A Bit of an Off Week

This week has been a bit off.

There's a summer cold of sorts going around it seems. Sniffles, sneezes, aches and more. In recovery mode as we speak.

I'd planned to run in the new shoes, though I've only managed a couple of workouts. The running will have to wait. The illness has sapped my energy. That, and the 100+ degree heat. A swim seems more appealing, right about now.

In the meantime, I've been working on other things. And gearing up for another school year. Looking forward to it, and not.

This year marks the first for the littlest one in the house to go to school. Pretty exciting, I must say. Though, he's not thrilled about it. He's tried to convince me he has no need for school, since he knows his numbers and letters already. What more does he need to know? Somehow, I'm not convinced his obsessive playing of Little Big Planet has truly prepared him for the real world. (^.-)

When school starts, I'll be kicking the fitness into high gear. I'll be posting videos about the workouts I'm doing and what I've accomplished with them, in case someone might be interested.

Of course, I'd be doing all this right now, before school starts, but for some reason all that time I was supposed to have during summer vacation has eluded me. Maybe, just maybe, there'll be some time when the kiddos have their own business to take care of.

Earlier today, I stepped outside to test the air. The sun is searing. I can smell the crisp death of yellowing grass. It's a touch warm, to be sure. And though the pool water has reached bathwater stage in temperature... tonight, I'm going for a swim!

Little Rose

It was "Field Day" at the younger daughter's school today. It was late in the day when she showed me the rose tattoo. A little something she got for the occasion.

The temporary tat suits her. Rose is her middle name, which is reason enough. And too, she is lovely as one.  She is also quite resilient.

The other day, I was in the garden trimming the rose bushes.  One bush, that blooms deep red, had gone leggy and flowerless, as it is normally known to do this time of year.  It is most likely meant to climb.  The other bush grows much too close to the climber.  It is my daughter's rose.  She chose it for it's lovely coral-pink hue.  I worry for that bush, so I often trim back the larger one's tendrils to give it room to breathe.  And breathe it does.  It is a frequent bloomer.  Right now it is covered in blooms.

To be sure, trimming roses takes a bit of care.  In my haste, I'd brushed my bare arm against a stem. A fair thorn stuck itself in the flesh.  A touch painful, yes.  A bruise appeared a day or so after the incident.  My reminder not to be taken in by the light sweet fragrance, dismissing the strength underneath soft petals.

There is more I'd care to write about on this night, though my eyes are daring to shut.

Until next time then...~~~<<3


  

Bike Ride and the Sky

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Turn off background music here, then come back up.

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Sometimes the stress of the days mount to a point the only relief is a lengthy bike ride.

Last weekend needed such an event. And though the ride brought us down familiar paths, somehow things didn't look quite the same.

Perhaps, it is the openness one feels whilst perched atop a two-wheeled pedal-clad transport that magnifies a sense of difference. There is little to protect you from the world's ambiance. You get it all, in your face. The scent and taste of the air. The sounds, rushing engines, their hot breaths shooshing alongside, sticky tires crackling on the pavement. And the sweeter tunes, gentle snapping of windblown leaves. Birds, as they count your presence, with warning for others, as you enter their domain of the natural.

Life's pace slows a bit, focusing sharply on the moment.

My photos seem to capture a feeling of difference, if not oddness, about the day. Odd, though not unpleasant.

On our journey we made a stop at a new place, freshly built. Hydrous at Allen Station had its opening on Saturday. If ever we want to wakeboard by cable, we know where to go.

Pretty cool, this. Though, initially when I'd noticed the new hole being dug in our town, along with the destruction of trees and a patch of nature, I had reservations. A touch of sadness. Still, it is nice to see interesting things, such as this, coming to Allen. Incidentally, the very popular Edge Skate Park is located just across the street from Hydrous.

Fun stuff! Loads of activities for the kiddos around here. And the place just keeps growing.
A peek at Hydrous at Allen Station's pro shop.

