Two Ways
After our second graders left the Sunday School room this morning, hubby said something and I started to cry. I had to stay for the last service and he went home. In the empty room, I finished my cry and tried to compose myself. Of course, a friend popped in to tell me something and caught me. I told her indirectly what was wrong, but I almost never share out little tiffs with anyone. I know we will work it out because we are committed to each other.
And work it out we did when I got home. He brought it up almost immediately because he could not understand why I was upset when he was making fun of himself. I totally misunderstood him. I thought he was criticizing me in an area that is especially tender for me. That is not like my hubby and I should have clarified what I thought I heard before I reacted emotionally.
In one of those emails that gets passed around, probably What Men Would Like Women to Know, this statement hit home for my hubby: If I say something and there are two ways to take it and one way makes you cry, I meant it the other way.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Rose Order
Knock Out
This morning I wrote about delighting in the present as an antidote to cabin fever and this evening I ordered ten rose bushes in anticipation of spring. I've been considering Knock Out roses in the perennial border for some time due to their long bloom season, disease resistance, winter hips, and compact habit. I just didn't like the colors (and I wish they were more fragrant.) Finally last year they started selling a soft pink cultivar, Blushing Knock Out, which would complement the lavenders, yellows, whites and pinks in my garden. So I ordered it tonight. Well, "it" was actually ten bushes. I'll plant a few in the church garden but where am I going to put the rest? I think several would look lovely by the Perovskia atriplicifolia, partially line the walk with a few more and put the rest in the bed vacated by the English Ivy. ( Follow this obsession here, here, here and here). The new bed may not drain well enough for roses and I still have a cubic yard of dirt, stones and large roots to excavate.
This morning I wrote about delighting in the present as an antidote to cabin fever and this evening I ordered ten rose bushes in anticipation of spring. I've been considering Knock Out roses in the perennial border for some time due to their long bloom season, disease resistance, winter hips, and compact habit. I just didn't like the colors (and I wish they were more fragrant.) Finally last year they started selling a soft pink cultivar, Blushing Knock Out, which would complement the lavenders, yellows, whites and pinks in my garden. So I ordered it tonight. Well, "it" was actually ten bushes. I'll plant a few in the church garden but where am I going to put the rest? I think several would look lovely by the Perovskia atriplicifolia, partially line the walk with a few more and put the rest in the bed vacated by the English Ivy. ( Follow this obsession here, here, here and here). The new bed may not drain well enough for roses and I still have a cubic yard of dirt, stones and large roots to excavate.
Enjoying February
February Delights
This post is a conscious effort to live in the moment. I'm tired of winter and long for spring, so do I just wish my life away or enjoy it as is? At my age, why would I want to hurry time along anyway? So here is what I delight in this morning, February 26. Watching the almost full moon set while the sun rose. The sun is shining and the sky is blue. The flock of geese who flew across the moonview this morning. Joking with hubby this morning. Sons got up when called. Three hours at home this morning without husband and sons. Samson came when I called him. Wool socks. Coffee and more coffee. Finding the one piece I needed to link a large piece to the edge of my jigsaw puzzle. Several good books waiting to be finished. The friendly visit from the neighbor. Prayer walk at church and people praying for our schools based on the display I completed this week. The funny, sad, insightful, thought-provoking blogs I just read. Time to jot off this post.
This post is a conscious effort to live in the moment. I'm tired of winter and long for spring, so do I just wish my life away or enjoy it as is? At my age, why would I want to hurry time along anyway? So here is what I delight in this morning, February 26. Watching the almost full moon set while the sun rose. The sun is shining and the sky is blue. The flock of geese who flew across the moonview this morning. Joking with hubby this morning. Sons got up when called. Three hours at home this morning without husband and sons. Samson came when I called him. Wool socks. Coffee and more coffee. Finding the one piece I needed to link a large piece to the edge of my jigsaw puzzle. Several good books waiting to be finished. The friendly visit from the neighbor. Prayer walk at church and people praying for our schools based on the display I completed this week. The funny, sad, insightful, thought-provoking blogs I just read. Time to jot off this post.
Jigsaw Puzzle
On impulse I bought a jigsaw puzzle for 25 cents at Goodwill. I don't do puzzles often, perhaps one every two years or so, because they are like a siren song. Every time I walk by the table, I have to find at least one more piece. And what redeeming value is there in a puzzle? Please tell me that research has shown they stave off Alzheimers or something. This one is a killer, an Oregon meadow. I quickly assembled the edges and several distinctive features, but now the pieces look all the same and it is only half done.
On impulse I bought a jigsaw puzzle for 25 cents at Goodwill. I don't do puzzles often, perhaps one every two years or so, because they are like a siren song. Every time I walk by the table, I have to find at least one more piece. And what redeeming value is there in a puzzle? Please tell me that research has shown they stave off Alzheimers or something. This one is a killer, an Oregon meadow. I quickly assembled the edges and several distinctive features, but now the pieces look all the same and it is only half done.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Thursday Three
Thursday Three
Courtesy of Possumblog
1) What is the strangest car you have ever owned?
It is strange only that it was SO not me (and SO my ex-husband) - 1957 souped-up Chevy.
2) What is the worst car you ever owned?
I'm not a car person so I can't tell you the make or year, but it was an old van (60s? Dodge?). I remember the color - turquoise and white - and I remember when it started belching black smoke as I left the parking garage at work.
3) How many wrecks have you been in?
Age 16 fender bender (my fault, but that woman in front of me shouldn't have slammed on her brakes to avoid going through a yellow light). No accidents for most of my adult life until 2004 when I hit a deer and then hit a friend.
4) SPECIAL BONUS QUESTION! Recall for us your most memorable drive-in experience.
I've recalled it. Thanks for the memory jog. More recently, we went to the drive-in outside a small town north of us, over the boys protests as they wanted to go to the large movie theatre in the large city south of us. It was their first time at the drive-in and they loved it! We backed in and they lay in the back of the Suburban with pillows and blankets and snacks and drinks while Mom and Dad sat in lawn chairs and made snarky remarks about the movie.
Courtesy of Possumblog
1) What is the strangest car you have ever owned?
