I couldn't help but laugh over this. A lot.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Baby goes Indian
We made some Indian food tonight. Butter chicken, to be exact.
Our son GOBBLED it up....and had seconds.
I just thought that was worth noting. Our child has enjoyed chinese, thai, mexican, italian...he loves them all. And now we can add Indian to the list.
Our son GOBBLED it up....and had seconds.
I just thought that was worth noting. Our child has enjoyed chinese, thai, mexican, italian...he loves them all. And now we can add Indian to the list.
Berridge Progress...
A while back I posted about some of the projects that my brother has been involved with. Last week, while in town, Michael took me to update me on some of it - and I have posted a few pictures on my page of the progress.
Click here for pictures
Here is a video from a few months ago and what it looked like then.
http://v.mcomet.com/detail/3420607/
Click here for pictures
Here is a video from a few months ago and what it looked like then.
http://v.mcomet.com/detail/3420607/
Monday, October 13, 2008
A delightful day.
ended up staying home this weekend (shock of all shockers!) and on Sunday, we were able to have a most delightful adventure.
First, we went to Frederick Meijer Gardens. We were able to see the current exhibit of Jaume Plensa. Isaac kept calling the largest sculpture - "big head!".
Then, after naptime, we went for a nice bike ride and thus the previous post...
Before bed, we had some time to play with our trains. Brian made the "mother of all train tracks" for Isaac...under the fancy train table...and had 3 trains going at once. It was fun.
I posted pictures on our photo site.
We haven't gotten to have a nice family day like this in a while...and we very much enjoyed it.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Thomas has some competition...
Brian has been having a lot of luck getting Isaac to ride in the bike trailer. They went for a 6 mile ride on Friday, so the three of us set out for the local park tonight. We thought we'd make it more fun for Isaac by bringing along his spider man fishing pole. At first Brian was casting and Isaac was reeling, but after a few minutes and a few practice casts, Isaac got REALLY good at casting and reeling all by himself.
Suffice to say he didn't want to leave the park, but after 45 minutes of watching Isaac smirk and giggle (Daddy I did it!), we decided it was time to head back for make dinner. Now we got home and the first thing he went for was his toy fishing pole, move over Thomas...at least for tonight
Suffice to say he didn't want to leave the park, but after 45 minutes of watching Isaac smirk and giggle (Daddy I did it!), we decided it was time to head back for make dinner. Now we got home and the first thing he went for was his toy fishing pole, move over Thomas...at least for tonight
Thursday, October 09, 2008
New pictures added!
In the spirit of attacking my "to do" list with a vengeance...so shall I update pictures! All can be seen on our photo page (see links at side bar).
First: Photos of Will and Isaac on the day of their b-day party as well as pictures of the train table that Isaac got from his money from Grandma and Grandpa Freeman.
Second: Pictures from a recent weekend at the cabin. We took Isaac to Lumberman's Monument - and I am not kidding when I say he almost went up and down the stairs all on his own (Daddy had to help at the end!)
Third: A few pictures of Will from my recent one day trip up to Wolverine, as well as some misc photos from the last month.
Fourth: Pictures from our weekend visiting the Nelson family and cousin Antonio Giacalone's baptism.
Hope you enjoy!
First: Photos of Will and Isaac on the day of their b-day party as well as pictures of the train table that Isaac got from his money from Grandma and Grandpa Freeman.
Second: Pictures from a recent weekend at the cabin. We took Isaac to Lumberman's Monument - and I am not kidding when I say he almost went up and down the stairs all on his own (Daddy had to help at the end!)
Third: A few pictures of Will from my recent one day trip up to Wolverine, as well as some misc photos from the last month.
Fourth: Pictures from our weekend visiting the Nelson family and cousin Antonio Giacalone's baptism.
Hope you enjoy!
Welcome - my newest God-daughter!
Congrats to our good friends, Chris and Mindi on the birth of their second daughter, Leah Rose DeSanctis!
