Beyond Binkies, Code and Make-Believe

Cast No Shadow by Mary S. Lovell

In 1997 I was going through some serious life changes and came across this book at an outlet mall on the bargain table. I spent $2.50.  After reading it, I would have paid more than ten times that amount for this book.  It renewed my interest in reading, gave me a new author to collect; and best of all gave me the story of a brave woman who made a difference in the history of the world. It was EXACTLY what I needed.  Thank you, Mary Lovell.

From Mary S. Lovell's website:  "The legend of Betty Pack is simple enough. She was a beautiful American spy recruited first by the British Secret lntelligence Service in 1938 and later by the American OSS. Her method of obtaining information was singular: seduction. In Cast No Shadow Mary Lovell, author of Straight On Till Morning, the internationally acclaimed and best-selling biography of Beryl Markham, gives us for the first time the complete story behind the legend of this modern-day Mata Hari, a story more astounding than the legend."

Wheels Day at Preschool - more fun than I expected

That said, I would not have lasted another 15 minutes.  I have short threshold for events with many children other than my own.  Wheels Day involves all children bringing their favorite vehicle to ride.  This included a Spiderman Big Wheel, 1 Disney plastic scooter, 2 Razors, 2 Radio Flyer tricycles and an assortment of bikes donning training wheels of assorted quality.

Love Affair with Our Neighborhood - Raleigh West

I've done it. I've fallen in love with our neighborhood and neighbors.  Each morning at the bus stop it begins.  We gather and visit for our five to ten before the bus arrives.  During this time we catch up on the day before, enjoy watching the children greet each other and play in line and then we disperse after a warm greeting for a wonderful day.  Not a bad way to start the day.

Unconventional Mother's Day Dinner at Airplay Cafe in PDX

Since my mom died, I have given up the notion of traditional Mother's Day celebrations with corsages, brunch or home cooked dinners.  Let's go with my style of Mother's Day, since I'm the mother!

I opted for the Airplay Cafe tonight for a 80's night of dancing and kid-friendly atmosphere. It was PERFECT!  We had so much fun.

We danced to many favorites, although the DJ did NOT hang out at the clubs I went to. I don't think he even had the same radio stations. Way too much Kajagoogoo and Falco - not enough Madonna, Prince and other funk bands. I guess that the difference between a younger PDX DJ and one my age from So. Cal. Not enough ethnic in the mix!

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We danced, Austin ate Cheerios for dinner with a shake and Savannah enjoyed a grilled cheese. I had wine and a great Mediterranean sandwich.  Perfect.  I admit the morning was a bit more traditional - mass at 9:30, donuts after and nice bike in the neighborhood while visiting neighbors celebrating Mother's Day at home.  Thank you, children and Tom for a wonderful day! 

No more Baby Jogger, finally. A great mother's day gift.

We have turned the corner; and it was a beautiful day to do it.  We rigged up our son's tiny bike with a PVC pole out the back so I could help him on hills and he now can get all the way to our neighborhood park - a 2 mile round trip!  Finally!  No more strollers, joggers or other parent-pushed equipment. He is kid-powered.  He and I let the older ones ride ahead and I walked VERY quickly to keep up.  An hour at the park and home again, home again, jiggety jig.