We pressed on, making our way a tad deeper into the small swath of "wilderness".

As we have many times before, we stopped to view a place of mystery.
The "Mysterious Spot" as we like to call it.
I don't know why we feel this place is mysterious. There's a strange feeling we get when visiting it. An odd energy if you will. Even so, we are drawn to it. It could be that the spot seems isolated from the rest of the busy town. Maybe the sound of the falling water drowns out the traffic of the nearby Highway 75, making it seem like we are in the middle of nowhere. Or perhaps, it is just the mere age of the Old Stone Dam that has us imagining those who were before us. In any case, we'll likely continue to visit the spot, on occasion, for as long as we live here.
The wee ones in the trailer attached to my bike. The husband, Nikon D200 in hand.
Just up the hill from the apparent isolation is this:
Another new addition, Cabela's. Outdoor stuff, yay!
When Cabela's arrived, there was nothing to do but smile. I love these kinds of stores. It can't be helped.

All the while, the children reminded me we had to stop at a playground. Not just any playground, mind you, though this town has several lovely ones. It must be a particular one not anywhere near the bike trail we were on. So, off we went.

Past the high school and the, quite enormous-looking, future football stadium.
Allen Eagles Stadium currently under construction. I can't help but marvel at the size of this thing. Allen High School in its entirety is a thing to behold.

Rolling on, we finally made it to "the one".
The playground of choice for the day.
A visit to the store followed, for snacks and whatnot. Else the ride would've been incomplete.

That day, Saturday, a wrap.

Sunday came, and so did rain. To be sure, there was celebration. The extreme summer heat and drought had been taking a toll on our psyche. At last, a break.


After the hard work of the previous weekend, this one was much appreciated.

Peaceful and sweet.
Frequent backyard visitor.
Photos by Shauna Chan. Nikon D80, with circular polarizer and in-camera red filter for B&W photos.

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mid-summer blue

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July, already. And nearing its end, no less.

The weeks are speeding by mysteriously, silently. I've only just noticed it.

No. The noticing started a day or so ago, when the sky in the day was the deepest of blue. Not just any blue. The scarce puffs of clouds were small chips of snowy bergs floating in a bottomless sea.

At the time, whilst marveling at the crisp clarity of the sky, I thought about taking a picture. Over the years, one of my favorite subjects to capture is cloud structure or simply the relationship a cloud has to the sun, or to the blue. But no. I did not rush to get the camera. I must have thought there was still time.

The next day presented itself in similar fashion. The sky an incredibly clear deep blue. Only a few small clouds for contrast. Still, I did not have camera in hand. So unlike me. But there it is.

What's been occupying my mind, creating a deficiency of attention, are the inside things. Computer work. And the sudden silly desire to acquire audio recording equipment. Techno-ADD, again. Since, after all, it's been hot outside. Really hot. Over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This, for what seems like weeks. No rain to speak of. The grass is crunchy. The earth cracked, parched, baked. The leaves on the trees are beginning to show stress, curling, turning brown around the edges.

For this, we stay inside. There is little to be done in the hot.

At the beginning of summer, we busied ourselves with travel and swam a lot. It became nearly a daily event, the swimming. We tried to take a break from it and go for bike rides instead. But the heat sapped the energy, and the joy we'd normally find from such journeys. The crystal water of the pool was indeed much more inviting. The laze of an evening spent floating belly-up to the sky, waiting for the first stars to appear, pure bliss.


And then, it happened... The pool filter pump broke! And rather unceremoniously at that.

I found the water still, one day, the pump soundless. My job (one I've chosen) is to maintain the more than 4,000 gallon pool. And being a somewhat handy person, I grabbed the tools, unhooked the filter and proceeded to take the machine apart, hoping the fix would be easy.

But no. The plastic impeller had snapped in two. The thin plastic covering the magnet had worn away, the magnet corroded. These things could not be replaced on this particular pump. The model being somewhat cheaply made. Wish I had known sooner.