She was born on Wednesday October 8 at 6:33am. She weighs 7 lbs. 15 ozs. and is 20 inches long. Sister Kayla is very proud! Mindi and Leah are doing great!
She was born on Wednesday October 8 at 6:33am. She weighs 7 lbs. 15 ozs. and is 20 inches long. Sister Kayla is very proud! Mindi and Leah are doing great!
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Annual Freeman-Giacalone Charitable Gift
Once upon a time, our family used to do the whole name-pulling, gift exchange that so many families around the country do at the holidays. Don't get me wrong, I got some lovely gifts, but at some point, it just became difficult because inevitably, you would get the ONE person who either had all they want OR was impossible to buy for. Another travel coffee mug anyone???
In the years after my Grandmother Joan passed away - my family, in some desperate way, needed the first holiday without her to mean something more. Finally, my Mom came up with the idea of buying gifts for the Angel tree at Dukette School in lieu of for each other. Everyone jumped on board, and the $25 bucks we normally spent on our exchange gift was all pooled together. My mom visited the tree in it's last few days, gathered 12-13 "angels" and off to the store we went. Mom, Brian and I had a great time filling these pathetically simple gift requests...calling them "shoe girl" and "pants boy". There is something sad about a child putting on their angel that they want a pair of shoes for Christmas. So - we managed to stretch our money so "Shoe girl" got 2 pairs of shoes, socks, a hat & gloves and a small toy tea set. The story went on with pants boy, pajama girl, coat girl, etc. No kid got just their one little thing, we couldn't stop at just that. The workers at Dukette were overjoyed.
The following year, we spread our joy somewhere else (having not gotten to the tree in time!), and the year after, etc. So - by now, we have helped the Women's Center at St. Luke's, the Career Alliance, etc. One year, I don't recall where it was for - we just bought socks and underwear. LOTS of it. That was hilarious and fun in itself.
In this economy, when so many need so much - I feel proud of my family - for getting into the spirit of giving. For not caring to get something ourselves. We have our big family dinner. The children open their gifts....and the rest of us just know that we have contributed to the true spirit of the holiday - helping others less fortunate.
That being said...from time to time, other people pitch in. A friend, my in laws, etc. Our family has never ended our "family ties" at someone who has a shared bloodline. I can't tell you how many holiday dinners have had friends join in. So, I was thinking this year, hey - why not just throw it out there...do YOU want to pitch in? Do something good AND be a little part of the Freeman-Giacalone family this year?
If you are interested, drop me an email at becky@blueskymi.com - I can let you know where we are choosing to donate this year and let you decide if you would like to join our "fun". I will even post photos of our "swag" before it gets donated.
Any amount is welcome, anyone is welcome.
Aniston Dancing...badly.
I promised this a LONG time ago...but here is our clip of Jennifer Aniston, dancing quite badly - at the Rothbury Festival.
I have been studying these moves in order to integrate them with my already perfected "Elaine" moves for my upcoming adventure with a group of Larks.
I have been studying these moves in order to integrate them with my already perfected "Elaine" moves for my upcoming adventure with a group of Larks.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Weekend at the Nelson's!
See pictures from our weekend adventure to visit the Nelson family!
http://noelupnorth.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html
http://noelupnorth.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html
Friday, September 26, 2008
Isaac's 2 year proofs!
If you want to see Isaac's 2 year proofs - here they are!
http://tiny.cc/XlsN5
or
http://www.clevercreations.smugmug.com/Children
I haven't even looked at them yet! I am so excited!
http://tiny.cc/XlsN5
or
http://www.clevercreations.smugmug.com/Children
I haven't even looked at them yet! I am so excited!
Friday, September 19, 2008
2 year photos!
