Originally posted July 31/2007 on "Allison Wonderland"
We did it. Yesterday Simon and I got into the car and went out to Witless Bay to go to the beach. It was mostly because the house smelled like cat poo, but any excuse is a good excuse if it means going to the beach.
I hadn't realized that there's actually a sandy beach there instead of just rocks- that was a nice surprise. Simon had a ball letting the freezing cold waves come up over his feet- he didn't run away once. In fact, a few times I had to hold on to him to keep him from running after them. How do you explain to a 2-year old that the ocean is fun, but dangerous? I guess you can't, really- you just let him explore... as long as he's holding your hand.
After we did that for a while, Simon decided that he wanted to put rocks in the water. He started with the ones that were sitting right there, wet and shiny from the waves; then he moved on to running back up the beach to get dry ones and bringing them back to toss in. Of course, he couldn't throw just any rocks in the water. I have no idea what his criteria were, but he had a very careful selection process. Some of them were big, and he had to use two hands to toddle them back to the ocean. Some were small, and he could carry one in each hand. Some he picked up and then put back because, for some reason, they weren't quite right. The selection process was very serious business, but he laughed when he tossed them.
By the time we left, Simon had wet shorts, and I was covered in sand. Good times. Of course, he didn't want to go, but we had to get back for nap time, and then go and pick AJ up from work. We'll go back soon, though.
Showing posts with label newfoundland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label newfoundland. Show all posts
Friday, February 5, 2010
Simon and the Dumb Butterfly
Originally posted July 24/2007 on "Allison Wonderland"
It hasn't all been barf and gagging the last few days; mostly, but not all.
In fact, we've been having some really nice weather (in between the rainy days). A few evenings ago AJ, Simon and I had some time to hang out in the back yard. Simon was puttering around, pushing his cars and trucks through the grass, drawing on the rocks with sidewalk chalk. We took out a big blanket to sit... and I tried to find the camera.
I found it, but not in time to get pictures of my boys. When I went back outside, AJ was lying on his back. So Was Simon- on top of his dad. They were stacked up on the blanket, watching the clouds blow by. "Ooooooooh!" said Simon, pointing at the sky. He tried to say cloud... he got to saying "cccc" when he saw one. Not bad.
Then he got distracted by a butterfly. There were two of them flitting around the yard; one of them was particularly fond of our blanket... and us. I don't think it was the brightest butterfly in the sky, and I have a feeling that natural selection might have a nasty surprise in store for the little guy. Not because he kept landing on us- that was kind of fun. He'd land on the blanket, sit for a minute, and then take off for a spin around the yard with his friend. Then he landed on AJ's leg... and my butt... Simon thought it was hilarious. He likes butterflies. He likes to try to touch butterflies. Most of them fly away- this one, not so much. Simon touched it a few times; I think he was more surprised than the butterfly was!
So that was our evening. I had to come in when someone put lighter fluid or something on their BBQ- the stink was gag-tacular. Simon was a bit more reluctant to come in- the only time he's actually happy to come in the house is if there's a bath waiting.
I don't know why people are still complaining about the weather. This is summer in NL, people- it rains a lot, but we get the most beautiful days in between. Enjoy it while it lasts. At least it's not snowing.
It hasn't all been barf and gagging the last few days; mostly, but not all.
In fact, we've been having some really nice weather (in between the rainy days). A few evenings ago AJ, Simon and I had some time to hang out in the back yard. Simon was puttering around, pushing his cars and trucks through the grass, drawing on the rocks with sidewalk chalk. We took out a big blanket to sit... and I tried to find the camera.
I found it, but not in time to get pictures of my boys. When I went back outside, AJ was lying on his back. So Was Simon- on top of his dad. They were stacked up on the blanket, watching the clouds blow by. "Ooooooooh!" said Simon, pointing at the sky. He tried to say cloud... he got to saying "cccc" when he saw one. Not bad.
Then he got distracted by a butterfly. There were two of them flitting around the yard; one of them was particularly fond of our blanket... and us. I don't think it was the brightest butterfly in the sky, and I have a feeling that natural selection might have a nasty surprise in store for the little guy. Not because he kept landing on us- that was kind of fun. He'd land on the blanket, sit for a minute, and then take off for a spin around the yard with his friend. Then he landed on AJ's leg... and my butt... Simon thought it was hilarious. He likes butterflies. He likes to try to touch butterflies. Most of them fly away- this one, not so much. Simon touched it a few times; I think he was more surprised than the butterfly was!
