Sly, Devious, and Bears Close Watching

James is ratcheting up his cognitive abilities. For the last week he has been trying to carry his daddy's scripture case around the house. It is about as heavy as he can move and he carries it between his knees as he wobbles along. We found out today why he has been doing this strength training.
This morning he picked his toy box up, walked across the room, set it down, stepped up onto it, and was able to get his daddy's cell phone from the back corner of the desk. There was no hesitation or apparent effort as he did this. It was as though he realized he could and just did. We watched in morbid fascination as we realized what he was doing. No longer is the desk safe or any surface that can be climbed to. Another epoch has begun.

We will definitely have to keep a closer eye on this little man. To follow that up, he found a crate to drag over to the piano so he could play piano with me, which wasn't so bad except for the fact that he got too excited and toppled off after a few very good bass chords. So if you see him with more bumps and scrapes you know why.

James: Oooo.... the gate is open. Better run over and see what I can get in to....

You can be sure that he watches all points of entrance closely and will quickly move if you forget to close one.

Working from Wales

This week I went to the United Kingdom on a business trip. It was a good opportunity to experience more of England but it would have been better if Daniel and James could have come. Traveling isn't as much fun alone. Despite this, I did enjoy my trip and learned a lot.

I stayed in England, worked just inside the border of Wales, and on my way back stopped over in Dublin, Ireland. I even got to see more of Wales than I planned as I got lost driving around trying to find our manufacturing plant. (Incidentally, I learned that 'skgol' is school in Welsh and that 'll' is pronounced 'sthh'. So, now you know this trivia too.)

I arrived in Manchester on Monday (after a layover in London) and then drove to Chester where I stayed at the Crowne Plaza; a posh hotel in the center of the city. (In case anyone was wondering, by 'drove' I mean I got a taxi to take me. Although I learned a lot about British traffic conventions I'd be in real trouble if I tried them on my own.)

Chester is a pretty historic place. It is one of the only cities that still has an intact wall around it from the Roman Empire. I found this picture of what it used to look like.

Chester has a medieval cathedral, the Rows (an old shopping district), a Roman amphitheater, a castle, a famous old clock, ice caverns, and many other cool historic sites that I didn't learn about. The large square tower on the left of the above picture is the cathedral. My hotel was a block away from it in the middle of the city. Below is a picture of where I stayed.

It had a nice chandelier in the entrance with a mirrored wall that I thought was pretty.

After work on Wednesday I had a little time to explore and take some pictures. I got some really nice ones of the cathedral as the sun was setting. I really like the way it made the stones glow.

Below is a picture of 'The Rows'. I window shopped and enjoyed the detailed architecture. You can't see it very well in this picture but some of the white portions of the buildings have intricate etchings of flowers, crests, and the like. The many chimneys all over the city reminded me of Mary Poppins and I couldn't help having Chim-Chiminy Chim-Chiminy Chim-Chim-Cherooo stuck in my head. I almost expected to see chimney sweeps pop out singing and dancing. I know, I know....silly American.:)

This a door that I took a fancy too. I liked the iron worked hinges, the way the moss had grown, and the patina of the old gutter. It is obviously old but I couldn't tell if it is still used. It was on the side of a bank so I would guess not unless it's the secret entrance to the vault.

Below is an old cottage home that wasn't far from the hotel. Although this isn't one of them, many of the buildings similar to this one along the city wall are built upon foundations that used to support the old Roman fort. A bay used to come all the way to that side of the city wall. I drove along Watergate street (where the bay used to be before it dried up) which leads to the original port entrance of the city. The bay wall still stands and it is amazing to see how modern life has adapted around it.

One of the toughest parts of this trip was not being able to contact or talk to Daniel as much as I would have liked. Happily I found some red telephone booths not far from the hotel and was able to call from there. It was a little pricey but completely worth it.

Below are my two best friends during this trip. Mr. Kleenex and Mr. Highland Springs Still Water. I caught a pretty vicious throat and nose cold from traveling and kept both these friends close at hand to stave it off.

It has been a full and tiring week. I'm glad to be home.

James' Photoshoot

Over Christmas break Melissa, our extremely talented sister-in-law, did a photoshoot of James. She did a great job. Thanks, Melissa!

