Blog Feed: Alice's Adventures Underground

We are just at the tail end of tulip season here so I feel I still can get away with posting this even though the tulips in my yard all look like sad, headless horsemen all lined up in a row, waiting for their inevitable demise.

Mother's Day Thoughts

Published on 2013-05-15 15:55:53

A week ago, one of the members of the Bishopric at church approached me and asked if I would be willing to speak in church that Sunday.

Where I've Been

Published on 2013-05-14 13:21:16

Hello poor, neglected blog.

Parents Who Act Silly Have Children Who Act Silly

Published on 2013-05-04 05:30:01

My children will never understand why this was so funny: KoH: "You're acting silly." Caterpillar: "Yes." KoH: "How'd you get so silly?" Caterpillar: "I don't know." KoH: "Did you learn it in school?" Caterpillar: "No."

Typha

Published on 2013-05-03 15:16:27

I have been obsessed with cattails as long as I can remember. Maybe because they didn't really grow where I grew up and when I saw one it was a unique occurrence, but more probably because you can pick one and then beat your sibling with it until al

Upside Down Tulip

Published on 2013-05-01 05:00:01

In honor of May Day, may I present to you, my new favorite flower: Fritillaria. I was able to find the name of this one by google-ing the phrase "upside down tulip" and a wealth of [happily appropriate] images popped up.

Private Eyes, They're Watching You

Published on 2013-04-28 17:01:24

These little plants I found last week fascinated me and I've been spending time trying to figure out what kinda plant izzat? all week because I want to plant them in my yard.

Bird Pair

Published on 2013-04-27 06:44:55

Busy week. Much to discuss. But on my way to yet another event, so no time to do it.

Breakfast in Bed

Published on 2013-04-24 06:00:02

How come when she makes me breakfast, I gotta eat five ketchup sandwiches, but when she makes him breakfast, he gets chocolate chip cookies and milk? Momma needs to explain the four food groups a little better.

Kids is Useful

Published on 2013-04-22 06:00:10

I told her to pick all the dandelions in the front yard because I wanted a bouquet of dandelion flowers from my favorite five year old. But really, I just didn't feel like weeding.

Stonewall

Published on 2013-04-21 15:16:48

This pile of stones was in my front yard for several weeks.

Broccoli

Published on 2013-04-16 15:52:27

Yesterday was plain awful, wasn't it? Let's just contemplate nature a little while we remind ourselves that life is beautiful and there are way more good people than bad.

Well Done, Tulips

Published on 2013-04-15 19:11:47

I spent some time out in the yard this weekend, pulling weeds. I now have a new found dislike for gardening and anything that requires me to bend over so that my head is below my heart.

Bucket Buddy

Published on 2013-04-14 21:04:25

This may not be the best way to store a child, but it sure makes it easier to carry them.

Sixteen Years

Published on 2013-04-12 15:11:26

I gave my husband a hoe for our anniversary.

Gerbera Daisy

Published on 2013-04-08 14:54:47

Two days ago, I was so cold in the middle of the night, I couldn't sleep. Exactly two weeks ago, we had snow on the ground.

Love Expressed on a Bathroom Wall

Published on 2013-04-07 11:20:42

The saga of the bath crayons continues, but I never really told you the beginning.

Oh that? Aisle 9.

Published on 2013-04-06 18:02:59

For some reason, this picture reminds me of this awesome Target store prank.

More Fun with Bath Crayons

Published on 2013-04-01 05:00:05

It's not weird to be standing in the shower, thinking up new things to write on the bathtub surround walls to amuse your children, is it? Nevermind, forget I asked.

Happy Easter, if You're Into That Kind of Thing

Published on 2013-03-31 05:00:04

In our continuing saga of non-traditional Easter egg dying crafts, we decided to go for something a low tech this year. (Can Easter egg dying be considered high tech?

All Four Food Groups

Published on 2013-03-30 06:34:01

Progress from the Five Ketchup Sandwiches incident. Caterpillar: "I made everyone dinner, momma." "I see. You 'made' orange juice, yogurt, cheese slices, a cup of tomatoes and... what's that in the cups?" "Quesadillas." "I see. Well, serving

It's the Moment of Truth

Published on 2013-03-29 07:13:21

Heaven help me, I cannot stop making Karate Kid movie references.

We Are the Children

Published on 2013-03-28 13:38:19

I showed The Dormouse the We Are the World video this morning because she's been learning the song in her school choir for their Tribute to Michael Jackson concert and I figured it was high time she realize that Michael Jackson wasn't the only person

I Did a Turn at County

Published on 2013-03-27 21:12:47

Perhaps I should not allow my kids to watch Pitch Perfect and then use bathtub crayons in the shower. But then again, it could just say "Redrum" over and over so I guess I'll take this.

Outdoor Experiment

Published on 2013-03-25 19:05:00

Not pictured: four identical paw prints headed back the other direction and into the house. Verdict: kitties, not so fond of the snow.

Spring Snowstorm

Published on 2013-03-25 08:02:20

Yes, yes, I know.

Simple as Do Re Mi

Published on 2013-03-22 16:08:17

The ABC’s of Me:A. Age: 45. And let me go so far as to not recommend it. It all goes to hell when you're 45.B. Bed size: King. California King. Seriously treat yo'self to one o' these. This and separate bank accounts are the reason I've been m

Nick Burns, Your Company's Computer Repair Cat

Published on 2013-03-18 10:30:01

Several months back, we set up the ability to connect the computer to the television and use it as the monitor.

Winning

Published on 2013-03-15 17:35:58

This morning, I drove the kids to the bus stop and waited in the car for the bus to show.

Words of Wisdom from a 5 Year Old

Published on 2013-03-13 21:56:27

"At the bar, everybody always laughs because beer makes people laugh a lot." In my defense, when I asked her how she knew this, she explained that when we go to her dance class, there's a bar in the complex and when we walk past it everyone is alway

Proving My Pop Culture Creds

Published on 2013-03-11 18:28:42

Actual discussion held in the car this morning: Caterpillar: "Sister, did you watch the Andrew Jackson cartoon today?" Dormouse: "Huh?" Caterpillar: "The Andrew Jackson cartoon.

