Life

Tweetquake

Posted on April 5, 2010 by Debora

Yesterday afternoon there was a 7.2 quake centered in Baja, about 160 miles south of us. It lasted a good 30-40 seconds and felt (here in Anza) like the rolling of a ship at sea.

(Click for larger image)

Alas, I was offline yesterday and missed out on the Twitter frenzy. (Yes, I’ve finally embraced the Tweetverse, though mostly as an observer. Resistance is futile.) I’m giggling this morning as I catch up on all the updates. My favorite, from geekmaster Wil Wheaton: “These so-called ‘scientists’ keep talking about the earthquake. I’m waiting for noted Theological Seismologist Pat Robertson to weigh in.” Snerk.

Anyway, no damage here, and today it’s raining, which is unrelated but always worthy of note in Anza. Rain is good. Grow little plants, grow!

Categories: environment, Humor, Life, Weather | Tags: earthquake | Leave a comment

Sampler Saturday: Riddles And Monsters

Posted on April 3, 2010 by Debora

CHAPTER 11
Riddles And Monsters
By Elizabeth, age 12

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The three reentered the castle. Roxie and Espio were still a bit drowsy from what happened with the flute, and Roxie had taken the ring that was in the tree, she said it looked pretty.

They went through the remaining door, which led into a banquet hall, and they were greeted by three doors.

“Let’s go through this one!” Said Espio, pointing to the door to the right at the top of a staircase.

“Good choice.” Elizabeth said, trying to open the locked door.

“It’s locked.” Roxie said. “Try a different one.”

“They’re all locked.” Elizabeth replied, pulling out a bobby pin and inserting it into the keyhole.

*Click!*

‘I was wondering why she packed a bobby pin too…’ Espio thought.

A sphinx lay in the next room, blocking their path. She seemed to be watching their every move…

“Who are you?!?” The sphinx snapped. “No one may pass without answering a riddle!”

“I know that!” Espio exclaimed.

“SILENCE!” And the sphinx pounced on the poor innocent chameleon, nearly crushing the life out of him! Continue reading →

Categories: Animals, Dragons, Fiction, Friends, Humor, kids, Life, Sampler Saturday | Leave a comment

Sampler Saturday: The Library, The Parlor, The Laboratory, and The Garden

Posted on March 27, 2010 by Debora

CHAPTER 6
The Library, The Parlor, The Laboratory, and The Garden
by Elizabeth, age 12

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“Which way shall we go?” Elizabeth asked.

“First door to the left.” Roxie said.

The first door to the left led into a library. It was a small library, but it was a library. Instead of books as far as the eye could see, there were only two small bookcases.

There was a hole in the wall, small enough for a gem. Elizabeth reached into her bag and pulled out a ruby, and stuck it into the hole. One of the bookcases slid to the side, revealing a secret passageway. The three all walked through.

The passageway led into a small room, complete with a fireplace, a globe, and a rug to sprawl out upon. (Which was just what Espio did.) There was no fire going, but Elizabeth took her torch and cast it into the fireplace. Moments later a warm and cheery fire crackled merrily, applying warmth to the room.

“How would you two like some hot cocoa?” Elizabeth asked, pulling the mugs, hot cocoa mix, thermos, and marshmallows from the supply bag. “I’m making myself some, but I can also make you some if you like. Oh Roxie! I’m so sorry! I brought enough mugs for me and Espio! I didn’t know you’d be joining! I’m so sorry!”

“That’s alright.” Roxie said. “I can share with Espio.” She turned towards Espio, who wasn’t so sure, but he said she could have her share. Continue reading →