catphelps shared an Instagram photo with you

Hi there,

catphelps just shared an Instagram photo with you:

view full image

"I think I have s plan for this alpaca (finally!), the cool hemp ponchette on Ravelry. #knitting "

Thanks,
The Instagram Team

catphelps shared an Instagram photo with you

Hi there,

catphelps just shared an Instagram photo with you:

view full image

"Here is chrysalis number 2, formed in the last couple of hours! Now we have to wait and I can't remember how long. "

Thanks,
The Instagram Team

catphelps shared an Instagram photo with you

Hi there,

catphelps just shared an Instagram photo with you:

view full image

"Progress! Wish I had something other than plastic for the top here. "

Thanks,
The Instagram Team

catphelps shared an Instagram photo with you

Hi there,

catphelps just shared an Instagram photo with you:

view full image

"Look what we found in the back yard! There was one more we let stay free. Hope he/she survived the storm. "

Thanks,
The Instagram Team

catphelps shared an Instagram photo with you

Hi there,

catphelps just shared an Instagram photo with you:

view full image

"So glad to have all my kids home! So sad Will heads off for cross country camp tomorrow morn :("

Thanks,
The Instagram Team

catphelps shared an Instagram photo with you

Hi there,

catphelps just shared an Instagram photo with you:

view full image

"Cutting corn off the cob for salad and cant stop thinking about snake skins and rattlesnake tails! I broke up the long strips because I was getting the heebie jeebies. Must suspend these thoughts til after dinner"

Thanks,
The Instagram Team

catphelps shared an Instagram photo with you

Hi there,

catphelps just shared an Instagram photo with you:

view full image

"A family tradition! Cherie, Frank and I have a photo like this of us when we were little. "

Thanks,
The Instagram Team

catphelps shared an Instagram photo with you

Hi there,

catphelps just shared an Instagram photo with you:

view full image

"Cherie and I are holed up in a hotel room in Williamsburg with FOUR kids. I know that you're thinking (and yes, wine is chilling!) but this has been a fun trip!"

Thanks,
The Instagram Team

catphelps shared an Instagram photo with you

Hi there,

catphelps just shared an Instagram photo with you:

view full image

"Of course I do not have the right needles for my new project but Kitschy Stitch to the rescue! Really beautiful selection of yarn in here too. "

Thanks,
The Instagram Team

catphelps shared an Instagram photo with you

Hi there,

catphelps just shared an Instagram photo with you:

view full image

"BBQ pit stop en route to Rehoboth!"

Thanks,
The Instagram Team

Finally finished my cami!

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

Lyra's Spring Piano Recital

Bill missed the first song but here is Lyra's second song, "Money Can't Buy Everything" AKA "Ta-Ra-Ra-Boom-De-Ay." She did a great job!

Will (and Lyra) Made a Great Chalk Dragon

I tried posting this earlier and it failed. It may be time to give up on Posterous. Hope those guys made some money, but too bad the concept fizzled out. I am envious how quickly Will can throw down some art.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Via iPad

Will & Lyra Made This Cool Sidewalk Chalk Dragon Today

Amazing how quickly Will outlined this dragon on his grandparent's driveway.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Sent from Bill Phelps' iPhone

Will's Drummer - part of today's MAESA Fair art competition

I'm not sure that Will won anything but I loved his sculpture.  He created this in art class as part of a group assignment to create a band.  Will's drummer doesn't represent anyone in particular but some of the boys in class made sculpture that represented a real person or had some other creative idea behind it (e.g., one group created a band called JB 3 - Justin Bieber, a Jonas Brother and John Brown (whose "body lies a-moulding in the grave")….that guy rattled his chains).  I had meant to photograph some of the other art on display and never got to it. I LOVE children's' art and there were some beautiful pieces that were part of this exhibit.  

I hope all these kids appreciate how lucky they are to have actual studio art classes and to have them all the way through middle school. I would have *loved* that opportunity but it was not available.  At my school elective classes ran a whole year so you had to choose between art, music, drama, etc. I remember a lot of agony over that choice.

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

Will and Lyra do the Macarena!

Lyra picked this up pretty quick!

IMG_0046.MOV Watch on Posterous

Sent from my iPhone

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

Cutest cotillion ever!

Lyras's been dying to dance all of cotillion season and she is finally getting a chance! Will has really looked after her all evening. He took her under his wing during the class dinner and shared his very enormous dessert with her. I think the girls in his grade might be impressed.

