Reunion Weekend, Not My Own

I crashed Eric's college reunion this past weekend.  You can't go to Colonial Williamsburg and expect me to stay at home.  I brought Verity with me, for the company and because I had to.  Eric was right about the fact that it wasn't particularly kid-friendly, and I was right that it kinda was.  We didn't pack a stroller which was awesome for the travel part of the trip and not as awesome on the walking around part.  I almost bought a cheapie walmart stroller, and would have if I had not had twenty pounds of baby strapped to my back.  We had beautiful wind-blown weather, trail mix made of peanuts, raisins and candy corn, and a pick-up soccer game with Eric's friends where I exerted myself too much.  It was great, exhausting fun.  Tonight its back to lentil soup seasoned with tumeric which is keeping it a mainstay around these parts.  It is the perfect cure for the weekend hangover.  I hope you all had a great one. :)

    

Test Kitchen Tonight -The Cocktail

Martha Stewart does many things very well.  Halloween isn't one of them.  Take for example these sparkly, spray-painted skulls with peaceful butterflies resting just so.  There's no way she approved these.  Right?  

But, she's hitting the mark on the cocktails.  We are throwing a party in a couple of weeks and we are searching for the perfect one.  Tonight it's Maple-Bourbon Cider.

the longest shortest week

I sat down several times this week to say hello but Verity isn't quite on board with my blog yet.  I wanted to tell you about New York because I did in fact make it to The City.  For a night.  For a day.  For a break.  For a breather.  I missed my partners in crime -those to talk me into or out of whatever it is in front of me, and those to share a playground with.  But, I walked and thought and walked and thought.  And this I don't always get a chance to do.  Oh, that city still has me wrapped around its finger.    

I came back still thinking and considerably distracted into the arms of the longest, shortest week.  I saw that one coming.  But, Naomi and Verity had me laughing more than once as I watch them get to know one another.  I'll take it.  

This is Friday

Did you all have a good week?  Naomi was her cheerful self for a lot (some) of it, and today Verity threw her best fit yet in her twelve short months of life.  It was a valiant display, and entertaining.  Rolling around on the ground, running up against the refrigerator and the high chair.  Turning her back on all of us.  Piggy finally got her in the end.  She couldn't resist piggy.  And then she ate the whole bowl oatmeal that had sent her into this pit of despair.

In other news, I opened up a shop on Etsy.  There is one item listed -the birthday hats I made for Verity's birthday.  I actually enjoyed making them, being first inspired by the miniature hats on Bleubird and then recalling a long lost irresistible boutique party hat for sale in Newburyport that I somehow resisted.  Let me know if you like them and I'll make you a set for free. :)  

This is the book I hope to be listening to while on my merry way to New York City.  I miss the Fung Wa.  You could decide to go, show up to go, and GO -all within a span of a couple of hours.  Now you have to reserve a seat, and hope there is one.  Which there is not.  We shall see.  Regardless, it has been an inspiring endeavor.  

Sincerely Yours, 

Anne Shirley

Magpie Kids

I love this store-front.  Not too inviting and not at all gutted.  But once you open the door, there is no turning back.  It is filled with sunshine and only good things.  (Especially if you are there on Wednesday mornings with Jeff Jam singing his stuff.)  Magpie Kids.  I have my eye on a recycled cashmere winter hat for Naomi and a wooden play camera for little V.  It sits a little lonely, outside of Davis Square.  Not for long I'm sure.  

The Best-Laid Plans

I'm ready for Sunday.  Sweet little Verity will be one year old.  I've got my overly-ambitious DIY project all nicely laid out, and plans for very decadent chocolate cake to be made.  And to top that, I have this waldorf birthday ring.  I love it.  I bet there is a non-traditional poem to be sung while lighting the candle, but we will start by just admiring it and remembering to bring it out each birthday to come.  This little blue house looks a bit like ours.  Thank you to Auntie Favorite for showing me this link.      

Pack meaning Little

 

 

Miller State Park -a very forgettable name.  But what a lovely, friendly, hideaway national park.  Upon exit the park ranger gave us a heartfelt, Miss America wave.  I did a double take as I've grown accustom to the scarcity of such friendliness in the city.  It's okay, we make up for it in other ways.  

Oh, there is nothing like mountain air.  We drove to the top and I've just gotta be okay with that.  Next time we will borrow a second Ergo.  Pack Monadnock.  Pack meaning Little. 

The obliging town of Peterborough, New Hampshire provided us with these keepsakes.