And They're Off

Ba-Ba and Nana left a little early today, as the weather once again was too cold to do anything productive at the old house. Really, the last big tasks are involve some paint and a clean garage - but when it was 28 degrees again this morning, the decision was made to make the trip back to the safety and warmth of Florida, where it's about 39 at night, but in the 60's in the afternoon. That'll feel downright balmy when it happens here. We've been submerged into this chilly temperature so long that it takes a hot bath and a bowl of soup to help warm us up!

Here Madison is, petting Daisy as they sit in the same chair. Madison gets along with Velcro and Daisy, and will miss them as they go off to Florida. By the way, do you notice the hula skirt? Madison has been into a hula kick the last three days! Clearly, she's ready for that warmer weather as well! Hopefully we'll be seeing some soon. One sure way to find out if there'll be warmer weather coming soon is the trip we hope to take next week to see the Groundhog! February 2 is Groundhog Day, and if there's one rodent you can trust to give you a good forecast, that's the one!

Today, we spent much of the day fixing up the house - at one point, Daddy and Madison made a trip to get some groceries and a movie, "Secretariat." We'll watch that tonight, probably. We got a big coupon for the movie from Disney Movie Rewards, which puts out these $8-10 coupons for new releases. This is a neat program where you get Disney movies and save up points. The whole reason I bring it up is that Madison's Tinkerbell television set came from Disney Movie Rewards, at no cost to us (other than getting Disney movies that we were planning on already getting). We've gotten other things for Madison, along the way. In fact, we got a television for her cousin Hannah as well. There are other opportunities we take advantage of too, like donating to children's hospitals and so forth. Next week, we've got a $10 coupon for "Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2," which Madison seems excited about. Though I am not typically into talking dog movies, Madison, Mommy and Daddy will have fun with movie night for this one.

It was a rather ordinary day today. We read to Madison a few books in her newly designed reading area. The rocking chair from her bedroom at the old house fits perfectly in the corner on the landing. Bookshelves nearby make this area nice and cozy for reading, which we did.

MADISON'S BOOK CLUB

One book we read through is entitled "A is for Amos." It is a book about a dream that follows the alphabet through each page. A little girl falls asleep on her rocking horse, which becomes a real horse galloping across the land. The artwork is nice, as is the thought of riding about on horseback. The bonus, of course, is that we go through each letter of the alphabet and the two encounter different animals and situations. Madison enjoyed this one - it's nothing terribly deep, but it's a good quick read.

THE SHREK CHIA CAM

1/27/11

1.27.11: As you can see clearly here, Shrek's hair replacement therapy is paying off. From what I recall, this is the same procedure Elton John went through a few years ago. Yes, it's affecting Shrek's nose hairs as well, but he's got to be feeling better about himself now. Certainly a little less insecure. Finally, the seedlings atop of his head are beginning to sprout - although there are still holdouts. We'll keep you posted, but until then, it's time for us to ...leaf.