To the two of you who have tagged me to open my files and show photos, that sounds like an easy enough quest I know. But the sad truth is...I don't have a file to open and share. I would if I did I promise. I am so frustrated with the most basic of these technologies that I have given up. I don't even take pictures with my digital camera anymore because;
a. I can't find it
b. I could never get all the pictures to come off the disc.
c. when I attempted it the disc would get stuck in the computer. Then I would push and pull and ruin the card and have to buy a new one.
d. repeat "c'.
e. I've given up. It's safer for everyone around me.
f. I rely on my children to record my life story in pictorials now.
Go tag my daughters. They're both phenomonal photographers!
Did I mention Annie won first place in the photography show at the Cambridge Art Center? She also sold two of her three photos displayed there. (and not to me or any of our friends... total strangers who loved and appreciated her work bought them!)
Thursday, December 18
Wednesday, December 17
The Loss of Liberty
I've just come to the shocking realization that I must now be living in, perhaps, Nottingham England, where the sheriff is taxing each windowpane. Or perhaps, this is good ole Boston in the 1700's, and that crazy King George is taxing my tea with the stamp act. I wonder this as I've just read that NYC is starting to tax 88 new venues in the coming year, including ipod downloads, non-diet soda, sporting events, radio, cable tv, taxi rides, bus rides (that'll show those poor folks who clean homes or businesses for a living, or wait on tables or behind shop counters and just maybe live above the poverty line and use mass trans!). If it starts there it's just a matter of time before it's here...
Have we gone insane? Or better put, have the people who run our towns, cities, states and country gone insane? Where is that little brain wave known to most as common sense? But then, as a nation, we didn't argue against the politicians when they taxed the rich and the big businesses to give us free everything, because we thought we deserved these riches. I'm really not comfortable with that free use of the word "we". Many Americans have been appalled by the generosity of the government's spreading wealth through programs. But we let political correctness rule the day (again with that "we"). This train isn't stopping. It will be de-railed though; will you be ready to get a new car on the track?
Please, please, stop and think and read and listen. Are you putting goods away now? Maybe you have a bit of savings which can be converted into gold or silver coins....because if devaluation of the dollar hits home (and I believe it will shortly) your savings isn't buying for you then what it could now. Just load up on lightbulbs, shampoo, soup, toothpaste and things you normally use. It's not wasteful if you use it anyway and it's really a comforting way to live. I like never running out of toilet paper and soap. There's always plenty of dish and laundry detergent on hand here. I buy bulk when it's on sale and never need to make emergency runs in a panic. (I actually learned this from my mother-in-law as a new bride. She always had backups of everything. I remember the first time I saw a load of toothpaste and lightbulbs in her hall cupboard. I laughed at it all. Then she took me to my first savings club store in Delaware, I think it was a Costco...Wonder!)
But back to life in America...
This party, I believe, is over. I think the government is stalling the economic collapse as long as possible. President Bush said yesterday he gave up his principles of a free market to save the principles of the free market(?) and the economy, regarding the big three auto-makers. Well, do you really think bailing them out is going to work? Or will they be begging for more in 3-6 months? Their riviters get up to $78.00 an hour with 7 weeks paid vacation and full benefits. For zapping a screw into the side of an auto! How long did they really think that could be sustained? But they have no plans to stop that and start over at $8.00 an hour with one week vacation.
South America just held a global crisis summit where they excluded America and invited Cuba. They have brought Cuba back into their fold; meanwhile Russian warships are now enroute to visit with Cuba. The same warships which just visited Hugo Chavez in Venezuala. Does anyone feel good about this? The Pentagon is giving a show of laughing at the Russians for their antiquated ships. The key word there I think, is "show".
I have a friend who prints money for a living (legally) and he said they printed 331 billion dollars more in the month of November than last year. This is not money connected to the emergency bailout (ha!). This is cash that the Federal Reserve demanded as they had no $100 dollar bills if there were a run on banks, because China is holding $100's. So all printers were on mandatory overtime to print. The printers were all scratching their heads saying, "this ain't good".
Start connecting the dots. Start looking at a big picture. Just think about ways to be prepared if we were to have any sort of monetary collapse to any degree. When the government releases information don't take it a face value. Dig deeper. They have finally admitted we're in a recession and have been since last year. We already knew this! If they're admitting this it is much worse. Just multiply all they tell us. Why are they putting 20,ooo military troops into our cities? They are preparing for something....What?
Wouldn't it be grand if just one politician had read and understood our Constitution and stood up for it. Thomas Jefferson said that within two to three generations if we weren't careful we'd lose our rights. We've lasted a fair bit longer, but it started to deteriorate within those generations. They started giving away our liberties and once that door was opened there was no one strong enough to stand up and close it. Pity.
I'm not putting my faith in our government to fix this. That's just not going to happen. We are living in Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged now. It's here. It is that dire. So my number one suggestion for me and my family and you and yours too.....Get on your knees and PRAY for wisdom and guidance....
Have we gone insane? Or better put, have the people who run our towns, cities, states and country gone insane? Where is that little brain wave known to most as common sense? But then, as a nation, we didn't argue against the politicians when they taxed the rich and the big businesses to give us free everything, because we thought we deserved these riches. I'm really not comfortable with that free use of the word "we". Many Americans have been appalled by the generosity of the government's spreading wealth through programs. But we let political correctness rule the day (again with that "we"). This train isn't stopping. It will be de-railed though; will you be ready to get a new car on the track?
Please, please, stop and think and read and listen. Are you putting goods away now? Maybe you have a bit of savings which can be converted into gold or silver coins....because if devaluation of the dollar hits home (and I believe it will shortly) your savings isn't buying for you then what it could now. Just load up on lightbulbs, shampoo, soup, toothpaste and things you normally use. It's not wasteful if you use it anyway and it's really a comforting way to live. I like never running out of toilet paper and soap. There's always plenty of dish and laundry detergent on hand here. I buy bulk when it's on sale and never need to make emergency runs in a panic. (I actually learned this from my mother-in-law as a new bride. She always had backups of everything. I remember the first time I saw a load of toothpaste and lightbulbs in her hall cupboard. I laughed at it all. Then she took me to my first savings club store in Delaware, I think it was a Costco...Wonder!)
But back to life in America...
This party, I believe, is over. I think the government is stalling the economic collapse as long as possible. President Bush said yesterday he gave up his principles of a free market to save the principles of the free market(?) and the economy, regarding the big three auto-makers. Well, do you really think bailing them out is going to work? Or will they be begging for more in 3-6 months? Their riviters get up to $78.00 an hour with 7 weeks paid vacation and full benefits. For zapping a screw into the side of an auto! How long did they really think that could be sustained? But they have no plans to stop that and start over at $8.00 an hour with one week vacation.
South America just held a global crisis summit where they excluded America and invited Cuba. They have brought Cuba back into their fold; meanwhile Russian warships are now enroute to visit with Cuba. The same warships which just visited Hugo Chavez in Venezuala. Does anyone feel good about this? The Pentagon is giving a show of laughing at the Russians for their antiquated ships. The key word there I think, is "show".
I have a friend who prints money for a living (legally) and he said they printed 331 billion dollars more in the month of November than last year. This is not money connected to the emergency bailout (ha!). This is cash that the Federal Reserve demanded as they had no $100 dollar bills if there were a run on banks, because China is holding $100's. So all printers were on mandatory overtime to print. The printers were all scratching their heads saying, "this ain't good".
Start connecting the dots. Start looking at a big picture. Just think about ways to be prepared if we were to have any sort of monetary collapse to any degree. When the government releases information don't take it a face value. Dig deeper. They have finally admitted we're in a recession and have been since last year. We already knew this! If they're admitting this it is much worse. Just multiply all they tell us. Why are they putting 20,ooo military troops into our cities? They are preparing for something....What?
Wouldn't it be grand if just one politician had read and understood our Constitution and stood up for it. Thomas Jefferson said that within two to three generations if we weren't careful we'd lose our rights. We've lasted a fair bit longer, but it started to deteriorate within those generations. They started giving away our liberties and once that door was opened there was no one strong enough to stand up and close it. Pity.
I'm not putting my faith in our government to fix this. That's just not going to happen. We are living in Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged now. It's here. It is that dire. So my number one suggestion for me and my family and you and yours too.....Get on your knees and PRAY for wisdom and guidance....
Wednesday, November 26
the joy of technology
The thing I appreciate most about computer technology is the ability to get inside my kids minds to a certain degree. I know there are those who think computers actually suck the life out of teenage minds, but it has opened my girls thoughts and humorous sides to my viewing via blogs. I enjoy going over to their blogsites and seeing their worlds through their eyes.Often I am quite happily surprised by what I read. It gives me a view of their days that would otherwise go unknown to me. A little slice of school or what goes on in photo booths to make them laugh.
When I see how people, across the board of all ages, spell in this day and age, it makes me cringe. Humanity has come to accept, seemingly, the letter "U" as a substitute for the word "you". This is not okay. "R" is not an english shortcut for the word"are". I read through comments after online articles, and see adult writings spelled with words like, "your" instead of "you're", and "a" instead of "an" in front of a vowel-fronted word. This is offensive to my eyes. Are they just not checking or are they truly ignorant of the proper spellings and usage? It happens so often. And how about using "effect" when it should be "affect" or vice-versa? Or using "their" or "there" when it should be "they're"? Don't they teach this in school anymore? The list goes on and on....
But...when I see my girls blogs and their friends blogs, it gives me hope! For the most part, they all get it right. I visit my friends blogs and see emotions and opinions that otherwise would pass-by unknown. It gives an opportunity to get back to our writing abilities and stretch our brains a bit. Think about it. As an adult, when would I write for enjoyment normally? In school I always enjoyed writing. Once out of class there seemed no reason aside from the occasional letter.
So here, finally, I find my joy in technology. But I will never program a VCR. Never. Oh, no worries there are there? Aren't they already obsolete? Whew! That was a close one....
When I see how people, across the board of all ages, spell in this day and age, it makes me cringe. Humanity has come to accept, seemingly, the letter "U" as a substitute for the word "you". This is not okay. "R" is not an english shortcut for the word"are". I read through comments after online articles, and see adult writings spelled with words like, "your" instead of "you're", and "a" instead of "an" in front of a vowel-fronted word. This is offensive to my eyes. Are they just not checking or are they truly ignorant of the proper spellings and usage? It happens so often. And how about using "effect" when it should be "affect" or vice-versa? Or using "their" or "there" when it should be "they're"? Don't they teach this in school anymore? The list goes on and on....
But...when I see my girls blogs and their friends blogs, it gives me hope! For the most part, they all get it right. I visit my friends blogs and see emotions and opinions that otherwise would pass-by unknown. It gives an opportunity to get back to our writing abilities and stretch our brains a bit. Think about it. As an adult, when would I write for enjoyment normally? In school I always enjoyed writing. Once out of class there seemed no reason aside from the occasional letter.
So here, finally, I find my joy in technology. But I will never program a VCR. Never. Oh, no worries there are there? Aren't they already obsolete? Whew! That was a close one....
Monday, November 24
Thanksgiving starts today
I am cozied up in my chair by the fireplace this morning. I've had my coffee and seen both my girls out the door. One to school, the other to workout at the YMCA. Frigid temperatures swept over me each time they opened the door to exit. I live in hope for snow. I don't ask for major accumulation. In fact, last Friday's ongoing snowfall was fine with me. It flurried all day long with nary a flake staying on land for more than a nano-second. It was simply the beauty of the falling through air that gave satisfaction.
Mornings like this push back worries of economic woes and college acceptance letters for children. Life is good. I'm not looking for any problems today. Every crackle of fire reminds me of the security I have right now. I'm married to a man who I still adore after being together for more than 20 something years, and he's never made any bones about the fact that he stills loves me! I have three healthy, happy kids who don't give me any worries beyond finding money to send them to college. I have roof over my head, food in the cupboard and clothes on my back(and lots of backup wear in my bulging closet).
None of us are guaranteed this in life and its never been promised to last forever. God has given me so much more than I have deserved. But for today, for right in this moment, I'm going to simply sit in this chair and reflect and give thanks for this. It's, after all, the right week for doing so. I think we shouldn't wait till Thursday and bombard God with insincere thanksgiving all in one day while stuffed with turkey and pumpkin pie. I want to take stock right now and let my heart fill with gratefulness and burst with happiness while I ponder it quietly....
Mornings like this push back worries of economic woes and college acceptance letters for children. Life is good. I'm not looking for any problems today. Every crackle of fire reminds me of the security I have right now. I'm married to a man who I still adore after being together for more than 20 something years, and he's never made any bones about the fact that he stills loves me! I have three healthy, happy kids who don't give me any worries beyond finding money to send them to college. I have roof over my head, food in the cupboard and clothes on my back(and lots of backup wear in my bulging closet).
None of us are guaranteed this in life and its never been promised to last forever. God has given me so much more than I have deserved. But for today, for right in this moment, I'm going to simply sit in this chair and reflect and give thanks for this. It's, after all, the right week for doing so. I think we shouldn't wait till Thursday and bombard God with insincere thanksgiving all in one day while stuffed with turkey and pumpkin pie. I want to take stock right now and let my heart fill with gratefulness and burst with happiness while I ponder it quietly....
Saturday, October 25
Midnight Ride
Last night, just past midnight, Annie walked into our bedroom and whispered, "Mom, Jedd wants you to pick him up?" Mother instinct kicks in past the 2 Tylenol P.M. I'd taken an hour or so previously and I swing my legs out of bed. He was staying at some friends out in the country. Not far...it's literally a 12 minute drive.
I know there are those who say, let them tough it out and stay. I''m not one of them and my kids have never abused this fact. Jedd didn't call, he texted his sisters to ask them to get me. Emma,more than half asleep, refused to get out of bed and texted back, "no". (I think that's funny)
When I was little, I would get freaked if I spent the night at someone's house and then wanted to come home. I have always told my kids I would always get them no matter where they were. Whether it was a sleep over or if they were at a party that went wrong and they wanted out...
When I pulled into the long driveway and around the corner, there was his shadowy face in the door. I motioned for him to come, but he motioned back for help with all his stuff. He didn't want to wake the house so he was trying to be very quiet. As I pulled the door closed behind him and we tip-toed to the car I heard a voice from the patio doors. It was Maria, the boys' mother. We re-assured her and she smiled understandingly and wished us well. Once in the car, my boy thanked me repeatedly for picking him up at this late hour. He really doesn't understand that in my mind, this is one of the gifts of parenting. To give "rescue" to a child and let them see in action that we are there for him, even in this tiny way. Our time on that ride home through a dark cloudy night was precious. The huge hug I recieved from him was more than payment. I could have let him "tough it out" and there are times (even at sleepovers) where that is appropriate. But my boy had a different lesson last night. That when I tell him I'll get him, without grumpiness, but with happiness, I mean it and I'll follow through. God is constantly rescuing me from decisions I've made and He has taught me flexibility. What I wanted Jedd to see in this was not simply that I followed through with my word, but that I did it with a smile and a happy heart to see him at that hour. That he wasn't a burden, but a delight to my heart!
I know there are those who say, let them tough it out and stay. I''m not one of them and my kids have never abused this fact. Jedd didn't call, he texted his sisters to ask them to get me. Emma,more than half asleep, refused to get out of bed and texted back, "no". (I think that's funny)
When I was little, I would get freaked if I spent the night at someone's house and then wanted to come home. I have always told my kids I would always get them no matter where they were. Whether it was a sleep over or if they were at a party that went wrong and they wanted out...
When I pulled into the long driveway and around the corner, there was his shadowy face in the door. I motioned for him to come, but he motioned back for help with all his stuff. He didn't want to wake the house so he was trying to be very quiet. As I pulled the door closed behind him and we tip-toed to the car I heard a voice from the patio doors. It was Maria, the boys' mother. We re-assured her and she smiled understandingly and wished us well. Once in the car, my boy thanked me repeatedly for picking him up at this late hour. He really doesn't understand that in my mind, this is one of the gifts of parenting. To give "rescue" to a child and let them see in action that we are there for him, even in this tiny way. Our time on that ride home through a dark cloudy night was precious. The huge hug I recieved from him was more than payment. I could have let him "tough it out" and there are times (even at sleepovers) where that is appropriate. But my boy had a different lesson last night. That when I tell him I'll get him, without grumpiness, but with happiness, I mean it and I'll follow through. God is constantly rescuing me from decisions I've made and He has taught me flexibility. What I wanted Jedd to see in this was not simply that I followed through with my word, but that I did it with a smile and a happy heart to see him at that hour. That he wasn't a burden, but a delight to my heart!
Monday, October 20
Why I'm voting Democrat
I'm voting Democrat because I believe the government will do a better job of spending MY MONEY than I would. I think when you spread the wealth around it is good for everybody! It’s Patriotic!
