parenting in the breach

"Mom, for school tomorrow I need a dark blue tablecloth and a centerpiece featuring a moose." I felt the rest of my day taking a turn for the "not an evening with a glass of red wine and the latest New Yorker." But, really it wouldn't be parenthood without these random last minute requests. So we hunkered down with Google Images, construction paper and dried out glue sticks. Oh and a glass of red wine for me... A week ago it was the other child with such a request. 7:30am. Me at table with mug of coffee and newspaper. Small voice says: "today is colonial celebration day, and, um, I need a costume." What? (Small inner voice wondering why any curriculum is celebrating colonialism...) Fortunately request was accompanied by illustration of man in long waistcoat, britches, and ruffle at shirt neck. Out came the sewing machine, fabric remnants, and a couple of linen dinner napkins. See results below. Too early in the morning for an accompanying glass of red wine.