Elliot is still in school, so Gillian and I spent her first day of summer vacation sharing some Mommy-Gilly time. First we dropped off her brother, and she got to say hi to some of her preschool teachers, who were appropriately admiring and nostalgic. The we headed downtown to the main library ( Read more... )

This morning it was a bit chilly, but by the time we left to see the Highland Games, we were already shedding our jackets. It was a beautiful, cloudless 70 degrees most of the time we were at the event. There were men in kilts tossing heavy objects about. There was a dancing competition. There was archery, medieval tournament reenactments, and ( Read more... )

A car hovered over the tarmac, the driver scanning for an open space. Traffic was thick as people maneuvered for parking spaces close to the observation dome. Finally, the car descended and settled into a spot, then disgorged a young girl and boy, and a dark-haired woman who took their hands ( Read more... )

I've been trying to get a bit more fit in anticipation of going to Yellowstone in a few weeks, so today after I dropped Gillian at theater camp, I took Elliot for a long walk through the surrounding museum campus. At this time of year, the air weighed on me like a wet wool blanket, but the sights rewarded my efforts ( Read more... )

For the past few years, we have planted a tree on Earth Day, and that day has turned into a small but enjoyable celebration in our family.

( Tree hugging and pictures. )

1. desdenova's presence ( Read more... )

This past week Gillian went to camp for the first time. Not camp like I remember it, with cabins and a lake (with leeches) and horses and actual camping; more like a short-term educational program. I've been wanting her to be old enough to go to "camp" for a long time because there are so many fun programs available. Most require kids to be five, ( Read more... )

rt_hon_rackman and I saw a night launch (really, an "oh my god it's early" launch) of the Space Shuttle one time from just across the inlet, about five miles from the pad. It was spectacular. The sky was as bright as day for minutes after the Shuttle left the ground, and we watched the glow of its engines until we lost sight of it over Spain.SpainFor years, NASA ( Read more... )

My parents are visiting us this week, getting some time in with us and Gillian before Trogdor comes along and takes up everyone's attention.

( What we've been up to. )

A cool breeze this evening marks the beginning of the end of our recent heat wave. This hasn't been a nice, "last gasp of summer" heat wave -- more like "the last repellent breath of Satan." Yesterday when I went to bed, it was still 80 degrees outside. Being pregnant in such weather is especially yucky, since I already feel like I'm melting most ( Read more... )