Warm African Dust

My book of choice for yesterday was a wonderful biography called Twenty Chickens for a Saddle.  Robyn Scott shares her memories of growing up in Botswana.  If you love Southern Africa, this book will make you smile.

My favorite part is below:


“Smell that, chaps,” said Dad, scuffing his veldskoen against the sandy track. “Nothing in the world like the smell of a dirt road in Africa.”

The cloud of dust, deep red in the rich light, hung still above the sand, glowing. Dad’s face glowed too: with the sun, and with pleasure as he inhaled loudly and gazed toward the light.

Once, on an evening walk, frustrated that I didn’t smell it too, I’d crouched down and stuck my nose right inside the dust cloud. “Just smells like dust,” I’d coughed, sneezing out a thousand tiny particles.

“When you leave Africa, Robbie—then you’ll understand about the dust.”

“There’s dust everywhere else.”

“Not like this.”

“Anyway, I’ll never leave.”

Even if I couldn’t smell the difference in the dust, as I watched the spectacular changing light—the polite thanks to the continent for tolerating the heat, sweat, and discomfort of the day—I was certain there wasn’t anywhere else I’d rather be.

“I’m sure you’ll leave,” Dad said. “But you’ll keep coming back. Can’t shake it off,” he sighing with contentment.

(Scott, Robyn (2008-03-27). Twenty Chickens for a Saddle: The Story of an African Childhood (p. 181). Penguin Group. Kindle Edition.)

I read this excerpt to an African friend the other day, and he smiled, knowing exactly what Robyn's dad meant.  

Patches in the Park

This afternoon was too gorgeous to stay inside, so I collected a sweet little lonely puppy from my sister's house and we followed a windy road to a state park.  We found a little section for ourselves, a decent distance away from the four other people in the area and put down a blanket.  

It was beautiful.  I meant to read, but between Patches and the sunshine, I found it a good time to think instead.  Sometimes, I just need to think.  And today was one of those days.  

I hooked about five leashes together to give Patches several yards of freedom.  She enjoyed it but I could tell she didn't like the limits! For a while, I felt like I was lunging a very tiny little pony as she ran laps around me, as far as the leads would let her go.  She settled next to me on the blanket a few times, but she roamed most of the time.  

She would come trotting back if she needed a drink or if she heard the rustle of anything that might be a treat for her being opened.  Patches was a very good companion for today's afternoon in the sun.

Going to the Car Wash, Baby!

Monday was an absolutely incredible day, with hot sun and a nice breeze.  I had plans to meet up with a certain Amy Jo and Co. Given the fabulous weather we decided to wash cars.  The boys got into the suds right away, and when they didn't feel we appreciated their help on my car enough, they drove their Gator over to wash that too!

Adorable.

Afterwards, it was time for a well earned rest on a towel in the sun.  These are the sort of Pennsylvania moments I've missed.  

The Elk Sleep Tonight

Today, Aunt Jackie, Marah and I were very brave.  We took three kids to the zoo: 2 years, 1 year, and 2 months old. The kids were great and it was such a fun morning to spend together.  The zoo was pretty small, but it was perfect for this age.

Anna wasn't too sure about the stroller.  I carried her until my left arm nearly fell off, Aunt Jackie took her for a bit, and then we finally were able to pop her in Marah's double stroller.  Kolton put his arm around her and said, "Cheese!" for the camera.  

I like to think this was my part of preparing
Anna for her trip to Africa next month.

So dear!

What a great way to spend a Saturday.  Emme slept most of the time, and the other two were really good.  The only tears shed were in the car on the way home, when a certain little girl was just too tired to do anything else!  

Cutest little feet ever.

Boston

I have had friends visiting from London.  They have wanted to visit Boston, and so after picking them up, we went on the road to Boston for a quick trip.  After a few visits, I'm a bit more familiar with the city and I was quite proud of myself for finding my way around.  I'll admit, I had a death grip on the steering wheel while finding my way to the hotel, but once we were using the T (public transport), I felt more capable to find our way around the sights.  The city was beautiful.

the BanAnna's birthday present!

A very loved little girl got a rocking chair from her Gran and Pap for her first birthday!  

I almost got her this book for her birthday present from me!  But I figured her parents would never read it to her...

She did enjoy rocking out to her new music toy from other friends.  Steel drums played from this toy and Anna started dancing.  What a sweetie!