Vintage Lavender & Lace

My Promises

2011-05-30T11:22:00.003-04:00

Sometimes All You Need is a Hug From Mom...

2011-05-26T19:29:00.000-04:00

How Does My Garden Grow?

2011-05-17T09:35:00.001-04:00

Tried something new this year - I am growing flowers from seed - let's follow along...

The seeds & peat pot "greenhouse"

The peat pots before water & seeds

The peat pots eally expanded after water was added

The seeds sprouted only after 2 days

I planted the zinnia seedlings directly inbto the ground & a big galvanized tub. I will keep us posted on their development.

Life’s Little Instructions

2011-03-31T16:35:00.003-04:00

Sing in the shower.

Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

Watch a sunrise at least once a year.

Leave the toilet seat in the down position.

Never refuse homemade brownies.

Strive for excellence, not perfection.

Plant a tree on your birthday.

Learn 3 clean jokes.

Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full.

Compliment 3 people every day.

Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.

Leave everything a little better than you found it.

Keep it simple.

Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.

Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

Floss your teeth.

Ask for a raise when you think you've earned it.

Overtip breakfast waitresses.

Be forgiving of yourself and others.

Say, "Thank you" a lot.

Say, "Please" a lot.

Avoid negative people.

Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards.

Wear polished shoes.

Remember other people's birthdays.

Commit yourself to constant improvement.

Carry jumper cables in your truck.

Have a firm handshake.

Send lots of Valentine cards.

Sign them, "Someone who thinks you're terrific."

Look people in the eye.

Be the first to say hello.

Use the good silver.

Return all things you borrow.

Make new friends, but cherish the old ones.

Keep a few secrets.

Sing in a choir.

Plant flowers every spring.

Have a dog.

Always accept an outstretched hand.

Stop blaming others.

Take responsibility for every area of your life.

Wave at kids on school busses.

Be there when people need you.

Feed a stranger's expired parking meter.

Don't expect life to be fair.

Never underestimate the power of love.

Drink champagne for no reason at all.

Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation.

Don't be afraid to say, "I made a mistake."

Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."

Compliment even small improvements.

Keep your promises no matter what.

Marry for love.

Rekindle old friendships.

Count your blessings.

Call your mother.

by H. Jackson Brown Jr.

My Hero, My Friend - Doris Jelinek

2011-03-29T09:01:00.004-04:00

Doris & her amazing story of survival & strength
http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/03/from-darkness-and-despair-doris-story.html?spref=fb

Don't Feed the Bad Wolf.

2011-03-28T09:08:00.000-04:00

An elderly Cherokee Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life…

He said to them, “A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One wolf is evil—he is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority, and ego.

The other is good—he is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too.”

They thought about it for a minute, and then one child asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win, Grandfather?”

The Elder simply replied, “The one you feed.”

Mayonnaise Jar & Two Beers...

2011-03-22T10:15:00.002-04:00

Not intended to be posted today - found this as a draft while editing some older posts - so I set a record today - 3 posts in one day!

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full.
They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes". The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand and the students laughed.
Now, said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.
The sand is everything else---the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life."

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Spend time with your children.
Spend time with your parents.
Visit with grandparents.
Take your spouse out to dinner.
Play another 18.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter.
Set your priorities.
The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented.
The professor smiled and said, "I'm glad you asked. The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend."

Wreck This Journal

2011-03-22T09:55:00.002-04:00

Yes two posts on the same day!

Now that I can find things again in my "studio", I am definately going to start projects again.

I am kicking it off with "Wreck This Journal"

"For anyone who's ever wished to, but had trouble starting, keeping, or finishing a journal or sketchbook comes Wreck This Journal, an illustrated book that features a subversive collection of prompts, asking readers to muster up their best mistake- and mess-making abilities to fill the pages of the book (and destroy them). Acclaimed illustrator Keri Smith encourages journalers to engage in "destructive" acts-poking holes through pages, adding photos and defacing them, painting with coffee, and more-in order to experience the true creative process. Readers discover a new way of art and journal making-and new ways to escape the fear of the blank page and fully engage in the creative process." (Thanks Amazon)

We shall see how this goes!

Can You Say Spring Cleaning?

2011-03-22T09:22:00.003-04:00

Massive, massive cleaning!!!!!

I have cleaned & purged the master closet room (yes room - we converted a tiny bedroom into a full closet - love it!). I got rid of clothing & shoes we haven't worn in a long time. Clothes that were ripped, torn, stained & even clothes that were not. Clothes that were a bit snug or just weren't flattering anymore (no I am not going to save them until I loose weight, cause I'm not!). Bought a huggable hanger knock off (from The Christmas Tree Shop - 10 for $4.99 - cheapest anywhere! [they had to be, we bought about 100]) & yes they do exactly what the TV people say they do - gives more space & nothing falls off them.

Next we cleaned out the pantry/laundry/boiler room. Got a new washer & dryer, rearranged the room so it's now easier to do laundry (if that's possible), organized the shelves, put things in containers & jars & actually LABELED everything, yes it's true!

And last, but certainly not least, I cleaned out my craft room - years of stuff that I swore I needed & couldn't live without & of course was definitely going to absolutely use someday. Yup - sorted, tossed, organized & finally can see things (like the floor) & actually use the good stuff I saved.

Our garbage men hate us, as I swear we have put out at least 75 black garbage bags to the curb so far, with at least 25 or so waiting to go out!

We do have one more black hole we have to tackle & that's the attic. Lord that is going to be rough, but it has to be done. I will be tying a rope around my waist so if I don't come out after a day or two, they can rescue me!

Be Kind

2011-02-10T15:03:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it is so darn hard!

Just Say NO to a Dishwasher!

2011-02-04T14:37:00.002-05:00

I don't have a dishwasher - oh the horror!

When my parents purchased this house in 1974, it did not have a dishwasher - most houses then did not (except for the "big" houses - which this house is not!). As a kid growing up in Broklyn, that place certainly did not have a dishwasher - that is until I turned about 8 - then I became the dish washer, and I have been hand washing dishes ever since.

Now that I took over my parents house, I have left the kithcen as is - sans a dishwasher. I hear audible gasps from people when I say that we don't have one. What is the big deal?

Thinking about it, dishwashers kind of skeive me out anyway. The thought of dirty dishes sitting in there for 1,2 or 3 days makes me cringe. I often wonder too, exactly how many dishes must one own in order to let a dishwasher fill up yet still have dishes to eat off of?

See, I have grown accustomed to and actually like washing dishes (shhhh - don't tell my family). My sink is at the window which looks out into my backyard, which I love. I can watch the rabbit or the birds at the feeder or the dogs running when they are out. In the warmer months, the window is wide open, which makes it even nicer.

I guess I have developed a system, and hand washing isn't really that bad. I usually have the radio on, just about everyone has left the kitchen (except the dogs) and I actually can relax - lose myself in my thoughts if you will. Most days I look forward to "my time". I'd be lying if there weren't times when I cursed doing them, but fortunately those times are not too often.

So call me crazy - but yes I have no dishwasher. (Hah - the house in Maine has one - wonder what I'll use it for!)

My little dishwashing haven

I am a sparkle - no longer a paper bag in the wind

2011-01-20T10:01:00.001-05:00

The words of this song scream out to me!!!
I finally let my sparkle shine about 10 years ago; before then I felt like I was just like a paper bag floating in the wind.

100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011!

2011-01-18T07:06:00.002-05:00

We'll see if I can do this!!! My kindle helps - I go everywhere with it & I swear I can read more with it than ever before. But 100 books????? LOL! :)

ETA: This challenge will include ALL books I read - cookbooks, etc. My other challenge will be just "novels".

Challenge Details

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011
• Rules - Read 100 or more books in 2011
• All books can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.
• Only print books and ebooks count (no audiobooks).
• You can join anytime.

Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening....