We tried out a new studio in GR for Isaac's 2 year photos - and she put a few up on her blog!
http://clevercreations.blogspot.com/2008/09/wonderful-ball-of-energy.html
http://clevercreations.blogspot.com/2008/09/wonderful-ball-of-energy.html
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Birthday Videos
Here are a couple of videos from Isaac's birthday. Isaac got lots of nice gifts, cards, and calls. Thank you to everyone.
Here are a couple of videos of how Isaac spent his birthday.
Isaac playing with his new trains
Here is a video of Isaac reading us his favorite book.
Here are a couple of videos of how Isaac spent his birthday.
Isaac playing with his new trains
Here is a video of Isaac reading us his favorite book.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Around Town...
It's been a busy few weeks in our house - and I uploaded a whole collection misc. pictures to show off what we have been doing.
- Isaac loving up his new birthday monkey from cousin Joann.
- Isaac trying out my sandals and purse.
- Isaac with his new birthday train set.
- Isaac and Daddy watching his first fireworks at Celebration on the Grand.
- A day at the Children's Museum with the Benway family.
- A playdate at Millenium Park.
- A trip to John Ball Zoo.
- Planting 2 new trees in the backyard.
Click Here for Photo Site
After writing all of that - I can't believe we have been THAT busy - but we really have! WOW!
Friday, September 05, 2008
Flint: Taste of Downtown for UM students.
I love posting positive things from home. Here's an article from the Flint Journal.
FLINT, Michigan -- It was a hopeful picture of what could be a glimpse of Flint as a college town.
Nearly 100 college students weaved through the streets Thursday, many huddled under blue and yellow University of Michigan-Flint umbrellas while seeing the city and eating local food for the first time.
They chowed on hummus and peaches and ice cream at the Flint Farmers' Market, sampled the "college club" at the new Hoffman's Deco Deli and Cafe and munched on snacks while touring The Lunch Studio.
Just for one night, a city that normally quiets down after 5 p.m. was alive with crowds of students who were being introduced to the community through UM-Flint's "Taste of Downtown."
"I'm going back to the Farmers' Market and that last place for sure," said Morgan Mead, 17, after testing out a deli sandwich and strawberry-kiwi smoothie at Hoffman's Deli, which just opened at 503 Garland St. a week ago.
Mead, of Millington and who lives in UM-Flint's First Street Residence Hall, said she'd been told Flint was a dangerous place but this showed a different side of the city.
"I had no idea that all these things were here," she said.
It's just what university officials and business owners wanted to hear during the walking tours that led both commuter and residential students through eight different local stops with samples and coupons along the way.
The hope was obvious -- that they would like what they saw and come back. In the first year UM-Flint has on-campus housing, it's part of a much bigger vision that includes students as a key piece in boosting downtown.
"It's a move by the university to make connections between students on campus and the community around them," said Farmers' Market Manager Dick Ramsdell, who said many students don't even realize what's at the market nearly across the street from them.
Flint Journal extras
Getting to know Flint
At UM-Flint's "Taste of Downtown," students went on walking tours through the city, stopping for food samples and coupons at:
• Brown Sugar Cafe
• Good Beans Cafe
• Hoffman's Deco Deli and Cafe
• The Lunch Studio
• Mega Coney Island
• Mike's Deli
• Rolls R Ready
• The Flint Farmers' Market.
"Saginaw Street is really coming alive ... and I think UM is working very hard to introduce their students to what's available in their community," he said.
Jasmin Jackson, 18, who moved from Saginaw to live in UM-Flint's First Street Residence Hall, said the night offered a good snapshot of what's off campus.
"The only place I knew how to get to was the mall," said Jackson. "This shows us what's around here. I'm not from Flint and it's nice to know where everything is."
Even commuter students and non-freshmen learned something new about the city in which they attend college.
After a year here, sophomore Melissa Leemhuis, 19, of Capac, said she had never been to the Farmers' Market.
"After walking around and getting to know the city, it's not that bad," she said while tasting a sample of cookie dough ice cream at the market. "I like being exposed to new things."
