Henny Penny & her 3 chicks

From the Port

The Diggers

Newly formed
&
Gaining steam,
The bottle diggers club.
Finding bottle troves
In a dump near you.

Use deuce trois, poussee

Delved into the delightful world of contra dancing this evening. What a wonder to watch my kiddos dancing & laughing & dancing! Oh my, dancing!
Made me a bit emotional....
They were dancing!

Island Dusk

I can't resist the lure of the water,
Even at dusk
It calls
To gaze out into its depths



Or in the day
It's crashing waves
& rocks telling epic fortunes
If I am quiet enough to hear

Fun & games at Westport Lanes

Farm Fare

Milo participated in his first 4H farm Fair today with his hand crafts....sold and traded his 8 bird ornaments & almost all of his rice krispies treats.
It was a pleasure to see all the kids work! My camera was on the fritz, thanks to Laura & Michelle for the photos.

My Lady & I

It must have been huge
An act of bravery, giving my life for another's
Or generous
Giving food to a slew of starving people
Or something so selfless....
To deserve this gift I have been given
Each day she is more precious,
Gives me more joy
That literally I weep sometimes
When she looks at me & smiles
Or lays on my shoulder & snuggles in.
She is joyful...
& I feel so grateful to share my days with her.

Day at the Fort

We have been enjoying the unseasonably warm weather lately, enjoying the last bits of my favorite month, November.
Yesterday we headed out to the Fort, watched the waves pound the rocks & beheld a troupe of boys wander over rock, hill & beach.

Nutcracker Suite

Today we had the good fortune
Of seeing the nutcracker
My lady sat with me, riveted by the dancing wonders,
Clapping appropriately
And was thoroughly delighted.
Nate commented on his favorite costumes, the Arabesque number
& Milo shushed us
He was into the performance.
It was lovely
All those arms,
Strong legs & costumes.
& the music divine.

Up into the clouds

He had a plan
And will
He was on his way

Thanksgiving

We were on our way to China Buffet, when the sweetest of families invited us to share the holiday....
It was delicious. The boys made candles and celery stick w/ PB & cream cheese, homemade bread, which we added to their traditional feast complete with homemade apple & pumpkin pie. It was divine.
So much to be grateful for this year....
A lovely home, our loving family & wonderful friends.

Mmmm, dutchy!

Was recently reminded of the yumminess of a Dutch Baby, by one of my favorite bloggers, the Chicken.
A Dutch Baby, is an egg, flour & milk combo baked with butter in a cast iron pan. Serve with an array of fixins...jam, powered sugar, maple syrup....it's mealtime delight.
Not only can I thank the Chicken for the dutchy reminder, I can also thank my Betinku, who while we were living in the Czech Republic, introduced me to them. Feels appropriate while in Czech, enjoying the Dutch, by way of America...I guess they all speak one language....baby.
Viva la breakfast!

I wish I could listen to his every whim,
Be patient with his every demand
Respond kindly to his 100th request for the same item, same chore
If only I could channel his determination & obstinate nature
Into some positive endeavor,
Instead of a request to pour the little milk we have left to share between them....
For The 30th time this morning.

It's a request to always have the first piece of chicken, spoon, juice
It's the obstinate nature, the disdainful looks

Then like a light
He is smiling & delightful
Laughing & affable....

He's shaken his mood
& is dancing...
All forgotten

Aww four year olds

Yesterday I had blessed moment to myself in the late afternoon. The sky was still light, but fading. I plunked myself down on the wood, listening to the almost quiet, feeling no demands. I let go for a moment. It was easier to get back up.

Treasure

I love November. Especially when she shows us her beauty. Almost bear, but not quite nude. Things hidden away through the foliage of warmer days, are now slowly revealed. I reveal in the open sky, streaked with orange. The quieter streets. The slowness, the growing dark.

We watched the sunset from the beach,
Walked the paths in the fading orange light.
Climbed a tree, skipped stones,
Collected leaves

We were in the moment & it was treasure.

Masks made

& from above

The highway looms...

4

He made it.
To the top.
Perched there, on the roof,
Like a squirrel in the fall,
Heavy but almost, not always,
Sure footed.
He is 4 today.

4 years wiser, more determined,
& willing to challenge.
He is sensitive in his feelings,
Speaks as if he's from North Jersey,
Scratches his itchy patches
And runs till he's breathless,
But then pushes on.

He is my every third heartbeat
My ever loving Nate.

Bus love, pt two

Nate inadvertently matched the new bus....


Dashboard love


Our new bus needs a name...
Any suggestions?

Rattle, steam, hiss

Into the rail yard they stride
Sure footed amongst
The thick cut rock
Lantern swaying
Eyes squinted against the dark
Wrench in hand
Waiting
For the roll of the train

Friends

When times are tough
We've got friends to hold us up

Table

We gathered in turkey celebration
An early thanks
For a visitor from far away,
Friends
& food....
What blessings....

Sacred & Profane

Oh how I have missed the Sacred & Profane. An afternoon sojourn on an island with music, art, friends & mushroom popovers. What a delight....ferry boat & all.