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Sunday, February 10, 2013

Trekking With My Son -- The Pujungan Hulu Adventure: Part 4

The next morning we hiked up into the old crater.  On our way up we saw several deer and pigs.   The rim was really no wider than five or six feet in places and dropped off sharply on both sides, especially on the crater side.  Although it was steep on the outside where we had just ascended, that was nothing compared to what we now faced going down.  In places, it was a sheer drop off of several hundred feet!  In fact, we search for quite a while before finding a place where we could "safely" descend.

The view from the top of the rim was incredible.  We could see a long way up the upper Pujungan river system, with rugged mountains and cliffs on both sides.  Several hundred feet below us, at the edge of one of the swampy ponds, we saw a large black animal of some kind.  I didn't have any binoculars, and couldn't get my camera out in time to see it any closer.  But the guides thought it was a sun bear.  Sun bears are native only to the forests of Southeast Asia, and especially like the higher, mountainous areas of Northeast Kalimantan.

Our hope was to transverse the crater below, and make our way over to the rocky cliffs on the opposing wall, visible in the picture below.  There are some old burial ground in some caves in those cliffs, and I wanted to see them.  However, we never made it all the way to the cliffs.   It was slow going because there was just so much to see.  Plus, we had to allow enough time to get back to our campsite before dark.  Perhaps another time.  (Originally, before our multi-day rain delay, the plan would have been to camp close to those cliffs on the second night.  But you've got to roll with the punches when it comes to jungle travel.  It's very unpredictable!)

What we did see and do was amazing though.  The trees and forest floor where totally different than anything I've seen in the jungle here anywhere else.  The trees were generally a lot smaller, and it was pretty open underneath.  It didn't really feel like a jungle.  Occasionally we'd come across a huge tree with enormous branches that looked like you could build a house inside.  We also explored several of the ponds, which were obviously visited frequently by all kinds of animals.  We saw a LOT of wildlife.  Lots of birds, various monkeys, several kinds of deer, and lots of pigs.  There were a lot of fruiting trees down there and the animals were everywhere, eating the fruit.  At one point we climbed a huge fruit tree where we had come across a pack of monkeys, gorging themselves on fruit.  In the span of 45 minutes, while we sitting in the tree, we saw a bunch of pigs and deer all come up right underneath us to eat the fruit which had fallen from the tree, or been thrown down by the monkeys.

That night, after getting back to camp and eating dinner, we ventured out with the guides for a "night hunt".  We needed some meat.  It's amazing how many animals are out and about at night.  It almost seemed like a zoo!  Britton shot a large mouse deer.  Sure it's a small deer, but this is actually a large one of it's kind.  Our guides had the meat cooking and smoking over the fire within the hour.  By the next day, we had a nice little supply of smoked deer meat--some of which we ate right away, while the rest we brought back to their village.  We were able to bring some of that back to share with Joy and the kids too.  Britton said he had mixed emotions--he was sad for the animal--the first one he's ever shot--but he was pretty proud to be able to provide some meat!  And none of it went to waste--part of the reason he was glad to shoot something small, rather than large.

The following day we began the long hike back out to the river.

Remarkably, by this time it had actually been two entire days since it had rained!  That was a real blessing for us, since it's a pain camping in the jungle when it rains.  Out of the dozens of nights I've spent camping in the jungle here, there's been less than a handful when it hasn't rained.  I guess we felt like we sort of deserved it after getting delayed for two days by rain. Ha!

The fact that we were going mostly down hill now, combined with the fact that the creeks were smaller and there was less mud, made for easier hiking.  If you get a good hard rain the water level of these creeks will double or triple in literally minutes.  But it also goes back down quickly--so it's constantly changing out there.  Anyway, the hike out both scenic and enjoyable--certainly less stressful and exhausting than the hike in.  We paused a few times to grab a classic, "Deep in the Heart of Borneo" photo, as seen below.  How cool will that be for Britton to show his son someday?  I can picture him saying, "Well, back when I was 12, Grandpa Forney and I were on an epic adventure, deep in the heart of Borneo, when..."  And here's a picture to prove it!

This time we stuck to the original trail, which meant that we eventually came out at the Pujungan river, quite a ways upstream from the village of Long Jelet.  We had previously arranged for someone to pick us up there by motorized canoe, assuming the water level would be agreeable.  It was.  While waiting for the guy to show up, we made a fire, drank some tea, and generally just relaxed on the banks of the upper Pujungan.  If you look closely you can see Britton sitting on a rock part way out in the river.  He did quite a bit of swimming while we were waiting.  He'd hike up the bank, swim out to the middle, then let the current bring him racing downstream till he came to where we were.  Then he'd do it all over again.

When the guy showed up with the boat, we still had a few hours before dark, so I asked if we could head a bit further upstream to the Uung Meluung Waterfall, something I've always wanted to see.  Upriver from here there are places where the river is plain down violent!  There's boulders the size of houses, strewn about everywhere.   The current is very fast and smashes against these rocks with a force that would pulverize a boat and it's occupants in a split second if given the chance.  To lighten the boat and make it easier to navigate up through these waters, our two guides stayed behind, electing instead to hang out drinking tea, while Britton and the boat driver and me headed upstream.  Below, on one of the calm stretches, we take in the view--with the blue sky as the backdrop behind the Batu Ului (Ului Rock) jutting up high above the right bank.

After an exciting and sometimes frightening 45-minute boat ride upriver, we began the short hike to the waterfall.  Along the way we saw some hornbills and deer, and heard a pig.  We also saw a honey tree (below).  You can't tell from the picture, because I'm on a ridge looking out even at the tree, but it's actually quite tall, growing out of the ravine below.  I've seen trees like this where the people have constructed bamboo ladders up the tree to get at the honey, which is very tasty, and also worth a lot of money if sold in the city.  They'll go to great lengths to get at honey, high up in the trees or cliffs, and if you taste it, you'll know why.  It's the sweetest, tastiest honey I've ever had!

We heard the waterfall long before we saw it.  When we first arrived there a deer was casually licking the salty rocks under the ledge of the falls.  Eventually it saw us and ran off.  I think the photo captures the beauty of the falls pretty well--a lush, green area, nestled deep in the virgin jungles of Borneo.  What it doesn't capture is the noise and feel of the falls.  The constant roar of the water, and the ever-blowing wind and mist that leads to everything being coated in a thick layer of moss.  Of course, Britton and I had to go down and check it out.  If you look closely you can see him down there at the edge of the pool, standing on a rock, which gives you some idea as to the size of the falls.  Eventually I joined him and we jumped in and swam across the pool.  After checking the depth, and to make sure there were no hidden rocks, we dove off of the rocks on the opposing side.  It was a lot of fun!