At Hoffman's Deli, a sign read "Welcome U of M students." Owner and manager Mark Hoffman surveyed students about which foods they liked best and how he could cater to them, such as by offering Wi-Fi, late night hours and even music.
"Everyone has their own attitudes and opinions of Flint and now that students are actually walking down here, I think they'll have a different opinion," he said.
On Saturday, UM-Flint will offer similar tours during "Cultural Center Invasion." Students will have the chance to visit such places as the Sloan Museum, Longway Planetarium and The Whiting.
"Our goal is to really get students acclimated to their community, not just the university community but the extended community," said Aimi Moss, director of UM-Flint's academic advising and career center. "They get a very real sense of what it looks like, feels like and tastes like and it gives them a sense of security.
"It's important for students in this particular moment of university history to engage in their community.
FLINT, Michigan -- It was a hopeful picture of what could be a glimpse of Flint as a college town.
Nearly 100 college students weaved through the streets Thursday, many huddled under blue and yellow University of Michigan-Flint umbrellas while seeing the city and eating local food for the first time.
They chowed on hummus and peaches and ice cream at the Flint Farmers' Market, sampled the "college club" at the new Hoffman's Deco Deli and Cafe and munched on snacks while touring The Lunch Studio.
Just for one night, a city that normally quiets down after 5 p.m. was alive with crowds of students who were being introduced to the community through UM-Flint's "Taste of Downtown."
"I'm going back to the Farmers' Market and that last place for sure," said Morgan Mead, 17, after testing out a deli sandwich and strawberry-kiwi smoothie at Hoffman's Deli, which just opened at 503 Garland St. a week ago.
Mead, of Millington and who lives in UM-Flint's First Street Residence Hall, said she'd been told Flint was a dangerous place but this showed a different side of the city.
"I had no idea that all these things were here," she said.
It's just what university officials and business owners wanted to hear during the walking tours that led both commuter and residential students through eight different local stops with samples and coupons along the way.
The hope was obvious -- that they would like what they saw and come back. In the first year UM-Flint has on-campus housing, it's part of a much bigger vision that includes students as a key piece in boosting downtown.
"It's a move by the university to make connections between students on campus and the community around them," said Farmers' Market Manager Dick Ramsdell, who said many students don't even realize what's at the market nearly across the street from them.
Flint Journal extras
Getting to know Flint
At UM-Flint's "Taste of Downtown," students went on walking tours through the city, stopping for food samples and coupons at:
• Brown Sugar Cafe
• Good Beans Cafe
• Hoffman's Deco Deli and Cafe
• The Lunch Studio
• Mega Coney Island
• Mike's Deli
• Rolls R Ready
• The Flint Farmers' Market.
"Saginaw Street is really coming alive ... and I think UM is working very hard to introduce their students to what's available in their community," he said.
Jasmin Jackson, 18, who moved from Saginaw to live in UM-Flint's First Street Residence Hall, said the night offered a good snapshot of what's off campus.
"The only place I knew how to get to was the mall," said Jackson. "This shows us what's around here. I'm not from Flint and it's nice to know where everything is."
Even commuter students and non-freshmen learned something new about the city in which they attend college.
After a year here, sophomore Melissa Leemhuis, 19, of Capac, said she had never been to the Farmers' Market.
"After walking around and getting to know the city, it's not that bad," she said while tasting a sample of cookie dough ice cream at the market. "I like being exposed to new things."
At Hoffman's Deli, a sign read "Welcome U of M students." Owner and manager Mark Hoffman surveyed students about which foods they liked best and how he could cater to them, such as by offering Wi-Fi, late night hours and even music.
"Everyone has their own attitudes and opinions of Flint and now that students are actually walking down here, I think they'll have a different opinion," he said.
On Saturday, UM-Flint will offer similar tours during "Cultural Center Invasion." Students will have the chance to visit such places as the Sloan Museum, Longway Planetarium and The Whiting.
