Psychic Readings--Really Cheap

As I predicted earlier this week, Claudia moved up in the swim classes. Today she is swimming from side to side and even made a friend. Garrett got his hair wet (yeah!) and even swam underwater to retrieve a red Starburst fruit chew.

As my predictions are quite accurate, I am not offering my services as a psychic. For $30 I will tell you what I think for 30 minutes. Is that a deal or what?

Not a successful day of shooting, but you can see both kids and their friend Jason (center) in this photo. 

Yes, he got in the pool, but he still didn't get his hair wet. As I expected, Claudia will be moving to the next (and last) level tomorrow 

pensive kitty. Alice is an indoor kitty, which appears to go against her wild West Virginia ways. She frequently can be found at either sliding glass door psychically hunting the cardinals who monopolize the deck.  

glamour kitty. here Alice is posing for Garrett. It was a swiftly moving photo shoot. The photographer got a little ahead of himself--thus, the blurry photos. 

Construction site kitty by Garrett. Garrett was on assignment this morning in the basement. His job: to capture Alice (the kitty formerly known as Muffin) on film. Here we find Alice amid the construction. Art is framing (and framing and framing) the basement. He assures us that Alice doesn't mind the banging. We suspect otherwise. 

Timeless Dove

Have I mentioned lately how much I love this book? It has been almost 20 years, but it is still my favorite. I am thinking about rereading it this summer. Agent Orange and I have been watching the mini-series (thanks to Netflix). I've read all the Lonesome Dove books, but this one is still the best. Agent Orange (Andrew) just finished it this spring so it is especially nice to watch the mini-series with someone who knows the text. And the horses' names. 

Pool Daze

Claudia by Garrett--The kids had their first swimming lesson today at the pool. Garrett somehow managed to NOT get his hair wet. Claudia was immediately moved to level 3 because of her willingness to swim underwater and doggie paddle. There is one more level (before swim team) and that involves stroke development. I suspect she will be in that class by the end of the week. 

Wet Towel by Garrett 

Sideburn Run Pool by Garrett 

The photographer pre-shoot 

Photographer in the Making?

This photo was taken by Garrett with his brand new digital camera. It was quite inexpensive ($20), but I like the soft focus effect and the moodiness of the lighting. It doesn't have a flash and just deals with it in low light situations. For those of you who can't tell, this is Colleen at the sink in the kitchen.  

The Grass Is Always Greener

Garrett's photograph. Taken with his new digital camera.I have no idea what it is, but it was taken outside. Notice the reflection of the yard in the glass. Very complex subject matter. Perhaps a little too abstract for my tastes, but it is growing on me.  

Just When You Thought It Was Safe to Go Back in the Water

Garrett is having a pool party tomorrow to celebrate his birthday, which was June 6. Are we ready for 6 five-year-old boys? Hmmm, hard to say... we will keep you posted.

Yes, the digital camera can take photos. We are now online so let's take some good ones. 

Need a Ride to the Hospital?

Andrew is your man. He just completed his certification as an ambulance driver. Now he can drive fast...legally. 

Setting Free the Toads

Our little tadpoles are maturing at a fast rate. Two were set free yesterday. Claudia, Garrett, and I set free another two this a.m. Thomas, the other tadpole keeper, reported to us yesterday that all eight of his 'poles were now toads. They were still trying to figure out what to feed them. I say: Set them free. I've got enough people (and one cat) in the house to feed. The toads can catched their own dinner. They are the tiniest things you've ever seen. No bigger than a pinkie fingernail.

Got Frogs?

One of our tadpoles is now a real frog (well, they are actually toads). We are watching the others closely. The tadpoles that came with the container (Planet Frog) arrived over the weekend. There is no room for them so we bought them their own container.

Claudia Graduates!

After several tries, I am still not able to upload the picture of the birthday boy. I have no idea why. Claudia graduated on Friday and even wore a cap and gown. Her teacher said she is certain she will be the first woman president one day.

Guess Who Is 5

Here is Garrett performing in a school show. They sang Bingo and he did just great. He celebrated his birthday this week with pizza and an ice cream cake. He got a digital camera and a fishing rod. 

Somewhere Under the Rainbow

This is the full painting. Claudia is in the lower left hand corner. 

A Detail from The Bunnies Painting

This is the Claudia detail from the painting of The Bunnies. This painting was done by Claudia's kindergarten class for the school's silent auction.