Meandering Monday

Well, I really need to do my Memory Monday again, but I couldn't figure out how to tie it all together with Mothers Day and blog gifts, etc. So, once again, I am going to have to put off my Memory Monday for another week. I was just too excited to share a few Mothers Day fun things and give a shout out to some amazing bloggers! First of all, I got this great e-mail from my big sis, Janene. It was a hoot, and you have probably seen it before, but I had to share it! WHY GOD MADE MOMS Hope you have a good laugh... Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions: Why did God make mothers? 1. She's the only one who knows where the Scotch tape is. 2. Mostly to clean the house. 3. To help us out when we were getting born. How did God make mothers? 1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us. 2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring. 3. God made my mom just the same like He made me. He just used bigger parts. What ingredients are mothers made of ? 1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean. 2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think. Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom? 1. We're related. 2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me. What kind of little girl was your mom? 1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff. 2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy. 3. They say she used to be nice. What did mom need to know about dad before she married him? 1. His last name. 2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer? 3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores? Why did your mom marry your dad? 1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot. 2. She got too old to do anything else with him. 3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.. Who's the boss at your house? 1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball. 2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed. 3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad. What's the difference between moms & dads? 1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work. 2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them. 3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's. 4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine. What does your mom do in her spare time? 1. Mothers don't do spare time. 2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long. What would it take to make your mom perfect? 1. On the inside she's already perfect... Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery. 2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue. If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be? 1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that. 2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me. 3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head. So, I had a fun Mothers Day, with both my sons and my hubby making me breakfast in bed, then giving me a few fun gifts. My hubby, Bret, had commented on the blog of this amazing blogger, Suzanne, from Just Another Hangup, as she was having a Mothers Day giveaway. She had picked someone randomly for the first prize----a great tote, but then had loved what my hubby wrote so much----which was a huge paragraph, by the by, that she sent him one for me!! Isn't she the coolest person? Bret did write so many amazing things about me----I was so touched.... Did I mention that he is my best friend and such a fantastic person? This is the amazing tote! Isn't it beautiful? Then, my little guy made me a great wall hanging in Cub Scouts. Don't they make the cutest things in Cub Scouts? And he got me a coupon book for doing things for me..... ....but then after he took a closer look at it, he wanted to take some of them out. What a cutie. After church, we came home and as I relaxed, the boys and Bret made me dinner. My daughter Brinna showed up just as we were finishing the great meal of chicken, fish, rice, and corn on the cob. We had cinnamon rolls for dessert. My daughter brought me a really cool gift basket filled with lots of fun things that I love! A mug for my hot chocolate, filled with raspberry chocolate Lindt's, a beautiful scarf, (coral colored) some perfume, a "green shopping bag" and the pi'ece de re'sistance? An amazing hat! A cloche hat---which is my favorite style. I LOVE IT! I had seen it in a cute, funky store in Western MA when we were out there over spring break, but didn't want to spend the extra money for it. And she got it for me! Yes, here we are with all the cool stuff---isn't my daughter beautiful? (haven't I mentioned that?) And this is a close-up of the hat---because I HAD to wear it today. And of course, here is the whole outfit----which I think works well with the funkiness of the hat. Lovin' my skinny jeans! Then, to top it all off, my daughter, Maryn called me and we talked for about an hour and a half. And my other daughter, Hailey, called to talk as she was driving her second child, Ethan, to the emergency room---had a spill and gashed his head! So, other than that----it was a perfect day! I also got an award-----my FIRST EVER! It was given to me from Karen at A Peek At Karen's World. Apparently I am Awe-Summ! (well, in my own mind, anyway) And here are some Awe-Summ things about me: (seven to be exact, which is really bugging me, because I hate odd numbers---and I found it hard to come up with things that I haven't already written about!) 1. I used to make answering machine messages for a business---it was called "Message Mania" and I did all types of dialects, and lots of funky messages for every holiday, etc. Go figure----crazy voice messages---who would have known? 2. People fascinate me! I am a people watcher from way back. I absolutely love to watch people, figure out what they do, or where they are going, or what is happening in the relationship with the people that they are with. I watch them in parks, airports, the mall, grocery stores,----well, you get the idea. (but this doesn't make me a peeping tom---NO!) 3. I learned how to sew and make bread from scratch when I was the ripe old age of 8. I used to go to 4-H----and thats how I learned----and when I was growing up, I used to sew my own clothes, because it was too expensive to buy any. (I had to buy my own clothes from the time that I was about 12) 4. I always wanted to be a standup comedienne----in fact, I am the choir director at my church, and I try out all my stuff on them. They are a rapt audience, as they can't really go anywhere. But its always been on my bucket list. 5. I would love to live in a different country every few years. I would adore living in the English countryside, or in London, or in Italy, or France. What an amazing thing to experience! And it would only make it better if my kids could come and live there too. 5. I did many national commercials----about 25-35, I think. I kind of lost track, as some of them were Regional commercials and they were upgraded to national by picking up more regions. And yes, I am a member of SAG and AFTRA---Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of TV and Radio Assoc.----but I am on honorary leave, until I decide to do commercials and film again. Who knows? I may be able to do old lady commercials someday. 6. Well, we all know that I love my children, but did you know that I ADORE babies? If I could have had just babies and not had to raise them----well, let me back up----I don't really like the carrying of them or the labor----but the babies-----I would have had a dozen! I love their little cries, their mews, their smell, the total dependency upon you. It is such an amazing experience to hold those sweet things---they make me cry just thinking about them. 7. I always used to sing to my little ones when they were getting ready to go to sleep. We would read and then I would sing "Hush, You By" or one of the others that they loved. Maryn had to have the same songs every night until she was about 9 years old. And they had to be in order! Last year I made a CD for my kids---with several of those songs on them----I hope that they will dust them off and listen to them once in a while.... Well. Thats all that I can think of! (I actually had to ask both my daughters and my hubby for suggestions, as I couldn't think of different things....) I am supposed to tag seven bloggers that are fairly new to me, but I think that most of them have already been tagged, so I am going to tag: 1. Hailey at Hailey Tracks 2. Zelzee at Zelzee 3. Audrey at Audrey Eclectic 4. Jewels at Blonde Canary 5. Alyson at New England Living 6. Rhonda at Because Mom Said So 7. Michelle at Yummy Mommy So, if you ladies already have gotten this award before----just enjoy me giving it to you again----you are all awesome! And then just ignore me for the rest. I'm used to it.