After spending another night in Long Jelet, we left the next morning on our way back down river to Long Pujungan, where I had parked the MAF plane six days previous.  When we made it to a calm stretch in the river, Pak Lajau gave Britton (known locally as Lawe--a name given to him a few years ago by a village elder in Long Alango) a lesson in driving the boat.  Britton took over for a few minutes and had a hard time keeping the smile off his face as he was obviously having a great time!  Other 12 year old boys might be driving sports cars in an arcade, but I bet they're not driving a boat down a river in the jungles of Borneo!

Well, there you have it.  Our adventure into the Pujungan Hulu area in a nutshell.  Here's one final shot--a group picture with the four of us.  From left to right: Pak Lajau from Long Jelet, Pak Yu Taang from Long Pujungan, Lawe (Britton), and me.

It was a fantastic trip--something that I'm sure Britton and I will never forget!

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Trekking With My Son -- The Pujungan Hulu Adventure: Part 3

Well, you guessed it!  Pretty soon that distant thunder was directly overhead and it began to rain again.   It rained all that night and the river was even higher by the next morning.  Britton had a great attitude, but we were understandably a bit frustrated by the weather.  Did I mention that this is the reality of jungle travel?  Imagine if you had a medical emergency and needed to get out of there quickly.  There's no airstrip in Long Jelet.  There's no other way out other than by taking a boat down the river or by several days of hiking to Pujungan, where an MAF plane could pick you up.  But the river was out of the question!

Since it now seemed that we'd be stuck at least another day in the village, by this time we were contemplating canceling the rest of our trip and simply waiting for the first chance to head out.  I don't get a lot of vacation time each year and we didn't want to take the whole six days sitting in a village if we could bug out sooner and try it again at a different time.  About then a village elder came along to see what our plan was.  He mentioned that if we were up to the challenge, we could simply cross the flooded river directly across from the village and bushwhack our way straight up the mountain until eventually intersecting the trail that we had originally intended to take which started much further upriver.  Having done an excruciating two-week bushwhacking trek two years ago, I wasn't sure this was a good idea, especially in light of all the rain and bad weather we'd been having.  It can be a LOT of work!  But Britton was 100% gung ho, even if it meant we might not ever get to our intended destination.  He just wanted to get out there and get into the jungle.  So that's what we did!

Thirty minutes later, having wolfed down a hearty breakfast of boiled fish, rice and bamboo shoots, we were standing knee-deep in a muddy rice paddy on the other side of the river, staring straight up into the cloud-shrouded mountains up which we intended to climb.  It was the very definition of hot and muggy!  Light rain was falling, the fog came and went, and we were soaked to the bone--the conditions were perfect for a full-immersion- Bornean-jungle-trek experience for Britton!  (Incidentally, those are just the foothills in the picture below...the bigger, steeper, mountains behind are hidden in the clouds.)

Right off the bat the hiking was extremely difficult.  Actually, it was less hiking than it was a combination of mountain climbing up and sliding down.  It was so steep and slippery that even using both hands and feet, there were still places where we were unable to keep from sliding back down 10 or 15 feet before catching a root or shoot of some kind.  We were totally covered in mud from head to foot with steam rising from our bodies like an overheated car on the side of a summer highway.  And since I didn't have a water-proof camera, I wasn't able to take any pictures of that.  You'll just have to take my word on it.

Britton did great!  The guides kept offering to take his pack, but he was determined to carry his own gear for the duration of the expedition.  He kept up a steady pace, despite the relentless vertical climb.  Eventually, after about an hour and a half of climbing up, up, up, (but what seemed like half a day of climbing) we passed by a big buttressed tree trunk, where the roots were all dug out underneath by pigs.  Britton's excitement suddenly began to grow as it hit him that we were truly deep in the virgin jungles of Borneo.

We began to hear all sorts of birds calling to each other, jungle dear, monkeys and other animals.  And as we eventually found our way onto a ridge, the rain tapered off and the skies above cleared.  Even if 90% of the sunlight was blocked by the thick jungle canopy, it's always nice to see the sparkling shafts of sunlight poking through up there.  By mid-day we had found the original trail--much sooner than our guides had expected.

We stayed on the trail for a while, but eventually broke away from it, trying to make up for lost time by cutting corners.  Also, the trail only went to the base of the Bum River Waterfall, and we were still hoping to make it all the way to the crater, beyond were the trail ended.  The guides had actually never been to the crater from this direction, so eventually we had to split from the trail and make our own.  It was all very exciting!

Here's a few shots of some of the plants we saw along the way.  In one area we passed by hundreds of these flowering orchids.  We smelled them long before we saw them.  They had an unbelievably powerful, sweet aroma that was like a perfume or something of the sort.  The guides said that people in the city will pay a lot of money for these orchids, and that they had never seen so many in one place before.  But we left them undisturbed.

In the lower elevations, near the river, there were great stands of impenetrable bamboo.  The locals use bamboo for all kinds of things.  It's incredibly strong for it's size and weight, and widely available.

Everything in the jungle is in a constant struggle and fight for survival.  Plants and animals are all fighting for space, light and food.  And often, one plant or animal's death brings life to a myriad of others.  Everywhere you look, if you really stop to observe closely, you can see these epic battles being waged--whether it's fig vines slowly strangling the life out of a massive tree in the canopy above, or an army of ants devouring a fallen bird or insect on the jungle floor below.  Here, a small tree clings to the edge of a moss and dirt covered bolder at the edge of the creek, fighting for a foothold in the floor below as it shoots towards the light high above.

Throughout the day we crossed, and re-crossed the Bum River many times--probably 10 or 15 times total.  Britton did awesome!   He never fell, which is pretty amazing for his first time on a trek.   It's a lot harder than it looks, as every rock is covered with moss and algae, and it often feels like you're trying to walk over a bunch of giant ice cubes, whilst someone is trying to push your legs out from under you (the strong current).  In places it was up to his waste, and the roar of water was so loud that we couldn't hear each other from one side to the other, even when shouting.

Here we are catching a quick break late in the afternoon.  Wherever you sit, the leaches are quick to find you.  In fact, within seconds of sitting down on a rock or log, you can literally see the ground moving at times, as dozens of hungry leeches make a mad rush towards you from all directions, each one intent on gorging on your blood.  So this time, Britton decided to find a seat up off of the ground.  This hanging vine did quite nicely, and he got a 10 minute break, without having to do battle with the leeches.  Smart guy!

