Petra Spiderman

Petra Spiderman from Michael Smith on Vimeo.

Mike and I catch up with some Rays

In the wake of my Grandfather's funeral, Mike and I had an opportunity to spend some time with his side of our Ohio family. Thanks: Gail, Katie, Eric, Steve, Caroline and Elizabeth...for making a sad trip into a vacation.

Silver Limbs

I admit readily that I am more consumer than hunter-gatherer, and yet I love a bargain, and so it is that when I see garbage I like, I can see it as nothing but a really good deal. Thus, these silver limbs. And although I don't really see why this is....I will, because apparently I have to, emphatically express these are tree limbs. And I am posting a picture. If you were confused, then this is at least the third time I have had to explain I do not mean human limbs. I did not find, and feel the need to drag home from Canal Street, silver human limbs.
Behold.....my hard won and truly glorious silver tree garbage limbs! Do they not dazzle?

My York City

My York City from Michael Smith on Vimeo.


Almost without fail, every time we emerge from a subway station in our neighborhood after a visit to my parent's, Petra expansively deems what she sees, "My City!". Apparently these two are so pleased to be reunited at long last, Petra and her city, that they assume ownership of one another. At first, she referred to NY as New My City, which I took to be a mistake....Your for York. Then, since I was not getting the message, she changed it to My York City.

This, combined with her penchant for referring to everything that I tell her isn't hers as The People's (We went to see Rockefeller Christmas Tree, and she asked if it was her Christmas Tree, which I told her it wasn't. "So, it's the people's tree, Mommy?" Imagine this scenario played out as many times as any given toddler deems something his or hers only to be informed it's not) makes for an interesting political atmosphere in Petra's York City.

I'm just saying.

What a Puzzle Completed Looked Like

USGS Survey Jigsaw Puzzle circa 8 January 2008 2am









USGS Survey Jigsaw Puzzle circa 8 January 2008 10am


Heather and I sat down at around 11pm last night and completed a 400 piece USGS map jigsaw puzzle. The map, a Christmas gift from Ryan and Becca, is a US geological survey centered on our home address including the surrounding neighborhoods 4 miles north-to-south and 6 miles east-to-west. The map was great fun to put together and quite challenging, despite our supposed familiarity with Manhattan and its environs. After stalling out on lower Manhattan and Midtown at around 1am, I thought we wouldn't finish. However, we keep plugging in pieces, I stuck to the threads along the map (the Newtown Channel, FDR and BQE) while Heather hammered out Manhattan's grid. At 2am it was finally done.

Much to my surprise, I came home tonight and found the puzzle in pieces. At first glance, I felt my blood begin to boil, but knowing Petra most likely had a hand in the dismantling my disappointment passed quickly. I then realized that the fun thing about putting together this puzzle is: each time we complete it, the places that surround will become more familiar.

Thanks, Becca and Ryan.

Who Has to Go on the Potty?

Who Has to Go on the Potty? from Michael Smith on Vimeo.

PlanCity

Mike and I love Plan City. It is safe to say we are Plan City fans. I'm not sure whether it is the cushy wheels on the car, or the cushy wood of the road itself, but there is something very satisfying as you roll your utility vehicle or school bus or service vehicle or volkswagon bug (these seem to be the only vehicle options) around to the airport and parking lot (both have working elevators-the former has a working conveyor belt for the luggage. Amazing.), the service station and fire station. It works with our Thomas stuff, and it kept Petra and Eoin happy for Mike for a good chunk of the day yesterday whilst Becca and I were out shopping. Le sigh.....we love you, Plan City!


Eoin Loading Luggage at the Airport from Michael Smith on Vimeo.