Hello. This is unusual for me, because I can't sit still for more then 45 min., but I found the time somehow.
I am gonna skip the pleasantries, because I do want to tell you about something. Castles.
We from the 21st century think of castles in the context of fairy tales, or simply as places of extravagance where kings and queens once lived, now made ruins by time. But castles still exist, and you can buy them, and who wouldn't want to? Because almost every little girl wanted to be a princess, and somehow those girls got their younger brothers wanting to be the princes. But that is just a fantasy of children. Every adult knows that no one can own a castle realistically. So they don't even think about it. But my family is weird, and it just so happens that I'm in Iowa while my sister, Sissy Monster and her husband, who doesn't have a nick name yet, are very possibly in the market for a house. How does looking for a house escalate to looking for a castle? The mentality of their search. It seems to me, they aren't looking for just a house in a certain price range, or the number of rooms compared to the number of kids they have, but a new home where the kids can be more free. If a place has a happy history then it will get bought, unlike the many cardboard cutouts of houses that are popping up everywhere; those have no character! What has more character, or freedom than a castle?
Not that the house they have now isn't fantastic, with it's unique build, and sense the house gives off as you walk in the door: which must be because of the happiness that emanates from the family inside. (Plus the happiness of the delicious foods you will have at dinner.)
I also wanted to share what I've learned about castles from a book in my home-school curriculum.
Think of a castle for a sec. It probably looks like the castle at Disney Land, right? Those are all well and good for tourists, but castles where actual kings lived, and fought in, and DIED defending weren't that comical. In the golden age of castles, men were jealous and greedy, so there were a lot of wars going on over territory. So not only the castle, but the village that always surrounded the castle had to be fortified.
The builders planed well, because the town and fortress were normally on higher ground, yet by water, perhaps a river, or a lake. The way my book showed the ideal place for castle building was right on a river bend, the huge wall surrounding the village placed on a kind of cliff. Just inside that corner the immense eight foot thick outer wall, called the "Outer Curtain", would join the wall around the village. So a castle much like the one here, Medieval Castle Anatomy 101 « My Literary Quest, would be encompassed by a village and a wall, banked by a river on one side, which would water the crops of the farmers outside the village, now almost the size of a small city by our standers.
Bear in mind that I don't think many of those types of castles are still standing, but if they are we get first dibs!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Can We Stay In Colorado for One Whole Month, Please?
Jeez. I cannot believe how bad I am at this. As "Snap's" father says in Oscar, "You bum! Indcente!" By the way, I have no idea what that last bit means or if I even spelled it right. I hope I didn't just insult some Italian, somewhere... I hope they don't send gangsters to come get me. :)
Since you've missed so much, I will make this quick-like:
The Master Chief got married in Hawaii. Ribbajack had a Hunger Games themed, "Summer Kick-off" for his youth group, and supposedly, had a lot of fun. I can't speak for Sgt. Pepper, but we are all praying for her. And second to last, is a little something called Totus Tuus. The Ribbajack and I go to it, it's a program that runs at all the catholic/christian churches in quite a few states. It's a lot of fun .There are two programs, one for the first through sixth graders, and one for the seventh grader's and up. I am in the latter of the two, and it's even better than I thought, but if any of the teachers see this they might think I was flattering them. I'll probably tell you more about Totus Tuus in another post, sometime in the next two months, so don't take too much interest in it until later. And finally, last, but not least, for my up-date I will put in that the brother above The Master Chief, who hasn't got a nick-name yet ;is getting married this Saturday. Also out of state.
That's pretty much it... It seems a lot more exciting when you live it, not write about it.
Next time I'll bring back something a little juicier, and give you a craft to do. Maybe. Ciao!
