Will, Lyra, Eva Ready for Their First Day of the New School Year
Via iPad
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Funny Drink Names
We had a really fun weekend in Richmond with Mom, Dad, Frank and Family and Cherie and Family. Major parts of the weekend involved going out to dinner as a party of 9 children and 5 or 6 adults. Apparently, during that time, Will has been studying the wine and beer lists in search of interesting literary observations. Here is what he found:
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Will Phelps ate: Sun, Aug 21, 2011 at 8:51 PM
Subject: Funny Drink Names
To: Daddy
Cc: Mommy
I will start with the Chardonnay
From: Will Phelps ate: Sun, Aug 21, 2011 at 8:51 PM
Subject: Funny Drink Names
To: Daddy
Cc: Mommy
I will start with the Chardonnay
Fat Bastard Chardonnay
Naked Chardonnay
These are obviously funny but this one is just weird
WONGO DONGO??? What?
These two are funny because of pronunciation
Hoegaarden pronounced Ho Garden I don't want to know what goes on in that garden!
And
Yuengling pronounced youngling A beer fully endorced by the Jedi council as the top alcoholic beverage for training padewans
These are just amusing
High and Hell Watermellon
And
Bells 2 Hearted Ale
"Guinness Irish Stout, For the stout Irishman within us all".
I came up with all of this this weekend. And these are all real names.
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, August 20, 2011
For you Broadway lovers, Will doing Book of Mormon
I was talking to some friends about Will's love of Broadway, so he recorded this demo in a restaurant mens' room to show them. You need to turn the sound up. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVXqYDJxvUA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Via iPad
Via iPad
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Can't wait to try this Strawberry Ice Box Cake! http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/dessert/summer-recipe-nobake-strawberry-icebox-cake-117900
All kinds of good looking recipes this week from The Kitchn and I could not resist this one! It's about 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the full recipe but that will be more than plenty for Lyra and me. There should be leftovers for Bill when he gets home tomorrow. I hope hope hope this is a "make again" because it was really easy and it looks like it would be a good pot luck dish.
Cathleenwww.givingfullcircle.orgSaturday, July 23, 2011
Beals Icecream, Portland Maine
Maine should never be 102 degrees like it was on 7/22. If it has to be that hot, my preference would be to stay in an air-conditioned venue with a crisp cocktail. Since that does not work well with a five year old, Lyra and I went to Beals for Icecream instead. It was what I would describe as local chain quality. Very good but produced in volume, not Pitango Gelato level (for Washingtonians). It was soothing, and the service was good. Lyra was very happy to get out of the heat. 
Via iPad
Lyra's View on Rural Burial Practices
(Driving in rural Maine) Lyra: Daddy, why do they have cemeteries out in the middle of nowhere? Me: Because when people here die, they need somewhere to be buried. Lyra: Why don't they just bury them in their garden? Via iPad
Friday, July 22, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
What do you think is under here?
Perhaps due to the humidity, we've found a few very creepy crawlies recently. Am I crazy for posting in public that I found a bug in my house? I think in this weather that everyone has something! Under the green cup is a house centipede and supposedly they are beneficial for eating other insects (EEK? Does that mean we have other insects here? I've not seen any but maybe this is why...) and supposedly house cats are good for keeping the centipedes at bay. Our cats CLEARLY are falling down on the job. Noelle is only interested in things that fly and KC is only interested in his food bowl.
It is getting expensive to pay Lyra her $1 "finder's fee" to spot these and Will his $5 fee to execute the hit. Fortunately for my pocketbook, I found this one myself. I called Bill at work but he did not come home so I resorted to the age-old housewive's solution to "save" the bug for him. Bill did come home eventually and dispatch it (we were thinking catfish might eat it but no way was I going to be the server). To my eyes, this this thing was gigantic but Bill said it wasn't really. Here is the most hilarious and, I believe, accurate description of these creepy crawlies....don't you agree? I found it on WikipediaIn 1902, C.L. Marlatt, an entomologist with the United States Department of Agriculture wrote a brief description of the house centipede:
Now I am going to take a shower....It may often be seen darting across floors with very great speed, occasionally stopping suddenly and remaining absolutely motionless, presently to resume its rapid movements, often darting directly at inmates of the house, particularly women, evidently with a desire to conceal itself beneath their dresses, and thus creating much consternation.[2]
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Return of the Catfish
We bought this catfish when he was teeny. His disappeared for years and we assumed he was dead, but really he was just down in the bottom of the pond GROWING. He is now the largest thing in the pond by far.
