Monday, October 29, 2007

Two Big Deals

Salem with Val! - October 2007
First, let me take you on a tour of witches and a town with a dark past... of bubbling cauldrons, of early America, of the power of persuasion, and fanatical religious fear and murder. Let me take you to Salem, Massachusetts as Val! and I explore the dark past and delightful shops that open in a carnival atmosphere every October. View our photo album here!

Second, you'll soon be traveling with me, via blog and photos (and possibly video) to South Africa. I am going to post more about this later. Departure date: November 26, 2007.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Halloween Pumpkin Carving

Random October 2007
After packing for the big move '07, Justin, Thao, and I settled in for some good old fashioned pumpkin carving! We got some AWESOME photos of the pumpkins, us, and the babies! You HAVE to see these!

Friday, October 26, 2007

Chicago

This post was too long in the coming. Sorry it has been a while since we've had a substantial update. So many changes seem to happen all at once. I am sure we'll get back into the swing of things soon.
This is from Saturday, Sept. 29th, 2007:

But can I say how much I love Chicago? Chicago on the tip of Autumn. Is there any thing more special in the world? There is a crispness in the morning air - a distinct chill. Instead of pulling on a jacket over my short-sleeve sweater, I sit in the back of a cab bound for O'Hare - a pony tail, windows rolled down, cold air encircling my arms, my neck.

Nurseries are selling gourds, decorated with golden wheat standing straight, tied against fence posts. A farmer's market was set up outside my hotel window this morning, spanning a large parking lot with the white tops of their booths. The darkness of 6 AM pressing down upon their final preparations. They were prepared to sell the good of a true Midwest harvest. There is a certain magic to a Midwest fall that I've only know of for 4 years now. I want to transplant myself in the middle of it. I want to follow the season across the globe and live eternally in its magic - departing when the first true crystalline winter frost settles over the earth. I want to stretch the golden moments of the season into a lifetime of bright oranges, glorious yellows, and fiery reds. I want to bask eternally in the warm indoors in the evenings, let the logs that burn and smolder in fireplaces heat the room at night - find my comfort in the cinnamon smell of the season.

There is no season I love more.

My mind unfurls into long expanses of imagination. I pull that Autumn world of deep blue and purple twilights, skies dotted with stars, lamplight from windows pouring onto the lawn strewn with browning, dying leaves - I pull this world around myself like an impossibly soft cashmere throw.

Nothing more fantastic than this city's nighttime grid.

My mental wanderings of the morning - of my make-believe life in Chicago, temporarily subsided to my passion for the season. On the way to O'Hare this morning while passing neighborhoods, a park, and businesses, I built a fantasy life for myself. I watched as the orange sun broke above the treetops and made the whole world glow...

My morning walks would stretch only a mile or so. They'd be a nice, casual pace. Darby would walk along side me enjoying the leisurely pace. When I returned home, it would be to a house full of orange morning light and warmth. Justin would be just waking up - laying in bed with the babies (Ruby and Eve). I'd unleash Darby who'd be excited to be at home and see Justin just getting out of bed. He'd want to nuzzle up to him and get an acknowledging pat. Justin and I would go about making breakfast. Definitely orange juice to match the glorious glow of the morning. Maybe I'd bake scones or muffins. We'd relax into our cozy den, looking out into our yard filled with dew. We'd catch up on dreams from the previous night's rest, or dreams on a larger scale.

I hope (I feel) that Chicago is in my future.

Friday, October 19, 2007

first bb post

Waiting on the track. Waiting to come back.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

"America can be pretty sneaky,"

Why God hates me and wakes me up at night.

Monday, October 8, 2007

spooooooky


Some mysterious ghouls decorated Vanessa's desk when we were gone on vacation last week.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Hello World... Today is mine and Justin's 3 year anniversary! :D We've been at this cozy little BnB in Vermont for the last three nights, but tonight we're on our own. We're mulling around staying in Burlington for the night or in Stowe. Vee shall see!

Breakfast - great
Scenery - good to great
Company - excellent

Yesterday we took a gondola ride up to Mount Mansfield and hiked back down. We saw some really lovely foliage and a porcupine! I couldn't imagine skiing that trail in the winter, though! In some areas it seems far too narrow and unforgiving! We also swung by Ben and Jerry's for their factory tour. I was surprised (read: disappointed) to learn that they sold out to a corporation. The place was cute, however, and the people friendly. The "past flavors graveyard" was probably my favorite part, aside from the free sample. They were only sampling one flavor, banana rum. It was actually pretty good though.

Last night we saw 3:10 to Yuma in a tiny little theater that served cocktails while you watch the movie. Afterwards, we came home and cozied up in front of the fireplace, roasting marshmallows, chatting between ourselves, looking through a photo book of VT and enjoying some wine, cheese, and bread before heading to bed. We've both been dealing with allergy problems this trip. They've left me in a somewhat sore mood during the day and tossing and turning at night. Luckily, Justin gave me a dose of Theraflu last night which helped me fall asleep so I feel somewhat rested today.

I just heard the shower turn off, which means it is almost time to go down to breakfast! Woohoo!