tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26339147967989326012023-11-16T12:05:03.924-05:00Adventures with AidanAdventures with our Russian American sonwww.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.comBlogger742125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-33776134104990432212020-05-04T05:41:00.001-04:002020-05-04T05:41:15.773-04:00Pandemic 5/4/2020We're into May. This has been a very trying Spring. But maybe with nicer weather it will be better. We had over 2 inches of rain on Thursday so the yard was very soggy this weekend. I had wanted to buy more flowers for planting, but Pat was focused on the building the shed. That's fine. It's still early. <br />
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My roses are really thriving! They are beautiful already. Two of them have been producing flowers a lot. I even clipped one to have in an old milk bottle on the porch.<br />
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Because of all the rain, I was battling mud all weekend. I cleaned the porch and kitchen floor several times. Kind of annoying, but that's what happens when it rains. <br />
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There is talk of beginning to reopen things. It is a bit nerve wracking. There will need to be testing and we'll probably be dealing with this virus until there is an effective vaccine. It really makes you wonder what the world will look like. It's pretty clear we won't be where we were any time soon. If ever.<br />
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The meat supply is suffering. Not because there isn't enough but because the meat processing plants are shutting down--due to employees who have the virus. So, now most stores are limiting the amount of meat you can buy at one time. We have plenty.<br />
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The NFL will be putting out it's schedule for the 2020-2021 season. But, what about hockey? Will the NHL come back to finish the 2019-2020 season? Will Youth hockey happen? It was reported on Friday that the Little League World Series was cancelled. I guess that means there will not be any Little League season this summer. . .again, what about hockey???? So sad for the kids.<br />
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So, the numbers as of this morning:<br />
<br />
World: 3,507,265<br />
United States: 1,184,248<br />
Virginia: 17,873<br />
Loudoun County: 931<br />
Maryland: 25,462<br />
Washington, D. C.: 5016<br />
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Wear your face mask when you go out. <br />
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Stay safe. Stay well.www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-25638291224856977272020-04-28T19:58:00.004-04:002020-04-28T20:24:30.671-04:00Pandemic 4/28/2020Some days, Aidan has to be reminded what day it is. He's lost track. There really isn't anything to give him much structure, aside from his Google Meets on Tuesday and Wednesday. The rest of the time, there isn't anything to give any structure. I think I might get him his own calendar to mark the days off. I have also left him notes of his daily chores with a sentence at the top that says, Today is Tuesday, April 28th. . .<br />
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The Food supply is breaking. The Processing Plants are closing down because so many of the workers are getting sick. So, there are farmers out there raising hogs and chickens having to euthanize their animals because there isn't any way to process them. God knows what will happen with our food supply in the coming months.<br />
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As I indicated above, Distance Learning is happening. They began Google Meets last week which was added to Edmenton with assignments as well as Hyperdocs. It's all very crazy. It is some of the hardest things I've had to do, be a Homeschool teacher in a Distance Learning environment, plus working full time without any sports.<br />
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There is talk of possible reopening. The rule for the Commonwealth of Virginia is that we need to have 14 days in a row of decreasing new cases. Some days I despair that this will ever happen. Others it seems like it might be possible. We'll see. If Trump had his way, everything would just reopen and be back to normal immediately.<br />
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These days there are many in need. St. Matthews Episcopal Church is buying baby formula, diapers, food, etc. for the people living near the church. I've sent a couple of checks and will try to send more. There are just so many in need. . .<br />
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Today's numbers, ever higher:<br />
<br />
World: 3,042,444<br />
United States: 1,010,277<br />
Virginia: 13,535<br />
Loudoun County: 628<br />
Maryland: 19,487<br />
Washington, D. C.: 3892<br />
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Stay safe. Stay well.www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-46709392124867502912020-04-23T09:46:00.001-04:002020-04-23T09:46:09.990-04:00Pandemic 4/23/2020The government is beginning to talk about possible reopening of some businesses. But, they want to do it in a slow orderly fashion to be sure there is no resurgence. The rule for Virginia is that when we have 14 days in a row of decreasing new diagnoses, then we can begin reopening in small ways. We had a three day downward trend going, but then we went right back up again. So, we aren't reopening yet.<br />
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Georgia is going in full force with reopening everything. Most people vehemently disagree with this approach. Although, there are some, like two of my cousins, who feel that this is all a hoax. That we are being lied to by the media and the government. Ironic since they are also supporters of the current President.<br />
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I was finally able to get my medicine. It's been backordered by Giant for a couple of weeks. My RA doctor got frustrated and changed where I get the prescription and now it will come in the mail. The next 90 day bottle arrived on Monday. I had one pill left in the original. Timing.<br />
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Online learning has stepped up in Loudoun County. This week began live online learning. Tuesday is A day and they run through the blocks just like they are at school. 1/2 hour of teaching by the teacher and then 1/2 hour to do some hyperdocs. Wednesday is the same thing but it is B day schedule. Monday, Thursday and Friday are days to do the hyperdocs and other quizlets/tests or assignments. And the teachers have "Office Hours" during Monday, Thursday and Friday. We weren't sure how it was going to work but it seems to be okay. There are no cameras or microphones, but they kids can see who all is there (as can the teachers). So, there is some interaction at least! Maybe they won't be socially inept after this is done. Aidan actually liked it, so that was good. Only problem I see is that since it is working, will this be the norm for the future? LCPS Board did meet on Tuesday night and discussed scenarios where Distance Learning online could continue next fall. Oy vey.<br />
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We went to Meadows Farms last Saturday and bough a bunch of plants. I wanted to redo one of our gardens with some roses. I bought three yellow ones because they make me think of my inlaws. They will be pretty in the outside corner of our porch. I also put some Dianthus and Lavender over thre.<br />
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One final thing before I post today's numbers:<br />
<br />
When all of this started, I told Pat we needed to invest in Netflix. If people were home for an extended period of time, Netflix was bound to get a work out. Yesterday, Netflix announced that their membership nearly doubled during the first quarter. And no, we didn't buy it! Should have listened to me!!<br />
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The numbers as of this morning:<br />
<br />
World: 2,639,243<br />
United States: 855,250<br />
Virginia: 10,266<br />
Loudoun County: 475<br />
Maryland: 14,775<br />
Washington, D. C.: 3,206<br />
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Stay safe. Stay well.<br />
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<br />www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-55551158070733085122020-04-19T17:57:00.000-04:002020-04-19T17:57:16.033-04:00Pandemic 4/19/2020Today's number coi chue to be alarming at best:<br />
<br />
World: 2,395,636<br />
United State: 759,134<br />
Virginia: 8537<br />
Loudoun County: 385<br />
MAryland: 12,830<br />
Washington, D. C 2793<br />
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We are joining the throng of folks doing a Victory Garden. We've always done vegetables. But, this year, we're doing even more. And we're doing a lot of herbs. WE have our chickens, but I wish we could do some bees too. Not good, though, in our urban setting.<br />
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I changed up a garden out back. The one at the corner of our porch outlined by a rock wall. We bought a couple of roses, a lavender, some phlox and some dianthus. One more rose and we'll be set for that garden. I love it already!<br />
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Aidan is outgrowing so many of his clothes, including his underpants. So, after dinner today, he and I did some shopping online for him. Sort of fun! Sort of. . .<br />
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Stay safe. Stay well.www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-69050710382261369642020-04-15T05:43:00.000-04:002020-04-15T05:43:37.711-04:00Pandemic 4/15/2020It's cold today. It's only 38* this morning and expected to be even colder tomorrow morning. And it's raining right now. I guess the winds will pick up as well at some point over the next day or so. <br />
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Today is Wednesday and I'm working from home. I'm enjoying the one day a week. I am getting a lot done, answering a lot of calls, AND I'm able to supervise Aidan's school work. Today, that is very important because Loudoun County is beginning Distance Learning of new material. I still maintain that it will be difficult, at best, for students to learn a Foreign Language through Distance Learning. I'm just hoping Aidan can pass French. <br />
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Gas at the Paeonian Springs Shell is now $1.79. Honestly, this is the lowest I've seen gas prices since 9-11. I remember we were all very shocked a few days after 9-11 when the gas prices shot up to $1.84. . .and they only went up from there. I still have a 1/4 tank that I purchased a month ago (at $2.09 a gallon!!) but I'm still going to fill up tomorrow on the way to work. I can't not take advantage of that $1.79! And to think I thought $2.09 was awesome!!<br />
