That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky way, They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A poet could not but be gay, In such a jocund company: I gazed—and gazed—but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.
***
This was the first one. I memorized this in the summer of 2016 (is that right?) when I started working at AIT. I took the kids to Camp Snoopy every day before work, drop them off, work 8 hours, pick them up, make the trek home. What a treasure that summer was - the kids saw Gma and Gpa every day. Pool time, adventures, chores.
I tasked the kids with memorizing a poem. Some were more serious than others about the assignment. Something clicked for me and I wanted more, so I've been on this little journey since then.
After being home for more than two months, working on a little card table with a view out the window, I'll be going back to work in the office next week. This has been stressful and wonderful and so very strange. Everyone wears face masks at the grocery store now and when I don't have one on, I feel like I'm doing something wrong. Everyone stands in the checkout line at a distance and when someone stands only two feet away from me I feel like they're crowding me and doing something wrong. When Shelly and I dropped off groceries for Grandma Sue we chatted but kept our distance. No hugs anymore. And I'm so very grateful that I live in this home with four other people who can never get enough hugs and high fives and cuddles. And sad for those who don't have that.
We're all done with school for the school year - I declared that we'd be done because the endless worksheets and writing assignments just don't seem worth the anxiety they're causing. We wrapped it up a week early and Eli and Shelly played made-up games outside to pretend it was Field Day and came back in sweaty and exhausted and smiling. Archer took his final exam for his last math class at 2:00 this morning and now we're officially done. And as the kids wrap up school and I go back to the office, it seems things are finally starting to get back to normal, a little bit.
I'm going to miss the bird, squirrel, bunny watching out my window. I'm going to miss the stream of non-stop hugs all day long. I'm going to miss wearing slippers while I work. But I'm really looking forward to the kids getting their summer adventures started, and getting back to the office with my colleagues so I can chat with them throughout the day, instead of working alone and seeing their faces only once a week on a video call. Somehow I feel like a vacation is ending, even though I've been working this whole time. At the same time, vacation is just beginning for the kids. And the grandparents are already making plans for some fun!
Here's to recognizing what we have, hoping things get closer to "normal" soon, and looking forward to what's to come!
A savory treat from my mom, original recipe from Bampa's brother Kim. These never sit around for long when they arrive from Grandma's treats stash.
No Bake Savory Pretzels
Ingredients
30 oz pretzels
12 oz butter flavored oil
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 oz packet powdered Ranch salad dressing mix
Instructions
1. Spread the pretzels evenly on a cookie sheet
2. Whisk together the oil, ranch dressing, garlic powder & cajun seasoning
3. Pour the mixture over the pretzels in the pan and stir to coat
4. Sprinkle w/ grated parmesan cheese and stir
5. Bake for approximately 3 hours, stirring every 15 minutes
Why we love it
I can't EXACTLY explain it, other than to say - once you start, you just can't stop. These leave us grabbing for just one more, and licking our fingers and sad when they're suddenly gone. How did they all disappear QUITE that fast???
Next Up...
I've only made this a couple of times but we all loved it. I've vowed to only make this for group events because I don't want us to eat the whole delicious batch ourselves, it's just so rich!
Half a 1 lb bag of mini pretzels, broken into pieces
2 Sticks butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
18 oz semisweet chocolate chips (1 and a half 12 oz bags)
Sea salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, cover with a layer of the broken pretzel pieces.
2. In a medium saucepan on medium heat, add the butter and brown sugar. Once the mixture starts to bubble, set a timer for 3 minutes and allow to simmer without stirring. After 3 minutes, pour the hot caramel mixture over the pretzels in back and forth motion to cover the pretzels. A few bare spots are ok, it'll all bake together in the end.
3. Bake for 5 minutes, then spread the chocolate chips evenly over the pretzels. Put the pan back in the oven to help the chocolate melt. Once it's all melted, remove from oven, sprinkle with sea salt.
4. Refrigerate until set. Once it's all cooled, break into bite size pieces. (After it's set, you don't have to refrigerate any further.)
Why we love it
Buttery, crunchy, salty, sweet. Of COURSE we love it!
