Little Magpie

chasing shiny objects

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The Wisconsin Files

(Note: This post has been placed on both The Little Magpie and The Food Adventuress blogs, because hey - sometimes things overlap.)  So, true confessions: prior to 2010, I had never set foot in or even passed through the state of Wisconsin.  I stand (rather, sit) before you chastened and convinced that Wisconsin is absolutely a must-visit state, and I've even harbored dreams of a vacation home there.  However, my husband rightly reminds me that we already know someone ... View Post

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The Wisconsin Files

(Note: This post has been placed on both The Little Magpie and The Food Adventuress blogs, because hey - sometimes things overlap.)   . So, true confessions: prior to 2010, I had never set foot in or even passed through the state of Wisconsin.  I stand (rather, sit) before you chastened and convinced that Wisconsin is absolutely a must-visit state, and I've even harbored dreams of a vacation home there.  However, my husband rightly reminds me that we already know someone with ... View Post

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The Short Tails of Two Ducks

Jemima Puddleduck and Flower Daisy came into our lives one morning near Easter when a tiny little girl (who is now a lean and limber almost-tween) wriggled with excitement en route to Orscheln Farm & Home. We'd checked with some family farms, and none had ducklings ready to go given the holiday. We found the "straight run" (meaning, nobody was vouching for their gender) of three-day old duckies bustling around under heat lamps, and we loaded up all the requisite items (heat lamp, feeder, ... View Post

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With many thanks to Hyalophora cecropia

Tonight, the girls (the almost eight year old and the eight month old - excellent family planning!) and I visited Target for the typical baby purchases: new size 18mos onesies for the "small" one.  *Insert audible sigh.* As we departed in the 6:30 p.m. heat of 90+ degrees in June (which, let the records show, I welcome!), Sophie spotted a new friend on the concrete blocks above the blazing asphalt - a massive, gorgeous moth. We snapped a few photos, and Sophie gazed at her pal wistfully.  Two ... View Post

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The Finer Things

Today, my toes have mostly been in the sun. So have Ainsley's, although hers were kickedy-kicking most of the afternoon. Meanwhile, Sophie climbed the holly tree to death-defying heights. She paused to make herself lunch, which is always amusing to me because she is so particular about it. She rounds out the portions (dairy, veggie, fruit) just as I would, carefully arranges the items on her plate, and always elects to pour her milk into a proper ceramic mug rather than a childish cup. Today, ... View Post

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In Praise of Reader’s Digest Condensed Books and Toast

>If you're much of a reader and not already on Goodreads, I enthusiastically suggest you check it out.  I always compare it to Facebook for readers, although you won't want the throngs of friends you may have on the former.  I keep my Goodreads circle to an intimate group of book club cronies and those whose opinions about books are of great interest to me - maybe two dozen or so. While reading France magazine, I saw an interesting article about Toni Morrison (Song of Solomon, ... View Post