One of the things that bothers me so about this time of year is the fact that I have to switch out the kids' clothing on a daily basis.
If it's a good week, I've prepared in advance and have outfits lined up for Monday-Friday, PJs included, for both children in their clothing sorter.
Granted, with the laundry room project currently stalled, we've embarked on yet another venture to attempt clothing organization. Each of us now has a small casket-sized bin in which we can store all of our personal clothing items without worrying about cat hair or dust. (Wrinkles are a non-issue - so long as we are sans dryer, I'm totally ok with any of us having a few crinkles here and there.)
I've also added large lingerie bags for each family member - socks and undies go in there, and I'm hoping this will cut down on the sorting and processing time.
Anyhoo, I once again digress.
Tomorrow is supposed to be the hottest day of the year, thus far. We're supposed to reach the 90s! We are also supposed to have some storms - and we live in the infamous "Tornado Alley". So anytime, especially in May, that we hit record highs AND the forecast is calling for storms, I get a little antsy. In this house, however, we have a huge, sturdy and mostly empty basement. So that does give some comfort.
As I type this, it's a balmy 77 degrees outside. I'm hoping that keeping the house al fresco as much as possible will keep us from breaking down and installing window a/c units. Ceiling and standing fans will have to suffice for now. The window in front of me is open, and a slight breeze is fluttering the blinds.
Yesterday gave us the first glimpse of this incredible weather.
It was Mother's Day, and Chris surprised me and the kids by taking us on an authentic paddlewheel ride down the Illinois River. We had lunch on-board, and then we spent the latter half of the ride on the top and mid-decks looking out over the water at sailboats and buoys (which the kids thought were seriously cool). We wind, sun and water made for a perfect mixture of spring joy, and I think all of our minds were soothed by the thought that the real spring is now here.
I was also gifted with a squirrel feeder, which Chris installed in our front tree today. It's the kind with the little pedestal where Sammy Squirrel squats and lifts the lid to grab a handful of food. Chris bought a bag of squirrel food and filled it to the brim with colorful corn kernels, nuts and other squirrel treats.
Wouldn't you know it? Not one squirrel came by today... I waited all afternoon, watching from my office window. Nothing. Not one squirrel came by to lift the lid. (I did, however, spot a beautiful red-breasted grosbeak for those of you who care to know every critter that comes to our yard...) Better luck tomorrow - I think they are embarrassed that we would give this very personal gift to them after they have been so rude and downright gluttonous at the birdfeeders. I'm personalizing this, right?
Today was also beautiful. It was sunny and warm, and we enjoyed a very mild spring shower around 3pm. Not enough to make even a puddle but enough to cool the earth and make the lilacs pop with their heavenly fragrance.
Lucy had tumbling practice tonight, so Henry and I decided to take advantage of such a lovely day. We walked from the YMCA to the library where I finally picked up my library card. (Mom, I promise to do my best not be a delinquent and to return my books within the specified timeframe...I don't want to be announced on the local radio station nor do I want to be tossed in the slammer for abducting "Froggy Goes to School" from the kiddie shelves...)
After the library and choosing just two books (both for the kids), Henry and I went to a local coffee house. Literally - a coffee "house". It's an old Victorian that someone has turned into a cute "rooster-themed" coffee shoppe. Henry spent 74 cents on a grape juice box, and we again ventured into the sunshine.
We walked around the town picking up interesting rocks, looking at every car that went by ("Mommy, can we get a car like that one??"), investigating planters, petting a goofy coonhound named Thunder and watching bunnies scamper about in the bushes of the old buildings. We also found a tree from the original Potter Farm back in the 1850s, the site of today's downtown Kewanee. We also found a sign that told us that Abraham Lincoln had twice visited Kewanee shortly after his infamous Gettysburg Address. How cool is that??
Additionally, Henry also got a "shout-out" from a car speeding by. I have to admit, I was a little shocked to hear "Hey there, Henry!!" as the car went careening down Tenney Street. It was his teacher, Miss Katie. Nice that my three-year-old son is more popular and well-known here than his mom... As you can imagine, he was delighted... :-)
After Lucy's class ended, we came home and did quick showers and dinner. Then, after what I considered to be waaaaa-aaaaay past their bedtime, I finally shuffled them upstairs. The new books will have to wait until tomorrow, I'm afraid.
It was a nice day, I have to admit. And the sunshine really makes your heart sing. Blooming spring flowers, birds, bikes, tank tops, flip-flops, hair flapping thru car windows in the breeze....all welcome to eyes sore from many days of rain and cold muck.
So, tomorrow is the "unofficial" start of summer. And guess what? I think I might be ready....
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