Snow Roll

Published on 2013-03-07 14:41:02

With twenty-four hours' distance and I'm still sitting in a house with heat, I feel confident in declaring yesterday's GIANT SNOWSTORM a bust. When we woke up, there was a light dusting of snow all over everything and some flakes even fell from the s

Snowquestered

Published on 2013-03-06 11:22:01

Everything is closed today. The federal government? Closed. Local governments? Closed. Schools? Closed? My office? Closed.

Study of a Dancer

Published on 2013-03-04 22:49:12

For the past eight weeks, I have diligently brought The Caterpillar to dance class once a week. The Dormouse has fallen comfortably into several extra-curricular activities she likes to do and at which she excels.

The Inquisitor

Published on 2013-03-01 05:18:01

The Caterpillar has been featured a lot on this blog lately and there's one good reason for that: she's freakin' hilarious.

A Diaper By Any Other Name Would Never Smell as Sweet

Published on 2013-02-27 23:00:50

At church right now, there are more expectant mothers than you can shake a pregnancy test stick at.

Benadryl is My Friend

Published on 2013-02-26 12:00:38

It's been an interesting month here at Camp Underground.

I Got Craploads of Poise and Culture

Published on 2013-02-20 18:49:19

It's always nice to have one o' them there regal Siamese cats around to class up the joint when visitors drop in.

Just a Wild Guess

Published on 2013-02-17 13:09:08

"Hey, Caterpillar, were you playing with Monica's iPad?" "No." "Remember last week, when you all were with us and you guys were listening to a book on the iPad?" "Yes." "Were you also playing around with it?" "No." "You weren't playing any game

She Runs Hot and Cold

Published on 2013-02-16 17:49:13

In the grocery store produce aisle: *squeal of delight* I turn around to see The Caterpillar, carefully cradling in her hand, a Brussels sprout she has found on the ground. "Ooooh, Look. At. This. Tiny. Little. Thing! It's so cute.

Making Our Point, Exactly

Published on 2013-02-11 19:10:08

Me: "Okay it's time for bed. Daddy wants to take you to bed." Caterpillar: "No. Mommy!" KingofHearts: "You never want Daddy to take you to bed; why can't I take you to bed?" Caterpillar: "Mommy!" KoH: "Why is Mommy better than Daddy?" Me: "She'

Survival Underground

Published on 2013-02-10 17:50:57

The Dormouse and The KingofHearts are both currently obsessed with paracord bracelets for some reason I cannot currently fathom.

Is That All it Took These 9 Years?

Published on 2013-02-06 15:19:46

Me: "I want you to take a bath tonight before you go to your karate lesson." Dormouse: "Why?" Me: "Because I want you to take a bath tonight before you go to your karate lesson." Dormouse: "Ooooooh, NOW I understand."

Twins

Published on 2013-02-05 17:03:44

Is it wrong that all I want to do is drop something on them to see if they both look up at the same time too?

Xenocheesephobia

Published on 2013-02-03 07:58:41

I made egg sandwiches for the children this morning and as I was emptying the fridge to add cheese to their sandwiches, I picked up a slice of white cheese from an older package of cheese - the last one - and then had to open a new package of cheese

Pretty Obvious Conversations in the Kitchen

Published on 2013-01-29 14:35:36

I have a label for posts titled Bewildering Conversations in the Kitchen.

Minutae, Vol. 15

Published on 2013-01-27 06:00:03

Here's another round of random photos left on my hard drive and posted with no continuity whatsoever.

Soup For You

Published on 2013-01-26 17:15:26

When we were in New York last month, we stayed up the block from this: The Soup Man was made famous by a Seinfeld episode though he's been quite vocal about the fact that he is extremely offended by the whole thing. But he's made a heck of a lot

Inaugural Dawgs

Published on 2013-01-22 21:21:08

The KingofHearts had to work yesterday but The Shortlings and I had the day off. And because I am notsosmart, I decided to take them downtown with me for the inauguration. I figured it would be crowded. I figured it would be cold. I figured we pr

Not a Taxidermied Cat, I Promise

Published on 2013-01-17 06:00:01

This is just how she sleeps: Don't worry, Angry SuperKitty will save you: Zombie SuperKitty, however, will ignore you and try to pretend you don't exist:

Stained Glass and Light Fixtures

Published on 2013-01-16 16:19:00

Even The Shortlings enjoys the stained glass at the National Cathedral... well at least one of them.

Cathedral Grounds

Published on 2013-01-15 06:00:06

Well, not all of them are outside, but you get the idea.

Hidden Corners

Published on 2013-01-14 06:00:02

If you troll around long enough in the National Cathedral, I would imagine you could see everything theoretically, but I haven't lived here long enough yet to do that.

I Can't Put My Arms Down!

Published on 2013-01-13 16:36:14

The weather this week has been unseasonably warm, which I'm sure is consternating to those in the West who are dealing with unseasonably cold temperatures.

Tranquility

Published on 2013-01-13 06:40:39

This week has pretty much sucked big brass donkey balls (I don't even know what that means).

The Great Organ

Published on 2013-01-10 08:00:07

I'm not typically a lover of organ music or an accomplished organist, but I'd have given vital parts of my anatomy to sit down and play this. The National Cathedral's Great Organ was installed

Broken

Published on 2013-01-08 08:00:13

Back in the Summer of 2011, we had a little earthquake.

Listening to My Inner Voice

Published on 2013-01-07 06:52:00

We've had some... struggles... in school since September.

Standing Watch

Published on 2013-01-06 07:23:14

I have always been a little obsessed with gargoyles.

Window to Space

Published on 2013-01-05 23:05:38

Get ready for a whole bunch of posts about the National Cathedral because I took a buttload of photos that day. One of my favorite places in the Cathedral is the Space Window and I always point it out to The Shortlings whenever we're there, who nev

What I Wanted To Do Was Paint Sunlight on the Side of a House

Published on 2013-01-04 15:02:29

I found this window at the Washington National Cathedral the other day and the sunlight streaming in through it cast the most amazing shadows and colors on the columns on the other side of the hallway.

100 Snowflakes

Published on 2013-01-02 23:40:35

I have started several posts on this subject, but then always hit the delete button before I start dissolving into a puddle of tears behind a computer screen.

New Year, New Sunrise

Published on 2013-01-01 21:05:41

Well Lit

Published on 2012-12-31 04:30:01

Christmas Eve lights at the Washington, D.C. LDS Temple Special bonus photo.

