Halloween fun

Happy Halloween -- Boston Latin Academy

Masquerading as priests and superheroes, Boston Latin Academy seniors sent home

I'm sad to see my high school in the news for a stupid reason. Boston Latin Academy has enough problems without this stupid story.

What on earth is wrong with America. Today, my daughter's class held a "fall festival" because Halloween is considered a religious holiday in North Carolina. Apparently, the religious fanatics think it is actual devil worshiping. I thought it was bad last year when we had a "celebration of black and orange". The previous year, it was called a "nocturnal animal party". What a load of crap. Why can't we just call it Halloween?

Well, we pagans are going trick-o-treating and devil worshiping. Chapel Hill is famous for over 100,000 people in costume milling around town.

Mocute's Birthday

October 26 was my grandmother's birthday. It will always be a very special day to me. I miss her.

Nearly two years ago when she died, I gave a short eulogy for her. I'll dig around for the file and post some of it.

My grandmother was born on a farm in Lithuania in 1911. She had few opportunities. She only went to school for two years. She worked hard on the farm and learned a trade as a barber. She eventually owned a small barber shop.

She was a modern woman who married late in life. She married my grandfather in March 1940 at the age of 29. My mother was born nine months after she married. She had another child, my aunt, in 1942. This was during the WWII in Europe. Her family was torn apart, and she fled the Russians by going to nearby Germany. There she lived above in a barn above a pig pen. She and her husband were separated for a long period of time. She had her two small children to care for and feed in very difficult times.

The family lived in refugee camps for a long time. They were among the millions of displace people after WWII as Europe was torn apart.

She came to America as a war refuge. She worked in a factory for decades making sneakers at B. F. Goodrich. (remember P. F. Flyers?) In America, she learned English, raised her family and built a life--the American Dream



She was a remarkable and strong woman.

Zoe at the Fair

 

Heather and I took Zoe to the Fair. Heather was a good sport given that it was a day of all Zoe, all the time.

The weather was terrific, just a bit too sunny. We ate a mess of fried food. We wanted to try the Fried Coke, but we didn't dare. We saw the crafts, visited the gardens, tried some of the games, and rode the ferris wheel. We had fun, but Zoe had even more fun.

We had to walk so much. When we had had enough we were on the far side of the fairgrounds. It was about as far away from the car as we could get without leaving the fair. To steal a good line from Lenoard Cohen, today I "ache in the places that I used to play." 

Pumpkins

Bob, Zoe and Owen went shopping for pumpkins today. I sent them to Whole Foods where they are 3 for $12. They kids were excited and the pumkins were good.

Of course, Zoe wanted one on the bottom of the pile. Owen kept saying, "punkin OH-ringe, not lellow." (Translation: Pumkins are orange, not yellow.)

At work today, we had pumpkin butter on crackers. It was really good. Then, tonight on the way home from my ArtsCenter class, I stopped at Weaver Street Market and bought two pieces of pumpkin cheesecake.

We're planning to go to the State Fair on Saturday. I hope it's not too crowded. Last year it was an exhausting and fun day. I hope to see the biggest pumpkin grown in North Carolina.

I think that's enough pumpkin for one post.

What's your name and how old are you?

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 357 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

You Are 28 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

Thanks Andrea!

Owen on the computer -- YouTube #5

Owen on the computer -- YouTube #4

Owen on the computer -- YouTube #3

Let's see if this looks any better. I think that I'm going to have to learn more html to get this to work.

Trader Joe's is coming to Cary, NC!

We're very excited to learn that Trader Joe's is opening a store in a nearby town. We've been suffering (not in silence!) ever since we moved here.

I am going to be one of their first customers when they open their doors. I'll see you there!

Owen on his hot wheel -- YouTUBE

I'm a little late to this party, but happy to join in. My new digital camera has rough video capabilities. This is my first shot.
What do you think?

Halloween is in the air

 

We hung up our Halloween decorations today. It's a bit early, but not too bad. Of course, I saw Xmas trees for sale at Lowes, so I don't feel too early.

It's been cool and rainy so it feels like fall. We are seeing the leaves change colors and start to fall.

I love the cool crisp days. You can enjoy the outdoors without dying from the heat. 

Thomas the Train

 

Owen is addicted to Thomas the Train. It's baby crack. It's nearly time for an intervention.