Maximilian James Patrick Kearns hits One!

Milian didn't want his birthday cake and made that perfectly clear. He did love his toys, especially the new farm and had a great time while big sister Karolina played dress up with cousin carter and her friends. He had quite a haul and is now moving grandparents Larry and Mary into a corner with his toys taking up most of the house! His specialty is throwing the ball -- any ball so we think he's headed for the Major League! He talks a bit - knows what he's saying even if no one else does - and he's now walking. Cousin Sophie will be doing the same soon since it looks like she doesn't want to be left behind.

Just like Sherman we swept into Savannah

Savanna was awesome. House and Garden Tour, Paula Dean's, Mrs. Wilkes, the Oyster House, and then some. I need to move to this place as soon as possible. Johanna and I had drinks on the roof of the Bohemian Hotel on the river, then spent the days touring the incredible homes of historic Savannah. That Hyatt in the background of Johanna on the rooftop actually housed Mike and Artemis who, unbeknownst to us, were just below us having dinner at Huey's and we headed next door to the Oyster house! Tried to get to Tybee Island but the weather didn't cooperate Saturday, even though we had to suffer through 80 degree temps whilst DC had snow! Can't wait to get back. We stayed at a loft on Whitaker that was wonderful, with all the amenities and comforts of home. The house pictured with Johanna in front is the Mercer Williams house made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The house with the two story porch is called Magnolia Hall. We stumbled onto this set of three rowhouses, each with a different color shutter during our garden walk where we learned about Mock Orange trees, Savannah Holly, mondo grass, Climbing Fig that covers the walls and stairs of Savannah homes, and much more from plant specialist Roy Heizer. We need to go back and try some of the acclaimed restaurants such as Che Bella and Noble Fare and to get out to Tybee Is. to try A-J's. We left Savannah with regret but headed to Jasper for Baby Max's first birthday, which was actually on the 24th.

black vultures

I consulted my National Audubon field guide to north american birds and am fairly certain that what i saw were two black vultures. They have a greyish head as opposed to red heads of turkey vultures. They're more aggressive than turkey vultures, like to fly high when the winds are up, which they were this weekend. Hope they took off for other parts - wouldn't want to see our rabbits, etc picked up. I know I wasn't too happy about them flying around when my lil grandson was out!

Lazcleans up

This is my Laz sweeping the driveway, basically putting the pile of leaves back into the garden from whence they came! And eating his lunch.

Is it Spring yet?

It's the last weekend of February and today, Sunday, it was warm enough for Laszlo to work out in the garden. He spent the night and was up bright and early at 6 to help Nana start to clean up the winter damage. Hopefully he'll be back to dig. After two hours out in the garden, he took a much deserved lunch break, and then it was back to work.


We had to stop when planes flew over and Laz tried out his second job - that of plane spotter. Then we saw two huge bird in one of the trees. If anyone recognizes what they are let me know. They looked like turkey vultures.

Seventy Degrees in Feb brings out the best in us

Took a half day to babysit a recovering Laszlo yesterday but judging by the pictures of Laz and dad biking, I'd say he's learning to "call in sick" pretty early in life! Tonight Johanna, aka JoJo to Laz, and I will dine and plot out our trip to Savannah next month! Can't wait.

Laszlo's Second Birthday and SuperBowl

Johanna, Neil, Bob-Bob and I headed over to celebrate Laszlo's second birthday (which isn't until the 8th) and watch the SuperBowl. Bob-Bob got Laz a truck that makes great noises and we got him an ice cream cake -- he appreciated both with gusto. He shared his cake with neighbor Henry, who he calls Henri in the french manner but had a harder time sharing his chair and his truck. Dad brought the big screen tv up to the living room so all could enjoy the game and Laszlo couldn't take his eyes off it so of course it's now off limits! Bath and two "nighty night" rounds of kisses, a little hide and seek under the blankets and Mom's scarf. Then he was down for the count so we could all enjoy the Packers' win except JoJo who is a die-hard Pittsburgh fan. It's hard to believe he's two already. Next up is babysitting on Thursday and ignoring all his Dad's "don't do this and don't do that" instructions. I told him we'd give Laz the usual cigars and brandy and keep him up late. That's what grandparents do, right?