A cruise on the Severn River

Wednesday we went for a 40 min cruise on the Severn River, which is what Annapolis port is on. The Severn River leads into the Chesapeake bay. It was very enjoyable, except that we were sharing the boat with school children, who were reasonably well behaved, but in large numbers, so rather loud and overwhelming. They had a basic narration pointing out what we were passing, and it was a good introduction to the water ways around Annapolis. I have to say, nothing special though. Perhaps that was just because of the noise!
The photo is of the houses on the opposite side of the river from the City Port.

William Paca house garden

The bottom of William Paca's garden (it is terraced)

On Tuesday we tried to visit William Paca house. The problem was, a school had booked out the 10.30am tour of the house, with the next tour at 11.30, which was too late for the nap schedule in our household. So, once again, we got to see the garden only!

According to Wikipedia, the house is in Georgian style from the 18th Century. William Paca himself was a Govener of Maryland, as well as being a signatory on the Declaration of Independence. There are three other signatories of the Declaration of Independence in Annapolis. (But that is for another post, another time!) The garden is about 2 acres, which is quite a lot of land to have spare in downtown Annapolis these days.

The garden really is quite nice, and our party had some keen gardeners in it, so I know a lot more about the plants now. The roses were in bloom, the grass and the trees were all green and lovely, so quite a change from our last visit in March for the Maryland Day celebrations (which I didn't describe much in detail anyway). The kiddies got a run around (in 30C, 90% RH heat), but I am sort of hoping that maybe the next time we visit the house we will get to see the inside!

Ikea towels review - Bandsjon

Among the towels that we got were these really cool stripey towels, type Bandsjon.

Things I like:
They are bright and cheerful, and not plain!
They have a little loop half way along the long edge so you can hang the towels up on a hook, which isn't so useful for drying a hole bath towel, but good for the hand towel.
The bath towel size (one down from the bath sheet size) is plenty big enough even for my tall husband.
The bath mat is nice and thick and absorbent.

Things I don't like:
The 'matching' bath mat doesn't have all the stripey colours that the towels have. So it sort of matches, but not quite, in my book.
They were more expensive than the other plain colours that we got. So, I am slightly disappointed that they have collected/made pills in the dryer. This might be due to what I put in the drying loads, I'm not really sure, but the result is, there are white fluff bits on the coloured stripes. They look a lot older than they are as a result.

Extreme honesty in labelling

Take a moment to read this one several times slowly.

Natural Butter Flavor With Other Natural Flavors, Contains no Butter

I didn't realise the extent of this one, until I paused to show the label to someone else. It is a really tasty syrup, we use it on pancakes. It is full of high fructose corn syrup, which we have been trying to avoid. It was in the groceries bought for us when we arrived, so we are enjoying it, and getting real maple syrup ourselves!

Memorial Day

Today was Memorial Day, so public holiday!
The difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, is that on Veteran's Day, we think of those in the armed forces serving now, whereas, Memorial Day is the memorial for those who have died.
We went for a walk in downtown Annapolis, and then watched the Memorial Day parade. I was expecting a bit of a solemn march, but actually it was a bit more carnival like. Children and parents were wearing stars and stripes themed clothing, waving flags, bagsing the shady bits of the street, and eating ice creams. In the parade there was a Navy marching band, and some Vietnam veterans, various cadets, scouts, Miss XX's (Maryland and Virginia?), and various local personalities. Among other things, were the sheriff, the riot police, some old fashioned fire engines, a church, I think a Bolivian community club doing some really energetic dancing, some car clubs, a skipping rope club, a marching band and flag twirlers, and the police to finish off. We didn't get to the ceremony (possibly a flag raising?) at the same park that we watched the Maryland Day flag raising at.
One side effect of the debacle at the stadium is that initially son number 1 refused to be anywhere near the parade, due to fear of loud bangs. We're hoping that wears off.