This fish generated all kinds of amusing discussion on our neighborhood listserv when I posted an inquiry about what catfish eat (we have no more tadpoles) and whether anyone wanted to adopt him. The crazy "Jaws Cat" photo and "catfish platter" are from that listserv discussion. I made this video to show off the fish and didn't think it would be complete without those photos. Thank you, Wayne!
So can anyone tell what kind of catfish this is? I don't want to release him into the wild unless he's a native species. Anyone want to adopt him? Please? I know catfish can be yummy but I don't want to eat him. I mean, look at him! EEEEEWWW! I don't even want my cat to eat him.
This fish generated all kinds of amusing discussion on our neighborhood listserv when I posted an inquiry about what catfish eat (we have no more tadpoles) and whether anyone wanted to adopt him. The crazy "Jaws Cat" photo and "catfish platter" are from that listserv discussion. I made this video to show off the fish and didn't think it would be complete without those photos. Thank you, Wayne!
So can anyone tell what kind of catfish this is? I don't want to release him into the wild unless he's a native species. Anyone want to adopt him? Please? I know catfish can be yummy but I don't want to eat him. I mean, look at him! EEEEEWWW! I don't even want my cat to eat him.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Tasting Notes: 2004 Greenock Creek Alices Shiraz
This is another of the premium Australian wines we picked up from Circle Wines Aussie liquidation sales earlier this spring. It is hard to understand why there was any challenge selling this wine. Hardcore Francophiles would probably think this wine is too fruit driven, but for people who enjoy California or Australian wines, it is amazing. There are layers and layers of taste - in the nose, on the palate and in the finish. The fruit is rich, but it is structured and balanced. The fruit is balanced by a degree of earthiness that allows the wine to go as well with food as it does for standalone drinking nirvana. On my personal five point scale, this is a five point wine. Drinking it is like admiring a great painting that keeps revealing more the longer you look at it. I love drinking wines like this because they help define the spectrum of great wine, and the experience of drinking stunning wine. 
Via iPad
Monday, July 04, 2011
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Lyra is actually practicing without being reminded...
And when an I going to have a turn on the piano??? 
www.givingfullcircle.org
www.arlingtonchildrenschorus.org Sent from my iPhone
Cathleen
www.phelpslore.wordpress.comwww.givingfullcircle.org
www.arlingtonchildrenschorus.org Sent from my iPhone
Lyra Deadlifting at CrossFit
My five year old being a role model for her Dad. 
Sent from Bill Phelps' iPhone
New (Old) Toy - 1992 Porsche 911 Targa
New member of the Phelps fleet. Cath has her red Mini. Now I have my own red toy. Can't wait to get it to the race track. 
Sent from Bill Phelps' iPhone
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
It is a freezing cold day but we are at the pool having ice cream anyway.
Lyra is clearly having fun although Will and I are ready to go home.
www.givingfullcircle.org
www.arlingtonchildrenschorus.org Sent from my iPhone
Cathleen
www.phelpslore.wordpress.comwww.givingfullcircle.org
www.arlingtonchildrenschorus.org Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
One of the best things about summer is getting to do projects like this!
I had promised Lyra a bracelet ages ago. Today, a fit of decluttering turned up some beading supplies I'd forgotten about. Making the bracelet was our reward for cleaning up am ancient pile of stuff in my room. Lyra us a happy girl! (and check out her manicure...) 
www.givingfullcircle.org
www.arlingtonchildrenschorus.org Sent from my iPhone
Cathleen
www.phelpslore.wordpress.comwww.givingfullcircle.org
www.arlingtonchildrenschorus.org Sent from my iPhone
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Wine Notes: Wolf Blass 2004 Platinum Label Barossa Shiraz
This was another gem from the Circle Liquors Aussie wine sale. I would put it at a 4 on my 5 point scale (where a 2 is about an 87 on the Parker scale). Very rich classic Australian Shiraz flavor. Fruit driven, but with structure and not sweet tasting. We had it with burgers, but it would have been as good with a juicy steak. 
