Ain't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus....

Yessirree, that was a hymn we sang in church on Sunday morning. This is where East meets West and you realize that yup, there is a lingo/cultural difference amongst the pale and dark brethren. I was amazed at the amount of solemn composure exhibited by Jon and me standing there in church singing along with the congregation. Had Walt been there, it would have been over. We would have laughed until the tears came down as we gasped in great convulsive attempts at gaining oxygen.

Tonight for dinner I made bruschetta with the garlic chunks slowly braised (shall I say) in a bath of extra virgin olive oil, then I added chunks of fresh tomatoes and plenty of fresh basil. I brushed big slices of sourdough french bread with more olive oil and grilled them. That along with some crudites, hummus, and dolmas was dinner. Oh, yeah, I made some soft boiled eggs just for good measure. They are delightful served in little egg cups. And brewed some tea. I like using the Irish breakfast tea, though you mustn't chill it until you pour it over the ice to serve because it clouds when chilled (in case you wondered).

I'm still in sinusitis recovery which is to say that I'm completely miserable, I'm making vain attempts at not moving much or talking much because my head aches intensely without pause, and my children trounce on nerves I didn't even know I had. So tonight at dinner I told everyone not to speak to me and for heaven's sake, don't ask me any questions. Silence spread out until between bites the kids began espousing their total joy in their dinner. I do tend to like silence very much, but if there must be conversation at dinner amongst six humans that have the brain capacity of Georgia legislators, that's the kind of commentary I like to hear. I was practically cheerful by the end of dinner.

After dinner we went for a walk. Our children are really quite obnoxious with the way they nonchalantly tromp through people's yards and make loud comments. Oliver and Charles were making comments loudly along the lines of "Man, look at that really bad paint job," and "is this where the fat kid lives?" and "what kind of dumb scooter is that?" Jon and I were making efforts at plugging this course of conversation with hissed threats under our breath- "What is your problem? Stop being judgmental, it's none of your business, stop making comments, get off their grass, stay on the sidewalk," and so on and so forth.

About this time we were walking past a particularly interesting yard where it looked like the owner had spread out rather haphazardly on unprepared bald rocky red clay about 100 sq. ft. of sod which he then failed to water. Jon and I immediately made eye contact which said,"Nice yard" with our particular brand of sarcasm, and then of course we had to bust out laughing. "Honey," I said between gulps for air," All I can say as I reflect on the bad manners of our offspring is the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" which is when Jon brought up the Sunday hymn in response,"and ain't nobody do me like Jesus." Ah, yes, the comic relief of our daily existence.

In other news, Vivian started violin lessons today. Her enthusiasm definitely outweighs her talent, but she ought to catch on fast enough. After hours of lessons, we went to the library and stocked up on more Lemony Snickets books on CD, numbers 5, 10, 11 and 12. We are glad to be back in the miserable lives of the Baudelaire children while driving in the car. It certainly reduces the number of fights which break out in the third row seats.

Jon buzzed the boys heads tonight. Only Oliver and Gabriel's heads actually. Jonathan and Charles would need years of counseling if he buzzed their heads. We figure we've already given them enough reasons to need counseling. : ) Oh, no, word on the street is that Charles is getting a buzz after all. Um, yeah. With his goober teeth and square head, I'll be sure to take lots of pictures for his future girlfriend.