Not Poetic, But Enjoyable Nevertheless

My apologies. An erratic WiFi connection prevented me from updating further during the Thanksgiving trip.

Though no verse has leapt to mind to memorialize the excursions to Big Bend, it was a lovely time. There was some very good hiking, the complaining by either teenage Offspring was relatively slight, and Offspring the Third did his very best to remain a Good Sport at all times. Herself actually got to see her Beloved for much more time than usual, which is always beneficial. She also prepared a full-fledged Thanksgiving Feast despite the confines of the tiny kitchen of the camper-trailer. Brava to her.

Everyone does appear to be relieved to be back home again. Accustomed as they are to a larger amount of personal space than that afforded by the camper-trailer, they all dispersed quickly to their individual areas in the house. Now they are gearing up for the few more weeks of school before the Christmas break. I look forward to trimming the tree, preparing muffins for friends, and enjoying a few of the pleasures of the season.

Lajitas Acrostic

Long drive, punctuated by numerous hills.
Achoo? - Offspring the First. Sniff - Offspring the Second.
Jogging about the RV park in glorious morring weather.
Into 'town' to see beautiful restored hotel and fort.
Twine, burnt with magnifying glass and used for bows and arrows.
A bit of relaxation, a welcome change of pace.
Scaling a hillside, Offspring Second and Third are mountain goats.

Lights, Camera, Action!

We are packing up the camper-trailer for a small family vacation. There will be hiking and general outdoor enjoyment, much to Herself's delight. I will do my best to update from the road, and as usual, will deliver details in verse. Haiku? Limerick? Iambic pentameter? I do not yet know. We will see what presents itself in the moment.

The Funk, It Is... Contagious?

Life can be quite difficult for a fifth grader. When Offspring the Third arrived into the safety of home from school today, he pronounced:

The world is a cold, heartless place, and you just have to adapt to it.

Herself provided a hug and a lemonade popsicle, and told him:

If you can find a few good friends, they will make all the difference.

The Funk, It Is Blue

Herself has been in a blue funk of late. The myriad small difficulties of ordinary life sometimes overwhelm. But with the help of that magical technological marvel, the iPod, music will carry her through and beyond all adversities. A meaningful song is a consolation for a struggling soul.

Know that even in these azure times -- and, in fact, especially during these times -- Herself is thinking of you, with love.

Mortar and Brick

Sometimes you put walls up not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down.

Pie

Herself and I made our first pie crust today. It turned a relatively ordinary pumpkin pie into something quite tasty. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, pie!