We just finished meeting with a solar guy who gave us an estimate. I really, really want to go solar. But why does it have to be so godamn ugly?
I mean really now is solar the equivelent of Ugg boot. Something that feels good but looks bad. I mean we're building a house here, something most people take enormous pride in and just because I want to be a responsible citizen I have to slap up some truly horrific looking panels on the roof? No thanks. Not to mention the 15K. I had initially wanted integrated roof tile panels, they are still solar looking but at least not in that "I have solar pride" kind of way. Subtle, there, but not in your face...yeah that's what I want.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Miss Handy
Nora loves to help so she assisted on this ikea assembly. It is her very own table and chair set. She loves to sit at the table and color.
Yesterday we went to the beach for a late lunch. There is this great place called the Shoreline. They have tables in the sand. After lunch we went to the waves, which Nora loved. She was very good at standing still while the waves washed over her feet. When they'd wash out she'd run towards them. Makes me wonder what kind of relationship she'll have with the ocean as she grows up. Me, I saw the ocean for the first time when I was 5. I don't remember it really, but I've seen pictures. I like the ocean, I like living on the ocean. It feels comforting to know that it is always there, a steady boundary and constant reference. Being in the water is another story altogether. I like lakes. Salt water tastes yucky. And you never know about tides, currents, and what is under there.
I saw the movie The Upside of Anger. I wanted to see it because, well, Felicity is in it. But, I was worried because Kevin Costner is in it. But, then again so is Joan Allen. Well, I really liked it, a lot. It was this great mix of sadness and comedy which felt realistic. And it was good to see Felicity again.
Yesterday we went to the beach for a late lunch. There is this great place called the Shoreline. They have tables in the sand. After lunch we went to the waves, which Nora loved. She was very good at standing still while the waves washed over her feet. When they'd wash out she'd run towards them. Makes me wonder what kind of relationship she'll have with the ocean as she grows up. Me, I saw the ocean for the first time when I was 5. I don't remember it really, but I've seen pictures. I like the ocean, I like living on the ocean. It feels comforting to know that it is always there, a steady boundary and constant reference. Being in the water is another story altogether. I like lakes. Salt water tastes yucky. And you never know about tides, currents, and what is under there.
I saw the movie The Upside of Anger. I wanted to see it because, well, Felicity is in it. But, I was worried because Kevin Costner is in it. But, then again so is Joan Allen. Well, I really liked it, a lot. It was this great mix of sadness and comedy which felt realistic. And it was good to see Felicity again.
Friday, April 15, 2005
NOT getting her way
A complete stranger posted a comment on this pic on Flickr. Unless you of you weirdos is posing as Larry Dimik (Eunice?). It's funny though, how babies break down traditional societal boundaries. Otherwise straightlaced folks suddenly break into baby talk around her. It is especially fun to watch at design stores. Men who spend their day selling doors, windows, and concrete begin to talk in high pitched voice to entice Nora into being held.
There is a lot of activity on the hole today. I call it the hole, but really it is the beginnings of our house. Many men are moving dirt and digging trenches. I'm glad that Victor is always on hand to oversee. It can be a little scary to trust that all these holes and posts are correct.
A picture of the progress is TK.
There is a lot of activity on the hole today. I call it the hole, but really it is the beginnings of our house. Many men are moving dirt and digging trenches. I'm glad that Victor is always on hand to oversee. It can be a little scary to trust that all these holes and posts are correct.
A picture of the progress is TK.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
The little Paddler
Love this part of Summer!
Here is a schedule of our Summer:
May 17
Leave for Zurich
May30-June13
Paris
June14-June20
South of France, suggestions of precisely where are greatly appreciated
June21-June27
Venice
June 28
Return to Santa Barbara
June29-July29
Read for UCSB class again
July 27ish-Aug1
In Boston for Institute
September
Victor and Faye are in Spain
House to ourselves
Guests welcome
Here is a schedule of our Summer:
May 17
Leave for Zurich
May30-June13
Paris
June14-June20
South of France, suggestions of precisely where are greatly appreciated
June21-June27
Venice
June 28
Return to Santa Barbara
June29-July29
Read for UCSB class again
July 27ish-Aug1
In Boston for Institute
September
Victor and Faye are in Spain
House to ourselves
Guests welcome
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Pigtail
Take a good look, this is the hairstyle that Nora will be sporting for a good long time. The pig's tails are a hit. I actually can't believe that she lets me put them in at all. Of course, I have a maximum of 4.5 seconds to do each one. All the pressure of not hurting her (too much) and the time constraint mean that more often than not they're not exactly even, straight, or centered. Instead, they look like baby horns.