That afternoon we saw several pigs, some small deer, some really large deer (there's several species here--the smallest ones being no bigger than little dogs, while the largest ones are almost the size of a small elk), some monkeys and a bunch of birds (including hornbills) and insects.  We were looking for meat to eat.  Our guides brought rice, but we were all counting on getting some game to go with it.  The number-one most enjoyed meat here is a fat jungle pig.  Britton had the chance to try to shoot one of the pigs we saw, but it was much to far away for a kill shot.

Late in the afternoon we found a place to set up camp, just below the base of the crater rim that we intended to climb over and into the following day.  Britton and I set up our Hennessy Hammocks (foreground), whilst our guides set up a tarp under which we kept the cooking fire and all of our gear.  Originally, our plans had been to camp at a different spot each night, completing a giant hiking circle over the course of four or five days.  However, because of our loss of time due to all the rain delays, we decided that we'd just make this our base camp, from which we'd set out to explore the following day.  Not having to clean up and set up camp again would save us time and effort.  Plus, we already knew that we'd have to return via the same route we entered, because we no longer had enough time to do the full circle.

Britton was intent on learning and helping with all of the tasks to survive out there.  He helped clear the area for the camp, and helped set it up.  He helped get things ready for the following day.  He helped look for firewood.  One of the big tasks each day is getting safe drinking water.  The guides drink very little water compared to us, so they just boil it once per day and they're done.  However  I drink about six to ten liters a day... but I only carry about four liters at a time.  So several times each day I have to pump water through a filter.  Depending on how clear the water is, it can sometimes take a bit of effort.  Near our camp was  little stream that provided a nice place from which to pump water.  So Britton refilled our Nalgenes and Camelbacks, so we were all set for the next day.

Work hard, play hard, that's my motto.  So after all the work was done, we goofed off.  Britton found a vine hanging over the creek from way up high in the canopy above, and was soon swinging from side to side across the creek.  You can't really tell from the picture, because I'm shooting it from up on a small ridge above, but he's about 10 feet above the creek as he swings from one bank to the other.

That night, one of our guides shot a deer while we slept.  The next morning Britton joined him as he cut hunks of the "best" choice meats from the dear for us to eat for breakfast, including but not limited to the heart, liver, intestines, udder, and other unidentifiable organs (since I wasn't there when they cut it, I'm not sure what they were--but Britton had some guesses).  Oh, and they threw in a few pieces of boring ol' standard meat too, just for good measure.  In the picture below, Britton watches as breakfast cooks over the fire--a pot of various deer organs boiling over, while some spongy udder begins to roast in the foreground, along with some other pieces of meat.

I was really proud of Britton.  He eagerly tried each and every type of "meat", and ate all of it with a big ol' smile on his face.  In fact, he even took seconds.  Obviously, this is not the type of thing we normally eat as average Americans, but every people and culture in the world enjoys all kinds of foods that other people would think strange.  And if they eat it and survive, it must be safe to eat.  So it's mostly a mental thing, to be able to eat something that you think to be strange, but really is just fine.  We've tried to teach our kids to be open and polite to accept and eat whatever is offered by a host, and to do so with a good attitude.  Britton though, has gone beyond that, and actually "enjoys" many of the foods that, well, to be quite frank, are quite "gamy" and strong in flavor.  By this point in the trip, the guides were absolutely loving having him along.  They kept saying that he was certainly half Dayak--because of the way he hiked so sure-footed,  and his natural strength, and his desire to learn about the jungle and animals etc. etc.  They were very impressed.  And so was I!

Check back soon to find out the conclusion of our jungle trek--what we saw and did in the crater, and what we encountered on an exciting night hunt!


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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Dr. Andrew Weaver believes in both science and democracy

That make him a bad fit for anything Harper.

Jack Knox spells it out.

Luna said...

Do yourself a favour and don't read the comments! My brain hurts now.

Dave said...

Commenters at newspaper sites are often referred to as "The Worst People in the World" for good reason.

Holly Stick said...

I wonder how his lawsuit against the National Post is going? I guess those things move slowly once the lawyers get involved.

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Monday, January 19, 2009

Riesling-Braised Sauerkraut and Apples (Page 575)

  • Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 -- 7pm
  • Location: Bloomington, IN
  • Kitchen: My Apartment
  • Dining Companion: Matty
  • Recipe Rating: B

Karen made sauerkraut on New Year's Day, which reminded me that there is a sauerkraut recipe in The Book. Since this recipe was on my mind, I made it when we came back after the holidays. This recipe started with packaged sauerkraut purchased from the store. I soaked the sauerkraut in water, then drained it, then repeated the soaking and draining. In a big pot I cooked onion and shallots in butter, then added sliced apples, bacon, Riesling, chicken stock, thyme, juniper berries (many thanks to David for sending me those!) and a bay leaf. I added the sauerkraut and braised it in the oven for an hour and a half. At that point there was an optional step of adding 2 cups of cream and some apple schanpps. I let my special gentleman decide if he wanted this dish with or without the cream. He chose without so that's what we did. The cream might have had a nice mellowing affect on the strong flavor of the sauerkraut, but 2 cups of cream for 6 serving is a heck of a lot of cream. It sounded too rich for us! As we prepared it, this sauerkraut was pretty good. The apples gave it a nice flavor and sweetness, and the Riesling also contributed a sweet note to the dish. This recipe was a bit fancier than typical sauerkraut preparations, but as with most sauerkraut dishes, it mostly tasted like the storong flavor of sauerkraut! This dish was fine. I probably won't make it again, but we enjoyed eating it well enough.

Here is the recipe.

While I was sick last week my special gentleman was away in Korea, speaking at a conference. He got back this weekend and it has been so good to have him back. I am used to him not being here, since we spent a year and a half living apart. But being home alone and really sick was not fun at all. It was even worse because with a 14 hour time difference and no cell phone, it wasn't like I could just call him up if I felt really bad. We talked on Sykpe a lot (I do love Skype!) but it was still hard. I missed him a lot and I am so glad he is back! He is a bit jet-lagged and I am wiped out after having been sick, so we have had a pretty mellow weekend. Yesterday I did some cooking (mmm... homemade croissants!) and then we went to Mike and Teresa's for a yummy dinner and a movie. Today was a university holiday, so I had another restful day. I had an appointment at the doctor this morning, whch somehow took three and a half hours. This afternoon I did some work, and some cooking. It was very relaxing. And I am happy to say that I am finally feeling well again, after my battle with pneumonia. So I think this week is going to be much better than the last one!

