Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Day 175
March 20, 2011
Sunday morning breakfast, one of the very few times I've seen both my parents cooking. Alright, it does happen but it is not often. Mostly holidays or special occasion. Jacob asked me for an omelet (which Daddy cooks at home on the weekends). "Cook mushrooms, peppers and um.. carrots," he said. I love that my kids likes vegetables (so far).
A cold grey day; glad that we weren't maple syruping today. Nick had to leave today. We all wanted him to stay longer than he was planning on. It felt like he'd just gotten up here.
He was procrastinating, didn't want to leave either. We dragged out the hanging out as long as possible. Granny came over which helped matters for a bit too. But eventually, he had to go.
We drowned our sorrows by building a roaring fire in the wood burning stove, reading Uncle Remus and playing rummy. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday after all.
Day 174
March 19, 2011
Got up this morning and putzed around thinking about how to deal with the sap. We have a lot of sap. It was a beautifully sunny day, though, which was lovely.
Eventually, it was decided that we put it in the biggest pot we have (an old canning pot) and put it over the fire pit. We got a lovely fire going which helped the chill. Yes, it might technically be almost spring, but northern Michigan has yet to know it.
So, pretty much the day looked a lot like this picture. We sat around, drank Coors Light and b.s.ed while the fire burned off the water in the sap incrementally. A very slow process. In this pot, we estimated that the liquid level dropped one inch every one hour. Good thing we all get along and can have a good time together.
Finally we decided to leave the fire and sap to themselves and went in to warm up. Time for indoor fun.
Once again, a great time had by all. We played games again in the evening and watched some old home videos, including a few with my mom as a child.
It's good to have everyone together, even though it's a way too short visit. But something is better than nothing, and it always makes me appreciate what I have.
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| "The plaid" |
Once again, a great time had by all. We played games again in the evening and watched some old home videos, including a few with my mom as a child.
It's good to have everyone together, even though it's a way too short visit. But something is better than nothing, and it always makes me appreciate what I have.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Day 173
March 18, 2011
Drove back up north this morning actually. Wrote about it on yesterday's blog. I'm behind. Hard to get away here and write.
Nick came up today too. He didn't get up until about 6pm, but at least he made it up. Work has been really busy for him.
Jacob was super excited to see him. We all were really.
He's been in Green Bay, WI for work, actually, so he'd brought some cheeseheads.
We showed Nick our sap stash thus far. Impressive and a bit overwhelming. Going to try and boil some down tomorrow.
We ended the night with a rousing game of Apples to Apples. I have numerous picturess but none that I cannot conscionably put in public. Pictures involving purple crushed velvet shorts, partial nudity and the middle finger among other things - typical Winkler shennanigans. Needless to say, however, we all had a good time.
Drove back up north this morning actually. Wrote about it on yesterday's blog. I'm behind. Hard to get away here and write.
Jacob was super excited to see him. We all were really.
He's been in Green Bay, WI for work, actually, so he'd brought some cheeseheads.
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| Most dreaed things for them to each eat |
Day 172: Old friends
March 17, 2011
Today I headed down state to visit some old friends, Beth and Bonnie. We've been friends since grade school. I was looking forward to it in many ways but also feeling like I was going to be missing Jacob. As I left, though, and was driving through the countryside, I started to relax. I listened to some music, sang songs, heard some news. It was quite nice to be alone in the car for four and a half hours, actually.
Seeing my girlfriends was wonderful! Even though we live so far apart now (well, I do anyway) we have such a strong history together and have personalities that still match so it works out. I miss being able to just go over and hang out with them, though. Or going out in the evenings. Having a social life with good friends. I miss that.
In my head, I wanted to be able to go out to a bar and stay out kind of late and just feel free. In reality, we went to a restaurant and had some dinner then came home to Bonnie's and hung out in the living room before going over to Beth's to stay the night. And it was perfect. It was wonderful to reconnect in person and talk about our lives and ourselves in each other's company. I miss the ability to go out with people who don't have kids and to just have a selfish time that doesn't involve the constant responsibility for someone else. In Portland I don't have friends like that yet. Even in Boulder most of my friends have kids. This is great for understanding kid things. It's just that I miss hanging out as an individual with friends.
Before going over to Beth's house, she warns me that she has a ghost who has visited her a few times in her apartment. A woman who appears between 3 and 4am, stands by her bedside for a bit and then turns and walks away. Right. Excellent. I was very close to staying at Bonnie's house. She assured me that she didn't think the ghost would bother me. We go to her place and hang out for awhile longer. I'm hoping I'm tired enough to just pass out. I get into bed and face the wall. After a bit I wake up to drunk college kids outside (it is St. Patrick's day after all). I'm thinking it's probably somewhere close to 3am and am determined not to turn away from the wall. Of course I'm uncomfortable as all get out, feeling wide awake, and telling myself this is ridiculous but do not want to chance seeing anything. Eventually, I go back to sleep until later in the morning. Then I'm waiting to hear Jacob crying until I remember that I'm not going to. An odd but wonderful feeling.
