My new favorite breakfast. I found these first at Earth Fare, our fun grocery store. I went there on a quest for waffles made of hemp. Yup, hemp. I read about them in Prevention magazine and Mensa Boy and Taylor wanted to try them.
Since then I have found these at my regular grocery store. Interestingly, they never have the hemp ones at the regular store, but they do have these Fig+Flax ones and I haven't tried these Pomegran Plus ones yet, but I'm looking forward to it.
They are all wonderfully flavorful. And not too sweet. I schmear them with all-natural peanut butter and then have milk or orange juice. That pretty much rounds out a big breakfast for me...around 530-550 calories. Lots and lots of fiber.
I know I'm luckier than most because when I count calories, I'm counting to be sure I get enough, not that I'm getting too much. Because I'm a jittery devil.
So I'm not sure if I'd recommend this to folks who are trying decrease their caloric intake...at least maybe leave the peanut butter off? I do have to say that they are so flavorful, I could easily see eating them plain, with nothing at all on them. Or maybe a sliced up fresh peach or some blueberries or something like that.
They are stupendous!
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Digital/Polaroid
I stumbled upon several tutorials on about.com on using Photoshop Elements. The first tutorial showed you how to make your digital photos look like polaroids.
Smart guy Mensa Boy asked if they show you how to make the photos look lumpy and bumpy from the layers of paper not sticking well together.
It is kind of funny that you would want to take a new technology and make it look like something produced with old, but it was fun learning how to work with layers.
This was taken some time ago. Mensa Boy and mini-mensa boy were playing with scissors and paper.
Smart guy Mensa Boy asked if they show you how to make the photos look lumpy and bumpy from the layers of paper not sticking well together.
It is kind of funny that you would want to take a new technology and make it look like something produced with old, but it was fun learning how to work with layers.
This was taken some time ago. Mensa Boy and mini-mensa boy were playing with scissors and paper.
Photo Scavenger Hunt
Not a good photo, but it came to mind this morning as I was surfing through the Digitial Photography School forums. There is a thread that is a scavenger hunt. It's been going on for several months now. You post a photo and then tell what kind of photo you'd like to see next. A guy posted a "romantic" photo of a red rose and asked for an ornate mailbox. This isn't exactly ornate, but it's what I had. I asked for a photo that makes me think "heat."
It's been hot here. And somewhat stormy. Today it's only supposed to get to 85, but it's 72 already at 7:34 a.m. So I doubt it will considered a pleasant day. I haven't been outside yet.
It's been hot here. And somewhat stormy. Today it's only supposed to get to 85, but it's 72 already at 7:34 a.m. So I doubt it will considered a pleasant day. I haven't been outside yet.
Friday, June 29, 2007
To Answer the Question...
If I'm not a Nerd? What am I?
52% nerdiness, 30% geekosity, 34% dork points - Pure Nerd
According to this test:
OkCupid! The Nerd? Geek? or Dork?
(For Kristen)
52% nerdiness, 30% geekosity, 34% dork points - Pure Nerd
According to this test:
OkCupid! The Nerd? Geek? or Dork?
(For Kristen)
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Gone But Not Forgotten
Today I will be writing a story for the paper about a new Presbyterian church that is starting here in Indian Land. The new church is fortunate because it will be on some prime land right on the major highway that cuts through our community. The property belonged to the Presbyterian church already. There is an old church and cemetery on the site now. The old building and cemetery will retain the name Six Mile, but the new church will be called Faith Presbyterian.
This marker says "Gone but not forgotten." I think that pretty much sums up the old Six Mile church.
This marker says "Gone but not forgotten." I think that pretty much sums up the old Six Mile church.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Another Farm Dinner
Last week our meal was inspired by The first fennel of summer in our farm box. Tonight's meal was inspired by the golden beets and green & yellow squash.
And "Fine Cooking" magazine.
Before I left for the farm, I decided to see what Fine Cooking might have about some of the produce I expected to get in my box. Sure enough, this recipe for "Rigatoni with Summer Squash, Spicy Sausage & Goat Cheese" was on page 44 of the July issue.
In my family, any pasta and any sausage goes over big. They are all guys, after all!
The beets were roasted in an open casserole lined with foil. I cut off the tops and bottoms, cleaned off any hanging debris, and placed them in the casserole dish, drizzling them with olive oil. I baked them at 400 for around an hour, took them out, and let them cool.
Right before serving I pulled the skins off the beets, sliced them, and tossed them in a warm skillet with butter.
The pasta dish was simple too. I squeezed hot italian sausage out of its links and browned it in a skillet. Removed that to a plate, and then sauteed shallots and a little more than 2 1/2 cups of diced squash until the squash was just starting to turn translucent. I then tossed everything into a pot of hot, cooked penne pasta (I didn't have rigatoni). Oh, that was a one-pound box of pasta.
After heating it all up again, I removed the pot from the stove and tossed in 4 oz of feta cheese.
We garnished with parmesan at the table and I tossed ribbons of basil from my herb pots on top. (The recipe called for flat-leaf parsley, but I didn' t have that.)
A very satisfying meal. Check out this month's "Fine Cooking." There are other nice pasta recipes in there, all very quick, it appears.
And "Fine Cooking" magazine.
Before I left for the farm, I decided to see what Fine Cooking might have about some of the produce I expected to get in my box. Sure enough, this recipe for "Rigatoni with Summer Squash, Spicy Sausage & Goat Cheese" was on page 44 of the July issue.
In my family, any pasta and any sausage goes over big. They are all guys, after all!
The beets were roasted in an open casserole lined with foil. I cut off the tops and bottoms, cleaned off any hanging debris, and placed them in the casserole dish, drizzling them with olive oil. I baked them at 400 for around an hour, took them out, and let them cool.
Right before serving I pulled the skins off the beets, sliced them, and tossed them in a warm skillet with butter.
The pasta dish was simple too. I squeezed hot italian sausage out of its links and browned it in a skillet. Removed that to a plate, and then sauteed shallots and a little more than 2 1/2 cups of diced squash until the squash was just starting to turn translucent. I then tossed everything into a pot of hot, cooked penne pasta (I didn't have rigatoni). Oh, that was a one-pound box of pasta.
After heating it all up again, I removed the pot from the stove and tossed in 4 oz of feta cheese.
We garnished with parmesan at the table and I tossed ribbons of basil from my herb pots on top. (The recipe called for flat-leaf parsley, but I didn' t have that.)
A very satisfying meal. Check out this month's "Fine Cooking." There are other nice pasta recipes in there, all very quick, it appears.
They Did This
As I pulled into the driveway this afternoon I was met by these two.
Later I heard one say to the other, "I'm going to keep my helmet, but there's nothing I can do with my body."
Don't we all feel that way sometimes?
Later I heard one say to the other, "I'm going to keep my helmet, but there's nothing I can do with my body."
Don't we all feel that way sometimes?
When You are Cut Off from All Your Toys
As I mentioned earlier, we had no telephone, no television and no internet access yesterday for a while.
And so some of us went outside. The guys to play, me to reflect and read and whatever.
You notice stuff when you are cut off from computers and phones. We had a cool sky last night.
But then, I also noticed stuff INSIDE the house: SOMEONE had dialed the thermostat down to 76. Goosebumps on my arms were my first warning sign.
And so some of us went outside. The guys to play, me to reflect and read and whatever.
You notice stuff when you are cut off from computers and phones. We had a cool sky last night.
But then, I also noticed stuff INSIDE the house: SOMEONE had dialed the thermostat down to 76. Goosebumps on my arms were my first warning sign.
Essential Elements
I've always loved my charcoal chimney starter, but never more than in the past few weeks.
Many essential elements that make our home happy and healthy have been breaking down recently.
Our oven. Yep. The same oven I've complained about off and on for the last 5 years. That's about it...it's off and on. It just decides not to ignite.
Our refrigerator. Not a breakdown, per se, but a loud noise we are are hounded about periodically...about once a year...where it sounds like an airplane taking off (and believe me, my career as an Air Force kid and as an urban housewife living under a major metropolitan airport gives me plenty of qualifications to tell you what sounds like an airplane taking off).
My cell phone. Just didn't come on one day last week. That ended up costing me another 2-year agreement with the service provider I love to hate. And a new phone.
My computer. With it's fragmented registry.
And our wireless network, to which I tweaked the security and subsequently brought down our entire internet connection for half a day.
And finally, a breakdown that had nothing to do with our own equipment, but a breakdown nonetheless...some construction people chopped through the communications line to our part of our community and knocked out phones, internet and cable TV for about 12 hours yesterday.
So this charcoal chimney starter? It's been a lifeline for us. It never fails. Sometimes the charcoal itself is a problem, but the starter always performs as expected.
