Adventures in Babysitting

I had Thursday off. I had to plant a couple boxes, find one before it was pulled (a box of the month) and check on one that someone had attempted but not found to make sure it was still there. I was also going to be watching my youngest niece (age 5,) she was so happy she was going letterboxing.

We started off at the park, the little one wanted to play on the playground. So, on the swings, down the slide, and across the monkey bars she went. Then we took a walk...time to plant. She did very well helping me choose which way to go on a path and as we were planting the first box, we found a buckeye nut. Very excited, she tucked it away in her letterboxing pouch. Off we went to plant the second box and when we were done we headed back to the vehicle. On the way we found a small snake skin. I explained how when snakes grow they must shed their skin, and she tucked that away into her pouch as well.

Our next stop was to find a box. This would actually be her first time finding one. We reached the park, no playground this time, and after a quick stop at the port-a-potty, down the trail we started. We had not gotten too far when I heard a truck pull into the parking lot, I could still see it somewhat, enough to notice the color. My first thought was it's a letterboxing friend of mine...

I was right...Pioneer Spirit had pulled in, and as he started down the trail, I called out that I knew what he was there for. He jogged to meet up with us, and we made the walk to the box together. My niece found the box, and we all stamped in. Pioneer Spirit had to take off to get to work, so we finished with the box and put it back. It was a fine opportunity to teach her how to re-hide well. We began our walk back to the parking lot, and along the way found a lovely rock, which my niece proudly placed in her pouch.

The last stop for the day was my own box, a maintenance check. I was happy to see it was still there, though the area has changed a little, it's still able to be found by following the clues. We took the box to a picnic table, and I helped my niece stamp in, and then it was time to return the box and return home.

It was a very relaxed and enjoyable day...and though I love my niece dearly, my next letterbox outing will be more intense, and will not involve babysitting.

Down and Out

Ike is a big ol' bully.

He pushed his way through Ohio, leaving damage in his wake. I couldn't believe how powerful the winds were. Amazing. One second I was working on some LTCs (Letterboxer Trading Cards,) the next I was sitting there in the dark. (I have a small space in the basement set up for me to do my art work, and there is only one small half window, so even though it was the middle of the day when this happened, it became dark downstairs, though thankfully still light enough to see to get out.)

So there we were Sunday afternoon, the power was out. In fact, I learned later that over 70% of my county was without power, and over 50% of a couple neighboring counties were without as well.

Not only that, but a big blue spruce in the front yard had been blown over, falling down towards the house (luckily, it did not hit the house.) It was reported that winds had reached over 70 MPH.


We spent the rest of the afternoon watching the wind from the porch...and watching the nosey people drive up and then back down the road checking to see what damage everyone was having. We live out in the country...there's not much more to do.

We are fortunate enough to have a generator, and a gas tank on property (for farm equipment.) So, we would not be sitting in the dark when the sun set. We would however not be using too much electricity as to not put a strain on the generator. We kept on a light in the living room, and the television. Yes, that's it. We kept our refrigerator running and were able to flush toilets, and now and then we would turn on the water heater so that a couple of us could take showers (though I did go shower at my grandparents as well.) At night the generator was turned off, and would be re-started again in the morning.

This went on for five days. That's right, five days. From Sunday afternoon to Friday late afternoon, we had lived off the generator...and restaurants. Did I mention we did no cooking in this time as well. And I did not use the computer...I think I went through AQ withdraw. ;)

So, the electricity is back on (after having to change the breaker box...seems all the switching things off and on put a little strain on the old, rusted box...it broke when the electric came on---so we were without water at that point too...but not for too long, good old Dad was able to go buy a new one and fix it before the sun went down.) However, the tree still lays in the yard. We picked up the large branches and sticks that were thrown from the other trees, but the blue spruce still lays were it fell.


The funny thing is, the LTC that I was working on when the electric went out was seasonally themed...and titled "Autumn Wind"...and boy did we have some wind!

The Song of Wandering Aengus

Recently, someone sent me this poem...I wanted to share it.

The Song of Wandering Aengus
W.B. Yeats, 1899

I went out to the hazel wood,
Because a fire was in my head,
And cut and peeled a hazel wand,
And hooked a berry to a thread;
And when white moths were on the wing,
And moth-like stars were flickering out,
I dropped the berry in a stream
And caught a little silver trout.
When I had laid it on the floor
I went to blow the fire a-flame,
But something rustled on the floor,
And someone called me by my name:
It had become a glimmering girl
With apple blossom in her hair
Who called me by my name and ran
And faded through the brightening air.
Though I am old with wandering
Through hollow lands and hilly lands,
I will find out where she has gone,
And kiss her lips and take her hands;
And walk among long dappled grass,
And pluck till time and times are done,
The silver apples of the moon,
The golden apples of the sun.

Back in the saddle again....

Well, I've been out of my blogging routine for quite awhile. I've opened a business, and this is the first time I've ever done anything like this, so it has kept me quite busy. My business associate and I just had our Open House and I was so thrilled to see some of my letterboxing friends come in support (of course I did have a stamp for them too! :)

But now that the business is open, and the open house is over, I all of the sudden feel like I have more time on my hands...this is just a mirage I'm sure---still plenty to do---but, the big moments of it all have come and gone, and I'm excited to get back to more time for letterboxing, and keeping current with my blogging!

Of course, I have decided to stop my other blog, and solely use this one, so there will most likely be more on this blog than just letterboxing...though that consumes a lot of what I do, so it's still the main focus.

I've been blessed with meeting wonderful people through this hobby, and they have been referred to as my letterboxing family with all sincerity. I feel lucky to be in an area where we have plenty of events*...and almost anything is reason enough to have an event...because it has allowed us all to really get to know one another. We are not just participating in the same hobby, we are friends...we are family. The kindness and support that have been given me, and I have seen given to others is truly amazing.

The next event that I get to attend is called Southern Ohio Haunted Trails...of course, it's in October...Halloween and all...and the theme is famous pirate ghosts! I can hardly wait...we are even encouraged to wear pirate costumes...heeheheh...this ought to be fun!

Of course, between now and then there is plenty of time to get out there and box! And so I shall!






*an event is a planned occassion for letterboxers to get together so they may meet each other, exchange stamps, have fun, and really just get to know one another