comfort foods

For Floridians the hurricane season begins the 1st of June...that means that now is the time to prepare for disaster. This year we are told that although the average number of storms for a season is 10, they are predicting that we will have 17. The average number of hurricanes is 6 and they are predicting 9 this season, 5 of which are predicted to be a category 3 or higher.

The hurricanes have already been named. In fact, the list for 2006 is nearly identical to the list for 2000 with the exception of names that have been retired, which means that "Debby" is on the list again this year.

We are told to include "comfort foods" in our food storage. Obviously, all of the items are more useful if they don't need cooking nor refrigeration. I suppose for most people chocolate is the comfort food of choice. I learned at the Kraft website that both Doug and I have comfort foods that are confectioneries. We will be stocking up on

papamallows and turkey

...just in case the grandkids come to visit...

window project

While Doug was away at fathers and sons, I finished the window treatment for Brianna's room.

father and sons

father

Doug goes to New Jersey for his first ever, official, father and sons campout with his sons; (son-in-law) Dan Seguine and (grandson) Carter Seguine. Due to the curse in reverse, he has waited many years for this opportunity. With three great son-in-laws and five fantastic grandsons (so far) he has hope for more adventures like this one.

and sons

faith is like a little seed

"...And behold, as the [plant] beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care...and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a [plant] springing up unto everlasting life...and ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience.

"...as I said concerning faith--faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." Book of Mormon, Alma 32

Maybe Alma was a gardener too?

the boyfriend

he wants to go everywhere I go
he always holds my hand
he likes to drive the jet ski
he likes to watch me waterski
he has breakfast with me everyday
he loves to take out the garbage
he likes to swing with me
he likes to play ball with me
he likes to dig in the garden
he remembers to check for chicken eggs
he spends time rocking and chatting with me
he gives me lots of hugs and kisses

in fact,
we spent so much time together that Doug calls him

" the boyfriend"

The boyfriend left today...

TO TRUMAN

Wherever you go

Whatever you do

I will be right here waiting for you

Whatever it takes

Oh, how my heart breaks

I will be right here waiting for you

underground fence

How it works
"A radio signal is sent by the transmitter to a receiver located on your dog's collar. The signal is transmitted through a wire which is placed along the boundaries you want to establish. The wire is really an antenna that carries the signal...[If your dog] starts to cross the wire, he will receive a mild correction."

Note from the voice of experience:

Also works on humans holding the transmitter! To say that "he," (or in this case she,) "will receive a mild correction," is quite the adumbration. (I'll save you the trouble of looking it up...To disclose partially or guardedly.) The truth is that it zaps the socks off you! (Chytraus exaggeration, please see previous blog.) Okay, the truth is that it gave me quite the jolt and I am still afraid to walk in my yard even when I am not holding the transmitter.

If it works
That remains to be seen, Shooter is still in training, but he hasn't yet yelped like I did.

happy anniversary

We thought it was very cool that we could have our picture on our wedding invitation. That was very innovative in 1976. I wore the Peru necklance to dinner tonight that I have on in this picture. It has always been my favorite piece of jewelry because Doug bought it for me before he returned from his mission, before he knew if things were going to work out with us like he hoped. Of course his mother confiscated it when he showed it to her, and I didn't actually get it until Christmas...AFTER we were officially engaged, but it didn't change the sentiment for me.

I recently looked at the list of wedding gifts we received. I am surprised at how many of them we are still using. I think the award for the most often used gift has to go to my grandmother, who gave me Joy of Cooking and a silver pitcher. I think she expected me to love the pitcher and the book was just an afterthought...funny that.

We went down to St. George the night before the wedding. We ate at a wonderful little restaurant called "The Gable House." We were there with all of our friends and they gave us the whole room downstairs. We all sat at a long banquet table. We stayed for hours, talking and laughing.

We had prayed for weeks that our future children would somehow be able to be a part of our wedding...and we have always felt that they were there. It was a spiritual gift.