Fabulous Find For A Friday----A Hunk, A Hunk, Yes, A Hunk

Sometimes I like to go to movies by myself. I think that I wrote about this several years ago, believe it or not. So, last Friday, when I was feeling especially thrashed and needing an outlet, I decided to go to a movie.

But I decided to see if anyone wanted to go with me, first.

So, on Thursday, I tried to call my daughter, Brinna, to see if she would meet and go with me. The new X-Men movie was opening and since we had enjoyed the others, I thought that it was right up her alley. And there were many reasons to see it, so I thought that she would want to go. Besides, she could spend time with moi, and what could be more fun, right?


Well, she said that she had a gig that next day, Friday.

Me: What time?

Her: Well.....er.......ah.......its early this week.

Me: Well, I am planning on going, at, like, 11:30 a.m., as I have to be back for Aydan's bus at 2:50 p.m.

Her: Oh, yeah......well......I have to be there at 5:00.....

Me: Uh, huh.......(I'm thinking, yeah---and that gives you at least 3 hours to get there!)
Well, where is it?

Her: Ummmm,......well,........I'm not sure, but I think that its far away.....

Me: Ok. Well, maybe another time.


WHA? Yeah, I thought, whatever. Obviously didn't want to get out of bed before noon and drive for an hour to meet her Mum for some great conversation, snacks and hot bodies on the screen.

Kids.

So, I called my son, Clayton. He has also gone with me to all the X-Men movies.

He: Hey!

Me: Do you want to go to X-Men with me? It is opening tomorrow.

He: Oh---wow----what time?

Me: Well, I have to go during the day----before noon, so I can get some other things done before Aydan gets home.

He: Oh.......well, I don't think that I can.

Me: Why?

He: Well, I have school now, Mom. (like----duh, Mom!)

Me: Oh, ok----so you can't skip that class, huh?

He: (laughing a bit) Mom, you aren't supposed to say that! I'm trying to get everything done in the next two weeks, because we have finals coming up!

Me: Ok, never mind.....




So, long story short, I went by myself.


I thought that I deserved it.


I know that I deserved it.


I got hot buttered popcorn, Twizzlers, and a diet coke/coke mix. (only because they didn't have Pepsi---acckkk)


And by dang, I really dug this film! Yes, it was a far cry from my foreign and independent films----(of which are about the only films that I see) full of special effects and pretty good acting----nothing spectacular, but I enjoyed it immensely!

