My dad has a special way of putting away his extension cords. It looks like a chain, compacts the cord nicely, and is easily undone with just a tug.
He taught his method to Mensa Boy. Mensa Boy says he forgot how for a while, but now he's remembered and here he is passing this method on to Taylor.
On another note: Yesterday I paid Roto Rooter $109 to come flush two toilets.
Yup. Just flush them.
The toilets have been a consistent problem here...the two that are used by the younger generation. Yesterday morning Mensa Boy said that he could not satisfactorily unplug them...they still drained slowly.
So I called Roto Rooter.
The fellow came in the door, flushed them and they worked great. He tossed lots of paper in there to clog them...still worked great.
ARGH!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Dedicated to the Show "24"
Please release me
let me go
for I don't love you anymore
To waste our lives would be a sin
Release me and let me love again
let me go
for I don't love you anymore
To waste our lives would be a sin
Release me and let me love again
Monday, May 21, 2007
It's the Man's Job
"Hi! Welcome home! Would you please unclog the toilets first? Two of them are stopped up and the only one available is mine. Which I just cleaned. There are 3 boys in the house right now."
Another Taylorism
Taylor: "They should have a pie store."
Me: "You mean a store that sells pie? Like Baker's Square?"
Taylor: "No. A store where everything costs $3.14."
Me: "You mean a store that sells pie? Like Baker's Square?"
Taylor: "No. A store where everything costs $3.14."
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Travelin' Travelin' Through
Today Taylor and I head home from Norfolk. We had a very fun day yesterday at Jamestown. Even though our visit there was sandwiched between terrible traffic delays (2 hours held up on the way and 1.5 hours held us up on the way back...accidents), we had a good time.
We got back to Norfolk just in time to go the Franklin Graham Festival in downtown Virginia Beach. Guest artists were Nicole C. Mullen and Third Day. There was another band I hadn't heard of before...Isaiah and somebody. They were also very wonderful! We sat down on the main floor at the press table, so we were just a few yards from stage.
Taylor pretty much never complains. Until he just hits the wall with fatigue. And even then it's pretty much just "I'm ready to go home now."
But he's not ready to go back to Indian Land. He wants to stay here and tour naval shipyards and stuff.
We'll definitely have to come back.
edit: Israel Houghton and New Breed was the name of the other band. Thanks Kristen!
We got back to Norfolk just in time to go the Franklin Graham Festival in downtown Virginia Beach. Guest artists were Nicole C. Mullen and Third Day. There was another band I hadn't heard of before...Isaiah and somebody. They were also very wonderful! We sat down on the main floor at the press table, so we were just a few yards from stage.
Taylor pretty much never complains. Until he just hits the wall with fatigue. And even then it's pretty much just "I'm ready to go home now."
But he's not ready to go back to Indian Land. He wants to stay here and tour naval shipyards and stuff.
We'll definitely have to come back.
edit: Israel Houghton and New Breed was the name of the other band. Thanks Kristen!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
How Far is Long Distance?
We are in Virginia Beach, VA! Mensa Boy is working here this week and so Taylor and I came up to see what he does and to just hang out. Nate is at his buddy Ryan's house for the weekend.
I'm pretty lucky. Most moms get to hear about puke and snot and motocross and stuff when they travel with their young sons. I get to hear detailed descriptions of SpongeBob episodes and am asked questions that make me wonder at the creativity of this young person that is my spawn.
Yesterday's first question was, "how far is long distance?"
From there we discussed cruise control, RPM, cooling lights and those little prongy things that stick out under the 0 mph and the 120 mgh. If they got snapped off somehow, could you go faster?
We took a wrong turn when entering the city last night and ended up in a rather scary section of town with just about no gas. And no map. So we stopped in at a gas station and bought a map and discovered we were quite close to a major intersection. Taylor was obviously concerned at first, but seemed to appreciate my navigating skills.
We found out hotel, which turned out to be somewhat of a resort and spa. We were escorted to our room by a bellman who also works at EB Games. Lucky Taylor! But after we were all checked in, he said "I think I'd rather stay at cheaper hotels. I'm more comfortable when I'm treated like dirt!"
Today he gets to choose what we do for sightseeing. I mentioned the naval shipyards and he jumped at that.
Then I mentioned Jamestown.
And he immediately touched my heart by choosing that. Maybe there's a history major in there somewhere?
I'm pretty lucky. Most moms get to hear about puke and snot and motocross and stuff when they travel with their young sons. I get to hear detailed descriptions of SpongeBob episodes and am asked questions that make me wonder at the creativity of this young person that is my spawn.
Yesterday's first question was, "how far is long distance?"
From there we discussed cruise control, RPM, cooling lights and those little prongy things that stick out under the 0 mph and the 120 mgh. If they got snapped off somehow, could you go faster?
We took a wrong turn when entering the city last night and ended up in a rather scary section of town with just about no gas. And no map. So we stopped in at a gas station and bought a map and discovered we were quite close to a major intersection. Taylor was obviously concerned at first, but seemed to appreciate my navigating skills.
We found out hotel, which turned out to be somewhat of a resort and spa. We were escorted to our room by a bellman who also works at EB Games. Lucky Taylor! But after we were all checked in, he said "I think I'd rather stay at cheaper hotels. I'm more comfortable when I'm treated like dirt!"
Today he gets to choose what we do for sightseeing. I mentioned the naval shipyards and he jumped at that.
Then I mentioned Jamestown.
And he immediately touched my heart by choosing that. Maybe there's a history major in there somewhere?
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Family Communications
I always tell someone where I'm going and when I anticipate being back.
It's just polite.
But often not effective.
My friends tell me that, when they call for me and I'm not here, the answer is usually "I don't know where she is. I don't know when she'll be back." or "She's at the farm."
It doesn't matter what day or time of the day, they often will tell callers I'm at the farm. I have no idea why.
I left this note for Nate one day when the three of us scattered in all directions and no one knew when they'd be back.
He didn't seem to appreciate it.
It's just polite.
But often not effective.
My friends tell me that, when they call for me and I'm not here, the answer is usually "I don't know where she is. I don't know when she'll be back." or "She's at the farm."
It doesn't matter what day or time of the day, they often will tell callers I'm at the farm. I have no idea why.
I left this note for Nate one day when the three of us scattered in all directions and no one knew when they'd be back.
He didn't seem to appreciate it.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Pleasant Surprises
Several weeks ago older son Nate was selected by the school to be sent to The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Seminar at Erskine College this summer. The seminar lasts a week. The Indian Land Rotary is sponsoring him, paying his tuition and they have offered to drive him there. I'll probably take care of that.
I have not known anything at all about the rotary before. Our Indian Land rotary is a brand new group, chartering just a few months ago. Several of my friends are members. They are business and community leaders. Just by virtue of the fact that these wonderful people belong, I've considered that this must be a great organization.
I knew that each person who attends RYLA will receive a $1000 scholarship to Erskine.
I did not know that Nate would be presented this gift at the high school awards ceremony on Monday. In fact, I didn't know about the awards ceremony itself until that morning.
I walked into the ceremony and one of Nate's teachers said, "Oh hey! You just missed it?"
"Missed what?" I asked.
"They gave Nate his award." she replied.
"What award?" I asked. And she told me.
I asked Nate why he didn't tell me he would be presented that morning.
"I didn't know about it," he said. "I was sitting there, and [the counselor] started talking about the next award. He was describing it, and I thought, 'hmmm...that sounds like what I'm doing.' And then he called my name!"
Then last night the Indian Land guy called to ask if I'd received the packet of info about the conference. We talked for a few minutes and he said, "You know, there is a lot of scholarship money out there for these kids that go to RYLA. Full ride scholarships. And lots of them go to Erskine."
He also said the local rotary would like Nate to speak their breakfast when he comes back, and they would like him to help them start a youth chapter at the school next year.
This is so exciting! I can barely stand it!
I have not known anything at all about the rotary before. Our Indian Land rotary is a brand new group, chartering just a few months ago. Several of my friends are members. They are business and community leaders. Just by virtue of the fact that these wonderful people belong, I've considered that this must be a great organization.
I knew that each person who attends RYLA will receive a $1000 scholarship to Erskine.
I did not know that Nate would be presented this gift at the high school awards ceremony on Monday. In fact, I didn't know about the awards ceremony itself until that morning.
I walked into the ceremony and one of Nate's teachers said, "Oh hey! You just missed it?"
"Missed what?" I asked.
"They gave Nate his award." she replied.
"What award?" I asked. And she told me.
I asked Nate why he didn't tell me he would be presented that morning.
"I didn't know about it," he said. "I was sitting there, and [the counselor] started talking about the next award. He was describing it, and I thought, 'hmmm...that sounds like what I'm doing.' And then he called my name!"
Then last night the Indian Land guy called to ask if I'd received the packet of info about the conference. We talked for a few minutes and he said, "You know, there is a lot of scholarship money out there for these kids that go to RYLA. Full ride scholarships. And lots of them go to Erskine."
He also said the local rotary would like Nate to speak their breakfast when he comes back, and they would like him to help them start a youth chapter at the school next year.
This is so exciting! I can barely stand it!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
The Graduate
My baby brother finished his college degree this spring. It was a long haul for him. He went into the Air Force out of high school and, after a 4-year hitch, he got out and worked for a while.
After a couple of years of that, and accumulating a wonderful wife, a cute house, and two Australian Shepherds, he went to college part time.
And in true Ted style, none of us found out he'd completed the degree until a bit after it all happened. Unlike my sister and I, Ted did not call up everyone and crow about his accomplishment. I wasn't there when my parents found out, but I imagine it probably just slipped into casual conversation one day.
Congratulations Ted-reeko!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
The Meal That Doesn't Want to Be
Every once in a while, the best intentions just go awry.
It's 7:08 and we have still not eaten supper.
I started the fire at 5:30. But I waited to put the pork chops on until the potatoes were nearly done.
By the time I decided to put the chops on, the fire had completely burned up.
Re-started the fire.
I just put the chops on.
The potatoes are very close to being burnt.
It's 7:08 and we have still not eaten supper.
I started the fire at 5:30. But I waited to put the pork chops on until the potatoes were nearly done.
By the time I decided to put the chops on, the fire had completely burned up.
Re-started the fire.
I just put the chops on.
The potatoes are very close to being burnt.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Table Conversation
"Talk about the pot calling the kettle black," I said.
"Well, now...that doesn't make sense. What if the pot isn't black?" Nate wanted to know.
And from there it all degenerated.
One thing I will definitely miss about having Taylor in 6th grade is his constant references to his two male teachers.
"Mr. B-- says this,"
"Mr. B--thinks that."
"I think Mr. P plays 'Warcraft' when we are all doing our deskwork."
"I'm worried that Mr. B--is addicted to caffeine."
"Mr. P--is always saying we should think outside the box."
I sure do hope he gets 7th grade teachers that are half as good as the team he had this year. He struggled in math and gotten a little lazy periodically in Social Studies, but for the most part he's had a great year.
"Well, now...that doesn't make sense. What if the pot isn't black?" Nate wanted to know.
And from there it all degenerated.
One thing I will definitely miss about having Taylor in 6th grade is his constant references to his two male teachers.
"Mr. B-- says this,"
"Mr. B--thinks that."
"I think Mr. P plays 'Warcraft' when we are all doing our deskwork."
"I'm worried that Mr. B--is addicted to caffeine."
"Mr. P--is always saying we should think outside the box."
