The next few days are going to be pretty hectic in my household, like millions around the world, heading up to Christmas Day.
And so I thought, just in case I can't find a moment before then, I'd do my holiday wishes today.
Happy Hannukah!
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Happy New Year!
Happy Kwanzaa!
so... did I forget anyone?? lol
anyway, May God's blessings protect us all, keep us safe from harm, keep us healthy and happy, and bring us all together again as the new year begins. . . .
amen.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Signs of the times
I hear it in the news every time I watch the news, which, granted, is not every day: the economy is bad.
And, yes, I see that in the stock market declines, in the dropping price of gasoline, on the front pages of my daily Wall Street Journal and Financial Times.
But I'm beginning to really "see" it for myself.
Yesterday, I went Christmas shopping. It was 8 days before Christmas; the stores should have been buzzing. They weren't. In fact, some of them were downright empty.
I went to a Marshall's, a company I worked for back in the day for 6 years. We NEVER, ever did markdowns on Christmas merchandise before Christmas!! But, yesterday, what to my wondering eyes should appear? An aisle full of Christmas decor clearance priced, on December 17. And the aisles of "my" Marshall's were always jammed full of shoppers this close to the holiday; yesterday, the store was largely empty.
Then, I went to TJ Maxx, Marshalls' sister store, where there were more customers, but also, a lot more merchandise on the shelves which leads me to think that sales have been slow, thus far. The Christmas merchandise should be almost gone, and it wasn't.
Stops at WalMart, Target, and Lowe's also revealed few shoppers, compared to this time of years past, and early markdowns.
Another "odd" sign.... very few Christmas cards in my mailbox. I don't think I've offended that many people in the past year that they would drop me from their mailing list for personal reasons; I can only assume people are cutting out the non-essentials, like Christmas cards.
It's just weird, I tell you. I "know" people are hurting; I know businesses are going under; I know these things intellectually. But to see them with my own eyes, in my little space of midwest America, is weird. And scary. And humbling.
I still believe the best advice (for most of us) is to live frugally, practice simplicity, hunker down and don't panic. And if cutting out Christmas cards helps keep food on your table, I won't be offended that I didn't get one this year.
And, yes, I see that in the stock market declines, in the dropping price of gasoline, on the front pages of my daily Wall Street Journal and Financial Times.
But I'm beginning to really "see" it for myself.
Yesterday, I went Christmas shopping. It was 8 days before Christmas; the stores should have been buzzing. They weren't. In fact, some of them were downright empty.
I went to a Marshall's, a company I worked for back in the day for 6 years. We NEVER, ever did markdowns on Christmas merchandise before Christmas!! But, yesterday, what to my wondering eyes should appear? An aisle full of Christmas decor clearance priced, on December 17. And the aisles of "my" Marshall's were always jammed full of shoppers this close to the holiday; yesterday, the store was largely empty.
Then, I went to TJ Maxx, Marshalls' sister store, where there were more customers, but also, a lot more merchandise on the shelves which leads me to think that sales have been slow, thus far. The Christmas merchandise should be almost gone, and it wasn't.
Stops at WalMart, Target, and Lowe's also revealed few shoppers, compared to this time of years past, and early markdowns.
Another "odd" sign.... very few Christmas cards in my mailbox. I don't think I've offended that many people in the past year that they would drop me from their mailing list for personal reasons; I can only assume people are cutting out the non-essentials, like Christmas cards.
It's just weird, I tell you. I "know" people are hurting; I know businesses are going under; I know these things intellectually. But to see them with my own eyes, in my little space of midwest America, is weird. And scary. And humbling.
I still believe the best advice (for most of us) is to live frugally, practice simplicity, hunker down and don't panic. And if cutting out Christmas cards helps keep food on your table, I won't be offended that I didn't get one this year.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Taking the Bypass
Last night, as I was lying awake in bed, not sure why I was awake, I had a realization. A moment of "duh."
So, last Monday, my GP, who is a DO by the way (which has nothing to do with anything, just for the record), said he thinks I have "torn cartilage" in my knee which 99% of the time means torn meniscus. He sent me for an x-ray which was negative, which is what he expected. He said I'd return to see him in 2 weeks, at which time he'd order an MRI which would show the tear and then he'd refer me to an orthopedist.
I don't need a referral. Duh.
I called the orthopedist's office this morning and referred myself. Done.
Why wait for all that other unnecessary hoop-jumping?
Duh.
So, last Monday, my GP, who is a DO by the way (which has nothing to do with anything, just for the record), said he thinks I have "torn cartilage" in my knee which 99% of the time means torn meniscus. He sent me for an x-ray which was negative, which is what he expected. He said I'd return to see him in 2 weeks, at which time he'd order an MRI which would show the tear and then he'd refer me to an orthopedist.
I don't need a referral. Duh.
I called the orthopedist's office this morning and referred myself. Done.
Why wait for all that other unnecessary hoop-jumping?
Duh.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
OY, the stress
My senior year, my last semester of college was NOT that long ago. I returned to college at the ripe old age of 41 to finish my degree, so I remember it clearly. As a matter of fact, I remember most of that insane time very clearly. I did 3 years' worth of college work in 2 years + a summer, cramming in overloaded semester after overloaded semester. Heck, 18 hours was nothing unusual for me. I took 21 hours one semester so I could graduate as soon as possible.
My major was history; my minor art history. Both subjects are reading and writing intensive, to say the least. I read constantly; I wrote almost constantly. Yet, I never came down to the wire with grades at stake. (Well, actually once, I did, but that's a whole 'nuther story about a crazy prof....) I knew, going into finals' week, where I stood. And I pretty much knew what I would get in every class I was taking.
How was this possible?? Because I banked points during the semester, so that my grade would not depend on the final test or paper. More than once, all I really needed to do was show up for the final and give a half-ass effort, and I could walk away with a B. However, I'm a little anal about grades, and for me, anything less than an A might as well be failing. Yes, it's a sickness, and yes, it's hard living that way, but it is how I is.
So you can imagine my stress as I sit here and watch my son, the senior poli sci student, slogging thru take home finals and studying for in-class exams while pausing every so often to re-run yet another GPA scenario. . . .
My major was history; my minor art history. Both subjects are reading and writing intensive, to say the least. I read constantly; I wrote almost constantly. Yet, I never came down to the wire with grades at stake. (Well, actually once, I did, but that's a whole 'nuther story about a crazy prof....) I knew, going into finals' week, where I stood. And I pretty much knew what I would get in every class I was taking.
How was this possible?? Because I banked points during the semester, so that my grade would not depend on the final test or paper. More than once, all I really needed to do was show up for the final and give a half-ass effort, and I could walk away with a B. However, I'm a little anal about grades, and for me, anything less than an A might as well be failing. Yes, it's a sickness, and yes, it's hard living that way, but it is how I is.
So you can imagine my stress as I sit here and watch my son, the senior poli sci student, slogging thru take home finals and studying for in-class exams while pausing every so often to re-run yet another GPA scenario. . . .
Monday, December 8, 2008
This Week
Saturday, my firstborn graduates from college.
big huge sigh. . . .
Without his permission, I won't divulge too much private info, but let's just say it's been a while coming.
He changed majors 3 times, maybe 4. He changed schools 3 or 4 times. Moved from the Woods to San Antonio, back to the Woods, and then to Ohio with us. You could say he took the scenic route. But he never gave up. And we never gave up on him. So, no, he didn't finish early, like his brother. He didn't finish in 4 years like a lot of kids. But he DID finish, unlike a lot of kids.
I'm very proud of him, for hanging in there and not giving up.
And he's not taking any time off; he's going straight into a Master's program.
Lots of changes 'round the corner for both of us. . . .
So, here's to him. (imagine me raising a glass of expensive champagne)
big huge sigh. . . .
Without his permission, I won't divulge too much private info, but let's just say it's been a while coming.
He changed majors 3 times, maybe 4. He changed schools 3 or 4 times. Moved from the Woods to San Antonio, back to the Woods, and then to Ohio with us. You could say he took the scenic route. But he never gave up. And we never gave up on him. So, no, he didn't finish early, like his brother. He didn't finish in 4 years like a lot of kids. But he DID finish, unlike a lot of kids.
I'm very proud of him, for hanging in there and not giving up.
And he's not taking any time off; he's going straight into a Master's program.
Lots of changes 'round the corner for both of us. . . .
So, here's to him. (imagine me raising a glass of expensive champagne)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
I Got Nothin'
I wish I had something to talk about today....
But I got nothin'.
Mostly, because I don't want to whine (I have whining), and because Mama taught me, "If you can't say something nice, just don't say anything."
LOL
I seem to have lost yet another month running around taking care of other people's stuff, putting out fires, so to speak, and accomplishing exactly zippo.
So, I find myself at the beginning of December, 3 weeks from Christmas Day, torn up knee, hobbling hubby, awaiting son's graduation, and without any ambition. There is nothing I want to do. Nothing I want to cook. Not really anything good on TV. What I'd really like to do is go shopping with my girlfriend. Go to lunch, maybe catch a movie, have a glass of wine, sit and giggle at silliness. Small problem- she's in TX and I'm in OH. Therefore, nothing.
I got nothin'.
But I got nothin'.
Mostly, because I don't want to whine (I have whining), and because Mama taught me, "If you can't say something nice, just don't say anything."
LOL
I seem to have lost yet another month running around taking care of other people's stuff, putting out fires, so to speak, and accomplishing exactly zippo.
So, I find myself at the beginning of December, 3 weeks from Christmas Day, torn up knee, hobbling hubby, awaiting son's graduation, and without any ambition. There is nothing I want to do. Nothing I want to cook. Not really anything good on TV. What I'd really like to do is go shopping with my girlfriend. Go to lunch, maybe catch a movie, have a glass of wine, sit and giggle at silliness. Small problem- she's in TX and I'm in OH. Therefore, nothing.
I got nothin'.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
My Windowsill Garden
The ground is covered with snow, and more is forecast for tonight.... and tomorrow.... which makes perfect sense given the fact that I live in NE Ohio and it is November.
But I have flowers in bloom!!
Back in October (seems like forever ago), I moved some plants inside. I moved 4 geraniums, 2 Christmas cacti, and a begonia inside for the winter. I put the big potted geranium downstairs by the sliding glass doors, 2 small ones in my middle bedroom by the window and the tiniest one on my kitchen windowsill. By the way, that's a southwest-ish window.... I put one cactus on my sideboard in the kitchen and the smaller one on the kitchen windowsill. And the begonia is down by the sliding glass doors for now, as well.
Well, my Christmas cacti have bloomed! They're lovely!! And the geraniums have all bloomed; 2 have lost all their flowers but they're still green and growing. So, sitting on my kitchen windowsill is the small cactus which has by now stopped blooming, albeit holding on to one unopened bud, strangely enough, and the tiny salmon flowered geranium, still blooming.
When I moved the plants in, I saw that there was some sort of "other" plant in the pot with the small cactus. The leaves kind of resembled pansy leaves, so I left it in to see what would happen. I didn't plant it there. It is a volunteer; don't know how the seed got in there- I'd guess a bird put it there, but who knows?
This morning, I realized the "other" plant had a flower on it. It's a viola!! Tiny purple and yellow, smiling face, viola! I don't quite know how she got there, like I said, but I love her!! And I feel blessed that she chose to live with us, for now. I have no idea if I'll be able to keep her alive or if there will be other blossoms, but for now, she makes me smile.
Between the birds at the feeders and the plants in the windows, I may just survive this long gray winter, in spite of the cold and snow.
But I have flowers in bloom!!
Back in October (seems like forever ago), I moved some plants inside. I moved 4 geraniums, 2 Christmas cacti, and a begonia inside for the winter. I put the big potted geranium downstairs by the sliding glass doors, 2 small ones in my middle bedroom by the window and the tiniest one on my kitchen windowsill. By the way, that's a southwest-ish window.... I put one cactus on my sideboard in the kitchen and the smaller one on the kitchen windowsill. And the begonia is down by the sliding glass doors for now, as well.
Well, my Christmas cacti have bloomed! They're lovely!! And the geraniums have all bloomed; 2 have lost all their flowers but they're still green and growing. So, sitting on my kitchen windowsill is the small cactus which has by now stopped blooming, albeit holding on to one unopened bud, strangely enough, and the tiny salmon flowered geranium, still blooming.
When I moved the plants in, I saw that there was some sort of "other" plant in the pot with the small cactus. The leaves kind of resembled pansy leaves, so I left it in to see what would happen. I didn't plant it there. It is a volunteer; don't know how the seed got in there- I'd guess a bird put it there, but who knows?
This morning, I realized the "other" plant had a flower on it. It's a viola!! Tiny purple and yellow, smiling face, viola! I don't quite know how she got there, like I said, but I love her!! And I feel blessed that she chose to live with us, for now. I have no idea if I'll be able to keep her alive or if there will be other blossoms, but for now, she makes me smile.
Between the birds at the feeders and the plants in the windows, I may just survive this long gray winter, in spite of the cold and snow.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Trying to get my life back together
So.
I've been sick for about a week now. Nothing horrid. Nothing fatal. Just a nasty sinus infection. I keep thinking I'm about to turn the corner to that spot where you go, "ah, yes, I'm feeling better" but, not just yet. Not quite.
In the meantime, life goes on, right?