I'm voting Democrat because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves. All profits are evil and should be confiscated for Government Redistribution.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe that MORE Government regulations and higher taxes on Business will stop Business from exporting their jobs to Countries with LESS Government regulations and lower taxes.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe terrorists should be allowed to have trials in American courts. And be able to subpoena top secret documents, soldiers, government officials, etc. to cross examine for their defense. They should have ACLU lawyers who can help intimidate Americans who serve on the juries!
I'm voting Democrat because I believe Gay Marriage should be the law of the land and will probably produce better children.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe English should not be the official language of the United States. I don’t mind pushing one for English when I use the phone.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe partial birth abortion is okay but water boarding a terrorist is disgusting.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe having a domestic terrorist like Bill Ayers as a close friend is a good thing. It allows for great relations with foreign terrorists.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe in a FREE government health care system. I believe doctors, nurses, hospitals, drug companies, etc. will gladly donate their time, products, services, facilities, etc. for FREE and that will be a better system.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe in and support trial lawyers, frivolous lawsuits and outrageous jury verdicts.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe 9/11 was an inside job to con the American people to go to war for oil.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe social security is solvent and that there is a social security lock box and I don’t believe social security is a Ponzi scheme.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe MOST AMERICANS are bitter and cling to their guns and religion. Let’s rid our country of guns and religion!
I'm voting Democrat because I believe illegal aliens deserve all the rights of ordinary Americans plus some additional rights Americans do not have.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe corporations should pay higher taxes! I believe higher taxes on business will make the price of their products and services LESS EXPENSIVE.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe groups like ACORN who register felons, drug addicts, wino’s, homeless drifters, illegal aliens, dead people, children, fictional Disney characters, etc. makes my vote count more.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe celebrating the winter solstice shows compassion for the small minority of people that do not celebrate Christmas.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe hard core criminal murders and rapists deserve life and that the innocent unborn deserve death. It’s a choice I can live with.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe Bush caused Hurricane Katrina and he blew-up the levies in the ninth ward of New Orleans.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe that any one who is not partaking in one of the many wonderful government programs obviously has too much money and should pay higher taxes.
I'm voting Democrat because when we pull out of Iraq the terrorists will be happy and now think of us as good people.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe our soldiers are AIR RAIDING villages and killing innocent people.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe sex in the Oval Office with an intern is a private matter and that everybody lies under oath about sex.
I'm votin Demokrat becuse I wus edumkated at a publick sckrool. I lik da Natsionel Edukatshun Assoseeashun!
I'm voting Democrat because freedom of speech is fine as long as it does not offend people. Can’t we all just get along?
I'm voting Democrat because I believe oil companies' profits are wrong. I believe higher taxes on oil companies will produce lower prices at the pump.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe we need to rid ourselves of dependency on foreign oil, BUT I AM AGAINST offshore drilling for oil and natural gas, drilling in Anwar, building nuclear power plants and clean coal technology.
And finally, I'm voting Democrat because I believe Reverend Wright when he said “G-DAMN AMERICA” and “OUR CHICKENS ARE COMING HOME TO ROOST”. Hey let’s make a comfortable nest for those chickens!
(I didn't write ,this some mom did on a response I was reading to Joe Biden today. Mr. Biden said that if elected they would be forced into unpopular decisions due to some kind of attack on our country within six months of being sworn into office. He said noone would be happy with the choices they were going to make and that their poll numbers would be down in single digits, but to please remember this day and this warning and stick by them. They know what they're going to have to do even if we don't think it's right). I thought she hit the nail on the head in her sarcasm, so I'm sharing it with you....)
I'm voting Democrat because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves. All profits are evil and should be confiscated for Government Redistribution.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe that MORE Government regulations and higher taxes on Business will stop Business from exporting their jobs to Countries with LESS Government regulations and lower taxes.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe terrorists should be allowed to have trials in American courts. And be able to subpoena top secret documents, soldiers, government officials, etc. to cross examine for their defense. They should have ACLU lawyers who can help intimidate Americans who serve on the juries!
I'm voting Democrat because I believe Gay Marriage should be the law of the land and will probably produce better children.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe English should not be the official language of the United States. I don’t mind pushing one for English when I use the phone.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe partial birth abortion is okay but water boarding a terrorist is disgusting.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe having a domestic terrorist like Bill Ayers as a close friend is a good thing. It allows for great relations with foreign terrorists.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe in a FREE government health care system. I believe doctors, nurses, hospitals, drug companies, etc. will gladly donate their time, products, services, facilities, etc. for FREE and that will be a better system.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe in and support trial lawyers, frivolous lawsuits and outrageous jury verdicts.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe 9/11 was an inside job to con the American people to go to war for oil.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe social security is solvent and that there is a social security lock box and I don’t believe social security is a Ponzi scheme.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe MOST AMERICANS are bitter and cling to their guns and religion. Let’s rid our country of guns and religion!
I'm voting Democrat because I believe illegal aliens deserve all the rights of ordinary Americans plus some additional rights Americans do not have.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe corporations should pay higher taxes! I believe higher taxes on business will make the price of their products and services LESS EXPENSIVE.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe groups like ACORN who register felons, drug addicts, wino’s, homeless drifters, illegal aliens, dead people, children, fictional Disney characters, etc. makes my vote count more.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe celebrating the winter solstice shows compassion for the small minority of people that do not celebrate Christmas.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe hard core criminal murders and rapists deserve life and that the innocent unborn deserve death. It’s a choice I can live with.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe Bush caused Hurricane Katrina and he blew-up the levies in the ninth ward of New Orleans.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe that any one who is not partaking in one of the many wonderful government programs obviously has too much money and should pay higher taxes.
I'm voting Democrat because when we pull out of Iraq the terrorists will be happy and now think of us as good people.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe our soldiers are AIR RAIDING villages and killing innocent people.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe sex in the Oval Office with an intern is a private matter and that everybody lies under oath about sex.
I'm votin Demokrat becuse I wus edumkated at a publick sckrool. I lik da Natsionel Edukatshun Assoseeashun!
I'm voting Democrat because freedom of speech is fine as long as it does not offend people. Can’t we all just get along?
I'm voting Democrat because I believe oil companies' profits are wrong. I believe higher taxes on oil companies will produce lower prices at the pump.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe we need to rid ourselves of dependency on foreign oil, BUT I AM AGAINST offshore drilling for oil and natural gas, drilling in Anwar, building nuclear power plants and clean coal technology.
And finally, I'm voting Democrat because I believe Reverend Wright when he said “G-DAMN AMERICA” and “OUR CHICKENS ARE COMING HOME TO ROOST”. Hey let’s make a comfortable nest for those chickens!
(I didn't write ,this some mom did on a response I was reading to Joe Biden today. Mr. Biden said that if elected they would be forced into unpopular decisions due to some kind of attack on our country within six months of being sworn into office. He said noone would be happy with the choices they were going to make and that their poll numbers would be down in single digits, but to please remember this day and this warning and stick by them. They know what they're going to have to do even if we don't think it's right). I thought she hit the nail on the head in her sarcasm, so I'm sharing it with you....)
Friday, October 17
A New Day, A New Heart
After days of ridiculous warmth I awoke to a fine chill this morning. Emma was already up and readying herself for school. I remind her to take a cardigan. My morning cup of coffee feels better in my palm today. Like it has real purpose for being there. When I was little we walked about a mile to school every day (can you imagine that today?) Of course we complained about it. Especially on very cold New England mornings. My grandfather, Poppy, used to lovingly scoff at my complaints ( he lived just a few doors away from us) saying he walked at least 3 miles each way. He would tell me that, in the winter, his mother would pull baked potatoes from the oven and wrap them in a cloth and stick them in his pockets where he would stuff his hands for warmth on the long walk. Then at lunchtime he would eat his "handwarmers" for his school meal. The point of this little story is that my hands wrapped around this warm cup of coffee today reminds me of my Poppy's hands wrapped around his baked potato then.
Yesterday, I was having a bit of a freakout day about the economy. I was ordering inventory for the store and stressing about it. We sent in the deposit to Covenant College to save Annie's place there for next year and I was worrying about finding financing for that. My mother called and said 4 people at my brother-in-law's workplace had been laid off and my brother, Chris, called and said there was no work in N.J. (he's an electrician) for him or his friends (plumbers, etc.) and he wondered if Thom had work still. All this together led my mind to melt.
This morning is fresh and new. God has cleared my mind and reminded me that He will provide and protect for all my needs. I have always given donations to everyone who walked through the shop door and asked for them. These past weeks the amount of people asking has multiplied and I've started asking people to leave their "cause's" paperwork and I'd go through them and decide which ones I wanted to give to. Wildlife Turkey Federation, La Leche League, Maryland Charities, local schools, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society, every local police department, each local fire department, every church in the county. The list goes on and on. There have been days where I've had more folks ask for donations than I have had sales.
This morning I realize this is not the way. God has given to me and I need to give back to the community as I always have. The economy doesn't make a difference. I'm using that as an excuse not to give abundantly. This has lifted my heart. God promises He will continue to provide for my family as he always has. No matter what happens. It's just that my vision tends to get blurred. Fortunately, neither I, nor you, ever need worry that the Lord's vision will blur...
Yesterday, I was having a bit of a freakout day about the economy. I was ordering inventory for the store and stressing about it. We sent in the deposit to Covenant College to save Annie's place there for next year and I was worrying about finding financing for that. My mother called and said 4 people at my brother-in-law's workplace had been laid off and my brother, Chris, called and said there was no work in N.J. (he's an electrician) for him or his friends (plumbers, etc.) and he wondered if Thom had work still. All this together led my mind to melt.
This morning is fresh and new. God has cleared my mind and reminded me that He will provide and protect for all my needs. I have always given donations to everyone who walked through the shop door and asked for them. These past weeks the amount of people asking has multiplied and I've started asking people to leave their "cause's" paperwork and I'd go through them and decide which ones I wanted to give to. Wildlife Turkey Federation, La Leche League, Maryland Charities, local schools, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society, every local police department, each local fire department, every church in the county. The list goes on and on. There have been days where I've had more folks ask for donations than I have had sales.
This morning I realize this is not the way. God has given to me and I need to give back to the community as I always have. The economy doesn't make a difference. I'm using that as an excuse not to give abundantly. This has lifted my heart. God promises He will continue to provide for my family as he always has. No matter what happens. It's just that my vision tends to get blurred. Fortunately, neither I, nor you, ever need worry that the Lord's vision will blur...
Tuesday, October 14
Dangerously Delicious Pies
It's 6.20 and the sun is quickly setting on this fall evening. I drink a large cup of decaf pumpkin spice coffee after being a glutton on aproximately 20 lime-tequila chicken wings. Yeah, that's right...20...at least. yum.
I am reflecting on the fun of this past weekend. Thom and I left the kids to their own devices and went to Baltimore where he played with friends at the Patterson Theater as an opening band for Ann Watts and Boister's new album release show. (Jedd and Emma were home and Annie was in Georgia at Covenant College) We had a hotel room at the...I don't really remember what the place was called actually. But it was nice. The next morning we went to Howard Markman's house in Hampden where we also met up with Kevin and Judy Diaz. He lives in a fabulous row house on top of a hill (a hill!) where each house has its own bit of personality. In front of Howard's home there is a giant shrub which has been kept manicured as a topiary. It's truly like a giant bonzai tree. We walked further up the hill and into town and had brunch in the parking lot behind Dangerously Delicious Pies. There was a band playing Hank Williams Sr. ...(they were great and there's an entire small-world story attached to that)! It was so much fun! The pies were truly delectable. Flaky, flaky crusts. As the Scottish would say, this guy has a dab hand at pastry! My chicken pot pie was oven roasted chicken and fresh carrots, corn, peas etc. Thom has steak and onion. But passing by our table are chocolate cream and custard pies along with what I originally mistook for apple, but which was really a potato tart. The chef is some big, burly, tatooed, bald guy who walks around the tilting parking lot from tilting table to tilting table asking if we're satisfied. Oh yeah...we are! Apparently, "Rodney" (the chef, his bowling shirt says Hot Rod) was just signed by the food network to a series on his food. I hope it's true and you can experience this place vicariously through television.
After brunch we shop hopped. Judy finds a palm sized skull that pops out its eyeballs when you squeeze it. Worms come oozing out. I had to have one! I know, it's gross, disgusting. But captivating! (in a sick way) I picked up some great ideas(not gross and disgusting ones) for inventory in my own store . I can't wait to come back here with the kids. There are so many little restaurants and stores. Apparently, right around the corner from the pie shop is Ace's Cakes. It's a Baltimore bakery that excels in works of art in cake baking. Also run by a tatooed bald guy. Jedd loves this program. Well, that is the story of our happy weekend. Hope yours was as fun.
I am reflecting on the fun of this past weekend. Thom and I left the kids to their own devices and went to Baltimore where he played with friends at the Patterson Theater as an opening band for Ann Watts and Boister's new album release show. (Jedd and Emma were home and Annie was in Georgia at Covenant College) We had a hotel room at the...I don't really remember what the place was called actually. But it was nice. The next morning we went to Howard Markman's house in Hampden where we also met up with Kevin and Judy Diaz. He lives in a fabulous row house on top of a hill (a hill!) where each house has its own bit of personality. In front of Howard's home there is a giant shrub which has been kept manicured as a topiary. It's truly like a giant bonzai tree. We walked further up the hill and into town and had brunch in the parking lot behind Dangerously Delicious Pies. There was a band playing Hank Williams Sr. ...(they were great and there's an entire small-world story attached to that)! It was so much fun! The pies were truly delectable. Flaky, flaky crusts. As the Scottish would say, this guy has a dab hand at pastry! My chicken pot pie was oven roasted chicken and fresh carrots, corn, peas etc. Thom has steak and onion. But passing by our table are chocolate cream and custard pies along with what I originally mistook for apple, but which was really a potato tart. The chef is some big, burly, tatooed, bald guy who walks around the tilting parking lot from tilting table to tilting table asking if we're satisfied. Oh yeah...we are! Apparently, "Rodney" (the chef, his bowling shirt says Hot Rod) was just signed by the food network to a series on his food. I hope it's true and you can experience this place vicariously through television.
After brunch we shop hopped. Judy finds a palm sized skull that pops out its eyeballs when you squeeze it. Worms come oozing out. I had to have one! I know, it's gross, disgusting. But captivating! (in a sick way) I picked up some great ideas(not gross and disgusting ones) for inventory in my own store . I can't wait to come back here with the kids. There are so many little restaurants and stores. Apparently, right around the corner from the pie shop is Ace's Cakes. It's a Baltimore bakery that excels in works of art in cake baking. Also run by a tatooed bald guy. Jedd loves this program. Well, that is the story of our happy weekend. Hope yours was as fun.
Tuesday, October 7
the color of fall
I will walk with a smile on my face for weeks now. Why? you may ask. Because it's autumn. Which means it's the season of autumnal colors once again. (plus, for a short while I can toss around the word "autumnal"). Start casting your eyes around as you go about your day. It's in the trees and flowers sure, but it is also draped over people's bodies. It seems a natural choice in the morning for people to gravitate towards rusts, chocolates, mossy greens and goldenrod in their clothing choices. I stood in the hallway of church on Sunday and delighted in the coordination of colors on the worshipers. Pumpkin was dotted on almost everyone, whether in a cardigan on a woman or a tie pattern around a gent's neck. It's warm and cozy. It creates cravings for pies and warm quick-breads fresh from the oven. It inspires one to curl up in a corner with a good book and a throw around the knees and toes.
The shadows of autumn cast long fingers and seem to reach in through windows to dull natural light early. We switch on lamps and push those shadows into the corners. Candles are lighted for scent and ambience. It's time to pull down soup and stew recipes from books on the top shelf. Root vegetables will start making their appearances on our tables once again. And Christmas catalogs are filling the mail basket en masse. My son is circling his heart's desire and leaving pages open so we can't miss them. The countdown from this lovely season to the next has already begun in his mind. But not mine....I love these days...
The shadows of autumn cast long fingers and seem to reach in through windows to dull natural light early. We switch on lamps and push those shadows into the corners. Candles are lighted for scent and ambience. It's time to pull down soup and stew recipes from books on the top shelf. Root vegetables will start making their appearances on our tables once again. And Christmas catalogs are filling the mail basket en masse. My son is circling his heart's desire and leaving pages open so we can't miss them. The countdown from this lovely season to the next has already begun in his mind. But not mine....I love these days...
