake whenever Mr. Xenopus is not paying attention.

We love escaping to the lake on these special weekends.

I Think It Snowed Last Night

Last evening we enjoyed more of those wonderful cotton ball snowflakes falling from the sky. Those little flakes turned out into 4 inches of snow on the ground.

This is the real deal people; this is not a drill.

We lost power shortly after Bacon woke up. Now normally the morning routine is Sesame Street or Thomas video for Bits as Mommy gets a cup of coffee (or two) in her system. Well, no power means no Thomas and, prepare yourself, no coffee. Needless to say, I was a tad bit cranky. It was cold and we couldn't turn on the heat with that silly electric thermostat, and it's very difficult to explain to a not yet 2 year old why the TV won't turn on.

To warm up and avoid having to try yet again to explain why we couldn't watch Thomas, I volunteered to shovel. It was quite and beautiful outside, and by the time I was done the power was back on and all was right again within our own little world.

Here's some pics. of what will soon be our everyday Winter Wonderland. We're off to see the Big Lake and maybe take some more driftwood; you can never have enough.

So What if Grand Haven had Temps in the Low 60s

What a beautiful nature sight! The rain turned to slush, the slush turned to snow, and the snow came down like cotton balls resting like crocheted doilies on the grass and trees. The big pines provided a canopy over their portions of the grass and created huge untouched circles beneath them.

As I was taking in this elegant display of snow, two deer came walking into the backyard eating acorns beneath the trimmed up pines. They moved behind a wall of fluffy snowflakes.

I considered taking photos to share, but I hesitated with the idea of scaring them off by opening our back kitchen door that always sticks. I decided to take it all in for my memory alone.

Oh and if that isn't enough, earlier in the day I caught sight of an impressive red headed woodpecker on the trunk of one of the pines. I had never seen a woodpecker so close (if ever), although I've heard them knocking in the yard to the point where I had to open the door and peer out to see if the UPS man was at the door (he wasn't).

The snow is already melting down into clumps and will probably be nothing more than soggy, muddy soil by day's end, but for now the big pine created circles are still in their place in the back yard.

Cheap Art and Rain

It's cold and rainy...and cold and rainy...oh...and cold and rainy. Luckily, we finished up raking yesterday evening and enjoyed fried eggplant pizzas for dinner...ask later.

Today was a library day for Nathan and I, and other than playing around the house and doing a bunch of rounds of "Ring Around the Rosie", the day was pretty uneventful.

But rather than go on and on about my blah day, check out my etsy site via the link to the right. I've posted new items with recession friendly prices. I am in no way saying anyone needs to purchase anything from me, I just like to share my projects with y'all, but I am going to jump on the soapbox for one brief consideration:

I've recently been obsessed with etsy items and have bought a few items from these sellers for gifts. We all will have Christmas gifts to buy this year and may not have as much of the mullah because of the weak economy. If you are struggling for ideas for this person or that, peruse the etsy sight and search by price or keyword or both. Buying from etsy can help buy "made in America" products from artists who can turn almost 100% of that income around back into our economy.

I understand Walmart and such can beat out many places on price, but etsy items are some of the most unique, creative gifts and aren't made in China (unless the seller is from China).

Three Rakes and a Lasagna Ought to Do It

We came, we saw, we raked, we leaved (pardon my English-"left"). We had a family fun activity of raking leaves yesterday evening. Really, it was fun! Mike had the job of raking all the leaves onto a tarp to transport them up the little hill, I raked neat rows piles together, and Bacon kinda sorta helped too. Bits had the most fun helping Mommy and Daddy pull the tarp up the hill and pile the leaves higher and higher.

"All this raking and done by 7:30" -Mike.

I actually walked away without blisters, but I think that may be because the old blister spots are turning into callouses. Oh no- not the dreaded man hands!

I love looking at the lawn and seeing the grass freshly combed through. It's equivalent to the feeling of looking at a completely vacuumed carpet.

Mike must have enjoyed himself too. He has plans for all of us to head out back when he gets home to finish up the job. If you enjoy your raking adventures: "Leave" your comment/story below (tee-hee-hee, I am too puny today).