Working on getting DS#1 ready to go to London in about 5 weeks.... No lack of drama there, as usual. His visa came quickly enough- but with an error on it. So he's spent the past 2 weeks trying to talk to someone, anyone, to take care of it. Finally found that someone yesterday. Passport is back in the mail today. He still doesn't have a place to live. That application should go in the mail today, too. We've been waiting for references. People, please hear me: If someone asks you to write a reference for them, and you agree to do so, please do it immediately. We've been waiting for 2 references for at least a month. And we who are waiting hate to bug those who have promised to write. After all, we want a good reference, don't we? I figure the rest of it- the finishing of undergrad classes, etc. is up to him. All I can do is worry. And worry, I do.
Taking care of hubby is progressing toward a more positive place, too. He's finally able to bear weight on that healing hip. We measure his progress in things like: he can stand in the shower, and he can take off his own pants, and he's now sitting in a regular dining room chair instead of his superduper souped up rolling chair. We actually went "out" for lunch today to Quizno's. It was his first foray into a restaurant since the fall. So, forward progress, if baby steps.
I'm so far behind in my coursework that I feel it hanging over me like a lead balloon. I really struggle with spending every waking hour on it when I feel like I have so many other things that need to be tended to, too.
DS#2, in Nice, is doing well. He's making friends and joining in all the fun that life in Nice has to offer. I still miss him like crazy, but knowing that he's well, and chatting with him almost daily by IM makes it bearable. almost.
There's where we are, today. And as I tell my boys often:
It is what it is.
I've been sick for about a week now. Nothing horrid. Nothing fatal. Just a nasty sinus infection. I keep thinking I'm about to turn the corner to that spot where you go, "ah, yes, I'm feeling better" but, not just yet. Not quite.
In the meantime, life goes on, right?
Working on getting DS#1 ready to go to London in about 5 weeks.... No lack of drama there, as usual. His visa came quickly enough- but with an error on it. So he's spent the past 2 weeks trying to talk to someone, anyone, to take care of it. Finally found that someone yesterday. Passport is back in the mail today. He still doesn't have a place to live. That application should go in the mail today, too. We've been waiting for references. People, please hear me: If someone asks you to write a reference for them, and you agree to do so, please do it immediately. We've been waiting for 2 references for at least a month. And we who are waiting hate to bug those who have promised to write. After all, we want a good reference, don't we? I figure the rest of it- the finishing of undergrad classes, etc. is up to him. All I can do is worry. And worry, I do.
Taking care of hubby is progressing toward a more positive place, too. He's finally able to bear weight on that healing hip. We measure his progress in things like: he can stand in the shower, and he can take off his own pants, and he's now sitting in a regular dining room chair instead of his superduper souped up rolling chair. We actually went "out" for lunch today to Quizno's. It was his first foray into a restaurant since the fall. So, forward progress, if baby steps.
I'm so far behind in my coursework that I feel it hanging over me like a lead balloon. I really struggle with spending every waking hour on it when I feel like I have so many other things that need to be tended to, too.
DS#2, in Nice, is doing well. He's making friends and joining in all the fun that life in Nice has to offer. I still miss him like crazy, but knowing that he's well, and chatting with him almost daily by IM makes it bearable. almost.
There's where we are, today. And as I tell my boys often:
It is what it is.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
OK people, seriously now.
It's what, November 6.
It's WAY too early for Christmas lights on homes.
Seriously.
It's WAY too early for Christmas lights on homes.
Seriously.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Day After
I'm glad the political ads are off my TV.
I'm glad there won't be 14 pieces of political junkmail today.
I'm glad I won't get 8 text messages today. LOL
I'm glad the outcome was so clear. There can really be no questions this time.
I'm so excited and hopeful at the prospects of this new Presidency.
I know he won't be perfect. I know he won't be able to do everything he said he wants to do. I know some of his plans won't work. This is the truth of politics in this and every country. But I do believe that this is the right direction for my country at this time and place.
God bless our new president and God bless the USA.
I'm glad there won't be 14 pieces of political junkmail today.
I'm glad I won't get 8 text messages today. LOL
I'm glad the outcome was so clear. There can really be no questions this time.
I'm so excited and hopeful at the prospects of this new Presidency.
I know he won't be perfect. I know he won't be able to do everything he said he wants to do. I know some of his plans won't work. This is the truth of politics in this and every country. But I do believe that this is the right direction for my country at this time and place.
God bless our new president and God bless the USA.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
An Historic Day
No matter which party you support, today's election is an historic event.
We, the people, will either have a biracial President or a female VicePresident, based on our free and unrestricted right to vote.
Yes, our RIGHT to vote. It is guaranteed by our Constitution. More, though, it is a privilege that we can and do vote every 4 years, like clockwork. We vote without fear of reprisal, without fear of retaliation, without fear, period.
There are people around the world who literally die trying to exercise their vote.
We need to remember, no matter the outcome of THIS election, that we are blessed to be citizens of this great experiment in democracy, the United States of America.
In 4 years, come hell or high water, we'll do it all again.
No doubt.
No fear.
We, the people, will either have a biracial President or a female VicePresident, based on our free and unrestricted right to vote.
Yes, our RIGHT to vote. It is guaranteed by our Constitution. More, though, it is a privilege that we can and do vote every 4 years, like clockwork. We vote without fear of reprisal, without fear of retaliation, without fear, period.
There are people around the world who literally die trying to exercise their vote.
We need to remember, no matter the outcome of THIS election, that we are blessed to be citizens of this great experiment in democracy, the United States of America.
In 4 years, come hell or high water, we'll do it all again.
No doubt.
No fear.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Interesting read
I'm kinda Over Oprah, but I picked up this magazine at the gym....
may 2008
page 249
interesting read.
may 2008
page 249
interesting read.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Tell me about your political experience this year
I've had 2 in person canvases....
At least 1 text message a day, more often 2 or 3, for weeeeeeeeeeks, lol.
At least 1 phone call a week for the last 2 months.
and a ridiculous amount of mail from EVERYone about everything. Last Friday? 14 pieces of political mail. 13 of them unsolicited. 1 was yet another bumper sticker for the son, who now has 6 stickers on his vehicle. I sure hope most of them are clings.
Anyone want to share their experiences?
At least 1 text message a day, more often 2 or 3, for weeeeeeeeeeks, lol.
At least 1 phone call a week for the last 2 months.
and a ridiculous amount of mail from EVERYone about everything. Last Friday? 14 pieces of political mail. 13 of them unsolicited. 1 was yet another bumper sticker for the son, who now has 6 stickers on his vehicle. I sure hope most of them are clings.
Anyone want to share their experiences?
Just a thought, or two
My neighbor has her Christmas tree up!
Yay for frosted blueberry poptarts.... lol.
The hawk has visited 3 times now!!
Red wine + muscle relaxers = night night.
When do the political ads stop??
Why are orthotics so flippin' uncomfortable?
Men's suits are expensive!
Still can't find my winter jacket....
Yay for frosted blueberry poptarts.... lol.
The hawk has visited 3 times now!!
Red wine + muscle relaxers = night night.
When do the political ads stop??
Why are orthotics so flippin' uncomfortable?
Men's suits are expensive!
Still can't find my winter jacket....
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
2 inches
In December, if we get 2" of snow, it'll be ho-hum. Not news worthy at all. As a matter of fact, 2" of snow in November, December, January, February, March or April? Not news worthy.
But, dude, 2" of snow, in OCTOBER is totally too much. Seriously, now. I've done the research. Snow in October is not unheard of up here. Not UNcommon, but not normal, either.
Will post photos later.
Dude.... it's only October....
But, dude, 2" of snow, in OCTOBER is totally too much. Seriously, now. I've done the research. Snow in October is not unheard of up here. Not UNcommon, but not normal, either.
Will post photos later.
Dude.... it's only October....
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Today's Words of Wisdom
If you live somewhere where it really does get cold, don't let your dear husband pack away the winter coats in a place where you can't get to them unaided.
Last spring, hubby put the box with the winter coats in the garage attic.
Yesterday, it snowed here. Today it is just raw. Cold and rainy, sometimes icy, and windy. RAW! And I can't get to my winter jacket. And, neither can he, obviously.
What a dumb blond and/or senior thing to do.....
Last spring, hubby put the box with the winter coats in the garage attic.
Yesterday, it snowed here. Today it is just raw. Cold and rainy, sometimes icy, and windy. RAW! And I can't get to my winter jacket. And, neither can he, obviously.
What a dumb blond and/or senior thing to do.....
Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Did you ever notice?
How sometimes, a pat on the back can push you over the edge?
This morning, someone who loves me sent me an email and closed with these words, "You're doing a great job...." And, surely, it was meant as a pat on the back.
And, just as surely, it pushed me over the edge.
Sometimes, when we're tired, or stressed, or overwhelmed, all it takes is a kind word to open the flood gates. I started crying when I read this morning's email. And I've been weepy all day. Lol
Thanks for the kind, loving words. Now, pass the tissues.
xoxo
This morning, someone who loves me sent me an email and closed with these words, "You're doing a great job...." And, surely, it was meant as a pat on the back.
And, just as surely, it pushed me over the edge.
Sometimes, when we're tired, or stressed, or overwhelmed, all it takes is a kind word to open the flood gates. I started crying when I read this morning's email. And I've been weepy all day. Lol
Thanks for the kind, loving words. Now, pass the tissues.
xoxo
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Do you believe in "signs"?
I do.
I always have.
I also believe that God answers our prayers in many and wondrous ways....
And sometimes you just have to have an open heart and an open mind to see or hear the answers.
I've been having some issues, lately. Life seems a little out of control. I feel like I'm on a merry-go-round that just won't stop to let me off. Or a runaway roller coaster that careens faster and faster toward some inevitable unpleasant abrupt stop. Things are rushing toward me and past me faster than I can process and react. I feel really overwhelmed a lot of the time.
Yesterday, I glanced out my kitchen window to see a gorgeous hawk sitting on my neighbor's deck railing. I was so excited!! I've seen him around, usually in the sky, or perched on the neighbor's roofline. But this was the first time he's been down on "my" level. And as I stood there at the window watching, he flew over to MY railing, right outside my kitchen window! He sat there for maybe a minute, and for a moment or two, he looked right at me. Or so it seemed. And then, he was gone.
I felt it must be a sign of some sort....
This morning, I did a little research and found that the hawk as a totem animal was often believed to be "God" or His messenger. The ancient Egyptians (I knew this part) used the hawk and later the hawk head to represent the souls of the dead Pharoahs, their Gods. So, if this was a sign from God, in answer to my prayers, what in the world does it mean??
Hawks are patient. They will fly around for hours, looking for food to take care of their families; and if they lose their prey, they just try again.
Hawks have perspective. They sit up high, or fly up high, and can see all around them. They sit and watch, and wait, for the right time to take to the wing.
So, maybe he was telling me to be patient, but persistent. Take care of my family, patiently, and wait for the time to be right to move forward. And when I move, if it doesn't work out the way I had intended, try again. Be patient; have perspective; trust that the wind WILL blow beneath my wings again.
I always have.
I also believe that God answers our prayers in many and wondrous ways....
And sometimes you just have to have an open heart and an open mind to see or hear the answers.
I've been having some issues, lately. Life seems a little out of control. I feel like I'm on a merry-go-round that just won't stop to let me off. Or a runaway roller coaster that careens faster and faster toward some inevitable unpleasant abrupt stop. Things are rushing toward me and past me faster than I can process and react. I feel really overwhelmed a lot of the time.
Yesterday, I glanced out my kitchen window to see a gorgeous hawk sitting on my neighbor's deck railing. I was so excited!! I've seen him around, usually in the sky, or perched on the neighbor's roofline. But this was the first time he's been down on "my" level. And as I stood there at the window watching, he flew over to MY railing, right outside my kitchen window! He sat there for maybe a minute, and for a moment or two, he looked right at me. Or so it seemed. And then, he was gone.
I felt it must be a sign of some sort....
This morning, I did a little research and found that the hawk as a totem animal was often believed to be "God" or His messenger. The ancient Egyptians (I knew this part) used the hawk and later the hawk head to represent the souls of the dead Pharoahs, their Gods. So, if this was a sign from God, in answer to my prayers, what in the world does it mean??
Hawks are patient. They will fly around for hours, looking for food to take care of their families; and if they lose their prey, they just try again.
Hawks have perspective. They sit up high, or fly up high, and can see all around them. They sit and watch, and wait, for the right time to take to the wing.
So, maybe he was telling me to be patient, but persistent. Take care of my family, patiently, and wait for the time to be right to move forward. And when I move, if it doesn't work out the way I had intended, try again. Be patient; have perspective; trust that the wind WILL blow beneath my wings again.
Body Language
We watched a really interesting show last night on the History Channel.
It was all about body language. Did you know 93% of our communication is NOT what we say?? It's gestures, facial expressions, body postures, the tone of our voice, the rhythm of our words, and micro-expressions.
If you see this coming up on your History channel- watch it or DVR it. It's worth the 2 hours!!
It was all about body language. Did you know 93% of our communication is NOT what we say?? It's gestures, facial expressions, body postures, the tone of our voice, the rhythm of our words, and micro-expressions.
If you see this coming up on your History channel- watch it or DVR it. It's worth the 2 hours!!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Too Much Sugar
From the sandpaper feel of my face, I'd guess I've been consuming too much sugar lately.
Hmm.... Wonder how that happened?
(insert rolly eyed emoticon here)
Hmm.... Wonder how that happened?
(insert rolly eyed emoticon here)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
As If I Have Nothing Else To Do
I started a new blog.
