I recall from time to time as a child complaining of being bored. Not usually for real long because Mom had many quick fixes at hand for that problem. Dishes to wash, toys to pick up and floors to sweep. I don't think I've had a single boring moment in the past 9 years that I've been a mother. I call it blessed quiet now.

 I have been needing laundry soap, diapers, dish soap.... oooops, that reminds me that I forgot the dishwasher detergent tonight, for about a week and I've been putting off the trip. Waiting for a time I can go with the least amount of helpers, or maybe just maybe even alone! Well, I waited so long that I finally just had to go tonight, the one night this week that Leon is otherwise engaged, so I took all 5 to Goodwill for a quick look around. We found some cute colorful scarves to add to the huge pile we already have, that way I guess if a few get lost our necks stay warm.

 The girls had pizza coupons from book-it, so I got an extra one for the rest of us, then we headed to Walmart. The 2 oldest took turns pushing the cart, the babies sat in there fairly quietly and other than a squabble now and then we had a decent shopping trip.

 On the way to town I stopped for a quick picture of this old barn I see all the time and just hadn't taken the time to shoot it before.

 Time to get the kiddos to bed, then I can settle in for a hot cup of tea or coffee and just soak up the quiet (not getting bored) for a while.

Oh, and cats too I guess. Considering that the bulk of my post recently have been photos, I wil try to keep the trnd going. Sorry to all the dial up people that don't like this. I'll get back to writting one of these days.

Essie being watchful over these balls, the basketball is too big for her and the tennis ball she leads around on a string, it's her pet.

This is the view out the back door, very colorful and a lot of leaf picking up in a few weeks.

This is a very 'fixed' picture, I loved the clouds but there were a few houses that just didn't work well for me so I took them out. Sorry if that ruins it for you.

A row of trees I saw on the way home from town today. It had rained most of the day and the leaves are falling fast, so I was happy to find a row of trees not so bare to capture yet.

Yesterday was a full day. We went to an Amish wedding in the morning and for a big wedding lunch. Then headed to South Bend to pick up an order of green coffee beans. After some searching we decided to go to Mishawaka for supper at hanayoris, a japanese place where they cook right at your table.

 Lobster tail, shrimp, chicken and steak.

Of course they set some things on fire now and then to 'wow' us:).

Our chef spoke english very well, but definately knew his japanese cooking.

The rice was served with mushrooms, onions and zucchini. It was good, the cooking 'show' was a nice touch and we had a great time cruising through the Borders bookstore afterward.

And last but not least, Essies new purple warm coat, she loves it and even though it clashes with her orange shoes, she doesn't mind a bit.