I have been sitting in the "new" reading area in the yard, reading a delightful book called "Dewey". It is about a library cat in Spencer, Iowa. And I am so enjoying the back yard. It's another beautiful day here in the 'burgh.
As I was enjoying the outdoors and reading the book, my thoughts drifted. Back to a house in which I grew up. It was a large house, five bedrooms, three stories. A great house, as I remember it, although my brother does not have the same memories. We didn't have a swimming pool nearby, so many of my summer afternoons were spent on the front porch. People had front porches in our neighborhood, and everyone could be found sitting on them. We had a swing that hung from the ceiling, a glider, and two rocking chairs. Ahhh, the rocking chairs. I wore the paint off the floor, rocking on those chairs, reading books, all summer. Oh, I would leave the porch in the afternoon when my mother and I would walk to the local market to shop for dinner. She never bought for more than a dinner at a time.
I remember this as I sit reading today.
The Pens did not do well last night. Not well at all. To not do well is one thing, but to start fights out of frustration is quite another. A bit beneath them, I think. Back to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, and I hope we win that one. Or at least play competively. And with no fights from frustration.
Monkeyboy had a game on Friday and one this afternoon. He got a double, a single and played first base like a champ.
Getting ready for a mini road trip this week. Looking forward to it, as always.
In preparation, I went to the library to get some books. Imagine my chagrin to find that the library I love best is closing for eighteen months for renovation! I like to wander the library, look at all of the new books, read the jackets, then make a choice. The local library doesn't have room to display all the new books on carosels, so they put them on a shelf. It's harder to brouse that way. The library looks fine to me, why do they have to rennovate it?
Summer is a time for road work. Lots and lots of road work. Delays everywhere. Perhaps if they did the roads right the first time, we wouldn't have all this construction every summer. It took me forty-five minutes to make a twenty minute trip yesterday. I don't know how I am going to go to work tomorrow since I understand they are closing yet another ramp to the bridge. This one project has been going on for several years, and will be going on for several more! Progress, they say.
It is time to go to Monkeyboy's baseball game. At least in his team they don't get rid of good players. What was the thinking in trading Nate McLouth???????
Have a great afternoon!
Iowa
22 comments:
Wow, I am the first comment! See, I know when to check. Your "area" looks so inviting. I do the same thing at the library, just look around, read the first and last page, and I am good to go! We just hung out this weekend, trying to calm the school crazed kids. Thank goodness this is the last week.
I have nothing to say about the Pens...it was a terrible game. I guess our cheerleaders were not up to their usual enthusiasm. Tuesday is a different night. I don't usually go to the library. My wife and kids go all of the time. If I want a book, they are usually kind enough to bring it home for me. I remember our house as a kid, and I agree, mia, things have changed. Now it seems as though a lot of people have pools in their yard. Your yard looks very quiet and peaceful, mia. Nice job.
We weren't lucky enough to have a front porch. We lived in an alley and on the second floor of a rented house. There were steps leading up to a porch but it was in the back and there was nothing to see. Had fun growing up though playing in the alley. Hide and Seek, Kick the can, and Buck Buck How many fingers up. (Don't ask)
Great yard< Mia, I just may sneak over sometime to sit and read my book.
Yes, the Pens were a disaster but it can't get much worse. Can it???
Finally got to see Monkeyboy's baseball game without needing a blanket to keep warm. Yea!
I love the library. Ours has all kinds of comfy seating arrangements, no cell phones allowed and amazingly, kids are quiet there! We lived on a farm when I was growing up, and I miss all the space we had. We live in the suburbs now, and we go every summer for two weeks to the farm.
Sounds like you had a wonderful Sunday, Mia. Another trip??? Our house was just a house in the suburbs. We had lots of kids to play with and always had something to do. Oh, yes, we were one of those people with an above ground pool that everyone swam in. Well, we couldn't actually swim, but it did cool us off on hot summer days and nights.
I have always lived in the city and the streets were our yard. Stick ball, back alleys, just like Ginger. I have to admit, I have never heard of Buck, Buck, how many fingers up. Sounds intriging.
I am still not going to wear a red teddy, even if it means they don't win the cup.
Tim, where is your team spirit? Tell you what. I will did up my cheerleading outfit and cheer my heart out. Who am I cheering for? Oh, yes, the Pens. Is that baseball or basketball? Just joking. I don't see a saucer of milk under that tree, Mia, did Kitty beat me to it?
It was 2%, Allie. I sent Mia to the store for some cream. And a bottle of Kahlua. Might help Tim with his jitters.
I hope we are not going to have a cat fight over the milk. Remember to share, Kitty. Does Tim have jitters? Are they contagious?
I think it is like the swine flu, but I'm not sure. Mia, we lived in a neighborhood that had above ground pools and I vowed we would never have one. They are ugly, take lots of work and I said never! Your yard looks great, what I can see of it.
He may have vowed it, but we got one. For the kids. He goes in it daily and loves it. And I clean it, do the chemicals, etc. So much for vows.
Again, rain here today. The sun will come out...tomorrow. We watched the game last night, it was sad. Not from Pittsburg, but my husband was questioning the trade of McLouth. Can I come sit in your yard, Mia. I'll bring cream for the cats.
LOL to Kevin's wife. I always enjoy her comments. We have a front porch and I love it. But then we don't have a pool. Growing up we lived in the city in a row house. It was crowded, but fun. You always knew when your neighbors got up and their kids were able to be called upon to play.
I have always lived in the city since becoming an adult. This is my fourth house and this one has a large front porch. They have all had very small yards, which is fine with me. I'm not much for gardens. I think they are pretty, but I have no idea how to plant one. I like older houses with a lot of charm. New houses tend to be too sterile for me. So, Mia, I'll come to your house for parties in that great yard. Pens looked very bad, but tomorrow is another day. Save some of that Kahlua for me, Kitty. I don't have the jitters, but if that is a pre-requisite, I'll see if I can get some.
There is nothing so great as to escape for a few hours in a good book. We had a place in my house as a child where you could go to hide. It was in a tree that was perfect for climbing. There was a tree stand, and I would take a pillow and my book and get lost for hours. My understanding of this game tomorrow night is that the Pens have to win, so I'll cheer loudly for them.
It is raining here tonight and it sounds so nice hitting the window. I read that book, Mia, it is an excellent book. Kitty and Allie should read it! Good luck to the Pens.
I think the Penquins are done. Let's hope they play a good game tomorrow even if they don't win.
Where's mia? I thought we would have a post about the game. YEA PENS! We have the cup.
Probably still on her road trip, Ben. I am glad the Pens won. Sounded like it was a good game. Is that it now for cheering? Can I put away my way too tight cheerleading skirt?
PENS WERE AWESOME. Where in the world is Mia?
Well, when do you suppose this road trip is over? She always blogs on the weekend. I have been hearing about the Pens since last night, sounds like it was quite the game. Thanks to the cheerleaders.
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