2010-12-26T18:51:00.002-05:00

This is what it looks like outside my window tonight! At least it's Christmas break & big Guy doesn't have to be in until 2 o'clock tomorrow. Ahhhh a sleep in morning!

The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.
~Robert Frost

An Inspriational Key Note Speaker - Patti Ann McDonald

2010-11-19T11:17:00.006-05:00

I recently attended Holy Trinity Diocesan High School's 3rd annual Women's Communion Breakfast. It was truely an inspriational and somewhat emotional event for me. (More photos here)

Patti Ann McDonald, wife of NYC policer officer, Steven McDonald, and now mayor of Malverne, was the keynote speaker. Their story riveted my since the time it happened. His forgiving of his assailant and her decision to stick with and by her paralyzed husband always tugged at my heart.

She spoke of the event and their life immediately after. She spoke of her husband's forgiving the gunman and of their new, deeper faith in God.

She also went on to speak of what it is like to live with and care for a handicapped person, whether physical or mental, and the trying and often God questioning times. How could God have let this happen, why her, a young newlywed and eight month pregnant bride? She was just begining her life and she was then handed a burden for her to carry on for the rest of her life. This is when she opened my soul and looked inside - it was almost as if she was speaking directly to me . I was moved to tears. I realized that I am not alone in my journey, having to care for my handicapped brother, and that other people get as discouraged as I, but they get through it.

I mentioned this whole thing to a friend of mine, who also is the sister of a mentally handicapped man and she said "you were meant to be there and hear her speak." She was so right; I was able to look inside my soul and make room for all that my brother gives me, realizing that it will always be hard, but I can get through it.

On another note, sitting in the chapel that day, I got emotional just thinking about my son and his experiences, not only in that chapel, but in that faith filled school and how quickly life sped up to get us to this point in his life - a Sophmore in High School - and as usual I got teary eyed!

Patti Ann & Steven

Steven & Fr. Joe

Sqawking Blue Jays - noisy theives!

2010-10-19T21:28:00.009-04:00

I feed birds in my back yard, I have since we moved in as a kid way back in the early '70s. Seed, suet, stale bread - whatever we can find - out it goes. We have always gotten great pleasure watching the birds, me, mom, dad and eventually big and little Guy - darling husband Guy now has a routine on how he fills up our 5 feeders. He even went so far as to set up things in Maine to attrack birds too!

I have taken to putting millet and nyjer seed and peanuts on top of our rabbit hutch (our hutch is about ten feet long with a flat roof, the perfect platform feeder.) I've begun buying millet, cracked corn, nyger and peanuts from a company called Prdseed (love that name!) and we store everything in galvanized garbage cans (to keep out the critters) in the shed.

Blue Jays LOVE peanuts and as soon as a batch goes out, that insane racket they make starts - one calls another and then that one another and so on. It's funny, only one Jay at a time swoops in, grabs a peanut in it's beak and then flies into a tree to crack it open and munch it down - never two, I guess it's a Blue Jay culture thing.

When the weather is clear and crisp as it's been lately, and the Jays come, I am instanltly transported to Maine - you see every morning is clear and crisp and Jays constantly squawk there, so when I hear them around here, it's a deja 'vu thing - I guess that's why I do it - for "that feeling".

John Lennon Google Doodle - Happy Birthday John

2010-10-08T15:25:00.001-04:00

Argan Oil

2010-10-08T09:56:00.004-04:00

I found a real treasure for moisturizing my face - Argan Oil.

Argan Tree

Pits & Seeds

Argan oil is an oil produced from the kernels of the Argan tree, native to Morocco, it is valued for its nutritional, cosmetic and medicinal properties. Ancient people of Morocco would collect undigested argan pits from the waste of goats which climb the trees to eat their fruit. The pits were then ground and pressed to make the nutty oil used in cooking and cosmetics. Hopefully today's oil is harvested in a much more sanitary way! But it just goes to show how great this oil is, if people were willing to go to these extremes just to harvest it!!!

Using oil on my face at first seemed incongruous, after all weren't we taught that we had to get rid of the oils on our face? But I realize the opposite is true (even if you have "oily" skin), if you hydrate your skin with the right kind of oil, it won't need to produce oil, thus making your face oily.

I use Josie Maran brand & adore it!

I also use oils to cleanse my face, but I make up my own concoction! Three parts extra virgin olive oil (moisturizes) and one part of castor oil (cleansing), I put itnto a spray bottle and use twice a day - better than anything I ever have purchased over the counter!

The Not So Itsy Bitsy Spider

2010-10-03T21:15:00.002-04:00

A visitor set up house my garden - a creepy, ugly spider. They make my skin crawl - but this one fascinated me for some reason.

The eensy weensy spider
Crawled up the water spout
Down came the rain
   And washed the spider out
    Out came the sun
     And dried up all the rain
      And the eensy weensy spider
       Crawled up the spout again.
Sorry I could not resist

The Last Rose of Summer

2010-10-02T20:27:00.004-04:00

It is sad to see the last, rugged rose bush, produce one more beauty befor settling down for a long winter nap. This is the same palnt that gave me a glorious bloom a few years ago (my perfect rose post). Beauty still prevails.

See you next year!

Moonflowers & Morning Glories

2010-10-01T19:46:00.002-04:00

Many gardeners consider Morning Glories too invasisve, nothing but a glorified weed. Not me! They are an absolute staple in my garden. I now grow them from seed, taking advantage of the pods that form after the flowers are gone. I simply crush the pod between my fingers & spread the seed on the ground. I scatter them along fence posts, birdfeeder poles & even near climbing roses & just let them climb the canes. They are easy, simple to grow & add a touch of delight in the garden.

Of course I can't just leave things alone, so a few years back I began

companion planting Moonflowers, along with the Morning Glories.

Just like the name implies, they flower in the evening - big, beautiful

white trumpets of beauty! So just as the Morning Glories tire out

for the day, Moonflowers take their place. I love them to death!

Rosehips in My Garden

2010-09-29T20:58:00.002-04:00

I love to garden and one of my favorite things to grow are roses. At last count, I have about 20 bushes. Most give me beautiful blossoms at least once a summer, while others grace me with a second bloom later in the season. In all the years I have been growing roses however, I never had any bush produce rosehips, until now.

I never had intentions to actually grow rosehips, it just happened. When I got back from Maine, one of the Rugosa variety of roses, began forming them. Rosehips are simply the seed pods of the rose plant. They aren’t a kind of plant themselves, they are the “fruit” of the rose plant, looking somewhat like a tiny crab apple or cherry, and full of seeds.

Why am I excited? Because this never happened in my garden before and things like this make me excited and happy (I lead a sad life what can I say?)

Early Christians considered rose hips to be sacred, and crafted the first rosary beads from rose hips. An interesting sidebar that I only learned today. ( Rosehip rosary)

The Rainbow Connection

2010-09-28T09:08:00.003-04:00

Today the morning sky was different! It was a bright orange - so beautiful! Then it started to rain and behold a rainbow - two in fact!

This got me to thinking about this song - so many versions, but I like Kenny Loggins best!

My life's quote - by my son Guy

2010-09-16T10:09:00.000-04:00

Guy had a reigion project to do; he had to take a quote by a famous person which would sum up his life in a 10 second advertisement. This is what he picked:

This brought tears to my eyes, as he is one very determined and able bodied young man. He couldn't have choosen anything more appropriate. (Love you loads Guy! <3)

Ahhh Schucks - how corny can you get?

2010-09-14T08:47:00.002-04:00

A lot apparently!

We visited The East End recently & hit some farmstands. Came home with a huge bag of corn-on-the-cob (about 60 ears).

I decided to blanch the ears, cool them, strip the kernals off the cob & the freeze them in serving size ziplock bags. Not a lot of work & now we'll be able to have sweet corn for a while!

Bean Suppah....

2010-08-27T21:02:00.007-04:00

I have always been intriqued by and always LOVED Bean Suppahs.

