Day 164 - June 21: Mothering

Our neighbor's eldest, Eamon graduated from high school a few weeks ago - so, there's been a lot of talk between his mom and me about raising kids and then letting go.  Just outside their kitchen door, in this decorative wreath, they've been hosting a morning dove, who seems to enjoy (rather than fear) the activity just inches from her perch.  We watched as she and her partner (on rotating shifts you could set a clock to) sat on their nest, as the two babies were hatched, as all four huddled on the wreath together, and then as the babies flew away.  Now, just weeks later, she's back for another round.  She makes it all look so easy - I hope she's been giving some tips to Eamon's mom.

Day 163 - June 20: Cooling Off

When the temperature hits 99 out of nowhere, an invitation to a pool party is beyond perfect.  Today Lane and Stuart enjoyed their friend Sam's pool, as well as the Strawberry Smoothies whipped up by his mother, Debbie.

Day 162 - June 19: Splash Into Summer

Today we celebrated the last day of school AND Lane's birthday with our Sixth Annual Water Slide and Snow Cone Bash.  A Medfield Tradition.

Day 161 - June 18: A Big Brother's Help

The day before the last day, Medfield schools host "Transition Day", when kids get to spend time with their new teacher and their new classmates in their new school.  Just one more way schools have improved over the "sink or swim" approach of the 1970's.  This morning, Stuart drew Lane a map so she'd know how to get to her new homeroom in the middle school.  I think she's gonna be just fine with him around. 

Day 160 - June 17: The Piscataqua Cafe

Today I attended a memorial service for my friend, Joanna's stepfather, Deane.  During his eulogy, Deane's son used two words to describe him perfectly - compassion and humor.  Deane loved to get my goat - and then shower me with loving hugs.  This week we lost a really good one.  After the service, I drove through New Castle, the tiny island off of Portsmouth, NH where I lived after graduating.  Across the street from our house was this fantastic building, a private residence but still with the sign indicating its former life as a cafe.  I was so pleased to see it in even better shape than when I lived there so long ago.  A gorgeous, peaceful place to spend time on memory lane, thinking of my old friend, Deane.  

Day 159 - June 16: Triple Crown

Time to build another trophy case.  Today the Dodgers beat the Rockies to capture the Medfield Majors Little League Championship.  It occured to a few people (besides his parents) that Stuart has been on the winning team (with a different make up of kids and coaches) each of the past three years.  The secret weapon is not so secret anymore.  What a thrill to see such a terrific game - well played by both teams.  Truly a team effort and an exciting finish to a great season. 

Day 158 - June 15: Accuracy

Tonight Medfield Softball hosted a skills competition and Lane won second place for "Most Accurate Pitching".  She was happy to share the podium with two good friends from her team, Alana and Jamee. 

Day 157 - June 14: Fifth Grade Celebration

"The Class of 2019" used to sound impossibly far into the future - certainly nothing for a mother to worry about.  As Lane enters middle school, sadly, it doesn't seem so far away. 

Day 156 - June 13: The Future of Whitla Brothers

A successor has been named.  Recently, Lane received this award from her after-school teachers after a year of constructing phenomenal cardboard mansions.  Green is the future of building and Lane is already there.

Day 155 - June 12: Math Wiz II

Tired of hearing all about my smart kids?  Too bad.  Today Lane came home with a better-than-perfect score on the last math test of the year.  Does this mean she's really ready for middle school?

Day 154 - June 11: A New Puppy

Today we visited our friend, Ros to meet her new German Shepherd puppy, Greta and her twenty baby chicks.  While we were there, we also visited her two dogs, five horses, 12 chickens, two donkeys - and a partridge in a pear tree.

Day 153 - June 10: The First Day of the Rest of Their Lives

This morning we joined an informal gathering of assorted bridesmaids, ushers, family, a bride and a groom under a cloudless Chatham sky.

Day 152 - June 9: Wedding Day

A gorgeous day, a gorgeous bride, and a pretty great flower girl.  Today Lane served as Alison's flower girl, just as Alison did for Douglas and me almost 20 years ago.  A perfect day.

Day 151 - June 8: Wedding Window

Today we arrived in Chatham for our niece, Alison's wedding to Bryan.  Douglas brought with him two old windows from a job site which were transformed into a shabby chic presentation for the reception seating.

Day 150 - June 7: Percussion Recital

Stuart's Wind Ensemble gave an informal recital today and the percussion performance can be heard here.  You might notice the work of two distinctly different camera operators (I took over from my underling midway through), so the piece is probably best enjoyed with eyes closed.  Stuart is in the back on congas - listen for a solo toward the end of the piece.

Day 149 - June 6: Egg Drop

Today the annual Egg Drop was held at Dale Street School.  Leading up to today's event, 5th graders paired up to create contraptions to house an egg as it was dropped out a second story window to the asphalt below.  Contraptions were to be made by hand and not weigh more than 200 grams.  Somehow this project simulates the process by which astronauts deliver precious cargo in space.  All I know is that it's great fun to watch - and Lane and Eliza's egg survived the fall.

Day 148 - June 5: Bottlenose Dolphins

You have questions about the Bottlenose Dolphin (don't we all) and the coverage on Wikipedia just isn't enough.  Ask Lane.  Today she presented her research to colleagues (fellow 5th graders), faculty (her teachers), and invited guests (lucky parents). 

Day 147 - June 4: The Grades Are In

Evidently, Ms. Hurley was as impressed with "Whitewash" as the creators' parents were.  Stuart and Tyler received an A+ on their project, which can be seen here before its release to a theater near you.

Day 146 - June 3: Hot Fudge

Nothing could be finer than a spontaneous party (at a great friend's house, on a Sunday night when cooking dinner is the last thing I want to think about).  I had enough time to throw together my contribution - my sister Jean's recipe for homemade hot fudge (and lots of ice cream).  It never fails to win over a crowd - delicious. 

Day 145 - June 2: Record Store

I hadn't been in a "record store" in decades but today, while searching for the perfect birthday gift, Stuart and I ventured into Newbury Comics and in the far back corner I found records.  I began thumbing my way through the stacks and nostalgia swept over me - I was suddenly a teenager again, at the Sam Goody store in my hometown of Westport.  My dad's employer owned the chain and for years we enjoyed a very nice discount (he failed to convince us that his employee ID was anything more than "the Sam Goody card").  My brother, David turned me onto good music and I have him to thank for Springsteen.  Besides the records he played for me, he took me to my first concert - Springsteen at Madison Square Garden, after the release of "Born to Run" in 1975.  I was 12.  Three years later, this album came out and with it, "Candy's Room", still my very favorite.  

Day 144 - June 1: Swedish Fish

Teachers in Medfield (and perhaps elsewhere) seem to spend the year thinking of projects for their students to do - and then assign all of them during the final few weeks.  Needless to say, life has been hectic in the Whitla house.  Today Stuart completed his "Country Cereal Box" for social studies.  It's the culmination of all he has learned about Sweden, with all sides, save the front, highlighting interesting facts and figures about the country.  The front boasts a catchy name and jingle, along with a bowl of "Swedish Stuff".  Good fun, but I was glad to check it off the list.