Friday, October 3
It's Friday night and my family is sprawled out on the big, red couch. Thom is in the center with Annie on one side and Jedd and Emma on the other. It started with Thom checking his e-bay sale. (He's selling a telephone booth!?) Kids gravitated towards him and now there is nonstop laughter and groaning as they peruse Youtube together. Right now, it's apparently "french beatboxer", there's been narcoleptic babies, Weird Al Yankovitz doing Nirvana, really bad skateboarders having accidents here in Cambridge, Roly-poly fish-heads ( a classic from my 20's) and people doing the hokey-pokey. It is truly astonishing how much time can so quickly dissappear once engrossed in this mindless exercise. But, I'm really happy right now at the sight and sound of my little huddled family next to me. Although I'm a bit concerned at the now ongoing search for the exploding whale....oh geez...really? Go search this one out for yourself...eeewww......you just get sucked into this. The fish category alone can keep you going for hours. Apparently I'm wrong. They're off again. Someone is playing a saw...
Friday, September 19
cold coffee, heated blood
My coffee cup sits beside me going cold while I listen to the radio and peruse the Drudge Report. I checked my e-mail, but there are just hate-Palin links from my mother. I sent her a quick e-mail to remind her that I am not talking politics with her. Isn't it interesting how a candidate that gives one person such excitement can make the other want to spew vomit across the room? Well, that was graphic! But I'm leaving it, because frankly I believe that peoples' feelings are that strong.
Emma just left for school, but before she did she asked how the market was doing this morning. (side note: Emma's volleyball team won their third game of the opening season last night. They stand 3-0 now, Em's the co-captain with her friend, Rachel)) I explained that while it isn't open yet, yesterday there was a huge rally. Then I explained that means nothing in reality. That's the wise buying of those who have money to get into a buyer's market. I foresee a huge crash in our near future. I think this is truly the tip of the iceberg.
I know I've been ranting about storing food and toilet paper, but if you haven't, please start. Food prices have soared, but they're going higher yet. Toilet paper, feminine products have all doubled in cost in the past two years. I see it doubling again. It's not as though it will go to waste, if you don't for some reason use it all, you'll have some to share. And people will need it.
Now, just a bit of politics...(I like to talk about it, just not with my mother)
Chris Dodd, Joe Biden and Barack Obama are the top three recipients of political donations from Freddie Mac. Hmmm...... John McCain was down at number 72. Why were any of them getting money from Freddie Mac?
N.Y. Congressman Charlie Rangel is in deep trouble for the tax evasion findings for his vacation home( he claims he didn't know he was supposed to pay taxes on income generated from outside our country), house sales (apparently didn't know he had to pay taxes on income generated from inside our country either), and ownership of 4 NYC apartment leases which are only for low income people. 4! He also sits on the Ways and Means Committee which writes the tax code for the rest of us. No one in the Democratic party is asking him to step down. Where is Nancy Pelosi on her "most ethical party" stance now?
Emma just left for school, but before she did she asked how the market was doing this morning. (side note: Emma's volleyball team won their third game of the opening season last night. They stand 3-0 now, Em's the co-captain with her friend, Rachel)) I explained that while it isn't open yet, yesterday there was a huge rally. Then I explained that means nothing in reality. That's the wise buying of those who have money to get into a buyer's market. I foresee a huge crash in our near future. I think this is truly the tip of the iceberg.
I know I've been ranting about storing food and toilet paper, but if you haven't, please start. Food prices have soared, but they're going higher yet. Toilet paper, feminine products have all doubled in cost in the past two years. I see it doubling again. It's not as though it will go to waste, if you don't for some reason use it all, you'll have some to share. And people will need it.
Now, just a bit of politics...(I like to talk about it, just not with my mother)
Chris Dodd, Joe Biden and Barack Obama are the top three recipients of political donations from Freddie Mac. Hmmm...... John McCain was down at number 72. Why were any of them getting money from Freddie Mac?
N.Y. Congressman Charlie Rangel is in deep trouble for the tax evasion findings for his vacation home( he claims he didn't know he was supposed to pay taxes on income generated from outside our country), house sales (apparently didn't know he had to pay taxes on income generated from inside our country either), and ownership of 4 NYC apartment leases which are only for low income people. 4! He also sits on the Ways and Means Committee which writes the tax code for the rest of us. No one in the Democratic party is asking him to step down. Where is Nancy Pelosi on her "most ethical party" stance now?
Saturday, August 30
shuttles and service
What a week! We took the kids to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort for an fantastic family getaway. While there are Chateaus and Lodges to stay in we booked a townhouse where conceivably we could have cooked some of our own meals. But... we didn't. There were restaurants all over the grounds and once we parked the car, shuttles picked us up and took us anywhere we desired on the resort, so we never had the urge to go to the market. It was too simple really...all we did was lift the phone receiver and dial "0", and someone on the other end would answer, " How may we serve the Huntington Family?". (It was tough driving myself to work yesterday!) The girls and I had hot stone massages one day and did the water path ritual. The next day we had facials. Aaaahhh... Jedd, Thom and I shot sporting clays the first morning. The boy's arm is black and blue from the shotgun he used and nothing could make him more pleased! I think he ended up shooting 75 rounds. That was enough gun-time for me so I backed out of "combat paintball" the next day. Actually, I forget my sneakers and they wouldn't let me go in sandals. So the girls and I rented bikes and rode throughout the hills and animals (there are bears, buffalo, zebras, moose, lions, mountain goats, hyenas and more throughout the resort). Actually I'm so out of shape I walked my bike up most of the hills. They were steep! It was a great time, but 3 nights and 4 days were enough for four of us(not Jedd). We were pretty much ready to come home and back to reality.
We returned home in time for Annie to start her fist history class at Chesapeake College.
Thursday was back to work as usual. Friday brought the unbelieveably happy news (in my opinion) of Sarah Palin being chosen as McCain's running mate. For the first time in this election, I am excited! I mean sparks of thrill coursing through my veins. I feel hope about the future of politics again. I have no idea how she can pull this off with all she has on her plate and I hope her family can withstand the pressure, but I'm sure many others will join with me in praying for her on a daily basis.
I am so thankful for the time spent with my family this week. Bonding time is good. I am thankful my husband got to truly rest. I am thankful for a taste of that good life, which I know pales in comparison to what awaits us in eternity. I ask that God would help me to heed His call daily and that I would willingly answer, "How may I serve you,Lord, today?"
We returned home in time for Annie to start her fist history class at Chesapeake College.
Thursday was back to work as usual. Friday brought the unbelieveably happy news (in my opinion) of Sarah Palin being chosen as McCain's running mate. For the first time in this election, I am excited! I mean sparks of thrill coursing through my veins. I feel hope about the future of politics again. I have no idea how she can pull this off with all she has on her plate and I hope her family can withstand the pressure, but I'm sure many others will join with me in praying for her on a daily basis.
I am so thankful for the time spent with my family this week. Bonding time is good. I am thankful my husband got to truly rest. I am thankful for a taste of that good life, which I know pales in comparison to what awaits us in eternity. I ask that God would help me to heed His call daily and that I would willingly answer, "How may I serve you,Lord, today?"
Wednesday, August 20
birthdays and anniversaries
This morning I came down to a bouquet of flowers and a very sweet card from my husband of 19 years....as of today. At 5 p.m. on August 20th in 1989 Thom and I were married at the Molly Pitcher Inn, on the deck overlooking the Navesink River, in Red Bank, N.J. It was a beautiful day and I'm very grateful to my parents for giving us such a lovely wedding. I'm not going to get all mushy over Thom, because you all already know how we feel about each other. I'll just say I'm very, very thankful for my life with him. We've been blessed that after all these years not only do we still love each other, we still like each other. It doesn't get any better than that!
Also, an un-named, and frankly unknown, number of years ago, my mother was born on this day, too. So a very happy birthday to my mom! Thanks for sharing your day with us!
Also, an un-named, and frankly unknown, number of years ago, my mother was born on this day, too. So a very happy birthday to my mom! Thanks for sharing your day with us!
Saturday, August 16
I'm scratchin' out "caucasian"
Last week with the disturbing news that Russia had invaded Georgia, the word "Caucus" came up on the news. Thom asked me, "what are the caucuses?" I replied, "I don't know. Maybe they are having some kind of voting thing right now and that instigated the invasion." I then promptly forgot the conversation.
Well, I'm just sitting here at my computer and the word came up again. And what do you know! There's that word again. I always rather prided myself on my geography skills, but didn't have a clue that Caucasus was a mountain in Georgia and that the Caucuses are the natural dividing line between Asia and Europe. All of the sudden, minutes ago, it struck me that THIS must be where the term, "caucasian" comes from whenever I fill out a form on self-information. So I googled the origin of the word caucasian and sure enough, there it was. Some foolish man, Johann Blumenbach,1752-1840, who must have been related to hitler, thought the people of this region had the most beautiful skulls,and were the most beautiful people and were the Adam and Eve of us all and were white, so he coined the term, caucasian. I've never like ticking that box, and now I like it even less. From now on I'm scratching it out and just writing, "white".
Well, I'm just sitting here at my computer and the word came up again. And what do you know! There's that word again. I always rather prided myself on my geography skills, but didn't have a clue that Caucasus was a mountain in Georgia and that the Caucuses are the natural dividing line between Asia and Europe. All of the sudden, minutes ago, it struck me that THIS must be where the term, "caucasian" comes from whenever I fill out a form on self-information. So I googled the origin of the word caucasian and sure enough, there it was. Some foolish man, Johann Blumenbach,1752-1840, who must have been related to hitler, thought the people of this region had the most beautiful skulls,and were the most beautiful people and were the Adam and Eve of us all and were white, so he coined the term, caucasian. I've never like ticking that box, and now I like it even less. From now on I'm scratching it out and just writing, "white".
Friday, August 15
life with a cricket bat
Let me squeeze the last tear from my eye. Oh...don't worry. It's a happy tear. I've just finished watching the movie, "Wondrous Oblivion" on Netflix instant view. 1960 England, coming of age for a boy and for a village street full of bigots. So often the gifts we grow by, from lessons taught by friends, are the very gifts that threaten to make us shallow and have us toss those friends aside. I loved this movie. Please watch it....
Wednesday, August 13
the city of sisterly love
After months of planning and delays, my girls and I finally were able to take a shopping excursion with Suzanne, Hayley and Rachel Taylor. Our original plan was a simple trip to an Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie on the western shore. We finally had a day set and then a truck drove off the Bay Bridge and made that route un-enticing with rubbernecking delays. So last minute, Suzanne and I decided to go north to Philadelphia. Turns out the stores are just minutes apart from each other there with an H&M and a Zara thrown between them for good measure.
We plugged in the trusty TomTom for assistance with navigation (this was a waste of time and causes more confusion than confidence, but I feel since we have it I should use it) and headed out with a truckload of excited girls and their mothers. We got to the first town and made an emergency stop for coffee, snacks and the bathroom. I think we'd been in the car for 13 minutes. Then it was on the road again, car reeking of Doritos and sour cream and onion Sun Chips at 10 a.m.
Just over two hours later, we pulled off 95 to a slight backup into Philly and Voila!, we were there! It was so simple to drive into the historic district of that city that I am ashamed to say I hadn't been there since my twenties! We found a parking garage that had a lovely circular center graced with potted plants for their attendants to wait in while business was slow. I've never seen the attempt of decoration in a parking garage before. Nice touch.
First it was down to business. We were all trying to be caring of each others desires while searching out a lunch venue so we wouldn't buy stupidly out of complete hunger frenzy. We had to settle the beast of the belly before getting to the serious shopping. We spotted a packed cafe with wood-fired pizzas resting on diner's tables. It was agreed. Lunch was good! I don't remember the name of the establishment but it was on Walnut Street between 16th and 17th streets on the southside of the street, halfway down the block. It will be the one with packed tables. Suzanne and I shared a simple pizza with green peppers, mushrooms and onions. They're made with fresh mozzarella and the thin crust was crispy with that wonderfully gritty fire-grazed blackness brushed on by the flames. Hayley's and Rachel's had squash, peppers and onions with fresh basil leaves. My girls had the homemade raviolis which looked wonderful, but since they shared there wasn't any extra for my tastebuds so I have to take them at their word that it was tasty.
Then it was on to Urban Outfitters where they could part with summer earned dollars. Overall I think we were all dissappointed in the poor quality and high prices on the merchandise. Yeah, we all still spent money there, but I feel as though they are a really bad version of an Anthropologie wannabe. It felt dirty in there as though everything wasn't just designed to look as though it were from the 70's and 80's, but actually had been sitting in its dust on the same uncleaned shelves since those past decades.
We left there after somehow spending at least an hour if not more, and went to Zara's ( I think that's the name, I don't see a bag lying around) It was a breath of fresh air after the previous store. Fresh and CLEAN. We were giddy with the choices, running up and down the stairs with great excitement. Honestly, we were country bumpkins set free in the city. We weren't even trying to be "city-cool". We bagged some treasures and moved onto the queen of all stores, Anthropologie. When my little shop grows up, I want it to be an Anthropologie.
I swiped more onto my plastic than I will ever confess out loud to anyone and I have NO GUILT over it. My favorite purchase was an oatmeal colored tunic length cardigan with chunky floral embellishments and a fabulous button. There are thin creamy stripes running vertically between what appear to be panels, which give it a graceful twirl. Yes, I am wearing it right now, as I write, in case you were wondering.It is so soft I believe there may be a touch of cashmere in it, but I don't want to take it off to look at the tag. When my camera is charged I will take photos and post them. When my girls and I had shopped ourselves out, we walked across the street to a pretty little park to relax and await our friends. It was bustling and deeply green with musicians playing at the gate ( a truly motley bunch. They were having fun, but I can't say anyone else was bowled over by them). We were exhausted and yes, hungry again.
The Taylors crossed the park to meet us and we decided to start heading over to the restaurant that our visiting pastor Len Stuart had talked about Sunday as he preached. It was an Iranian Hookah restaurant called, The Aromatic House of Kebabs. After we'd walked many blocks with our arms burdened with packages we decided after consulting with a passing pedestrian that it would be wise to hail a cab. In our case two cabs. Suzanne and her girls took off in the first cab. Someone stole the second cab so the twins and I walked 2 blocks before another one came by. We were grateful to sink into its hot, smelly interior. Somehow, even though we walked two city blocks closer to our final destination, our cabbie charged us more for our ride. I'm still mulling that over. Okay, Aromatic house of Kebabs. Small place, one server, one bus boy on duty. People scattered about with long ropes from the Hookah pipes to their lips, fragrant scents enveloped us upon entrance, so it was already living up to the "aromatic" part of its moniker. We served ourselves from the soda case and the Taylors all ordered healthy tea. We dithered over our menu choices not having a clue what we were actually ordering, but we all went with chicken or lamb kebabs served either on large naan style bread flats or with basmati rice or baked potatoes. With a starter of hummus and pita, the food started flowing. The hummus was wiped out by all in record time. The kebabs were juicy and covered in a creamy cucumber sauce flavored with mint. Roasted tomatoes were bursting with flavor from the flames. The bill for all six of us to waddle out of there contentedly was $109 and some loose change plus a tip. That's crazy good for all the food we had! I'll be waiting for the next visit. We took cabs back to the parking garage, plugged the TomTom back in so it could be just as unhelpful as ever and set off home. The moon hung over the city as we left and God was praised for His goodness.
We plugged in the trusty TomTom for assistance with navigation (this was a waste of time and causes more confusion than confidence, but I feel since we have it I should use it) and headed out with a truckload of excited girls and their mothers. We got to the first town and made an emergency stop for coffee, snacks and the bathroom. I think we'd been in the car for 13 minutes. Then it was on the road again, car reeking of Doritos and sour cream and onion Sun Chips at 10 a.m.
Just over two hours later, we pulled off 95 to a slight backup into Philly and Voila!, we were there! It was so simple to drive into the historic district of that city that I am ashamed to say I hadn't been there since my twenties! We found a parking garage that had a lovely circular center graced with potted plants for their attendants to wait in while business was slow. I've never seen the attempt of decoration in a parking garage before. Nice touch.
First it was down to business. We were all trying to be caring of each others desires while searching out a lunch venue so we wouldn't buy stupidly out of complete hunger frenzy. We had to settle the beast of the belly before getting to the serious shopping. We spotted a packed cafe with wood-fired pizzas resting on diner's tables. It was agreed. Lunch was good! I don't remember the name of the establishment but it was on Walnut Street between 16th and 17th streets on the southside of the street, halfway down the block. It will be the one with packed tables. Suzanne and I shared a simple pizza with green peppers, mushrooms and onions. They're made with fresh mozzarella and the thin crust was crispy with that wonderfully gritty fire-grazed blackness brushed on by the flames. Hayley's and Rachel's had squash, peppers and onions with fresh basil leaves. My girls had the homemade raviolis which looked wonderful, but since they shared there wasn't any extra for my tastebuds so I have to take them at their word that it was tasty.