"Maine Bean Suppah" ~Sharon Kitchens - (Portland Examiner)

"According to the University of Maine's Folklife Center, the practice of baked bean suppers originated with the pilgrims who prepared enough food cooked on a Saturday to last through Sunday. The tradition of these dinners has been heavily influenced by early Native American Indians whose diet consisted of beans, corn and squash. These no frills events are memorable for the abundance of food and as a time and place for members of the community to congregate. Generally, the suppers are held in a public space such as a church, grange or firehouse.

The website Bean Suppah.org offers a crash course on the New England tradition of potlucks featuring Boston baked beans as the main dish. The site also offers information on how to incorporate more locally produced foods into your meals by providing links to community groups, Maine food sources and recipes using Maine sourced ingredients. The goals of the Maine Bean Suppah Project include supporting local growers by including homegrown foods at events open to the public and providing interesting historical information and food facts about Maine heirloom beans and bean supper traditions.

The Maine Bean Suppah project identifies traditional Maine beans as Yellow Eye, Jacob's Cattle (Trout Beans), Marifax, Soldier, Sulphur (Yellow China) and non-traditional as pea and kidney beans. Additional components of a traditional Maine Bean Supper include maple syrup, salt pork, bacon, onions and mustard. Customary dinner ingredients include carrots, cabbage, potatoes, honey, milk, cream, butter, cheese, eggs, tomatoes, green beans, pickles, apples, blueberries, cherries, fish and seafood."

While some people in our circle have poo-pooed them, to me they are one of the greatest traditions that I can participate in. While in Maine this summer, we attended three of them. My husband Guy went to a lot of them as a child, as that's what was done in Maine on a Saturday night. I can proudly say that my son Guy now enjoys them and actually loves the food served there.

Tonight I prepared a version of a Bean Suppah - complete with imported "red hot dogs" & B&M brown bread. I shared the meal with dad and brother and they loved it too! I think I will make this a tradition of our own, but not too often, so as not to spoil the uniqueness!

Gone Country - This Ain't Nothin'

2010-08-18T21:02:00.003-04:00

Every year when ever we went to Maine (it was 29 years this summer) we came away with what we now call a "Maine Song"; you know that song that you hear playing on the radio all the time, when you're in the car, pool and even in the store.

It started kind of innocently - we'd reminisce about something we did or where we were when we heard that song, and soon it became "A Maine Song". Sometimes we'd wait to see what song was played the most that trip, while other times it just happened - every time we got in the car - it was playing, or the time we went to camp, it was playing or if we were just hanging around the house, the radio would play it a dozen times.

Now even my son is into the game, he waits to see what song it's going to be. This summer, I really got into Country music a lot. The radio in the garage was tuned to a country station and rather than change it, I left it on for background noise. But as I was washing & hanging clothes or doing some other mundane chore, I actually listed to the words of many of the songs, and realized that that stuff was GOOD!

So this summer, by a unanimous vote, the following song is this years Maine Song ( I love it & love the video even more! - who'd thunk!!!!)

Geocaching - a new hobby?

2010-08-10T20:26:00.007-04:00

A few years ago I purchased a cheap GPS with the intentions of Geocaching, it never got off the ground.
Last week I got the bug again and joined Geocaching.com (hmmm...can't put a link in) I then took it a step further and visted L.L. Bean and purchased a Delorme PN-40, a bit pricy, but a device which would make the whole process a bit easier. (I hoped!)
Today I tried it out and found my first cache at a stop sign I have passed dozens of times, less than 1/4 mile from the house. Found four more after that - this could be addicting!

"Be like the flower, turn your face to the sun."~Gibran

2010-08-07T20:46:00.007-04:00

What a better way to start your day than with a field of bright, golden sunflowers!

There is a farm on Sweetser Rd. that has a huge field of these beauties! Someday I will have such a field!

Adopt a grave

2010-07-29T21:47:00.015-04:00

I tended my in-laws grave in Walnut Hill Cemetary and while there I snapped pictures of random, interesting headstones.

(What can I tell you, I'm weird that way). Anyway, as a lark I Googled a name - Larrabee Harris from one of the headstones & got a hit - I decided, on the same lark, to continue the tracing and found this:

Birth: Sep. 1, 1781, Yarmouth, Cumberland County, Maine, USA
Death: unknown

Larrabee was the son of Stephen Larrabee and Lydia (Tuttle) Harris.

On Oct. 27, 1808 in Gray, Cumberland County, Maine he was United In Marriage to Judith Delano.

He was the father of ten children, Lydia 1809, Amaziah 1810, Stephen 1812, Almira 1814, Asenath 1816, Jane 1818, Ezekiel 1820, Joseph Russell 1822, Olive 1825 and Eliza 1827.

He was the brother of Hannah 1776, Rachel 1778 and Stephen 1780.

The Harris family were English and the first members of this family arrived in the United States of America on the May Flower.

Family links:
Parents:
Stephen Larrabee Harris
Lydia Tuttle Harris

Children:
Amiaziah Delano Harris (1810 - 1889)*
Stephen Larrabee Harris (1812 - 1888)*
Joseph Russell Harris (1822 - 1902)*

Spouse:
Judith Delano Harris (1792 - 1834)

Burial:
Unknown

A family memeber by the name of Linda, posted this information on the website "Find a Grave" - she posted a request to share information about this family - I sent her an e-mail, along with a copy of the pics I took, giving her the date of her ancestor's death. Who knows if she'll answer - hope she will.

I find this stuff so fascinating.

Watching Hummingbirds from the porch

2010-07-18T23:38:00.006-04:00

For years, when I was visiting Maine, my mother-in-law Marie & I, would while away the afternoon sitting on the porch swing, sharing a cup of tea, quietly talking and watching the Hummingbirds.

Each Mother's Day, we would give her a plant for her garden. Every year it would be something different - Lilacs, Azaleas or Bleeding Hearts; whatever it was, she was always thrilled and she planted each one in a special spot.

One year I picked out a pink Phlox, which she planted directly in front of the porch. Perhaps it was beacause the ground was rich, or because it got the hot afternnon sun, it grew and grew. It grew so tall, that we were able to see it from the swing.

One visit, we were surprised by a visit from a tiny Hummingbird. We sat fasinated by it, and it returned everyday for days and kept us entertained for hours. Every visit thereafter, we sat and rocked and waited for the Hummingbird, and it never disappointed us.

This trip, while not able to sit on the swing, I still kept an eye out for a visitor and today was the day! Yup - a sweet little Hummingbird showed up to take a nectar break! I'm sure Marie is smiling from above!

We spied an Osprey newst today

2010-07-17T22:02:00.003-04:00

They usually perch atop of platforms or other flat, high surfaces. Very cool.

At least we are protected from aliens!

2010-07-12T22:47:00.008-04:00

Since we don't have cable in Maine (i.e. we don't subscribe to cable)and with the switch to digital signal, we had to be very creative to get any kind of stations while here.

We have the "converter" box - which is like tits on a bullfrog (sorry - but true)it does nothing really. So we purchased an antenna from Wal-Mart and still no reception. This is when I tell Guy to get me the aluminum foil - the look on his face made me realize that he truly had no idea what I was going to do.

This soon to be 15 year old, who never had anything but cable TV, with a choice of 300+ channels, never had to make an antenna from tin foil or a wire coat hanger. How many times did I hook up my old 16" black and white TV I had in my room to long speaker wires wrapped in foil? Or to bend a metal coat hanger and attach it to my portable radio to get better reception? Too many to count!

Anyway, I went to work and began to build a Rube Goldberg television antenna, while Guy looked on in hesitation, thinking his mother really flipped her lid. This is what we wound up with

We started with one channel & now have eight - woo hoo!!!!

