End of Season

How fitting that I should have finished this year's gardening on the last day of the Church year.

Raked, mulched, burned, and relocated the bird feeders for Winter.

By and large a magnificent year. Warm, though not miserably hot. More than sufficient rain fall. For perennials and vegetables.

I introduced many new flowers, grasses, and shrubs. Was blest with the reappearance of old favorites that I'd thought died out (the Asters). Moved the Rose of Sharon and Lilac, as we ll as the barberry. And, planted a Burr Oak.

The Rock Wall bed in its first year performed exceptionally well. I am anxious to see Azaleas and Rhododendrons, Solomon's Seal, and Bleed Hearts beneath the old Crab Apple in Spring.

But, until then, when not shoveling snow, I'll be devoting some of my time to catching up with my photo albums. (And imagining new possibilities for the flower beds.)

Out with Arianna

Hardly one to stand in line to battle others for an offering of the latest gizmo at the 'lowest price'. Nevertheless, Arianna steeled ourselves for a shopping adventure.

Yes, we went to The Little Way, a small Catholic book store in Crystal Lake's old-town. I wanted to purchase rosary pouches and prayer cards for my CCD students. No crush bargain hunters here. And very pleasant afterward to walk Main street and do a bit of window shopping with my daughter.

Then, on to the main drag Route 14, where we hoped to find a Christmas gift for Sharon. Arianna, who's color coordination skills were desired for this excursion, proved to be more than ready for the task.

We were successful and without encountering the mass of frenzied bargain hunters the Chicago Tribune would have had us believe were in abundance.

To complete our outing: lunch at Steak & Shake. --A favorite of Arianna's, going back several years now.

Thanksgiving Day

Uncharacteristically quiet.

I can only wonder at Arianna's experience of the holidays. When the next youngest person in the room is 45 years old, there's not a lot of fun to be had.

And uncharacteristically small.

Sharon's cousin Barbara and her husband, Greg, entertained Greg's family. Michael's sister also entertained quietly at home -- her children now all grown and with companions who were not thought welcome at Linda and Michael's.

So, dinner for eight: three octogenarians, three 50 year olds, one 45 year old and Arianna.

At a gathering such as this it's impossible not to wonder how many more are we likely to have.

Sick in Bed

Yesterday, Arianna spent the entire day in bed. Didn't eat.

Although she said she felt better today, she didn't go to Mass and her temperature was up and down throughout the day.

There'll be no school for her tomorrow, I'm afraid.

Bleeding Hearts

I had thought I was done planting, but my order of 10 bare root bleeding hearts arrived earlier during the week. Thankfully, the weather was lovely. A quiet, calm day with sun. I planted the bare roots, burned leaves, and mowed and mulched the yard.

Am I done for the year?

The hickories are holding their leaves even longer than usually.

With rain in the forecast, I expect I'll get out the mower at least one more time.

Happy Birthday, Sharon!

It seems like yesterday Arianna and I threw Sharon a surprise birthday party! But, believe it or not, a year has past.

We celebrated Sharon's birthday this past Sunday (11/8). After Mass, Arianna and I baked a four-less chocolate cake. Then, later in the day, we went out for an early dinner at Claim Jumper. Happily, everybody - even Grandpa - enjoyed dinner, after which we returned home and watched a movie and enjoyed a piece of birthday cake.

The plan for this evening - a school night - was for me to bring home Chinese from a different neighborhood restaurant. After a two hour (!) commute I pulled up to the New Hunan only to discover that it was close don Tuesday's. Naturally, when I arrived home, I discovered that Sharon ordered dinner from our usual Chinese restaurant.

Honor Roll Student

Fourth Grade is proving to be less enjoyable than previous years. A teacher whose homework policy is erratic, friends who are fickle, and just getting into the swing of higher expectations.

True as all this may be, upon my arrival home from the office today I was greeted with an outstanding report card. A 3.71 GPA (a new bit a data that's collected . . . now that we're in 4th grade)! This qualifies Arianna as an Honor Roll student.

To celebrate, after her Little Thespians meeting at school, Sharon stopped at the Diary Queen and bought everybody a milkshake.