Alec and I spent the weekend in LA and I have to say and eventhough I tried to embrace LA as my nearest metropolitan city, I find it soul-less, without character, and utterly void of community.
But still it was fun :)
We looked at stuff for the house and ate good meals and went to an amazingly upscale mall. One that brought the happy fakery of Vegas to Hollywood. It was good to be away from Baby Nora. We couldn't believe the freedom of sleeping in, the luxury of making multiple stops, the spontinaity of getting stuck in traffic, and the joy of eating my own lunch, all of it.
Of course we did purchase a couple of baby related items.
First, a swing for the tree. Installed today and baby ready tomorrow.
Second, a paddling pool. So damn cute, pictures are upcoming.
Third, baby backpack. No, not a Nora-sized pack; one that she fits into. So we can literally carry her around Europe on our backs. So far she thinks it's groovy, while I'm still trying to put up with the indignity of wearing my child on my body instead of having her nestled in a stylish stroller.
Alec and I spent the weekend in LA and I have to say and eventhough I tried to embrace LA as my nearest metropolitan city, I find it soul-less, without character, and utterly void of community.
But still it was fun :)
We looked at stuff for the house and ate good meals and went to an amazingly upscale mall. One that brought the happy fakery of Vegas to Hollywood. It was good to be away from Baby Nora. We couldn't believe the freedom of sleeping in, the luxury of making multiple stops, the spontinaity of getting stuck in traffic, and the joy of eating my own lunch, all of it.
Of course we did purchase a couple of baby related items.
First, a swing for the tree. Installed today and baby ready tomorrow.
Second, a paddling pool. So damn cute, pictures are upcoming.
Third, baby backpack. No, not a Nora-sized pack; one that she fits into. So we can literally carry her around Europe on our backs. So far she thinks it's groovy, while I'm still trying to put up with the indignity of wearing my child on my body instead of having her nestled in a stylish stroller.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Look Ma'
Nora is a learning machine. Here she is just a few days ago on her maiden spoon voyage. Today she was much, much better. Yesterday we hung out around the compound and she walked around the gravel, sand, and bark and had a grand ol' time.
Today has been marvelous too, we've been sitting in the sun and reading books and as soon as she gets up from her nap I fully intend to take her to a park with baby Sydney.
Last week Nora met the SB quadruplets. She was pretty freaked out, but handled it with aplomb. It's funny to think that she will probably be going to the same school as them, maybe even dating one or more of them?! Well, for now we'll just focus on the spoon skills.
Today has been marvelous too, we've been sitting in the sun and reading books and as soon as she gets up from her nap I fully intend to take her to a park with baby Sydney.
Last week Nora met the SB quadruplets. She was pretty freaked out, but handled it with aplomb. It's funny to think that she will probably be going to the same school as them, maybe even dating one or more of them?! Well, for now we'll just focus on the spoon skills.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
The Happy Homeowners
Well, except for the fact that we don't actually own a home. But this weekend we get to pretend because Vic and Faye are out of town. They went to Mexico on Thursday and are due back Monday. Alec and I spent a very productive Saturday as follows:
8:00 am Breakfast at D'Angelos
9:30 am Alec heads to work to put in some overtime while Nora and I head home and she goes down for her nap.
10:00 I paint one of the storage areas in the newly converted attic space.
11:00 I shower, pick up the house, water outside, and sit in the sun while knitting.
12:00 Spend time researching solar technology for the new house. Also look for the best possible place to stay in LA for next weekend. Read some of my Grammar and Style for Idiots book.
1:30 Check to make sure baby is still breathing.
Alec gets home.
We play outside in the sand, gravel, and dirt. We "clean up" the studio in honor of our guests: Jill, John, and baby Sydney.
6:30 Pick up Jessica at the airport.
7:30 Eat Tri-tip and chat with friends.
8:30 Nora goes to bed sans bath.
9:30 They leave and we do dishes and settle in to watch L&O SVU.
Night.
8:00 am Breakfast at D'Angelos
9:30 am Alec heads to work to put in some overtime while Nora and I head home and she goes down for her nap.
10:00 I paint one of the storage areas in the newly converted attic space.
11:00 I shower, pick up the house, water outside, and sit in the sun while knitting.
12:00 Spend time researching solar technology for the new house. Also look for the best possible place to stay in LA for next weekend. Read some of my Grammar and Style for Idiots book.
1:30 Check to make sure baby is still breathing.
Alec gets home.
We play outside in the sand, gravel, and dirt. We "clean up" the studio in honor of our guests: Jill, John, and baby Sydney.
6:30 Pick up Jessica at the airport.
7:30 Eat Tri-tip and chat with friends.
8:30 Nora goes to bed sans bath.
9:30 They leave and we do dishes and settle in to watch L&O SVU.
Night.
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