Bird Portrait

Published on 2012-12-30 05:05:01

How much do I love that big box-o-camera-lenses The KingofHearts gave me for Christmas? So much.

Paper Snowflake

Published on 2012-12-29 16:30:01

There are a multitude of these in our house right now.

Homemade Garland

Published on 2012-12-29 15:00:05

In the days leading up to Christmas, The Shortlings turned into tightly wound, vibrating balls of greed and I was looking for something to help them focus their energies on anything other than adding more items to their Christmas lists.

I Like it Because it Reminds Me of Crêpes

Published on 2012-12-29 05:38:45

We attended a crèche exhibit at the LDS Temple on Christmas Eve. When I was a kid we just called these "manger scenes" or "nativity sets," but when it's high art, I guess only a word with an accent will suffice.

Christmas in the District

Published on 2012-12-29 05:00:36

Christmas day in our house is always celebrated with an outing for Chinese food.

Faces of Christmas

Published on 2012-12-28 06:42:25

I've come to understand that about ninety percent of the faces my children make in photographs are put on for the camera's sake and little other reason -- and no where was this more obvious than in my recent set of Christmas day photographs.

Christmas Eve Bokeh

Published on 2012-12-28 04:58:16

Boundless Joy

Published on 2012-12-28 04:51:32

I think it might be time to admit that she's too old for the rides in the mall.

All Work and No Play Makes The Caterpillar a Dull Girl

Published on 2012-12-26 18:17:28

...or something like that.

Holiday Bokeh

Published on 2012-12-24 06:44:48

It's a Festivus Miracle

Published on 2012-12-23 05:00:07

I think it might be about time for me to admit that I'm not good at Christmas.

Christmas 2012

Published on 2012-12-22 00:00:07

Well, if you're reading this, that means the Mayan Calendar was not correct and the world probably did not end anytime on December 21, 2012 when a

Passed Out Under the Christmas Tree

Published on 2012-12-20 16:26:38

The Single Greatest Attraction in NYC

Published on 2012-12-17 05:51:00

*according to a nine-year-old When I took The Dormouse to New York for her birthday a couple of years ago,we did it all:

Clean Cup, Move Down

Published on 2012-12-16 18:00:00

When we drove into Manhattan early in the morning, our first order of business was finding a) parking and b) some place to eat breakfast.

No Words, Except Maybe These

Published on 2012-12-14 15:48:55

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'

Multitudes on 34th Street

Published on 2012-12-14 04:41:00

One of the things we decided to do when we took The Shortlings to New York was see some of the typical New York City Christmas sights and famous shop windows we've always heard so much about.

Central Park Zoo Denizen

Published on 2012-12-13 05:34:09

I like this photo, sure, but mostly, I just wanted an excuse to use the word denizen other than in a crossword puzzle.

I Recall Central Park in Fall

Published on 2012-12-13 04:06:22

If you point your camera in just the right way, you can almost convince yourself that New York City isn't filled with eight million people, all trying to get in your viewfinder at once.

Kilroy Was Here

Published on 2012-12-12 16:19:33

This is a photo Monica just found and sent to me and I'd guess it's at least four years old.

How Much Am I Amused By My Neighbors?

Published on 2012-12-11 16:30:01

So much.

This Year's Ornaments*

Published on 2012-12-10 16:37:47

I'm not so into the holiday cheer and am having a hard time getting excited about... well... anything this year.

And Peope Wonder Where I Get My Weird Sense of Humor

Published on 2012-12-08 05:07:39

Recently, I got a birthday card from my Dad. I opened it up, read the card, and thought, "That's nice." Then a small, red piece of plastic fell out onto the table.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

Published on 2012-12-05 21:05:42

We still struggle with The Caterpillar's early morning exploits, though things have gotten a lot better since The Clock came to stay. But I can't really fault her for being an early riser because I am notorious for not sleeping much.

Rocke-faller

Published on 2012-12-04 06:31:42

Artsy Instagram Photo to cover up the lack of focus The one thing The Dormouse has consistently said she wants for Christmas is a pair of ice skates.

Bewildering Conversations in the Kitchen, vol. xi

Published on 2012-11-26 06:31:31

"What are you doing Momma?" "I'm trying to get you to go sit down and eat your breakfast." "No, you're not.

Thank Your Father, Kids*

Published on 2012-11-22 07:28:45

I picked up a few more thai chili peppers from weepy acres last night and brought them home to start a new batch of tabasco sauce.

For Our Ears Only

Published on 2012-11-20 08:50:14

About a year ago, The Shortlings decided that they needed ways to discuss matters of great importance without parental intervention.

Burn Pumpkin, Burn

Published on 2012-11-18 08:00:06

If you, like me, have spent many a sleepless night trying to figure out how to get the most of your Halloween Jack-o-Lanterns and prove to the world that you are ecologically conscious and capable of using every part of the animal... or if you just l

Original Corn Rows

Published on 2012-11-17 17:14:00

Children of the Corn

Published on 2012-11-16 17:16:01

Karate Kid II

Published on 2012-11-15 16:03:25

We have had yet another karate belt advancement.

Ye Olde Pumpkin Farme

Published on 2012-11-14 17:13:00

Photo Random

Published on 2012-11-13 16:56:18

I take photos all the time and then leave them on my hard drive, hoping they will grow into a real boy blog post someday. Often, I eventually receive inspiration and use them.

Adults Behaving Badly

Published on 2012-11-10 12:04:19

Maybe it's not so obvious here, but among those who actually know me in real life, it's been conspicuous that I have shied away from making any posts of a political nature in any internet forum over the past several months. I purposefully avoid polit

Bewildering Conversations in the Kitchen

Published on 2012-11-07 16:06:00

Dormouse:

It's the Year 2000

Published on 2012-11-06 15:21:55

The Dormouse has some sort of large school project each quarter.

Storybook Horror

Published on 2012-11-02 06:48:10

A couple more photos from Halloween, mostly because little kids in masks fascinate me.

Halloween Report

Published on 2012-11-01 17:56:26

About fifteen years ago, I bought this little guy at a craft store and painted him with white and black craft paint. He remains my favorite Halloween decoration of all time.

