Posts from — September 2010

It’s actually pretty quiet this week.  Part of it is that I need to parse through the various schedules and reconfirm what is unique and what’s a regularly scheduled event for the What About TODAY? page.  I also tried to update my Playground List and ran into technical difficulties yesterday.  Not to mention that I still haven’t done an apple orchards post.  Except, of course, I just mentioned it.  So why not go into full-throttle whiner mode and tell you that cute W will be away on business all week long?  Yikes.  So, just be patient with me, if you would, because I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Here is a picture that has nothing to do with anything, but I happened to notice it on the computer today and it made me giggle:

M makes her own breakfast while J looks on.

And here’s what’s going on this week:

Monday the 20th:

• At 9:30 am, the Delmar La Leche League is meeting at the Bethlehem Public Library.
• From 3-6 pm, all the Albany Public Libraries will be having a Back-to-School Open House.  Meet the librarians, have a snack, and learn about free tutoring and homework help available.  It’s not reflected on the web site, but I received a specific email/press release on this one, so it’s happening.
• At 7 pm, there’s a Diary of a Wimpy Kid party at the Bethlehem Public Library.  Sign up is required.

Tuesday the 21st:

• At 10 am they’re taking a hike at Moreau Lake–it’s 3 hours long and labeled moderate (as opposed to easy), so I’d say that this is not one to bring the little kids with you, unless it’s a baby that you’re wearing.
• At 4 pm at the main Albany Public Library, teens can create an art piece that will be part of a professionally curated art show.

Wednesday the 22nd:

• At 6:30 pm, there’s an Apples! Apples! Apples! program for kids 3-8 with performer Diane Payette at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library.

Thursday the 23rd:

• At 10 am, take a Kayak Trip with a naturalist at Moreau Lake.  Call for details.
• At 11 am, the East Greenbush Library is having a drop-in Family Storytime.
• At 4 pm, it’s the Animangamania Club for grades 6-12 at the East Greenbush Library.
• At 6:30 pm, there’s an information session about the East Greenbush Moms’ Club at the East Greenbush Library.

Friday the 24th:

• Knox Traditional Strings will be playing from 1-3 pm at the Bethlehem Public Library.
• It’s Troy Night Out from 5-9 pm.
• At 6 pm, celebrate Harvest Days on the Byway at Riverview Orchards.  This event continues into the weekend.
• The circus is at the Glens Falls Civic Center starting today.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but my kids are exhausted and more than ready for the weekend.

They spent the day sneaking over to our next-door neighbor’s house, where there was a yard sale.  You’ve heard already that the girls love a yard sale.   They were both outside in the rain at about 7:30 am, and they were back and forth multiple times.  I’d walk over periodically and ask if they were driving anyone crazy, and they’d stop at home periodically with yet another item.  The neighbors were very generous (perhaps a little too generous?), and the merchandise was better at that last sale, so the girls were sporting their newly acquired lovely scarves while they browsed.   Finally I had to put my foot down–absolutely no more.  No way.  No more.  Nuh-uh.

Which really, I knew, meant that they’d each pick one final, fabulous, must-have item.  For J, it was a beautiful sparkly blue skirt that she had decided would be the perfect fairy dress for a Halloween costume.  Truly, I’d like to keep it as is and wear it myself, but I believe that we’ll be cutting armholes in it somewhere.   In any case, it will be craftier and more unique that something I’d buy for $24 at Party City, so. . . . alright.  M arrived with a rolled-up woven straw mat and, frankly, I was mystified.  But she begged with such fervor that I let it go.  It was only at bedtime when I realized the attraction.  I climbed onto her bed to read to her, and she placed the mat on the carpet and lay down on it next to Kaya-the-American-Girl, who was in full bedtime splendor.   Ohhhh.  M’s new mat looks exactly like Kaya’s sleeping mat.

In other news, Pete from Afrim’s sent me an email to let folks know that the new Soccer Tots schedule is out.  I know lots of people who love soccer tots.  He also added another link to that soccer post in the comments.