And it was all because of this guy. Maybe you recognize him. He's a song and dance man.
From Australia. BLOODY good looking and man, has he worked out for this film.
You know.......in the physical sort of way.


I couldn't stop smiling. Of course, I am looking at his human form from an artist's point of view.
Totally admiring the bone structure and ah.....muscle mass.

The other guy in the film is pretty awesome too. Liev Schreiber.


But nothing like Hugh Jackman. I mean, the BODY on that guy!! Do you remember seeing Brad Pitt, in Fight Club? (that's the ONLY reason I saw the DVD, by the way) Well, that so far was the most chiseled body that I had ever seen, but this one-----well, it ain't bad.


So, I recommend the movie. Lots of fun, some special effects, and some wicked good fight scenes, but I would even recommend it as a chick flick. What?....you might say.


Yes, trust me. There are definitely parts that will be appreciated just by the ladies.....and the guys just won't understand when you let out a few oooh's and aaah's.

I mean, we are only human, after all. "Artistic" humans, that is.

Brimfield Blogger Bash!

Well, first of all, I have to give a shout out to Jessica James----the amazing author of "Shades of Gray". I belong to GoodReads, which is a fantastic site that logs your books read and those that you want to read----and gives you a chance to share books with others. I love it!

I used to have all these lists of books that I want to read around in my daytimer, or my sketch book, or on my to-do lists (I have to have at least 5 a day----to remember----yeah----you guessed it----no brain). But now I just compile it on GoodReads and I can decide what book that I want to read next! Great!

Well, one of the books that I had put on there to read was the aforementioned book by Ms. James. So, she sent me a message a few months ago----asking me to go on over to her blog and check it out. Then, a few weeks after that, she decided to have a book giveaway. And-----well, you guessed it again-----I won one of the giveaways! YAY me!

So, on Saturday, I got this great book in the mail----signed by Jessica herself, with a really nice note to me..... It was amazing! Thanks so much, Jessica! I can't wait to get reading it. As soon as I finish my current book, I will start this one. So------go right on over and check out her blog and read up on her book-----she is one talented gal----lots of awards and such.

Here I am with my new book. I'm rockin' the headband---fun!

Now, the next thing that I would like to blog about is very exciting for me! I know that I am supposed to be doing a Memory Monday post this week---so I apologize for those of you that have been waiting for that next trip down memory lane. (Anyway, my mother in law came today, and I was going crazy cleaning and cleaning and freaking out about----well----just having her stay with us for a few days---you know how that is----like to have everything perfect----aaaccckkkk!)


Anywho, I will have to put it off for next week, because-------my friends, I have come up with a REALLY GREAT IDEA!

No, I mean it! It is a smashing idea!


I had been trying to get a blogger brunch get-together for all the ladies or gents, (if they really want to come) that live in the Boston/NH/Conn. area. Now, all of you that don't live out here may be thinking that we are crazy to try and combine three or four states together for a blogging outing.....but folks, this is New England! It takes a couple of hours to cross a state here! Heh, heh.

And I have been mentioning The Brimfield Antiques Fair in some of my comments to others, as it is one of my favorite places to go-----and its so fun to shop for----well, just about anything that you are looking for! The Antiques Fair takes place in Brimfield, MA and is right off of Interstate 90, so it is fairly close to everyone in these three states, and we could all meet at a certain time, and at a certain place----walk around, take pics, and have lunch in the outdoor picnic area or we could do dinner in a restaurant nearby....

So, the date is: SATURDAY, MAY 16, and the website is here, so you can check out the address, as well as how to get directions, etc. Its free! But parking is about $5.00, depending on how close you park.

Believe me, it is worth the trip to spend the day at this fun outdoor antique fair! There are about 3000 vendors and shops, and there is something for everyone. I borrowed some great pictures that I found online----from Karen at this site----after letting her know, of course----I don't want to be accused of that "P" word! Thanks, Karen!

So, this will show you a bit of what is in store if you join us:











SO, HAVE I GOT YOU EXCITED TO SPEND THE DAY WITH US??

Bring your vans or trucks so you can carry lots of great stuff home, or just bring your recycled bags to fill up! If you are thinking of purchasing----cash is the best way, but some places will take a check. Dress for whatever the weather may be----as some years it has been pouring, and others it is sunburns all around---so dress appropriately. I will have my hubby and my little guy with me, as well as the two puppies, as pets are welcome, if you clean up after them----if you know what I mean----so bring family if they want to come......or just yourself!
(My hubby is very much in touch with his feminine side, so doesn't mind lots a girly girls around.)