It's in addition TO this one....
It's for gardening stuff. Link over there ------------------------------->
It's in addition TO this one....
It's for gardening stuff. Link over there ------------------------------->
Yay for good friends
... who swoop in when you're about to hit rock bottom, and lift you up.
... who understand the words you can't bring yourself to say.
... who load the dishwasher while you're busy doing something else.
... who buy the shoes you love, but can't wear.
... who share your goodies on the q.t.
love ya!
... who understand the words you can't bring yourself to say.
... who load the dishwasher while you're busy doing something else.
... who buy the shoes you love, but can't wear.
... who share your goodies on the q.t.
love ya!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
99 Days
99 days left in the Bush Administration....
uh, yay?
Folks, change is good. This change is gonna be really, really good.
uh, yay?
Folks, change is good. This change is gonna be really, really good.
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Boot Dies a Sudden Death
I was well into week 6 in the boot- getting ready to start the transition into a sneaker.
And I woke up one morning this week and said, "I can't wear it any more...."
It's not that I wasn't willing to, it's that it was just no longer feasible. The boot didn't allow me to squat, and I needed to squat. In fact, I needed to be able to squat more than I needed a few more days in the boot.
The Hubby fell last week and broke his hip. After the surgical repair and the requisite hospital stay, he came home, thank God. But that meant I needed to be able to help him. He couldn't move that foot, straighten that leg, sit or stand without help. And I couldn't reach that foot without squatting. Thus, the sudden death of the boot.
Part of being a wife and mother is putting others' needs before your own sometimes. And this is one of those times. Absolutely helpless trumps slightly inconvenienced.
Yes, the foot is sore. I'll start taking some anti-inflammatories..... well, I have to go dig them out of the medicine box first, but I'll do that when I get a chance. And now, at least I have an orthopedist, should I need her! In fact, the night she repaired Hubby's hip, she said to me, "What'd you do to that foot?.... and who're you seeing?" I told her what I "did," and to the part B of that question? "Don't ask." She laughed. I shrugged.
Que sara, sara.
And I woke up one morning this week and said, "I can't wear it any more...."
It's not that I wasn't willing to, it's that it was just no longer feasible. The boot didn't allow me to squat, and I needed to squat. In fact, I needed to be able to squat more than I needed a few more days in the boot.
The Hubby fell last week and broke his hip. After the surgical repair and the requisite hospital stay, he came home, thank God. But that meant I needed to be able to help him. He couldn't move that foot, straighten that leg, sit or stand without help. And I couldn't reach that foot without squatting. Thus, the sudden death of the boot.
Part of being a wife and mother is putting others' needs before your own sometimes. And this is one of those times. Absolutely helpless trumps slightly inconvenienced.
Yes, the foot is sore. I'll start taking some anti-inflammatories..... well, I have to go dig them out of the medicine box first, but I'll do that when I get a chance. And now, at least I have an orthopedist, should I need her! In fact, the night she repaired Hubby's hip, she said to me, "What'd you do to that foot?.... and who're you seeing?" I told her what I "did," and to the part B of that question? "Don't ask." She laughed. I shrugged.
Que sara, sara.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Today's best advice
My girlfriend, Joni, reminded me....
"Put your own oxygen on first, then help others...."
I knew that. I've told people that, myself.
I forgot.
Thank you, sweet friend!
"Put your own oxygen on first, then help others...."
I knew that. I've told people that, myself.
I forgot.
Thank you, sweet friend!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Phillipians 4: 6, 7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
....holding this close to my heart....
Thanks, SIL.
By the way, my request list is pretty long these days. But He already knows that, doesn't He?
....holding this close to my heart....
Thanks, SIL.
By the way, my request list is pretty long these days. But He already knows that, doesn't He?
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Thoughts on the economic mess
OUCH!
Okay, now that we've established things hurt, let's all take a deep breath. Breathe in, breathe out.
A couple weeks ago, Good Morning America's Mellody Hobson said, "Don't do something; just stand there." The old saying is "don't just stand there, do something" but the advice right now is the opposite. Don't panic. Don't start running around like a chicken without a head.
If your money is in a FDIC insured institution, there's no need to withdraw your cash and bury it in the back yard. But make sure your institution IS FDIC insured; not all are. If it isn't, you might ask yourself why you put your money somewhere that didn't insure it.... Better yet, talk to your financial adviser. Let him/her earn their keep; let them help you figure out what you should be, and shouldn't be, doing in this volatile market situation.
It is WAY too easy to panic in this environment. The news is all doom and gloom. It really is enough to make you crazy. But, for most of us, if we just hold on tight, we'll be able to ride it out. And, in my very humble opinion, that's the best thing we, as individuals, can do for ourselves and for our economy.
Buckle down, hunker down, settle down.
Practice frugality. Look it up if you don't know what it means.
It's autumn; it's a great time to nest.
I am not in the business of giving financial advice; this blog is NOT to be considered as such. It's life advice.... solely food for thought.
Okay, now that we've established things hurt, let's all take a deep breath. Breathe in, breathe out.
A couple weeks ago, Good Morning America's Mellody Hobson said, "Don't do something; just stand there." The old saying is "don't just stand there, do something" but the advice right now is the opposite. Don't panic. Don't start running around like a chicken without a head.
If your money is in a FDIC insured institution, there's no need to withdraw your cash and bury it in the back yard. But make sure your institution IS FDIC insured; not all are. If it isn't, you might ask yourself why you put your money somewhere that didn't insure it.... Better yet, talk to your financial adviser. Let him/her earn their keep; let them help you figure out what you should be, and shouldn't be, doing in this volatile market situation.
It is WAY too easy to panic in this environment. The news is all doom and gloom. It really is enough to make you crazy. But, for most of us, if we just hold on tight, we'll be able to ride it out. And, in my very humble opinion, that's the best thing we, as individuals, can do for ourselves and for our economy.
Buckle down, hunker down, settle down.
Practice frugality. Look it up if you don't know what it means.
It's autumn; it's a great time to nest.
I am not in the business of giving financial advice; this blog is NOT to be considered as such. It's life advice.... solely food for thought.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thanks pokey!
My youngest son sent me an email today....
Not a strange occurrence; we email almost every day, sometimes many times a day.
But this one, I received early (EARLY) in the morning, and it started my day off with a giggle:
My Karma just ran over your dogma.
Thanks, pokey! xoxo
Not a strange occurrence; we email almost every day, sometimes many times a day.
But this one, I received early (EARLY) in the morning, and it started my day off with a giggle:
My Karma just ran over your dogma.
Thanks, pokey! xoxo
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Boot, Part..... 3?
Went to see my buddy, the foot doctor, today.
Once again, he managed to poke me in the magic spot, which sent jolts of pain through my foot, then settled into a good old throb.
Throb is a funny word, no?
Throb is not a funny feeling.
So. He "thinks" the bone "should" be healed by now.... and the throbbing he just set off? "Probably tendonitis." For which he offered to "put some cortisone in there....", which I politely declined. Uh, buddy? Been there, done that. That hurts like a muthu!!! Not doing that again any time soon.
The boot, 2 more weeks. Except, I can now take a sneaker with me to the gym, and put it on to ride a bike! Yay! Seriously. Never thought I'd say "yay" for bike riding, but I've been without cardio for 4+ weeks now, and I need my cardio! Then, in the third week, I can begin the transition to a sneaker for walking.
This is going to be a long rehab, I'm afraid. And require patience, which I don't generally have much of.
By the way, my family doctor told me on Monday that he would expect it to take 6-8 weeks to heal. I've been in the boot for 4 weeks and 2 days. I'm not so sure the throbbing is tendonitis. I'm not a doctor and all, but I'm more inclined to believe it's still unhealed bone. But what do I know?
Once again, he managed to poke me in the magic spot, which sent jolts of pain through my foot, then settled into a good old throb.
Throb is a funny word, no?
Throb is not a funny feeling.
So. He "thinks" the bone "should" be healed by now.... and the throbbing he just set off? "Probably tendonitis." For which he offered to "put some cortisone in there....", which I politely declined. Uh, buddy? Been there, done that. That hurts like a muthu!!! Not doing that again any time soon.
The boot, 2 more weeks. Except, I can now take a sneaker with me to the gym, and put it on to ride a bike! Yay! Seriously. Never thought I'd say "yay" for bike riding, but I've been without cardio for 4+ weeks now, and I need my cardio! Then, in the third week, I can begin the transition to a sneaker for walking.
This is going to be a long rehab, I'm afraid. And require patience, which I don't generally have much of.
By the way, my family doctor told me on Monday that he would expect it to take 6-8 weeks to heal. I've been in the boot for 4 weeks and 2 days. I'm not so sure the throbbing is tendonitis. I'm not a doctor and all, but I'm more inclined to believe it's still unhealed bone. But what do I know?
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
By the Way....
Although I have not written about the Presidential Election, that does not mean I don't care.
I care very deeply about this election.
I have chosen my candidate.
Please choose your candidate carefully, thoughtfully, and intelligently. Go read something like factcheck.org. Don't read the candidates' own sites; they're biased. Find an unbiased source that is holding them accountable.
Consider the impact a President has on the future as he appoints Supreme Court Justices.
Consider the person "a heartbeat away."
I believe this election will be a turning point for my country. The question is: which way will we turn?
God Bless America.
I care very deeply about this election.
I have chosen my candidate.
Please choose your candidate carefully, thoughtfully, and intelligently. Go read something like factcheck.org. Don't read the candidates' own sites; they're biased. Find an unbiased source that is holding them accountable.
Consider the impact a President has on the future as he appoints Supreme Court Justices.
Consider the person "a heartbeat away."
I believe this election will be a turning point for my country. The question is: which way will we turn?
God Bless America.
Crisis, Part 2!
OK. Not funny....
I got dressed, did my hair, put on makeup!!! All to run some errands. Remember the bird food shortage? Well, that, plus the post office, and Target, with maybe a little stop off at Starbucks for a chai.... that was the plan.
The garage door won't open.
Last night, Hubby and I were in the kitchen when we heard this huge crash! We both said, "WHAT THE HECK????" But when he went out to the garage, which is where the crash sounded like it came from, there was nothing amiss. So, we figured it must have been from the neighbor's garage.
This morning, he left thru the garage. Son left thru the garage. I, however, can't leave thru the garage because we have a broken spring. And I can't open it manually, either, because we have a broken spring. OY!
The good news, I suppose, is that the repairman is coming this afternoon. The bad news, isn't there always bad news? is that it is not covered by our home warranty. I don't have a choice. I can't get my car out of the garage without getting the spring repaired.
Big sigh. What'cha gonna do?
I got dressed, did my hair, put on makeup!!! All to run some errands. Remember the bird food shortage? Well, that, plus the post office, and Target, with maybe a little stop off at Starbucks for a chai.... that was the plan.
The garage door won't open.
Last night, Hubby and I were in the kitchen when we heard this huge crash! We both said, "WHAT THE HECK????" But when he went out to the garage, which is where the crash sounded like it came from, there was nothing amiss. So, we figured it must have been from the neighbor's garage.
This morning, he left thru the garage. Son left thru the garage. I, however, can't leave thru the garage because we have a broken spring. And I can't open it manually, either, because we have a broken spring. OY!
The good news, I suppose, is that the repairman is coming this afternoon. The bad news, isn't there always bad news? is that it is not covered by our home warranty. I don't have a choice. I can't get my car out of the garage without getting the spring repaired.
Big sigh. What'cha gonna do?
Oh No! Crisis at Casa Moi!!
I'm out of bird food!!!
LOL
Honestly, I need to go to Lowe's this morning and get bird seed. I have 5 feeders outside my kitchen window and they are busy all day. It's not unusual to count 25+ birds out there, eating, fighting, watching, drinking, bathing, waiting patiently....
And yesterday afternoon, the last of the food went into the feeders, most of which was then depleted by nightfall. So, this morning, they'll just have to resort to ground eating, and clean up all the stuff they throw out of the feeders day after day. Only the finch feeders have seed this morning, and maybe the suet feeder- still too dark to see for sure.
I'm positive they'll survive until Lowe's opens, and I can go gather their food for them. And lay it out like a banquet. LOL
Hubby says I've spoiled the birds, just like I spoiled the boys.
True words, for sure.
LOL
Honestly, I need to go to Lowe's this morning and get bird seed. I have 5 feeders outside my kitchen window and they are busy all day. It's not unusual to count 25+ birds out there, eating, fighting, watching, drinking, bathing, waiting patiently....
And yesterday afternoon, the last of the food went into the feeders, most of which was then depleted by nightfall. So, this morning, they'll just have to resort to ground eating, and clean up all the stuff they throw out of the feeders day after day. Only the finch feeders have seed this morning, and maybe the suet feeder- still too dark to see for sure.
I'm positive they'll survive until Lowe's opens, and I can go gather their food for them. And lay it out like a banquet. LOL
Hubby says I've spoiled the birds, just like I spoiled the boys.
True words, for sure.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Sounds of Early Morning
Given the choice, I would not be a "dark of the morning" riser. I don't enjoy getting up before the sun, for the most part.
But, hey, stuff happens.
Right now, as it happens, I AM rising before the sun. Sitting in my kitchen this morning, in the still quiet of my house, I listened to the world around me....
In the not-so-distant distance, I could hear traffic on the turnpike. Not an unpleasant noise, just the hum of tires on asphalt as commuters and truckers start their day too early, too.
In my neighborhood, an occasional car crept past, well within the 25 mph speed limit.
