Summer Kickoff!

(6/4) Work for me today, school for the boys, and Dad had the day off. Dad went to the farmer's market to pick up some mead from one of our favorites.  He said that was an exercise in frustration, as traffic was going every which way. And then he stopped at the grocery store and that was slow going too.  But we'll enjoy the mead, so I was glad he went. 

Hummingbird visitor

(6/5) C was so excited--all his new computer parts have arrived and they could finally start building it! We were short an HDMI cable, but he was able to hook it up to the monitor downstairs and verify that everything worked. I worked today, and then joined Sarah at a gathering against racism. We held signs along the side of the road as passersby honked.

(6/6) C called me from downstairs to tell me the espresso machine was broken and wouldn't give him his latte. LOL!  I've created monsters. I went down to help him--turns out it was still set on clean, not latte. I took a kick-boxing class this morning while C and Dad got started painting his room--he's decided he's done with the #REDROOM. They got everything primed and let it dry for a bit. Dad rebuilt the third toilet in the house this morning while I took a turn helping C paint. I stopped midday to go to a rally promoting BLM with Sarah. It was great to see my city show up and listen to *all* of our kids. One of the speakers called up all our Black and Brown kiddos to recognize and empower them. It starting absolutely pouring toward the end, so we bailed and made a run for the car.  

(6/7) The boys and I were home today, and Dad had to work. C and I finished touching up the paint in his room and put it back together. He's very happy with it!  I worked out in the garden for a bit and thinned our raspberries, which have gone bananas. C was thrilled to have his new computer all put together, so we let him go off and play all his downloaded games, which left us alone with the TV after the kiddos went to bed. We watched some stand-up and called it a day. All day I've been feeling like today wasn't Sunday, and was very disappointed to have to set my alarm and go to it again tomorrow. 

C's room

(6/8) Annnnnd Monday again. A neighbor's car alarm kept going off last night, so we weren't very bright-eyed and bushy tailed today. I was grumpy, the kids were grumpy, and it was all sorts of fun getting everyone going this morning. Dad brought us home pizza as a treat tonight and that turned things around, but yeah, it was a long day for us all. 

(6/9) Work day for Dad and me, and the boys had school. It was pouring this morning, so Sarah and I opted out of our daily walk. I had a class this morning (online) so told the kids they would need to fend for themselves again. I took a Zumba class this evening because I had done literally nothing all day but sit. The weather is supposed to be better tomorrow. Loafing around one day is enough!

(6/10) Dad and I had the day off today. The boys did their schooling, and I attended a webinar on Leafcutter bees and learned a few new things. I went out to check our cocoons this morning, and ended up picking up a hitchhiker that came in the house with me. The bee flew into the sink and got all wet, so I scooped it up and took it back outside and placed it in our strawberries (one of this particular bee's favorites). They're so tiny! We took the dogs to the beach this afternoon. It was pretty muggy out, and Cass was gassed after running after the ball a few times. He took the ball down to lay in the water and cool off. Noodle was a butt and kept picking fights with other dogs, so earned himself time on the leash. Dad found a huge agate, and the boys and I helped hunt for other beach treasures. 

(6/11) Work and school for the boys and me, and Dad had the day off. Dad got the boys in for hair cuts this morning. They look so handsome! A lot of hair hit the floor when it was C's turn. He was due before the lock-down, but he wouldn't let me touch it. They're all feeling much lighter. Dad said our boys took up the entire salon with the reduced capacity. 

(6/12) I had a dentist appointment this morning--that was an experience!--and then went back home to work. There were major protests today held in Seattle, and many other major cities. Snohomish also had one to reclaim First Street. I participated in that one with Sarah and her parents. I was happy to see there was a pretty good turn-out!  The organizers are out there every day, and will be aiming for larger groups on Fridays.  I think I'll try to hit those and lend my voice. 