Driven by Id

Published on 2012-10-30 09:37:32

Me: "I think I wanna make some eggs with hot sauce on them.

Pumpkin Making

Published on 2012-10-29 18:53:25

Frankenstorm is still dumping water on us. Believe it or not, we've had electricity for most of the day.

There's a Hurricane Acomin'

Published on 2012-10-28 23:23:30

It may or may not be apparent that Frankenstorm and its impending doom will rain down upon us shortly.

Along Came a Spider

Published on 2012-10-27 04:14:01

The lesser known of the Alex Cross movies.

It's a Major Award

Published on 2012-10-25 16:04:57

The Dormouse came home from school last week more excited than Ralphie's dad at Christmastime. Apparently, the local fire house had come by the school back in September and presented a poster contest where the kids were asked to make come up with a poster about an aspect of fire safety and The Dormouse's poster had been chosen as one of the winners. We didn't even know she'd entered the contest, nor had she thought enough about it to tell us she'd entered, but once she won something, this beca [..]

To Gillian on her 12th Birthday

Published on 2012-10-22 04:30:41

Children of the Corn

Published on 2012-10-22 04:30:29

Not a Bad Likness

Published on 2012-10-19 07:27:01

KingofHearts: "What's that?" Caterpillar: "Oh, that's a picture. I drew it." "Yes, but what is this picture?" "It's the Headless Horseman." "You didn't read about it in school, did you?" "No." "Well then, how do YOU know about the Headless Horseman?" "Scooby Doo."

Secret Message

Published on 2012-10-18 13:14:50

Maybe not the best thing to find scrawled on the arm of the chair in your doctor's office.

When Was the Last Time You Went "Wahoo?"

Published on 2012-10-17 07:31:01

Sometimes stopping by one of those roadside street festivals and dropping over sixty bucks on bad food and overpriced rides is totally worth it.

Maiden in the Grass

Published on 2012-10-16 08:08:00

Thai Tabasco Sauce

Published on 2012-10-15 07:32:13

Last year we grew Thai Chili peppers in our container garden on the front steps of the house.

Colorful

Published on 2012-10-13 06:20:00

Buddha In the Weeds

Published on 2012-10-12 21:51:03

And This One, I Love

Published on 2012-10-08 21:06:36

Nine.

Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Balls

Published on 2012-10-05 17:15:34

"What did you do at school today?" "We played soccer in PE." "Cool.

Swallowtail Butterfly

Published on 2012-10-03 21:25:01

Sometimes having kids reminds you to look out at the world and to appreciate its beauty.

From the Malm Series

Published on 2012-10-02 21:16:01

In the continuing saga of The Caterpillar's early morning exploits, we have a new development.

Aeronauts

Published on 2012-09-28 18:32:09

A lot of people ask me why we don't leave the D.C. area.

Good Place for a Nap

Published on 2012-09-26 15:19:00

Was going through the photos on my hard drive and realized I have about a half dozen photos that look almost exactly like this.

Pirates of the Caribbean 5

Published on 2012-09-24 21:04:50

And Then, There Was One

Published on 2012-09-16 19:33:34

We were downtown a couple of Saturdays ago and stopped by Ben's Chili Bowl for lunch, which, if you weren't aware, is a Washington landmark.

On the Hill, But On The Level

Published on 2012-09-14 06:10:01

There is no way to adequately describe what or why something strikes you as funny when you've been driving in a car late at night and it's been more than eight hours.

The Difference Between Men and Women

Published on 2012-09-11 12:37:30

This weekend, that film Notting Hill, with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant happened to be on television. Yes, I know this movie falls firmly into the "chick flick" category and therefore, might not appeal to the both of our sensibilities, but we both like it for different reasons.

True Friendship

Published on 2012-09-09 06:04:51

Every once in a while someone asks me why most of my friends live in other states and why I only communicate with them via text message, email or Twitter. For people like me, this is the perfect relationship.

My Best Day Ever

Published on 2012-09-06 10:13:10

We've been playing a valiant game of what I like to refer to as "Appliance Chicken" for the past two years.

How to Mess With Your Kid

Published on 2012-09-04 05:15:03

Scene:

Money Well Spent

Published on 2012-08-31 09:26:53

If I was the kind of person who paid for jokes on a volume per usage basis, this particular joke would be the most cost effective joke of our family.

Varied Interests

Published on 2012-08-30 17:39:21

Our school has a cute tradition that maybe every area school has but one that I haven't seen before so I'm gonna talk about it here. *breathe* During the first week of school, each kid gets a brown paper bag called their "Interest Bag."

What Ferris Saw

Published on 2012-08-29 09:47:01

One of the seminal movies of my adolescence, along with Better Off Dead every movie John Cusack ever made, was Ferris Bueller's Day Off,

Cincy

Published on 2012-08-28 08:34:01

I was in Cincinnatti for really only a little more twenty-four hours and most of those hours were night time hours.

Art!

Published on 2012-08-27 08:51:00

I neglected to take a photo of the title of this Chicago sculpture in front of the American Dental Association building.

Seamonsters on the Magnificent Mile

Published on 2012-08-25 09:50:06

How My Kids Won the Ren Faire

Published on 2012-08-25 07:28:59

As one last hurrah before school started last Monday, we decided to take The Shortlings to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.

Fun with Food

Published on 2012-08-23 10:52:59

I work with the teenage girls at church these days and we hold activities one night every week in addition to Sunday services.

Java Jive

Published on 2012-08-22 16:41:00

While driving through Pennsyltucky Southern Pennsylvania, we took a couple of side roads and I randomly cranked the wheel and threw the van off the side of the road whenever we saw something good... or even something mildly interesting.

If That's Not Love, What Is?

Published on 2012-08-21 15:21:41

The KingofHearts is a big fan of pizza and is often (perhaps too often... and in inappropriate settings) heard repeating that sage adage, sex is like pizza, when it's good it really good and when it's bad... well, it's still pretty good.

1st Day of School

Published on 2012-08-20 11:57:14

I'm not exactly certain how I feel about all this. I may need a moment.

All Ur Buildingz Are Belong 2 Me, Chicago

Published on 2012-08-16 19:11:22

Pardon me while I geek out over Chicago buildings.

Bring Out The Gimp

Published on 2012-08-13 08:38:00

You've met Elmo on this blog before. Elmo has come to be a rather permanent fixture in our home and has traveled with us to many places.

