The Doggett Days of Summer

well, here it is the last week in august, and the girls went to bed wearing stocking caps. i kid you not. gus wore some newly acquired footy pj's with polar bears on them. is it cold here? the tomatoes which are not growing in my garden, but in my lovely friend's, have late tomato blight. could it be because the average temperature for evenings hovers near 50 not 60 this year. ahhh august.
since i didn't post daily all summer, and i am going on a trip, and won't be back until september, i thought i would blog a bit about our summer. so here they are, the doggett days of summer:

there's eleanor on the rocks.
we went to the coast one day in june. it was really, really cold and windy. the kids were doing death-defying feats on the rocks. this just about captures it. yes, she was really on a cliff of rocks and the churning ocean was just below.
here are gus and eleanor on their bikes for the 4th of july parade.

a good time was had by all. i made a fool of myself in front of some law enforcement personnel with a streamer. the only thing missing was a MARCHING BAND, like this:
see, corvallis, this is how it's done. (lovin the cute band director, too.)

this here is country fair. where else can you dress like a fairy and meet a 15 foot tall flower? where? and gnomes? they got them, too.

oh my it's late now i must go to bed. more soon.
love to everyone.

what's a meme?

i've been tagged for a meme. first off, i am not sure what it is, or worse yet, how to pronounce it. and, rather than going to bed, which i should be doing (since babies can come at any hour of any day or night), i am going to figure it out and try to do it. here goes:
wikipedia says a meme is:

A meme (pronounced /miːm/)^[1] is any thought or behavior that can be passed from one person to another by means of imitation. Examples include thoughts, ideas, theories, gestures, practices, fashions, habits, songs and dances. Memes propagate themselves and can move through the cultural sociosphere in a manner similar to the contagious behavior of a virus.

so, it rhymes with theme, apparently. nice that i can still read the phonetic alphabet. college ed is good for somethin. boy, what else wikipedia says is pretty interesting, too. i guess blogging itself is a meme. not to mention everything else, pretty much. what a concept.

here's what this particular meme is, from lisa:

Quirky Meme
Mention six quirky, yet boring, unspectacular details about yourself. Tag six other bloggers by linking to them. Go to each person's blog and leave a comment that lets them know they've been tagged. If you participate, let the person know who tagged you you've posted your quirks!

1. i can't think of anything, so i guess that must mean i am totally NORMAL, which is something i have been actively trying not to be since about the age of, oh, whenever it was that i first read Anne of Green Gables, and decided i wanted to be quirky in exactly the same way she was, imaginative, creative, forgetful, prone to catastrophe, dramatic, and someone who used words like 'kindred spirits' and 'bosom friend' and 'we almost perished.'

2. i cannot tolerate caffiene very well. it makes me way too talkative (even more than my normal babble speed), then grumpy and then i just want to nap, and, if i have coffee today, tomorrow at exactly the same time, i will want coffee. this is too much! even if i live in the land of a starbucks on every corner, i will not give in to the coffee devils. resist resist resist.

3. i like toaster ovens. is there any more that really needs to be said about that? i think not.

4. i'm good with language. is this boring? is it quirky? well, what it means is i have, in my short (getting longer all the time) life learned bits of several languages that i've retained a fair bit of, majored in language studies in college (japanese) and can remember lyrics to songs so well i will drive pretty much anyone riding in a car with me insane if we listen to the radio and they don't like people singing along. i am not japanese, at least not in this incarnation.

5. i balk at regularity. i don't like to have the same breakfast 2 days in a row, or any meal, for that matter. i don't like to keep the same schedule week to week. it seems boring and stuck. this causes problems in parenting. i like to fly by the seat of my pants. it's crazy-making for children, i think. i guess it's why i like to travel so much. travelling in places where the countries change every few hours is really interesting. not the same breakfast or lunch, or even language! wow! in my old age, i see how rhythm and discipline are helpful to me. doesn't mean i gotta like it, does it?

6. i have worn glasses since i was 7 years old. maybe 8. i started out with a patch, for a lazy-eye situation. would that i had that patch now. it was a really good one with green on the inside. i hated wearing it. i have tried to wear contacts, never with much luck. so, i wear glasses and attempt to keep the finger prints off them. they're quite dirty right now, better fix that.

well, i don't know if i did that right, but, there it is.

addendum: i would tag other people but that feels too much like a chain letter to me. so if you read my blog and want to do this meme, go right ahead. and tell me about it so i can find out just how quirky you are in a boring way. do you, too play the oboe, own an autoharp, collect handkerchiefs? dig on origami? wonder why toenails don't just grow in colors, since they look nicer that way? i wanna know, i really do.