Then it was on to Urban Outfitters where they could part with summer earned dollars. Overall I think we were all dissappointed in the poor quality and high prices on the merchandise. Yeah, we all still spent money there, but I feel as though they are a really bad version of an Anthropologie wannabe. It felt dirty in there as though everything wasn't just designed to look as though it were from the 70's and 80's, but actually had been sitting in its dust on the same uncleaned shelves since those past decades.
We left there after somehow spending at least an hour if not more, and went to Zara's ( I think that's the name, I don't see a bag lying around) It was a breath of fresh air after the previous store. Fresh and CLEAN. We were giddy with the choices, running up and down the stairs with great excitement. Honestly, we were country bumpkins set free in the city. We weren't even trying to be "city-cool". We bagged some treasures and moved onto the queen of all stores, Anthropologie. When my little shop grows up, I want it to be an Anthropologie.
I swiped more onto my plastic than I will ever confess out loud to anyone and I have NO GUILT over it. My favorite purchase was an oatmeal colored tunic length cardigan with chunky floral embellishments and a fabulous button. There are thin creamy stripes running vertically between what appear to be panels, which give it a graceful twirl. Yes, I am wearing it right now, as I write, in case you were wondering.It is so soft I believe there may be a touch of cashmere in it, but I don't want to take it off to look at the tag. When my camera is charged I will take photos and post them. When my girls and I had shopped ourselves out, we walked across the street to a pretty little park to relax and await our friends. It was bustling and deeply green with musicians playing at the gate ( a truly motley bunch. They were having fun, but I can't say anyone else was bowled over by them). We were exhausted and yes, hungry again.
The Taylors crossed the park to meet us and we decided to start heading over to the restaurant that our visiting pastor Len Stuart had talked about Sunday as he preached. It was an Iranian Hookah restaurant called, The Aromatic House of Kebabs. After we'd walked many blocks with our arms burdened with packages we decided after consulting with a passing pedestrian that it would be wise to hail a cab. In our case two cabs. Suzanne and her girls took off in the first cab. Someone stole the second cab so the twins and I walked 2 blocks before another one came by. We were grateful to sink into its hot, smelly interior. Somehow, even though we walked two city blocks closer to our final destination, our cabbie charged us more for our ride. I'm still mulling that over. Okay, Aromatic house of Kebabs. Small place, one server, one bus boy on duty. People scattered about with long ropes from the Hookah pipes to their lips, fragrant scents enveloped us upon entrance, so it was already living up to the "aromatic" part of its moniker. We served ourselves from the soda case and the Taylors all ordered healthy tea. We dithered over our menu choices not having a clue what we were actually ordering, but we all went with chicken or lamb kebabs served either on large naan style bread flats or with basmati rice or baked potatoes. With a starter of hummus and pita, the food started flowing. The hummus was wiped out by all in record time. The kebabs were juicy and covered in a creamy cucumber sauce flavored with mint. Roasted tomatoes were bursting with flavor from the flames. The bill for all six of us to waddle out of there contentedly was $109 and some loose change plus a tip. That's crazy good for all the food we had! I'll be waiting for the next visit. We took cabs back to the parking garage, plugged the TomTom back in so it could be just as unhelpful as ever and set off home. The moon hung over the city as we left and God was praised for His goodness.
Monday, August 11
big, fat, hairy toes
I'll start off just stating this thought... Russia worries me. It worries me that they have started bombing Georgian territory in defense of "Russian citizens". These "citizens" were Georgian until they decided to break away from Georgia. Then Russia offered them "russian citizenship". Do you see how that was simply a way to get their big, fat, hairy toes over the territory lines?
Now, maybe it's just my imagination, but isn't that how hitler started out? I believe he stated he was just going over to take what was rightfully Germanys by invading the Sudenland and "taking it" from Czechoslavakia. The Czechs ceded it over to Hitler rather than fight (when told specifically by Chamberlain that England and France would not stand behind them). One year later Hitler had taken over the rest of Czechoslavakia. The rest is history. Is this a repeat of another madman's plan?
In the eighties we backed Afghanistan against Russia in a war that exhausted Russia and left them depleted. That allowed Reagan to help "encourage" Russia to "tear down the wall" and put an end to the cold war. Back then Russia was in debt and desperate for energy sources. Now the roles have reversed. They have a flat tax of 13% which has boost their economy to phenomonal highs. They have planted a flag and claimed the North Pole as russian territory so they can claim any oil that may be there as well as buying up every energy source they can in Europe, Asia and the surrounding seas. There is one oil pipeline through Europe controlled by Russia. They like it that way and are putting out quiet warnings against anyone who may want to buy or sell to the Georgian government who have a secondary pipeline, if I understand this correctly. (And trust me, I may not.)
On the other hand, even though we are rich in natural energy sources our government keeps us dependent on foreign oil, and forbids us to drill widely on our own resources. (Hypocrites). They also tax us into oblivion, turning us into a socialist country. We are on a teeter-totter and right now we are down and Russia is flying high!
I'm not saying I have a clue what the next step should be...but we need to keep our eyes open, because what seems like none of our affairs on the surface, could very well be a repeat of history. I don't believe for minute that Russia cares about peace or being our friends. We are their enemy and Putin wants to see us trounced in the end.
Meanwhile, I'm praying for our friends in the Ukraine. Could they be next in line? Is their freedom at risk?
Now, maybe it's just my imagination, but isn't that how hitler started out? I believe he stated he was just going over to take what was rightfully Germanys by invading the Sudenland and "taking it" from Czechoslavakia. The Czechs ceded it over to Hitler rather than fight (when told specifically by Chamberlain that England and France would not stand behind them). One year later Hitler had taken over the rest of Czechoslavakia. The rest is history. Is this a repeat of another madman's plan?
In the eighties we backed Afghanistan against Russia in a war that exhausted Russia and left them depleted. That allowed Reagan to help "encourage" Russia to "tear down the wall" and put an end to the cold war. Back then Russia was in debt and desperate for energy sources. Now the roles have reversed. They have a flat tax of 13% which has boost their economy to phenomonal highs. They have planted a flag and claimed the North Pole as russian territory so they can claim any oil that may be there as well as buying up every energy source they can in Europe, Asia and the surrounding seas. There is one oil pipeline through Europe controlled by Russia. They like it that way and are putting out quiet warnings against anyone who may want to buy or sell to the Georgian government who have a secondary pipeline, if I understand this correctly. (And trust me, I may not.)
On the other hand, even though we are rich in natural energy sources our government keeps us dependent on foreign oil, and forbids us to drill widely on our own resources. (Hypocrites). They also tax us into oblivion, turning us into a socialist country. We are on a teeter-totter and right now we are down and Russia is flying high!
I'm not saying I have a clue what the next step should be...but we need to keep our eyes open, because what seems like none of our affairs on the surface, could very well be a repeat of history. I don't believe for minute that Russia cares about peace or being our friends. We are their enemy and Putin wants to see us trounced in the end.
Meanwhile, I'm praying for our friends in the Ukraine. Could they be next in line? Is their freedom at risk?
Monday, July 21
It really is difficult to visit the past at times. Last night I took the girls to see a musician I used to see a lot back in the mid eighties. I was astounded to see that he was playing in Easton, Maryland at a coffee house. When he came on stage, (actually, just entered the room and stood in front of us) he didn't look much different than twenty something years ago. He had the same moves and still had a strong voice. But the words he was singing were the words of a twenty something trying to describe his world. This man is now 49. And even the twenty somethings in my world are more centered and grounded in their surroundings to sink to some of the levels of lyrics this guy did.
The twins couldn't stand any more of the 45 year old women in miniskirts swooning so they left to take pictures of the Easton nightlife. I stayed for the next set because there had to be some redemption right? Well, it made me really appreciate my husband's willingness to abandon dreams of musical stardom and focus on raising a family and building a business to provide for the five of us. I appreciate that he would give up late Saturday nights to shepard us all to church early Sunday morning and fill his need to play music in that environment. I know when he gets the opportunity to play out with musicians it fills a desire for him, but he has sacrificed that for us and I love him all the more for it.
The twins couldn't stand any more of the 45 year old women in miniskirts swooning so they left to take pictures of the Easton nightlife. I stayed for the next set because there had to be some redemption right? Well, it made me really appreciate my husband's willingness to abandon dreams of musical stardom and focus on raising a family and building a business to provide for the five of us. I appreciate that he would give up late Saturday nights to shepard us all to church early Sunday morning and fill his need to play music in that environment. I know when he gets the opportunity to play out with musicians it fills a desire for him, but he has sacrificed that for us and I love him all the more for it.
Thursday, July 3
vanished
Could someone please enlighten me as to where the word, "disappear" has gone to? Every day I hear and see places where this word should be used, but instead in its place is the very British term, "gone missing" or "went missing". I hate this. It truly causes a small form of anger to course through my veins. Oh, don't misunderstand. If you are British and saying this it doesn't bother me in the least. But, if you are an American and you are using this term....STOP IT! It's silly coming out of your mouth. It's silly coming out of every broadcasters mouth. It's silly in the newspaper headlines. It's just plain silly. You aren't saving any syllables. And you're making me mad. Oh! and I'm laughing at you inside my head at your pretentiousness too. Unless you're under the age of 12, then I figure you don't know any better.
Tuesday, July 1
Messiah visit
The twins and I took an exploratory trip to Messiah College yesterday. What a place! A beautiful campus on rolling green hills in Pennsylvania just 10 minutes from its capitol city. They have wonderful filled art studios for every imaginable medium. Rooms dedicated to musicians to play their hearts desire on pianos. Theaters that show recent movies to the students for just a buck. There are cinema rooms for film students and cafes for hanging out. There are auditoriums for speakers and shows and a gorgeous indoor swimming pool in a wonderful sports center. There is even a small museum in the science hall that hosts an elephant skeleton, a stuffed crocodile and kodiak bear among other specimens.
What a privilege for those accepted to attend. I wonder if they all realize it? The library took my breath away, literally! You can stand behind a glass wall on a balcony and look down over it. It was enough to cause a bibliophile to swoon.
All that and we were there in just over 3 hours from our front door to theirs. I made the round trip with just over a half tank of gas. Now that is worth considering in the big search for a school.
What a privilege for those accepted to attend. I wonder if they all realize it? The library took my breath away, literally! You can stand behind a glass wall on a balcony and look down over it. It was enough to cause a bibliophile to swoon.
All that and we were there in just over 3 hours from our front door to theirs. I made the round trip with just over a half tank of gas. Now that is worth considering in the big search for a school.
Friday, June 13
fruitful recovery and a vegetable mystery
Well, the boy is on the mend! He ate some grapes and strawberries yesterday, and had a couple of bites of a hot dog. Yeah, don't judge me by that hot dog, I am fully aware that it is the last thing he should have eaten. But, when your kid hasn't eaten in 6 days you give him anything he wants to eat.
The lab called and the doc says it's not mono. Halleluiah!! There is an infection and they don't know what it is, but they've put him on antibiotics and though I haven't checked his fever this morning it was down yesterday. He stayed awake more yesterday and definitely had more energy. He was happy that it seemed to be subsiding as he is tired of all this:) He's ready to be a 12 year old boy on summer vacation.
I'm ready to be a mom who sleeps in her own bed(next to her dear husband) instead of on the couch next to a snoring child who walks in his sleep.
Again, my heart goes out to Damien who has been ill or weakened so often in the past few years for long periods, and to Kate who was so devoted to caring for him in those times. Thank you Lord for an end to Jedd's short tunnel and also that the Howards are truly seeing the light at the end of their extensive tunnel.
In the spirit of good health I report that my gardens are also flourishing. I actually was able to go out yesterday and pick some baby spinach leaves for our chicken salad last night. What a wholesome feeling! We really lose a connection when we never experience growing anything to feed and nourish ourselves. If you don't have anything growing this year, I really encourage you to plant anything, tomatoes, spinach, whatever, in a pot if you must. Just one thing to connect yourselves to the dirt:)
I am amazed by the speed at which some things have grown. I did most things from seed this year. Pumpkins are just growing like Jack's beanstalk. Wildly. Onions, spindly and hardly there yet. Cucumbers and strawberries are showing their little fruitful beginnings. Peas are sending tendrils climbing up the fence, which is truly amazing to observe. God has created these plants to send out feelers to pulls themselves up. Cucumbers too. But not the tomatoes. Why? The tomatoes will just flop over and fall on the ground in their weight if not caged. Well, to be fair so would the others, but give the others some string tied across or a cage and they pull themselves up with those tiny threadlike tendrils. And here's a question for those of you who are real gardeners. Where do the seeds come from for things like carrots and spinach? They haven't flowered. There is nothing inside them as there is watermelons and tomatoes. It is a bit of a mystery to me.
The lab called and the doc says it's not mono. Halleluiah!! There is an infection and they don't know what it is, but they've put him on antibiotics and though I haven't checked his fever this morning it was down yesterday. He stayed awake more yesterday and definitely had more energy. He was happy that it seemed to be subsiding as he is tired of all this:) He's ready to be a 12 year old boy on summer vacation.
I'm ready to be a mom who sleeps in her own bed(next to her dear husband) instead of on the couch next to a snoring child who walks in his sleep.
Again, my heart goes out to Damien who has been ill or weakened so often in the past few years for long periods, and to Kate who was so devoted to caring for him in those times. Thank you Lord for an end to Jedd's short tunnel and also that the Howards are truly seeing the light at the end of their extensive tunnel.
In the spirit of good health I report that my gardens are also flourishing. I actually was able to go out yesterday and pick some baby spinach leaves for our chicken salad last night. What a wholesome feeling! We really lose a connection when we never experience growing anything to feed and nourish ourselves. If you don't have anything growing this year, I really encourage you to plant anything, tomatoes, spinach, whatever, in a pot if you must. Just one thing to connect yourselves to the dirt:)
I am amazed by the speed at which some things have grown. I did most things from seed this year. Pumpkins are just growing like Jack's beanstalk. Wildly. Onions, spindly and hardly there yet. Cucumbers and strawberries are showing their little fruitful beginnings. Peas are sending tendrils climbing up the fence, which is truly amazing to observe. God has created these plants to send out feelers to pulls themselves up. Cucumbers too. But not the tomatoes. Why? The tomatoes will just flop over and fall on the ground in their weight if not caged. Well, to be fair so would the others, but give the others some string tied across or a cage and they pull themselves up with those tiny threadlike tendrils. And here's a question for those of you who are real gardeners. Where do the seeds come from for things like carrots and spinach? They haven't flowered. There is nothing inside them as there is watermelons and tomatoes. It is a bit of a mystery to me.
Wednesday, June 11
barf bags and birthdays (cheerful, no?)
I awoke this morning to day 5 of Jedd being ill with a fever hovering around 102. We've spent the past three nights sleeping on the big red wrap-around couch in the living room. He tends to get a bit delirious at night when he's fevered and sleepwalk, talk and generally freak me out by his behavior. His eyes are open, he looks awake, but he's not. So I stay on the same room with him because I really think one of these times he's going to go outside. That's not a thought I relish at 3 a.m. This is a kid who won't go to a different floor of the house alone at night. Can you imagine if he woke up outside alone at night? Hmmm...
We went and had bloodwork drawn yesterday and throat swabbed and a very funny ( from my side of the door anyway) experience of the lad trying to pee into a sterile cup and then dropping the lid into the toilet. The doc said she'd call today with the results. The nurse had her money on thrush. I really thought that was for babies only.... The doctor had her sights set on mono. That would be sad since he's supposed to start his sailing class next week. Oh well. God knows best. Last year he lost his week old eye glasses, in sailing class. Maybe this will prevent him from doing it again.
On a happier note, It's our dear friend Henley's birthday today. 17! And while Jedd and I will stay far away from the planned festivities, she will be in our thoughts and prayers all day long. I will ban Jedd from the kitchen while I make her birthday cake. She wants a giant cupcake for her cake. I mean giant. Like a regular cake size only, a cupcake. There is a mold out there but we couldn't find it so now it's a challenge. And I am game for that! I have all kinds of little toys culled from the shop for party favor bags. I am a party favor fan and I learned from the queen who was Henley's mom. I really miss my friend Crystal today and I know it's a bittersweet day for Henley and her sister, Cavin.
Lord God, today I lift these three up to you, Jedd, Henley and Cavin. I ask for strength in Jedd's body and a spirit of peace for him throughout this illness. I thank you that you have given us a doctor who shares her wisdom with us and really cares about her patients.
And Father, I lift up Henley and Cavin. I ask that you would continue to lighten their hearts and give them peace. In this coming year give them strength to get through the difficult days and find joy in your world. Let them feel your presence and your truth.
Amen.