My older son and I are creatures of habit. We like things to stay the same. We don't roll with the punches very well. The other two find each glitch to be another fascinating pothole in the road of life that needs to be poked and prodded and explored. Nate and I like our essential elements to continue as they should.
Many essential elements that make our home happy and healthy have been breaking down recently.
Our oven. Yep. The same oven I've complained about off and on for the last 5 years. That's about it...it's off and on. It just decides not to ignite.
Our refrigerator. Not a breakdown, per se, but a loud noise we are are hounded about periodically...about once a year...where it sounds like an airplane taking off (and believe me, my career as an Air Force kid and as an urban housewife living under a major metropolitan airport gives me plenty of qualifications to tell you what sounds like an airplane taking off).
My cell phone. Just didn't come on one day last week. That ended up costing me another 2-year agreement with the service provider I love to hate. And a new phone.
My computer. With it's fragmented registry.
And our wireless network, to which I tweaked the security and subsequently brought down our entire internet connection for half a day.
And finally, a breakdown that had nothing to do with our own equipment, but a breakdown nonetheless...some construction people chopped through the communications line to our part of our community and knocked out phones, internet and cable TV for about 12 hours yesterday.
So this charcoal chimney starter? It's been a lifeline for us. It never fails. Sometimes the charcoal itself is a problem, but the starter always performs as expected.
My older son and I are creatures of habit. We like things to stay the same. We don't roll with the punches very well. The other two find each glitch to be another fascinating pothole in the road of life that needs to be poked and prodded and explored. Nate and I like our essential elements to continue as they should.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Patterns and Shadows
Good morning!
For some weeks now I've been lurking in a photography group on Flickr called "D40/x Challenge." The group is exclusively Nikon D40 and now D40x users who like to play and work with their cameras. Each week a challenge is offered and the last couple of weeks I've submitted entries. Actually, I should clarify...there are challenges and then there are opportunities to just show your favorite (whatever the theme is). Last week we submitted photos of just our favorite photo of the week. Sometimes they are favorite summer photos...whatever strikes the group's fancy.
Last week the challenge was "Patterns." So I submitted this one. It was by no means even close to being one of the better entries, but I enjoyed walking around with my camera looking for patterns to shoot. This is of the end-of-day sun shining through my kitchen window onto my island cupboards. So of course it was rather low in the sky...the sun, that is... I have curtains on that window, after a fashion. They are kitchen hand towels with pictures of vegetables on them. There are 4 of them and I have them just thrown over the rod and tied with a ribbon in the middle.
So now I've spent way more time on that subject than I meant.
This weekend I saw three movies. All good, two excellent.
The first was "The Final Cut." Now, this was an excellent movie! Starring Robin Williams, the story takes place in the future, when many people (but not all), have microchips implanted in their brains that record every single moment of their life. Williams' character, Andy Hakman, is a "cutter." When a person dies, the microchip is removed from their body and Hakman uploads everything to a computer and goes through it all to make a video of their life for the family. The video is viewed during a "rememory" event.
Of course, he sees all the good and all the bad of each person's life and has to figure out what to keep and what to delete.
But Hakman has a part of his own past that he is tormented by, (a shadow, if you will indulge my attempt to tie today's entry to today's photo) and during one assignment, he sees a clue about it in the other person's life.
This was a fantastic movie! But very creepy. And an unexpected ending.
I'll have to tell about the other movies later. I've already spent half and hour on this post and there are things to DO!!!
Have a great day!
For some weeks now I've been lurking in a photography group on Flickr called "D40/x Challenge." The group is exclusively Nikon D40 and now D40x users who like to play and work with their cameras. Each week a challenge is offered and the last couple of weeks I've submitted entries. Actually, I should clarify...there are challenges and then there are opportunities to just show your favorite (whatever the theme is). Last week we submitted photos of just our favorite photo of the week. Sometimes they are favorite summer photos...whatever strikes the group's fancy.
Last week the challenge was "Patterns." So I submitted this one. It was by no means even close to being one of the better entries, but I enjoyed walking around with my camera looking for patterns to shoot. This is of the end-of-day sun shining through my kitchen window onto my island cupboards. So of course it was rather low in the sky...the sun, that is... I have curtains on that window, after a fashion. They are kitchen hand towels with pictures of vegetables on them. There are 4 of them and I have them just thrown over the rod and tied with a ribbon in the middle.
So now I've spent way more time on that subject than I meant.
This weekend I saw three movies. All good, two excellent.
The first was "The Final Cut." Now, this was an excellent movie! Starring Robin Williams, the story takes place in the future, when many people (but not all), have microchips implanted in their brains that record every single moment of their life. Williams' character, Andy Hakman, is a "cutter." When a person dies, the microchip is removed from their body and Hakman uploads everything to a computer and goes through it all to make a video of their life for the family. The video is viewed during a "rememory" event.
Of course, he sees all the good and all the bad of each person's life and has to figure out what to keep and what to delete.
But Hakman has a part of his own past that he is tormented by, (a shadow, if you will indulge my attempt to tie today's entry to today's photo) and during one assignment, he sees a clue about it in the other person's life.
This was a fantastic movie! But very creepy. And an unexpected ending.
I'll have to tell about the other movies later. I've already spent half and hour on this post and there are things to DO!!!
Have a great day!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Family Communications, Part Deux
"TAYLOR!"
"what?"
"TAYLOR!"
"WHAT?"
"TAYLOR!!!"
"WHAAAAATTTTT??????"
"COME HERE!!"
shuffle... shuffle.... "what?"
"It is customary, when a parent calls and doesn't say anything in conjunction with your name, for you, the 'call-ee' to come to the parent, the 'call-er,' and then to ask 'What, dear parent, may I do for you?'"
[[grin]]
"what?"
"TAYLOR!"
"WHAT?"
"TAYLOR!!!"
"WHAAAAATTTTT??????"
"COME HERE!!"
shuffle... shuffle.... "what?"
"It is customary, when a parent calls and doesn't say anything in conjunction with your name, for you, the 'call-ee' to come to the parent, the 'call-er,' and then to ask 'What, dear parent, may I do for you?'"
[[grin]]
Friday, June 22, 2007
My Mail
Anyone who spends any time on my blog knows by now that I have cool friends.
I have one that lives in Rochester, MN. I went to visit Julie in February and managed to snarf down most of a box of Cocoa Almonds she had on the counter in her kitchen. She bought them at Trader Joe's in Minneapolis.
We don't have a Trader Joe's. For a year I've been driving by the little mall where the Trader Joe's is supposedly going to be, but it never seems to appear. Just the same sign taunting drivers that it is "Coming Soon!"
Julie has kept me in Cocoa Almonds by mailing me boxes of them. I hoard them, allowing myself only 5 each day. She seems to know when I am just about out. The box that showed up last week was when I was down to around 10 left (I skip days to make them last longer).
Julie is indeed "She Who Makes It So!"
I have one that lives in Rochester, MN. I went to visit Julie in February and managed to snarf down most of a box of Cocoa Almonds she had on the counter in her kitchen. She bought them at Trader Joe's in Minneapolis.
We don't have a Trader Joe's. For a year I've been driving by the little mall where the Trader Joe's is supposedly going to be, but it never seems to appear. Just the same sign taunting drivers that it is "Coming Soon!"
Julie has kept me in Cocoa Almonds by mailing me boxes of them. I hoard them, allowing myself only 5 each day. She seems to know when I am just about out. The box that showed up last week was when I was down to around 10 left (I skip days to make them last longer).
Julie is indeed "She Who Makes It So!"
A Day of Play
Yesterday was pretty much a day of play for me. Enjoyable from beginning to end, it was much-needed. But of course today I will need to nail myself to the desk to get caught up.
I began the day with a massage at 10 a.m. I went to a new person that is a neighbor of my friend Tambri. Rose was wonderful and didn't hurt me! She was quite sensitive to the tightness of my muscles and worked out quite a few knots. I can feel it still today...where she broke up some of those. Doing a bit of jazzercise and some yoga last night and this morning has helped. And of course the gallons of water I drank yesterday. I will definitely go back to Rose. The overall muscle tension I've had for the last several weeks is much better.
At 11 my friend Nannette had a massage too, and then we met Tony for lunch at Amazing Wok. I love that restaurant. I've not had a bad meal there yet. And I don't come away thirsty from all the sodium. They must not use too much MSG. But the best part of it is that they do right by the veggies. They are always crisp.
After a very short break at home to check email, Tony and I went to the site of an old, closed Presbyterian church to interview the new pastor that has been sent to Indian Land from the PCUSA (Presbyterian Church U.S.A.). The new church, to be called Faith Presbyterian, will probably start meeting this fall. They will take over the property of Six Mile Presbyterian. Tony and I wandered through the cemetery there while waiting for Pastor Bender and there is this lovely cemetery there. I shot just a few photos. I'd like to go back at sunrise or sunset one day.