Right outside my kitchen window, my neighbor's garage door went up. Then, the scrape of garbage cans being pulled to the curb- a reminder that this is Tuesday. Soon after, his truck started up and pulled out. No garage going down.... wonder if he forgot, or if the Wife is leaving soon, too?
Then, the call of the plovers as they begin their pre-dawn hunt for food. Do they have sonar? How do they not crash in the morning darkness?
I know, as the sun begins to rise the sounds will increase. More traffic, near and far; more birds as they visit the feeders just outside my window; construction noise from across the way.... the day will begin in earnest.
But for those moments in the dark of morning, the sounds seem somehow more intimate, more gentle, more exclusive. It's just me, and the plovers, and the dark.
But, hey, stuff happens.
Right now, as it happens, I AM rising before the sun. Sitting in my kitchen this morning, in the still quiet of my house, I listened to the world around me....
In the not-so-distant distance, I could hear traffic on the turnpike. Not an unpleasant noise, just the hum of tires on asphalt as commuters and truckers start their day too early, too.
In my neighborhood, an occasional car crept past, well within the 25 mph speed limit.
Right outside my kitchen window, my neighbor's garage door went up. Then, the scrape of garbage cans being pulled to the curb- a reminder that this is Tuesday. Soon after, his truck started up and pulled out. No garage going down.... wonder if he forgot, or if the Wife is leaving soon, too?
Then, the call of the plovers as they begin their pre-dawn hunt for food. Do they have sonar? How do they not crash in the morning darkness?
I know, as the sun begins to rise the sounds will increase. More traffic, near and far; more birds as they visit the feeders just outside my window; construction noise from across the way.... the day will begin in earnest.
But for those moments in the dark of morning, the sounds seem somehow more intimate, more gentle, more exclusive. It's just me, and the plovers, and the dark.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Yikes! What Have I Done??
In case you couldn't tell by the photo over there ------------------>
I'm naturally a blond.
Today, I am a brunette. LOL
I've done this silly thing 3 times in my life, now- the trying a different look thing. It just doesn't work for me! Some women can change hair color like changing hats, and they look good as blonds, brunettes, redheads....
Me? Not so much.
Even though I chose a color that's called "Light Golden Brown" it's still way too dark for my pale Nordic skin tones. Oy vey.
Well, it's just hair. In a couple weeks, I'll start lightening it up again....
LOL
So much for trying a new look. Been there, done that, not crazy about it. Guess I'll stick with the same ole, same ole.
I'm naturally a blond.
Today, I am a brunette. LOL
I've done this silly thing 3 times in my life, now- the trying a different look thing. It just doesn't work for me! Some women can change hair color like changing hats, and they look good as blonds, brunettes, redheads....
Me? Not so much.
Even though I chose a color that's called "Light Golden Brown" it's still way too dark for my pale Nordic skin tones. Oy vey.
Well, it's just hair. In a couple weeks, I'll start lightening it up again....
LOL
So much for trying a new look. Been there, done that, not crazy about it. Guess I'll stick with the same ole, same ole.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Cook or Clean, Your Choice
The next time someone in my household invites someone else, a.k.a. company, for dinner with less than 1 full week's notice, there will be serious consequences.
Cook or clean.
The offender will get to do all the cooking or all the cleaning. Their choice. But I'm not doing the cooking and the cleaning for someone else's company on 2 days' notice again without some serious payback.
Especially wearing das boot. Come on, people.
Cook or clean.
The offender will get to do all the cooking or all the cleaning. Their choice. But I'm not doing the cooking and the cleaning for someone else's company on 2 days' notice again without some serious payback.
Especially wearing das boot. Come on, people.
Mass Transit, German Style
Continuing my series of mass transit blogs, let's talk Germany!
Last October, the hubby and I went to Germany. Not sure if he'd been there previously, but it was my first visit. Given the turmoil of last summer and fall, I did not have the time and/or mental energy to learn much German language before our trip. As the time for our departure drew nearer, I began to fret a bit about my lack of language skills. It's not that I expected or needed to be fluent by any means, but I like to have a few words ready when I travel abroad. Everyone around me said, "Don't worry; everyone speaks some English these days."
not so much.
First of all, hubby was going for a "convention" in Dusseldorf, and all the hotels were fully booked as early as March. So, we were booked into a hotel in Essen, about 30 km northeast of Dusseldorf.
(I realize this is not like my other mass transit blogs.... this does require a bit more of the telling of the story.... hang with me....)
After getting off the plane and navigating through customs and immigration, we stopped off at the information desk, where the lovely lady did, in fact, speak excellent English! Yay! She gave us directions to get from the airport to our hotel using public transport. It was kind of convoluted, though, and I began to worry just a bit. First, we found the SkyTrain, which would take us from the airport to the train. At the train station, then, we needed to buy tickets to Essen and board the correct train. Not quite as easy because none of the ticket sellers spoke English, but a simple "Essen" and 2 fingers did the trick. Tickets in hand, the hunt for the correct track began, suitcases in tow. There were probably 8 tracks, maybe more. And trains coming through very often, for points all over Germany, and beyond. Not realizing that it didn't matter which train to Essen we caught, and that they ran fairly often, we were in a hurry to catch the next one. Breathless, we did, indeed, get on the next train to Essen.
These trains are fast, clean, comfortable, and widely used. Mostly by people traveling between cities, as commuters or visitors, most of whom don't have much in the way of luggage. That means, there's really no place to put suitcases, which we have 2 of. We sat in the entry/exit area, on the steps to the upper section; it's the only place to really put luggage. Every time we stopped, people got on, people got off, and we (and our suitcases) were in the way. No one was ever rude, though, just in a hurry. We arrived at a station where, for some reason, I thought we needed to get off. It's not Essen. I don't even remember now where it was, but I was certain we needed to get off and change trains. I blame it on jetlag.... In fact, we did not need to get off. The train we were on would have taken us to Essen. But we got off, found a "worker" on the platform and asked for the train to Essen. He pointed at the train, departing, that we had just disembarked from. Hubby looked at me, shook his head in amusement and laughed. We waited for the next train to Essen, about 15 minutes later.
Finally, in Essen, we disembarked, navigated the underground tunnels and emerged into the fall afternoon sunlight. Really, it was lovely. We were exhausted. We got into a waiting taxi and hubby gave the driver the name of our hotel. The driver looked perplexed. He gestured "what?" Hubby repeated the name of our hotel. The driver rolled down his window and yelled at the drivers standing around; no one seemed to recognize the name of our hotel. I started laughing, a little hysterically, probably. Hubby, ever prepared, pulled out the printed confirmation and handed it to the driver, who read the address, thought for a moment, handed the paper back and put the car in gear. Hubby said, "yes?" Driver shrugged and wagged his head in the universal gesture of "maybe, maybe not, we'll see." He drove. And drove. I thought we're going in circles. I thought Essen's a small town and we're driving a really long time. Suddenly, Driver pulled a "U-y" in the middle of the street, pulled over to the curb, put the car in park and jumped out. We looked out the window, looking for a hotel. Driver pointed to a sign over a doorway. He's right; this IS our hotel.
We paid; we tipped; we clambered out and gathered our stuff.
After settling in at our hotel, where, by the way, no one speaks English, we decided to go for a walk to the town center. It is our practice to try to get on local time as soon as possible, so we needed to stay up another 6-8 hours. The lady at the front desks walked out with us and pointed us to the train. We asked her, "Can we walk?" She shook her head and said, "No English." We mimicked walking with our fingers. "Walk" (fingers) "city center?" (raised eyebrows) She wagged her finger emphatically and said, "No! train" and pointed. We obeyed.
At the subway/train station there are no turnstiles, no ticket sellers, no "workers" or attendants of any kind. There is a ticket machine which I approached with confidence. I tapped the touchscreen, and voila! Instructions appeared, in German. Clueless, we looked around. There was a teenage girl, sitting, reading, waiting. I approached her and offered a hesitant "guten tag" to which she replied. I asked, "Do you speak English?" She replied, as do 99.9% of people I've ever asked, "A little." I asked, "Can you help me buy a train ticket?" She was wonderful!!!! She went with me to the machine; she showed me step by step what I needed to do. I held out a handful of money to pay for my tickets, which made her giggle as she sorted through to find the coins she needed, showing me all along the way, "this, this, this." The subway was fine. It was a subway. It got us where we wanted to go.
The next day, we noticed a trolley running in the street in front of our hotel. We pointed and asked the good lady at the front desk, who did not speak English, "City center?" She nodded and pointed the other way, away from the train station. So we decided to try the trolley. It became our preferred means of transportation during our stay. Because it is above ground, you see the city! You see the restaurants, the stores, the markets, the street signs; you get a feel for the lay of the land that you don't get when you're traveling underground. You buy a ticket at the stop by putting coins in a machine that then spits out a ticket at you, which no one will ever check, probably, but you better have it just in case. We did see tickets being checked, but ours never were. I loved the trolley. I was very comfortable riding it by myself. I was confident that I knew where I was, where I wanted to go and how to get there. The one kind of odd thing was that the trolley platform in the city center was underground, so that was a little confusing the first time.
Next time: the train to Cologne and Aachen.
Last October, the hubby and I went to Germany. Not sure if he'd been there previously, but it was my first visit. Given the turmoil of last summer and fall, I did not have the time and/or mental energy to learn much German language before our trip. As the time for our departure drew nearer, I began to fret a bit about my lack of language skills. It's not that I expected or needed to be fluent by any means, but I like to have a few words ready when I travel abroad. Everyone around me said, "Don't worry; everyone speaks some English these days."
not so much.
First of all, hubby was going for a "convention" in Dusseldorf, and all the hotels were fully booked as early as March. So, we were booked into a hotel in Essen, about 30 km northeast of Dusseldorf.
(I realize this is not like my other mass transit blogs.... this does require a bit more of the telling of the story.... hang with me....)
After getting off the plane and navigating through customs and immigration, we stopped off at the information desk, where the lovely lady did, in fact, speak excellent English! Yay! She gave us directions to get from the airport to our hotel using public transport. It was kind of convoluted, though, and I began to worry just a bit. First, we found the SkyTrain, which would take us from the airport to the train. At the train station, then, we needed to buy tickets to Essen and board the correct train. Not quite as easy because none of the ticket sellers spoke English, but a simple "Essen" and 2 fingers did the trick. Tickets in hand, the hunt for the correct track began, suitcases in tow. There were probably 8 tracks, maybe more. And trains coming through very often, for points all over Germany, and beyond. Not realizing that it didn't matter which train to Essen we caught, and that they ran fairly often, we were in a hurry to catch the next one. Breathless, we did, indeed, get on the next train to Essen.
These trains are fast, clean, comfortable, and widely used. Mostly by people traveling between cities, as commuters or visitors, most of whom don't have much in the way of luggage. That means, there's really no place to put suitcases, which we have 2 of. We sat in the entry/exit area, on the steps to the upper section; it's the only place to really put luggage. Every time we stopped, people got on, people got off, and we (and our suitcases) were in the way. No one was ever rude, though, just in a hurry. We arrived at a station where, for some reason, I thought we needed to get off. It's not Essen. I don't even remember now where it was, but I was certain we needed to get off and change trains. I blame it on jetlag.... In fact, we did not need to get off. The train we were on would have taken us to Essen. But we got off, found a "worker" on the platform and asked for the train to Essen. He pointed at the train, departing, that we had just disembarked from. Hubby looked at me, shook his head in amusement and laughed. We waited for the next train to Essen, about 15 minutes later.
Finally, in Essen, we disembarked, navigated the underground tunnels and emerged into the fall afternoon sunlight. Really, it was lovely. We were exhausted. We got into a waiting taxi and hubby gave the driver the name of our hotel. The driver looked perplexed. He gestured "what?" Hubby repeated the name of our hotel. The driver rolled down his window and yelled at the drivers standing around; no one seemed to recognize the name of our hotel. I started laughing, a little hysterically, probably. Hubby, ever prepared, pulled out the printed confirmation and handed it to the driver, who read the address, thought for a moment, handed the paper back and put the car in gear. Hubby said, "yes?" Driver shrugged and wagged his head in the universal gesture of "maybe, maybe not, we'll see." He drove. And drove. I thought we're going in circles. I thought Essen's a small town and we're driving a really long time. Suddenly, Driver pulled a "U-y" in the middle of the street, pulled over to the curb, put the car in park and jumped out. We looked out the window, looking for a hotel. Driver pointed to a sign over a doorway. He's right; this IS our hotel.
We paid; we tipped; we clambered out and gathered our stuff.
After settling in at our hotel, where, by the way, no one speaks English, we decided to go for a walk to the town center. It is our practice to try to get on local time as soon as possible, so we needed to stay up another 6-8 hours. The lady at the front desks walked out with us and pointed us to the train. We asked her, "Can we walk?" She shook her head and said, "No English." We mimicked walking with our fingers. "Walk" (fingers) "city center?" (raised eyebrows) She wagged her finger emphatically and said, "No! train" and pointed. We obeyed.
At the subway/train station there are no turnstiles, no ticket sellers, no "workers" or attendants of any kind. There is a ticket machine which I approached with confidence. I tapped the touchscreen, and voila! Instructions appeared, in German. Clueless, we looked around. There was a teenage girl, sitting, reading, waiting. I approached her and offered a hesitant "guten tag" to which she replied. I asked, "Do you speak English?" She replied, as do 99.9% of people I've ever asked, "A little." I asked, "Can you help me buy a train ticket?" She was wonderful!!!! She went with me to the machine; she showed me step by step what I needed to do. I held out a handful of money to pay for my tickets, which made her giggle as she sorted through to find the coins she needed, showing me all along the way, "this, this, this." The subway was fine. It was a subway. It got us where we wanted to go.