Another busy weekend!  Thanks to those of you who’ve recently completed the playground survey–I’m going to update that list soon.  Oh, and I missed it earlier, but CMOST is having a program on Wednesday or Saturday mornings at 9:30 am for 2- to 4-year-olds.  Here’s what else  I’ve found. . . any additions?

All Weekend:

• There’s a Saratoga Civil War Encampment in Congress Park.
• The Irish 2000 Music & Arts Festival begins at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds at 5 pm Friday and continues on Saturday.
• If you’re up for a drive, The Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown is having their Harvest Festival.
• St. Gabriel’s Church in Rotterdam is having its Annual Fall Festival.  There’s not much information on their site, but according to their ad in the Gazette, it includes amusement rides, rock climbing, and games for kids, as well as plenty of food and entertainment.  It’s 6-10 pm Friday, 3-10 pm Saturday, and 2-7 pm Sunday.
• It’s the Capital Region Apple & Wine Festival at the Altamont Fairgrounds.  Tickets at gate are $8/grown-up, kids 15 and under free.
• Celebrate the Festival of Nations at Crown Point State Historic Site.
• It’s the Stephentown Fireman’s Muster and Community Days, including a parade on Saturday.
• We’re in the middle of the 11th Annual Hudson River Ramble.  Check link for more information, but a few of the local events will also be listed separately below.

Evening of Friday the 17th:

• It’s Art Night Schenectady from 5-9 pm.  This month includes some Halloween costume previews from The Costumer.
• At 6 pm, Complicated Shirt and The Union Boots will be playing at Albany’s Main Public Library as part of their Garage Bands series.
• At 6:30 pm, there’s a Friday Night Family Storytime at the East Greenbush Library.
• At 7:30 pm, go for a Star Watch at Grafton Lakes State Park.

Saturday the 18th:

• There’s a Walking Tour of Albany’s South End at 10 am.  It sounds like this will be grown-up/mature kid-focused.  Call to register-space is limited.
• Join thousands of people across the world in a Shore Line Clean Up at Grafton Lakes.  Registration requested.  Or go Orienteering, same time, same place, and try not to feel too guilty?
• Celebrate Woodsy Owl’s 40th birthday by learning how to “Give a Hoot” at Five Rivers at 10 am.
• From 10 am to 4 pm, it’s a Nature Fest at Moreau Lake.
• At 10:30 am, take a free Naturalist Hike at the Albany Pine Bush.
• At 11 am, it’s Furry Tales and Touchables at the New York State Museum–it’s free, and it’s recommended for the preschool set–and they’re also doing the Family Fun Weekend on Saturday only from 1-4 pm.  It’s about Abe Lincoln.
• Rensselaer Public Library is having a Pirate Party at 1 pm.
• The Children’s Museum of Science and Technology is having a Hudson River Ramble event on Tracking at 1 pm.  For ages 4+, pre-register, $2/non-member.
• At 1 pm, go Digging Up the Past at Up Yonda Farm.  Learn about archaeology–$4/person.
• At 1 pm, learn about the Wild, Wet, Wacky World of Pond Life at Albany Pine Bush.  $2/person, $5/family.
• It’s Harvest Day at the Martin Van Buren Historic Site in Kinderhook from 1-5 pm.
• At Five Rivers at 2 pm, learn about Monarch Butterflies.  They’ll show you milkweeds and give you tips on raising your own (super fun, as you’ve heard me say before).
• The Bethlehem Public Library is showing the movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid at 2:30 pm.
• From 3-8 pm, it’s the Hannaford Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.  Apparently, it starts with a parade from Washington Park.

Sunday the 19th:

• Whoops, I forgot earlier about the Baby Event in Halfmoon from 10 am until 2 pm–I had the cute little flyer from my doctor’s office and everything.  Pass it on to your pregnant or brand-new-baby friends.  Or any, you know, shoppers.  $4/person.
• There’s a Peace Fair from noon to 4 pm at the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church in Saratoga Springs.
• From 1-6 pm, it’s the 2nd Annual Harvest Festival at the Lakehouse in Albany’s Washington Park.  A big ol’ local-fest with farmers’ market, music, and kid-friendly activities, including a family dance from 2-3 pm.
• The Children’s Museum of Science and Technology is having a Hudson River Ramble event on The Hudson River at 1 pm.  For ages 4+, pre-register, $2/non-member.

