Home Sweet Home

We were (and are still) exhausted, but Binbin is exhilarated! He endured about 55 hours in the car from December 9-18, and his reward: a playroom filled with stuff with which to be reacquainted. I heard in my mind the happy soundtrack of "Toy Story" and the toy euphoria of being played with as I watched Binbin scoot around the house on his way-too-small wooden tricycle.

It's good to be able to smile even while my eyesight is blurry and my mind delirious from so many, many miles on the Interstate Highway System.

We're starting to unpack the dozen boxes that we sent through post (Thank you for staying in business even while you are losing money, USPS). And the task to get organized seems as herculean as is seems uninteresting. So, sounds like a good time for procrastination. Hmmm...what memories do we have of the last bleary blur of weeks at DS?

Much cooking with Edward and Matt, including a delicious end-of-term meal, which including tiramisu! More slaughtering of lambs, some done in bone-chilling weather. A handful of game nights with Emily and Katie, and one final spoon challenge to end all spoon challenges, which ended in a torn 8 of clubs and wicked, triumphant expression on Isaac. A last family photograph taken by Henrik's mercurial camera. Amity picked up "Pox: Save the People," which added a fresh twist to our game selection. Brother Kenneth was on hand to wipe the grins off our face, whenever necessary (and then some).

It feels, now that we are back in our home for the first time since the end of July, that our time in the high Sierra desert was just a dream. But, we are fortunate to have evidence in the form of a digital video shot and narrative by Binbin. The voice-over is delightful and original ("...and here...we have...our toilet... "), but the shaky clips of gazing at the ground are not recommended for the weak of stomach. Now that we're back in the land of (slightly) faster internet speeds, we'll try to edit a clip. Stay tuned.

Those of you at DS, we miss you; our friends in Maine, we can't wait to see you!

still here

We're still here, and we're still having fun! We had a visit from Yeye and Nainai last weekend, and it was great to be able to show them around our neighborhood, including a hike to the Druid and a drive up into the Whites to see the bristlecone pines. This weekend, things have been quieter. Family movie night featured "steamboy," an anime film in the "steam punk" genre. That was new to us, and pretty exciting with the mechanical inventions mixing with megalomaniacs. Today, we drove into Bishop to have a swim in the hot springs again. We had lunch at the Village Diner, stopped in to pick up a few things at Manor Market, and then used up half of our credit at the used book store, courtesy of Deep Springs.

Spooky Deep Springs

Since Halloween falls on a Monday night, which is the DS night for committee meetings, the students decided to celebrate on Saturday night. While kids and parents watched It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, they transformed the office wing of the Main Building into a corridor of horrors, with crazed country spinsters, orange-jump-suited jail-breakers, a creepy spider-man, and occupy wall street/deep springs protesters. Binbin, who went as a strong main with packaging puffies taped to his biceps and quads, collected treats and reveled in the tricks. jack, with the help of a student body accomplice, gathered enough props to turn himself into a good-natured second-year student; and I went at the 'three pillars' of Deep Springs: self-governance, academics, and labor rendered in doric, ionic, and corinthian orders.

We enjoyed the extra company of visitors, Michael (a Deep Springer from the '70s) and his kids, Rhys and Nathan. It was nice to have others carving pumpkins and playing foosball.

Windy!

I think Indian Summer has been blown out of the valley. The temps are above freezing at night, but the wind is howling through our valley. The few trees that have been planted around the ranch form hardly a windbreak, and the dewdrops I see through my office window have frozen into solid, icy pearls.

Today is pregnancy testing day for the cows. Everyone is going to be on work duty 10 miles down the valley near the lake to operate the corrals, gates, squeezer, confirm results, etc.

Animal Adventures

Apparently, the lizards are getting chilled as fall sets in, and we are finding regular visitors in our quarters. Binbin and I caught a released two, included the bluish belly guy with the stubby tail.

Also, this morning, Binbin and Jack spent some time at the dead animal dump looking for treasures. They came home with a couple of vertabrae, some ribs, and a jaw bone with a handful of teeth.

More elements

After wandering the Stanford campus, we made our way to the New Guinea sculpture garden. Here, Binbin poses in front of the wooden thinker.



Out of order, but still beautiful, Yosemite Falls on Friday, October 14.



Water and metal combine at the fountain near Stanford's Old Union.