It would take a week to get a new filter pump. I'd become so addicted to our daily swim. The ritual of it. Not having to think too much about what would entertain the day. A week seemed near forever.

Though in that time, that small speck of time within the year, I could see the summer's haste to be over. Suddenly noticing it being mid-July. August will soon arrive. And with it, school will begin. For my youngest daughter this is all new.

And there it is. The root of it all. The youngest daughter, kindergarten. And in a year our little boy will follow. Before we know, the eldest daughter will graduate high school.

My mind is spinning. The time has gone so quickly. Though I'm certain I've done my best to relish each day. To squeeze every drop of simply being. Which, oddly, only trebled time's speed even more.

It happens on occasion. The sharp realization. That splash of ice water on the face forcing awareness of the truth. These 100 degree days only seem to last longer. Platinum bright, thick, syrupy and languid as they are.

Yet here time is. Rushing along just the same.

I suppose it's us, the grown-ups, willfully miring ourselves in some sameness. Stuck in a limbo, not moving forward. Not changing. Pleasantly fooling ourselves with pattern.

Whatever. It was fun.

Now it's time to get down to business. But don't forget the camera!

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2 hours north

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It was Saturday, early afternoon. A blue funk had fallen over the household.

With funds having run dry from our A-Kon adventure the weekend prior, our exuberance had begun to wane. The hot arid wind blowing across the treetops didn't help much either. A dusty atmosphere, thick on our tongues. The sun, white hot. The sky, platinum. The heat measuring 103 Fahrenheit.

I could feel the tension. Something had to be done to lift the heaviness from our souls. There was only one refreshment that could ease our unpleasant state. Road trip!

And so, with renewed giddiness, we packed hastily those things one might need for the road. And tossed in the camping gear, just in case.
Scarcely a cloud to be found.
As we rolled along the glaring highway, I scanned the sky. Incredibly bright it was. Though, off in the distance I could see a small tower of clouds forming. Funny, I mused. Wouldn't it be interesting if that was developing into a storm directly over our destination spot? Then I cursed myself for forgetting to bring the polarizer lens for my camera, to help cut the glare of the road a bit. And to help bring out the definition of that distant cloud.

When sans polarizer, I often resort to shooting black and white photos selecting the in-camera red filter option. It helps some, but still. Frustrating a skoche.

The road unfolded, we neared the border, and there it was. The cloud formation, growing taller, flattening out around the edges. And yes, it appeared to be very near our goal area of interest. I had to consult the weather radar to be sure. Yes, there it was, the only severe thunderstorm on the map! Sitting on top of the highway we traveled.

Now this might sound tragic. After all, this was a lake-swimming overnight-camping trip of sorts we had planned. Sort of. One might think rain might ruin such an occasion. But no, my excitement only grew. We'd not seen rain in what seemed like forever! We had to celebrate the moment.
Ominous, no?

As we came through then around the storm to its northern side, I noticed the clouds somewhat striated in the tower. Perhaps there was some rotation there. I later learned a small tornado touched down in an area we had just driven through. Perhaps this photo is of that very storm system.

No matter. Because whatever rain that may have fallen, or lightning that crashed to the ground, was well to the south and east of the lake. Our camping spot.

It was getting late in the day. Quickly we searched for a good place to set up the tent. The choices were few, as it was Father's Day weekend. Though we did manage to make our home for the night near the lake's edge. Good for swimming.

It took us no time to get the tent ready. With sweat pouring down our faces, it was time for a swim. And so we did. The little ones enjoyed riding the small waves made by the occasional boat passing by. The sandy beach was a pleasure as well. Even the eldest daughter enjoyed the cool water.

Time for a snack. Back to camp we went.
Snacktime!
"Take my picture by the grass!" he said.
Venturing.
The night fell fast upon us, but we were not yet through. Though the wind was a bit stiff, a fair fire had to be built. Even now we wonder if it were a wise decision. The land was parched. Grass browned in places. We were very careful to mind the flames and sparks.


