Whoosh!

That would be the sound of time flying by. It's weird. On the one hand, time is really flying because I'm constantly busy with house stuff. On the other hand, it's dragging because we're counting the days until P arrives for a visit.

I do have a great "serendipity" story. We have been renting a small place in downtown F'ton since 16 June. The owner saw this as a great opportunity to spend the summer at his "camp" - as they say here - and not have his house sit empty. It's been great in many ways (e.g., proximity), not so much in others (e.g., cost). Enter one of our fellow expat bloggers. She and her partner have a townhouse here - they're moving north later this fall - that has been rented out. But, their tenant is moving out this weekend. So, in a real win-win, 7YO and I will spend our last 2-3 weeks there and their place won't sit empty. I guess the rain this weekend means I don't have an excuse not to start packing and cleaning...

What else is happening? Before leaving Saint Paul, P bought 7YO a Game Boy so that he would have something to play with on the long, 2,000 mile, drive east. He had only recently seen and played his first video game. A friend of his had received a Wii for Christmas. We said firmly, we will not be getting a Wii. Never say never. As I mentioned in my last post, we broke down and have purchased one as a Christmas gift. But, lately, 7YO has been wanting a DS because there are some newer games not available for the (so old school) Game Boy. Well, I came up with a plan/plot. First, I wanted to do something for 7YO because he has been such a trooper through all of this. Second, I wanted a carrot.

7YO, for whatever reason, has not wanted to remove his training wheels. He tried once, fell, and decided that was that. So, we had a chat about video games, exercise, etc. E.g., unlike some of his classmates who bring their portable game systems to use at recess, this mean old mother says no, recess is for running around. We struck a deal that, if he would work at riding his bike, he would get a surprise. So, on Thursday, we removed the training wheels and he manage to ride about 10 feet or so on his own. Doesn't sound like much, but it is. He then got his - are you ready - limited edition Pokemon Nintendo DS. Woo-hoo. Yesterday's riding went well, too. So, from no-gaming to three gaming devices in a matter of months. Hey, whatever it takes.

And while I'm on the subject of parenting, kids, and bribery... he desperately wanted a hamster. After a little research, and talk with several of the kids - and I mean kids - who work at the pet store, we decided that gerbils were a better choice. If anyone reading has an opinion on the selection and care of small rodents, do chime in.

Well, since it's a miserably rainy day - and I don't want to clean and pack just yet - I'm off to actually sit and read the paper. You remember, large, paper, primarily black and white, gets on your hands? I didn't manage to stay awake for the debate, so I'll have to see what those who write for the Globe and Mail have to say.

As I say, more as it happens. Be well.