Elements

We went on a road trip to Northern California this past week, while DS was on break between Terms 2 and 3. The quickest way to get from Deep Springs to Ukiah requires driving through Yosemite on 120, which takes us through Tioga Pass at 9945 feet. The early October snow has mostly melted, leaving the pass open. And so, we camped at Porcupine Flats on the last day of camping, October 14th. Binbin picked out a site with a large boulder, and we set up camp before driving down into Yosemite Valley. It was breathtaking, and we were lucky to see the waterfalls, which do not normally run this time of year. Here we are at the base of Yosemite Falls



Next morning, after packing up camp, we stopped on our way out of Yosemite at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The short walk took us down a steep ravine to see the dead giant with a tunnel carved through it through which cars could pass. This other one died a more natural death. The trees were magnificent.



After seeing amazing water and wood, we spent a couple of hours in the middle of the week at Stanford. Here is earth, or rock, arranged according to the vision of Andy Goldsworthy.



Metal, or bronze, as Auguste Rodin cast it.



And a less inspired, water fountain with river stones, functioning effectively as a traffic circle.

In the Field

] Yesterday’s rains brought a cold front in, and it appears that summer has most definitely given way to a new season. Our apartment thermometer registered 65 degrees this morning, and it’s fallen off about 4 degrees since then.

Despite the rain yesterday, we nevertheless headed outdoors. With Amity as our naturalist field guide, we tromped around the habitat near Deep Springs Lake where one may find members of the endangered species, the black toad.

Binbin quickly spotted one in the gully, a small, dark creature, about 3 centimeters long. It has a prominent yellowish-whitish stripe running down its back. We trekked over to a nearby spring, looked at a few more, then made our way back to the college for deep dish pizza and hot chocolate.

Change of Seasons

Last weekend, just as summer was exiting, we made a weekend camping trip to Tuolomne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. On Saturday morning, Binbin made it to the top of Lembert Dome and down again, about a 6+ mile trek.



We relaxed in the afternoon sun at the south end of Tanaya Lake, protected a little by rock and trees.



On Sunday morning, we were back in the park for a last hike, this time up Pothole Dome, which led to a long series of rocky outcropping atop which we lunched and played.

P-Time

That stands for either "puppy-time" or "play-time."

Honey had seven puppies about a month ago, and they are super adorable. We believe it when they say that baby animals are good for your health, 'cuz they sure do make us feel happy.



Below, Binbin is in the bed of the truck that burned about a week ago. One student was teaching another to drive a stick shift. When smoke started coming out of the engine, they abandoned the vehicle several miles toward Deep Springs Lake. As they walked back to the college, they heard two booms and corresponding mushroom clouds as the gas tanks exploded. Now, the truck resides in the "dead vehicle dump" not to be confused with the "dead animal dump." But both apparently are good places to find souvenirs. Last weekend, Binbin came back from the Dead Animal Dump with a cow vertabra; yesterday he came back from the Dead Vehicle Dump with a chunk of melted aluminum that hardened into a puddle shape and a sprinkler.

Detour

On Sunday, we began an adventure drive that was to take us to the dunes in Eureka Valley, next to Death Valley. We drove east through Gilbert Pass, then cut onto a dirt road through the Fish Lake cattle allotment. That area is bleak. We turned right to go up, then down a narrow pass into the valley. There is no water source in Eureka Valley, so it's pretty dry and harsh. The Subaru traversed the pebbly, rocky, and sandy floor, slowly. We jostled about for quite awhile before reaching, at last, a groomed dirt/gravel road. At that point, we checked the tires, and one seemed a little low. The dunes looked way, way off in the distance, so we redirected ourselves to Big Pine. At the service station, we got gas, air, a Sunday LA Times, and a mixed slushie. Then, redirected ourselves again to Manzanar, the WWII Japanese-American internment camp in the Owens Valley. The National Park Service now operates the site as a historical and interpretive center. In WWII, over 120,000 were interned in various locations; about 1/10 of them at Manzanar, where families tried to create a relatively, normal community. The conditions were harsh and bare bones, and it was bracing to think that this kind of racist event happened not too long ago, here in the US. We headed back to our community with mixed feelings in our hearts.

Evening activities

We haven’t made it to bed at bed-time (8 pm) lately. So many evening activities capture our attention.

Tuesday’s public speeches ranged from the serious meaning of games, the mature sense of dissonance in flavors and piano chords, the importance of sleep, why one should read Hemingway, and Sweden as the source of western civilization. In between speeches, our emcee regaled us with original songs that humanized animals. He sang paeans to Magnus (the cook’s dog), puppies (they all look the same), Zane, and one of the cats.

Isreali folk dancing on Thursday evening had us twirling about and stepping on toes trying to keep up with the vigorous young men here. What dance is complete without its set of wallflowers? From the cozy comforts of a sofa, Binbin watched the frantic flailing of arms, legs along with the exceptional coordination of our resident expert.

