Quirky

One of our crazy squirrels stealing something to eat. Normally, I wouldn't post this. But, the noises he was making were too cute not to share.

The Boy

We were woken up way to early, of course, by the Boy roaring into our room. I do mean roaring, like a tiger or lion. He stood at the foot of the bed to recite this: "One!! Two!! Three!!~Three!! Two!! One!!". We of course thought it was fantastic. Now each day he tries to go one number higher. He's up to six at this point, and erupts into a fit of giggles every time he completes it.

He's been sounding out words too. We spend a good chunk of our days reading, because my husband and I both love to read. The Boy naturally joins in, and sometimes "reads" us a story. It is one of my favorite parts of the day.

Cameras and picture taking have been a huge part of our days now. He is using my old camera, and I love to see what he's discovered when we go inside to download them. I can't believe he's going to be five in a few months. They grow so, so fast. I never believed it when people told me that when he was a baby. They were right.

Moving Forward

First, thank you to everyone who sent such nice emails. Sometimes it feels like I am writing to a huge open space. Thank you for taking the time to email me!

Because I don't have a lot to say, I wanted to share some new pictures from my garden. We've been getting some much needed rain.

~Bell Peppers


~Crepe Myrtle


~Snail


~Pink Pentas


~White Plumerias

Hospital

Sitting in a hospital for a few hours at a time, watching doctors and nurses make all sorts of choices about someone you love is painful. Especially when these nurses in particular are blatantly over worked, and still take the time to be caring.

Thankfully, my Dad is OK. We didn't really get any answers, which makes the past few days seem surreal. How can you help someone make changes in their life for the better? Is that even possible? I don't post much private family matters on this blog, but you can email me if you'd like.

What do you do for work?

I've been asked what I do for work at least once a day. I used to answer "Oh, I stay home with my son.". No one blinked an eye when my son was a baby. Now that he is almost five, people seem to pass judgement quicker. Somehow, the comments or eye rolls of strangers makes me feel less secure in our decision for me to stay home to raise our son. Or the comment "Well, once he is in school, what will you do for work?". Which brings up the tedious discussion of homeschooling. I feel like when I tell people we will be homeschooling, they have to jump in with random facts of why public schools are best for children. As if they feel I am somehow judging their own choices.

The thing is, we are doing what we feel is right for our child. I have no judgments on what others choose to do for their families. Of course, just because I stay home with the Boy doesn't mean I don't have other interests. I have many.

While at the hair stylist the other day, she asked me that now dreaded question. To which I stated "At the moment, I stay home with my son." She laughed and said "Well, THAT is work. That is hard work, right??" And, it is, but very rewarding work.

Bread

I am not really that interested in bread making. I like to eat freshly baked bread, but I'm not into the kneading and work that comes with it. This library book has completely changed my view. The basic bread recipe is so simple that I thought I did it entirely wrong. The results proved otherwise, and I cannot wait to make the other recipes in the book. I am planning on purchasing the book because returning it will be depressing.

This bread was "stolen" quickly by the Boy.

Thoughtful

We had a friend over the other night for vegan manicotti. He is not a vegan, but not scared to enter the world of vegan food. This post isn't about how much he enjoyed the vegan manicotti. Nor is it about the flinching that he tried to contain when he asked what the "ricotta" was made from. It's made with a blend of tofu and other secrets.

This is about how he went and found a recipe to bake a vegan cake. I was speechless. It was such a thoughtful gesture, that it caught us off guard. To make the gesture even better, it tasted delicious. He won the boy over instantly. I take awful food photos, but had to show them. This cake tastes even better warmed up. It makes the chocolate get all gooey.

Letting Go

After a long conversation last night, I realize there are a lot of things I really need to finally let go of. Holding on to the negative aspects of my past is just making it difficult to move forward. Allowing those actions of other people to interfere with my life is allowing them to still have a grip on my life today.

I tend to draw in people who are negative. I've always befriended or been nice to those who stir up drama. I still get approached by strangers almost daily who want to share their problems or life with me. I always listen and offer a kind word, but then their pain seems to dwell within me for awhile. I think about it, and wonder how they are.