So that was our evening. I had to come in when someone put lighter fluid or something on their BBQ- the stink was gag-tacular. Simon was a bit more reluctant to come in- the only time he's actually happy to come in the house is if there's a bath waiting.
I don't know why people are still complaining about the weather. This is summer in NL, people- it rains a lot, but we get the most beautiful days in between. Enjoy it while it lasts. At least it's not snowing.
Stop and Smell the Chlamydia... No, Wait...
Originally posted July 19/2007 on "Allison Wonderland"
Bedtimes are becoming difficult. Not for me- I can go to sleep any time, pretty much anywhere these days. Simon's not doing so well. Since he has decided that any time between 8:30 and 10 pm is "Daddy and Simon Time", AJ has been missing out on a lot of his own down-time. We're experimenting with getting Simon to nap later in the day (to prevent over-tiredness), keeping him up a bit later so he gets some extra Daddy time... we'll see.
Last night it was getting close to Simon's old bed time, and we were in the yard. Simon was getting bored, so I suggested we all go for a walk; it was a gorgeous evening, and we've got to grab those when we can. We packed up water (for me and AJ) and water-juice (for Simon) and strolled down to Mundy Pond. That's a beautiful spot; if I can't live near Bowring Park, I'll take this.
Most of the time my current sensitivity to smells is a pain in the ass (I had to leave work early yesterday because the smell from the roof was making me barf), but last night I actually got to enjoy the smell of the clover that's blooming all over the fields and the wild roses by the pond. I was trying to identify the flowers we saw; there was one that I know starts with a "c", but darned if I could think of anything but "chlamydia". But really, wouldn't that be a nice name for a flower? Forsythia, foxglove, rhododendron, chlamydia... but I'm reasonably sure that's not it.
Simon chilled in his stroller- he's such a good little guy to take for a walk. It was getting late by the time we got home, but he still thought there was plenty of time to play in the yard before bed. We disagreed. It's sad that we win because we're bigger and Simon can be scooped, but you can't reason a cranky toddler to bed. He didn't wake up for Daddy Time, but he did wake up twice during the night, which is unusual. Obviously we still need to work out some of the kinks in the bedtime plan.
I need to take these long walks while I still can, before they become short waddles.
*sniffle*
Bedtimes are becoming difficult. Not for me- I can go to sleep any time, pretty much anywhere these days. Simon's not doing so well. Since he has decided that any time between 8:30 and 10 pm is "Daddy and Simon Time", AJ has been missing out on a lot of his own down-time. We're experimenting with getting Simon to nap later in the day (to prevent over-tiredness), keeping him up a bit later so he gets some extra Daddy time... we'll see.
Last night it was getting close to Simon's old bed time, and we were in the yard. Simon was getting bored, so I suggested we all go for a walk; it was a gorgeous evening, and we've got to grab those when we can. We packed up water (for me and AJ) and water-juice (for Simon) and strolled down to Mundy Pond. That's a beautiful spot; if I can't live near Bowring Park, I'll take this.
Most of the time my current sensitivity to smells is a pain in the ass (I had to leave work early yesterday because the smell from the roof was making me barf), but last night I actually got to enjoy the smell of the clover that's blooming all over the fields and the wild roses by the pond. I was trying to identify the flowers we saw; there was one that I know starts with a "c", but darned if I could think of anything but "chlamydia". But really, wouldn't that be a nice name for a flower? Forsythia, foxglove, rhododendron, chlamydia... but I'm reasonably sure that's not it.
Simon chilled in his stroller- he's such a good little guy to take for a walk. It was getting late by the time we got home, but he still thought there was plenty of time to play in the yard before bed. We disagreed. It's sad that we win because we're bigger and Simon can be scooped, but you can't reason a cranky toddler to bed. He didn't wake up for Daddy Time, but he did wake up twice during the night, which is unusual. Obviously we still need to work out some of the kinks in the bedtime plan.
