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Larvae and the people that love them

Luke — Tue, 22 May 2012 03:07:37 +0000

There are some people that say that you don’t choose your pets; your pets choose you. In this case, they may be right.

The morning started fairly normally, breakfast for the kids, lunches being packed, and a somewhat bizarre conversation about how useful it might be to have a magnetron embedded in your robot arm.

Benefits: The ability to quickly prepare hot beverages and to shoot popcorn into your enemies eyes…

Negatives: None!

We wonder why every robot doesn’t have one…

As pieces of fruit were selected for their lunch boxes, we noticed a rather grim looking pear in the basket. Closer inspection revealed that a family of fruit flies had recently taken up residence. The pear had turned to the dark side. As it began its brief journey to the rubbish bin, RJ spoke up:

RJ: Wait!

Dad: Yeah?

RJ: I… Can I have that?

Dad: This? The rotten pear?

RJ: Ummm. Yes? I need it.

Dad: What on earth for?

RJ: I… I want to do an experiment.

(He’s crafty, this one. He knows that science is the ultimate trump card in our family.)

Dad: What kind of experiment?

RJ: Well… I want to breed some some mutant fruit flies.

Dad: And how do you plan to do that?

RJ: First, I need to extract some carrot DNA, and then I’ll feed it to them. And then…

Dad: Hold up! That wont work! I eat banana DNA all the time and I’m not a yellow bellied mutant. Stomachs break down DNA when they digest it.

RJ: Curses! What if I just put it on the eggs? Before they hatch? Before they have stomachs?

Dad: That might just work.

RJ: And then I’ll have mutant orange fruit flies! And I can take over the world!

Dad: Okay. But your evil plans have to wait until you get home from school. You’re still in your pajamas, Dr. Doom.

RJ's latest pets, and the ingredients for their carroty future -- key components of his plan for world domination.

Pining

Luke — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:07:44 +0000

This is the tale of a lizard, a fairly ordinary garden skink, just 2 or 3 inches long. The lizard had been living a quiet happy life, basking in the sunshine, chewing on the occasional millipede, doing lizardy things with his buddies. He had dreams of a long life filled with sunshine and tasty insects, but there was a problem with his plans. He chose to live out his days in a schoolyard; a schoolyard that included several precocious young children with very quick hands.

On its own this may not have been a problem, but these kids were quite young and not always as aware of their strength as they might be, especially when weighed on the scale of a lizard. One afternoon, the lizard was caught by one of RJ’s friends and as he attempted to wriggle his way to freedom he was… squeezed.

Now most parts of a lizard are probably reasonably squishy and flexible, so this might not have been a problem, except that the child had the lizard by the head. Lizard heads are typically not so squishy and they contain a lot of things that are important to a lizard’s general success in life. The end result was an ejected eyeball, a small trickle of blood, and a rather unresponsive lizard.

Most children, after identifying that the essential essence of lizard had been released, would have abandoned him then and there but, as we know, RJ can rarely be classified in the group of “most children.”

RJ, moved by the lizard’s plight, rushed to the scene with an emergency response team and attempted to resuscitate the poor creature. No effort was spared. A sock was removed, moistened in the sparkling, clean waters of a nearby drinking fountain to clean the lizards wounds. An empty lunchbox was brought forward, complete with a selection of different food scraps and a piece of bark for shelter. Gentle soothing words of comfort were spoken, but to no avail. The lizard remained unresponsive.

RJ adjusts some things in Lizzy's aquarium so he can be more comfortable. A lizard has certain needs, apparently.

Undaunted, RJ remained convinced that “Thin Lizzy” just needed some time to recover and brought him home. The afternoon was filled with constructing an appropriate habitat, clean sand, bark, rocks and a delicious assortment of insects, millipedes and other arthropods — truly a delightful lizardy nirvana. It was surely just a matter of time before Lizzy recovered. At the end of the day, RJ carefully placed Lizzy on a warm rock and left him for the night.

The first thing the next morning, RJ rushed downstairs to check his patient… and… and… It was a miracle! Lizzy had moved during the night! He was now laying on his back beside the warm rock! Triumphant, RJ declared that Lizzy would be coming to school that day to show everyone the amazing recovery. Admittedly, Lizzy was still rather “lethargic” (some would say comatose or deceased). This fact was not lost on RJ. As he carefully placed Lizzy back up on the rock he announced that “Lizzy is just playing dead. He is really VERY good at it.”

Several times during the day, Lizzy would craftily bide his time until there were no observers and then scurry off around his enclosure, only to resume his dead lizard act when others showed up. RJ’s classmates were amazed, particularly by Lizzy’s unprecedented resolve to remain motionless in the face of close-proximity screams and prods with fingers. Lizzy returned home to continue his convalescence.