After another brief time at home, during which I invited our local cable company in to fix our cable television FOR THE SECOND TIME THIS WEEK, I went to Jazzercise. My entire posse of close friends were at this 30-minute "express" class and we had a great time.
Then our class and the Rock Hill class converged on Los Aztecas in Fort Mill to enjoy the longest day of the year over margaritas and dinner. I'd say there were probably 35 or 40 of us on the restaurant's deck. We had a great time, but of course my brain shut off around 8. I was glad to mindlessly follow Tambri and Rena home...letting them set the pace while I just followed the brake lights.
And so this morning I leave you with this news story that has become fodder for many dark jokes these past couple of days. From the WBT news website: (the "maybe" instead of "may be" is their thing, not mine)
E Coli Outbreak In China Grove Restaurant Maybe Over Goat Slaughtered In Kitchen
AP-Health officials in Rowan County say an E. Coli outbreak can probably be blamed on a slaughtered goat.The goat was in the kitchen of the Captain's Galley restaurant in China Grove after-hours one evening in May.Officials say the utensils used to slaughter the goat were then used to prepare food.More than a dozen people became sick, and an 86-year-old woman died last week after suffering from complications from an E. Coli infection.The restaurant had been allowed to stay open during the investigation, but it is now closed indefinitely.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The First Fennel of Summer
In yesterday's box of goodies from my CSA farm, I received some young fennel.
I like fennel. Especially with fish. Especially roasted.
So I whomped up this supper last night.
Tilapia cooks fairly quickly, so I gave the fennel a bit of a head start. I put the sliced fennel in an oven-proof skillet with a bit of olive oil. Started it on top of the stove and when it got a sizzle on, I slid it into a 400 degree oven.
After 2 or 3 minutes, I pulled the skillet out and layered on my tilapia fillets, some thinly sliced lemon, crushed fresh garlic, a diced baby eggplant, and these halved cocktail tomatoes. A bit of salt and pepper, a little more olive oil and I slid it back into the oven for about 10 minutes.
Really you could do this with just about any veggies, but here are the reasons I chose what I did:
1. Cocktail tomatoes-these are the only fresh tomatoes I will eat when it's not local tomato season. They are expensive...like $3.50 for a little mesh bag of them...you get maybe 2 dozen for that. I had a few left over from last week and the lettuce is done, so I knew I wouldn't be having salad for a while.
2. Garlic-farmer Sammy has been giving us freshly-pulled garlic each week...a fist or two. This garlic is not dried at all...it's fresh and moist and packs a powerful punch. Using it is unlike garlic from the grocery store.
3. Baby eggplant-I used this more as a personal joke that only I knew about. Sometimes I open the box from the farm and find an item where there is so little of it that it's not even a serving. This week, nestled in with the squash, was this tiny little eggplant. About 3 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. By the time I peeled it and diced it, I had about 3 tablespoons of eggplant. Not enough to cause alarm with the kids.
4. The fennel-I explained that. Fennel to me speaks "give me fish." Don't know why. I should probably expand my horizons but I really only use fennel a couple of times per year.
As you can see, my accompanying side was rainbow chard. I love chard. Especially sauteed in a skillet with a little olive oil and garlic. The chard and garlic from the farm, of course.
Anyone who reads me on a regular basis knows I gain a great deal of satisfaction from a meal that is mostly from the farm. This was it!
I like fennel. Especially with fish. Especially roasted.
So I whomped up this supper last night.
Tilapia cooks fairly quickly, so I gave the fennel a bit of a head start. I put the sliced fennel in an oven-proof skillet with a bit of olive oil. Started it on top of the stove and when it got a sizzle on, I slid it into a 400 degree oven.
After 2 or 3 minutes, I pulled the skillet out and layered on my tilapia fillets, some thinly sliced lemon, crushed fresh garlic, a diced baby eggplant, and these halved cocktail tomatoes. A bit of salt and pepper, a little more olive oil and I slid it back into the oven for about 10 minutes.
Really you could do this with just about any veggies, but here are the reasons I chose what I did:
1. Cocktail tomatoes-these are the only fresh tomatoes I will eat when it's not local tomato season. They are expensive...like $3.50 for a little mesh bag of them...you get maybe 2 dozen for that. I had a few left over from last week and the lettuce is done, so I knew I wouldn't be having salad for a while.
2. Garlic-farmer Sammy has been giving us freshly-pulled garlic each week...a fist or two. This garlic is not dried at all...it's fresh and moist and packs a powerful punch. Using it is unlike garlic from the grocery store.
3. Baby eggplant-I used this more as a personal joke that only I knew about. Sometimes I open the box from the farm and find an item where there is so little of it that it's not even a serving. This week, nestled in with the squash, was this tiny little eggplant. About 3 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. By the time I peeled it and diced it, I had about 3 tablespoons of eggplant. Not enough to cause alarm with the kids.
4. The fennel-I explained that. Fennel to me speaks "give me fish." Don't know why. I should probably expand my horizons but I really only use fennel a couple of times per year.
As you can see, my accompanying side was rainbow chard. I love chard. Especially sauteed in a skillet with a little olive oil and garlic. The chard and garlic from the farm, of course.
Anyone who reads me on a regular basis knows I gain a great deal of satisfaction from a meal that is mostly from the farm. This was it!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Playing with Slooooow Shutter Speeds
As I slowly learn what some of the different settings are on my camera, I get some kind of cool stuff. A lot of junk too, but that's the advantage of a digital camera.
The main problem I have is that I can't REMEMBER the stuff I learn. So I have a little notebook that lives in my camera bag with cheats about different situations and what kinds of settings to try. Even then I get a lot of wasted shots, so I try to shoot several photos for the paper using "Auto" as a back-up.
So last night Nate was going through many gyrations as I tried several shutter speeds. This is the slowest one. It's a question of endurance, too, as the shutter stays open for a very very long time...like a minute...so he had to keep up the motions for that entire time.
Here is Taylor getting into the act as he sits at his computer.
The main problem I have is that I can't REMEMBER the stuff I learn. So I have a little notebook that lives in my camera bag with cheats about different situations and what kinds of settings to try. Even then I get a lot of wasted shots, so I try to shoot several photos for the paper using "Auto" as a back-up.
So last night Nate was going through many gyrations as I tried several shutter speeds. This is the slowest one. It's a question of endurance, too, as the shutter stays open for a very very long time...like a minute...so he had to keep up the motions for that entire time.
Here is Taylor getting into the act as he sits at his computer.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
In Honor of Father's Day
I thought I'd post a photo of "The Bob Family."Taken last summer at the Bodie Lighthouse in Cape Hatteras.
Post production courtesy Greg Schneider. Thanks Greg!
Kept Out
Orkin works, I'm telling you. The bad thing is that whenever I open the front door in the summertime, I have to step over dead bugs. They come right up to the door and die. It makes it hazardous to walk out to get the newspaper barefoot.
This is just one of many flying insects that were not necessarily trying to get into the house. They were just attracted to the outdoor lights. I know we prolly shouldn't have them on all night like that, but it's a security thing.
Yesterday while driving home from Erskine I almost flipped the car off the road. WOOD TICK! On my ARM!
I am pretty good about bugs and animals and reptiles and kids. But wood ticks really give me the creeps. Of course, all the way home I kept imagining wood ticks crawling on my sandals.
Here's a photo of me that Nate took on campus yesterday.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
File This Under: Ya Learn Somethin' New Every Day
This was on the edge of the town of Donalds, S.C.
"What are Grange Patrons of Husbandry?" You ask.
Per Wikipedia:
The Grange movement in the United States was a farmers' movement involving the affiliation of local farmers into area "granges" to work for their political and economic advantages. The official name of the National Grange is the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. Some consider the organization a special interest group. Founded after the Civil War, it flourished until the end of the 19th century. Many small rural communities in the United States still have an old "Grange Hall" standing on Main Street. The word "grange" comes from a Latin word for grain, and is related to a "granary" or, more generically, a farm.
In 2005, the Grange had a membership of 300,000 with organizations in 3,600 communities in 37 states. They occupy a building in downtown Washington, D.C., an 11-story building they had built in 1960.
Full article
"What are Grange Patrons of Husbandry?" You ask.
Per Wikipedia:
The Grange movement in the United States was a farmers' movement involving the affiliation of local farmers into area "granges" to work for their political and economic advantages. The official name of the National Grange is the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. Some consider the organization a special interest group. Founded after the Civil War, it flourished until the end of the 19th century. Many small rural communities in the United States still have an old "Grange Hall" standing on Main Street. The word "grange" comes from a Latin word for grain, and is related to a "granary" or, more generically, a farm.
In 2005, the Grange had a membership of 300,000 with organizations in 3,600 communities in 37 states. They occupy a building in downtown Washington, D.C., an 11-story building they had built in 1960.