It is strange only that it was SO not me (and SO my ex-husband) - 1957 souped-up Chevy.
2) What is the worst car you ever owned?
I'm not a car person so I can't tell you the make or year, but it was an old van (60s? Dodge?). I remember the color - turquoise and white - and I remember when it started belching black smoke as I left the parking garage at work.
3) How many wrecks have you been in?
Age 16 fender bender (my fault, but that woman in front of me shouldn't have slammed on her brakes to avoid going through a yellow light). No accidents for most of my adult life until 2004 when I hit a deer and then hit a friend.
4) SPECIAL BONUS QUESTION! Recall for us your most memorable drive-in experience.
I've recalled it. Thanks for the memory jog. More recently, we went to the drive-in outside a small town north of us, over the boys protests as they wanted to go to the large movie theatre in the large city south of us. It was their first time at the drive-in and they loved it! We backed in and they lay in the back of the Suburban with pillows and blankets and snacks and drinks while Mom and Dad sat in lawn chairs and made snarky remarks about the movie.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Physicals
Physical
Ron had a physical this morning and last night at the dinner table I told him that the nurse practitioner (female) would be giving him the exam instead of the doctor (male). "I'm not so sure I want a woman to give me the physical. You know, the cough." Hubby pipes up that he would rather have a woman do it than a man. I immediately laughed and then caught the look on my sons' faces - shock that their father said it, amazement that I laughed, transcended by the excitement of the thought of a woman... I figured I better relieve the tension, so I shot back at Steve, "Only if she was a battle-ax." Both boys burst out in laughter totally unwarranted by the remark.
Oh, Ron grew five inches and gained 40 pounds in one year.
Ron had a physical this morning and last night at the dinner table I told him that the nurse practitioner (female) would be giving him the exam instead of the doctor (male). "I'm not so sure I want a woman to give me the physical. You know, the cough." Hubby pipes up that he would rather have a woman do it than a man. I immediately laughed and then caught the look on my sons' faces - shock that their father said it, amazement that I laughed, transcended by the excitement of the thought of a woman... I figured I better relieve the tension, so I shot back at Steve, "Only if she was a battle-ax." Both boys burst out in laughter totally unwarranted by the remark.
Oh, Ron grew five inches and gained 40 pounds in one year.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Drafts
Late Posts: I found these posts in my "drafts" and wondered why I didn't publish them. It appears that they are from April 2004. I'm publishing them now, not for you, dear readers, but for me so I will have a record of my incredibly interesting life. Ha!
Wisdom Teeth
Rick went to school today with swollen jaws and he was concerned about kids making fun of him. I counseled him to respond, "Yes, it was quite painful, but I toughed it out." We'll see tonight how that worked.
And he did tough it out. He had a hard time eating but finally got half a milkshake down, so I gave him the prescribed dosage of pain medicine. It made him very shaky and he vomited repeatedly. I called the pharmacy to confirm that the dosage was right, since he only weighs 80-odd pounds. They confirmed it was appropriate, but I checked it against an old prescription for me, and it was a full dose. Poor guy, no wonder he got sick. He then refused to even take it, so I gave him regular Tylenol.
Spring
For the first time in my life, I was ambivalent about the arrival of spring...until the temperatures reached the upper 50s yesterday. You see, we put in several hundred feet of drainpipe in December and the yard is still tore up. I was sooooo sick of mud and was glad to see it freeze and then the snow covered the mess. I knew I was facing major mud this spring, what with a dog and boys.
Then it got warm, and the crocus started to break through the soil. A crabapple branch I brought in is starting to bloom. I spent all weekend outside (when I wasn't nursing Rickers). We cleaned out the scrub trees and bushes between the meadow and the woods and had a huge bonfire. The activity felt good and I slept so soundly.
Wisdom Teeth
Rick went to school today with swollen jaws and he was concerned about kids making fun of him. I counseled him to respond, "Yes, it was quite painful, but I toughed it out." We'll see tonight how that worked.
And he did tough it out. He had a hard time eating but finally got half a milkshake down, so I gave him the prescribed dosage of pain medicine. It made him very shaky and he vomited repeatedly. I called the pharmacy to confirm that the dosage was right, since he only weighs 80-odd pounds. They confirmed it was appropriate, but I checked it against an old prescription for me, and it was a full dose. Poor guy, no wonder he got sick. He then refused to even take it, so I gave him regular Tylenol.
Spring
For the first time in my life, I was ambivalent about the arrival of spring...until the temperatures reached the upper 50s yesterday. You see, we put in several hundred feet of drainpipe in December and the yard is still tore up. I was sooooo sick of mud and was glad to see it freeze and then the snow covered the mess. I knew I was facing major mud this spring, what with a dog and boys.
Then it got warm, and the crocus started to break through the soil. A crabapple branch I brought in is starting to bloom. I spent all weekend outside (when I wasn't nursing Rickers). We cleaned out the scrub trees and bushes between the meadow and the woods and had a huge bonfire. The activity felt good and I slept so soundly.
Windburnt Cheeks
Windburnt Cheeks
Why do I enjoy pruning so much? I spent Saturday afternoon at the Highlands, our tree farm, snipping away at the hardwoods, envisioning how each cut would make the trunk straight and tall. Ron brought the dog along and, while they spent most of the time exploring, Ron was quite intrigued by the art of pruning, discussing where each cut should be made.
I pruned five rows of walnuts and oaks interplanted with pines, with wild cherry, tulip poplar, and sycamore volunteers. The current theory in forestry is that the pyramidal shape and faster growth of pines will create competition for the walnuts that will cause the more valuable hardwoods to grow straight tall trunks. You then thin out the pines to give the hardwoods room to grow. It is difficult for us to test this theory, thanks to the varmits (deer and rabbits) that think the juiciest morsel on the tree is the terminal bud, thereby creating tree candelabras.
When pruning young hardwoods for a crop, the key is to create a strong straight leader. For the candelabras, you select the straightest, strongest shoot and train it to be the new leader through pruning and taping. Here's a link and another that explains it well. I didn't do this research until now, but relied on the counsel of Uncle Sandy, the family tree expert. He taught me well.
