Snowmen by C

Someone's getting ready for winter! Every morning C made snowmen at school. Here's just a few -- but believe me, they came in all sizes and this was just the tip of the iceberg.

Perfect Saturday Night

P.S. Dear Santa -- do you see that hole in my slipper? I really need a new pair for this winter season. It was only 38 degrees here today. Burr.

H Had a Problem Getting Dressed This Morning

Right Outside our Windows

Yesterday ... today the trees are bare. And our sidewalks are covered.

Last Leaves

It raining now, so whatever leaves were left, are almost all gone. Here's a ginkgo tree that is right around the corner. They are by far the boy's favorite trees -- something they have in common with our area's famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. I don't remember them in Wisconsin when I grew up, but here, they are everywhere.

Does it Ever End?

We love our house. I mean, really LOVE our house. But gosh all mighty, will it be an incredible feeling when it's done. There's still a lot to do like painting windows (which is pretty major) and upstairs finishes. But this! THIS could be the last huge project we have to do.

Our porch has been supported by one small beam that has rotted over the years. It was something we indented/wanted to do during the complete house renovation. But alas, we didn't have the means to accomplish it back then. And over the years, we've had to prioritize other projects -- like the garage that was collapsing, or the fence with protruding nails that tipped into the sidewalk. Finally, it's time to give some loving to our porch. It will be great. But in the meantime, it's an absolute mess. I particularly love the newspaper that serves as insulation that fell out. Plus, because of the poor quality of the original construction of our home, there are now holes in our bedroom, which lies directly above it. (Clearly, this should have been a long time ago just for structural purposes.)

It shouldn't take too many days to finish, but poor Storm. He has an issue pooping while on his leash. Mind you, this is a dog that goes about four times a day. He's is going to have a really rough time of this if he doesn't change his ways. That, or we'll be begging friends to let him come over to use their toilet.

Our Friends in the News

Want to know a little more about our new First Lady Elect? The Elsmo Four posted a news clip featuring their very own Leif here. (Michelle Obama is Leif's boss -- and he has considered her his mentor for years.)

Etsy Pottery v1

Now that Halloween is over and Christmas is right around the corner, I thought I'd start showing off some of my favorite gift ideas from Etsy. Here are some pottery pieces I love.

UL ... Micro urchin bowls by Element Clay Studio
UR ... Gray vessel set by Up in the Air Somewhere
LL ... Sweet pea in red by Kim Westad:Ceramist
LR ... Lucky tiny text bowl by Paloma's Nest

Tonight from Illinois

This ... is happening 9 miles from our house. I have no interest in being there, but you can't help but feel the excitement. People on our quiet streets are sending off fireworks and shouting with joy. It looks like it's over.

(And now, I will say no more.)

Adiós España

I was hoping to get some better photographs than the random phone shots sent to us while Brian was away, but alas ... he's suffering some slight jet lag and crashed on the sofa, so I grabbed some images from his Facebook page. (That's legal when you are married, isn't it?) He was at what he calls "the most amazing place I've traveled to yet" -- a mountain bike park near Alicante, Spain called La Fenasosa. It was cold and rainy most of the time, but amazing. There were a couple main buildings that housed a bunch of MTB editors and downhill riders. It was a long week, but yep, basically a big party. It sounds like a blast.

It's A Good Day

Here's another photograph from Thatcher Woods. I love Fall. I think it's beautiful and romantic. (That being said, I hate what comes next. But let's not think of that yet.)

It's a good day. It's warm out (upper 60s). Mr. Pea comes home after eight days of being away (more on that later). And let's not forget, it's Election Day. The only thing that would make it better, in my opinion, is if this guy wins.

A Little Fresh Air

I thought it was supposed to rain today. It hasn't. In fact, it's another gorgeous Fall day in the 60s with blue skies. The candy from trick-or-treating is catching up with us, so we decided to get out for some fresh air and run around a bit. We hit Thatcher Woods, which has a nature center (complete with a fox, coyote, owl and other birds who happened to be snacking on mice while we were there) and easy trails for the boys to hike on. I'm not sure what it is, but Fall just seems to be lingering this year -- it's spectacular.

Thinks He's a Lap Dog

Here I am, minding my own business on the computer -- when suddenly, my 70 lb. dog who thinks he's small, jumped on my lap and covered me with kisses.

The End of Soccer Season 08

The Yellow Jackets season came to an end today. They won 7-1, and H was about a foot away from scoring a goal. Throughout the past couple months, they only lost one game. H did a great job. He improved and learned a ton -- and he hasn't taken his metal off yet. It was a very exciting season.