Whoa...buddy!!

If you have somehow managed to miss out on Island Ice Cream, you are truly missing out on one of life's great pleasures. This ice cream is homemade right here in Grand Isle, Vermont. It is super creamy and delicious. My favorite flavors (so far) are the maple walnut and cake
batter. Island Ice Cream will have a scoop cart at the Applefest celebration in South Hero, VT on October 11th and 12th. If you would like to check out their website, which also contains a complete list of where you can purchase their ice cream, please visit http://www.islandhomemadeicecream.com/
Caution: may induce drooling.

Dreams Deferred

For my English Composition class, we had write a 5 paragraph writing sample based on the following poem Harlem (1951) by Langston Hughes. I found the poem to be inspiring. I saw an opportunity to reflect on some of my accomplishments, and think about some of the dreams and desires that I have deferred.

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the Sun?
Or fester like a sore
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over-
like a syrupy sweet
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load
Or does it explode?

Throughout my life I have had a handful of dreams and goals which have been left unfulfilled. I suppose the outcome depends somewhat on where I am at in my life. Sometimes I feel as though I am in a position to tackle something head-on. Other times it seems easier to say, "well, maybe next year," or "maybe this winter." On occasion, I have also found myself wishing that I had something to tackle, but just couldn't find something "tackle-worthy." This can sometimes lead to discovering something new and exciting that was definitely worth the wait. After reading the poem Harlem by Langston Hughes, I found myself comparing many of the metaphors to my own dreams and goals, reflecting on those which have been fulfilled, and remembering those that haven't.

One line in the poem questions if a dream deferred "sags like a heavy load, or does it explode?" This immediately made me think of my gardening. I have always had an interest in plants, but recently I have felt that it has really become a part of who I am. A short time ago I would visit a nursery and pick out a few things that caught my eye, then bring them home and feel unsure about where I should plant them, or what would look best next to it. I have spent a lot of time over the past couple of years pouring over gardening books, researching different plants, and looking through several designs. I feel as though I now have my own style, and my own plan. I can go outside and look at my garden and smile - there is order and rhythm. I like the way it looks, and I enjoy spending time in it. I feel as though my dream of being a good gardener is taking shape, exploding in a sense.

Maybe it's time to revisit some of the things that I have put off for another day. There's so many things I would like to try. If only I had some more time on my hands....

What?? Summer's over!!??

Excuse me, but, what the heck happened to summer? It seems as though it passed me by just as I was getting to the point that I could really enjoy it. As the spring was coming to an end, Blake and I decided to take on some projects. Most of them were home-improvement related. We dug up the lower half of our front yard so that I can begin filling it with a mixed garden. The area was just too steep to mow, and Blake actually fell a couple of times last summer trying to mow it. In addition to that, I have a few other small gardens that needed to be filled with trees, shrubs, and perennials. I had a wonderful time planning what to plant, where to plant it, and researching and discovering new plants. Oh, yes, I also really enjoyed the part where you get to shop for plants!! I think I may have missed my calling - I should have pursued a degree in horticulture. This photo above is one of my favorite new additions: Agastache 'Blue Fortune'. The bumble bees love it, and they work at collecting the pollen from sunrise to sunset. It was a lot of fun watching them.
Other than gardening, we decided to paint the first floor of our house, including the ceilings. It was quite a job, and took us a total of 5 days. Most of the time was spent doing prep work - taping, moving furniture, protecting the floor, etc. We are both really happy with the results of our hard work, and with the fact that we're finished. It's nice to have some color for a change!! The upstairs now looks really naked with its white walls... but I think it may be a little while before Blake and I are ready to take on another painting project.
It doesn't appear that I have been accepted into the hygiene program for this year. And, I'm really feeling okay with it. I am going to take two more classes this fall - and then there really isn't much else that I can take as far as pre-requisites are concerned. So, I'll cross my fingers and hope for next year. I will be submitting my application this winter.
I hope everyone is doing well... I'll blog again soon!!

Pancake Mouth

Tahoe enjoys a pancake breakfast just as much as we do. During a typical Sunday pancake-feed (served up by the pancake master himself), Blake accidentally dropped two pancakes on the floor, and Tahoe swooped in to reep the rewards. However, she had two full-size pancakes in her mouth, and wasn't entirely sure what to do about it. She started walking around and whining. I finally had to take the pancakes out of her mouth and break them up so that she could eat them. Silly, silly dog!!

Yet again, I have neglected my blog. But, with the nicer weather, along with a break from school, I should have some interesting and blog-worthy material. I tend to become somewhat of a hermit during the winter months. Although, this past winter we had alot of fun snowshoeing or walking on our property and watching the dog spaz out in the snow. She loves it!!