The evening before, the student butcher screened a film on proper beef slaughtering. The professional was a bit of a square, but we had to respect his technique, including knife sharpening. Binbin gave the film 3.5 stars.

The week ended last night with hump day dinner, served on DS white linen (read white paper duck-taped) tables arranged on the circle. The evening was warm, the beef wellington quite tasty, and we went home with overly full tummies.

Cows Come Home

Cows coming up from Fish Lake, winding their way up to a saddle in the ridge, east of Gilbert Pass. About 12:30 pm.



The leaders have made it through to the western side. About 1:15. The lagging calves forced three cowboys off their horses, and only walked over around 2:30. Lunch was much delayed, and the cows came home about an hour after dinner.



Next morning, the cows need to be sorted from their calves.

Scenes on the Ranch

Entrance to the college, off 168. Cattle guard below, swinging T above. McKay, one of the farm dogs, trotting with us.



Binbin sporting Baba's new cowboy, ranch-style hat.



The work crew working on the ditch in front of our porch. Binbin in bright orange Moxie shirt.



View of the farm equipment beyond alfalfa fields with irrigation going full tilt.



Partial view of the campus from the east, while walking to the upper reservoir on a rare, rainy day.

our routine

It’s Friday afternoon here at Deep Springs Ranch, and kind of quiet. Trustees are in town to debate the issue of whether or not the school should become a co-ed institution, and just about everyone is weighing in on the question, including Binbin. As he clambered in and out of the expanding ditch in our yard, he was decidedly not in favor of admitting girls. But, who knows, he may change his mind.

Jack and Binbin decided to go on their first backpacking trip. Sam, another visiting professor here, was kind enough to offer a ride in his 4-wheel drive pick-up. Thank goodness! We turned off 168 not too far from the college, and headed into Wyman canyon. A few miles in, and the dirt road became rockier, and several stream crossings later, we were in wild country. We took a little detour, past odd rock formations including one called “the shark,” to visit a cowboy camp. Then, retracing our route, took the fork toward Dead Horse Meadow. We dropped them off at the fork. They would have a 2 mile hike in ahead of them. But reports are that the camping spot, near a stream, is quite spectacular. Sam and I are supposed to pick the boys up on Sunday noon. I hope they’re all right and enjoying themselves. I miss them already.

These days, I think we’ve fallen into a regular rhythm at the Ranch. Here is what Binbin’s daily planner would look like:

wake up just before or at the breakfast bell, 7:30
eat, and repeat the rap-like phrase, “D-d-d-d Duh-duh, pizza deliver-Y”
express a desire “to do something”
procrastinate before homeschool starts
reading and/or writing and/or math and/or science in the morning
visit to the library to help re-shelve books
visit to the kitchen to see if Dewey “needs help”
lunch, 12:30
eat, and visit with Elias or Ezra or Daniel
express as desire “to play”
procrastinate before homeschool, part 2, starts
finish homeschool
dig in the dirt, chat with the work crew digging in the dirt
go on work break with work crew to get a popsicle
visit to the kitchen to see if anyone “needs help”
express a desire “to do something” again
reject all suggestions
dinner, 12:30
play soccer with the students, or, lately, play with Elias in the ditch

The routine is broken by special events, like going to watch the cattle drive, or going to see the cows before they go to auction. We’ve also visited Chorizo’s new piglets (she’s more than a little protective—we saw her try to take a bite at the feed man). Top on Binbin’s list of to-do’s after the return from backpacking: puppy time.

Weather

A cloud-filled sky and steady rain greeted us this morning. It reminded Jack of Scottish weather, damp and foggy. A chilly wind had some of the students wearing puffy vests and knit hats. It must be fall.

The weather forced a change in plans. Jack and Binbin were going to hike into Dead Horse Meadow for camping and bouldering, but the rains probably raised the water level enough to make driving the Subaru up the canyon just a little too much. Plus, who wants to camping in the rain...with a potential for more thunderstorms tonight?

So, we spent our day playing various games and mostly indoors. Mid-afternoon, we walked to the lookout point near the Upper Reservoir to take in the low-hanging clouds against the White Mountains. The desert plants are amazingly quick to respond to rain. They are already two or three shades brighter than they last appeared.

The rain also gave me a chance to bake some bread. The process seemed to go smoothly and satisfyingly until the actual baking. Our oven isn't working, so I used one of the ovens in the main kitchen. Well, I picked the wrong oven. One of the students helpfully took the loaves out when he smelled something burning. Although I set that oven for 350 degrees, it registered 600 (is that really possible??) when the blackened bread came out. Alas, the middles were still doughy, and nothing was salvageable. Lesson learned.

Fortunately, the food here is fantastic! (Have I mentioned that before?)