(6/13) Rainy Saturday. Dad had to work today, so the boys and I were cooped up inside on our respective devices. The children were cranky and at each other alllll day. Cabin fever has hit a high. We had all the windows open to listen to the rain this evening, and that was peaceful, and seemed to cool some tempers. 

(6/14) The boys and I had a lazy Sunday, while Dad worked. I read my book and then did some yard work.  I'm loving my back yard right now -- all the tansy, poppies, and clover are in bloom. I also ordered some new hanging pot holders, so I installed those, and weeded while listening to an audiobook. The sun came out and it was a pretty lovely afternoon. 

(6/15) Monday again. It was a misty-drizzly morning, though my phone said it wasn't. Thanks, phone. Sarah and I went for our walk, and then came home for work/school.  This is the boys' last week!  We're all ready for them to be done, but at the same time, I can't believe it's June and is time already.  

(6/16) Busy-busy day of work meetings for me, work for Dad, and school for the boys. They were pretty much done with their schoolwork and on their own early in the day. I took an on demand Zumba class this evening while the boys took over the TV and watched Captain Underpants for the umpteenth time. We can pretty much quote the episodes at this point. Needless to say, I didn't mind missing another viewing! 

(6/17) Dad and I had the day off today. The kiddos had a few school things to complete, and we were able to pick up C's yearbook. He has the sullen teenager look down pat. It was pretty outside today, so we grilled and ate dinner outside. The boys and I checked out a new-to-us park near us, took a stroll, and then went for Slurpees for dessert.  

(6/18) We kicked today off with a walk in the sunshine, and then I settled in to work. Dad had the day off, and he and C went up to Rob's to work on cars. The twins had a little bit of school work to do, and D had his last class Zoom of the year. J's has his tomorrow, and that's it! I found myself outside doing yard work around 7:30p. I love how light it is out now. 

(6/19) Work day for me, last day for the kiddos, and day off for Dad. It was a pretty anti-climatic finish to the school year. The boys had some last Zooms, and then were done. It remains to be seen what will happen in the fall. I know they're hoping for in-person school, but we just don't know. We're capable of doing at home learning, and the boys really do seem to prefer it, but I hope that's not the case for the entire year. I really am better as their parent, and not their teacher! 

(6/20) Dad has to work tomorrow, so we did Father's Day today. We ordered take-out from El Paraiso tonight and Dad picked up a huckleberry cream pie from the Snohomish Pie Co. Oh myyyyy, so good! He requested a subscription to MotorTrend this year, which we had gifted to him earlier. I called Granddad and wished him a happy day. My brother is out visiting, and they had gone for a sail. Lovely afternoon for it!  

(6/21) It was sort of a dreary morning today, perfect to curl up with a book and coffee. I read for a few hours and the boys were engrossed in their video games. It cleared up this afternoon, and J went down to the park to enjoy. 

(6/22) Work day for Dad and me, and the kiddos were left to their own devices to entertain themselves for the day. I put the umbrella up outside and we ate dinner outside tonight. It was gorgeous out!  I watched our bees work and took some cool pictures this afternoon. I also checked on the birdies. They're getting fuzzy! 

(6/23) Busy meeting-filled day for me. I went walking with Sarah this morning, and then was pretty much glued to my chair for the rest of the day. S and S stopped by tonight on their way to the airport. C has surpassed S in height, and she was shocked by tall he is and how deep has voice has gotten. It was so good to see them!  We've missed them!

(6/24) I have the day off today and started it off by taking a muggy walk with Sarah and then coming home for Zumba. I don't have anything else planned for the day, and am looking forward to a lazy afternoon with my nose in a book. 

Covid Days

(5/14) Work and school for the boys and me, and Dad had the day off. I caught a kickboxing class this morning, which was a nice break to my day.  I stayed up too late watching my programs again.  I'm going to be bummed when there's nothing new over the summer.

  
(5/15) Work and school for the boys and me, and Dad had the day off. Dad went up to Rob's to work on S's car. I think they're getting closer to being done? He was pretty cooked after all that.