Interested? E-mail me at SWANEESINGER(at)GMAIL(dot)COM, and let me know----so we can discuss where and when to meet. (But trust me, it WON'T be at the crack of dawn, as this girl is NOT a morning person!)



***As you have noticed, I love me a bit of alliteration, so I had to make the title interesting----heh, heh.***

Fabulous Find For A Friday------Dump Cake

When I was growing up, my mother taught me to bake everything from scratch. For those of you who are younglings, that means following a recipe and not EVER using a cake mix. I have to be honest with you in telling you that I NEVER even used a cake mix until I got married!

My first husband's mother only used cake mixes for her cakes, so that was all that my husband at the time knew. So, after we got married, I, of course, used one of my many recipes to make a cake.

Well, you probably guessed it. He not only didn't like it, but told me NEVER to make a cake from scratch again!

Wow---what a blow at such a young age. So, I bought my first cake mix and didn't make cakes from scratch unless they were for someone else or my husband was out of town.

I actually taught all of my children to read recipes and they learned how to bake from scratch, but my older son takes it to heart. He usually bakes everything from a recipe and makes cakes, cookies and his own candies, adding to and making up new recipes.


Well, since most of my kids are now out of the house, I don't cook as much and I don't usually bake much from scratch. It just doesn't seem worth the time. I guess that any extra time I have now, I like to read blogs or catch up on my TIVO or read a book!

So, a few months ago, while I was at a favorite gift shop that we like to go to, right next to a movie theatre that we frequent, I found this delightful cookbook:


Now, there is another part of this story. My little G-baby, Mila, had told me, when I was out visiting my daughter and kids, that her favorite cookies were the ones that her teacher in church made. She absolutely LOVES these cookies and I wanted to make them for her, but didn't have the recipe, because these cookies were made with..........yes.........cake mix.

Amazing that I found this book, huh? Now, when my daughter and her kids come out here in the summer, I can make them cookies or......what has become our favorite. DUMP CAKE!

This amazing cake is so easy, that even my 9 year old son can make it. And I use the 50% less sugar cake mix, and the peaches with natural juice, so there isn't much sugar in it. I also use Olivio instead of butter, so I get a bit of Olive oil. That makes it better for you, right? (Its what I keep telling myself anyway.)

So, here is the recipe:

DUMP CAKE

1 White or Yellow Cake Mix
1 Can (29 oz.) sliced peaches with juice
1/2 stick of butter or margarine, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan. Spread half of the cake mix evenly in bottom of pan. Pour can of sliced peaches and juice evenly over the cake mix. (I also sometimes use a bit of cinnamon)
Cover the peaches with the rest of the cake mix, then slice the margarine or butter on top.

Bake 50 minutes, or until golden brown
(You can top it with whipping cream or ice cream)

And you end up with this!

I also found that you can use pie filling to make different types of Dump Cake----I tried apple last Sunday, and it was delish! (I usually only make dessert on Sundays---its kind of my day off of watching my weight-----well-----I need ONE day off to eat anything that I want!!)

And I also made it as cupcakes for my son's class one time and both his teachers wanted the recipe! Of course, I put a dollop of homemade frosting on for those. But, boy, they were easy to do! (Just be sure and cook them for a much shorter time!)

So, I hope you will try it and enjoy it as much as we do. It is a bit rich, but crispy, yet chewy at the same time, with that tang of peaches in it-----MAH-VE-LOUS!

I am sure glad that Sunday is right around the corner.

A Long Time Ago, In A State Far, Far Away

A few weeks ago, Cadance, a really amazing, fun person and a great blogger, tagged me to share a bit of my past. I was a bit horrified, as I am rather afraid that the pictures will tell just a bit too much about me.



Like when I went to high school.
AAACCCKKKK!
Trust me, lets just say that it was around the time of the pioneers and be done with it.


So, this is the scoop.


1. I am supposed to post a prom picture and let you know who I went with.
2. You comment on how amazing I look! Heh, heh----not really---you are supposed to guess what year it was, but I WILL NOT LET YOU KNOW THAT! I would have to kill you if you knew that information.
3. Tell you if I married the person I went to prom with.
4. If I didn't marry the person, then post a picture of my husbands prom and his date.
5. Tag five people to do the same thing!