National Arboretum, Washington DC

A bonsai azalea

Today was an excursion to the National Arboretum in DC, primarily so my dad could see the national bonsai collection there. The National Arboretum is (as they tell you) a living museum, operated by the US Department of Agriculture for research and education. They have 400 acres on which to play, and have various collections all over the site. The $4 for a 50 min tram ride around the grounds with taped narration is a very good introduction. We saw lots of dog walkers and lots of cyclists (old and young), but ball games are not allowed. We had to move at the kids' paces through the bonsai collection, watching with wary eyes lest they rip a branch off some 50 year old bonsai. But I did get the impression that although my dad's bonsais are good, these are amazing. We also visited the collection of useful plants, including a huge row of strawberries that no-one was picking (we discreetly helped ourselves), and on a nearby hill there is a collection of columns from the Capitol building (no-longer needed after a renovation) arranged artistically. Lots of running room, free entry, 40 mins easy drive from home. We will be visiting this place again.

Blue Angel Flyover

Photo: http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Naval-Academy-holds-graduation-in-Annapolis-5500275.php#photo-6345960

We went and sat outside the stadium in town today, because the Blue Angels were going to be flying over at the start of the Navy graduation parade. I thought it would be a really cool thing to do. What I didn't realise was that they were firing a salute just before the flyover (Possibly 21 gun salute, but I lost track of how many bangs there were). We were probably about 10m from the guns firing (two canon things loaded on a trailer). I barely remember the flyover because I was trying to comfort a terrified, hysterical child (the 4 yo). So, very memorable morning, but really for all the wrong reasons.
On the upside, I have learnt valuable lessons about listening to my child's concerns seriously, and apologising later after not respecting his fears.

Inside our Church

Here are two photos of the inside of our church. They call it the Sanctuary. This is taken from about 1/3 of the way back from the front, on one side. We got there early enough last week that I felt comfortable taking some discrete photos. Apparently about 400 people attend the 9.15 service. Generally it looks full. I like the pews, which allow for what I would call analogue seating, rather than separate seats, which are more digital (ie, not as flexible!). The back wall is of glass, and they project sound into the back bit where you enter (foyer?) so if you need to, you can step out, but not miss any of the service.

Blue Angels squadron

Photo from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Angels

It is commissioning week at the US Naval Academy, located in Annapolis, and a Navy flight demonstration squadron called the Blue Angels are doing a performance. There are 6 F/A-18 Hornets in the squadron. Today they arrived in town for a rehearsal!
When it comes to pomp and circumstance, drill performances, parades and bands, I'm your man, I love it (thankfully I have two little kids I can use as an excuse these days). We had just missed the bus home after a tiring day getting to and from the library, so it was nice to get our own private fly over show while waiting for an hour at the bus-stop for the next bus (with a chocolate milk). Then we got home, and guess where they were turning around at the end of their runs?!
I felt temporary compassion on everyone who has the type of job that has them inside... while the baby slept I sat on the front door step getting glimpses of them turn and dive, including some very snazzy formation flying right over my head. My regret was that I couldn't get onto the roof for a better view.
The show will be great, unfortunately it is during nap time, and the baby is particularly feral if he misses naps these days. I should start a bucket list really, 'Things to do between 12-4 when my kids don't need a nap to stay nice'.

Slippery-dip down the stairs

I though I was so genius making this. Not my own idea, of course, but actually getting organised with the cardboard and the masking tape, and working out how to do it, and it went well for the first 20 mins, I must say.

Then my oldest son started thinking of increasingly athletic ways to get down the slide. Not so good for a very quick slide with an awkward landing, and definitely not good in a household where little brother copies so accurately.
So, we had a 'break' where I encouraged racing toy cars down the slope instead, but the little one's sense of ownership extends even to toys other children have (and OWN!), so there were tears over this one.
And finally, once sliding was reinstated, the older brother then pushed in on his little brother's turn on the slide, even after being told not to, and couldn't see where he had gone wrong, and everyone ended up in their rooms while I ate dinner on the back deck and prayed for hubby to get home and sort it out because I was past it.
I'm giving the slide the benefit of the doubt, because we managed not to get around to having afternoon tea, and I wonder if the kids were a touch irritable because they hadn't eaten for about 3 hours.
My tips/lessons learned -
Not for younger kids, it is very slippery, they go down very fast
Requires parental supervision - don't think that you'll put it up and then get dinner ready
Remember to put pillow/cushion at bottom
Have very clear guidelines about how to use slide (ie, not face first, not on knees, not head first, not side by side with brother, on bottom with feet facing forwards, etc)
Feed children afternoon tea somewhere in the proceedings

