Pumpkin Schmumpkin

Back in the olden days when I was a kid it seems to me there was just one way to celebrate Halloween. An idea for a costume was borne and I spent weeks trying to create it from items around the house. A pumpkin, which seemed to emerge magically, was carved and seeds roasted and enjoyed Then the finale. Trick or treating followed by chocolate indulgence. But I came up during the time when kooks began doing crazy things to candy and that changed everything.

Now, perhaps to make up for all the bad associations people have with Halloween, it seems like its a never ending production. There's this thing called "You've Been Boo'd" where you get an anonymous bag of treats on your doorstep in the weeks preceding and you're expected to duplicate this random act of kindness. Then there is the trip to Butler's Orchard which is a fall festival with petting zoo, slides, face painting and food. That's followed by school field trips to two different farms at two different times for even more fun and pumpkin picking. Then there are the parties at school including parades in costume. Doesn't that seem like a bit much?

Oh well I hate to sound like a Scrooge. That's for Christmastime.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Halloween...

Verana and Thumbellina are the little black 3-week-old kittens that made their way into our hearts this weekend. What a thrill it was to share with Kendall and Savannah the excitement of these sweet little castaways. Their mother had been seen for several weeks and then next thing we know, she's gone but these kittens remained strewn across the front yard.

We fed them milk with a medicine dropper. Tore up newspaper to make bedding. We even found a stuffed brown gorilla to place in their box. They think he's their mother.

It's really taking me back to when I was young and raised any number of creatures that were in our yards in Pittsburgh and Ohio -- from baby pheasants to bunnies. Like that infamous time Auntie Pops stowed a kitten in her room unbeknownst to Grams and Grandad. One problem. She soon found out that she's allergic to cats. Eyes swelled up like Will Smith in Hitch. What fun!

But later today they will be given to someone who can ensure they live every bit of their nine lives. Now that we've had two black cats cross our path, I think we're just about ready for Halloween.

Another day away from my Beans

On my way to board a flight to Phoenix. It's my first time there but I am not excited this time. A whole week is a long time to be away from my family. And the time zone means I am missing them on the phone and Skype.

But even though I am missing my girls I know this is valuable Daddy time for them. And time for them to expand their independence. Every time I return from a trip they look different to me. We will see what happens this time. Stay tuned...

Looking the Part

Looking the part is half the battle when you are tackling a new skill. The girls took their first "official" swimming lessons with buddy Gabbs. After excitedly donning all the requisite gear, they took to the pool. I sat with Felicia behind the observation glass and wasn't sure what to expect.

I have to admit that without Mom or Dad in the water these girls really showed way more confidence then they ever have in the community pool. I saw jumping out of and going under water without fear. Savannah is even a natural floating on her back!

I guess I am the one who's really learning here. They really can get along quite well without us. We will see what next week teaches us.