Il Mundo In Un Susafono

(props for this photo go to brtsergio. i stole it from his flickr photostream)
We have just returned from an evening with the Corvallis Community Band. Another Tuesday night was made a bit more special with a summer band concert. What is it about summer band that makes me feel so--well, happy? I do not particularly enjoy playing the music that is played in summer band, marches and such, or at least I didn't when I had the chance, what? 20 years ago. There's just not a lot an oboe can do with all that brass. There is an oboe in the Corvallis Community Band, and they don't play just marches, either. In fact, tonight's performance featured a clarinet soloist who was pretty damn good, and dressed in evening wear. Me, I would have done it in my CCB sweatshirt, but then, I can't play the clarinet that well, and never could. The kids did less playing at the park and more watching the band this week than last. Many questions arose: Is THAT a sousaphone? Is THAT a tuba? Why do they call it a sousaphone, is it because of John Philip Sousa? (We've recently read John Philip Duck by Patricia Polacco, one of our favorite author/artists) Where's the basson player tonight? What's that kind of drum? Why is it called a snare drum? Is that the bass drum? Oh, can you hear the kettle drums? Do these people own their instruments? Are they volunteers? Can I go play in the park?
I believe that Lee Nelson proclaimed that Harlan, Iowa had the longest running summer band program in Iowa, and I only know this becaues I happened to be at one of the concerts during the 100th year. I could be making this all up, but I don't think so. There is a certain kind of nostalgia that rolls in off those down beats and oompas and tweetle tweets that gets me right in my midwestern heart. Now, it helps that one of our first evenings in Corvallis happened to be spent (serendipitously--as was the mode) at a summer band concert. And it helps that my little brother is so far away probably running a similar summer band concert gig--or maybe retirees do that, what say you Phil? Nevertheless, I was glad that I had decided to brave the 'hot' weather (um, no this is not hot compared to you in the mushi atsui midwest) and spend an evening hour on the lawn, listening to marches, waltzes and other sundries. What else is summer for, if not for summer band. And if I had to pick a world to be in... well it's nice that this one includes sousaphones.

Remembering.....

How can it have been a year already since we were in England? And am I just going to get more and more weird about time flying? I seem to be asking questions like this way the heck too often. Signs of aging? Naaaaah.
So, an insurance/magazine saleswoman stopped by the house today. Yes. Stopped by. Now, I'm not sure when the last time was that someone came to YOUR door selling something besides Girl Scout cookies, but for me, well it's been a long time. And, it's pretty surprising when you live in a 'gated community' (yes, we are--but that's a story for another time) way out in the boonies, like we do. My Dad assures me that farm magazines have been sold this way forever. That lady could talk. I talk a lot, but she talked circles around me. I gave her a cup of tea. Her mother was English (from Lincolnshire) and we talked about England and lots of other things. AND I did NOT NOT NOT buy anything from her or convert to her brand of religious affiliation or anything else. I shook her hand and thanked her for the free Grit Magazine and sent her on her merry way so I could make scalloped potatoes.
However, I did not need her to remind me of England, oh no. Eleanor and I have been thinking about it all week. The wedding, the wedding festival, the dancing, the red heads, the freckles, the garden, the pasties, the Cornish Coast, the thatched roofs, the cute cottage names, the music and poetry, the amazing people, the cream and jam, the acting, Stonehenge, the road trip, the accents, the double-decker bus, the rock walls and hedges... Ohhhhh when can we go back to England, mama?

The Magic Tooth Theory

As Miss Eleanor was nearly drifting off to sleep last night, she complained, "I wish my tooth would come out." I offered to help for the millionth time, because it has been hanging by a thread for too many days. I wiggled a bit, but that was painful, and then, I just pushed on her gums, and POP it came out. She managed not to swallow it--she was lying down at the time. Then I realized it was July 1st. She got her first tooth EXACTLY 6 years ago, on July 1st 2002. Is that not weird. I am pretty sure that Gus did the same thing. I wonder how many kids loose their teeth so close to 6 years after they get them. Here is a photo of Ella (as she was known then--maybe even Ellabean) on July 1, 2002. What a cutie. She IS wearing a Christmas shirt--as I recall it was the only white longsleeved shirt she had (and a handmedown from Gus, at that) to protect her from the hot hot sun in Cashmere, WA as Robert and I paraglided. OOOeee. You cannot see the tooth here. But it was there. She and Gus also both started walking the same week they got their tooth. Gus actually started talking at the same time, too. El was ahead of the verbal game. Only 3 months after this photo was taken she said, "Don't do dat to me mama!" I just want to eat her up in this photo. Good thing I didn't!