Since you've missed so much, I will make this quick-like:
The Master Chief got married in Hawaii. Ribbajack had a Hunger Games themed, "Summer Kick-off" for his youth group, and supposedly, had a lot of fun. I can't speak for Sgt. Pepper, but we are all praying for her. And second to last, is a little something called Totus Tuus. The Ribbajack and I go to it, it's a program that runs at all the catholic/christian churches in quite a few states. It's a lot of fun .There are two programs, one for the first through sixth graders, and one for the seventh grader's and up. I am in the latter of the two, and it's even better than I thought, but if any of the teachers see this they might think I was flattering them. I'll probably tell you more about Totus Tuus in another post, sometime in the next two months, so don't take too much interest in it until later. And finally, last, but not least, for my up-date I will put in that the brother above The Master Chief, who hasn't got a nick-name yet ;is getting married this Saturday. Also out of state.
That's pretty much it... It seems a lot more exciting when you live it, not write about it.
Next time I'll bring back something a little juicier, and give you a craft to do. Maybe. Ciao!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
New Babies! Yay!
Hello people! Wow, I haven't blogged in a while, huh? But it's been a mite crazy around here since April 26th, because that was the day that Big Sissy's family got bigger! That day we welcomed Gin, and Tonic in to the ever growing family! I can't help it... I am so excited!
Okay, you're probably thinking, she's weird. Well, I am weird, I can't deny a fact. But you can't tell me that I am not allowed to be excited. We are actually going to Iowa to visit the Iowans on Friday. Yay! We get to go to the first set of twins "First Communion", and the newest set of twins "Baptism" all in the same day. What a weekend, huh? But it is so worth it. Okay, okay. We all may go crazy during the nine-and-a-half hour drive, but I am sure that we'll live. Besides, we will pack movies, a ton of books, and enough music to kill a small animal ( Oh, and we can't forget food.).
I'll let you know how that goes next week, but I think I ought to give you an up-date on what the rest of the universe has been up to. Okay, so on the 21st of April, the Godfather and Mamasita had a dinner called " The Supper-Club", where four couples get together and have dinner ( Obviously!). But Friday night one of the couples called and said they couldn't come. So most of Saturday Mamasita was making calls to almost everyone we know. The answer was either no, can't come, or they just weren't there. So we ended up one couple short, but it was a pleasant evening no less. Since The Ribbajack was in the basement doing school I went upstairs and talked with the grown-ups. I admit, it was a bit awkward, but it was better that watching Ribbajack do math.
School is winding down, and everyone is looking expectantly at their calenders, just waiting for summer to start in earnest. People are planning their summer vacations and thinking up crafts and projects to do. Maybe we should try doing stuff like that... Nah!
Okay, you're probably thinking, she's weird. Well, I am weird, I can't deny a fact. But you can't tell me that I am not allowed to be excited. We are actually going to Iowa to visit the Iowans on Friday. Yay! We get to go to the first set of twins "First Communion", and the newest set of twins "Baptism" all in the same day. What a weekend, huh? But it is so worth it. Okay, okay. We all may go crazy during the nine-and-a-half hour drive, but I am sure that we'll live. Besides, we will pack movies, a ton of books, and enough music to kill a small animal ( Oh, and we can't forget food.).
I'll let you know how that goes next week, but I think I ought to give you an up-date on what the rest of the universe has been up to. Okay, so on the 21st of April, the Godfather and Mamasita had a dinner called " The Supper-Club", where four couples get together and have dinner ( Obviously!). But Friday night one of the couples called and said they couldn't come. So most of Saturday Mamasita was making calls to almost everyone we know. The answer was either no, can't come, or they just weren't there. So we ended up one couple short, but it was a pleasant evening no less. Since The Ribbajack was in the basement doing school I went upstairs and talked with the grown-ups. I admit, it was a bit awkward, but it was better that watching Ribbajack do math.
School is winding down, and everyone is looking expectantly at their calenders, just waiting for summer to start in earnest. People are planning their summer vacations and thinking up crafts and projects to do. Maybe we should try doing stuff like that... Nah!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
We missed Easter
Hello everyone! I know it's been more that a week since Easter, and you've probably eaten the left-overs from that roast pork, but it's such a big holiday that I should be allowed to blog about it.