More pics

A short break as we hiked up to the Druid last week.



Posing on the Deep Springs firetruck with pals, Percy, Mac, and Zeke.



Some of the horses on the ranch. Many more will be coming back this Wednesday after the cattle drive.



Newsflash: piglets were born yesterday! We haven't yet visited them, though. Yesterday, we did take a nice drive along the DS dirt (read sand) road toward Deep Springs lake, where the cattle are being dropped off via trailer. It was beautiful and wild and amazingly enough there's enough water for grass to grow and form a meadow. We watched little desert rabbits jump across the road, and we stopped at a cowboy camp marked by flagpole, camper, and outhouse.

After dinner, we joined in games of Banagrams and Sets. Binbin put on his game face and shouted and giggled until it was time for ice cream at Amity's place. He gave high marks to the homemade Andes Mint.

Pics!

Binbin and friends at the Druid, east of the college, at the top of the valley rim.



The circle.



Binbin ready to head out for a feed run.

New Sights and Sounds

Thursday afternoon, the work crew digging out a water line in our front/back yard took a break at 3:30 for a puppy party. The farmer’s border collie had a litter three days’ before, so Binbin jumped in the van with a handful of guys to drive out there for some puppy therapy. There were seven adorable furballs, eyes still shut. Binbin had one in his lap, squirming and vulnerable, licking about. The lowered blood pressure and the raised happiness quotient was palpable. Was it Charlie Brown who connected Happiness with being with a Dog?

On a couple of early morning walks, I heard sounds new to me. The first was the rustled crunching of about 60 sheep grazing in the fields. Fluffy lawnmowers making slow progress from east to west. The second, this morning, the noisy groans of cows come back to the valley. When I returned to the BH, the cowboys explained to me that about 17 cows had to be separated from their calves, which were being held in a different pen. Apparently, they weren’t so vocal about the separation yesterday, but now, well, the trauma is audible.

The project of digging up the pipe has been dramatic. Binbin likes to hang out watching, and helping, to the extent that that is possible. We try to finish up school work in short spurts, in between his doing the rounds, checking on the guys’ progress. Progress is visible, but it hasn’t been easy. Twice, the propane line running the same course as the water line has been ruptured. Yesterday the rupture was somewhat alarming, as the whispery sound of escaping gas was quite loud. The smell was awful to us, but apparently the flies love it, mistaking it for carrion. It’s a weird sight to see: hundreds of flies buzzing crazily at a broken pipe.

It’s beginning to be fall here, and so we see clouds regularly in what used to be a blue dome overhead. The clouds brought significant rain yesterday, and a mighty wind kicked up in the pass. Jack and Binbin had gone along the weekly student errand run into town. As the exited Westguard Pass, they saw the propane guy driving the other direction, toward Deep Springs. They waved.

More cattle will be driven back on Wednesday. Apparently it’s quite a sight, and we’re planning to have a look at lunchtime.

90s Reunion Weekend

Deep Springs' alumni from the 1990s and their families started arriving Friday afternoon, and by evening, Binbin had a whole slew of new playmates to run around and wreak havoc with. With pal Mac and his brother Zeke, Binbin quickly formed a little boy trio. They lord it over the ants, attack hay bales with their stick-swords, and thrust ill-advised challenges at the students.

Yesterday morning, with Mac and members of his family, we hiked up to the Druid, an immense boulder that watches over the valley from his perch on the eastern rim. After leaving the sand road to the upper reservoir, we trekked across the sandy desert scrub populated with puncture weed and other hard-scrabble, future tumbleweed types. Then, as the valley rose, we scrabbled up rough rocks, following cairns where we could and improvising as inspiration hit. From the Druid, we could see the college and farm, and much of the valley spread before us. The sun beat down, and the air was dry as usual. But an occasional breeze and the forgiving morning temps made the hike not too trying. At the top, Mac and Binbin played hide-and-seek among the giant fingers of boulders, a wild and beautiful playground for these lucky guys. Gravity was on our side going down, and the smell of bacon kept us moving. Dewey has been cooking up a feast for the alum, and we benefit alongside them.

In the hot afternoon, we walked back up the sandy road to the upper reservoir for one of the most refreshing swims I have ever experienced. A couple of quick dips was all it took for Binbin to perk up and join in the building of an informal dam with the other kiddos.

Riding 'round the ranch

Lately, Binbin has been going out to give feed to the horses, pigs, and chickens with the feed man. Feeding the critters is only part of the job, though. The first time, they came back with just four eggs, but the after lunch run today produced about 10 or 20 (according to Binbin’s count). That’s rewarding, but so too is the ride out and back in the back of one of the many pick-ups on the ranch.