Full article
Friday, June 15, 2007
Stuff I Learned From My Friends Today
"Quaaaar"--apparently the southern pronounciation of "queer."
"That's a quaaar one, Lucille."
*****************************
It is worth it to sit under the butt of a giant statue of a horse in a restaurant if you can look between his back legs to see Tiger Woods on the television.
*****************************
Divorce Battle Centers on Braves Tickets:
ATLANTA (AP) -- A divorced couple is feuding over tickets to see the Atlanta Braves. A psychologist -- Elizabeth King -- accuses her ex-husband, lawyer Charles Center, of breaking their 2002 divorce agreement to divide the four tickets they had shared behind home plate. The Atlanta couple owned tickets to 81 home games in a three-way partnership with other baseball fans. Every year King and Center had four tickets to 27 games. When they divorced, he agreed to take the first home game every year. Then each would get four tickets to 13 games. After one of the partners died last year, King's ownership increased to a full third: 27 games. The 82 season tickets are still in her ex's name, and he has been in charge of dispensing them to the partners. The couple hardly looked at each other during a court hearing yesterday. King testified that Center had gone out of his way this year to give her tickets to games that conflicted with her schedule. And she claimed 80 percent of the tickets he gave her were for day games -- implying he'd done it because he knows she has skin cancer. Center testified that the four tickets to 27 home games cost about six-thousand dollars. And he said he was distributing them to her the way he'd always distributed them, sequentially, according to a mathematical formula. He said he adjusted that arrangement when people asked or if there were conflicting schedules. So far, attorneys' fees come to about 13-thousand dollars. A frustrated Superior Court Judge Melvin Westmore -- after a hearing of two hours -- ruled that he would not cite Center with contempt and urged the two to settle it out of court.
*********************************
A discussion at lunch ensued about the funeral of Ruth Bell Graham. It's to be a public funeral in Montreat, N.C, the couple's hometown. Shuttles have been arranged to carry visitors from Black Mountain to Montreat, as there are less than 40 parking spaces at the funeral location.
Question at the table: "Would you go across the state, or across the country, to the funeral of a popular personage you have admired greatly?"
Everyone said "No."
Then this comment: "Well, maybe for Willie Nelson."
Can you see now why I have such powerful abs?
"That's a quaaar one, Lucille."
*****************************
It is worth it to sit under the butt of a giant statue of a horse in a restaurant if you can look between his back legs to see Tiger Woods on the television.
*****************************
Divorce Battle Centers on Braves Tickets:
ATLANTA (AP) -- A divorced couple is feuding over tickets to see the Atlanta Braves. A psychologist -- Elizabeth King -- accuses her ex-husband, lawyer Charles Center, of breaking their 2002 divorce agreement to divide the four tickets they had shared behind home plate. The Atlanta couple owned tickets to 81 home games in a three-way partnership with other baseball fans. Every year King and Center had four tickets to 27 games. When they divorced, he agreed to take the first home game every year. Then each would get four tickets to 13 games. After one of the partners died last year, King's ownership increased to a full third: 27 games. The 82 season tickets are still in her ex's name, and he has been in charge of dispensing them to the partners. The couple hardly looked at each other during a court hearing yesterday. King testified that Center had gone out of his way this year to give her tickets to games that conflicted with her schedule. And she claimed 80 percent of the tickets he gave her were for day games -- implying he'd done it because he knows she has skin cancer. Center testified that the four tickets to 27 home games cost about six-thousand dollars. And he said he was distributing them to her the way he'd always distributed them, sequentially, according to a mathematical formula. He said he adjusted that arrangement when people asked or if there were conflicting schedules. So far, attorneys' fees come to about 13-thousand dollars. A frustrated Superior Court Judge Melvin Westmore -- after a hearing of two hours -- ruled that he would not cite Center with contempt and urged the two to settle it out of court.
*********************************
A discussion at lunch ensued about the funeral of Ruth Bell Graham. It's to be a public funeral in Montreat, N.C, the couple's hometown. Shuttles have been arranged to carry visitors from Black Mountain to Montreat, as there are less than 40 parking spaces at the funeral location.
Question at the table: "Would you go across the state, or across the country, to the funeral of a popular personage you have admired greatly?"
Everyone said "No."
Then this comment: "Well, maybe for Willie Nelson."
Can you see now why I have such powerful abs?
Happy Feet
The toes are all reasonably happy today. The big one, with the most damage, is not really the painful one. The second one, next to it, and the third one, both sustained some damage and bruising. They seem to hurt a little more.
Incidentally, do you know how much SKIPPING is involved in the average Jazzercise class? Well...let me tell you, you really notice when your toes hurt.
The pedicure went really well. As long as I didn't look at her while she was working on the damaged ones, we were good. She was very nice and I'm going to go back to see her in July for a haircut. The salon is Salon Salon in Indian Land, SC. Yes...I think it's a dumb name too. But I like the girl, so why not?
Today I go back to the scene of the crime and take photos of the work the crews are doing. It's a good day for it...overcast. So the photos should have good color without glare. Then I need to write the story and send it all in.
Incidentally, do you know how much SKIPPING is involved in the average Jazzercise class? Well...let me tell you, you really notice when your toes hurt.
The pedicure went really well. As long as I didn't look at her while she was working on the damaged ones, we were good. She was very nice and I'm going to go back to see her in July for a haircut. The salon is Salon Salon in Indian Land, SC. Yes...I think it's a dumb name too. But I like the girl, so why not?
Today I go back to the scene of the crime and take photos of the work the crews are doing. It's a good day for it...overcast. So the photos should have good color without glare. Then I need to write the story and send it all in.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Damaged Toe
"Hmmm...wonder what it would take to get Karen to go for a pedicure?" My friends ask periodically.
Well. This. I fell up the steps to a house I was visiting while pursuing a news story. Other than the time I locked my keys in the car at an interview, this was the most embarrassing reporter's moment in my life to this date.
The toe hurts. So does the other one. Actually, I think the one "that stayed home" hurts the most.
I'm scared to touch it. But both toes need trimming. So...
On the way home I stopped in at a local salon. The salon that I did a new business story on last winter. The salon where the owner ended the interview by saying to me, "You should come in to see us. Your bangs are too heavy." Yup.
Why did I stop there? It's on the way home. They are having their Grand Opening. Maybe they will be nice to my pocketbook. And I'm not mired in depression anymore, so if they say some stuff about my hair I probably won't cry.
I might cry when they touch my sore toes, though. We'll see.
Maybe I'll see if they can teach me to put my hair in a ponytail for Jazzercise, too. We'll see.
Well. This. I fell up the steps to a house I was visiting while pursuing a news story. Other than the time I locked my keys in the car at an interview, this was the most embarrassing reporter's moment in my life to this date.
The toe hurts. So does the other one. Actually, I think the one "that stayed home" hurts the most.
I'm scared to touch it. But both toes need trimming. So...
On the way home I stopped in at a local salon. The salon that I did a new business story on last winter. The salon where the owner ended the interview by saying to me, "You should come in to see us. Your bangs are too heavy." Yup.
Why did I stop there? It's on the way home. They are having their Grand Opening. Maybe they will be nice to my pocketbook. And I'm not mired in depression anymore, so if they say some stuff about my hair I probably won't cry.
I might cry when they touch my sore toes, though. We'll see.
Maybe I'll see if they can teach me to put my hair in a ponytail for Jazzercise, too. We'll see.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Rainy Rose
It's been stormy here the last few days. And it's a good thing. We've been parched, seriously parched. This photo is actually from a year ago, but my roses do look like this today.
I'm being plagued by computer problems these past couple of days. Unable to open both components of Photoshop Elements. The computer in general is acting a little sketchy. I'm concerned that I'm headed for a big crash. Perhaps a memory stick is going. This computer, bless it's heart, is 6 years old and really runs like a top. But it does blow out memory sticks every couple of years.
And so I've been trying to do one more backup (my last one is a couple of months old) before doing some maintenance and repair tasks. But my network is kind of hosed up too. I can see the other computer, but not talk to it. I need to get that fixed today so that I can drag the contents of my hard drive over to the partition on theirs that I've set aside for that purpose.
And work for The Clevelands. And go to Jazz. And have lunch with a friend. And go to the Lutheran's Bible study tonight.
So it will be a busy day. I'll need to stay on task!
I'm being plagued by computer problems these past couple of days. Unable to open both components of Photoshop Elements. The computer in general is acting a little sketchy. I'm concerned that I'm headed for a big crash. Perhaps a memory stick is going. This computer, bless it's heart, is 6 years old and really runs like a top. But it does blow out memory sticks every couple of years.
