Update on the Loyal Heights Elementary Mega School Project via Documentary

You may remember the picketing photos I posted in June protesting the plan to overbuild our elementary school while eliminating a huge part of the playground. It also expands the boundaries to add over 200 more students when there are closer (WALKABLE) options for those kids. (My blog post & photos: http://evidentlyblog.blogspot.com/…/rally-to-protest-turnin…)

But here is a level-headed, well-done documentary that showcases the tight spot Seattle Public Schools have put the Loyal Heights PTA & community of Loyal Heights Elementary School.

A school known for it's highly-supportive parent base and tightly collaborative staff & administration find themselves with an ultimatum from the district who won't take compromise for an answer. Thank you though to the folks highlighted in this documentary who have spent so much time and energy trying to find a solution. And thank you to the young film makers who put this together: Jaya Flanary, Sophie DeGreen and Ruby Anderson.

I hope there is yet a compromise to be found.

https://vimeo.com/180204910

Scenes from a Beach Getaway

The husband and I just got back from a 4-day getaway to glorious Depoe Bay/Newport Oregon. It was relaxing, low-key, indulgent and ocean-themed--what's not to love?

Save the Figs, Save the World 2016: Quadropus Bird Deterrent

For those of you who know Ken, you know how much he loves the fig tree in our backyard and covets every single fig that makes it through to harvest time. Since we moved here in 2010, he has tenaciously defended the tree from interloping birds who seek to rob him of the precious figs. It all started off so simply with common, static deterrents but graduated into what can only be described as an obsession. The motto around here is: when in doubt, add technology. So friends, for your viewing pleasure, I give you "The Quadropus." And yes, this means fig harvest is officially on.







To read about previous fig defending efforts and a little more history on our fig tree, check out this 2013 post.

Potty Training with Trains!

This started out as a something I just wrote for myself so I wouldn't ever [let Calvin] forget. Potty training our son was so different and took longer than the experience with our daughter. Figuring out what motivated each of them was key but it's so easy to get spooked and convince yourself that potty training a boy will be so difficult. It was all about incentive, attitude and, crazy but true, it was spelled out clear as day: potty TRAIN.

Here's my piece on Parentmap.com detailing the ordeal. 

Thomas the Train and his knowing smile

Pro tip: "If I’ve learned anything about potty training, it's that both the kid and the parents must be on board with the process."