'
We went and had bloodwork drawn yesterday and throat swabbed and a very funny ( from my side of the door anyway) experience of the lad trying to pee into a sterile cup and then dropping the lid into the toilet. The doc said she'd call today with the results. The nurse had her money on thrush. I really thought that was for babies only.... The doctor had her sights set on mono. That would be sad since he's supposed to start his sailing class next week. Oh well. God knows best. Last year he lost his week old eye glasses, in sailing class. Maybe this will prevent him from doing it again.
On a happier note, It's our dear friend Henley's birthday today. 17! And while Jedd and I will stay far away from the planned festivities, she will be in our thoughts and prayers all day long. I will ban Jedd from the kitchen while I make her birthday cake. She wants a giant cupcake for her cake. I mean giant. Like a regular cake size only, a cupcake. There is a mold out there but we couldn't find it so now it's a challenge. And I am game for that! I have all kinds of little toys culled from the shop for party favor bags. I am a party favor fan and I learned from the queen who was Henley's mom. I really miss my friend Crystal today and I know it's a bittersweet day for Henley and her sister, Cavin.
Lord God, today I lift these three up to you, Jedd, Henley and Cavin. I ask for strength in Jedd's body and a spirit of peace for him throughout this illness. I thank you that you have given us a doctor who shares her wisdom with us and really cares about her patients.
And Father, I lift up Henley and Cavin. I ask that you would continue to lighten their hearts and give them peace. In this coming year give them strength to get through the difficult days and find joy in your world. Let them feel your presence and your truth.
Amen.
'
Friday, June 6
I really miss writing on this little blog, but I have nothing to say. Nothing. I am reading truly depressing words about the state of the world and how Russia is teaming with Iran and together they could bring about the end of the world. See? Depressing. I'd like to go back to the days of my childhood reading when Trixie Belden and Honey Wheeler would solve a crisis within their own sphere, of the missing bridle from the stable or some such triviality, which would set their world off its axis. But all would always be set straight by the end of the story.
Well, I know the end of my little family's story will end straight, by the grace of God, but I am saddened by the thought that there are those I know whose own stories might not end so well if Iran should send over nuclear warheads in the coming days, months or years. See? Depressing....
Well, I know the end of my little family's story will end straight, by the grace of God, but I am saddened by the thought that there are those I know whose own stories might not end so well if Iran should send over nuclear warheads in the coming days, months or years. See? Depressing....
Friday, May 23
oil companies and movie stars
Two days ago, the senate voted to sue OPEC. If you haven't heard this already, it's not a typo. Our leaders have decided to sue OPEC for breaching American anti-trust laws. Huh?! Does this frighten anyone else? I'm not even thinking of retaliation on the part of OPEC in the sense of them raising oil prices yet again. I'm thinking that this is what Al-Queda keeps accusing us of being...arrogant Americans who think the globe revolves around ourselves.
Did anyone watch any of c-span's coverage of our illustrious leaders interrogating the presidents and ceo's of the leading oil companies of this nation? Patrick Leahy (of Vermont)had the nerve to ask each of the gentlemen their salaries, which ranged from 2.2 to 12 million. Exxon-Mobil's president made the 12 million. He is in charge of 59,000 employees and is the leader of the lergest corporation in the world. Does anyone think he makes too much? And what defines "too much"? How come the senate didn't have Tom Cruise in to explain why he made 20-30 million per movie? Do you think Leahy had these same questions for Ben and Jerry when they made their first millions for selling ice cream?
I am a bit sickened by this turn on business. What came out in these questionings was that government made up to 14 cents on the dollar of gas sold at the pump, while the oil companies made about 4 cents profit on the dollar. And the senators didn't even blush at this. They just stayed the course on their attack. Hannah Singer was watching this with me at 6 a.m. Dear girl just scolded the television right along with me!
The only senator I saw who had any sense at all seemed to be Jeff Sessions (I believe of Alabama). This is a new name for me and I'll be listening for more of him....
All we can do at this point right now...is pray.....please, please pray!
Did anyone watch any of c-span's coverage of our illustrious leaders interrogating the presidents and ceo's of the leading oil companies of this nation? Patrick Leahy (of Vermont)had the nerve to ask each of the gentlemen their salaries, which ranged from 2.2 to 12 million. Exxon-Mobil's president made the 12 million. He is in charge of 59,000 employees and is the leader of the lergest corporation in the world. Does anyone think he makes too much? And what defines "too much"? How come the senate didn't have Tom Cruise in to explain why he made 20-30 million per movie? Do you think Leahy had these same questions for Ben and Jerry when they made their first millions for selling ice cream?
I am a bit sickened by this turn on business. What came out in these questionings was that government made up to 14 cents on the dollar of gas sold at the pump, while the oil companies made about 4 cents profit on the dollar. And the senators didn't even blush at this. They just stayed the course on their attack. Hannah Singer was watching this with me at 6 a.m. Dear girl just scolded the television right along with me!
The only senator I saw who had any sense at all seemed to be Jeff Sessions (I believe of Alabama). This is a new name for me and I'll be listening for more of him....
All we can do at this point right now...is pray.....please, please pray!
Saturday, May 17
I feel like a storybook character today.
It is brisk and fresh outside today. A lovely Saturday morning with an entire day of the unkown before me. I've checked the progress of the gardens and made strawberry-cream scones to share with friends from "over the bridge". They've come and gone, after we'd indulged in harmless gossip and page-turning of shop catalogs.
I've ambled my way to the store where I visited with neighboring shopkeepers and discussed the progress of sales for the week. Things are sloooooow. But I'm still smiling. Why, you may ask? Because, it's brisk and fresh outside today. Silly you!
I've ambled my way to the store where I visited with neighboring shopkeepers and discussed the progress of sales for the week. Things are sloooooow. But I'm still smiling. Why, you may ask? Because, it's brisk and fresh outside today. Silly you!
Wednesday, May 7
freshfaced
Do you know the wording, "fresh-scrubbed", which usually implies natural prettiness? It is usually applied to young women. I gotta say that now in my late 40's I have met this saying for the first time in a personal way. If you are in your 40's, go to your bathroom and give your face a good healthy scrubbing. Then, quick! look in the mirror...it only lasts for about 10 seconds, but in that fleeting amount of time, I feel "fresh-scrubbed". I wish there were some way to bottle this. I have no explanation. But my cheeks are rosey, and my skin is creamy. It seems cruel that it is so short-lived. I think my husband is going to have to start standing next to me each morning and evening while I "tidy"up. But then the toothpaste spitting might be a bit of a turnoff.....unless the next saying to make its way to the forefront is to be "spitshine..." Now there's an ugly thought.
Monday, May 5
tomatoes and oil paints and Ayn Rand
Jedd and I have just put plants and seeds into the first garden we've ever done together. There is much more work to be done, but it was so exciting. It's good for a kid (and his mom) to feel the dirt between his toes to truly appreciate the veggies that appear on the dinner table.
I've been clearing out the old and sprucing up the yard. The pond has been cleaned out and jedd put together a filter with a little fountain and installed it. Now it gives the impression of a bubbling brook. (It also tends to make us all feel the need for the loo)
I spent an afternoon at the garden shop with Janna picking out new perennials for the shady side of the house. Very exciting. Today, I actually planted one of the seven bought. Usually they sit around in pots till they're dead or dangerously close to death before guilt sets in and I stuff them in a hole. This new streak I'm on is holding staying power so far.
We bought a new battery for the camera so I may be able to actually put some pictures up soon.
Tomorrow is a new session for painting classes. I have no theme picked out to paint yet. Ah well, the right thing will pop up. It always does doesn't it? Yeah, I'm loving my life right now...
The current read is "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand. It is time for you to read or re-read this classic which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It is such an appropriate book for this age. I heard today that a new government committee is being formed to discuss profit limits for corporations. !? Yeah, Ayn Rand had this fear 50 years ago.
I've been clearing out the old and sprucing up the yard. The pond has been cleaned out and jedd put together a filter with a little fountain and installed it. Now it gives the impression of a bubbling brook. (It also tends to make us all feel the need for the loo)
I spent an afternoon at the garden shop with Janna picking out new perennials for the shady side of the house. Very exciting. Today, I actually planted one of the seven bought. Usually they sit around in pots till they're dead or dangerously close to death before guilt sets in and I stuff them in a hole. This new streak I'm on is holding staying power so far.
We bought a new battery for the camera so I may be able to actually put some pictures up soon.
Tomorrow is a new session for painting classes. I have no theme picked out to paint yet. Ah well, the right thing will pop up. It always does doesn't it? Yeah, I'm loving my life right now...
The current read is "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand. It is time for you to read or re-read this classic which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It is such an appropriate book for this age. I heard today that a new government committee is being formed to discuss profit limits for corporations. !? Yeah, Ayn Rand had this fear 50 years ago.
Tuesday, April 29
major decisions
After many hours of inner turmoil and debate and yes, prayer, I have come to a monumental personal decision. I am only keeping the shop open 3 days a week. It will be closed the other 4. Amazing how once a decision is concretely made, that one can truly feel as though a boulder has been lifted off the shoulders. The weight of a burden is a true weight. So now the shop will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with Janna working most Thursdays (she'll be going home to London for three weeks during May) . The juggling of shopkeeper and homeschool mom was not working well for me. I want to look back through time and know that I spent my quality time with my kids. I already feel like my house is cleaner and can imagine the weight dripping off my hips at all the free time I'll have to simply take walks with Jedd and the dog. (I'm not fooling myself into thinking because my schedule is lighter that the twins will suddenly find many hours of free time in their days to join us regularly)
I continue to invest money into stocking up on toilet paper, shampoos, soap, laundry detergent etc. These things will not be going down in prices and will not go bad. I feel like it truly is a business investment. We could put our dollars into cd's (bank, not music)that will give us a payback of less than 2% in 6 months or a year. Or put our dollars into products that will most assuredly be rising even further in cost than they already have. By 10, 20, 30% or higher. I, even in my humble little brain, see a better payback on inventory for the home. If you're not already partaking in this happy little mindset, you might want to consider it.....the next time you shop, really think about how much the same things you're buying cost a year ago. What are you paying now? What could the drawback be to this? Even the Wall Street Jouranl came out this week with the same suggestion for the same reasons....and at the same time we are preparing our homes for the future, aren't we stimulating the economy? I would really welcome your comments on whether or not you also are putting by a bit extra in the cupboards.....if not, are you thinking those of us who are are being extreme or is there just no extra cash available...I'm really curious as to where others stand on this. Oh, I'm not talking about running out and loading up on warehouse size bags of rice by the way(unless your family are large rice eaters)....although I confess I bought a 32 ounce bag and stuck it away. But I have stocked condensed milk ( which I use a ton of in macaroni and cheese) and powdered milk for bread making and because if milk goes up any more I' m going to start cutting my milk gallons out with it to make it stretch more. Annie and Jedd are milk junkies. And I always load up on flour and sugar since as you've read in past blogs we are baking fools in this house. King Arthur Flour company has free shipping till the end of April so you may want to take advantage....
I continue to invest money into stocking up on toilet paper, shampoos, soap, laundry detergent etc. These things will not be going down in prices and will not go bad. I feel like it truly is a business investment. We could put our dollars into cd's (bank, not music)that will give us a payback of less than 2% in 6 months or a year. Or put our dollars into products that will most assuredly be rising even further in cost than they already have. By 10, 20, 30% or higher. I, even in my humble little brain, see a better payback on inventory for the home. If you're not already partaking in this happy little mindset, you might want to consider it.....the next time you shop, really think about how much the same things you're buying cost a year ago. What are you paying now? What could the drawback be to this? Even the Wall Street Jouranl came out this week with the same suggestion for the same reasons....and at the same time we are preparing our homes for the future, aren't we stimulating the economy? I would really welcome your comments on whether or not you also are putting by a bit extra in the cupboards.....if not, are you thinking those of us who are are being extreme or is there just no extra cash available...I'm really curious as to where others stand on this. Oh, I'm not talking about running out and loading up on warehouse size bags of rice by the way(unless your family are large rice eaters)....although I confess I bought a 32 ounce bag and stuck it away. But I have stocked condensed milk ( which I use a ton of in macaroni and cheese) and powdered milk for bread making and because if milk goes up any more I' m going to start cutting my milk gallons out with it to make it stretch more. Annie and Jedd are milk junkies. And I always load up on flour and sugar since as you've read in past blogs we are baking fools in this house. King Arthur Flour company has free shipping till the end of April so you may want to take advantage....
Wednesday, April 9
a small happy list
Things I look forward to....almost daily.....
Coffee in the morning...
The return of "The Office"....
visiting blogs...
reading....
Thom's return home from work each evening....
Emma's return home from school each day...
Jedd's head deep in the pages of whatever book he's immersed in...
listening to Glenn Beck go off on whatever his rant (s) of the day will be...
cabbage at the cash register...
deliveries at the store....
Annie's latest essay....
popcorn at night....
a morning egg
obviously this is in no specified order:)
Coffee in the morning...
The return of "The Office"....
visiting blogs...
reading....
Thom's return home from work each evening....
Emma's return home from school each day...
Jedd's head deep in the pages of whatever book he's immersed in...
listening to Glenn Beck go off on whatever his rant (s) of the day will be...
cabbage at the cash register...
deliveries at the store....
Annie's latest essay....
popcorn at night....
a morning egg
obviously this is in no specified order:)
Monday, April 7
Good Mornings
My favorite time of each day is morning. The dog usually pads into my room about 7 and gives a lttle whine to be let out and fed. My first words in my head are usually, "idiot dog"...as I push the covers back and shift my weight to an upright position. The words are just habit at this point. In the beginning they were said out of frustration because I couldn't see why he woke me up instead of going down with Thom at 5:30 or 6 and being cared for by him. (thereby letting me sleep another half hour or so, I'm lazy)
But, I realize that I treasure this morning time. I open the back door for Eli, then switch the gas fireplace on to take the chill of the room before scooping kibbles into the dog's bowl. Coffee is started and I clear up glasses from the living room and pull open curtains while it's brewing. I wipe any crumbs off the counter and table and tidy things up happily. Emma comes down and we have time together before she takes off for school. (it's good to have drivers in my girls. I no longer need to dress and drive her across town to school)
The radio is my background noise and I get the news of the world as I sweep the kitchen floor. What a life! This is my time with God now. Its changed throughout the years and I've no doubt it will change again. The seasons of life working the way they do:)....But how priviledged am I to not have to go milk cows and muck out barns and throw slop to pigs? Maybe that's not a good example because I''m sure if that was my lot I could find time in that to appreciate God as well. I think a better example would be, how priviledged that I don't have to send myself or my children off to the streets to beg or sell themselves to survive for another day....
I love my life and am thankful that the Lord has given me eyes to see what a gift my lot is. How does your day start?
But, I realize that I treasure this morning time. I open the back door for Eli, then switch the gas fireplace on to take the chill of the room before scooping kibbles into the dog's bowl. Coffee is started and I clear up glasses from the living room and pull open curtains while it's brewing. I wipe any crumbs off the counter and table and tidy things up happily. Emma comes down and we have time together before she takes off for school. (it's good to have drivers in my girls. I no longer need to dress and drive her across town to school)
The radio is my background noise and I get the news of the world as I sweep the kitchen floor. What a life! This is my time with God now. Its changed throughout the years and I've no doubt it will change again. The seasons of life working the way they do:)....But how priviledged am I to not have to go milk cows and muck out barns and throw slop to pigs? Maybe that's not a good example because I''m sure if that was my lot I could find time in that to appreciate God as well. I think a better example would be, how priviledged that I don't have to send myself or my children off to the streets to beg or sell themselves to survive for another day....
I love my life and am thankful that the Lord has given me eyes to see what a gift my lot is. How does your day start?
Wednesday, April 2
chewing gum and sheep
I am sitting here sniffing...with tears making streams on my cheeks.
I just finished watching Everything Is Illuminated.
It started out a bit crass. I wondered if I should keep viewing it. It wasn't really capturing my attention. I kept on, as you would with a book that didn't grab you in the first few pages; the equivalent of pushing on for a few chapters.
It started to pick up and suddenly I was there. Thinking of the Peipon family driving those Ukrainian roads and seeing the same sights. And then the little shepard boy appeared and had me howling with laughter. I don't do out loud laughter during movies!
And then...Grandpa had my heart tied into his emotional turmoil. And then...and then....I was humbled and drawn into my head full of stories I've read, heard and been told for years.
I'm confused. By the red.
But I'm delighted by the familiar faces that appear in America. I live in that world all the time! Do I know that person? Haven't I seen them somewere before? Are they local or do I know them from a different state, a lifetime ago?
And then.....I'm warmed by the acceptance in the very end of the family's choice of embracing the"other"........
Cryptic? Yep... But it will all be clear when you watch this. And you'd be silly not to. Because it has, I think, blown every other movie off my favorites list and moved straight to the top....I think....