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Saturday, January 3, 2009

New Year's Resolution #1...Out with the Clutter!

Okay, so it's not really a New Year's Resolution, but since the beginning of a new year is a great time to make some much-needed changes, I figured this was as good a time as any to pare down some of the unnecessary "stuff" filling our closets and shelves! When we were packing up to move back in July, I purged what seemed like about half of our possessions, although it probably wasn't quite that much. I had a huge garage sale and donated what didn't sell to a local group that helps teen mothers. Then what I missed putting out in the garage sale was taken to Goodwill a box or two at a time. Furniture that we knew we wouldn't have room for in Manhattan was sold on Craigslist.

So why do I STILL have so much stuff? I think I moved many things that I thought I would use here but so far I haven't. Usually I have a hard time tossing an item that I think I might need at some point, because I don't want to have to pay to replace it. However, here our biggest need is SPACE, so I've decided if it isn't loved or useful right now, OUT IT GOES! I'm giving the boys' clothes a slight exception...if it won't fit within the next year, it's going! So far, I've gone through all the boys' clothes. All baby stuff up to 9 months as well as all the size 7s are going to be lotted up and put on Craigslist. A few items that we have in excess are in a box for the thrift store. I've also gone through their rather large dress-up clothes collection and boxed up some of those for the thrift store. I've got a bunch of baby bottles and related items all ready to go to a new home, and my collection of disposable sippy cups is finally in the trash! Next I will be going through the hall closet and the cabinets in the living room. I might even have stuff in the kitchen that I can part with! And, of course, I'm determined to pare down the ever-expanding toy collection--hopefully the boys will cooperate on that one!

As hard as it is for me to let go of things, I know I'm going to enjoy having clutter-free surfaces, better organized cabinets and shelves, and room to put away the things that we DO use and love!

Friday, January 2, 2009

If I'd known It Would Wash the Dishes, I'd have Bought It a Long Time Ago!

This Christmas my parents bought us a Wii as a family gift. We had played one this summer while staying with some friends before we moved, and it seemed like something the whole family would enjoy. Jonathan loves video games in general, Joshua likes the competition, Jordan is our sports nut, Joseph likes to be in the middle of anything active and noisy, and Mommy and Daddy like things we can all do together as a family. That just leaves Josiah, who isn't terribly interested yet, but you can't please everyone! :)

We've been playing the sports games the most so far. Joshua and I enjoy bowling--turns out Josh is really good at it! Jonathan and Jordan have the most fun playing tennis. You'd better not stand too close as they swing their remote "rackets" back and forth! All the boys like golf, although Jordan for some reason only wants to aim in the total opposite direction and hit the ball as hard as he's even better if he can hit it over a cliff and into the ocean! Jeremy has become quite a good boxer, although Jordan can just about take him on!

The sad part? Jeremy and I have been downright sore after several days of playing Wii Sports. Yes, we are obviously in pretty bad shape if we get sore playing a video game! I mean, it's not like I'm bowling with a 16-lb. ball or anything. It's a small, plastic remote! Pathetic. Maybe I need to just go ahead and buy Wii Fit and get in shape! :)

So back to the title...Jonathan usually works pretty diligently at his school work, although he is a bit less responsible with his chores. Yesterday he finished his schooling quickly and did excellent work, so I offered to reward him by letting him play the Wii, even though video games are usually only allowed Friday evening through Sunday. There was one caveat, though...he had to finish his chores first. I have NEVER seen that child work so quickly or so well at chores, and he even came to me after each one to ask what ELSE he should do!! Hmmm, this thing could be really REALLY good for me! I don't want to wash dishes? "Hey, Jon! Wanna play Wii?" Bwahahahaha!!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year!

What do you do for your first New Year's Eve living in New York City with 5 children under 10 years old? Why, you bundle everyone up and head down to Times Square, of course! Never mind the huge crowds, the temps in the teens (with a windchill factor near zero!) and the fact that the closest we could get was about 58th street...we still had to at least go check it out! We had no intentions of staying until midnight, but it was fun to brave the weather and the crowds, and the boys enjoyed yet another new experience in NYC!

This is as close as we could get. The two columns of bright light at the center of the photo are the huge TV screens in Times Square. We are a good 16 blocks away or so here.

Jenny, Joshua, and Jonathan...

Joseph studying the crowd...

Jeremy lifting Joshua up for a better view...

Before going back down into the subway station at Columbus Circle, we stopped to take a few pictures in front of the Time Warner Building.

Poor Jordan...his hat is so low on his face it looks like he can't even see! They were bundled up well!

Ahh, back where we should have been all along...watching the Dick Clark show on TV in the comfort of our own living room!

Even Josiah stayed awake for the festivities!

Is he adorable, or what?!?!

He's watching the TV intently...just waiting for the ball to drop! :)

After ringing in the New Year, we all gathered at the table (minus Jordan and Josiah, who were ready to sleep!) and had hot chocolate and toasted pumpkin bread. It seems a certain Mommy had promised some boys a snack while we were out, and of course promptly forgot about it when we got home and started watching the New Year's Eve show. I was insistently reminded as soon as the celebration was over that snacks and hot chocolate had been promised, so I had to follow through! I think all the boys finally got to bed around one a.m. Hopefully they will all sleep in this morning!
On a parting note, here are a few photos from the park earlier this afternoon. Now how many kids do you know that have snowball fights with THEMSELVES?? Well, I've got one. Joshua, when he couldn't get his brothers interested in throwing snowballs with him, decided a one-man fight was in order. And I took the pictures to prove it! May I present exhibit one, the snowball:

Now here we have exhibit two--said snowball being smacked into Joshua's face:

And finally, exhibit three--the snowy aftermath...with a big grin! :)

That's my silly boy!
I'm thinking I might post later (much later) today about some New Year's resolutions, one of which might be to keep up with this blog better! But I'm not making any promises...;)
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Changing Lives through Environmental Education

Welcome to the home of The Green Ambassador! If you are concerned about your carbon footprint, want to save costs, or simply wish to live a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle, I am here to help you get started on your journey to a sustainable future.

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Environmental Education

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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year!

We send you out into the night and into 2012 with our top ten bestselling Staff Favorites of the past year. Thank you for continuing to shop at Green Apple. We look forward to sharing some new favorites in the year(s) ahead.