IMG_0042.MOV Watch on Posterous

Sent from my iPhone

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

Will's Homework: Draw a cartoon illustrating your knowledge of the cold war.

--
Sent with Genius Scan for iPhone.

Sent from Bill Phelps' iPhone

Easter Egg Hunt 2012: Lyra's attempts at reconnaissance are FOILED.

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

Pond Cleaning: AKA Monsters of the Deep

One of my least favorite spring activities is cleaning our small ornamental pond. It takes at least half a day, always requires a trip to the hardware store, and usually involves some injury, or at least getting wet. However, there is usually some unexpected entertainment. This year was better than most.

We always try to keep frogs(s) in our pond for their singing, and also to eat mosquito larvae. However we have been having trouble keeping the tadpoles alive, and suspect the culprit is the catfish. (See below.) Last year a friend gave us a tadpole that was a refugee from a science project. It went in the pond, and was never seen again. Low and behold, today when I pulled some of the plant containers out of the pond I saw a frog shaped blob underneath. My first thought was that it was a clay frog that had fallen in the pond, but no, it was an actual frog, and of respectable bullfrog size. Our assumption is that this is Konrad, the long lost tadpole. Of even greater interest was the capture of our catfish. Quite a number of years ago, I bought a small (like four inch long) catfish in the hope that it would eat some algae and help keep the pond clean. The catfish went in the pond, and we did not see it for several years. When we did see the catfish, it had grown considerably and was more like ten inches long. That was a couple of years ago. Now the catfish is a monster (relative to the size of the pond) over a foot long. During the summer when we feed the fish it hoovers up most of the fish food, and we suspect, any small fish we introduce to the pond. At least I know we loose a lot of fish and never see their cadavers. In catching the catfish, I relearned an important catfish anatomy lesson. They have a very sharp spike under their back fin. I was able to catch the fish and put it in bucket, but at the cost of a deep puncture would in the base of my right index finger. I am hoping catfish don't carry tetanus.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Via iPad

The Cat Fish! Our garden is the wild animal kingdom today...

As he was draining the pond, Bill caught the catfish that's been hiding in our pond for ages. I've posted about him before. This seemed a good opportunity to get a photo and see how big our fish really is. 

The first photo is OK, you can see is poor wild eyes but his tail isn't really in there. Bill thought since he'd gone through all that work to catch the fish that we should take another photo.  So we did and in the second photo, you can see the whole fish including his wild eyes and tail.  But then milliseconds after that photo was taken, the catfish slithered out of Bill's grip and began flopping all over the bridge and in the mulch trying to get back to the pond. That is the third photo.

Now I am not good with anything that scurries around and it appears that random floppiness = scurrying. I am a little embarrassed to say that I took the last picture while shrieking and jumping around. Poor Bill slid into the pond (hip waders are a good thing) and the catfish nearly flopped himself under the edge of the bridge. Mr./Ms. Fish is now recovering in a big bucket.  PHEW. 

See the full gallery on Posterous

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

Look at our Konrad, our HUGE FROG!

About 2 years ago, we took in the last surviving tadpole, Konrad, from a neighbor's science fair project. We've had a couple of Konrad sightings here and there but none for a long time....UNTIL TODAY.  Bill is cleaning the pond today and as he was draining it, he saw a very large mud-covered frog shaped thing.  We used to have a frog ornament sitting on the edge of the pond and that is what he thought it was because of its size and because we haven't seen Konrad in so long.  He poked it and what a surprise! Konrad was surprised and indignant at having his hibernation disturbed and Bill was surprised because he really didn't expect it to be a live frog. I don't know how long frogs hibernate but it must still be early because Konrad went right back to sleep.

His camouflage is quite good.  The muddy blob in the yellow circle is our froggie.  Look carefully, his folded hind legs give him away.  We are very happy Konrad will be helping with mosquito control this summer!

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

Lyra has learned if she wants me to do something, she needs to write it down.

There were actually two notes about wanting a bath, so that was very important to her. But look at the other note! How funny! And cute! And true :) Now if I can just get the other kids to write me notes instead of expecting me to keep 40,000 things in my head that are not really my responsibility, that would be helpful. Maybe Lyra can train them.

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

An amazing show - Cirque Mandinque, Roundhouse London #circusfest

We saw the most amazing acrobatic performance Friday evening at the Roundhouse in Camden Town. The Roundhouse does a series every year of 'contemporary circus' performances. I like the concept as it seems to me that circus is under appreciated as a form of performance art.

