because necessity is the mother of invention

I have been encouraging the boys to do more with their hands - to find a need and create a solution with their minds and own man-power. Well who doesn't need a floating adjustable lounge chair in the pool. Not exactly what I had in mind, but nevertheless, brilliant!

the end of {summer} days

It is bittersweet when your child starts school at any age, especially when the summer has been "most epic" (in his own words). Land and I spent the day gathering supplies for the academic year. We made two stops - D.I. and Staples and the latter cost much more than the wardrobe and specialty items from the thrift store, in fact, I'm certain that lunch with his parents cost more than them all combined. But... spending hours with Land before he is off to conquer his sophomore year... priceless.

Puffy Pancake Recipe:

Heat Oven to 450 degrees F

Mix 3 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt with electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Add two tablespoons melted butter.

Pour mixture into a quiche or pie plate that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

Bake 15 min. or until edges puff up and top is golden brown.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy. Berries or apples are good as well.

So Much to See

Sometimes you've just got to laugh! This is especially for my brother-in-law, for his colorful explanation of the "beach volleyball dancing beach girl cheerleaders", that he has actually witnessed in action.

(photo via CC2008NN)

Myachi Master Maverick

Cody is on the right sitting on the stairs

My friend Carol just sent this link about her son Cody who is in NY "livin' the dream" as a myachi master. We were able to see him when I was there in May and he is incredibly talented. He had never really been out of Logan when he took this opportunity and ran with it. Read an article in the NY Times that explains this new pastime.

WOW

Click here to see spectacular pictures of the opening ceremonies. The drummers were amazing.

16 Days of Glory?

Bird's Nest National Stadium & Water Cube. Beijing 2008

The Beijing Olympics begin in all their spectacle on 08.08.08. I have intently watched the Olympics since I was seven years old in 1972 and Olga Korbut dazzled the world with her pixie like hair and mind-boggling flexibility... but that was overshadowed by a young girl's confusion over what exactly a guerilla was and why all this violence and bloodshed on the world stage. The Olympic games embody much of what I enjoy in life -- competition, hard work, unique architecture, a gathering of the world's cultures, design (all those team and national costumes), collecting (pins), the colors, media hype, national pride, national anthems, but as I've grown old, err older, I realize that the high ideals of the Olympics do little to hide the politics, drug use, environmental, human rights, and power abuses. Humans at their best and worst on display for each other. Nevertheless, I have just had satellite installed and will be parking my butt in front of the TV for 16 days of glory. Cheering, critiquing, crying, along with the billions of other fellow human beings. For Real.

(photo via boston.com)