School’s great, thank you.  They’re both settling in, making new friends, liking the teacher.

Most of our activities haven’t started, but at least we’ve figured out what we’re doing.  The girls both enjoyed their soccer games:  I was afraid that they wouldn’t like them as much as practices, but I think that they’re even more enthusiastic now.  So, you know: yay.   I ended up going with straight nice-old-lady piano lessons for J instead of going to a music center:  we can do it while M’s in school, and it’s right in our neighborhood.  Plus, for both of them, art and dance.

J is taking the bus to kindergarten in the morning, then walking home with her big sister in the afternoons.  The bus ride was crazy, though:  basically, they’d pick up J and our neighbor first, then drive all through the neighborhood, and finally make it home:  a 55-minute ride to our school a block and a half away.  But J wanted to try the bus, and it was a chance to see one or two friends that she wouldn’t see otherwise, so we gave it a try.

J waits for the bus

The bus driver realized how ridiculous it was, so she switched up the route so that J will be on the bus ten minutes, tops.  And when leaned down through the door to tell me, I responded, “Great!  Much better! Absolutely!”  And I do feel that way.  But, an itty-bitty part of me mourned that extra 45 minutes of Getting Stuff Done Time.

Among the many things to enjoy about fall–occurring somewhere between the return to school and jumping into leaf piles–is all of the glossy brochures with the upcoming theater for the new season.  I get so excited, as if I’m going to go to these shows.  Which I generally don’t, because I’m cheap.  But I start putting together my birthday and Christmas wish list, at least.  Anyway, I thought that I’d look through some of the theater offerings and give you a little preview of some family-friendly stuff that will be happening this season.  I’m ignoring the holiday fare because I simply can’t wrap my mind around holidays when I still don’t know what we’re doing for Halloween.  Or, for that matter, J’s birthday (although I did buy one gift today!).

If you’re not a theater-goer with the kids, I’m not going to rant about that right now–please refer to this earlier post.  But then, come back, okay?

Here are some family-friendly theater highlights:

The Egg will have a puppet show based on Leo Lionni’s books on October  16th and the   Zucchini Brothers in a holiday concert on December 18th.  In the spring, much more, including Star Trek Live among others–look here.

Schenectady Light Opera will be performing The Pirates of Penzance in mid-October.

The Schenectady Civic Players are doing Peter Pan at the beginning of December.

Proctors has a cool Literature to Life series for high school students, with dramatizations of three terrific books–worth a look if you teach or parent anybody in high school.  Really, Proctors has a ton of cool stuff.  Do you remember how last year, they kept Wicked around for so long that it got to the point where it felt like pretty much everyone you knew had seen (and loved) Wicked?  And, even if you had had absolutely no previous desire to see Wicked (like me:  I read the book and wasn’t crazy about it), suddenly you felt like absolutely must go see it?  I’m sorry:  was I the only one who felt that way?  I still didn’t go because, as you recall, I am cheap, but by the end of their run I was truly wishing to go.   It was such a great strategy that this year they’re doing it with The Lion King.  Which is, of course, child-friendly.  Running February 22 to March 20, baby, so you might as well just give in and buy the dang tickets or you and your children will be missing the party.  Or put them on the wish list.  Really, I’ve actually seen the Lion King, so I’ll be okay without it.  But seriously?  I’m starting to think that the  Proctors programmer is psychically connected to me.  So many events seem to call to me specifically.  I would love to take the kids to see Merchants of Bollywood and Fiddler on the Roof, in particular.  And then there’s family favorite, Blue Man Group.  Or how about a date night to see David Sedaris?

So, what do you guys think?  Any theater that you’re dying to see?  And with or without the kids?

For those of you who were wondering, the TU’s Albany blog has a post on what happened to the playground in Lincoln Park.  Meanwhile, their Youth Arts blog has a post on a casting call from the Cohoes Music Hall for kids 5-8 to act in “A Christmas Carol” and another post about  joining the Troy Children’s Chorus, open to kids in grades 2 to 8 who love to sing.