Pruning season is through March in this area and I have thousands of trees left. So I hope we have some more sunny, relatively warm (upper 30s) days soon. While I may not live to harvest this crop of trees, I will start to see the results of my pruning this summer and can make corrections next winter.
Oh, and the wind blows all the time at the Highlands. That's why my cheeks are red.
Why do I enjoy pruning so much? I spent Saturday afternoon at the Highlands, our tree farm, snipping away at the hardwoods, envisioning how each cut would make the trunk straight and tall. Ron brought the dog along and, while they spent most of the time exploring, Ron was quite intrigued by the art of pruning, discussing where each cut should be made.
I pruned five rows of walnuts and oaks interplanted with pines, with wild cherry, tulip poplar, and sycamore volunteers. The current theory in forestry is that the pyramidal shape and faster growth of pines will create competition for the walnuts that will cause the more valuable hardwoods to grow straight tall trunks. You then thin out the pines to give the hardwoods room to grow. It is difficult for us to test this theory, thanks to the varmits (deer and rabbits) that think the juiciest morsel on the tree is the terminal bud, thereby creating tree candelabras.
When pruning young hardwoods for a crop, the key is to create a strong straight leader. For the candelabras, you select the straightest, strongest shoot and train it to be the new leader through pruning and taping. Here's a link and another that explains it well. I didn't do this research until now, but relied on the counsel of Uncle Sandy, the family tree expert. He taught me well.
Pruning season is through March in this area and I have thousands of trees left. So I hope we have some more sunny, relatively warm (upper 30s) days soon. While I may not live to harvest this crop of trees, I will start to see the results of my pruning this summer and can make corrections next winter.
Oh, and the wind blows all the time at the Highlands. That's why my cheeks are red.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Thursday Three
Thursday Three
Since I submitted the questions, I should have thought of answers first. Having a marketing background, I'm used to throwing ideas out and then picking the best, but the ol' Possum decided to use them all. So here goes:
1. What did you give your Valentine this year?
er, nothing but my love and a few spontaneous poems during our nightly walk
3. In grade school, what was the Valentine’s Day protocol?
Grade school was over 40 years ago (how can that be?) but things haven't changed much. We decorated boxes before the Big Day, brought in cheapo cards and decorated heart-shaped cookies. Back then we did not have to bring in a card for every person so much angst went into picking just the right card for each person and then extracting the deeper meaning for every card received.
4. Did you ever have a secret Valentine?
For four years in high school, I received a huge mushy card in the mail and I never did figure out who the shy lovesick boy was.
5. What would be the most romantic day/gift you could have?
Time alone with hubby! I never realized how precious it was until the children came.
6. Are you and your Valentine romantically attuned? (Huh? I mean, do you have some need to express and receive romance?)
Yes, we are both romantics.
7. Is Valentines Day a non-event for you? If so, what, if any, romantic traditions replace it?
It is a non-event. We detest Hallmark days and think every day is a great time to express our love for each other.
8. What was the most romantic time you had with your Valentine? (Romance, not sex, guys!) [I am not certain that pointing out this distinction should necessarily be directed at the male of the species. But, be that as it may, it is probably best that we stay away from discussing things that require doing a load of laundry the next day. Ed.]
Don't laugh, but one of our first dates involved walking through a frozen swamp in the moonlight, including crawling through thickets on our hands and knees. He said he fell in love with me that night because I put on a warm hat. That really sounds unromantic but....I guess we are attuned romantically.
9. What do you and your Valentine find romantic that others wouldn't?
See answer above.
Since I submitted the questions, I should have thought of answers first. Having a marketing background, I'm used to throwing ideas out and then picking the best, but the ol' Possum decided to use them all. So here goes:
1. What did you give your Valentine this year?
er, nothing but my love and a few spontaneous poems during our nightly walk
3. In grade school, what was the Valentine’s Day protocol?
Grade school was over 40 years ago (how can that be?) but things haven't changed much. We decorated boxes before the Big Day, brought in cheapo cards and decorated heart-shaped cookies. Back then we did not have to bring in a card for every person so much angst went into picking just the right card for each person and then extracting the deeper meaning for every card received.
4. Did you ever have a secret Valentine?
For four years in high school, I received a huge mushy card in the mail and I never did figure out who the shy lovesick boy was.
5. What would be the most romantic day/gift you could have?
Time alone with hubby! I never realized how precious it was until the children came.
6. Are you and your Valentine romantically attuned? (Huh? I mean, do you have some need to express and receive romance?)
Yes, we are both romantics.
7. Is Valentines Day a non-event for you? If so, what, if any, romantic traditions replace it?
It is a non-event. We detest Hallmark days and think every day is a great time to express our love for each other.
8. What was the most romantic time you had with your Valentine? (Romance, not sex, guys!) [I am not certain that pointing out this distinction should necessarily be directed at the male of the species. But, be that as it may, it is probably best that we stay away from discussing things that require doing a load of laundry the next day. Ed.]
Don't laugh, but one of our first dates involved walking through a frozen swamp in the moonlight, including crawling through thickets on our hands and knees. He said he fell in love with me that night because I put on a warm hat. That really sounds unromantic but....I guess we are attuned romantically.
9. What do you and your Valentine find romantic that others wouldn't?
See answer above.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Wait a day
Wait a day
There is a saying about Indiana weather (and perhaps said many other places also) - if you don't like the weather, wait a day. Yesterday felt like spring. It was warm and overcast. Hubby even took a bicycle ride in the afternoon. Then last night the rains came, followed by sleet and then snow. (If rains came, then should sleets and snows come too?) I awoke to a hushed world of white.
As I turned on the TV to check for school delays, the power went out. Ricky was immediately up and out of his bedroom, flashlight in hand, ready to take charge of this emergency. Of course, he had to replace the batteries first by my candlelight.
As the house got chillier and there was no coffee (why o why didn't I make it as soon as I got up?), Steve took charge. He fired up the generator so the corn stove would work and I could make coffee. I took my coffee outside just as dawn was breaking, with the soft colors of a winter sunrise. The stars were still shining in the west and the sky turning blue in the east. It was awesome.