"Our goal is to really get students acclimated to their community, not just the university community but the extended community," said Aimi Moss, director of UM-Flint's academic advising and career center. "They get a very real sense of what it looks like, feels like and tastes like and it gives them a sense of security.
"It's important for students in this particular moment of university history to engage in their community.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Busy Weekend in Flint`2
Quick update on LAST weekend first. We planned a quiet weekend home to try to recuperate after all the insanity of the last month - but then jam-packed our weekend full of fun and...organizing. We did an overhaul on the back bedroom, our computer room and historical "dumping ground". Now it doesn't have a particular "theme" but it is tidy and organized! Can we call it "red wings meets amish quilt" ? We also dropped into a last minute BBQ at "Cancun/Gym" Jen's house. Brian was able to meet some husbands, drink some home-brew and Isaac played happily with all the kids since he knows them so well. I had a relaxing dinner...SHOCKING!! ha. After that, we returned home to a last minute stop by from Courtney and Chris...who 2 bottles of wine and some MarioKart Wii later - stayed the night. We spend a good portion of Sunday hanging out with them on the deck and indulging in some gyros.
Now - onto the topic at hand! What a jam-packed weekend. I had all intentions of calling up some local friends for a play date (sorry S&J!), but there just wasn't time!
The fun began at 6am on Saturday, when Brian and I woke up to the sound of a house of Comptons! Brian and I stayed the night at Michael and Perry's to make the day start easier, and it sure did! You just can't help but have fun around Perry, Roberta and Denise when they get together.
The whole gang was there to watch the Crim - and we even found a few friends and old classmates to cheer on. It was hot though - WOW - Brian was happy he didn't run it this year...and I was happy that I had his help watching Isaac. Towards the end of the race, Isaac decided he needed to participate, as he ran 3 blocks down University Ave with his Dad in tow. What a sight! He also decided he is a big fan of the harmonica!
That evening, we attended the wedding of Kenny and Chrissy Paul. It was great to catch up with all the Paul clan. The evening culminated in a test of endurance for our mother's Malibu.... 6 Freeman family members crunched into one tiny car...but it was fun.
Sunday did not mean time to relax. We had 10am tickets for Thomas the Train at Crossroads Village. Mom, Dad, Tim, Missy, Will, Brian, Isaac and I rode the train, then roamed through Crossroads. We mostly visited all the children's activities, but we still had a great time. My favorite part was riding all the vintage rides.
As always, we have uploaded a plethora of photos onto our shutterfly page. Feel free to check it out!
Our Photo Page
Now - onto the topic at hand! What a jam-packed weekend. I had all intentions of calling up some local friends for a play date (sorry S&J!), but there just wasn't time!
The fun began at 6am on Saturday, when Brian and I woke up to the sound of a house of Comptons! Brian and I stayed the night at Michael and Perry's to make the day start easier, and it sure did! You just can't help but have fun around Perry, Roberta and Denise when they get together.
The whole gang was there to watch the Crim - and we even found a few friends and old classmates to cheer on. It was hot though - WOW - Brian was happy he didn't run it this year...and I was happy that I had his help watching Isaac. Towards the end of the race, Isaac decided he needed to participate, as he ran 3 blocks down University Ave with his Dad in tow. What a sight! He also decided he is a big fan of the harmonica!
That evening, we attended the wedding of Kenny and Chrissy Paul. It was great to catch up with all the Paul clan. The evening culminated in a test of endurance for our mother's Malibu.... 6 Freeman family members crunched into one tiny car...but it was fun.
Sunday did not mean time to relax. We had 10am tickets for Thomas the Train at Crossroads Village. Mom, Dad, Tim, Missy, Will, Brian, Isaac and I rode the train, then roamed through Crossroads. We mostly visited all the children's activities, but we still had a great time. My favorite part was riding all the vintage rides.
As always, we have uploaded a plethora of photos onto our shutterfly page. Feel free to check it out!