I also give certain people the benefit of the doubt. Even though, in most situations I should have let them go. I'm tired of spending the majority of my time with pent up anxiety and sadness that I should be moving on from.

I'm lucky that I have a wonderful husband. I am happy that my son can make me laugh at the drop of a hat. He changed my life, as I mention frequently on this blog. I am lucky that I went out on my own at 18, and made a life with my husband who was then my boyfriend.

So, putting this out there gives me something to be accountable for. I will go back to doing yoga daily. And, my first phone call this morning will be to my chiropractor. I should have called her long before. But, for now, the Boy and I are going to drink our smoothies in the lanai.

On Being Polite

I've always made a point of not forcing the Boy to say "Thank You", "Please" and "Your Welcome". I found if we just let him see us use these terms, it worked better. He picked it up early, and we were complimented on how polite he was at such a young age. Of course, there are days when he refuses to acknowledge anyone, but I chalk it up to random moods. After all, I don't always feel like being friendly either.

Today he was making the agonizing hour long decision about what he wanted to eat for lunch, and he decided on an almond butter and jelly sandwich. As we were walking out to the kitchen to make it he stood there with his hands on his hips and said loudly "Make my sandwich and cut OFF the crusts!!!!!!!!" I turned to look at him and said "That isn't how we ask for things, is it? How do we ask for things?" And he turned with this crazy grin and said "Mama, PLEASE make me an almond butter and jelly sandwich. You are the prettiest, nicest, silliest Mama in the whole wide world. Thank you VERY much."

He cracks me up. I let him cut the crusts off.

Thinking

We've been doing a lot of thinking around here. Which usually results in reading more books than normal. Sometimes that includes finding "news" articles that make me worry. Although, I've been known to worry at the drop of a hat.

The following articles make me grateful that we have the opportunity to join a local C.S.A. We know the farmers and the apprentices, and can visit the land they grow our food on. It's also organic and sustainable.


~Tomatoes

~Food Dyes

This articles frightens me.:

~Disinfecting Wipes

And, because I am a Florida resident, this is always in the back of my mind.:

~Hurricane season 2008

But, on a positive note, we are hoping to take a road trip up north this year. Spending some time in Boston and Maine would be a nice break.

Trying To Talk Myself Out Of It

Lately, we've been spending a lot of time reading here and here. Because, I've always thought they were adorable with their little waddle walk.

Would it be the best idea in the world? In my heart, yes it would be.

How to Catch a Rooster

It's been a rough week around here. We were awakened a little over a week ago to breaking glass, smoke and fire trucks. Our next door neighbors house was on fire. Thankfully, no one was at home even their new puppy. No one was hurt, but their house is a disaster. The home can be salvaged, but there is a lot of work to be done.

They aren't staying at the house obviously, but have been coming every day to work on it and take care of their bunnies and chickens. They also have a rooster. While out in my lanai this morning I heard him crowing, as usual. Except, no only did I see him crowing....he was also running around. I walked over, but the neighbors weren't there.

We have helped when the puppy and bunnies got loose. But, a rooster? I don't know the first thing about catching a rooster. Once he realized he was free of his corral, he was very excited. I took a few pictures, and am anxiously awaiting my neighbors arrival. He doesn't seem like he can get out of their fenced in yard, unless he realizes he actually is able to. He sure is cute though.

Surprises in the yard

Here are some unexpected finds in our yard from the past week. It's been getting warmer here, so outdoor time is a bit more limited. We make the most of the mornings and evenings this time of year.

A shell the Boy found while digging a whole to plant some seeds.



He split it in half of course, to see what was inside.



This picture does not do this rainbow justice. But, we could see almost both sides of the rainbow from our front yard. It was beautiful, but aren't they all?



Our first passionflower. We bought this plant with fruit already on it, but finally a flower.

Dental World

I hate to discuss things such as dental drama on this blog. But, I'm hoping I will feel a bit better just writing it out.