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Okay, time for some numbers:<br />
<br />
World: 2,008,977<br />
United States: 614,451<br />
Virginia: 6171<br />
Loudoun County: 344<br />
Maryland: 9472<br />
Washington, D. C.: 2058<br />
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Maryland is up over 1200. Makes Virginia's almost 900 seem not so bad. . .but it is bad. We're still rising. The President keeps talking about wanting to get people back to work and reopen the country. But, what about a resurgence? That is the big concern--if we go too fast, we could have a second wave. Please God, no second wave, okay??<br />
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Yesterday, I ordered several seed packets from Monticello for vegetables and herbs. I'm excited about them. I'm hoping to talk Pat into going to Meadows Farms this weekend so we can pick up some plants. It's a little early still for bedding plants, but I could keep them on the porch where they would be protected. <br />
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I also ordered two storage boxes where we can store cushions for the furniture that is outside. I'm hoping to get the patio and porch cleaned up this weekend. But, what to do about that old refrigerator? We also have the old steps from the pool. I'm going to see if we can just take that apart and store it in the work room so we can keep it, just in case we have to buy another pool this summer. We tossed the old one because it had some rips in the lining. And we hadn't planned on buying a new one. However, if the neighborhood pool and the one at Ida Lee don't open this summer, we will want something.<br />
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I saw something on the news the other morning saying Maryland is considering distance learning for next year. I can't even. . .<br />
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I think I'm going to try and start getting some nature pictures to put on here at the beginning of each post. Maybe something to look at and contemplate.<br />
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Stay safe. Stay well.www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-74746394587694137712020-04-13T05:45:00.000-04:002020-04-13T05:45:17.783-04:00Pandemic 4/13/2020I keep hearing reports that we may be able to be somewhat back to normal by November. Seriously? But, that goes along with the 12-18 months I heard to begin with. The President wants to reopen the government by next month. We'll see how this all plays out.<br />
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Today's numbers as of this morning:<br />
World: 1,850,200<br />
United States: 561,103<br />
Virginia: 5,274<br />
Loudoun County: 309<br />
Maryland: 8,228<br />
Washington, D. C.: 1875<br />
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I hear Virginia had a big jump this weekend. <br />
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AS of this weekend, I have only been out to go to work for one full week. Aidan hasn't been anywhere or seen anyone, in person, for two weeks. Pat went to the store last Wednesday. None of us have any symptoms so I feel pretty good about our safety.<br />
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I cleaned and reorganized the Laundry Room this weekend. Not going anywhere is helping me get some of the deep cleaning projects done. And, with refunds coming for programs that we aren't doing now, I am really saving some cash.<br />
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Yesterday was Easter. Weird. Only the three of us. But, Aidan got a basket, we had ham and it was a quiet day. I watched an Easter Service from St. Matthews online. Good to see the service, but again, weird.<br />
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I gave myself a pedicure yesterday. It is a disaster. Even Aidan laughed at me! I guess I'll have to just take that polish back off.<br />
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<br />www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-9215312602133088982020-04-09T05:42:00.000-04:002020-04-09T05:42:46.986-04:00Pandemic 4/9/2020Today's news is that it appears the curve is beginning to flatten in New York. Thanks be to God!! It is still desperate there. Apparently, the virus came to New York in February by travelers from Europe. It was before the travel ban was put in place.<br />
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Todays numbers:<br />
World: 1,484,811<br />
United States: 434,791<br />
Virginia: 3645<br />
Loudoun County: 238<br />
Maryland: 5529<br />
Washington, D. C.: 1440<br />
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Officials are warning that it appears the Washington, D. C. area is becoming a new hotspot. If you look at the map, it does appear they are correct. Further, they are saying we won't peak in our area until about April 22. Because of this, Pat and I scrambled to stock pile additional food and drink items with the idea that we won't be going anywhere except for our jobs for the next two week. Neither of us wants to go to the grocery store anymore. At this point, if we run out of something, we won't restock it until this is over.<br />
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I'm very worried about Aidan. He is a social bug. And he isn't getting any social interaction. . .except for what he gets while on Xbox. Also, I've now had more than one message from teachers saying he hasn't opened their hyperdox on Google Classroom. He and I had a discussion about this yesterday and he promises to get on the homework now. Not sure what to do about this.<br />
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Thunderstorms yesterday morning and this morning followed by dropping temperatures and high wind. We're so ready for Spring! We want to plant in the dirt, but can't find plants online to purchase. We're going to keep looking, though.<br />
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Stay safe. Stay well.www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-20233502529520899812020-04-06T05:38:00.003-04:002020-04-06T05:38:37.893-04:00Pandemic 4/6/2020The numbers as of today:<br />
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World: 1,276,302<br />
United States: 337,309<br />
Virginia: 2637<br />
Loudoun County: 167<br />
Maryland: 3609<br />
Washington, D. C.: 998<br />
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They are saying we may become a hotspot because people keep gathering in large crowds. This weekend it was the wharf. What are people thinking??? Pat and I don't even like going to the grocery store.<br />
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The government has now stated that people should wear masks or some kind of covering on our faces when out and about. I guess I'll set up a bandana to begin with. We do have 3 N95 masks, but I'm saving them in case things really get desperate.<br />
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There is some word that Hydroxychloroquine can be used for patients who have tested positive. This is the medicine I take for my Rheumatoid Arthritis. When we first heard that it could be something to use, both Aidan and Pat were so excited that I have protection. But, now, because the government is stockpiling the drug, I can't get it. It's on back order. If I take it every day, I run out on April 19th. So, Pat asked me last night to start taking it every other day, which will extend the time I have it. I suppose that is good advise.<br />
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Aidan has been worried about what we would do for his birthday. I told it may feel suckey this year, but we can still celebrate with just us--he wants a new phone and lobster : 0 And then after it is over, we'll get three of his friends together and go to Top Golf and then come back to the house for a sleep over and tons of junk food. He was happy about that.<br />
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I am ready for Easter, too. I have all the food--just need to cook it. And I even have an Easter basket for Aidan with his favorite hockey and chocolate treats. AND we are ready to Live Stream Church services. Amen!!<br />
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That's it for now.<br />
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Stay safe. Stay healthy!www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-12554173096429434462020-04-02T17:32:00.002-04:002020-04-02T17:32:53.931-04:00Pandemic 4/2/2020Totals as of today:<br />
<br />
World: 1,002,159<br />
United States: 238,063<br />
Virginia: 1706<br />
Loudoun County: 121<br />
Maryland: 2331<br />
Washington, D. C.: 653<br />
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I shouldn't just focus on the numbers, I know. But, I am not tracking the deaths nor am I tracking the recoveries. Just the diagnoses. Maybe when we get to the end, I'll make a note of the totals for all of it. For now, though, these increases are stunning. And disturbing.<br />
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Everything seems so negative these days. I want to see something positive each day. Today is about gas prices. The Shell station in Paeonian Springs has been $1.79 a gallon for over a week. Ironically, two weeks ago, I filled up the Traverse to the tune of $2.09 per gallon. I cheered and celebrated! And, because I haven't been driving anywhere on the cheap gas, aside from work, I still have 3/4 of a tank. So, I haven't been able to take advantage of the $1.79 a gallon. . .but still. . .woo hoo!!! Gas hasn't been this low since 9/11.<br />
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Stimulus Relief checks are expected to begin being processed tomorrow. These will be deposited directly into our bank account. Ironically, Pat and I are still working full time with full pay. So, the stimulus isn't necessary for us. So, we'll do some good for someone else--specifically a local small business--with the money.<br />
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I am sensing Allanis Morrissette in the above paragraphs. . .<br />
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A couple of weeks ago, I was wondering if we would be back to normal by the end of April. Now, I'm wondering if we'll be there by the end of June. It's that crazy these days. Yesterday, I worked from home and was able to really get a lot done as well as answer the phones. I made a great case for continuing to do this. So, next Wednesday I will work from home again. This allows me to supervise Aidan's Homeschooling better. I also come home at lunch to check in and make sure he is staying on track. This week has been a difference maker as far as Aidan is concerned. Thank goodness.<br />
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I think we're going to have to start wearing masks when we are outside and in public spaces. <br />