A more unusual vehicle here is the pedi-cab that the cook uses to transport his dog back and forth from Henderson Station about 2 miles down the highway. The pedi-cab, is a 3 wheeler contraption with seating area affixed to the steering. The cook graciously gave the green light for a ride down to the fields and back before dusk yesterday evening. It’s got kind of touchy steering, and it’s slow-going through the softer, deeper pockets of sand, but that’s part of the charm.

now that's old

Behind Binbin is one of the oldest living things on earth, an ancient bristlecone pine tree! Some of the oldest individuals in the Methuselah Grove, where we went hiking this morning, are known to be over four thousand years old! They grow at altitudes around 8000 to 10,000 feet above sea level in a crushed dolomite, nutrient poor soil. Incredibly, some may suffer from fire, soil erosion, and sacrifice a part of themselves so that another part continues to live.

From our high vantage point, we could see much of the impressive Sierra range to the west beyond the Owens Valley. And, we could see nearby Deep Springs Valley, which is our temporary adopted home, a little green oasis in a dusty bowl. Last night, as we peered to the east after sunset, we could see a magnificent lightening storm happening in far, far away Nevada.

We’ve heard about Hurricane Irene even farther east, and we hope our friends are managing to keep dry. We miss you.

Cream, Mmmmm

A couple days ago, I started my morning by stirring a thick, nearly solid spoonful of cream into my coffee. Jack spread the rest of this heavenly stuff on toast with jam. Does life get better than this? Most of our milk, cream, and other dairy products come from the udders of Ruth and Lilith and the daily labor of the dairy boys who milk at 4 am and 4 pm. The dairy boys let us come and watch Thursday afternoon, as they dished up some grain, added more hay to the feeding area, topped off the water trough, then cleaned the bovine ladies, and milked them. Frothy, fresh milk poured out for the dairy boys whose calloused hands worked with enviable efficiency. I managed a single, small pitcher, as Binbin looked on. He also watched the separator produced two streams of cream and milk. When Ruth and Lilith were done, the boys checked in on the leffies (Ruth and Lilith’s most recent progeny), Boyd and Oliver. Then, we headed back to the Boardinghouse with the afternoon’s goods.

Deep Springs

After spending a couple of days camping at Bryce Canyon National Park, we arrived at Deep Springs last Saturday afternoon. I can hardly convey what an amazing place this is. Here is what is it to drive in.

We came in from the east, crossing from Nevada into California through a mountain pass, probably on the order of 6000 feet above sea level. The approach to the college took us down easy switchbacks, and what we saw was a valley floor, dusty and brown desert, with a single green patch, as if we were in a massive sand trap aiming for a tiny green. The ranch entrance isn't marked like your typical elite college or university with highly visible signage. There is a dusty (of course) gate, a box for a missing visitors' log book, then a row of stout trees lining the dirt road between alfalfa fields. The road leads to a circle, populated with soccer goals, balls, and frisbees. Several buildings sit around the circle, most notably the main building, with library, offices, guest quarters, and a living room.

We settled in the boarding house, or BH, which includes the kitchen, dining hall, our apartment, and meat hanger. Yes, meat hanger. On Monday (I think it was), we took a detour from our trip into the Bishop, the local metropolis, to watch a cow being butchered. Binbin was fascinated, as were we. Four guys with knives and the traces of blood and entrails staining their clothes, removed the insides into a bucket loader and then proceeded to separate the hide from the carcass. After the hide was completely separated (about an hour or so), we headed into town for some shopping. We are still close to that creature, as it ages beneath our apartment, which now buzzes with the operations of the cooler.

We have learned so much in our days here that it's hard to get it all out. I had meant to write about the dairy boys, yesterday's 4 pm milking, and the delicious raw milk and cream that Ruth and Lilith provide. I'll get that in soon.

Another day is dawning in the valley, the cool breezes will soon cede to the mighty sun here.

crazy landscape

Quick update:
We drove through Rocky Mountain National Park yesterday morning. Highest elevation was over 12,000 feet, and boy did we all feel it. Even Binbin complained of a tummy ache and tired out quickly. The views were spectacular, and the air a cool 55 degrees. A storm blew through and by lunchtime we were picnicking under the sunshine.

The afternoon was hot and dry and hot as we drove along the headwaters of the mighty Colorado River. Our evening destination, just minutes before the park closed was the campground of Colorado National Monument. Here's a photo from our hike this morning along the Canyon RIm.



We're now cleaning ourselves up in Cedar City, Utah. We're heading out to Bryce tomorrow morning. We hope you all are enjoying the summer, and we'll post again soon.