I sure do hope he gets 7th grade teachers that are half as good as the team he had this year. He struggled in math and gotten a little lazy periodically in Social Studies, but for the most part he's had a great year.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
New 7 Wonders of the World
So we've all heard about the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World:
The commonly known Seven Ancient Wonders of the World were all man-made monuments, selected by Philon of Byzantium in 200 B.C. Today, only the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt remain.His selection of wonders was essentially a travel guide for fellow Athenians, and the stunning sites were all located around the Mediterranean basin, the then-known world.
The monuments he chose, to be remembered in perpetuity, were:
The Lighthouse of Alexandria
The Temple of Artemis
The Statue of Zeus
The Colossus of Rhodes
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
The Pyramids of Egypt
All had been built between 2,500 B.C. and 200 B.C.
The commonly known Seven Ancient Wonders of the World were all man-made monuments, selected by Philon of Byzantium in 200 B.C. Today, only the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt remain.His selection of wonders was essentially a travel guide for fellow Athenians, and the stunning sites were all located around the Mediterranean basin, the then-known world.
The monuments he chose, to be remembered in perpetuity, were:
The Lighthouse of Alexandria
The Temple of Artemis
The Statue of Zeus
The Colossus of Rhodes
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
The Pyramids of Egypt
All had been built between 2,500 B.C. and 200 B.C.
Well, since only the Pyramids remain, there is an organization now that has decided it would be good if new wonders were selected. But rather than having the sites chosen by only one guy, they have launched a project enabling people from all over the world to vote on them.
21 sites are listed on their website. Votes will be collected until July 7.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Bed Perspectives
3:11 a.m.
ME: "Hey!"
HE: "You've got all the covers!"
6:07 a.m.
ME: "Yeah...look. I don't have hardly any covers."
HE: "You gave 'em to me."
ME: "Hey!"
HE: "You've got all the covers!"
6:07 a.m.
ME: "Yeah...look. I don't have hardly any covers."
HE: "You gave 'em to me."
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
I've Been Remiss
I haven't posted since late April. And here it is almost the middle of May.
School is winding down and so of course there is stuff going on over there. Now we are in the middle of standardized tests, so I'm helping monitor test-takers each day. 5 days in all. It's not too bad. I take a book and just glance around. There are two adults for each group. Each day it's about 3 hours.
Mensa Boy has done quite a bit of traveling these past few weeks and there will be more coming up. I think things won't die down until the second week of June.
Nate needs to find a job for the summer. I suggested to him last night that he list a few places he'd like to work. He mentioned Lowe's Home Improvement, but that would be a bit of a drive. I'd like to see him within 10 minutes of home, since I'll be taking him to and from work most of the time.
Taylor does not have plans for the summer at this point. Our boy Freddy, who comes here after school, will be with us most of the summer and they will have a good time. We've also talked about Taylor taking some pottery lessons from a friend of mine, and he may also go to Minnesota for a week-long visit before we go up there.
I do not have summer plans. The school stories will of course fall away, so I'll be hoping to pick up some other interesting things to write about. But I would also like to do some painting here at the house. We still have a few rooms that have not any paint at all. Still the contractor's flat cream color from 2002. Yeah, we are slow about stuff like that.
So this is a dull post. Sorry about that. Perhaps one of these days I'll post a message full of righteous indignation that my least favorite people won "The Amazing Race." Maybe I'll save that for when "American Idol" and "Survivor" all wind up.
Oh. The snake. I didn't mention the 12-foot python.
There are not too many people who can get me to stuff like this. Best friend Rena was able to talk me into going to her brother's to take a photo of the 12-foot, dead python they found in their shed. My photos did not turn out...as it was all crawling with MAGGOTS! The assumption is that someone had it for a pet and could not care for it any longer, releasing it outside.
hmpf. Just tried to put Eric's photo on here and it won't upload.
School is winding down and so of course there is stuff going on over there. Now we are in the middle of standardized tests, so I'm helping monitor test-takers each day. 5 days in all. It's not too bad. I take a book and just glance around. There are two adults for each group. Each day it's about 3 hours.
Mensa Boy has done quite a bit of traveling these past few weeks and there will be more coming up. I think things won't die down until the second week of June.
Nate needs to find a job for the summer. I suggested to him last night that he list a few places he'd like to work. He mentioned Lowe's Home Improvement, but that would be a bit of a drive. I'd like to see him within 10 minutes of home, since I'll be taking him to and from work most of the time.
Taylor does not have plans for the summer at this point. Our boy Freddy, who comes here after school, will be with us most of the summer and they will have a good time. We've also talked about Taylor taking some pottery lessons from a friend of mine, and he may also go to Minnesota for a week-long visit before we go up there.
I do not have summer plans. The school stories will of course fall away, so I'll be hoping to pick up some other interesting things to write about. But I would also like to do some painting here at the house. We still have a few rooms that have not any paint at all. Still the contractor's flat cream color from 2002. Yeah, we are slow about stuff like that.
So this is a dull post. Sorry about that. Perhaps one of these days I'll post a message full of righteous indignation that my least favorite people won "The Amazing Race." Maybe I'll save that for when "American Idol" and "Survivor" all wind up.
Oh. The snake. I didn't mention the 12-foot python.
There are not too many people who can get me to stuff like this. Best friend Rena was able to talk me into going to her brother's to take a photo of the 12-foot, dead python they found in their shed. My photos did not turn out...as it was all crawling with MAGGOTS! The assumption is that someone had it for a pet and could not care for it any longer, releasing it outside.
hmpf. Just tried to put Eric's photo on here and it won't upload.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Pushed Over the Edge
The bread I normally buy was not available at the grocery store the other day. So I bought some different stuff.
Let me just say that I always buy whole wheat bread. I never buy white bread.
But apparently Taylor took exception to this particular brand of bread that I bought the other day. Yesterday he left me this note.
This morning Mensa Boy took the offending loaf out of the bread drawer and said, "Is this the bread that pushed Taylor over the edge?"
(In very tiny print on the lower left side of this note, Mensa Boy put a comment: "Whole wheat bread is really fun." Taylor is not amused)
Friday, April 20, 2007
Evidence
Found this in Taylor's room this morning when I went in to wake him up.
How do you suppose he so neatly got the tops off all these cans?
PERHAPS WITH A CAN OPENER???
How do you suppose he so neatly got the tops off all these cans?
PERHAPS WITH A CAN OPENER???
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Disappearing and Reappearing
Yesterday I made goulash, a family favorite. It requires opening a can or two of tomatoes.
I searched high and low for the can opener. I pulled everything out of the drawer...which is no mean feat. That drawer is very very large and is the standard kitchen catch-all drawer.
Fleeting through my mind was that Mom and Dad had walked off with it.
Of course they wouldn't have done that.
I was so desperate that I called Mensa Boy. He's out of town.
"Have you seen the can opener?"
"No. It's not in the...."
"Of course not."
"Of course not."
(drives me crazy when he asks me if whatever I'm looking for isn't in the place it belongs...)
So after a minute or so of questioning (I thought perhaps he'd used it for a project a while back), We hung up. I got the opener from the camping box, finished supper.
After supper I did the dishes.
And dropped the carrot peeler back into the drawer.
Right on top of the can opener.
No one is fessing up.
I searched high and low for the can opener. I pulled everything out of the drawer...which is no mean feat. That drawer is very very large and is the standard kitchen catch-all drawer.
Fleeting through my mind was that Mom and Dad had walked off with it.
Of course they wouldn't have done that.
I was so desperate that I called Mensa Boy. He's out of town.
"Have you seen the can opener?"
"No. It's not in the...."
"Of course not."
"Of course not."
(drives me crazy when he asks me if whatever I'm looking for isn't in the place it belongs...)
So after a minute or so of questioning (I thought perhaps he'd used it for a project a while back), We hung up. I got the opener from the camping box, finished supper.
After supper I did the dishes.
And dropped the carrot peeler back into the drawer.
Right on top of the can opener.
No one is fessing up.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Snotty
Mensa Boy is being very snotty.
He has a terrible cold and has blown his way through two boxes of kleenex. So there are little trash cans around that are totally full of used kleenex.
I feel bad for him. But I don't want to be around him!
He has a terrible cold and has blown his way through two boxes of kleenex. So there are little trash cans around that are totally full of used kleenex.
I feel bad for him. But I don't want to be around him!
Friday, April 13, 2007
The Great Big Vegetable Challenge
Many many thanks to my buddy Chris for sending me the link to this blog. It is fantastic!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut has died. It's hard to imagine. The first thing that pops into my mind is a ratty paperback copy of "Breakfast of Champions."
His first novel was published in 1952 ("Player Piano") and his last in 1972 ("Timequake"). The only one I remember reading was "Breakfast" (1973). Just about anyone born between 1940 and now has undoubtably read at least one of his books.
The write-up in today's paper mentions "Dog-eared paperback copies of his books could be found in the back pockets of blue jeans and in dorm rooms on campuses throughout the United States."
How true.
His first novel was published in 1952 ("Player Piano") and his last in 1972 ("Timequake"). The only one I remember reading was "Breakfast" (1973). Just about anyone born between 1940 and now has undoubtably read at least one of his books.
The write-up in today's paper mentions "Dog-eared paperback copies of his books could be found in the back pockets of blue jeans and in dorm rooms on campuses throughout the United States."
How true.
"New knowledge is the most valuable commodity on earth. The more truth we have to work with, the richer we become."
Kurt Vonnegut, Breakfast of Champions
Kurt Vonnegut, Breakfast of Champions
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
A Poem by Taylor
A book is a human
It can say anything
A book is a game
But you can never fail
A book is a friend
You can have a lot
A book is a feeling
It can make you feel different
A book is life
Anything can happen
A book is a human
It can say anything
It can say anything
A book is a game
But you can never fail
A book is a friend
You can have a lot
A book is a feeling
It can make you feel different
A book is life
Anything can happen
A book is a human
It can say anything
Monday, April 09, 2007
Churchin' Around
Yesterday morning I hit the road at 6:30 to go to a sunrise service at the local state park.
It was 23-freakin'-degrees out, by the way. Cold even by my standards.
The service was in an ampitheatre in the woods at the park, so there was obviously not going to be any opportunity to get any actual sunrise shots. I stayed just a few minutes, shooting the pastor on stage with his microphone, all decked out in his "tobaggan" (stocking cap) and mittens, his wife wrapped in a huge coat, playing the keyboard.
I decided to run back up the road to my own church's sunrise service, held at our sister church. (the Dodge Gr. Caravan really cruises along smoothly at 85 mph)
The sissies had all wimped out and taken their service inside. Moreover, cars were parked in front of the lawn cross, so there was no chance of getting a decent photo of that with the sun coming up behind it.
So I decided to go further up the road to my favorite Lutheran church.
But on the way, I glanced over to the little Baptist Church and lo! There were a dozen hardy souls out in the backyard having a little service. Whipped in there and joined them, shooting away.
Their service ended around 7:15 so, declining their offer of a donut and coffee, I jumped back into Big Greenie and beat it up the highway to the Lutherans.
They were inside as well. By this time I was thoroughly chilled and feeling more charitable about sissies. I stopped in there and shot a few photos of the children doing a project.
Then went to our church in time for the dual-church breakfast. Shot some photos of that crowd and thawed out while rubbing elbows. And teasing the two preachers about being inside while the pentecostals and Baptists were gutting out the cold.
I was home by 8:15. It was a good morning. I got some decent shots I think, which I sent in to the paper. I hope they use some of them. But this is one time when I hardly care. I had a lot of fun, so it was well worth the effort.
