A Week Into 2011

We started the year with a new mailbox to replace the battered, burnt, knocked-down old one. We wouldn't want to miss any of your cards or letters. In this age of instant electronic communication, I am trying to keep the dying art of handwritten notes and cards alive.

Sunday afternoon son Stephan, DIL Karen, and a couple of friends (mother and son) came over to watch the Colts game with us. After the win we enjoyed waffles and blueberries with real whipped cream.

Today, even as I write, the same crowd (minus Stephan who is in W Virginia at an ice carving competition) is gathered after another Colt's game. This time we mourn their loss. It is late, bitterly cold out, our guests and their dogs have come prepared to spend the night.

Karen and Mike watching the game

Gina and David

Only two days ago we were at Gina's house celebrating Three Kings' Day. She loves this Hispanic tradition and invites friends every year. This was our first time. We contributed a Rosca de Reyes (3 Kings Cake Ring) which I bought at the Mexican store.

I assumed that it came with the little baby figurine already inside as per the tradition explained here. But, alas, when everyone had cut into the cake to the very last piece, there was no Baby Jesus, to the disappointment of the children present. However, they did enjoy breaking a piñata outdoors in 20 degree weather.
Gina is the friend who learned pottery skills from Mike. Every time they are together they talk about all their latest discoveries and accomplishments.
Last year Gina hired our son Sam, the custom woodworker, to convert a small dark room into a charming bright studio with big windows on two sides. It was fun to see both his craftsmanship and her clay creations, such as these two ornaments.

 


This week I was wanting a matching centerpiece for the dining room table, almost the first thing you see when you enter the house. Then I remembered that downstairs, in my own house, I have a whole store of Klaytivity pieces to choose from. For now, this bowl.

Mike took many samples to the Red Barn this week for the opening of the Pottery room.

He has been very occupied setting it up and quite preoccupied wondering how to go about teaching the 20+ kids who have signed up, and managing the hour and half sessions three days a week with only three wheels and fewer mentors.

Add to that, FIRST robotics build season began today and will take up the other three days he's committed to. This morning we went to the Kick Off simulcast at Ball State--the unveiling of the game in its 20th season--Logomotion.

Lead mentor, Mike, explaining the rules and strategies

  Realizing that busy days lie ahead, we used Diane's gift card Thursday to see "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader", in 3D.