I Want a Rocket Garden

Published on 2012-08-12 20:45:30

By now, everyone is aware that the Curiosity landed on Mars and that Mohawk Guy was pretty happy about it all. What you might not know is that the Sample Analysis at Mars unit (SAM for short) which is on the Mars rover was developed at the NASA Goddard Site, just outside of Washington, D.C.

Kid Planking

Published on 2012-08-10 13:54:03

It's the new craze. Everyone's doing it. I'd say they were inspired by the Olympic Gymnasts, but these pictures were taken well before the Olympics started.

Sloganism

Published on 2012-08-09 13:51:51

My road trip last week involved a couple of conferences, fake work, a much-needed vacation, visiting family, one or two "appointments," and a snaking line across the upper Midwest with diversions whenever possible.

Hide it Under a Bush, Oh Yes

Published on 2012-08-07 13:27:04

I've been away for a week.

Decorative

Published on 2012-07-30 20:53:00

In general, I hate casinos.

In-Between

Published on 2012-07-29 20:47:01

Ever since I was little, I've been fascinated by those in-between places in the world like Four Corners or the Haskell Free Library.

Potpourri and Ginkgo Biloba

Published on 2012-07-25 14:24:55

It's summer.

Herald

Published on 2012-07-23 07:31:01

The Salt Lake City Temple has been photographed so much, it's not even worth it to try and take a picture that hasn't been done and done a hundred times before. Still, one must try, mustn't one?

Conference of Two

Published on 2012-07-22 07:24:00

The LDS Conference Center has replaced the Tabernacle as the building where the Mormon Church holds most of it's major meetings now and we took a quick tour in Salt Lake. Loved this glass piece.

More Desert Flowers

Published on 2012-07-21 07:09:00

More desert flowers. It was crazy how much stuff was blooming when we were on this hike.

There's a Bird on Me

Published on 2012-07-20 06:48:00

While we were here, gazing upon the face of Christ, the girls spied a bird that had somehow gotten into the building and began chasing him around the room. Pretty sure the bird almost had a heart attack, as did I when The Caterpillar climbed up on the furniture and tried to reach out over the balcony for him.

Shot At

Published on 2012-07-19 07:57:43

I keep trying to throw this photo out because it's not particularly interesting or well-shot, but every time I move it towards the recycling bin on my desktop, something stays my hand.

Health Food

Published on 2012-07-18 06:39:00

The KingofHearts tried to order lots of salads while we were traveling, you know... because he wanted to be healthy. Good thing, too, because I'd hate to see the non-healthy option on the menu.

Twin Pines

Published on 2012-07-17 06:28:01

Yes, yes, I'm fully aware that these are not pines. But when I caught this view from the car window, I couldn't help but think that this would have made an excellent place for Marty McFly to hide his DeLorean.

Puff Balls

Published on 2012-07-16 06:35:01

This is as close to I ever got to understanding that Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree song when I was growing up.

Sage Advice

Published on 2012-07-15 06:12:00

More desert vegetation. I love how the bark on sagebrush eventually collapses under it's own weight and dryness and then it splits and twists like some sort of fractal image.

Landmark

Published on 2012-07-14 08:00:11

When people at work asked me where we were headed in Nevada I'd say, "Well, you know where Las Vegas is right?" "Yeah." "OK good. Well, it's nowhere near there.

Desert Grasses

Published on 2012-07-13 05:51:00

Believe it or not, this is pretty darn green for high desert.

Symbiotic Sin

Published on 2012-07-12 13:09:08

Once, when I was in middle school biology class, the teacher introduced the concept of a symbiotic relationship and gave us the example of a lichen to demonstrate.

Lions and Beehives and Houses, Oh My

Published on 2012-07-11 07:04:40

Back to Salt Lake today, and I know this blog has been treading dangerously close to that line of come over to my house and look at these slides of photos from my vacation as of late. (Treading, who am I kidding? This blog has stomped all over that line.)

Old Mill Pond, Sans Pond

Published on 2012-07-10 07:14:00

While atop this mountain in Nevada, we looked down and noticed an old abandoned mill: We decided to investigate.

Hastings Cutoff

Published on 2012-07-09 11:03:13

The California Trail Interpretive Center had been open for a mere two weeks when we visited it in Nevada. We didn't even know it was there; just stopped by as we drove across I-83 and thought it'd be a good place to let the kids use the bathroom.

Wake Me Up Before You Go Go

Published on 2012-07-08 08:27:01

I suppose I should be glad that my child wearing a mini skirt and pink go-go boots is leaning against a shopping cart and not a pole. But even so, I don't like her work ethic.

Pony Express House

Published on 2012-07-07 20:23:52

If you're looking for continuity of postings, that's something you won't find here.

Bonneville Salt Flats Excursion

Published on 2012-07-06 09:19:00

Driving through the area between Salt Lake and Reno, we kept trying to explain to The Shortlings what the Salt Flats are and how fifteen thousand years ago, The Great Salt Lake used to be much greater... and saltier.

Boom!

Published on 2012-07-05 14:12:37

Wading in the Great

Published on 2012-07-05 12:23:55

When we were in Utah, I told The Dormouse how you could swim in the Great Salt Lake and the salinity of the water is so high (12% in some places) that you pretty much just float.

Scenes in a Doctor's Office

Published on 2012-07-05 10:41:54

"Hi thanks for waiting.

Powerless to Complain

Published on 2012-07-03 09:06:48

See what I did there? Water restrictions were lifted Sunday and our power came back last night.

NY is Colorful in So Many Ways

Published on 2012-07-02 10:25:10

Here, I share my two favorite images from the Pride Parade in New York City.

Craggy

Published on 2012-07-02 09:16:00

Love all the mountain ranges in the West because there are so many interesting rock formations and I always think of my junior high science teacher, who talked about the differences between the Sierra Nevadas and ranges in the East like the Blue Ridge.

Thorvaldsen's Christus

Published on 2012-07-01 10:30:26

We are without power due to DC's stormpocolypse.

10,000 Feet

Published on 2012-06-30 06:35:01

Despite the fact that we went to Nevada in JUNE, we were in the part of Nevada where the time of year has very little to do with the weather experienced.