With an honorable mention to a plucky favorite that missed out by a few copies to the Eliot Weinberger book above. (Though we're open for 3 more hours if anyone wants to see Barbara Comyns' novel crack the top ten...)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...


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Sunday, August 10, 2008

Yet Another Guilty Pleasure

Another season of Run’s House has started, and I am hooked again. I honestly don’t know when this show comes on, but I this weekend I started watching an episode marathon, and I am addicted. I just really love this family!! They seem to have such a strong spiritual core, and every member of the family is involved in a multitude of creative projects. I feel oddly inspired after watching!

Also, their new baby, Miley, is an angel!

Lauren said...

I like watching Run's House too. They seem like such a nice family.

Belle of the Ball said...

I love love love Run's House! I am so excited that a new season has started!! I got my glasses from my eye doctor, but I have seen them on Ebay! When I get them today I will give you the information and you can ask your eye doctor!


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CALL US: 0800 USE HERBS  0800 873 437
(excludes vege boxes)
Baby Colic Powder
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Helps relieve the discomfort and pain of acute colic in babies and children. Relaxes the abdominal muscles and calms and soothes the baby. Colic is a descriptive term for spasmodic abdominal pain and contractions (cramping). It can be common during the first three months of life. Growing children may sometimes suffer from 'nervous colic', which can also be relieved by Baby Colic Powder.

Chamomilla root 3x: Relieves abdominal cramping during colic.
Conchae 6x (Oyster shell; Natural Calcium carbonate): Soothes and relaxes abdominal cramping.
Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel): Fennel seeds soothe and calm spasmodic conditions.
Tabacum 6x: Helps alleviate vigorous abdominal cramping.

Each 1g contains: Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel), decoct. equiv. dry seed 30mg; and equal parts of homoeopathic ingredients: Chamomilla, root 3x; Conchae 6x; Tabacum 6x; in lactose base.

Dosage: Babies/Children: Give 1/4 level 5mL teaspoon (equiv.1g) of powder in a teaspoonful of warm water, or can be given straight to babies used to eating solids, every 15 to 30 minutes for up to 6 doses or until colic subsides, or as directed by your health care professional. As a preventative one dose may be given before feeding. If symptoms persist, consult your health care professional. Consultation with a practitioner is advised before giving medicine to babies under 6 months.

Companion Products Nursing Tea: if the baby is being breastfed, it also helps if the mother drinks Breastfeeding Tea to assist with digestive problems such as colic, flatulence, bloating and abdominal discomfort.

Baby Colic Powder

Helps relieve the discomfort and pain of acute colic in babies
NZ $13.50
incl GST

You might also be interested in ...


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Saturday, December 5, 2015

Pre-Order ~ Chill Out by Jana Richards

chill out banner

pre-order blitz

Chill out cover

Book Title: Chill Out
Author: Jana Richards
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 4, 2015
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Book Blurb

Renata Cabral needs to hide for the weekend. Her cousin’s Valentine’s Day wedding means she’ll face embarrassing questions from her large, extended family. Questions like “Why aren’t you married yet?” Since the breakup of her last relationship, she’s not ready to answer that question. She invents a work-related excuse and escapes to a friend’s lakeside cottage.

Noah Brownlee has been hiding for two years. But now he’s ready to come home and mend his broken relationship with his brother. When a friend offers the use of his lakeside cottage, Noah arrives in the middle of a blizzard with his English Mastiff, only to find the place is already occupied. With her big brown eyes and quirky sense of humor, Renata stirs feelings he thought long dead.

As the blizzard rages, the candy hearts predict love. Can Valentine’s Day work its magic between them?

“I can’t let fresh snow like this go to waste.”

She let herself fall backward into the snow, then moved her arms and legs in a windshield-wiper fashion.

“What are you doing?” Noah asked.

“Didn’t you ever make snow angels when you were a kid?”

“Maybe when I was a kid.” His tone told her he thought snow angels were meant to stay in childhood. Didn’t he play anymore?

“Come on, give it a try. It’s fun.”

“Okay, but if one of my extremities freezes off, it’s your fault.”

With that, he fell backwards beside her. Renata laughed in delight.

“See? Isn’t that fun?”

Noah flapped his arms and legs in the snow with a huge smile on his face. “Yeah, it kind of is.”

“You know what else is fun?”

He turned to look at her. “What?”

Renata grabbed a mitt-full of snow. “Giving face washes.”

She pushed the snow into his face before jumping up. He sputtered for a moment and brushed snow from his face before leaping to his feet.

“Now you’ve done it!”

Laughing, Renata ran toward the cottage, but Noah was too fast for her. He caught her around the waist and spun her around.

“I should dunk you in the snow for that!”

“But you won’t. You’re too much of a gentleman.”

“You’d be surprised at how ungentlemanly I feel right now.”

Her breath stopped at the look in his eyes. He crushed her against his body and lowered his head to kiss her. The cold skin of his face contrasted with the heat of his mouth. He tasted sweet, like blueberries and sugar, and she swept his mouth with her tongue to taste every bit of him. He devoured her like a starving man.

Read the Reviews

"I am in love with this series and the author." 3 Partners in Shopping Blog

“Jana Richards weaves a story that is heart-felt and it offers a depth many authors fail to achieve.” Belinda Williams Books

"Jana Richards writes with great wit and a sharp eye for detail, making her characters and story feel absolutely real." Jill Blake, Goodreads reader

"So, in summary, put aside your book markers because you won't need them; turn off the phone because you won't want to be interrupted, lock the door, and ENJOY this one by Jana Richards." Seriously Reviewed

Chill out teaser

Meet the Author

When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist.

In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Western Canada with their Pug/Terrier cross Lou and several unnamed goldfish. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website and blog.
Social Media

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Buy the Book

Chill out cover

1 comment:


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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Trinity’s Annual 4th of July Picnic

Monday, we had our annual church 4th of July picnic.  It was a lot a fun, food, and fellowship.  It rained off and on throughout the day but we made do with the circumstances.

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Melody and Carlo getting some grub and Rob getting some dessert :)

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Nick and Sophia, Sarah and Adam

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The first rain storm during lunch.

Look at Miss Thing, Sarah

She had been playing in the water and rain.

Cai and Tate

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While we were waiting for the rain to stop so we could start the badminton tournament, 12 of us (2 teams of 6) went inside and played Cranium.

Melody and Starr, Super Asa and Samuel

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Water fun for the little ones

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Our annual badminton tournament

Let the games begin!!!

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Rob and I

We are normally pretty good (won the championship game last year) but this year it was another story.

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There were 8 teams playing this year.

This was the championship game.