Via iPad
Lyra LOVES Monkey Bars, I Think She is Another Future Rock Climber
When Lyra is on the monkey bars, we have do do regular palm inspections. She already has callouses, but will keep playing until she gets new blisters, and they pop. Then she wants band aids and tape, so she can KEEP playing. She keeps pushing herself to skip bars, and has a new thing where she will jump from the start to the farthest bar she can reach. Sort of proto dynoing. We need to get her to the climbing gym this summer.
Via iPad
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Lyra's Super Cute Beach Bunny Ballet Costume
Lyra has been in a ballet class for little girls. She had a recent beach themed performance, complete with beach balls. The studio also had professional photos taken that are pretty good, but I think this one is better. She had a great time, and I think will be going back for more dance. 
Via iPad
Marina Diamandis, Marina & the Diamonds, 9:30 Club, DC
Bad iPhone photo, but great show. Marina has not 'hit' yet in the US, but she is very popular in the UK. A little like Lily Allen, or like a contemporary Kate Bush (more pop though). First club show for Will and Eva. Will liked it, Eva was a little intimidated by the crowd, and the volume. I think my ears are already shot enough that I need to feel the music, not so much with Eva. Marina is a powerful singer, and enthusiastic entertainer. She deserves a bigger following here. 
Via iPad
Friday, June 17, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Scooters di Roma - Corso Vittorio
I spent a few days in Rome this past week, and had a few (too short) opportunities to walk around. Wednesday evening I had dinner at La Danesina di Annalisa Polo, near Piazza Navona. There is a taxi stand also near the Piazza on Corso Vittorio where I took these photos. It seemed like scooters, and to a lesser extent motor cycles, were more common than cars, and everyone rode them - men, women, young and old. They were ubiquitous even in heavy traffic. If I were out in Roman traffic on a scooter, I would want body armor, not shorts, but it was hot so comfort won out for most riders.
Via iPad
Thursday, June 09, 2011
These kids are So Cute!!
Cathleen
www.phelpslore.wordpress.comwww.givingfullcircle.org
www.arlingtonchildrenschorus.org Sent from my iPhone
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Disgusting!
Someone, I think Will, hid a piece of chocolate cake in a cabinet way up high. In April since that's the last time we had chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. I had bought Eva a birthday present several weeks ago and was trying to remember where I hid it. Quelle surprise! And a total waste of *really good* chocolate cake. But some day, the kids are going to grow up and leave home and it will be quiet here, and clean and free from moldy surprises. I will miss this in the years to come, I'm sure. For now, I am just glad that the food storage container seems to have a very strong seal!
Monday, June 06, 2011
Video: Arlington Children's Chorus, Festival of American Folk Music
Arlington Children's Chorus sounds GREAT! Check out the video -- Festival of American Folk Music http://t.co/0jtt1Qz via @youtube http://twitter.com/cdphelps/status/77579562661314561
Sent from Bill Phelps' iPhone
Sent from Bill Phelps' iPhone
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Lyra at the Playground, Luray, Virginia
There is no setting more suited to getting great photos of kids than a playground. Luray has a small park in the center of town with lots of good old playground equipment. The kids especially loved the see-saw, which did not have any of the modern safety features of newer versions. While all the kids played, due to some combination of their behavior and operator error with the camera, Lyra ended up best represented in decent photos. These are not as sharp as I would like. I was trying to set the shutter speed for motion blur in the background, and ended up with too much blur in the subjects. The results were also helped by the fact that (when she is in the mood) Lyra actually likes to pose for the camera, and most of these shots had her cooperation. Lyra especially loves the monkey bars, and as usual ended up with blisters on her palms. She worked hard to pose holding on with just one hand.
Via iPad
Love places like this!