Just remember to be patient. It doesn't start out as it means to go. If you quit, you will be missing a truly remarkable story.
I just finished watching Everything Is Illuminated.
It started out a bit crass. I wondered if I should keep viewing it. It wasn't really capturing my attention. I kept on, as you would with a book that didn't grab you in the first few pages; the equivalent of pushing on for a few chapters.
It started to pick up and suddenly I was there. Thinking of the Peipon family driving those Ukrainian roads and seeing the same sights. And then the little shepard boy appeared and had me howling with laughter. I don't do out loud laughter during movies!
And then...Grandpa had my heart tied into his emotional turmoil. And then...and then....I was humbled and drawn into my head full of stories I've read, heard and been told for years.
I'm confused. By the red.
But I'm delighted by the familiar faces that appear in America. I live in that world all the time! Do I know that person? Haven't I seen them somewere before? Are they local or do I know them from a different state, a lifetime ago?
And then.....I'm warmed by the acceptance in the very end of the family's choice of embracing the"other"........
Cryptic? Yep... But it will all be clear when you watch this. And you'd be silly not to. Because it has, I think, blown every other movie off my favorites list and moved straight to the top....I think....
Just remember to be patient. It doesn't start out as it means to go. If you quit, you will be missing a truly remarkable story.
Tuesday, April 1
Sneezes and apocolyptic stories
Sickness has been winding through my family this week. So far, it has not touched me. So far. I stayed home with Jedd on friday and kept the store closed. Thom had a taste of it on Sunday, Annie woke up with it Monday and today Emma is home from school with it. Yesterday, Emma and her friend Rachel worked till 11 p.m. on their science project for regionals. Em started sneezing around 7. I have to confess it was the most irritating sneezing I've ever heard. It was non-stop. She assures me vehemently that she was covering her mouth, but I was in the next room and the walls were reverberating with each mini explosion out of her mouth. I was scolding her to stop. I was imploring her to stop. I was begging her to stop. Of course she had no control and couldn't...but I had to try. Maybe it was all the cleaning yesterday that stirred up dust. I've been frantically trying to keep up with the house sanitizing I had last month by the team of ninja-cleaners. It's not easy, but so far, so good. Except for the sneezing....
I have just read Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank. A classic post-apocalyptic story set in Florida in the 50's. If you've never read this, I highly recommend it. I'm now going to pull out and re-read Neville Schute's , On The Beach.
I also have A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver Van Demille going. Any parent who still has kids they're educating, whether home-school, private school, or public school, this is a must read book. I got out of bed at 11 last night to walk down the hall and read this to Jedd, who was still awake and reading in his room.
"Think of a human pair teaching their child how to walk. There is, on the child's side, strong desire and latent powers: he has legs and means to use them. He walks and smiles; he totters and looks alarmed; he falls and cries. the parents smile throughout, showering advice, warning, encouragement and praise. The whole story, not only of teaching, but of man and civilization, is wrapped up in this first academic performance........"
" All the knowledge, skill, art, and science that we use up and revere, up to Einstein's formulas about the stars, is a mere repitition and extension of the intitial feat of learning to walk. But this extension does not take place by itself. Most of it has to be taught, slowly and painfully. There was a time when Einstein was not quite sure what eight times nine came to. He had to learn, and to learn he had to be taught."
___ Jacques Barzun
It was the last two lines that excited me and that I felt compelled to make sure Jedd understood.
The basis of the whole book thus far, is that we can't force education onto each other. Our children must educate themselves. We must be there to mentor them and provide the means. By mentoring, it means we must continually be re-reading classics and learning along with them. Talking through the classics with them and keeping discussion going. And by classics, we're not talking only literature, but the classics in math and science and history etc., so that students understand the "why" and "how" behind the process.... Fascinating!
I have just read Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank. A classic post-apocalyptic story set in Florida in the 50's. If you've never read this, I highly recommend it. I'm now going to pull out and re-read Neville Schute's , On The Beach.
I also have A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver Van Demille going. Any parent who still has kids they're educating, whether home-school, private school, or public school, this is a must read book. I got out of bed at 11 last night to walk down the hall and read this to Jedd, who was still awake and reading in his room.
"Think of a human pair teaching their child how to walk. There is, on the child's side, strong desire and latent powers: he has legs and means to use them. He walks and smiles; he totters and looks alarmed; he falls and cries. the parents smile throughout, showering advice, warning, encouragement and praise. The whole story, not only of teaching, but of man and civilization, is wrapped up in this first academic performance........"
" All the knowledge, skill, art, and science that we use up and revere, up to Einstein's formulas about the stars, is a mere repitition and extension of the intitial feat of learning to walk. But this extension does not take place by itself. Most of it has to be taught, slowly and painfully. There was a time when Einstein was not quite sure what eight times nine came to. He had to learn, and to learn he had to be taught."
___ Jacques Barzun
It was the last two lines that excited me and that I felt compelled to make sure Jedd understood.
The basis of the whole book thus far, is that we can't force education onto each other. Our children must educate themselves. We must be there to mentor them and provide the means. By mentoring, it means we must continually be re-reading classics and learning along with them. Talking through the classics with them and keeping discussion going. And by classics, we're not talking only literature, but the classics in math and science and history etc., so that students understand the "why" and "how" behind the process.... Fascinating!
Wednesday, March 26
baked egg and toast soldiers
I've been on a baked-eggs-for-breakfast kick for a few months. I found the recipe in Nigella Lawson's newest cookbook. I remembered something similar from childhood and it is my newest comfort food. Try it!
I've been doing this for occasional suppers as well.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and put on a full kettle to boil.
Grease a small ovenproof dish or ramekin with butter (one dish per person about a half cup capacity each)
I put a tbls of shredded cheese in the bottom.
Next break a large or extra large egg on top of cheese. I then add a large pinch of Victoria Taylor's toasted onion herb seasoning. Pour a tablespoon of heavy cream or half and half on top of that.
Put the ramekin(s) in another ovenproof dish and pour the boiling water into the larger dish, (not pouring any into the small ramekins) and put the large baking dish into the oven. Set timer for 15 minutes. In the last 3 or 4 minutes of baking I put a slice of bread into the toaster (preferably a slice from homemade bread out of the breadmachine, which has been made with olive oil and rosemary, Jedd's new favorite to bake).
I slice the toast into slivers and eat the egg with those rather than a fork.
YUM!
I've been doing this for occasional suppers as well.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and put on a full kettle to boil.
Grease a small ovenproof dish or ramekin with butter (one dish per person about a half cup capacity each)
I put a tbls of shredded cheese in the bottom.
Next break a large or extra large egg on top of cheese. I then add a large pinch of Victoria Taylor's toasted onion herb seasoning. Pour a tablespoon of heavy cream or half and half on top of that.
Put the ramekin(s) in another ovenproof dish and pour the boiling water into the larger dish, (not pouring any into the small ramekins) and put the large baking dish into the oven. Set timer for 15 minutes. In the last 3 or 4 minutes of baking I put a slice of bread into the toaster (preferably a slice from homemade bread out of the breadmachine, which has been made with olive oil and rosemary, Jedd's new favorite to bake).
I slice the toast into slivers and eat the egg with those rather than a fork.
YUM!
Monday, March 24
The girl scout in me speaks
When we moved to Cambridge from LA, I kept food stocked in case of earthquakes (really), hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms...you name the disaster and I had thought of it and prepared for it. Then came Y2k. Yep, I prepared...just in case. I have never regretted this way of living. It doesn't go bad. Well...except for the bins of whole grain.
After 9/11 I started stocking up again. Gas prices started going up and I watched the price of paper products rocket skyward, just like my mom predicted. My kids have laughed and laughed and laughed at my thought processes. I just figure it gives them great stories for the future holidays when they can laugh around the table with their own kids at my "eccentricities". Thom always says, "do what you feel you need to hon, I'm behind ya..." And slips me whatever extra cash he can afford to.
I have begun ratcheting up the buying in the past few weeks once again. This time the kids are not laughing. They watch the news with me and they're starting to question whether I am buying enough. Jedd with his new bread machine and baking habit keeps loading flour and sugar into the cart, because he hears how prices of these items are rising. I don't stop him. I'm trying to teach them the difference between stocking and "hoarding". It's okay to load up now. As long as it's something we use and buy anyway. But if something happens...banks crash, truckers strike, terrorist attack, terrible natural disaster...then it's too late. Then it's wrong. Then it's hoarding.
I'm sure some of you may be shaking your heads. But I have a feeling there are more of you out there considering doing a bit of extra shopping this week or month, than there was before Y2k. Times are shaky and prices aren't going down any time soon. The dollar is weakening. It's weak. I figure I am actually stimulating the economy whilst I'm preparing as well:)
I hope just like the year 2000 and 9/11 and the lack of natural disasters, that this is all un-necessary. But I also hope my children are learning to think about being prepared. Because it can't hurt.
After 9/11 I started stocking up again. Gas prices started going up and I watched the price of paper products rocket skyward, just like my mom predicted. My kids have laughed and laughed and laughed at my thought processes. I just figure it gives them great stories for the future holidays when they can laugh around the table with their own kids at my "eccentricities". Thom always says, "do what you feel you need to hon, I'm behind ya..." And slips me whatever extra cash he can afford to.
I have begun ratcheting up the buying in the past few weeks once again. This time the kids are not laughing. They watch the news with me and they're starting to question whether I am buying enough. Jedd with his new bread machine and baking habit keeps loading flour and sugar into the cart, because he hears how prices of these items are rising. I don't stop him. I'm trying to teach them the difference between stocking and "hoarding". It's okay to load up now. As long as it's something we use and buy anyway. But if something happens...banks crash, truckers strike, terrorist attack, terrible natural disaster...then it's too late. Then it's wrong. Then it's hoarding.
I'm sure some of you may be shaking your heads. But I have a feeling there are more of you out there considering doing a bit of extra shopping this week or month, than there was before Y2k. Times are shaky and prices aren't going down any time soon. The dollar is weakening. It's weak. I figure I am actually stimulating the economy whilst I'm preparing as well:)
I hope just like the year 2000 and 9/11 and the lack of natural disasters, that this is all un-necessary. But I also hope my children are learning to think about being prepared. Because it can't hurt.
Friday, March 21
a borrowed poem to ponder
On a summer morning
I sat down
on a hillside
to think about God—
a worthy pastime.
Near me, I saw
a single cricket;
it was moving the grains of
the hillside
this way and that way.
How great was its energy,
how humble its effort.
Let us hope
it will always be like this,
each of us going on
in our inexplicable ways
building the universe.
- mary oliver -
I sat down
on a hillside
to think about God—
a worthy pastime.
Near me, I saw
a single cricket;
it was moving the grains of
the hillside
this way and that way.
How great was its energy,
how humble its effort.
Let us hope
it will always be like this,
each of us going on
in our inexplicable ways
building the universe.
- mary oliver -
Thursday, March 13
Jedidiah
Jedd has turned 12 years old today. He's a night owl who'll often stay up towards midnight reading, so I usually let him sleep in till 8:30 or 9 a.m. (okay! sometimes 9:30-10:00!) Thom usually leaves by 6:30 or so for work and Jedd was determined to get up early so he could open presents. He set several alarms for half past 7. I don't know what happened but he was still sleeping when Thom came home at 10 of 8 for the great unwrapping. I had a plate of muffins baked and waiting. I ran upstairs and called to the boy, and for the first time in his short history he was up, dressed and downstairs in under a minute.
If letting him sleep so late in the morning didn't set you to thinking I'm a bad parent this probably will. He was so excited when he tore into the paper and found a lock-picking kit he'd been longing for. Thom gave him a door lock to practice on. He's been at it off and on all day. very persistent young man. He's gotten it unlocked several times, impressing his dad, who has a kit of his own for work purposes, but has never been able to make it work.
We had to return a couple items that didn't fit or weren't as pictured in the Edmund's Scientific catalog so he rode his new bumble-bee-yellow bike while I walked the dog and we went to the post office. He rode circles around me and eli (the dog) and laughed and repeated throughout the day that it was his best birthday ever! Ever! It was just he and I for much of the day. So simple. We went to Walmart, bought hotdogs for his requested birthday meal, (Steamed only, like the ballpark, please) put gas in the car and cashed some birthday checks. We made a giant chocolate chip cookie on a pizza stone in leiu of a cake, and picked out dvds to watch. I love this boy. I love how happy he is when someone just spends time with him.
When Emma came home from school, she invited him to take a ride to Easton with her for her chiropractic "back crack". Then she came home in more pain than she left in, but apparently, that's okay....huh.....anyway....
Thank you Lord for the gift of Jedidiah. Please bless this year for him. Please draw him close to you and lift new veils for him to glean from your word and truth all that you offer. Please let us always appreciate him and the place he holds in this family.
More importantly, please let him always appreciate YOU and the place he holds in your family.
If letting him sleep so late in the morning didn't set you to thinking I'm a bad parent this probably will. He was so excited when he tore into the paper and found a lock-picking kit he'd been longing for. Thom gave him a door lock to practice on. He's been at it off and on all day. very persistent young man. He's gotten it unlocked several times, impressing his dad, who has a kit of his own for work purposes, but has never been able to make it work.
We had to return a couple items that didn't fit or weren't as pictured in the Edmund's Scientific catalog so he rode his new bumble-bee-yellow bike while I walked the dog and we went to the post office. He rode circles around me and eli (the dog) and laughed and repeated throughout the day that it was his best birthday ever! Ever! It was just he and I for much of the day. So simple. We went to Walmart, bought hotdogs for his requested birthday meal, (Steamed only, like the ballpark, please) put gas in the car and cashed some birthday checks. We made a giant chocolate chip cookie on a pizza stone in leiu of a cake, and picked out dvds to watch. I love this boy. I love how happy he is when someone just spends time with him.
When Emma came home from school, she invited him to take a ride to Easton with her for her chiropractic "back crack". Then she came home in more pain than she left in, but apparently, that's okay....huh.....anyway....
Thank you Lord for the gift of Jedidiah. Please bless this year for him. Please draw him close to you and lift new veils for him to glean from your word and truth all that you offer. Please let us always appreciate him and the place he holds in this family.
More importantly, please let him always appreciate YOU and the place he holds in your family.
Monday, March 3
Love in a body slam or having a baby (or babies)
We have had such happy news this past week of another young couple ( Eric and Stephanie!)from church sharing the news of their first pregnancy. It all brings back a rush of memories for me. Overwhelming joy and fear all at once. I'd held other people's babies and been loathe to hand them back to their parents because they felt so good in my arms. But I remember thinking, "what if I don't feel this way once it's mine? What if I don't like my own baby!?" It's not like you can go shopping and pick out the cutest, quietest one who smiles daintily as she/he fills the diaper. And let's not pretend that the thought of expelling that baby from the body doesn't fill the head with terror.
When we found out there were actually two babies (two!) I think our heads split into two different directions. I'm sure Thom started thinking, "how on earth do we feed two?" I started wondering how on earth do I feed two. He was thinking monetarily...I was thinking breastfeeding.
I gained about 40- 42 pounds with the girls. I was put on totally un-necessary bedrest for the last three months. I say unnecessary because I was very healthy, it was just the prescribed thing to do with multiple pregnancies at the time. (a side note: when Thom's mom was pregnant with him, her ob told her not to quit smoking or having her nightly gin and tonic as it would cause her to gain weight! At the time they thought any more than 20 pounds was a danger to the infant!) The girls were born 3 weeks early by c-section and just lovely. Annie, at 5lb 6 oz still had little wee curled ears that hadn't yet unfurled. Emma was a whopping 5 lbs 10 oz. They were so tiny that they mewled like kittens when they cried for the first few weeks...
It's amazing how it hits you when those babies are first placed in your arms. Who knew love could do a body slam? That love isn't just emotional, it's truly physical.
When they were four years old and I became prenant with Jedd, I was once again worried. It certainly couldn't be possible that this little one could bear a place in my heart as strong as the girls...I mean my girls were special ! (it's good that I didn't dwell to deeply on this or I'd probably had developed a complex about my relationship with my mother, me being her third and all...)
I remember reading everything I could lay my hands on about giving birth naturally as I was determined to give birth naturally this time.
I remember going to a new ob this time and my very healthy looking twins skipping alongside for our appointment. First he measured my belly and said ,"I think there's more than one baby, actually I think there's more than two." What! Fear strikes the heart. Then he looks at my rosy-cheeked daughters and says, "Have they been ill?" What? My healthy girls?......No,... they're not healthy girls. They have fifths disease, which he is concerned could affect this pregnancy. My heart sinks.