The power came back on in time for showers and the house cleared out as the males went to their various schools. And I looked at my store boughten daffodils and longed for spring.
NOTE: At Ron's request, I deleted several sentences about a minor uproar that ensued after Ricky put the batteries in the flashlight. "Mom, you can only put up good stuff about us." It wasn't bad, just typical teenage brothers squabbling, but I'm glad Ron is uncomfortable with his behavior.
There is a saying about Indiana weather (and perhaps said many other places also) - if you don't like the weather, wait a day. Yesterday felt like spring. It was warm and overcast. Hubby even took a bicycle ride in the afternoon. Then last night the rains came, followed by sleet and then snow. (If rains came, then should sleets and snows come too?) I awoke to a hushed world of white.
As I turned on the TV to check for school delays, the power went out. Ricky was immediately up and out of his bedroom, flashlight in hand, ready to take charge of this emergency. Of course, he had to replace the batteries first by my candlelight.
As the house got chillier and there was no coffee (why o why didn't I make it as soon as I got up?), Steve took charge. He fired up the generator so the corn stove would work and I could make coffee. I took my coffee outside just as dawn was breaking, with the soft colors of a winter sunrise. The stars were still shining in the west and the sky turning blue in the east. It was awesome.
The power came back on in time for showers and the house cleared out as the males went to their various schools. And I looked at my store boughten daffodils and longed for spring.
NOTE: At Ron's request, I deleted several sentences about a minor uproar that ensued after Ricky put the batteries in the flashlight. "Mom, you can only put up good stuff about us." It wasn't bad, just typical teenage brothers squabbling, but I'm glad Ron is uncomfortable with his behavior.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
February Garden
February Garden
It feels like spring. The snow has melted, except where it was piled high by shovel and snow blade. The melted snow reveals the dog's treasures in the front yard - blue promotional balls from the HS basketball games, red water bowl, a green Mountain Dew can. These are the only splashes of color I see when I go outside and they are soon picked up. It is a gray, grey, gurray day. I've seen other bloggers post pictures of crocus blooming. That is still a month away here in northern Indiana, although I find some crocus leaves emerging, a hopeful sign of spring. So I turn and walk indoors to enjoy the daffodil bouquet on my table, courtesy of Krogers.
It feels like spring. The snow has melted, except where it was piled high by shovel and snow blade. The melted snow reveals the dog's treasures in the front yard - blue promotional balls from the HS basketball games, red water bowl, a green Mountain Dew can. These are the only splashes of color I see when I go outside and they are soon picked up. It is a gray, grey, gurray day. I've seen other bloggers post pictures of crocus blooming. That is still a month away here in northern Indiana, although I find some crocus leaves emerging, a hopeful sign of spring. So I turn and walk indoors to enjoy the daffodil bouquet on my table, courtesy of Krogers.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
High Speed Internet
High Speed Internet
Life online has become much easier as of a few hours ago! I was holding out for DSL, but finally caved in for the more expensive cable access. Of course, the boys continue to be appalled that we did not get cable TV also, but when the boys have their own homes, they can make that decision for themselves. There is enough electronic distraction in this house already, and hubby and I watch TV perhaps an hour a month.
So the first thing I did was play around with the free web space they offer and came up with this so far. I added links, tested the photo section, and used the 500 words they gave under "About."
Update: I can't make the above link work in any browser, but I'm working on it!
Link now works!
Life online has become much easier as of a few hours ago! I was holding out for DSL, but finally caved in for the more expensive cable access. Of course, the boys continue to be appalled that we did not get cable TV also, but when the boys have their own homes, they can make that decision for themselves. There is enough electronic distraction in this house already, and hubby and I watch TV perhaps an hour a month.
So the first thing I did was play around with the free web space they offer and came up with this so far. I added links, tested the photo section, and used the 500 words they gave under "About."
Update: I can't make the above link work in any browser, but I'm working on it!
Link now works!
Friday, February 04, 2005
Are you challenging me?
Are you challenging me, young man?
When Mom lived in Arkansas, several families often visited at the same time. One fall we struck out on a cross-country hike to Strawberry River, where we always had great fun wading, building dams and generally messing about. There was no trail so when we came to a small stream, Hubby, ever the gentleman, offered to find an easier fording spot for his 75-year-old mother-in-law. With a look of annoyance on her face, she demanded "Are you challenging me?" She then jumped across the stream in a spry manner, and continued after the others.
Several years later the families took a hike on North Sylamore Trail from Gunner Pool to Blanchard Springs. My sister and I tried to talk Mom into skipping the hike. No luck. At the halfway mark, Sis and I took a break and laughed at how Mom was outhiking everyone except her 8-year-old great-grandson. Don't challenge her!
I really should have learned. When Mom moved home into an apartment last fall, I insisted that she did not have enough room for a family gathering and that it would be too much work for someone who was almost 82 years old. This week she had an elegant and delicious sit-down dinner for 20 to celebrate my brother's birthday. Don't challenge her!
When Mom lived in Arkansas, several families often visited at the same time. One fall we struck out on a cross-country hike to Strawberry River, where we always had great fun wading, building dams and generally messing about. There was no trail so when we came to a small stream, Hubby, ever the gentleman, offered to find an easier fording spot for his 75-year-old mother-in-law. With a look of annoyance on her face, she demanded "Are you challenging me?" She then jumped across the stream in a spry manner, and continued after the others.
Several years later the families took a hike on North Sylamore Trail from Gunner Pool to Blanchard Springs. My sister and I tried to talk Mom into skipping the hike. No luck. At the halfway mark, Sis and I took a break and laughed at how Mom was outhiking everyone except her 8-year-old great-grandson. Don't challenge her!
I really should have learned. When Mom moved home into an apartment last fall, I insisted that she did not have enough room for a family gathering and that it would be too much work for someone who was almost 82 years old. This week she had an elegant and delicious sit-down dinner for 20 to celebrate my brother's birthday. Don't challenge her!
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Hipness
Hipness
This entry was inspired by a great line from PossumBlog:
Which brought to mind the great country western title, "Did I shave my legs for this?"
