Friday, June 30, 2006
Payback is a b.....
Being somewhat disappointed on my birthday, I gave the same gift he gave me for his. Unfortunately the joke was on me... I think he actually liked getting a half interest in a Powerball ticket.
We went out to lunch. His choice, a BBQ joint. He enjoyed his 1/2 rack for lunch and the lemon meringue pie instead of cake.
We went out to lunch. His choice, a BBQ joint. He enjoyed his 1/2 rack for lunch and the lemon meringue pie instead of cake.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
New Jersey
The plan is that my precious first born will be coming home on Saturday for the long weekend. New Jersey is not that far, but he is near Philadelphia and has to come through New York City. The trip usually takes less than four hours.
Now, a strange thing for us here in Connecticut, I hear that you cannot pump your own gas in New Jersey. I remember those days when. Gas costs less there, but you do have to wait and wait for your gas to be pumped. Maybe that is why I do not see too many New Jersey plates here, they have to pump their own gas. It would be nice to have my gas pumped, but with the lifestyle of get it now around here, I do not think that folks would wait for that.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Time for Celebrations
A busy weekend is coming up and the weather looks like it will co-operate. Two birthdays and the Fourth of July. But it looks like our Post PPT party for Friday night will be scaled down or cancelled, a few phone calls will determine what happens.
Planning these events falls to me. Menus are done. I still need to pick up some gifts. I am also trying to get an iPod repaired. No rest for the busy.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Back to the water
After a year of Water Walking two nights a week, I am stepping things up with Aqua Aerobics for an additional two nights.
Last night’s Water Walking class was held in an outdoor pool. Gazing at the ominous clouds going by, we did our workout. A patch of blue was exposed in the break of lower dark clouds. It is nice to find peace while working out. I like the Water Walking best because it is a no impact from of exercise and is kind to my knee.
My right knee was injured years ago on a ski slope in New Hampshire. The temperatures were sub-zero, but we still skied the cold week. On the last run of our honeymoon trip, I was thinking about our trip home, not the snow I was on. I wiped out at the bottom of the mountain right in front of the ski patrol station. I was both in pain and a tad embarrassed. My knee was subjected to the cold ice on my ride home.
The Aqua Aerobics class is held mostly in the shallow end of the pool and has more impact therefore more stress on my knee. Still it is a good workout.
Last night’s Water Walking class was held in an outdoor pool. Gazing at the ominous clouds going by, we did our workout. A patch of blue was exposed in the break of lower dark clouds. It is nice to find peace while working out. I like the Water Walking best because it is a no impact from of exercise and is kind to my knee.
My right knee was injured years ago on a ski slope in New Hampshire. The temperatures were sub-zero, but we still skied the cold week. On the last run of our honeymoon trip, I was thinking about our trip home, not the snow I was on. I wiped out at the bottom of the mountain right in front of the ski patrol station. I was both in pain and a tad embarrassed. My knee was subjected to the cold ice on my ride home.
The Aqua Aerobics class is held mostly in the shallow end of the pool and has more impact therefore more stress on my knee. Still it is a good workout.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Leftovers
Leftover strawberries, what to do? Sorry I did not take a picture but the directions did say to serve immediately and I could not resist.
Strawberry Smoothie
• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 container vanilla yogurt
• 4 ice cubes
Put all the ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
More Rain
It was to be an outdoor celebration, which thankfully was moved indoors. It was nice to see the kids having fun; dancing, laughing, singing. The rain outside did not dampen their spirits.
Coming home, the streets were still draining ok. One spot, the police had to close down a lane due to a new creek coming down a driveway. The flow was quick and strong, I could only imagine what would have happened if it had gone into the home instead of down the driveway.
Our pool was near the point of overflowing, so it had to be drain.
Darn this rain.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Jam is done, I'm sipping Rum
Awaking to a sore back, today my movements were slow. Apparently my back did not like picking the strawberries. I downed 800mg of Motrin so I could get something done. Washing, hulling and mashing the berries took a bit of time since the berries were small.
Cooking the jam and placing it in the sterilized jars. Hearing the pops as the jars formed a good seal, brings a sense of satisfaction. Two batches were processed.
It is a good thing that I made a double recipe last night for dinner as I am in no mood to cook. Now that all is quiet, I have poured myself a rum and coke (lime coke) and my back does not hurt as much.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Hot, Hazy and Hopeful
The sun is up and the temperature rising as we drive to the berry field. Thankfully we travel in the opposite direction of the morning rush hour. Oh I said we; my youngest agreed to help pick. He had to be at work for 11am, picking time was limited.
We arrive at the field and are greeted by this sight.
Since first picking was done, picking went a bit slow. The berries were small but full of juicy flavor. My back held out long enough to get 4 ½ lbs. My son went on to pick for another variety for 30 minutes.
We ended up with this in a little over an hour:
We arrive at the field and are greeted by this sight.