(5/16) Dad's card got hit with fraud, so he had to go in and deal with that this morning. D wanted to bake this morning so we were able to send Dad on his way with freshly baked orange-cranberry scones. Dad stopped by the Snohomish Pie Co after he got done at the bank and got raspberry cream pie for dessert tonight and a pie shake for right now. GAH!  So good! I took kickboxing with a Zumba chaser this morning, and was perfectly happy to hold down the couch for a bit this afternoon.

(5/17) Lazy day for the boys and me. I walked on the treadmill with my coffee and book this morning, and then took a Zumba class on demand. I did some yard work this afternoon, and that was about it. The boys played video games and Dad worked. After dinner we tuned in for some AFV, and chatted with the grands, as is our usual.

   

(5/18) Oh boy, today was a Monday. We're all ready to be done with the school year, coupled with some cabin fever. Blllaaaah. It was a long day, to say the least. Dad and I worked today, and the boys had school. 5 more weeks. Not that I'm counting! The boys and I made strawberry shortcake biscuits tonight. The recipe called for cutting them in small circles, so naturally we found some fun cookie cutters instead. They turned out well!

   
(5/19) Work and school for us all today. We have a short week this week and next, and are looking forward to Friday and what we can go out and do. Today was a busy day of meetings and project work for me. I joined a Zumba class this evening--it was good to get up and move after a day attached to my computer.

(5/20) I had the day off today, and the boys and Dad had school and work respectively. I walked this morning with Sarah and then came home to get the kiddos started on their school work. After they were rolling, I caught a Zumba class online. I ran a few errands this morning, and grabbed some missing ingredients for Zoom baking with Grandma this afternoon. We made one-pan chocolate cupcakes. I wasn't sure that J had added the baking soda, so I also added some. The end product didn't mix terribly well, so I think if we do them again, I recommend 1) no excess baking soda and 2) using beaters.  They had kind of a funky aftertaste, but didn't taste too bad with frosting!

(5/21) Work and school for the boys and me today, and Dad had the day off. Dad took the Casserole in for his vet appointment, and I was home with the kiddos. The twins had a math zoom with the entire second grade and were enraged when the teacher muted all the kids and disabled the chat. Because hello? A bazillion second graders!  Anyway, that didn't go so hot. They eventually got through, and were on to better things (in their opinion) soon thereafter. Dad made us a really delicious bean soup for lunch. It was very filling, so for once we weren't munching our way through the afternoon.

(5/22) I was loosed early from work today, and as Dad and the boys were all off, we decided on a little adventure. We packed up and headed out to Ellensburg. We drove up and up FS-3500, and over lots of pot holes, checked out a gorgeous view point on Table Mountain, but then hit a point where it wasn't prudent to continue with snow over the road so deep it was scraping the car. So we headed homeward and ended up at a diner in Cle Elum, which we were pleased to support with everyone wearing masks and distancing well. We didn't find much in the way of rocks today, but J, of course, found some cool sticks, and we had fun!

(5/23) Dad went up to Rob's to help him pull parts from a car he found at the junk yard. I fussed with my plants and moved things around. Rob & Mel sent home sprouts from one of their plants, and then I had to shuffle things some more so everything would fit. I need a longer window sill! Other than that, it was a pretty normal Saturday. The boys woke up and plugged themselves in early, and I had a double dose of Zumba this morning.

(5/24) I really didn't have any plans for today, and slept in. I read my book and had coffee out on the treadmill, as is tradition. Dad had to work today, so it was just the boys and me at home. I did some yard work this afternoon and finished mulching the last two beds, and then sat out in the sunshine. J and I went down to the park this evening so I could watch him climb the tree again. It was a lovely evening!

(5/25) Memorial Day. The kids and I were off today, while Dad had to work. I met Sarah for a rainy walk this morning, and then came home and joined a Zumba class online. The rest of the day was pretty lazy, filled with book reading and video games. We watched The Labyrinth tonight as a family. The twins particularly loved the Eternal Bog of Stench, because of course.