Driving on the Jersey Turnpike

This is a left over post from New York that I remembered I wanted to write about. We drove to New Jersey and caught a ferry across to New York city, leaving the car parked in a parking garage at the ferry terminal. This was cheaper than paying for a train for the family!
Part of our drive was on the Jersey Turnpike, a toll road that is the biggest I have seen so far. Towards the end of the road (close to New Jersey), the road split into two sections each way - one for trucks and one for cars. The trucks were quite heavy, and it was a relief to get away from continually having to move around them. But the space the road took, and the infrastructure required was quite and eyeopener. We're talking four by three lanes - 12 lanes all up. Two exits and entrances - one being a sort of bridge, over the truck section onto the car section in the middle. Plus break down room and extra signage, and extra toll booths, and extra cameras.
The total toll for our drive on the Turnpike was 12.55 each way. We also paid about 12 on other roads, and drove a total of about 210 miles (about 300 km) one way. (ie, total miles - about 420, total tolls - about $50)

Spring has come

We went back to Quiet Waters Park again this afternoon for a walk, and how it has changed! There is a beautiful green leafy canopy of living trees, dappling the sunlight and muting sound. Just warm enough not to wear jumpers, not humid, and cool enough that we weren't sweating everywhere, which is a lovely change from last week.
The world is green, and ferociously growing. We have made an arrangement with a neighbour's daughter to mow our little lawn once a week - and it needs it! In an earlier post in February, I listed green grass as something I missed. Well, here it is, complete with sunshine and shade, but Maryland is an endemic state (7th on the list, actually) for Lyme's Disease, spread by ticks, so having worked that out, I no longer really want to lie in the grass, nor encourage my babies to do the same. We will be doing nightly 'freckle' checks with our kids. I hate ticks.

Happy Drawers!

 

Went on what is hopefully our final shop at Bed Bath and Beyond, and got drawer organisers (among other things). It is the small things in life, like the smells of a freshly mowed lawn and fresh baked bread, a hot shower with adequate water pressure, and drawer organisers, that make life worth living, don't you think?!
We have many more little organisations in progress, mainly because we need to finish the house so we don't spend the next two years worth of Saturdays in Bed Bath and Beyond (Maybe this would be a level in Dante?!), and because my parents are visiting in 4 days.
Also, because if we don't stop shopping, I suspect we will start to cross that grey area from being comfortable with the basics to buying avocado cutters and cheese boards.

Wiping down chairs

Ingredients:
soapy water
containers
cleaning cloths
scrubbing brushes
a broom, hanging around because the kids like 'using' it on the deck
chairs to wipe down

Result: Wet children

I don't know why this wasn't obvious when I started out? I don't know why I honestly thought the kids would enjoy having their own little container of water to help mum wipe down some chairs? I don't know why I was surprised when they ended up stripped to the waist tipping water from container to container (one child offered to go completely naked to avoid getting his shorts wet).
I mean, we did have a water table in Aus.