For the next few days, Lizzy was an ideal pet. He didn’t require a lot of attention (or food, water or air, for that matter). He kept within his enclosure without making any attempts to escape. He wasn’t even venomous, as many of our previous pets have been. If you look past a few highly unfortunate events, Lizzy really seemed to have a long, bright future ahead of him.

Despite how well he had integrated into our daily life, Lizzy’s tenure as RJ’s own personal pet was not long lived, and it really was his own fault. Three days later as the weather warmed up a bit, Lizzy learned a new trick. Not content with an occasional leap from his warm rock, he replaced his silent contentment with a new cry for help.

A terrible, foul, stinky cry for help.

Thin Lizzy moved out that afternoon. He lives across the street at the park now. We’re sure he’s happier over there.

Besides, RJ has some new pets now…

(to be continued)

Bad dudes

Luke — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:07:22 +0000

(while at the park)

Heather: So are you and C. in the same class?

RJ: No, we’re not… Everyone knows about the mischief we get up to.

Heather: Ohhh really…

RJ: Yeah. We are just two dudes up to no good, and it’s on record.

Diving in with both feet

Luke — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 03:07:22 +0000

Last weekend, LR competed in a diving competition. She was a bit worried because last time around, she didn’t do as well as she wanted to… This time was different…

LR brings all her skills from gymnastics and trampolining to diving.

Precision, precision, precision...

And the result is... First place! WOW! Go LR!!!

LR's best friend I. won second place. Great job girls! What a great team!

November 2011, Photo Wrap-Up

Luke — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 03:07:03 +0000

The good news is that November is over (and we’re exhausted). The bad news is that December is on the way, which is sure to be even busier!

This month we survived a bout of the plague, and went to the city to learn some new skills for Heritage Days. Dad got even older than he used to be and now he’s even older. We built our own shelter and enjoyed a terrific Thanksgiving dinner.

RJ suffered from a horrible bout of chicken pox for a day, but awoke the next morning completely spot free with no symptoms! Vaccine FTW!

Dad tied up a tennis ball to use for teeball practice. RJ pointed out that it's so much easier to whack a ball using a tennis racket.

LR loves to laugh. Dad loves to take photos. Sometimes they happen at the same time.

At the Naturescape area, LR carefully constructed a channel around someone else's dam, and drained the upper pond.

RJ: Zero days without injury!

At the train station, RJ enjoys a delicious spearmint milk.

Mum wonders why the most annoying people on the train always sit right next to her.

When we arrived at the demonstration archaeological camp, the kids were asked, “Do you want to learn how scientists really do this? or do you want to go straight to the fun stuff?” They stared blankly for a long time trying to make sense of what the woman was saying. It wasn’t until mum explained to the woman that for our kids, the way scientists really do it WAS the fun stuff that any progress was made, and off they went to grid and diagram a search area full of artifacts.

RJ discovers a small vase at the achaeological dig site.

LR carefully sorts the fragments, ultimately piecing together a cup and saucer!

Mom helps RJ assemble the pieces without skewering his hand on ceramic shards.

LR tries her hand at some stone carving. It's harder than it looks but gets easier once you get into a groove.

Dad explains some of the finer points of carving to RJ, who knows it all already.

LR also used a loom to weave a section of belt, or strap, or something... Probably a bookmark. When in doubt, you can always use something as a bookmark.

RJ poses next to the massive lego creation.

Mom took everyone out to breakfast on Dad's birthday! Grammy and Poppa showed up too!

RJ helped roll out the pizza crusts for Dad's birthday dinner.

... but Mom had to help on some of them.

LR puts the finishing touches on Dad's birthday cake.

Happy Birthday to you!!!!

We took a quick trip to Dwellingup before the worst heat of the summer arrived. By begging for edamame soy beans, Scarlet established once and for all that she is not a real dog.

RJ hunts carefully for tadpoles in the stream. He ended up catching four or five in about ten minutes.

Scarlet found herself a nice comfy spot to lay down in.

RJ and LR take shelter underneath the 'tent' that dad helped them build. Sorry Dad, only room for two in here!

Oh nevermind, we can move over for you.

A few days later, it was time for Thanksgiving dinner! Aunty Jess shows us just how much fun making corn bread can really be.

Grammy and Jess working together.

Even Uncle Troy and Aunty Bron from Melbourne were there! Hey guys!

Poppa did a great job carving the turkey.

Mom teaches LR the finer points of stealing the most delicious bits from the turkey before it's even served.

Here boy! Jump! Up! Up! Good RJ! ... (and you wonder why the boy has issues)

After a huge turkey feast and too much pie, Poppa and RJ go over the hand-traced turkeys that he made in class that day.

