Allerton in late October

Allerton in late October, originally uploaded by Jen!!.

I love all of Allerton, and I can't pick a favorite spot to save my life (when have I ever been able to pick a favorite of anything?), but I have a special affinity for the south woods. Not that I've run into a lot of people when hiking on the other side of the river, but I usually only see a couple of people (if any at all) in the south woods. I see more wildlife. The dog can roam free for a bit (shhh . . . don't tell anyone!). Fall in the woods is a wonderful time. The leaves are thick on the ground, but moist enough that it's not a constant crunching sound under your feet.

I love autumn.

Guana: the beach

the beach, originally uploaded by Jen!!.

This is where we spent our honeymoon: Guana Island in the British Virgin Islands (www.guana.com). I can't imagine anywhere else being more perfect. No TVs, no radio. Just us, hiking, eating, drinking, sleeping, snorkeling, talking, relaxing. I never imagined that I could spend an entire day lounging on a beach, but it turns out I can. (And I can't wait to do it again!) This is where we sat and read, swam, snorkeled and pretty much just lazed while sipping Painkillers and enjoying the peace and stillness that Guana offered up to us.

Showing our respects at Arlington

Showing our respects at Arlington, originally uploaded by Jen!!.

For spring break we took a road trip to DC. We found ourselves with some extra time one day and went to Arlington National Cemetery. We had already done quite a bit of walking that day so bought tickets for the bus and stood in line waiting for quite a while. Someone (no, no, certainly not me!) got them riled up while waiting and once we got on the bus I turned around to take a picture of Sean and Jasper, on the seat behind me and Julia, and this is the result. Two camera hogs. Sheesh. What, were they raised on a funny farm?

Chained to these loving arms

If I was a saint I would not cry
If I knew better I'd just get by
If I was a child I wouldn't worry
But all they understand is a poker face
And a winning hand
Go tell it to the jury
Well, now, dreams are not the only stuff of life
I know that well, 'cause I'm lying safe and sound in your
arms tonight
And I'm Chained To These Lovin' Arms
Chained To These Lovin' Arms
Ain't never gonna leave them
(Patty Larkin)

Hey, there

I haven't been around much, have I? I haven't been taking very many pictures, and I've been busy with wedding and life planning besides. Here are my three favorite people, on New Year's Eve, doing one of my favorite things: reading.

Even though I know better, I tend to measure myself by other people's yardsticks (or however that phrase goes). I've been getting away from such behavior and looking at the three people above helps keep things in perspective. I know what a wonderful life I have, and I'm thankful for it.

p.s. My son is not naked. I don't know why I feel the need to state that, but I do. :)

instant tourettes

instant tourettes , originally uploaded by Jen!!.

I swear, I'm well coordinated. I hardly ever run into doorways. I almost never trip. I can walk and chew gum at the same time for goodness sake!

Apparently shaving off part of my pinky over the summer wasn't enough. On Friday I cut off part of my thumb while chopping onions.

*sigh*

So, once again, let's count our blessings: the kids were with their dad, the roads weren't icy, the ER wasn't busy, I didn't cut to the bone, the knife was sharp, I just had my tetanus shot in 2005, the ER crew was AWESOME, my rockin' fiance held my hand (my other hand) through the whole thing, the bleeding finally got stopped, the pharmacist who doled out the vicodin put the cap on in the non-child-lock position, and so much more.

And when I asked for a glass of red wine at the ER the doc said that someone could run out to the liquor store. (I held out for the drugs instead. A wise choice, I think.)

Near the Gateway Arch

Near the Gateway Arch, originally uploaded by Jen!!.

On our recent trip to St. Louis we stopped for a moment, under the beautiful canopy of trees, in their full autumnal colors, to snap this picture.

Julia is being goofy, as she is wont to do, and I'm not sure why she's holding the stick like that or making the face she is, except that it might somehow be related to her being six.

Jasper is hiding behind the tree, pouting that we had to leave the Museum of Westward Expansion early due to his less than stellar behavior.

There you have it: one small, momentary glimpse into fractured family life in America.