Our Photo Page
Monday, August 18, 2008
Delayed updates...and other events.
Brian's sister taught Isaac how to say "COOOOOOL".
Brian's sister was here for a visit. She arrived the night we got home from Farlane and left last Friday. We had a nice time with her and Brian's parents up at the cabin - and Isaac go to know his "Aunt Lo-lo". We have been answering "where is aunt lolo?" questions all weekend. Anyways, there are some pictures from her visit and our trip to the cabin on our photo site...
http://spratke.shutterfly.com/477
Along with that - we have had an exciting event in our house...oh yes...potty training. Isaac took interest, big time, in the potty last week - and Brian was successful at 2 potties each day we were at the cabin (apparently there was stage fright with mommy!). He stopped his progress for a few days when we got home - but he seems to be back at it - even last night, he took me to the potty and pointed...then when I put him on it - he went! Mind you - we have NO clue what we are doing...we haven't even gotten to that stage of "err...should we read a book on this or something?"...but, either way, it's kinda exciting. ;)
Now - off to finish my "chores" while Isaac naps!
Some fun videos:
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Farlane 2008
Back in 2005, as a childless couple, we joined Jon, Dawn and 18 month old Samantha on a trip to the Spice Cottage at Cache Lake, Farlane, Ontario. Unfortunately, the weather gods were against us on that trip - so we didn't get much of a tan, but we had a good time.
This year, we braved the drive and wilderness to return - with Isaac in tow. Also there were J&D's friends - Kevin, Carrie, Haley (7) and Keagan (4). Samantha (4) was delighted to have buddies!
The drive there was uneventful (no bears to be hit this time) - and the first week the weather was OK. It rained a bit - however, we still got to squeeze in some dock time, swimming, hiking, fishing, cliff diving, etc.
The second week, Kevin, Carrie and clan had to leave, however, the weather really shaped up and we got some very nice weather - perhaps even in the 90's (but who is keeping track?).
Isaac loved the water, had a great time meeting new people and playing outside. He even caught 2 rock bass! He now understands "fishing pole". I successfully did laundry in the woods, much to my surprise. We drank wine, had fires in the fireplace...and, all became masters at Boggle.
It was a good time, but it's good to be home.
I am still going through the pictures, trying to eliminate duplicates...but here is the link to them anyways!
Click here for pictures.
This year, we braved the drive and wilderness to return - with Isaac in tow. Also there were J&D's friends - Kevin, Carrie, Haley (7) and Keagan (4). Samantha (4) was delighted to have buddies!
The drive there was uneventful (no bears to be hit this time) - and the first week the weather was OK. It rained a bit - however, we still got to squeeze in some dock time, swimming, hiking, fishing, cliff diving, etc.
The second week, Kevin, Carrie and clan had to leave, however, the weather really shaped up and we got some very nice weather - perhaps even in the 90's (but who is keeping track?).
Isaac loved the water, had a great time meeting new people and playing outside. He even caught 2 rock bass! He now understands "fishing pole". I successfully did laundry in the woods, much to my surprise. We drank wine, had fires in the fireplace...and, all became masters at Boggle.
It was a good time, but it's good to be home.
I am still going through the pictures, trying to eliminate duplicates...but here is the link to them anyways!
Click here for pictures.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Going Green Ain't So Tough
So - obviously, everyone and their brother has heard about the concept of "going green". Method sales are up, rock festivals are recycling and even small cars are cool to drive. But how many people have started to be green in small ways? Based on reactions that I get from people when I mention my current projects, it doesn't seem many. I get a lot of "wish I had time for that" or "so much effort"...
Well, we don't try that hard. Really. Don't overestimate our motivation. Brian and I are busy people - just check our calender, or the mileage on our cars...but, to sort of tell people that it really isn't so hard to be green...here is our progression into being greenies...or at least greener.
It started with recycling. It took a few years for us to stop grumbling - but we did. Now, we have 2 overflowing bins every 2 weeks and one barely full garbage bin weekly. Mostly disposable diapers, unfortunately.