As I have mentioned before, I have a bad history with dentists. I picked up my new occlusal guard last Friday. His assistant was quite rude to me, but I figure she is the least of my worries. When the dentist came in he adjusted it, and sent me on my way. He assured me that if it ever felt like it wasn't fitting right all I needed to do was call so he could make an adjustment again. There would be no charge and it would be easy.

I slept fantastic Friday night. After that I was getting awful teeth pain, beyond my normal TMJD pain. My teeth felt like they were either moving or loose. I called to ask if it was normal on Monday, and for some reason the "scheduling specialist" who for safety reasons I'll call "Bob" never returned with an answer from the dentist. I called Wednesday and "Bob" was quite rude to me, but assured me he'd get back to me.

Thursday we took my son in for his first cleaning at this dentist. All went fantastic because their hygienist is wonderful. When the dentist was done checking my son's teeth and joking about soccer, I asked him if he had a second. He took me into the hall and I asked him my questions. He said "Make an appointment with "Bob". It needs an adjustment."

Easy enough, right? So, my son was given some goodies and I was ready to find out when "Bob" could fit me in. "Bob" wasn't very happy that I needed something. So, when the assistant(have I mentioned she dislikes me now?) came over and started texting on her cell phone, "Bob" interrupted her and said "Cathy has a question." The assistant was clueless. And, her decision was I indeed did not have a valid reason for seeing my dentist. So, they wouldn't schedule a time for me. Apparently having pain is not important enough for a dental visit.

Today I called their office and spoke with "Bob". Here is our conversation, verbatim:

"BOB" : "Mean Dental Office", this is "BOB"."

"Hi "Bob", this is Cathy. How are you today?"

"BOB": Big drawn out sigh. Then, one more drawn out sigh.

"BOB": "I'm OK, Cathy. How are YOU?"

"Not good, "BOB". Thanks for asking. Listen, I need an appointment
with Dr. "Occlusal Guard" for my occlusal guard."

"BOB": "Are you still having pain, Cathy?"

"Yes, and Dr. "Occlusal Guard" wanted to check me."

"BOB": "Can you hold-----SIGH------Cathy?"

"Sure "BOB", THANKS!"

I'm on hold now for a total of 7 minutes. But, I don't hang up, even
though I'm on my cell.

"BOB": "Hello??"

"Hi "BOB"!"

"BOB": "You are still here?"

"Um, yes? You put me on hold."

"BOB": "Oh, OK." SIGH SIGH, HUFF.

"BOB": "Um, Cathy. Let's see. SIGH. How about "this time" Tuesday afternoon?"

"Fantastic "BOB", thanks."

"BOB": "Cathy, I spoke with "dental assistant who hates you"........."

"Uh, huh."

"BOB": "She said by Tuesday you will not need an adjustment. It
won't hurt, LIKE SHE TOLD YOU YESTERDAY!"

"Well, "BOB" thanks for telling me. But, if I remember correctly,
"BOB", Dr. "Occlusal Guard" is the one who went to dental school. Right?"

"BOB": ---------

"So, I'll speak with Dr. "Occlusal Guard", not "dental assistant who hates me". Including on Tuesday. I should have been seen yesterday or today like I asked."

"BOB": "Well, "dental assistant who hates you"...."

"I'll be speaking to Dr. "Occlusal Guard" Tuesday. Goodbye "BOB", have a great weekend."

Click.

I almost passed out when I was done. It was hard to speak to someone so condescending.

Unexpected

I'd say about one half of my neighborhood is vacant and for sale. It's pretty much like that in the majority or my area. The economy has not been kind. I really don't know too many of my neighbors even though we've been in this house 3 years.

We've been doing some major gardening and transplanting the last few days. I can't even remember when we did what. We had just finished planting a new tree in our front yard and were getting ready to water. At some point, someone had left us a beautiful pot with a very sad looking plant in it. The plant is definitely alive, but needs some care. No one was around, and there was no note. I'm not sure if we even were home when they came, or perhaps they didn't want to speak and just left it by the front door.