So, as a disclaimer, let me say that I was raised in Texas----well, for my wonder years, anyway-----so Prom was a HUGE deal!! (You know, everything in Texas is huge---even the hair!) And may I say that I was also not allowed to date anyone that wasn't a member of my church, so the pickin's were slim, to say the least.

That said, this is my Junior Prom picture----and I can't even remember his name. Obviously, I didn't even hardly know him, nor was he memorable----I asked him to escort me, as I was a "Princess" representing the Lettermen. (The jock types at school)

This is the only picture that I have of my Senior Prom and I was the Prom Queen! Woo-Hoo! Gotta love that huge butterfly behind me----Heh, heh. My date's name was Rick Putnicki, and he didn't go to my church, but I needed an escort and my Dad gave in. He was the nicest guy ever and was one of my good friends. And no, I didn't marry him....

The man I married when I was just 20 is not the man that I am married to---today. I met Bret, my hubby now, when we were both going through our divorces in California. But, unfortunately I couldn't get a prom picture from him----he claims that he doesn't know where it is---yeah, right. He is actually a little over 8 years younger than me, and----funny story----was in high school when I already had two children! So, I am afraid that I can't post his prom picture....


But, I decided to add a little tidbit for you to guess at.

Since I was raised in Texas, and one of the biggest pasttimes in Texas is to have........yep, you guessed it.......beauty pageants, I decided to have a little fun with it.

So, I had to post one of the beauty pageants that I was in. I ended up being 1st runner-up, so that wasn't too shabby! But what I would like you to do is guess which one is me!

Here we are in all our pageant glory---the finalists.
One of my best girlfriends is no. 24, by the way----Judy.
And I still keep in touch with no. 45,-----Dannette.
(So, that takes out two of them!)

So, have fun!

And by the by, I have to tag 5 people---and they BETTER do it!
(Even if it takes them a month,----like some people I know....)

1. Hailey at Haileytracks
2. Kate at The Big Piece Of Cake
3. Carrot at Oinkle Doinkle
4. Jenny at Beehive and Birds Nest
5. Rachel at What is She Thinking?

Fabulous Find For A Friday-----Patriots Day And The Berkshire Museum

I have been pretty busy this week, staying up until 2:30 or 3:00 and sleeping in until 10:00 or 10:30. Yes, you guessed it. It has been Spring Break, and my little guy hasn't had to get up early for school, so I have taken advantage of it! (Last year I was in Ireland---so go on ahead and read a bit about that----or at least my visit to London, because I'm such a loser, I never got around to getting Ireland written about... Sigh...)

The first few days, he spent with his older brother, Clayton, who lives in Boston. Clayton came to stay with us on Sunday, then with Bret, my hubby, he and Aydan got up early on Monday, Patriots Day.

What----you don't have Patriots Day?

Well, its when we celebrate Paul Revere's ride, the Tories huge fight in Lexington with the Patriots---then their march to Concord, MA-----and yes, that is where the Revolutionary War turned. That was the first time that the Patriots were able to push back the British. The shot heard around the world. Ring a bell now? (That was a VERY short history lesson...)

So, they got up at 5:00 a.m. to go see the re-enactment of the first battle in Lexington.

Here you see the Patriots---ready for battle...

....and the advancing Tories.

After the battle, all the Patriots were lying on the ground "dead".

You can see them in the background.

The Tories would normally start their march to Concord, but since they had done that re-inactment on Sat., the REAL Patriots Day, they had time for a Meet and Greet!
So, here is Aydan and Clayton hanging with a Tory. Notice the amazing authenticity of the uniform----they are anal about their clothing---and guns, for that matter!

Well, of course, I wasn't about to get up at the crack of dawn----I just don't do that, no sir-ree, not when I have the day off. And I was so looking forward to being all by myself.

Can you imagine?

"All by myse--elf, just wanna be...all by myself...."

Yes, that was me singing---how did I do?


Well, my perfect plan to pamper myself was all for naught. I ended up getting a migraine on Sunday, and it was a woozey! Then, after getting it a bit under control by Sunday night, I woke up with it on Monday morning----just pounding away. And then as I got through that day, I woke up with it again on Tues. morning. So much for going shopping and just having a few relaxing days! It was the first time that I haven't had to work since February, and I was so looking forward to the days off.

Well, I went down to Boston to pick up Aydan even though my head was the worst that it had been---on Tues., and we went home and planned the next day.

We were both determined that we were going to go to an awesome museum and have a great time!

Now, I need to back track a bit to let you know that when I asked Aydan what he wanted to do for his week off, his first answer was "The Science Museum!" And his next choice? "The Museum of Fine Art!" (Gotta love that boy....)