Oh, and this, too.

I meant to post these earlier and am wishing I could get them a little smoother. The soundtrack goes like this "This is so fun, Mom!" said Eleanor. "I want to go too!" said Gus, "But, it's scary." "Here, I will help you," offered Eleanor. Lots of rippling water sounds and quiet concentration punctuated by eeks of fear/delight, and finally they are back on this side, happy and triumphant. A creek is a good thing to have nearby. This is the same creek that flows through the land we live on, but we don't have this kind of 'rapids.'

Alsea Falls

There is not much better in the summer than getting in cold water on a hot day. We have had many hot days lately and some friends called to see if we would like to go to Alsea Falls, which is outside the town of Alsea, the next town along the road to the coast. I did not get many good pictures, because I ditched my camera so I could get into the water--and ended up getting all the way wet, which was great fun. Eleanor was really interested in learning how to swim. It was very cold, though so she just kept screaming, loudly. The last time we were at Alsea falls was with my friend Naoki who grew up in urban Japan, and had never had berries in the wild before. The time before that, Lucy was in the sling, and I slipped, fell and got really scared that Lucy was hurt. She landed on me, so no damage done. This time, I slipped, fell and have a bruise that I can't see but can feel--all of us ended up falling down, but it amazed me how incredibly independent the kiddos were. Amazing how fast things change. Summer is in full swing, and we have chosen to fill July with activities: modern dance, ballet, gymnastics, violin and cello. Hopefully we can fit lots of friend time in there, and some camping too. Next weekend is the Oregon Country Fair, where we hope to see our friends the Ricochet Circus and Nanda, that is, if I am not at a birth, which would be lovely in a different way. My cool blessings to all women pregnant at this time of the year in the northern hemisphere. I remember, oh yes I do.

Goodbye, dear Tasha.

I just read on another's blog that one of my heroines has passed on. Tasha Tudor died at home in Vermont at the age of 92. Would that we all could live our dreams and passions as she did.

June be gone.

Well, here is another month, and me only posting a couple of times. I'm attempting to not have guilt. The beginning of the month was busybusybusy. There were two dance recitals. There was also a cello recital. I am trying to figure out how to make a flickr photo montage, but until then, i will add a page element that links to my flickr page.

more soon on june.

Summertime....

The livin is easy.
The temperature is high (90's today!)
Mama is hot
Daddy is cookin,
Hush little doggy, don't you bark.

Today we went to check out the charter school that is opening in the fall in our neighborhood. We have the registration papers, and now need to make a decision about whether to continue to homeschool or go to school. This is occupying my thoughts a bunch. I'll keep ya posted.

It was so so so hot, even in the woods, even at 8:00 tonight. So, at the suggestion of my pal Susi, we made some sponge balls. Ooooeee did the kids have some LOUD wet fun. Here they are in the front yard splatting:

By the way, the sponge balls are an excellent alternative to water balloons. Call me pernickity, but I don't like having all those little balloon bits in the yard.

We have also been enjoying summer food. Our CSA box is a welcome addition to our life, since the beginning of June. Gathering Together Farm makes it so I do not have to go to the grocery store very much, which is a good good thing. (But I should probably not wait until there is only questionable homemade (cold) hot fudge, wilted radishes, two tablespoons of leftover hummus, and assorted condiments in the fridge, huh?) And, it takes the pressure off of me for making vegetables grow before it gets warm enough, which is always an issue. We do have some luscious strawberries happening:Oh summer, you are hot, but I love you so.

Old Tech Meets New Tech

Nice to know that one can take a video with a tiny camera aboard a 1720's boat, innit?
(also nice to be able to figure out how to then put them on one's blog.... i messed up the youtube the first time, but I think they're okay now!)

Here are the videos:

At long last... ahoy mateys!