Beth and I got to hang out a bit in the morning before I headed back up. It's definitely a different feeling hanging out with people I have so much history with, especially in a different stage of my life. It reminds me of who I was then and makes me feel out what parts are still there. We all change. Our choices and experiences shape us into who we are. It's nice to have the time to actually reconnect with myself.
As I drove back up, the four hours went by much faster than on the way down. I was lost in my thoughts. I miss being amidst a group of like-minded people, like my writing group. Doing something with a group. Also using my natural leading qualities. I guess I haven't been inspired to take charge of a group for awhile but I miss that. I also realized that I don't give myself enough time to get back to myself. Of course it's hard to take that much time away in general but what it showed me was that it takes time to relax and regroup. To be out of the routine enough to feel like it. That's a constant challenge with motherhood and especially stay-at-home motherhood; being aware within myself as to where Jacob's needs stop and mine begin and deciphering what those needs are. It's so easy to get so into the parent role that I can't discern my own needs. It's good to be away from the role every now and then to remind myself that my needs are very important too.
I wasn't entirely ready to be back when I pulled up the driveway. I could've spent another half hour or so in the car. Of course Jacob was thrilled to see me. And I was glad to see him and hold his little body close and kiss his chubby cheeks. He'd had a good time with everyone, of course. I wish it was an easier endeavour; I'd do it again!
Today I headed down state to visit some old friends, Beth and Bonnie. We've been friends since grade school. I was looking forward to it in many ways but also feeling like I was going to be missing Jacob. As I left, though, and was driving through the countryside, I started to relax. I listened to some music, sang songs, heard some news. It was quite nice to be alone in the car for four and a half hours, actually.
Seeing my girlfriends was wonderful! Even though we live so far apart now (well, I do anyway) we have such a strong history together and have personalities that still match so it works out. I miss being able to just go over and hang out with them, though. Or going out in the evenings. Having a social life with good friends. I miss that.
In my head, I wanted to be able to go out to a bar and stay out kind of late and just feel free. In reality, we went to a restaurant and had some dinner then came home to Bonnie's and hung out in the living room before going over to Beth's to stay the night. And it was perfect. It was wonderful to reconnect in person and talk about our lives and ourselves in each other's company. I miss the ability to go out with people who don't have kids and to just have a selfish time that doesn't involve the constant responsibility for someone else. In Portland I don't have friends like that yet. Even in Boulder most of my friends have kids. This is great for understanding kid things. It's just that I miss hanging out as an individual with friends.
Before going over to Beth's house, she warns me that she has a ghost who has visited her a few times in her apartment. A woman who appears between 3 and 4am, stands by her bedside for a bit and then turns and walks away. Right. Excellent. I was very close to staying at Bonnie's house. She assured me that she didn't think the ghost would bother me. We go to her place and hang out for awhile longer. I'm hoping I'm tired enough to just pass out. I get into bed and face the wall. After a bit I wake up to drunk college kids outside (it is St. Patrick's day after all). I'm thinking it's probably somewhere close to 3am and am determined not to turn away from the wall. Of course I'm uncomfortable as all get out, feeling wide awake, and telling myself this is ridiculous but do not want to chance seeing anything. Eventually, I go back to sleep until later in the morning. Then I'm waiting to hear Jacob crying until I remember that I'm not going to. An odd but wonderful feeling.
Beth and I got to hang out a bit in the morning before I headed back up. It's definitely a different feeling hanging out with people I have so much history with, especially in a different stage of my life. It reminds me of who I was then and makes me feel out what parts are still there. We all change. Our choices and experiences shape us into who we are. It's nice to have the time to actually reconnect with myself.
As I drove back up, the four hours went by much faster than on the way down. I was lost in my thoughts. I miss being amidst a group of like-minded people, like my writing group. Doing something with a group. Also using my natural leading qualities. I guess I haven't been inspired to take charge of a group for awhile but I miss that. I also realized that I don't give myself enough time to get back to myself. Of course it's hard to take that much time away in general but what it showed me was that it takes time to relax and regroup. To be out of the routine enough to feel like it. That's a constant challenge with motherhood and especially stay-at-home motherhood; being aware within myself as to where Jacob's needs stop and mine begin and deciphering what those needs are. It's so easy to get so into the parent role that I can't discern my own needs. It's good to be away from the role every now and then to remind myself that my needs are very important too.
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| Grandpa reading Uncle Remus |
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Day 171
March 16, 2011
Went to Gran's this am. Jacob calls her Gigi. He got to have some snickerdoodles, hear some bird calls, go tromping about in the woods and down by the boardwalk with Uncle Matt and Aunt Julie. I got to chat with Gran for a bit which was nice.