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Gian and Chad

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We had a great time.  Several families were out of town or sick so we didn’t have as many as it could have been.  Thanks Pastor Dale and Mrs. Pat for hosting this event this year!

(We couldn’t have it at our house this year due to the construction!)

Tracy said...

Another fun year! I love Cranium!

Cinnamon said...

What an wonderful time of fellowship!


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Thursday, October 27, 2011

Corn Maze ~ Part 3

Country Cajun Corn Maze

  It’s time for fun!!!

We hung out for the day.  Such as, my family was the last to pull out that afternoon;)  They have several activities that are free for the children to enjoy throughout the day such as the playground, corn crib, and bounce pillow.

The Corn Crib

It’s like a big ball pit but instead of balls, it’s full of corn kernels.

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I think Emma was tired or something!!!

One of the moms told me to hop in and she would take my picture.  This was a refreshing treat.  It was a place of refuge from the very, warm, October day.  Plus, it was cool under the kernels.  I almost didn’t want to leave;)

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Really, cool, homemade slides

Bounce Pillow

I got a little extra exercise in bouncing with Asa in my arms!!!  Yes, he’s an extra 30 lbs.

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Lots of bouncing fun!!!

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Asa enjoying some FREE Kleinpeter Dairy Ice Cream.

Having a “sliding” good time!

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Isaac in the corn wagon!!!

(He was having fun earlier but I missed that shot.)

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Me and my Corn Cobs

Shelby, Lindsay, and Crousillac Kids

Shelby and Lindsay Kids

Once again, we had a lot a fun at the corn maze.  The kids always look forward to it.

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Thursday, February 5, 2009

Chai latte anyone?

I can't believe it... IT'S 37 DEGREES OUTSIDE! I am so cold, I can feel it in my bones. I had to run out to the car this morning fifteen minutes before taking Amiyah to school to turn the heat on in the car, and also push the button, for the first time this season, to heat my leather seat. Leather, and cold... they don't mix very well. ooooh it was so warm and cozy. I know I have said before, that I love the cold weather, and I really do, but not when I'm unprepared. I mean, for today I would have needed ski jackets, gloves, and hats, just to make it from the front door to the car... I was so not ready for this. My poor kids, I kept throwing layer after layer of sweaters and jackets over them. I guess this is where a nice comfy set of long johns would have come in. That's okay though, I just kept Emilio's Batman pajamas on underneath all his layers... he was set. I'm home now with Caleb and Emilio. After a nice warm breakfast, I set the two of them up in Emilio's room watching, you guessed it... The Polar Express! I set just about every comforter and pillow I could find for them on the floor, along with some favorite furry friends, they look adorable, all snuggled up, no care in the world. I, however, am here at my computer wishing I was sitting in a nice cozy corner in Barnes and Nobles enjoying a grande Chai latte, and a slice of warm crumb cake. It's only warm because I make them nook it for me for about a minute, it tastes so much better that way. That's okay though, my hot coffee, and raspberry pastry will do just fine... for now. I think I need to have chai night with my ladies this weekend. I wish The One Way Cafe was open Sunday night's, their Chai... IS THE BEST! So creamy and delicious. My Jojo is a genius when it comes to making my chai... I heart her : )

Laura Ann Miller said...

Where is The One Way Cafe?
Stay Warm : )

Tessa said...

I can't believe Caleb and Emilio can sit and watch movies!!! Diego, at this very moment, is running up and down the length of my condo yelling "oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh." He's been at it for 5 mins already, I wish I could unleash him at the park but like you said, it's too cold!!!

Brandi Mae said...

The One Way Cafe is a restaurant that our church recently opened up. We're not officially opened up to the public though...shhhh! You have to come by sometime though and have one, they are simply delicious!

Just don't tell anyone else, hehe!

Gabbs said...

Oh, I went to the park today. By 11 it was nice out....not too cold like this monring.

And I love me some Chai Lattes!! I may have to go get me one right now! LOL


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Today - Nokia has just responds and issued a statement in respond to battery life problem faced by some Nokia Lumia 800 users. Nokia has clarified the problem its a software and it can be easily resolved with software update which will be coming early 2012. Apparently there's a glitch of the software that limiting the phone to use the full available battery capacity.

Official statement from Nokia

On Monday 12th December some of our customers started to comment in various social media that the preloaded diagnostics tool in some of the Nokia Lumia 800 phones was showing lower battery capacity than expected. We immediately started to investigate these reports and can now confirm that while the battery itself is fine, a software problem on certain variants is limiting the phone’s ability to access the full battery capacity. We want to stress that this issue has not been found to affect the recently introduced Nokia Lumia 710.

The good news is that as this is a software problem it can be easily resolved.  The planned software update in early 2012, as well as including many performance enhancements, will also include a fix that will enable the affected phones to access the total battery capacity.  For anyone who does not want to wait for the software update, Nokia can arrange for a replacement phone.  Anyone who requires any further clarification should contact Nokia Care (Care contact details and locations can be found at www.Nokia.com/support).

Anyone who wants to know if their phone is affected can run the battery status test from the diagnostics tool already installed on their phone. (The tool is designed for service use and only displays approximate values.) Dialling ##634# opens the diagnostics tool. By accepting the disclaimer and then selecting ‘Battery Status’ from the list of options, anyone will be able to see their available battery charge capacity.  If your full charge capacity reads less than 1000 mAh then your phone is affected with this specific issue and you may find it is necessary to charge your phone more frequently than normal.  Once the software update has been applied, you should experience much better battery life. In the meantime here are some tips on how to increase your battery performance and you should also make sure you are using the charger that came with the phone, as older chargers may not be as effective at charging the new Nokia Lumia 800.

psv said... @ December 25, 2011 at 8:30 AM

gosh, thankyou so much 4 ur information, it is realy a crap phone....wish nokia rectify the problem in nxt line up windows phones

Post a Comment


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Hurriyat groups protest against the civilian killing

Hurriyat groups protest against the civilian killing

- by - Published on

Hurriyat (G) leader protest against Narbal killing at Lal Chowk

To stop the scheduled sit-in-program of Hurriyat Conference (G) at Lal Chowk against the killing of innocent youth, the police although continuously held the Hurriyat Syed Ali Geelani, Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, Raja Mehraj-ud-din and Mohammad Ashraf Laya under house arrest on the Sunday and Hurriyat (G) spokesman was not allowed to come out of the office premises.

