Why Sizzies and Neenos?

When my son was small - about 3 years old - I was afraid he would rummage through my craft bag and impale himself on various painful crafting devices. I took him aside and explained that he shouldn't touch the scissors or needles because they would hurt him.

He looked at me and said "Sizzies and Neenos hurt?"

"Yes" I said.

To this day in my home, we call scissors 'Sizzies' and needles 'Neenos'. It reminds me of when he was small and trusting and listened to everything his mother told him.

Now that he's 12, that seems like a long time ago.

Here comes Fall

In our house we wait for Fall all year around. I suppose it comes from living in the desert. Our Summers here are brutal; Spring is over before you know it and Winter is pretty much non-existent. But Fall is something. It's in the air. Not ever too cold - we rarely wear a jacket - and our leaves don't change until late. Still the nights are special. Something gets carried on the wind - that subtle chill that gives you goosebumps and makes you leave your window open all night long.