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I would never have thought we would be here in this place.www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-6109643692880951372020-03-31T12:24:00.000-04:002020-03-31T12:24:15.222-04:00Pandemic 3/31/2020The numbers keep climbing.<br />
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World total: 803,313<br />
United States: 164,516<br />
Virginia: 1250<br />
Loudoun County: 87<br />
<br />
Maryland: 1660<br />
Washington, D. C.: 495<br />
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Virginia and Maryland issued Stay at Home orders effective yesterday evening and Washington, D. C. will issue one effective tomorrow. All non-essential employees must stay at home except to go to the grocery store, pharmacy, bank or to get gas. Pat and I are both considered essential, so off to work we continue to go. I won't lie and say I am happy to be out of the house. It's more than a little troubling.<br />
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The Stock Market has continued to see saw, although it does seem a little more stable that it was. It had gotten down into the 18,000 range, but is back in the 22,000 range. <br />
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New York continues to be the main hotspot in the U.S. closely followed by California, Chicago area, Michigan, Louisiana. And now they are saying our area is up and coming. Based on the numbers, I'd say they are right.<br />
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Schools are now closed for the remainder of the year, but Loudoun has finally started the Distance Learning. They are uploading Hot Docs on Google Classroom on Monday mornings. The idea is that the kids have all week to complete the work by the end of Friday. Teachers are available by email if there are questions. I have Aidan working 1 1/2 to 2 hours in the morning and then 1 1/2 to 2 hours in the afternoon. He also started some new work outs. . .one of his WLC coaches is doing Live workouts on Facebook, which stated yesterday. Aidan's legs are killing him today! yay!! And he went for a run with our neighbor, who runs track for Virginia Tech. The WLC workout today is supposed to be primarily upper body (coach's legs are hurting too!)<br />
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So Aidan is doing pretty good. I'm going home now for lunch and will work from home on Wednesdays. That's helping him stay on track as well. This boy needs routine, as do most children.<br />
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I just heard today that Delirium Cafe, in Leesburg, is closing effective immediately and may not reopen. So sad. They had been doing a great business until this all started (less than 3 weeks ago!!) I want to order Solo Pizza tonight. . .<br />
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I'm worried about my medicine for Rheumatoid Arthritis. I take the anti malarial drug they have decided to use for Coronavirus treatment. I am very hopeful I can still get it. I just ordered my next 90 day supply this morning and am hopeful Pat will be able to pick it up for me. I just can't even begin to think about the pain returning to my hands and feet. It was bad.<br />
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Say a prayer and keep your fingers crossed.<br />
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Stay well! Stay safe! Stay home!www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-16003833360470302952020-03-29T14:42:00.001-04:002020-03-29T14:42:20.885-04:00Pandemic 3/29/2020Another day and many more are sick. The totals:<br />
<br />
World: 708,020<br />
United States: 131,366<br />
Virginia: 890<br />
Loudoun County: 61<br />
Maryland: 1239<br />
Washington, D. C.: 342<br />
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Gov. Northam has placed the Commonwealth of Virginia under some partial restrictions. Only essential Employees are to be out and about unless you are going to the grocery store, pharmacy or gas station. He has backed off on issuing a full stay at home order. I am an essential employee as is Pat. Although Pat is working from home. Beginning this week, I will be working from home one day a week. I have been stressed worrying about Aidan being home alone for so long. I was okay with a couple of weeks, even four. But, now it will be 5 1/2 months until he goes back to school. <br />
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The saying for this year is Social Distancing. I think it will be the phrase of the year. Social Distancing is a new verb phrase. It means to not be closer than 6 feet from anyone else. Sort of puts the cabash on friendly hugs and even putting a hand on the should of someone who needs comforting.<br />
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And today we all need some comforting.www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-7166609318056919402020-03-28T14:59:00.000-04:002020-03-28T14:59:58.738-04:00PandemicAnyone reading this will know that this began many weeks ago. Coronavirus. Covid-19 specifically.<br />
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In January we began hearing about this virus that was hitting China really hard. Everyone was wearing masks and it sounded horrendous on the news. At that time, there was maybe a couple of minutes of some story on the news, but that was enough to show us how bad it was in China. Wuhan, specifically.<br />
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By the beginning of February, the stories on the news were lasting at least five minutes. Sometimes more. There had been confirmed cases in Washington by then. There were several cases on a couple of cruise ships. The cruise ships were not allowed to dock anywhere. Even healthy people on the ships were locked down on the ship. Many people began dying. I started calling them Death Ships. . .I mean, it was crazy!<br />
<br />
But that was only the beginning, for us.<br />
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By the end of February, it was popping up all over the U. S. and Europe. Italy, particular, was being hit really hard. They were locked down by the end of February. <br />
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March saw the numbers in the United States really climb. Particularly New York. New York became the new Italy, although things are still really really bad in Italy. We had our first case pop up in Virginia at the end of February and the numbers did climb.<br />
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Loudoun County Public schools had decided, as of March 11, that they would be closed on Friday March 20 for a Teacher Work Day so they could figure out Distance Learning plans. We were at dinner with friends. Exactly 12 hours later, I received a call from the schools saying schools were closed effective immediately until March 27th. I was crazy trying to figure that out! I mean, what happened!!<br />
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Aidan had his Tier 1 training on Thursday, March 12th but then by Friday, the 13th, Kettler was closed. So was Ashburn. ION was still open so the boys all went to that rink for Stick and Shoots over the weekend and into the following week. ION, being the new rink in town, wanted to stay open as long as possible. <br />
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By Monday, the 15th, there had been someone in Loudoun County diagnosed. Now, things were starting to get very real. We began a new phase of our life: Social Distancing. We are to be 6 feet or more away from everyone else and we had to wash our hands with soap and water or Purell and wipe everything down with alcohol based cleaner. Panic buying became a thing. People began hoarding TP, paper towels and Purell. I thought it was crazy before. But, now, I mean yikes!!<br />
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As of Monday, March 23rd, Loudoun County had 15 case; Tuesday, March 24th we were at 18; Wednesday, March 25th we were at 20; By Thursday, March 26th, LoCo was 28 and Friday, the 27th the count was 43. I just saw on the count site that LoCo is at 54.<br />
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Other counts, as of today:<br />
The World--629,627<br />
USA- 105,006<br />
Virginia--604<br />
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New York is the current hot spot with 52,318 cases. However, Chicago, Detroit and New Orleans are the new up and coming hot spots.<br />
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Hockey has been cancelled for the immediate future. We have no idea when that might come back. School in Virginia has been cancelled for the remainder of the year. We're learning about Continuity of Education and Distance Learning. Not sure how well this will go. Staying focused is not a strength of Aidan's. Staying focused without continuous adult or parental supervision may be non existent. But, we're trying.<br />
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Today, I went to Costco for a couple of things. I was in tears by the time I was checking out at the full realization at our new reality. <br />
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I'll try to be more positive the next time. . .<br />
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<br />www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-5648257285008276402019-07-09T08:25:00.000-04:002019-07-09T08:25:15.075-04:00A soft re-entryPictures from our driveway. Sometimes I walk outside and am just blown away by our view.<br />
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<br />www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-1300233480441463722019-05-23T15:27:00.003-04:002019-05-23T15:27:28.755-04:00I'm back. I think.I'm hoping to be back at this again. Since it is almost Summer and hockey season is over, for now, I might have the time to get this going again. I hope.<br />
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So, here we go!www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-63404374544372270892014-10-22T11:21:00.001-04:002014-10-22T11:21:41.022-04:00New blog www.adventureswithaidan.orgwww.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-15580228315200990152014-10-20T09:08:00.001-04:002014-10-20T09:08:56.288-04:00Closing out this blog. I can now be found at www.adventureswithaidan.org.<br />
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thanks!www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-76181312574667509992014-10-13T16:12:00.000-04:002014-10-13T16:12:19.425-04:00This Is Travel Hockey!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Almost as if the mood and vibes of the parents had enshrouded them, Aidan's team has not been doing very well lately. In fact, a week ago, they had an extra practice on Sunday afternoon, after a disastrous game against one of our rival teams. Their coach was so upset with them, he actually yelled at them, something he has sworn not to do. He worked them really hard at that extra practice. In fact, it seemed like a scene out of the movie "Miracle."<br />