At our house, I’m enjoying getting us all back into the routine.  One of the hitches, lately, has been some unfortunate Dog Drama.  We recently made a recreational trip to Target.  We were looking at birthday wishes for J (who turns 6 on October 1st), and each girl had a back-to-school gift card from Grandma and Grandpa.  I defined back-to-school to mean clothing, school supplies, crafts, or books, but not straight toys.  The girls argued persuasively that accessories should also be included (J:  “Earrings are like clothes for your ears“), and they happily chose their purchases.

Except, then there was the Ginormous Stuffed Dog.  J’s had her eye on this for a while, but it was clearly a toy.  Plus, her birthday’s coming up.  M remembered that she still had credit from a birthday gift card, and at first she suggested that she and J each chip in $10 from their piggy banks to share the doggie.  J, with the wisdom of hard-earned little sistering experience, sensed that this would be unsatisfying and said no.  So M decided to dip into her savings (which she rarely does) and purchase a yellow dog.  J had favored the brown & white.

Goldie (NOT Huggy)

Anyway, it’s only a couple of weeks until the birthday, so I figured that J could suck it up for a while.  M very graciously allowed J to hold and cuddle the dog, and she occasionally asks J to dog-sit.  But, just in general, it’s been ugly.  J would really like to own the dog.  We’ve had some tragic sobbing.  J even decided to name the dog Huggy.  Which is really cute, except that M had already named the dog Goldie.  So there was more drama.  The trouble is, M is being really kind about sharing, but then at the end of the day (or whenever) she wants to take the dog to her room.  Or, they’ll both play with it, and then leave and have a snack, and M nicely asks J to make sure that her hands are clean.  At which point J sobs dramatically.  So I’m almost ready to tell M just to stop all of that sharing already and lock the dog in her room.

Of course, what makes it even more tragic is that J really wants a real dog.  And I’m not up for a real dog.  Two kids and a cat (and a blog!) is about as much as I can handle.  I thought, briefly, that we could try to volunteer at an animal shelter one morning a week, but then a friend pointed out that if we did that, we’d absolutely end up falling in love with a dog who was about to be euthanized, and then I’d have to take the dog home.  So that idea’s been put on the shelf.

In any case, does anyone need me to pick something up at Target for them?  Because I’m absolutely going tomorrow.  Last time I went, there was only one of those ginormous dogs.

I was with J at bedtime, and I asked her if she was ready to turn off the light, and she said, “No, I need more time for kissing and rejoicing you!”  Very adorable.  And then, moments later, she told me that she was very sad about something, and after a few minutes I understand that she’s recounting the time that her big sister got taken along with the cousins on a souvenir shopping trip in North Carolina and J was left behind.  I was as sympathetic as I could manage, but jeepers, it’s been more than two months!  Can you please just move on and go to sleep already?

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m so glad that we’re getting down to a routine.  Which reminds me, has anyone done the Music Fundamentals class at the Music Studio?  I know that my nursery school teacher was a big Music Studio enthusiast, but we were not completely wowed by the open house, so I’d love any input.  J wants to learn to play the piano, the guitar, and the tambourine–all of which she could do in the class.  But, expensive, too.  There’s one class for kindergarteners on Thursday mornings at 9:30 am, but I’m not sure if there will be enough kids for it to run. . . any afternoon-k Nisky or Guilderland kids interested?  I’m wavering on this one.

Anyway, here’s what’s happening this week:

Monday, September 13th:

• There’s a Juggling Class at 5 pm at the Howe Branch Library.  For ages 5-18.

Tuesday, September 14th:

• From 10 am to noon, Sling Babies is holding their monthly meeting at Rosemont Park, on Rosemont Street between Western & Washington Avenues in Albany.
• Take a Mud Pond Hike at Moreau Lake State Park at 10 am.
• There’s Pajamarama for the 6-and-under set at Bethlehem Public Library at 7 pm.

Wednesday, September 15th:

• At 11 am and again at 3 pm, the Children’s Museum at Saratoga is doing their Cooking Around the World program.  Today’s theme is Caribbean, and it’s $8/non-member, recommended for 3 years and older, and you must pre-register.
• Teens are invited to decorate a t-shirt at 4 pm at the Howe Branch Library.
• At 4 pm at the Schenectady Public Library, elementary-school-aged children can participate in Fabulous Fall crafts and activities.

