R.I.P. Grandaddy

My Grandaddy died at age 96 yesterday. He had a girlfriend, a house with a hot tub and a fast car. He loved nice cars and driving fast. Too fast. I've been thinking about the day he showed me how to widdle a dogwood tree branch into a tooth brush and how he looked like a little boy when he tipped his head back for a nap. And how sometimes his temper got the best of him -- especially on the golf course. And his voice and his stories and his colloquialisms. And cold cucumbers, sweet tea and fried chicken at his Sunday table. His humor and his intelligence and his bottomless optimism and how tight he would hug me to himself to say hello or goodbye or I love you.

The Center
With all us Grandchildren

Not a dry eye

If you know me even a little then there's a good chance you've seen me cry. I've embraced my tendency toward tears and have found many worthy weeping opportunities of late.

For one, The International Festival at Ella Rae's school in all its idyllic glory, where 32 countries are represented in the student body.

Flag ceremony
Pretty in pink
Beloved teacher and best friends
Ballet Folklórico
Attentive brothers
More tears shed during The Grapes of Wrath at Zach Theatre. Janelle Buchanon, A+ classroom parent and "the heart of this production" set a new bar for strong female characters with her portrayal of Ma Joad. I've never read Steinbeck's novel but the majority of the dialogue was taken directly from the text. The language is folksy and full of force. Nothing like a dust bowl saga to put the current economic climate in perspective.

My hero Ma Joad and brood
Last but not least Wilco's live recording of California Stars took me for a teary-eyed ride. The lyrics written by American folk legend Woody Guthrie and music composed by Wilco and Billy Bragg wash over you like a warm wave. Just a few days after this goodness gush I heard news of the untimely death of Jay Bennett, musical genius and former member of Wilco. Our friend Don, who shared musical collaboration and a roof with Jay eloquently wrote about his life for the press and on his blog Greedy Love. Certainly I'm not the first or the last to feel deep emotion while listening to this song, or the many others that Jay Bennett helped coax out and set free during his time on earth.

Jay and Woody

Memorial Day

Thank you Dad and the many like you that have faithfully served our Country.

Fred S. White -- Vietnam
purple heart and sandbags

The Dirt

This special mix of compost, granite and soil is destined for the backyard berm. Mr Mooks big and little are smitten. Big Mr Mooks wistfully uttered "isn't it pretty." As for Mr Mooks little....

gemme 10!
joy + drool = mud kings of the hill

Happy Mama

Mamarama weekend included....

*Ella Rae's gymnastics performance and award ceremony! You rock Hotshot!!!
*Construction site play and pilfer. We couldn't resist a few souvenirs (rebar, pipe, rock).
*Late night dinner prepared with great skill and love by Mr Paparama (farm raised lamb chops, roman artichokes and oliver hill shiraz).
*Sleep in and killer breaky.
*Hamilton Pool hike, swim and multiple water moccasin sightings.
*Good tunes and interior mexican food at Polvos.

Lemonade and Crystal Sale

and other images. Ella Rae and her pal Citlalli each banked $14 and change. Next entrepreneurial endeavor Pizza and Biscuits.

advertising
setting up shop
hearts
more digging

Sleepers

I feel so "home on the range" when I look at my chickens asleep in the same bed. The upper bunk is cushy and warm but for these precious, numbered nights, big sis demonstrates that the bed is too big without little brother.

...(whistling ensues) where seldom is heard a discouraging word and the skies are not cloudy all day....

Smash

The original owner of our house built a concrete ping pong table specially equipped to accommodate his disability. He was crippled due to injuries acquired in World War II. The subsequent owner (a contemporary of R Crumb) used the concrete table for art projects. Our gang has enjoyed the slab too for messy creative play and picnics but the time has come to make way for native grass and a hugantic blow up pool.

hunky hubby sludgehammer time
rubble

Creepy Crawlers

Ella's first grade class just completed their study of the Tribolium Beetle life cycle. Ella brought home her specimens which include a live beetle and larvae in a plastic cup. This project has inspired a fascination with little critters dead and alive.

Lizard Carcass
Carcass with Skink Tail

Palaestra for Preschoolers

Cy proudly gave buddy Austin a tour of his Preschool.

Balance Beam
The Pit
Trampoline
Trampoline hair
Swimming pool

"Mama, are you the Easter Bunny?"

A fair question considering the tooth fairy failed to provide a "picture or self portrait" along with cash money under Ella's pillow as requested. I explained that she was free to believe whatever she wanted but that the Jones family party line is strictly RABbiT -- especially where little brothers are concerned. Obviously the urge to believe in mythical characters is powerful and so our girl decided to suspend disbelief for another year.

Colored eggs and hair
Khaki and Clancy's Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch epitomizes Austin hospitality.

The Hunt

Cascarones aka confetti egg response

Plate of Bacon

Pineapple Pinata of course
off season santa

Farewell Marvelous March Madness

March gets a gold star for being the best month of the year in my book. A few reasons why this March is no exception....

Standing NUMBERO UNO: Cy was conceived in March! During the Fighting Illini's Final Four tournament no less.
2. South by Southwest! I found that the joy diet of good music permeates every interaction you have all over town. Good times include The Mother Hips (of course), nothing like seeing the college band you fell madly, deeply in love with still playing music after all these years. AND The Hold Steady, think a youngish Woody Allen does post punk encouraged by a very enthusiastic fan base. Mr Mooks was my charming date. I always feel like he's my boyfriend again when we see live gigs together. He grieved his press pass of yesteryear but managed to enjoy himself with the peons this time around. Picture from the East side day party experience...
3. Houston Road Trip with the Perez's: We adore spending time with C and C. They generously showed us around their old stomping grounds. Good times include talking uninterrupted, the Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, a drive by the prep school where Rushmore (one of my all time fav films) was shot, roman artichokes at Da Marco (a dish I hope to master) and Soul Food at The Breakfast Klub.
4. Domestic Bliss: To ease sibling rivalry we've created a little top bunk oasis for Ella. Mookie and Zito are welcome playmates. As for Cyrus, he is technically not even allowed on the ladder.