Thursday, April 29, 2004

A balmy day here in Redneck country...hit about 80 around noon, breezy and sunny all day long. J and R had 4H last night, both are on the booth committee again this year...should be interesting. Yr 3 for J to be on the BC, yr 2 for R. Looks good when it comes time for college, I hope. J has one project nearly finished already and is working on the second. R has been working on one and will start her second in May or June. She's up to chapter 4 in Frindle and is really enjoying it. Made meatloaf, potatoes, corn, applesauce and biscuits which J proclaimed "look like something Martha Stewart would serve". Haven't decided whether to be insulted or pleased with that comment. Aunt Nan said everything was good...she came to look at the quilt stash for some gifts and ate some too.

E played outside nearly all afternoon. Should sleep good if she ever decides she's tired of eating. No doubt, she is my father's granddaughter!! She knows that sausage comes from dead pigs....sometimes she is just too smart for her own good.

More yard work tomorrow, if the weather holds. Have to weed the strawberry beds at Aunt Nan's, along with the bulb bed around the street light, mow, weedeat and start cleaning out the fence line. We let it slide last summer and will pay for it for several weeks to come yet, I'm sure. J has to dog-sit for her, which J loves to do.

As I read more of America's Women , I continue to be amazed with these tales of amazing women, some with immense personal strength, and how they have shaped this nation. Rarely do I want to purchase books for myself, settling instead for borrowing from the library, but this one is on my 'must-have' list. I will make it required reading at some point for the girls. My college days did not include any women's studies, not even sure if they were offered. Doubt I would have taken them simply because it did not interest me at the time. Funny how a few years can completely change your views and interests, isn't it?

Monday, April 26, 2004

Today started off so gloomy, dark and damp but by late afternoon it was sunny enough to mow Aunt Nan's yard. Worked on a machine knit baby sweater, one sleeve and edging left to finish then it goes into the stash box. R read a chapter of Frindle to me this morning after finishing her spelling. J worked on her spelling/voc and math. She's reading an Elizabeth book. R amazed her daddy at dinner with her synopsis of Frindle....Her comprehension and retention has improved so much. E slept until nearly 11 and was a grump all afternoon long. Early bath and bed for her, I hope tonight. I am working on reading Book Lust by Nancy Pearl,a must have for book lovers everywhere, and America's Women (400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates and Heroines) by Gail Collins. If you think you know the history of women in America, read this. I've only read a bit of it and am amazed with what public school AND some private college did not teach me as a woman. I recently finished reading Dan Brown's Angels and Demons, after I'd read The Da Vinci Code.Normally, I'd steer clear of any mystery beyond Trixie Belden, but Mom sent me a copy of TDVC and I was hooked! Angels and Demons reminded me why I want to see Italy and The Vatican before I die...all those amazing fountains, sculptures and the Sistine Chapel!