It was 23-freakin'-degrees out, by the way. Cold even by my standards.
The service was in an ampitheatre in the woods at the park, so there was obviously not going to be any opportunity to get any actual sunrise shots. I stayed just a few minutes, shooting the pastor on stage with his microphone, all decked out in his "tobaggan" (stocking cap) and mittens, his wife wrapped in a huge coat, playing the keyboard.
I decided to run back up the road to my own church's sunrise service, held at our sister church. (the Dodge Gr. Caravan really cruises along smoothly at 85 mph)
The sissies had all wimped out and taken their service inside. Moreover, cars were parked in front of the lawn cross, so there was no chance of getting a decent photo of that with the sun coming up behind it.
So I decided to go further up the road to my favorite Lutheran church.
But on the way, I glanced over to the little Baptist Church and lo! There were a dozen hardy souls out in the backyard having a little service. Whipped in there and joined them, shooting away.
Their service ended around 7:15 so, declining their offer of a donut and coffee, I jumped back into Big Greenie and beat it up the highway to the Lutherans.
They were inside as well. By this time I was thoroughly chilled and feeling more charitable about sissies. I stopped in there and shot a few photos of the children doing a project.
Then went to our church in time for the dual-church breakfast. Shot some photos of that crowd and thawed out while rubbing elbows. And teasing the two preachers about being inside while the pentecostals and Baptists were gutting out the cold.
I was home by 8:15. It was a good morning. I got some decent shots I think, which I sent in to the paper. I hope they use some of them. But this is one time when I hardly care. I had a lot of fun, so it was well worth the effort.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Eagles
Check out this Eagle cam...if you have a high-speed internet connection. (thanks Julie!)
http://www.wvec.com/cams/eagle.html
Mom and Dad arrived yesterday and will stay for the next two weeks at the local state park. We had a nice meal last night of cornish game hens, green beans and tomatoes (a Giada deLaurentiis recipe), and wild rice with cranberries and almonds. Topped it all off with chocolate chip cookies.
Everyone was dragged out from a busy day, so they pretty much left right after giving the dog a bath. I teased Mom about us just being a dog-washing depot for them. They give that dog a bath first thing every time they get here.
Mensa Boy and Taylor painted Taylor's room yesterday. It's a very shocking blue. Kind of a post-it note blue, actually. Today they will do a second coat and then they've been talking about going on a hike.
Mom and I need to find something for me to wear. I have no spring/summer clothes that fit. So I should get started and Easter seems like a logical time.
OH YEAH...AND! How much screwier is "American Idol" going to get? Gina Glocksen is gone now?
http://www.wvec.com/cams/eagle.html
Mom and Dad arrived yesterday and will stay for the next two weeks at the local state park. We had a nice meal last night of cornish game hens, green beans and tomatoes (a Giada deLaurentiis recipe), and wild rice with cranberries and almonds. Topped it all off with chocolate chip cookies.
Everyone was dragged out from a busy day, so they pretty much left right after giving the dog a bath. I teased Mom about us just being a dog-washing depot for them. They give that dog a bath first thing every time they get here.
Mensa Boy and Taylor painted Taylor's room yesterday. It's a very shocking blue. Kind of a post-it note blue, actually. Today they will do a second coat and then they've been talking about going on a hike.
Mom and I need to find something for me to wear. I have no spring/summer clothes that fit. So I should get started and Easter seems like a logical time.
OH YEAH...AND! How much screwier is "American Idol" going to get? Gina Glocksen is gone now?
Monday, April 02, 2007
Concern/Unconcern
A new medication I'm taking lists "lack of concern" as a potential side effect.
Apparently a "lack of concern" is considered to be a more serious side effect, because you are supposed to contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing it.
hmmmmm
[Do I need to spell out my snarky comment on that? Or Kristen, would you like to?]
Apparently a "lack of concern" is considered to be a more serious side effect, because you are supposed to contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing it.
hmmmmm
[Do I need to spell out my snarky comment on that? Or Kristen, would you like to?]
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Gotta Look Good
Here is Mensa Boy, "getting ready to mow the lawn."
It was 1:30 in the afternoon.
Amazing what you can come up with to do when you should be mowing the lawn...
It was 1:30 in the afternoon.
Amazing what you can come up with to do when you should be mowing the lawn...
Friday, March 30, 2007
Something for Everyone, it Seems
Last night I was lying on my bed, reading a book, drinking water. I asked Taylor if he would kindly get me a straw.
He came back a few minutes later, poked a nice little red-and-white number into my cup and chuckled.
"Thank you. What?" I asked.
"The box of straws says 'Sanitary, disposable and FUN.'" He said.
He came back a few minutes later, poked a nice little red-and-white number into my cup and chuckled.
"Thank you. What?" I asked.
"The box of straws says 'Sanitary, disposable and FUN.'" He said.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
A Rare Personal Account
I tend not to get too insanely personal on my blog, but here you go.
Today was a no good, very bad day. Up to a point.
I had a doctor's appointment scheduled for 9:15 a.m.
At least, I had on my calendar that the appointment was at that time. I planned for it for two weeks. I had my notes all written down, my list of prescriptions, and I was prepared to go in there and launch a full-scale assault on this thing I've lately been calling MenoMania.
I arrived at the clinic 10 minutes before the appointment time. When I checked in, I could see the receptionist was concerned.
They did not have my appointment in the system.
I stood there in stunned silence for a moment. I was afraid to speak. I had no idea what was going to come out of my mouth.
"We'll figure out something," she said. "I'll find some time today when you can get in. What are you here for?"
When I told her I was there for menopause issues...well...you can imagine the expression on her face.
I held it all together long enough to hear their apologies and agree to come back at 2:30.
I went home and stayed there. Watching TV and staring at the walls. By around noon I started to feel a bit better.
I went back at 2:30 and locked my keys in the car in the clinic parking lot.
"How did the appointment go?" You may be asking.
Fine. He's a very very good doctor. Validated my feelings and suspicions, did some medication adjustments, and I came out of there feeling like I have a new plan.
And when I got out of the appointment, my keys were laying there on the counter. Thank you, dear Kristen, for driving half-way across town with Mensa Boy's keys to get mine out of my car.
As I was saying good-bye to the doctor, he said "By the way...locking your keys in the car? Classic menopause!"
Today was a no good, very bad day. Up to a point.
I had a doctor's appointment scheduled for 9:15 a.m.
At least, I had on my calendar that the appointment was at that time. I planned for it for two weeks. I had my notes all written down, my list of prescriptions, and I was prepared to go in there and launch a full-scale assault on this thing I've lately been calling MenoMania.
I arrived at the clinic 10 minutes before the appointment time. When I checked in, I could see the receptionist was concerned.
They did not have my appointment in the system.
I stood there in stunned silence for a moment. I was afraid to speak. I had no idea what was going to come out of my mouth.
"We'll figure out something," she said. "I'll find some time today when you can get in. What are you here for?"
When I told her I was there for menopause issues...well...you can imagine the expression on her face.
I held it all together long enough to hear their apologies and agree to come back at 2:30.
I went home and stayed there. Watching TV and staring at the walls. By around noon I started to feel a bit better.
I went back at 2:30 and locked my keys in the car in the clinic parking lot.
"How did the appointment go?" You may be asking.
Fine. He's a very very good doctor. Validated my feelings and suspicions, did some medication adjustments, and I came out of there feeling like I have a new plan.
And when I got out of the appointment, my keys were laying there on the counter. Thank you, dear Kristen, for driving half-way across town with Mensa Boy's keys to get mine out of my car.
As I was saying good-bye to the doctor, he said "By the way...locking your keys in the car? Classic menopause!"
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Community Policing
We have a campus resource officer from the sheriff's department at our high school. He actually covers all three of the schools, but his primary office is at the high school.
Today I realized that the scope of his job is much more than handling assaults and traffic issues.
Today he was spray-painting the school rock.
He's covered one side of the rock with orange paint and then sprayed "buckle up" on it.
I didn't see him do the deed. I saw him walking away from it after he'd completed it. I stopped and said "Boy. I wish I'd gotten a photo of that for the paper."
He said he does that periodically, to cover up less-than-uplifting messages that get painted on there from time to time.
Today I realized that the scope of his job is much more than handling assaults and traffic issues.
Today he was spray-painting the school rock.
He's covered one side of the rock with orange paint and then sprayed "buckle up" on it.
I didn't see him do the deed. I saw him walking away from it after he'd completed it. I stopped and said "Boy. I wish I'd gotten a photo of that for the paper."
He said he does that periodically, to cover up less-than-uplifting messages that get painted on there from time to time.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Dumb Yankee
Every once in a while I say something that shows that I'm still not completely "with" this southern life.
The other day I said "I like it when the birds come back."
HUH?
The other day I said "I like it when the birds come back."
HUH?
Thursday, March 22, 2007
The Pizza Alarms
The smoke detectors in our house are kind of getting to be the bane of our existence.
There is one right around the corner from the stove and any little thing makes it go off. Browning chops, a big spill on the stove top. Even cleaning the oven.
And they are hard to get off. Once the first one detects smoke, all of them start in. That's 10 detectors going.
We used to be able to get them to shut off by waving a towel under the kitchen one and maybe opening a couple of windows. But now that doesn't seem to have much effect most of the time. I've had them going for up to 40 minutes.
And I cook to relax.
Now this morning at 5:45 a.m. the one in the office here is chirping. We change the batteries (they are hard-wired but have battery backups) twice a year, but we still end up with detectors chirping for low battery power. The sound echoes in the house so a lot of times you really have to work hard to figure out which one it is. One night we chased around in the middle of the night for some time looking for the chirper, only to discover it was a CO detector.
I can see why people disconnect them. It's a dumb thing to do but you are tortured less that way.
There is one right around the corner from the stove and any little thing makes it go off. Browning chops, a big spill on the stove top. Even cleaning the oven.
And they are hard to get off. Once the first one detects smoke, all of them start in. That's 10 detectors going.
We used to be able to get them to shut off by waving a towel under the kitchen one and maybe opening a couple of windows. But now that doesn't seem to have much effect most of the time. I've had them going for up to 40 minutes.
And I cook to relax.
Now this morning at 5:45 a.m. the one in the office here is chirping. We change the batteries (they are hard-wired but have battery backups) twice a year, but we still end up with detectors chirping for low battery power. The sound echoes in the house so a lot of times you really have to work hard to figure out which one it is. One night we chased around in the middle of the night for some time looking for the chirper, only to discover it was a CO detector.
I can see why people disconnect them. It's a dumb thing to do but you are tortured less that way.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
His Scary Sponsor
I mighta accidentally scared a typing student today.
Sort of on accident. I actually wanted to shake him up a bit.
Our middle school typing classes are doing a "Type for Life" service learning project. They set goals for increasing their words-per-minute scores by March 30. They gathered pledges for the American Cancer Society.
I wanted to sponsor my best friend's daughter, but she never asked me and today I found out she's already made her goal anyway.
So I was at the typing class this morning, listening to a breast cancer survivor tell the kids about her battle and about cancer in general and about the American Cancer Survivor. (I'm writing a story about their project)
At the end of the class, the speaker brought out purple rubber "4 the fight" bracelets. She asked who had made their goal. Gave them bracelets. Then she asked who had sponsors and were working toward their goals. Gave those kids bracelets.
A kid named Tyler was just sitting there. Tall, sharp-looking guy.
She asked him if he had even one sponsor. "No ma'am," he said.
"But you have a goal, right?" she asked.
"Yes ma'am," he answered.
