Holey Moley

I messed up. 

Monday afternoon, I was given a new-to-me pair of aerator shoes.  My plan was to wear them whenever I was working out in the yard.  In case you aren’t familiar with aerator shoes, they work much like strap on roller skates.  The straps across the front and back of your regular shoe hold a platform to which large spikes are attached.  There are a dozen spikes on each shoe.  They are about 2 inches long and about the diameter of a roofing nail. 

When I put them on my shoes, I made sure they were strapped down snugly.  I didn’t want to fall down.  I took a step with my left foot, then my right, then another with my left foot.  When I picked up my right foot, the shoe remained in the dirt.  My foot slipped out the front of it, while the back remained attached.  It flipped upside down so that the nails were exposed.  Unfortunately, my balance was off.  In my effort to regain my balance, I stepped on the inverted nail bed.  Three of the spikes pierced my shoes, and two of them went into my foot.  One of the spikes was about an inch into my foot and the other about half that.

We left the shoe impaled on my foot until it was removed in the ER.  (With a puncture wound, the impaled object should not be removed in the field unless it is through the cheek and you can see both sides of the wound.)  This image was taken in the ER while waiting. 

I’ll leave out the gory details, but after the aerator shoe and my tennis shoe were removed, the wounds were cleaned and I got an updated tetanus shot.  They gave me IV antibiotics, and a little bit of narcotics to ease the pain.  I had a nice trip to LaLa Land.  Ha!

Anyway, I’ll be off my feet a few days.  King J took me to my doctor today for a follow-up.  Everything is healing as it should (yay!).  I can start walking on it tomorrow night, as long as I keep using my crutches to bear the weight.  Within a week, I should be good as new.  I have no driving restriction after tomorrow.  However, the antibiotics are very strong and I’m sleeping a lot.  So, it is unlikely I will choose to drive before I’m done with them, or at least get past the groggy state. 

So, I’m not doing a good job keeping up with blog reading.  I’ll catch up in the next week or so.  For now, I’ll sleep and let my foot heal. 

Soccer Game

Princess E is playing soccer again this season. It's fun to see just how much she has improved since last year.

Notice her hands. I think she's daring them "Bring it on"

Kick!

Science Fair

Last Thursday evening was the Homeschool Science Fair. Since it is our first year homeschooling, it is our first year to participate. Not only that, but Princess E has never participated in a Science Fair during her years in private school. So, this was really her first time creating a project and having to present it.

There were many hours of frustration for all of us. The project itself, measuring the conductivity of various substances, was not incredibly difficult. The painful part of the process was trying to help her understand the importance of doing her research and checking her spelling. The munchkin would much rather make up her own definitions and couldn’t care less about spelling words properly. In any case, her work was not perfect, but it was truly hers. Our involvement was limited to ensuring safety and I helped her format her printouts. (This is her first year of really learning about technology and we have chosen to focus on keyboarding rather than formatting. I’d rather she be able to type a letter before she starts using different fonts and designs.)

My favorite project was this one that tested the germ fighting capabilities of dog spit. It was most certainly original! Another I really liked was a test of ketchup packets from several fast food chains. The budding scientist provided samples! (In case you are wondering, yes, we did test to see if a French fry will conduct electricity. No, it won’t.)

Each child was recognized for his/her work. One of the pleasant surprises for me was that it appeared most of the work was done by the children. I remember growing up and participating in events like these and being frustrated because the “best” presentations were ones that were clearly the work of the parent. With this group, that didn’t seem to be the case.

She was recognized for the project with the “Best Wow Factor”. Kids and parents alike seemed to enjoy checking out her demonstration.

She is already brainstorming ideas for next year. I’d consider that a success!

Is Our Garden Thief Back?

It's about time to put in our garden. I have a few seedlings growing in pots in my kitchen and they need to go out into the beds. We've had a bit of a cool snap recently with a couple of nights in the upper 30's, so I've waited.

Anyway, this little fellow visited the other day.

I wonder if he's related to our Garden Thief from last year? I guess I better watch my tomatoes.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for this little girl, who isn't so little anymore. She's growing up way too fast.

Tonight is her first Science Fair. We're looking forward to it.

Nature Walk

For the last couple of weeks, Princess E and I have had the opportunity to go for walks at one our our nearby parks. Most days, we've been able to join our neighbors and walk together. It's been incredible watching the changes in the park as the season advances. Here are a few shots from a recent walk.