The next day, we noticed a trolley running in the street in front of our hotel. We pointed and asked the good lady at the front desk, who did not speak English, "City center?" She nodded and pointed the other way, away from the train station. So we decided to try the trolley. It became our preferred means of transportation during our stay. Because it is above ground, you see the city! You see the restaurants, the stores, the markets, the street signs; you get a feel for the lay of the land that you don't get when you're traveling underground. You buy a ticket at the stop by putting coins in a machine that then spits out a ticket at you, which no one will ever check, probably, but you better have it just in case. We did see tickets being checked, but ours never were. I loved the trolley. I was very comfortable riding it by myself. I was confident that I knew where I was, where I wanted to go and how to get there. The one kind of odd thing was that the trolley platform in the city center was underground, so that was a little confusing the first time.
Next time: the train to Cologne and Aachen.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Thinking....
One morning, I came down to my family room to check email, and turned on the TV to catch the morning news.
The TV turned on to Joyce Meyer. Hmmm.... what the heck? I don't watch televangelists, really. So finding Joyce on my TV unexpectedly made me go "huh?"
This strange thing had happened once before, and that time I sat and watched, out of curiosity more than anything else, and what Joyce said that day spoke directly to me. I took it as a sign.
Having had Joyce "speak to me" once before, I sat down and waited for her to speak to me again. And she didn't disappoint. This particular day, she was talking about getting rid of things that no longer serve us. She talked about how hard it is to let go of things, relationships, habits, that once served us well, but no longer do. And I said, "ah ha."
My life has changed so much in the past year that I barely recognize it anymore. Yet, I hold on to all those old habits, even though they don't really fit any more. They served me well in the past, but not so much in this new place, this new reality.
I've been pondering Joyce's words for weeks now. I've been turning them around, upside down and inside out in my head, over and over. And I think they've finally made it to my heart.
It is time to sort through the old "stuff" and see what really still fits, and what's best to let go.
disclaimer: not you, Chris. Come see me.
The TV turned on to Joyce Meyer. Hmmm.... what the heck? I don't watch televangelists, really. So finding Joyce on my TV unexpectedly made me go "huh?"
This strange thing had happened once before, and that time I sat and watched, out of curiosity more than anything else, and what Joyce said that day spoke directly to me. I took it as a sign.
Having had Joyce "speak to me" once before, I sat down and waited for her to speak to me again. And she didn't disappoint. This particular day, she was talking about getting rid of things that no longer serve us. She talked about how hard it is to let go of things, relationships, habits, that once served us well, but no longer do. And I said, "ah ha."
My life has changed so much in the past year that I barely recognize it anymore. Yet, I hold on to all those old habits, even though they don't really fit any more. They served me well in the past, but not so much in this new place, this new reality.
I've been pondering Joyce's words for weeks now. I've been turning them around, upside down and inside out in my head, over and over. And I think they've finally made it to my heart.
It is time to sort through the old "stuff" and see what really still fits, and what's best to let go.
disclaimer: not you, Chris. Come see me.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Back to the Foot Doctor
Today is my 2 week check up.
I'm honestly thinking it's a waste of time. The standard treatment time for foot fractures is 4-6 weeks and it's only been 2. And I've probably been "on" it more than I should (trip to Chicago, etc.) and my nutrition has been pretty poor lately, not optimal for bone healing.
If he wants to do more x-rays, I probably will decline for now. I've had too many x-rays in the past year, and I think 2 weeks is too soon to see complete healing.
Eh, what do I know, right?
(by the way.... I "knew" it was fractured, didn't I???)
I'm honestly thinking it's a waste of time. The standard treatment time for foot fractures is 4-6 weeks and it's only been 2. And I've probably been "on" it more than I should (trip to Chicago, etc.) and my nutrition has been pretty poor lately, not optimal for bone healing.
If he wants to do more x-rays, I probably will decline for now. I've had too many x-rays in the past year, and I think 2 weeks is too soon to see complete healing.
Eh, what do I know, right?
(by the way.... I "knew" it was fractured, didn't I???)
Mass Transit, London and Paris
London's underground, the Tube, is one of The Best mass transit systems anywhere: clean, punctual, and easy to navigate! The map is easy to figure out; the stations are easy to find; and it's all in English! woo hoo!! rofl
Is it perfect? Of course not. If the station you need happens to be closed, it's probably a pretty good walk to the next. But the other side of that coin is that it moves pretty quickly because it's not stopping every 1/4 mile either! And it can, like any other mass transit system, get very crowded at peak hours. It has over 250 stations, many of them in the 'burbs and outlaying areas. Great for getting to Wimbledon, and Windsor Castle!
It's not in English in Paris. But you really only need a couple words of French to figure it out. And any travel guide/translator will have those couple of words you need.
Other than that, Paris' subway system is very good, also. Like London, it's clean and punctual, and not too difficult to navigate. And, it is very, very extensive- 368 stations!!! Many of the entrances still have the Art Nouveau designs which make them easy to spot, and fun to photograph.
We had a couple scares on the Paris system that changed how we move around as a family.... Now, when we go through turnstiles or board anything, we go parent, kid, kid, parent. That way, if a kid gets 'stuck' on the other side, there's a parent there, too. Granted, now my kids are grown ups, but at least there are 2 of us together if one of them gets stranded. If both parents are through a turnstile, and a kid gets caught because his ticket doesn't work it's scary! Scarier still, both parents are ON a train and the doors start to close while a kid is still outside on the platform!! Our experience on the train in Paris, is that the doors do NOT open back up just because there is a body part in the way. I walked around Paris, bruised for days, because I stepped into a closing doorway to ensure my kid got ON the same train as me.
Lesson: parent-kid-kid-parent. Add as many kids in the middle there as you need, but a parent should go through or on first, and last.
Is it perfect? Of course not. If the station you need happens to be closed, it's probably a pretty good walk to the next. But the other side of that coin is that it moves pretty quickly because it's not stopping every 1/4 mile either! And it can, like any other mass transit system, get very crowded at peak hours. It has over 250 stations, many of them in the 'burbs and outlaying areas. Great for getting to Wimbledon, and Windsor Castle!
It's not in English in Paris. But you really only need a couple words of French to figure it out. And any travel guide/translator will have those couple of words you need.
Other than that, Paris' subway system is very good, also. Like London, it's clean and punctual, and not too difficult to navigate. And, it is very, very extensive- 368 stations!!! Many of the entrances still have the Art Nouveau designs which make them easy to spot, and fun to photograph.
We had a couple scares on the Paris system that changed how we move around as a family.... Now, when we go through turnstiles or board anything, we go parent, kid, kid, parent. That way, if a kid gets 'stuck' on the other side, there's a parent there, too. Granted, now my kids are grown ups, but at least there are 2 of us together if one of them gets stranded. If both parents are through a turnstile, and a kid gets caught because his ticket doesn't work it's scary! Scarier still, both parents are ON a train and the doors start to close while a kid is still outside on the platform!! Our experience on the train in Paris, is that the doors do NOT open back up just because there is a body part in the way. I walked around Paris, bruised for days, because I stepped into a closing doorway to ensure my kid got ON the same train as me.
Lesson: parent-kid-kid-parent. Add as many kids in the middle there as you need, but a parent should go through or on first, and last.
Monday, September 8, 2008
oh the misery
Chicago, on a chilly, wet Monday in September.
Walking around in a cam walker, without a map, looking for 1 building.
Did I mention chilly and wet? Raining sideways, even.
Oh, the misery of cold, wet feet.
Why, then, did we laugh so much? Because it is all so typical of my journeys.
LOL, indeed.
Walking around in a cam walker, without a map, looking for 1 building.
Did I mention chilly and wet? Raining sideways, even.
Oh, the misery of cold, wet feet.
Why, then, did we laugh so much? Because it is all so typical of my journeys.
LOL, indeed.
Mass Transit
I'm in Chicago today, with my younger son, to visit the French consulate for his student visa. Let's say it's a bittersweet trip for me. I get to spend a couple days with him in a new place, exploring, chatting away. But Saturday (his departure for France) looms too close for me.
Putting that aside for now . . .
Today, we're trying out Chicago's mass transit. Not even sure what it's properly called. Is it the Metra? the El? hmmm.
It got me thinking. We've "done" mass transit in a lot of places around the world:
New York City is famous for it's subway system, right? It is crowded and noisy, though less polluted than it once was. I always emerge from the subway disoriented; I'm never quite sure which direction I need to head off in. In the past few years, we've started staying across the Hudson River in a hotel in Weehawken and take the ferry across the river, then a bus uptown. I love the ferry! Never mind my fear of water; the ride is short, the skyline is magnificent, and I never tire of the NYC skyline!
Washington, DC has a good underground system, too. We recently used it when we were in DC for July 4th, so I can't speak to it's crowdedness, because it was very crowded that weekend! But it was clean and well marked, inexpensive, and fast. That's what a subway should be, right? Our problem in DC (and we always have a problem.... but that's another story) was that 2 of our metro cards got de-magnetized. We didn't know that if you put them near your cell phone that would happen.... It can, and it did. They'll replace them for you free of charge, but it requires standing in a line. Lesson? Don't put your card in the same pocket as your cell phone. Especially, don't put it in your cell phone holder like one of us did! rofl. Luckily for us, both got demagnetized on the same trip, so we only had to stand in line once for both of them.
Next time: London and Paris!
Putting that aside for now . . .
Today, we're trying out Chicago's mass transit. Not even sure what it's properly called. Is it the Metra? the El? hmmm.
It got me thinking. We've "done" mass transit in a lot of places around the world:
New York City is famous for it's subway system, right? It is crowded and noisy, though less polluted than it once was. I always emerge from the subway disoriented; I'm never quite sure which direction I need to head off in. In the past few years, we've started staying across the Hudson River in a hotel in Weehawken and take the ferry across the river, then a bus uptown. I love the ferry! Never mind my fear of water; the ride is short, the skyline is magnificent, and I never tire of the NYC skyline!
Washington, DC has a good underground system, too. We recently used it when we were in DC for July 4th, so I can't speak to it's crowdedness, because it was very crowded that weekend! But it was clean and well marked, inexpensive, and fast. That's what a subway should be, right? Our problem in DC (and we always have a problem.... but that's another story) was that 2 of our metro cards got de-magnetized. We didn't know that if you put them near your cell phone that would happen.... It can, and it did. They'll replace them for you free of charge, but it requires standing in a line. Lesson? Don't put your card in the same pocket as your cell phone. Especially, don't put it in your cell phone holder like one of us did! rofl. Luckily for us, both got demagnetized on the same trip, so we only had to stand in line once for both of them.
Next time: London and Paris!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Listen to your Gut
My words of wisdom for today:
Listen to your gut.
When you have that "something's wrong" feeling and you can't shake it, believe it.
A few weeks ago, maybe 3 weeks ago now, I noticed my foot was hurting. I couldn't pinpoint any specific event that caused it, I just noticed it. That's not to say it didn't hurt much; it hurt quite a bit. But I have a famously high pain threshold, and I tend to ignore little aches and pains as part of growing older and part of working out regularly. I did start icing and compressing this foot pretty much as soon as I noticed it. But, of course, I could walk on it, so I did. And I continued to work out on it.
A few days in, I said to my Hubby, "I think I may have a stress fracture" but I didn't have any 'proof' other than the pain. So, I kept doing what I do.
After a couple weeks of icing and compressing with no improvement, I finally decided to visit a doctor. So, I looked up orthopedists and podiatrists on my insurance's provider website and started calling around. I took an appointment with the one who could see me soonest.
First visit.... he examines my foot and talks to me. He 'thinks' it's a sprain. He tapes it, tells me to wear the tape for a couple days, then go for xrays and come back to him in a week. In the meantime, I can work out, as tolerated. (insert rolling eyes here)
In my mind, I thought the xrays should have come before the diagnosis and the okay to continue working out. But what do I know, right? I'm not a doctor....
Yesterday was my return visit.
My gut was right. I have 2 fractures in my right foot.
If I has listened to my gut, I'd be 2 weeks ahead in the healing process.... but no. I didn't listen to my own body; I ignored it; I didn't trust it.
Hard-learned lesson: Trust your body. It tells you when something is wrong, if you'll just listen! Don't push it down and push on; injuries heal with rest and time. Give your body rest, and time.
Listen to your gut.
When you have that "something's wrong" feeling and you can't shake it, believe it.
A few weeks ago, maybe 3 weeks ago now, I noticed my foot was hurting. I couldn't pinpoint any specific event that caused it, I just noticed it. That's not to say it didn't hurt much; it hurt quite a bit. But I have a famously high pain threshold, and I tend to ignore little aches and pains as part of growing older and part of working out regularly. I did start icing and compressing this foot pretty much as soon as I noticed it. But, of course, I could walk on it, so I did. And I continued to work out on it.
A few days in, I said to my Hubby, "I think I may have a stress fracture" but I didn't have any 'proof' other than the pain. So, I kept doing what I do.
After a couple weeks of icing and compressing with no improvement, I finally decided to visit a doctor. So, I looked up orthopedists and podiatrists on my insurance's provider website and started calling around. I took an appointment with the one who could see me soonest.
