New this week...

So much for our lofty goal of putting up 2 gallons of maple syrup. Unfortunately the propane stove I bought with such high hopes at a tag sale last summer didn't make the cut as it took over 2 bottles of fuel and 26 hours of kitchen stove time to put forth the 1 1/2 quarts you see here, but we had fun and there is always next summer for which another sugaring plan is in the works!

Viva Las Vegas!

Jon had an almost 2 week business trip out at Nellis AFB and Mason and I got to tag along. We stayed here: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lasri-residence-inn-las-vegas-south/ and used that hot tub, pool and tennis court every single day.
So Vegas was OK, larger than life is the only way to describe it. Didn't love it, didn't hate it, could never ever live there! Highlights were the Lied Childrens Museum and the Public Library, hey it was open on Sunday! The Ethyl MM Chocolate Factory had an impressive Cacti Garden that was splendid even in February.
Hoover Dam/Lake Mead was rather awesome; refer to above photo taken about 9am on Groundhog Day, approx 58 degrees and a gorgeous day to be outside.
But the Grand Canyon was unbelievably spectacular and for the record made the whole trip worthwhile! Even though it was overcast most of the pictures came out brilliantly. Pictures in slideshow are too small to really show off the colors so click to enlarge for a better view, also look for the little ribbons of choclate milk, thats the Colorado River.
After spending a hour in Hermits Rest trying to warm up (it was in the 20's) and eyeing a storm that was moving in, we left sooner than we wanted, alas no sunset pics!

Eureka, thars gold in them thar hills!

Mason and his friend Dante tripped out to Meshomasic State Forest in East Hampton for a little rock hunting expedition, while no gold was to be found the boys were wallowing in all the quartz and mica that their little hammers and chisels could manage.

Whirlwind Weekend in RI

We headed up to Roger Williams University Saturday morning to catch a Lego's Robotics Tournament. From there we hit the Roger Williams Zoo. Yes, zoo in New England in January; frankly it was rather balmy and I was very comfortable as it was a beautiful clear and sunny afternoon, close to 60 actually.
After checking into our hotel in Providence we decided on visiting Providence Place, a huge mall where we grabbed an early supper and settled in for some people watching. We were not disappointed as we are quite positive there was a S&M convention going on somewhere nearby! Sunday we woke to another fine, close to 60 degree day and after checking out of our hotel we headed over to the Providence Children's Museum.

Due to an expected "winter storm" with a predicted 6-15 inch snowfall heading our way we skedaddled it back home to CT. OK so it wasn't the foot deep snow expected when he woke this morning Mason wasn't too disappointed and now Frosty graces our front yard.

Another knitter in the house!

With Mason now knitting as well, competition over needles and yarn has been stiff so another trip to "sit n knit" was put into action where Judy made a quick repair and Mason chose a beautiful red wool, cotton, acrylic blend and a pair of #10 needles so he could knit his own scarf. Whew, my scarf is safe for the moment!

New Year Resolution for Two!

Not only learning to knit but following through and completing a project is a goal this year. With a little help from my friend Jean and a productive shopping excursion to the "sit n knit"
http://www.sit-n-knit.com/
I am sittin pretty! But wait, I have company, Mason would like to sit & knit too!

Out With The Old And In With The New!

A celebratory toast between the boys...Happy New Year 2008!

Its a sad day when its the 7 yo who keeps the adults up insisting that he is old enough to stay awake till midnight. All we can think is the last time we were all up that time of night was for New Year 2001, but only because we had a 3 week old!