Lisa n Tom (n James n Joseph)

Lisa writes: (Click on the pic for super-enhanced squirrel-a-vision) Normally, these guys can not share a tree without bickering and biting. But today was the first sunny Sunday in a long time, and everybody came out to soak up some rays.

Lisa writes: We don't have a tv, so our backyard squirrels are a major source of entertainment. Well, the squirrels and, like, Netflix and YouTube and Hulu and randomly searching for funny stuff on the internet. Other than that , squirrels are a major source of entertainment. So it was with some alarm that I read the Washington Post article a little while back about how East Coast oaks weren't producting acorns this year and squirrelogoists were predicting a major die-off. I wondered if we would have an effect on the local scurry. It might. In fact, it probably will in the larger area, but the gang in the backyard is safe. How do I know? You know that kitchen compost pile we've been working on for two years? The one intended to fertilize our garden plot? The one that never, ever seems to get any bigger? The squirrels call it "the buffet."

Lisa writes: Today I feel like pushing the envelope. Testing the limits. Pulling up my socks. (That last one is strictly for Canadians. ... Let me check the analytics on the site real quick ... Two Canadians read this blog in the past month. Score!) I love Canadians. But that's not what I'm feeling like today. I'm feeling like being ornery. So I'm going to write about STUFF I CAN'T STAND. And because I'm testing the limits, I'm even going to write about STUFF I CAN'T STAND THAT I KNOW OTHER PEOPLE LIKE, AND SO USUALLY I'D BE POLITE AND NOT SAY ANYTHING AT ALL, BUT TODAY I DON'T CARE, I STILL CAN'T STAND IT. * Catsup. Ketchup. Any and all of it. It is gross and why must all people insist on grossing up food with it? Especially little kids who manage to gross up their food, hands, clothes, hair, and the entire backseat of the car with it. All food is better without catsup. There. I said it. * YouTube comments. Who are these people who go from v...

Christi writes: Madison and Christian both had gym meets yesterday and they both took gold! In their first meet two weeks ago Christian took gold and Madison came in the top three. They are doing awesome! P.S. I couldn't resist taking a picture on the way home ... drool and all.

Lisa's dad writes: Just wanted to let you know we're here in New Orleans during Mardi Gras and you're not. Ha ha.

Lisa writes: You know what's not fair? Here's what's not fair. I am a lazy, cookie-eating slugabug with fantastic blood pressure, HDL, LDL, and cholesterol counts. Tom is fit as can be and eats a pound of raw oats every day. He runs and swims and bikes and wears Spandex shorts in public . His blood pressure is higher than mine. His HDL is lower. His LDL is higher and so is his cholesterol. Which just goes to prove that the most important health decision you can make is to choose the right grandparents.

Lisa writes: It occasionally occurs to me that I am absurdly proud of some things. For instance: * I'm proud of my beautifully organized sock drawer. * I'm proud whenever "One Week" or "West End Girls" comes on the radio because I know all the words and can sing along. * I'm pleased as punch with myself for being so cheap on groceries last month. I feel I deserve awards and recognition for this. I am ridiculous. * I'm proud of how tall Tom is. He can change light fixtures without a ladder. I feel this somehow reflects well upon my person good fortune and excellent judgment. * I'm proud that I won a sit-up contest in 3rd grade P.E. class. This is especially absurd considering I sure couldn't win it now. But I'm still dopily proud of winning it then. * I'm proud that I know where to find good restaurants in the Denver, Phoenix, Chicago O'Hare, and Philadelphia airports. * I'm proud of the color we painted our living room walls, ...

Lisa writes: Tuesday was the big night. The much-anticipated, much-emailed-about Clothes Swap activity. I sent out the original invitation back in September of last year. In the ensuing months, the invitation list grew from eight people to 56. Twenty-one people said they were absolutely, positively coming and they were bringing friends. The big night was supposed to be January 27th. It snowed and iced. I cancelled. The substitute big night was supposed to be February 3rd. The day started with snow and ice. I felt the Fates were not smiling on this activity, but held my ground. By noon, the ice had melted and we were good to go. Thirteen people came, including one woman's Polish friend who writes for a Polish woman's magazine. In Polish, I assume. When she left, she said, "I will write about you." If she does, I'll post the link, and another one to Babel Fish . The article will probably read like this in translation: "Last of night, I was present on the exchan...

U2, " Sweetest Thing " and " Heartland " Luka Bloom, " First Light of Spring " and " June " and " Thank You for Bringing Me Here " Hot House Flowers, " It Will Be Easier in the Morning " Nancy Griffith, " Love at the Five and Dime "

Lisa's mom writes: Roy had just made popcorn when he spotted this fellow stealing all the feed for the birds and squirrels on the rail of our deck. Roy tossed some popcorn to him. Mr. Raccoon visited us --- coming right to the sliding glass door.... He was BIG! (Click pic for full BIG RACOON effect) Not like the cute little Raccoon in Tennessee years ago who loved people and gave you gentle hugs.... [Note from Lisa: Our friends in Tennessee found a lost tame raccon in their backyard. It would let you hold it and pet it. It could unscrew cans and open bottles. It was like having a little, fuzzy, pet 3 year old.] Raccoons are a beautiful creatures but I am guessing he is one of the neighbor's former chimney residents who got smoked out. Anyone who wants to give Dad advice about feeding the animals is welcome. Note from Lisa's dad: "I don't think it was any bigger than the one in Tennessee. And I bet it would hug you if you asked."

Lisa's mom writes: 2009 started out a bit hard with lots of cold weather, and it's not done yet - but today we are warmer. We have concerns for friends and family in a "down" economic and some with real health problems. We have extra work and catch up after the Holidays. I guess you feel some of the same. So I just want to share a bit of joy and ask everyone to "live after the manner of Happiness." Here it is February already and this weekend we chose to make a few "Instant Vacations." (Click on any photo to enlarge it) Each year Breckenridge, Colorado sponsors an International Snow Sculpture Competition. I think it's the 17th year. Artists from all over the world come together to present. These artists will carve twenty ton, 12-foot-tall blocks of snow into pieces of art using only their creativity, inspiration, own two hands and permitted hand tools. The 2 hr drive from our home to Breck is a beautiful drive through mountain passes, valleys, ...

Lisa writes: I am not making this up. Jill Biden, wife of the vice-president, was just hired to teach ESL at Northern Virginia Community College as an adjunct professor. You may recall, this was exactly what Tom and I were doing when we met 12 years ago. Best of luck, Jill. Don't flirt with anybody in the teacher's lounge.