Grandpa came home tonight from his new job that requires a bit of traveling around the state. He was at a hotel the first two nights we were here so it was nice to see him. Jacob was excited to see him as well. Julie made a great chicken dinner with a nice mushroom wine sauce and aparagus. Yum.
Collected more sap. The interesting part is going to be reducing all this to syrup.
I went out on the deck tonight to check out the stars. The cold air smelled like snow and wood burning. It brought me back to being a child, at our old house. On winter nights, I would open the window just a crack and smell the air. It was crisp, snowy, sweet from wood burning and frozen leaves. In my mind I could see a house, a place I remembered from sometime. The house was in a field, snow covered and stretching out into the dark night. A porch wrapped around most of the house and a large oak tree stood in front of it. The lights were on inside and such a strong feeling of home emanated from this house. I haven't remembered that house as clearly for a long time. As I stood on the deck, the smell of the night air brought it back. Just briefly, and then the smells changed and the feelings faded. But the memory held me for a while longer like an encounter with an old friend.
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| Our homemade marble track |
I went out on the deck tonight to check out the stars. The cold air smelled like snow and wood burning. It brought me back to being a child, at our old house. On winter nights, I would open the window just a crack and smell the air. It was crisp, snowy, sweet from wood burning and frozen leaves. In my mind I could see a house, a place I remembered from sometime. The house was in a field, snow covered and stretching out into the dark night. A porch wrapped around most of the house and a large oak tree stood in front of it. The lights were on inside and such a strong feeling of home emanated from this house. I haven't remembered that house as clearly for a long time. As I stood on the deck, the smell of the night air brought it back. Just briefly, and then the smells changed and the feelings faded. But the memory held me for a while longer like an encounter with an old friend.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Day 170
March 15, 2011
Tons of sap this morning! Jacob, Aunt Julie and Duncan went out to check the buckets and came back with lots of sap. That 23 gallon bin is going to get full quickly.
Once they came in, Aunt Julie and I made a marble track. Jacob started asking about Grammy's marble collection yesterday, and so she pulled it out today. We used old t.p. tubes for the track. Not as sophisticated as his at home, but he didn't seem to mind. Just as intrigued.
Made a fire in the wood burning stove and kept the house toasty all day long. Had a nice relaxing day together. Julie, Jacob and I sat out on the deck at one point, enjoying the March sunshine that is finally starting to feel warm again. So lovely. Ahhh.... vacation.
Back out to check on the sap this evening. Several more gallons. We were probably getting about 1-2 gallons from most buckets, one was probably closer to 3. Incredible.
Just us girls tonight. Matt's at his place and Dad's out on the road for work. We soaked our feet and rubbed each other's feet. Wonderful.
Once they came in, Aunt Julie and I made a marble track. Jacob started asking about Grammy's marble collection yesterday, and so she pulled it out today. We used old t.p. tubes for the track. Not as sophisticated as his at home, but he didn't seem to mind. Just as intrigued.
Made a fire in the wood burning stove and kept the house toasty all day long. Had a nice relaxing day together. Julie, Jacob and I sat out on the deck at one point, enjoying the March sunshine that is finally starting to feel warm again. So lovely. Ahhh.... vacation.
Just us girls tonight. Matt's at his place and Dad's out on the road for work. We soaked our feet and rubbed each other's feet. Wonderful.
Day 169: Grammy and Grandpa's house
March 14, 2010
Drove up north this morning - Jacob was great. He started to get a little impatient toward the end of the four hour drive which was close to nap time also.
As soon as we got to Grammy and Grandpa's house, Jacob was headed out with Uncle Matt and Aunt Julie. Outside, around the house, wherever. Matt and Julie were out getting ready to tap some maple trees. They're trying to make some homemade maple syrup.
I first got the home tour. It's looking so much more put together than when I was here in July. Lots of work has been done organizing and whatnot. Much more like a home instead of a house with boxes. It'll still take time to make if feel lived in and to build memories like we have with our old house.
Jacob and I went out to help tap some maple trees. Really cool. The sap is running really well right now, a constant fast drip. They have five gallon buckets in 6 trees and then a 23 gallon bin to collect that. We'll see what happens.
Julie made a delicious pork tenderloin for dinner. She's really good at just putting different herbs and spices together to make a dish. I do not have that knack with flavours.
Jacob has been into saying supercalifragilisticexpialidocious - or tyring to. He likes me to sing the song. It's hard to tell sometimes whether he's saying delicious or wanting me to sing the song. Very funny.
We heard some coyotes howling tonight not too far off. Then later we were out on the deck and actually saw them out in the fields. It was really cool. About six of them, that we could see, their bodies dark against the white snow.
I first got the home tour. It's looking so much more put together than when I was here in July. Lots of work has been done organizing and whatnot. Much more like a home instead of a house with boxes. It'll still take time to make if feel lived in and to build memories like we have with our old house.
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| Tasting the sap |
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| Making snow castles |
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