Either way I do not know what it is. But, I'm going to try to find out and get it to bloom again. It really made me smile that someone left it for us. I just wish I could thank them.

Happy Mother's Day

I am so thankful for all the changes being a Mama has made within me. My son has made me a better person. I am thankful for him each and every day.

Hope all the Mom's out there have a wonderful day!

Visiting Snake

It seems funny to write about this since one of the books I have out from the library is Climbing the Mango Tree.

My son has been climbing the mango tree in our side yard. It is huge and strong, and we love the mangoes that we eat right from the tree. Now that my son is older, he is able to climb quite high. High enough that I usually get extremely nervous and make my husband climb up too.

A couple days ago while my son was up in the mango tree, my husband reached up and pulled my son down from the tree. I was watering the garden, so I was at a distance. My husband showed me a snake in the tree. He was coiled very tightly, and looking at us. My gut feeling was he wasn't venomous because he would have had plenty of opportunities to attack my son. So after consulting with some lovely gardening people, it turns out it is a yellow rat snake. Very good to have in your yard, and not venomous. They are fairly laid back, and not likely to bite.

Here are some photos of him. Please excuse the quality, I had to switch between two cameras.

Teeth, or another dental trip

I returned to my dentist today to pick up my brand new occlusal night guard. I was the last patient of the day, and everyone was happy. My dentist begins his weekend every Thursday night.

I was a bit concerned about the guard fitting right. I have a ton of paranoia with my mouth, plus TMJ issues. It didn't help that when they made the impressions for the night guard, the assistant was having a ton of trouble. I had to have it done not once, not twice, but three times. I felt like they were extracting each and every tooth from my mouth while removing the darn hardened impression.

Either way, today should have been quick. But, because I have fantastic luck at the dentist....the guard didn't fit. It clicked on my back teeth, but not the front teeth. Even more exciting was the fact it could also click on my front teeth, yet somehow not my back teeth.

Instead of sharing even more boring yet gory details, I'll finish up. When a dentist does the brand new impressions HIMSELF, somehow it doesn't hurt. There was no gagging, no sore jaw, and best of all my teeth didn't hurt. So much different than the last visit. My advice if anyone is getting impressions done for some reason, request the dentist.

My new guard will be ready this Wednesday. Let's hope it clicks in perfect, the first time.

More for the garden

Ever since my Son and Husband made me my arbor, I've been on the hunt for a fast growing vine. After much research I decided the Passion Flower Vine was my favorite. Not just for it's beauty, but for it's butterfly attracting qualities.

While I enjoy taking a trip to big box stores garden center areas, there is nothing like going to a locally owned nursery. The vast array of plants, not to mention the knowledge of the staff cannot be beat. So, yesterday we took a drive out to a local one to pick out some plants.

They only had one of the vines left, so we grabbed it. It had a couple surprises on it too.




We also picked up a Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow plant. I'm still not sure where to put it. I need to keep it away from my neighbors with the new puppy though. The berries are highly toxic and I don't want a puppy to accidentally take a bite out of it. Of course, that leads me to the plant I grabbed at previously noted big box store.





When I grabbed the beautiful Jatropha, I was unaware that it is poisonous as well. I'm not sure why it says nothing on the tag about this fact, but the Boy is very aware of not eating plants in the garden. With the exception of his blueberry and mulberry trees, He really just loves to water and plant everything else.





Jatropha is also being used for some very positive environmental causes.

Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit

Do you say "Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit" first thing in the morning on the first day of the month? Because my husband has been doing it since I met him in 1996. I'm pretty sure he did it previous to knowing me too.

It got to be such a routine, that I picked it up too. I really didn't know what it was all about, but I like to join into things. It was pretty simple too. So, almost 12 years later I figured I should find out the meaning.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_rabbit

I guess we should have been saying "Rabbit, Rabbit, White Rabbit". That must explain why there wasn't a constant flow of good luck all these years.

I think I'm superstitious by nature.