And so I've been trying to do one more backup (my last one is a couple of months old) before doing some maintenance and repair tasks. But my network is kind of hosed up too. I can see the other computer, but not talk to it. I need to get that fixed today so that I can drag the contents of my hard drive over to the partition on theirs that I've set aside for that purpose.
And work for The Clevelands. And go to Jazz. And have lunch with a friend. And go to the Lutheran's Bible study tonight.
So it will be a busy day. I'll need to stay on task!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
You Do Whaaaat?
Question of the day:
Brush your teeth before breakfast or after?
This came up in a conversation with my friend Jenny last night. She is going to do her weekly weigh-in this morning and I said, "So. Tomorrow morning you'll get up, brush your teeth, weigh yourself, and then get dressed."
"Oh my no!" She said. "I won't brush my teeth."
I thought perhaps it was a joke about weighing as unencumbered as possible...perhaps the toothpaste would add weight (yes, we are twisted). But no...she is of the school that says you brush your teeth after breakfast.
As my dad told Mensa Boy many many years ago, "That's just barbaric."
MB says he changed eventually because he realized he couldn't go up against the entire family. (yeah, he's joking)
He does admit that our family's penchant for showering at night before bed was a change he happily made. It just makes sense. Go to bed nice and clean. The bed stays fresh. Saves time in the morning. Yada yada yada. I do have to say our family's personal hygiene schedule really comes in handy when at the beach with his sister's family, or when we are camping. We have free use of the bathroom at night...no shower traffic jams, no problems with hot water, etc.
Truth is, I simply can't function in the morning without brushing my teeth first. Who knows what sort of mess I'd end up eating for breakfast if I hadn't brushed.
Whaddayoudo?
Brush your teeth before breakfast or after?
This came up in a conversation with my friend Jenny last night. She is going to do her weekly weigh-in this morning and I said, "So. Tomorrow morning you'll get up, brush your teeth, weigh yourself, and then get dressed."
"Oh my no!" She said. "I won't brush my teeth."
I thought perhaps it was a joke about weighing as unencumbered as possible...perhaps the toothpaste would add weight (yes, we are twisted). But no...she is of the school that says you brush your teeth after breakfast.
As my dad told Mensa Boy many many years ago, "That's just barbaric."
MB says he changed eventually because he realized he couldn't go up against the entire family. (yeah, he's joking)
He does admit that our family's penchant for showering at night before bed was a change he happily made. It just makes sense. Go to bed nice and clean. The bed stays fresh. Saves time in the morning. Yada yada yada. I do have to say our family's personal hygiene schedule really comes in handy when at the beach with his sister's family, or when we are camping. We have free use of the bathroom at night...no shower traffic jams, no problems with hot water, etc.
Truth is, I simply can't function in the morning without brushing my teeth first. Who knows what sort of mess I'd end up eating for breakfast if I hadn't brushed.
Whaddayoudo?
Monday, June 11, 2007
Coming Attraction
This old, closed-up theatre in Inman, S.C. had this poster in front. I like the sense of humor.
Yesterday we drove 2.5 hours away from home and dropped Nate out in the middle of the country.
Does that sound like someone taking a batch of kittens out to the country to dump them? In a way it felt like that.
This bothered me more than his first day of kindergarten. This is the first time I've taken one of my kids to a place I've never heard of, dropped him into a situation where I don't know a soul, and I don't know what he'll be doing while he's there.
He'll be fine. But I felt bad for him, a little. Although he seemed to have a fairly good attitude about it. I sent him a text message this morning asking how he slept and he replied that he dropped off right away. He has a pretty severe sunburn from his day on the boat with his best friend's family, so I sent him with Tylenol PM for night and Naproxen Sodium for the daytime.
Yesterday we drove 2.5 hours away from home and dropped Nate out in the middle of the country.
Does that sound like someone taking a batch of kittens out to the country to dump them? In a way it felt like that.
This bothered me more than his first day of kindergarten. This is the first time I've taken one of my kids to a place I've never heard of, dropped him into a situation where I don't know a soul, and I don't know what he'll be doing while he's there.
He'll be fine. But I felt bad for him, a little. Although he seemed to have a fairly good attitude about it. I sent him a text message this morning asking how he slept and he replied that he dropped off right away. He has a pretty severe sunburn from his day on the boat with his best friend's family, so I sent him with Tylenol PM for night and Naproxen Sodium for the daytime.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Peaceful Repose
When I saw this photo I had to remind myself that this is Taylor, not Nate!
Today we drive Nate to Erskine College for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) conference. It will be a long day in the car...about 3 hours there, and then 3 hours back.
Yesterday was a usual day, with Jazz in the morning (although particularly fun because friend Tambri is back for the summer now that her dance school is on hiatus for a few weeks.), and then lunch at Jumpin' Java in Fort Mill. They really have fantastic salads. But I was so hungry yesterday that I went home after lunch and drank a big glass of chocolate milk too.
Speaking of chocolate milk, I've switched to Silk Soy Milk. I wouldn't say I'm particularly lactose intolerant...I have no problem with dairy products on the whole...but to drink an actual glass of milk does tend to wreak havoc with my digestive system. For several months Mensa Boy and I have bought Lactaid for ourselves to use, but it's just so darn expensive! So on a whim one day I bought a carton of soy milk, which was way cheaper.
It was pretty much just okay. So the next carton I bought was the vanilla-flavored stuff. Now THAT is good. I can't just drink a glass of white milk, so I always put Nestle Quik in it. I end with a sort of milk-shake-like flavor that way. Good stuff!
In the afternoon I went shopping for workout clothes. It was 95 degrees yesterday and both pair of my capris were in the wash. I had to wear long pants at Jazz and I really roasted in those. But I didn't have much luck with the shopping. It turns out that workout clothes are about as hard to shop for as street clothes!
I went to my friend Jenny's house after that and we drove with her kids over to Baxter Village to Alex's Lemonade Stand. The stand was up all day yesterday giving away cups of lemonade in exchange for donations to pediatric cancer research. You can go here to donate online.
Jenny wrote a story about the stand in last Wednesday's Fort Mill Times. She took a photo I am absolutely jealous of. Go here to see that(at least until the link expires).
Today we drive Nate to Erskine College for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) conference. It will be a long day in the car...about 3 hours there, and then 3 hours back.
Yesterday was a usual day, with Jazz in the morning (although particularly fun because friend Tambri is back for the summer now that her dance school is on hiatus for a few weeks.), and then lunch at Jumpin' Java in Fort Mill. They really have fantastic salads. But I was so hungry yesterday that I went home after lunch and drank a big glass of chocolate milk too.
Speaking of chocolate milk, I've switched to Silk Soy Milk. I wouldn't say I'm particularly lactose intolerant...I have no problem with dairy products on the whole...but to drink an actual glass of milk does tend to wreak havoc with my digestive system. For several months Mensa Boy and I have bought Lactaid for ourselves to use, but it's just so darn expensive! So on a whim one day I bought a carton of soy milk, which was way cheaper.
It was pretty much just okay. So the next carton I bought was the vanilla-flavored stuff. Now THAT is good. I can't just drink a glass of white milk, so I always put Nestle Quik in it. I end with a sort of milk-shake-like flavor that way. Good stuff!
In the afternoon I went shopping for workout clothes. It was 95 degrees yesterday and both pair of my capris were in the wash. I had to wear long pants at Jazz and I really roasted in those. But I didn't have much luck with the shopping. It turns out that workout clothes are about as hard to shop for as street clothes!
I went to my friend Jenny's house after that and we drove with her kids over to Baxter Village to Alex's Lemonade Stand. The stand was up all day yesterday giving away cups of lemonade in exchange for donations to pediatric cancer research. You can go here to donate online.
Jenny wrote a story about the stand in last Wednesday's Fort Mill Times. She took a photo I am absolutely jealous of. Go here to see that(at least until the link expires).
Saturday, June 09, 2007
I Just Like this Photo
I shot this photo last weekend at my friend Tambri's dance school recital. This is Tambri coaching her 3-year-old dancers through the song, "Mr. Sandman."
Friday, June 08, 2007
Sometimes I Surprise Even Myself
This summer I suggested that we not push Nate to get a job. He needed something to keep himself busy, though. Just something to be productive.
Nate has been open to working, but each time we talk about actually going out and applying for jobs, he's had a somewhat violent reaction to it. Finally Mensa Boy said he thought it was the actual talking to strangers and asking for something that might be the problem. Nate is not terribly assertive. He's also expressed concern about boredom. He doesn't want to run a cash register for hours, or stack boxes, or make pizzas. He wanted something interesting. Boredom is really his biggest concern always, which my principal friend Kathy says is common with gifted kids.
It's been easy to knuckle under to his willingness to seek a job because any job he has will have a profound effect on my own life. I would be responsible for driving him to and from said job. And the job would probably take at least 20 minutes to get to, and 20 minutes back. Twice each shift. That's time I'd just as soon not spend driving around in the heat.