The first artist in the series this year is Cirque Mandinque - please check out the video here http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/productions/cirque-mandingue-fote-fore

The video is great, but it does not do the show justice. One of the members of Cirque Mandingue is a contortionist who does things with his body that Gumby can't do. The power and control of the acrobats makes all of the gymnasts I have seen perform look physically weak in comparison. I truly could not believe my eyes at some of the moves.

As visually stunning as the show was, the music took it from being an athletic display to an artistic display. The drumming created urgency and anticipation, and seemed to urge on the performers.

Perhaps best of all, this was truly an all ages event. Our family aged 6 to 50 loved every minute. Via iPad

Jamon Iberico and Other Treats from Borough Market London

One of my favorite things to do in a big city is visit the local food market. Some cities like Washington, DC have lots of smaller markets. Other cities like Melbourne in Australia have a huge central market. Some markets are temporary locations in a parking lot, others are large permanent halls.

Whatever the size or scope of a market, it usually provides an opportunity to experience the food culture of a city in a way that is not possible just through restaurants or traditional grocery store food.

Borough Market in London (http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/) is near the London Bridge Underground. It has a permanent location spanning several buildings, and is open Thursday - Saturday. While there are many farmers selling their produce, I would call Borough a food market more than a farm market. There is a great mix of artisans who sell food products they have made, specialist resellers of wine and other products, and of course lots of vendors of fresh produce, meat and fish. While Borough is not as big as Victoria Market in Melbourne, that is the market it reminds me of the most.

I visited on Saturday with Will, and did not spend as much time exploring as I would have liked. However, we really enjoyed the artisans, and have a variety of jams we are taking home. We also bought dinner for our last night in London, including caprese salad ingredient, delicious fresh sausage (spicy chorizo and venison with cranberries), and Jamon Iberico. The jamon came from the vendor Brindisa (http://www.brindisa.com/) and it was really special. I love pork, and if I could only eat one meat, it would win out. There are many great ways to eat pork, from pulled pork barbeque to artisan bacon to thick cut porkchops. However, in my opinion cured iberico ham, made from pigs fed on acorns and allowed to forage in the forest, is pork raised to its ultimate form. This is a relative of prosciutto and other cured (hung and air dried) hams, but it is drier than prosciutto and I think has a much richer and nuttier flavor. Brindisa has been importing Spanish food to England since 1988 and they had several varieties of Iberico ham. We bought 100g of a version that was aged for four years. It was lovingly cut by hand, and we happily devoured it at dinner last night. It was pricey at 15GBP for 100g ($108/lb) but that is probably less than it would be in the US. Of course, buying from a merchant so vested in the quality of their product is a great experience in itself.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Via iPad

Good Advice from Camden Town

Apparently the UK government warned of petrol shortages. A pub in Camden Town spoofed the recent run on petrol stations.

Via iPad

Those who cannot be trusted to act on clear and concise verbal orders...

The Imperial War Museum has an exhibit dedicated to Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery, who in addition to being the greatest British Army Officer of the 20th century, was clearly outspoken. I second his opinion here.

Via iPad

Photo by Lyra, Salisbury Cathedral

Lyra (6) started using my old Canon G10 on this trip. I was not expecting much, but she has shown a surprising eye for interesting photos. Still quite a few deletes, but then that is true for me as well. She did a great job Monday at Stonehenge, Avebury and Salisbury Cathedral.

Via iPad

Lyra on the Swing, Princess Diana Playground, Kensington Gardens

This is the best playground we have ever visited. There is a large pirate ship, slides, teepees, sandbox, tunnels, and wonderful plants and flowers. Only open to adults who are escorted by children 12 or under.

Via iPad

Lyra Doing Her Best Imitation of Priority Luggage

Lyra loves to sit on the little ledge above the luggage spot on the tube.

Via iPad

Matilda was Awesome! Hope it comes to the States soon

We read the book to Lyra to catch her up. Although the play takes serious liberties with the story, none of it is objectionable and the cast is great, full of incredibly talented kids? And Miss Trunchbull is dead on. She really does pear to throw Amanda Thripp into the playground by her pigtails!

/Cathleen

www.thephelpsfamily.blogspot.com
www.givingfullcircle.org
www.arlingtonchildrenschorus.org

Sent from my iPad

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

The Guard is starting to change over!

Love the music, very festive! You couldn't pay me to wear that hat though. I wonder how much they weigh.

