Why Children Don't Drive

While skiing through the woods yesterday I saw oak leaves hanging out in the snow:


A person could feel lost in the Back 40 when it looks like this in every direction:


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In the minivan en route to guitar lessons yesterday after school:

Mr. T: Mom, when can I drive?
Me: When you're sixteen you can start learning how to drive.

Mr. T: How do you learn?
Me: Well, you take a class called driver's education and then you have to log hours actually driving with a grown up and then you take a test. There's a written test and a driving test. Then if you pass, you get a license.

Mr. T: I can't wait until I'm sixteen. I'm going to get a big truck.
Me: (nod, understanding that a teenaged boy would not want to drive a mommyvan)

Mr. T: And I'm going to put a bunch of snacks in here (gestures to glove compartment) so I can always have stuff to eat. I'll have drinks, too.
Me: That's a good idea.

Mr. T: And I'm going to have a TV in my truck. Then I can watch TV whenever I want. I might just live in my truck.
Me: (silent because I had no words)

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In other breaking news, I will serve my book club Chex Mix and Puppy Chow (thanks everyone for reminding me of 2 other classic cereal recipes!) and Rice Krispie treats Mary Alice-style. And of course good things like cheese and grapes and bruschetta and wine. The coup de gras will be Valentine cupcakes (bought sprinkles today--will post picture to show you how my attempt at crafty/Martha Stewarty party planning turns out). Sadly, this won't happen until next Wednesday because I realized I forgot to flip the calendar to February and I was planning for January's book club date. Domestically Challenged, I love the idea of a bloody dagger, but my culinary gifts are kind of limited. It did inspire, however!


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Seeds. So glad you asked. Some of you posted in the comments some great resources. I'll cover Seed Catalogs I Love (and a couple I hate) for your edification next week.

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Half of our bedroom looks like this all week:


Because apparently if your spouse is going on a golf trip, every single thing must be laid out for complete and thorough examination before going into a duffel bag four days later...
(That or he's trying to help me not miss him so much.)

Posted in: Housekeeping, Mr. D, Mr. T