First visit.... he examines my foot and talks to me. He 'thinks' it's a sprain. He tapes it, tells me to wear the tape for a couple days, then go for xrays and come back to him in a week. In the meantime, I can work out, as tolerated. (insert rolling eyes here)
In my mind, I thought the xrays should have come before the diagnosis and the okay to continue working out. But what do I know, right? I'm not a doctor....
Yesterday was my return visit.
My gut was right. I have 2 fractures in my right foot.
If I has listened to my gut, I'd be 2 weeks ahead in the healing process.... but no. I didn't listen to my own body; I ignored it; I didn't trust it.
Hard-learned lesson: Trust your body. It tells you when something is wrong, if you'll just listen! Don't push it down and push on; injuries heal with rest and time. Give your body rest, and time.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Serendipitous Moments
I was outside a few minutes ago, puttering.
I had watered my flower beds and pots.... dead headed a few plants, pulled a few weeds, hosed off the deck....
I was pondering the plants I probably should move before they have a chance to become too established because I didn't plant them in the very best location. This was my learning year with this yard. I wasn't real sure of the sun and shade situation. I wasn't sure how hot it would get, how sunny, how dry, how rainy. So, I did the best I could with the information I had at the time, but in hindsight, I should have planted some things in different locations, and it's not too late to undo and redo.
So, I came inside and grabbed my camera. My thought was to take photos of the beds so that when I start moving things around, I'll remember where other things are, like bulb plants which are no longer "there." And also, so I'll remember next spring when I go to buy annuals which did particularly well, or not.
I started out downstairs, snapping here and there. Loving the Mallow that finally bloomed into gorgeous dinner-plate-sized white and fuscia deliciousness....
I moved around to the side, snapping away....
At the top of the beds, by the driveway, I was focusing on a lovely little Day Lily blooming there, a dainty shade of mauve, who will benefit from the moves I'm contemplating.
A movement in my peripheral vision caught my attention. A monarch butterfly was perched atop a purple coneflower!! As I shifted my camera to her, she clung tenaciously as the breeze tried in vain to dislodge her.... the breeze fluttered, her wings fluttered, the flower head bobbed, but she held on as I snapped off 28 frames!
Now, let's hope one of them is a keeper!!
I had watered my flower beds and pots.... dead headed a few plants, pulled a few weeds, hosed off the deck....
I was pondering the plants I probably should move before they have a chance to become too established because I didn't plant them in the very best location. This was my learning year with this yard. I wasn't real sure of the sun and shade situation. I wasn't sure how hot it would get, how sunny, how dry, how rainy. So, I did the best I could with the information I had at the time, but in hindsight, I should have planted some things in different locations, and it's not too late to undo and redo.
So, I came inside and grabbed my camera. My thought was to take photos of the beds so that when I start moving things around, I'll remember where other things are, like bulb plants which are no longer "there." And also, so I'll remember next spring when I go to buy annuals which did particularly well, or not.
I started out downstairs, snapping here and there. Loving the Mallow that finally bloomed into gorgeous dinner-plate-sized white and fuscia deliciousness....
I moved around to the side, snapping away....
At the top of the beds, by the driveway, I was focusing on a lovely little Day Lily blooming there, a dainty shade of mauve, who will benefit from the moves I'm contemplating.
A movement in my peripheral vision caught my attention. A monarch butterfly was perched atop a purple coneflower!! As I shifted my camera to her, she clung tenaciously as the breeze tried in vain to dislodge her.... the breeze fluttered, her wings fluttered, the flower head bobbed, but she held on as I snapped off 28 frames!
Now, let's hope one of them is a keeper!!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Not so bright? or just curious?
Yesterday evening, Hubby and I were sitting out on the deck after dinner when along came a hummingbird!
I was so excited to see it because they've been rare visitors this year, despite my always full feeder.
Well, this little guy hovered away from the deck looking at us for a few seconds and disappeared. I quietly got up and moved a candle I had lit and set on the deck railing to ward off bugs, figuring maybe the flame and smoke discouraged the little hummer. I saw him sitting in an evergreen right off the deck corner, waiting.
Before I even had a chance to sit down, he buzzed himself up to the petunias in the flower box, and visited down the line. From there, he moved on to the next box, visiting the petunias there as well. Then, to my amusement, he investigated the decorative flag hanging nearby before finally approaching the hummingbird feeder.
At this point, I was standing about 4 feet away, still as a statue, barely breathing. Well, it was really all I could do not to laugh out loud at this little guy. Instead of heading straight for the feeding portals like most hummers do, this guy tried to feed from the painted flowers on the body of the feeder. Not convinced by checking one, he checked all the flowers on the feeder before he finally went to the portals and drank. And yes, he tried all 4 of them before zipping away to check out the seed feeders down the rail.
Truly, I was giggling by this time. What a funny little guy.... Was he just "not the brightest hummingbird in the flock?" Or was he just really curious about all the colorful things?
I watched in horror as he approached the FLAME of a nearby tiki torch.... he stopped SO close to the flame, I was really afraid he would be burned, but he squeaked and flew away. Hubby and I sat there and laughed about this unusual visit and wondered what the heck he was thinking....
This morning, I saw a hummer- it HAD to be the same little curious, confused guy- zip into the area. And his first stop? A bright red cardinal at the seed feeder. ROFL.... I can only imagine what the cardinal was thinking....
I was so excited to see it because they've been rare visitors this year, despite my always full feeder.
Well, this little guy hovered away from the deck looking at us for a few seconds and disappeared. I quietly got up and moved a candle I had lit and set on the deck railing to ward off bugs, figuring maybe the flame and smoke discouraged the little hummer. I saw him sitting in an evergreen right off the deck corner, waiting.
Before I even had a chance to sit down, he buzzed himself up to the petunias in the flower box, and visited down the line. From there, he moved on to the next box, visiting the petunias there as well. Then, to my amusement, he investigated the decorative flag hanging nearby before finally approaching the hummingbird feeder.
At this point, I was standing about 4 feet away, still as a statue, barely breathing. Well, it was really all I could do not to laugh out loud at this little guy. Instead of heading straight for the feeding portals like most hummers do, this guy tried to feed from the painted flowers on the body of the feeder. Not convinced by checking one, he checked all the flowers on the feeder before he finally went to the portals and drank. And yes, he tried all 4 of them before zipping away to check out the seed feeders down the rail.
Truly, I was giggling by this time. What a funny little guy.... Was he just "not the brightest hummingbird in the flock?" Or was he just really curious about all the colorful things?
I watched in horror as he approached the FLAME of a nearby tiki torch.... he stopped SO close to the flame, I was really afraid he would be burned, but he squeaked and flew away. Hubby and I sat there and laughed about this unusual visit and wondered what the heck he was thinking....
This morning, I saw a hummer- it HAD to be the same little curious, confused guy- zip into the area. And his first stop? A bright red cardinal at the seed feeder. ROFL.... I can only imagine what the cardinal was thinking....
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Follow up to Don't Spoil Dad
Yesterday, while out running errands, Omar and I discussed dessert....
I said, "Let's do something light and summery.... maybe some lemon sorbet with blueberries?" We were standing in a bakery at the time, so I added, "with a cookie of some kind?" So we perused the display and decided on a Pecan Crispy- a huge flat, round thing with pecans and who know what else.
By the way, I was planning on making crab cakes for dinner, so I thought something light and fruity sounded like a good balance.
The crab cakes were good. I served them with some Mango-Peach Salsa, along with our usual huge salad to which I added orange sections, to pick up the fruit theme.
I went into the kitchen a couple hours later to put dessert together. With the kettle on for tea, and bowls out for the sorbet, I grabbed the bakery bag to warm and break the Pecan Crispy. About that time, Dad (aka Hubby) walked in and started poking around. I said to him, "Go on downstairs; I'll bring dessert in a few."
His response? "Omar makes dessert from scratch, not a bakery bag."
Did I not say, "Don't spoil Dad?"
(by the way, dessert was yummy! I poured a bit of Lemoncello over the blueberries, and it was restaurant quality, even if I say so myself....)
I said, "Let's do something light and summery.... maybe some lemon sorbet with blueberries?" We were standing in a bakery at the time, so I added, "with a cookie of some kind?" So we perused the display and decided on a Pecan Crispy- a huge flat, round thing with pecans and who know what else.
By the way, I was planning on making crab cakes for dinner, so I thought something light and fruity sounded like a good balance.
The crab cakes were good. I served them with some Mango-Peach Salsa, along with our usual huge salad to which I added orange sections, to pick up the fruit theme.
I went into the kitchen a couple hours later to put dessert together. With the kettle on for tea, and bowls out for the sorbet, I grabbed the bakery bag to warm and break the Pecan Crispy. About that time, Dad (aka Hubby) walked in and started poking around. I said to him, "Go on downstairs; I'll bring dessert in a few."
His response? "Omar makes dessert from scratch, not a bakery bag."
Did I not say, "Don't spoil Dad?"
(by the way, dessert was yummy! I poured a bit of Lemoncello over the blueberries, and it was restaurant quality, even if I say so myself....)
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Did I say "Don't spoil Dad?"
When Omar moved home for the summer, I said to him, "Don't spoil Dad...."
Huh?
Omar has turned into quite a gourmet.
-noun
–adjective
And I just knew we were in for a summer of excellent food, and I didn't want him to spoil Dad.
It's not that I'm not a gourmet, too, but I'm no longer as ambitious on a daily basis as Omar is. He will prepare risotto, from scratch, for LUNCH! Me? I'm all about the leftovers, or a quick sandwich.
Dinner? Oh my gosh, the dinners we've had. Now, lest you think he's been toiling away over a hot stove all summer, let me say 1) I've been helping 2) we've done a good deal of grilling and 3) most of the meals have been a collaborative effort to some extent.
Last night, as we sat nibbling on toasted blueberry pound cake with vanilla bean ice cream, Dad says, "Now let's see how Mom does when you're gone...."
Oy.
Did I not say, "Don't spoil Dad?"
Huh?
Omar has turned into quite a gourmet.
-noun
| 1. | a connoisseur of fine food and drink; epicure. |
| 2. | of or characteristic of a gourmet, esp. in involving or purporting to involve high-quality or exotic ingredients and skilled preparation: gourmet meals; gourmet cooking. |
| 3. | elaborately equipped for the preparation of fancy, specialized, or exotic meals |
And I just knew we were in for a summer of excellent food, and I didn't want him to spoil Dad.
It's not that I'm not a gourmet, too, but I'm no longer as ambitious on a daily basis as Omar is. He will prepare risotto, from scratch, for LUNCH! Me? I'm all about the leftovers, or a quick sandwich.
Dinner? Oh my gosh, the dinners we've had. Now, lest you think he's been toiling away over a hot stove all summer, let me say 1) I've been helping 2) we've done a good deal of grilling and 3) most of the meals have been a collaborative effort to some extent.
Last night, as we sat nibbling on toasted blueberry pound cake with vanilla bean ice cream, Dad says, "Now let's see how Mom does when you're gone...."
Oy.
Did I not say, "Don't spoil Dad?"
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Mothering Adult Children
For some bizarre reason, I thought as my children grew older, there would come a point where I wouldn't worry so much. Some nebulous portal would transport me to a place where I could sit back and watch them be wonderful adults, not a worry on the horizon....
How delusional can a (more or less) sane person be???
As they have grown, I have realized that there is a very apropos cliche: Small children, small problems; big children, oy vey.
Okay, that's not really the cliche, but you know....
And they're good kids!! Imagine if they weren't!?
It doesn't help that I'm a worrier by nature. I worry about all kinds of stupidity, but my kids, I worry about them every day. Not a day passes that I don't worry about something.
I still hope that one day I can let most of it go.
Oh, please, let that day come soon....
How delusional can a (more or less) sane person be???
As they have grown, I have realized that there is a very apropos cliche: Small children, small problems; big children, oy vey.
Okay, that's not really the cliche, but you know....
And they're good kids!! Imagine if they weren't!?
It doesn't help that I'm a worrier by nature. I worry about all kinds of stupidity, but my kids, I worry about them every day. Not a day passes that I don't worry about something.
I still hope that one day I can let most of it go.
Oh, please, let that day come soon....
Friday, July 11, 2008
My Dad, the superhero
I was recently, very recently in fact, talking to some friends about my Dad.
I said, "In our family, he was like a superhero." Pretty much all my cousins, aunts and uncles talk about Dad with a certain awe in their voice. He was larger than life. He was a saint. He was a good man. He died 31 years ago today, at the too young age of 39.
He was my world. I was 16 when Daddy went to work that sultry July morning for the last time. He suffered a massive MI at work and died on the scene.
My world tilted.
To this very day, I can not talk about Daddy without crying. I can't write about him without crying. I still mourn the loss of this special man. I mourn the fact that his grandchildren never knew him. And some of his grandsons are SO like him. I mourn my loss, still.
Oddly enough, I find solace in a line from a Billy Joel song: "only the good die young." And that was what he was: good. He was a good man.
Love ya, Daddy.
I said, "In our family, he was like a superhero." Pretty much all my cousins, aunts and uncles talk about Dad with a certain awe in their voice. He was larger than life. He was a saint. He was a good man. He died 31 years ago today, at the too young age of 39.
He was my world. I was 16 when Daddy went to work that sultry July morning for the last time. He suffered a massive MI at work and died on the scene.
My world tilted.
