Lucky's Bulletin Board

lucky's bb, originally uploaded by kcsphotos.

This snapshot of Lucky's bulletin board was simply a photography exercise for Lumber. But after viewing it, both Lumber and I were struck by how it so vividly captures the personality of our daughter. She includes a brochure from her all-time favorite summer camp, a swim meet registration form, a picture of her dear friend taken at last summer's arts festival, several cut-out animal pictures, an updated total of her piggy bank savings and a little reminder note: "Do Not Remove! Make Meeko a Birthday Party on August 23rd at Sugarhouse Park."

Ever-Faithful Meeko

Meeko @ Alexander Basin, originally uploaded by alanmcq.

Tribute to a Running Dog

I came home from work yesterday with a nauseating headache. I had spent a good deal of the day tediously manipulating computer files in classic Sisyphean style. My impulse was to collapse on the couch, escaping the searing mid-90 summer day. But there my ever-faithful running buddy stood, greeting me at the door, giving me the "can we go" look.

Despite being nearly 13 years old, our Aussie-Border Collie, Meeko, has always loved to run. (Her greatest accomplishment was summiting King's Peak, Utah's highest mountain, with Lumber many moons ago, a 32-mile, 5080-ft-elevation-gain trip.) With who knows what percentage of Border Collie in her, this is no surprise. According to the Border Collie Rescue organization: "To truly exercise a Border Collie, you must be willing to put in a couple of hours each day, in some form of exercise or activity. Border Collies can remain confined to the house all day while you are away at work but do not expect to come home and relax. Border Collies have been described as having the energy output of a miniature nuclear reactor. And like all nuclear power, it can be quite dangerous if it is not controlled." www.bcrescue.org/bcwarning.html

I was not a "dog person" when I met Lumber. I remember on one of our early dates, we had dinner at the house where he was dog sitting. The dogs greeted me at the door with jumps and whines and licks and I started to cry (yes, it didn't help that the timing was during a monthly biorhythm low point). He turned to me and said, "I am sorry but these are like my brothers. If you can't get along with dogs, I don't know how we will do together as a couple." I didn't take it as an ultimatum for that was not his intention. It was just a simple sentiment summing to: "I love dogs and I hope you can grow to love them too."

And admittedly, I have. No, I do not love the constant stream of dog hair and the occasional dog messes in our house. But as my dad said, "A dog will be good for you; it will make you more relaxed." And yes, it has. Our house has an organic feel to it with the dogs. They make the outdoor/indoor division less stark as the dirt travels freely from the garden to the kitchen floor. And as much as I panic when a visitor comes to the door (the jumping/whining/licking phenomenon replayed) and swear each time that "we will get these dogs trained", I can't help but appreciate their welcoming reception. Who else is that excited to see you.

So, I walked right past the couch, put on my running clothes (as little as was decently possible for a 42-year-old woman) and shoes, grabbed my other new love (an Ipod shuffle that Lumber keeps forever novel by downloading selections from his 5000-some song collection) and headed out the door with Meeko and our four-year-old mischievous Jack Russell Terrier, Maisy. And not so surprisingly, my headache disappeared.

The Wig

IMG_0510, originally uploaded by kcsphotos.

Lucky and her friends have written a script called "Life" and have been spending their free time filming. After the last shooting, she pleaded for me to take her to our neighborhood costume store so that she could buy a wig to enhance her character. Both Lumber and I were a bit concerned about how much she needed this $24 prop and whether, within a day or two, it would end up in some drawer gathering dust. Since then, it has been combed numerous times in addition to getting a thorough wash.

Our Little Thespian

Our Little Thespian, originally uploaded by kcsphotos.

School is out and Lucky is off to theater camp. She had a great first day; but after 6 1/2 hours of acting followed by 1 hour of swim team, the start of summer is anything but relaxing.

Off to Work

Off to work, originally uploaded by kcsphotos.

Uggh, off to work....but at least it's summer. Wheeee!

Coach Retires

After three great years as volunteer soccer coach, Lumber bids his farewell. He wrote such a nice resignation note, I had to share it:


Dear Parents and Players,

Soccer is over for another year and summer activities beckon. On to swimming, camping, traveling, and the dozens of other activities that fill our summers.

Many thanks to you all for making this such a great season. As players, you each brought your best selves to the games and practices. I feel fortunate to have seen you consistently meet the challenges of injury, inclement weather and skilled opponents with courage and equanimity.

Many thanks to you, the parents, as well for being so supportive of your children. From what I've witnessed, each of your children will do well in life with you as their advocate.

Finally, I regret to announce that I will not be coaching next year. While it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience, I am looking forward to watching the games as a spectator. My original motivation in coaching was simply to support my daughter's flicker of interest. Fortunately her interest has grown strong and she will continue to play. If any of you has the time or the slightest inclination, I highly recommend the experience.

See you on the sidelines. Best to all and warmest regards.

Moving Up and Away

Lucky continues to grow as fast as the tomato plant she is nurturing in our backyard. After now nearly a year in her own bed, she has broken away from needing a cuddle partner to fall asleep (in honesty, the shingle spook helped her to make the final break). And yesterday, she spotted a tank top at Whole Foods Market that she fell in love with. Size: women's extra small. Not long until she and I are borrowing clothes.

Three more days until school is out. I am looking forward to savoring the summer with her. Having reached double digits, she is now past the half-way mark of childhood.

Loving June

Loving June, originally uploaded by kcsphotos.