You know that roast pork I mentioned earlier, yes that one. I know it's traditional to have pork, but we are saving that for the this Saturday. Since we are nontraditional we had a lovely dish that we found in the Costco Connection magazine called "Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole, " and I thought it would make a nice dish for this Sunday. So if you are in the mood for a delicious, meaty, substantial meal follow this link:
http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201012#pg69
We made some adjustments to suit our lifestyle and dietary restrictions. For example, we used fresh onion and potatoes in place of the frozen. To be gluten-free, we made our own bread crumbs and we substituted dehydrated chopped chives for the French-fried onions. If you have a need to be dairy-free, like some of my family, you can easily use almond, coconut or soy milk for the evaporated milk and alternative cheeses for the Mexican cheese blend. The results were wonderful! It sliced easily and I wouldn't hesitate to increase the ingredients by 50% and take a loaded 9x12 casserole pan to any pot-luck.
You know that roast pork I mentioned earlier, yes that one. I know it's traditional to have pork, but we are saving that for the this Saturday. Since we are nontraditional we had a lovely dish that we found in the Costco Connection magazine called "Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole, " and I thought it would make a nice dish for this Sunday. So if you are in the mood for a delicious, meaty, substantial meal follow this link:
http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201012#pg69
We made some adjustments to suit our lifestyle and dietary restrictions. For example, we used fresh onion and potatoes in place of the frozen. To be gluten-free, we made our own bread crumbs and we substituted dehydrated chopped chives for the French-fried onions. If you have a need to be dairy-free, like some of my family, you can easily use almond, coconut or soy milk for the evaporated milk and alternative cheeses for the Mexican cheese blend. The results were wonderful! It sliced easily and I wouldn't hesitate to increase the ingredients by 50% and take a loaded 9x12 casserole pan to any pot-luck.
Friday, March 30, 2012
A New Writer
*Ahem* Hello everyone, from now on there is to be a new writer for this blog. Since Sgt. Pepper has officially resigned the blog over to the residents still at the ranch. And so it came to be, that Beena was to be the blogger from now on.
So here's the up-date. After the last post there was a whole bunch of excitement over Sgt. Pepper going to live with Big Sissy. And that's why she isn't blogging anymore. Then Lent started, and no more fun things happened.
How many of you have a diary? I just started one under the pretense that it would be good for me. I do have one question though, do you write in your diary like it's another person? A person in your head that only comes to life when you write? Think about it, maybe you need to pour yourself out to someone, but you don't know who to trust. My advise is try a diary, it really makes you feel better when you get your secrets out on paper, but don't stay up too late.
So here's the up-date. After the last post there was a whole bunch of excitement over Sgt. Pepper going to live with Big Sissy. And that's why she isn't blogging anymore. Then Lent started, and no more fun things happened.
How many of you have a diary? I just started one under the pretense that it would be good for me. I do have one question though, do you write in your diary like it's another person? A person in your head that only comes to life when you write? Think about it, maybe you need to pour yourself out to someone, but you don't know who to trust. My advise is try a diary, it really makes you feel better when you get your secrets out on paper, but don't stay up too late.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Long Time No Blog, eh?
Hello peoples. I am a very bad blogger, neglecting you for two and a half months (yikes!). We have been so busy here at Casa Paja, it's insane. Good thing we specialize in that *evil grin*
So without further ado, flash update: COMMENCE!
The Godfather, Mamasita, and Beena got to enjoy a mid-winter vacation to Florida earlier in the month. The Godfather won a company trip that included staying in a nice resort, going to Universal's Islands of Adventure, and eating a ton of free food. In addition, they visited the grandparents, swam in the pool (not the ocean, it was too cold), and got to escape the 10-degrees-and-below weather that Ribbajack and I were blessed with. We stayed home to finish Confirmation, so we didn't begrudge them any of it... well, not much of it, anyway.