To this very day, I can not talk about Daddy without crying. I can't write about him without crying. I still mourn the loss of this special man. I mourn the fact that his grandchildren never knew him. And some of his grandsons are SO like him. I mourn my loss, still.
Oddly enough, I find solace in a line from a Billy Joel song: "only the good die young." And that was what he was: good. He was a good man.
Love ya, Daddy.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
How does he love me?
Let me count the ways.....
No, really, the Hubby of 27+ years knows how to say I Love You.
This past weekend, we took the Boys to Washington, DC for the weekend. Not really because it was the holiday weekend. In fact, if we'd really thought about it, we probably would have planned it for a different weekend, but it turned out to be a very cool experience. Hubby planned the trip for me because there were 2 museum exhibitions that I wanted to see.
Yes, we traveled 350 miles one way for me to go to a museum. THAT, my friends, is true love.
And it's not the first time we've done such a thing!
This time, however, it was to take in the exhibit of Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/afghanistaninfo.shtm at the National Gallery of Art AND Muraqqa': Imperial Mughal Albums from the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin http://www.asia.si.edu/exhibitions/current/muraqqa.htm at the Freer + Sackler Galleries of the Smithsonian.
Why these 2 exhibitions? Two of my great loves are ancient history and art history.
And The love of my life, the Hubby, knows that.
Are they worth driving that far? To me, they were! To him? I doubt it, but he did it with me, for me, anyway.
And that's 1 way he loves me! xoxo
No, really, the Hubby of 27+ years knows how to say I Love You.
This past weekend, we took the Boys to Washington, DC for the weekend. Not really because it was the holiday weekend. In fact, if we'd really thought about it, we probably would have planned it for a different weekend, but it turned out to be a very cool experience. Hubby planned the trip for me because there were 2 museum exhibitions that I wanted to see.
Yes, we traveled 350 miles one way for me to go to a museum. THAT, my friends, is true love.
And it's not the first time we've done such a thing!
This time, however, it was to take in the exhibit of Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/afghanistaninfo.shtm at the National Gallery of Art AND Muraqqa': Imperial Mughal Albums from the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin http://www.asia.si.edu/exhibitions/current/muraqqa.htm at the Freer + Sackler Galleries of the Smithsonian.
Why these 2 exhibitions? Two of my great loves are ancient history and art history.
And The love of my life, the Hubby, knows that.
Are they worth driving that far? To me, they were! To him? I doubt it, but he did it with me, for me, anyway.
And that's 1 way he loves me! xoxo
Thursday, June 26, 2008
And the list bites the dust
I don't think I can do any more 'things I like about me.'
I'm embarrassed to admit that I'm not real comfortable doing it....
There are, to be sure, things I like about myself, but digging them out, naming them, writing about them? Nah, not so much.
I hope there are things other people like about me. I mean, there must be because I do have friends, and there must be something to like to build a friendship on, right? So, my friends, I love you for your friendship, for your support, for your words of kindness and love over the years. And I beg you to continue to love me even though I'm quitting my list of things. ;)
There are so many things that are more fun to talk about, so let's just talk about other things, shall we?
I'm embarrassed to admit that I'm not real comfortable doing it....
There are, to be sure, things I like about myself, but digging them out, naming them, writing about them? Nah, not so much.
I hope there are things other people like about me. I mean, there must be because I do have friends, and there must be something to like to build a friendship on, right? So, my friends, I love you for your friendship, for your support, for your words of kindness and love over the years. And I beg you to continue to love me even though I'm quitting my list of things. ;)
There are so many things that are more fun to talk about, so let's just talk about other things, shall we?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Number 7 of the things I like about me
7) I'm self sufficient.
At least most of the time. I wasn't much coddled as a child and I grew up being very self sufficient. In our early married years, Hubby traveled a great deal with his work, so my self sufficiency matured. During the child-rearing years, the patterns continued.
Thus, I reach the place I am today. I am a grown up woman, with grown up children, who really rarely "needs" anything from anyone.
From time to time I cross a jar I can't open on my own. Actually, I probably could if I persevered, but why bother when there are 3 strong men in the house?? I call for muscle and, presto change-o, the jar is open!
Yesterday, I bought a new filter for the aquarium. Let me just say I've been dealing with aquarium stuff for over 20 years. And I've never had any trouble with a filter. You put it together, hang it over the edge, fill it with water, plug it in and it goes. Except yesterday, it would not go. Would not run, for whatever reason. Brand new filter, right out of the box, not working.
I will admit to becoming very frustrated after about 30 minutes of fiddling with it. I gave up. I unplugged it and walked away, saying to Omar, "I'll have Dad take a look at it...."
After dinner, I tackled it again. I fiddled. I wiggled. I cursed. I sighed. I got it working!!!
I still don't know why the darn thing wouldn't work right off, but eventually it did, and I felt like I deserved something.... like a Pulitzer Prize for domestic engineering?
At least most of the time. I wasn't much coddled as a child and I grew up being very self sufficient. In our early married years, Hubby traveled a great deal with his work, so my self sufficiency matured. During the child-rearing years, the patterns continued.
Thus, I reach the place I am today. I am a grown up woman, with grown up children, who really rarely "needs" anything from anyone.
From time to time I cross a jar I can't open on my own. Actually, I probably could if I persevered, but why bother when there are 3 strong men in the house?? I call for muscle and, presto change-o, the jar is open!
Yesterday, I bought a new filter for the aquarium. Let me just say I've been dealing with aquarium stuff for over 20 years. And I've never had any trouble with a filter. You put it together, hang it over the edge, fill it with water, plug it in and it goes. Except yesterday, it would not go. Would not run, for whatever reason. Brand new filter, right out of the box, not working.
I will admit to becoming very frustrated after about 30 minutes of fiddling with it. I gave up. I unplugged it and walked away, saying to Omar, "I'll have Dad take a look at it...."
After dinner, I tackled it again. I fiddled. I wiggled. I cursed. I sighed. I got it working!!!
I still don't know why the darn thing wouldn't work right off, but eventually it did, and I felt like I deserved something.... like a Pulitzer Prize for domestic engineering?
Monday, June 23, 2008
Wimbledon!
I LOVE Wimbledon!!! I love the tennis; I love the "event"; I love the village; I love Wimbledon!!
There are 2 things about Wimbledon I don't love: the rain delays, but hey, it's Wimbledon, so what'dya expect? and the mispronunciation. So many people try to be correct and say "WimbleTon".... no, folks, it's a 'D' and therefore: WimbleDon. Take note, Reege, please!! lol
I love the tradition. No matter how colorful tennis attire becomes, Wimbledon requires white. Tennis whites are so beautiful against the lush green grass of the courts. Only recently have they "allowed" men to go sleeveless. Only recently have they given up the bow and curtsy to the royal box. And I kinda wish they had not given these 2 concessions to modernity. I loved the old school feel of it all.
I love the fan-friendliness of the venue. People queue for hours for grounds passes, which allow you to wander around and watch any match that isn't on center court, or courts 1 or 2 reserved seating. Yes, the queue is often hours long, sometimes overnight! But it's so affordable, and you can see legends play for cheap if you're patient!
I love the tennis! This is the only grass court championship, anywhere. And not everyone can play grass court tennis. It's not exactly like playing rebound or clay. It is unique, unto itself. It almost seems as if the grass has a personality of it's own. There will inevitably be an upset or 2 during the fortnight, and we watch in anticipation.
All that being said, let the tennis begin!! The fortnight is underway!! Yay, Wimbledon!!!
There are 2 things about Wimbledon I don't love: the rain delays, but hey, it's Wimbledon, so what'dya expect? and the mispronunciation. So many people try to be correct and say "WimbleTon".... no, folks, it's a 'D' and therefore: WimbleDon. Take note, Reege, please!! lol
I love the tradition. No matter how colorful tennis attire becomes, Wimbledon requires white. Tennis whites are so beautiful against the lush green grass of the courts. Only recently have they "allowed" men to go sleeveless. Only recently have they given up the bow and curtsy to the royal box. And I kinda wish they had not given these 2 concessions to modernity. I loved the old school feel of it all.
I love the fan-friendliness of the venue. People queue for hours for grounds passes, which allow you to wander around and watch any match that isn't on center court, or courts 1 or 2 reserved seating. Yes, the queue is often hours long, sometimes overnight! But it's so affordable, and you can see legends play for cheap if you're patient!
I love the tennis! This is the only grass court championship, anywhere. And not everyone can play grass court tennis. It's not exactly like playing rebound or clay. It is unique, unto itself. It almost seems as if the grass has a personality of it's own. There will inevitably be an upset or 2 during the fortnight, and we watch in anticipation.
All that being said, let the tennis begin!! The fortnight is underway!! Yay, Wimbledon!!!
Number 6 of the 50 Things I Like About Me
Well, since Lisa admits to having worked on her list of 50 for a few days, I guess I don't feel quite so bad about struggling with my 50....
I'm only up to #6, and already I'm wondering if I'll make it to 10!
Number 6:
I accept Monday mornings for what they are.... Monday morning.
Given the opportunity/influence, I would allow everyone I know to take Monday mornings "off". No college classes on Monday mornings. The work day would begin at 1 p.m on Mondays. Gyms would remain closed until 1, as well. Honestly, don't we deserve a gradual entry into a new week?
I'm only up to #6, and already I'm wondering if I'll make it to 10!
Number 6:
I accept Monday mornings for what they are.... Monday morning.
Given the opportunity/influence, I would allow everyone I know to take Monday mornings "off". No college classes on Monday mornings. The work day would begin at 1 p.m on Mondays. Gyms would remain closed until 1, as well. Honestly, don't we deserve a gradual entry into a new week?
Sunday, June 22, 2008
50 Things, numbers 4 & 5
4) I'm a good cook.
We had dinner guests last night.... We had Spicy Marinated Steak, Greek Yogurt Chicken, Garlic and Bleu Cheese Grilled Mashed Potatoes (Omar's creation), Banana Bread Pudding and Cappuccino Fudge.
Gotta say, it was YUM-O!
5) I can talk sports with the guys!
I'm conversant in basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, golf..... and I can fake it with most other sports, LOL. There are only a couple I'm truly clueless about: cricket and curling. Does ANYone understand them??
We had dinner guests last night.... We had Spicy Marinated Steak, Greek Yogurt Chicken, Garlic and Bleu Cheese Grilled Mashed Potatoes (Omar's creation), Banana Bread Pudding and Cappuccino Fudge.
Gotta say, it was YUM-O!
5) I can talk sports with the guys!
I'm conversant in basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, golf..... and I can fake it with most other sports, LOL. There are only a couple I'm truly clueless about: cricket and curling. Does ANYone understand them??
Thursday, June 19, 2008
50 Things I Like About Me, number 3
3) I have a sense of humor. About most things.
Right now, I'm sitting here with a stuffed lizard sitting on my shoulder, "watching," Omar says. He makes me laugh so much- Omar, not the lizard.
I enjoy laughing. You know it's good for your immune system to laugh.
We should all laugh more. There should be more stuff to laugh about. Don't you think?
Right now, I'm sitting here with a stuffed lizard sitting on my shoulder, "watching," Omar says. He makes me laugh so much- Omar, not the lizard.
I enjoy laughing. You know it's good for your immune system to laugh.
We should all laugh more. There should be more stuff to laugh about. Don't you think?
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
50 Things, Number 2
2) I enjoy all kinds of movies.... Pirates of the Caribbean, At World's End was my most recent. I've always found the PotC movies to be an interesting combination of mythology, humor, gruesome special effects and hubba, hubba (Orlando). They make me go, "huh?" as often as they make me LOL....
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
50 things???
I have a friend who blogged 50 things she likes about herself.
In 1 blog. In 1 sitting, I'm guessing.
Wonder how long it took her to come up with 50?
NO way I can do 50 at a time, but maybe 50, 1 day at a time?
So, Lisa, I'll see your 50, but mine will be 1 every day.
50 Things I Like About Myself:
1) I love my family, and they love me, too.... most of the time. ;)
Lisa's blog: http://notjustanylisa.blogspot.com/
In 1 blog. In 1 sitting, I'm guessing.
Wonder how long it took her to come up with 50?
NO way I can do 50 at a time, but maybe 50, 1 day at a time?
So, Lisa, I'll see your 50, but mine will be 1 every day.
50 Things I Like About Myself:
1) I love my family, and they love me, too.... most of the time. ;)
Lisa's blog: http://notjustanylisa.blogspot.com/
Friday, June 13, 2008
Summer Birds
I love birds.
I love birds, a lot!
I feed the birds outside my kitchen window, and I love to watch them while we're eating.... and they're eating. Right now, late spring, they empty the feeder twice a day, completely. They'd probably do it a third time if I refilled it quickly enough.
Year round, we have sparrows, finches, cardinals and doves. During the spring and summer, we add robins, gold finches, red-winged blackbirds, grackles, starlings, and grosbeaks.
Yesterday, in my neighbors' tree, I noticed a flurry.... I grabbed my binoculars and pulled into focus.... cedar waxwings!!! I was so excited!!! (In Texas, I only saw 1, once in 13 years.)
And this morning, early this morning, I was standing there, looking out, waiting for my first cup of tea to brew when I saw a newcomer.... a duck. A mallard, to be exact, waddling up to that special place in the grass where the sparrows and finches throw the food they don't want. I laughed. Out loud. What the heck?? (giggle)
As I lingered over a second cup of tea, I noted another newbie.... I couldn't identify her. No, I'm not sure it was a she-bird, but I'd bet on it because her coloring was "dull" which often afflicts the female of the species. I opened up my Audubon field guide and flipped thru the pages.... couldn't find her. Maybe she'll come back later, or tomorrow, so I can snap a picture to help identify her.