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Blue line back, red line back, blue line back. Again! Again! Again! Over and over and over. Those boys were some kind of tuckered out when they came off the ice! But they were listening and really paying attention to him.<br />
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I could almost hear Aidan's first travel hockey coach, "This is travel hockey! If this is not what you signed up for, you need to get off the ice!" Yes, it was harsh.<br />
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But, in a good way.<br />
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Yesterday, the boys played a team in Odenton, Maryland. It's an hour and a half drive from here. I always have to think about that because it just kills me to drive three hours round trip for an hour game. <br />
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We arrived an hour early, as requested. Our boys did their pre-game warm up and then came out to watch a little football on TV. Actually, someones cell phone. . .<br />
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They were very cute.</div>
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But, I don't mind telling you, this mama was some kind of nervous! I kept pacing and I was fidgety. One of the other moms is a physical therapist and she offered me a message to help calm me! She has an older boy on this club so she's been here before.</div>
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Finally, the boys went in for their pre-game talk with the coach. And then they took the ice. Their warm up drills looked good. . .</div>
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Don't you love our new goalie???? He's huge!!! He's going to be an awesome addition to our team!!!</div>
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And then the game started. . .butterflies in my stomach and prayers on my lips, I watched as my baby came out and went after the puck, dug for the puck, worked his legs and his mind and scored the first goal of the game!!!<br />
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After that, the flood gates opened, and our boys were on a rampage. The final score was 15-0. Aidan did score a second goal and came off the ice smiling like crazy.<br />
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This is right after the final buzzer. Our goalie had left the net and the puck went in. Our boys stormed the ref to be sure it didn't count. It didn't!!</div>
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Aidan was so happy, he waved up at me! I was so proud of him!!!</div>
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What a difference a week makes. I'm so glad for these boys. They were really getting down about things and that was affecting their play even further. <br />
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Today, the coach emailed telling everyone he wan'ts to work with the A2 team alone on Tuesday and the A1 team alone on Thursday this week. They all will also work on Wednesday as usual. This means one less practice this week, but more individualized coaching on the one day for each team. When I read the message to Aidan, he gave me a frowny face and said, "But I like practice!" Okay then. His coach has not worked him too hard. Yet!<br />
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Have a great week!www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-19707986637324436532014-10-04T08:34:00.002-04:002014-10-04T08:34:47.852-04:00Turning The PageDo you ever feel like you're trying to turn the page on things and that page just won't turn? <br />
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We lost our goalie yesterday. All because of the strong tempers and people just wanting to assert their own power. There are rules and there are rules. Our little boys are members of the USA Hockey League. Our boys' team is also a part of USAHL. USAHL has rules that our team has to abide by. Our team is actually a club that also has club rules. We broke a rule. Minor and nothing to really get worked up over--turned out they weren't mad at us and would have approved the Mites on Ice had we asked. But, one parent decided he didn't like how it all went down and we lost our goalie over it. I'm tired of this issue now. It's been a week and every time I thought it was over, it flared even hotter. And now I have to try and find a way to explain to my son that his team has a different goalie. . .one he has never played with before. <br />
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We need to turn the page on this, people! Come on!!<br />
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Okay, but before I make that page turning final, I have to share a couple of pictures from that night. . .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBi5xTkGwFbJQOvAHX08UK5ozvM4N7UZup_JJ2UtcLQOk2JK8kYb-E1YnfOgDAhBJ2ILklqGetAJe53ybW0PJlHtSUltIz7q7MACUwlx-txoUJSXurX473iUDc5jPpNWQUWtXMGZCaTo/s1600/Mites+on+Ice1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBi5xTkGwFbJQOvAHX08UK5ozvM4N7UZup_JJ2UtcLQOk2JK8kYb-E1YnfOgDAhBJ2ILklqGetAJe53ybW0PJlHtSUltIz7q7MACUwlx-txoUJSXurX473iUDc5jPpNWQUWtXMGZCaTo/s1600/Mites+on+Ice1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Checking things out. . .see Slapshot?? Some of the boys were so little!!!<br />
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Aidan got the puck and took off with it!<br />
But, now this is in the past and we're moving on. . .his team will learn to move forward and they will re-gel. They are cute. . .<br />
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These are the two Aidan's. There is also a Caden and now our new goalie is Hayden. Poor Coach!!<br />
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With all of this drama, I have found that I miss my mom even more than I ever would have imagined. I can't just pick up the phone and call her to chat. My sisters have been awesome and listen attentively--and I know they sigh and say they are glad they don't have to deal with all this team drama anymore. . .but they listen and I appreciate that. <br />
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So, in an effort to turn the page, we did some home family things yesterday. For the first time in forever, too! <br />
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It's fair weekend in Waterford. I didn't walk around as much as I usually do. It was misty and muddy. But, I did make it to the Corner Store and bought some goodies to bring home. I stopped in to see if the local map maker had any new maps. . .not this time. And then I got my lunch and went back to my desk. Hopefully the weather will be better next year. But, this meant I didn't even use my tickets! I've offered them up to the families on the team if they want them. <br />
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I ran into one of Aidan's former coaches on my brief time at the fair. I guess he and his family live in Waterford. I didn't know that!<br />
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When I got home, we decided to walk into town for dinner. Even though rain was threatening, we walked down and had Chinese--our local restaurant has a Gluten Free menu and carries the Gluten Free soy sauce. Yeah!!!! Then, because it was First Friday in Leesburg, there were musicians and tastings all over town. So we walked and looked and chatted and had a really nice time. And the rain held off until we got home!<br />
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We were home in time to watch the Season Premier of Last Man Standing, during which I watched the backs of my eyelids more than the show! And then went to bed at 9:00. <br />
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This morning I feel rested and ready for the weekend. Aidan and I are going to see the Box Trolls today at Cobb and then he has a game in Haymarket tomorrow followed by a practice in Ashburn.<br />
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We're turning the page. . .<br />
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Have a great weekend!www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-72032108019820639832014-09-29T05:33:00.001-04:002014-09-29T05:33:50.927-04:00Some Hard TimesFirst, I'd like to thank everyone for the prayers and condolences received here, on Facebook and in person. I can't tell you how much they have all meant to me.<br />
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My Mom passed on September 19th at 7:30 am Central Time. I left here that morning to go up and see her and she died right about the time my plane landed. That was hard. Neither of my sisters were with her either. We suspect she wanted it that way. At least that's what we've been telling ourselves. <br />
I did see her in July and felt at that time that I was saying good bye. But, I guess I still thought I would see here alive one more time. I did see her on the 19th, but she was already gone. <br />
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We held a small memorial service for her the very next day and were able to pull together many people in the Chicago area that knew her to celebrate her life. We'll be holding another family only service next Spring or Summer in California. <br />
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My older sister had to leave to go home on Sunday morning so my younger sister and I headed over to Mom's to pack up the place. Fortunately, when we closed her house we had gotten rid of a lot. But, there was still a lot to get rid of. Amy and I accomplished nearly all of it in that one day just leaving a few odds and ends and the furniture for Amy to handle later. I couldn't help but marvel that it was almost exactly two months from the day that Gini and I had packed up Mom's house. Strange to pack the same things all over again. . .<br />
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Amy and I decided to have a day in the city on that Monday and went on an Architectural Tour on the Chicago river. Very beautiful day, relaxing with my sister and seeing some really interesting buildings. The only fly in the ointment was my dad telling us he wants a copy of Mom's death certificate so he can change his retirement to all come to him and that his girlfriend (for whom he left our Mom for) will be his sole beneficiary in his new will. Nice timing. . .<br />
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I came home on Tuesday and then decided to stay home the remainder of the week. I was emotionally and physically exhausted and I wanted to just be around my family.<br />
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The week ended with a trip into Washington DC for a Caps preseason game during which my kiddo and some friends skated for Mites on Ice during an Intermission. Sounded like fun, but wasn't such a great idea. They were announced as the Vipers, which was a team Aidan had been on during the Spring and Summer. Turns out, you can't be rostered on another team when you are a member of the Xtreme. Fortunately, the kids aren't being punished for the bad decision of the parents. However, we do have to explain ourselves. Some of the parents are angry. I'm just upset that I didn't think about it being a problem. Not a smart move on my part. <br />