At 14 weeks we find that it was not three babies, but two. One of whom has died in utero. The top baby, who has a chance of miscarrying and thereby taking the healthy baby with it. God gives peace. ( I have no idea if the fifth's had an effect on the baby or not...I tend to think it was all coincidence)
God also gives me a doctor who trusts the woman's body to do its job the way it was created to. He encourages the vbac delivery. I worry when I gain about 30 pounds because I remember my mother- in -law's rules. that was then. My doc says as long as I'm eating healthy and my blood pressure etc. is fine I'm not to worry at all.:) Good man!
He lets me deliver totally natural and the only worry now is how I'll feel when this child is placed in my arms. Yep. Love does a body slam once again. My child. Three children. Love.
( anyone who wants to hear lovely, happy birth stories feel free to call. I LOVE giving birth! LOVE IT!)
I remember my cousin warning me to live life before I give birth, as once the children come life as we know it ends. What crap! Life begins. Life has meaning. I had love for Thom before children. But the deep love that I have for him after children is astounding! Our marital love has grown as the kids have grown. Our love and faith in Christ has grown exponentially with the addition and growth of children.
We are honored to be given the opportunity to raise children. I am humbled that God trusts me with them. And.... I really, really like my kids:)
When we found out there were actually two babies (two!) I think our heads split into two different directions. I'm sure Thom started thinking, "how on earth do we feed two?" I started wondering how on earth do I feed two. He was thinking monetarily...I was thinking breastfeeding.
I gained about 40- 42 pounds with the girls. I was put on totally un-necessary bedrest for the last three months. I say unnecessary because I was very healthy, it was just the prescribed thing to do with multiple pregnancies at the time. (a side note: when Thom's mom was pregnant with him, her ob told her not to quit smoking or having her nightly gin and tonic as it would cause her to gain weight! At the time they thought any more than 20 pounds was a danger to the infant!) The girls were born 3 weeks early by c-section and just lovely. Annie, at 5lb 6 oz still had little wee curled ears that hadn't yet unfurled. Emma was a whopping 5 lbs 10 oz. They were so tiny that they mewled like kittens when they cried for the first few weeks...
It's amazing how it hits you when those babies are first placed in your arms. Who knew love could do a body slam? That love isn't just emotional, it's truly physical.
When they were four years old and I became prenant with Jedd, I was once again worried. It certainly couldn't be possible that this little one could bear a place in my heart as strong as the girls...I mean my girls were special ! (it's good that I didn't dwell to deeply on this or I'd probably had developed a complex about my relationship with my mother, me being her third and all...)
I remember reading everything I could lay my hands on about giving birth naturally as I was determined to give birth naturally this time.
I remember going to a new ob this time and my very healthy looking twins skipping alongside for our appointment. First he measured my belly and said ,"I think there's more than one baby, actually I think there's more than two." What! Fear strikes the heart. Then he looks at my rosy-cheeked daughters and says, "Have they been ill?" What? My healthy girls?......No,... they're not healthy girls. They have fifths disease, which he is concerned could affect this pregnancy. My heart sinks.
At 14 weeks we find that it was not three babies, but two. One of whom has died in utero. The top baby, who has a chance of miscarrying and thereby taking the healthy baby with it. God gives peace. ( I have no idea if the fifth's had an effect on the baby or not...I tend to think it was all coincidence)
God also gives me a doctor who trusts the woman's body to do its job the way it was created to. He encourages the vbac delivery. I worry when I gain about 30 pounds because I remember my mother- in -law's rules. that was then. My doc says as long as I'm eating healthy and my blood pressure etc. is fine I'm not to worry at all.:) Good man!
He lets me deliver totally natural and the only worry now is how I'll feel when this child is placed in my arms. Yep. Love does a body slam once again. My child. Three children. Love.
( anyone who wants to hear lovely, happy birth stories feel free to call. I LOVE giving birth! LOVE IT!)
I remember my cousin warning me to live life before I give birth, as once the children come life as we know it ends. What crap! Life begins. Life has meaning. I had love for Thom before children. But the deep love that I have for him after children is astounding! Our marital love has grown as the kids have grown. Our love and faith in Christ has grown exponentially with the addition and growth of children.
We are honored to be given the opportunity to raise children. I am humbled that God trusts me with them. And.... I really, really like my kids:)
Wednesday, February 27
67,000 miles per hour
Per the post I posted last night;
Rent, buy, beg to borrow the movie "Martian Child". It was truly wonderful and viewable for the entire family. Imagine that! A movie the whole family can sit together and watch with no squirmy moments.
I'm just going to let this movie play over again and again all day in my brain. And smile dumbly at work when remembering bits of it.
And since my mom is leaving tomorrow for Alaska and just this morning threw out the information of Earth's tilt and it's effect on that portion of the world, I was able to toss back the equally useless morning information that we're spinning around the sun at 67 thousand miles per hour, (which I knew because of this movie, but she can hold tightly to the idea that I know this because of the fabulous education she provided for me:) ) A movie that keeps giving joy to many people on many levels.
Rent, buy, beg to borrow the movie "Martian Child". It was truly wonderful and viewable for the entire family. Imagine that! A movie the whole family can sit together and watch with no squirmy moments.
I'm just going to let this movie play over again and again all day in my brain. And smile dumbly at work when remembering bits of it.
And since my mom is leaving tomorrow for Alaska and just this morning threw out the information of Earth's tilt and it's effect on that portion of the world, I was able to toss back the equally useless morning information that we're spinning around the sun at 67 thousand miles per hour, (which I knew because of this movie, but she can hold tightly to the idea that I know this because of the fabulous education she provided for me:) ) A movie that keeps giving joy to many people on many levels.
Tuesday, February 26
family night
I've been reading the Drudgereport which led me to some article which states that the North of North America has had the largest amount of snowfall since records have been kept. Really? Well, while I'm thrilled to hear this as it may slow down the political bandwagon that is screaming to tax us on carbon-outputs (whatever that means), I'm still standing daily at my window looking for the white flakes to pile up outside my door. Come on. Yes, the schools have been canceled a few times this year, but not for the desired drifts of the white powder in my dreams.....
I am sitting in my rosy wing chair by a snapping fire in my hearth. Jedd and I re-arranged the living room yesterday. It is now much more conducive to coziness. The kids are sprawled out on the red sectional sofa meant to seat at least 12 people at a time, that I bought on an impulse and in my mind never really worked in this room. But now...we have it placed with it's back to the fireplace. A move I formerly rejected as bad since it would put our backs to the flames. But...the flow is actually better this way. For the first time in years, I actually like this room. Annie and Henley have brought home a movie called Martian Child. Should be an interesting evening. But in case it turns out to be as dreadful as its name, I have a pile of books to my left and a laptop on my....lap....Here's the pile:
Fascinating Facts from the World of Discovery
Charlotte Sometime
Tramp for the Lord
Tortured For Christ
All God's Children and Blue Suede Shoes
and a King Arthur Baking Catalog
and here comes Thom with a laptop to join the crew.....
Annie is scolding Emma for placing her jug of Iced tea in the middle of the coffee table, thereby presenting an obstacle to Annie's viewing pleasure of American Idol, the preshow to the Martian Movie. Henley's school is on winter vacation so she's spending the night. Annie just got a call that she doesn't have to work tomorrow after all. Now, Emma is lobbying me to let her take the day off of school so she can be with the girls. I'll make her sweat it a bit. I usually try and talk her into staying home because we miss her while she's away. She rarely does though... responsible child:)
I am sitting in my rosy wing chair by a snapping fire in my hearth. Jedd and I re-arranged the living room yesterday. It is now much more conducive to coziness. The kids are sprawled out on the red sectional sofa meant to seat at least 12 people at a time, that I bought on an impulse and in my mind never really worked in this room. But now...we have it placed with it's back to the fireplace. A move I formerly rejected as bad since it would put our backs to the flames. But...the flow is actually better this way. For the first time in years, I actually like this room. Annie and Henley have brought home a movie called Martian Child. Should be an interesting evening. But in case it turns out to be as dreadful as its name, I have a pile of books to my left and a laptop on my....lap....Here's the pile:
Fascinating Facts from the World of Discovery
Charlotte Sometime
Tramp for the Lord
Tortured For Christ
All God's Children and Blue Suede Shoes
and a King Arthur Baking Catalog
and here comes Thom with a laptop to join the crew.....
Annie is scolding Emma for placing her jug of Iced tea in the middle of the coffee table, thereby presenting an obstacle to Annie's viewing pleasure of American Idol, the preshow to the Martian Movie. Henley's school is on winter vacation so she's spending the night. Annie just got a call that she doesn't have to work tomorrow after all. Now, Emma is lobbying me to let her take the day off of school so she can be with the girls. I'll make her sweat it a bit. I usually try and talk her into staying home because we miss her while she's away. She rarely does though... responsible child:)
Thursday, February 21
chocolate and flours
It's my free day with the boy today. We have big plans to go purchase proper bread flour (king arthur, of course) powdered buttermilk, fresh yeast....oh the day we'll have with our new bread machine.
We couldn't find the paddle to the other bread machine. I was going to order a new paddle and then remembered all the loaves had been burning anyway which was why we stopped baking to begin with. So, since I had a gift card to William-Sonoma (thanks Henley and Cavin!), I decided to order a whole new machine. Here's why..
Jedd has turned into a little chef. Actually, this past week he has been into confectionary creations. I can't give away his secret ingredients, but he's been creating these candy bars that are truly mouthwatering. They're semi-sweet chocolate with caramel and a secret crunch ingredient added. I've packed a few pounds in the spirit of being a chief tester for my boy. I don't have a double boiler so he melts the chocolate in a small saucepan which rests on an english muffin ring sitting in boiling water in a small frying pan. Sounds dangerous doesn't it? I just ordered 10 pounds of milk and semi-sweet wilbur buds for him to continue the experimentation. All in the name of homeschooling of course.
His birthday is coming in a few weeks. I've been thinking about buying him one of those new silicone bowls which fits into any pot and works as both a double boiler and a baking pan. Then when he's not melting chocolate he can bake a cake!
That said, I figure each day the family can have fresh bread which Jedd can bake for us. Let me give an example of his naturalness in the kitchen...
Over New Year's Annie was cooking dinner for the family. It was a chicken recipe she'd learned from Sarah Meadows while visiting her in Colorado last October. She was splitting the boneless breasts and was frustrated at the thickness of them and trying to pound them thinner. She proceeded to attempt it incorrectly. Her 11 year old brother walked up to her and said, " Annie, you're doing it wrong. You need to butterfly those. " And then he proceeded to butterfly the breasts for her.
Is that not the greatest?
We couldn't find the paddle to the other bread machine. I was going to order a new paddle and then remembered all the loaves had been burning anyway which was why we stopped baking to begin with. So, since I had a gift card to William-Sonoma (thanks Henley and Cavin!), I decided to order a whole new machine. Here's why..
Jedd has turned into a little chef. Actually, this past week he has been into confectionary creations. I can't give away his secret ingredients, but he's been creating these candy bars that are truly mouthwatering. They're semi-sweet chocolate with caramel and a secret crunch ingredient added. I've packed a few pounds in the spirit of being a chief tester for my boy. I don't have a double boiler so he melts the chocolate in a small saucepan which rests on an english muffin ring sitting in boiling water in a small frying pan. Sounds dangerous doesn't it? I just ordered 10 pounds of milk and semi-sweet wilbur buds for him to continue the experimentation. All in the name of homeschooling of course.
His birthday is coming in a few weeks. I've been thinking about buying him one of those new silicone bowls which fits into any pot and works as both a double boiler and a baking pan. Then when he's not melting chocolate he can bake a cake!
That said, I figure each day the family can have fresh bread which Jedd can bake for us. Let me give an example of his naturalness in the kitchen...
Over New Year's Annie was cooking dinner for the family. It was a chicken recipe she'd learned from Sarah Meadows while visiting her in Colorado last October. She was splitting the boneless breasts and was frustrated at the thickness of them and trying to pound them thinner. She proceeded to attempt it incorrectly. Her 11 year old brother walked up to her and said, " Annie, you're doing it wrong. You need to butterfly those. " And then he proceeded to butterfly the breasts for her.
Is that not the greatest?
Wednesday, February 20
white snow and sour cream
It is spilling whiteness outside! Happy, happy me! Big, fat, fluffy flakes have been falling steadily for hours now. My new bread machine arrived by UPS this afternoon and Jedd and I are awaiting our first loaf with anticipation and a distinct lack of patience. We're making a plain white loaf. But we didn't have any dry powdered milk so I substituted sour cream. SOUR CREAM?! Why? I have no idea....We immediately started pouring necessary ingredients in the bread bowl and when we got to the second to last ingredient...we didn't have it. Jedd was worried so I did a total improvisation with complete assurance to the lad that it would work. Hunh! Well, we have about half an hour till we see how this turns out.
I confess I'm giggling here. Because my plan if it doesn't work? I'm blaming it on the humidity due to the snow. Which could be true....
I confess I'm giggling here. Because my plan if it doesn't work? I'm blaming it on the humidity due to the snow. Which could be true....
Monday, February 11
adjective-less
Two weeks ago today, I took Jedd and Emma to the Holocaust Museum in D.C..
I couldn't blog about it then; it was and remains an experience that there simply are no adjectives available in my limited vocabulary to describe our time there. We came out of the building and every once in a while one of the kids would say something to the effect of, "thanks Mom, that was fun." And we'd all kind of go, "uuh, no...wrong word. Not fun. "
Let me put it this way. When we take Jedd to a museum, be it Natural History, Air and Space, whatever, he's good for an hour ,maybe an hour and a half, before the complaints start flying off his tongue. "I'm hungry, my legs hurt, I'm tired, let's go home now....." You get the picture.
We went into the holocaust Museum at 11:30a.m. At 3 p.m., in front one of the last exhibits my stomach gave out a monstrous growl demanding food. Jedd had just started to complain. We'd been there for 3 1/2 hours! We were reading everything on the walls and exhibits. It was so very quiet in there. It was a good day with my children.
We made it into the book store and loaded up on more reading materials. I was just grabbing books and filling my arms. Since the museum is part of the Smithsonian there is no entry fee. I wanted to do my part to support it, so did so by supporting the bookshop. When we got home and Annie and Emma were actually looking through my hurried selections (hurried because we all needed to eat immediately), they laughed because we already owned several of them. The covers had changed so I didn't recognize them.
It did stump me a bit in there (the shop)though, it was actually a small gift shop. Who really wants a key chain or shotglass with the Holocaust Museum on it? Really, who? I'd not want to receive a postcard from there. Or how about a t-shirt? "My grandma went to the Holocaust Museum and all I got was this lousy t-shirt!" No thanks.
I couldn't blog about it then; it was and remains an experience that there simply are no adjectives available in my limited vocabulary to describe our time there. We came out of the building and every once in a while one of the kids would say something to the effect of, "thanks Mom, that was fun." And we'd all kind of go, "uuh, no...wrong word. Not fun. "
Let me put it this way. When we take Jedd to a museum, be it Natural History, Air and Space, whatever, he's good for an hour ,maybe an hour and a half, before the complaints start flying off his tongue. "I'm hungry, my legs hurt, I'm tired, let's go home now....." You get the picture.
We went into the holocaust Museum at 11:30a.m. At 3 p.m., in front one of the last exhibits my stomach gave out a monstrous growl demanding food. Jedd had just started to complain. We'd been there for 3 1/2 hours! We were reading everything on the walls and exhibits. It was so very quiet in there. It was a good day with my children.
We made it into the book store and loaded up on more reading materials. I was just grabbing books and filling my arms. Since the museum is part of the Smithsonian there is no entry fee. I wanted to do my part to support it, so did so by supporting the bookshop. When we got home and Annie and Emma were actually looking through my hurried selections (hurried because we all needed to eat immediately), they laughed because we already owned several of them. The covers had changed so I didn't recognize them.
It did stump me a bit in there (the shop)though, it was actually a small gift shop. Who really wants a key chain or shotglass with the Holocaust Museum on it? Really, who? I'd not want to receive a postcard from there. Or how about a t-shirt? "My grandma went to the Holocaust Museum and all I got was this lousy t-shirt!" No thanks.
Friday, February 8
conundrum? or stupid technological brain glitch
Have you ever lost your credit card and couldn't remember your online code to your account to that card. And when you looked for any type of paperwork from which to claim the account number to enter into the computer to retrieve a new passcode, you realize you have no paperwork with any numbers on it, because you are now only doing online business with that credit card company? It's a real problem....I might go as far as calling it a conundrum. And I like to reserve that word for real puzzles of the mind.
