Halloween 2014

Me, during the day. This is the first year without a full costume, but I think the spider was sufficiently festive.

Iain, as Bumblebee from the Transformers.  He took off the mask pretty quickly because going up and down steps in the dark is a bad idea when your eye slits are so tiny. Note the bat-and-pumpkin necklace. He got that at school.

Us, just before trick or treating. He's feeling his beard, he says. Not sure what to think of that. Now he's embarrassed that I've told the world he was feeling his beard. This is an improvement on last year, when he didn't understand what "embarrassing" meant.

To Whomever Stole the Pappy Van Winkle

Please get in touch. We want to talk. I mean drink. I mean talk.

We'll even help you carry those 65 cases. Must be heavy.

Fun With Mim

Miriam knows to come bearing gifts. This ensures a warm welcome, even if the under-7 crowd still whispers to Dad at the table, "She's weird!"

In this case, Miriam sent Iain a balance game in which one must stack wooden animals. As you can see, the animals include the usual suspects (sheep, monkeys) and some unexpected choices (gila monsters, hedgehogs). You roll a die, then either extend, stack, or force someone else to stack animals.

Above, a very successful stack. Below, not so much. 

It was fun. This morning, when we took Miriam to the airport, Iain cried.

Ermagerd

Wednesday, I received a generous gift. Pounds and pounds of jam, dried tomatoes, freshly baked bread (as in, still yeasty and warm), zucchini/chocolate brownies, pickles, and a big jar of fresh tomato sauce (chock full of veggies).

Tonight, inspired by this bounty, I made the lasagna you see above. Layers of sauteed beef and pork, caramelized onions, ricotta with fresh basil mixed in, locally-made fresh mozzarella, Caputo's lasagna noodles (whole sheets! You just thaw them and lay them in the pan.).

It was excellent. There's just nothing like homemade.

You Can't Have Her Back. Period.

Miriam's sister (in Albuquerque) texted to ask whether Miriam could come early, stay longer, and otherwise generally save the day. But Miriam is with me right now.

Am I willing to give her up? Not just early. Ever?

No! Above, me making a scary face to express my intention to kidnap Miriam and keep her here forever.