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