Home Alone
So, what does a creative, burnt-out mom do with her first weekend alone in over two years? She creates her first weblog -- for the whole family, of course. She also reads, designs cards, attends aerobics classes, cleans the bathrooms, writes a business plan, sells one of the family cars and listens to a whole lot of NPR. But first, she learns how to hot wire her husband's truck. Then she thoroughly cleans said truck. And, YES, she checks her work e-mail acount more frequently than she probably should.
Tonight I plan to see a Raggae show at the arch in St. Louis. Free concerts all summer long are part of the city's Celebrate 2004 festivities. Liz Phair played last night. Tonight it's Steel Pulse. Plus every show concludes with a "a stunning custom-produced display of lasers, pyrotechnics and images celebrating the best of St. Louis projected onto an enormous water screen on the river." A little high-tech propaganda never hurt anyone, right?
Jeromy is in Southeast Ohio with his dad, further exploring the campground that we may be purchasing as our ticket back to Ohio. Not that we need a ticket, really, but we would fancy a means to make a living in the out-of-doors.
Robey, in the meantime, is spending his first weekend away from home without his mommy -- at Grandma Nan and Grandpa Rick's house in Mansfield. Thursday he visited Uncle Mike, Aunt Shannon and cousins Saren and Alec in Dayton. Friday he spent the day at the Columbus Zoo with Grandma Nan, Aunt Susan and his cousin Daniel. All reports are that he's having a good time. Without his mama. How could he?
Probably because he also loves his daddy and his grandma and grandpa, and his abuelo, and every one else in Ohio, which also explains why we'll be moving back soon. Until then (and after perhaps), hope everyone enjoys the blog ....


Damn, woman - no one should accomplish that much in two days! I usually rejoice when I get a load of laundry in AND a shower! Love your book picks - my bookgroup is reading a little Saul this summer too. What's the business plan for???
Posted by: Amy | July 24, 2004 at 09:20 PM
Amy (also a new mom) has always been one of the most productive people I know, so I'll take that as a compliment. The business plan is for the campground. Jeromy will have lots to add when he returns tonight with photos and ideas. Check back later this week to see if we've updated the campground photo album. -Al
Posted by: Alison | July 25, 2004 at 04:31 PM
How'd you hot wire Jeremy's truck? Is Jeremy thinking about getting out and the family moving back home? This is a great website. Although Landon's walking sporadically, his personality is a challenge all the time. He's eating w/ his hands, but not w/ a spoon. Keep in touch and say hi to Robey and Jeremy from us.
Posted by: Oliver, Nina, and Landon Siqueira | July 25, 2004 at 09:24 PM
Hi Siqueiras! We know about challenging personalities. Robey demands all of your attention all of the time. Most of the time, I gladly give it to him, but sometimes you have to cook dinner. Or mop the floors. Or just sit down and rest.
I'm not sure how I hot wired the truck. I just followed Jeromy's instructions. Something about bypassing the cylinoid? I did have keys. You just can't start the dang thing without messing with some wires under the hood.
Yep, Jeromy is thinking about getting out of the AF so we can move back to Ohio. He's applied for early separation & we should get news soon on whether that went thhrough. Stay tuned ...
Posted by: Alison | July 26, 2004 at 03:52 AM
Wow, this web page is so cool! I'm glad to hear you guys are doing well. And..I've been begging my husband to buy me a camper for about 5 years. Hmm...maybe we'll get one when we move back to the states and come see you all. We just put in for an EFMP reassignment because Nathan was diagnosed with Autism in January. No idea yet where we'll go. Thanks for keeping in touch!
Posted by: Veronica Martin | July 26, 2004 at 09:18 AM
Veronica - Thanks for the note. Does Nathan have a high-functioning form of Autism? He has well-developed language and social skills. The Oliver Sacks book on the right includes a great section about a lady scientist with a high-functioning form of Autism (Aspergers Syndrom, I think).
Posted by: Alison | July 27, 2004 at 10:01 AM
Wow! We are really impressed with the site Alison. Hope all goes well with the campsite(we are there!). Can you belive that Julia starts school next Tuesday?
Posted by: Charlie and Ilona | July 30, 2004 at 04:29 PM
Hey Bolens, what a great site to be able to keep up with you on! I should have know Miss Allison would keep everyone in contact and up to date. I am so glad you are all happy and healthy and doing well. We really missed you in Tucson when I was there this past winter. We had fun talking about the good times though. All is fine and HOT in Colorado, I'm hoping to get to go back down to the real hot spot in AZ this Sept. Blake is out of school for a week and he and I could have some good Grandma and Grandson times. I'll keep checking back here to see how you all are doing, until then take good care of each other and stay happy.
Posted by: Kathy, Richelle's Mom | August 02, 2004 at 04:35 PM
Where do I begin.
My life has blessed me with 5 sons I call mind.Most of you all know the frist three as they are part of your lifes and know and love them as I do,they are of courese Andy Jerm and Mike.
Then came my other two Zac and James.Now any of you out there who want the real scoupe on the frist three just call me or e-mail me and I can give you stuff too kid them about.
Jerm what can I say about you and your family,you are my family and always will be.
LOVE YOU GUYS:
Uncle Jimmie
Love you
Posted by: Uncle Jimmie | August 05, 2004 at 12:16 PM
Wow! You never cease to amaze me, Allison. Congrats, Jerm on your most recent orders. Good luck getting everything set up so you can pursue your outdoor dreams. Robey is as handsome as always... don't kids grow too fast? We love you all.
Posted by: Jen | August 09, 2004 at 10:48 PM