Monday, October 31, 2005
Happy Halloween!
It's a dry warm night and all the ghouls and goblins are out.
Too bad it's a school night.
It's a dry warm night and all the ghouls and goblins are out.
Too bad it's a school night.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Sunday Spa Day
The clock has fallen back, but there's nothing like having something to look forward to. Creating enjoyable rituals, like getting together with my sister to paint toenails. It is such a simple pleasure to look down and see that splash of color.
Thankfully today is a warmer day as we sit outside under the apple tree, read the newspaper, sipping on green tea with honey, catch up and soak up the sounds and scenes around us.
I tend to think of this as being a bit self-indulgent, but taking care of one's self is a good thing. What do you do to take care of yourself?
The clock has fallen back, but there's nothing like having something to look forward to. Creating enjoyable rituals, like getting together with my sister to paint toenails. It is such a simple pleasure to look down and see that splash of color.
Thankfully today is a warmer day as we sit outside under the apple tree, read the newspaper, sipping on green tea with honey, catch up and soak up the sounds and scenes around us.
I tend to think of this as being a bit self-indulgent, but taking care of one's self is a good thing. What do you do to take care of yourself?
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Taking a break today, protecting my back. Had problems posting today. Hopefully tomorrow will fair better.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Hot Mulled Cider and Rum
In previous years, when my middle son's Teen and Adult Social Club went to the Haunted Mansion, he opted not to go, and I didn't push. After his talking about Halloween for the past month and saying he wanted to go with his friends, I decided to let him go and go with him. Tonight's attempt at the Haunted Mansion was ... not a success. Maybe my going with him was my mistake. Kids don't listen to their Mom as well as they listen to others.
What I could see of the production was indeed spooky and fun when I wasn't pulling my son up off the floor numerous times. (Sit down strike.) My requests for him to get up off the floor were ignored. He knew it was pretend and related to Halloween and scary, but changed his mind once he was in there. I wish my youngest had been there to help lift him up off the floor. Thankfully another mom was with us and the two of us got him up. Lifting 170lbs. is not easy on the back. At the end, he recovered quickly and did like the cider and the Halloween cookies. I don't think he saw much and hopefully won't have nightmares tonight.
What does the hot mulled cider and rum have to do with this? It eases the back pain from lifting.
In previous years, when my middle son's Teen and Adult Social Club went to the Haunted Mansion, he opted not to go, and I didn't push. After his talking about Halloween for the past month and saying he wanted to go with his friends, I decided to let him go and go with him. Tonight's attempt at the Haunted Mansion was ... not a success. Maybe my going with him was my mistake. Kids don't listen to their Mom as well as they listen to others.
What I could see of the production was indeed spooky and fun when I wasn't pulling my son up off the floor numerous times. (Sit down strike.) My requests for him to get up off the floor were ignored. He knew it was pretend and related to Halloween and scary, but changed his mind once he was in there. I wish my youngest had been there to help lift him up off the floor. Thankfully another mom was with us and the two of us got him up. Lifting 170lbs. is not easy on the back. At the end, he recovered quickly and did like the cider and the Halloween cookies. I don't think he saw much and hopefully won't have nightmares tonight.
What does the hot mulled cider and rum have to do with this? It eases the back pain from lifting.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Hello? Anybody there?
Okay, you have all the information you need in front of you, and you place the call. You hear ringing. More and more you cannot reach a real person on the first try. Or worse yet, you get lost in menu hell! "Press one for...." If you miss what was said on the menu, you have to start over again. After going through this maze, your call goes to someone's voicemail.
Voicemail sucks!
Okay, you have all the information you need in front of you, and you place the call. You hear ringing. More and more you cannot reach a real person on the first try. Or worse yet, you get lost in menu hell! "Press one for...." If you miss what was said on the menu, you have to start over again. After going through this maze, your call goes to someone's voicemail.
Voicemail sucks!
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
My eyes are blue?
Separating fact from fiction is getting more challenging everyday. Who do you trust? There are those who are there to help. Then there those who are out to take your money. How do you know the difference? There is a lot of information out on the web; anyone can put up anything they want. Finding a reliable trustworthy source, when exploring new avenues, is difficult at best. The traditional resources are staunch in their beliefs that their way is best, rejecting new ideas and possibilities. Time to ferret through the pile, decipher all the hoopla and trust my instincts.
What color do you think they are?
Separating fact from fiction is getting more challenging everyday. Who do you trust? There are those who are there to help. Then there those who are out to take your money. How do you know the difference? There is a lot of information out on the web; anyone can put up anything they want. Finding a reliable trustworthy source, when exploring new avenues, is difficult at best. The traditional resources are staunch in their beliefs that their way is best, rejecting new ideas and possibilities. Time to ferret through the pile, decipher all the hoopla and trust my instincts.