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

Yesterday's adventure included Avebury Henge, Stone Henge and Salisbury Cathedral.

London Day 2: Tube adventure and the London Eye

Today we took the Tube to the Camden markets, went shopping and ate chocolate covered bananas (well, not me...who'd have thought my hatred of bananas would be good for my diet?) Eva bought presents for her friends and couple of things for herself. We are out of practice on the Tube and had to do unplanned line transfer to get to Waterloo on the way to the London Eye. but we did it without losing any children.  Lyra is enjoying playing photographer but Bill will post some her her photos later.  She has now learned not to cut people's heads off.  

The London Eye opened since we were here last and it was a lot of fun.  The view was gorgeous.  They sure do have their yield management down to a science. You can pay extra for your own car or to not have to wait in line or to combine the Eye with other attractions.  We went the econo route though since there were so many of us and itworked out just fine.  We taxied back to our flat and had take out (you guessed it) Italian food in the flat that is our home this week.  I am experimenting with the washer/dryer.  The wash is fine but the dry? Stay tuned....

See the full gallery on Posterous

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

Photos London Day 1 - so hard to do this without my normal tech set up!

I'd better get the hang of it before tomorrow or I will just be in a bad mood.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

London Day 1: Jet Lag with Children is Brutal but rallied for Hunger Games Opening!

Arrived without incident but boy were we tired.  Melatonin didn't help for the plane maybe we need to take it for longer to see eftects. Our flat is cute and in a great location. There is a little park 2 blocks from here,much to Lyra's delight. Unfortunately, it turns out finding Eva-Safe food here is not as easy as I thought it would be.  The health food craze has hit the Uk so there's a lot more yummy food than when I was here last but lots of it has nuts and seeds in it.  We will be eating a lot of Italian food.  See Lyra crashed out on the table and Eva plugged into her book. After dinner, the big kids had a second wind and we went to see the Hunger Games.  It was crowded but not like I bet it was in the US. I thought the movie was quite good and I usually hate movies of books I've read.  If you've seen it, tell me what you thought!

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

Lyra's learning about money and it's cracking me up!

I told her if she could count the change in my wallet then she could have it.  She got her book about money to be sure she was doing it right and went to work.  Shortly, she came back with a penny. 

Lyra: This is a penny, right?
Me: That's right, Lyra. 
Lyra: It's worth one cent, right?
Me: Yes, one cent.
Lyra: So if I have 19 pennies, then I have 19 cents.
Me: That's right! 
Lyra: Do I get to keep it since I counted it?
Yes, that was our deal. 

So this is the best part......Lyra gets this big smile and says "I am on my way to being RICH!"  She ran back to count the rest of the money and successfully earned $1.11 from my change purse.

Ohmygosh it was so cute and funny! I didn't have the heart to tell her she had a long way to go to being rich. Time to replenish my change before I need to feed a meter.

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

Lyra and Arthur...isn't he cute?

This little doggie is 4 1/2 months old, about the same age as my sweet little doggie niece in CA. He was so happy to see Lyra because he knows a kindred spirit when he sees one!

Cathleen
www.thephelpsfamily.blogspot.com
www.givingfullcircle.org

Sent from my iPhone

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

Why I run!

Cathleen
www.thephelpsfamily.blogspot.com
www.givingfullcircle.org

Sent from my iPhone

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

Adoption event today for Tails High

At Mindful Hands in Old Town. This is Wills favorite volunteer thing to do. And Lyra is happy to have a kitten let her hold him.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Cathleen
www.thephelpsfamily.blogspot.com
www.givingfullcircle.org

Sent from my iPhone

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

This is one way to do dips!

We never get to do dips like this in the grown up class :) Lyra picked this outfit especially for CrossFit Kids. It shows off her hyperextended elbows.

Cathleen
www.thephelpsfamily.blogspot.com
www.givingfullcircle.org

Sent from my iPhone

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

I need my purse to go her the kids but I can't bring myself to disturb him.

He came to give me moral support during bill paying and now he looks do comfy.

Cathleen
www.thephelpsfamily.blogspot.com
www.givingfullcircle.org

Sent from my iPhone

Posted via email from Cathleen Phelps

Hollywood / Highland LA - Light & Action

I'm staying at the Renaissance in Hollywood tonight and stepped out briefly after dinner to try and grab a few photos (to justify carrying my camera with me). These are all taken at the intersection of Hollywood and N Highland.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Via iPad