Thursday, September 16th:

• Take a Hawk Walk at 9 am at Thacher.
• At 9:45 am, join other local families on a hike at Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary in Feura Bush.  There’s more information about this and other local hikes on the hikes page.
• At 10 am, take a Hudson Point Hike at Moreau Lake.
• At 10:30 am, there’s  Little Wonders of Science for 3- to 5-year-olds  at the Schenectady Museum.  It’s free, but call to pre-register.
• At 3:30 pm, it’s the first in a series called La Mezcla Hispana which will explore Spanish language and culture for students in grades 3 to 7 at the Delaware Branch Library–huh.  I received information about this via email, but it doesn’t appear on the calendar.  If you’re interested, give them a call to check out if this is still happening, I suppose.
• From 3:30-5 pm, students in grades 1 through 5 can come with an adult on an After School Adventure at the Albany Pine Bush.  It’s $2/person, and pre-registration is required.
• At 4 pm at East Greenbush Library, there’s a meeting of the Teen Advisory Group for 6th- to 12th-graders.  Participants help plan events and suggest materials.
• At 7 pm, it’s the Children’s Circle Storytime at Bethlehem Public Library, designed with kids who have special needs in mind.

Friday, September 17th:

• It’s Art Night Schenectady from 5-9 pm.
• The Irish 2000 Music & Arts Festival begins at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds at 5 pm today, and it continues on Saturday.
• At 6 pm, Complicated Shirt and The Union Boots will be playing at Albany’s Main Public Library as part of their Garage Bands series.
• At 6:30 pm, there’s a Friday Night Family Storytime at the East Greenbush Library.
• At 7:30 pm, go for a Star Watch at Grafton Lakes State Park.

We were married and for the longest time, we didn’t want a baby yet. And then, we did. I’d had a mental checklist of pregnancy pre-requisites: love, a career path, and a place to live that didn’t feel unhygienic. This last requirement wasn’t easy while living in New York City on a budget. The checklist was an old one, almost unconscious by the time the requirements were actually fulfilled, but once complete, there was an emotional sea change. Suddenly we were surprised to find that we’d become aspiring parents. While W job-hunted in locations cheap enough for me to stop earning money for a while, I read pregnancy books and ate the What to Expect diet. We prepared in earnest.

And then, it didn’t happen. After so many years of prevention, we expected that just by setting our new course, we’d be on our way. Instead, nothing happened, and then nothing happened again. We became more and more deliberate: tracking cycles, interpreting mucus, checking basal body temperature, and following a specific schedule. A repeated, obligatory, schedule. We waited for Something To Happen, and it didn’t. And then it didn’t again.

Temperamentally, we tend to be happy people. But there was a growing dull ache for both of us, a bruise nudged by the cheerful couples pushing strollers on the streets of our bustling Park Slope neighborhood. I’d ride the subway all summer interpreting my sense of smell: did I have a hormone-induced heightened sensitivity to odors, or did that woman just stink? Everything was a false alarm, and the hope that we’d shared began to sour into disappointment with a risk of impending sorrow.

Then, eight months into our baby-making efforts, there was that beautiful, terrible morning of September 11^th. By chance we both happened to be in lower Manhattan, although we weren’t together. From his office diagonally next to one of the towers, my clever husband was efficient and proactive: calling his parents as soon as the first plane hit, convincing people who feared missing their court summons that they should really just go home, and leaving the area. As horrified coworkers looked up to see people jumping from the towers, he kept his head down. He couldn’t help but witness the resolute firefighters rushing to the scene, but he was composed enough to realize that seeing too many vivid images would only add to future nightmares.