This entry was inspired by a great line from PossumBlog:
I said a small prayer of thanks for being so uncool that such an embarrassing situation as had transpired had absolutely no impact on my overall level of hipness.As a parent of a student council member, I worked the concession stand for last Friday's high school basketball game. As I was stashing money in the ultra secret spot, I turned my head to say something to someone. At that very moment someone dropped a bottle of Mountain Dew, I stepped on it and went sprawling in front of a gazillion ultrahip high school kids. Son did not even consider this embarrassing but came right over to help me up. The ladies insisted on bringing the trainer in to look at my knee and ankle and all I could say, "No, I didn't shave my legs."
Which brought to mind the great country western title, "Did I shave my legs for this?"
Friday, January 28, 2005
Ricky's Show Choir Picture
Ricky's Show Choir Picture
Here's this year's official show choir picture of Ricky. I added two other pictures as I was playing with this album.
Here's this year's official show choir picture of Ricky. I added two other pictures as I was playing with this album.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Carnival of the Recipes
Imagine my surprise when I perused The Carnival of the Recipes - 23rd Edition last week and discovered two recipes from my childhood - Down in the Dumps Pudding (which we call Fudge Pudding) and Hot Milk Spongecake. Mom made Hot Milk Cake frequently for dessert, but I haven't had it for years and Fudge Pudding is just plain fun to make. I recommend both to you. I also noticed a recipe for Chicken Pot Pie. The addition of hard-boiled eggs is interesting and, yes, purchasing stock is much much easier. Finally, a recipe from someone who really knows campfire cooking. I can't wait for spring! (Wow, so much linkage - unusual for me.)
I feel inspired to post a heritage recipe. This was served by Olive Sayles, my maternal great-grandmother, to her ladies groups. According to my mother, she topped it with whipped cream and a peach half and called it (yikes! I forget. Something about eggs. Eggs in a nest?)
In today's world of cake mixes, it can't be assumed that everyone would know to combine the dry ingredients, cream the shortening, add sugar, then eggs and molasses. Then alternately add dry ingredients and wet ingredients (milk). Beat well. I suppose it would take about 20-30 minutes.
UPDATE: Mom just told me that while this is my great-grandmother's recipe dating from the late 1900s, it was my grandmother who served it with whipped cream and a peach in the 1930s. And if you don't know what sour milk is, add a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk. I just imagined someone leaving a cup of milk on the counter for several days.
Imagine my surprise when I perused The Carnival of the Recipes - 23rd Edition last week and discovered two recipes from my childhood - Down in the Dumps Pudding (which we call Fudge Pudding) and Hot Milk Spongecake. Mom made Hot Milk Cake frequently for dessert, but I haven't had it for years and Fudge Pudding is just plain fun to make. I recommend both to you. I also noticed a recipe for Chicken Pot Pie. The addition of hard-boiled eggs is interesting and, yes, purchasing stock is much much easier. Finally, a recipe from someone who really knows campfire cooking. I can't wait for spring! (Wow, so much linkage - unusual for me.)
I feel inspired to post a heritage recipe. This was served by Olive Sayles, my maternal great-grandmother, to her ladies groups. According to my mother, she topped it with whipped cream and a peach half and called it (yikes! I forget. Something about eggs. Eggs in a nest?)
Soft Ginger BreadThat's it. No instructions. I added this to the recipe card: Bake in a 9" square pan at 350 degrees until done.
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup molasses
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sour milk
1 egg
1 tsp soda
1/2 tsp each ginger and cinnamon
In today's world of cake mixes, it can't be assumed that everyone would know to combine the dry ingredients, cream the shortening, add sugar, then eggs and molasses. Then alternately add dry ingredients and wet ingredients (milk). Beat well. I suppose it would take about 20-30 minutes.
UPDATE: Mom just told me that while this is my great-grandmother's recipe dating from the late 1900s, it was my grandmother who served it with whipped cream and a peach in the 1930s. And if you don't know what sour milk is, add a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk. I just imagined someone leaving a cup of milk on the counter for several days.
Sons of a Carpenter
I-can-do-anything son
The boys inherited my PC which Ron promptly upgraded with a new operating system, more RAM and video card. The first hour he had it, his bedroom was strewn with computer pieces. The only problem was that it still didn't run the EA Sports 2005 games they got for Christmas. Ron was going to buy all sorts of stuff online to fix it, but I suggested we take it to Stone Computer whose service desk is totally awesome. (I was concerned about compatibility, a concept Ron wouldn't consider from his mother.) The tech hooked it up on all sorts of things, and tinkered with the video card until it worked. The whole time he was teaching Ron. And there was absolutely no service charge! Not a single hardware purchase, good counsel about upgrading an old computer and a working computer.
Ron also bought a computer desk for the new PC (he seems to forget that he shares it with his brother). It came in a box with a gazillion parts. He is in his bedroom putting it together right now. By himself...except he enlisted Ricky as a personal slave for the project. Now these boys are sons of a carpenter, a master craftsman, someone who disdains most manufactured furniture, let alone an assemble-it-yourself-desk made mostly of fiberboard. Their father had them using hand tools building boxes when they were six. He taught them how to use the lathe, the router, miter box and a multitude of saws. He's shared his secrets of sanding and finishing. And his proteges are putting together a desk in a box.
He's back there praising them right now. (He's the best!)
The boys inherited my PC which Ron promptly upgraded with a new operating system, more RAM and video card. The first hour he had it, his bedroom was strewn with computer pieces. The only problem was that it still didn't run the EA Sports 2005 games they got for Christmas. Ron was going to buy all sorts of stuff online to fix it, but I suggested we take it to Stone Computer whose service desk is totally awesome. (I was concerned about compatibility, a concept Ron wouldn't consider from his mother.) The tech hooked it up on all sorts of things, and tinkered with the video card until it worked. The whole time he was teaching Ron. And there was absolutely no service charge! Not a single hardware purchase, good counsel about upgrading an old computer and a working computer.