October 2011, Photo Wrap-Up

Luke — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 03:07:50 +0000

In October, we drove south to Eagle Bay with some friends for a few days, and north to Gingin for a weekend with Grammy and Poppa. RJ had his first t-ball game and… his team won! In the middle of all of this (and the Royal Show AND Halloween) we somehow found the time to visit Scitech with some friends to see some of their new exhibits. Wow! We need a break!

We took a trip down to Eagle Bay and had a great time in the water. It's a lot easier to do now that the weather's warming up!

We climbed to the top of Sugarloaf Rock where we stopped and watched the ocean attempt to smash it down. The waves were HUGE.

While the other two girls were at horse riding, we set off on a hike around the bay.

Eventually we could see the ominous "Dragon Mouth Cave". Perhaps we'll go inside next time.

While the other two enjoyed breakfast and reading in bed, he just sat there, staring.

Grammy helped RJ and LR make their own dolls. RJ made Bear Grylls, complete with snake and sports watch, while LR made Cleopatra, complete with snake but no watch.

RJ had his first T-Ball game. WHAM! A great hit RJ! Drop the bat first and run! No, not over there! To first base!

... and he leaps into first base. He's safe!

We spotted this elegantly dressed lady on her way to work.

Off to Scitech, where LR is trapped in an underwater bubble.

RJ constructs his own fog tornado... His next version will be bigger, much bigger... MWAAAHAAHAAA.

Off to Gingin for the weekend! Mom and Scarlet enjoy the sunshine, but not the flies.

Poppa shows off his new phone cover... Angry birds! The kids loved it!

You da man, RJ! No! You da man, Dad!

There are certain dangers you must be aware of when letting Dad operate the fork lift.

This year we netted some of the fruit trees, in an attempt to stop the parrots from eating our delicious peaches. There were, however, some complications.

The latest version of the flying fox got even longer and faster, especially when RJ started pulling.

Time for sleep! Goodnight!

September 2011, Photo Wrap-Up

Luke — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 03:07:26 +0000

Another crazy month went by! This time around, Mom and LR got a thousand and one things done before they left for the USA, leaving Dad and RJ behind to survive on a steady diet of buttered toast and cereal. The cousins came over from Melbourne, and Grammy’s house STILL isn’t finished! Finally, RJ entertained an entire school with his own special moves during his class concert.

RJ's friend C visited for a sleepover. The next morning, the two of them insisted on pancakes, the internationally recognised breakfast of bloodthirsty pirates and fierce centurions.

At Grammy's birthday party, RJ taught Great Grandpa Maury everything you need to know about Bakugans.

RJ and Great Grandma Dot have a detailed discussion about garden snails.

It’s wildflower season and the area is completely carpeted in everlastings, daisies and other wildflowers. We headed up to King’s Park to see their Wildflower Festival and join in the fun.

LR contributes to the huge painting by adding the symbols for river, sun and lots and lots of fire.

There were also people dressed up as wildflowers. Zamia, the poisonous warrior wildflower was our favorite.

A picture... of us... sitting in wildflowers... again?

One of our close friends had a baby and she brought him over for a visit!

Mom went into school for another big science afternoon with RJ's class.

Mom pops some dry ice bubbles, releasing little clouds of mist.

The kids had to line up at each of the stations to get the parts for the next stage.

Now that Winter's over and the weather has cleared up, we can head down to Cottesloe for fish and chips at the beach.

The best thing about fish and chips at the beach is running around and playing on the edge of the wall.

LR and RJ sprint around the corner, then throw themselves off the edge.

Jump, LR! JUMP!

RJ and Mom enjoy a quiet moment while LR does a few more crazy jumps.

Mom and LR wave a final goodbye before getting in the car. Say HI to everyone for us!

RJ and Dad spent a bunch of time running around the different local parks.

You can run...

...but you can't hide, RJ!

RJ also had inside information about a nearby geocache. We located it and signed the logbook.

RJ reads through the secret messages in the geocache.

Dad and RJ went on a photo excursion out at an orchard. There were flowers everywhere!

Just about to head home, but it looks like there's still time for ice cream after all!

Grammy and Poppa's house is still under construction.

... but that just makes it more fun to climb through and explore.

PB, and MS follow RJ across the park to the secret hidden location.

RJ shows PB and MS the geocache and helps them get the logbook out.

MS takes a moment to sign the geocaching logbook.

Poppa and Grammy hanging out at their new park.

Come on, Poppa! We're dying to get some food!

PB shows RJ the best tricks to reach the top of the mountain while waiting for dinner to arrive.

At the end of term, RJ’s class put on a big singing performance for the whole school. RJ, of course, has his own very distinct style.

RJ does his own special dance during his school concert.

Top secrat business plans

Luke — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 03:07:55 +0000

(while eating breakfast)

RJ: I’ve figured it out, Dad.

Dad: What’s that?

