High Five!

Who's five years old today? This guy.

I've taken to calling him Chuckles (which is cool because he conveniently has his own candy that I was able to procure as a birthday present), and it's true that he's always good for a laugh even when he makes you want to cry sometimes. Our man, Charles is hard core. Last night as Ellis and I were attempting to stealthily wrap his presents, he stood outside the door telling us exactly what we should write on the wrapping paper. I think the phrase I hear most from him is, "That's not what I want." Sometimes makes me think we should have named him Will.

But that's not the whole story, because the other phrase that I hear from him most is, "Mom, you're so beautiful," as he slathers me with kisses and tells me he loves me so. Kid's smart enough to know that he needs to have good credit if he's going to make so many darn withdrawals.

 

Happy birthday to the dude who never fails to notice the way everything is and always believes that he can change it into what he wants it to be. I admire your spunk, kid, just try to take it easier on your old mom this year.

Growing Things

Everything has been a bit later this spring than usual. First it was cold and now it's been rainy so the usual flurry of activity that comes with spring planting (and gathering - hello, morels!) has been drawn out over two months. Is it really mid-June?

Last year's drought killed off a good portion of our front lawn, which because we fancy ourselves urban farmers, was actually a gift from mother nature. Why not replace the grass with a couple of raised beds in the front yard where we have that glorious southern exposure (when the sun actually shines that is)?

So, in between storms, one got built and filled with a bunch of free compost from the Ramsey County Yard Waste Collection Sites (tax dollars put to excellent use). Will we build the second? I think so, although we may actually have to buy the dirt this time (gasp!) if the county's all out of the premium rich black stuff. Maybe I'll even plant some pepper plants in it on the summer solstice and cross my fingers that they'll grow like crazy if it ever warms up this year. Even with this wonky weather (on the bright side, at least the almost daily rain will save us money on watering the crops) we'll surely have some delicious eats by harvest time. If our first frost doesn't come by Labor Day, that is.