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And the thing that really gets me about this is that the parent who set this up was warned that we shouldn't do it and he never told the rest of us about that warning! <br />
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Now he is trying to say it was something it really wasn't. I've told our Coach all of what I know and will present that in our mandatory meeting with the head of the Club. I'm not going to lie and I'm not going to change the story. I'm just going to say it was a dumb move.<br />
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The irony on that situation is that Aidan hasn't had anything to do with that team since the end of June. He practiced all through April, May and June--hated it due to the horrible verbal abuse of the coach and his minions--and we went to two tournaments in June. We opted out of the July tournament due to my travels to help my Mom and had said no from the beginning to the August tournament because it was right before school started and I wanted Aidan home to get ready for that and to be fully focused on the Xtreme. He's wanted to be on the Xtreme team since he was in Mini Mites<br />
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And so, I hate drama and here we are in the midst of it on all sides. <br />
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But wait, there's more!!<br />
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During Aidan's game yesterday, he just all of a sudden checked out and really didn't try anymore. I should have known something was up but instead I got mad at him. Not one of my finer Mom moments. We went to Total Hockey after to get a couple of things, ran into his coach and talked a bit. On the way out of the store, Aidan complained of a headache. We headed to Wegmans and I noticed the familiar sound of him talking around his tonsils. By the time we got home, I knew something was wrong so we took him to Urgent Care. Yep. Positive for Strep Throat. And he had a fever, something he rarely gets.<br />
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We got him on the pink stuff and started him on Motrin and he seemed to get better. But, he woke up about 11:30 with the fever back. Really hot. More Motrin then and some more just a bit ago. Fortunately, Pat is off work today so hopefully Aidan can get some rest and more medicine in him to beat this thing back. <br />
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Meanwhile, I am physically and emotionally exhausted. . .I think I already said that!<br />
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But, I can't leave this post in such a down mood. So, I'll share a picture of Aidan with his new buddy Larry Bob (Aidan named him) when he was feeling a little better yesterday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKXkPOmSenFDYmJ_vAat2O2oqj91QklnhLXPXWbTqbbPPLHl9671lT4X05AWChNDHBS_NFqMcg7fnXvlrMOVH2AbLTYMUneTIKyFcp-YMrNeh2Cvykwucu0SHP4hT7Cr9AqkhL7H8jAI/s1600/Aidan+with+Larry+Bob.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKXkPOmSenFDYmJ_vAat2O2oqj91QklnhLXPXWbTqbbPPLHl9671lT4X05AWChNDHBS_NFqMcg7fnXvlrMOVH2AbLTYMUneTIKyFcp-YMrNeh2Cvykwucu0SHP4hT7Cr9AqkhL7H8jAI/s1600/Aidan+with+Larry+Bob.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
So funny! <br />
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Hoping our hard times are on the wane now, but a few prayers thrown our way wouldn't hurt. Have a good week.www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-71472904957691432022014-09-17T05:37:00.003-04:002014-09-17T05:37:45.079-04:00TransitionsAidan has transitioned into Third Grade without any hiccups. He is doing really well in school, for which I am truly grateful. <br />
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Homework started off slow, but has been picking up steam. We found that Aidan is actually doing fourth grade math, which is awesome. He is very smart in math. I am very proud of him. He is working on reading--we were very bad about not having him read more over the summer, but he seems to be doing okay with it. And his Social Studies!!! Whoa!!! He is learning all kinds of things about the government. It's pretty cool. And I am very impressed with how he has been picking it up a little more each day. So proud of him.<br />
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And, although the homework has been gaining steam, he has continued to do it each day as he is supposed to. Even when he has hockey practice. <br />
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Hockey practice has picked up steam as well. His coach has intensified the expectations for the boys and is not putting up with any goofing around on the ice. He doesn't hesitate to punish them for things: sitting on the bench while the rest of the team practices or doing push ups on the ice or even doing laps around the boards. So far, Aidan has only been punished once with push ups on the ice for fighting with a team mate. . .he was actually defending himself and I was proud of him for it, but the punishment was justified as the boys were not paying attention to what they were supposed to be doing.<br />
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Aidan did complete the shoot out a couple weeks ago. It was a lot of fun. We knew a lot of the people there, although we're on different teams. The benefit of having been on the Elite team over the spring and summer. <br />
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They were all very cute and had a lot of fun. Daniel, the one above on the far right, won as Goalie. Another boy, Brandan, won as Shooter. But, Aidan has some really good goals against the FIVE Goalies he went up against!<br />
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Our team had two games this past weekend in West Chester, PA. We opted to drive up, 2 1/2 hours each way, rather than stay overnight. The games were blow outs--the other team won. But, our boys did not give up and it did prompt our coach to make some line and position changes that were needed as well as making some big changes in the practices. It's going to get much more intense for them now.<br />
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We don't have any more games for a bit as our season doesn't actually start until November. We'll probably get our full schedule soon though. That will be good so we can plan the rest of our lives!<br />
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Our meal transition has not been without hiccups, though. As much as I like have so many meals ready to go in the freezer, our practice schedule has actually been making it difficult to have dinner at a decent hour. We ate last night at almost eight o'clock! I'm going to continue doing freezer meals--which have been awesome to say the least!--but I am rethinking our dinner plans on practice nights. . .we may have to eat out more afterall. : (<br />
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Meanwhile, the other transition that is happening is with my mom. This is not a good transition. She began Hospice Care last Saturday and is really slipping away quickly. I'm going up on Friday morning. The hospice nurse has told us that she is transitioning, which means that she is preparing to die. The nurse expects it will likely be sometime this weekend. I have cried and raged and cried some more. I will likely still cry even more. But, the one thing I am hanging on to is that she is no longer feeling the extreme pain that she had been feeling. She is comfortable now. Please say a prayer that she will go peacefully.<br />
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God bless and have a good weekend.www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-89924136401146316482014-09-05T08:18:00.001-04:002014-09-05T08:18:12.466-04:00Lasts and FirstsLast weekend saw a lot of lasts. . .last weekend of summer break. Last unscheduled play dates. Last chance to go to the outdoor pool. Last stay up late because we can sleep in. . .<div>
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It was a lot of fun!</div>
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On Sunday, we met up with some friends at the top of the mountain just to our east--Blue Ridge Mountains, actually. And we decided to take a hike up to Bears Den which is on the Appalachian Trail. It was a tough climb for me, a novice hiker. But, Aidan was running and jumping and really enjoying himself. And my anxiety level climbed the higher up the path we went. I kept seeing him fall among the rocks and tree roots and breaking something. He didn't. He was totally fine. It was me. My fear didn't allow me to really appreciate the beauty of the hike and our surroundings. We'll have to go again. But, here's a peak at how it was. This is looking west toward Berryville and Winchester and the Shenandoah Valley. You can't actually see it, but the Shenandoah River is down there hidden by the trees.</div>
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Those clouds in the distance did eventually produce a huge thunderstorm. . .and it was a doozy!!</div>
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And our two cuties on the rocks at Bears Den</div>
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I think the top one will go on my Aidan wall. . .and these pictures do not even hint at how hot it was!!!</div>
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On Monday, Aidan was going to meet up with some friends at the outdoor pool at Ida Lee Park. We were just heading over when I got a text that there was a line of about 50 people trying to get in and the pool was at capacity. So, we sat down to wait. . .but 15 minutes later, there was another major thunderstorm. . .pool closed. End of pool season. sigh. . .</div>
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So, we spent some time making a nice dinner and then packing up the back pack. . .All the supplies were in and we were now ready for the big day.</div>
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And then Tuesday finally came. First day of Third Grade!!! I had the day off, as usual. And I fixed a special breakfast for Aidan, as usual. This year it was pancake muffins. Super easy. Just put the pancake batter into mini muffin pan and bake at 375 for 10 or 11 minutes. Serve it with warm syrup in a dipping cup and a side of milk and Aidan was a happy camper!</div>
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And then it was time to head up to the bus stop. . .but first we have to have our annual pictures on the porch!</div>
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Handsome little guy, isn't he???<br />
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And then we were off. . .</div>
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And we waited at the bus stop. . .</div>
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And he was off to school. . .</div>