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad - 58yrs

2010-06-29T15:04:00.002-04:00

Home Sweet Home

2010-06-29T11:57:00.004-04:00

My perfect rose

2010-06-27T21:51:00.004-04:00

“Love is much like a wild rose, beautiful and calm, but willing to draw blood in its defense.” ~Mark Overby

Flea Market Memories

2010-06-26T21:34:00.015-04:00

Dh & I love to "sale" & "flea" every weekend. This is how I find so many of my garden, house & shop treasures. Today, instead of the usual jaunts through the south shore, we decided to venture into Queens (NY) & visit the flea market at Aqueduct Raceway. Boy, were we in for a surprise! We never realized how big it is, nor how diverse in ethnicity & cultures it was. We did a lot of bargain shopping & we will definately re-visit!

This got me to thinking of how many other flea markets we've frequented over the years - many out of state, stopping as we pass them, but none were like the ones we visited as teenagers and young adults - like the one of a kind Roosevelt Raceway flea market

Sadly the raceway was demolished to make way for "senior housing" & more stores.

Then there was Bethpage Farmers Market - which I went to with the parents, almost every weekend for fruits & vegetables, fish & other assorted goodies. Guy & I used to visit there a lot too - one of our favorite resturants, The Crystal Ship, was located there

Mysteriously, this caught fire & burned to the ground & Lowes now stands there.

Finally our current favorite, The Bellmore flea market. It is held at the train station every week, alternately being sponsored by The Bellmore Kwians Club & The Bellmore Synagogue - one of the best!

2010-06-25T20:39:00.003-04:00

Look what visited my neighborhood this morning! Yes - they make that wonderful tapping sound, that's what helped me track him down - I followed his rhythm.

Even the woodpecker owes his success to the fact that he uses his head and keeps pecking away until he finishes the job he starts”
~Coleman Cox

A true man of God

2010-06-24T21:42:00.009-04:00

I have been a parishioner of St. Barnabas The Apostle Church St. Barnabas RC Church since 1974. I am a Cradle Catholic & religion is a very big part of my life.

I love my Church - it is my place of refuge and haven of peace. I was married there, Christened my son there, sent him to it's Parochial School and he received his First Holy Communion and Confirmation there. I lead Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops affiliated with St. Banabas and currently teach fourth grade Catechism there. It is so intertwined in my life, I really cannot separate it from my being.

It is quite majestic, as seen in this post and it's beauty is attibuted to one glorious man, Father Peter Dooley (Father Peter as he is affectionatley called). He lead our Church for the last sixteen years. In that time he has brought me back into my religion like never before. My Parish was no longer stuffy or righteous. It allowed me to worship and belong with no qualms or inhibitions. It was like he opened a window and allowed a fresh breeze to blow through it.

He took all of us to his heart, he loved our school and loved his people.

Sadly, he was recently reassigned to another Church, as is the policy of the Diocese (we were lucky he stayed as long as he did - he received several "reprieves" and was able to stay on several times). His time was up and it was a sad day for my Parish. He will be greatly missed.

God Speed Father Peter.

Started a new garden plot

2010-06-23T18:39:00.004-04:00

We put a new fence up across the back this Spring - so of course I had to plant a new flower bed there. Found a darling chair & painted it up & made it the focal point of the new bed. The old galvanized can belonged to Guy's mom - took it home from Maine - fits perfect!

New composting ways....

2010-06-22T22:15:00.011-04:00

I was using an old ketchup container to hold kitchen scraps, which I would dump into the outdoor composter.

Recently, during one of my Saturday morning scavenger hunts, I ran into a real gem - a beautiful, red enamel tin, with a lid - perfect for my kitchen & for holding scraps! It sits perfectly in the corner & washes well too!

I "harvested" two years worth of compost - I gathered pounds & pounds of rich, beautiful earth. Which I spread around all my flower beds.

Sadly I dismantled the black plastic bin and sent it to the graveyard. Compost in a closed container has to be aerated. It was a hassle to have to "stir" it all the time. So I finally reverted to an old fashioned open, wire bin. It is easy to get to, dump in and never has to be stirred. It sits contentedly under the pines, carfully guarded by a sleeping cow!

My Winter Wonderland

2010-02-28T19:53:00.012-05:00

While not a photographer by any means - just a few shots of things that caught my eye during our latest storm....

Katrina Kenison - The Gift of an Ordinary Day (Did I tell you I love my son?)

2010-02-17T20:28:00.011-05:00

He is growing so fast - not the cute little boy I once held in my arms. I know we are supposed to raise them, only to let them go - but sometimes that thought just devestates me! I want to share this video that a mother of four beautiful boys sent me - it sums up motherhood quite well. (Get your tissues out!)

Here he is through the years...

Seventeenth Summer - by Maureen Daly

2010-01-04T16:45:00.007-05:00

Is one of my favorite - no make that my MOST favorite book! I was first introduced to this book when I was in 6th grade - by a fabulous teacher by the name of Mrs. Gainsa. I eagarly read it then and have continued to do so every two years or so ever since.

Each time I read it, I get transported to Fon Du Lac, and that glorious summer - the writing is so descriptive that I feel as if I am actually there and experiencing what Angie Morrow felt that glorious summer when she first fell in love.

Until the summer before college, Angie Morrow didn't really date. Her mother didin't like her to go out much. But no one -- not even Angie's mother -- can resist the charm of strikingly handsome Jack Duluth. His good looks grab Angies's attention from the moment in June when Jack throws Angie a smile at McKight's drugstore. And on their first date sailing under the stars -- when Jack leans in and whispers to Angie, "You look nice with the wind in your hair," the strange new feeling s begin. Tingles, prickles, warmth: the tell-tale signs of romance. It's the beginning of an unforgettable summer for Angie, full of wonder, warmth, tears, challenge, and love.

Those Who Bloom

2009-12-09T18:52:00.004-05:00

Life is Good

2009-12-04T08:35:00.003-05:00

Never too many Books ---- My Sentiment Exactly

2009-11-29T15:49:00.005-05:00

My Advice....

2009-11-28T07:39:00.005-05:00

Works for me................now anyway

Oh So Sweet Version of the Star Spangled Banner!

2009-11-25T12:18:00.005-05:00

Gives me goose bumps!

Worth It......................

2009-11-22T20:58:00.003-05:00

My State of Mind Lately......

2009-11-18T08:53:00.008-05:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pics courtesy of
http://www.jazjaz.net/2009/04/40-hauntingly-beautiful-photographs-taken-in-graveyards.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My state of mind courtesy of life

Things I've Learned

2009-11-12T19:49:00.007-05:00

1.I've learned ... that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
2. I've learned ... that when you're in love, it shows.
3. I've learned ... that just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.
4. I've learned ... that I feel better about myself when I make others feel better about themselves.
5. I've learned ... that having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
6. I've learned ... that what we have done for ourselves alone dies with us.
What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.
7. I've learned ... that one sincere apology is worth more than all the
roses money can buy. If you practice you'll have to do less of this.
8. I've learned ... that words harshly spoken are as difficult to retrieve as feathers in a gale.
9. I've learned ... that being kind is more important than being right.
10. I've learned ... that you should never say no to a gift from a child.
11. I've learned ... that I can always pray for someone when I don't have
the strength to help him in some other way.
12. I've learned ... that no matter how serious your life requires you to
be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
13. I've learned ... that sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to hear.
14. I've learned ... that the things that I judge, are done by people just like me.
15. I've learned ... that simple walks with my father around the block on
summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
16. I've learned ... that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
17. I've learned ... that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
18. I've learned ... that money doesn't buy class.
19. I've learned ... that it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
20. I've learned ... that once a relationship is over, if you experienced
more smiles than tears, then it wasn't a waste of time.
21. I've learned ... that under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants
to be appreciated and loved.
22. I've learned ... never to humiliate another person. Always give him an
honourable way to back down or out of something and still save face.
23. I've learned ... that even the Lord didn't do it all in one day so what makes me think I can?
24. I've learned ... that if you are still talking about what you did yesterday, you haven't done much today.
25. I've learned ... that to ignore the facts does not change them.
26. I've learned ... that when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
27. I've learned ... that it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life-threatening situation.
28. I've learned ... that a good friend is the one who tells you how you really look in your jeans.
29. I've learned ... that the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
30. and...mostly, I've learned that I have good friends
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

coutesy of ~http://www.poeticexpressions.co.uk/POEMS/Things%20in%20life%20I.htm

“A Woman Should Have”

2009-11-06T09:42:00.007-05:00

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
Enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to.
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
Something perfect to wear if an employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour.
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
A youth she’s content to leave behind.
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …
A past juicy enough that she’s looking forward to
retelling it in her old age.
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …..
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
One friend who always makes her laugh and one who lets her cry.
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ….
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family.
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored.
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …
A feeling of control over her destiny.
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
How to fall in love without losing herself.
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
How to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
When to try harder and WHEN TO WALK AWAY.
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
That she can’t change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents.
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
That her childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
What she would and wouldn’t do for love or more
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
How to live alone even if she doesn’t like it.
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
Whom she can trust, whom she can’t,
and why she shouldn’t take it personally.
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.
where to go, be it to her best friend’s kitchen table,
or a charming inn in the woods,
when her soul needs soothing.
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
What she can and can’t accomplish in a day,
a month, and a year.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~by Maya Angelou

A woman should have an old quilt to wrap her troubles in ~ Grace Lovell

A Broken Sugar Bowl

2009-11-03T09:33:00.006-05:00

I have a broken sugar bowl. My caffeine-deprived fingers fumbled its lid one morning as I was getting my coffee. My oldest son was nearby and said, "Don't worry mommy. You can get a new one."
Simple words that were meant to comfort me. Instead, they broke my heart.
My kids don't have a spirit of thankfulness. Things like toys, games, books and clothes come easily for them. They have generous grandparents, aunts and uncles. And they have a mom who is an uber-bargain-shopper. This has all lead to too much stuff. And not enough gratitude. When something breaks, we just get a new one. I decided that moment would be a teaching moment. We talked about being grateful for what we have and caring for our things because sometimes, when something breaks, it can't be replaced. Sometimes we fix what's been broken and sometimes we make due (do?) without.
And so we carefully pieced back together the lid of my sugar bowl. We found each little sliver of ceramic and super-glued it in place. Nearly 2 years later, I still have my broken sugar bowl. I could run to Target and buy a new one for $6. I could probably find a nearly new one at Goodwill for $1. But the lesson that is remembered every single time we use that sugar bowl is worth more than a new one.
We still have too much stuff and not enough gratitude. We also have a bunch of friends who probably wonder why I have a busted sugar bowl. But now we also have a reminder. Even if it's only me that gets the reminding.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The above is thanks to: A Soft Place to Land http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/11/broken-sugar-bowl.html

"A spell lies on the Garden......

2009-09-07T07:55:00.010-04:00

Summer sits. With her finger on her lips as if she heard the steps of Autumn echo on the hill."
~Getrude Huntington McGiffert, writer

This time of the year has always been bittersweet for me.

My garden now has a life of it's own - I raised everything from infancy, nurtured it, grew it, let it mature & for the last two weeks, let it do it's own thing, as it is matured & doing well without me - it too is getting ready for Fall'snap & Winter's sleep.

That crispness in the morning air, yet mild afternoons, stirs an inner feeling in me that somehow only comes out in September. The exciting sense of a new, fresh start as school begins - even as a child I was always excited for school to begin, to me this has always been the season to refresh & renew.

Yet I am sorry to see the last roses of Summer, the tinge of yellow on the curls of leaves, the waning of the crickets chip & the increased activity of the geese flying overhead.

It's funny what can ping your heart making you sad & happy at the same time.

The last rose of Summer?

2009-08-29T21:42:00.012-04:00

My girls put on another super show for me this year - each one gave me at least a dozen blooms each - most a lot more. I dutifully clipped them back in early July & sure enough I got one more show - this one happens to be a real beauty - AND I am showing her off in a real steal I found at Goodwill. During my weekly visit to our local GW to look for things for my Etsy shop, I spied a 4", Royal Selangor, genuine pewter, hammered bud vase - still wrapped in it's original box - all for the outrageous sum of $0.99! It compliments the rose wonderfully and will look wonderful on my mantle along with the rest of my pewter collection.

A Dream About a Monarch Butterfly

2009-08-29T21:33:00.012-04:00

About five years ago I had an idea to plant butterfly bushes right out side my kitchen window - at the entrance to my herb garden. I figured what better way to make doing dishes less chore some than to watch butterflies dancing & flitting while I sud & rinse?

So I purchased three butterfly bushes - so what if they were only about 5" tall - I had high aspirations.

Five summers later - NOTHING!! - That is until the other day. I was casually working in the kitchen when something caught my eye - yup - there it was - the biggest, most beautiful Monarch butterfly - leisurely sipping nectar from my bushes!! I stood there in awe - and perfectly still - until I remembered that I had to get my camera. First I took pictures from my window and then ever so quietly crept outside - she must have sensed me because she stopped immediately - so I just stood there & she flitted right back - let me share!!!

Definitely worth the wait!

Happy Birthday to a Wonderful Guy

2009-08-12T09:42:00.007-04:00

My son turns 14 today! Wow - it seems like yesterday - but a lifetime ago. I can't remember life without him.

Happy Birthday Guy!

As luck would have it....................

2009-08-11T10:28:00.012-04:00

We play car tag at our house since we have three cars, so one of us is inevitably blocked by the others - so someone (me) always has to go and rearrange cars. Lately I just have taken to parking on the street (since I have been so lazy lately), but yesterday I had done some errands and had packages to take inside, I pulled onto the driveway. I never got around to moving and it turns out that was a good thing - because out of the clear blue - a huge limb fell off from the otherwise healthy tree in front of our house right onto the spot where my car would have been!!!! And it defiantly would have been destroyed! Maybe my luck is changing!

Teddy the wonder dog is checking things out.

More Garden Glories

2009-07-26T00:04:00.012-04:00

Another walk through my garden - showing off some of my best.

These are just plain Impatiens - but I love the way this batch has grown. These are the workhorse of the garden - lowly - but they do show off and fill in the gaps!

This dastardly Clematis has finally took hold and bloomed - I find them extremely hard to grow - but this one was worth the wait!

I planted a lot of Dahlia tubers - not much success - must read up on what to do for next year. I did get these great flowers, unfortunately a storm, two days after this picture was taken, bent the stem in half (which was staked I might add). This beauty is now gracing my coffee table.

I have been nursing these two bushes for about four years & finally they have given me hydrangeas as big as cheer pom-poms!

Wonderful Star Gazer Lillies

2009-07-25T23:44:00.013-04:00

These girls were planted for the first time this year and they really know how to put on a show - I only wish you can smell how wonderful they make the yard smell! You can smell them clear into the house - better than any air freshener you can buy!!!

Fireplace Candelabra

2009-07-03T22:48:00.015-04:00

I have always wanted one of these - especially since the flue in our fireplace broke and we no longer can actually light a fire. Instead, I found yet another spot to put stuff in - I love the mirror I found and propped against the back wall -it makes everything look endless. Last weekend at the Bellmore flea market, I found this one for $8.00 - a big bag of tea lights at Odd Lot for $4.00 & white pillar candles for $3.00. Not to have the candles melt away and cause a mess, I simply hollowed out a well deep enough to accommodate a tea light, placed one in the hollow and now I have the look I want, no mess and all I do is replace the tea lights as needed. This is how it was done and how it turned out.

All in all - I think it turned out great!!!! The room simply glows with this lit!

New York City - Lady Liberty - Awesome!!!

2009-06-12T09:56:00.012-04:00

I chaperoned Guy's 8Th grade graduation trip yesterday. We started with a 2 hour lunch cruise around Manhattan - we sailed the coasts of NY & NJ, sailed under The Brooklyn & Manhattan Bridges & right past The Statue of Liberty - a breath taking sight. I traveled to it about 30 years ago & actually climbed to Her crown - seeing it from this perspective was awesome!

This bears repeating : "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door."- Emma Lazarus

Confirmation Day!

2009-06-10T14:06:00.018-04:00

Guy received his Confirmation - my brother was his sponsor. He took the name "Francis" in honor of St. Francis of Asissi - patron saint of animals.

"The love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit" ~ Romans 5:1-8

Another Trip To My Garden...Planted Junk

2009-05-24T10:24:00.033-04:00

I Love to re purpose things to use as garden accents

I had a bike exactly like this when I was a young girl.

Old license plates spelled out my favorite things to plant.

A dolls highchair holds a potful of Coleus.

I fell in love with these adorable rain boots at a thrift shop I visited I
immediately knew what I was going to do with them!

An old shoe -perfect for any plant.

Pole Dancing Bear...Get Down On It!!!!

2009-05-21T22:20:00.006-04:00

This bear dances better than my husband! Shhhhh don't tell him I am putting this out in public - but he has always danced (secretly in the house) to this song, and it has become a family joke how awful he dances to it (personally I think he purposely shimmies extra bad to be funny - little Guy loves it) - so when I saw this video I had to share & laugh! I laugh whenever I think of DS shaking his butt & this dumb ole' bear shaking his better!

Welcome to My Garden

2009-05-17T20:39:00.014-04:00

Love this flag - I won it on e-bay!

I have been nursing this tree for four springs - worth the wait!

This is my only surviving alluim.

I am not sure of the name of this plant - it comes up hardy
& healthy each year in my rock garden & it has multiplied into
three plants - they stay like this until mid July/early August.

These hens & chicks just keep growing bigger & bigger each year & really multiply!

I found this nest on my deck the morning after a big rainstorm - I did not see any eggs or baby birds around - so I am hoping that the family has already left or mom & dad left the nest to find other quarters for their brood.

Boom-d-a-da! I love the Whole World

2009-04-23T07:01:00.002-04:00

And I thought I was so Special Because I Could Double Dutch!

2009-04-13T19:50:00.006-04:00

I know how hard it was to learn how to double dutch way back when in the streets of Brooklyn (can you imagine ME jumping rope today - never mind double dutching!). I also love the Cadette reactions - awesome!

St. Barnabas the Apostle Church

2009-04-11T18:20:00.015-04:00

I love this church! Not only for it's structural & majestic beauty, but for the love & friendship I have found here. I was married in this church, my son was baptized, received his first communion & in three weeks will be confirmed there. The church is beautifully decorated under the guidance of Father Peter - the first picture is on Ash Wednesday & the last three is how it appeared Holy Week. (pics courtesy of Tracey Clifford)

My Quest for Meatless Meals

2009-03-31T12:35:00.012-04:00

I am trying to serve at least three meatless meals per week - not only to economize, but to try & eat healthier in general. I found THE greatest waffle mix - yes I said waffle mix - for dinner!!! It is Carbon's Golden Waffle Mix awesome - simply awesome. I purchased a case of this from Amazon's Subscribe & Save which I highly recommend (15% off & free shipping & the ability to control the shipments).

Anyway - I made them for dinner last night - served my DF & DB theirs topped with blueberry yogurt & dried cranberries, me & DS had them with heated syrup & butter - all with a sprinkle of powered sugar. They were unbelievably good - good enough to rotate them into my regular menu - perhaps with different toppings & even as a dessert.

Another Etsy Treasury for me!

2009-03-21T23:56:00.007-04:00

This time it is one of my fairy pieces - I am the 4Th item!

The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring. ~Bern Williams

2009-03-17T12:55:00.015-04:00

Spring in my garden......

Clumps of Crocus' greet me each morning.

Buds of a sweet smelling Hyacinth forming.

Delicate shoots of grape Hyacinths strong enough to lift dirt as they push their way out of ground.

Delicate Pussy Willows budding on my dwarf tree.

Swollen, yellow Daffodil buds waiting to pop!

Baby Strawberry leaves awakening from their winter nap.

Green Montauk Daisy buds sprinkled along dry, winter branches.

So much to look forward - so splendid to see.

Another Etsy Treasury Feature!

2009-03-06T16:48:00.013-05:00

This is my second one in two weeks! - I am only sorry that I did not save the first one. Having no experience in how this works, I posted a link, but that expired - anywhoooo...... I'm the 9Th item pictured.

I Am Really Alive!

2009-03-04T09:11:00.007-05:00

A Wild, Wacky & Wonderful Woman!!!!!

2009-02-11T09:13:00.012-05:00

Art and Poetry by Artist Suzy Toronto www.3wackywomen.com

I feel so out of my skin lately.

In four months I'll be fifty - age has never bothered me before - but for some reason this sounds so ominous - so old. I keep thinking that I only have thirty or forty years left (God willing) and I still have so much I want to do and get done - if the last 50 years went by in such a whirlwind - what will the back end of my life be like? So morbid sounding - so final - and yet being out of work and finally making the decision not to go back leaves me endless days of time - time to do what I want and what I dreamed of - so I guess I should look at this time in my life as a blessing and as a gift from God.

DS is graduating eighth grade - I remember my eighth grade graduation like it was yesterday - as I mentioned in a previous post, my elementary school years were some of the best years of my life - I think Guy will feel the same way about his - as St. Elizabeth is truly a wonderful place - anyway I always looked at my graduation as a huge step in my life - by the time I graduated I was going steady with a boy (Steve -my first love)I was already in a bra and my period started that year. I look at my son and feel such pangs - he will be starting high school in September, he is already a head taller than me - I guess the magical "baby" years are over for me - never again to hold him and rock him to sleep - hear his sweet giggles or have his hand held out to me to be picked up and cuddled - yet I feel good that I raised him to this point and he has turned out so good - so happy for him that he too is starting a new chapter in in his life. I guess him being this age and independent enough to care for himself - will leave me time to be me - I hope he still will reach out to me for a cuddle now and then.

There are days when I still can't get over being laid off (sounds better than saying "fired") - giving them twelve years of true dedication and hard work - to be cast aside like a piece of trash at the curb - I get upset when I think about it - but then I want to thank God and shout from the rooftops that I am free and gone from that place.

I think I am beginning to go through (whispering) "the change" as my mother would say. My friend, which I started getting back in eight grade hasn't been my friend for a while (been sporadic the last year anyway) - but worse I am getting (whispering) "hot flashes" - more like holding my foot to the fire and having my whole body go ablaze. I feel the heat start in my very core and then radiate out to my very fingertips - ending with me sweating - I never sweat in my life until now and I never felt anything like this in my life. I also, at times, want to rip someones heart out - for no apparent reason other than I just feel like doing it.

So you can see I really am in a flux and have diarrhea of the fingers - as I just keep on typing and typing.........I feel good just getting these feelings out in the open - not an interesting post - but tough shit (boy that felt good!)

8th Grade Enlargement Project

2009-01-20T22:05:00.015-05:00

It has become tradition at my DS school for the 8Th graders (his school is K-8) to do an enlargement for a Math project (it involves measurement, multiplying fractions and the like) in time for the schools open house and curriculum night. We have been seeing these since 2000 when he first started school and were always so impressed with what the kids turned out, always anticipating when it would be his turn - finally it is here! He decided to do my palm pilot. He had to measure it and all it's features, jot down the measurements and then decide whether to enlarge it 5x or 10x - we decided in 5, as 10 would have made it ginormous (notice I said WE, as after his calculations, he did need my help!). So follow along and you will begin to see a bunch of cardboard boxes become an enormous palm pilot(the first one is the actual PP)

It was a long process, but a lot of fun to do - I think it turned out pretty well!

Impossible is Nothing - At a Snails Pace

2009-01-17T22:23:00.005-05:00

Homemade Laundry Detergant.......

2009-01-04T22:48:00.015-05:00

To continue my quest for going green & for also wanting to economize I have begun to make my own cleaning solutions. The first one is laundry detergent. Simple really -grate one bar of Fels-Naptha soap & boil it down to melt it (I used an old pot), 1/2c Borax & 1 c washing soda. Mix thoroughly in a 5 gallon bucket, and then add enough hot water to fill the bucket. The solution will gel up - but will be easy to pour it into an empty container (I used an empty Tide container) - fill it half way & then the rest with hot water - shake well & shake well each time you use it. I use 1/4c per wash in my front loader - I did some quick calculations & figured that it costs .0125 per load - can you believe it?

The other equally easy solution I made recently is a fabric deodorizer (Febreeze)
Mix together 1/4c of your favorite fabric softener, 1T of baking soda & 2c of hot water in a spray bottle.

I love the way this smells & makes the fabric feel - I figure this to be equal to .50 for the bottle

May All Your Dreams Come True

2009-01-03T19:36:00.010-05:00

I found this very lovely photo on flickr by a talented photographer named Gary http://www.flickr.com/photos/garymcguire/

It seems to sum it up for me

Words on Women and Strength by Kelly Corrigan

2008-12-30T05:21:00.005-05:00

Where Do the Sparrows Go When They Die?

2008-12-29T19:21:00.008-05:00

A question I often asked myself as a child was, "where do the sparrows go when they die?" I didn't know the answer then and I still wonder about it. Now I see a dead bird silenced by some evil force, and I know he didn't die. Something killed him: the elements took him away, a lost soul in the night.

When I was six, my best friend was a boy on my street. We used to play in my sandbox, talking of things long forgotten by grown-ups -- like never growing up, or the monsters under our beds and in dark closets. His name was Tommy, but I called him Sparrow because he was small for his age. Its ironic to think of that now because he died too.

I remember the day I found out Tommy was dying. I waited in the sandbox for him, half-heartedly building the castle we began the day before. Without Tommy I was only half, so I waited for him for what seemed like forever, and it began to to rain. Then I heard a distant ring from the house. About 10 min later my mother came out, sheltered by her umbrella, but her face was wet just same. We walked together to the house. Just before we entered, I turned and watched the rain beat down the sandcastle Tommy and I built.

Once I was inside and had a cup of hot chocolate in my belly, my mother called me to the table. She put her hands on mine. They were shaking. I immediatly felt it: something had happened to Tommy. She said doctors had performed some tests a while back, and something showed up wrong. That something was leukemia. I didn't know what it was and I looked at my mother with confused eyes, but with knowing and heavy heart. She said that people who had what Tommy got — no: what got Tommy — had to go away. I didn't want him to go away. I wanted him to stay, stay with me.

The next day I had to see Tommy. I had to see if it was all true, so I had the bus driver drop me off at his house instead of mine. When I reached the door, Tommy's mom said he didn't want to see me. She had no idea how easily she could hurt a little girl. She broke my heart like a piece of cheap glass. I ran home in tears. After I returned home, Tommy called. He said to meet him at the sandbox after our parents went to bed, so I did.

He didn't look any different, maybe a little paler, but it was Tommy. He did want to see me. We talked to those subjects incomprehensible to adults, and all the while we rebuilt our sandcastle. Tommy said we could live in one just like it and never grow up. I believed him whole heartedly. There we feel asleep, engulfed in true friendship, surrounded by warm sand and watched by our sandcastle.

I woke up just before dawn. Our sandbox was like a desolate island surrounded by a sea of grass, interupted only by the back patio and the street. A child's imagination is never-ending. The dew gave the imaginary sea a reflective shimmer, and I remember reaching out to touch the dew to see if it would make the make- believe water ripple, but it didn't. I turned around, and Tommy jolted me into reality. He was already awake, staring at the sand castle. I joined him, and there we sat, locked in the awesome magic the sand castle held for two small children.

Tommy broke the silence. "I'm going to the castle now."

We moved like robots, as if we knew what we were doing. I guess in some small way we did. "I'm going to the castle now. Come visit, I'll be lonely." I promised him him with all my heart that I would. Then he closed his eyes, and then my Sparrow flew away to where I knew at that moment all the other sparrows went when they died. And there he left me, holding a souless, crippled bird in my arms.

I went back to Tommy's grave 20 years later and placed a small toy castle on it. On the castle I had engrave, "To Tommy, my Sparrow. I'll come to our castle someday, forever."

When I'm ready, I'll go back to the place where our sandbox was and imagine our sandcastle. Then my soul, like Tommy's, will turn into a sparrow and will fly back to the castle, and to Tommy, and to all the other little lost sparrows. A six-year- old again, who will never grow up.

By Casey Kokoska

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

2008-12-25T10:45:00.005-05:00

Not quite Bing - but The Drifters do a great job too. This is dedicated to the Guys... who do a terrific job themselves. Merry Christmas!

How I Want to Arrive in Heaven

2008-12-21T16:54:00.004-05:00

I don’t want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk’s lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor’s children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone’s garden. I want to be there with children’s sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.
(as inspired by Sister Marjorie Hinckley)

A Little Inspiration..... This is MY mantra

2008-12-21T09:25:00.005-05:00

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, It is between you and God;
It never was between you and them anyway.

Author Unknown

Merry Kissmass (I couldn't resist)

2008-12-20T21:23:00.005-05:00

Cats on a treadmill - I laughed at this until I cried

2008-12-17T14:34:00.003-05:00

Treadmill Felines
Uploaded by dkslam

If I Had My Life To Live Over ~ by Erma Bombeck

2008-12-12T08:59:00.011-05:00

(Written after she found out she was dying from cancer.)
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical,wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy ,I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later.Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love yous' & more 'I'm sorrys.'
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute. Look at it and really see it. . Live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Ryan's Hope...Loved that show

2008-12-08T15:32:00.008-05:00

I am NOT a soap opera fanatic - but for some reason this one caught my heart. I was so disappointed when Soap Net stopped showing this daily - I am not even sure if it's on any more. Of course I gravitated towards Mary Ryan (Kate Mulgrew) - I wonder why it was always that sort of character I liked.

John Williams is THE man

2008-12-06T09:55:00.004-05:00

This really makes me smile.....

Friends Don't Let Friends Fat Talk

2008-11-29T15:58:00.007-05:00

Check this out - "REFLECTIONS: Body Image Program

https://secure.pursuantgroup.net/pursuant4/deltadeltadelta/fall08/dddselect/flashstory.asp

Perfect Happiness

2008-11-24T09:52:00.005-05:00

Saturday Nights & Mary Tyler Moore

2008-11-18T08:42:00.007-05:00

Growing up, I wanted to be Mary Richards. She was pretty, wore groovy clothes, lived in a great apartment, had a nice job & drove a Mustang! Yes many a dreams were dreamt every Saturday night in my room when she was on - yes I was going to be just like Mary Richards.

Dean Martin - Totally Cool....

2008-11-16T15:30:00.010-05:00

Velvet voice, soothing to the eyes & Italian too! Yes - I have a crush on him!

