Have a Holly, Jolly...Yule....?

So I've discovered that I have a new talent...Pot Pie Baker!! I really can cook 'em. Once upon a time, my Dad told me th estory of how my Great Great Grandmother would make a pie from scratch, using all fresh ingredients. Next came the story of my Great grandmother, who did it the same way, but used canned spices. Next came Grandma, who went to the store and got some pie crusts and used canned filling, but still baked the pie. The finale was always "Mom", who went to Baker's Square and bought a pie....;) That story always made me smile!
So Dad, we can thank "Great Grandma" on this one, because all I used were the pre-made crusts!!! ( I think that counts...only one ingredient...) Carl seems to think we should live on these;) ( And yes, there s a turkey cut-out on the top of my pie. I like it there;) )

I am also so happy that we finally have a fireplace!! We had one when my brother and I were children, and I loved sitting in front of it, my back becoming slowly roasted, on a cold night. Too bad this one's just for show now, as this is an historic house! They can't begrudge me the CANDLES though, right? Doesn't it just BEG for candles?!?

Excited Forte, signing off!

We're feeling a little "Rusty"...

"Rusty" is actually the name of our new puppy:) After about 6 months of wondering and thinking, we have adopted! He's only 10lbs and a chihuahua/papillon mix, with a very shy personality. Grace fell in love looking at dog profiles on the internet, and we went to visit him. He's wonderful, and she's wonderful with him. We pick him up this week sometime, but his 'other" mommy needs to set up the time:) We are all so very happy!!!Pictures of the little guy to follow. He's way cuter in person than the internet picture led us to believe... He has one ear that flops over;)
Forte, doing the happy doggie dance...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! You are all so dear to us, and we are thankful for each and every relative and friend!
We have much to be thankful for this year. Carl has a brand new job and a brand new outlook on life! Grace is thankful for Mom and Dad, her Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles and Cousins! She's also thankful for her friends, especially those who love imagination play and fairies;) I am thankful for my health and our lovely new lifestyle! Our whole family is thankful for our new home and the safety , love and warmth it brings! May your holiday season be warm, happy and filled with love!


Forte, Carl and Grace

MAN is it CHILLY out there:)

This is a pretty typical configuration for Grace's online schooling;) Her furry companion sits patiently behind her, while she plugs away in her PJs...Not formal, but VERY entertaining!
Well, wintery weather has arrived! Grace got a taste of this during The Dig last week, and now it looks as if it's here to stay! Our weekend was as busy as our week, and Carl goes away for a week on Wednesday. Our plan is to attend several classes this week, do some schooling at hoe (we ARE "home" schoolers, after all!) and go to another mini gathering next weekend with some friends! Grace has had a fun weekend, seeing "Bee Movie" on Friday and having a playdate and her favorite babysitter yesterday! Carl and I went to a South American restaurant and ate WAY too much food and drank some wine;) and talked and talked....It was lovely!
Cheers!
Forte

Living the History

We have yet another busy week! Grace and I attended a very interesting program at the very first community center in the United States on Monday. It was in a northern section of Queens. The staff were wonderful, with a broad base of knowledge about the 1860's through 1900 (when the Institute began) and a zeal for telling others about the area!

Grace is also attending an Archeology Camp this week on "Mesoamerica". The leader's name is Geof "Big Dog" Purcell, and he is just amazing! He is teaching the children how to dig exactly as he would on his own digs, as well as about the history of the site they are working on. He simulates the site by digging the home's back yard and placing artifacts as they would have been placed. Yes! You read that correctly! It's absolutely AMAZING! He also plays a game with the children in the afternoon about resources and how they effect a civilization! The dig goes for 3 more days! It is a 1 hour trip there and then back again, and it goes from 10 am until 4pm. Grace fell asleep at 8 pm last night, after all the digging yesterday! What a program! :) Here's a website! http://www.dothedig.net/
Forte

To NARNIA....and the North!

Attention, people of Narnia! HRH Queen Susan would like to welcome her dear sister, HRH Queen Lucy, to the Royal Northern Palace! All Hail Queen Lucy! All Hail Queen Susan! LONG LIVE ASLAN! Forever!

Happy Halloween, All Saint's Day, Samhain, Mischief NIght....

Whatever you call it...may you get lots of good CANDY!