Author: Nathaniel

There comes a time in every car’s life when it decides it needs to break. This week we had two cars acting up. First the boys convertible became became a ‘vertible (that’s a convertible that won’t convert). After a few hours of work, including  pulling the backseat, Jonathan and Nicholas replaced the leaky, passengers side, hydraulic cylinder.

The job is really not a long or difficult one, it’s really just slightly inconvenient. It could be a lot worse!

Then later on Dad got back to the house and his car has overheating. Popped the hood to hear a loud hissing and see some leaking coolant (warm coolant is special smell). Turns out the culprit was a loose thermostat housing bolt. One of the boys tightened a bolt yesterday, but not the right one.  They got the right one today.

The other day Christopher had to write a poem for his grammar about two opposite subjects. He also had to write it in a diamond shape (or a close approximation). This is what he came up with.

Morning

how bright

it is, but dark

is this

night.

It’s pretty cute, right? Nice job Christopher!

The other day, Nathaniel wrote a paragraph for his grammar which was rather amusing. Here’s the exclusive, unedited version.

Oh, to sit at a desk and write. The words pour from my pen like water over a waterfall. What joy it gives me (when I do it right) to show that finished work to someone. And that thrilling chill when a smile creeps over their face and I wonder is it from my horrible grammar or was it actually amusing.

He’s a good writer and a bit of a silly. It gave Mom a good laugh!

Just one last check and it’s off to print.

One of the really nice things about living in Florida is that there is a lot to do. A couple weeks ago the whole family went out to Common Grounds park here in Lakeland. It’s a unique park, with a lot of different places to climb and run.

They even have a tunnel that goes through an artificial mountain! The best part is the entire family can play there.

That’s right I said the complete, whole, and entire family. This includes Mom and Dad. It was a fun weekend outing!

As promised yesterday, this post will tell all about Veronica’s new song idea. For some background, you need to be aware that there is a song called the House of Singing Bamboo that was sung by Rosemary Clooney. So, Veronica goes running down the hall to Mom and Dad’s room and begins to pitch her idea. She says “I wrote a song. It’s not much, but I think it’s good. We should give it a try.” Barely able to hold back her excitement she sings “In the house, the house of screaming baboons! Baboons are looking at YOU. In the house of screaming baboons.” So far only three lines, but Dad seems to be behind it. Mom’s not as sure.

All of the video editing for Zombie Blastin’ Gun is complete. Dad is working on audio mixing. Veronica has a unique suggestion for our next project! Details coming soon…

Did you know that there are pterodactyls in Florida? I saw these big guys on my way to lunch the other day.

Veronica refers to all the birds here as ibises. Definitely not something you see everyday. At least not outside of Florida.

Did you guys know today, January 15th, is National Hat Day? Neither did I, but Mom did. She told Veronica about it this morning which prompted Veronica to hurry off and return wearing this,

which led to this,

which of course resulted in this.

The end result that the whole family wore their hats everywhere for the rest of the day. Probably a good thing it was too chilly to swim today. Happy National Hat Day!