rush

rush
Originally uploaded by valcox

Last night, as Rush was heading out the door with friends, I reminded him it was Sunday night. Trash night. Oh my, nothing like the dishes duty he'd had for four days following Halloween--a night he was too busy to remember the trash, to not want that punishment again so soon.

So I got three very sincere 'thank you's' of relief for reminding him as he stopped everything to get the trash cans to the road. I never thought I'd hear those words associated with his chores--or see so much enthusiasm as he did it. Fred and I had to chuckle!

yellow trees

yellow trees
Originally uploaded by valcox

There are 3 trees down the street from us that hold onto their showy leaves longer than any other trees around. Fred and I were returning from some errands and rounding the corner to our street when I shouted for him to stop the car right there. He knows the routine now.

We were so close to home, I guess I really didn't need for him to wait in the car for 10 minutes while I took these, but the light was just right. Besides I've learned that when you go back later, (if you go back at all), that freqently the scene is not the same as that moment when it first caught your attention and forced you to take notice and act.

autumn trees of front neighbor

autumn trees
Originally uploaded by valcox

looking over

over the edge
Originally uploaded by valcox

red berries

red berries
Originally uploaded by valcox

All's well here, I'm back to work at a slow steady pace, no hurrying and scurrying about.

I-think-I-can-I-think-I-can

typewriter
Originally uploaded by valcox

I was so ready to hit the delete button on this darn frit book and take up a new hobby. I told Fred on the phone through tears that I didn't have it in me, all the time spent was a waste. I was sick of looking at it. In his usual supportive way, he made me feel resigned with my decision.

My mother, not so easy. I got the 'little engine' pep talk. She cited that story line, reminding me I am too close to stop now. Chugging along... I-think-I-can-I-think-I-can..."

cat on rug

cat on rug
Originally uploaded by valcox

Rainy day, I should be able to get a lot done today.

Election day, the kids have no school. I'll get nothing at all done today!

viewfinder

man
Originally uploaded by valcox

Fred is out of town for the week, so little things are different. I can leave my clothes, papers and sweaters on the bed, chair, floor and no one picks up after me. I like that. Now I know where they are. All the room fans are off, the windows are closed. I might even turn on the heater. I like it about 80 degrees inside, he likes it about 20 below, we compromise generally.

Last night, I ate dinner in the sitting room, I did take my dish downstairs, he would be happy. But not before I let Sumo have the leftovers. I watched a dvd movie called Pi, the two viewfinder cameras I set up in front of the screen obscured most of the tv screen but I watched it anyway. Until 3am. I don't think he would have approved of either of those.

Well that was fun for one day. Now I'm ready for him to come home!

cat curl

cat curl
Originally uploaded by valcox

oh boy, we're stocking up on firewood today, it's chilly, windy and I love days like this where I can curl up with a good book, a quilt, the kitty who insists on being under the quilt with me, the fire cracking.

american gothic

american gothic
Originally uploaded by valcox

I thought these 2 kids dressed up as the classic painting were just so clever! We didn't have too many trick-or-treaters come by, so unfortunately I will need to eat the remaining contents of this big bowl by the door. It will be my duty. And I don't even like gummy dots, but I keep grabbing at them.

Ok, I have a problem. I took a paragraph break, went to the kitchen to get some carrots for the guinea pigs. Did I grab a handful of carrots for myself. No, I took the last two little boxes of Dots and ate them both. MIssion accomplished.

dots and tootsie pops

dots and tootsie pops
Originally uploaded by valcox

butterbean & ursa minor

butterbean & ursa minor
Originally uploaded by valcox

no costumes necessary, treats on the way.

cats eye

cateye
Originally uploaded by valcox

busy, busy, I'll get back as soon as I can.

october

october birthday
Originally uploaded by valcox

You might notice that all my images captured through the viewfinder are mirror imaged, that's all part of the challenge and fun of shooting through a camera made in the 1940's.

Fred had a birthday this weekend, it was great. The big cake now gone. I suspect it was more than one kids breakfast for several days. We each have our own little ceramic candle house. Though Olivia and Fred share October birthdays at the very beginning and end of the month, Rush and I each have our own. His for February looks like a winter birthday cake house, dressed in pinks and lavendars, my candle cake house for the month of May, looks like it sprung up from a flower garden.

I think these will be momentos, when they are grown, they will spot in the china cabinet and remember each time they were brought out, forgotten from the time before.

pumpkin truck

pumpkin truck
Originally uploaded by valcox

We are fully stocked in pumpkins. I only took 3 from the truck, but they look great on the porch.