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I went home and deep cleaned the basement. Caught up on laundry and ironing. And then made some homemade Gingerbread cookies, which smelled heavenly, but which I can not eat. : (</div>
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And finally, it was time to head back to the bus stop and wait for our kiddo to come home and tell us all about his day. Pat was home by then so we took the dogs and headed up. But, the sky was looking ominous again. Fortunately, the kids arrived before the storm and seemed happy to be home!</div>
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Aidan said he loves school and his teacher and his new class and recess and lunch time. . .and that feeling has held all week. . .hopefully, that will stay in the weeks to come as the homework mounts!</div>
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Tuesday also saw the shift to the Regular Season practice with his Xtreme team. Aidan was assigned a white practice jersey and so were his buddies from last year, Blake and Spencer!! The Amigos are back!!!! Woo Hoo!!! These three are really hard to defend against. They play so well together and are nearly instinctive with each other. So excited to see them play together again!</div>
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Wednesday was the first Skills Session with Troy. I was happy to see Aidan skate hard and keep up with the '05 team in speed. And then, he and Blake worked together most of the rest of the session.</div>
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Thursday was the second Regular Season practice and the boys got their new jerseys. Wow. They are really nice. Gear bags and warm up suits were distributed on Tuesday and they are nice, too. Coach Sean really pushed the boys and was really working them to become a Team. They are not individual players, but have to be there for eachother. Really cool to see it already happening. Such a great group of boys!!</div>
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The storms continued through Wednesday but provided a nice rainbow. . .</div>
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And now it's Friday. . .I am off to the doctor this morning for a regular check up and blood work to check my iron and celiac disease. Hoping to have even better numbers than last May. . .</div>
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We have a weekend of fun coming up with a play date and the semi final round of the Shoot Out. Next time, I'll talk a little about how the freezer meal concept is going. . .ups and downs. . .</div>
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Have a great weekend!</div>
www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-89795321982533488352014-08-31T08:51:00.002-04:002014-08-31T08:51:30.391-04:00Happy St. Aidan's Day!Yes, there really is an Irish saint named St. Aidan. Although he is not who we named our Aidan after, he did play a part in our final selection of the name--definitely our spelling of Aidan!! He was Irish, and is thought to be the Apostle of the English. He lived in the 650's and is known for his kindness and patience in teaching Christianity to the pagan people in and around Lindesfarne. Kind of a neat guy. . .Our Aidan received a St. Aidan medalian from my sisters in-laws when he was baptised. Such a nice gift! And he actually wears it to church.<br />
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This is our last weekend of summer break. It's back to school as of Tuesday. So, on this St. Aidan's Day,I thought I'd share some recent things and conversations about our Aidan that keep me smiling.<br />
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After practice last Monday, Aidan and I were driving home and talking about this and that. Somehow, the conversation turned to who was President when Leesburg (our town) started. Aidan was very curious. Well, bub, actually it was King George II of England. "Who?" The King of England. We didn't have a President yet because the Revolutionary War hadn't happened yet. We were English subjects then and our town was called Georgetown. That, of course, changed with the war and we decided we didn't like the King (yes, an over simplification. He's eight.)<br />
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Then we drove by our Courthouse--which is actually the third Courthouse, on the same spot. "So, mama, when was that built (pointing at the Courthouse)." Well, that's the third one and was built in the early 1890's. The first was built in the 1750's and then the next was built in the 1820's or so and then this one. "Ok. So who was President when that was built?" That particular one, buddy? "Yes, that one." Hmmmm. . .I think it would have been Benjamin Harrison.<br />
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"Harrison!!!"<br />
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then there's me chuckling. . .<br />
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Last Wednesday night, there was entirely too much activity going on in our house during the dark hours of night. <br />
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I had been putting Aidan to bed about 8:30 when I apparently fell asleep with him. I woke up at about 9:45 and went on to my own bed, where I fell asleep immediately. <br />
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About 1:00 or so, I woke up and immediately thought that the body next to me was entirely too small to be Pat. Realizing it was Aidan and not having any idea of when he had gotten in bed with me, I went in search of Pat. He was not in the guest room so I went downstairs. I found his lunch pail on the kitchen counter so I knew he was somewhere in the house and decided he must be sleeping in the basement. Okay then. Back to bed. <br />
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About 3:00, Aidan sat upright and said, "Mama, where's Daddy???" I don't know sweetie. Do you have to go potty? (That is a must question if he wakes up in the middle of the night) So, off to the bathroom we went. In the process, I stopped by Aidan's room and turned on the light where Pat sat up in Aidan's bed bleary eyed. Oh!!! There you are!!<br />
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After Aidan went potty, the three of us went back to our bed (notice singular bed) and went back to sleep.<br />
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My alarm went off too soon after that and I got up for the day, leaving my two boys to enjoy more sleep. . .<br />
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When I went upstairs to quietly say goodbye, I found Aidan happy and sitting up. He had put Tigger on top of Pat and told me that Daddy and Tigger were having a staring contest. I was pretty certain Pat would much rather be having a staring contest with the backs of his eyelids! But, he was good natured about it. . .<br />
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Much too busy of a night!!!<br />
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On Thursday, I went to meet Aidan's new teacher at the Open House our school has each year. Ms. Barbee seems very very nice--very similar to Mrs. Fuller from last year. I wrote down some names of the other students and was surprised to find that there are only 18 children in Aidan's class this year!! Whoa! That's awesome!!!<br />
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There were a few familiar names, but, alas, no Stella.<br />
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When we got home that evening, Aidan was anxious to go out and play. I had already told him who I knew would be in his class. He was upset that Stella wasn't in it, but seemed happier when I told him that Ms. Barbee had said all of Third Grade has recess together. <br />
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Pat had come by so I was surprised when Aidan came in and laid down on the couch. He seemed a little upset, but said he was just tired. But, then Pat came in and started getting mad at Aidan for being rude and just walking away from the kids outside playing. He told him that being rude is not good and that Aidan needs to stop doing that. Okay. . . .<br />
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After Pat left, I went over to Aidan, who looked very upset by now, and asked him what was going on. I told him he could tell me anything and then pulled him onto my lap, in spite of his size. I just kept patting his back and talking soothingly to him and finally, he shifted off my lap, looked at me with ginormous tears in his eyes and said, "Zach told me Stella is in his class!! I'm sooo jealous!!!" <br />
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Oh!!! My poor sweet sensitive baby!! So, I hugged and patted him some more and again reminded him about the all third grade recess. . .and then told him I would call and see if Stella and Vivian would like to come for a play date. I did call and left a message and then told him I had to finish some work in the basement. He could lay there and rest for a bit and when he was ready he should go on out and play some more. Ok. . . .<br />
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I discreetly called Pat and told him what was up, and he felt terrible. He said he had heard Zach say that and that Aidan immediately walked away. He said he should have realized it was something like that. I told him my plan and all is good now.<br />
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Stella's mom did call back and the kids had a play date yesterday afternoon, with Zach joining in for some kick ball at the end. But, first, Aidan had the girls to himself while they made some chewing gum--which wasn't too bad!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYz6J8mWzpWQPkQCu4etfVnEdmomHNJD27q3qnBBPq50MTILQlzHWNVlZzglrk4PjkmPD3nKLaxI7mKU6rGWvDHeje4rDxXduzC5uYHtm2zst5wsUPT1aXrl07-A69Pqs2SSSlhKLjWM/s1600/aidan+and+girls3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYz6J8mWzpWQPkQCu4etfVnEdmomHNJD27q3qnBBPq50MTILQlzHWNVlZzglrk4PjkmPD3nKLaxI7mKU6rGWvDHeje4rDxXduzC5uYHtm2zst5wsUPT1aXrl07-A69Pqs2SSSlhKLjWM/s1600/aidan+and+girls3.jpg" /></a></div>
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And some green snot slime. . .which was really gross. <br />
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Aidan was very in to it. At first, the girls looked on amused. . .<br />
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Then the girls were looking a little less amused because the slime was looking pretty gross. . .<br />
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And finally, Aidan was all in for touching and feeling the slime, Vivian was game for trying a little on her hands, but Stella said No Way!!! Frankly, I didn't blame her! It was pretty gross. . .<br />
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I think the kids had fun, though. And it will be something they remember as a fun end of summer afternoon.<br />