RJ: A rat trap! We just need an apple and a large glass pot. We put it outside and when we see the rat go in, we put some paper over the top and he wont be able to get out! They don’t have hands!

Dad: Great idea, but why on Earth do we want to catch a rat?

RJ: Because Mom hates them… and…

Dad: And what?

RJ: My friend L. at school wants one… He really liked my baby rat in a jar.*

Dad: He wants a rat in a jar, too?

RJ: Yeah, but it’s okay. I’ll sell it to him, and maybe I can sell them to other people, too!

** A few weeks ago, RJ found a dead baby rat outside — probably one of Violet Miaowmix’s recent victims. It now sits in a place of honour on the shelf in his room, preserved in a (VERY WELL SEALED) jar full of alcohol.

Winter Solstice, 2011

Luke — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 03:07:52 +0000

Each year, we invite a few friends up to the farm at Gingin to celebrate the winter solstice. After spending the day pruning the fruit trees and tending to the orchard, we fire up the pizza oven and serve a nearly endless stream of delicious homemade pizzas. We follow up by lighting a huge bonfire to brighten things up through the long night. It’s heaps of fun (despite things often going awry because of rainy weather).

Citrus is in season at the moment, and the trees are totally loaded with fruit. LR gets to work picking some mandarins. Delicious!

Some were too high to reach -- good thing Kerry was around to help out!

RJ gets involved in a game of giant pinball.

LR and B. played a few holes of golf. We're pretty sure B. has played before -- he was scarily good.

M. and RJ watch on as B. fixes something for them.

Mom had everyone working hard in the orchard. The fruit trees have been pruned and there's a whole new garden bed planted now.

Whoa, that’s so intense! Whoa! Man! Wow! It's full on. What does this mean?

LR's friend L. from school came up to join in the fun. LR was thrilled to have her around, we were happy to have someone else help with the trees.

B., L., and LR try on the wreaths made for the evening's festivities.

LR balances on the wet cable, wearing wet, sandy shoes. What can we say? The kids really wanted a challenge.

RJ leaps off the cable, just in time!

Mom and Molly went for a spin around the fields in the buggy. She must be responsible for the torn-up tracks all through the front paddock.

RJ... Wearing a hat... No surprises here.

Pizza making time! Kerry helps M. find the best tool for the job.

Mom tries to take all the credit for the fresh pizza dough, but we know that she had everyone helping.

G. and B. compare their circuit designs and try to get their glowies working reliably. Glowies are little flashing lights that you launch through the air from rubber bands. We discovered them in Bali and Dad helped everyone build them.

Despite the intermittent rain, the bonfire burned all through the night.

Mom holds the torch for LR so she can read to the group. Each year at the solstice we pause and think about things to be thankful for and things we'd like to go better in the coming year.

G. brought along his didgeridoo and played for us in front of the fire.

The kids decided roasting marshmallows would be more enjoyable inside, out of the rain.

With all the inside spots taken, RJ found his own uncrowded location at the pizza oven.

The following morning, despite the night of drenching rain, the kids managed to get the ashes lit and a fire burning again. Note to self, purchase additional fire extinguishers for the house.

Dad wearing a hat... Somehow, RJ just manages to pull it off better.

RJ’s Birthday Party

Luke — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 03:07:53 +0000

RJ’s birthday was loads of fun. After school, we gathered up most of his classmates and walked them to the park near our house, where we enjoyed fruit, snacks and cupcakes! We had a nice dinner and more cake that night with Grammy and Poppa. The next day, RJ invited two of his friends to go see a movie with us in the city. Happy birthday RJ!

RJ's favorite present was this jaw from a 10ft lemon shark.

His other big present was a set of Lego PowerMiners, mostly because it comes with the largest rock monster available.

After school, it was time for RJ's "Not a party" Party in the park. Half the kids joined our train that snaked through the school toward our house.

A big part of your birthday is the birthday hat... RJ decided it was good enough to wear all day long.

LR is happy to hang out with some of RJ's friends... for a little while.

Kid pile-up at the swing!

RJ blows out the candles... Only one girlfriend this year!

Mum hands out the delicious cupcakes that Grammy made.

C and RJ peek over the edge of the slide before disappearing.

Apparently, a slide is the most fun if it has seven people on it.

Later that night, after dinner, we had another cake for RJ.

The next day, RJ invited two of his friends to go to the movies with us.

We always wave to the train drivers as they arrive at the station.

The three guys watch the world cruise by out of the window of the train.

We had fun spinning a huge stone sphere balanced on a fountain. We got it moving really fast!

One the way to the theatre, we stopped to watch a street performer do some amazing juggling tricks.

The kids enjoy the traditional 'Choc Bombs' -- chocolate covered ice cream cones. We used to get them at the movies as kids too!