She gave him a bracelet.
I passed a note over to him. "I'll sponsor you for $20 if you make your goal." And I signed my name and put my email address on there.
After class he thanked me. I told him he'd better reach his goal or I'd dog him til he was dead.
"Yes ma'am," he said.
I saw him a few minutes later and he said "Y' know, I made my goal, but the teacher raised it on me."
"Well, good! Because I don't want to sponsor some slacker who sets their goals too low," I replied.
"No ma'am."
I could be the scariest sponsor for a charity he's ever had.
Sort of on accident. I actually wanted to shake him up a bit.
Our middle school typing classes are doing a "Type for Life" service learning project. They set goals for increasing their words-per-minute scores by March 30. They gathered pledges for the American Cancer Society.
I wanted to sponsor my best friend's daughter, but she never asked me and today I found out she's already made her goal anyway.
So I was at the typing class this morning, listening to a breast cancer survivor tell the kids about her battle and about cancer in general and about the American Cancer Survivor. (I'm writing a story about their project)
At the end of the class, the speaker brought out purple rubber "4 the fight" bracelets. She asked who had made their goal. Gave them bracelets. Then she asked who had sponsors and were working toward their goals. Gave those kids bracelets.
A kid named Tyler was just sitting there. Tall, sharp-looking guy.
She asked him if he had even one sponsor. "No ma'am," he said.
"But you have a goal, right?" she asked.
"Yes ma'am," he answered.
She gave him a bracelet.
I passed a note over to him. "I'll sponsor you for $20 if you make your goal." And I signed my name and put my email address on there.
After class he thanked me. I told him he'd better reach his goal or I'd dog him til he was dead.
"Yes ma'am," he said.
I saw him a few minutes later and he said "Y' know, I made my goal, but the teacher raised it on me."
"Well, good! Because I don't want to sponsor some slacker who sets their goals too low," I replied.
"No ma'am."
I could be the scariest sponsor for a charity he's ever had.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Fiesta!
This is why I like to have Mensa Boy label boxes for me.
On Saturday my parents arrived and brought with them the two new placesettings I'd bought on my fiesta-buying junket to RedWing in February.
The addition of the new place settings necessitated the removal of two other settings.
It was not a hard choice to make. I'd moved the apricot and white dishes to the bottom of the stacks and told the kids that, when they set the table, I expect my place to NOT have the apricot. It just looked...vomitous.
On Saturday my parents arrived and brought with them the two new placesettings I'd bought on my fiesta-buying junket to RedWing in February.
The addition of the new place settings necessitated the removal of two other settings.
It was not a hard choice to make. I'd moved the apricot and white dishes to the bottom of the stacks and told the kids that, when they set the table, I expect my place to NOT have the apricot. It just looked...vomitous.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Voting for the Worst
Mensa Boy reminded me last night that there is a conspiracy underfoot with American Idol:
I don't know if they really work, but SOMETHING is keeping Sanjaya "milquetoast" Malakar alive on American Idol.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
My Preciousssssss
The story has to be what? Maybe 350 words? About a missing cat.
Yep. Page 3A of The Lancaster News has a story about a missing cat.
It "showed up missing," a phrase that never ceases to crack me up. Do I need to explain why?
I feel badly for the 90-year-old woman whose cat is missing, but I'm pretty skeptical that someone would enter the home and carry her away, as the owner asserts. "I think somebody opened the door, came in, put her in their jacket and walked away with her."
Huh.
There's no mention that the owner is missing anything else. No TVs, jewelry, crocheted toilet paper covers....just an orange tabby cat.
In other local news, I hear there is a group that wants to pay to paint the new Indian Land water tower. The water tower, which was a subject of much controversy when our school board decided to sell an acre of land right besmack in front of the main entrance to the school, will be set right on the corner of Doby Bridge and Highway 521. This group from Lancaster would like to offer to beautify the tower by paying to have it painted.
What would they paint on it, you ask?
Something to point visitors to Lancaster, of course. Something to encourage them to drive 20 miles south to shop at Wal-Mart and Eckerds in Lancaster rather than 7 miles north to Carolina Place Mall, Target, Barnes & Noble, Harris Teeter...I could go on.
But my readers are not stooopid...
Yep. Page 3A of The Lancaster News has a story about a missing cat.
It "showed up missing," a phrase that never ceases to crack me up. Do I need to explain why?
I feel badly for the 90-year-old woman whose cat is missing, but I'm pretty skeptical that someone would enter the home and carry her away, as the owner asserts. "I think somebody opened the door, came in, put her in their jacket and walked away with her."
Huh.
There's no mention that the owner is missing anything else. No TVs, jewelry, crocheted toilet paper covers....just an orange tabby cat.
In other local news, I hear there is a group that wants to pay to paint the new Indian Land water tower. The water tower, which was a subject of much controversy when our school board decided to sell an acre of land right besmack in front of the main entrance to the school, will be set right on the corner of Doby Bridge and Highway 521. This group from Lancaster would like to offer to beautify the tower by paying to have it painted.
What would they paint on it, you ask?
Something to point visitors to Lancaster, of course. Something to encourage them to drive 20 miles south to shop at Wal-Mart and Eckerds in Lancaster rather than 7 miles north to Carolina Place Mall, Target, Barnes & Noble, Harris Teeter...I could go on.
But my readers are not stooopid...
Monday, March 12, 2007
Rob & Amber
Well well well well well! "Rob and Amber, I'm sorry to tell you, you have been eliminated from the race."
The magic words were finally said to the couple we loved to hate.
Actually, if Rob weren't such a trash-talker, we probably wouldn't have hated them so much. They are actually a pretty nice couple. And poetry in motion when going through all the hurdles "Amazing Race" could throw at them.
Until "THE SPELLING ERROR."
To me it just proves that having good spelling habits is an important life skill.
At the end, Amber said "Well, if you're going to be eliminated, what better place than the end of the world?" (or something like that)
Would have been even funnier if she'd said "Well, it's not the end of the world. Oh. Wait. It is!"
(They ended at Isla Redonda, A.K.A. The End of the World, as it's on the southernmost tip of South America)
It's good that they are gone. Now the show can be more about the race and less about them. They pretty much overshadowed all the other competitors.
The magic words were finally said to the couple we loved to hate.
Actually, if Rob weren't such a trash-talker, we probably wouldn't have hated them so much. They are actually a pretty nice couple. And poetry in motion when going through all the hurdles "Amazing Race" could throw at them.
Until "THE SPELLING ERROR."
To me it just proves that having good spelling habits is an important life skill.
At the end, Amber said "Well, if you're going to be eliminated, what better place than the end of the world?" (or something like that)
Would have been even funnier if she'd said "Well, it's not the end of the world. Oh. Wait. It is!"
(They ended at Isla Redonda, A.K.A. The End of the World, as it's on the southernmost tip of South America)
It's good that they are gone. Now the show can be more about the race and less about them. They pretty much overshadowed all the other competitors.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Is America Just Stupid When It Comes to Music?
I just watched the results show from this week's "American Idol" and I all I can say is:
To keep Sanjaya and kick Sundance? And to keep Haley and bump Sabrina? What? Are all the text messengers on drugs? That was just simply insane!
I have to say I think Sundance made a terrible song choice last week, going to rock with his song by Pearl Jam. I think he's more a Sammy Kershaw kind of guy. He could have done "Tennessee Girl" or one of his older ones. Didn't they say near the beginning that Sundance's dad was a country dude? He completely stole the show last week with "Mustang Sally."
Sanjaya is sooooo boring that we have fast-forwarded past him every week. And Haley? Isn't she the one that Simon said he couldn't even remember her name? The only one that came close to being as dull as she was Antonella. At least America got that one right.
Although I think it was a travesty to choose Sabrina over Haley, I don't see Sabrina going too much further. She's just not that great.
But definitely better than Haley.
I'm delighted for Gina Glocksen. I had her pegged for a rocker the moment I first saw her. My suspicions were confirmed when the took the stage by storm last week.
I do love this show. I'll admit. But it's also frustrating as all get out. And it makes me worried for some of the truly great singers. They tend to get kicked before the very end.
"America? What were you thinkin'?"
To keep Sanjaya and kick Sundance? And to keep Haley and bump Sabrina? What? Are all the text messengers on drugs? That was just simply insane!
I have to say I think Sundance made a terrible song choice last week, going to rock with his song by Pearl Jam. I think he's more a Sammy Kershaw kind of guy. He could have done "Tennessee Girl" or one of his older ones. Didn't they say near the beginning that Sundance's dad was a country dude? He completely stole the show last week with "Mustang Sally."
Sanjaya is sooooo boring that we have fast-forwarded past him every week. And Haley? Isn't she the one that Simon said he couldn't even remember her name? The only one that came close to being as dull as she was Antonella. At least America got that one right.
Although I think it was a travesty to choose Sabrina over Haley, I don't see Sabrina going too much further. She's just not that great.
But definitely better than Haley.
I'm delighted for Gina Glocksen. I had her pegged for a rocker the moment I first saw her. My suspicions were confirmed when the took the stage by storm last week.
I do love this show. I'll admit. But it's also frustrating as all get out. And it makes me worried for some of the truly great singers. They tend to get kicked before the very end.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
A Respecter of Plungers
It began as an innocent conversation on the phone with my friend Sarah. We each were enumerating the errands we planned to run yesterday afternoon.
"Target," I said. "I have to go to Target. Prescriptions filled, Kleenex to buy..."
"Oh, Target!" she said. "I have to get there and buy a plunger."
"Well, you said you were just passing Home Depot. Why didn't you just stop in there?" I asked innocently.
"Because there is a certain plunger at Target that I want," she replied. And proceeded to describe it for me.
I began to laugh. Kind of snort, actually, I admit.
She paused.
"Most people do not have preferences when it comes to plungers," I ventured.
She exploded. "Oh. My. G*d! How could you not have a plunger preference?"
"Target," I said. "I have to go to Target. Prescriptions filled, Kleenex to buy..."
"Oh, Target!" she said. "I have to get there and buy a plunger."
"Well, you said you were just passing Home Depot. Why didn't you just stop in there?" I asked innocently.
"Because there is a certain plunger at Target that I want," she replied. And proceeded to describe it for me.
I began to laugh. Kind of snort, actually, I admit.
She paused.
"Most people do not have preferences when it comes to plungers," I ventured.
She exploded. "Oh. My. G*d! How could you not have a plunger preference?"
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
The Human Alphabet
This morning I got up and googled "human alphabet." I'm looking for letters that have been shaped by people. I'm not necessarily looking for real people. What I have in my mind's eye are drawings.
Colorful drawings of the alphabet where the letters are people.
I want to print out two particular letters to give to a friend of mine. I thought it would be cool.
I stumbled upon a wealth of information about people and alphabets. None of the sites I visited were what I was looking for, but one was a very interesting website about the history of artists using the human body to make letters of the alphabet. This particular site had naked people making the alphabet.
It was an interesting and...informative...way to start the day.
I'm still looking for an alphabet comprised of people.
Free, of course.
Colorful drawings of the alphabet where the letters are people.
I want to print out two particular letters to give to a friend of mine. I thought it would be cool.
I stumbled upon a wealth of information about people and alphabets. None of the sites I visited were what I was looking for, but one was a very interesting website about the history of artists using the human body to make letters of the alphabet. This particular site had naked people making the alphabet.
It was an interesting and...informative...way to start the day.
I'm still looking for an alphabet comprised of people.