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And now, today, we just have a little grocery shopping to do and then we're off to see another friend with whom we're going on a short hike on the Appalachian Trail!!! We also have a phone call to make to my sister Amy to wish her a happy birthday. . .Aidan plans to sing a rap version of Happy Birthday:<br />
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To the B to the i to the r to the t to the h to the d a y! It's your birthday! It's your birthday! Hap hap happy birthday yo!<br />
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(Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for the card that continues!!! : ) )<br />
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And so, with that, I bid you adieu. Have a great St. Aidan's Day!!<br />
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<br />www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-21725572670607405292014-08-25T05:46:00.001-04:002014-08-25T05:46:37.241-04:00Ch. .ch. .ch. .changesWell, here we are. It's the last week of summer break. One final week of Hockey Camp. One final week of coordinating our crazy "where is Aidan going?" "who is watching Aidan this week?" "what clothes are appropriate?" "what do I need to send for snack and lunch?" <br />
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Next week, he will be back to school and our schedule will be set. So much easier!! Love summer, but. . .<br />
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But, meanwhile, we still have this final glorious week. As I indicated, Aidan is at Hockey Camp this week. He loves Hockey Camp. Last week he had a blast at Shoot to Score Camp. It was a half day camp, which meant a whole new level of planning and coordination. I was exhausted by the end of the week, but not as much as Aidan!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivX8w1I-jBI0JuenvX4jvL3vEU_9zxhtjSt59hN1SxX-kgkmDTjSjWTa18CdkGM-eTo7CGGZS-55rqCl3XnTINeK-kWkDXeCRmned_LbuaPydKE651M8ogZPSZ_sozgfvjPEHfJDDyQK4/s1600/tired+Aidan1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivX8w1I-jBI0JuenvX4jvL3vEU_9zxhtjSt59hN1SxX-kgkmDTjSjWTa18CdkGM-eTo7CGGZS-55rqCl3XnTINeK-kWkDXeCRmned_LbuaPydKE651M8ogZPSZ_sozgfvjPEHfJDDyQK4/s1600/tired+Aidan1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Yes, that's my kid with his head inside his lunch box!! Sound asleep. . .poor kiddo. . .</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP4vNrpWt0S56c9KvvPOocvCG1E8pS51AMWp_AwdBwGSltLaVV6-yOjEeHW0tC7ZrxlOfmjAEGZk5CLuDpxNq6w6wnpY9xqoVDQKvJXHU3yaqcl_FVgQza0xBMxFIdArFO15n2m8sf48/s1600/tired+Aidan2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP4vNrpWt0S56c9KvvPOocvCG1E8pS51AMWp_AwdBwGSltLaVV6-yOjEeHW0tC7ZrxlOfmjAEGZk5CLuDpxNq6w6wnpY9xqoVDQKvJXHU3yaqcl_FVgQza0xBMxFIdArFO15n2m8sf48/s1600/tired+Aidan2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>And this was another day after daddy carried him in from the car and laid him down on the couch. . .two hour nap!!! Note to self: if you want to go to bed at a decent time, don't let Aidan have a two hour nap!!!</div>
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This week is Total Skills. And he has one final Pre-Season hockey practice tonight. Next week we start the regular practice schedule. Tuesday and Thursdays with a couple of Wednesdays each month thrown in for good measure! And we get to pick up his new uniform and bag. . .he's very excited about that!!!<br />
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So, with the crazy schedule coming up, I decided to do some planning ahead. I spent this past weekend doing a lot of cooking and freezing. . .I made some<br />
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Taco Meat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRoAvU33xjcf_n6JwBr3HTPZdK02MNRmTP0jF_zrbQCZk0BI2ntNKlT0viQTEY-kc9CT7Ovh_eR2JkNv4A26FjGVAHLM7z0hrWgcE9cnwwy016gfU03j3LDr1o7VlsFYHaqF9gPiWdE0/s1600/taco+meat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRoAvU33xjcf_n6JwBr3HTPZdK02MNRmTP0jF_zrbQCZk0BI2ntNKlT0viQTEY-kc9CT7Ovh_eR2JkNv4A26FjGVAHLM7z0hrWgcE9cnwwy016gfU03j3LDr1o7VlsFYHaqF9gPiWdE0/s1600/taco+meat.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Shredded chicken for Enchiladas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXBJwwLC5DV0DUUNZCtSbpK4vIAaIrXBR29bwcA3x_3pEP2oBHFVWDKtkQVxIoJpER6kFoj40l8u9Jb7Pepsy8qwXu1I1qVwwe38tBxYRjYDlhT7dCcp5z4Ra6SXaQy697k04WKNscug/s1600/Shredded+chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXBJwwLC5DV0DUUNZCtSbpK4vIAaIrXBR29bwcA3x_3pEP2oBHFVWDKtkQVxIoJpER6kFoj40l8u9Jb7Pepsy8qwXu1I1qVwwe38tBxYRjYDlhT7dCcp5z4Ra6SXaQy697k04WKNscug/s1600/Shredded+chicken.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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And I did more!!</div>
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Some canned Bread and Butter pickles<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3t6kN7cvZnWa1oRVNaqx37NwW6fUVuqAJYTVZTzLHbKGuddZmY36pSItjEzfrStiajr_2eW4wpHl0dyY4kEHxW_CFrjouCKSKSolSshz3ZWdmSPFeIoESeEWZBmeybfwI3VubJyjbymQ/s1600/pickles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3t6kN7cvZnWa1oRVNaqx37NwW6fUVuqAJYTVZTzLHbKGuddZmY36pSItjEzfrStiajr_2eW4wpHl0dyY4kEHxW_CFrjouCKSKSolSshz3ZWdmSPFeIoESeEWZBmeybfwI3VubJyjbymQ/s1600/pickles.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8k-l1_YGqndGQ2Cc9snkuA1mE_FU8w1FhYaSxuHMlQc_LLdMgquWkf3fjjI2mEyutgfWCrqDVzwBs6lf2a-svDRxFYFjXh7I0yIycr6jp46JKgzK2rZzbbWuMdRawRqDqVVOAJfaqOuc/s1600/peppers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8k-l1_YGqndGQ2Cc9snkuA1mE_FU8w1FhYaSxuHMlQc_LLdMgquWkf3fjjI2mEyutgfWCrqDVzwBs6lf2a-svDRxFYFjXh7I0yIycr6jp46JKgzK2rZzbbWuMdRawRqDqVVOAJfaqOuc/s1600/peppers.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>And chopped up the jalepeno peppers which Pat later pickled and then put up in pints. . .: )</div>
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Next weekend, I'm planning to make Spaghetti Sauce, Taco soup, and a couple of casseroles. It's all a part of my plan to NOT eat out all the time in spite of the crazy hockey schedule coming up! With a roast here and there and a pot of chili, this should work. I'm hoping to be able to do a cooking weekend every couple of months. I'll let you know how this works out!</div>
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The pickles and peppers being canned remind me that this really is the end of summer. The harvest of our garden continues and things are starting to look mellow outside. In fact the view from our office window shows things are bit overgrown, and filling in with the late summer flowers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLne-YXGHpvm6ZYCbZaDVNIc8CSqd4vECj98Enm7nJm2zzg9cRmbwPqVy_bSu5oH4mN7oM6AKt5Qh99pNvQEcsFIcnQmsSDUEBy8V-4GFIZtaxPmbl6uyoiHGY0iRpt1pXzBf-rzY39M/s1600/summer+outside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLne-YXGHpvm6ZYCbZaDVNIc8CSqd4vECj98Enm7nJm2zzg9cRmbwPqVy_bSu5oH4mN7oM6AKt5Qh99pNvQEcsFIcnQmsSDUEBy8V-4GFIZtaxPmbl6uyoiHGY0iRpt1pXzBf-rzY39M/s1600/summer+outside.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And we've brought a little bit inside as well. . .</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdU8qA7LwQ2egNB4nLGg8FTXZ_6fmWaVLXbWZc3gAOg7-U88JRtB0Pnq5wbun6e_vghQ58lKOmCR7nFVWlsm6a1kIWN54OcsbXSbA0PBiKrzUeIeO0xnXMjtiKOQO634YpQCB8gqFqb1E/s1600/summer+inside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdU8qA7LwQ2egNB4nLGg8FTXZ_6fmWaVLXbWZc3gAOg7-U88JRtB0Pnq5wbun6e_vghQ58lKOmCR7nFVWlsm6a1kIWN54OcsbXSbA0PBiKrzUeIeO0xnXMjtiKOQO634YpQCB8gqFqb1E/s1600/summer+inside.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Aidan has also started to think and plan beyond summer and into the fall. This year, we won't be home for Halloween. . .so we won't be going to our Halloween parade. But, we'll still be having fun!! His team has a tournament in Hershey, so the boys will trick or treat at Hershey Park!! And Aidan has found his costume. . .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMkCv8NbthKr2zksT1IeO_2J2FrHGyk9x1vBjt5RdNHi1XUa35IEtWAoVDrpDJCj0EyrNmL1K_dH1Tlh_rYIngY9v3KWSIQ-C0pwGj9qjhbcGihWcyxu55a7Izx2DnU6I5oUQyTLdDlY/s1600/Aidan+Halloween.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMkCv8NbthKr2zksT1IeO_2J2FrHGyk9x1vBjt5RdNHi1XUa35IEtWAoVDrpDJCj0EyrNmL1K_dH1Tlh_rYIngY9v3KWSIQ-C0pwGj9qjhbcGihWcyxu55a7Izx2DnU6I5oUQyTLdDlY/s1600/Aidan+Halloween.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
He'll be an Evil Jester!! All we have to do is get some black gloves and he'll wear his black and white vans. So fun!!<br />
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Mom continues to do poorly. She has been in so much pain and is very depressed. She hasn't been happy about her move, which adds to her depression. So, we've decided to start some Palliative Care--it's a step below Hospice. She'll likely need Hospice in the next couple of months, but this will help with the transition and may help her handle her current pain level a little more. <br />
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There are a few other changes in the offing, but that will have to wait for another day.<br />
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Have a great week!www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-78179059991648126982014-08-15T05:41:00.000-04:002014-08-15T05:41:59.236-04:00Life HappeningsThe end of summer is fast approaching. The air is cooler and less humid (did I actually say that in mid-August???; the crickets are singing 24-7; the cicadas are still at it, but not at night as the air is too chilly for them now. I haven't seen any geese gathering and the leaves are still on the trees. But, there is a definite change in the air. <br />
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I haven't felt the need to whine about the weather this summer and the grass is green, even though it is mid-August. This leads me to my point of how strange this summer has been:<br />
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There has been entirely too much travel for my comfort--I'm a home body.<br />
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There has been entirely too much sadness--the health of my mother continues to be not good and the losses of great talent just breaks my heart.<br />
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And on that note, I have to make mention of the loss of Robin Williams. He and his characters have been a part of my life since I was probably close to Aidan's age. He and his sayings are a part of so many of us of my age and time--we say them all the time without even realizing it. He always had such great reminders to not take ourselves so seriously. He was an Episcopalian, as our family is, and even found a way to make that funny with his top 10 reasons it's great to be an Episcopalian:<br />
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10. No snake handling. <br />
9. You can believe in dinosaurs. <br />
8. Male and female God created them; male and female we ordain them. <br />
7. You don't have to check your brains at the door. <br />
6. Pew aerobics. <br />
