Author Archives: Catherine

For the last two weeks, we've been embroiled in the start of school. The first week, it was logistically awkward, because Isaac had only mornings and Elias had one hour a day with me there. The times overlapped, but still … Continue reading →

Is it just me, or have the last two weeks been nearly unmanageable? Isaac is like a miniature blond Travis Bickle . He's perpetually shirtless, cut, and hostile, ready for a fight. "You talkin' to ME?" His little body is … Continue reading →

It's hard to say why Blackie, one of our new balloon-bellied mollies (fat weirdly shaped goldfish type creatures), died. Probably abrasions due to getting tangled in the net during release. Maybe our slight problem with ammonia. In any case, he … Continue reading →

This evening we were sitting side by side on swings and Isaac mentioned in an off-handed way, "I have aquatic telepathic powers with matches: if I just THINK about wet matches lighting, they get wet, and they catch fire." Now … Continue reading →

Recently my dad and step-mom came for a visit, and they very kindly brought my old typewriter for Isaac. It is a Sears model, c. 1965 I would guess. Thus is was something of a relic even when I was … Continue reading →

My mom sent me this photo under the above title, and it cracked me up so I will share it with you. I showed this to Isaac and he understood the problem right away. "That's a POSSUM!" he said with … Continue reading →

In keeping with our recent collection, now a brimming 11, of tiny toadies, we have added a truly scary invertebrate to the mix. She's a wolf spider , about two inches across including legs. That is to say she could … Continue reading →

We have the most astonishing good fortune when it comes to toads. Maybe a month ago, Isaac was gouging a hole in the garden with the "jet" setting on the hose, when he discovered a wonderful little hop toad. Or … Continue reading →

Recently a well-to-do lady I know described someone else as "not some underprivileged drudge who can't afford help." Since then, although the remark was not directed at me, I've been unable to get that particular phrase out of my head. … Continue reading →

I wouldn't want you to get the impression that just because I tend to write more about Isaac there's nothing going on with Elias. On the contrary. He's quite a little spitfire, a handful, and does it all while looking … Continue reading →