Happy 30th Birthday, Charlie!
Here you are at about six weeks of cuteness,
displaying the baby version of the Fist of Justice.
Here you are at about six weeks of cuteness,displaying the baby version of the Fist of Justice.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Letter from Miles
Dear Mommy and Daddy,
While you're out painting the town, O-Town, that is, I've been entertaining G & G, which is a big job for a little guy.
Grandma and I had an uneventful trip to St. Peter, listening to Tony Bennett duets on a CD. I especially liked it when he sang with James Taylor. Those boys have both stood the test of time, by golly. I didn't sleep at all in the car, but I had a dreamy look on my face when Tony crooned with Paul McCartney. For a toddler, I have eclectic taste in music.
At G & G's house, Grandma chased me for a while, then we took turns making mouth noises and imitating each other. She's pretty good at copying me, but I don't try out the hard stuff on her. I walked around the house to check out things at eye-level, now that walking is my preferred mode of travel. It's fun to spin toilet paper rolls and take books off bookshelves. Around 5:15 I happened to go past the high chair and Grandma got the idea that I was looking for food. You can see in the picture below that I gave a spoon my best shot. I need to check with Hannah about how long it takes to train a spoon to work efficiently. Personally, I like grabbing a handful of food so I can enjoy the colorful coating it leaves on my hands and face.
Grandpappy got home about the time I finished eating, so he got himself situated (sounds like a euphemism for something weird, doesn't it?) while Grandma gave me a bath. I wasn't very happy in the tub tonight. Grandma was afraid the water was too hot (no), too cold (no), but it was just right. We kept bath time short and sweet, and she found out why I was upset as we were finishing up. I had a sharty wedge irritating my buttskie, and once that was removed, I cheered up.
I dried off in my soft yellow bath towel, and Grandpappy fetched some lotion to help my chapped hands and thighs feel better. Being Scandinavian has a few drawbacks, mostly related to the way sub-zero weather affects my tender skin. Gees, you'd think Norwegians and Swedes would have genetic protection against chapping!
What else did I do tonight? Hmm... after my bath I played some more, I ran around, and I was really cute. I know that sounds vain, Mommy and Daddy...you didn't raise me to be conceited. I'm just quoting Grandma and Grandpappy.
By 6:45 I was running out of steam, so Grandpa read to me.
While we were reading, I looked out of the corner of my eye and saw Grandma take m-i-l-k out of the refrigerator. I could barely wait until she took the chill off and brought my bottle to me. I snuggled up to Grandma while I drank my milk. I felt like I was going to doze off, and then that "second wind" you hear so much about kicked in. Woo hoo!
Rosie and I played and I acted silly for a while, but it wasn't long before the floor started tipping and I couldn't stay on my feet. If you've ever experienced this, you know that it's time for bed.
I'm sleeping now, and Grandma is downstairs, watching TV. Grandpa is downstairs, too, but he's snoring. I guess I wore him out. I can only imagine how he'll do when Lead Cousin Hannah, the Twin Ziggies, and I all come to visit at once! Have a good time tonight, Mom and Dad. Grandma and I are glad you have a police officer escorting you around town. She says you're lucky to have a friend who knows the law, just in case painting the town gets out of control.
See you tomorrow.
Love, Miles J.
While you're out painting the town, O-Town, that is, I've been entertaining G & G, which is a big job for a little guy.
Grandma and I had an uneventful trip to St. Peter, listening to Tony Bennett duets on a CD. I especially liked it when he sang with James Taylor. Those boys have both stood the test of time, by golly. I didn't sleep at all in the car, but I had a dreamy look on my face when Tony crooned with Paul McCartney. For a toddler, I have eclectic taste in music.
At G & G's house, Grandma chased me for a while, then we took turns making mouth noises and imitating each other. She's pretty good at copying me, but I don't try out the hard stuff on her. I walked around the house to check out things at eye-level, now that walking is my preferred mode of travel. It's fun to spin toilet paper rolls and take books off bookshelves. Around 5:15 I happened to go past the high chair and Grandma got the idea that I was looking for food. You can see in the picture below that I gave a spoon my best shot. I need to check with Hannah about how long it takes to train a spoon to work efficiently. Personally, I like grabbing a handful of food so I can enjoy the colorful coating it leaves on my hands and face.
