Suddenly...

...or so it seems, everyone is the same height in group pics.

Grandpa R and Grandma C are on their way to OH, and we made them road trip snacks and filled them in on our summers.









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A moment

I have sweaty socks Hucky is loving on; Big A is slumped post-run and post-shower; Scout is smiling because he heard me say his name; the human babies are still asleep upstairs; we're in the hanging chairs At assembled all by himself years ago; the plants in the tea garden are happy because they've been freshly watered; and I'm happy that I don't have to worry about them for another week...

I will come back to this moment when the madness and busyness descends.

Onwards...

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Whose woods these are...

It's difficult to tell--

after all, they might as well be 

back by our compost heap.

But these are the trees I ran past 

this morning with Big A 

and then found waiting for me

when I walked back 

from paperwork 

at the English Department.

#MSU

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Early Birds

Grandpa R was in town for a volleyball ref. convention and then took all of us out to sushi at 3 pm. Linner? Dunch?

It's how we do this, apparently.

#Sansu #NoLeftovers








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One More

L gave me these mega hydrangeas from her garden when I walked her home after dinner with us.

Another green spot to keep me going this week...















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Summer gardens

Earlier this summer, Big A built these planters--one for each of us--to grow veggies. We're all not that outdoorsy, so I didn't know how it would take... but the kids love it.

I have never heard them watch or discuss the weather so much or show so much solicitude for things in their care. It has been so affirming all around.

Today I spent hours pulling weeds and trimming while At and Nu watered and giggled and did some solid work putting some ornamental fencing up so the puppies won't wander in.

My chore-averse kids claim it's more fun than work... And they say:
"From the genius who brought you "Boss Day" comes another fun family idea."
 Me. They're talking about me.

#GardenAsTherapy #EscapeThe News
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Off-Screen

It was too painful to be around my computer today. I have tons of stuff to do, but Facebook and Twitter are so tempting and enraging...

I spent hours sweeping (meditatively, without even music) until the whole driveway was clean. In contrast to every big project I've ever undertaken, I got more meticulous as I went on...

I did manage to connect with another mom and we're planning to do a teach-in on how to educate ourselves and resist ICE overreach.



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