i disinfected the counter when he was done

Dissecting owl pellets – fur, bones and other carnage…

Ewww. Sometimes learning gets a little messy.

overheard

Boy: "Mom, you're as good as Alton Brown."

Mom: "Thanks, but not quite."

Boy: "Yes, you are. You just don't like to brag."

 

Boy: (Watching "On Board Air Force One"): "Mom, the press flies on board."

Mom: "Yes, I know."

Boy: "Can you do that?"

Mom: "Umm, no."

Boy: "You should try to do that. Not to the Middle East -- maybe to Florida."

Crafters unite (again)

Felt food made by me. Warning: these items are not approved for sale.

Edited because I should never post before having coffee...

Craft sites all over the U.S. today are reminding folks that the CPSIA deadline is looming.

Please take a moment to contact the CPSC about this issue. The law will take effect as scheduled, but the CPSC continues to clarify the parameters. (If you're interested, read the general counsel's opinions on the CPSC site.) While my babies are older now and their gifts are more likely to come from Japan and be accompanied by a power cord and charger, some things will be a part of our house for many years to come -- good books, art and craft supplies, good books, school supplies (yes, lots of those), Scout supplies and patches, board games, science kits, kids' clothing, camp gear, video games, good books, good books, and more. I love a bunch of little ones who -- without changes in this well-meaning attempt at grossly exaggerated government regulation -- will have to rely on me for handmade toys. (Sad, eh?) And should I ever become adept enough to sell those toys? Here's a sample of what they might cost.

As someone who tries to reuse, recycle and buy used items as much as possible, I am also gravely concerned about the Goodwills and Salvation Armies of the world, who may choose to stop selling used items intended for use by children under 12, rather than risk the penalties should something they sell be found to contain lead. Think that 1960s collectible toy is going to be found on the shelf next to the Scrabble game (just bought a complete one for $1.25 a couple of weeks ago) and the used textbooks? I suspect the entire shelf will soon be empty and those items will be destined for the landfill.

And read this from Forbes (Thanks, Jenny). It is a pretty clear assessment of what might happen come Feb. 10.

According to Forbes, I agree with Ron Paul on this issue. Maybe it really is a sign of the apocalypse.

minding my own

I know you are shaking your head and saying, "There she goes again."

Well, there I go again.

A trip to the country on Saturday resulted in five pounds of beeswax from our friendly neighborhood (essentially organic) beekeeper. There is a learning curve to the filtering, straining and all that, but we did manage to figure out a small batch...

...which ultimately became a trial run of lip balm...

I smell like honey.

Next up: homemade lotion.

Go ahead, roll your eyes. I don't mind.

i love him

For lots of reasons, but here's one:

He took the boy to see Monster Jam. I did not have to go.

Oh yes, I love him.

(Photos taken by my wonderful husband. Did I mention that I didn't have to go?)

what makes me happy

Above: Focaccia rising

Below: "Artisan Bread in 5" dough and a batch of cinnamon rolls rising

Photos are from the weekend's "oh my word, it's freezing cold" bake-a-thon...

Good bread, cinnamon rolls and ALMOST getting the Piano Puzzler this morning.

I get precious few moments alone, and even fewer alone in the car. And it takes a miraculous turn of events for me to be alone in the car, during the Piano Puzzler. I live for the Piano Puzzler.

Caller: Hmm...

Me: (driving down the Interstate) Chopin. Say it -- it's Chopin. Say. It. Now.

Caller: I would say that's in the style of Chopin.

Me: YES!

Fred Child (host): Yes, I do hear elements of Chopin...

Me: I told you so.

Bruce Adolphe (pianist): Well, I can see where you might think that...

Me: AARGH!

(Remember, I was alone in the car, careening down the Interstate and screaming at the radio.)

Bruce Adolphe is my nemesis.

school tube

Some days, you just have to watch TV.