Badger's Parting Gifts

My mom just called to say that my grandfather, who is fading fast, is going to be removed from all support. Time to break out Badger's Parting Gifts and talk to my kids about death. We'll go visit my Grammy tomorrow to offer our condolences.

Today we spent two hours at the Calvert Marine Museum in the morning on a play date. After naps the girls helped me spread mulch for our new butterfly garden. I figured that a landscaping project was a good way to put into context how much dirt construction equipment moves and how much time those machines save. I won't articulate it though, just let the idea grow in their minds. It was a lovely warm day and perfect weather to be outside gardening. The Baby Bird with Worm puppet from Folkmanis came home with us today from the Marine Museum gift shop, as well as the mini field mouse.

Yesterday we did a Nature program at Kings Landing Park on seeds sprouting. The Ranger gave all the children plastic spoons and cups and sent them out in the field to clear away dead grasses and things and look for signs of new life. Then they were supposed to dig up the baby plant and put it in the cup. Leah heaved a huge spoonful of dirt right into her eye and we ended up having to skip the rest of the program and go home in order to wash it out. She had chunks of dirt under her upper and lower eyelids. It was quite a thorough job. She was really afraid the Ranger would be mad at her for leaving early but I assured her that it was fine.

Monday we sent out invitations to our Easter Egg Hunt on Friday at 3 pm. The vintage postcards from Magic Cabin were perfect for this! I also made a lovely Apple Bread Pudding with raisin bread, sauteed apples in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and butterscotch baking chips.