Its right around November 15th every year that we
start seeing the “Countdown to Christmas” messages everywhere. The stores have
already pulled out all the Christmas stuff and by the time we get to
Thanksgiving, we’re hearing the music everywhere. I don’t think it’s a huge
secret that I’m not a big fan of Christmas, I don’t like the pressure to make
my house look a certain way and spend a bunch of money on stuff we don’t need.
But. Mostly I try to keep my sentiments to myself. Last year, the five of us
all finally officially gave up on celebrating with Santa. The youngest kid
knows. We (the parents) can stop trying so hard to hide everything (we were
never very good at that) and we can just be up front about the packages that
keep arriving at our doorstep leading up to the big day. So that was a step
towards making Christmas all around better this year.
David and the kids worked SO HARD to get everything ready.
Many dozens of cookies made (thanks Eli, Shelly, David). Dishes and more dishes
(thankyou Faithful Dishwasher for all
your hard work!). Vacuum the living room, again and again (thanks Archer J). All the windows
washed (Wow! David!!!). Laundry, more dishes, more vacuuming, dusting.
Now on to the real joy of Christmas, what we all know we’re
supposed to be enjoying, but it gets lost in the stress… Family Time. Time
Together.
It happened this year – we really had a chance to ENJOY each
other. Nana came on Christmas Eve, along with Bampa and Grandma Shell and we
had a wonderful evening together. The stories, the silliness, so many hugs for
everyone. Archer snuggled up next to Nana for an hour or two while we watched a
show, then everyone headed off to bed.
Then on Christmas Day, it was the Fortiers’ turn to take
over the house – little by little they trickled in and the house warmed up. We
were missing only 2 of the entire clan and with a group that large, I’d say
that was an amazing accomplishment. To have just about everyone there was
amazing. Christmas has changed so much over the years that I’ve been a part of
this family. All of the grandchildren are growing up, there’s not so much
screaming (with joy) and crying. Not so much of all the kids mobbing
Christopher’s legs and wrestling him to the ground to pile on top of the oldest
cousin. There’s more talk of dating (bleh!! I don’t wanna know!!), jobs,
travelling and the BIG topic this year is who is newly driving, or about to be
driving, or could be driving by now but isn’t…
After food and presents, the
kids found a game to play together and this is where I have to say, I could not
have pictured this 15 years ago. I probably would not have said, “It’s great
that they’re all playing video games!” We always hear about kids and “too much
screen time.” But Christopher told his cousins that he wanted to spend some
time with them and they ALL (that’s 9 kids aged 9 through 25) piled into the
boys’ bedroom for a game on their phones/tablets/computers. They found a game
that all of them could play together. Screen time, yes. FUN TIME with cousins,
DEFINITELY. We had such a great time, I was sorry to kick everyone out at 9:00
because some of us had to work the next day.
I would say it was definitely one of the best Christmases
yet – so much wonderful family time connecting with everyone. Thanks to all who
came over, brought stuff and just hung out. And most of all, thank you to
Elijah, Shelly, Archer and David for ALL of your hard work keeping the house
clean and ready to entertain. My wonderful children never complained even once.
Not when I interrupted their playtime to
do more chores, not when we asked Shelly to give up her room while Nana stays
with us, not when I asked someone to come to the grocery store with me AGAIN. I
have the most wonderful family.
This summer has been filled with the most wonderful moments. I so often think about stopping to write a blog or take more pictures but more often I think - just treasure this moment right now. Yesterday we went to State Fair and a stranger complimented us on our kids' good behavior. Archer was carrying Eli, they pressed their cheeks together cuddling and loving as can be. Tonight all three of them were crawling around on the ground, animal noises and made-up noises and cuddles and a little bit of wrestling. Eli told me at supper he couldn't eat anymore because his stomach was sore from laughing so much. He laughed so hard that he cried!! I keep treasuring more and more of these moments, closing my eyes and picturing all of them having the time of their lives and I get to see it all. What a blessing. What sweet sweet moments. I cannot imagine how life could be any better than this.
So - quick recap.