I should be hearing about the hygiene program this week. I was informed last month that I was not accepted into the program, which was not a huge surprise to me because I was told that I shouldn't expect to get in on my first attempt. I was a little disappointed, but I focused on the positive. Blake and I could really enjoy the summer, and not have to plan everything around homework, studying, and classes. A couple of weeks ago, I called the school to see if there was anything I could do to "beef up" my application for next year. The academic advisor asked me if I was aware that I am on the waiting list for this year. "Well.... yes...." I replied. She then informed me that I am one of the frontrunners on the waiting list, so I still have a decent chance of being accepted for this year. So, we'll see... I am honestly okay either way... whether it's this year or next. But I'll keep you posted.

Man's Best Friend

Ahhh, all settled in for a nice nap. Tahoe seems to be under the impression that she is a lap dog. She is still doing very well... the whole dog ownership thing has been a little bit of a learning curve for Blake and I. Our main concern was what to do with the dog while we are at work during the day. So, I got a baby gate to keep the dog on the first floor of the house. Then, the cat had a safe place in the upstairs portion of the house. This worked well... for about a day. (Tahoe is only 1 - 1 1/2 years old, so it's basically like having a 65lb. puppy.) On day two, Tahoe decided that she didn't like my offensive space heater so she chewed the plug right off the cord! Ok, now you're banished to the laundry room while we're away at work!! Well, that worked well, for a couple of days. Until, she scratched at the wall a bit. Nothing that can't be repaired, thankfully. Next step... you're very own cozy kennel!! I have never crated a dog before, so I felt like it was a little mean. But, I guess it's either the kennel or a savings account for home repair. We're hoping that we can eventually graduate her to the run of the downstairs again over time. She's still our baby, and we love her, we're still just trying to figure out what works best for her. We got the book The Dog Whisperer which has been a great help. It is all about positive reinforcement for training, and basically all of the what's, how's, and if's to dog ownership. It seems that Tahoe and Sheeba are slowly warming up to each other. And, I do mean ...s...l...o...w...l...y... : ) But, I think eventually that they will be just fine. Thank goodness!!

Meet our newest family member... Tahoe!

Introducing... Tahoe!! This past Friday, I decided to make a trip to the Humane Society "just to look around." They have a book at their front desk which contains profiles of all of their adorable mutts. I saw Tahoe's picture and asked if I could meet her. After they brought her up, we made our way to the play area where we ran around and played fetch. Not only was it love at first sight, but she also seemed incredibly well-behaved. After filling out the paperwork, I called Blake at work and asked if he would come and meet her. By the way, Tahoe is listed as a "border collie mix." During the whole meeting process, I failed to realize that she is obviously a "lab mix." Anyway, Blake came over to the shelter with me to meet this "border collie mix." When they brought out Tahoe, Blake asked "are you sure that's the right dog?" Well, despite Blake's desire for a big-fluffy-haired-dog, he also fell in love with Tahoe. She is about 1-1 1/2 years old, and she is house-broken, and responds to some commands. She loves the snow, and jumps all around in it. When she smells something curious, she sticks her whole head in the snow to get a better whiff. She is a character, for sure. Sheeba is less than thrilled about the dog, but I think she'll come around. She's a little nervous around Tahoe... the dog gets really excited around the cat and wants to play. So, we've definitely got some training to do with the whole cat/dog relationship. Tahoe has a very gentle nature, so I think we'll be just fine. But, for now, Sheeba prefers to steer clear of what she considers to be the product of a bout with temporary insanity.

Flynn Center for the Performing Arts

Recently, Blake and I have been making some trips to Burlington to visit the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts. We have seen some great shows, including Momix, which is a company of dancer-illusionists known internationally for presenting work of exceptional inventiveness and physical beauty. For 25 years, MOMIX has been celebrated for its ability to conjure up a world of surrealistic images using props, light, shadow, humor and the human body. http://www.mosespendleton.com/ This was an awesome show, and unbelievably creative. We both really enjoyed it, and I would highly recommend it!

We also saw Richard Thompson, who was named one of the top 20 guitarists of all time, by Rolling Stone magazine. Mr. Thompson was asked by Playboy magazine to name the top 10 songs of the millenium for an upcoming article. After he had compiled his list, the magazine never published the article. But, he decided he would make a tour of it. This was a really fun show - and it was interesting to hear some music which dated as far back as 1068.

Also on the venue, was a group called Beau Soleil which is an enjoyable blend of Cajun, zydeco, New Orleans jazz, Tex-Mex, country, and blues. In addition, we also saw The Subdudes, whose music is a fun mix of blues, gospel, funk, and R&B.

Finally, last night we got to see the show Chicago, which was amazing. Although this was the first time I had seen the show live, I decided I could probably see it countless times and never grow tired of it. The singing and dancing was incredible! We both really enjoyed it. We talked a bit about how we should maybe take advantage of the fact that we live fairly close to NYC, and take in a broadway production or two. It would make for a really fun trip...