The Farm Report

  • Yahtzee!

    Yahtzee!

    101809_01

    Yahtzee has been big around here lately. Neko has been playing at school, as it teaches counting, addition, and the beginnings of probability. She's got crazy good luck, and crushed me the other night with two Yahtzees and a complete lower section of her score card. Meanwhile, I was crossing out categories as I failed to perform.

    I know this is a terrible photo, but I thought that especially Anne
    would appreciate this moment. Having mastered the game, Neko has decided to teach Ellery and Shep how to play.

  • Let the wild rumpus begin!

    Let the wild rumpus begin!

    101709_03

    What happens when you’re cooped up in a house for days on end. You start being crafty just to keep from losing your mind.

    Pattern via instructables.com.

  • Ahoy, matey!

    Ahoy, matey!

    101709_01

    101709_02

    Today, the Playmobil pirate ship that’s been in our basement for five years made its debut.

    You know, I’m a Playmobil enthusiast, but GOOD GOLLY this thing was hard to put together. It has these realistic sails that utilize all the correct ropes so you can jib or jibe or whatever the real sailing terms are. I should have taken a picture, but oh, I have the flu and I’m lazy, but it should be noted that this ship is run by a female pirate, and she is the one steering the boat. Pirate equality for all, ARG!

    On a health-related note, everyone has been fever-free today. We have plans to call the doctor on Monday and see if we can get paroled early for good behavior and excellent physical condition.

  • H1N1, anyone?

    H1N1, anyone?

    101609_01

    101609_02

    Well, wouldn’t you know it? We host a great big party and contract the disease of the season all in one short week! Hopefully, we didn’t give the disease to everyone we’ve seen between then and now. My apologies, to those who we did.

    We took Neko to the doctor. When she got her pneumonia diagnosis, they gave her Zithromax. Strangely, after she started the antibiotic, she developed a fever. So we went back to the doctor. On a whim, they tested her for H1N1. Positive. I mentioned my beginning cough, so they tested me, too. Positive. Suddenly, I was headed home with five prescriptions for Tamiflu and orders to isolate ourselves for, like, eternity.

    The good news is that none of us seems terribly sick. We seem to have a rather mild form of the flu. A cough, head cold, and headache seem to be our major symptoms.

    The bad news? We’re under quarantine for what seems like forever. The doctor said Neko could go back to school next Thursday. A week? In our house? Without going out? I’m having sudden flashbacks to the Shining and Jack Nicholson.

    Since everyone actually feels pretty okay, they aren’t happy to just be propped up in front of a television. They’re itching for activities. We’re resorting to pulling every trick out of the book we can find. Tom made chocolate-dipped marshmallows and got his old Lego sets out of the basement. Neko is responsible for this creation and the scene set-up. (I’m so proud.)

    Holding onto my last shreds of sanity. Off to see what else we’ve got in the basement…

  • Tissues? Tissues?

    Tissues? Tissues?

    101209_01

    Neko has been diagnosed with pneumonia. Let the games begin!

  • Post Farm Day let-down

    Post Farm Day let-down

    101109_03

  • Cricket frog

    Cricket frog

    101109_01

    101109_02

    During Farm Day, there was a trip made down to the pond. Neko and Duncan found this little cricket frog. Neko is in love with the little guy, enough that she gave up the praying mantis she had been toting around all night.

    Thanks to Heather and her husband, Tim, we found out this is a cricket frog. It is full grown, despite its tiny size. Today, during another trip back to the pond, Neko found several more of these little guys and a green frog. Despite repeated begging to keep them as pets, we’ll be releasing them back into nature as soon as I can find Neko at a weak moment.

    In the meantime? They are really cute.

    And I really need that macro lens.

  • Farm Day 7

    Farm Day 7

    101009_01

    101009_02

    101009_03

    One of these years, I really am going to take the time run around and take photos. Really. I am. But in the meantime, I give you three of the four photos I took this year.

    Despite the lack of photos, I declare another Farm Day success. I’m always amazed that so many friends and family take the time to come join us for a day on the farm. It always looks like a big mess of crazy from my perspective, but I assume people are having fun, or they wouldn’t come back, right?

    For those of you who might want to revisit the crazy next year, mark your calendars! Farm Day 8 will be on October 9, 2010.

  • Treadmill

    Sometimes, while Ellery is napping and Neko is in school, I’ll go spend some time on the spinning bike. To keep busy, Shep takes a turn on the treadmill. I think there’s really no doubt about who’s getting a better workout.

  • ’tis the season

    ’tis the season

    100409_01

    For popcorn, fires, and becoming one with the couch.