Archer and I took a bus trip with his school to Washington DC in May. I met some of the kids he hangs out with, we spent SO MANY HOURS on a bus and never quite got enough sleep. I don't know about him, but I learned a lot. I hope our family can visit there someday. I'm glad I got to spend so much time with him. It was the opportunity of a lifetime for both of us, and I'll treasure it forever.
June. 8th grade graduation. (I may have shed a tear. I'll never be back to that school, he's a high schooler now! He's so much more mature than when he started 6th grade, etc. etc.) 5th grade transition. (I may have shed another tear. She's getting so grown up!) Last day of First Grade. (I loved Mrs. Powell! E has grown so much!) Many thoughts about transition and change and moving on/up.
Visit to Nana, dragged her around to all the antique shops we could find just for the fun of looking at old stuff. It was great spending the day with her and talking about times old and new.
Archer attended National Youth Leadership Training for Scouts. Sounds like it was lots of work and lots of fun, he came home with a few stories to share. We're still hearing the stories 2 months later. Also, maybe he'll be staff next year? Something to consider. It rained every day, they ended up in a cabin when their tents were all soaked. But he looked happy when we showed up on the last day, and I'm proud of him for completing it.
July. Our most laid back 4th in many years - no attempt to make it up to HC for a run, just hang out at home till we go to the lakefront to stake out our spot for the fireworks. And someone stole our spot!!! Wait! They moved! We got our spot! Mary and her family joined us for yet another great night at the fireworks. I almost forgot - before that we hung out at Rachel's house with her boys for a cookout (where David kindly grilled all the food while the girls sat around chatting (gossiping?)). That was enjoyable for all of us, except maybe David who looked awfully hot once the 20 pounds of chicken was all cooked.
David and Eli went to Day Camp where they had many wonderful Scout activities for 4 days. By the last day, Eli was seeming more and more run down and David took him home early. We worried that he had heat exhaustion but that night, both Archer and Shelly went to bed early. They had either contracted heat exhaustion from Eli, or all 3 of them were sick. I think there was a little sickness running through our house , and within 24 hours everyone was back to normal.
Archer went to Scout Camp with his Troop. He was kept busy working on merit badges and cooking dinner and whatever else Boy Scouts do at camp. They all came home exhausted and smelling like... well, actually, Boy Scouts don't smell that bad! Part of the Scout Law, a Scout is Clean!
Shelly was at Anokijig again this year. Photography, games and HORSES! Shelly read lots (borrowed a book from a friend she knew from last year, and read instead of slept during quiet time), read some more (hid inside her sleeping bag with a flashlight, why does that not surprise me?), hid some more inside her sleeping bag when a big storm rolled through camp one night... But the best part was the horses, she enjoyed it all.
Let's not forget Camp Snoopy, where Eli hung out while Archer and Shelly were at their camps. So much to do - fishing, kayaking, swim swim swim! Eli actually stayed at Camp Snoopy for most of the week while the older kids were away, so he had his own version of camp and being away from home. I don't think he missed home at all, the Camp Snoopy Counselors (Grandma and Grandpa) kept him WAY too busy to think about missing home.
More stuff
Kingfish Baseball game with F5
Walk with friends at the lakefront
Brewers Baseball game with work peeps
Pool party sleepover with friends
Pool party with Nana
Making windchimes with Shelly
Beach pizza picnic with the kids
There have been a few more days here and there for more Camp Snoopy (kids trying to escape via kayaks), fishing, lefse making, so much swimming, and I forget everything else.
And now I store up these moments in my heart. What a wonderful summer. Time with family, time for the kids to find adventure on their own, so much good. It's winding down and we're starting to think about school supplies and school schedules but we've got a couple more weeks to go. Let's enjoy all the days of summer to their very last minute and find joy in each and every one we come across.
Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa, we were able to enjoy a two day trip to Monroe to visit as much of the family as we could round up. It's been too long, I'm so glad we had the chance to catch up with everyone. And there's nothing like a road trip for some very special bonding time. Can't wait to do it again sometime :)
Shelly and some classmates participated in Battle of the Books.
A list of 100 books (maybe less, but still, the list seemed really long).
Three teammates.
Lots and lots of trivia questions.