So I told him I'd give him a 'bye' on this job thing if he found a way to volunteer. I said he needed to find something that would occupy him 15-20 hours per week. And then I suggested the school.
So for the last two weeks, Nate has been going to our elementary/middle school and being an errand boy for the staff. He has sat with kids during summer school as they work on their reading, supervised bathroom breaks, served snack, shredded office papers, organized keys that have been turned in by the staff, and stacked textbooks.
One day last week the principal told me that they were all arguing about who got him the next day.
He's grumpy each morning...struggling to get up and have breakfast so I can get him the school by 8. But by the time I pick him up at noon or so he's in a good mood, feeling pretty good about what he's accomplished and full of stories of joshing with the staff. One day this week I dropped him off and asked my friend to be sure he got a ride home, as Mensa Boy and I were going to be gone for the day. As I signed him into the computer for the day, I entered his name in as "Dontleave Mehear" and he wore that nametag all morning. Kathy fed him Japanese for lunch and dropped him at home.
I think it's a good experience and will probably keep him occupied most of the summer. We have a lot of moving going on in the school buildings this summer as the high school moves to a new building, renovations begin on the old building to make it into a new middle school, and classrooms are shifted around in the current elementary building.
The downside to this volunteering is that Nate gets no money. For stuff. Like taking his girlfriend out to dinner when she comes to town (she lives an hour or so away), or just to buy things he wants.
One of the items that he kinded of needed was a new mp3 player. His was not compatible with Napster and it's pretty much worn out. It doesn't hold a charge very long. Nate will be going to the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards conference at Erskine College next week and I knew he'd be missing that mp3 player by the end of the first day. It only charges by plugging it into a computer, which he won't have.
So I bought him one. I told him it was an "in-kind payment" for his volunteering at the school. And he's been a mother's helper for me in the afternoon, taking the little boys to the pool for a while most days, doing dishes, handling the bird feeders and anything else I can throw his way.
This is his last summer as a kid, I figure. And probably the last summer I'll have with him here. Might as well make the most of it.
Nate has been open to working, but each time we talk about actually going out and applying for jobs, he's had a somewhat violent reaction to it. Finally Mensa Boy said he thought it was the actual talking to strangers and asking for something that might be the problem. Nate is not terribly assertive. He's also expressed concern about boredom. He doesn't want to run a cash register for hours, or stack boxes, or make pizzas. He wanted something interesting. Boredom is really his biggest concern always, which my principal friend Kathy says is common with gifted kids.
It's been easy to knuckle under to his willingness to seek a job because any job he has will have a profound effect on my own life. I would be responsible for driving him to and from said job. And the job would probably take at least 20 minutes to get to, and 20 minutes back. Twice each shift. That's time I'd just as soon not spend driving around in the heat.
So I told him I'd give him a 'bye' on this job thing if he found a way to volunteer. I said he needed to find something that would occupy him 15-20 hours per week. And then I suggested the school.
So for the last two weeks, Nate has been going to our elementary/middle school and being an errand boy for the staff. He has sat with kids during summer school as they work on their reading, supervised bathroom breaks, served snack, shredded office papers, organized keys that have been turned in by the staff, and stacked textbooks.
One day last week the principal told me that they were all arguing about who got him the next day.
He's grumpy each morning...struggling to get up and have breakfast so I can get him the school by 8. But by the time I pick him up at noon or so he's in a good mood, feeling pretty good about what he's accomplished and full of stories of joshing with the staff. One day this week I dropped him off and asked my friend to be sure he got a ride home, as Mensa Boy and I were going to be gone for the day. As I signed him into the computer for the day, I entered his name in as "Dontleave Mehear" and he wore that nametag all morning. Kathy fed him Japanese for lunch and dropped him at home.
I think it's a good experience and will probably keep him occupied most of the summer. We have a lot of moving going on in the school buildings this summer as the high school moves to a new building, renovations begin on the old building to make it into a new middle school, and classrooms are shifted around in the current elementary building.
The downside to this volunteering is that Nate gets no money. For stuff. Like taking his girlfriend out to dinner when she comes to town (she lives an hour or so away), or just to buy things he wants.
One of the items that he kinded of needed was a new mp3 player. His was not compatible with Napster and it's pretty much worn out. It doesn't hold a charge very long. Nate will be going to the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards conference at Erskine College next week and I knew he'd be missing that mp3 player by the end of the first day. It only charges by plugging it into a computer, which he won't have.
So I bought him one. I told him it was an "in-kind payment" for his volunteering at the school. And he's been a mother's helper for me in the afternoon, taking the little boys to the pool for a while most days, doing dishes, handling the bird feeders and anything else I can throw his way.
This is his last summer as a kid, I figure. And probably the last summer I'll have with him here. Might as well make the most of it.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Just a Day of Play
Mensa Boy and I played yesterday. We went to Boone and kicked around in a couple of shops and had a nice lunch at Bistro Roca in Blowing Rock.
We enjoyed the shadows on this sidewalk and had to stop to photograph it.
We enjoyed the shadows on this sidewalk and had to stop to photograph it.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Hidden Treasures
I shot this photo a couple of weeks ago at my friend Tambri's dance class. Buddy Chris was sitting at a table doing some bookkeeping and I started just shooting around.
This photo came out completely black. Normally when that happens I just delete it without looking at it. But for some reason I opened it in Photoshop and lightened it to see what I had missed.
And there she is!
Today Mensa Boy and I will drive up to the mountains for the day. He has to deliver a preview copy of the magazine to an office up there, so I'll ride along with him. We never had time last week to celebrate our anniversary, so we'll stomp around on some trails and have a nice lunch on my dad, who gave me 50 BUCKS to blow! Thanks Dad!
After we get back this afternoon, I'll go to Chris' (this Chris pictured) Jazzercise class. It will be my 100th for the year and she'll present me with my 100 Club shirt. Chris was the one that got me started with this kind of exercise a few years ago, so it will be fun to get my shirt from her.
This photo came out completely black. Normally when that happens I just delete it without looking at it. But for some reason I opened it in Photoshop and lightened it to see what I had missed.
And there she is!
Today Mensa Boy and I will drive up to the mountains for the day. He has to deliver a preview copy of the magazine to an office up there, so I'll ride along with him. We never had time last week to celebrate our anniversary, so we'll stomp around on some trails and have a nice lunch on my dad, who gave me 50 BUCKS to blow! Thanks Dad!
After we get back this afternoon, I'll go to Chris' (this Chris pictured) Jazzercise class. It will be my 100th for the year and she'll present me with my 100 Club shirt. Chris was the one that got me started with this kind of exercise a few years ago, so it will be fun to get my shirt from her.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Random Nitpicking
Here's another concert photo I shot at the Franklin Graham Festival in Virginia Beach a couple of weeks ago. This is Dennis Agajanian. I love his instrumental stuff. His vocals? Not so much.
And now for the nitpicking part: Here is some text from a Washington Post News Alert bulletin I received yesterday:
News Alert 2:15 p.m. ET Monday, June 4, 2007
Rep. Jefferson Indicted In Corruption Probe
List of 16 alleged violations could keep Louisiana lawmaker in prison for up to 200 years.
Hmmm....keep him in prison for up to 200 years...that would be a trick.
Yesterday as I was driving to home from Target I saw a sign that announced a new building in Blakeney would be opening the "1st quater of 2008."
And Saturday as I drove to the recital in Fort Mill, I passed the HomeArama location...several extremely expensive homes on a home tour...there was a sign tell visitors where to park for "shuttle's."
There's more. There's always plenty of nitpicking for me to do, but my mind is blank.
And now for the nitpicking part: Here is some text from a Washington Post News Alert bulletin I received yesterday:
News Alert 2:15 p.m. ET Monday, June 4, 2007
Rep. Jefferson Indicted In Corruption Probe
List of 16 alleged violations could keep Louisiana lawmaker in prison for up to 200 years.
Hmmm....keep him in prison for up to 200 years...that would be a trick.
Yesterday as I was driving to home from Target I saw a sign that announced a new building in Blakeney would be opening the "1st quater of 2008."
And Saturday as I drove to the recital in Fort Mill, I passed the HomeArama location...several extremely expensive homes on a home tour...there was a sign tell visitors where to park for "shuttle's."
There's more. There's always plenty of nitpicking for me to do, but my mind is blank.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Secret Service Man
Here's a secret service agent talking to his lapel at the Billy Graham Library Dedication on May 31.
One of Mensa Boy's colleagues came up to him and told him that he thought the secret service was working on a plan to have him removed from the event.
Yesterday in church a friend came up to Mensa Boy and said, "So! Big deal on Thursday, huh?"
"Yeah!" MB replied. "Did you know Thelma Lou from Andy Griffith was there?"