I need to take these long walks while I still can, before they become short waddles.
*sniffle*
Newfinese
Originally posted July 5/2007 on "Allison Wonderland"
For those who are planning a visit to Newfoundland in the near future (you know who you are), here are a few words you'll be hearing, with their Newfinese definitions.
Haiti- a number between 79 and haiti-one
harm- what comes out of your shoulder and ends in your...
and- at the end of your harm
art- what breaks when your boyfriend dumps you
heart- what hangs on your wall
anger- a device used for hanging clothes
yiis- affirmative
Lard- the official title of Jesus Christ
Bert- what a midwife attends
Mutter- the woman who gave you Bert
... that's all for today. Study hard. I mean... study ard.
For those who are planning a visit to Newfoundland in the near future (you know who you are), here are a few words you'll be hearing, with their Newfinese definitions.
Haiti- a number between 79 and haiti-one
harm- what comes out of your shoulder and ends in your...
and- at the end of your harm
art- what breaks when your boyfriend dumps you
heart- what hangs on your wall
anger- a device used for hanging clothes
yiis- affirmative
Lard- the official title of Jesus Christ
Bert- what a midwife attends
Mutter- the woman who gave you Bert
... that's all for today. Study hard. I mean... study ard.
Garden/Lawn
Originally posted June 17/2007 on "Allison Wonderland"
Clompie cut the lawn. I don't mind- it'll be nice for Simon to have an area to play where the grass isn't quite so long. It's too bad so many of the flowers and plants got taken along with the grass, but what can you do? At least I got these pictures before The Cuttening:
Darned if I know what they're called, but they sure are pretty. Anyone know?
I want to say bluebells, but again, I really don't know.
These were part of the lawn, so they're almost all gone, now.
forget-me-nots... I will remember you. *sniffle*
Strawberry? I'm afraid to look to see if they're still alive.
Clompie cut the lawn. I don't mind- it'll be nice for Simon to have an area to play where the grass isn't quite so long. It's too bad so many of the flowers and plants got taken along with the grass, but what can you do? At least I got these pictures before The Cuttening:
Darned if I know what they're called, but they sure are pretty. Anyone know?
I want to say bluebells, but again, I really don't know.
These were part of the lawn, so they're almost all gone, now.
forget-me-nots... I will remember you. *sniffle*
Strawberry? I'm afraid to look to see if they're still alive.
The Dandelion Appreciation Society
Originally posted June 9/2007 on "Allison Wonderland"
With apologies to those who strive to maintain a perfectly monochromatic lawn, it is now time for my annual Singing-The-Praises-Of-Dandelions.
The last few days here in St. John's have not only been sunny and warm; they've also been spectacular days for dandelion-watching. Well, OK, so they're not much fun to watch, exactly- they don't so a whole lot. But it's been a great time to be out for a walk or in the car, checking out lawns and fields. Almost every grassy place is polka-dotted in cheerful yellow these days, and I LOVE IT. It's that time when the dandelions are open, but not many have their seed-hats on- it's just green and yellow wherever you look.
It seems so strange to me that people are so desperate to kill them. We bring in exotic plant species to put in our gardens, nurture them, fertilize them, water them, and pray we don't get a late frost that will kill them off. Meanwhile, the hardy dandelion is happy to thrive anywhere and everywhere, sprinkling pretty blooms all over our cities and countrysides- and we call them "weeds". They're hardy buggers, too. Try as some might to get rid of them, they never fail to reappear, flipping their middle leaves at those who would have them disappear. Pick 'em, dig 'em up, douse tham with toxic chemicals, they'll be back. It's downright inspirational, people!
I don't have a problem with green, smooth lawns. I find them boring, but it's a personal preference. We have a back yard (well, front yard to us, really) that's a wild mix of at least four species of grass, some kind of ground cover that looks a lot like parsley, trailing vines that have escaped from some former resident's attempt at maintaining a garden, and the fast-growing baboo (see pictures in the previous entry). And now, dandelions. Every time I go outside with Simon we discover something new; this week I showed him some forget-me-nots and some tiny while flowers- I have no idea what they're called, but they were pretty.