Shelly's team was at a slight disadvantage because one of their teammates was unable to participate, so the remaining teammates had to pick up the slack and read even more books.
They faced off against the other teams at the public library one day after school and unflinchingly provided the book titles and authors to every character that was named, every plot turn that was listed. The parents, grandparents, community sat back and marvelled at the teams' skill and confidence.
Grandma and Grandpa were kind enough to take us out to dinner after the competition, thanks for the great afternoon! :)
We've had a whirlwind couple of weeks and I've taken about a million pictures...
Start waayyyyy back with Nutcracker Rehearsal at the Theater on Thursday night. Grandma and Grandpa were very kind to get Shelly picked up from school and to the theater on time since I was at work. Friday I took the day off so I could get her to the theater on time (again) for dress rehearsal. Grandma and Grandpa weren't left out of the fun, though, they took Eli for the weekend. Let's not forget Archer - he packed himself up and took off with the scouts for a weekend of camping. And. A beautiful dress rehearsal kicked off the weekend of performances.
Saturday and Sunday. Three performances, so many compliments to the dancers and of course the best dancer of all was Shelly. She had a new role this year, as a Sheep. She was the cutest one.
Archer made it home Sunday morning after a weekend with an entire Scout camp for their small group of five people. Did I mention that the Blizzard of the Century blew through on Friday night? The Scout camp was covered in 40 feet of snow so the boys spent the weekend sledding and snowball fighting and whatever else Scouts do when camping in the snow.
We had a little Christmas gathering with Grandma and Grandpa after the final performance on Sunday. We all breathed a sigh of relief that another Nutcracker season was closed. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for assisting with the taxi duties, and for hanging onto E for the whole weekend so he didn't have to see the Nutcracker four times. You two always come through for us!
Fast forward six days, Hello Christmas!
Remember when Archer was the same height as these Nutcrackers?
We enjoyed our traditional visit to the campground for the light show, a visit from Santa, and Christmas with the cousins. This was the year of Nerf and RC toys. I tried to tally it up. The addition to the F5 Arsenal is something like 120 Nerf darts, 4 Nerf guns, 4 quadcopters, 2 cars, 1 helicopter and a whole lot of Cracker Jack. There might also be somewhere around 1,000 new Lego? And who gave Elijah Graham 110 marbles?
This is what I know - the rule of "no small parts" is 100% broken because for the last three days I've barely been able to walk without stepping on a weapon or some kind of ammo. I also know this. There has been a lot of running around, screaming with delight, laughing as the kids and quadcopters chase each other around corners. All around, a happy Christmas season for all.
You know how kids toss around those three letters? BFF. Best Friends Forever. They'll say it, then five minutes later declare they're not friends anymore.
Then there's the real thing. The people who start out best friends, say they'll stick together, and year after year they're still friends. When I think of my parents, the most inspiring thing to me is how much they still enjoy just being around each other. And here they are, another year as BFFs counted off, keeping each other young and loving life together. Its just about the most beautiful thing ever. I love you guys!! Happy Anniversary!
We've been too busy living life to stop and write about it, so here's a catch up with pictures, enjoy!
Archer took David camping with the Scouts, there were supposed to be tents, but... there were no tents. Fortunately, some skeptical/prepared parents brought tents "just in case." David slept in the car, Archer was crammed into a tent with the rest of the boys. Of course this just added to the fun and they had a great time. After camping, they went to Cave of the Mounds for a cave tour and lesson on geology.
While the men were camping, we built a fire of our own and watched a movie... (I'm having deja vu, did I already write about this?)
We took a quick visit to a little beach but it was kinda scary... a little too secluded for my taste, bad graffiti, a dead stinky fish... We'll call that Scary Beach and probably not go there again.
E was eager to change out my license plates for me when some new ones came in the mail.
E took this picture of a flower at Bampa's house, I'm impressed with his skill! Of course, there were a hundred OTHER pictures that I won't show you because they just didn't quite turn out. He hasn't learned to aim the camera at people's faces and instead takes pictures of whatever's right in front of his own face. Imagine what that looks like when he's taking pictures of people...