Free, of course.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Self-taught Camera Games
This weekend I played with my new camera, a Nikon D40. My beloved Fuji FinePix quit a couple of weeks ago. Well, it didn't exactly QUIT...it developed (sorry...no pun intended) a tendency to not open its' lens all the way. This made my photos very short! So I took it to Best Buy and had them send it for repairs.
Estimate: $263.
YIKES! That's more than the camera would be worth to replace.
So, at my request, Mensa Boy commenced researching the next camera. It's just too much information for me to digest.
He recommended a Canon Sure Shot. We both wanted a Canon Digital Rebel, but felt it would just be too spendy...because I needed more zooming power.
But I wanted a digital SLR.
So, after he did all that research, and asked his band of freelance photogs what they suggested, I went out and got exactly what he didn't want me to get...a Nikon.
He was wistful in his disappointment. Which, of course, heaped burning coals of guilt on my head.
I?
Personally?
Love it!
The book that came with it is good, too. (Although after you've had a Fuji, pretty much any instruction book is going to be better.)
So I've been carrying it around since Thursday night, shooting photos with and without flash and on different settings, trying to learn some basic techniques to get me through the next few stories. My friend Jenny, also a writer/photographer, will go with me to take some camera classes this spring. That will be fun.
This photo of Taylor was taken in the "sports" mode. I consider it to be a great feather in my cap because the first attempt at this mode yielded a lot of blur. Apparently, you can't just set the thing to sport and expect it to capture motion well. That doesn't make sense to me. Anyway, Mensa Boy mentioned increasing the ISO sensitivity, so after I checked the book on that, I found that was the thing to do and learned how to do it. I set this one to 1600. This allowed the camera to continuously focus and "freeze motion" enough to capture it. In this photo, Taylor is doing this odd, burlesque-style shuffling thing he does with this feet and arms, sort of running in place and waving his arms.
Estimate: $263.
YIKES! That's more than the camera would be worth to replace.
So, at my request, Mensa Boy commenced researching the next camera. It's just too much information for me to digest.
He recommended a Canon Sure Shot. We both wanted a Canon Digital Rebel, but felt it would just be too spendy...because I needed more zooming power.
But I wanted a digital SLR.
So, after he did all that research, and asked his band of freelance photogs what they suggested, I went out and got exactly what he didn't want me to get...a Nikon.
He was wistful in his disappointment. Which, of course, heaped burning coals of guilt on my head.
I?
Personally?
Love it!
The book that came with it is good, too. (Although after you've had a Fuji, pretty much any instruction book is going to be better.)
So I've been carrying it around since Thursday night, shooting photos with and without flash and on different settings, trying to learn some basic techniques to get me through the next few stories. My friend Jenny, also a writer/photographer, will go with me to take some camera classes this spring. That will be fun.
This photo of Taylor was taken in the "sports" mode. I consider it to be a great feather in my cap because the first attempt at this mode yielded a lot of blur. Apparently, you can't just set the thing to sport and expect it to capture motion well. That doesn't make sense to me. Anyway, Mensa Boy mentioned increasing the ISO sensitivity, so after I checked the book on that, I found that was the thing to do and learned how to do it. I set this one to 1600. This allowed the camera to continuously focus and "freeze motion" enough to capture it. In this photo, Taylor is doing this odd, burlesque-style shuffling thing he does with this feet and arms, sort of running in place and waving his arms.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Thursday, March 01, 2007
A Story from Lis
I stepped across the lobby of the Hopkins Fine Arts Center on the night of Feb. 28 and stood in front of the Information Desk. The youngish (mid-20's) man behind the desk reluctantly interrupted his phone conversation.
"Yes?"
"I'm here for the writing class with The Loft."
He was impatiently confused. "A reading class?"
"Writing."
He was still confused. "Here?" He looked at his computer monitor. "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure it's here."
"Are you sure it's not the Ellison Center?" [not sure if that's the name he said, but that's what I heard]
"Yeah."
I opened my padfolio and pulled out the course description and location I'd printed out earlier. "L-27 2, maybe? Is that a classroom?"
He was still puzzled. I handed him the sheet of paper.The course I am taking is on "Capturing Memory." It's about getting details to stay in your mind.
Here's a detail: It starts on March 14.
I don't even want to try to figure out how I made this mix-up. I took the paper back from the young gentleman, who was almost managing to keep a courteous tone (he's probably an actor), although his face said, "This may, indeed, be the dumbest person I've ever met."
"Well," I said, tucking the sheet back in the padfolio pocket, "I'll be back in two weeks then. Maybe I'll see you, if you're here."
"Oh, I'll be here," he said.
Darnit
"Yes?"
"I'm here for the writing class with The Loft."
He was impatiently confused. "A reading class?"
"Writing."
He was still confused. "Here?" He looked at his computer monitor. "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure it's here."
"Are you sure it's not the Ellison Center?" [not sure if that's the name he said, but that's what I heard]
"Yeah."
I opened my padfolio and pulled out the course description and location I'd printed out earlier. "L-27 2, maybe? Is that a classroom?"
He was still puzzled. I handed him the sheet of paper.The course I am taking is on "Capturing Memory." It's about getting details to stay in your mind.
Here's a detail: It starts on March 14.
I don't even want to try to figure out how I made this mix-up. I took the paper back from the young gentleman, who was almost managing to keep a courteous tone (he's probably an actor), although his face said, "This may, indeed, be the dumbest person I've ever met."
"Well," I said, tucking the sheet back in the padfolio pocket, "I'll be back in two weeks then. Maybe I'll see you, if you're here."
"Oh, I'll be here," he said.
Darnit
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Pull Over! Pull Over! For Pete's Sake!
This is for all the people who fail to pull over for emergency vehicles:
You.
Suck.
Yes, I realize that is not a very refined phrase. But people! When the doohickies are flashing on the top of a firetruck, TURN THE VOLUME DOWN ON THE RADIO and listen for the siren! Then? Pull over.
I used to think people stopped pulling over for these things because they just didn't care. But I honestly now think that people just don't notice. They are so tuned into the tunes or NPR or whatever book they are "reading" that they don't notice traffic around them. Even when it's barrelling toward them with lights and sirens flashing.
What prompted this tirade? No, I have no tragic story of "failure to pull over." But you know, it coulda bin a little tragic.
Yesterday, I'm driving along to have lunch with a friend. I see the lights of a firetruck coming toward me. Maybe it's 1/4 a mile away. I start to slow down. Guy in the car behind me creeps up to my back bumper. I start to pull over. Guy in the car behind me gets so close that I doubt a slice of bread could be slid between our cars. He jerks his wheel toward the center line...obviously thinking he's going to pass this nut in the green van that has suddenly, inexplicably decided to pull over on a busy street.
Just in time he sees the firetruck.
He yanks back.
We all breathe.
I mutter "idiot."
Firetruck passes by and life goes on.
Pay attention people!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Of Garbage and Bets
I had to chuckle when I read this story (the link will probably not work after March 1) about British trash customers being upset about microchips that have been stuck to their wheeled carts. "Wheelies," they call them...the carts. They are calling the chips "bugs."
Apparently Britain has one of the lowest recycling rates in Europe. (SHAME ON THEM!) Chips were stuck to more than 500,000 "wheelie bins" to "monitor collections."
"Germans Plant Bugs in Our Wheelie Bins," was a headline in the Daily Mail in August. (Apparently two of the bin manufacturers are German companies.)
The story tells of "small-scale revolts" erupting across the UK as customers have found the devices and ripped them off the carts.
There's the whole "Big Brother" concern but there's also the idea that the chips could be used to calculate garbage charges. And officials have admitted that is a long-term goal.
The article doesn't say it, but I guess if I were a municipal garbage customer, I'd be wondering about my dollars being wasted on the devices themselves.
This afternoon I watched the movie "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days." Cute, cute movie! I was never attracted to the title before, and skipped going to see it in the theatre and never really have felt much like renting it. But it was on AMC yesterday afternoon so I recorded it.
And a good soundtrack. I'm listening to Chantal Kreviazuk on Napster right now. She had two songs in the movie, "Feels Like Home" and "Weight of the World," both enjoyable songs. I'd never heard of her before, but I think I'll put her in my playlist for a while...she's good for cooking to, I think. I'm not finding "Feels Like Home" on Napster, though.
And speaking of cooking...this afternoon I've been roasting a duck. I used to make a duck recipe of Alton Brown's that involved steaming the pieces and then roasting at a high temp in a cast iron skillet in the oven. The kids raved about it. This time I really didn't feel much like going to all that, so looked in my "Joy of Cooking" book and found recipe for slow-roasting. 3 hours at 250 and then another 45 minutes or so at 325. It's just about done and I think it's going to be great. No flame-ups, either. Pricking the skin all over and roasting it low and slow has done the trick.
It's been a good afternoon for roasting something and vegging in front of the TV. Dark and rainy all day.
Apparently Britain has one of the lowest recycling rates in Europe. (SHAME ON THEM!) Chips were stuck to more than 500,000 "wheelie bins" to "monitor collections."
"Germans Plant Bugs in Our Wheelie Bins," was a headline in the Daily Mail in August. (Apparently two of the bin manufacturers are German companies.)
The story tells of "small-scale revolts" erupting across the UK as customers have found the devices and ripped them off the carts.
There's the whole "Big Brother" concern but there's also the idea that the chips could be used to calculate garbage charges. And officials have admitted that is a long-term goal.
The article doesn't say it, but I guess if I were a municipal garbage customer, I'd be wondering about my dollars being wasted on the devices themselves.
This afternoon I watched the movie "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days." Cute, cute movie! I was never attracted to the title before, and skipped going to see it in the theatre and never really have felt much like renting it. But it was on AMC yesterday afternoon so I recorded it.
And a good soundtrack. I'm listening to Chantal Kreviazuk on Napster right now. She had two songs in the movie, "Feels Like Home" and "Weight of the World," both enjoyable songs. I'd never heard of her before, but I think I'll put her in my playlist for a while...she's good for cooking to, I think. I'm not finding "Feels Like Home" on Napster, though.
And speaking of cooking...this afternoon I've been roasting a duck. I used to make a duck recipe of Alton Brown's that involved steaming the pieces and then roasting at a high temp in a cast iron skillet in the oven. The kids raved about it. This time I really didn't feel much like going to all that, so looked in my "Joy of Cooking" book and found recipe for slow-roasting. 3 hours at 250 and then another 45 minutes or so at 325. It's just about done and I think it's going to be great. No flame-ups, either. Pricking the skin all over and roasting it low and slow has done the trick.
It's been a good afternoon for roasting something and vegging in front of the TV. Dark and rainy all day.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Yes. He Really Talks Like This
While I was visiting Minnesota a couple of weeks ago, I called home to ask Mensa Boy a question.
Nate answered the phone.
"Hi! This is your mother. Is Dad around?"
"Yes. But currently he is conducting a transaction with a kid at the front door."
Last night I came home from an appointment right at 6 p.m. It was suppertime. I had no idea what to have. I didn't feel like going back out to pick up something.
"I'm not sure what we should have for supper. Any ideas?"
"Well, there is still a pizza in the freezer, unless you were thinking we should eat in unanimity."
das my boy....
Nate answered the phone.
"Hi! This is your mother. Is Dad around?"
"Yes. But currently he is conducting a transaction with a kid at the front door."
Last night I came home from an appointment right at 6 p.m. It was suppertime. I had no idea what to have. I didn't feel like going back out to pick up something.
"I'm not sure what we should have for supper. Any ideas?"