The local library

Morning tea while treking to the library, on a day that was 30C and (it felt like) 80% humidity. Every one was sticky and sweaty! We finally made it to the local library, arriving just as story time was starting.
Due to limited public transport options, we were out of the house from 8.15 am to 12.40 pm - 4.5 hours for about 1.5 hours at the library. This included a 30min walk from a bus stop to the library one way, and a 50min wait for a connection when trying the second option to get home. Quite a trek on a day that was 30C and very, very sticky.
However, goal achieved, we can borrow books now!
I am continually impressed by the fortitude of my little walker, who walked with only occasional whines and requests for teddy bear biscuits.
ps - the walker slept in until 7.30 am the morning after

No Other God - Exodus 20:1-3

1. This first commandment gives us the ultimate true truth - God himself. v2 - LORD - Yahweh - I Am, the personal name of God, God - His creation plural name used in Genesis, and Redeemer God - reference to Egypt.
We shall have no gods before God - worship Him with your whole being, because of who he is. Not as a way to salvation, but as a result, growing out of salvation. Westminster Larger Catechism 104 provides good start.
2. What do you not have now that you believe you have to have to be happy/fulfilled etc?
If you have that, what do you have in your life that you don't want to lose/would be lost without?
Don't let our relationship with the horizontal obscure that vertical relationship with God. Even the good horizontal things like church or family.
3. This commandment points out our sin. Why give us a command no-one can keep?
Romans 3:19 - No-one can claim they are doing it (19a)
Every man is held accountable (19b)
That we all might know our sin (20)

Once we learn this lesson of the law, we can flee to the gospel as our only hope.

Now, just out of interests sake, any thoughts on how you would apply that to parenting? ie - rather than teaching your kids to be 'good', showing them how only grace (from God) will give them a new spirit to obey the law? Reference book - "Give them Grace" by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson (I haven't finished it yet!).
I should clarify that the notes from Exodus were from a sermon a couple of weeks ago, not the book.

Gallon bottles of milk

Something I took photos of to share, right back when we first arrived: Gallon bottles of milk.
1Gallon = 3.78 L = huge bottles to store in the refrigerator. These bottles are pictured in-situ next to a 600mL bottle of water.
Milk does not go in the door of the fridge here (the 6 packs of beer do though). We buy 4 bottles of milk a week, so half a fridge shelf is taken up with milk.
You know how they always tell little children they can use an empty milk bottle to float with in water if they're in a sticky spot (near some milk bottles, obviously). I've always wondered about the quality of support given by a milk bottle. I suggest, making sure you have Gallon milk bottles nearby, because these would really float. Just a thought.

What we want to do on a Friday night

We want to relax on a Friday night.
What we actually do, is wrestle the children to bed, then Mr Amazing goes and does the grocery shop while I label photos (digital photos - easy to take lots and then lots of work to keep in order!).
Then, special for tonight: unblock the plughole under our shower.
I am utterly without words. The photo doesn't do it justice. But we think we have cleared the gunk, and our bath will no longer fill with 5 cm of water when we're having a shower. Bear in mind that we could only work on the plughole gunk after we had worked out how to remove the built in plug!
We have quite a sense of achievement (But our Friday night was gone).

More Playdough

Follow up from the last play dough post. I made another colour, as the blue (ish) stuff had gone a bit hard. Based on a tip off about red, (thanks Naomi), I made yellow, and the colour was fine, but when my two children were supplied with another colour, they mixed it. That's right, the first reaction from the oldest was, great, now I can try to make green!
And I have to report, that although I thought through what might happen, and although I told myself that was ok, I felt almost physically ill. I wanted to jump in screaming, "no no!".It is very hard to pretend to be happy about your childs enthusiasm for the new project when inside you're clenching your fists and thinking "...but..." (among other things, not limited to "that's not how you play with it!!")
Happy to say, I gritted my teeth and smiled, and after about half an hour, I was able to pretend to eat whatever I was presented with (all mixed...), and I came to the conclusion, how did I expect them to play with it? How do you play with two or more colours of play dough and NOT mix them?