Grandpappy got home about the time I finished eating, so he got himself situated (sounds like a euphemism for something weird, doesn't it?) while Grandma gave me a bath. I wasn't very happy in the tub tonight. Grandma was afraid the water was too hot (no), too cold (no), but it was just right. We kept bath time short and sweet, and she found out why I was upset as we were finishing up. I had a sharty wedge irritating my buttskie, and once that was removed, I cheered up.
I dried off in my soft yellow bath towel, and Grandpappy fetched some lotion to help my chapped hands and thighs feel better. Being Scandinavian has a few drawbacks, mostly related to the way sub-zero weather affects my tender skin. Gees, you'd think Norwegians and Swedes would have genetic protection against chapping!
What else did I do tonight? Hmm... after my bath I played some more, I ran around, and I was really cute. I know that sounds vain, Mommy and Daddy...you didn't raise me to be conceited. I'm just quoting Grandma and Grandpappy.
By 6:45 I was running out of steam, so Grandpa read to me.
While we were reading, I looked out of the corner of my eye and saw Grandma take m-i-l-k out of the refrigerator. I could barely wait until she took the chill off and brought my bottle to me. I snuggled up to Grandma while I drank my milk. I felt like I was going to doze off, and then that "second wind" you hear so much about kicked in. Woo hoo!Rosie and I played and I acted silly for a while, but it wasn't long before the floor started tipping and I couldn't stay on my feet. If you've ever experienced this, you know that it's time for bed.
I'm sleeping now, and Grandma is downstairs, watching TV. Grandpa is downstairs, too, but he's snoring. I guess I wore him out. I can only imagine how he'll do when Lead Cousin Hannah, the Twin Ziggies, and I all come to visit at once! Have a good time tonight, Mom and Dad. Grandma and I are glad you have a police officer escorting you around town. She says you're lucky to have a friend who knows the law, just in case painting the town gets out of control.
See you tomorrow.
Love, Miles J.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Mouth noises
For years, Annie had an alter-ego named Sister Anne. "Sister Anne to the Rescue" was her theme song. Let it be known that Sister Anne has a Mini-Me, Sister Miley.
Sorry, Miles. That's not the most flattering photo of you, but it captures your nunliness well.
When you watch this video, ask yourself how Miles gets such crazy ideas.
Sorry, Miles. That's not the most flattering photo of you, but it captures your nunliness well.When you watch this video, ask yourself how Miles gets such crazy ideas.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Baby it's cold outside
In case you're from Mars (*see below), it's cold and snowy in Minnesota this winter. Big, big story on the 6 o'clock news. A range of area residents were featured tonight, lending their expertise and/or opinions to the Big News of the Day.
How should I keep warm?
"It's all about layers," according to the 14 year-old cold weather clothing expert/employee from Scheel's (Okay, maybe he's 20. I'm sure a guy has to be at least 20 to complete the required training to be a cold weather expert for a place like Scheel's.) His advice:
"Yah, you betcha, we've got expensive stuff you can buy to take the guesswork out of keeping warm. I recommend you start with a next-to-the-body Super-Fiber layer that wicks perspiration away. Don't be taken in by natural fibers: cotton absorbs perspiration and you'll turn to ice if you wear it next to your skin. Toss out those BVD's, boys and girls. Next comes the first medial layer of Super Duper Human-Made Fiber to act as a holding layer for the wicked perspiration. Then, add a second medial layer of Miracle Weave Artificial Cloth to continue the wicking. Now add the First Outer Layer to act as a buffer layer between the medial layers and Outer-Outer layer. Next comes a quality Techno-Outer-Outer layer that computes the relative humidity and gradually stimulates dissipation of the wicked perspiration that has moved by process of transpiration from the naked body through each of the other layers. Next comes the Shell Layer to ward off that pesky wind chill, and finally the sometimes-necessary Bulky Jacket Layer for those really really cold days. If you are an ice fisherperson, we also recommended the Schell's layer, which is a six-pack of beer that serves as a final protective layer. Sorry that none of these items is on sale right now, but you shouldn't take any chances on the safety of your skin."