Porn for Kids

Published on 2012-06-28 18:11:08

I went to New York last weekend with Monica, where we did what we always do when we go to New York: we ate, walked ridiculous amounts, made inappropriate jokes and then tweeted watered down versions of those jokes to people on the interweb who didn't think they were nearly as funny as we did.

Spire-y

Published on 2012-06-26 09:34:30

While we were in Salt Lake for a day, I took the Shortlings around to some local historic sites.

Water, Water, Everywhere

Published on 2012-06-22 05:24:52

We flew to Nevada by way of Salt Lake City because, believe it or not, that was one of the closest airports to where we were actually going.

Sign, Sign Everywhere a Sign

Published on 2012-06-21 16:39:29

So, yes, we took a vacation of sorts last week to see some family and stayed in a hotel in a small town in Nevada.

Because I Always Approve of Blue Flowers and/or Food

Published on 2012-06-19 07:08:17

I found these little blue flowers growing on a mountaintop in northern Nevada at nearly ten thousand feet above sea level.

Why Bugs Bunny Ate Sand After a Wrong Turn at Cucumonga

Published on 2012-06-18 05:47:00

A few weeks ago, I tried to explain what a mirage is to The Dormouse after she read about it in some school assignment.

Land of Big Sky

Published on 2012-06-17 17:51:34

Yes, yes, I've been away for awhile. More on that to come. While we were gone, I took over three hundred photos with my nice Nikon camera and these are my two favorite...

Yellow Belty

Published on 2012-06-09 00:19:08

The Dormouse had her test to promote from white belt to orange belt in her karate class this week.

Settling

Published on 2012-06-05 08:36:57

There are some people in the world who were born to be parents.

My Dream Turnip

Published on 2012-06-03 16:45:07

"Momma, I have a plan."

Growing Up

Published on 2012-06-01 16:39:00

This is a Post Secret card I grabbed off an old entry because it felt especially relevant for me. Always has, really.

Bound to Enjoy

Published on 2012-05-31 15:26:42

So much work.

Daddyless

Published on 2012-05-24 08:15:07

The KingofHearts took off for a retreat of sorts a little while ago.

Overlooked Before

Published on 2012-05-22 15:13:35

The Dormouse has been on the near-constant hunt for four-leaf clovers since attending a church party back in March where the kids all went outside to find one.

Fernish

Published on 2012-05-20 07:29:00

We've planted all sorts of newish things in our front yard this year, experimenting with stuff that grows in the shade -- because wegottalottathat.

Farenheit 451: 2012 Edition

Published on 2012-05-19 07:06:42

via The KingofHearts gave me one of them there Star Trek books for Mother's Day.

Cat TV

Published on 2012-05-18 07:00:15

All I can think of when I look at this photo is that scene from Dumb and Dumber. Harry: Where's the booze? Lloyd: I got robbed by a sweet old lady on a motorized cart. I didn't even see it coming. Harry: Oh, no, no. Lloyd: Come on, Harry. Harry: It gets worse. My parakeet, Petey. Lloyd: Yeah? Harry: He's dead. Lloyd: Oh, man, I'm sorry. What happened? Harry: His head fell off. Lloyd: His head fell off? Harry: Yeah. He was pretty old.

Consonent Blends Still a Small Issue

Published on 2012-05-17 11:10:18

"Momma, how do you say sfotted?" "You mean, thought?" "No sfotted. I can't say it right." "Sought?" "No, sfot!" "Fought?" "sFFFFFot.

Fly Away Home

Published on 2012-05-16 05:47:00

Monica's Mother's Day present to me was watching my kids while I played a gig since The KingofHearts was out of town.

Tea-riffic

Published on 2012-05-15 14:52:56

Mother's Day this year shall heretofore go unspoken-of in our house.

If You Please

Published on 2012-05-11 07:30:03

I love it when they sit like this.

Little Purple Flower

Published on 2012-05-10 15:18:29

We get our yard mulch each year from the county recycling center.

If I Could Put Dreams in a Bottle

Published on 2012-05-05 11:50:14

I think my favorite thing about having a kid in school are the projects. Not the homework.

Well, What Do YOU See?

Published on 2012-05-04 12:42:54

"Look what I made with the marbles, momma." "That's a nice pattern." "Doesn't it look like a guy who's sitting on the toilet and he's pooping and yay-ing?" "Yay-ing?" "Uh huh. Saying Yay!" "So you think it looks like a guy who's simultaneously pooping and yay-ing?" "Yes." "I never really thought about it like that." "Well, you should.

Slyvia Plath Goes to Elementary School

Published on 2012-05-03 08:35:01

The Dormouse is learning about the Titanic in social studies this week.

Sew Big

Published on 2012-05-01 20:34:10

Boy Was Her Face Red

Published on 2012-04-29 19:47:08

Something tells me that when The Shortlings are given the opportunity to paint with watercolors, they might need a tiny bit more adult supervision.

Nature Reclaims its Space

Published on 2012-04-28 19:05:00

We were driving around southern Pennsylvania last week and spotted this wagon by the side of the road.

Stick Pulling

Published on 2012-04-26 12:19:00

At church, they encourage everyone to have a family night once weekly.

Passing on the OCD Trait

Published on 2012-04-25 13:24:11

We were down at one of the Smithsonian museums a couple of weeks ago and The KingofHearts called a time out to go look for a book in one of their ridiculously priced gift shops.

Fancy Ladies

Published on 2012-04-24 13:38:18

These photos have been on my hard drive for a month now, waiting for me to become inspired to write something thoughtful, witty or insightful about them.

Leavings

Published on 2012-04-21 07:35:14

My next door neighbor has a Bradford Pear tree in his front yard.

Orator of the Town*

Published on 2012-04-17 20:33:55

I've mentioned before (but am too lazy to go back and look where) about how my house is one of language.

Smart Alec, but Funny

Published on 2012-04-14 03:21:01

"I need help with my math homework." "What up?"

Preschool Confessions

Published on 2012-04-13 10:53:00

Yesterday, I dropped The Caterpillar off at pre-school and there was a note in her cubby addressed to me.

Fifty, Or Was it Fifteen?

