Rock puppy

Our continued exploration of our home state took us to Herkimer, NY yesterday. We went to the Ace of Diamonds Mine to prospect for Herkimer diamonds, which are clear double-terminated quartz crystals. Herkimer is in the lovely Mohawk River valley, and the subtle signs of spring emerging along with a sunny, warm day made for a beautiful day to be outside.

It was the first mining weekend of the year and the rock hounds were in abundance. Let's just say it was mainly an earthy crowd (no pun intended, really) and I felt downright Republican in comparison, a rather frightening thought for me.

Aidan quickly took to the concept of smashing rocks to look for crystals:


Both Aidan and James spent a good part of the day climbing around the piles of rock:


I did a little digging and hammering, but mainly just enjoyed the gorgeous day:


Aidan liked that he could get as dirty as he wanted and "whack something and not get in trouble". We were all dirty and sweaty when we got home, but we had a great time. And we came home with a bagful of pretty quartz crystals - a very nice little haul.

Interview with Aidan 2010

Last year I interviewed Aidan and decided to do so each year with the same questions. This morning we sat down for the 2010 version and here is the complete and unedited interview.

1. What is something mommy always says to you? I love you

2. What makes mommy happy? Me being good

3. What makes mommy sad? When I am not good

4. How does your mommy make you laugh? By telling jokes

5. What was your mommy like as a little girl? Pouty

6. How old is your mommy? 46

7. How tall is your mommy? 5 feet tall

8. What is her favorite thing to do? Knit

9. What does your mommy do when you're not around? Work, knit and run errands

10. If your mommy becomes famous, what will it be for? Because of me helping you!

11. What is your mommy really good at? Knitting

12. What is your mommy not very good at? Getting the cat to be quiet

13. What does your mommy do for a job? Work at home

14. What is your mommy's favorite food? Spaghetti and meatballs

15. What makes you proud of your mommy? Because you are so nice to me

16. If your mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be? Supergirl

17. What do you and your mommy do together? Have fun

18. How are you and your mommy the same? Our noses look the same

19. How are you and your mommy different? Because you are a woman and I am a man!

20. How do you know your mommy loves you? Because you love me and you tell me.

21. What does your mommy like most about you? That I am happy

22. Where is your mommy's favorite place to go? I don’t know

In the last year, I have shrunk a few feet, but at least I am not being compared to the squirrel in Sponge Bob Square Pants!