Ron also bought a computer desk for the new PC (he seems to forget that he shares it with his brother). It came in a box with a gazillion parts. He is in his bedroom putting it together right now. By himself...except he enlisted Ricky as a personal slave for the project. Now these boys are sons of a carpenter, a master craftsman, someone who disdains most manufactured furniture, let alone an assemble-it-yourself-desk made mostly of fiberboard. Their father had them using hand tools building boxes when they were six. He taught them how to use the lathe, the router, miter box and a multitude of saws. He's shared his secrets of sanding and finishing. And his proteges are putting together a desk in a box.
He's back there praising them right now. (He's the best!)
ER Visit
ER Visit From Hell
While I was switching to my new computer and was blogless, we made a trip to the ER after Ricky's 3-day skiing trip to Caberfae Peaks in Michigan with a youth group. Ricky hurt his thumb in some type of tumble into a drainage ditch and the medics encouraged him to go to the ER when he got home. So off we headed, my twin sons and their overnight guest.
Ricky was vague about the incident but the thumb was definitely injured. I left Ron and his friend in the waiting room and accompanied Ricky back to the treatment room. The doctor was thorough but Ricky's vagueness led him to ask about head injuries. Now vague descriptions about an accident by a young teenager after three days of intense physical exercise, sleep deprivation and questionable nutrition is not something I was too concerned about, BUT on the way to the ER, Ricky rolled down his window because he felt "woozy." The CAT scan showed that he did have a brain and the thumb wasn't broken.
This sounds like an unremarkable visit, eh? Let's add this to the equation. Ron's friend has Tourette's Syndrome, and stress (like visits to the ER) causes vocal tics. "People with TS may involuntarily shout obscenities (coprolalia)" So all the while we were in the ER, this poor boy was shouting at the top of his lungs, "F--k! B-tch! M-sturbate! M-sturbate! S--k! Whore!"
While I was switching to my new computer and was blogless, we made a trip to the ER after Ricky's 3-day skiing trip to Caberfae Peaks in Michigan with a youth group. Ricky hurt his thumb in some type of tumble into a drainage ditch and the medics encouraged him to go to the ER when he got home. So off we headed, my twin sons and their overnight guest.
Ricky was vague about the incident but the thumb was definitely injured. I left Ron and his friend in the waiting room and accompanied Ricky back to the treatment room. The doctor was thorough but Ricky's vagueness led him to ask about head injuries. Now vague descriptions about an accident by a young teenager after three days of intense physical exercise, sleep deprivation and questionable nutrition is not something I was too concerned about, BUT on the way to the ER, Ricky rolled down his window because he felt "woozy." The CAT scan showed that he did have a brain and the thumb wasn't broken.
This sounds like an unremarkable visit, eh? Let's add this to the equation. Ron's friend has Tourette's Syndrome, and stress (like visits to the ER) causes vocal tics. "People with TS may involuntarily shout obscenities (coprolalia)" So all the while we were in the ER, this poor boy was shouting at the top of his lungs, "F--k! B-tch! M-sturbate! M-sturbate! S--k! Whore!"
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Hoosierisms
Hoosierisms
“Estelle, If Ida knowed youda wanta went, Ida seed youda gotta getta go!” After reading this in a Dave Barry column many years ago (uttered in Tennessee by a man who was willing to take his friend to choir practice), my husband and I use an exaggerated "Estelle" as a shorthand signal to each other whenever we hear a Hoosierism.
There is a line about 50 miles south of where I live in northeast Indiana (roughly through Muncie, IN) where the language idiosyncrancies change from those of a German farmer to a southern Indiana/ Kentucky dialect. We hear both and I’m combining them into “Hoosierisms”, although depending on where you’re from in the state, they might not be familiar.
If you want to emphasize a verb, say “Take and (insert verb of choice).” Steve had a math teacher that always said, “Let’s take and say..” “Take and get” is another common combination. “Take and get the lawn mowed.” Now I'm gonna take and blog some more.
“On accident” is the opposite of on purpose.
After dinner, if someone from a German farming family asks you to “rid up” while she warshes the dishes, don’t worry. She is asking you to scrape, rinse and stack the dishes and wipe down the tables and counters. Sometimes I've heard "red up" which may be a derivative of ready - get ready to wash the dishes. Or perhaps it is to get rid of the mess from the table.
Dark is still used as a measure of time by those who were raised in the country. “I’ll be there after dark.” “When?” “After dark?” “When is that?” “When the sun goes down.” ‘But what time is that?” If it's in our DNA to tell time by the sun, then it's no wonder we aren't on daylight savings time. No matter how you fiddle with the clock, the sun rises and sets as it will.
Not only do we end our sentences with prepositions, but we throw in a few extra for good measure. We “put up” fruits and vegetables, instead of canning or freezing. We "finish up" our work. We are "full up" when we are sated. At is a favorite preposition. Where is that at? What time is it at? Whose house is it at? We also “stay put” instead of just stay. And, of course, fer fer for.
How do you say goodbye on the telephone? Kaybye? Or mmmbye.
If you do not make it yourself, it is store boughten. And that includes pop, not soda or Coke.
Do you have any to add? I had more written on a scrap of paper, but it has disappeared since the great decluttering debacle of 2005.
“Estelle, If Ida knowed youda wanta went, Ida seed youda gotta getta go!” After reading this in a Dave Barry column many years ago (uttered in Tennessee by a man who was willing to take his friend to choir practice), my husband and I use an exaggerated "Estelle" as a shorthand signal to each other whenever we hear a Hoosierism.
There is a line about 50 miles south of where I live in northeast Indiana (roughly through Muncie, IN) where the language idiosyncrancies change from those of a German farmer to a southern Indiana/ Kentucky dialect. We hear both and I’m combining them into “Hoosierisms”, although depending on where you’re from in the state, they might not be familiar.
Disclaimer: I started collecting these a few months ago but haven't posted it because I was distracted by research. Well, I'm not a rhetorician or language expert, so instead of spending the next three years trying to write a scholarly entry, I'm posting this as my impressions (including the line through Muncie which I was surprised to see also on the PBS map.) If you are interested in learning more, go to the links above.So here’s your foreign language lesson.
If you want to emphasize a verb, say “Take and (insert verb of choice).” Steve had a math teacher that always said, “Let’s take and say..” “Take and get” is another common combination. “Take and get the lawn mowed.” Now I'm gonna take and blog some more.