Published on 2012-04-12 14:31:49

Fifteen is...the number of cubits upwards that Noah's ark was borne by the Flood in Genesis the number of tiles in a typical sliding puzzle a triangular number, a hexagonal number, a pentatope number and the 4th Bell number the number of measures in this piece of music the atomic number of phosphorus the number of minutes of fame everyone gets, according to Andy Warhol the number of players on a rugby team the number of days in each of the twenty-four cycles of the Chinese calendar a double f [..]

Happy Easter: Hunger Games Edition

Published on 2012-04-08 15:10:40

Word to the wise: planning ahead for Easter and hiding chocolate bunnies in your car to keep children from finding them before Easter don't mix.

Bewildering Conversations in the Kitchen, vol. iii

Published on 2012-04-05 18:14:06

KoH: "I'm hungry." Caterpillar: "WE CAN MAKE DINNER!" Dormouse:

Mean Mom

Published on 2012-04-03 08:47:31

We spent part of the weekend at Monica's house for a barn deck raising. Inviting a couple of Mormons to a deck raising is just like inviting some Amish to a barn raising - except just one guy shows up with a car trunk full of tools and he expects to be fed immediately before work begins. Also, that deck isn't finished by nightfall... or even within the month... and may not be up to code. Three little maids at play While Monica and The KingofHearts worked outside, I took on the job of avoidin [..]

Bustling Blossoms and Beavers

Published on 2012-04-01 19:44:39

The D.C. Cherry Blossoms are one of the most quintessential Washington events each year.

Vanity Cherry Blossom Photos

Published on 2012-04-01 08:26:55

Through the magic of photography, using creative angling and cropping, one might almost believe that these were taken on a leisurely Spring day where there weren't a thousand clamoring tourists underneath their feet... and that park security wasn't about to chase us down for climbing the trees. © 2012 - All Rights Reserved.

Strawberries, That's Where I Had Them

Published on 2012-03-30 06:25:00

We were encouraged by the one small strawberry we grew last year and thought we'd try for two.

Mommy's Little Metro Rider

Published on 2012-03-28 06:08:00

I figure she'd better learn the ins and out of public transportation now, before it's too late.

How to Keep Your Kids Quiet in a Restaurant

Published on 2012-03-13 12:12:55

Tell them they can't put their elbow in their ear and watch them try to prove you wrong. Keeps them busy for a good twenty minutes. They can, however, lick their elbows. So that one doesn't work, FYI. Just sayin'. © 2012 - All Rights Reserved.

Immortality

Published on 2012-03-10 19:45:14

These days at church, I work with the teenage girls and we have activities once weekly outside of Sunday. A lot of what we do involve teaching skills and I've focused on some pretty modern-day useful things like budgeting, career planning, investigating colleges, etc. But a few weeks back, a couple of them expressed an interest in learning to crochet. I'm nothing if not inclusive, so I went out, bought a big bag of yarn and hooks for a big time stitch and bitch activity.* I learned to croch [..]

Poetry in Motion

Published on 2012-03-09 15:23:21

Sometimes this weblog is a vehicle for me to communicate. To write and be creative and say my piece and work out what I feel, then declare it to the world. Other times, the purpose is for it to become the archive of my life and I post things here because this is the best way for me to be able to document that they happened so I can find them again. This is one of those times. A poem, by The Dormouse. Life Sometimes life is perfect. Confusing. Relaxing. Different. Fun. Calm. Peaceful. Exc [..]

Extra Element Theorem

Published on 2012-03-08 06:36:01

I always tell people if you want to be entertained, follow The Caterpillar around our house with a tape recorder when she doesn't think you are paying attention to her. This is my super-imaginative child, who is constantly reenacting scenes from shows she's seen and delivering a diatribe of commentary, soliloquies and arias. This morning she tried to tell me about a dream she had; the whole process took forty-five minutes, she said the word "and" at least three hundred times and the gist of the [..]

City of Brotherly Love

Published on 2012-03-07 07:29:00

Had to make a quick overnight trip to Philadelphia last week for work. I've never been extremely fond of that city. It's probably because I've had a few bad experiences there in my directly post-college years and after. But I also never stayed in a hotel that looked out at the City Hall clock before either. Back then, I was young and poor and mostly slept on other people's couches. So this was kind of a treat. As was it to wake up the next morning and see the city in the rain, which is qu [..]

Books R Us

Published on 2012-03-06 07:18:00

The last of my Boston series of pictures, this is a book shop in Salem. I would have gone in, but like the rest of Salem, it was closed for the winter. No wonder there were so much witch activity, there was nothing else to do between the months of November and March.* *I kid, Salem, I kid. © 2012 - All Rights Reserved.

Climbing Wall

Published on 2012-03-05 07:14:00

Crocus... es... i?

Published on 2012-03-04 20:08:00

In the late fall, we rake up all the leaves and cover the flower beds with them. This has two benefits, we tell ourselves: One, the plants living in that flower bed get a nice blanket of warmth which protects them as winter sets in; and two, we don't have to rake, bag and deal with the elimination of leaves - especially since our county no longer offers curbside leaf removal. Since we are lazy, lazy, lazy, this is extremely attractive to us and that laziness has a lot more to do with the deci [..]

Because She's So Very Busy

Published on 2012-03-02 16:24:21

We're expecting some friends to bring their kids over for the evening while they go do what married people do when they have a night out: breathe deep, satisfying sighs of relief. This conversation occurred in my living room while preparing. KingofHearts to Dormouse: "You need to change your clothes before your boyfriend gets here." Dormouse: "He's not my boyfriend! OK, well he's my friend and he's a boy, but it's not like THAT!" Caterpillar: "The Dormouse doesn't need a boyfriend." Dormous [..]

Mommy's Little Hobo

Published on 2012-03-01 05:30:03

Here, There Be Witches

Published on 2012-02-29 05:53:00

Salem, Mass., as many know, is the site of the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and the burial place of many of those who were involved. But you know what you can't do in Salem in February? Learn anything more about it because literally everything museum and center that boasts more information about the event - and the town's economy centers around it - is closed in February. What you can do is walk around town and poke around in the cemetery. So that's what we did. © 2012 - All Rig [..]

My Dentist's Name is James Spalding

Published on 2012-02-28 11:44:19

I work on a multitude of special projects throughout the year, with a gaggle of different people. One such project bears, in part, the name of a certain sporting goods company (no relation) and while it's a really cool project, it sometimes causes undue sleep lost at night, especially for the project director and those of us who work closely on it.Last Spring, I took to yelling "Wiiiillllll-sooooon!" throughout the office whenever something would come up that was particularly vexing. (Or just [..]