I really do love my birds....
I love birds, a lot!
I feed the birds outside my kitchen window, and I love to watch them while we're eating.... and they're eating. Right now, late spring, they empty the feeder twice a day, completely. They'd probably do it a third time if I refilled it quickly enough.
Year round, we have sparrows, finches, cardinals and doves. During the spring and summer, we add robins, gold finches, red-winged blackbirds, grackles, starlings, and grosbeaks.
Yesterday, in my neighbors' tree, I noticed a flurry.... I grabbed my binoculars and pulled into focus.... cedar waxwings!!! I was so excited!!! (In Texas, I only saw 1, once in 13 years.)
And this morning, early this morning, I was standing there, looking out, waiting for my first cup of tea to brew when I saw a newcomer.... a duck. A mallard, to be exact, waddling up to that special place in the grass where the sparrows and finches throw the food they don't want. I laughed. Out loud. What the heck?? (giggle)
As I lingered over a second cup of tea, I noted another newbie.... I couldn't identify her. No, I'm not sure it was a she-bird, but I'd bet on it because her coloring was "dull" which often afflicts the female of the species. I opened up my Audubon field guide and flipped thru the pages.... couldn't find her. Maybe she'll come back later, or tomorrow, so I can snap a picture to help identify her.
I really do love my birds....
Friday, June 6, 2008
Summer, oh summer
A week ago, the mornings were still in the 40s. And mid-day was maybe 70 degrees....
I would open all the windows to let the breezes cool the house.
And it was lovely. While it lasted. LOL
Yesterday, summer arrived in overdrive. Hot (for here) and humid. Oh ick!!! And so, the air conditioning got turned on, finally.
And it doesn't work.
This morning, the outside temp was 66; inside, it was 83. So, I opened the windows and doors to let some cooler air in, and put in a call to the AC repair.
Tomorrow, he will come. And we may set a temperature record for the day as well.
Hmmm. Well, at least I know one thing for SURE.... this Ohio summer will NOT be as hot and humid, nor last as long as the Texas summers I survived for the last 13 years.
With that in mind, I welcome summer- heat, humidity, mosquitoes and all.
I would open all the windows to let the breezes cool the house.
And it was lovely. While it lasted. LOL
Yesterday, summer arrived in overdrive. Hot (for here) and humid. Oh ick!!! And so, the air conditioning got turned on, finally.
And it doesn't work.
This morning, the outside temp was 66; inside, it was 83. So, I opened the windows and doors to let some cooler air in, and put in a call to the AC repair.
Tomorrow, he will come. And we may set a temperature record for the day as well.
Hmmm. Well, at least I know one thing for SURE.... this Ohio summer will NOT be as hot and humid, nor last as long as the Texas summers I survived for the last 13 years.
With that in mind, I welcome summer- heat, humidity, mosquitoes and all.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Honestly, who needs this stuff?
And why can't I get rid of it??
We were cleaning the garage yesterday. Well, more accurately, we were rearranging the garage, moving some stuff to the attic storage, throwing some stuff out, emptying boxes, etc.
I ran across a box with some of my things in it.... Among the things in the box were a doll my Dad brought me from VietNam many, many years ago, and a purse/bag my dh gave me a few years ago. I repacked them to be saved even though the doll is discolored from age and totally not displayable, and I will probably never use the purse/bag again b/c it just doesn't fit my lifestyle anymore.
Why???
Well, I suppose one could make the argument that I hold on to the doll b/c my Dad is gone and I keep her to keep a piece of him.
What's the deal with the purse? Dh is most assuredly alive and well and he has given me many other more expensive and/or "dear" things before and since the bag.... so, why did I pack it back up to keep??
Thinking on it....
We were cleaning the garage yesterday. Well, more accurately, we were rearranging the garage, moving some stuff to the attic storage, throwing some stuff out, emptying boxes, etc.
I ran across a box with some of my things in it.... Among the things in the box were a doll my Dad brought me from VietNam many, many years ago, and a purse/bag my dh gave me a few years ago. I repacked them to be saved even though the doll is discolored from age and totally not displayable, and I will probably never use the purse/bag again b/c it just doesn't fit my lifestyle anymore.
Why???
Well, I suppose one could make the argument that I hold on to the doll b/c my Dad is gone and I keep her to keep a piece of him.
What's the deal with the purse? Dh is most assuredly alive and well and he has given me many other more expensive and/or "dear" things before and since the bag.... so, why did I pack it back up to keep??
Thinking on it....
Friday, May 30, 2008
Search and Rescue
Farooq went for a bike ride yesterday. And got lost. He was on a Metropark bike trail, so he wasn't like lost in the wilderness, but he didn't know where he was, so he was lost.
He called me to come pick him up. Problem #1- I didn't know where he was. Problem #2- HE didn't know where he was. Problem #3- He had a bike with him and I drive a car. Solution- "call Dad."
We did find him, eventually. Turned out he had ridden 23 miles and the only way back that he could figure out was to just turn around and ride another 23 miles back. His legs said, "We don't think so!"
After we got home and he had showered and we had eaten dinner, he came to me and whispered, "Mom, my perennial hurts."
ROFL....
I think he meant perineum.
He called me to come pick him up. Problem #1- I didn't know where he was. Problem #2- HE didn't know where he was. Problem #3- He had a bike with him and I drive a car. Solution- "call Dad."
We did find him, eventually. Turned out he had ridden 23 miles and the only way back that he could figure out was to just turn around and ride another 23 miles back. His legs said, "We don't think so!"
After we got home and he had showered and we had eaten dinner, he came to me and whispered, "Mom, my perennial hurts."
ROFL....
I think he meant perineum.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Are you kidding me?
It's May!
May 29, to be exact.
This morning, when I stumbled into the kitchen at 6 a.m., it was 34 degrees out.
Yes, I said 34.
With frost.
Let me review: May 29, 34 degrees, with frost.
Toto, we're not in Texas anymore, that's for dang sure.
May 29, to be exact.
This morning, when I stumbled into the kitchen at 6 a.m., it was 34 degrees out.
Yes, I said 34.
With frost.
Let me review: May 29, 34 degrees, with frost.
Toto, we're not in Texas anymore, that's for dang sure.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Spring!!
Kinda.
LOL.... Spring in Ohio looks very different than spring in Texas.
It has been warm for probably 2 months in Texas; flower beds are filling quickly with summer annuals. The push is on to get them in the ground before the heat of summer hits. Spring in Texas means bluebonnets and indian paintbrush, fressia and amaryllis.
Here, in northeast Ohio, spring comes and goes for a while, staying for a day or two before winter reappears briefly. After a couple days of winter cold, the temperature tiptoes back up toward 60 for a day or 2, maybe 3. Then overnight, it's 30 again! So far, spring is crocuses and daffodils. Tulips are sending up their green blades, but no flowers just yet. Trees hint at the green leaves to come. Grass turns green patch by patch, like a quilt, growing daily.
I haven't gotten the daffodils uploaded yet, so, until then, here's a Texas spring photo for you.... enjoy!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
So THIS is winter
I've been wondering when winter would really show herself.
I'd say this is it, huh? Yesterday morning, I woke to 3 or so inches of snow. And it snowed all day, in my neck of the woods. And this morning, it's still snowing!!
It's beautiful, really. This is what I expected winter to be like. I guess I wouldn't be too happy if it were like this from November until May, but for a brief moment, it's winter in all her brilliant white pure snowiness.
Welcome to Ohio, me. Welcome to Ohio, indeed.
I'd say this is it, huh? Yesterday morning, I woke to 3 or so inches of snow. And it snowed all day, in my neck of the woods. And this morning, it's still snowing!!
It's beautiful, really. This is what I expected winter to be like. I guess I wouldn't be too happy if it were like this from November until May, but for a brief moment, it's winter in all her brilliant white pure snowiness.
Welcome to Ohio, me. Welcome to Ohio, indeed.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
2 Good Reads
No, not Pulizer Prize winners....
No, not classics....
Just good books to curl up and read on a cold winter day....
"T is for Trespass" by Sue Grafton. If you haven't read all the other books leading up to this one, it's OK, this one can stand alone. In my humble opinion, though, you should read them. To me, Ms. Grafton's books are like old friends. You know their history, their personality, their temperament... no surprises. This follows form as surely as the sun rises in the East. The difference in this one is evil. This bad guy, who's a woman by the way, is just mean. She's really a bad one. But the story is good. A quick read, no surprises, like visiting an old friend. Two thumbs up!
"Playing for Pizza" by John Grisham. Not at all like Mr. Grisham's usual books, this one is like eating a candy bar. It's relatively short, and easy to pick up and put down. And the story is amusing. An NFL pariah ends up in Parma, Italy playing "football americano" for the Parma Panthers. I was hooked when, in the first chapter, we find Rick in a hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, recuperating from a nasty concussion and other boo-boos suffered in the previous day's football game, where Rick was the Cleveland Brown's third string quarterback. Since the Browns are my new home team, I was "in." Then, Rick travels to Italy to play. Well. Nowhere I'd rather be than Italy! Turns out to be a cute, feel good book. If I had written it, however, it would probably stand NO chance of publication, but because Grisham has a following (like me), here it is. Something different, a diversion, a candy bar. One thumb up.
No, not classics....
Just good books to curl up and read on a cold winter day....
"T is for Trespass" by Sue Grafton. If you haven't read all the other books leading up to this one, it's OK, this one can stand alone. In my humble opinion, though, you should read them. To me, Ms. Grafton's books are like old friends. You know their history, their personality, their temperament... no surprises. This follows form as surely as the sun rises in the East. The difference in this one is evil. This bad guy, who's a woman by the way, is just mean. She's really a bad one. But the story is good. A quick read, no surprises, like visiting an old friend. Two thumbs up!
"Playing for Pizza" by John Grisham. Not at all like Mr. Grisham's usual books, this one is like eating a candy bar. It's relatively short, and easy to pick up and put down. And the story is amusing. An NFL pariah ends up in Parma, Italy playing "football americano" for the Parma Panthers. I was hooked when, in the first chapter, we find Rick in a hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, recuperating from a nasty concussion and other boo-boos suffered in the previous day's football game, where Rick was the Cleveland Brown's third string quarterback. Since the Browns are my new home team, I was "in." Then, Rick travels to Italy to play. Well. Nowhere I'd rather be than Italy! Turns out to be a cute, feel good book. If I had written it, however, it would probably stand NO chance of publication, but because Grisham has a following (like me), here it is. Something different, a diversion, a candy bar. One thumb up.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Winter in Ohio
Mid-January + Ohio = brrrrr.....
Winter has settled in, I think. I don't mind the snow. And, right now, I don't mind the cold so much. However, I'd like to register my complaint about the gray. It's just so gray.
The sky is gray. The trees are gray. The dirty snow is gray.
Now, don't get me wrong. Gray is a perfectly nice color and all. For silk blouses. And wool slacks. And a lovely topcoat in cashmere, maybe.
But I miss the sunshine.
I must say, though, that the brilliant red of a male cardinal surely is a bright spot in the otherwise gray day....
Winter has settled in, I think. I don't mind the snow. And, right now, I don't mind the cold so much. However, I'd like to register my complaint about the gray. It's just so gray.
The sky is gray. The trees are gray. The dirty snow is gray.
Now, don't get me wrong. Gray is a perfectly nice color and all. For silk blouses. And wool slacks. And a lovely topcoat in cashmere, maybe.
But I miss the sunshine.
I must say, though, that the brilliant red of a male cardinal surely is a bright spot in the otherwise gray day....
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
My Dream House is Gone
It's a bittersweet day for me.
My house in Texas isn't "my" house anymore. I'm very happy that the bills aren't mine anymore, considering we don't live there. But it was my dream house. And it's gone. And I'm a little sad.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Yikes! I lost 2 months!
Holy Moly.
I can't believe my last blog was 2 months ago.
I have been so busy with.... life, that I have been just too preoccupied to put it into words. And that's not good.
I'm now residing full time and permanently in Ohio. It's been quite a change. Funny, I remember thinking the same thing when I moved to Texas 13 years ago. I remember telling people, "Texas really is a whole 'nuther country." And I was really amazed at how different it felt to me.
Well, after 13 years in Texas, Ohio feels like Smalltown America. And that's both good and not so good. I tearfully told hubby today, "I hate living here!" And quickly took it back. I don't hate living here; but I'm not crazy about some of it. I feel quite alone at times. A lot of the time, in fact. I know it takes time to settle in. I know it takes time to find your "place." I'm trying, honestly, I am.
I can't believe my last blog was 2 months ago.
I have been so busy with.... life, that I have been just too preoccupied to put it into words. And that's not good.
I'm now residing full time and permanently in Ohio. It's been quite a change. Funny, I remember thinking the same thing when I moved to Texas 13 years ago. I remember telling people, "Texas really is a whole 'nuther country." And I was really amazed at how different it felt to me.
Well, after 13 years in Texas, Ohio feels like Smalltown America. And that's both good and not so good. I tearfully told hubby today, "I hate living here!" And quickly took it back. I don't hate living here; but I'm not crazy about some of it. I feel quite alone at times. A lot of the time, in fact. I know it takes time to settle in. I know it takes time to find your "place." I'm trying, honestly, I am.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