Nope, no problem with manicured lawns... as long as you're not one of the many herbicidal maniacs* out there poisoning the water and the neighbour's dog with the aforementioned toxins. But really, go ahead and dig up the dandelions, cut their heads off while you mow the lawn... they'll be back. You just can't keep a good weed down.
*Yes, I've been waiting almost a year to use that phrase. Thanks for humoring me.
With apologies to those who strive to maintain a perfectly monochromatic lawn, it is now time for my annual Singing-The-Praises-Of-Dandelions.
The last few days here in St. John's have not only been sunny and warm; they've also been spectacular days for dandelion-watching. Well, OK, so they're not much fun to watch, exactly- they don't so a whole lot. But it's been a great time to be out for a walk or in the car, checking out lawns and fields. Almost every grassy place is polka-dotted in cheerful yellow these days, and I LOVE IT. It's that time when the dandelions are open, but not many have their seed-hats on- it's just green and yellow wherever you look.
It seems so strange to me that people are so desperate to kill them. We bring in exotic plant species to put in our gardens, nurture them, fertilize them, water them, and pray we don't get a late frost that will kill them off. Meanwhile, the hardy dandelion is happy to thrive anywhere and everywhere, sprinkling pretty blooms all over our cities and countrysides- and we call them "weeds". They're hardy buggers, too. Try as some might to get rid of them, they never fail to reappear, flipping their middle leaves at those who would have them disappear. Pick 'em, dig 'em up, douse tham with toxic chemicals, they'll be back. It's downright inspirational, people!
I don't have a problem with green, smooth lawns. I find them boring, but it's a personal preference. We have a back yard (well, front yard to us, really) that's a wild mix of at least four species of grass, some kind of ground cover that looks a lot like parsley, trailing vines that have escaped from some former resident's attempt at maintaining a garden, and the fast-growing baboo (see pictures in the previous entry). And now, dandelions. Every time I go outside with Simon we discover something new; this week I showed him some forget-me-nots and some tiny while flowers- I have no idea what they're called, but they were pretty.
Nope, no problem with manicured lawns... as long as you're not one of the many herbicidal maniacs* out there poisoning the water and the neighbour's dog with the aforementioned toxins. But really, go ahead and dig up the dandelions, cut their heads off while you mow the lawn... they'll be back. You just can't keep a good weed down.
*Yes, I've been waiting almost a year to use that phrase. Thanks for humoring me.
Sunshine-y Day
Originally posted June 7/2007 on "Allison Wonderland"
THIS is why we put up with Newfoundland winters!
THIS is why we put up with Newfoundland winters!
Baboo Baboo Baboo
Originally posted May 21/2007 on "Allison Wonderland"
Spring is finally here. It's almost the end of the May 24th weekend (which, once again, does not contain May 24), and there are actually buds on the trees out in the yard. There are snails all over everything, too, and this year's baboo is sprouting. What, you may be wondering, is baboo? Baboo is like bamboo, and it is in our yard. This stuff is crazy. Last year there was hardly any when we moved in, but within a month there was a forest of the stuff. I took a picture today so I can show you how quickly it grows- if I remember to take more pictures.
This is the Baboo- May 21
... Is baby baboo.
We (Simon and I; AJ was working today) took Gus outside with us today. He's always trying to get out the door, so I thought we'd let him get some fresh air. Gus was really excited... until we tied him up. I wasn't going to let him escape now, was I? He did the usual cat thing and acted like I had put a weight around his neck, flopping to the ground and commando-crawling like he couldn't lift his head. He ended up just laying there like a giant, hairy lump, so I let him go inside. Maybe this will cure him of his need to go out.
Gus (and Simon's foot)
Handsome Puss!
Simon also had fun, even though he was feeling kind of sick today. He never says no to a trip out to the yard!
Simon
Spring is finally here. It's almost the end of the May 24th weekend (which, once again, does not contain May 24), and there are actually buds on the trees out in the yard. There are snails all over everything, too, and this year's baboo is sprouting. What, you may be wondering, is baboo? Baboo is like bamboo, and it is in our yard. This stuff is crazy. Last year there was hardly any when we moved in, but within a month there was a forest of the stuff. I took a picture today so I can show you how quickly it grows- if I remember to take more pictures.