Into the wild

We are about get back on the road for a few days, for this of you who have been waiting for new news of our cross coutry drive. We left Rcokford last Friday. Morning in the wee hours. Binbin noted the amber moon hung low in the western sky before falling back to sleep around 4:30 am or so. sunrise came at 6:17 in the Iowa sky, rolling hills of corn beside us, and news of the Republican candidates banter.

we pulled into Grand Island, Nebraska mid afternoon. ...More on that later...

We need to get the food packed, Jack informs. We will be camping in Colorado Ntional Monument and Bryce Canyon Ntional Park these next several days. We hope to pull into Deep Springs on the 19th, and have Internet access again then.

In the midwest

We're about 1/3 of the way across the country, and we've stopped in to visit Yeye and Nainai in Rockford, Ill. The weather has cooled off considerably, making it very pleasant for local outings.

Here with Yeye at the Boone County Fair:



Then with Nainai at the Anderson Japanese-style gardens:

Got Moxie?

Last weekend, Lisbon put on its annual Moxie festival, celebrating the state's favorite soft drink. Saturday morning started bright and early with the kids fun run! At 7 am, the race began. Here we are milling around at the start.



And, they're off! Binbin a blur of Moxie orange.



He's into the home stretch...



Finishing at a blistering pace. 3:11

wee weekend warrior

This weekend, we had our annual Moxie party, celebrating along with our little town the soft drink that tastes like root beer with an edge. That means, as I can hardly believe, that 2011 is already half over! Where does the time go?

Yeye and Nainai are visiting, and while Moxie isn't their favorite beverage (a nice Pinot or a sauvignon blank from Marlborough is preferable), they joined the fun. This morning, Jack and Jack and Binbin paddled down the mighty Androscoggin in the annual chief Worumbo canoe and kayak race. We had excellent weather with a nice downriver breeze. They finished the 6 mile course in 67:10, which we hoped would be good enough to take 3rd in the 100+ category (ages of the folks in the boat added together is greater than 100), but it seems that there are many spry couples in their 50s, and a trio in their 40s make better time, too. Still, we all had a good time.

Three generations of Klines in a boat:



Crossing the finish line:



Binbin has started swim lessons at the Y. With much enthusiastic encouragement from friend Coco, he was lured away from the wall. Here, the two take oodles of noodles to make a makeshift floatie:



Way back in the merry month of May, we marked Mother's Day with a day with the local minor league team, the Seadogs. Afterwards, kids were invited to run the bases. Binbin waits with pal Cam for their turn:



Way, way back in the depths of winter, Binbin picked up some B-ball skills. Not the best photo, but that's him with back to the camera.

Summer Days Are Here Again

Binbin's summer vacation began just over a week ago, and while it's taken us awhile to get used to the new routine, he didn't miss a beat. Yesterday, the first day of summer, was in his words, "a busy day." Yup. It began with climbing camp at the Maine Rock Gym in Portland. He and his pal Emma have been bouldering and traversing and crab walking their way up and around the walls. I think that we may have convinced him that "camp" isn't a bad word.

Yesterday also marked the kick-off for the library's summer reading program. The kiddies laughed and squealed to the hilarious antics of a juggler-unicyclist-magician. They had so much fun that, unfortunately from the mom's perspective, the whole idea of books got pushed to the sidelines. Well, there's always next Tuesday to get us off to a second start.

Finally, Binbin's t-ball team, the Slovaks, played Bard's. It was a beautiful warm afternoon, and after the usual three innings, his team's record stands at 0-0-12, or thereabouts. He had one solid hit, and his defensive play is improved, especially when he and Danny aren't just goofing off in the in-field.

We look forward to our first taste of strawberry season later this week. Happy Summer!

fun runner

On May 1, Binbin ran his first fun run. Sponsored by Coastal Youth Orchestra, the fun run was a full mile. Here's our budding runner headed to the finish with speed and determination written on his face.



Yes, that's me in bright pink, running back-up, just in case of emergency. After all, thought I, this is the first time that Binbin has ever run so far! No emergencies, fortunately. For running, Binbin received:

a coastal youth orchestra t-shirt
a coupon for free Ben and Jerry's cone
two juices
a cereal bar
a plush toy, a little grey kitty, which he has named Scurry
a boost of pride and confidence

iPad iPhotos

Not long before my birthday, way back in March, apple computer announced opening day sales for the iPad. We all zipped down to the mall after school, and got in line. Lots of conversations with our neighboring apple enthusiasts and an hour and a half later, I received the gizmo for my birthday.

Since then, Binbin (more than anyone else, naturally) has effortlessly embraced the technology and joyfully experimented with its photographic possibilities. First, the straightforward, old technology. Portrait of Binbin on St. Patrick's Day...