This is no Cinderella story. I think that marriage is work every single day. I am grateful that I married someone who wants to work it out with me. I love my husband with all my heart and I feel loved.

Happy 30th Anniversary

like mother, like daughter

Although unplanned, Melanie and I showed up for church today looking perfectly coordinated. Numerous people commented on how much we look alike...you know what I have to say to that?

Thank you very much!

up, up and away

He still has his log book which records that the last time he piloted a plane was

February 23, 1973. Yesterday, April 20, 2006, he flew down to Miami International Airport, picked up Spencer and they both returned safely...thirty-three years and it seemed like just yesterday!

Way to fly, Doug!

Brianna Carter - 5.0 FCAT Writing

FLORIDA WRITES
Your child will write a paper in February as part of the FCAT. It will be read independently by two people trained to score this test. Each reader judged the paper against a set of standards and gave it an overall score. Your student's final score is the average of the two readers' scores.
This writing score will help you, your child, and the teacher understand how well your student performed on this statewide writing test. Students are given 45 minutes to read the assigned topic, plan what to write, and then write their responses. The conditions under which your student writes papers in class or at home may not be the same as those for this test; therefore, the writing may not be the same. You and your child's teacher should consider the score on this test along with all of your student's other writing when planning activities to continue developing your student's writing skills.
The FCAT writing, formally called Florida Writes, will be reported in level of performance ranging from 1 to 6.A description of each possible score is printed below.


6.0 (No one at our school, Round Lake Elementary, received this mark.)
The writing focuses on the topic, is logically organized, and includes ample development of supporting ideas or examples. It demonstrates a mature command of language, including precision in word choice. Sentences vary in structure. Punctuation, capitalization, and spelling are generally correct.
5.5
The writing was given a 5 by one reader and a 6 by the other reader.
5.0
The writing focuses on the topic with adequate development of supporting ideas or examples. It has an organizational pattern, though lapses may occur. Word choice is adequate. Sentences vary in structure. Punctuation, capitalization, and spelling are generally correct.
4.5
The writing was given a 4 by one reader and a 5 by the other reader.
4.0
The writing focuses on the topic, though it may contain extraneous information. An organizational pattern is evident, but lapses may occur. Some supporting ideas contain specifics and details, but others are not developed. Word choice is adequate. Sentences vary somewhat in structure, though many are simple. Punctuation, capitalization, and spelling, are usually correct.
3.5
The writing was given a 3 by one reader and a 4 by the other reader.
3.0
The writing generally focuses on the topic, though it may contain extraneous information. An organizational pattern has been attempted, but lapses may occur. Some of the supporting ideas or examples may not be developed. Word choice is adequate. Sentences vary somewhat in structure, though many are simple. Punctuation and capitalization are sometimes incorrect, but most commonly used words are spelled correctly.
2.5
The writing was given a 2 by one reader and a 3 by the other reader.
2.0
The writing may be slightly related to the topic or offer little relevant information and few supporting ideas or examples. There is little evidence of an organizational pattern. Word choice may be limited or immature. Sentences may be limited to simple constructions. Frequent errors may occur in punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.
1.5
The writing was a 1 by one reader and a 2 by the other reader.
1.0
The writing may only minimally address the topic because there is little or no development of supporting ideas or examples. No organizational pattern is evident. Ideas are provided through lists, and word choice is limited or immature. Unrelated information my be included. Frequent errors in punctuation, capitalization, and spelling may impede communication.
U
The writing is unrelated to the assigned topic or cannot be read.

spring break

Brianna went back to school today. It was wonderful having 11 days off. Easter Sunday she looked particularly beautiful! On the left side of the picture on the hutch is a cute little white bunny. Brianna gave him to me as an Easter surprise. When you press his tummy, he says, "Some bunny loves you!"