This is the Baboo- May 21
... Is baby baboo.We (Simon and I; AJ was working today) took Gus outside with us today. He's always trying to get out the door, so I thought we'd let him get some fresh air. Gus was really excited... until we tied him up. I wasn't going to let him escape now, was I? He did the usual cat thing and acted like I had put a weight around his neck, flopping to the ground and commando-crawling like he couldn't lift his head. He ended up just laying there like a giant, hairy lump, so I let him go inside. Maybe this will cure him of his need to go out.
Gus (and Simon's foot)
Handsome Puss!Simon also had fun, even though he was feeling kind of sick today. He never says no to a trip out to the yard!
Simon
Winter. Again.
Originally posted April 20/2007 om "Allison Wonderland"
I know there was a reason that we moved here, but at this time of year it's really hard to remember what that reason was. While I'm hearing about how nice it is in Ontario right now, 21 degrees, people wearing shorts, I'm sitting here in a sweater. I actually did the dishes a while ago just to put my hands in the hot water. I drove to an appointment this morning and I actually saw ice-covered trees beside the road. Oh, and we haven't seen the sun in a week.
Oh, but just wait. It gets so much better. See, the seasons just come late here. I know it's almost May, but we're kind of in early-spring mode. We get beautiful summers; not too many really hot days, most just right for a walk in Bowring park or a trip out to Cape Spear. I think if I had to go back and spend a summer in Ontario now, I'd overheat and break down just like my car did that time- different story. We'll get days like this:
Days that make you want to jump in the car and drive to wherever there's room for a picnic and a chance of spotting whales. Yeah, it rains, too, but like everyone says, "at least it's not snow!"
And then by next December everyone will forget that our seasons run late; they'll comment on the light snowfalls and mild weather before Christmas and say, "Oh, it's gonna be a good winter, b'y!" They forget that (at least in the last 3 years, anyway) the big storms don't come until January... and then they refuse to leave until at least some time in March.
Summer and Fall here must make up for the Winter and Spring, otherwise no one would live here anymore. I'm sure I'll remember that when the sun finally comes out. It is coming, right?
I know there was a reason that we moved here, but at this time of year it's really hard to remember what that reason was. While I'm hearing about how nice it is in Ontario right now, 21 degrees, people wearing shorts, I'm sitting here in a sweater. I actually did the dishes a while ago just to put my hands in the hot water. I drove to an appointment this morning and I actually saw ice-covered trees beside the road. Oh, and we haven't seen the sun in a week.
Oh, but just wait. It gets so much better. See, the seasons just come late here. I know it's almost May, but we're kind of in early-spring mode. We get beautiful summers; not too many really hot days, most just right for a walk in Bowring park or a trip out to Cape Spear. I think if I had to go back and spend a summer in Ontario now, I'd overheat and break down just like my car did that time- different story. We'll get days like this:
Days that make you want to jump in the car and drive to wherever there's room for a picnic and a chance of spotting whales. Yeah, it rains, too, but like everyone says, "at least it's not snow!"And then by next December everyone will forget that our seasons run late; they'll comment on the light snowfalls and mild weather before Christmas and say, "Oh, it's gonna be a good winter, b'y!" They forget that (at least in the last 3 years, anyway) the big storms don't come until January... and then they refuse to leave until at least some time in March.
Summer and Fall here must make up for the Winter and Spring, otherwise no one would live here anymore. I'm sure I'll remember that when the sun finally comes out. It is coming, right?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
I Dream Of....
Originally posted February 20/2007 on "Allison Wonderland" (written while in ON)
Remind me again about why we moved to Newfoundland?
