Why, roly-polies, why?

People, what is up with the mass exodus into my basement by the roly-poly population of my backyard? They just meander everywhere- the bathroom, laundry room (HOW do they get into the dryer?), under the couch, into all the nooks and crevices. Nutmeg bats them about when he comes across them, I vacuum up their newly dead roly-poly kin each day. Do they enjoy moving into a place that offers no food or water? Do they like stumbling across dead brethren? I'm baffled, friends, plum baffled. Also, I'm kinda tired of them; I like r-ps when they remain outside because they are cute and the way they go ball in times of anxiety is endearing. But inside? This is a different story, and I would like to say arrivederci. We had one gully washer after another today; seriously, this has got to so far be one of DC's rainiest summers in recent history. Blimey. I half expect mold and slime to suddenly take over everything outside. Suffice it to say that other than the tomatoes on my deck, I've given up on all other yard gardening until fall.

Did you all have a good Friday? After being up with Ol most of last night, I came home from camp drop-off and fell into the deepest of slumbers until noon. The kind where when you awake you have no idea where you are or what time it is. Nice but always rather jarring to me; I wake up and immediately think, "oh my god, did I forget the children somewhere? Am I late?" Our power resumed (thankfully) and now we're approaching bedtime. Big exhale!

Book date, oh my

After camp today, I took the boys to the Grands' house with me (they love them) and then we went for frozen yogurt and to the bookstore for a book date (bowling was cancelled because our sweet friends, whom we were supposed to meet at the alley, tested their mother's nerves just a bit too much this morning and so lost the privilege of our outing; good for you, mama!!). Anyway, at the bookstore, each of my loves got to choose one book and after no deliberation, Oliver chose Polite as a Princess. Jack spent twenty minutes in flux because there was no hardback copy of Harry Potter #4, The Goblet of Fire to be found so what to do: order or choose another? He opted for Socks, by Beverly Clearly, which thrilled me because Ramona Quimby, Ellen Tebbits, Otis Spofford and so forth are some of my best childhood literary memories. Regarding Oliver's choice, he has come to the Princess love a bit later than did Jack, but a) I think it's darling, and b) why on earth would I argue against purchasing a book about being polite?! On the contrary, I was thrilled and we read it three times before bedtime.

Twenty minutes ago, I went in to check on the kids and found Polite as a Princess tucked under Ol's pillow. This was rather endearing because he'd made a big to-do about putting it on his  bookshelf  before bed, as if he weren't dying to sleep with it. I wonder if I'd even closed the door before he snuck out and fetched it for a sleep-mate. Anyway, I kissed Jack, who sleeps like a hibernating bear, and then went into Ol's room to kiss him. He awoke, said he was thirsty, drank a big glass of water, looked at me beatifically and puked all over about six times. Oh lordy, say it with me, "it is always something."

I washed his feet and hands, Tom brushed his teeth, I tucked him back in bed with PaaP under his pillow. I think it is Camp Mommy tomorrow. And with that I bid you goodnight!

How-is-it-already-1:15 Thursday?

How delightful to while away a morning with no rushed pace or strict to-dos. The children were at Mach 10 before camp, and, quite frankly, I was thrilled to drop them off. We're going bowling this afternoon, so I needed to refuel my reserves! I put up a batch of Rhubarb-Plum-Star Anise jam and then spooned the last remnants of it from my canning pot onto some roast chicken as part of my lunch. The star anise provides a nice savory element while the tart-sweetness of the fruits adds a zip, both of which elevate a humble yet delicious chicken. This is such a rich ruby color, isn't it!

I've cleaned out my fridge, cooked dinner for the grands, am about to make myself go iron some things that really do need it (grr! this gal hates to iron!) and then might spend a few with my puzzle. This morning's rain has given way to a sunshiney afternoon which is such a treat. Percy wants a walk, but I can't bring myself to leave quite yet...