5. Church year is color-coded. <br />
4. Free wine on Sunday. <br />
3. All of the pageantry - none of the guilt. <br />
2. You don't have to know how to swim to get baptized. <br />
<i>And the Number One reason to be an Episcopalian: </i> <br />
1. No matter what you believe, there's bound to be at least one other Episcopalian who agrees with you.<br />
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If you belong to the Episcopal Church, I'm sure you've heard these before, but isn't it funny????<br />
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There are so many memories of laughter and tears and laughter through tears while watching his movies. I just love nearly every one of them. One of my personal favorites was Dead Poet Society. Walt Whitman wrote O Captain! My Captain! which is about his great love and admiration for Abraham Lincoln after he was assassinated. . .and be honest, how many of you reading this never read any Whitman until you saw this movie and found out how interesting his work can be? An yet, reading it now, I can't help seeing Robin Williams guiding and anchoring a group of boys while traversing the trials of life. . .and Uncle Walt's poetry.<br />
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And even Aidan will be touched by this. His favorite movies include Night at the Museum 1 and 2. . .we'll definitely go and see #3 when it comes out in December. So much fun in those movies. . .<br />
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I'm not sure if the lump in my throat will ever go away.<br />
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But, we are humans and we have to move on in life, so I'll go back to talking about the end of summer happenings:<br />
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We have had a bumper crop of tomatoes this year. We have been eating them daily, making salsa at least once a week (yum!) and now we have decided to make tomato sauce! Just look at this! We opted for freezer bags of 8 oz. each because we were pressed for time. But doesn't that look great???<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPxotAr6dH8Nvn6CGJYGHgdr6qCe-RCEAtgiYfu7w7XtfXt0eqzrALTeKY1uOiqalc5tkNhckO16Rm-uR6SMRbDzzIyQSm4XCM5jyCbdm9j690nuf5IvKkI5-NpAS33hjNr7t0LTYjQc/s1600/Tomato+Sauce.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPxotAr6dH8Nvn6CGJYGHgdr6qCe-RCEAtgiYfu7w7XtfXt0eqzrALTeKY1uOiqalc5tkNhckO16Rm-uR6SMRbDzzIyQSm4XCM5jyCbdm9j690nuf5IvKkI5-NpAS33hjNr7t0LTYjQc/s1600/Tomato+Sauce.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This weekend we will do some canning though. I'm going to make my world famous bread and butter pickles and Pat will put up some pints of perfectly pickled peppers. : ) I love saying that.<br />
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Aidan is finishing up another week of hockey camp and is feeling great. Although he is currently on the pink stuff. . .he was fine last Friday, but Saturday morning he woke up not feeling very good and it sounded like he was talking around his tonsils. So I called the pediatrician and got him in right away. Sure enough, he had strep. I think I caught it quick, though, because he was feeling better after just two doses of the pink stuff.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUurE9u6xbM6Ls8IdylaYGEPY-3v03CXxIoyeqJG_aFsogIlhw1L7tdEk00uFg6k3kkP0otX6tH9x6k-QmCDGTWgS9hoXtZ74LFNexPmkO49xiq7s3dcH3NfUZbVgOMPH1Gy9EFJrxGM/s1600/Aidan+Strong.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUurE9u6xbM6Ls8IdylaYGEPY-3v03CXxIoyeqJG_aFsogIlhw1L7tdEk00uFg6k3kkP0otX6tH9x6k-QmCDGTWgS9hoXtZ74LFNexPmkO49xiq7s3dcH3NfUZbVgOMPH1Gy9EFJrxGM/s1600/Aidan+Strong.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Aidan Strong!</div>
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Pat and I have been laughing because Aidan loves to play with our phones. But, usually when we get them back there are about 200 new pictures. . .most of them are Aidan Selfies. . .: )</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1UsLBsf50xuxIwWri4ifrMFB5ggrHfdCf_ad9vv7ktUFw-erXBtRlYn9uGddHqpi1y_XV2nmaNLzSlfY5Hps-wxtZKiSGSmO8RDNt83Ggne3J4mxydBKOfrWBFOG4U2yDuOWKMTegDs/s1600/Aidan+Selfie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1UsLBsf50xuxIwWri4ifrMFB5ggrHfdCf_ad9vv7ktUFw-erXBtRlYn9uGddHqpi1y_XV2nmaNLzSlfY5Hps-wxtZKiSGSmO8RDNt83Ggne3J4mxydBKOfrWBFOG4U2yDuOWKMTegDs/s1600/Aidan+Selfie.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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200 of the same Aidan Selfie, actually. . .so funny!!</div>
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On another note, Pat and I were introduced to Waze recently. And we have been having fun with it. It's really great for letting us know about traffic and where the police are when you're on the road. With all of the hockey travel we do, it is a really nice little app. </div>
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Here's a Screen Shot of my Waze</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4UOFvo8cmn4LZVV93WHw_jEu-kefA19Kq17WjvZ2ME40kFGKobebKyXd1GcPNdAJMZ9F8w5ml9VWHZf2PIjjyoY9_9mIVdUBXsFjo7Rj3VxPiXJajnD00ES5fN6UiqBOUo8PUCw6wi4/s1600/Waze+Screen+Shot.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4UOFvo8cmn4LZVV93WHw_jEu-kefA19Kq17WjvZ2ME40kFGKobebKyXd1GcPNdAJMZ9F8w5ml9VWHZf2PIjjyoY9_9mIVdUBXsFjo7Rj3VxPiXJajnD00ES5fN6UiqBOUo8PUCw6wi4/s1600/Waze+Screen+Shot.PNG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkzfgke6mk1TSvLz6mzBOusphV_No5SE0ZvjYBqjeHvj1Xb6MHdJLECka-8I-DSBOoTSIUkd69wufXVIc5ExlfT9nITezlf1WKTarjsJtIL7XWCHJIcGNm-xf68YaRDuks2cokVIA-Qo/s1600/Waze+Screen+Shot2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkzfgke6mk1TSvLz6mzBOusphV_No5SE0ZvjYBqjeHvj1Xb6MHdJLECka-8I-DSBOoTSIUkd69wufXVIc5ExlfT9nITezlf1WKTarjsJtIL7XWCHJIcGNm-xf68YaRDuks2cokVIA-Qo/s1600/Waze+Screen+Shot2.PNG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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The second Screen Shot is the Scoreboard on my Waze. . .and yes, I check this every day to see if I am ahead of Pat on points. . .I'm competetive. I can't help it. : )</div>
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And here's another screen shot to show just how beautiful it is here lately!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYTTgRgZtUTB6chRjDPGl4Y39pTSqO1VyNks_9f58gJqRqz2KNNjyaCMv0cdX6MLmnEA_K7CXPnV0BAoyowjo0-gRAgfoQ2_Mfuh7LbpsF-J-IVEF5vyWeZt_iAGlp4M3JJz71_uegfM/s1600/Screen+Shot.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYTTgRgZtUTB6chRjDPGl4Y39pTSqO1VyNks_9f58gJqRqz2KNNjyaCMv0cdX6MLmnEA_K7CXPnV0BAoyowjo0-gRAgfoQ2_Mfuh7LbpsF-J-IVEF5vyWeZt_iAGlp4M3JJz71_uegfM/s1600/Screen+Shot.PNG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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That is 78* at 4:00 pm!!! In mid-August!!! I just love this weather right now. I could have this all the time.</div>
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And, one final Screen Shot, since I just discovered how to do this. . .</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHWfGhHTi_y_6M76Qyso2-uCj1ftEXK83JiZbeiSm0UOA0jz4iQNLVVg4tM1jBsqw5W2cXuL501F_UUnZxUy6oDB6ag7SL5ffmtjCDmun3cZxd20924sIQmudInxGbEN3Bwf7JdyW4hU/s1600/Xtreme+Screen+Shot.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHWfGhHTi_y_6M76Qyso2-uCj1ftEXK83JiZbeiSm0UOA0jz4iQNLVVg4tM1jBsqw5W2cXuL501F_UUnZxUy6oDB6ag7SL5ffmtjCDmun3cZxd20924sIQmudInxGbEN3Bwf7JdyW4hU/s1600/Xtreme+Screen+Shot.PNG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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This is the cool page on Aidan's Xtreme hockey team. There is a full team section, but each player has their own section where we, the parents, can track schedules and etc.! Very neat little site called Team Snap. Love it!!</div>
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2 more weeks of camps and then we're into the new Fall routine. . .which is already looking to be very busy and active. All good stuff.</div>
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Well, that's about it. It's Friday. It's beautiful. And we have an entire weekend ahead of us. Have a good weekend.</div>
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www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633914796798932601.post-49645866384177364952014-08-08T05:32:00.001-04:002014-08-08T05:38:35.645-04:00Summer Tidbits and FunniesAidan and the neighbor boy had a sleep over a few weeks ago. On our porch. The porch does look like and inviting place for little boys to pull out sleeping bags and sleep the summer night away. . .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwADTAPZcGXzSBrKJo70Ds3fokQrpiuGHXfNWf8YmR9Oq0GWUI3PJDkKkbfEih4HG5vbSGHZTvA81tdOmVZI7iZ5UHwEwYMWEizq2mbFtPNW2FL2a5Te8nIomGX3yJqpe-bKFosfxQifA/s1600/sleepover!.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwADTAPZcGXzSBrKJo70Ds3fokQrpiuGHXfNWf8YmR9Oq0GWUI3PJDkKkbfEih4HG5vbSGHZTvA81tdOmVZI7iZ5UHwEwYMWEizq2mbFtPNW2FL2a5Te8nIomGX3yJqpe-bKFosfxQifA/s1600/sleepover!.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
There was a problem, however. And it wasn't because those two adorable dogs didn't want to stay with the boys!<br />
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Aidan is a sleeper. He loves to sleep and will sleep as late as he can when he can. Most weekends, he sleeps until at least nine and often times even later. And because of this, Pat and I have never had the need to tell Aidan he can't wake us up before 8:00. Aside from Christmas, that is!<br />
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Zachary, on the other hand, is an early riser. He is up and at em as early as he can be. There have been many a weekend morning when he has rung the bell just after 9:00 (I'm sure that is the time his mom has imposed on him!) only to find out that Aidan is still sleeping. I have gone so far as to put notes, from time to time, on the doorbell button asking that it not be rung--doorbells ringing and dogs barking do not make a good sleep environment for anybody.<br />
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Flash back to the sleep over. . .<br />
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Aidan and Zach got all snuggled in their sleeping bags, we said good night and off to bed we went. We did hear the boys up for a while talking, but they did eventually go to sleep. The problem came up the next morning. Zach, as is his habit, was up early. This woke Aidan up and then they were both bouncing around downstairs. At 6:30, they came upstairs to get us up. I tried to tell Aidan it was too early, but it didn't work. We were all up.<br />
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It was a tired day for all of us!<br />
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Note to self: Think twice in the future when asked about having an early riser over for a sleep over!! And discuss appropriate wake up times for Mom and Dad with Aidan.<br />
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Have a great weekend!www.adventureswithaidan.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160088324327832379noreply@blogger.com0