Spirit in Motion Aug31

Spirit in Motion

As with the Olympics several weeks ago, this week we have been enveloped by the Paralympic Games here in London. We can see the venues in the distance from the upstairs window of the home where we are staying (thank you, Swithinbanks!), the signage around London is everpresent, and the...

London Epic

We spent an epic day in central London a few days ago. Wake was our “trip leader.” It rained on us. We were on the move for ELEVEN hours. And the whole experience was truly joyful – truly, truly joyful. Wonderful memories. Please join us for some of the experience in this audio postcard....

Olympics!! Aug30

Olympics!!

The Gymnastics arena from our house!! The Olympic Village as seen from our house The Aquatic Center as seen from our house             The Olympic Stadium as seen from our house and Orbit             Olympic stadium   Olympic...

Paralympic Torch Aug30

Paralympic Torch

Yesterday,walking to the tube after leaving the tower of  london, we ran in to a guy who ran the paralympic torch. If you  don’t know what the paralympics are  it is the olympics for people with...

The Augustine Spur

Julius Caesar invaded Britain the first time in 55 BC. Based on his own writings, scholars figure he arrived in the area of Deal Beach just up the coast from the white cliffs at Dover. Here is the view today at Deal Beach. The stone marker seems largely forgotten by folks walking up and down...

Mindful

Suby, reading by iPad light in our tent, read “one more poem” tonight before bed: ”Mindful” by Mary Oliver. It’s a poem she and I have shared from time to time. Every day I see or hear something that more or less   kills me with delight, that leaves me like...

Mother Tongue Aug22

Mother Tongue

We’ve learned a great deal after spending a few days in an English campground. “Soccer,” of course, is “football.” “Tea” is dinner. “Cream tea” is awesome, especially after a long hike. And Jacob was born three days before Eli. We know Jacob was born three days...

Happy Bday Will! Aug20

Happy Bday Will!

A birthday shout out to Will Gaskins (jr)! Happy birthday...

Fictionary Quiz Aug16

Fictionary Quiz

We’ve just concluded another spirited game of Fictionary — joined at the table this evening by a light-up gemstone we’re calling a cousin to the lava lamp. One of our best rounds this evening came from the word GHAWAZEE. *Without* checking a dictionary — can you choose...

Light Power 3-fer Aug16

Light Power 3-fer

Three moments to share from today about the profound impact of LIGHT. We woke before sunrise today to secure tickets to one of the world’s few remaining Paleolithic cave painting sites still open to the public. “Paleolithic” sort of means “super old,” like older...

March of the Anthem

My maternal grandmother was often part of my family beach vacations. Mama Liz showed me how to play cards on those trips, usually on her bed. She floated effortlessly and endlessly on her back in the surf. And she taught me the words and music to French national anthem. We sang that anthem as...

Faux Hawk Aug13

Faux Hawk

Somehow, descriptions of new hair styles are a frequent topic on these pages. Here is the latest: E’s “faux hawk.” It’s “faux” because “it’s not a full...

Castle Climb Aug13

Castle Climb

This could make you a bit dizzy with the sped up camera work … but we have documented the climb up “our” chateau, complete with medieval music from a period festival in...

The Art of Language Aug13

The Art of Language

J is leading our first Art of Language class, seminar style, based on a journalistic view of last night’s Olympic Closing Ceremony. Apple juice provided....

Vous etes ici Aug10

Vous etes ici

Vous etes ici. You Are Here. This is a concept we have often struggled with, as a family and as individuals, throughout our lives. We want to live in the present, notice small things, enjoy our time together — instead of constantly thinking of the next big thing, wishing time away,...

Scenes from Home Aug10

Scenes from Home

A smattering of photos from our life here in Dordogne Valley — from our laundry rack to World School to wooded walks to a nearby Chateau. Click on any one image … and a larger gallery appears. Laundry … with reading boys in the background.

Article About Us Aug10

Article About Us

A newspaper that covers public radio and public television has published something about our year away. Here is a link to Current’s blurb: http://www.current.org/2012/08/aronson-promoted-at-frontline-npr-board-elections-lapin-joins-current-and-more/ And here’s the text: Jim...

Canoeing Aug09

Canoeing

Yesterday we went canoeing and kayaking down the Dordogne River! It was really fun even though it was like 100 degrees outside!!!!Here are some of the pictures we took during our trip!

Hot Air Balloon! Aug09

Hot Air Balloon!

Yesterday day morning during breakfast a hot air balloon came floating over the house! It was...

School Shout Out Aug07

School Shout Out

“World School” has begun … and a shout-out to S, who is a rock star...