It's A Date

Many years ago, as the kids began getting more involved with activities away from home, I found myself needing a way to keep up with everything so we could all be where we needed to be when we needed to be there. I love, love, love calendars and am still partial to writing down my appointments rather than keying them in. So several years ago I started using Mary Englebreit's desk calendar.

It has plenty of room to write in and her whimsical artwork provided a different piece of fun each week. The planners start out neat like this...

and end up ragged and stuffed full of all sorts of important info like this...

I got to thinking that I really need to pass on this organizational assest of mine (no -- I refuse to call it an obsession) to my kids so they can go out and face the world prepared. I love, love, love calendars anyway (did I mention that?) so I got both the kids one for Christmas. Yes, because I know you are asking yourself, they liked the gifts.

But I didn't just buy any calendar. I bought calendars with a purpose. Not only are they a place to record band practices, club meetings, ball games, dances and birthday parties, they are also works of art.

Madalyn's The Art of Animation calendar is simply delightful. Each month features a pre-production animation cell from a Disney movie.

This one is from one of the Toy Story movies.

And this one is from Ratatouille.

Cody's features vintage Auburn (what else) game programs.

The great thing about both is that when the year is up, all the artwork is easily removed and can be framed and enjoyed for years to come. We bought them locally, but they were available (at the end of last year) at calendars.com.

I'm Seeing Spots

A large one here and a small one there
This one's shaped funnier than old Einstein's hair
The sun kisses some while birthing the others
Then tans cause some to merge with their brothers
Whoops! Maybe sisters...but in any case
They sing and dance all over my face
Some people hate them but for me it's a factor
It's part of my make-up...so love me with character
I adore all my spots like a leopard with glory
My freckles are me and that's another love story!
by Susan de Vetger

Simple Everyday Food

You were expecting some new recipe, weren't you? (If you have one, send it my way.)

I really, really, really like magazines. Oh my goodness -- when the mailman brings me a new issue of anything I make my way back inside the house and put it in its place on top of the stack. It doesn't get any better than the stack for me. And don't mess with my stack. Don't look at it, don't breathe on it, and definitely do not read one of my magazine before I do. It makes me crazy and I need to seek treatment for it.

Love Is In the Air

Je t'aime. Ti amo. Ich liebe dich. Ik houd van u.

No matter how you say I love you, be sure to hug your soulmate today.

Snow-M-G

You've all heard about the record snowfall that the DC area received last week. Museums closed, the federal government shut down, everyone stayed inside...well, almost everyone.

Can't you guys read? ONE WAY -- as in go back the way you came -- from inside where it's warm.

As usual, no one listens to me, except maybe the Obamas 'cause you don't see Sasha and Malia frolicking in the snow here on the White House lawn.

Please, Mrs. Obama, can they come out and play?

No? Okay, then, we'll just move along.

The World War II Memorial looks lovely covered in snow. How does the snow stick to the side of the tree? Just wondering.

Look, it's the Washington Monument with no lines, no waiting.

No one in their right mind would be out in snow this deep. I mean, where would you sit when you got tired?

Snow - M - G!! There are other idiots out in this.

The snow must have affected everyone's judgement because no one in their right mind would let these two in the cockpit of a plane.

The pilot must have lost his head or something. Kinda like this guy.

Global warming? Whatever.

Mexican Food

The best thing about eating at a Mexican restaurant (besides the margaritas) is when the muchacho asks, "Jew wanna more cheeps?"

Backyard Birding

Hey folks! This weekend is the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. I started doing this several years ago and have enjoyed really taking notice of the different birds that visit our backyard. The great part is you don't have to be a serious birdwatcher to participate.

You may have to put on a jacket, but get outside this weekend and marvel at our avian friends.