"Well, there is still a pizza in the freezer, unless you were thinking we should eat in unanimity."
das my boy....
Monday, February 19, 2007
Hippo Dreams
There is no polite response to this question:
"Did I tell you about my hippo dream?"
Yes, he did tell me about his hippo dream. Once was enough. It seems he was out walking in the Sahara desert when a miniature hippo threatened at him. Yes...miniature. Shorter than his knees.
No. It did not bite him.
No. He doesn't know why he was in the desert.
And no. He doesn't know why a hippo was in it.
But it must have made quite an impression on Mensa Boy, because he's mentioned this dream twice in the last two days.
"Did I tell you about my hippo dream?"
Yes, he did tell me about his hippo dream. Once was enough. It seems he was out walking in the Sahara desert when a miniature hippo threatened at him. Yes...miniature. Shorter than his knees.
No. It did not bite him.
No. He doesn't know why he was in the desert.
And no. He doesn't know why a hippo was in it.
But it must have made quite an impression on Mensa Boy, because he's mentioned this dream twice in the last two days.
It's Gone...For a While
Today I had to take my Fuji FinePix camera to Best Buy for repair. The little lens covers don't open all the way, for some reason. It is apparently out of warranty, so I'll be paying something and waiting 2-4 weeks for that something to happen.
It will be a little tough to work without a camera. But the school has a couple I can borrow.
As I walked out of there with just the neckstrap in my hand, it kind of reminded me of taking the dog to the vet for the last time.
That was a dramatic statement, wasn't it?
Today is President's Day. What does that mean? Usually no school. But our district is in session today to make up for a snow day we had a few weeks ago. Better we make it up now than during Spring Break.
What does this mean for me? Well, when I worked in an office I used to love days like President's Day. We never had the day off, but there'd be no mail. NO MAIL!!! So that meant it was a good day to get caught up on the stuff I already had to do without worrying about new stuff coming in.
Now in my pathetic, work-at-home state, it just means that there's no mail to break up the monotony of the day.
It will be a little tough to work without a camera. But the school has a couple I can borrow.
As I walked out of there with just the neckstrap in my hand, it kind of reminded me of taking the dog to the vet for the last time.
That was a dramatic statement, wasn't it?
Today is President's Day. What does that mean? Usually no school. But our district is in session today to make up for a snow day we had a few weeks ago. Better we make it up now than during Spring Break.
What does this mean for me? Well, when I worked in an office I used to love days like President's Day. We never had the day off, but there'd be no mail. NO MAIL!!! So that meant it was a good day to get caught up on the stuff I already had to do without worrying about new stuff coming in.
Now in my pathetic, work-at-home state, it just means that there's no mail to break up the monotony of the day.
Friday, February 16, 2007
S.C.U.M.Y
It's going to be a SCUMY weekend for Mensa Boy and our oldest son Nate. They are going to the beach for the South Carolina United Methodist Youth Convention. Preacher Tony boy is going along as a chaperone, too. The youth group at church has really grown. I have no idea how many kids are going, but I know it's in the double digits. Pretty good for a small church like ours.
So Taylor and I are batchin' it this weekend. I bought King Crab Legs for supper as a surprise. I did this a couple of years ago and we had them with neighbor Mary. This year Taylor's buddy Freddy may be with us.
Earlier this week Nate did some job shodowing with a biology professor at the University of South Carolina-Lancaster. He liked it a lot. Didn't come home saying he wanted to teach at the college level, but he did think that whole teaching thing was pretty cool.
My buddy who works for the county picked Nate up that morning and took him to work with her, and then ran him over to the campus at 9:30. During the 40 minutes they were in her office, she had him do a task for him. Stuffing envelopes. Here's what transpired:
"I'm not licking these shut, right?" Nate asked.
"Nope. That's someone else's job," she replied.
"Well, I guess I'm done then. What else would you like me to do?"
"There is nothing else. You should have paced yourself."
"Well, what else do you do all day?"
"Hmmm...at 11 I go pick up the mail." (it was 9 a.m.)
So Taylor and I are batchin' it this weekend. I bought King Crab Legs for supper as a surprise. I did this a couple of years ago and we had them with neighbor Mary. This year Taylor's buddy Freddy may be with us.
Earlier this week Nate did some job shodowing with a biology professor at the University of South Carolina-Lancaster. He liked it a lot. Didn't come home saying he wanted to teach at the college level, but he did think that whole teaching thing was pretty cool.
My buddy who works for the county picked Nate up that morning and took him to work with her, and then ran him over to the campus at 9:30. During the 40 minutes they were in her office, she had him do a task for him. Stuffing envelopes. Here's what transpired:
"I'm not licking these shut, right?" Nate asked.
"Nope. That's someone else's job," she replied.
"Well, I guess I'm done then. What else would you like me to do?"
"There is nothing else. You should have paced yourself."
"Well, what else do you do all day?"
"Hmmm...at 11 I go pick up the mail." (it was 9 a.m.)
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Off, On
School.
It began with the power unceremoniously blinking off at 6:40 a.m. One never knows the extent of an outage until the cold is braved and the neighborhood is scoped out. It was obvious from the start that it involved at least our street...everyone's porch lights were out.
Mensa Boy left for work and when he called a few minutes later I asked if he could tell how far the outage went. "Just past the school," he said. The building had some emergency lights on, and the traffic signals ("red lights" in southern-speak) were out.
Then buddy Rena called. "No school today," she said. "We can take the kids to school but they will sit in the gym until the power comes back on around 10 or so." She said if the kids don't come today they will not be counted absent. She took hers back home.
So I decided to go to the school to pick up Fred, the little guy who comes to my house after school each day. I knew his mother had dropped him at school.
But when I arrived, the lights were back on. Everything back to normal.
So I called Rena. She was just leaving the house and circled back to the get her kids again. I picked mine up and took them to school. Passed Rena at the 4-way stop by our house. She was delayed getting her kids back to the school because she'd already had them change into play clothes. "I told them they could wear those school clothes (uniforms) tomorrow, so to change to play clothes," she said.
So now it's 8:40 and things appear to be back to normal. Except that I appear to have pulled a muscle when I tried to keep the garage door from sliding down on my head.
It began with the power unceremoniously blinking off at 6:40 a.m. One never knows the extent of an outage until the cold is braved and the neighborhood is scoped out. It was obvious from the start that it involved at least our street...everyone's porch lights were out.
Mensa Boy left for work and when he called a few minutes later I asked if he could tell how far the outage went. "Just past the school," he said. The building had some emergency lights on, and the traffic signals ("red lights" in southern-speak) were out.
Then buddy Rena called. "No school today," she said. "We can take the kids to school but they will sit in the gym until the power comes back on around 10 or so." She said if the kids don't come today they will not be counted absent. She took hers back home.
So I decided to go to the school to pick up Fred, the little guy who comes to my house after school each day. I knew his mother had dropped him at school.
But when I arrived, the lights were back on. Everything back to normal.
So I called Rena. She was just leaving the house and circled back to the get her kids again. I picked mine up and took them to school. Passed Rena at the 4-way stop by our house. She was delayed getting her kids back to the school because she'd already had them change into play clothes. "I told them they could wear those school clothes (uniforms) tomorrow, so to change to play clothes," she said.
So now it's 8:40 and things appear to be back to normal. Except that I appear to have pulled a muscle when I tried to keep the garage door from sliding down on my head.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
A.M. and P.M. Yoga
I wrote about Candelight Yoga the other day. I still don't have that DVD...it's supposed to arrive at Barnes & Noble sometime today (and since I'm such a procrastinator, I'll have to get the guys' Valentines when I go pick up the DVD).
I was very stiff and sore Friday night and just felt like I needed to get some sort of yoga thing going before the other DVD came in. So I checked out several on Amazon and found that this one is the top-selling one. Lots and lots of great customer reviews.
And every one of them is well-deserved. This is truly a wonderful DVD.
The A.M practice is done by Rodney Yee...the guy on the cover. The P.M one is done by Patricia Walden. The music is very good and I've found myself leaving the disk in the player turned on and letting it loop as I get ready for bed. Both instructors are a joy to watch and have great, soothing voices with no weird stuff. They don't get into a lot of mystical conversation and they don't have funny ways of pronouncing words. Yee is on a beach in Hawaii and Walden is in the desert, so the scenery is very relaxing, too.
What I like is that the practices are really part meditative as well as the physical stretching. Julie and I did a meditation CD while I was there and I found it to be very relaxing (although we had a hard time not cracking up at the way the guy said the word "warm"). But you'd have to carve out time to do the yoga and then time to do the meditation. This DVD pretty much wraps it all together and you can get done in 20 minutes.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Pulling the Plug
The other day I received copies of Mom and Dad's wills in the mail. I was talking to Mom on the phone and I had asked her if Dad happened to mention that I was hoping to get 2 of her 10 wineglasses that she brought back from Germany. She said he'd mentioned it, but that she didn't want to part with any of them.
"You can't take them with you, you know...," I said.
"I know. But I want them for as long as I'm around," she replied.
I told her I would be too old to taste wine by the time she kicks the bucket at 110. She said she didn't care.
So later in the conversation I said that the wills had arrived.
"No living wills?" I asked.
"No," she said.
"I wish you had done those," I told her. "I won't have trouble with the other two when you are cold and dead in the ground, but I'll have to work hard getting them to let me pull the plug."
She agreed that they should do those.
"I'll be rushing to get that plug pulled, you know," I said.
"Why?" she asked.
"SO I CAN GET THE WINE GLASSES!" I told her.
"You can't take them with you, you know...," I said.
"I know. But I want them for as long as I'm around," she replied.
I told her I would be too old to taste wine by the time she kicks the bucket at 110. She said she didn't care.
So later in the conversation I said that the wills had arrived.
"No living wills?" I asked.
"No," she said.
"I wish you had done those," I told her. "I won't have trouble with the other two when you are cold and dead in the ground, but I'll have to work hard getting them to let me pull the plug."
She agreed that they should do those.
"I'll be rushing to get that plug pulled, you know," I said.
"Why?" she asked.
"SO I CAN GET THE WINE GLASSES!" I told her.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
My New Fun Thing-Yoga
While I was visiting my friend Julie, we tried out a couple of yoga DVDs. We'd talked about it before I came...plotting to attend a class or two during my visit. But we weren't able to find a class that fit in with our schedule. What does that tell you? We didn't have a schedule! The yoga options in Rochester, Minnesota are kind of limited.
Anyway, after we had supper Friday night, Julie remembered that she'd not checked the mail. When she opened the front door, she found a gift from some one of her husband's coworkers...a yoga DVD called "Candelight Yoga." What great timing!
So, despite our having full stomachs and at least one glass of wine already, we trooped down the family room to give the DVD a go.
It was EXCELLENT! I've ordered my own copy from Barnes & Noble now.
I've only done yoga a couple of times. There is a small class that meets here in Indian Land at our Boy Scout hut on Mondays at 3:30. But that time does not work really well for me. And I kind of hated to get all excited about it because it only meets once a week. The class was quite hard, too, as it's an hour long and some of the stretches are held for very long periods of time, which tended to make me sore at the end.
This practice is 43 minutes long. I'll use it for days when I don't go to Jazzercise as a "long practice." It was easy to follow and the instructor is not annoying. She's in a class so you can see other students, some of whom are doing slight variations based upon their abilities. There is also a short "energizing" practice that I liked, too.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
MP3 Challenged
I think God doesn't want me to have an MP3 player. Well, I'm actually pretty sure God doesn't care. But he's sure not waving any magic dust that allows me to overcome MP3 obstacles.