One of Mensa Boy's colleagues came up to him and told him that he thought the secret service was working on a plan to have him removed from the event.
Yesterday in church a friend came up to Mensa Boy and said, "So! Big deal on Thursday, huh?"
"Yeah!" MB replied. "Did you know Thelma Lou from Andy Griffith was there?"
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Ballet Vengeance
Yesterday I hung out all day with my friend Tambri's dance kids as they rehearsed and then put on their recital.
Yup. Me.
Dance
Little girls
Make-up
Tutus
I know...I know. But I had a lot of fun. It was hard work, but not as much for me as sound technician and photog as it was for buds Tambri, Chris and Rena. They were wrangling little girls and parents. The only thing I wrangled were stuffed rabbits for the magic act.
This little girl is in the Wee Ballet class. The song is "Leavin' on a Jet Plane." I don't remember at all what part of this song needed this facial expression!
Yup. Me.
Dance
Little girls
Make-up
Tutus
I know...I know. But I had a lot of fun. It was hard work, but not as much for me as sound technician and photog as it was for buds Tambri, Chris and Rena. They were wrangling little girls and parents. The only thing I wrangled were stuffed rabbits for the magic act.
This little girl is in the Wee Ballet class. The song is "Leavin' on a Jet Plane." I don't remember at all what part of this song needed this facial expression!
Friday, June 01, 2007
How Great Thou Art
Sorry about the heads. They made us stand up to sing this hymn. You can see a larger view of this photo, (and leave comments or see the others from this event)by clicking on it.
Last night as we lay in bed Mensa Boy said to me, "Did you ever imagine 25 years ago that we'd end up at an event like today?"
No.
Yesterday the Billy Graham Library was dedicated. The event was attended by 3 ex-presidents. There was a little music, a bit of speechifying, a LOT of praying. It was fun, despite the 94 degree heat. I think a good time was had by all 1500 of us. Mr. Graham did remark, however, that he felt like he was at his own funeral!
I can't imagine anyone not knowing who all these guys are in this photo, but just in case:
(from left) Franklin Graham, George Beverly "Bev" Shea, Cliff Barrows, George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton. All singing "How Great Thou Art." Mr. Graham is seated behind Shea and Barrows.
Last night as we lay in bed Mensa Boy said to me, "Did you ever imagine 25 years ago that we'd end up at an event like today?"
No.
Yesterday the Billy Graham Library was dedicated. The event was attended by 3 ex-presidents. There was a little music, a bit of speechifying, a LOT of praying. It was fun, despite the 94 degree heat. I think a good time was had by all 1500 of us. Mr. Graham did remark, however, that he felt like he was at his own funeral!
I can't imagine anyone not knowing who all these guys are in this photo, but just in case:
(from left) Franklin Graham, George Beverly "Bev" Shea, Cliff Barrows, George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton. All singing "How Great Thou Art." Mr. Graham is seated behind Shea and Barrows.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Spider Lilies
I went to Landsford Canal State Park in Fort Lawn, SC on Monday to see the spider lilies. This colony of lilies is very large, spanning the Catawba River. It seems to take up about 1/4 of a mile of the river. To really appreciate them, you need to be in a canoe. I'll work very hard to do that next year.
This was taken with my 55-200mm zoom lens. This is one of the few times when I might not have minded having and lugging a longer lens. Maybe someday...when my friend Rena wins the lottery. Of course, I need to get her to actually BUY a lottery ticket!
This was taken with my 55-200mm zoom lens. This is one of the few times when I might not have minded having and lugging a longer lens. Maybe someday...when my friend Rena wins the lottery. Of course, I need to get her to actually BUY a lottery ticket!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Israel Houghton & New Breed
I'd never heard of this band before. Israel Houghton and New Breed were at the Franklin Graham Festival in Virginia Beach May 19.
I have no idea who this band member is. I've been googling around trying to find names and photos of the members and am not having much luck. If you know (Kristen), email me.
They are rockier than I normally prefer, but I enjoyed their presentation. I shot this photo on the floor. Festival organizers had given a relatively small number of festival goers armbands so that they could be on the floor right under the stage.
I like this photo because the colors are so good and the image is sharp. I did not do any post production on this one.
I have no idea who this band member is. I've been googling around trying to find names and photos of the members and am not having much luck. If you know (Kristen), email me.
They are rockier than I normally prefer, but I enjoyed their presentation. I shot this photo on the floor. Festival organizers had given a relatively small number of festival goers armbands so that they could be on the floor right under the stage.
I like this photo because the colors are so good and the image is sharp. I did not do any post production on this one.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
May 29, 1982
He was 12 and I was 15. Uh huh.
It's been 25 years today and I must say, as marriages go, it's been pretty easy. For me, at least. All my friends and family call him "PoorBob," so I can't really say much about how it's been for him!
Each year I ask him how many years it FEELS like we've been married. This year the answer was "more like 16 and-a-half."
So I figure he can't be too miserable!
I love you, Mensa Boy!
It's been 25 years today and I must say, as marriages go, it's been pretty easy. For me, at least. All my friends and family call him "PoorBob," so I can't really say much about how it's been for him!
Each year I ask him how many years it FEELS like we've been married. This year the answer was "more like 16 and-a-half."
So I figure he can't be too miserable!
I love you, Mensa Boy!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Lean on Me
Did they lean on each other in life? Any inscriptions that might have been on these tombstones have been completely obliterated by time and weather.
We found Old Stone Cemetery in Fort Lawn, S.C. on highway 21. We were on our way to Landsford Canal State Park to see the spider lilies.
We arrived at the perfect time of day. The sun was low and thinking about setting and the shadows and filters of light really brought a wonderful atmosphere to this old burial ground.
I've organized the cemetery photos into a group called "cemetery" on my Flickr account. You'll have to register for a Yahoo! email address to see them.
We found Old Stone Cemetery in Fort Lawn, S.C. on highway 21. We were on our way to Landsford Canal State Park to see the spider lilies.
We arrived at the perfect time of day. The sun was low and thinking about setting and the shadows and filters of light really brought a wonderful atmosphere to this old burial ground.
I've organized the cemetery photos into a group called "cemetery" on my Flickr account. You'll have to register for a Yahoo! email address to see them.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
World's Longest Headline?
"Q&A with Linda Short, the soon-to-retire Chester lawmaker who's the lone woman in the Senate"
The Lancaster News, Sunday, May 27, 2007
It's probably not the longest. Here's another loooooonnnng one I found:
"Catch of a lifetime? With no blockbuster draft-day offers, the Lions snapped up Calvin Johnson, the best receiver to enter the NFL in years. Matt Millen might finally get Detroit on track -- and the fans off his back."
Sports Illustrated, week of April 30, 2007 (this not verified. I obtained this info from MLive.com, an ezine "all about Michigan." THANKS GOOGLE!
The Lancaster News, Sunday, May 27, 2007
It's probably not the longest. Here's another loooooonnnng one I found:
"Catch of a lifetime? With no blockbuster draft-day offers, the Lions snapped up Calvin Johnson, the best receiver to enter the NFL in years. Matt Millen might finally get Detroit on track -- and the fans off his back."
Sports Illustrated, week of April 30, 2007 (this not verified. I obtained this info from MLive.com, an ezine "all about Michigan." THANKS GOOGLE!
Jamestown Barracks
This is a photo Taylor took on our day at Jamestown. He was standing inside the chimney of a barracks shell that had been erected. The exhibit was designed to show how rough-hewn wood was used to build a shell for the buildings.
I like this shot a lot. The contrasts and shadows are very cool. Taylor took quite a few shots that were partly shadows. His turn out well when he does that. Mine don't seem to most of the time. This was photo was not enhanced at all with Photoshop.
I like this shot a lot. The contrasts and shadows are very cool. Taylor took quite a few shots that were partly shadows. His turn out well when he does that. Mine don't seem to most of the time. This was photo was not enhanced at all with Photoshop.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes
1 3/4 c all-purpose flour
1 t baking soda
1 c sugar
1/2 c chopped walnuts
2 eggs
1/2 c vegetable oil
1/2 t almond or vanilla extract
1 pkg frozen sweet strawberries or 1 cup (10 oz) crushed fresh strawberries mixed with 3 T sugar
Mix together flour, baking soda, sugar and nuts in a bowl. In another bowl, beat together eggs, flavoring and oil until well blended. Add strawberries and beat at slow speed of mixer until berries are partially broken. Beat in flour mixture slowly until smooth, but pieces of berries are still visible. Pour batter into greased muffin tins, filling to half.
Bake at 350 deg F for 30 minutes, or until they test done. Or, bake in greased 9x5x3" loaf pan for at 350 deg F for 1 hour, or until done. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.
From http://www.razzledazzlerecipes.com
Leave the Strawberries Alone!