HotPrints

Several weeks back, a family member mentioned HotPrints to me.  They are a printing company that offers  photobooks (a HotBook) and photo calendars (a HotCalendar).  The neat thing about them is that they offer one HotBook per month free.  I like to make photobooks, and they can be rather expensive, so it certainly interested me.  I looked at the website and decided to do nothing.  It made no sense to me that they would offer one free each month.  Granted, they are clear that each book contains easily removable pages of advertising that do not affect the appearance of the book, but still, it just didn't make sense to me.

I've heard several reviews of the company.  Most were positive, a few were negative.  I just wasn't sure what to think of it.

This week, I finally decided to try it out.  I created my account, designed a book and uploaded my photos.  I arranged them as I wished, changing the default layouts to suit my style.  My free book was 12 pages of photos, 16 pages including covers.  I really didn't put in a tremendous effort, as I wasn't expecting much.  After I submitted my order for printing, I noticed their website said delivery should take 5-30 days from the date of order.  The company is based in the United Kingdom, so there is extra delivery time to the US. 

Much to my surprise, my first HotBook was delivered about 36 hours after I submitted my order!  Apparently, they have a printing facility here in the US.  It came with a cardboard backer for support and was protected by a plastic sleeve.   I couldn't wait to check it out.  The center four leaves were the expected advertising.  I glanced at them, then removed them.  The HotBook is made of heavy paper, similar to a magazine.  It's about the same weight paper as a magazine cover.  The pages are slightly glossy, without being too shiny.  The photo printing quality was what I would expect from a professional printer.  The typeface was clear.  In all, I am completely satisfied with my HotBook.  The only downside is the mailing address label is printed on the back of the HotBook.  I could have paid for the premium service and it would have had a separate label.

I can't wait to order my next one in May!  Too bad I waited as long as I did.  I could have had three others by now.  (According to their website, you can order more books at a cost of $3.99 each plus $2.99 s&h.  Not bad.)

Are you interested in making your own HotBook?  Click this link and get started. 

Disclaimer - This is not a sponsored post.  I was not asked to do a review.  It is 100% my opinion, based on my personal experience. 

Dance Recital

This past Friday was Princess E’s dance recital. She danced beautifully!

Woody?

The other day, King J was outside working.  This little fellow was hammering away at the top of a tree.  He kept up the pecking for several hours, flying off occasionally to places unknown, but probably feeding his babies.

Sorry the pictures are rather grainy. He was a little bird, smaller than a robin, and he was way up in the tree.

Promise of Spring

Spring flowers are so beautiful. No more words needed.

Man V. Food

I saw a Tweet this afternoon that said Adam Richman was taping an episode of Man V. Food at a restaurant in a city not too far away.  Being a total dork, I jumped in the car with Princess E, drove to hubby's work, picked him up, and we sped off to the taping location.  Yes, I'm kooky enough to do that. 

When we arrived, they had closed the restaurant.  It was full.  But, they were allowing folks to sit outside at the few remaining tables.  They were full, too, but one group of friends scooted over and allowed our family to have a table.  That was really nice of them.

We kept hearing that he was inside taping the kitchen portion, and we saw some of the camera crew while we were waiting.  Food service was understandably slow.  Our dinner arrived and we ate our sandwiches.  While we were sitting there, the cheers started.  Oh my goodness!  There he was, walking by us.  He looks just like he does on TV and he waved to the crowd.  Princess E was beside herself.  He is one of the two television celebrities who fascinate her.  (The other is Mike Rowe.)

Oh, how I wish I could've gotten a few photos.  I did take my camera.  But, we were told not to take any photos, so I didn't.  (I just can't teach our daughter that breaking the rules is okay for me but not her.)  I did send out a couple of tweets, though. 

So, do you want to know whether or not he won the challenge?  Yeah, me too.  We left before the challenge ended.  Princess E wouldn't have been able to keep it a secret, so we didn't want her to see the end and have to stay quiet about it.  I wouldn't have wanted to keep it quiet either, although I certainly would have.  So, we'll all get to find out at the same time.  If I understand correctly, the episode will air on July 4. 

My only regret is that we didn't wait around to see if he was going to do a meet-and-greet.  I think Princess E would have melted if Adam Richman spoke directly to her, shook her hand, or signed an autograph.  (I wouldn't say she's star-struck or anything, but she did want to go to Eagle's Deli when we were in Boston and Lexington BBQ while we were in Lexington...just because Adam Richman had been there.)

Productive Day

I'm pleased with myself for today.  We had a busy day, and I just feel like I got done the things I needed to do. 

I got up with King J to see him off to work, as I do almost every workday.  I had a little time to do a few tasks around the house before we went off for a walk at the park.  Princess E and I walked twice last week and once so far this week.  It's hard because it has been so long.  We walked with our friends from across the street.  I think my friend is a race-walker.  LOL!  Nah, I'm just a little slow.  But, I'll get there.

