Its Super Duck!

Some cousins of ours have a farm in Northern Illinois. I am more of a country mouse than a city mouse. So I loooove going up there. It doesn't hurt that they have 2 beautiful horses and some of the best dogs ever.

They have a couple of ducks- one of which is a Muscovy. They have a mask on their face so it looks kinda funny- the link is to a picture of a Muscovy.

This particular Muscovy is named Hero. When Peas saw him on one of the visits to the farm she said "Look Super Duck!" It took a minute... but we realized that she meant Hero.

I thought it was hysterical and probably one of the funniest things I had heard in a long time.

Can't wait until we can see SUPER DUCK again!

Cooking without a book

I love to cook- most of the time. I love to cook when I am not pressured or rushed.

My mom and grandmother taught me how to cook. I am sure I drove each nuts sitting and wanting to 'help' all the time.

Most of the recipes I learned were measured in handfuls and pinches. Texture, aroma, and how the food looked were more important than measuring things.

Fudge is one of my grandmothers specialties. Her instructions to me included 'beat it in the bowl until your arm is going to fall off" there is also the part about the soft ball stage (which is actually a recognized term).

Somehow her food was always amazing.

My mother is the same when I ask her how she makes something she says "oh I just throw in whatever is around". Somehow it always turns out fantastic.

Ironically- it is the same way I cook. I add flour until the bread dough has the right elasticity. Add herbs and vegetables as they are around the house. Some habits maybe are genetic.

Equine therapy

I love horses. Well, most animals. But horses have a special place in my heart. I like them more than almost any person.

Horses, for me, like pole dancing is, are somewhat therapeutic. There is some majestic quality with them. Their warm breath, the soft nickers and wuffles they way they look in to you with their big beautiful eyes.

They are truly magical. The connection they form with people, the unspoken bond that is so deep.

My cousin-in-laws- who I adore- have been kind and generous enough to let me play with their horse, and I look forward to that time constantly. In the country, on a farm, where my organic food proclivities are not weird.

Horses Rock

New and unusual!

So I have returned to pole dancing- no shocker there.

I love it again- also- not a surprise.

What is a surprise is before Little Dude I would just throw myself into a trick and just go for it. Now I am a bit worried. More cautious. Though I am sure my pole teachers think it is fantastic that they need no worry at attempt any CRAZY tricks- or new things without a mat. Now- even with the mat I am more nervous.

I don't quite know how to handle the fear. Is this something that came with turning 30? It is cramping my death defying pole style..

Seriously- I am nervous to climb to the top of the pole flip upside down hold the pole between my legs and let go, I mean really-- where is the fun in that?

The only other time I was even slightly nervous pole dancing was when I got my first cast off my wrist. I was worried about stressing it too much- got over that real quick. But now?

I hope it goes away.

Its the 2 step!

One forward, backwards. sideways, throw in a few front-rolls, maybe some back-rolls for fun....

It is the Eating Disorder Dance. Some days are better than others, some days I feel trapped in my mirror looking at things that are growing in ways I do not want them to grow.

Then I forget to eat. Not hungry. What? Food? Who needs it--- why am I shaking?
Eat. Panic. Sweat. Real anxiety over eating.

Then the culmination. I weigh myself. I never weigh myself. Ever. I consciously avoid knowing my weight. It becomes and obsession. When I obsess over that number I become a mathematician of caloric content.

After a few weeks of backstepping, I am coming out of it again. Remembering. It really is a coping mechanism. Get overwhelmed? Compensate with food.

Silly Stinky

Stinky is silly.  This much is known.  Much like water is wet- it is just a known and accepted fact.

A silly Stinky-ism, "I have a summer cold"

Several days earlier I said that he was acting like he had Spring Fever because the kids were being all kind of crazy.

Spring Fever = A Summer Cold in the world of a 5 year old.

Hardware Stores

What a strange post title huh?

Well I was in one the other day.  Not the Man Store (Home Depot) just a regular small town hardware store.  It was so awesome.  They have EVERYTHING (and the kitchen sink)  I mean seriously.

Most interestingly they people who worked there were super nice and knew everything.  It was like talking to Google.

I will make a point to go there more often!