Angelic Music

Nine Months Old

Yesterday marks James' nine month birthday. Today we went to the pediatrician for his check up. He flirted with all the nurses and was amazed at the fish swimming in the waiting area fish tank. He explored most of the waiting area and then would have gone into the receptionist area if his dad hadn't snagged him. His increased mobility is definitely keeping us on our toes.

James weighed in at 24lbs 1.5oz and is 30 inches tall. He didn't like getting measured and afterwards ran back to me when it was over. It made my heart melt. Aaaaahhhh...

While we waited for the doctor, James managed to shut his fingers in a couple of supply drawers. He can open drawers and cabinets but hasn't figured out that he shouldn't shut the drawer when his other hand is still in it. Ouch. The bigger ouch came later when he got his two vaccines and had a blood draw. I felt like such a traitor holding him so he could get them. He had them in his arms this time and he cried mightily. Happily, he forgot the pain once he saw the fish tank in the waiting room on our way out.

He has also begun to recognize when we are talking to him. Specifically, he knows when we are telling him not to do something. For instance, if we tell him not to play with the trash can, or to leave the books alone, he smiles at us, waits a second, and then inches toward whatever is forbidden beaming cute rays at us the entire time. With his new found mobility he is definitely pushing the limits more and requires us to get up to implement any of our nay saying.

Although he doesn't yet speak he has a wide repertoire of noises and sounds he likes. We hope that he will be able to learn some sign language to help him communicate more with us in the meantime.

If James gave you a tour of our apartment...

Oooooo, here's the paper shredder in the kitchen. Isn't this fascinating? It's some kind of electronic covered trash can. There has to be a way to open it.... somehow.

We're walking, we're walking....

And, here is the diaper pail next to my changing table. This doubles as my favorite drum. Not only does it make for good percussion, I get a great reaction from my parents when I get the top to spring open. Eau de James, what could be more sweet?

Oh, and look over here, it's the carbon monoxide detector. See that blinking light? If you're coordinated enough you can wrest it from the wall and hear its screech. Mom and Dad are sure to come running to save it.

We're walking, we're walking....

The toilet bowl. Splish, splash I was taking a bath.... what??? You're acting just like my parents. Nobody knows fun like me, I guess.

We're walking, we're stopping....

The furnace vent. For those of you musicians, like me, this is percussion with a nice wind-rain option. You can hit it to get a pleasant 'fooom' and or scratch the vents to get 'cric-cric-cric-cric'. Then you can 'fooom' again. Endless fun.

We're walking, we're checking the door...ah, it's open.

Here are the bookshelves in the master bedroom. I always think the books need to be re-arranged so I pull them all out. Too bad they are too heavy for me to put back.

We're walking, we're walking, hmmmm.... a cheerio.

Ah, here we are. The shoe rack. You have to stretch a little but if you are persistent you can reach a shoe through the bars of the gate. They always keep the best toys behind the gates I've noticed.

But our tour would not be complete with out mentioning The Remotes. These must be important judging by how closely my parents guard them. They fall in the same category at The Cellphones. Lights, sounds, and small enough I can hold onto, these are constantly out of my reach but I have my eyes open for my chance. Hee hee, they won't know what hit them.

First circannual cheese review

We have started a New Year's Eve tradition of buying some nice cheeses and enjoying the night in. It is better than going to someplace noisy, cold, and crowded. So this year we tried out some of the following cheeses and have reviewed them for your enlightenment:

Havarti

Havarti is a washed curd cheese, which contributes to the subtle flavor of the cheese. It has very small and irregular openings ("eyes") distributed in the mass. Havarti has a buttery aroma and taste, and is somewhat sweet and slightly acidic. Charity and I first tasted this cheese last New Year's Eve and wanted to have it again. The mild block we bought was easily overpowered in its taste, so it should be used with neutral flavors. For example, I could not taste it at all when I placed it on a Nacho Cheese Doritos Chip. I know, that was really classy...