(5/26) Wee, Meeting Tuesday! I had a bunch stacked back to back. J had a class Zoom, and got a horrible stomach ache in the middle of it, so I was trying to help him, while also attending to work and meetings. So fun. Dad ended up coming home early in case we needed to run J in, but it resolved with some healing nachos. LOL! Dad picked up pizza tonight, and J seemed just fine this evening. We're almost there. Three more Tuesdays until summer! 

(5/27) Dad and the boys had work and school today, and I was off. I went for a walk this morning with Sarah, and then came home and caught a Zumba class online. I took all the boys' library books back to school and collected their things. Their teachers had given them Life Long Learner awards (J for being helpful, and D as teacher's choice).  They also enclosed more books to read over the summer. I left feeling somber about all the end of the year stuff the kiddos are missing. I came back and we were all set to watch the SpaceX launch, but it was scrapped due to bad weather in Florida. They're hoping to reschedule for Saturday, but the weather doesn't look great then either. So we'll see. Today was lovely here, and I sat out back in the sunshine and read my book. It's supposed to be even warmer tomorrow. 

(5/28) Work and school for the boys and me today, and Dad was off. It was beautiful here again today, and the boys and I went down to the park after dinner so I could take more pictures of J with his stick. I guess that's a good way to social distance? Nobody's going to go near him swinging that thing around!  Dad and I are working through movie series with C after the twins go to bed. We're now on to Divergent. We've watched The Maze Runner, The Hunger Games, and all of Farscape recently. 

(5/29) Work and school for the boys and me today, and Dad was off again. Today and this week seemed so long. My office had a virtual happy hour to round it out, and we barbecued at home and watched the demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd (and so many others) into the night. 

(5/30) We woke to thunderstorms this morning and I was glad it wasn't a normal walking day. I took kickboxing and part of a Zumba class this morning and then the fam decided to get out for a bit. We went up to get lunch from Zeke's, and then Dad wanted to rock-hunt on the Skykomish. J didn't want to go out in the rain, so he and I sat in the car and watched the SpaceX launch. So cool! First astronauts leaving US soil since 2011! We had a pretty quiet rest of the day. The boys gamed, and I read my book. 

(5/31) Today was a pretty quiet day here. Dad had the day off, and made breakfast for all of us, and I came down and made vanilla lattes for Dad, C, and me. I walked on the treadmill and caught up with the events that happened overnight. I made peach cobbler this afternoon and it tasted great. We even still have a bunch of peaches left... Might have to make more! 

(6/1) June. Just three more weeks of school left for the boys. The twins had diagnostic tests to do for reading and math, so I made them fancy cocoa with frothed milk and sprinkles to fuel them properly. They made it to the halfway point on their tests, and survived their Zooms for the day. Dad and I worked today, and it was a pretty busy Monday. 

(6/2) Meeting Tuesday ~ The twins had another day of testing, and I again started them off with fancy cocoas and breakfast. The soon-to-be teen has taken to sleeping in, but still wanted in on fancy hot chocolates when he finally made an appearance, and I had put everything away. I got the boys squared away and had a meeting with my team. When I stopped for lunch, I got a text that my payment was on hold from the bank. Uh, what payment?  Argh!  So again I went to the bank to deal with compromised accounts. It's getting old. I nuked my phone in hopes that this won't happen again. I came back in time for another meeting, but at least it was a fun one. Dad bought pizza for dinner, and I tuned in for a live stream Zumba class afterward. 

(6/3) I'm off today, and gave the boys a break from school first thing this morning. D has a class Zoom that I'll have him tune in for later.  But they've done their work on i-Ready for the week. They played some video games while I went for a walk, and then were ready for fancy cocoas when I returned. D even said he'd let me get my coffee before making his. I've created monsters! I took a Zumba class this morning, and don't have a whole lot planned for the rest of the day. Maybe some yard work.