“On accident” is the opposite of on purpose.
After dinner, if someone from a German farming family asks you to “rid up” while she warshes the dishes, don’t worry. She is asking you to scrape, rinse and stack the dishes and wipe down the tables and counters. Sometimes I've heard "red up" which may be a derivative of ready - get ready to wash the dishes. Or perhaps it is to get rid of the mess from the table.
Dark is still used as a measure of time by those who were raised in the country. “I’ll be there after dark.” “When?” “After dark?” “When is that?” “When the sun goes down.” ‘But what time is that?” If it's in our DNA to tell time by the sun, then it's no wonder we aren't on daylight savings time. No matter how you fiddle with the clock, the sun rises and sets as it will.
Not only do we end our sentences with prepositions, but we throw in a few extra for good measure. We “put up” fruits and vegetables, instead of canning or freezing. We "finish up" our work. We are "full up" when we are sated. At is a favorite preposition. Where is that at? What time is it at? Whose house is it at? We also “stay put” instead of just stay. And, of course, fer fer for.
How do you say goodbye on the telephone? Kaybye? Or mmmbye.
If you do not make it yourself, it is store boughten. And that includes pop, not soda or Coke.
Do you have any to add? I had more written on a scrap of paper, but it has disappeared since the great decluttering debacle of 2005.
Darts
Darts
Not the game, but the tailoring of clothes. Growing up in the late 50s, early 60s in the Midwest, I sewed a lot of my own clothes. Never did you make a garment without darts - how else would you make it fit? I mean this was the era of princess dresses. (What a great name!)
So I recently bought a blouse that fit amazingly well and it wasn't until I ironed it for the first time yesterday that I understood why. There were bodice darts and shallow darts in the back. It was made for a woman's body!
So I wondered if it was just the clothes I'd been selecting or if darts had disappeared. I googled it and all of the hits were either for vintage clothes (emphasizing the shaping by darts) or sewing.
Not the game, but the tailoring of clothes. Growing up in the late 50s, early 60s in the Midwest, I sewed a lot of my own clothes. Never did you make a garment without darts - how else would you make it fit? I mean this was the era of princess dresses. (What a great name!)
So I recently bought a blouse that fit amazingly well and it wasn't until I ironed it for the first time yesterday that I understood why. There were bodice darts and shallow darts in the back. It was made for a woman's body!
So I wondered if it was just the clothes I'd been selecting or if darts had disappeared. I googled it and all of the hits were either for vintage clothes (emphasizing the shaping by darts) or sewing.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Noble Character
Noble Character
We finished our study of Proverbs this morning and were discussing a woman of noble character (Chapter 31). It reminded me of something my father taught me when I was young:
We finished our study of Proverbs this morning and were discussing a woman of noble character (Chapter 31). It reminded me of something my father taught me when I was young:
Howe'er it be, it seems to me,Quiz: What poet penned these words and as part of what poem? Answer is here.
'Tis only noble to be good.
Kind hearts are more than coronets
And simple faith than Norman blood.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Daily Stuff
Should I post when I have nothing to say? Probably not, but here it is anyway. Ricky's first show choir competition was last Saturday and they placed third. As rough as the routine was during dress rehearsal, this was a good placement. High enough to encourage them to work harder but low enough not to get complacent. My decluttering efforts were slowed down considerably when I decided to tackle files and accumulated papers, but I'm still plugging away on it. It is hovering above zero and the garden catalogs are arriving, so I'm dreaming of spring. I've volunteered for two jobs - another one at church and one for a local nonprofit that combats violence. I'm also exploring a writing workshop that will be taught by a friend so I hope I'm not spreading myself too thin. Finally my bathroom is coming along. The sinks are in. I bought some simple beveled oval mirrors which look great. I wanted something simple not to detract from the woodwork. Steve's still working on the bathtub enclosure and molding, but he also started a heavy semester of classes, so I may not see much progress in the near future. He did a lot of things around the house over Christmas, things that needed done but we got used to in our daily living. One thing we did was to switch the pantry cabinet and microwave cabinet (involving unscrewing from the wall), but the layout is much nicer and the refrigerator opens all the way. I still automatically head to the wrong cabinet, but I'm retraining myself.
Friday, January 14, 2005
Recipe Friday
Recipe Friday
Son saw that a roasting chicken was thawing earlier this week, so he and his Dad brainstormed how they wanted me to fix it. They decided on chicken pot pie. So here's what I did. Warning: this took about seven hours to prepare.
Chicken Pot Pie
Clean whole chicken, lightly salt and herb cavity. (Of course, herb is a verb is a herb. If salt can be a verb, why not herb?) Roast until done.
Empty pan drippings into large stock pot. Rinse pan and empty into pot. When cool, remove chicken meat and discard all the yukky stuff in the stock pot. Add celery and onion, including the onion skin which adds great color to the stock. Throw in a bay leaf and peppercorns. Cover with water and low simmer until everything falls apart (several hours). Meanwhile, cut chicken into large chunks. Peel several potatoes and carrots. Add peelings to stock pot. Prepare any other vegetables you want to add (I used frozen baby peas and baby white corn.) During the last half hour of cooking, add whole carrots and halved potatoes to partially cook. Drain stock into large bowl. Dig out potatoes and carrots - this is why you left them whole - and cut into large chunks.
Meanwhile prepare pastry for a two crust pie. (OK I cheated here and used the refrigerated pie crust.)
Let the broth and fat separate or use one of these handy separators. Now the unhealthy part - heat equal amounts of chicken fat and flour in large skillet (I used about 1/3 cup each), slowly add stock (perhaps 5-6 cups), beating vigorously, and bring to slow boil until gravy is thick. Season with salt if needed (probably not). Add cream if desired. Dust lightly with nutmeg (I love my new microplaner.) Add chunked chicken and vegetables. Let cool somewhat and then pour into pie crust. Cover with second crust. Cut slits into top (I made a chicken design but I was the only one who knew it.) Put into oven preheated to 450 degrees. Immediately turn oven to 350 degrees and bake 40 or 30 or 50 minutes (until top crust is baked). Let cool slightly and enjoy.