Fall Painting and Tedious Raking

I haven't really had much time because of the move, the new school year for Mike, and keeping up with outdoor yard work to do much artwork. I was commissioned from Mike's aunt to do a painting as a gift for her son's host family in Spain. We looked at a few reference images and settled on this image originally photographed by my dad. With it's Michigan connection and more specifically Greater Kalamazoo connection, we agreed it would make a nice piece.

How I love fall leaves. Most of the leaves have fallen from the trees, especially with the help of heavy strong winds yesterday. I had just raked 5 huge tarp filled piles and dragged them, one by one, up the small hill to deposit in the weed patch last Wednesday. I was rewarded with 3 nice blisters.

Well, here we go again, but this time Mike has agreed (make that, formally committed) to raking the side and back yard, and I will again do the front yard, hopefully with less trips up the hill and no blisters to speak of. It's good exercise and gives a nice feeling of accomplishment when finished, but I need to have a word with the trees across the street about their constant need to send the leaves our way.

Hey Dad- It is Ok to Take Drift Wood- I Checked

You know its been a good day when you come back home with a backpack full of driftwood. We had a late start yesterday but still headed out to Presque Isle Park in the Porcupine Mountains. We parked at the hikers lot and enjoyed an easy, beautiful walk along the Presque Isle River. There is a great boardwalk along the west side for ease and safety of hiking and a great way to take in the sights and sounds of the river.

Mr. Xenopus is a great hiker and really enjoys it. He went up and down many steps with the help of Daddy or Mommy's hand or the "Daddy Express". We reached the shore of Lake Superior and he eagerly helped find drift wood pieces.

We absolutely love this park and have plans to go next Saturday as well. A crisp 42 degrees yesterday was perfect for a walk in the forest. We ended the hike with Mommy reciting "Little Bunny Foo-foo" and Bacon hopping around.

I have great plans for my various drift wood pieces based on observations in nature. Next time you're on a hike check out all the shades of green from moss. Feel a dried up fern growing along the path or drag your feet along the forest floor where needles of pine thickly blanket. There is nothing like a family day walking through the woods.

Snow Stopped by in the Middle of the Night

There's snow on the ground resting softly between blades of grass. It should melt off by the afternoon with the help of a little sunshine.
Today the planter pots containing wilted, brown mums will go into the garage. They put up a good fight and adorned my porch for many days, but the snow had the final say and put an end to them.
Bacon Bits and I went into town yesterday to pay our utilities bill and drop off mail (two of his favorite things, only less important than a trip to the library). We walk up a steep hill to get into downtown, and Mommy is always out of breath when we walk into city hall.
The lake was absolute glass and if the clouds had been more spectacular there would have been a great photo. The visitor center is closed now except for Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Bits and I picked up pine cones and acorns from the backyard. If anyone has unique ideas using pine cones leave a comment. I'm thinking of dipping them into latex paint of fun colors and making them into ornaments.

Pumpkin Protector and Poo-Very Exciting Subjects

Ignore the fact that I haven't posted in a couple days, and I'll continue on as if I have. As I warned everyone, I'm much less interesting without a visitor around to go exploring with, but now you get more pics. of Bacon Bits which everyone loves anyhow. Let's update: the park has all the swings taken down now for the winter, frost and snow have just about put an end to my mums, and the geese have taken over the park.

We now have a pumpkin pirate (thanks to Nana). My hope is that it may serve more than decorative purposes and act as a scarecrow for deer, in a futile effort to save the last of the mums.

We bundled up and went to the park yesterday afternoon. The geese are now in control of that area and use a form of poo-warfare. Very gross and very effective. I don't back down easily and after Bacon made a valiant effort to "watch out for the poopy", I had to realize my defeat and face the fact that there were going to be two pairs of shoes to wash down when we returned home. Dirty shoes are one thing, but when your boy trips on his toddler feet and falls right on a couple pieces of poo, that's when the geese have gone too far. We will be playing in the backyard until the geese fly South (or North?-they are Canadian), you win this time geese and have made spot #1 of my animal enemy list.

