Socially correct

One of the social norms here in the US is to "not wear white after Labor Day". [Labor day is typically regarded as the end of summer. However here is Wilmington is was hot until 18 October (which is about 5 weeks after Labor Day)] It seems like a strange convention to stop wearing a certain colour. It seems that here in the South that you shouldn't wear white shoes during fall/winter (excluding sneakers and bridal shoes). I guess it is about dressing for the season, with white being a cool colour for summer.

The dome is up to the 7th layer of bricks!

Again, check it out at Andrew's website.

Product of the week - Wooden tongs

Sometimes it is the small things in life that make the biggest difference. And this is a case in point. For the past 18 months we have been struggling with our toaster. It doesn't raise up the toast sufficiently to enable the bread to be removed without burning several fingers. I had resorted to just tipping the toaster upside down and hitting it, hoping the toast will land on the plate. That is until we discovered wooden tongs! Ahh yes, I said it was the simple things. $6 at Williams Sonoma and no more burnt thumbs. It even has a magnet on the back so that it can conveniently stick to the fridge. Thank you, thank you!

I have one word for you - PIZZA!

The pizza oven dome is under construction! After a couple of late nights (due to inspiration and motivation) the first arch is completed and so are 4 brick layers of the dome. It seems like everyone in Wilmington is spurring Andrew on. He can't leave the house without someone asking him how it's going and there is a long list of people hoping to make it to the P-list (the opening pizza party!)

Check out all the photos at http://www.andrewspizza.net/

A milo moment

Here is Lucy enjoying her ice cream and milo (a rare commodity here but Grandma was kind enough to bring us 2 huge tins). Lucy received her treat, a few days ago, for keeping her big girl undies clean and dry for the whole day! Whilst we have been experimenting with potty training for a while we finally got serious last week based on the fact that we aren't planning to do any travelling for a while. Hopefully we have turned a corner! However constantly asking "do you need to go to the toilet?" is irksome and in many ways I would rather change a nappy. I am also quickly learning where the toilets are located in each of the stores we visit as well as keeping a potty in the car. Lucy is responsible for carrying around her pink handbag full of spare undies and pants.

Future Ginger

Lucy likes to dance. Especially at restaurants. After she has eaten her meal and is satisfied. And she has the moves! To all kinds of music. Courtesy of Miss Jen, her daycare teacher. Lucy provides free entertainment to other guests in the restaurant and she often gets applause! And she is still very shy!!?! Maybe dancing her way of expressing herself.

Goodbye Grandma!

Grandma is off to see the Grand Canyon before flying home to Australia. Lucy didn't want to say goodbye but she ended up running up to Grandma, grabbing her hand, kissing it and running away. She already misses her reading partner!