October 2, 2008 Presents from VA & snake

We also were delighted to find in our mailbox on Monday afternoon a package from VA. The kids love getting their own envelopes and even though Dan can't read very well yet, he doesn't let Em read his either. Dan got a great T-shirt in the perfect size with the names of all the Azore Islands printed on it along with cows making funny faces. He wanted to put on Monday night but since we were having American Chop Suey for dinner I managed to convince him to wait until Tuesday. Em got a small plate with cows on it. When Dad and Kathy took Em to France, Emmy was their cow-pilot, so a cow plate was fitting. The kids love that they're thought of on a regular basis, and Emily usually attempts to write back, although I'm not sure she always makes it to the stamps.
Today was the first day the sun's come out in over a week and we were thrilled to see it. We usually meet Jen and the girls on Thursday at Oakridge

Danny found this beautiful mayfly.

playground. Today we arrived, and Dan immediately got out of the van and ran off to play. Jen, Buzz and I caught up for a bit. Then all of a sudden I heard Danny screaming "snake". We've tried to catch one all summer long, so I ran over and gently put my foot on top of it to keep it still, reached down and picked it up. We were immediately surrounded by children who wanted to touch it. Jen went to my van and found the specimen jar I always keep there, while I held it for the kids to touch. We gently lowered him into his temporary home and the kids resumed their games. Dan played until nearly 1pm, then we went home to have lunch, and make a home for our our new friend. We dug some dirt from the garden, planted some grass, found some rocks to make a hiding place, and added a pool of water. Then we went down to the logs and started lifting them to find some earth worms for Mack. We found several, put them in the box and he immediately started eating. Then he moved over to the water and took a drink. Really very comfortable behavior for an animal who has just been put into captivity.

It's been 3 months without alcohol, or meat and I've officially lost 50lbs so far. My goal is 136, I'm just 26lbs away! Em and I went shopping at Old Navy on Sunday and I happily found 5 pairs of size 8 shorts for $4.99 each. I was worried I wouldn't have anything to wear when we went down to Florida in February, but I think I'm all set now!

Mack the snake.

August 1, 2008 Running, Kaaa, and shopping

I had spoken to Suzanne across the street about my route for running, and invited her to join me this morning since Mike was home. We met at 7am, walked up to Cove Rd. Started our run there and did the loop home. Suzanne didn't think she'd be able to run much of it, I was sure she would do all of it and she did. Not only that but she waited for me on several occasions. I'm carrying much more weight then she is. We parted ways once back in the neighborhood, and I went to do an ab workout, take a quick shower and take Em to work. I arrived home in time to go to Critter capers with Mike and Dan. Ms. Mary had Kaaa (the corn snake) and Darter (the albino garter snake) out and I volunteered to return them both to their cages when she was done. I love holding Kaaa, he's about 4 feet long and incredibly strong.

We left there and came home for lunch and a nap for Dan. I cooked for men's night so all Mike would have to do was warm it up when the time came. I made a stuffed pork loin with sausage and apple stuffing, pepperoncini jasmine rice, with parmesan cheese, black olives, and garlic, applesauce, and a cheese and veggie platter.
I then treated myself to a quiet hour on the beach. At 3pm I made my way up to the house, changed and headed out to get Em at work. Em wanted to shop for bathing suits after work, and I told her that was fine, so we went further East from Mahoney's to TJ Maxx, then to Walmart. Emily got a beach cover up, a black plaid with hot pink lined coat, and a pair of manly man waterproof workboots. I bought a new bathing suit, a white tankini size 12, a few sports bras, a new pair of sneakers and garbage bags....the only thing I really needed! We stopped at the new fish market at the Mashpee common rotary and picked up some salmon and mussels. We got home at about 7pm, and men's night was in full swing. I was told the food was good, I enjoyed the salmon and mussels, raw carrots, and some olives and pepperoncinis. Suzanne came over and joined us for a post meal cocktail. I really enjoy having her around. She mentioned running again this morning,and doing it in 45 minutes tomorrow instead of todays 47 minutes. It's nice having another vegetarian around, especially one who'll push me! I hope two days in a row doesn't kill me!