small packages

Rat toys....on a budget!

Summer placemat - $1.00
Metal clips - $0.40
Scrap fleece - ? (free)
10 Minutes of labour

Now our sweet rats Critter and Skull (named by a six year old, of course) have a lovely new hammock! Unfortunately, the two ladies have absolutely no interest in it other than to chew it to pieces. We even tries coaxing them in with rewards.....no dice.

Still, $1.40 isn't too bad for a chew toy!

Sprouting

I'm not sure why I thought that sprouting would be difficult. I read about sprouting your own alfalfa on a blog last year, by using a sprouting kit. Anything that requires a kit is far too complicated for me. A trip to our local nursery had me taking the plunge and buying a packet of seeds to sprout, knowing I'd have to come home and order one of those frightening "kits".

After doing a little research online, I found that there could be nothing easier than sprouting in your own kitchen! No need for a kit at all. All you need is a mason jar and an old pair of nylons or some cheesecloth.

Here's a step-by-step for anyone interested.

I've also attempted to sprout some green lentils. I'm not really a fan of lentils and I've heard that sprouted lentils can be a real bitch, digestively speaking. Maybe I'll try to through them in a stir fry or something.

YUMMY!!

Santa Cruz

Heading south the compass reads
Look at our speed, we’re going 63
Look out the window as the trees go green
I look at them and they look at me

I got Neil Young on the stereo
He comes along whenever I go
There’s something different as I hear him now
Heading south on a familiar route

I can feel the lifting of my blues
I can see a wide horizon loom
I got the feeling I just can’t lose
Pulling into Santa Cruz

I got an old friend, he remembers me
From way back when we were seventeen
We’ve got kids and we’re older now
But when I see him we’re still seventeen

I need the beach to set me free
I need the wind to make me breathe
I need the water to wash my soul
I need my loved ones to let me go

I can feel the lifting of my blues
I can see a wide horizon loom
I got the feeling that I just can’t lose
Pulling into Santa Cruz.

Up in the Northwest we’ve got it good
A little soggy, but we’ve got it good
Can’t help thinking that I wish I would
Move my ass down to Santa Cruz

I got a feeling I don’t wanna lose
Pulling into Santa Cruz

-Pearl Jam

(Pssssttt......Take a listen)

Where have I been?

Running blindly through the last eight months.

I'm hoping to send this blog into another direction entirely. I often used to post only for others, but now that my sabbatical has probably dropped 95% of my online linkers I am able to turn everything around.

I've never felt so lost in all my life.

My marriage is broken beyond repair.

I live in a town where I don't know anyone, except my in-laws.

My son is growing up faster than I can chase after him.

My health is lacking. My mental health is sinking.

I'm at a crossroads and I still feel like a teenage who shouldn't have to make these kinds of choices. And while I feel like I am coping with what life is offering to me with as much grace as possible, I've been informed that my front transparent.

Well, I'm trying. I can promise you that I'm trying not to feel sorry for myself. I'm trying not to let my broken heart overwhelm me. I'm trying to parent as a team, when I would rather be speeding off in some direction, alone.

I'm happy to say that I've been accepted for nursing program, which starts in September. I'm still not sure how I'm going to manage, but I have so much support that wont allow me to fail.

I just finished Happiness Sold Separately by Lolly Winston. It was a great story that made me feel thankful for my children, and helped me realize the possibility of one day being content alone. But now I have that sinking feeling of finishing a book that I really loved. I've got a whole pile on my nightstand. I just need to jump into one of them. Maybe a light-hearted one this time.

So, I'm going to attempt a weekly post....reasonable, I think. I will still be posting some links that I find interesting and inspiring, but mostly I want to be honest with you and with myself.

Gone.

No more upset mornings
No more tired evenings
This American dream
I am disbelieving

When the gas in my tank
Feels like money in the bank
Gonna blow it all this time
Take me one last ride

For the lights of this city
They only look good when I'm speeding
Gonna leave em all behind me
Cause this time

I'm gone

Long gone
This time I'm letting go of it all
So long
Cause this time I'm gone

In the far off distance
As my tail-lights fade
No one thinks to witness
But they will someday

Feel like a question is forming
and the answers far
I will be what i could be
Once I get out of this town

For the lights of this city
They have lost all feeling
Gonna leave em all behind me
Cause this time

I'm gone

Long gone
This time I'm letting go of it all
So long
Long gone, I'm letting go of it all
Cause this time I'm gone

If nothing is everything
If nothing is everything, I'll have it all
If nothing is everything
If nothing is everything, I'll have it all

I am gone

Bloggo Pauso

I just got nothin'

Calvin

Tall, dark, and handsome.

Happy Fathers Day!!!

I'm sorry I'm not home today, Peter. I just want you to know how much you are loved and appreciated.


(In case Colby forgot....look under our bed)

The Cottage

Pure eye-candy.

Those tadpoles have made a home in Colby's kindergarten classroom. Thanks Mom and Dad.

Goodies!!

I received a package for Stefani this week! Packed full with some Japanese bits from her travels (I am writhing with jealousy as I type this) and some lovely southern pieces including canned pepper that were quickly devoured by Peter.

Thanks Stefani for your generosity.

Taxidermy and Cheese

One stop shopping.

It's a boy!!

And a gorgeous one at that! My handsome baby nephew was born earlier this week.

 Congrats to Mommy and Daddy and proud big sis Audrey!