Now, the fun stuff. Kaleidoscopic Binbin...



This, and many others like it were taken one afternoon with Baba. Since the iPad has two cameras, you can choose your expressions and capture them accurately. Monkey see, monkey do, monkey snaps a picture.

More light

Days are longer, trees are deepening their green, and flowers are blooming. There are times, though, when I still find myself wearing two layers of fleece, and the thick fur Laplander hat around the house to stay warm. Binbin, though, is transitioning to T-shirts and sandals. And, after he picked out a new wind-breaker (medium blue, no patterns thank you), he has let go of his puffy jacket.

Yesterday was "opening day," for the Lisbon Junior Athletic League, which runs T-ball and softball in our area. Although we had hoped to place Binbin on the same team as Chase and Aidan, he is as happy as a clam being on the Slovaks team. Coaches Kevin and Ben provide good direction (little Owen is apt to bat and run to the pitcher's mound), and Kevin's wife Amanda makes sure that the team huddles up and cheers before and after games. Also, I should add that, in terms of fashion, the Slovak colors, black and white, are among Binbin's favorite, and Jack liked the crest motif on their T-shirts.

On the baseball front, we attending our first Seadogs game of the season. Though they lost to New Britain, Binbin and his buddy Cam and his sister Sarah were rewarded for their 9-innings' of patience with an invitation to run the bases. They and about 500 other kids ran their hearts out, from left field down the third baseline, then around the bases and back out to their phone-camera bearing parents. Although the clouds rolled in around the 7th inning, there was no rain. From left field, we beheld perfectly thick green grass and very happy kids.

Last Monday, kindergarten wasn't in session, but Binbin went to chess club after school. He came home, with an enormous grin on his face, reporting that he beat a fifth-grader! He used the classic four-move checkmate on the unsuspecting upperclassman. Apart from that, he won some and he lost some, and he'll be back for more.

He's got a new set of wheels, bicycle wheels with trainers, for the season. Binbin has always been wary of speed, and he is slowly building up confidence. Fortunately, the kitty-korner store has slushies, which are a good incentive for getting out there again when the sun returns.

One more month of school. I can hardly believe how quickly the time has passed. Where did it go?

All 16 lights are on. Full energy.

Binbin has been in fourth gear learning, it seems, more and more quickly every day. He has quickly advanced from knowing, for example, how all the individual pieces in chess move to seeing and judging better moves from worse.

On the reading front:

We are on the verge of transitioning from a mixture of picture books, comic books, easy readers, and chapter books to classics. One afternoon, Binbin started gathering what he called "big boy books" from his old bedroom bookshelf and bringing them down by the armfuls into the living room. He showed us each title, and based on whether Jack or I or both of us had read it, Binbin sorted them into 3 piles. Out of the multiple piles, he selected Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book as his new nighttime reading. The quality of vocabulary, crafting of prose was immediately apparent.

What Binbin has learned: the meanings of words such as "thy" "thee" "thine" and "ye."

What we have learned: classics work make good bed-time reading.

On the math front:

What Binbin has learned: Using two 20-sided dice, Binbin is now doing addition requiring "carrying over," and doing this with more consistency. He rolls the two dice, which determine the numbers to be added. We write 4 problems down to make a set. Binbin does the adding, I check his work.

What I have learned: Adding is way more fun when 20-sided dice are involved.

april showers

We're getting some of that wild and crazy weather that happens when the earth starts tilting to spring in the northern hemisphere. That means almost alternate days of running around in shorts and of shoveling snow off the driveway.

This weekend, the perfect blend of warm sunshine and lots of snow came together for us at Sunday River. We piled into a studio condo at the base, and spent Friday and Saturday skiing the slopes. Binbin started off on easy greens, especially Broadway near the magic carpet. It wasn't long, though, before he graduated to more challenging and newer terrain. (I should acknowledge Jack's saintly patience working with Binbin to get himself down a run ironically called "Dream-maker.") With Chris as our guide and Cooper as Binbin's inspiration on Saturday, we made the crossing from North Peak way over to the east side, where Binbin coasted down Green Cheese and Moonstruck. On his last run of the weekend, he following Chris' big, easy turns all the way down Monday Mourning.

That brings us to this Monday morning, which began with a crack of thunder, a 90-second downpour, and a brief power outage. Tulips and crocuses are pushing their way through the gravelly soil, and...what's that sound...birdsong cheers them on. It's spring.