Maryland State House

Went for a wander in downtown Annapolis on Sunday afternoon, just for some R&R. Here is a picture of the Statehouse of Maryland, which has a distinctive dome. It is the third statehouse to be built on the site, and the building of it appears to have chewed through several people's money and patience! They started trying to build it in 1772 after knocking down the previous building, gave up by 1779, tried again in 1783, gave up by 1794 (although this at least got the exterior done), and completed the interior by 1797 under a third carpenter. It was used as the country's capitol from 1783 - 1784.
In deference to the times, the American Revolution was on while they were trying to build it (roughly 1775-1784?), which may have shattered some people's concentration a bit.
Anyways. It is on a big circle (roundabout, for everyone else) called State Circle. Bit like Parliament House in Canberra really, only with more trees and less security bollards.
We enjoyed the beautiful gardens around it, and the great running areas. We found a "keep off the grass" sign down the bottom, eventually, but we were just leaving by then, and the grass had been well trod on!
(most facts from http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdstatehouse/html/story.html).

When in doubt (or bored, or curious)

How to not take life seriously - put swimming pants on head. Because, in the middle of getting ready for church, one should have a good belly laugh.
I should note, this isn't isolated. He also puts shorts, pull up nappies, boxes and his teddies on his head. He thinks it is hilarious. We do too. But I have done a sweep of the house and put up all the plastic bags...

Ikea dustpan and brush review

This was 99c (plus 6% sales tax!). However, it has been consigned to the childrens play kitchen, because the dirt won't go in the dustpan. Just won't go in. We have tried several different operators, and it isn't an operational problem. We think it is the funky coloured strip at the front, it is either too sloped, or not slippery enough? I guess another reason could be that the brush is somehow defective.
Anyway, I'm not recommending this one. We bought a slightly more expensive one, from a different store, and it works better.

Angry Orchard Hard Cider - Traditional Dry (no, really, that's what the label says)

Cider does not seem to have reached the peak of popularity like it was in Australia before we left. This was one of the few ciders I could find in the fridge at our local bottlo. It was tasty, I would say, more cider than Strongbow, but still quite sweet. Possibly closer to my very happy memories of Scrumpy Jack on tap in England. The bottle says it is made in the style of English draft ciders, whatever that means. I personally dislike the marketing of evil nature/original sin, but I don't mind the taste.

Ikea potato peeler review

Not sure if this will impact anyone's life, but I have a unique opportunity to review quite a lot of Ikea products. So I thought in the quiet moments, I'd start with the obvious stuff.
The Ikea potato peeler has a nice big handle, and the blade is sharp (I've used it twice, so I don't know about how it will last). The weird thing that I think will be an issue, is the hole in the bottom of the nice big handle, so it fills with washing up water! You can see it in this photo. I have to remember to drain the handle, and I do wonder about the inside growing mould or something equally disgusting. On the other hand, I think it was 99c, so possibly good value for money.

American Muscle

Look at what was parked outside our house today! The neighbours had a friend over for a bit. I think I honestly assumed these sort of cars were just created for movies/TV (like the Fast and Furious franchise, and Hawaii Five-O for example), and here they are in real life, with racing stripes and everything! This one is a Dodge Challenger. It is a lot more chunky than I thought, especially out the rear end, but still with that nice streamlined top.

Sources of happiness

What I want to get excited about on a Wednesday night:
A good TV show/DVD/book
Going out with friends/husband (less children)
Opening the parcel that came in the mail
Having a quiet drink (tea or otherwise) on the deck

What I actually get excited about on a Wednesday night:
Cracking open the new vacuum cleaner. (and cleaning the kitchen)

I'm really not sure as to whether I should say any more.
We bought it when we were exhausted and at the end of our tether, right after we moved in.
It is an upright - most vacuums in the USA appear to be upright. My previous experiences with uprights are not happy ones.
I procrastinated over opening it and discovering that we had spent money on some awful thing I was going to have to put up with for the next two years. But this vacuum cleaner is great! Our kitchen was getting feral, so I got brave, and wow!
It is so intricately designed, the bibs and bobs all go together so precisely and easily, and we even bought a super duper pet hair head and some sort of dry duster attachment without knowing. I am so impressed with the design, I would happily give the designer a sticker (we have plenty).
ps - you can't see in this photo, but it is called a 'Shark'. I really don't know what the marketers were aiming at with that name.