Since first picking was done, picking went a bit slow. The berries were small but full of juicy flavor. My back held out long enough to get 4 ½ lbs. My son went on to pick for another variety for 30 minutes.
We ended up with this in a little over an hour:
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Time to Jam
I'm hoping tomorrow will be fruitful. It's been a few years since I have made strawberry jam because my back would not let me pick the berries. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to pick enough. The forecast is for hot, humid,and a possibility of storms. If you pick early enough the heat and humidity are not that bad.
I was brought up on homemade strawberry jam. When I went away to summer camp the presented us with these little packets of jellies. I tired the packet of strawberry and thought it was the worse thing ever. I'm sure that the staff thought I was a spoiled brat.
If I cannot pick the berries, then the hunt for decent purchased jam will continue.
I was brought up on homemade strawberry jam. When I went away to summer camp the presented us with these little packets of jellies. I tired the packet of strawberry and thought it was the worse thing ever. I'm sure that the staff thought I was a spoiled brat.
If I cannot pick the berries, then the hunt for decent purchased jam will continue.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
2006 Ceremony
For some, the ceremony was the end. Little do they realize that it is just a new beginning.
Good friends. Good times. Good life.
These students are now off enjoying a party that lasts until 4 am. Then to sleep the day away.
Good friends. Good times. Good life.
These students are now off enjoying a party that lasts until 4 am. Then to sleep the day away.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Class of 2006
Tonight is graduation. Achievements accomplished, departures are looming. Moving on to a new phase in life. Childhood is being left behind. Being in a class of over 400, makes for a very long ceremony and the need for a telephoto lens.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Hazy Hot and Humid
The lazy days of summer have crept in before summer is actually here. Temperatures are in the 90’s, a brownish haze lingers over the valley. Wednesday is the beginning of Summer, hopefully this is a temporary state. Thankfully someone invented air conditioning otherwise I would really be cranky. Even the cats are napping more than usual.
Queen of our cats lounging on a pillow.
Disturbing on her rest.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Father’s Day
It’s been years, but I still think of my father. A handsome man, who served in the Polish Army and somehow ended up in America. I never did know how my mother and he met.
What I do know is that they were in love and my father loved me and my sister.
I do have a few memories of my dad, which is good considering my age when he died. I was just about to turn 4 when he died. The trip to see the bunnies and the doll he gave me at Christmas just after I turned three are just two of my fond memories.
So today’s focus is on fathers, steaks and beer. No ties here, not this year anyway. Then a quick visit with Dziadzu and the godfather, then it is back to the normal Sunday routine.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Batter up
Fun Day was not going to be much fun for me. The forecast was sunny, hot and humid. Fortunately rain was coming down for the Northwest, so it was cloud covered. The rain that fell was generally light so none of the activities were cancelled, though at one point I did wonder.
He enjoyed the games.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Half Days
Exams are winding down. The half-day schedule soon will be a summertime schedule. Changes, there are always changes. Since it is hot and our pool is open, it is time to take a dip.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Proper English
It is rather shameful when you can use the President of our country as an example of how not to speak English. In the President’s Rose Garden speech yesterday, he presented a teachable moment. I do not recall his statements, but I do remember that instead of saying “to” he said “ta”. My youngest and I got into a discussion about the importance of speaking proper English. It is truly a shame when our President cannot speak English properly.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Concessions
With rising costs, (costs are always rising) choices need to be made. It is not too bad when you are not on a fixed income, but when you are your options become even more limited. Gas prices have increased from last year’s $ 2.22 to $3.14 average for today.
It becomes a game of remember when…
… it only cost $29 to fill the gas tank.
… you could afford health insurance.
It used to be that remembering when shows you have aged.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Still healing
Having an open wound prevents me from going to the pool. I do miss the soothing water, but know it is best to get more rest. The wound is getting smaller. Hopefully I'll be able to return to the pool at the end of the month.
Seeing the pictures on Ocean makes me want to drop everything and go to the beach. But exams are starting for the boys, the beach will have to wait.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Given gifts
We are all bestowed with certain talents or abilities. Sometimes it is difficult to see those talents, we just see the shortcomings of an individual. Utilizing our talents makes things better for everyone. We enjoy what we are best at.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Going for Gold
Ye gad! I overslept, it is 8 am. His event begins at 9 am 40 miles away in New Haven. Approaching the Dunkin donuts for coffee, the line snakes through the parking lot. Forget that, off to another drive thru for lesser coffee, but coffee none the less. My car seems to have wings as I drive down the Merritt Parkway. Usually I take note of other things as I drive, but this time I was focused on the road.
Thankfully the parking lot is not full yet and I take one of the few remaining spots.
"Did I miss it?" Am I too late?"
They are all still seated, waiting to be called to the staging area. I get updates from my youngest who is a coach this year. Including the coaches pizza eating contest, which he won and is still suffering from.
In the lead
How did I do?
Getting the GOLD
Now time for his massage and some games. Then to pack and go home.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
My kind of Fair
Although most fair have your usual boring things, this one had some booth that piqued my interest. There was entertainment for both old and young.
