Putting It Into Gear

The first part of this gorgeous day was definitely in the slower low gears with some downstairs cleaning, a bit of school, bill-paying and loads of lovely laundry. A surprise pizza delivery by a friend fueled the afternoon but then my gear slammed into reverse on the bike path as I realized that outdoor running is significantly more exhausting than running through my house. I had to backtrack my "Couch to 5k" progress about three weeks when I pound the pavement outside rather than in. But even though it may be in reverse, I'm still in gear. And finally, the time has come to teach Jubal how to shift gears, as he received his driver's permit today. I believe that puts parenthood into fifth gear for Jim and me. Yikes!

Eggs-cellent Birthing Plan

After a science lesson, which contained a discussion of the various degrees to which birds care for their eggs, this was Nolan's thought:
"You know, I'm really glad that God designed humans to have babies instead of laying eggs. Knowing you Mom, you would have lost one of us..... 'Where's Nolan? I thought I put him next to my keys?' "


The fact that later on in the day, I spent 15 minutes searching for the car keys, makes me think he's right. Hurray for live birth!


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Finding Your Place In History

While discussing the Feudal System and general life in Medieval Times with the kids during History today, it became so clear that Nolan is a man born out of his time. Here are some excerpts from one of our books that brought me to this conclusion:

(regarding sons of a castle lord) "Reading and writing were thought of no importance; in fact, it was usually considered a waste of time to learn such things."
(regarding the preparation for a knighting ceremony) "To get ready for this ceremony, first, he bathed. This may not seem worth mentioning, but in those days one very rarely took a bath, sometimes not for years."
(regarding table manners) "There were no forks nor spoons nor plates nor saucers nor napkins. Everyone ate with his fingers and licked them or wiped them on his clothes."

Nolan would not have just survived in this era, he would have thrived!

Sweet

Could there be a better pair than dark chocolate and espresso beans?


A week ago we took a tour of Wilbur's Chocolate Factory in Freeport. Our guide was the founder and owner of this thriving local business.






He and his wife began making their own chocolates over twenty years ago with one piece of machinery in his basement. They now ship all over the state and country as well as providing most of the chocolate and candy that you find up the street at L.L. Bean.


I highly recommend combining education and chocolate into a field trip.






Nolan came home with a small bag of the chocolate covered espresso beans. ...mmmmm. He's shared some with me and made them last a lot longer than I would have. I'll be getting my own bag to bring as a treat on the AT hike. That's a bit of added weight that I'll be glad to carry.


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