I love you too, B!

our favorite student

I am the original instructor of the Carter Ski School. My first students were my three girls who have delighted me with their tenacity and skill on the water. They were quickly initiated as instructors themselves and over the years, I think that we have taught dozens of friends to ski. We have skied at dawn with the dolphins and at dusk with the alligators. We have skied in almost every month of the year, with the possible exceptions of October and February. The waters of Florida hold numerous articles of our clothing and jewelry. Hence, the rule, "Do not take anything on the jet skis that you are not willing to lose." We have skied in the wind and rain, which we don't recommend, but luckily, we have plenty of sun. We have skied over huge waves and in very choppy water, but of course, we are always on the lookout for flat water and cannot believe the rudeness of anyone who would disturb it before we can glide over it ourselves. We have skied in the Atlantic Ocean and spent hundreds of hours on the intra-coastal. Then, when we moved north, Lake Dalhousie became our ski destination. Ultimately, we have made our own little Lake Louise our docking point. What it lacks, we think is made up for by the convenience of a two minute walk. We look forward to the tan and strong bodies that will inevitably result by the end of the summer, albeit with a little negative anticipation of the sore muscles and sunburns that will pave the way. Brianna is quickly following in the tradition of her older sisters. We actually purchased the jet skis ten summers ago. When Brianna was three she rode on Melanie's back, while Melanie skied. Now Brianna is working hard to learn to slalom ski herself. We have many memories that we continue delight in. As the years have passed and the girls are mothers themselves, we look forward to a second generation of skiers.

In every class it seems there is always a favorite student that warms the heart of the teacher, or in this case, the teachers. The Carter Ski School is no different in that regard. After years of coaxing, the girls finally got their dad to try skiing again on two. Melanie spent what seems like the better part of a day encouraging his efforts until he was successful. He was happy with two and was unmoved by our pleas for him to move onto one. He wondered what the point was when he was enjoying himself? Three summers later, he finally succumbed to the pressure and learned to slalom. You won't catch him on two these days! Although he is our favorite student, he has also joined the ranks of the Carter Ski School Instructors.



At the end of a beautiful run. Wahoooooooo!

the eustis nursery

Truman plays quietly in the nursery for half an hour. Then suddenly and without warning he bursts into tears. "Truman?" they ask, "Do you want your mom?"

He answers, "No."

"Do you want your dad?"

He answers, "No."

"Truman...what do you want?"


He wails, "I want to go to the Birdhouse!"

planning for the future

...train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it

lds prom 2006

birdhouse farm

According to Truman, there are four essentials to every farm.

A tractor,



eggs,



chickens,



and a dog.





WELCOME TO BIRDHOUSE FARM!

words of a prophet

Yesterday was Palm Sunday. In 1993, Howard W. Hunter spoke about that event in conference. He reminded us that nearly two thousand years ago, "riding on a young donkey, in fulfillment of Zechariah’s ancient prophecy, the Saviour approached the temple on a path that the jubilant crowd lined for him with palm leaves, flowering branches, and some of their own garments, thus carpeting the way properly for the passing of a king. He was their king...At this sacred season of the year, filled with the promise of renewing life, may we be more devoted and disciplined followers of Christ. May we cherish him in our thoughts and speak his name with love. May we kneel before him with meekness and mercy. May we bless and serve others..."

bottoms up!

Last night dad, B and I were down at the dock taking the jet ski for a little run to keep the battery charged. It was past sunset, but not yet dark. Our next door neighbors were out feeding the ducks that live on the other side of our pond--aka Lake Louise. Of course, were were looking to see if Penelope, our duck that we abandoned at the neighbors, had survived the winter. I have always worried that he was mad at us for giving him such a ridiculous name. Nevertheless, within a few minutes the ducks tired of the handout and decided they preferred their own pond meal and swam over to our "dock" (notice the quotes as a good imagination is necessary.) They entertained us for quite a while with their diving antics and paddling orange feet. It was good to know that Penelope still feels welcome to drop by for a dabble.