It all began with Napster. Have I mentioned that I love Napster? Oh yeah! Here (ignore the menopause drivel), and here and here...it goes on and on.
So Napster? I'm happy with. The $50 MP3 player I bought when I joined? Not so much. I've actually burned through 2 of them now. After a month or so of enjoying them, they tend to freeze up or go blank. Napster has cheerfully replaced the first one and they say they are cheerfully replacing the second one, although it hasn't shown up since my conversation with the Napster person on January 9.
But it gets worse. I appear to have burned out my son Taylor's IAudio player, too. It's certainly not a big deal to him...it was not compatible with Napster and so we'd bought him a new player for Christmas.
I was planning my trip to Minnesota and thought I should carry along some tunes. For the plane, you know. Or those middle-of-the-night stints of wakefulness. It took the better part of a day to go through our CD collection, load the music onto the guy's computer and convert them to MP3 files, meticulously naming all the songs (for some reason the track names would not convert). I had this little 1 MB player completely full of great music. Everything from Trace Adkins to R. Carlos Nakai, Go Fish to Adie. I was excited.
I used it for the flight to Minnesota. Put it away. The battery was low. I plugged it into my friend Julie's computer to charge it back up and it froze.
On.
The screen was lit, a song was listed (K T Tunstall: "Another Place to Fall"), and it just stopped. No navigating, no nothing.
Just a few minutes ago, as I started to write this missive, I decided to try plugging it back into the guy's computer, now that I'm back home. The software for it is on there. Maybe it will just come back. I doubt it.
But usually I'm not the technologically challenged. I can't figure it out.
It all began with Napster. Have I mentioned that I love Napster? Oh yeah! Here (ignore the menopause drivel), and here and here...it goes on and on.
So Napster? I'm happy with. The $50 MP3 player I bought when I joined? Not so much. I've actually burned through 2 of them now. After a month or so of enjoying them, they tend to freeze up or go blank. Napster has cheerfully replaced the first one and they say they are cheerfully replacing the second one, although it hasn't shown up since my conversation with the Napster person on January 9.
But it gets worse. I appear to have burned out my son Taylor's IAudio player, too. It's certainly not a big deal to him...it was not compatible with Napster and so we'd bought him a new player for Christmas.
I was planning my trip to Minnesota and thought I should carry along some tunes. For the plane, you know. Or those middle-of-the-night stints of wakefulness. It took the better part of a day to go through our CD collection, load the music onto the guy's computer and convert them to MP3 files, meticulously naming all the songs (for some reason the track names would not convert). I had this little 1 MB player completely full of great music. Everything from Trace Adkins to R. Carlos Nakai, Go Fish to Adie. I was excited.
I used it for the flight to Minnesota. Put it away. The battery was low. I plugged it into my friend Julie's computer to charge it back up and it froze.
On.
The screen was lit, a song was listed (K T Tunstall: "Another Place to Fall"), and it just stopped. No navigating, no nothing.
Just a few minutes ago, as I started to write this missive, I decided to try plugging it back into the guy's computer, now that I'm back home. The software for it is on there. Maybe it will just come back. I doubt it.
But usually I'm not the technologically challenged. I can't figure it out.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Somewhat Clueless at Times
I'm ashamed to admit how long it sometimes takes for me to notice things.
Today for the first time I noticed that the Harris Teeter grocery carts have these cool wire rings soldered on them for coffee cups. I noticed it today because I considered buying a cup of coffee at Target and decided not to because it would be too hard to navigate my grocery cart with one hand.
Duh.
But there are times when I realize others can be as goofy as I. Like when I send a text message to multiple recipients about mormons and later realize they thought I said "morons!" I'm still chuckling over that one.
Today I'm making Mardi Gras King Cake and a pressure cooker Chicken Gumbo for a food story I'm writing this weekend. I'm going to encourage people to have a Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday party. I'll post photos and recipes later.
Today for the first time I noticed that the Harris Teeter grocery carts have these cool wire rings soldered on them for coffee cups. I noticed it today because I considered buying a cup of coffee at Target and decided not to because it would be too hard to navigate my grocery cart with one hand.
Duh.
But there are times when I realize others can be as goofy as I. Like when I send a text message to multiple recipients about mormons and later realize they thought I said "morons!" I'm still chuckling over that one.
Today I'm making Mardi Gras King Cake and a pressure cooker Chicken Gumbo for a food story I'm writing this weekend. I'm going to encourage people to have a Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday party. I'll post photos and recipes later.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Just How Cold Was It?
So. I'm back home now and it's much more reasonable here, temperature-wise. My smarty-pants friend Julie said to me today in an email:
"It is still flippin’ cold here. Below zero again. Do you want to know how much below? Ha."
This got to be a bit of a joke with us. I basically froze my toes from the time I landed there until I landed in Atlanta on the way home. I tried not to complain too much, but these things have a tendency to just slip out! So of course Julie was concerned the entire time. She wanted me to be comfortable. Offered me a robe. Offered me socks. Built nice fires in the fireplace for me to roast my feet.
And yet, for all that concern, she somehow felt compelled to ANNOUNCE THE TEMPERATURE every time it occurred to her!
"It's -4."
"really?"
[time goes by]
"It's -9."
"hmm..."
When someone is so cold that it's pretty much more than 50% of what they think about, it's not really that wise to keep reminding them exactly how cold it is.
"It is still flippin’ cold here. Below zero again. Do you want to know how much below? Ha."
This got to be a bit of a joke with us. I basically froze my toes from the time I landed there until I landed in Atlanta on the way home. I tried not to complain too much, but these things have a tendency to just slip out! So of course Julie was concerned the entire time. She wanted me to be comfortable. Offered me a robe. Offered me socks. Built nice fires in the fireplace for me to roast my feet.
And yet, for all that concern, she somehow felt compelled to ANNOUNCE THE TEMPERATURE every time it occurred to her!
"It's -4."
"really?"
[time goes by]
"It's -9."
"hmm..."
When someone is so cold that it's pretty much more than 50% of what they think about, it's not really that wise to keep reminding them exactly how cold it is.
Monday, February 05, 2007
I'm Baaaack! (maybe)
Well, my other blog is pretty much dead. I poured a cup of coffee into my laptop (of course it was by accident, silly!) and now I am unable to update my "Gone to Carolina" blog.
I thought about giving up blogging altogether, but I seem to be missing the writing exercise.
I'm still not sure that this is where I'll land, but at least it's somewhere for me to write my thoughts and adventures until I decide what to do.
This blog, "No Food Left Behind," is titled after my food column that I do perodically for our weekly newspaper. My intention with this blog originally was that it would just be photos and recipes. But I'd gotten hopelessly behind on that since July, too, so it's been just lying dormant for half a year.
Today I am writing from Rochester, Minnesota, where I am visiting my friend Julie. We have been hanging out in the subzero temps since Friday morning, mostly consuming wine and sitting in front of the fireplace. But also we've eaten out a couple of times, cooked together at home, and done some yoga and pilates. Right now I'm waiting for my friend Lis to hit town. She's coming down from the Twin Cities to spend the day and night with us before taking me back up with her to drop me at my sister's.
It's -10 here. The first email of the day was from my friend Don, who informed me that highs at home on Wednesday will be in the 60s. My response?
"Shaddup!"
I thought about giving up blogging altogether, but I seem to be missing the writing exercise.
I'm still not sure that this is where I'll land, but at least it's somewhere for me to write my thoughts and adventures until I decide what to do.
This blog, "No Food Left Behind," is titled after my food column that I do perodically for our weekly newspaper. My intention with this blog originally was that it would just be photos and recipes. But I'd gotten hopelessly behind on that since July, too, so it's been just lying dormant for half a year.
Today I am writing from Rochester, Minnesota, where I am visiting my friend Julie. We have been hanging out in the subzero temps since Friday morning, mostly consuming wine and sitting in front of the fireplace. But also we've eaten out a couple of times, cooked together at home, and done some yoga and pilates. Right now I'm waiting for my friend Lis to hit town. She's coming down from the Twin Cities to spend the day and night with us before taking me back up with her to drop me at my sister's.
It's -10 here. The first email of the day was from my friend Don, who informed me that highs at home on Wednesday will be in the 60s. My response?
"Shaddup!"
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Peppered Tuna
This is about as quick a meal as you can make. It is, however, a bit tricky to get the fish cooked just right...done all the way through without being overdone.
4 tuna steaks or other firm, meaty steaks, approximately 3/4 inch thick (6-8 oz each)
Coarsely ground black pepper
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 tablespoons minced or chopped garlic
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Juice from 1 orange
Liberally cover the tuna steaks on both sides with pepper and salt, pressing into flesh. In a large, heavy skillet, heat oil over high heat until shimmering. Add tuna steaks and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Remove tuna from skillet, reduce heat to low, and add wine, garlic, vinegar and orange juice, scraping to loosen browned bits. Cook until mixture is thick and syrupy, 3 to 4 minutes. Return tuna to skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, turning once.
From “The Saltwater Cookbook: Fish and Seafood from Ocean to Table,” by Tim Lauer. 2004 Creative Publishing.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Fiery Cajun Shrimp
This is a dish you just don't get over. Once you have it, you just have to have it again. But I don't use all this butter every time.
2 cups (4 sticks) melted butter
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons ground pepper
2 tablespoons hot sauce (recommended: Texas Pete)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons salt
5 pounds unpeeled medium shrimp
2 lemons, sliced thinly
French bread for dipping
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Stir together the butter, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, pepper, hot sauce, garlic, and salt. Pour half this mixture into a large heatproof dish (9 x 13). Layer half the shrimp and half the lemon slices in the dish; then form a second layer with the remaining shrimp and lemon slices, and pour remaining sauce into the dish. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, stirring twice. Pour off the sauce into individual serving dishes. Serve the shrimp with plenty of French bread for dipping in the spicy butter sauce.
Note: This recipe can be easily halved or even quartered. Alternatively, use peeled shrimp and then toss it all with pasta for a main course.
This is a Paula Deen recipe.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Apricot Pineapple Gelatin Salad
I'm not really a big jello fan, but Mom did this for the Easter feature I did for the paper. It wasn't too bad, but I think I'd not put in chunks of cream cheese.
1 small box apricot gelatin
1 cup hot water
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
4 oz cream cheese (optional), cut into a small dice
1/2 cup pecan pieces
9 canned apricot halves
Salad dressing, such as Miracle Whip, for garnish
Dissolve the gelatin in the hot water. Add the cream. Do not whip. Stir in pineapple, cream cheese and pecans. Pour into an 8-inch square casserole dish. Arrange apricot halves in the gelatin, so that each serving has one piece of fruit. Cover and refrigerate until set, 2 hours to overnight.
To serve: Cut into 9 pieces, place each piece on a plate and dollop with a 1/2 teaspoon of salad dressing. Add more pecan halves or fruit for presentation.
Cooks note: This is also delicious with orange gelatin and/or mandarin oranges.
Recipe courtesy Mary Goetsch, mother of “No Food Left Behind.”
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Hot Cross Buns
Yeah, I know this is a traditional Easter dish. And I wrote about these in my Easter feature for the paper. But I'm still trying to catch up with posting the recipes from the paper. These are really good any time of the year. They are a nice, sweet breakfast roll, but not so sweet that you go into sugar shock.
