October 19, 2011

Interesting Times

image from AwakeRevolution


As an information junkie, I read a lot.  I've been reading and thinking lately about the economic future of the world -- because we are all too interconnected to believe that a problem in one area won't eventually effect the rest of the world.  Phrases like "global village" arise for a reason.

Two articles I've read recently are resonating with me.  The first, The death that sparked a revolution,  is by Rebecca Solnit and it gives a interesting and moving recap of the events that have happened world wide since  Mohamed Bouazizi of Tunisia immoliated himself after having his street vending wares confiscated and being refused an audience with the authorities who could resolve the issue. This act galvantized the people of Tunisia and started the domino fall of North African governments that continues today.

The second Thirteen Observations made by Lemony Snicket while watching Occupy Wall Street from a Discreet Distance is by one of my favourite authors who gives his "observations" with his usual wry humor.  My favourite: 


      11. Historically, a story about people inside impressive buildings ignoring or even taunting people standing outside shouting at them turns out to be a story with an unhappy ending.




We live in interesting times.  And interesting times came be a little scary.

October 18, 2011

We went to the pumpkin patch

And found this!



Dill's Pumpkin Farm is where we went.  Every giant pumpkin in the world today is a descendant of one of Howard Dill's world champ pumpkins.

Aaron and I took Carson there while the big kids were in school but didn't pick out a pumpkin because we were walking and it would be too heavy to take home. We'll go back in a week or so and pick out a good one -- or 5.

October 15, 2011

Thanksgiving #2

We celebrated our second Thanksgiving of the year at Aaron's brother's.  We brought:

pumpkin cheesecake pie
AND

chocolate cake balls -- mmmmmm

 AND

a birthday card.

It was a beautiful warm day -- we were outside for most of it.




Tomorrow we have our third Thanksgiving feast -- this one will be ham though as we are turkey'd out!  

October 14, 2011

Beware of Dragons

Aaron's is attempting to quit smoking, which prompted Sam to make this sign:


He taped it to the door as a warning to all visitors . . .

October 11, 2011

Thanksgiving #1 -- at the cottage

Our first of three Thanksgiving feasts, this one was held at my friend Betty Jo's cottage on the lake.  We picked cranberries and bbq'd turkey

Apples and caramel dip on the deck


The cranberries were on an island that we took the peddle boat too.  Nomdi just swam.



This guy was diligent about looking for berries


Greeting us at our triumphant return with cranberries.  I meant to take a picture of them but forgot.  We had a hard time finding any ripe one, they were mostly white, but they cooked up well!




A little music before dinner  . . .



To an appreciative audience




The remains of the feast.  Yes, that is pumpkin cheesecake . .

Believe it or not, these two are the same age.  In fact, Sam (on the right) is one week older.



 Sitting around the table telling jokes.  The kids really like the one about the monkey's butt.  Go figure . ..

  My attempt to take a picture of the scene without flash.  The candles did not look like this at the time (too bad!).

October 5, 2011

Three of a kind

I love this picture

Liam
Carson
Sam

 It's my current favourite.

October 4, 2011

Still making things

like this!

Carson December 30, 2010


I think he turned out pretty good.