I've been so busy finishing the text in this darn frit book, I've lost 3 pounds and I think my right arm might fall off just below the elbow. Any clever ability I had to turn a phrase left about the time the last yellow leaf fell from the pear tree out back. But I think I might find it again if I take another shower, find my special pair of socks and rearrange the glasses in the cupboard one more time. Wish me luck!

green shutters, yellow brick

green shutters
Originally uploaded by valcox

church candles

church candles
Originally uploaded by valcox

interior

friday mass
Originally uploaded by valcox

Our computer connection is live again, the storm took out some lines. It was great to have the rain, but also nice that today is a bit sunny. Fred and I on our way outdoors. I'll catch up a bit later, and add another photo for the day I missed!

in, or out?

in or out
Originally uploaded by valcox

old afton library

old afton library
Originally uploaded by valcox

Busy day writing, I'll let a photo carry my words another blog day.

spotted cat

spotted cat on bed
Originally uploaded by valcox

The kids have chores, and they are pretty good at doing them without being asked. One of Rush's chores is to roll the garbage can to the street every Wednesday and Sunday night. He usually has to be reminded, or at least I think so. The consequence for forgetting is more chores. Specifically all the dish washing for 2 days.

Fred sometimes would roll the trash can down if he thinks Rush forgot, I suggested we really needed to let Rush fail at some point, rather than being reminded--so we miss a garbage pick up, so what. The trouble was Rush kept remembering or we kept reminding him--we never got to test out the 'consequence' part of the lesson. So last week, after months of this, we didn't remind, Rush forgot and Fred didn't cover. Nevermind it was the same day Rush was sick in bed, he still forgot, and could have put his shoes on, responsibility is responsibillity, right?

He dudifully did all the dishes without complaint. So last Sunday, I'm waiting, waiting, will he remember the thrash? Darn he remembered without being reminded, no dishes relief for me this week!

cat feet

cat feet
Originally uploaded by valcox

...one more day, and I should be caught up and back to writing daily stories.

Though I do manage every day to take photos, it's my favorite procrastination device when I should be working.

old blue car

car
Originally uploaded by valcox

...the photo carries the words today

flowers in ladies room

flowers
Originally uploaded by valcox

at Lily's on the Canal. Fred and I had such a nice lunch on Sunday. I'll catch up in another day or two when I have a moment.

orange door wreath

orange door wreath
Originally uploaded by valcox

...busy Monday....

red leaf wall

red leaf wall
Originally uploaded by valcox

Lazy Sunday!

red leaf, yellow leaf

red leaf, yellow leaf
Originally uploaded by valcox

Today I'll let a second photo do it's thousand word job. A relaxing day at home.

red door

red door
Originally uploaded by valcox

Today between rain storms we got out for lunch, my camera in hand, the overcast lighting perfect. Pud Thai and coconut soup, the restaurant was empty. We took our time wandering in Lambertville, stopping here and there to capture some of charm of this small town along the river.

cat scratch fever

cat scratch fever
Originally uploaded by valcox

Sumo is a pretty good photo subject, but when the camera is a new one, and he hasn't explored it fully with this whiskers, face and claws, he just can't sit still. This latest vintage camera has passed the test. It's ok to use now. Thank you Grand Sumo for your approval.

strangers on a train

women on train
Originally uploaded by valcox

We had the best time in NYC, the dinner party was wonderful. I was late getting the train to meet up with Fred at Penn Station. I left the house two hours later than planned, not just because Rush had unexpectedly stayed home sick, and not because Rush kept calling me on the house phone from bed on his cell phone to please bring some more hot tea, or to come watch the funniest kitten videos on youtube. One after another, they were classic! No I left the house two hours late because I wanted to finish the parascope contruction with my latest Argus-75 viewfinder camera, a classic early 1950's camera.

When I realized the train arrived in NYC at the same time the party Fred was hosting was about to start, I told him I'd meet him at the restaurant. When getting a taxi at 5:45pm proved much harder than expected he was so sweet and told me to just get there when I could, and if I ran out of time, enjoy taking photos, I had money with me and common sense, and I could just take the train back home. He was right, and it took so much pressue off.