What color do you think they are?
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Early Nor'easter
Hurricane Wilma racing up the east coast, added to the intensity of the storm. Luckily we didn't lose power, like many others did. It was also a great day (not) for students to be home, because of a staff development day. Trying to inspire them to do something production was futile. Once the worse was over, it was time for comfort food, Shepard's Pie and Apple Cake.
There is nothing like the aroma of a spicy apple cake baking to give us the warm fuzzies.
Hurricane Wilma racing up the east coast, added to the intensity of the storm. Luckily we didn't lose power, like many others did. It was also a great day (not) for students to be home, because of a staff development day. Trying to inspire them to do something production was futile. Once the worse was over, it was time for comfort food, Shepard's Pie and Apple Cake.
There is nothing like the aroma of a spicy apple cake baking to give us the warm fuzzies.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Rain Again
Soon it will be snow. The air conditioners came out of the windows today. A sign that summer has gone. The cooler temperatures are here. More color is appearing on the trees and some leaves are starting to fall. Soon it will be time to rake, the smell of burning leaves comes to mind. It is not allowed anymore, but I still remember the smell and the smoke.
Although I like winter, I do not enjoy turning on the heat. I wonder how long I can hold off turning it on.
Soon it will be snow. The air conditioners came out of the windows today. A sign that summer has gone. The cooler temperatures are here. More color is appearing on the trees and some leaves are starting to fall. Soon it will be time to rake, the smell of burning leaves comes to mind. It is not allowed anymore, but I still remember the smell and the smoke.
Although I like winter, I do not enjoy turning on the heat. I wonder how long I can hold off turning it on.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
I'm So Blue
The visit was too brief. My precious first born returned to his University this morning. The house is quiet, no more foot massages from the music vibrating the floor. It is a long time from now until Thanksgiving. Our home has now become a temporary stop for him, not even a residence. He's grown up and is moving on.
Alas he did not return alone, his cat went with him. The cat has been with us since the end of August. I have enjoyed his playful nature. Our girls did not like his presence at first, but he knew his place. So our place also became his place. Strange how they find a home in your heart.
The visit was too brief. My precious first born returned to his University this morning. The house is quiet, no more foot massages from the music vibrating the floor. It is a long time from now until Thanksgiving. Our home has now become a temporary stop for him, not even a residence. He's grown up and is moving on.
Alas he did not return alone, his cat went with him. The cat has been with us since the end of August. I have enjoyed his playful nature. Our girls did not like his presence at first, but he knew his place. So our place also became his place. Strange how they find a home in your heart.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Conversations
How refreshing it is to have a pleasant conversation with a child, I should say adult child. After all the struggles in high school, being away from home has given us both a different perspective. Topics include personal, techincal and social issues. It's nice that he wants to share. We have always been able to talk. He's not a mama's boy, he makes up his own mind and chooses his own direction. Sometimes I just hold my breath and pray. Perhaps the reason we can have conversations is because I don't force him to follow my suggestions. I just throw in my two cents, then he has to decide. And rightly so, he will be the one to live with his decision. Learning not to pry is difficult, but learning to trust is easier. I feel blessed.
How refreshing it is to have a pleasant conversation with a child, I should say adult child. After all the struggles in high school, being away from home has given us both a different perspective. Topics include personal, techincal and social issues. It's nice that he wants to share. We have always been able to talk. He's not a mama's boy, he makes up his own mind and chooses his own direction. Sometimes I just hold my breath and pray. Perhaps the reason we can have conversations is because I don't force him to follow my suggestions. I just throw in my two cents, then he has to decide. And rightly so, he will be the one to live with his decision. Learning not to pry is difficult, but learning to trust is easier. I feel blessed.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Homecoming
Anticipation of the arrival of my precious first born and the return of my car. Tonight we get to exchange cars. The head gasket on his car is repaired and his schedule finally allows his return home. It'll be good to see him again, even if he must return on Sunday. My car will finally be out of the frigid cold that is already descended up his University and nestled back in the garage where it belongs. It strange how we become attached to (or find a sense of comfort in) a vehicle. Maybe it's because I've been learning to let go of my children that I'm attaching to other things.
Anticipation of the arrival of my precious first born and the return of my car. Tonight we get to exchange cars. The head gasket on his car is repaired and his schedule finally allows his return home. It'll be good to see him again, even if he must return on Sunday. My car will finally be out of the frigid cold that is already descended up his University and nestled back in the garage where it belongs. It strange how we become attached to (or find a sense of comfort in) a vehicle. Maybe it's because I've been learning to let go of my children that I'm attaching to other things.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Fate and Comfort
Sometimes opportunities just present themselves and I would be remiss if I let pass. Today's presentation was a simple round comforting offering topped with potato, onion and cheese.
