Monday, July 18, 2011

Evolution of A Blog

As some of you readers may have noticed, I have changed the name of the Blog. It is no longer Mommy's Musings but now Shana's Musings. Don't worry, not too much is changing, you will all still be able to read about my Little Bean, Arabella, and all of the travels and experiences we have as a family. But for me, the blog is also a diary of my thoughts and crafts and finds and randomness that, is, well, Shana.

Boston Bound

After a quick trip to Westfarms, I needed new sneakers for running and a trip to Connecticut is just not the same with a trip to my old shopping grounds, with Auntie Lori, Arabella and I were Boston bound!! She couldn't wait to get in the car and to see Uncle Mike & Uncle Jeff.

Along the way, we passed the exit for my alma matter, The University of Connecticut. They have put up a new sign to let everyone know who rocks the men's college basketball world - Go Huskies!

And shortly thereafter, we saw this one:


Since it was dinner time, we met Uncle Mike, Uncle Jeff and Grammie for dinner at Jake's Seafood in Hull. As soon as I came around the curve in Hull to the shoreline, I could feel the change in my body. I relaxed and again felt at home. Even though I had never been to this town before, it felt familiar and was beautiful. Arabella was the first to spot Uncle Jeff in the parking lot when we got to Jake's...I on the other hand, almost ran him over!! She had to get out of the car even before I parked, it was so cute! I was just as excited to see everyone as Arabella was! It is so nice to be around family, I don't think I will ever be able to put into words how much I miss them and how hard it is to be away from them sometimes...I am so thankful for the close-knit family that I grew up in.
A inlet in Hull at low tide!

Checking out the fresh lobsters with Uncle Mike!


We had a great table, right next to the windows and dinner was so good!! I had fresh, fried clam strips - delicious! Everyone enjoyed their dinner and then we headed back to see Macy & Rocco! They even enjoyed a treat - Frosty Paws!
This was the perfect start to our 4th of July week(end) in Boston!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

On The Road Again...

I feel so far behind on blogging...I am starting to get flack about it so I decided that I would spend part of this beautiful afternoon out on the patio catching everyone up to speed on our busy, busy Summer!!

At the end of June, Arabella and I hit the road to spend time in Connecticut and Boston to visit family and friends. We hit Connecticut first and had a great time. The drive was pretty uneventful...just a lot of sunshine, blue skies and Lady Gaga! I like Gaga and right now Arabella is in love with her music, and I do have to say, it is much better than listening to Elmo or the Wiggles over and ever again. However, I am not sure that it is good that she is starting to know the songs word for word and is singing them out loud as we drive. I was able to enjoy some of the music on my iPod while she watched a Curious George DVD and when she fell asleep. I was thankful for Gaga break and enjoyed Britney, Adele, some old Dave Matthews and some other great tunes!

Perfect driving weather!

This trip, we stayed at Auntie Lori's house for a change. It was nice to be able to help her out with a few things and Arabella loved being able to play the piano, have breakfast made by Uncle Wayne and she even enjoyed some sparklers...at first she liked them, then she didn't, and then she did!


The day that I had Arabella's photos done, Grampy met us at Elizabeth Park and then took us to lunch at Counter Burger in Blue Back Square. It was super yummy and we had a great time. After lunch, Arabella wanted to go to Grampy's house to see the animals and feed Patches, the turtle. It was a great day and Arabella had a lot of fun with Grampy. She even made sure to get in lots of hugs!


It is amazing how quickly time passes when we are visiting family and friends. We spent a fun evening at Aunt Margo and Uncle Bill's house and also visited with the Aunts and Cliff. Arabella had fun and really enjoyed playing the piano at Aunt Moona's! She also had a fun time doing her puzzles with Aunt Rose. One night on the way back to Auntie Lori's we stopped at the Barkhamsted Reservoir - Arabella was in awe of the rushing water and I was able to snap a few great pics. Before we knew it, it was time to load up the car and head to Boston to see Grammie, Uncle Mike, Uncle Jeff, Macy & Rocco!




At the Reservoir.




Spending time with Arabella's great, great Aunts!

I remember a time about 8 or so years ago, when I couldn't stand being in Connecticut anymore. I wanted to leave New England and Connecticut far behind. At that point, I was going through a lot of changes - I was growing up, not liking my job and looking for a new one (which I found and it was my dream job), I just ended a relationship and was questioning some of the decisions that I had made and there was just a feeling of restlessness. Anyway, as soon as I go back "home", I realize how much I miss it there. There is a comfort in know where things are and how to get from Point A to Point B with out navigation. I also have my oldest friends and family there. I spent 30 years of my life there and as much as I love living in Canada and the experience in living in different locations on this planet, deep down, I think that I will end up back in New England at some point in my life. I guess you can take the girl out of New England, but you can't take New England out of the girl!



Goodbye Connecticut, I/we will see you soon!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Thursday's Thoughts....A Day Late Again....Sorry

Hearing: The Cat In The Hat on PBS. PBS is my lifesaver in the morning when I am trying to get us organized for the day! Only downside, I now know all the words to the songs on the shows...

Tasting: Strong, black coffee.

Seeing: Arabella's excitement as we get ready to go to the pool this morning!

Smelling: The warm, summer day that lies ahead of us. I think it is going to be another hot one here, 29 degrees today! (Yes that is in Celsius, I guess we have acclimated to the metric system more than I thought!)

Feeling: Tired, it was a very busy week...

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Sneak Peek

When we were in Connecticut, I had Arabella's 3 year photos taken by an old friend from high school. I will share more details later, but here is a sneak peek of the photos...

I should have the DVD with the other images we picked out by the weekend, if not then they should be here the beginning of next week. I can't wait to share the rest of them!

Wordless Wednesday



Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Happy 4th of July!!

Arabella and I have been so busy having a great time visiting family and friends in Connecticut and Boston! It is funny, how much I realize I miss New England when I come back home. I guess you can take the girl out of New England, but you can't take New England out of the girl. I will blog more about our trip, but wanted to share the following pictures that sum up 4th of July in New England...


This flag covers the front of a 2 story house!!