View from W's office when he went back to help relocate

Meanwhile, my subway trip to an appointment was halted by unexplained delays, and I wandered, confused about what to do next, slow to comprehend the magnitude of what had happened. I hiked the length of a tunnel to find a “better” exit, only to step up into police officers yelling for me to run back the other way in a swirl of dust that was, it turns out, the first tower collapse. Then I began a trek in search of a working phone, fearful that if I left Manhattan before confirming that my husband was okay I could be trapped, unable to reach him if he were shuttled to a special evacuation place that we all speculated would be created, full of wounded people to be helped. When the second tower collapsed, I stopped and watched, transfixed, an image that was action-movie unreal. From where we stood it must have been a rumble, but what I remember hearing were the gasps and sobs and one man’s gargled shriek of “Oh, Jesus! Oh, Jesus!” It was about noon when I was able to reach W via the payphone at the Astor Place K-Mart. I’d gotten quarters along with cheap sneakers for the walk home—the shoe aisles were filled with women with sore feet. My husband helped me with directions for the walk over the bridge and home. That afternoon it was closed to vehicles and completely filled with pedestrians, many alone, some clustered together. There was muted crying and laughing, except when the fighter planes tore through the sky above us. Then people would scream and duck. We were all jittery.

When I finally got home, W was on the roof, watching smoke rise from the site. Our tv was out—we’d been antennae-only people, and the signals used to come from the top of the towers—and so we didn’t see the speeches, the endlessly repeated footage that others remember so well. I cleaned the kitchen, savagely scrubbing every crevice of the refrigerator.

That day and the next, we couldn’t work, but we’d been told to go out and about: “keep calm and carry on”. We walked through the hushed streets of Park Slope, meeting dazed neighbors everywhere. All of the restaurants were full and quiet. On the weekend we left the city to visit my parents, hunching over a map of lower Manhattan, recounting what had happened where. At the suburban grocery store, there were stacks of huge bags of kibble that people had bought to give to search-and-rescue dogs. To me, it seemed so self-indulgent: were we really going to waste time shipping stuff like this, which could be bought in the city, anyway? But of course we all wanted to help, and we all felt so powerless. My husband had shown up with a friend at ground zero with flashlights and work gloves and they had been sent away, and it seemed that our whole neighborhood was lined up at an overwhelmed blood donor center. We wanted to do what we could, and of course, we were still waiting then. There were posters up, there were searchers searching, and we thought that surely some people would be saved. We expected, any minute, that a group of survivors might be found alive, a small community within a pocket in the rubble. And then it didn’t happen. And then, it still didn’t happen.

We were bereft in spite of our own immense good fortune. No one truly close to us was gone. Our mourning felt profound although it was completely superficial: friends of friends, the places that we used to meet. I have a terrible sense of direction, and for years I would get lost and call my husband and he’d literally tell me where to go by using the towers, saying okay, you should be walking with them to the left and almost behind you. The loss left us unmoored. We told each other, we just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other, the days will come and go, and before we know it, it will be a year away, or five years, then even ten years. Yet each step, at least starting out, felt like quicksand—the ground shifting, the fear sucking.

A week later we were trying to achieve normalcy. My husband’s office was attempting to relocate, we grudgingly signed up for cable tv. My subway line ran through the WTC area, and it didn’t stop there, but it would slow down as we passed the platforms. They looked pretty normal, except that they were empty. But it smelled terrible—three quarters electrical fire, one quarter charred flesh. The first time I rode through it my eyes filled with tears, but I held it together. After that, I’d sometimes notice someone who was doing it for the first time—they’d look startled, then stricken, and then they’d put the subway face back on. After the first ride almost everyone seemed to wear the same expression: pissed-but-determined. We’d glance at each other, sometimes, and there would be silent agreement: ​we aren’t going to lose it, we are going to work, we are tough New Yorkers and we’re going to ignore that smell so that the terrorists don’t win.

About a week after Sept. 11^th it was also time for my husband and I to try again. The thermometer and mucus said so. It didn’t feel like a good idea. The world felt darker, more sinister, and it seemed entirely possible that things would never get better.

And yet.

We had made a plan. We had wanted a baby. We still wanted a baby, even if we were scared of bringing a child into this sorrowful world with its chaotic uncertainty and endless pages of obituaries in The New York Times, with the stench and pallor that hung over the city. We’d been trying for eight months, and we couldn’t skip an opportunity that only came every 29 days. Because that would be letting the terrorists win.

