GROUNDHOG v. WOODCHUCK

I force my kids to listen to my music and/or NPR every morning. Yes, I am THAT person. I feel that my kids should be exposed to independent, non-mainstream music and know the current events. I do not feel the least bit bad about this. My kids may not be able to have a debate with you discussing the merits of healthcare or why the Devil Makes Three has not hit it bigtime, but they are aware. This is more than I can say about that American Idol tart. Don't send me hate mail. No one can deny how scary that is. I digress....do over.

This morning I was driving in listening to WXPN, which is one of the best stations in the country. Between the incredible music being played, a discussion of Goundhog Day occurred, of course. Apparently, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and we will have 6 more weeks of winter. He described the scene that he witnessed on the morning television programming as this and I paraphrase, "A scared rodent surrounded by some drunk college students and a few reporters desperately trying to do their best Bill Murray impersonation." I find this description hilarious. I am a big fan of the movie Groundhog Day. They went on to say that they preferred the name woodchuck to groundhog. What?!? Come to think of it...I prefer woodchuck!

Six more weeks of winter. I am not sure I can handle it. Phil is a rodent. I don't really like rodents. Ah well...

On a lighter note, expose your kids to good music. I took my kids to see this band at WXPN's venue and my nine year old danced behind our table.

What Do You Want?

Every now and then I find myself asking if this is really my life? Making gelato when it is freezing outside!?!?! Then I pinch myself, look at my family and smile. Even when my dumb dogs are in sight. Don't send me hate mail. If you had any clue how dumb (and sweet) they are, you would not blame me for hating on them on occasion.

Last year I was speaking to one of my Amish farmers (on a cell phone - ahem.) He mentioned that it was the beginning of the 7 Weeks of Want. How intoxicating! Seven Weeks of Want? Yes, the seven weeks when everything stops growing and nothing new will arrive or be harvested. How incredibly beautiful. We have entered the Wanting.... That is what is wrong with me. People still eat gelato when it is cold outside and my dogs are always this dumb. I have just entered the Want.

What do you want? The Fall starts beautifully with pears, apples, and squash. The Winter sashays in with black walnuts, chestnuts, persimmons, blood oranges and exquisite citrus. No want. I am satisfied.

We have entered Want. What do you want? What do you crave? What do you need? I don't need strawberries...not yet. I don't want honeysuckle...not yet.

What do you Want? Two cute dogs, maybe?