The Pumpkins are Hibernating for the Winter

Snow is all over the ground this morning, about an inch. Our mission today: gear up and play at the park regardless of the snow. If I ignore the fact that it's only the 13th of October, the news of snow is no big deal, so I'll act as such. The trees are pretty with snow resting atop fall colored leaves.

Here's an environment conscientious idea that's easy to do: try purchasing and then using dye free/perfume free laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and dish soap. I'm not saying you have to go to your local co-op; you can find these products right next to other detergents in the appropriate isle at the supermarket. It's better for your skin if you have sensitivity issues, and it's better for the environment after it ventures into the unknown world down the drain.

*(side note) The pic. is from yesterday, there is more snow on the ground and pumpkins than pictured

Deer Can't Eat Pumpkins- I Think

We all went to church at St. Paul's and enjoyed a warm potluck after the service. Dad left for back home after the potluck. It was nice having him around, and Baconator had a great time with Bop G.. There won't be as many amazing scenic photo posts without a visitor as an excuse to visit the parks, but I always have Bacon Bits, and I hear people kind of like to see pics. of him.

Since pumpkins were a rare commodity at the Pumpkin Fest, we had to seek out alternative sources. Mike was suggesting one from Walmart when we were there picking up some groceries, but the idea of choosing that special pumpkin from a big bin where every one looked at best average, was just not that appealing.

I had seen a farm stand in Ironwood, so we stopped there. It wasn't like picking a pumpkin from hundreds, but it was special. Bacon Bits ignored the pumpkins and found a nice pumpkin-like gourd perfect for his little hands. He kept calling them apples; the market lady gave him an apple to munch on and the gourd to keep, plus we bought Mommy-size and Daddy-size pumpkins.

They're now on the front porch with what remains of my mums.

Snow Showed up to the Party- Who Invited Him?

We woke up to a light dusting of snow on the ground. We knew it was coming, but it was still a shock to see all the white on the ground.

Uncle Phil and Aunt Lori came for a visit. We all enjoyed pasties warmed up at home, but made at the Bakery in town. Yum! It was off to the much anticipated Pumpkin Fest. With everyone bundled we braved the temps and the biting wind. So, where's Baconator's pumpkin?-you ask. Let me tell ya, there were no pumpkins available to purchase at the self titled Fest. What?-you say. Yah, I was a whee bit disappointed too. We picked up a bag of apples, and Bacon Bits had to munch one down right away. His gloves were too much of a hindrance for him, so with red hands, he enjoyed his fresh apple.

We all ventured to Rainbow Falls to make up for lack of Pumpkin Fest excitement. It was a cold day, but we made the best of it and braved the outdoors too.

Hey Deer...It's On Like Donkey Kong

Um-hmm. You can guess what my title's about. The deer have declared war by their actions. They finished off the yellow mum, ate half of the pink one next to it, ate half of the pink one on the front left flower bed, and ate a fourth of the one on the right. Ohhhhh...and they nibbled on my rose of sharon saplings. I love the U.P.; I loathe the deer. I believe at this point in my flower protection frustration, I could take a deer in hand to hoof combat. Bring it on furry friend, bring it on.

On another, less violent note. We went to Presque Isle in the Porcupines today. We had a brief scare with slushy rain coming down when we left, but it cleared up to a bright, cold sunny day. We took the short path to get to the bridge and Lake in the park. When we came out off the woods onto the shoreline of "The Big Lake", we found piles of driftwood covering the rocky beach. Mr. Xenopus threw his pebbles into the water and Mommy successively skipped three separate stones (yay me!).

Dad thoughtfully carried a fantastic piece of driftwood back to the car for me, and then did a separate return trip for three additional pieces. He only had to walk up the 100 steps from the bridge twice. What a great Dad! I'm thinking of using the driftwood to paint simple, almost abstract lake scenes on...or maybe if nothing else, use 'em to spank those deer with. I'll let you know what I choose.