Pack's Frozen Custard in New Market VA. 
www.givingfullcircle.org
www.arlingtonchildrenschorus.org Sent from my iPhone
Cathleen
www.phelpslore.wordpress.comwww.givingfullcircle.org
www.arlingtonchildrenschorus.org Sent from my iPhone
More photos of Luray Caverns in Virginia
I shot these handholding my 7D. I also tried flash, but generally did not like it. Someone smarter than me on our tour brought a tripod, but with my wife and three kids that would have been too much. And on Saturday afternoon the tour was packed. I need to go back alone at some point alone with better gear for low light. As my friend Joe Nash says, it's the difference between going somewhere and taking photos vs going somewhere TO take photos. Luray Caverns is designed for heavy tourist traffic. Our guide said 3,000 people on a heavy day. WikiPedia says 500,000 in a year (which would imply more than 3,000 on busy days in season). The path through the cave is paved, and the cave is well lit with electric lights. The guide told us they actually wash the cave formations once a year because of all the dirt introduced by the tourists. This was a far cry from our cave experience in Belize where we basically had to swim into a cave and the only light source was our headlamp and the guide's flashlight. A more significant difference from Belize was in the use of the cave by Native Americans. In Belize, where there is also a dense cave system, the caves were extensively used by the Maya. In Luray Caverns the evidence of earlier human use is very limited and inconclusive. For such a large and spectacular enclosed space this surprises me.
Via iPad
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Cave Formation, Luray Caverns, Luray Virginia
> These incredible caverns were discovered in 1878 and basically saved this little town from bankruptcy. They are about 35 acres underground and have the best cave formations I have ever seen.
Cave Formation, Luray Caverns, Luray Virginia
These incredible caverns were discovered in 1878 and basically saved this little town from bankruptcy. They are about 35 acres underground and have the best cave formations I have ever seen. Sent from Bill Phelps' iPhone
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Driving the Tesla Roadster #fire11
I could not resist the opportunity to test drive the electric Tesla Roadster this morning. It is crazy fast, handles like a go kart and the only sounds are the wind and tires. I wish I had it for the day and a long winding mountain road. The electric motor is very fast in bursts (0 - 60mph in 3.9sec), but overheats under sustained load, so unfortunately the car is not feasible to run on a race track - so no Tesla race series for the time being. Too bad because it would be great marketing. 200 mile range between charges, so an expensive toy, but one that is very fun. 
Via iPad
Monday, May 23, 2011
Photo Day for Lyra's Ballet Class
was yesterday and we took our own photo in the garden. I don't know where she got the idea to pose like this!
Lyra takes ballet at Tiny Dancers. The kids got to vote on the recital theme, the choices being (unfortunately) a bunch of Disney movie titles. Aladdin was the winner. I have never seen this movie but her class's dance has something to do with finding an oasis. The girls wear these funny little costumes with these old fashioned bathing cap things and they will be dancing to Surfin' Safari by the Beach Boys. How exactly this relates to the theme of Aladdin, I am not quite sure. I guess someone sees a connection between the Oasis and the beach but that is a big stretch for me. Personally, I would prefer actual classical ballet themes and music, but the kids do have a lot of fun and they sure are cute. Maybe things get a little more traditional in the older classes. Lyra is going to try a tap/hip hop class this summer. She *desperately* wants tap shoes, what little girl doesn't? Not a lot of hip hop fans in this household but I can't wait to see what she learns this summer. I anticipate some fun video opportunities!Saturday, May 21, 2011
Dulles Train Tunnel Photo - it's been a while since I posted a tunnel photo
Taken Thursday morning. Tweaked in Red Bullet. 
Sent from Bill Phelps' iPhone
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Travel has occasional perks. Great BBQ brisket this week at Ggode Co in Houston
I wish I had had more time for thorough sampling. 
Sent from Bill Phelps' iPhone
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Tasting Notes - Leeuwin Estate Art Series - 2000 Margaret River Chardonnay
Circle Wine & Liquors in DC is liquidating their premium Australian wines (25% off all wines over $25). I am indulging in some of the better bottles. It is really great that they have cellared some these wines for a number of years. Aged Chardonnay, typically only seen with White Burgundy, is a very special treat. This wine was only 11 years old, but it was a beautiful amber color, and the flavor had shifted from fruit toward aged mineral and earth notes. I would give this a 4/5 on my scale. It was a fantastic wine worth savoring, but lacked a little of the OMG impact of an aged white Burgundy. 
Via iPad
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Las Vegas or Rome?
Caesar's Palace copy of a Roman fountain. No gelato nearby. 
Sent from Bill Phelps' iPhone
Monday, May 02, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Lyra Woodland Fairie Photo
Lyra had some great face painting done at a friend's birthday party today. 
Sent from Bill Phelps' iPhone
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