the Monday after

The girls are back to school after a five-day break. Snack time was lonely with two seats empty but Maku and I kept busy.

One of the things we did was play hide-and-go-seek.
"Maku, why don't you go hide while I start the laundry."
"Okay, Mom. I'll be hiding in the hammock just in case you can't find me."

shark specifics

The day before our trip, Maku drew me this.

"I need to bring a toy that can swim, if I accidentally drop it into Mimagra falls, I know it will be okay."

We had to make it to his specifications or potentially lose it forever.

orange - so it could easily be spotted by rescuers
blue eyes - so it could see well under raging waters
no gills - so it could breathe in air during the helicopter lift


Booksie was never dropped into the river but there have been many rescues, some more complex than others. There was a cave rescue that lasted for days with many rescue dogs hurt. Today he was found stuck in a bamboo forest and was rescued by a helicopter. Where would you go if you were a shark with no gills?

and here is part 3

After getting drenched from the heavy mist, a bit of sun and wind helped dry us off.

Then we visited Horseshoe Falls. We were greeted by a great cloud of mist and loud, thunderous roars. The children (and Dave) rolled down the slope over and over until they were completely exhausted.

I am not quite sure if these two even glanced at the falls. They were much too busy with other things. Cousins, black squirrels, fallen maple leaves and layer-upon-layer of clothing.

Before 7 am the next day, we were back on a plane headed home.

Niagara Falls, part 2

The Bridal Veil Falls - view from the top.

And the in-your-face view from the bottom.


We had a delicious Thanksgiving celebration. I handed the apron over to Dave, he had such a fun day in the kitchen he's still in there cleaning up.

Niagara Falls, part 1

The American Falls as seen from Luna Island. I always get a thrill when I see a rainbow, and this one seemed to be an arm's reach away.

Crossing the bridge to Luna Island was like walking through the perfect jigsaw-puzzle scene.


More to come. I will be preparing our Thanksgiving feast all day tomorrow but will try to post while the side dishes are simmering.

Have a happy Thanksgiving! And to those who don't celebrate, have a happy Thursday!

hi cold!

We had our first cold day yesterday -- what an exciting change for everyone! I got a call from Jin at around 8:30 reminding me to go outdoors to see my breath in the air. ^_^
As we are touched by the first chills of the approaching winter...

flip-flops are replaced by warm fuzzy shoes

the fishnet hammock is folded to make way for the wool one

and moist banana bread comes out of the oven just in time for domino night.
Tonight Dave wants to grill something -- anything. I think because we smell firewood burning in the air and since we don't have a fireplace we'll settle for the smell of corn grilling and eggplants roasting. Oh, that sounds yum!

this weary traveler

After seriously delayed flights, persistent pokes from a little black dog tucked underneath my plane seat, Dave's vertigo, and Maku puking a massive amount of orange vomit on ME, I find myself still recovering from our weekend travel.

Despite all odds, we had an excellent Saturday at Niagara Falls with Granddad, Hal and his family. The children were just thrilled to spend time with their cousins. Hopefully soon, between doctor's appointments and making dough for a relief map project, I can sneak in some time to sort out the photos.