Verdict:

Yum

Smoked Gouda


This cheese is cultured and heated until the curd is separate from the whey. Some of the whey is then drained, and water is added. This is called "washing the curd", and creates a sweeter cheese. The cheese is then soaked in a brine solution which gives the cheese its rind and distinctive taste. The cheese is then dried for a couple of days before being coated to prevent it from drying out, then it is aged. This cheese reminds us of the Budge family, who are also fans of Gouda. The taste is strong and complete and is not easily overpowered by competing flavors. I recommend having this cheese along side grapes. The two flavors together are quite exotic and complimentary.

Verdict:

Good-ah
real cheesy, I know ;)

Horseradish Cheese

This is a natural American Cheese with a natural horseradish flavoring. The gourmet variant, Harlech is made from a mild and creamy cheddar with parsley and horseradish. Charity and I are big fans of horseradish (and wasabe). The flavor starts fairly mild and ends with a small kick that doesn't overwhelm. I think this might be my new favorite cheese. This cheese's smooth texture is perfect for crackers or other foods that won't overpower the mild spiciness. It is also good for melting into pasta or rice.

Verdict:

Tasty

So there you have our review. Now go sweet talk your spouse into procuring a platter of these dairy delectables for you to nibble on while you read a book and relax in your favorite chair (or bed in my case).

In Memorium

My Grandpa Chapin passed away last Wednesday. Grandma just sent me his obituary and I have posted it below.

WALTER HAYDEN CHAPIN

1932 - 2008

Walter Hayden Chapin died December 31, 2008 at the Saint Thomas Moore Hospital in Canon City, Colorado.

He was born February 4, 1932 in Pocatello, Banock, Idaho. The son of Perry (Harry or Bud) Chapin and Emma Elenora Hayden. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Neva Jean Chapin Krahmer and Gleora Kaye Chapin.

He was married on May 3, 1952 in Provo, Utah, to Norma Jean Hall, who survives him. This union was blessed with the following children: Kathleen Chapin Day (Anthony), Norman Hall Chapin (Rebecca ), Jean Marie Chapin Seifert (Edward), Sally Jo Chapin Henrie (Gregory) and Thomas Burk Chapin.

He is survived by nineteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Jan 7, 2009 at 10 o'clock AM at the Church of Christ in Florence, Colorado.

Walter loved the military. He was called to active duty in 1952 serving with the Navy in the Korean Conflict. After returning home he remained in the Naval Reserves until he retired from the Navy. He lived in El Paso, Texas for a short time following his discharge from active service then he and his family moved to Las Animas, Colorado. He lived in Ulysses, Kansas and then moved to Canon City, Colorado where he spent most of his remaining life.

Walter was trained as a newspaper printer in Las Animas, Colorado at the Las Animas Leader. In 1957 the family moved to Canon City, Colorado where he worked as a printer at the Daily Record for twenty-three years. He later worked for the E. B. Typecrafters in Denver, Colorado for nine years until returning to Canon City to live for the rest of his life.

Walter loved to hunt and spent many happy days wandering the foothills and mountains of Colorado hunting for deer, elk and antelope. He was a good gun smith doing most of the repair work on his own guns and reloading ammunition etc. He was a gifted wood worker and fashioned many beautiful stocks for some of his rifles. He was a long time member of the Church of Christ. Walter loved his family and was a lifetime learner. He will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.

A Running Start

We ran a 5k this morning to start off our new year.

Daniel came in first in the race ... for the baby stroller pushing category.

James fussed a little while we waited for the race to start but as soon as we began running he quieted. With the rythmic sound of our feet hitting the pavement and the gentle sway of the stroller he was quickly lulled to sleep in his little cocoon. He was bundled in his jacket, two blankets, and protected from the wind by his rain cover. He had the easy part of the race.

I should note here that I only pushed the stroller when Daniel was taking pictures. Daniel was my hero and pushed the stroller the rest of the time.
I would also like to state for the record that Daniel could have run it a lot faster if I hadn't insisted on the slow and steady method. He kept having to look back, slow down, and encourage me on because I wasn't feeling so well this morning.

Although it was our slowest time ever (35 minutes) we feel pretty good for having done it. Plus we got some nice hoodies as souvenirs to remind us how cool we are... or maybe how cold we were. It was a whopping 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Happy New Year!