There's a person in there somewhere.
Kids were in school today. What about recess?
Area principal Trav O. reports that outside recess cancelled today at his school and other schools in the region. Says T.O., "Kids enjoy it. It's something different."
What do medical personal have to say?
"Skin can freeze quickly when temperature and windchill are in the 20's below zero. Wear something on your head because you lose a lot of heat from your head." This, according to an area physician, who then muttered something like, "Why do reporters keep asking these questions? Don't people ever use common sense?"
What about older folks?
A spokesperson for area retirees was spotted cleaning off her sidewalks this afternoon. Her secret to staying alive in cold weather? "I shovel for a while and when I get chilly I go inside and warm up, then come out and do a little more,"--this said with a look on her face that indicated she thought the reporter was a dope for even asking.
If you're under two years old or if you just moved here from the Sahara Desert, these weather stories may be news to you. If you are a Minnesotan in her late 50's, maybe not so much.
* About Mars:
I wonder what Al Gore is thinking about the recent evidence that Mars is heating up at about the same rate as Earth? I suppose he'll be on a mission to help those cute little Martians reduce their carbon footprints, too. Good luck, Al!
How should I keep warm?
"It's all about layers," according to the 14 year-old cold weather clothing expert/employee from Scheel's (Okay, maybe he's 20. I'm sure a guy has to be at least 20 to complete the required training to be a cold weather expert for a place like Scheel's.) His advice:
"Yah, you betcha, we've got expensive stuff you can buy to take the guesswork out of keeping warm. I recommend you start with a next-to-the-body Super-Fiber layer that wicks perspiration away. Don't be taken in by natural fibers: cotton absorbs perspiration and you'll turn to ice if you wear it next to your skin. Toss out those BVD's, boys and girls. Next comes the first medial layer of Super Duper Human-Made Fiber to act as a holding layer for the wicked perspiration. Then, add a second medial layer of Miracle Weave Artificial Cloth to continue the wicking. Now add the First Outer Layer to act as a buffer layer between the medial layers and Outer-Outer layer. Next comes a quality Techno-Outer-Outer layer that computes the relative humidity and gradually stimulates dissipation of the wicked perspiration that has moved by process of transpiration from the naked body through each of the other layers. Next comes the Shell Layer to ward off that pesky wind chill, and finally the sometimes-necessary Bulky Jacket Layer for those really really cold days. If you are an ice fisherperson, we also recommended the Schell's layer, which is a six-pack of beer that serves as a final protective layer. Sorry that none of these items is on sale right now, but you shouldn't take any chances on the safety of your skin."
There's a person in there somewhere.
Kids were in school today. What about recess?Area principal Trav O. reports that outside recess cancelled today at his school and other schools in the region. Says T.O., "Kids enjoy it. It's something different."
What do medical personal have to say?
"Skin can freeze quickly when temperature and windchill are in the 20's below zero. Wear something on your head because you lose a lot of heat from your head." This, according to an area physician, who then muttered something like, "Why do reporters keep asking these questions? Don't people ever use common sense?"
What about older folks?
A spokesperson for area retirees was spotted cleaning off her sidewalks this afternoon. Her secret to staying alive in cold weather? "I shovel for a while and when I get chilly I go inside and warm up, then come out and do a little more,"--this said with a look on her face that indicated she thought the reporter was a dope for even asking.
If you're under two years old or if you just moved here from the Sahara Desert, these weather stories may be news to you. If you are a Minnesotan in her late 50's, maybe not so much.
* About Mars:
I wonder what Al Gore is thinking about the recent evidence that Mars is heating up at about the same rate as Earth? I suppose he'll be on a mission to help those cute little Martians reduce their carbon footprints, too. Good luck, Al!
Layered clothing for Martians
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Uff da, and I'm not even Norwegian
I made a mistake today. Okay, I make mistakes everyday, but today's was a particularly stupid mistake. In an effort to free up space on my laptop, I decided to transfer school files I don't know if I'll need again but don't want to completely eliminate (Children's Lit, Adolescent Lit, stuff like that) and some personal files related to family (Christmas letters, wedding and shower lists and addresses, anniversary silliness and such) to a CD-RW. So I did it. And, in an effort to be organized and tidy, I trashed the originals as I moved files onto the CD. Then, I emptied the trash. Then, I burned the CD. Then, I found out that the files on the burned CD wouldn't open because the originals could not be found. Oh dear.