Catching an alien
Taking a whack
On a roll
Though it was cool and blustery everyone seemed to enjoy the fair. The booths that appealed to me were the massage and wine tasting. A 10 minute massage was nice to have and the tasting some reds and whites was a pleasurable experience.
After a couple of hours at the fair I was very relaxed ,so changing my dressing was not that bad.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Fever
Fevers generally warn of an infection gone wrong. Going to Promptcare, I discovered that things are not so prompt. The expressions of the people waiting to be seen were that of bored, tired and in pain. The staff though friendly, seemed to be moving at the tortoise pace. I was informed that this first stage of treatment would take about an hour.
She was correct, it took over an hour just to get triaged. Blood pressure 124/80, O2 sats were 100, temperature 101. Back to the waiting area, where an obnoxious game show was blaring on the television. Thankfully the show ended a few minutes later.
Bacteria is a lot like some cheese. There is a distinctive odor, definately not a pleasant one. Uncomfortable wearing the johnny and now smelling foul, the doctor enters. He has a kind face and quickly puts me at ease.
The level of care was excellent:explainations of the procedures, administration of locals before lancing to minimize pain and cultures taken. I checked in at 7:40 and left at 11, but the wait was frustrating.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Saving for a Rainy Day
Awakening to a dreary day, my thoughts turn to doing a day trip. I suggest that to my husband that we go. Usually my traveling companion is female as my husband usually decides to stay home. We had a pleasant day even though it rained.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
It is not always all about sex.
What is wrong with the human body? Its form is oft protrayed in art. American schoolgirls snicker and stare at the statue of David for many of them have never seen a naked male body before.
My middle son who is developmentally around the age of 4 or 5 sees the body as just that a body. There is no shame, what he sees is that it is just another part of a person. Breasts feed babies.
Back a few years ago, in New Orleans, on Bourbon Street there was a sign on the sidewalk.
Topless Women – Bottomless Men
I did not enter the establishment, but applauded the equal opportunity. This how America generally thinks about the human body, the seedy side. And oh yes, only young and firm bodies should be seen. No sagging breasts like on the beaches of the Mediterrean. Heaven forbid that we should actually face reality.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
IED
A rage disorder? Perhaps in a few cases intermittent explosive disorder would explain the violent raging outbursts. However, for most it may be learned or even an inappropriate release of anger. Some individuals may have never learned how to properly vent their anger so you end up with violent confrontations, holes in walls, dented steel doors, etc. In the Emergency Room they have a term for injuries resulting from such incidents, it is called a dumbass fracture.
Many will now be using the IED excuse to try to evade being responsible for their actions.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Replaced?
The reality of the empty nest is looming. Somehow I can cling to my eldest by having his cat here.
Replaced by a cat? Certainly not. But I cannot help see some of my son's character in his cat.
Replaced by a cat? Certainly not. But I cannot help see some of my son's character in his cat.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Celebration
Sometimes the smallest detail means a lot. My youngest son turned seventeen today and was surprised by his chocolate cake.
My precious baby is growing into a man. How quickly the time has flown. Next year he will be a senior in high school, soon he will be in college.
This is a child that has always been independant in spirit. He has his own mind, is a wonderful problem solver and makes his own way. He does not expect to be given things. Though he is the baby of the family, for him, he has lived more as the middle child. He was and is a wonderful role model for his brother that is 14 months older. He is kind in spirit, but will not let others run him over.
Happy Birthday, my precious. The world awaits you.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Unfurling
These ferns located themselves under our pool deck. It just seemed that we are doing the same thing. Plans for our yard are unfurling too.
The rain has kept us from working on the yard, but this can be a good thing since we still have not decided what to do. Formulating plans have been running though my brain.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Thyme for change
It is time for the yard to change. A smaller garden seems to be the route to go. There have been other changes; the neighbor removed his hedge so the back of our yard now has a hideous stockade type fence. It is not the view that I would like. Our vegetable garden is temporarily being downsized as we go through this transition.
The neighbor to our side has a slight retaining wall made of stone. I am thinking of continuing this and planting perennials in that raised bed. Peonies, daylilies, or perhaps a small herb garden.
Since the pool may be going in a few years, I have not completed my vision of what I would like out there. Maybe I will have a better idea once the stone wall is finished and the garden is removed.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Chives
A few years before my mother died, she gave me some chives in a pot. A few years later, she noticed that the chives were still in the pot.
“What? You haven’t planted the chives?”
“They seem to be doing fine in the pot.” I reply.
My mother gave a disapproving glance my way. I had not decided where to plant them.
When the pot got crowded, some chives were sent off to a dear friend and stuck the remainder back in the pot. Now it has been nine years since my Mom passed away and the chives need to be divided once again.
The pot has aged to past its prime and is falling apart. Still I have not found a spot to plant the chives so they will be set into a new pot and placed by the back door. Each time I use that door I am reminded of my mother when I see the chives.