Thursday, February 7
fish paste and CAKE
I'm inspired and brimming with new ideas for the shop which need to be implemented soon, before I lose momentum. NYC was bursting at the seams with vendors and merchandise for me to choose from; and choose I did. I haven't sat down with the numbers yet as I'm sure I went over budget and don't want to burst my balloon of happiness quite yet. We (being Emma, Janna and myself) went to the Metropolitan Pavillion for New York's Newest, which I'd never made it over for previously due to lack of time. It was the most relaxed bit of show I'd ever attended and it made buying sweet. Emma chose 2 lines for the shop. One is a Canadian company called CAKE. They carry high end body care products for young adults. Body butters, hair powders (they sold us!) lip care. The other was a monogramed series from over in handmade ( in the Javitz center). Sterling necklaces with very nice monograms over vintage prints.
We also ordered a monogramming series of stamps and embossers from which we can order addresses, sayings, etc. They'll make wonderful birthday, wedding and housewarming presents. So, we tried to find more consumables that will bring back repeat business.
It was really fun to have Emma with me and get her opinion on products. She has a true sense of purchasing and an eye toward design. She certainly was a valuable asset to the trip, not just a daughter tagging along. She jumped right into the spirit of the time and was endlessly patient. I mean endlessly. These days are exhausting and painful on the body. She never asked for a break or showed any signs of boredom.
Each one of us three chose a line on our own that we felt strongly about, but that for one reason or another the others maybe weren't 100 % sold on. Maybe due to cost or not quite what we've sold in the past so it would be a new direction. It will be fun to watch them...It makes it a bit like a game. Which one will sell best or worst...It's truly impossible to know!
We had dinner at Becco again with my sister in law and niece, who came up from jersey for the night. It was good, but now as exciting as last August. The winner this time was Wan Jo in Korean Way with Thom's brother, Jack. It's a place he frequents often and was gracious to extend an invitation to be his guests there. We arrived at 8:30 and were taken up a flight of stairs to a table set against a wall in a room ful of diners. Most of whom were Korean. That's a good sign! Jack was to meet us there after his last class at NYU where he's a professor of something very technical and way to comprehensive for me to ever figure out how it's taught to others.
We let him order for us and soon many little dishes were scattered around a covered grill in the center of the table and 3 plates of raw marinated beef and chicken were set on the side of the table. There was daikon and seaweed salad, steamed eggs and pressed rice sheets along with marinated cabbage and I think a paste of chickpeas, along with fish and fish paste- covered strips of something mysterious. And more. Someone came and lifted the grill cover and inserted red-hot coals into our table and put some of the meat onto cook and then left. After a few minutes Jack said he'd probably be scolded for doing so, but proceeded to turn the meat. A waitress scurried over and indeed took the tongs from him gently and thanked him like you'd thank a child whose help you really didn't want. We all laughed. It was a good trick as it got their attention to our table. Soon they were back to load our plates with the meat and to add more to the grill. To call it good would be a gross understatement. It was truly a gastronomical treat to the taste buds. We all filled ourselves senseless. Yet still had room for the chilled fruit tray at the end of the meal. I cannot wait to go back for more. It would be worth a day trip just to eat at this resaurant. It's right off Herald square. I think it was 32nd between 5th and 6th. May have been 35th. Just look for the Korean Way sign off the square on Broadway. Thanks again Jack!
We also ordered a monogramming series of stamps and embossers from which we can order addresses, sayings, etc. They'll make wonderful birthday, wedding and housewarming presents. So, we tried to find more consumables that will bring back repeat business.
It was really fun to have Emma with me and get her opinion on products. She has a true sense of purchasing and an eye toward design. She certainly was a valuable asset to the trip, not just a daughter tagging along. She jumped right into the spirit of the time and was endlessly patient. I mean endlessly. These days are exhausting and painful on the body. She never asked for a break or showed any signs of boredom.
Each one of us three chose a line on our own that we felt strongly about, but that for one reason or another the others maybe weren't 100 % sold on. Maybe due to cost or not quite what we've sold in the past so it would be a new direction. It will be fun to watch them...It makes it a bit like a game. Which one will sell best or worst...It's truly impossible to know!
We had dinner at Becco again with my sister in law and niece, who came up from jersey for the night. It was good, but now as exciting as last August. The winner this time was Wan Jo in Korean Way with Thom's brother, Jack. It's a place he frequents often and was gracious to extend an invitation to be his guests there. We arrived at 8:30 and were taken up a flight of stairs to a table set against a wall in a room ful of diners. Most of whom were Korean. That's a good sign! Jack was to meet us there after his last class at NYU where he's a professor of something very technical and way to comprehensive for me to ever figure out how it's taught to others.
We let him order for us and soon many little dishes were scattered around a covered grill in the center of the table and 3 plates of raw marinated beef and chicken were set on the side of the table. There was daikon and seaweed salad, steamed eggs and pressed rice sheets along with marinated cabbage and I think a paste of chickpeas, along with fish and fish paste- covered strips of something mysterious. And more. Someone came and lifted the grill cover and inserted red-hot coals into our table and put some of the meat onto cook and then left. After a few minutes Jack said he'd probably be scolded for doing so, but proceeded to turn the meat. A waitress scurried over and indeed took the tongs from him gently and thanked him like you'd thank a child whose help you really didn't want. We all laughed. It was a good trick as it got their attention to our table. Soon they were back to load our plates with the meat and to add more to the grill. To call it good would be a gross understatement. It was truly a gastronomical treat to the taste buds. We all filled ourselves senseless. Yet still had room for the chilled fruit tray at the end of the meal. I cannot wait to go back for more. It would be worth a day trip just to eat at this resaurant. It's right off Herald square. I think it was 32nd between 5th and 6th. May have been 35th. Just look for the Korean Way sign off the square on Broadway. Thanks again Jack!
Saturday, February 2
off to NYC
Tiredness courses through my body right now. I'm doing laundry and making preparations for my trip tomorrow to NYC. Trying to imagine everything I need to pack so as to prevent any frustration at forgetfulness in the coming days, while keeping it all contained in one small overnight bag. I know I'll need to lug bags from hotel to parking garage and that could be several city blocks.
I get very excited every six months at this pilgrimage to the Gift Show to see up and coming trends for home decor and to try and determine what will sell here in good old Cambridge. It's all a big game really.
Emma is coming with me. I'm so pleased to have her see this whole process of choosing and buying and trying to stay within some kind of budget. It's easy to get carried away and spend money I don't have. I'm a bit concerned about the economy of course. I know people who aren't going to the show because they think they should hold back until they know which way the wind is blowing with respect to above said economy. I'm of the school of thought that says if I want people to part with their dear dollars I had better have some new and exciting things for them to select from. Who's to know what is the right thing to do. That darn hindsight would come in very handy right now!
We have reservations at Becco, that wonderful Italian restaurant I blogged about back in August. I'm salivating at the thought of another meal there! And of course a trip to Anthropologie is in order. Well, we are to be up and out by 5 a.m. Sunday morning, so I'd best be off to bed. We'll be back in a few days. Talk with you then.
I get very excited every six months at this pilgrimage to the Gift Show to see up and coming trends for home decor and to try and determine what will sell here in good old Cambridge. It's all a big game really.
Emma is coming with me. I'm so pleased to have her see this whole process of choosing and buying and trying to stay within some kind of budget. It's easy to get carried away and spend money I don't have. I'm a bit concerned about the economy of course. I know people who aren't going to the show because they think they should hold back until they know which way the wind is blowing with respect to above said economy. I'm of the school of thought that says if I want people to part with their dear dollars I had better have some new and exciting things for them to select from. Who's to know what is the right thing to do. That darn hindsight would come in very handy right now!
We have reservations at Becco, that wonderful Italian restaurant I blogged about back in August. I'm salivating at the thought of another meal there! And of course a trip to Anthropologie is in order. Well, we are to be up and out by 5 a.m. Sunday morning, so I'd best be off to bed. We'll be back in a few days. Talk with you then.
Thursday, January 31
vinegar and dust bunnies
I walked down the stairs this morning with a happy step. My house is clean. Everywhere I look....cleaness. Thom had a cleaning crew of three(!) come in yesterday. It took them an entire work day to wade through this nightmare we call home. I'm not sure what the problem has been. I just know the need for a dustbunny-free hall has been low on my list, ( otherwise, I'd've cleaned it) while it has been very high in my desires. I hate disorder. I want clutter-free and dust-free and dirt-free environments for myself and my family. But I seem to be incapable of providing them of late. Yeah, I know all you working moms will jump to sisterhood here and explain my busy day as the culprit. And yes, homeschooling and a full time job do sound like they're time eaters. But I know the truth. I know that there are hours in the evening when I have a book opened on my lap and a fire at my feet. I know there is time to clean. I even tell myself, just get up and wipe down the baseboards. It can be done in 10 minutes and then it'll be done! How long can it take to put a load of towels away? If I did a bit each night....well.....I don't. I'm slothful. I'm not proud. I'm horrified with myself.
But now? It is sparkling with an ever so slight smell of vinegar. Wow! These women must take it very serious if vinegar was used. I feel like avian flu was probably a risk factor in corners of this house yesterday morning, but now....zapped by vinegar.
Thank you, Thank you, thank you, Thom. You wonder among men, who takes care of your family so dearly. Maybe we can make it last....maybe.....
I am off to my shimmery shower now....
But now? It is sparkling with an ever so slight smell of vinegar. Wow! These women must take it very serious if vinegar was used. I feel like avian flu was probably a risk factor in corners of this house yesterday morning, but now....zapped by vinegar.
Thank you, Thank you, thank you, Thom. You wonder among men, who takes care of your family so dearly. Maybe we can make it last....maybe.....
I am off to my shimmery shower now....
Wednesday, January 30
kate vs. coffee
My heart is pounding madly and I'm breaking out in sweat beads. Why? I had a second cup of caffeine this morning. I'm now miserable. I want it to stop. It won't. I feel like I have a connection to judy garland and her prescription drug addiction. If there was something available to counteract this pulsing feeling of energy in my limbs I'd take it. Now.
Also...my head feels like a bag full of scrabble tiles all trying to form words at once. I need to s...l...o...w....down.
Also...my head feels like a bag full of scrabble tiles all trying to form words at once. I need to s...l...o...w....down.
Wednesday, January 16
sickness and fire
Does anyone remember a few blogposts back when I referred to Haley's blog and seconded the motion on how it would be okay with me if I was to get "sick" for a few days so I could lay around and read and watch television?
Well, let me amend that. I've had some kind of minor flu-bug. I say minor because I imagine the real thing lasts more than a day and a half. I was struck, out of the blue, with an intense headache on Monday afternoon, which lead to nausea and vomiting (sorry if that's too much info). What was I thinking? Noone wants to read or watch tv when they're ill in such a manner. They want to pass over to the next world....
We had a major fire here in town and Thom was there till about 11 p.m. Tuesday night going through one of the buildings, which he had recently finished renovating, trying to assess the damage (extensive). When he came home exhausted, and melted into a chair, I was still so sick I couldn't be near him because the smell of smoke permeated from him and made me feel the need to run for the ivory throne and expell the ice chips I'd been sucking. Just when my husband most needed a loving touch from his wife, I had to stay far away from him, because even after he'd showered the scent of the fire was deep in his skin. So, I'm done with needing some sick days. About 3 a.m. this morning I woke up in the chair I was sleeping in, wondering what was different. Then I realized...my head no longer hurt! Praise the Lord!!!
I can't imagine how I'd cope with a serious illess like our friend Damien. Here I always thought I was tough skinned. Well, I'm not....I'm a full blown baby....When the phone rang Monday night and I looked at the caller i.d. I answered it like this, "mommy, I'm siiiick". Alright, I did it to get a laugh out of Jedd, but still.....
Tuesday I couldn't get comfortable in any position so Jedd and Annie, dear children that they are, brought down Thom's horrid brown plether bark-a-lounger through 5 doorways and a flight of stairs so I could rest comfortably! What did I ever do to deserve these children?
Emma, bless her, wanted to take care of me when she got home from school, but she was afraid I might vomit in front of her and kept fleeing from the room.....
Thankyou Lord, for a quick recovery. I know I did absolutely nothing to deserve you!!!
Please keep burnt out shopkeepers, Kevin and Karen, and Sims and Dennis in your prayers, as well as the tenants that have been temporarily relocated to a motel until Thom can get their apartments re-habitable.
Well, let me amend that. I've had some kind of minor flu-bug. I say minor because I imagine the real thing lasts more than a day and a half. I was struck, out of the blue, with an intense headache on Monday afternoon, which lead to nausea and vomiting (sorry if that's too much info). What was I thinking? Noone wants to read or watch tv when they're ill in such a manner. They want to pass over to the next world....
We had a major fire here in town and Thom was there till about 11 p.m. Tuesday night going through one of the buildings, which he had recently finished renovating, trying to assess the damage (extensive). When he came home exhausted, and melted into a chair, I was still so sick I couldn't be near him because the smell of smoke permeated from him and made me feel the need to run for the ivory throne and expell the ice chips I'd been sucking. Just when my husband most needed a loving touch from his wife, I had to stay far away from him, because even after he'd showered the scent of the fire was deep in his skin. So, I'm done with needing some sick days. About 3 a.m. this morning I woke up in the chair I was sleeping in, wondering what was different. Then I realized...my head no longer hurt! Praise the Lord!!!
I can't imagine how I'd cope with a serious illess like our friend Damien. Here I always thought I was tough skinned. Well, I'm not....I'm a full blown baby....When the phone rang Monday night and I looked at the caller i.d. I answered it like this, "mommy, I'm siiiick". Alright, I did it to get a laugh out of Jedd, but still.....
Tuesday I couldn't get comfortable in any position so Jedd and Annie, dear children that they are, brought down Thom's horrid brown plether bark-a-lounger through 5 doorways and a flight of stairs so I could rest comfortably! What did I ever do to deserve these children?
Emma, bless her, wanted to take care of me when she got home from school, but she was afraid I might vomit in front of her and kept fleeing from the room.....
Thankyou Lord, for a quick recovery. I know I did absolutely nothing to deserve you!!!
Please keep burnt out shopkeepers, Kevin and Karen, and Sims and Dennis in your prayers, as well as the tenants that have been temporarily relocated to a motel until Thom can get their apartments re-habitable.
Tuesday, January 8
2008
New Year's Eve was spent with my family in Vermont. It was wonderful- snow fell for days and my aunt and uncle's home is like a northern Disneyland for outdoor sports and indoor relaxation. My brother, Jeff, brought over his snowmobile as well and Jedd will never be the same. I walked by a window and glanced out, I saw my 11 y.o. son sittting ona snowmobile by himself and thought, "how nice of the guys to let him sit on it alone." The next thing I see the lad is driving off to manly cheers. He did a small circle and came back slowly to the guys. My brother said, "take off Jedd! Have fun! Go for it!" and Jedd
did. I threw clothes on and went out and jumped on another. It was my uncle's new HUGE one. It was scary. I circled back and asked for a smaller one, please. He brought out my aunt's. Ah yes. This was better. But the snow was beating into my helmut so hard that even with the defogger, I found it disconcerting. Oh, and Jedd outgrew his snowpants but we didn't realize that in time. So he now had my snowbibs tied up and around his neck and back to make them fit. I tried sqeezing into Emma's but the button closing? yeah, that wasn't happening. So I was out in conditions very close to blizzard force in nothing but a pair of bluejeans. Smart? Not so much. I was cozy everywhere else though, just the darn legs.I returned the snowmobile And the three of them took off. (see 2nd photo)
My dear aunt stuck her head out the door and asked if I wanted a playmate. Of course I did! She whipped on snowclothes and was out pulling toboggans and sleds in an astonishingly quick flash. We went to the hills behind the house and started down. Whoo hoo! The men came around the corner to ferry up the sleds. Jeff comes up with the brilliant idea of tying my rope through the back of the snowmobile and holding on. Oh my gosh! Besides the several feet of snow that piled up on me and the fact that I always ended up in a pile while he kept going...what fun! At one point I realized that the pain in my legs was not going away and I started to wonder what exactly frostbite felt like in it's beginning stages. I threw snowballs at a window to get my mom's attention and pleaded with her to come open the back door. I suddenly didn't think I could make it around to the front or side doors. She helped me peel off the layers. But when it came to the legs, there were no layers My jeans actually stood up by themselves when removed. My legs were like iceblocks. I was an idiot! Who does that? I think she did start to scold me before she took pity on me.
Upstairs for a cribbage marathon. It is my new all-consuming passion. Right word? Probably not, let's just say I learned this a few months back when my mom, aunt and uncle came to visit and I am addicted to this game. Anyone play or want to learn? So far it's just Jedd and I here in the Huntington home who have the bug. And Jedd is amazingly good.
Today, it is back to work. Can I be honest here? I do not want to go back! Anyone want to buy a business? Thom assures me that once I'm back it'll be fine. We'll see....we'll see.......
This photo doesn't belong here, but I'm sticking it in for fun. Me and mom dancing with stuffed animals in our pajamas. Sometimes you need to publicize a photo like this to keep yourself humble....
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