Calling All Explorers

Keri Smith has a great book, How To Be an Explorer of the World, which is perfect for camping but equally awe-inspiring for every day.  Zane's "glasses of altered perception" are one of the many projects in the book. 

We are also bringing jars for mini-ecosystems and egg crates that I spray painted and decorated (because I am a dork like that) for collection containers.

The forecast is a chilly 50s and 60s with a 50% chance of rain but we are ready to go!

Camp Fontanelle

For years now my kids and I have been going on a camping trip with our friend, Yvonne.  We count it as one of the highlights of our year.  I have been thinking about how to transform this festive camping experience into an actual party.  More on that as the week progresses. 

There are many traditions that we honor:  a locust shell hunt (and then we wear them as brooches), campfire with s'mores and harmonicas, hiking, tree climbing, lounging on the indestructo-blanket, and playing with the animals.  Photos by Yvonne Meyer.

Laborious Process

My friend Tony Lindquist made these pies for a recent Baby Barbecue Party.   This is also his photograph of baby pies in peach, apple, and blueberry.  I am still struggling with inspiration for the Labor Day party.  I am considering a sort of barbecue Americana.  Single serving desserts, maybe fruit crisps, would be a nice finish. 

Undead Inspiration

 Some friends and I were spectators at the recent Zombie Walk in Lincoln.  Yvonne Meyer took these photographs.  There was a procession, an enactment of the zombies overtaking a military blockade, and then a dance.  Generally it was good clean fun that made me miss my yesteryears as a blossoming speech geek.  The zombies were very well behaved, they obeyed all crosswalks and did not eat anyone.  Here they are patiently waiting for the start of the undead parade. 

I loved the kangaroo zombie.  We also saw Micheal Jackson zombie, Santa Zombie, and Disneyland tourist zombies.  If I participate next year I want our crowd to have a theme.  I will have to think on this.  I like the idea of a parade gone wrong so maybe a majorette, some Shriner types, etc. all throwing treats at the human spectators. 

All this has inspired me to do one of my Halloween parties as a Prombie.  Think undead in formal wear.  I have the disco ball; all I need is a black balloon arch and a heaping dose of teenage angst.  Imagine the couple pictures, and the dead corsages.  So I begin preparations.  Or I am stalling because I still haven't finalized my vision for this week's Labor Day Cookout?  Could there be a less exciting holiday?