Seven Quick Takes

I

We've had a couple of torrential downpours recently, so the burn ban has been lifted in time for the 4th of July! Fireworks are still banned within the borough (Alaska's term for "county"), but I'm so happy that we're allowed to grill again. Matt and Little Bear put a bunch of pork chops on the grill last night, three stuffed with Gouda and basil for supper and the rest rubbed with a rosemary-garlic mixture to use in coming meals. I think I still have a pack of little butterfly steaks from Matt's caribou down in the freezer; if I can find them, that sounds like the perfect thing to throw on the grill tomorrow.

II

What are your plans for Independence Day? Smoke from the forest fires has started blowing back into town, so I don't think we will really be able to get out and do much; if the smoke isn't too heavy, Matt and Little Bear should be able to spend short periods of time on the deck playing with water guns, but I'll be keeping Kit inside. Matt will grill something though, hopefully those steaks, and I'll make some picnic-y sides for supper; right now the plan is potato salad, a veggie tray, and some kind of fruit or fruit-gelatin salad. Oh! And cherry pie, if I have the energy. Matt requested cherry pie for the 4th of July months ago, and I actually wrote it down on my planner, so I'm hoping to surprise him with it because I'm sure he doesn't expect me to remember!

III

Little Bear had been learning about titles shortly before Kit was born; "Mr." for boys, "Mrs." for married grownup girls, but we'd never had the occasion to introduce him to the title "Miss". The other day he looked around the living room and began listing off "Mr. Little Bear," "Mr. Daddy," "Mrs. Mama..." He paused a moment at Kit, then declared, "Lady Kit!" Which of course made us laugh, and so he kept it. Now if one if us says "Baby Kit," Little Bear will often correct us with, "No, Lady Kit!"

IV

Speaking of the little lady, she's doing wonderfully. Kit is sleeping well at night, only waking up once or twice most nights. Her favorite thing to do is definitely eat; at her two-week checkup, she was 1 lb 8 oz up from her birth weight! Little Bear has been great with her, almost always happy to help fetch new diapers, making faces at her, letting her hold his finger. 

V

Yesterday I took both kids to town by myself. I just had four stops. We were in town for four hours. Somebody want to explain to me how in the world I'm going to get things done all week once Matt's paternity leave ends and he isn't home to help?!?

VI

Last night I came across this quote, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. It's what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it. ~ Oscar Wilde 

It's had me reflecting on my bookshelf all day. To what degree do my reading choices shape me, my thoughts, my reactions? What effect should that knowledge have on what I choose to read? 

VII

I'm out of things to write about. One more baby picture? Good idea.

Have a good Independence Day weekend, y'all! If you think of it tomorrow, say a St Michael prayer for all of the men and women who have served or are currently serving in our armed forces. And don't forget to stop by This Ain't the Lyceum for more quick takes!