Ribbajack has recently joined a local shooting club that does competitive air rifle shooting. Ribbajack wowed the instructors at his first session and has been steadily improving, so much so that he will be in his first competition on Saturday! I'll let you know how that goes.
Ribbajack and I have spent the last five months working closely with our church's Confirmation class of 2012, which came to a fine conclusion two weeks ago. The whole experience was wonderful; we made some great friends, learned a lot with them, and had the honor of serving serving at their Confirmation Mass. It was well worth all the time and energy, and we would happily do it again!
I'm in my last semester of high school, so I have been spending a lot of time on college prep. Research, applications, essays, visits... the works. When I'm not working on school related stuff, I'm knitting up a storm. Big Sissy is expecting twins in May, and 2 of my brothers are getting married shortly after that, so I have a ton of stuff I need to make. In case there's anybody reading this who I haven't told yet: I'm leaving Casa Paja next Thursday (March 1) to stay with Big Sissy as an extra pair of hands to help with all the squidjees (No, not squeegees). I'm very excited! Excited enough that I can almost get over how much I dislike packing, and the rest I will gladly offer up.
I do intend to update the blog from time to time, since life at the ranch will still be plenty interesting even without me in it. Maybe I'll start a separate blog recounting my escapades... What do you think?
Since Lent started yesterday, would anyone like to share what they gave up or are doing extra as a penance? I'm giving up reading novels, Beena and Mamasita gave up chocolate, and I don't know what the menfolk gave up. Ribbajack did try the age-old "I'm giving up school" ploy, but that has yet to work for him. How about you? What will this Lent mean for you?
So without further ado, flash update: COMMENCE!
The Godfather, Mamasita, and Beena got to enjoy a mid-winter vacation to Florida earlier in the month. The Godfather won a company trip that included staying in a nice resort, going to Universal's Islands of Adventure, and eating a ton of free food. In addition, they visited the grandparents, swam in the pool (not the ocean, it was too cold), and got to escape the 10-degrees-and-below weather that Ribbajack and I were blessed with. We stayed home to finish Confirmation, so we didn't begrudge them any of it... well, not much of it, anyway.
Ribbajack has recently joined a local shooting club that does competitive air rifle shooting. Ribbajack wowed the instructors at his first session and has been steadily improving, so much so that he will be in his first competition on Saturday! I'll let you know how that goes.
Ribbajack and I have spent the last five months working closely with our church's Confirmation class of 2012, which came to a fine conclusion two weeks ago. The whole experience was wonderful; we made some great friends, learned a lot with them, and had the honor of serving serving at their Confirmation Mass. It was well worth all the time and energy, and we would happily do it again!
I'm in my last semester of high school, so I have been spending a lot of time on college prep. Research, applications, essays, visits... the works. When I'm not working on school related stuff, I'm knitting up a storm. Big Sissy is expecting twins in May, and 2 of my brothers are getting married shortly after that, so I have a ton of stuff I need to make. In case there's anybody reading this who I haven't told yet: I'm leaving Casa Paja next Thursday (March 1) to stay with Big Sissy as an extra pair of hands to help with all the squidjees (No, not squeegees). I'm very excited! Excited enough that I can almost get over how much I dislike packing, and the rest I will gladly offer up.
I do intend to update the blog from time to time, since life at the ranch will still be plenty interesting even without me in it. Maybe I'll start a separate blog recounting my escapades... What do you think?
Since Lent started yesterday, would anyone like to share what they gave up or are doing extra as a penance? I'm giving up reading novels, Beena and Mamasita gave up chocolate, and I don't know what the menfolk gave up. Ribbajack did try the age-old "I'm giving up school" ploy, but that has yet to work for him. How about you? What will this Lent mean for you?
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