Coding

http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/05/12/when-kids-would-rather-play-computer-games-than-code-them/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_php=true&_type=blogs&emc=edit_tnt_20140512&nlid=62632520&tntemail0=y&_r=1&

Great links...  Terrible advice :)

Time to start planning!

Cheap (i.e low/no cost) trips planned for the summer!

Kids are excited about some bike trips - we need to invest in either another trailed or a few panniers, some bike repairs, and a good enough tent.

Also planning some day trips.

Cooperstown, for one. Sturbridge, another. Fort Ticonderoga has a ton of events happening this summer as well - reenactments next weekend, and July 4 weekend, as well as a number of others.

Packing for Boston

So, even though I am a bit freaked out by our financial situation, I think our trip to Boston is still a go. (Working like mad trying to get some freelancing work - or at least figure out *how* to get freelancing work!) Zaria and I think we need a packing list.

I think Jason and I need two changes of clothes each. Underwear and socks. Zaria and the boys need three each, and the babies each need two, with extra pants. Plus underwear and socks. Lots of socks.

Everyone needs to have their own toothbrush. I'll carry body soap and a hair brush and deodorant.

And everyone needs to have their own gloves and hats. Not sure the weight of coats yet. And we'll have to think hard about what sorts of shoes to wear. Walking is a must, but not sure about the temperatures.

(I am secretly conniving to get us on a whale watch, as a surprise. I think that would be really cool for everyone!)

Boston

What I have covered:

* Accomodations at an apartment in Boston's Back Bay.

What I don't have covered:

* Amtrak - 200
* Food - $300
* Museums -
* Whale watching - $200

I really need another job!

February events!

Lots to do this week! Since we are all coming down off a long week with a cold, we are super excited to be heading to the Y tomorrow for swimming. With a little luck, our new transmissioned van will be viable for a while.

Also have to remember to call Dr. Mria, the bank and register for a hike at Emma Treadwell on Wednesday.

Friday is Valentine's Day - I think everyone will love it if we do something really cool - trying to think up a few ideas to celebrate love :)

Zaria really wants to go to the mall this weekend - was thinking we could head to the Pine Bush Commission Discovery Center for a coolish looking workshop, then hit Crossgates for lunch and some window shopping and party stuff. Maybe skating on Sunday.

Next weekend is a party weekend for Zaria - I think she wants a bike. Looking at some from REI. Since her most imortant attribute is pink, it's a tad tricky.

Then, the following weekend, we will take off Friday afternoon, for a long train trip to Boston, returning Monday. I am estimating $200 in train fare, then $450 in hotel accommodations. Ten another $500 in food and entertainment money. Actually, now that I am looking at that number, I have no idea how we're going to ull off tat and a bike. But I still have 3 more weeks.

Spring things

Maple sugaring begins at the Cooperstown Farmer's Museum on March, on Sundays and workshos start at Fenimore Art in April.

Steampunk Springfield starts on March22nd.

Planning for spring...

So we're starting to go a little stir crazy, and I've started planning for when we finally have reliable transportation again.

* Boston - $77 on the train, each way, $175/night hotel. Plus meals. Long weekend with trips to Quincy Market, the Freedom Trail, Museum of Fine Arts, Aquarium and Children's Museum.

* DC - $300, each way; probably at least $100 a night in hotels, plus meals. Tons of museums.

* Springfield, MA - museums.

* Montreal, CA - $320, round trip.

* Bronx Zoo - 

Sundays

So hard to decide where to blog, but since this one is primarily a tearful one - struggling to work up the desire to go anywhere when I'm feeling pretty isolated and down.

But we do have tomorrow off- it's a Sunday and ablessed day away from the store. More clearly, a day with Jason, as the rest of us, being vehicle less are hardly ever at the store. It's starting to feel like a don't really belong there anymore *again*.

One of resolutions was nurturing our life, with more sparkles, so we are going to take a little trip tomorrow. There are the usual Albany haunts, but it would be great to find something a bit further afield, a little different.