I know it seems silly. But at that point, it felt like the mere activities of daily life took more courage or energy than we had. But carrying on with our routine was the only way that we knew how to respond. In the face of of it all, we felt morally obligated, patriotically obligated, to demonstrate our hope, our faith in the future, and our love.

There are so many who lost family and friends, so many heroic people who risked much and saw too much, and their enduring courage in carrying on every day, in rebuilding lives with pieces wrenched from their souls, and in facing annual national remembrances of what is for them a profound, particular, and personal grief, is beyond anything that I can imagine.

On anniversaries, it feels like that September 11^th just happened moments ago. But for us, really, it’s been a lifetime. This morning it was another beautiful, glorious September 11^th. We spent ours with our daughters—our elder daughter turned 8 on June 18th—along with most of the town, out on the soccer fields. The children are oblivious to the significance of the date—even those who have been taught the facts don’t really comprehend.

But the grown-ups remember. Nine years ago today all of us were stunned, frightened, and sorrowful.  Since then, there’s been so much joy.   In spite of  all of those who were lost and all that was lost, our hope, and our faith in the future, and our love endures.

Today I was chatting with friends at a playground when one of them told me that she gets mad when I don’t post every day.  Really?

I do try to post every day, but the late August-early September transition is one of my least favorite times of the year.   The girls and I are discombobulated without a schedule.  So, I’ll admit that I’ve been a Slacky McSlackster.  But, I’m comin’ back!  Really, I am.  You know:  soon.  J had her first “real” day of kindergarten today.  Hours before it was time to go out to wait for the bus she set the ground rules:  “Mommy?  You have to kiss me inside.”  As in, no kissing or overt displays of affection allowed by my five-year-old.  Well, in fairness, she’s almost six–that’s right, I’m a redshirting Mommy, as I just explained on the CBS 6 blog.  At the last minute she gave me a quick thigh-hug.  I smiled and waved her onto the bus, then immediately burst into tears.  Luckily, I’d worn sunglasses just in case.

J waiting for the bus

Anyway, hopefully we’ll get into a better routine and I’ll start shaping up again–I’ve definitely been letting things slide a bit.  For now, I’ve got all sorts of loose ends that I’m throwing into a single post.

I’ve read a couple of articles in The Daily Gazette recently that I would like to share with you except that they will only let you read the dang paper if you subscribe.  And, of course, even though I get the paper edition and pay the token amount to have digital access, too, I always forget my password.  So, yes, I’m a little bitter.  Still, there was some good information, so I’ll attempt to transcend my bitterness to share it with you. One article was about Sunnyside Gardens in Saratoga.  The article was specifically about their Children’s Garden, although it looks like this is really designed for spring and summer visits.  Still, I like that they’re trying to attract the kids, and they’ve gone all pumpkin and hayride now, so that sounds like fun, too.  Then, on Wednesday, there was an article about a Drum Circle that takes place on Wednesdays from 7-9 pm at Jay Street.  Also just the sort of fun, community building thing I love.  We  might have to bring our little music-lover J to give it a try.  Huh, I wonder if a kindergartener who can’t quite keep a beat would cramp their style?  I guess we’ll find out.

I also just received emails from the Albany Art Room about a whole bunch of adult classes that they’re having.  Meanwhile, Kidzart finally sent out their fall art class schedule, with classes beginning the week of September 27th.  I know that a friend didn’t enjoy the Kidzart camp, but my girls loved their class last year, and M’s requested it again, so we might be doing that.

Enjoy the busy weekend, everybody!