Last weekend Shelly and I drove to Madison to pick up Aunt Laurie and then all go together to Black River Falls for a Ladies' Weekend. Look at our comfy cozy accomodations! The retreat was so comfortable, we all felt right at home and after we picked out our rooms we settled in.
On Saturday morning we got up bright and early to get to Cranfest. Shelly met a new friend and the girls enjoyed browsing around for the best doll clothes they could find.
Shelly carefully considered all the options and finally found an outfit and a pair of shoes that fit within her budget, she couldn't wait to show them to her new friend, Carly!
After a long day of shopping, we were ready for something a little more relaxing, but first - the horse show!
Shelly met up with her old friend Pete when we went to see Uncle Mike at the horse show. We chatted with Lisa, then went out for soup (it was POURING rain by then, we were soaked and needed some warming up!).
That evening we were feeling adventerous and I goaded Shelly into climbing the ladder in the library at our cottage. She wouldn't go any higher than this, and when I tried it myself, I understood. It was SCARY. Aunt Laurie tried it too, but the other ladies were smart enough to stay off and not risk a concussion or broken bones for a little thrill.
When we started falling asleep on the couches, we realized it was time for bed. This time, no rush to wake up early and we all looked forward to some extra rest.
On Sunday we were woken just a little bit too early by a knocking noise... We all ignored it except for Shelly, she went downstairs to find out what was going on. She didn't figure it out, but then I heard Laurie whispering to Shelly, "Come here! Look, down there!" It was too early, I knew we had a long day ahead, but my curiosity overcame my sleepiness and I came out of the bedroom to see for myself. Down in the fireplace room, at the windows (which reached down to the ground outside), was a pair of turkeys! They were tapping on the glass, very persistently investigating whatever they saw. They continued for a little while longer but then slowly wandered off as we watched them.
It didn't take long before the rest of the ladies were up and we were packing, eating breakfast, and sadly saying goodbye to each other. Shelly swiped the hat I'd bought the day before, I don't think I'll get to wear it much this winter!
We drove Aunt Laurie back home, then set our sights on our next destination - the Great Grandparents.
We first visited Great Grandpa, arriving there around 2:00. It was so good to see him, he's such a blessing in our life and I love the time we have together. He has a story for everything!
Then we went on our way and called Nana. "Can we come and visit? In about half an hour..." The surprie and joy in her voice was so precious, and then we were there! We got to visit with her, share stories and laughter. It was a time of encouragement for all of us!
Shelly and I stopped at Culver's (see her cute hat? yeah, that's mine) for chicken before finally turning towards home. We drove 550 miles in 48 hours, made it home by 9:30 on Sunday night and went straight to bed.
On Tuesday Archer let me join his Field Trip to a nature preserve. I can't believe I didn't know about this place! It was beautiful. SO SO beautiful, peaceful, God's glory on full display all around us. We spent all morning walking around the ponds, prairie, woods, and riverbank.
I look forward to taking our family there soon, to explore God's breathtaking creation.
This has become our new normal, our busy routine of after-school activities. Archer practicing his violin, Shelly practicing her math and reading, E roaming around distracting everyone at every chance he gets.
Don't let these peaceful-looking pictures decieve you, most of the time it feels like chaos barely contained. A hundred reminders to finish the to-do list, leave your brother alone, don't hit your sister, I know you're hungry I'm trying to make supper, just count on your fingers try to sound it out how is it spelled you still have to practice for 10 more minutes...
Today (we're almost caught up here on the blog!!) we sold popcorn for the Scouts. After lots of sales instructions, reminders to smile and some strategy discussions, we went at it. Popcorn, more popcorn, more and more... Four hours felt like eight. E and Shelly did really well hanging around and helping the boys. Good job everyone!
It seems as if the days fly by in a stream of busy little tasks, are we going to remember any of it, is it worth it. The laundry's never done, kitchen floor is sticky, windows always covered in fingerprints. And yet this is where God has us.