I had to wait to upload these videos because I took them sidways and had to figure out how to rotate them. It was so easy with iMovie. So, fret not if you take sideways videos!

Oop it is not ready just yet, but I'll post this, which I sent around to tell about the trip:

On Mother's Day weekend we got in the car (on time) on Saturday and drove to the coast to be a part of an educational tour and sailing trip aboard the Lady Washington, which is a historic replica of a ship by the same name that was built in 1720. You can read about the ship itself in more detail on the website: here
We got there (on time) and were greeted by Holly, the educational director. We met a bunch of other homeschoolers from Corvallis, only one family we knew from before. They had changed the date, because the Lady had experienced some bad weather and they were behind schedule, so some of the people who were suppsed to go were unable to, I'm sure glad that wasn't us. Oh, I forgot to say that in order to quell the excitement that morning, I put Gus and El to work making hardtack. They did it almost all by themselves. It is made from flour, salt and water. That's it. No wonder it tastes, well, hard as a tack, as Ella said. It was break your tooth hard. The sailors used to dip it in their tea or stew or whatever. I also promised Gus that, although we could NOT take the hardtack on board (express instructions from our pre-trip info) and we would NOT be able to take and rum, or root beer on board either, we could indeed eat it before we got on, after we got off, and we would be sure to have some root beer somewhere while we were in Newport. back to the story
Holly was a 20 something dressed in her 'foulies', good thing since it looked like rain. We were all dressed in some sort of pseudo period wear, and some warm stuff, too. Gus almost refused to wear his sweater, because he was afraid it would spoil the look he was trying to go for, but I prevailed and suggested putting it under his 'pirate coat'. We looked good! We felt good. We had stopped on the way to the boat to eat some crappy fast food at starbucks and quiznos, which was probably a mistake for at least one of us, but we were feeling very good and ready to have an adventure. We walked up to the ship, stepped over the rail, and were welcomed aboard the Lady Washington by the other crew members. The pre-trip stuff had also warned the parents to 'back-off' and let the kids do the work, and Holly reiterated this. The kids plunged right in and started working with the ropes and learning about the sails. Once we launched away from the dock, it was harder to maintain balance, but Robert and I both followed the kiddles up to the quarterdeck to check that out and hear about navigation. The sailors were knowledgeable and friendly. Some are volunteers and some are paid. They are all interesting to talk to--although the captain was a bit snobby, which may be typical. They made sure that we knew it was NOT a pirate ship, and the kids (11 of them) chose the name for their crew, The Leeside Watch, so that the rest of the crew could refer to them and give them orders.
The Lady Washington, being a sailing-ship, is not very fast when moving on motor power, as we did when we were getting out of the bay, but once past the edge of the jetty, the sails were unfurled and we got to see at least a little of how they work. Robert also got to help with this a bit. That was before he started to feel a bit woozy. It also got a lot colder once we were out in the open ocean, and A LOT bumpier of a ride. Within the first minute or so, I fell down and slid across the deck on my hands and knees. So THAT's what real sailing is like. And it wasn't stormy or anything. The children were very autonomous at that point, just going with the group around to wherever they needed to be, and helping the big sailors out when they asked. Gus was totally blissed out and focused on his job.
After we got out into the open water, things started to get a bit hairy for many of the children, and several of the adults. The ship was rocking so much and one by one people started to need to be helped to the edge to either be sick or keep from being sick. Robert was included in this bunch. The kids that weren't sick were now heaving and hoing something or other, including Lucy. Gus and El were completely engrossed. Holly asked me to stay with Lucy to help her, but I was sort of cemented to my seat, because I wasn't sure if I was going to be sick, or not, and I didn't want to fall over again. I was a bit ungraceful in my period costume, too. So, I just held on tight, and soon enough Lucy came over and told me she was 'tired of working'. She started to tell me how much she wanted to go home, right now, but I just told her that we would be there for a while, and that I wanted to go home, too, but we would just hang, and stay warm and soon enough we would be headed home. The sickos started to outnumber the people that were not sick, so we did not stay out for that long, and didn't ever really have a chance to 'sail' properly since the motor was on the whole time, and the wind was kind of coming from many directions. Through everything, rain, slippery decks, and people throwing up all around them, Gus and Ella stayed interested and focused on whatever was being shared with them, and did their parts as good sailors. Although I knew it was just luck that they, too were not seasick, I was pretty happy for them that they were able to experience so much of it. They went below decks for a bit to check that out, and meet the cook, who was a gourmet (and pastry) chef. The sailors told me they eat better than anywhere on the ship--that bit isn't very authentic, methinks. No hardtack for them, oh no, galettes and croissants, it is, isn't it?? The kids that weren't sick before got sick when they went below. Lucy and I huddled in our blanket and tried to keep our eyes on the horizon and not on the sick folks. We could hear the sailors explaining to Gus and El, and maybe the last 2 others left standing about mending the sails. Interesting stuff. The sailors climbed up in the rigging and furled the sails again and we started to head back to the marina.
By the time we got off, we were soaked, tired and happy as could be, especially Gus, who was practically bouncing with glee. They learned a sea chanty and were singing it as we walked down the gangway. It was really so much fun, and I am sure we will remember it for a long time.