“But despite all these restrictions Hurriyat leaders Altaf Ahmad Shah, Advocate Mohammad Shafi Rashi, Zamrooda Habib, Ghulam Mohammad Khan Sopori, Mohammad Shafi Lone, Molvi Bashir Ahmad, Firdous Ahmad Shah, Nisar Hussain Rather, Malik Ghulam Nabi, Amir Hamza, Syed Imtiyaz Hyder, Abdul Rasheed Lone, Khuja Firdous, Mohammad Sayed Bhat, Mudasir Nadvi, Mohammad Imran, Mehraj-ud-din Rabbani, Zaffar Habib, Rameez Raja, Umar Adil Dar, Ishfaq Ahmad Khan, Mukhtar Ahmad, Abdul Rasheed, Sajad Ahmad, Zahoor Ahmad Baigh, Gazi Javaid and dozens of other activists including Tehreek-e-Khaweetin Kashmir succeeded in reaching Lalchowk where they held a protest demonstration led by senior pro-freedom leader Altaf Ahmad Shah against the worst kind of state terrorism going on in Jammu & Kashmir,” a spokesman of the amalgam said in a statement to KNS.

Reacting over the killings, Hurriyat (G) chairman said that the “Goli Nahi Boli” slogan of CM Mufti Sayed has proven “a fraud and within the few days of his government formation, three innocent and unarmed youths were brutally killed by the occupational forces.”

“Mufti Sahab is heading the unified command council and with this respect he is responsible for all the three murders,” Geelani said.

While commenting over the arrest of two police men, he said, “It is the act to pacify the anger of the people and they are not serious about it. It is the record till date that no forces personal involved in the innocent killings and raps have been ever booked or punished for the crime against the humanity.”

While demanding for impartial investigation into the incidents of Tral and Narbal Budgam, Geelani said, “Government probe is not trust worthy in any way because all the government institutions are parts of the same system and a murderer can’t be appointed as a judge.”

He expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolence with the parents of youth of Narbal and said that the government machinery didn’t allow him to visit Narbal to express condolence personally. “From last many days, I have been confined to my house.”

While terming the statement of Omer Abdullah over the killing of Narbal youth as crocodile tears, he said, “His (Omer’s) hands are soaked with the blood of innocent students and he doesn’t suit criticizing others. Omer Abdullah is directly involved into the 2010 killings. No one has been booked or punished for the killing of more than 125 students so far.”

Geelani recalled the incident of Soura when the father of murdered student Umar Qayoom went to the then CM Omer Abdullah and he was thrown out there without listening to him. He appealed the world community and human rights organization to take serious notice of the grave situations of the Jammu & Kashmir and use their influence to protect the lives of the civilians of this region.

“The disputed state of Jammu & Kashmir is the worst victim of the state terrorism of India due to which the life, property and the honor is in acute danger in this region and if it remained unchecked, it can have serious consequences in the future,” he warned.

Hurriyat (M) leaders protest against Narbal youth’s killing

A delegation of Hurriyat Conference (M) comprising of Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, Muhammad Musadiq Adil, G.N Zaki, Abdul Majid Wani and Ghulam Hassan Mir visited Narbal where the protest demonstration was held against the killing of a young student Suhail Ahmad Sofi a day ago in an incident of firing by the forces, and to protest the recent killing of a youth in Tral, for revocation of black laws like AFSPA and for the release of political rrisoners.

In a statement to KNS a spokesman of the amalgam said Hurriyat delegation participated in the protest. Addressing the participants, senior Hurriyat (M) leader Mukhtar Ahmad Waza strongly condemned the killing of the unarmed youth and accused the coalition government of the state of advancing the agenda of rightwing extremists “by using oppression and brutal force in Kashmir.”

“The government was annihilating the young generation of Kashmiris. APHC is fully committed to its stand of taking the present struggle to its logical conclusion,” Waza said and stressed upon the people that they should not forget the huge sacrifices offered and that they should remain steadfast in their resolve towards the movement.

In the meanwhile on the directions of Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq a delegation comprising of Muhammad Musadiq Adil, Javaid Ahmad Mir, G.N Zaki, Abdul Majid Wani and Ghulam Hassan Mir visited the hunger strike venue of Liberation front chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik in Maisuma Srinagar and expressed solidarity on behalf of Hurriyat (M) with the objective of the hunger strike programme of Malik.

The delegation also took part in the protest demonstration organized by different resistance groups in front of Pratap Park Srinagar to raise a united voice against the excesses committed upon the people of Kashmir.

The spokesman of Hurriyat (M), in the meantime, has strongly condemned the continuous house arrest of Mirwaiz for the second consecutive day, thus depriving him of the freedom to movement and preventing him from participation in essential religious and social events. He termed the action of government as out of “frustration and dictatorial.”


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Monday, October 31, 2011

Katie's Birthday - Agua

My birthday is only 10 tens after Brent's (technically a year and 10 days...can't forget I'm younger!), which means lots of fun and celebrations in October. Brent planned an awesome b-day get-together with friends the Friday before - he even made homemade lasagna for everyone! I'll post those pictures later...still haven't gotten through them yet. But in the meantime, here are pictures from our date to Agua on my actual birthday.

Birthday girl - 27 years old

We've been to Agua four times before this, twice for dinner and twice for Sunday brunch. The first time we went, I fell IN LOVE with the brandy lobster crepes. I got them again for our anniversary date last year. I was shocked when I found out they were no longer on the menu (and even more shocked when they said they changed the menu 9 months ago)! I told her it was my birthday and asked if the chef could still make them for me. She went to the kitchen, and amazingly, the chef said yes! I was so happy! Brent actually ordered something from the old menu too, and since we were special ordering we decided to get an appetizer to pass the time. I'm so glad we was delicious!

Grilled Shrimp served over Homemade Potato Gnocchi sauteed in a creamy Saffron sauce

After our appetizer, Brent gave me my present. This wrapping is always a good sign :)

I was really surprised because we agreed not to do presents for each other this year (yes, I'm the bad wife who didn't get anything for my husband's birthday, and then he gets me Tiffany's earrings for mine...) I have the world's SWEETEST husband.

Dinner arrived while I was still admiring my new earrings. Brent's Sauteed Shrimp in Champagne Rice:

My Brandy Lobster Crepes! You better believe I enjoyed every bite of these knowing it would probably be my last time tasting them.

So, when I told the server it was my birthday, she asked my name. I said "Katie" and she said, "Well, happy birthday, Kaley." I thought, ah, what's the point of correcting her? Then after dinner she brings out this:

Haha, Brent said this will teach me to better enunciate my name.