Sometimes opportunities just present themselves and I would be remiss if I let pass. Today's presentation was a simple round comforting offering topped with potato, onion and cheese.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Clinging to Summer
I'm still thinking summer, (now that the sun is finally out.) Whether it's due to my desire to hang on to summer or because of warm flashes,summer time is no gone for me yet. Here is my most recent effort.
Too bad I don't like tomatoes.
I'm still thinking summer, (now that the sun is finally out.) Whether it's due to my desire to hang on to summer or because of warm flashes,summer time is no gone for me yet. Here is my most recent effort.
Too bad I don't like tomatoes.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Summertime Delights in Autumn
The color is begining to creep in.
With great hope and a realistic resignation I entered the aromatic place that during the summer served my favorite summertime treat. Scanning the menu posted on the wall, clam cakes are listed as only being offered on the spring/summer menu and this October. So I decide to try the taco soup. Before placing my order, I mention to the owner that my first choice would have been the clam cakes, he states I'm in luck. Patiently waiting while the order is being prepared, my anticipation increases. Will they be as good as the ones in Rhode Island? My order is to go, and it is placed in a plain brown bag. Such decadent treats should be hidden in plain brown wrappers. The aroma waifs through the air, as I wait for them to be cool enough to handle. The tender tidbits are laden with sweet sea clams and the taste transports me to the ocean beaches that I love. Next summer when I crave the beach, I will not have to travel to Rhode Island for these tasty morsels, they are available in Hartford.
Tender, crispy golden nuggets, ahhhhh! My one indulgence to fried food.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Full Moon - Putting out Fires
Most of us all have certain routines that we follow. With plans all laid out... something happens to make you adjust your plans. You get sick, a window breaks, things that make you drop your plans. Is it the curse of the full moon? These things require immediate attention. So how do we fit in what we had planned?
Most of us all have certain routines that we follow. With plans all laid out... something happens to make you adjust your plans. You get sick, a window breaks, things that make you drop your plans. Is it the curse of the full moon? These things require immediate attention. So how do we fit in what we had planned?
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Perceptions
Writing is a lost art among some. And others who think they cannot write, when they do... what they write is very interesting, compelling and/or entertaining. They have a special knack, but do not know it.
Setting up this blog is a work in progress. Like being selective with words, I'm taking to fine tuning the layout. Getting adjusted to changes.
Dealing with change is a result of our perceptions. Taking that initial leap for big changes, or dealing with slight changes over time. Gradual change is much easier to deal with. Big changes can be met with resistance and procrastination.
Writing is a lost art among some. And others who think they cannot write, when they do... what they write is very interesting, compelling and/or entertaining. They have a special knack, but do not know it.
Setting up this blog is a work in progress. Like being selective with words, I'm taking to fine tuning the layout. Getting adjusted to changes.
Dealing with change is a result of our perceptions. Taking that initial leap for big changes, or dealing with slight changes over time. Gradual change is much easier to deal with. Big changes can be met with resistance and procrastination.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Wretched Weather - Rain, Rain Go Away!
The last 24 hours yielded over 5 inches of rain. After eight days of drenching of rain, it was announced that it would have been equivalent to 9 to 10 feet of snow. What a landscape that would be. Towering piles of snow, a child's dream. Alas the sparkling diamonds of freshly fallen snow will be with us soon enough.
Rising water in the rivers and streams, water across highways, roads washing out, people losing their lives. Walking into a store, you hear and feel the carpets quishing under your feet. Soggy store carpets just add to the drenched feeling. Many joke about building an ark. (what's a cubit? 1 cubit = 45.72 centimeters)
Not being able to resist I venture into our dungeon to see if any of the liquid we have been blessed with has invaded our space. Alas, a dry spot in all this sogginess.
Last night's gathering was a pleasant reprieve from the dreariness that has permeated New England. The smoked gouda cheese and Vermont common crackers were my contribution. (from yesterday's day trip) The candles and wine did little to change my dampened spirits. Though it was good to get out.
Rising water in the rivers and streams, water across highways, roads washing out, people losing their lives. Walking into a store, you hear and feel the carpets quishing under your feet. Soggy store carpets just add to the drenched feeling. Many joke about building an ark. (what's a cubit? 1 cubit = 45.72 centimeters)
Not being able to resist I venture into our dungeon to see if any of the liquid we have been blessed with has invaded our space. Alas, a dry spot in all this sogginess.
Last night's gathering was a pleasant reprieve from the dreariness that has permeated New England. The smoked gouda cheese and Vermont common crackers were my contribution. (from yesterday's day trip) The candles and wine did little to change my dampened spirits. Though it was good to get out.
