Judith Warner wrote a lovely essay in the Times that will strike a chord for parents, godparents, aunts and uncles of children of all ages. I think it also explains why I bought the Elmo and An American Tail DVDs my niece and spent many wonderful hours together watching.

http://warner.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/03/getting-real/index.html

When I first moved to Florida, she was brand new, and her parents were discovering that their lifestyle was changing. They would take mom and dad vacations, dropping little C with me for a week or so at a time.

I’ll never forget her little face when Elmo would transform from a crayon-drawing with that little giggle. She learned to save bye bye, sing “I’m hot, hot, hot,” chase butterflies, splash in the ocean, colleet shells, speak a little French and navigate her first step while we were together (She’s brilliant but these did not happen all on the same day).

http://www.sesameworkshop.org/sesamestreet/elmosworld/

And I told her that no matter where she was she could look up in the sky and know that I was looking up too, seeing the same stars, thinking about her. She has a music box that plays Somewhere Out There.  If you are missing someone in your life, enjoy Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram’s version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRaieyN77UI or click on my vodpod. I also included the utube version of Fival and his sister from the movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRjb8sMjYu8

Did I mention my little angel is coming to visit in a couple of weeks (with Nana and her brother in tow, but I digress)? Happy Independence Day!

p.s. Lyrics below

Somewhere Out There

written by James Horner, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil

Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight
Someone’s thinking of me and loving me tonight

And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we’re sleeping underneath the same big sky

Somewhere out there if love can see us through
Then we’ll be together somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true

And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star

And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we’re sleeping underneath the same big sky

Somewhere out there if love can see us through
Then we’ll be together somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true

What a nifty idea: Seeds embedded in recycled paper. You plant and water the card, and it grows wildflowers. They are nice party favors or holiday stocking stuffers, and they are “tree free.”

http://www.botanicalpaperworks.com/article/FAQ/227/

I watched Tori Spellings’ reality show. (Why is a longer story you could possibly care about).

What is more surprising and scary is that I actually found it enjoyable.

Hmmmmmmmm ..

From fellow blogger, Washes of Color, I’ve learned of Pandora radio. If you’re the other person who has never heard of it, you must check it out … way way cool. It’s amazing to me … the internet has made everything so very personal. I can have my own G-station if I want to …

www.pandora.com

I caulked yesterday. The hardest part was figuring out how to load the caulking gun. For those in the same boat, this article below provides step-by-step directions. Also, a tip from HGTV and my mom: If you’re doing the tub surround, wet your finger and run it over fresh caulking. My fingernails were too long to do that usefully on the ceiling but I did an impromtu by putting plastic cling wrap on my finger that was slightly damp.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2049845_load-caulk-tube.html

From the Orlando Sentinel’s Frugal Force comes this energy-efficiency advice.

Several years ago while confronted with the ugly cement balcony that overlooked the ocean, I investigated options. I discovered an interlocking tile product that looked beautiful.

In the end, I determined it was only sold in Japan but would eventually be sold in the states. Instead I went with an interlocking wood tile. Same idea but eventually the salty air will takes its toll.

This will be the replacement: http://www.handydeck.com/ezytile_decking_tiles.html

I’m thinking about using this for the screened porch at the new house. It’s a little less expensive than a traditional state floor but allows for hosing down the room and replacing individual tiles if there is a spill.

I would not pay $4,000 for a tub — even a $9,000 copper tub that is deeply discounted — with free shipping and no tax.

But I must admire it. It’s really dreamy! If you simply must have one, check out: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Solid-Copper-Hand-Hammered-Tub/3245613/product.html

Overstock also had a beautiful copper farm sink yesterday that sold out very quickly at a very good price.

I’ve been exploring options to make my garage floor prettier. Obviously I need a hobby.

Rustoleum has a paint product but since the driveway that used to be under the carport-turned-garage is old … that’s not the best option.

They have these really cool tiles that are not at all cheap and are used frequently by NASCAR fans.

I also found a site that seems to have the best price on a roll-out mat. The brick red looks pretty. http://www.jnkproducts.com/garage_floor_cover.htm

I hesitate to jump the gun (yet again).

But I had a final walk-through for punch list items with the GC (who by some optimism that befuddles me believes he’ll be doing the inside of this house). That was Tuesday. It’s small, niggling stuff  (and he did not argue any of the points though had a thousand excuses) so I anticipate he’ll be done, I’ll write the final check and I will never ever have to see him again by early next week.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed!