The homeschooled kid writes a story.

Today I began teaching history chronologically, and using a little method we homeschoolers like to call unit studies. Unit studies teach a variety of subjects using one topic. We began with cavemen today and talked about how humans have basic needs including food, shelter, clothing and the sort. This discussion evolved into covering the need for humans to have intellectual and physical companionship. We also recognized the need to cooperate and procreate to ensure the survival of the human race. I then gave the kids a creative writing assignment to come up with a story covering the things we talked about.  I'll start with the eldest.

Aragog THe Caveman

Aragog was a simple caveman. He had a simple cave, he wore simple animal skin clothing. He lived alone and thought that was the best way to live. Simply. Until one day, everything changed.  

As Aragog was walking through the forest collecting berries with his home-made berry basket, he came across some footprints. "Oh goodness gracious Lord almighty!" Thought Aragog, " I don't want other cave people moving into my territory! I enjoy living alone." And so he decided to set some booby traps to catch any unwelcome trespassers. Days went by and days turned to weeks and Aragog continued to check his traps but never once was anything or anyone caught. Slowly Aragog forgot about the booby traps and footprints and went on with his simple solitary life. 

Several months later Aragog was once again walking through the forest collecting food, and since Aragog was a simple caveman he had long forgotten the fact that he had set up booby traps all around the forest. Aragog was accidentally caught in one of his own traps! Aragog suddenly remembered his traps and was sad. " Oh why did I set up traps?!?!" he wailed, "I'm all alone hanging up-side down in this forest and no one will ever find me! I wish I didn't live alone! I wish I had someone to come and look for me!" And so, poor Aragog hung up-side down for three days and three nights consumed by sad and lonely thoughts.

On the morning of the fourth day Aragog heard a noise in the distance "Help!" he called. "Help me! I've been caught in a trap!" No answer. "Must have been a squirrel." Aragog mumbled under his breath. The fourth day of his hanging continued without incident. As did the fifth day...And the sixth. Eventually Aragog died. His last thought was "Damn, I wish I wasn't such a lonely bastard all my life."

TheEnd

Chelsea Foster Age 16 years 

Indian Night

Nessie the Dog

I saw this puppy on-line the other day and was duped into shelling out $175 for her. This, despite the fact that she's a mutt. Half husky half lab (we think). Of course, this is all conjecture. She was skinny and had kennel cough which meant I had to dip pills in peanut butter and coax them down her throat. She wasn't even very lively at first. On the way home from the shelter the lethargic little thing flopped down on the floor of petsmart and refused to walk, even though my arms were full of her over-priced doggiefood and doggie toys, and a doggie designer collar. I had no option but drag her little ungrateful butt to the car, hoping that no-one called the doggie police on me before I even got her home. Our resident doggie in waiting didn't take to kindly to the idea at first, hiding under the beds to avoid the pesky  intruder that followed her around and got into her food and stole the attentions of her much loved people. She's warmed to her now. Frolicking like she is six months old again Mia has an appreciation for her companion. It's a good thing. In one week Nessie has outgrown her substantially. This saga to be continued. Stay tuned. 

Chili and red wine.......a fitting start for my simply decadent theme.  This one is for you Steph!

Simply Decadent Chili

• turn on your burner to 7 or 8...wait not yet do the next two first
• take a couple cloves of garlic smash them with the side of a big sharp knife and chop em up
• chop an onion 
• add them to a big pot with pound or two of ground beef and cook it till its brown
• add rotelle brand tomatos w/ cilantro and chilis and any large can of your favorite kind of tomatos
• get some canned beans from the mexican section of your grocery store (whatever you like) they come in bigger sizes which means less can-opener related injury and more variety
• add salt and pepper, cumin and chili powder to taste
• turn it down to 5 or so and let it get nice and hot
• put in some fresh cilantro at the end. you'll be able to taste and smell it better if you don't cook the hell out of it
• serve it with rice and pieces of tortilla (mushed down inside so they get all yummy) and slice some avocado on top, it's the good kind of fat 

Open the expensive red wine your new russian friend brought you the other day when your big Scottish boyfriend made her and her husband (who she met in Siberia) an Indian Curry. If you don't have any of that, make do with what you do have. 

The Virgin Blogger

For my first attempt at blogging I shall use pretty colors, and pretty pictures and keep it simple.