Then, it was off to Bible study.  I've recently joined a new group of homeschooling moms for Bible study.  Our first week went well.  Princess E had the opportunity to spend the time playing with the children of the other mom's.  I think there were a total of 20 children there. 

After that, we were both getting really hungry, so we hopped over to Shanghai for a bite of lunch.  Munchkin and I both enjoy Chinese cuisine, while King J does not.  It's a rare treat for us.

Next stop was Tractor Supply Company.  They have baby chicks and ducklings in the store.  Princess E asked and was told she could pet them.  We spent a good little while talking and playing with them.  I picked up one duck and he was obviously frightened.  I put him back with his pals.  The chicks were more comfortable being handled.  There was an open bag of food lying at the side of the tub, so we each grabbed a handful and fed the chicks.  One of them kept jumping into my hand and eating from it.  Several others came over and ate out of my palm.  Princess E enjoyed feeding them as well.  It was fun...until one of the staff came over and sternly informed me that we were not to be feeding the chicks.  I apologized and we stopped immediately.  My bad.  I assumed (bad idea!) that the permission to handle/pet coupled with the open bag of feed meant it was welcomed. 



(Please excuse the photo quality.  This was taken with my cell phone.)

Too soon, it was time to head home and get the schoolwork finished. 

A good day.  I wish more of them went so well.

Dream Home?

Maria, over at On the Road to Contentment, suggested a topic of discussing our dream homes. 


My dream home would be a stone structure with a medium honey paneling throughout. You would enter directly into the great room, which would have a vaulted ceiling and skylights. The chandeliers would be rustic, black iron with Nomex paper covers (and use CFL bulbs). Dividing the room would be a stone fireplace, open on both sides. On one side would be a seating/gathering area with comfy sofas and overstuffed chairs. On the other side would be a gathering area with wood dining tables. I'm thinking this area would be around 30X30.

On one end of the great room would be the kitchen area. I would want a wall mount convection oven, an island with a cooktop and a raised counter (for breakfast seating). The counters would be tile or Corian. There would be a small room off to the side, it wouldn't need to be too large, but I would use it as a pantry/kitchen storage. Maybe 5X8. There would also be a half bath and a separate laundry room.

The hallway leading to the bedroom area would be lined on both sides with closets. We'd have three bedrooms and one full-bath on the bedroom side of the house. Each bedroom would be around 10X15.

The master suite would be on the other side of the house. Again, the hallway leading to it would be lined on both sides with closets. There would be one large master bedroom, maybe 15X20. The master bedroom would have two small walk-in closets. One for J, one for me. There would also be two smaller rooms, about 10X10, one would be the office and the other the classroom/library. At this end, there would also be a comfortable master bathroom. It would have a spa tub instead of a regular one, and there would be a separate 2-person shower. Not necessarily to share, it just makes it big enough to move around or deal with aging issues. The master bath would have a skylight and beside the spa would be one of those glass block window things. It sounds large, but I'm really thinking 2200-2500 sf. 

I would have a good size wood deck, and a screened in porch.

There would be a detached 2 1/2 car garage with a loft above for outside storage. At the back of the garage, I'd build on a potting shed.

My first guest post...

My friend, Liz, over at Loving Mom 2 Boys, asked me to do a guest post on her blog.  She posed a question to her readers last week about managing laundry and I shared the recipe I use for homemade laundry detergent.  Please visit Liz and check out the post.  If you don't already know her, spend a while reading her blog about her family.  Her little boys are darling!

THANK YOU, Liz, for this opportunity. 

Too Good Not to Share

Easter Photos

Saturday, our church held a Community Easter Egg Hunt.  See Princess E showing off her collection?  She shared about half of those; but there were thousands of eggs for the children.  It's so much fun.

And, just because she didn't get enough candy at the Easter Egg Hunt, here is the basket of goodies we gave her.  No, the Easter Bunny doesn't visit our house.  He's a cool bunny who hangs out at the mall and is a fun part of enjoying Spring.

Here is our Princess E in her new Easter dress, given to her by Grandma and Grandpa.

Our neighbor hosted an Easter Egg Hunt in their yard Sunday afternoon.  Here are a few pictures of her gathering eggs and treats.

We had quite the fun day!

National Weather Service Field Trip

Last week, my parents and I made a day trip to a little town where they make concrete statuary, benches and birdbaths.  As we were heading there, we passed this place. 

We turned around and went back.  I figured it couldn't hurt to ask if they do tours.  Sure enough, they welcomed us in.  Yay! 

The meteorologist said I could take pictures, so I did.  Here she is in the control room.  Above, she is under the signs and the old alert system is in the rear.  Below is one work station.  There are three or four monitors for each person (um, wow!).  Each one can pull up different data.

Outside was the big soccer ball...more correctly known as a Doppler Radar.

Also outside were the satellite radars. 

It was a fun field trip, especially since it wasn't planned.  The meterologist sent her home with study guides for further learning.  I can't think of a better way to learn about weather.

Sponsored Review and a Giveaway!!

Update:  This giveaway is now closed.  The winner, as selected using Random.Org, is Kameron from A Wrinkle In Time.  Enjoy trying the Strawberry and Blueberry!  Thanks, everyone, for entering.

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MyBlogSpark™ and Yoplait recently teamed up to introduce Yoplait Greek yogurt.  They sent me two coupons to purchase the yogurt, try it, and write a review of it.  Since Greek-style yogurt is something I particularly enjoy, I decided to give it a try.

In addition to sending me the coupons to try the Yoplait Greek yogurt, they also sent me a “Nourish Your Inner Goddess” gift pack.  In my gift pack, there was a collection of items that would make a lovely, pampering experience, including a loofah scrub, wooden massager, spa slippers and a plush terry spa wrap. 

Now, before I share my experience with it, let me share some of the information they provided.  “With 12 grams of protein -- twice that found in leading yogurts-- new Yoplait Greek nourishes from the inside out. Available in four delicious flavors, Strawberry, Blueberry, Honey Vanilla and Plain, the brand´s newest offering has a unique thick and creamy texture with the unmatched taste expected of Yoplait.

To celebrate its new Greek yogurt and to encourage women to nourish their inner goddess, Yoplait has teamed up with actress Izabella Miko, who plays Greek Goddess Athena in the epic adventure new Warner Bros. Pictures´ and Legendary Pictures´ film "Clash of the Titans," in theatres April 2 in 3D.”

Check out this trailer for “Clash of the Titans”

But, what you really want to know is how I liked the Yoplait Greek yogurt, right?  Well, let me tell you about my experience.  First, I had to try several stores before I found it.  I guess it is just because it is so new, since most of my local grocery stores do carry Yoplait brand yogurts.  Ultimately, I found it at Kroger, priced at $1.19 per six ounce container.  I chose Honey Vanilla, since that is my preferred flavor. 

The first thing I checked was the label.  One container has 130 calories.  I was pleasantly surprised to find 270 mg of Potassium.  That is a little higher than my usual brand of Greek yogurt.  The protein content is consistent with other brands of Greek yogurt, most of which have around twice the protein of regular yogurt.  What I didn’t care for is that the Honey Vanilla flavor contained no actual honey.  It also does not contain live, active cultures, which I expect to find in any yogurt product I purchase. 

The texture was thick and creamy, as I would expect.  Honestly, though, there was something about the flavor that was off.  It was not a bad taste; it just was not the flavor to which I am accustomed.  There was a mild bitterness to it.  There was a bit of an aftertaste, as well. 

Would I buy it again?  Maybe.  Since it costs about half of what I normally pay for my usual brand of Greek yogurt, the price makes it more affordable, especially if I use a coupon.  (You can download a coupon, too.  See below.)  But, I would buy it in addition to, not as a substitute for, my regular brand of Greek yogurt. 

Would YOU like to give Yoplait Greek Yogurt a try?  Yoplait and MyBlogSpark™ provided me the opportunity to give one of my blog readers another Yoplait Greek "Nourish Your Inner Goddess" gift pack like mine that will also contain two VIP* coupons for Yoplait Greek yogurt.  (Please note *This coupon offer for a free cup of Yoplait Greek yogurt is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, and Tennessee.) 

How do you enter?  First, this contest is open only to residents of the USA.  Second, please visit the Yoplait Greek Yogurt website here to learn more about the product and flavors.  (Don’t forget to download your $0.30 off coupon while you are there.)  Then, leave me a comment telling me which two flavors you would try if you win the giveaway. 

For additional entries:

-send out a tweet about this contest, being sure to link to this post. 

-blog about this contest and link back to me.

-follow my blog.

-follow me on Twitter (@KingJsQueenE)

You will need to leave a separate comment for each entry, up to a total of 5 entries.  This contest will be open through 11:59 pm on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  I will contact the random winner the next day.  The winner will have two days to respond with shipping information or an alternate winner will be chosen.  Please make sure your email address is available on your profile or leave it in the comment. 

I can see without glasses!

I am so excited!  It's new technology, but they have finally figured out how to create a windshield for my car that means I don't have to wear glasses anymore when I drive.  It's incredible!  Check it out. 

Do you think this is a good idea?  I think it's pretty neat, just not sure about how hubby and I can drive each other's cars.