Then came the efficient house years. This is the phase when we analyzed increasing insulation in our attics, added a ridge vent, got new windows, stopped using AC so much, made an attic fan cover for winter. You know, all those little things that makes your heating/cooling bills so high. To this day, we are still amazed at how efficient our 40-something year old house is, compared to other people's houses. (yeah, yeah, SF probably does have something to do with it - but I feel like I have a big house! ha)
This year has begun other, small changes. Light bulbs. Reusable grocery bags. Cloth diapers. A failed attempt at organic lawn care (ok, there is some info behind that later). And most recently - cleaning products.
I have been phasing out my cleaning products and began making the switch to home-made cleaning products. I have replaced windex, floor cleaner, toliet bowl cleaner, all purpose cleaner, comet, laundry detergent - all with recipes that pretty much include vinegar, water, borax, washing soda, baking soda, salt and castile soap. Ok - there are a few essential oils dumped in there for pretties too. I have been impressed - I don't see any difference - and it's nice to be able to get Isaac in on the "cleaning gig". ;) I have a few clingers - I haven't used up my furniture polish yet...but all n' all - not only is everything green - but WAY cheaper!
And ok, it's kinda fun too. Isaac helped me make laundry detergent this morning and it was hilarious.
So far, our only failure has been the lawn - but, we think if our back lawn was in good shape when we started, we would be able to maintain organically....but, it has been riddled with weeds and crabgrass for a few years due to lack of chemicals (we try to keep pesticides away from Blue)...so, we are going to re-evaluate that later. I believe it can be done (Brian did some experiments killing weeds with Borax and Baking Soda - and it worked!).
Anyways...that's the update on our green transition. More to come, I am sure...
So..anyways,
Well, we don't try that hard. Really. Don't overestimate our motivation. Brian and I are busy people - just check our calender, or the mileage on our cars...but, to sort of tell people that it really isn't so hard to be green...here is our progression into being greenies...or at least greener.
It started with recycling. It took a few years for us to stop grumbling - but we did. Now, we have 2 overflowing bins every 2 weeks and one barely full garbage bin weekly. Mostly disposable diapers, unfortunately.
Then came the efficient house years. This is the phase when we analyzed increasing insulation in our attics, added a ridge vent, got new windows, stopped using AC so much, made an attic fan cover for winter. You know, all those little things that makes your heating/cooling bills so high. To this day, we are still amazed at how efficient our 40-something year old house is, compared to other people's houses. (yeah, yeah, SF probably does have something to do with it - but I feel like I have a big house! ha)
This year has begun other, small changes. Light bulbs. Reusable grocery bags. Cloth diapers. A failed attempt at organic lawn care (ok, there is some info behind that later). And most recently - cleaning products.
I have been phasing out my cleaning products and began making the switch to home-made cleaning products. I have replaced windex, floor cleaner, toliet bowl cleaner, all purpose cleaner, comet, laundry detergent - all with recipes that pretty much include vinegar, water, borax, washing soda, baking soda, salt and castile soap. Ok - there are a few essential oils dumped in there for pretties too. I have been impressed - I don't see any difference - and it's nice to be able to get Isaac in on the "cleaning gig". ;) I have a few clingers - I haven't used up my furniture polish yet...but all n' all - not only is everything green - but WAY cheaper!
And ok, it's kinda fun too. Isaac helped me make laundry detergent this morning and it was hilarious.
So far, our only failure has been the lawn - but, we think if our back lawn was in good shape when we started, we would be able to maintain organically....but, it has been riddled with weeds and crabgrass for a few years due to lack of chemicals (we try to keep pesticides away from Blue)...so, we are going to re-evaluate that later. I believe it can be done (Brian did some experiments killing weeds with Borax and Baking Soda - and it worked!).
Anyways...that's the update on our green transition. More to come, I am sure...
So..anyways,
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