Trick or Treat, part 2...

We've just been visited by a pair of adorable trick-or-treaters...a Unicorn and a Max Wearing His Wolf Suit. Augie's Grandma Anita made him a similar wolf suit two years ago, and he has loved it ever since, so she made a new, taller version this year. It does seem that Halloween goes well with the concept of Where the Wild Things Are! ViMae wanted to wear her Dorothy dress but it's too cold, so she made do by carrying her favorite Dorothy basket. Mommy is tough...she only allowed me to give them one candy bar each.

Making soup

Augie loves to cook. With his mom, he does it for real; other times he plays make-believe. Wouldn't some good hot alphabet soup hit the spot as the weather gets cooler?

'Nuf said...

Wanna see something cute?

How 'bout this girl, with Toto and her ruby slippers as always.

Wednesday's Word: Dapper

In the book Fancy Nancy's Favorite Fancy Words, from Accessories to Zany, D is for "Dapper."

Augie enjoys all word books, even one that includes "fiasco," "parasol," and "xenophile." His familiarity with "dapper" came in handy in persuading him to dress up for Auntie Becca's wedding this past week.

He has a decided preference for wearing only graphic t-shirts. No stripes, no polos, no button-shirts. I bought him some dress-up duds anyway--a shirt, vest, and pants outfit, which I figured would be more comfortable than a suit.

He told me he only wanted "regular clothes." We let it ride. A bit later Peter said, "Augie, I've got something to show you." Peter held the pants against Augie's waist and coaxed, "Put your hands in the pockets. Look, now you're cool like the big guys." A little grin appeared. I said, "These are your cool dapper clothes." The grin got a little bigger.

ViolaMae didn't have to be sold. She loves dresses, and dancing. She swirls and twirls and announces, "My dress is going around."

Mommy and Daddy got both children into dapper clothes for the rehearsal dinner and the wedding, and they looked--well, dapper, as you can see!

P.S. Yup, black eye. She fell down a flight of stairs a week before the wedding, but made a quick recovery from her nasty bumps and bruises. 

Wednesday’s Word: Welcome!

It’s my pleasure to be today’s Blogger of Note on Words of Wisdom, or WOW. Sandy and Pam began this network a few months ago to link folks interested in blogs of substance—serious, funny, randomly mixed, anything that makes you want to join the conversation. I was among the first to sign up, and I’ve told readers about it before, but today’s the day WOW followers are visiting me. (Thanks to Leah at Funny is the New Young for nominating me.)

Please have a seat at my garden table, pour a virtual beverage, and look around a bit. (I’ll be watching from the window on the far right.)

I began blogging last August to record stories and photos of our two grandchildren, who share our lives through what I like to call Wild Rumpus Daycare for Grandkids Only. I didn’t seek followers at first, and I didn’t visit other blogs.

Then one day I wrote something for myself, about myself. It drew no comments, but I liked having it out there. After a lifetime of writing for others—magazine stories, brochures, speeches, ads, even three books—I liked writing my own thoughts in my own voice. I also discovered that I love reading and commenting on other people’s ideas. Who knew this would be so much fun?

ViolaMae, 2

Augie, 3 1/2

Transitions figure into a lot of my writing. For example: the amazing and wonderful growth of children, my learning to appreciate life “in the moment” instead of always looking forward, my easing toward retirement, and my sudden transition, 25 years ago, from single to married. I'm learning things about myself from the writing process, and from the comments others make.

Here are a few sample posts.

Where I am in life: Living well in 2010

A few “claims to fame”: I beat Bob Dylan in a talent contest

How I met my husband (a series): The meeting

About kids: But do they wear pantyhose?

I hope you'll find something to enjoy here, and that you'll choose to join the conversation! And if you haven't been to WOW, be sure to check it out; you'll find lots to like!