P.S. Dabbling ducks tip themselves face first into the water, (so you see their bottoms pointing into the air), and filter water through their beaks to harvest food from beneath the surface. This is called "dabbling." You were wondering, weren't you!

do you believe in magic?

Yes, I do! We had so much fun with Roxanne and Mike last night. First of all the game started with lots of loud music and fireworks to give us a thrill. Basketball has gone very high tech since the last time I was at a professional game. We even had an indoor blimp! They played the Pistons and everyone expected them to lose. The first half was nothing less than "beautiful basketball". Textbook plays perfectly executed...a thrill to watch. The Magic were leading by 15 at halftime. Doug warned that it was not enough of a lead, which turned out to be prophetic, because by the end of the third quarter, they were nearly tied. During the 4th quarter, the Pistons kept close and finally, in the last two minutes of the game, overtook us. In a thrilling end, we came back to win!

After the game we went to a Spanish restaurant (as in Spain) to eat some authentic food from Mike's mission. The restaurant was near downtown, called Ole, Ole! He had heard about it on a radio talk show that morning. It was a beautiful night and all the doors and windows were open. The food was amazing!

Good friends, good entertainment, good food!

IT WAS MAGIC

shopping for chicken

The baby chickens got too stinky for the house, so for the past few days they have been living on top of the work table in the garage. Yesterday, we decided to let them spend the day near the big chickens. What a stir that caused. The big chickens were busy checking out their new neighbors all day. And what a cacophony of cackles!!!




But that was nothing compared to what we heard... when a visitor from the forest came to pay a visit.

Get out of here Mr. Fox!!!!!

congratulations Brianna!

daylight SHIFTING time

The problems with daylight saving time: A) it does not save any daylight B) although it is claimed by some that you ONLY lose one hour of sleep, in fact, you lose much more, ie., you lose one hour the first night, you lose another hour the second night because your body clock does not know that it is actually time to go to bed you lose another hour of sleep the third night for the same reason and depending on how exhausted you are this continues for 3-10 days C) the world is tired and cranky from coping with B above.

There are some interesting things about daylight saving time like the fact that there is less crime and less use of energy. President Bush has signed a law that daylight saving time will start in mid-March next year, and somebody will do some studies to see about the benefits of an extra couple of weeks of daylight saving time. Personally, I am all for standard time and wish they would add an extra hour to my day about once a month...President Bush, I think that is something all of us could get into.

I am quite sure that Tricia will agree with the following comment from Robertson Davies which I found quite humourous.

"I don't really care how time is reckoned so long as there is some agreement about it, but I object to being told that I am saving daylight when my reason tells me that I am doing nothing of the kind. I even object to the implication that I am wasting something valuable if I stay in bed after the sun has risen. As an admirer of moonlight I resent the bossy insistence of those who want to reduce my time for enjoying it. At the back of the Daylight Saving scheme I detect the bony, blue-fingered hand of Puritanism, eager to push people into bed earlier, and get them up earlier, to make them healthy, wealthy and wise in spite of themselves."

garden vine

All year long I look at the vine growing on my garage

that I painstakingly researched. After I had made my choice, I then had to find a local nursery that actually sold it. I found it at a wonderful nursery in Orlando that I have enjoyed revisiting! We planted it and waited.

I think that gardening could be used as a metaphor for life. Maybe that is why the Lord started us out in a garden to help us learn the lessons of caring and waiting. Then, one day, you see that it is even more beautiful and stunning than you imagined...all because of Him.

it's conference weekend

My favorite conference address was by Elder Stone. "By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes."

All in all, it was a great weekend, in spite of the numerous references to the fact that things are going to get worse, there was also the encouragement that we would be blessed with a multitude of spiritual blessings to help us cope. I am so grateful for the gospel.

Second favorite talk...Sister Beck. What an awesome talk on the roles of women and men!