3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose or bread flour
2 packages active dry yeast
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup cooking oil
1/3 cup sugar
3 eggs
2/3 cup raisins
1 slightly beaten egg white
In a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups of the flour, yeast and cinnamon. Heat milk, oil, sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon salt until warm (115-120 degrees). Add to dry mixture; add eggs. Beat at low speed with electric mixer for 1/2 minute, scraping the bowl. Beat 3 minutes at high speed.
By hand, stir in raisins and enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Shape into a ball. Place dough in a greased bowl; turning once. Cover; let rise until double (about 1 1/2 hours). Punch down. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.
Divide into 18 pieces; form the pieces into smooth balls. Place on a greased baking sheet 1 1/2 inches apart. Cover; let rise until double (30-45 minutes).
Cut shallow crosses in each; brush tops with egg white. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from sheet. Decorate with frosting crosses.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Buttermilk Biscuits
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup shortening
2/3 cup buttermilk or sour milk
Preheat oven to 450 degrees
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, cream of tartar, salt, and baking soda. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Make a well in the center of the dry mixture, then add buttermilk all at once. Using a fork, stir just until moistened.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly-floured surface. Quickly knead the dough by gently folding and pressing the dough for 10-12 strokes or until it is nearly smooth. Pat or lightly roll dough to a 1/2 inch thickness. Cut dough with a floured 2 1/2 inch biscuit cutter, dipping the cutter into flour between cuts.
Place the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and delicious.
Makes 8-10 bisuits.
From http://www.cooks.com
Monday, July 03, 2006
Bean Soup
1 package 16-Bean Soup Beans
2 small onions, chopped
1 small or large can diced tomatoes
Water
1 package Polska Kielbasa or other sausage
The night before, wash the beans and check for foreign material, such as small rocks. Soak them in 4 quarts of water in a bowl overnight. Reserve the seasoning packet from the bean package.
The next morning, drain the water from the beans. Place them in the slow cooker with the seasoning packet, onions and tomatoes. Add water until the cooker is almost full, leaving about 1-1/2 inches of space on the top.
Cook the beans on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 1 hour and then LOW for 6 to 8 hours.
About 30 minutes before serving, slice the sausage into bite-sized slices. Brown the sausage in a skillet and then add the slices to the slow cooker.
Serve with cornbread.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Asparagus Fontina Tart
1 1/2 bundles fresh asparagus spears, tough ends snapped off
3 large egg whites
1 large egg
3 tablespoons milk
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
16 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
Cooking spray
1 cup shredded fontina cheese, divided
Salt and Pepper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Whisk together egg, egg whites, milk and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Place 1 phyllo sheet on the pan and lightly coat it with cooking spray. Repeat the layers of phyllo dough, spraying each layer. Gently press the sheets of dough together.
Fold the edges of the phyllo dough in to make a narrow crust, about 1/2 inch. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the cheese evenly onto the dough. Arrange the asparagus spears next to each other on top. Pour the egg mixture over the asparagus. Some may leak out. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tart.
Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. Check to see if the dough is browning and the cheese is melting. Check every 2 or 3 minutes until the top looks the way you want it.
Cut into slices and serve. Adapted from Cooking Light Magazine.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Asian BBQ Pork
Not really the best photo, but this is a super-fantastic pulled pork recipe. The Cooking Light recipe had 5 spice powder, which I don't keep around. I mean...really...you can make your own 5 spice powder from all the little jars in your spice rack. Why waste money having it already pre-mixed? Anyway...the pork...this stuff just gets better and better with each passing day.
Marinade:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
3 Tablespoons ketchup
3 Tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons minced ginger root
3 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Roast:
2 pounds boneless Boston butt pork roast, trimmed
Sauce:
1/2 cup chicken stock or water
Whisk together all the marinade ingredients. Place the roast in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Squeeze out excess air and close tightly. Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours to overnight, turning occasionally.
Place the roast and the marinade into a slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
Remove the roast from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon. Cover it and let it rest for about 10 minutes. In the meantime, turn the slow cooker to HIGH and the stock or water to the meat drippings. Cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Shred the pork and serve with the sauce.
Adapted from “Cooking Light Magazine,” March, 2006
*note: Hoisin sauce and dark sesame oil can be found in the Asian food section of your supermarket.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Black & White Chocolate Cake
This was one of the recipes for a food feature about buttermilk. Buttermilk lends a fantastic texture and taste to baked goods. I don't know why we don't use it as much anymore. Anyway, I like this cake recipe because it makes a good, fairly impressive cake to take to a family or church picnic. The layers make people think you are really talented. But it's not that hard...the bottom layer is thick enough from adding the cocoa that it's not really that much of a challenge to spread the yellow layer over top.
1 package vanilla cake mix
1 1/4 cups buttermilk or sour milk
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
4 eggs at room temperature
1 cup white chocolate chips, divided
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick foil or grease liberally with butter.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, buttermilk, softened butter, and eggs. Beat on low speed only until combined. Some small lumps may remain. Pour half of the cake batter into a separate bowl and set aside.
To one half of the cake batter, fold in 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for later use.
To the other half of the cake batter, add the cocoa powder, mixing until combined. Fold in 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving the remaining 1 cup for later use.
Pour the dark chocolate batter into the prepared pan and smooth to even it out.
Carefully spoon the vanilla cake batter on top of the dark chocolate layer. Gently spread to an even layer without disturbing the bottom layer.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle the top of the cake with the reserved 1 cup of semi-sweet chips. Wait 5 minutes, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate on the top as a frosting. Let the cake cool to room temperature. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of white chips on top and gently press them into the frosting.
From http://www.homecooking.about.com
Monday, June 12, 2006
Layered Salad
Salad
6 cups torn lettuce
2 cups frozen peas, thawed
1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper(any color), thinly sliced
2 ribs celery, sliced on the diagonal
3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons real bacon bits (like Hormel)
Dressing
6 tablespoons lowfat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons plain, nonfat yogurt
3 tablespoons sugar
Layer the lettuce, peas, onion, bell pepper and celery in an attractive manner in a clear bowl.
Combine dressing ingredients and spread over the top of the salad. Cover, refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Prior to serving, sprinkle parmesan and bacon bits over the top.
Adapted from a recipe in “Empty Nest Cooking” by Family and Community Leaders of York County. Thanks to Denise Murphy of Indian Land for sharing it.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Salty Fruity Summer Snack
1 3/4 cup dried fruit bits
1 cup M&M® chocolate candies
1 cup dry roasted, salted peanuts
3 cups Crispix® cereal
3 cups pretzel twists
Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container.
Suggested serving size: 1/2 cup.
306 calories, 7 g fat (19.5% calories from fat), 56 g carbohydrates, 3 g dietary fiber.
Recipe courtesy No Food Left Behind
For The Lancaster News
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Strawberry Sauce
This sauce is so easy it's almost a crime. I'll try it with peaches, too.
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
3 Tablespoons butter or margarine
2 cups strawberries, halved
In a medium skillet, combine the sugar, water and lemon juice. Heat on medium, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. Add the butter. Stir well until melted. Mix in the strawberries. Heat through, but do not cook.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Ham Snowpeas Teriyaki Salad
This is one of my favorite summer salads. It works for the kids too, because it has deli ham in it. My kids will eat big salads for supper but they always feel a little ripped off if there is no meat for supper.
Ham, Snowpeas & Teriyaki Salad
Originally uploaded by Food Fanatic. Salad
6 cups torn salad greens
1/2 lb deli ham or other meat, thinly sliced and cut into strips
1-2 cups snow pea pods
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1/3 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup chow mein noodles
Dressing
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Trim the ends and strings from the snow peas. Blanch them by placing them in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and rinse with ice water.
Place the salad greens on a serving platter. Top with deli meat, snow peas, bell pepper and green onions. Drizzle the salad dressing over the salad. Top with chow mein noodles.
Note: Kids may not care for teriyaki dressing. For them, serve the salad undressed, with dressing choices and noodles on the side.
Adapted from Pillsbury’s “Fast and Health Magazine,” July/August 1997
For The Lancaster News
Ham, Snowpeas & Teriyaki Salad
Originally uploaded by Food Fanatic. Salad
6 cups torn salad greens
1/2 lb deli ham or other meat, thinly sliced and cut into strips
1-2 cups snow pea pods
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1/3 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup chow mein noodles
Dressing
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Trim the ends and strings from the snow peas. Blanch them by placing them in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and rinse with ice water.
Place the salad greens on a serving platter. Top with deli meat, snow peas, bell pepper and green onions. Drizzle the salad dressing over the salad. Top with chow mein noodles.
Note: Kids may not care for teriyaki dressing. For them, serve the salad undressed, with dressing choices and noodles on the side.
Adapted from Pillsbury’s “Fast and Health Magazine,” July/August 1997
For The Lancaster News
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Citrus Vinaigrette
This dressing is truly my own. I like vinaigrettes but not usually the bottled varieties. For a feature on spring salads I decided to try to find an orange vinaigrette recipe to offset the Green Goddess dressing I planned to include. I found one on About.com, but it just really lacked "zip." So I added some Dijon mustard. Well of course then it needed a little more of this and a little more of that...and before I knew it, I'd changed every ingredient.
1/2 cup orange juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced scallions
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons canola oil, or light olive oil (do not use extra-virgin olive oil)
Freshly-ground black pepper
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon brown sugar
Combine all the ingredients in a jar and shake thoroughly. Keep refrigerated.
Karen Paulson for No Food Left Behind
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Strawberry Pie
Strawberry season is nearly over here in the Carolinas. We are ready to start focusing on peaches. But I know in Minnesota strawberries are probably just starting to ramp up.
2 (9-inch) unbaked pie crusts
1 cup white sugar (or slightly less)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
5 Tablespoons cornstarch
4 cups fresh strawberries, cut into chunks
2 Tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Line a 9-inch pie pan with one crust. Mix together the sugar, flour and cornstarch. Add the mixture to the strawberries, stirring gently but thoroughly. Pour the filling into the pastry-lined pan and dot with butter pieces.
Cover with the second pie crust. Seal the edges and cut slits in the top.
Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is slightly browned.
Recipe courtesy Don McCorkle
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Salad with Green Goddess Dressing
Yes, it has anchovies in it. But you really don't know that is what you are tasting. I kept this in the refrigerator for about a week with good results. It was great with pretzels dipped in it, too.
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup minced scallions
1/4 cup minced parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
3 anchovy fillets, rinsed, patted dry, and minced
Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Stir all the ingredients together in a small bowl until well blended. Taste and adjust seasonings. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.
From the “All New, All Purpose Joy of Cooking,” by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker and Ethan Becker.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Peanut Butter Trail Mix Bars
I included this recipe in a feature I did for the paper about summer snacks. They are very good, but rather high in calories for the size bar you get. So I'm pretty certain the kids were consuming almost 500 calories a day in these things as they ate 3 or 4 of them at a time.
3 cups crispy rice cereal
3 cups toasted oat cereal
1 1/2 cups raisins
1/2 cup sunflower seeds, roasted
1 cup honey
3/4 cup granulated sugar
16 ounces natural peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Combine cereal, raisins, sunflower nuts and chocolate chips in a large bowl. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine honey and sugar. Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until it starts to boil. Boil and stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
Stir in peanut butter and vanilla, mixing until the peanut butter is completely melted.
Add the peanut butter mixture to the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir gently until well-mixed.
Press into a greased 15x10 baking pan. Allow to cool completely. Cut into 1 1/2 inch bars.
Makes 60 bars
119 calories, 5 g fat (40% calories from fat), 16 g carbohydrates, 1 g dietary fiber.
Recipe from Smuckers® All Natural Peanut Butter
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