But I was already in my little black dress and heels and the dinner sounded really good, and I knew he had a limo for the ride home. Why let him go alone, I gave up on photo taken and found my way to this uptown restaurant. It was wonderful. I think we both napped the hour and a half drive home, full from an amazing dinner, stimulating conversation and a little bit of wine. The driver never speaking a word, a tiny orange cresent moon at the horizon the entire way.

bowl of figs

bowl of figs
Originally uploaded by valcox

Figs are so darn photogenic, and yummy! Today I need to go into NYC by train. It's not so much fun to go alone, but Fred will meet me there, and we'll travel back home together.

He wants me there for a dinner party he's hosting with some work colleagues. Concerning the schedule conflict I found myself in--this dinner, or Rush's late afternoon dentist appoinment, the appointment made six months ago....Rush was more than happy to give up his slot of my time. (figures!)

These social events always make me a little nervous, there will be 18-20 of us, but when it's over, I'm sure I'll be glad that I went.

Now to find the right dress in my closet and decide if I can manage bringing my camera with me. This viewfinder camera contraption is bulky and heavy...but I think I must!

wooden monkey

wooden monkey
Originally uploaded by valcox

Yay, Fred is home from his week long trip. He brought me back a gift of a down throw blanket which has a pocket at one end. The pocket holds your feet. The idea seemed a bit odd at first, but since his room-comfort temperature naturally runs about 40 degrees cooler than my own, I need and want these things when we're in the room together.

All the windows open, every fan in the house going at high speed. It was the first thing he did when he got home. Gee, it's stuffy in here he always says, the brisk autumn air challenging my little coccoon of warmth. Sumo sleeps under the covers at night. All night long.

pumpkins

pumpkins
Originally uploaded by valcox

Last night I went to the cottage for the final time. I just had to check for anything left behind, then leave the keys on the counter, locking the door behind me, pulled shut. I left a nice bottle of wine for the new resident (Sorry Fred if the bottle I grabbed from your collection while you were out of town was one of the really expensive ones. It had such a pretty label).

Attached to the bottle, by a red ribbon, a little note. Letting her know about the loose step, fourth one up from the bottom. Also, about not running a computer, the window AC and the microwave at the same time. (The computer loses, ask me how I know).

I took one more look around, breathed in the wonderful cottage smell, lived in the moment for that brief time and shut the door without looking back. Today I thought, oh I have to run and get the mail, feed the ducks... than almost a relief. No I don't have those obligations anymore, the freedom itself can be it's own blessing.

hose among leaves

hose in leaves
Originally uploaded by valcox

I went to see a movie yesterday afternoon and loved it. (Michael Clayton) Fred is out of town, so I went on a lark, tired of being cooped up at home with the kids and their friends. I think it's been over a decade since I've gone to the movies alone. I couldn't finish my small popcorn, but I'd do it all over again.

I'm now remembering a movie Fred and I went to see together. Five minutes into it, I knew I couldn't stay. It was satanic-scary, or had some animal death scene or something I just couldn't watch. So I told Fred I would be next door at the megaplex, and popped out before he could say a word. I found some mindless comedy, which ended near the same time, and enjoyed it. He still won't let me forget the day I abandoned him at the movies! I didn't know that about him until then-- it's less the movie than the company.

grand sumo

grand sumo
Originally uploaded by valcox

Sumo is such a patient kitty, I could just smother him with hugs and kisses!

Yesterday Rush took his 8th grade teachers and principal by surprised when during his yearly IEP meeting he declared he no longer wanted to be in learning support/special education. That he wanted to join a mainstream class, any one--NOW. It was the first time he's ever attended one of these meetings, I guess they figure he's old enough now to have some input. He told the group that he had gone to Standford University this last summer, (it was a weeklong leadership class), and that's the college he wants to attend 'just tell me what I need to do to get there'.

No one knew what to say. The principal had just finished telling us that he strongly suggested the Vocational/Technology high school for Rush next year, 'they aren't as bad as you're thinking' the principal justified. 'No', Rush told us, 'he could do this--regular high school and mainstream classes at that!'. Everyone agreed something had shifted in him this summer, that he for once was taking his own education seriously. So the state gives him rights and he took a stand. No one quite knew what to say except to listen and follow his wishes, to give him some opportunities to prove himself. The IEP didn't get signed off, and goes back for revisions--his revisions.