But, you see, the museums in Boston are VERY expensive. It is one of my pet peeves. I mean, why do they have these amazing experiences that should be for families and then make them so expensive?

Now, my older son, Clayton, can get some half off tickets from his library and since he is a student at UMASS Boston, he can get discount tickets also.

Well, he tried. And, you guessed it. There were no more left. They had all been given out.
Yeah---Spring Break, don'tcha know. Everyone wanted to go.

So, on to Plan 2.


My daughter, Brinna, lives in Western MASS. She had also expressed an interest in spending some time with Aydan over Spring Break, as she only works at night, on the weekends. Yeah, she is the singer in a band. Remember?

So, I called her and asked her if there were any museums out where she lives. She wasn't sure, but said that she would look into it. I kind of wanted to go into the Berkshires area, as I knew that it is an "arty" type place, with lots of shops, and small New England villages.


After her checking, and then my checking on the internet, we decided on "The Berkshire Museum".


And as you will see, it was just the perfect fit!



It was quite a drive to get there, but a beautiful one, as we were going through huge trees and rocky hills. Western Massachusetts is amazingly beautiful, and with the light rain, and spring just erupting around us, it was a delight to behold.

We got there on Wednesday around noon, and walked a few blocks to the Museum. The Berkshire Museum was built in the early 1900's, but had since been renovated in the 1990's, so it is beautifully done on the inside. There are three levels in the Museum, and this is where it was ideal for what we wanted.

On the main floor, the science and natural history museums were housed, and in the basement, there was an aquarium. Then, on the top floor, they had an art museum. Everything----all in one museum!


What a great idea-----and perfect for our day out! And most importantly, Aydan loved it!

Aydan, of course, had to dig for dinosaur bones first.

"What? What's that you say? I'm not really alive...and I'm stuck on a wall?"

"Duh, duh, duh, duh...."

Ok, its quiz time....what type of poop would you say that this belongs to? I expect you to
answer in your comment!! Don't forget to notice what this animal eats----its all there!

I just LOVED this quote by Thomas Edison----I think that it is my new MANTRA!

Brinna and Aydan doing some puzzles in the innovation section.

Aydan and I working on a drawing...while pulling on my ear?

Brinna touching the starfish in the aquarium "touch pool".

I was fascinated by these frogs that float up at the top of the water---then lie on the bottom
as though dead. Frog legs, anyone?

Ok, so I need a great caption for this one. Come on, give me an idea or two----I mean, have
you ever seen a fish sucking on the window like that? Heh, heh.

Whoops! Aydan slipped on the ice in the North Pole!

Of course, we had to do some early American Indian dancing while we were there....

....and I can't seem to figure out who this little guy is with the large....er....fox(?)....on his head.

Cubism, is what I believe they call this modern art.

And though you can't tell from the photo, this painting looked so real---amazing!

Brinna, lounging in the "main salon",-----dahling.

Here I am, meditating in the Sculpture Room. Yes,....I could have lived in this room.

After the museum, we drove to North Hanover, the town of Smith College, and went to a great restaurant, Paradiso, with Brinna. The food was excellent, albeit rather slow on getting it out, but we had a good visit and spent the time laughing and chatting.

"Aydan, look this way."

Brinna, my classic beauty.

Here we are at the restaurant, waiting for our food-----and yes, Aydan made it
so that it looks like the straw is in his nose----silly kid!

That was the end of our adventure to Western Mass.

The next day we decided to go to one of MY favorite places, the Stoneyfield Farm factory, as they have a tour so you can see how they make the yogurt---the best yogurt ever, by the way!
One of Aydans favorite shows on TV is "How Its Made", and he was excited to be able to see how yogurt was made, first hand.

The entrance to Stoneyfields----really, you say, I would have never noticed.

But, as luck would have it, they were doing RENOVATIONS and they weren't doing the tours. So, we sat and ate some samples and watched a DVD of how the yogurt was made.
Aydan decided that it was just like watching his favorite show, but he got treats to eat with it!

Happy with his samples---all the yogurt that he could eat, as he watched his DVD.

And today? Well, we slept in again, and I went to paint the Theatre----more walls to paint---ugh, and Aydan spent the day with his best friend from school. Then, we went to see the movie, "Earth" tonight. It was great, and we enjoyed hanging out with each other, which we always do whenever we can be together, our little family.


All in all, a FABULOUS ending on this Friday.