L'aventure américaine

I have had to turn down the news this week.  I am doing a 7-day meditation challenge.  I am focusing on Halloween.  I feel like I am taking a deep breath before next Tuesday. So, here are some highlights from our Halloween prep this week.  Stay tuned for some pretty great costumes on Saturday. The creativity expert of the family gathers his troops. He does not like drawing, but he drew this fabulous face!   Marian was an art director for her pumpkin.  She directed us (as she does multiple times a day) to "draw kitty." And here are our beauties!  I am inordinately proud of my donkey, which I did ALL BY MYSELF.  (Okay, I can't always avoid politics.) Milo is very proud of his pumpkin too.  We are obviously a family of jack-o-lantern artists. And we got this amazing package from Cory that was chocked full of Halloween goodies, including these great socks for the whole family.  Please ignore how I am holding Marian for the picture (it's good there's no audio for this

 It is a busy, beautiful fall.  We have been trying to enjoy the outdoors before a dreary winter sets in, working steadily, and celebrating birthdays. The kids are still in school, but we wait with bated breath for the first email that says that we have to quarantine for two weeks because someone tested positive.  (Someone in Marian's school tested positive last week, but not in her class, which is separated.). They love their schools and I love their schools and everyone is happy that they're there: learning, playing, and getting some time away from their parents. Midterms are over and they went pretty well.  Whew!  I would have liked a week off, but the classes keep on coming. My birthday was quite fun and Mom's birthday is today.  Happy Birthday, Mom!  We were reminiscing about our trip to Wales last year for her birthday.  I am SO glad we took advantage while we had the chance. And we are following the election.  Time is ticking!  Randal, his mom, and I voted on Friday