Lost Party

Our family (mostly the kids and me), have been watching Lost for the past few weeks. To go along with the series finale tonight we issued the kids boarding passes in their names for Oceanic Flight 815 and set up a snack table complete with island fruit, wild boar, and Dharma Initiative food supplies (ps- the Dharma Cola is actually just rootbeer).

I'm not going to write anything about Lost itself because we are probably the last people to see it, but it was nice to be able to follow that amazing story from start to finish. I'm sad that it's over but at least now I will get some things done around the house... and the kids should stop falling asleep on the couches without brushing their teeth.

Namaste, and good luck,

- C

A Weekend at the The Sanctuary

Yesterday we returned from visiting JC&CO. at their new home. The name I gave it is partly due to the peaceful idyllic setting, and partly due to the unstated-but-implied "protected" status enjoyed by the birds on the property.

Almost as soon as we got there the kids started climbing trees.



Naturally it was Mason, who's Ninja Aptitude scores are the highest we've ever tested, that set the record with this three-story climb. Around this time we began questioning where exactly the nearest hospital was.



The most memorable event had to be the giant water fight involving the adults and all of the kids (except Deacon, he's probably still at the point where an icecream bucket of water over the head symbolizes the end of personal security and predictability in the world, more than it symbolizes a fun time). There are no photos because I didn't want to risk my camera to Chaim or Oscar's reckless use of a supersoaker, but I wish I had a picture of when Jeremy advanced on Tyson with a bucket of cold water, asking ominously, "how would you like to get wet?" To everyone's surprise Tyson, armed only with a small water pistol, shouted back, "how would YOU like to get wet?" and charged Jeremy, chasing him away.

The camera ventured out during supper and managed to get this shot of the steaks Jeremy cooked.



As if 6 acres of forest, dugout, field, and raspberry bushes weren't enough to keep the kids busy, I picked up a pellet gun for Mason on our way out of town. After going over the Cardinal Rules for safe gun handling, he took to it with his hallmark, sober intensity. Soon he was proficient at hitting the silhouette targets that came included.



As much as Mason enjoyed plinking away, I would estimate that Jeremy and I shot even more of the 250 expended pellets than he did. And I admit that when Crystal wasn't looking I even took some shots at a few of The Sanctuary's feathered residents... but don't worry, I didn't hit any of them.

Another luxury of an acreage like this is that we could park the Yamaha just outside the front door so it was ready for a lap around the circuit at a moment's notice. That sure beats our usual routine of driving for an hour just to get to a place where we can ride it.



Ella loved picking raspberries from the "thicket" behind the shop and Heather enjoyed sitting on the front porch and relaxing in the peace and quiet. Yes - between the yelling of children, motorcycle exhaust notes, and sound of riflefire - there were some nice quiet moments too.

Thanks Paynes

- C

We've Lost the Paynes

This morning I feel much the same way as I did when KJAMBD moved out of Bayport. I'm not talking about back-pain; I'm talking about regret. Regret that we took JC&CO. for granted and didn't see them as much as we should have while they were close.

Yesterday, they packed up their earthly possessions and set out for a new home.



What about the area? I love it. It is a beautiful area that, if the people who stopped by are any indication, is populated by hard working, salt of the earth people. Being in the company of people like this always has me questioning why any of us choose to live in larger cities.

One thing I noticed is that the sky seemed much prettier in their new location. Although I didn't capture it in the photos, the clouds seemed closer and fluffier than those at home. We will have to visit more to see if there really is a difference.



What about their house? I am jealous. Because of Crystal's modesty I was not expecting such a nice home. It is newly built and quite beautiful. The large porch on the front is just asking for chairs to be set up so the adults can visit while the cousins play.



The land that the house is situated on is even better. Is has trees, a dugout, barbwire fence, and an old barn. The perfect recipe for a happy boyhood. Jeremy and Crystal brought a big-screen TV and some news toys along with them - according to Crystal, because they were worried that Chaim and Oscar would have nothing else to do out there. I applaud Jeremy for so cleverly gaining approval for a new TV, but really it's Mason, Tyson, and Deacon who I was worried about. Until now, they didn't really have a place where they could go to snare gophers.



I should have taken the house pictures before we moved all of their things inside. Here is a picture of the kitchen and dining area. My favorite feature of the kitchen is the awesome pantry that has a switch in the door frame so the light comes on as soon as you open the door. The master bedroom is on the left and the front door is on the right. Ahead on the left is a hallway that goes to the laundry room, side door, back door, and stairs to the basement. Behind me to the left is another bedroom and a bathroom and behind me to the right is the living room.



Living room. That piano looks pretty good there.



Here is the large room in the basement. On the right is the landing to the stairs and a furnace room and storage room. Ahead is another bathroom and two bedrooms.



Even though I wish they hadn't moved, I have to admit that it was probably a good move for them and their kids. It may even turn out to be good for our family and we are looking forward to having such a fun place to visit.



- C