Introducing Sir Arthur

Back in September we adopted a second little stray kitty as a companion for Tofu. Since then, Sir Arthur has become an established part of our family, but I have yet to officially introduce him on my blog. So behold: Sir Arthur!

Arthur & Tofu are pretty good friends now


And his "Daddy" and "Uncle Todd" (and his "Mommy," of course!) seem to think he's a pretty good addition to the family. :)

Tomato Massacre

So much for our tomatoes this year! Evidently these guys agree with us that our cherry tomatoes are pretty tasty.

We had enjoyed lots already, with promise of plenty more (probably until the first frost), but when we returned from vacation, the garden was devastated. Between the worms and the drought, it just didn't stand a chance. :(

Legos!

Something in the sound, feel, sight, or maybe even the smell...you're just never too old to enjoy a good afternoon with a miscellaneous box of Legos. Certain pieces have always captured my imagination--the windows with shutters that open and shut, the fake trees and flowers, the transparent blue, red, and green blocks, the strange little yellow people with painted-on clothes... I look at the box of pieces and quaint tableaux pop together in my mind.

On the other hand, what the guys see in the little plastic building blocks is the potential to create functioning, technical models. Where I see a story, they see the tools of invention. More power to them! In the end, we all had a great time. :)

Tofu got in on the fun

Todd and Eric worked on designing a propulsion system for a styrofoam "boat." They used a Lego robotics set that Eric uncovered in our storage room.

And it worked!

Comparisons

After living in our house a year and a half, it seems like a good time for a few comparison shots. :)

Front

Driveway

Back

Fun, Sweat, and Italian Ice

Last weekend our big project was removing half of our circular gravel driveway. We've wanted to do it since we first bought the house, so it's a great feeling of accomplishment to finally have it done. Both Todd and Eric enjoyed our rented Bobcat...

The whole process was a lot of hard work, though, especially spreading the top soil by hand.

Having worked up a sweat, we enjoyed a refreshing treat: Italian Ice. Tofu insisted that sleeping was hard work, too, and that she deserved a treat.

And this morning I'm proud to announce that our baby grass is sprouting!

"I want to eat it"

We enjoy following the adventures of "No Impact Man" and this week he had a cute post about lightning bugs and his daughter, Isabella. Click here for that post.

Or click here for a fun list of things to do with a 2-year-old when TV isn't an option. :)

Rain and Dazzle

Today was gloriously drizzly all day long! I've always loved a good drippy day (especially if it includes staying at home with a good book and my faithful lap-kitty). But today, even though I spent the whole time behind my desk, it was extra special. There's nothing like a drought to make you appreciate frizzy hair and damp feet. ;)

This evening it cleared up and dazzled our tiger lilies.

Comfy Kitty

It didn't take long for Tofu to discover the new fuzzy white chair we got at Ikea a week ago. Combined with her favorite fuzzy green blanket, this is her new "happy place." :)

Celebrating the Day of Independence

What better way to celebrate independence than to leave the world--and its cares--behind us for a couple hours? Who needs fireworks and flags... :)

Eric got "shotgun"

My alma mater

This was my view as I got blasted by 100 mph wind and Todd took aerial photos.


Here's the new church in our little town--a rival to the "church on the hill." For those of you who care about such things, please notice what a nice steeple it has. :)

Office Transformation

The big news in my work life is that in two weeks, my assistant starts. Hooray!!! I really can't express how excited I am about this, since for the last two years my workload has been pretty heavy.

In preparation, my boss gave me permission to shop for new office furniture that will be more two-person friendly. Accordingly, last week I spent a day at Ikea. Here's the comparison:

Before....

After

The end result is much lighter and more organized, plus there's a definite divide between the two work spaces (before it was a solid line of warped brown folding tables along that wall).

Now if the tooth fairy or the Easter bunny would come and steal my deadlines away, everything would just be peachy....

Hawaiian Vacation

Even Lady Liberty needs a break now and then. What better time than for the 4th of July holiday? :)

This was a fun little Photoshop project. Here's the original:

It's...the...week...end....

The weekend is here and not a moment too soon. I wish you all a restful and renewing Sabbath!

Jellyfish Wednesday

My batteries are getting pretty drained at work--pressing deadlines and so little time! Wouldn't it be nice to be a jelly fish instead?

(I took this pic on our trip to the aquarium a few months ago)

Dry is Relative

Apparently Tennessee is in the midst of a severe drought, the worst in 117 years (recorded history). Our grass is crispy, and our garden has been quite thirsty. Worse yet, the bunnies are running low on wild fresh, green, leafy things and have turned to the domesticated variety.

However, after visiting Southern California for a week, Tennessee doesn't look quite so dry. :) On the other hand, the California vegetation reminded me strongly of my childhood.

Exhibit A: Jacarandas

I haven't seen these blooming in years!

My tropical blood is also strongly attracted to palm trees...


...and beaches.

Venice Beach in LA was like a foreign country!

Then there was the fruit. Flavorful and abundant! Almost every yard had citrus, pomegranate, avocado, and other trees heavy with fruit.

While exploring the farmers' market, I had to buy some real California apricots. After all, I've heard all my life that they're the only ones worth anything. And Yum! :)

House Bound

The last couple days haven't been so much fun. In fact,
I've been like this:

And alternately, like this:

But this morning I'm tentatively nibbling on a banana, and things are going well so far....

These are a Few of My Favorite Things...

Despite a very dry Spring, our yard continues to produce an amazing variety of color, taste, and texture. While I didn't get a photo of it, we enjoyed our very first yellow raspberry this week--broke it in half so we could both get a taste. :)

Red hot pokers

Baby grapes!


Our very first blueberries


Flowers, flowers everywhere