Snow (?) Day

After a few days of late starts, it finally happened: our first (only?) snow day of the school year. I had considered going outside to measure the snow with a ruler, but when I could still see the grass through the snow I decided it was not worth it.

Some folks in our house were very excited about the snow day. One person was disappointed and another had mixed feelings. The last person was Isaac. Because today is not just any day - it is Valentine's day and he had spent quite a bit of time and effort and tape creating his Valentine's box. Luckily, a Kiwi Co box had come recently and I had a large number of toilet paper rolls on hand.

I had also purchased a Sudoku book with the goal of introducing our math-minded kid to the puzzles. 

So the day passed well enough even though there wasn't enough snow to engage in snow activities. And an email from his teacher informing us that all Valentine's activities would occur as planned on the next school day eased his worries. 

Vocal Solo and Ensemble

It's a year of lasts for Michael. This is his last solo and ensemble. He's been working on these pieces for a while. It was...unfortunate...that he and Angela broke up a couple of weeks before this but they still did really well and are first alternates for their division (mixed voices small ensemble maybe?).

Ich gehe, doch rate ich dir

And to no one's surprise, but still impressive, Michael came in first for solo bass.

Madamina il catalogue questo

Heigh ho heigh ho it's off to Ellensburg we go!

January on FB

New year, new hike tradition continues!

This is officially my "look at other people's pictures of snow and laugh" mug 😆

Frankie Feetsplinters is 5 out of 6 for me!

Update on parenting teens: one of my kids has me listed in his phone contacts list as "Spawn Point"

Pia the Peacemaker

6 out of 6 ✔️

Should there be sound effects in audio books: yes or no?

Current review:

Covid 👎🏼

Paxlovid 👍🏼

Pia The Peacemaker

Another day, another troll. The winter's day was sunny but cold. Pia the Peacemaker didn't not disappoint. 

Since we had driven all the way up to Bainbridge, we decided to check out a few of the other sites. We visited the Halls Hill Labyrinth and Lookout. Not a labyrinth the way I was thinking, but I really liked the idea of a meditative walk along the paths.

We also discovered some spectacular views of Seattle which explains the cost of living on Bainbridge Island.

We also found the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. Particularly apt given recent events.

This was my last troll so I guess I will need to find another mini bucket list for our adventures.

9 Years Ago

Once upon a sunny winter day, I took the littlest minion to Nisqually to look at the birds or any other animals out and about. 

As we ambled along the path, I told Isaac that this is one of the first places we visited when we moved here. When I pulled up the blog, I discovered that it was 9 years ago today. Just a little bit of a change. I think next year we should bring the Olaf hat. 

More Troll Adventures

Well, hello there Frankie Footsplinters! This jolly wooden troll is the only one hanging out in a more urban environment as he stands (aptly) right out side the National Nordic Museum. 

Since we had made the trek all the way up to Ballard to see him, we decided that we might as well check out the museum. It was interesting and, at times, a surreal experience. At least I can now say that I have seen shoes made out of fish "skins".

Another bucket list item for me was a visit to the Central branch of the Seattle Public Library. After a stop at Starbucks (as one does in Seattle) we visited this incredible building.

I had heard about the floor that was all red. I think it is supposed to symbolize the heart of the library. Another surreal experience.

And then it was time to head home and make sure all the minions were still alive. (They are.)

New Year's Day Hike v7.0

Jason and I welcomed in 2025 with a trip up to West Seattle to enjoy a walk along the Sound and to see Bruun Idun. 

This troll plays a lovely flute.

I also took advantage to use one of my Christmas presents and check out the feature of taking pictures with it. 

Hang on to your hats folks, this year is sure to be, um, interesting.