A useful tip for those who like to pack lightly, or for those who tend to forget an important item like a lantern...

Make yourself a handy sack lantern! Here I have used a small flashlight, a Wal-Mart sack, and a roll of paper towels. Just stick the flashlight in the paper towel roll, puff up the sack a bit and put it over the light. The glow is just bright enough to see what you're doing. Cozy.

Finally exhausted, we all five crawled into the tent. Sleeping was not easy. The heat and humidity made for an uncomfortable time of it. The youngest daughter and I stayed awake most of the night. We made good use of our time watching a raccoon scavenge around picnic tables. Sara remarked that she'd not seen a raccoon like that before. I suspect she thought they'd be a bit more cartoonish and friendly looking. Even still, she admitted he was sort of cute.

The wind picked up, yet it offered no cooling relief. It only blew the tent around wildly and teased that it might refresh us. The moon rose and shown itself brightly through the fabric walls. Lovely. I found myself gazing at it for a good part of the night. And then, it was over. The sun began to cast pink on the clouds.


A quick bite to eat and down the tent came. We wasted no time. The stifling hot of day would soon return. Laughing and silly, homeward bound we were. Ah, another successful trip on the road. I look forward to the next one!

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End of March

The end of March is near. It comes too soon, it seems.

When it arrives, and even before, thoughts of someone important wash through my mind, filling the quiet corners. A shimmering melancholy.

It matters little how much space one puts between themselves and a place of sadness. Nor does time matter, the sorrow sits in the pit of one's soul. Lingering...

in training

Turn background music off here, then come back up.

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So the husband and I have a plan to run a 5K later this year. My idea, mostly. I'm crazy like that. The husband, he's very supportive, luckily, as there is much work to be done from now till then.

In effort to better prepare for the run, we have taken on the P90X program.



P90X in a word . . . WOW! Or maybe just, OW!

We are doing pretty well with the workouts, so far. Each day, rather night (for us), a different challenge to be had. Each morning a new muscle discovered, a very very sore muscle. The difficulty getting out of bed, we can only laugh at. "Ha ha!" we say, "T'was nothing, that P90X. What else have you? Tsk. Tsk." Then on with the day we go.

But this last night was different for me. Our challenge was a bit of yoga. Okay, Yoga X, as it is called. Not your normal let's do a few stretches and breathe a little, yoga. It is extreme, and done as instructed, will create loads of sweat to pour down the brow. And other places, not to mention.

Anyway. I was looking forward to yoga. Particularly after the previous night's workout involving the lifting of weights and the dreaded AbRipper X. Yeah. The AbRipper. Rip those abs! Ouch! And did I mention the X? Yes, it is extreme.

So, the yoga. What a lovely thing. Well over an hour of loveliness.

We were put through several, somewhat difficult, moves. Though I did this routine with the husband, I found myself more focused than expected, not paying attention so much to what he was doing.

Even more interesting, odd, and a little startling, I felt as though I might cry. What is this thing called yoga that causes tears to fall?

Now, normally, I only find myself crying when under extreme stress, or when recalling moments that are particularly sad. Even beautiful pieces of music cause mist in my eye on occasion.

But, exercise?

Fascinating.

Of course, the husband had no clue what I was experiencing. I believe he was focusing on his own moves. Even so, my ego got the best of me. I made jokes and acted cool, to cover my welling up emotion. He seemed a touch perturbed by this needless burst of humor.

Ah well.

And so it goes.

Tomorrow we will pump more iron and hit the chinning bar. If anyone cries, it'll only be because it hurts!

Bring it! ;oD

39

So this is what 39 is like~~

I slept through most of the day I reached this number, nearly forgetting it was my birthday. Haha!

Peaceful and comfortable it was~~

14

Since I've been away from the desk...
My first-born has turned 14!