We’ve got a tremendously busy weekend coming up.  Here’s what I’ve found:

All Weekend:

• There’s the Tug Boat Roundup in Waterford.
• The Shaker Heritage Society in Albany is having their Fall Harvest Craft Fair from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday.  Family activities and pony rides.  It’s $4/person.
• It’s Clifton Park’s Annual Farm Fest on Saturday and Sunday.  This is free, with activities at a variety of locations.
• It’s the 35th Annual Greek Festival in downtown Schenectady.
• According to the TU’s Youth Arts blog, there’s a youth presentation of a “Rent: Student Edition” at 7 pm on Friday & Saturday.
• The Shenendehowa United Methodist Church is holding a Country Fair on Friday and Saturday including a 9/11 remembrance on Saturday morning.
• The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library is holding a buy one, get one free Scholastic Book Fair.
• There’s a Festa Italiana in Troy.  See page 3 on this link for details.
• Perhaps a driving tour isn’t the best for your little kids, but I had to share that there’s a Washington County Cheese Tour–yumma.
• It’s the Sunkiss Balloon Festival in Hudson Falls, which is a bit of a drive–an hour or so north of here.  I heard about this one from Malta Mama.  Then I noticed, as well, that Friday and Saturday are Sandy Hill Days in Hudson Falls.

Evening of Friday, September 10th:

• Cavanaugh & Kavanaugh will be playing at 5 pm at the Delaware Branch Library as part of the Acoustic Sidewalk Series.
• In North Greenbush, the Community Fair by the Kiwanis Club begins at 5 pm today and continues on Saturday.  Music, food, and kids’ games.

Saturday, September 11th:

• There are morning 9/11 remembrances in Glens Falls, Halfmoon,  Saratoga Springs,
• Watch for hawks migrating at Thacher from 9 am to 2 pm.
• From 9:30 am to 2 pm, it’s the Fireplug 500 to benefit the Animal Protective Foundation at Central Park in Schenectady.
• It’s Malta Community Day from 10 am to 4 pm.  I heard about this one from Malta Mama, too.
• From 10 am to 6 pm, it’s the Back 2 School Expo at the Colonie Center Mall.
• There’s a History Fair from 10 am to 4 pm at Mabee Farm in Schenectady.
• It’s the Stockade Art Show from 10 am to 4 pm in Schenectady.
• It’s the Crailo Harvest Faire at the Crailo State Historic Site from 11 am to 4 pm.
• From 11 am to 3 pm, there’s supposed to be a North Greenbush Community Fair–I found this listed, but I couldn’t find more specific information.
• It’s the Pedal, Paddle, Run in Scotia–the race is in the morning, and post-race festivities begin at noon.
• From noon to 2 pm, celebrate Grandparents Day at Schenectady Museum–free admission for grandparents, plus bottle rocket demonstrations.
• From noon until 9 pm, it’s the Little Italy Streetfest.  I didn’t see a direct site for you, but the TU’s Table Hopping Blog has a food preview and the TU’s Schenectady Blog shared a review a review from last year’s street fest.
• From 12:30-8 pm, it’s the Albany Riverfront Jazz Fest.
• Kids 4 and up can craft a River Creature at the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology. Pre-register, and it’s $2/non-member.
• At the Rensselaer County Historical Society, it’s a Kids in the House family-friendly tour from 2-3 pm.  $10/non-member.

Sunday, September 12th:

• From 10 am to 5 pm it’s the Towne Bowling Academy Community Day in Rotterdam.  Free bowling, shoe rental, food, face painting.
• At the Albany Pine Bush, you can learn about Legends and Lore of the Pine Bush at 10:30 am, a naturalist tour at 11:30 or the basic tour at 1 pm.
• It’s an Old Fashioned Sunday at the Pruyn House in Newtonville from noon to 4 pm.  It’s free, with music, storytelling, magicians, pony rides, and more.
• From 12 to 4:30 pm, there’s an Eid Carnival at AnNur Islamic School in Schenectady.  Bouncy bounce, games, foods, crafts.  Tickets are $2/kids 4-13, $3/folks 14+, or $10/family, and include snack foods for the kids.  If you’ve had to have conversations with your kids lately about nutjobs trying to burn Qurans, what better follow-up than to go to a nice neighborhood event where friendly Muslims will be handing out cotton candy?
• Time Travel through Lillian’s Attic in the Children’s Museum at Saratoga from 1 to 2 pm.  This is a chance to see the newly renovated portion of the museum.
• It’s the Uncle Sam Parade and Celebration in Troy.  The parade’s at 1 pm, there are fireworks at 8 pm, and in between there will be plenty of music, games, and food.
• They’re showing The Adventures of Robin Hood at 2 pm at the main Albany Library.