Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Nemo


It was the day before Anna Rose's birthday, and I was minding my own business - really, I was on my way to work with work on my mind - when I saw a rock moving across Robinhood Rd. I swerved out of the way, quickly realizing that it wasn't a moving rock but a turtle.

And before I had time to process a thought, I found that I had turned around, driven back, pulled over, and was now walking toward it. (Had I processed I probably would not have done it.)

But it wasn't the time to think. It was the eve to Anna Rose's birthday. And, of course, we had plenty of presents for her: a game for her Leapster, some Barbie dolls, a make-your-own jewelry set. I knew hermit crabs were on the way...you see, what Anna Rose really wanted were pets.

Her list included a hamster, a guinea pig, a puppy, a fish family, and a hermit crab family. We had said no to them all...all except the hermit crab family. Dear Lucy, our beloved babysitter, insisted on getting them.

Now here I was carrying a turtle back to the car. I didn't have anything to put it in, so I emptied a box of wet wipes and put it in there. You should have heard the poor turtle scraping for dear life. Getting home, I made a little pen for the little guy in the back yard, texted Lia to "call me", and went to work.

When Lia and I talked, she was all about the turtle.

So we gave it to Anna Rose the next day. She was a little afraid at first (so was the turtle). As it turned out, the turtle was not the Box Turtle I had thought it was. It was an Eastern Painted Turtle, which meant that we were off to the pet store.

We learned while we were there that owning a wild turtle is illegal in North Carolina. "All right, I'll put it back," I said, "but, I'm just interested, what do wild turtles eat?" Turns out, turtle food, which you can conveniently buy at the pet store!

So one aquarium later we were off to build our illegal turtle a new home.

We named him/her/it Nemo because he/she/it has a gimpy front foot. (I saved it, really...oh, how I have prayed these last three weeks that God would continue to save it now that it is in an aquarium in Anna Rose's room.)

I'm happy to report that Nemo is doing well. I teared up the morning A-Ro and I watched him/her/it eat for the first time. He/she/it doesn't even swim away when I enter the room. Not any more.

In the end, I am very pleased with breaking the law. I have actually been planning my next misdemeanor. In the meantime, may this post serve as the official announcement of our newest member of the family: Nemo.

As for the hermit crabs, they and I have not really bonded. Climbee and Hide-ee (can you guess which does which?) are cool and all, but they're food smells like foot fungus and discarded fish heads.



Thursday, July 21, 2011

Fat Skeleton Suit



Here is a talk I gave last week called "Fat Skeleton Suit." For all of you who remember Slim Goodbody from Saturday morning cartoons - this one is for you.

Let me know what you think.




Monday, July 11, 2011

Happy Birthday Anna Rose

Anna Rose, you are now 5 years old. I am 36 years old. So I had 31 years of living before you were born. But you should know, of all the years that I have lived, I have loved the ones with you the most. I love you, Rosie Girl. Happy Birthday.


Here you are on the day you were born!


This is how I looked at you when you were three days old.



You had the wildest hair when you were one.



That was the summer I learned that the best way to watch fireworks was through your eyes.



We learned by the time you were two that you liked to dress up!


I wonder who you learned that from?


You have had five pool parties! This picture is from your third.


You ate a piece of cake and then ate some of mine.



When you were about to turn four, I started to worry that you were beginning to grow up a little too fast.


But you were kind enough to set my mind at ease.


You dazzle me with your beauty, little girl.


I do not have to wonder who you got that from.


I love you, Anna Rose. We all do. Happy Birthday. May this year be the best one yet.


Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Biggest Laugh This Summer

In general, I do not believe it is good to laugh at the expense of someone else. Particularly, I believe it is inappropriate to laugh at a person who is suffering. However, I did both a few weeks ago. And now I would like to share the laugh with you. Thank you Aunt Melanie for the permission ; )

She was the person I laughed at. Aunt Mel is one of the most wonderful people on the planet. She has also needed knee surgery for years. Well, finally, in June, she did it. (She is recovering well, I'm happy to report.)

I wrote her to see how she was getting along and ask her if there might be anything I could do to help. Here is the conversation via facebook.

Thinking about you Mel. Let me know if you need anything.
June 21 at 8:22pm · ·
  • Dawne Sarchetlikes this.
    • Melanie Koewing i will id you nwws mw ro fA
      June 23 at 2:44pm ·
    • Ned Ericksonha! sounds like you need me this instant! please reread what you sent me! it will make you laugh.
      June 23 at 3:07pm ·
    • Melanie Koewing this is nutty...I have no idea what I was saying!! Did i write this this week after the surgery...I have been pretty nutty on these pain pills!
      June 24 at 10:23pm ·

Thnxs Mel I hp yohd flle btter snnoon