And now, for something completely different.

Since I haven't blogged lately, I also haven't downloaded my camera lately. And thus, I forgot that this little gem was on it. It's rather long, but I think you'll enjoy it:

A Visit to Boise

Well, since I haven't blogged in forever, I'm just going to have to do a bunch in one night. I need to go to bed soon since I have a baby on the way (no, sillies, I'm a doula, remember!) I wanted to post some photos from our visit to Boise. I packed up the kids a couple weeks ago and drove off to Boise to get in some Nana and Grandpa time. We were well over due! We had a really good time, hanging out, meeting new friends, going to the zoo, getting some sun, and just getting loved up by Nana and Grandpa. The pictures say more than I can. I think the highlights of the trip were: Playing dress up, reading Little House at night, going on walks with Bart, Jack and Nana, taking both of the dogs for a run with Grandpa, getting May Baskets--especially because I forgot it was even May Day, and definitely building a bird house and bird feeder with Grandpa.

Bloging again!

note to self: blog more often. it has been a long time, been a long time, been a long lonely lonely lonely lonely time, especially if you were waiting to hear what is happening in the cirque. circus life is a bit strange, you know. it has its ups, it has its downs. gus reported tonight that were he in a circus, he would like to ride a unicycle on a tightrope, while juggling 3 basketballs. now, this is surprising considering he was once very acrophobic. however, it could have something to do with the hero worship relationship our whole family seems to be cultivating with our friend bill the baker, who can actually unicylce and jubble (dribble/juggle) 3 basketballs. we haven't seen him on the tightrope but i'm sure it could happen.

winter is gone. it was 85 in the shade at 6:00 tonight. besides warding off meltdowns, there was some warding off actual melting that had to happen before the little ones could sleep tonight. the northwest makes us all rather, well, like pansies, not pansy-assed, but like the violet variety which can stand neither too hot nor too cold, but can live most of the year in the northwest. i dunno about 85 in may though. i'm just glad we didn't leave the big woods and take the wagon into town today. ooeeee. we did eat the seasons first watermelon, which felt right on our mouths but didn't taste so right. here's to eating seasonal produce! i just signed up for my BOX from gathering together farm! good dang thing, too, since i only have peas and garlic planted. and not much of those. here are some photos from our recent days at jenny's greenhouse. jenny is gone to australia for three whole months, and we have been missing her much, it helps to go over to her greenhouse and just be in her space for a while. We planted some lettuces with her before she left, and we were pleased that when we came back from boise they and been watered, thanks to the house sitter, and that there were even some growing up through the rocks in the floor. we planted basil seeds and they should be up by now. we shall go and check tomorrow and maybe transplant. the kids love to mix the perlite and coco hull stuff into the soil, mixmixmix. we still have plans for a big garden this year.

for helvede! for chocholade!

so, robert has been talking a lot about chocolate, and how most of the chocolate we eat here in the states is grown by slaves.  here's something by john robbins about it:  Is there Slavery in your Chocolate?  now, i like chocolate as well as the next guy, who happens to be my husband.  okay so maybe not quite as well, but since our first date, at a chocolate restuarant, Dilettante, i have become increasingly chocoholic.  sometimes i get to the point where i just say, okay no more chocolate for a while now, dear.  because my beloved has educated me well in chocolateyness, i do not usually eat hershey's or mars bars, or nestle (boo hiss) because i do not like milk chocolate.  but really now, slave labor?  child labor is one thing, and visiting india taught me something about that, which is that sometimes it is about apprenticeship and learning to make a living while you are growing up, and there is a lot to be said for that.  but slavery is a different thing, and as john points out in his article, if the biggies refused to buy slave grown and produced coffee, there would be some change.  even green & blacks and dagoba are now owned by big multinational companies-- green & black by cadbury and dagoba by hershey.  arrrrrgh!  i am not sure what to do with this information.  are you??  