As we were leaving I over heard something said to him, 'you have a really great mom'. That felt so nice to hear and only stirred the fire within me to support him on this new path, to see where it leads.

blowing curtain

blowing curtain
Originally uploaded by valcox

Time to round up my favorite sweaters. I'm so enjoying the cooler weather and the gusty wind, that I'm not ready to close up the windows. Sumo loves to play with the sheer curtains which move and sway for his delight alone.

front step

front step
Originally uploaded by valcox

We finally had some rain last night, lots of it. It was so welcome after such a long dry spell. We left the windows open all night and delighted in the thunderstorm.

glass on sill

glass on sill
Originally uploaded by valcox

I have an artist friend in Canada, her name is also Val Cox. We met on-line years ago, and she told me about the other four Val Cox's she knows--each are artists. We are our own little club now. Fortunately we don't quarrel over who gets to use our name when we sign up on new sites--I try to get there first.

One of the Val Cox's is a poet, who wrote a delightful poem called the 'Cookie Thief'. We sometimes get her mail, but haven't been able to locate her yet to join the club.

cottage ducks

cottage ducks
Originally uploaded by valcox

I love these guys, lined up like obedient little soldiers! We're having usually warm weather this week. Raking leaves did not make it on a single one of my to-do lists.

upstairs cottage

upstairs cottage
Originally uploaded by valcox

My friend told me of a vivid dream she had last night. Though we've never met in person, she told me of a visit to my home. A nice visit, with many friends. There was a huge table where we were gathered. Fred was there and he was serving us one entree after another. I can imagine this magical day clearly.

It got me thinking, it's the dreamlike quality of this old style of photography which has me so captivated and intriged.

canal chair

canal side chair
Originally uploaded by valcox

I'm thinking of leaving my chair behind, and not just because I don't want to move it. I've had it many years, moved it here and there. However it never quite settled in a place so well, nor did I use it so much, as those two years alongside the canal. It feels akin to leaving a long buried special pet behind when you move. It stays, we go.

towel on floor

towel on floor
Originally uploaded by valcox

Fred and Olivia went to the cottage this morning to load up some of the larger items for which they needed the truck. He told me he wanted to go without me, because he was sure it would make me sad, leaving and all. What's funny is that I think he will miss it just as much.

My consolation is that Fred promised me last week, I will have another cottage, very soon. And this next one we will own not rent (the owner of this wouldn't sell). That it would be near a pond or lake or river, and I can have all the ducks I want. The best part is, he always keeps his promises!

old dog

old dog
Originally uploaded by valcox

pajama day here, working away, using a photo from last week so I don't miss a day....

fan in window

old fan
Originally uploaded by valcox

This morning I reminded Fred that I needed his help this weekend, moving furniture at the cottage. My last day is the 15th. He said, sure we can stop by the cottage when we go to Starbucks this morning--load up the truck. It startled me, no, not so soon! I'm not ready for it to be over.

pink pjs

pink pjs
Originally uploaded by valcox

From Sy Safransky's notebook: (editor of The Sun)

"Today I wanted to milk the day for all it was worth, as if Time were a cow and all I needed was a bucket. but no sooner did I get started than Time swished her tail and the bright new day was gone. How could that be? I gasped. Time raised her head and looked at me with eyes so big you'd think there would be room in them for some compassion. Don't forget your bucket, Time said".

bowl of yarn

bowl of yarn
Originally uploaded by valcox

Last night we had Olivia's birthday dinner. Between one social activity to another, this birthday, which was actually Monday, went non-stop from about Friday afternoon on. I got the point of it last night when Rush said the dinner blessing. He prayed that he hoped Olivia had a really nice 5 day birthday. Though I was the only one to chuckle, we all understood, and turned our interest toward him.

funny notes

We celebrated Olivia's 17th birthday today! Cooincidentally I came across this note this morning, which she wrote for me on my birthday, about a year and a half ago.

It makes me laugh everytime I see it. I love the last paragraph. The part about 'not being on her best behavior these past years'. Not days, or weeks. No...years. And she was only 15, lol!

color and light

Gosh, I love photographing transparent glass. One of Toni Lutman's here. Busy, busy. Back another day!

ducks inside

ducks inside
Originally uploaded by valcox

'Spots' is such a brave little duck. And always hungry. He'll venture inside when the door is open to be nearer the refrigerator where I keep the corn. He knows I might spill a kernal or two on the short walk to the yard. Perhaps he thinks I might close the door on the others and feed him alone. Just the two of us.

peanut mold

peanut mold
Originally uploaded by valcox

This is a rubber mold of peanut, and the first mold step in the lost-wax method of glass casting. This peanut will eventually be a glass bead when I'm finished. I've made countless peanut molds, and they are all a bit different. Some single peanuts, some doubles. Once I started, I couldn't stop.