Going to the Library

One of the reasons I LOVE living downtown is to be close enough to walk or ride my bike to most of the places I want to go. Gage and I have been going to the library once a week for baby, and now toddler, time. It is a great free program that they offer which Gage enjoys. There is singing, stories read, puppets, and other kids to look at. The library recently got 2 new bunnies which we visit every week, but Gage is still a little unsure what they are. Most of the time he just looks with wide eyes, but sometimes he barks at them.
It is kind of sweet growing up in the same town that I'm raising my son, but I can do many of the same things with him that I enjoyed. I always loved going to the library as a child and remember that at the downtown branch they had guinea pigs to play with. I also liked participating in the summer reading program which fueled my competitive nature. I signed up Gage for the summer reading program and we get to fill in a circle for every 2 books I read to him. He REALLY likes picking out the markers and filling in those circles, but would prefer if I let him do it himself so he could make a mess.

Gardening - continued

Composting is a new endeavor we have jumped into. Danny built a great barrel tumbler composter for us and replicated it for several friends. (I’m so happy to have a husband who can build/fix things!!) We began composting for the benefit of my garden, and also for the environment. Since we have been recycling, and now composting, we have greatly reduced the amount of trash we are setting out on the curb, which is a great immediate improvement.

I have now been able to use the first of the compost we have made. I’m so excited about this for my garden. I incorporated some of the compost into the bed where I sowed some seeds, and I used some more in my iris border I cleared of weeds. Those irises have not done much blooming since we moved in, but after I added the compost I now have quite a few buds on those plants! It really makes me feel good to see my “trash” being used to make my plants healthy. And those flowers make me smile.

Since we are going more green, I liked this article on how to talk to kids about environmental issues. http://simplemom.net/use-storytelling-to-inspire-our-kids-to-go-green/\

Gardening

I’m really excited for my garden this year. Danny made me a new raised bed in the back yard in addition to the beds I had on the side of the house last year. I have planted all my seeds and got the tomatoes and squash in last weekend. It is wonderful to have fresh veggies from your own garden all summer.

My real battle is with the weeds in the flower garden in the front yard. I have beaten them back in some areas, but they are definitely winning out in a lot of the areas. I need a couple good sunny days and a cooperative son to get out there and pull those weeds. But as soon as I get one area done I have to go back and start all over again. They never go away! But I really find weeding pretty relaxing. I can let my mind wander while I’m doing it and I enjoy the physical labor and being outside. I may think differently in the middle of August, but right now it is nice to get some sun on my back.

Free Time

When Gage is napping I have a long list of things I'd like to get done that are easier to do when he is not under foot. Unfortunately, because I'm so tired (since Gage still doesn't sleep well), I usually lay down to nap myself or just catch up on email because it is easy. But today I sat in my sunroom and did some journaling while I drank a cup of coffee. It was really nice to take a break, be reflective, and enjoy the sun since it was so cloudy yesterday. So even though I didn't get much sleep last night, I was able to enjoy some time for just me.

Out & About

Thursday night Danny and I went on a date... without the Blobster (aka Gage). Danny's parents watched him for us and we used a gift certificate we had to go to Texas Roadhouse. We would probably not go there regularly, but since we had a GC it was an easy choice. It was just really nice to get out and have good conversation without being interrupted by the child. We have had way too few date nights and we plan to do it more often.

Last night (Friday) we went to La Unica for Beth's birthday. It is a good mexican restaurant on the west-side. There were about 20 people there to celebrate Beth and we had a really good time. Then I was able to go out with Kerry while Danny took Gage home to bed. The last time that I was out without Gage was middle of November. That was a really long time ago. It was good to have a night out with a good friend.

Today for lunch, Danny and I walked to Poor Richard's. It is about 5 blocks away, and it was nice enough weather today to get out. It was so nice to go for a short walk, and it reminded us that this is one of the reasons we love living downtown. Since Gage is crawling now he was able to play in their play area in the back for the first time. It will be fun to take him there as he gets older.

Then, tonight we went to Slayton's BBQ for dinner with Lucas and Jaime. It was really good food and there was a good Blues singer that started shortly before we left. He had a beautiful guitar and we could have stayed and listened to him all night, but I needed to get Gage home and in bed.

FYI - we are still having some sleeping issues with Gage, but it is hopefully getting better.

Patty Griffin

Patty Griffin is my favorite artist. (Just ask my husband... he gets a little tired of me listening to her sometimes.) She is a small spitfire singer with amazing lyrics. I just purchased her new album, Downtown Church, recently and although I haven't spent a lot of time listening to it, I have to say I'm impressed. It is very different from her other albums because it is gospel music. But her soulful voice comes through beautifully. I particularly like her voice in Waiting for My Child.
But today I have to say I'm impressed with her ability to sing the spanish songs so well. She sings Virgen de Guadalupe this album, but she has also done Mil Besos previously.

Just sit down and take a listen.

Updated Book List

I have removed my list of books read during 2008 (on the right panel) and started a new list for this year. I'm not going to include the children's books I read to Gage... that list would be really long. And it is hard to feel a sense of accomplishment for reading a book with a total of 20 words. However, I think I should get an award every time I read Dr. Seuss' Zoo book without stumbling on the words.

Since I didn't update my blog during 2009 I don't have a list of the books I read last year. But I want to keep a record of my 2008 books, so I've listed them here for posterity sake.

11/8/08: "Lies, Inc." Philip K. Dick
10/1/08: "Bowdrie's Law" Louis L'Amour
9/29/08: other short stories by Robert Louis Stevenson
9/22/08: "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" Robert Louis Stevenson
9/12/08: "Interview with a Vampire" Anne Rice
8/25/08: "The Last of the Mohicans" James Fenimore Cooper
8/6/08: "Evil Under The Sun" Agatha Christie
8/5/08: "The Red Pony" John Steinbeck
7/1/08: "Three Cups of Tea" Greg Mortenson
6/16/08: "Change of Heart" Jodi Picoult
6/14/08: "Victory Over Japan" Ellen Gillchrist
5/21/08: "Playing for Pizza" John Grisham
5/12/08: "Water for Elephants" Sara Gruen
5/7/08: "The Servant" James Hunter
4/27/08: "Friday Night Knitting Club" Kate Jacobs
3/4/08: "Tucker" Louis L'Amour
2/20/08: "Jane Eyre" Charlotte Bronte
2/1/08: "The Winter of Our Discontent " John Steinbeck

Happy Reading!