I read something encouraging last night. 1 Timothy 5:9-10. At first this seems to only apply to widows, or those caring for them, but the encouraging part to me was "bringing up chldren." This is listed with "all kinds of good deeds." When I read these verses, I was encouraged. The daily, minute by minute endeavor of bringing up children is highly valued in God's economy. And these tasks that go on the list to keep the household running and the children growing - they're important, each little and big moment, it counts in their lives, and it counts to God.
So, even though it seems to just be busywork, it counts in their lives, it counts with God, and I need to give it all my very best. Thank you Lord, for putting that reminder in front of me, at a moment I needed it most!!
No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.
I have a lot of pictures that I want to share, but getting them off the camera, onto the computer, picking my favorites... too much work right now, too late at night.
Anyway, let's just day the last two days have been exactly what "summer vacation" is all about for the kids. (And the moms just try to keep up.) Leah brought her clan to town for a visit!! SO GREAT!! Monday was all about pool time. That was it, and that was more than enough. All of the typical stuff happened - "Mom watch this!" and "Walk don't run!" and "Stop splashing the little kids" and you get the idea. We were all wrinkly by the time we got out, completely exhausted and that was so much fun!
Tuesday was all about cramming in as many activities as possible into one short summer day. Zoo (birds attacking Leah), beach (just the sand, not allowed in the water), Sugar Shack (cause kids can never have too much sugar!!), playground, mad dash back to HC for supper with Denise and Lulu, and somehow there was more pool time squeezed in there too.
Thousands of thanks to Mam-aw and Bampa for hosting the party and feeding us all, you guys are such great sports!
P.S. Leah, you were such a great sport about feeding those birds! Even though they came uninvited and landed on your back when you wanted nothing to do with them. Just think, Hailey will only remember the part about how cool you were when you took her to feed the birds. :)
There's a whole lot of planning that's required for one simple little weekend at Cub Scout Camp. Phone calls, text messages, notes on the calendar, check the calendar again, check the packing list four hundred times...
Tomorrow Archer and I will go to camp, Grandma Sue will come watch the other two until VBS starts and Shelly will go there, then Grandma will take E home with her. David will pick up Shelly from VBS and E will stay with Grandma until Saturday. Shell and Dad will have some special time together at an art studio painting a canvas and who knows what else. E will have some special time with Grandma, and Arch and I will be... I have no idea what we'll be doing, except this. It will be REALLY hot out, and we'll be outside all day long, baking in the sun. We get to sleep in a tent two nights in a row, enjoy camp food, and who knows what else. After about a hundred trips in and out of the house to pack more and more stuff in the trunk of my car, I'm already exhausted and we haven't even left yet! It should be a great weekend, my only small bit of sadness is that we'll each be off in different directions, E south with Grandma, Shell north to the art class, and Arch to the west at camp.
On another note, four of us spent the morning at the beach today with some friends, together, first overheating in the sun, then freezing in the water, back and forth until finally, at 1:00, the kids were "STARVING!!" and we had to get back to our air conditioned houses and food.
This week Shelly has been at VBS with her cousins while I hang out with the boys. On Monday we had another archery lesson. E enjoyed watching for blackberries along the trail as Archer tried out a range we hadn't seen before. This archery thing is kinda fun!
We also went to school to help with some weeding and playing in the sprinkler, followed by a visit to a friend's house for some playing in the mud, I mean more sprinklers.
Pictures courtesy of Mary
There was a visit to the office to water the new shrubs (brought back a LOT of memories for me doing the exact same thing when I was pretty close to Archer's age!), followed by a trip to DQ.
Way last week (I can hardly remember it) we went to the Pack Movie Night with all the other scouts. There were water games, great food, a piece of Swiss cheese on the pavement (?) and finally, we all settled down for the movie in the parking lot. Followed by a screaming loud game of "Cheese Touch!!" (you and I would know it as tag, you'll have to watch "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" to know what that's all about).
And finally, here are a few catch up pictures that I never got around to posting before...
Back in May, Archer had his spring concert, Bampa Bampa (that's Grandma and Grandpa, of course) came along, it was a bit rainy that day.
Thanks for the pics Bampa!
When we took our little road trip to the farm, David caught this nice fish, I was only just a little envious after spending the whole time reeling in weeds. :)
I guess we've been just a little busy over the last week or two?