Wintergrassed

We've arrived home safely from Wintergrass  and full of all of the sounds of it.  Our favorites were Väsen and Joe Craven--well, I liked Pearl Django, too, and Joe played a mean root beer box with them.  I haven't downlaoded photos or any video yet from that, because since we got back one or the other of us has been sick.  Today, we spent the day listening to "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's Magic" on CD, and lounging and napping on various horizontal surfaces.  A down day, onemight say.  The kids were perking up by the end of the night, but I went to the grocery store and pretty much got stuck in the vortex, and couldn't make my brain think of what might be good to eat for supper.  Therefore, sick children ate smoothies (no dairy) and then some rice and nori later.  Isn't there some thing like "feed a cold, starve a fever?"  At least one of us had a fever today, so whether we're feeding or starving I do not know but, once again, thank goodness for smoothies.  

I was looking through some photos and I thought I'd post one of Gus using the sewing machine, because I think it's so cute, and because I haven't downloaded any new ones recently.  He's making a crayon pouch for Ella, a Christmas gift meant to appease her longing for one like his.  She likes it very much and rearranges her crayons daily. 

The other one is of a local pal, Mr. Rough Skinned Newt, held by our friend Lucas.  Newts are always such a delight to encounter.  They live in our pond, but lately on our walks we are seeing many of them.  The like the wet weather.  

I hope everyone out there in the blogosphere is happy and healthy.  Must drink more tea.....

Somethin's happenin here. What it is ain't exactly clear.

First: Dadun is now Juggling while balancing!  A movie would probably be more appropriate, but for now, you get the 'still.'  'Am I smiling in the picture?' asked he.  One must perfect one's clown act if one is to be in a cirque, non?  Me, I'm mostly afraid of the balance board, due to the yet protesting ankle.  However, I am getting a bit better, and soon will not be embarrassed to show the kids now 'good' I am getting.  

Second:  It has been snowing and then snowing, and snowing some more, lately.  This is normal for winter in other parts of the country, but for us here in the Pacific NW, not so much.  The kids think it's pretty cool, but the need some snow proof mittens.  However, they did not need their mittens to make MOLASSES ON SNOW CANDY!! 

 Which they must have thought was yummy because they were all covered in molasses that day, and it was gone by the time Dad woke up.  

Also, we seem to be getting into bluegrass music, a little more around here.  Well, 'we' meaning the kids.  I took Gus up to the Rivercity Bluegrass Festival in January, and actually do have a video of his

 bluegrass debut on stage.  Our plans are forming to go to Wintergrass, and for at least Gus to take part in the Kid's Academy up there.  Here is the video:

We have also had several very interesting shows in the living room theatre this month.  One very involved piece was called 'Knitting Music'  It seemed to revolve around a composer (Gus) and 'the girl next door'  (Ella) who really liked to knit.  The plots are getting much better.  We had some plot discussions after some of the very (very, very) long  puppet shows around Christmas.  The plays are usually followed by a dance performance.  I didn't get a good shot or movie of the play, but here is Ella:

And the text that was supposed to go with that...

We all seem to have caught hold of the energy of a new year.  On New Year's Eve, Gus announced his plan to rearrange his room for the new year.  And, before I was really even fully awake yesterday, he and Ella were busy moving furniture.  They continued the project for about 3 hours until it was finished.  I only helped a tiny bit by helping to move the bed and dresser, and by suggesting a new home for the wooden train so we could retire the cardboard box.  I think he's pleased with the results.  It was sweet to watch the two of them solving the problems of moving furniture.  Their cooperation has continued today as they built a whole world, including the train, and Pizza Hut and McDonald's.  However, those two establishments were not long lived.  They couldn't decide how to remedy the problem of wanting a drive-thru, and McDonald's not having healthy food.  Oh, how I know this dilemma.  I have often lamented for a 'healthy, good for you fast food option'  it doesn't exist.  They seem to have arrived at the decision to make a 'drive-thru American Dream'   American Dream is the local and yummy pizza place.  

I'm not going to write a lot more now but I need to post a few holiday photos:

A New Year