As always though, the service was above and beyond. I just love this restaurant. And I love, love, love this guy:

My second island birthday was a success. It's weird to think that we will be back in Cincinnati when we are celebrating next year!

  1. what a lucky girl! can brent please give ben a hint before my next birthday??? :)


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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Then and now

Happy birthday!

Dear Sam,

Today you turn two! Your daddy and I were thinking about how you came into the world this morning while we gazed at you sleeping by yourself on the bed, lounged out like a teenager. You crawled in with us this morning around 5:30 after sleeping through the night. What a big boy!

This was the year that you turned into a little man. You can climb down the stairs all by yourself. You can jump up in the air with both feet. This was the year when you started telling daddy and me "I love you" and asking for kisses at bedtime. This was the year you started to make us laugh on purpose because you knew we liked it, and that made you feel good. This was the year that you started talking in full sentences, and started to say "Did you see THAT, Mama?!?" at every opportunity. This was the year that I no longer had to stick to you like glue at the playground, and I can watch you run, jump and play from a longer distance. This was the year that you started to like bugs, and I'm very proud that you don't stomp on them. This was the year of our first (and second) scary visit to the ER. This was the year that you started to sing, and your little voice is so beautiful.

When I think about next year, I think of that perfect morning we had last week. Remember? You and I went to the library and looked at a few books, then you held my hand and we walked together to the coffee shop down the street. You stopped and looked for cars at the corner, and then you picked out your own doughnut in the shop and sat with me at a table while you ate it. Then, we walked back to the car and stopped to look at a colony of ants. Suddenly, Sam, you've gone from being an appendage to being my little friend with your own opinions and your own Sam-like way of doing things.

I know things won't always be smooth. In the future, there might be slammed doors, or yelling, or saying or doing things you wish you could take back. But, I will always remember this, Sam - you holding my hand, you snuggled up to me to nurse, you jumping into my arms. I will always be here, and I will always catch you.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Toddler Humor

The things that make me laugh about Sam seem to be divided into two categories: things that are funny to me and not funny to him (or maybe they are funny to me BECAUSE they're not funny to him and should be), and things that are funny to him and are therefore funny to me because he thinks they're so funny.

We were reading Goodnight Moon today when we ran into an example of the first. On one particular page, the "old bunny" as Sam calls her is missing from her chair, leaving only her knitting behind. Sam was really concerned about this: "Old bunny! Where's Old Bunny?" "Where do you think she went?" I asked. "In the little house," he said, pointing to the little dollhouse in the forefront of the picture. "Why did she go in there?" I asked. "Going potty," he replied matter-of factly. Makes sense - even fictional characters have to go sometimes, and the little house was right there...He also told me during the same reading that the two kittens were staring at the Old Bunny in one picture because they wanted to go to McDonald's.

He also has his little jokes that he thinks are very funny. One of his favorite phrases is "Win the lottery and buy and RV." The short history behind this phrase is that he's been really interested in RVs since our trip last fall, and when he asked if we could buy one, Mark replied that we could if we won the lottery. That made quite an impression.

So, we hear "win the lottery and buy an RV" at least daily, if not more. A few days ago, he was on a roll with this and looked at Mark with a mischevious expression and came up with, "win the lottery and buy a CAR???" (Shrieks of laughter). As in, "you thought I was going to say RV because I always say RV, but I FOOLED you and said CAR instead!!! HAHAHAHA!

I think he's got a ways to go before Last Comic Standing...

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

I turn my back for one minute...

I was getting ready to bake some bread with Sam this afternoon and turned my back for a minute while he explored a drawer. I turned back around, and....

Yes, that's my red lipstick. My expensive red lipstick.

Odds and Ends

Sam has a cold. He woke up yesterday morning with an incredibly runny nose and started sniffing in and out, then exclaimed, "Pig!" with great delight. Apparently the best part about having a stuffy nose is being able to make pig noises. Way to turn lemons into lemonaide, Sam.

A few days ago, we were riding in the car and I had this phone-in advice show on. Suddenly from the back, Sam shouts, "That's normal!" This continued all the way home, and it's still a favorite phrase. I suppose I have to be careful about what I listen to, but it is nice to get reassurance that I'm normal now and then.

I forgot to post this earlier, but Sam has started to sing! It's just about the sweetest thing in the world. His current favorites are the ABC song, Happy Birthday, Skiddama rink-a-dink ("something unintelligible-a-dink-a-dink") and Wheels on the Bus, which he's turned into Wheels on the Car, Wheels on the truck, Wheels on the Van and Wheels on the Bike. He's absolutely not shy about singing right out, even in front of other people. Took me years to do that!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Diaper dilemma

I think I may be crazy, but I'm having second thoughts about something we've done with Sam from birth - disposable diapering. This all started the night before last when I ran up to the Thriftway to get some Ibuprofin for our furiously teething toddler. In the baby aisle I found a starter set for flushable diapers. I recalled earlier that day when I had hauled out our almost weekly load of non-biodegradable waste to the trash, and about how Sam's great-great-great-great-great grandchild will be able to go to a landfill and find his or her great-great-great-great grandfather's poop encased in a plastic liner, and I bought the kit. Great, right? All of the convenience and none of the waste. Fast forward to today, when, after doing research online and figuring out exactly how expensive those little disposable liners are, I found myself with a poopy diaper doing the choreography necessary to actually flush the thing. Rip off both sides, let the filling fall into the toilet, stir with "swizzle stick" (kid you not), flush, wait for the filling to almost go completely down, and drop in the liner. Then hope it doesn't clog. After this little exercise, I started thinking: Would doing cloth diapers really be that much harder? I called my friend Laurel, a cloth diapering mommy, and grilled her, and it turns out that it's really not. I'd been resistant to it when Sam was born because there was so much else going on, and the only way it could possibly be cheaper would be if we washed our own, which at the time seemed unthinkable. Oh, I seriously underestimated the ridiculously high immunity I would develop toward poop, didn't I?

So, after talking to Laurel and doing hours of online research, I think we're going to make the switch. I want to do this with a future baby, so why not start now? In wishful thinking land, maybe Sam will notice he's wet more often and want to use the potty! The worst thing that happens is that I go back to destroying the earth one poop-bomb at a time.

I'll keep everyone posted on this little adventure...

Other pictures from the fair

A chip off the old block...

Sam's first pony ride. Good thing we had the cowboy hat, Papa!

We went to a preschool fair on Mercer Island last weekend, and couldn't resist Merlin and his green mane. Sam took to it like a cowboy to a horse.