Dispatches from the Eastern Front

Above is a 14 year old prep (came to PEA at 13) whose face as been obscured to protect his identity. (Also blurred is the Bernie sign above his head- feel the Bern  kid.) 

I give you this to show a rough approximation of the room I will enter today. F is basically packed- mostly thanks to my incredible friend lexi. But we have agreed to help another kid from SF whose parents couldn't come. Apparently his room is legendary in its disorder. 

F's room was not without its surprises. He had an almost bucket sized amount of change by his bed: "it just doesn't feel like money mommy" yes well it is, and it is too heavy to pack, too ridiculous to store , so I went to the bank and asked for help. Apparently they could not, until lexi said she would stuff the coins into rolls, so the bank would exchange them. 

This is a hero in my book- rolling the little darling's coins into fifty bucks worth of  bills; while he is sharing his deep insights on Kierkegaard around a two hundred year old oak table. 

Oh and then she agreed to store his enormous electric skateboard at her sister's house an hour a way. Needless to say I bought dinner.

It's understandably whacky being here this time of year: seniors are sad and close to being out of control (we witnessed a bunch of them jumping off the bridge into the murky river; strictly verboten); the younger kids are nearly drowning in finals plus moving out of their rooms.

F is , thanks to me and Lexi and his natural temperament; rather relaxed. But all the kids are ready so ready to go home.

The principal here said she sees the school as a very large trampoline with protective sides on it.

Within that area the kids can bounce as high and as weird as they want. But they are protected from really bad ideas. I see it more like my kid has been in a martini shaker- it's been fun, and exciting; but he's had enough shaking for a while. 

Pray for me this afternoon!! Then dinner at the Herneys with plenty of fermented beverages; because in addition to her coin rolling talents; Lexi doesn't drink and has the rental car. Thank ya Jesus...

Xx

Another flight, another yoga magazine....

MMB has repeatedly asked for more hike details; so here goes (couch potatoes can read something else now..)
We didn't walk across the bridge because that is loud and boring. Started in Sausalito... Walked along the water but within eyesight of the freeway (alas) to mill valley; the road to which is long and flat, but not without its diversions. When we got to the beginning of the dipsea (very hilly last 8 miles) we had a pep talk and tea. Very Mount Everest/Mountbatten. Oh! And the juicy subtext of this was Albert was not allowed on the trail- so we had the thrill of acting like criminals. Thomas took Albert, and walked ahead because he says if I see a cop, or even a lesbian in navy blue,  I admit everything. We had the doggie babybjorn (see photo) but Thomas, in yet another example of how his lofty IQ can sometimes veer towards semi stupid, claimed that carrying Albert is also verboten because the dog would still be on the trail .. (Can you see what I have to deal with?) The dog is above the trail! Above is not on! They are different prepositions! 

Anyway we rush down to Muir Woods..Thomas then goes a different way and tells me to lead the Germams to the " top",  and we will reconvene for the picnic.

All went according to plan: 

sandwiches, Albert's gourmet lunch, more Tea; no lesbians in navy blue.

After the picnic, the euphoria hits because we are five miles from a hot tub and some bruschetta. Also there are rumors beer is sold in Stinson. 

So two miles out I decide enough is enough and I take Albert off leash and we run wildly down hill

(See Lech blog entries) . We cheer and jump and Albert stays more or less at my side. I'm telling you, it was extremely pleasant... 

Our German friends were confused by the emotional outburst; but Thomas explained this happens on Wehlen hikes.

Would I do it again? Yes. But Thomas found it a little boring at the end... It's a long hike after all. Once we reached the town, we stopped for refreshments and walked the last mile to the house. 

So here I am at the Exeter inn. Feeling a bit blue actually- watching the Warriors on a crappy TV alone. F swung by, but had to get back... Sigh. Packing tomorrow. I want to grab my kid and go home... 

Soon my pretties xx

Best Idea ever...

Wonderful, wonderful marvelous day. 

15 mile walk followed by bruschetta and a beach. I am considering doing this every week. (Kidding)

Details in the morning. 

And we're off...

Above the reverse route- we are hiking of course towards the beach.. But you get the idea. 

We have packed turkey sandwiches , snickers (David Darling's tip); tea; water and a back pack to carry Albert should the coppers come round and bust us for having a dog on the dipsea. (Can you tell  I am listening to Merle Haggard radio? )

Chef is arriving at the house at four pm with a choice of reds, whites, rosé; and her famous fava bean bruschetta. 

Good bye my tribe!!! Wish me luck in the wild!!

Soon updates...

Happy Mother's Day witches..!

Animal Planet Photos

Rainer showed me this amazing video of the whale coming closer... Im going to try to upload on le blog.

Must sleep now...

Go Big Red.

19: my father's birthday; his death day; the day he met my mother; the street where they lived; Frederick's birthday; his graduation year; the day my grandmother died. All 19.

Andover game tomorrow.