My usual response to this kind of error would be two parts ranting, three parts raving, and several additional parts swearing. Apparently the brain cells and/or nerve paths that incite anger over such stoopidity aren't working for me today. I'm feeling dumbfounded rather than upset. It's time for assisted living, kids. Move me in next week.
My usual response to this kind of error would be two parts ranting, three parts raving, and several additional parts swearing. Apparently the brain cells and/or nerve paths that incite anger over such stoopidity aren't working for me today. I'm feeling dumbfounded rather than upset. It's time for assisted living, kids. Move me in next week.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year, one and all
A peek out into the sunroom this morning revealed what first seemed to be glass bits scattered all over the floor and a spray of barf on the ceiling. My first thought was that New Year's Eve revelers had broken in last night. "Revelers" conjures up an image of party-goers with noise-makers and paper hats roaming the streets in a wild state of mayhem. I mentally pictured drunken revelers wandering up Church Street just after midnight, peering in windows to find just the right place to kick off 2009 by creating chaos that would go down in St. Peter history. "Yup, Ernie, I remember way back in 'ought nine, your great-great grandparents' sun room was the scene of New Year's revelry we haven't seen the likes of since, and aren't likely to ever see again."
The crime scene:
The picture I took of the floor with its supposed glass chunks and shards (oops, I almost wrote "sharts") strewn from one end of the room to the other doesn't do justice to the destruction. Neither does the picture of the ceiling, but at least you can see some of the icy, frozen spray stuck there during the wild activity that took place while we peacefully slept. The spray was EVERYWHERE..all down the shades on the patio side of the room, to the top of and half way across the painted wall, as far away as the fireplace, covering the back, top, and seat area of the smaller couch, on and under the table, on the two floor lamps from top to bottom, in both sliding door tracks, and more.
The culprits:
Needless to say, we haven't used the sunroom for a few days because of cold temps. In order to clean up without everything melting and dripping or soaking into fabric and such, I've been out there cleaning up in the cold. I swept up as much of the ice as I could, washed the walls and the ceiling, and have one of the shades cleaned. I'm warmed up now, so it's time to go back out and wash the other pop-soaked shade, do one more sweep of the floor, then warm the room up so the small puddles of cherry Pepsi that are frozen to the floor can melt and I can wash the floor without the water freezing. Hey-- maybe that would be a good idea--we could turn the room into a skating rink.
Ooooohhhhhh..I suddenly had a flashback to a New Year's Day many years ago when a couple of kids I know kicked a can of blue paint down the stairs into the basement. Anybody else remember??
The crime scene:
The picture I took of the floor with its supposed glass chunks and shards (oops, I almost wrote "sharts") strewn from one end of the room to the other doesn't do justice to the destruction. Neither does the picture of the ceiling, but at least you can see some of the icy, frozen spray stuck there during the wild activity that took place while we peacefully slept. The spray was EVERYWHERE..all down the shades on the patio side of the room, to the top of and half way across the painted wall, as far away as the fireplace, covering the back, top, and seat area of the smaller couch, on and under the table, on the two floor lamps from top to bottom, in both sliding door tracks, and more.The culprits:
Needless to say, we haven't used the sunroom for a few days because of cold temps. In order to clean up without everything melting and dripping or soaking into fabric and such, I've been out there cleaning up in the cold. I swept up as much of the ice as I could, washed the walls and the ceiling, and have one of the shades cleaned. I'm warmed up now, so it's time to go back out and wash the other pop-soaked shade, do one more sweep of the floor, then warm the room up so the small puddles of cherry Pepsi that are frozen to the floor can melt and I can wash the floor without the water freezing. Hey-- maybe that would be a good idea--we could turn the room into a skating rink.Ooooohhhhhh..I suddenly had a flashback to a New Year's Day many years ago when a couple of kids I know kicked a can of blue paint down the stairs into the basement. Anybody else remember??
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