Vintage Downtown Salem

Published on 2012-02-25 05:01:01

Here we see the thriving metropolis known as downtown Salem, Massachusetts. I might have vintaged-up the photos for effect, but it's still a very old and quaint looking town. Totally worthy of my vintage filter in Photoshop. "Three rods west of this spot stood, from 1718 until 1785, the Town House. Here Governor Burnet convened the General Court in 1728 and 1729. A town meeting held here in 1765 protested the Stamp Act and another in 1769 denounced the tax on tea." © 2011 - All Righ [..]

Boston Public Parks

Published on 2012-02-24 05:38:01

111 Huntington Avenue

Published on 2012-02-23 05:25:00

I spent forever looking for the name of this building and finally figured out that it just goes by 111 Huntington Avenue. Wait, not Bank One 111 Huntington Avenue? Not FedEx 111 Huntington Avenue? Not M&T 111 Huntington Avenue? That's unique. © 2011 - All Rights Reserved.

House of Blues

Published on 2012-02-22 05:23:01

Halloweens Past

Published on 2012-02-21 14:45:15

I just found these photos buried on my hard drive and can't bear the thought of not posting them for posterity because as we all know, if they're not posted here, I'll never be able to find them again. Perhaps we can just call them inspiration for next fall because I would love to erect at least three of these things in my front yard. Won't the neighbors be thrilled? © 2011 - All Rights Reserved.

Church Lane

Published on 2012-02-21 13:21:44

Boston is an old city and therefore full of churches... or at least buildings that appear to be churches, as I learned. "What church is that?" "That's the State House." "What church is that?" "That's a library." "What church is that?" "That's an insurance company." "Hey look, is that Symphony Hall?" "No, that's a church." I can't win for losing. © 2011 - All Rights Reserved.

Fenway Park

Published on 2012-02-19 20:15:30

While in Boston the week before last, I did get out of the hotel room long enough to check out a few parts of the city. It was bitterly cold and early in the morning, so I only just walked around Fenway Park long enough to take in the idea that, dude, this is Fenway Park, this is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium still in use. I would like to have gone inside, but there's not usually much going on at 10:00 in the morning on a Friday in February at most baseball stadiums, so after taking [..]

Sentry

Published on 2012-02-15 09:12:00

"One, two, three, four, one, two, three, four, one, two, three, four." "What are you doing?" "Guarding the castle." "With a back scratcher and a banana?" "Well, what else would I use?" "Good point. Continue." "One, two, three, four, one, two, three, four, one, two, three, four." © 2011 - All Rights Reserved.

Tea Party

Published on 2012-02-14 14:02:24

Happy Arizona Statehood Centennial Day! (I've been informed by my husband that Valentine's Day was inconveniently placed this year and has therefore been rescheduled.) The KingofHearts is hilarious about giving gifts in that he's really good at choosing gifts. He's also really good at remembering to get gifts and plans well in advance. But then he simply cannot bear the antici.............pation of waiting until the appropriate day to give said gift. That means if you're a member of The Kingof [..]

Spoonful of Sugar

Published on 2012-02-14 13:59:01

In the grand tradition of giving people ideas for holiday crafts and showing them way too late in order to actually do those crafts for said holiday, here is what my kids carried off to school with them to give out to friends today: I think I am most proud of the fact that these were entirely made with items already in my house. I think I am least proud of the fact that we made these on Saturday but there are still tiny red and white balls and sugar crystals all over my kitchen floor. © [..]

Boston Backalley

Published on 2012-02-13 04:29:00

A taste of what little I was able to see of Boston last week... this was probably taken just before I got really sick and collapsed into a hotel bed, calling down to the hotel front desk every twenty minutes and asking for the concierge to bring me guacamole. Years ago I was at a conference with a colleague and I was sitting in the hotel bar one night, watching him drink to excess to deal with the pressure of hosting a conference for over a thousand people. We had gotten to know the bartender [..]

Long Winter's Nap

Published on 2012-02-12 16:26:33

In the continuing saga of my daphne bush, early this winter we wrapped it in this cocoon of sorts to try and save it from heavy snowfall. I just asked The KingofHearts what this thing was called and he shrugged his shoulders and said, "Ummm.... Bush Protector?" But please don't google that because I think you might get a completely different set of results that have nothing to do with with horticulture. I don't really know if it works because we haven't had any real snow to speak of this year [..]

New Childcare Strategies

Published on 2012-02-11 11:26:35

Santa brought the Shortlings a gift this year that we hadn't quite got around to using until just recently. Our friend Mari came over and helped us out with the christening. First, Daddy helped blow it up. Some of us were more excited about that part than Daddy. Next, we kicked the ball around a little. But most grew weary of that quite quickly. But eventually, everyone grew tired of that and really, one needs to be a part of the action. And the best way to do that is to be one with the ba [..]

Coulrophobia

Published on 2012-02-07 12:09:48

Am currently incubating a supervirus deadly enough to kill even Gary Sinese (though if I got to meet him as a result, it'd be totally worth it). Until I can sit up unassisted again, here's a little teaser about the trip I took last week: Monica: "Let's pull over at this rest stop on the Mass. turnpike. We need to get gas and I have to pee." NG: "Sounds good to me." *car pulls into rest stop* Monica: "Should we get gas first or park first?" Angie: *pointing wildly* "Park! Park! Parkbytheclo [..]

Pattern Recognition

Published on 2012-02-01 15:37:32

At four years old, she can do this completely by herself, but she can't read any of the words yet... or put her shoes on the correct feet. Perhaps we need to even out her skill development in some areas. © 2011 - All Rights Reserved.

Beam Us Up

Published on 2012-01-31 10:38:26

We have had to instigate a rule in the house that The Caterpillar not wake up before 6:30 am. An early riser myself, my tendency is to roll with kids' body clocks and let them wake up when they wake. But the problem with that strategy is The Caterpillar does this thing where if you let her get up fifteen minutes before her wake up time one day, then the next day she'll get up fifteen minutes before that. And then fifteen minutes earlier the next day. And the next day. And the next day. And [..]

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