Jack and Caleb, a neighborhood friend, were in the woods behind our house for maybe five minutes and came home with this.
That got Gary wanting to find some of his own, and today he found these three.
I will not be surprised if these somehow end up as new home decor.
Mark my words.
Today, almost the second my eyes opened, I started thinking of my current favorite song, which is Summertime written by George Gershwin. I have never seen Porgy and Bess, and for years had no idea that the song was from a musical, but back in the 1980’s, I just loved listening to Janis Joplin singing it. I had it cranked loudly in the rockin’ cassette player of my ‘Vette* as I’d cruise back and forth to Charleston as a college student (*she adds in a whisper: 1980 Chevette, aka The Sh#t-vette, aka #10 on a not-so-flattering list).
It was a song that painted such a mental picture and I could listen to it over and over. I’ve felt that way for years and still pop in the CD every once in awhile to listen to Janis. Here’s Janis’ live , from 1969.
So, in the past week, I discovered a different adaptation of Summertime, a rendition preceding Janis’, and my birth, that I LOVE. I first heard the audio and it immediately surpassed what all I had previously felt for Summertime. It had a certain vibe that just hooked me in, and, in a word, was ultracool. Sultry, rhythmic, the horns!, that scat!, all lively and smooth at the same time. It felt so original and full of feeling and I got stuck on it. I tend to do that with my new favorites, playing on repeat over and over for dozens of times.
This song interpretation was from 1966, by a guy I’ve never heard of, Billy Stewart.
After days of listening while doing my work around the house, I became curious about this Billy Stewart fella and I YouTubed it. OHMYGOD is all I can say.
There have been many times when the video to a song enhances the music for me. One example popping into my head is 2002’s By The Way, by my all-time favorites, The Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was a really good song, but once I saw the video, it made the song even better. It’s like the visuals elevated the sounds.
You totally get the panic and energetic craziness of the music once you see the psycho cabbie fan and the music comes even more to life. Here’s By The Way, for your listening and viewing pleasure, and see what I mean?!
But the video clip associated with my new favorite song kinda had the opposite effect. My mental picture took a 10-gallon u-turn for sure.
Still love the song, though!
SCOOTER!
Years ago, Debra gave the older boys Adidas suits. Grant’s was red and blue, and Jack’s gray and blue. Grant soon grew into Jack’s. Sam grew into Grant’s. Now here is Sam in Jack’s. It makes me sad to think we’re soon to be hearing the Adidas’ swan song.
Where did my little boys go?
Sam on kindergarten registration day, holding a gum wrapper
March 2010.
having seven frolicking deer at our back door is just not enough?
Taken this morning, while ScooterGuard was asleep in his house.
And this is not to sound like I don’t want to move to the country because I am all in.
In fact, you could say: Very excited,
with a capital V!
Approximately one month until country time is ours. Let the countdown begin!
Last Thursday, I snapped this picture during Sam’s practice run for the YMCA preschool circus held on Friday night. I was fairly confident that he would actually do it that night, but just in case…, at least I would have one picture.
He was given his choice of acts in which to participate. Last year he was a cowboy,
The YMCA Preschool circus is a long-standing tradition in this town. This year’s was the 45th annual. Here is Caroline in 2007, a tightrope walker:
and a cowgirl in 2008: 
She didn’t like wearing her bandana in the traditional sense so she fashioned a belt out of it.
And Grant was in the circus in 2005:
Here below Sam gets a good luck hug from Sis. Doesn’t he look like he might never see her again? Look at their grips.
Ahhhh, I think I just may have a precious photo here.
But never fear, in the next instant, the Daredebble is back, full of cocky confidence and ready to rock! And roll!
They first paraded in front of a full, full gymnasium of family and friends, and then gave us an hour of sheer entertainment.
In case you were wishing you were there, here’s a short clip of the entrance. After that, I handed the camera to Grant to film since he had a more open view. And I do not know how to edit videos yet, so bear with us.
Here is a not-so-short clip of Sam’s performance. Just keep an eye out for the only green Big Wheel. That’s our Sam. Too bad I wasn’t filming when he tussled with two other boys to get the green one. He may be scrawny, but he gets what he wants. Except at the end when he wants to add in his own tightrope act. Just watch.
P.S. This large-haired clown, Bubbles, aka Petunia, is the lovely Mrs. Mills, Sam’s teacher that I adore.
And then afterward….
Caroline was spotted in the backyard spontaneously taking on the dreaded duty that has been the responsibility of the two big boys for the past nearly two years we’ve had the Beast formerly known as Scooter.
She proudly announced that she is ready to be on the p--p duty roster herself.
I think the boys are especially excited for her.
He moves the patio chairs where ever he wants. He lounges on the table like he owns the place. He takes off the wood stack and literally splits the firewood with those teeth and jaws. He leaves his play wood where ever he wants.
All over our formerly nice backyard.
Which makes me question: Is he worth the hassle?
I’d say no, but others seem to disagree.
Or be banished.
These below were snapped this week. I guess for what he eats in dog food, he’s at least worth in entertainment value?
Shades of green.
Tooth fairy left Grant some green.
Not green but couldn’t resist sharing the glaze from someone’s yesterday donut that I found this morning on my way back in. It felt much more ick than the picture can even capture.
Just a small snapshot into everyday life around here.