Amazing, to be sure. I can hardly believe the day has come.

Happy Day to my "bringer of peace" every day! She is sunshine. :o)

fire and snow

Today marks a special occasion. Juicy snow fell from the sky.

Sure it was short-lived. But snow nonetheless.

We rarely see such a sight here, so the children were particularly excited. Though it was just a dusting. Not enough from which to build even a modest snow person.

I've scarcely had a moment, it seems, to enjoy the outside as much as I'd like. We've been a bit busy.

Yet, no matter how hurried I may be, my eye can not avoid the glow of leaves ablaze against a gray sky. It's as though the sunshine has been captured and kept in pockets on branches... and on the ground below. To give us warmth from the dark and chill.



No matter how I try, I can not recreate the radiance of the trees with my camera. There is such a sweet glow from them one can only see and feel whilst standing amongst them.

Whatever, I still photograph them. In hopes I should remember at least a touch of their fleeting beauty before wind peels leaves from branches... swirling, fluttering butterflies and flame.

the quiet

The quiet has been elusive as of late.

I've sought it in pockets of a day, though it runs screaming to the crash of an unknown chaos in other rooms. There is no time for a silent thought. Perhaps, it is best this way.

The quiet brings opportunities for contemplation. Things, one tends to pack away for later dealings, well up when the air is void of other suggestions. Those worries, old wounds, or lost moments of sunshine.

But on occasion, by accident, I've come across sounds that seep between gaps of the din, softening the noise a bit. Just enough peace. Giving clarity a smoother ride.

It could be, as I'm older, I'm learning to appreciate the way the light falls through the trees onto the faces of the children. And just as children do, I discover how brilliant the points of sunshine can be, slivers shimmering through the window shade. That even the tiniest flower, near-hidden in tangles of grass, has its place in the bouquet. How achingly beautiful it is. All of it.

sunshine

Today was a particularly lovely day.

After what seemed like weeks of rain and grayness, we've got sunshine! Nice.

And not just any sunshine. This is the clear and crisp kind. That which is surrounded by cool air and a sweet soft breeze. I love the fall. My favorite season to be sure.

After a quick mow to some thick lawn, I sat enjoying the afternoon, whilst the kiddos ran free in the yard. Camera phone in hand.

A wonky thing is wrong with the camera in my phone. An unreachable strange smudge is on the inside of the glass protecting the tiny lens. Nevertheless, at times, the camera produces pleasing effects and softness. Especially when it catches the sun just so.


Ian is certain Sara doesn't really need help riding the trike on the "circle". He's seen here coaching from his lawn chair, "She can do it. Come on."


The husband will enjoy this... Minimalism, I say. o_O


And so, we close this day with hopes for another one just as lovely... And a night sky as clear and full of sparkle...

happy day (^-^)

Happy Birthday, Babies!

cool blue

"It's bloody hot here!" the husband would say.

And so, much of this summer has been spent in the pool. Whilst I love a swim and a touch of the warm sun, I am very much looking forward to autumn. The fall is my favorite.

Now if only I'd a vid of the babies with their water-wings... Best to work on that soon!

busy bees

Since our move a few months ago, there has been loads of stuff to do!

A larger place means, larger furniture.
Though, I wonder if we've gone too large with this one!

A major improvement, to be sure, the walls behind the monster sofa are no longer blood red! I'll not miss the smell of primer anytime soon. My desire to paint has all but vanished, as well. Yet, there is still the kitchen to be done! Egad.

We did manage to hang a new light fixture over the dining table without much trouble. This is a big accomplishment. Ha ha!

Needless to say, we aren't finished with the work. But there has been progress. We'll be sure to keep you posted.




In the meantime, the lawn needs to mowed.

This, whilst my little man and his sister have a bit of fun.
A bit hard to believe this is a boy born 3 months too soon!
Way to go Ian!

In time, there will be more pics. Maybe a bit of video.

We've got lots of catching up to do~~