Of course, this made enough for two pies so I refrigerated the leftover filling and we had it for lunch today.
Son saw that a roasting chicken was thawing earlier this week, so he and his Dad brainstormed how they wanted me to fix it. They decided on chicken pot pie. So here's what I did. Warning: this took about seven hours to prepare.
Chicken Pot Pie
Clean whole chicken, lightly salt and herb cavity. (Of course, herb is a verb is a herb. If salt can be a verb, why not herb?) Roast until done.
Empty pan drippings into large stock pot. Rinse pan and empty into pot. When cool, remove chicken meat and discard all the yukky stuff in the stock pot. Add celery and onion, including the onion skin which adds great color to the stock. Throw in a bay leaf and peppercorns. Cover with water and low simmer until everything falls apart (several hours). Meanwhile, cut chicken into large chunks. Peel several potatoes and carrots. Add peelings to stock pot. Prepare any other vegetables you want to add (I used frozen baby peas and baby white corn.) During the last half hour of cooking, add whole carrots and halved potatoes to partially cook. Drain stock into large bowl. Dig out potatoes and carrots - this is why you left them whole - and cut into large chunks.
Meanwhile prepare pastry for a two crust pie. (OK I cheated here and used the refrigerated pie crust.)
Let the broth and fat separate or use one of these handy separators. Now the unhealthy part - heat equal amounts of chicken fat and flour in large skillet (I used about 1/3 cup each), slowly add stock (perhaps 5-6 cups), beating vigorously, and bring to slow boil until gravy is thick. Season with salt if needed (probably not). Add cream if desired. Dust lightly with nutmeg (I love my new microplaner.) Add chunked chicken and vegetables. Let cool somewhat and then pour into pie crust. Cover with second crust. Cut slits into top (I made a chicken design but I was the only one who knew it.) Put into oven preheated to 450 degrees. Immediately turn oven to 350 degrees and bake 40 or 30 or 50 minutes (until top crust is baked). Let cool slightly and enjoy.
Of course, this made enough for two pies so I refrigerated the leftover filling and we had it for lunch today.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
A dillar A dollar My tardy lil scholar
A dillar, a dollar,
My tardy lil scholar
Ricky had before school detention today for being tardy to class three times this semester. "Stupid school, they don't give us enough time to get my books" and socialize I might add. So this morning he tried to avoid going by catching the bus, but I intercepted him. We had half an hour and he was supposedly ready. When I put on my coat heading out the door, he started rushing around, getting a sweatshirt, trying to find his calculator, looking for something in his room. It took him ten minutes to get out the door and he was tardy for his tardy suspension. This probably means Saturday suspension and he has a show choir contest on Saturday.
My tardy lil scholar
Ricky had before school detention today for being tardy to class three times this semester. "Stupid school, they don't give us enough time to get my books" and socialize I might add. So this morning he tried to avoid going by catching the bus, but I intercepted him. We had half an hour and he was supposedly ready. When I put on my coat heading out the door, he started rushing around, getting a sweatshirt, trying to find his calculator, looking for something in his room. It took him ten minutes to get out the door and he was tardy for his tardy suspension. This probably means Saturday suspension and he has a show choir contest on Saturday.
A dillar, a dollar,
A ten o’clock scholar,
What makes you come so soon?
You used to come at ten o’clock,
But now you come at noon.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Freelancing
Freelancing
Several months ago I was hired to manage a market research project for a client. I did such a good job kicking the project off that they decided to cancel the research and invest the money into relationship building with current clients and prospects. Strange what happens when you ask what they want to accomplish. It was the right decision for the client and reinforced my value to them, but it's not going to help build that new deck or pay for car insurance this summer when we add two teenage boys to the coverage.
Several months ago I was hired to manage a market research project for a client. I did such a good job kicking the project off that they decided to cancel the research and invest the money into relationship building with current clients and prospects. Strange what happens when you ask what they want to accomplish. It was the right decision for the client and reinforced my value to them, but it's not going to help build that new deck or pay for car insurance this summer when we add two teenage boys to the coverage.
School Daze
Just kissed Steve goodbye as he starts the first class of the spring semester. He has a crazy schedule this semester with a three hour class on Tuesday night and a Saturday morning class. One of his classes sounds very interesting - modern history of the Balkans. I may attend that class vicariously.
Landscape
Landscapes
Last night I got my first glimpse of the site plan for the Family Life Center. I'm heading the landscape team and it will be quite a challenge turning a cornfield into a nature preserve. I was pleased to see they incorporated my team's idea of a natural outdoor amphitheatre facing west over the pond. What a great place for evening concerts. My team will be meeting this week to discuss the site plan and give our feedback. Let the fun begin!
Last night I got my first glimpse of the site plan for the Family Life Center. I'm heading the landscape team and it will be quite a challenge turning a cornfield into a nature preserve. I was pleased to see they incorporated my team's idea of a natural outdoor amphitheatre facing west over the pond. What a great place for evening concerts. My team will be meeting this week to discuss the site plan and give our feedback. Let the fun begin!
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Declutter update
Declutter
I suspect no one cares about these efforts but updating my progress helps me stay on task. Will you hold me accountable? I tackled desk drawers this weekend and have another large garbage bag as a result. The kitchen desk drawers have been organized. School supplies and stationary have been purged and are in one place. Computer papers are purged and in one place. I started sorting through my files, purging and shredding files. Who cares what the phone bill was five years ago? Besides it's on my computer in a money management system. So I accomplished a lot, but I still have my craft table loaded with stacks of papers to sort, purge and file.
I suspect no one cares about these efforts but updating my progress helps me stay on task. Will you hold me accountable? I tackled desk drawers this weekend and have another large garbage bag as a result. The kitchen desk drawers have been organized. School supplies and stationary have been purged and are in one place. Computer papers are purged and in one place. I started sorting through my files, purging and shredding files. Who cares what the phone bill was five years ago? Besides it's on my computer in a money management system. So I accomplished a lot, but I still have my craft table loaded with stacks of papers to sort, purge and file.
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