My hands are almost completely blue

My pen exploded. I don't want to talk about it.

Okay, so it's been a while, and lots has happened. I don't know where to begin! The kayak? Stitches? Barefoot stuff? Baby week? SO MUCH!

Let's start with the kayak for now.

So, I've got a kayak! It's a Walden Paddlers Naturalist model, which I can't find a link for, unfortunately. Also, the "Naturalist" always makes me feel like I should be kayaking naked, possibly because I am (mentally) twelve. But I love it! I love it love it love it. I've taken it out a couple of times to Oakwoods, where I have managed to annoy, irritate, piss off, disgruntle, and agitate several species and breeds of wildlife. Have you ever heard an angry egret? They sound like Marge's sisters from the Simpson's. Also, they aren't as pretty as the one in that picture.

Mostly, I just like being on the water again. There's something soothing about being out on a river, a lake. Someplace like Oakwoods where you are basically out splashing around in a big wetland...I can wander a bit, follow strange branches and check out little islets and marshes. It's quiet, but not silent. I'm taking the kayak up north next week, out on the big lake. But I don't want to do that with it much, really. Mostly I want to explore the rivers and streams. I'd love to take it back up by the old house and explore up and down the old creek that runs through the neighborhood. There's a "Blueway" under development in the area, which has given me ideas for all kinds of places to put in and explore. Sadly, I don't think I'm big enough to make it safely to some of those fun looking islands around Grosse Ile, but there is still plenty of exploring to be done. I'll keep you updated as the adventures continue.