Brief report on Binbin:

He and Jack have gotten the green light to join the chess club at Lisbon Community School.
Cooper couldn't believe that a kindergartner, our Binbin, knew the word "desperately" and knew about vitamins.
After a visit to the Kuceras, Binbin brought home a DVD of anime (Cooper is a Japanophile) and the book "Everyone Poops".
A trail of Binbin's legos now meanders through just about everyone room in the house.
Once a week now, Binbin is part of a group that meets with Mrs. Thomas for more in-depth academic work. Last week, they worked on narrative development of a story fragment concerning five barefoot monsters from Santa Cruz.
We're reading Stephen and Lucy Hawking's book about George's Cosmic Treasure Hunt.
Binbin has mastered the snowplow skiing technique.
While not paying attention to Jack's reading of the Hawking book, Binbin's mind wandered to a laugh-out-loud scene from "Shaun the Sheep."

April vacation is coming up next week, and perhaps sometime then, we'll have some pictures to post for you die-hard readers.

Officially spring

Our first full day of spring in Maine brings a snowstorm, naturally. Mother Nature had me completely fooled, though. Last Friday afternoon saw the mercury climb to 70 degrees, so after picking Binbin up from school, we stopped at Food City to pick up some popsicles. Binbin picked out a box of Bomb Pops and one of rainbow push-ups. He had one of each immediately! Later, when Amy came over to play, he ate two more. The Bomb Pops were a definitely hit. Amy and he would take bite before setting the pops down in the bowls so that they could run through the house frantically waving their arms and shouting, "I surrender! I surrender!" Surrender to what, you ask. Surrender to the Bomb Pops.

Binbin has been honing his chess skills, and can now with just a little coaching from Baba, completely cream me. He also has all the chess lingo down, from en passant to bad bishop. He also showed me how to stack a pawn on top of a rook in order to make a second queen.

He now reads with proficiency, and can write pretty well, too. Last week, I wanted him to work on some abacus puzzles, but he got frustrated. I was disappointed in him, and told him so. He scampered off with a sheet of paper and a pen. Five minutes later, he handed me an illustrated letter:

"Dere Mom I do not want to do it can I save it for latre Pleese mom. love Sebastien"

The picture was what I call Binbin's ur-composition. It shows a two-story house with a staircase connecting the first floor to the second. He and I are sitting at the table, while Jack is in the garage.

A few minutes later, he delivered a second letter:

"Dere mom I love you mom you are the best mom in the hol intiyre wrold."

The picture shows Binbin and me holding hands. Assorted hearts with and without arrows through them provide visual accents.

I love this kid, even when we're both cranky and ornery.

no shadow...

that's for sure. So, we're home for a snow day due to the inclement weather. That's an understatement. I think it's an epic storm, and we're in for snow until 5 a.m. tomorrow morning! If any groundhogs popped up for a look, they would be hard-pressed to see even the slightest ray of sunshine. The hopeful news, a shortened winter (if you can believe that).

So, as promised, some pics (since we're snowbound).

First, Binbin's storm trooper mini-figures taking the Rolls for a spin at Yeye and Nainai's basement.



Next up, one of many rounds of Memoir '44. Even Mama (who is war-history-averse) learned this game and rather enjoys it.



Binbin bundled up and ready for snow action. I can't remember if it was sledding or skiing.



Here he is, just off the chairlift at Lost Valley with his teacher Johnny.



And, wearing the peels of one of Mama's favorite fruits (the pommelo).



We've spent a good part of this morning cleaning the house, getting ready for the new year. As I said to Binbin, we take care of our house together, and our house will take care of us. We're grateful especially on days like today!

slip sliding away

Every now and then, Binbin gets a chance to watch network television. Most recently, that opportunity has come with NFL playoff games, and he is quick to tune into his favorite commercials. One of them features clips of automobiles slipping and sliding down snowy roads. That image springs to mind as we brace ourselves for another blizzard and school closure tomorrow. The phrase, "slip sliding away," also serves well for our losing track of time.

Since Binbin's birthday party, so much has happened and he has grown so much. Some of the changes are physical—his first wiggly tooth. Other changes are of the mind—he reads and writes with increased proficiency. Yet other changes are of the whim—favorite activities now include practicing math on the abacus, playing chess and checkers, lunch-time protein strike. He is, as ever, interested in watching Avatar and reading Harry Potter and playing with legos. Since Christmas and Santa Claus' favor, he may now also indulge in games of Memoir '44 and Pocket Frogs (the latter on iPad). He went downhill skiing for the first time last Sunday, at our local Lost Valley resort. It was physically challenging, but he liked it enough to ask for another lesson.

We've got loads of snapshots just waiting to be downloaded, then uploaded. The perfect activity for a snowday. We'll squeeze it in between house-cleaning and cooking for Chinese New Year.