For The Carolina Gateway (May 16, 2007)
The crop of strawberries is so outrageously sweet and succulent this year it’s almost a travesty to cook them. Just put them in a bowl on your counter and the family will gobble them up faster than you can say “save some for me!” I put mine in the handle basket on the counter and warned my guys that there would be trouble if they ate so many that I wouldn’t have enough to make the two desserts that I needed for the newspaper. 12-year old Taylor solved the problem by implementing a “strawberry debit sheet.” He listed all our names and instructed each of us to make a hash mark for each berry we consumed. Dire warnings were posted (on my behalf by Taylor) on the bottom of the sheet. Sometime later, when older son Nate noted that Taylor has 3 hash marks, he accused him of eating 111 berries!
If you do feel compelled to do something fancy with strawberries, try to cook them as little as possible and be sure to go easy on the added sugar. The berries are so sweet this year that you can easily lose the fruity goodness by adding too much sweetener. For your ice cream and shortcake toppings, try just mashing them a little with a fork and letting them sit for a few minutes. I think you’ll find they don’t need any sugar at all.
It’s natural to want to preserve the bounty for later. The easiest and freshest way is to simply freeze the berries in a single layer on a cookie sheet in the freezer. Once they are frozen through, drop them into zip-top bags and return them to the freezer for later use. They will keep this way for up to a year. Once they thaw they will be mushy, but the flavor will be just as fresh. Thawed frozen berries are perfect for muffins, cakes and syrups.
Many home cooks like to make strawberry preserves. If you aren’t up to the canning process, you can make a simple frozen jam. Mix together 2 cups of crushed strawberries (about a quart of strawberries will crush to 2 cups) and sugar to taste (up to 3/4 cup). Set aside. Place 4 cups of water, and a box of Sure Gel® in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil and let it boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the water mixture to the berry mixture and stir about 3 minutes. Pour the mixture into sterile freezer containers. Cover tightly and let sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then freeze. Thawed, the preserves will keep in the refrigerator up to 3 weeks.
But do yourself a favor—don’t cancel out the health benefits of strawberries (1 cup will give you 50% of your daily requirement of vitamin C and 15% of your needed fiber) by dumping a lot of sugar on them. Just clean them and eat them raw and fresh.
Gotta go. Everyone else is up over a dozen berries a piece. I’m way behind and one thing I’ve learned about goodies in this family: you snooze, you lose!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Our Lunch Adventure
Yesterday my friend Nannette took me out to lunch. We went to the Penguin Drive-In in Charlotte. Nannette has lived here all her life, heard about the Penguin all her life, and never eaten there.
We drove and drove and drove and missed our turn once. We ended up calling Mensa Boy at his office to see where we went wrong. (note to self: give Nannette a map of Charlotte for her car...just for my own peace of mind)
We finally found the place, and saw all these folks standing outside chatting, drinking various beverages...mostly sweet tea, of course.
The building is no bigger than an auto repair shop. And it's not a drive-in anymore. When we opened the door, we saw maybe 15 tables in there, a bar in front of the grill, and it was packed and noisy. We looked at each other, wondering if we should stay.
The hostess came up to us and said "Come in and shut the door." I told her we weren't sure if we were staying.
"Of course you'll stay, and it will be worth the wait," she replied.
She took my name, suggested we get a drink and hang around. "I'll come find you when I have a table for you."
"So we can wait outside and you'll find us?" I asked.
"I don't care what you do, as long as you clean up your own mess," she said.
And so we hung around. Soaking in the racket and the people and mainly watching the hostess. The girl was maybe in her late 20s? With a bright red eye shadow. I was fascinated by the eye shadow. And the way she and the obvious regulars greeted each other. Big hugs, loud exclamations. You know, those of you ladies that might have trouble with fellows looking at you with their eyes focused lower than your face? Try a stripe of scarlet-colored eye shadow above each eye. That should keep their attention focused on your face. For a while, anyway. Maybe you ought to have little designs drawn up there...
The fellow who was the waiter was also fascinating. He had this earring that looked like two claws hooked together on either side of his earlobe. Later Nannette commented that his hairstyle made him kind of look like a penguin. All swept upward into a point. I admit I hadn't noticed that.
After about 15-20 minutes, we were given a table. Big enough for 4. There were still a few folks waiting, so we told the hostess we'd be happy to share a table with another couple. We figured no one could hear our conversation anyway...we'd be lucky if we could hear each other!
I don't think people make that offer very often. The hostess seemed a bit surprised and then went to figure out who would be game to sit with two strangers. She brought us a nice couple from Ohio who were in town for Speed Street. They come every year and like to try restaurants they hear about. They'd heard about the Penguin on the Food Network.
We ended up talking to them throughout our meal, and the waiter stopped by every once in a while to be sure we were "getting along." They ordered fried pickles, which I'd never had. Apparently that is a delicacy in Ohio as well. The order they received was huge, so they shared them with us. I had one...when they were very hot. I have to say I liked it. But I didn't have any more because I was under the impression that they would not be very good once they cooled.
We talked about various places to eat. They had gone to Statesville the day before and eaten at Carolina Bar B Q of Statesville...our family ate there last year and really liked it. I asked them if they'd tried Bill Spoon's BBQ in Charlotte. They had not, so I told them about where it was. And we told them about South 21 Drive-In.
The burgers were pretty good. If I lived in the neighborhood, I imagine I'd go there when jones-ing for a good burger. It's a lot like Matt's in Minneapolis, or the 5-8 Club.
It was a fun lunch! Took 3.5 hours total, but very fun. I think we are going to try to hit some other fun places throughout the summer. And I will definitely put a map in her car. Even if I have to do it when she's not looking!
We drove and drove and drove and missed our turn once. We ended up calling Mensa Boy at his office to see where we went wrong. (note to self: give Nannette a map of Charlotte for her car...just for my own peace of mind)
We finally found the place, and saw all these folks standing outside chatting, drinking various beverages...mostly sweet tea, of course.
The building is no bigger than an auto repair shop. And it's not a drive-in anymore. When we opened the door, we saw maybe 15 tables in there, a bar in front of the grill, and it was packed and noisy. We looked at each other, wondering if we should stay.
The hostess came up to us and said "Come in and shut the door." I told her we weren't sure if we were staying.
"Of course you'll stay, and it will be worth the wait," she replied.
She took my name, suggested we get a drink and hang around. "I'll come find you when I have a table for you."
"So we can wait outside and you'll find us?" I asked.
"I don't care what you do, as long as you clean up your own mess," she said.
And so we hung around. Soaking in the racket and the people and mainly watching the hostess. The girl was maybe in her late 20s? With a bright red eye shadow. I was fascinated by the eye shadow. And the way she and the obvious regulars greeted each other. Big hugs, loud exclamations. You know, those of you ladies that might have trouble with fellows looking at you with their eyes focused lower than your face? Try a stripe of scarlet-colored eye shadow above each eye. That should keep their attention focused on your face. For a while, anyway. Maybe you ought to have little designs drawn up there...
The fellow who was the waiter was also fascinating. He had this earring that looked like two claws hooked together on either side of his earlobe. Later Nannette commented that his hairstyle made him kind of look like a penguin. All swept upward into a point. I admit I hadn't noticed that.
After about 15-20 minutes, we were given a table. Big enough for 4. There were still a few folks waiting, so we told the hostess we'd be happy to share a table with another couple. We figured no one could hear our conversation anyway...we'd be lucky if we could hear each other!
I don't think people make that offer very often. The hostess seemed a bit surprised and then went to figure out who would be game to sit with two strangers. She brought us a nice couple from Ohio who were in town for Speed Street. They come every year and like to try restaurants they hear about. They'd heard about the Penguin on the Food Network.
We ended up talking to them throughout our meal, and the waiter stopped by every once in a while to be sure we were "getting along." They ordered fried pickles, which I'd never had. Apparently that is a delicacy in Ohio as well. The order they received was huge, so they shared them with us. I had one...when they were very hot. I have to say I liked it. But I didn't have any more because I was under the impression that they would not be very good once they cooled.
We talked about various places to eat. They had gone to Statesville the day before and eaten at Carolina Bar B Q of Statesville...our family ate there last year and really liked it. I asked them if they'd tried Bill Spoon's BBQ in Charlotte. They had not, so I told them about where it was. And we told them about South 21 Drive-In.
The burgers were pretty good. If I lived in the neighborhood, I imagine I'd go there when jones-ing for a good burger. It's a lot like Matt's in Minneapolis, or the 5-8 Club.
It was a fun lunch! Took 3.5 hours total, but very fun. I think we are going to try to hit some other fun places throughout the summer. And I will definitely put a map in her car. Even if I have to do it when she's not looking!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Passing on the Skill
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!
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!
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?]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)