AJ has been shoveling his way out of the house for 2 hours already, not including the time he spent just trying to get the door open. He hasn't even made it to the car yet. It seems that the storm that kept us from going home last night dumped a little more than the expected 30 cm on the city. I'm glad we missed it, but I sure feel bad for everyone who's trying to get shoveled out today. Schools are closed, buses aren't running. This is happening with disturbing frequency. It's a beautiful province, especially in the summer. But in the winter? I think I understand why so many people spend it in Florida.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
There was something else I was going to write about before I return to The Place of No Internet... Darned if I can think of what it was. So instead I'll tell you about something fairly strange: I've been having the craziest dreams since we got here. The first few nights were just packed with nightmares; I didn't get much sleep, but I was glad to wake up in the morning, anyway. I don't remember the specifics anymore, and I really don't want to. Then there was the one where someone was trying to set a world record, trying to beat the record time for... well, I don't know exactly what it was, but the feat involved Marilyn Manson (?!) wearing a white tea towel around his neck like a bib, sliding down a mini-toboggan-on-a-track thing while sitting up, holding a fork in one hand and a knife in the other (both huge), and being flung off the end of the track into a pile of hay. They almost didn't make it, but I think the record was beaten, in spite of the fact that he (MM) refused to take off his boots before getting on the slide. Dumbass.
Confused? Me, too. Sometimes I wake up from dreams and I remember thinking (during the dream) that they were really fun or interesting- not this time. I woke up and this thought bubble appeared over my head (seriously!) that said, "WTF?!!"
Remind me again about why we moved to Newfoundland?
AJ has been shoveling his way out of the house for 2 hours already, not including the time he spent just trying to get the door open. He hasn't even made it to the car yet. It seems that the storm that kept us from going home last night dumped a little more than the expected 30 cm on the city. I'm glad we missed it, but I sure feel bad for everyone who's trying to get shoveled out today. Schools are closed, buses aren't running. This is happening with disturbing frequency. It's a beautiful province, especially in the summer. But in the winter? I think I understand why so many people spend it in Florida.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
There was something else I was going to write about before I return to The Place of No Internet... Darned if I can think of what it was. So instead I'll tell you about something fairly strange: I've been having the craziest dreams since we got here. The first few nights were just packed with nightmares; I didn't get much sleep, but I was glad to wake up in the morning, anyway. I don't remember the specifics anymore, and I really don't want to. Then there was the one where someone was trying to set a world record, trying to beat the record time for... well, I don't know exactly what it was, but the feat involved Marilyn Manson (?!) wearing a white tea towel around his neck like a bib, sliding down a mini-toboggan-on-a-track thing while sitting up, holding a fork in one hand and a knife in the other (both huge), and being flung off the end of the track into a pile of hay. They almost didn't make it, but I think the record was beaten, in spite of the fact that he (MM) refused to take off his boots before getting on the slide. Dumbass.
Confused? Me, too. Sometimes I wake up from dreams and I remember thinking (during the dream) that they were really fun or interesting- not this time. I woke up and this thought bubble appeared over my head (seriously!) that said, "WTF?!!"
Newfinese
Originally posted January 3/2007 on "Allison Wonderland"
Just for the record, I love Newfoundland.
I love most of the people here, too. But guys, I don't understand Newfinese. When a customer in the store shakes her head and says, "I tin ander fahl tonde flarr" after I serve her daughter, I don't know what that means. It doesn't matter how many times you repeat it, m'am- if you don't speak English, I can't help you.
I still don't know whether that comment required a response. The customer repeated herself 3 times, shook her head again, and followed her daughter out of the store. I smiled and nodded.
I understand that accents and dialects are a part of our heritage, a reflection of our origins, and the homogenization of speech signal the loss of a unique culture. I actually think that the Newfoundland accent is nice. I just wish I could understand what people around here were saying when they have the thickest accents, and are speaking what is supposed to be English.
And, if they understand what people are saying on TV, why don't they understand me when I speak? I don't understand that, either.
Just for the record, I love Newfoundland.
I love most of the people here, too. But guys, I don't understand Newfinese. When a customer in the store shakes her head and says, "I tin ander fahl tonde flarr" after I serve her daughter, I don't know what that means. It doesn't matter how many times you repeat it, m'am- if you don't speak English, I can't help you.
I still don't know whether that comment required a response. The customer repeated herself 3 times, shook her head again, and followed her daughter out of the store. I smiled and nodded.
I understand that accents and dialects are a part of our heritage, a reflection of our origins, and the homogenization of speech signal the loss of a unique culture. I actually think that the Newfoundland accent is nice. I just wish I could understand what people around here were saying when they have the thickest accents, and are speaking what is supposed to be English.
And, if they understand what people are saying on TV, why don't they understand me when I speak? I don't understand that, either.
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