Information Please - a touching story

2008-11-15T18:45:00.005-05:00

When I was quite young, my father had one of the first telephones in our neighborhood. I remember the polished, old case fastened to the wall. The shiny receiver hung on the side of the box. I was too little to reach the telephone, but used to listen with fascination when my mother talked to it.Then I discovered that somewhere inside the wonderful device lived an amazing person. Her name was ‘Information Please’ and there was nothing she did not know. Information Please could supply anyone’s number and the correct time.My personal experience with the genie-in-a-bottle came one day while my mother was visiting a neighbor. Amusing myself at the tool bench in the basement, I whacked my finger with a hammer, the pain was terrible, but there seemed no point in crying because there was no one home to give sympathy.I walked around the house sucking my throbbing finger, finally arriving at the stairway. The telephone! Quickly, I ran for the footstool in the parlor and dragged it to the landing. Climbing up, I unhooked the receiver in the parlor and held it to my ear.‘Information, please’ I said into the mouthpiece just above my head. A click or two and a small clear voice spoke into my ear.‘Information.’‘I hurt my finger...’ I wailed into the phone, the tears came readily enough now that I had an audience.‘Isn’t your mother home?’ came the question.‘Nobody’s home but me,’ I blubbered.‘Are you bleeding?’ the voice asked.‘No,’ I replied. ‘I hit my finger with the hammer and it hurts.’Can you open the icebox?’ she asked. I said I could.Then chip off a little bit of ice and hold it to your finger, said the voice.After that, I called ‘Information Please’ for everything. I asked her for help with my geography, and she told me where Philadelphia was. She helped me with my math. She told me my pet chipmunk that I had caught in the park just the day before, would eat fruit and nuts.Then, there was the time Petey, our pet canary, died. I called, Information Please,’ and told her the sad story She listened, and then said things grown-ups say to soothe a child. But I was not consoled. I asked her, ‘Why is it that birds should sing so beautifully and bring joy to all families, only to end up as a heap of feathers on the bottom of a cage?’She must have sensed my deep concern, for she said quietly, ‘Wayne, always remember that there are other worlds to sing in.’ Somehow I felt better.Another day I was on the telephone, ‘Information Please.'‘Information,’ said in the now familiar voice.‘How do I spell fix?’ I asked.All this took place in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. When I was nine years old, we moved across the country to Boston. I missed my friend very much. ‘Information Please’ belonged in that old wooden box back home and I somehow never thought of trying the shiny new phone that sat on the table in the hall.As I grew into my teens, the memories of those childhood conversations never really left me. Often, in moments of doubt and perplexity I would recall the serene sense of security I had then. I appreciated now how patient, understanding, and kind she was to have spent her time on a little boy.A few years later, on my way west to college, my plane put down in Seattle I had about a half-hour or so between planes. I spent 15 minutes or so on the phone with my sister, who lived there now. Then without thinking what I was doing, I dialed my hometown Operator and said, ‘Information Please.’Miraculously, I heard the small, clear voice I knew so well. ‘Information.’I hadn’t planned this, but I heard myself saying, ‘Could you please tell me how to spell fix?’There was a long pause. Then came the soft spoken answer, ‘I guess your finger must have healed by now.’I laughed, ‘So it’s really you,’ I said. ‘I wonder if you have any idea how much you meant to me during that time?’I wonder,’ she said, ‘if you know how much your call meant to me. I never had any children and I used to look forward to your calls.’I told her how often I had thought of her over the years and I asked if I could call her again when I came back to visit my sister.‘Please do’, she said. ‘Just ask for Sally.’Three months later I was back in Seattle, a different voice answered,‘Information.’ I asked for Sally. ‘Are you a friend?’ she said.‘Yes, a very old friend,’ I answered.‘I’m sorry to have to tell you this,’ she said. ‘Sally had been working part-time the last few years because she was sick. She died five weeks ago.’Before I could hang up she said, ‘Wait a minute, is your name Wayne?’‘Yes.’ I answered.‘Well, Sally left a message for you. She wrote it down in case you called.Let me read it to you.’The note said, ‘Tell him there are other worlds tosing in. He’ll know what I mean.’I thanked her and hung up. I knew what Sally meant.Never underestimate the impression you may make on others.

Going Green With Reuseables....

2008-11-10T09:40:00.022-05:00

Ok - two posts in one day - hey I'll take advantage of any inspirational surge.

I am trying to go green little by little - it started with doing away with paper towels & paper napkins - WOW! Who knew how many of these things we used around here! Now we use a simple cloth napkin purchased on Etsy, along with some thick & strong cloth wipes - WONDERFUL! I still have a roll of paper towels stashed under the sink for when I bleach sanitize the counter (so I don't wreck the cloth towels) - but that's it! I have a small, separate basket only for these wipes & I wash them on hot, no softener - they dry in no time - saving money & the landfill. I also found reusable "Swiffer" products - dusters & mops. Use & toss in the wash. Another secret - I started on reusable mama pads - I only wish I found these gems twenty years ago! I have to "re-think" those days - take a little extra care & time - change a bit more frequently - but boy is it worth it! Comfortable, non-bulky & non-chemical - not for everyone - but ok by me!

Today It's Kefir

2008-11-10T08:13:00.012-05:00

Yes - I found this gem too! Only I don't think I will be able to get ANYONE to try this one! That's OK - I LOVE it! Kefir is a fermented milk drink that originated in Turkey, Russia & surrounding areas. It is prepared by inoculating milk with kefir grains. Kefir grains are a combination of bacteria & yeast resembling cauliflower. I simply take one cup of milk & add the kefir, let it sit for a while (usually two days) & soon a yogurt like liquid is formed - I strain out the precious granules for a new batch & keep the thick liquid in the fridge. The kefir liquid then goes into the blender, along with some ice, a banana (or berries), flax seed, oats & sweetener (honey or vanilla). This "smoothie" is delicious, filling & healthy!

Kombucha Tea Anyone?

2008-11-09T20:28:00.011-05:00

I stumbled on this phenomenon quite accidentally over on Etsy one day (a very wonderful seller - Wells of Health -http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5763037). I ordered it, "grew" it & haven't stopped since! What is you ask? Kombucha is the Western name for sweetened tea that has been fermented using a macroscopic solid mass of microorganisms called a "kombucha colony". The culture contains a symbiosis of Aceetobacter (acetic acid bacteria) and yeast, . The culture itself looks somewhat like a large pancake, and though often called a mushroom, or by the acronym SCOBY (for "Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast"), it is clinically known as a zoogleal mat. (Thanks Wikipedia). It dates back to 250BC China. It is quite common in China & many other parts of the world & it is now gaining popularity in the US. You need the SCOBY first, you then brew your favorite tea, add about 1/2 cup sugar, add the SCOBY & let it "ferment". Then add ice & drink away - it is a tangy tea which is a great change of pace from anything I normally drink & while I can't claim I am "cured" of anything - it makes me feel better going a little natural. DH & DS tasted some of this today & loved it - I told them it was home brewed ice-tea -but left out the "mushroom part"

Life Lesson: Why Pets Die Before Humans

2008-10-21T16:55:00.009-04:00

I have seen this before & felt it was important to include in my blog.

This is a great story about how such a young person can see the meaning of life so clearly through the eyes of his best friend.

Six-year-old Shane observed his beloved dog being euthanized after a long battle with cancer. Shane's parents felt as though he might learn something from the experience. Shane seemed very calm, petting the old dog for the last time, the adults wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, the dog slipped away peacefully. The little boy seemed to accept his dog's fate without any difficulty or confusion. Shane joined his parents and their vet in a small quiet room where they discussed the sad fact that humans tend to outlive their pets. Shane, who had been listening attentively and quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, they all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned everyone. They've never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life, like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Please pause a moment and consider to:
Live simply
Love generously
Care deeply
Speak kindly

When You Touch A Life: The Teddy Stoddard Story – OMG I am still weeping over this story

2008-10-18T20:20:00.006-04:00

Her name was Mrs. Thompson.

As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children a lie; like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers.

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise:
~Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners...he is a joy to be around."
~His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."
~His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death had been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken."
~Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class."

By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one quarter-full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mother used to." After the children left she cried for at least an hour.

On that very day, she quit teaching reading,writing and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her "teacher's pets."

A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.

Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.

Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had in his whole life.

Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer, the letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.

The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he'd met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the place at the wedding that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together. They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference."

Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you."

Please remember that wherever you go, and whatever you do, you will have the opportunity to touch and/or change a person's outlook please try to do it in a positive way.