Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

When we returned from running errands today, Mr. Toad was hanging out in the garage (no idea how he got there!). I ushered him to the safety of the lawn and Owen gave him a good-bye pat. Cute!

Chicken Soup for a Mama's Soul

I read in Owen's National Geographic Explorer magazine (a recent, unexpected and very nice gift from Aunt Pam and Uncle Gene!) about a fun play activity involving a bowl of water and some Play-Doh. Sounded right up Owen's alley.

So I set us up and started in - only to very quickly discover that Play-Doh gets really disgustingly slimy in water, and seeps color (in this case florescent orange) all over one's hands, the water, the play mat, Owen's clothes, etc. Yuck.

New play activity ... a bowl of water, rubber chicken, some popping corn, and a slotted spoon. Result - Owen had fun making "chicken soup" and Mama enjoyed less mess!

Did You Notice the New Sticker?

I've noticed a scarcity of comments lately and thought I'd try to inspire a few with a political post (smile).

As you may have noticed, I've added a McCain/Palin "sticker" to the blog, over there to the right. And although I hesitate to write about more than Owen (or Cearra) here, I'm forging ahead with the hopes of inspiring each of you to exercise your right to choose your candidate based on your own beliefs - rather than those of celebrities or the press.

I've always identified myself as a liberal Republican. No, I don't agree 100% with all of the GOP's traditional stances (especially when it comes to certain social issues), but here's the main thing ... I believe in personal rights, personal responsibilities and personal repercussions. I believe in less government, a strong military, free trade, new energy sources to end our dependency on foreign oil, and the need to keep our borders secure while legitimizing those people who have come here hoping to make a better life.

At the beginning of this campaign, I was intrigued by Barack Obama. His message did seem fresh and hopeful, and I too was weary of "politics as usual". But as I started to read more (The Case Against Barack Obama) and listen more, I realized that the stuff beneath the shiny surface wasn't what I believe to be in the best interest of our country. And quite honestly, I began to seriously question his motivation for running for President, along with his judgement and his values.

Now, John McCain. I had worries about his health, his age, his temper. I'm still not sure I love the choice of Palin as his running mate (I really would have liked to see Lieberman chosen). But as I listened to his acceptance speech at the convention, I found myself nodding along point by point. Just as importantly (at least to me) I found myself believing that this man is running for the Presidency of our country because he loves this country, he is proud of this country, and he will try to do right by this country regardless of party lines.

So, McCain has my vote. And if you totally disagree with everything I've written so far ... I hope you will at least agree with this: we live in the greatest country in the world. We have opportunities and freedoms that other people only dream of. We not only have the right and the ability to vote without fear of violence, we have the duty to do so. On November 4th, please head for the polls and vote.

And I promise, I won't cut off your access to the blog even if you do support that other guy!

Cleaning Service

My new cleaning service ... but does he do windows??

Large (well ...) and In Charge (in his own mind)!

Dressed appropriately in his new t-shirt (thanks Uncle Rich and Aunt Cathy!), Owen helped Bob and I move and stack our yearly delivery of fire wood, and sweep the front walkway.

Of course this resulted in messy hands (which Owen does not like), so a bath (which Owen loves!) was just the thing to end his day.

Labor Day Week at Seaview

Disclaimer: No child was intoxicated in the making of the first picture; Uncle Rich's beer was given back to him unopened!

It's become a tradition for us to join my parents at the Seaview Resort in NJ (near Atlantic City) for Labor Day weekend. This year, Owen and I were lucky enough to be able to also spend the entire week there, enjoying Nana and Pop-pop's hospitality and the company of Uncle Rich and Aunt Cathy, and Uncle Bud and Aunt Jeanne.

We had a busy week - browsing the shops of nearby Smithville for treasures; a day of rides and fun at Storybook Land; visiting furry friends Champ and Banner in the ocean town of Strathmere (and oh yeah, we enjoyed chatting with their humans Ken and Jessica too!); and plenty of pool time.

I also got a little "me" time courtesy of Nana who treated me to my first full body massage at the on site Red Door salon. It was very nice, but I have to admit that by the end of 55 minutes I was a bit bored. I don't have a quiet mind!

Thanks Nana and Pop-pop ... Hilton Head is up next!