Monday, July 31, 2006
Going Back
Yesterday, I pulled weeds. Today I went back to the garden for a closer look at the potential harvest.
Hot peppers. These beauties actully burned my husbands lips.
Oops... time to harvest the zucchini again.
Almost ready to harvest.
The promise of plenty.
It is nice to have a productive garden. With temperatures up around 100 for the next couple of days, special attention will be needed or the garden will fry.
Hot peppers. These beauties actully burned my husbands lips.
Oops... time to harvest the zucchini again.
Almost ready to harvest.
The promise of plenty.
It is nice to have a productive garden. With temperatures up around 100 for the next couple of days, special attention will be needed or the garden will fry.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Weeds
It is a shame that plants do not grow as well as the weeds do. This evening was spent eridicating the weeds in the garden. While snuffing out the life of the weeds. I did happen to take notice of how my plants were doing.
The tomatoes are showing promise. The cherry tomatoes are are poised to turn red. The yellow tomatoes have just started to turn. The Polish heirloom are still growing.
The pepper plants have some produce that is about ready to harvest. The zucchini plant has two new fruit developing.
Pulling the weeds is like removing clutter. You need to get rid of the useless or the good will be choked out.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Super Fresh Zucchini
Garden to table in less than an hour. It was harvested, prepped, baked on the grill and served as a side for our lunchtime meal.They probably could have baked longer on the grill, but we could not wait any longer.
Our sole zucchini plant is producing nicely. The trick is to harvest the fruit before it turns into a baseball bat. Yes, zucchini is a fruit. Maybe that is why I like it so much.
Years ago, single eight friends took to the road in two cars and headed south to visit Busch Gardens and Williamsburg, Virginia. I was first turned onto zucchini at a restaurant in historic Williamsburg. The heavenly taste still lingers in my brain. Since then all zucchini sticks I have had still have not measured up. Some have come close, but most have not. That is not to say that I did not enjoy them. Last weekend in New Jersey I had some zucchini frittes. They were shoestring thin, batter coated, and a bit too greasy. I think that is why I like the baked sticks better, no grease.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Frustrated
There are times when I envy those that are single. Then must remember I have to count my blessings. The phase “Be careful what you wish for” comes to mind. Often the grass looks greener on the other side.
You can be sure that what you have in the refrigerator will still be there when you get back. No one messes around with your computer, changing you settings on you.
On the other hand, there is …. Well the mood I am in right now, I cannot not think of the upside of not being single. No I am not about to toss 26 years of marriage over a bit of frustration. Sometimes you just need to vent and you cannot vent to source of irritation.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Visions and Reality?
Last week I was pleased with losing five pounds. This week I have been plagued by the visions in the pictures that were taken in Philadelphia. When I have looked in the mirror at home, I did not see what I saw in those pictures. What I saw in the pictures upset me. Perhaps this is why I dislike being photographed. I am the one always holding the camera.
Today I received two more positive comments, one from a lady at a local store I frequent, the other from my youngest. He said “Mom, you are getting thinner.” The comment from my son warmed my heart. Guys usually do not notice things like that.
It is difficult to erase my feelings, after seeing the photographs of myself, but I must. The road I have chosen is working. To get discouraged, wallow in self-pity and give up would not help me in achieving my goal.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
New Jersey Reflections
I have come to understand my son’s dislike of the area he is in. It is very congested. Being a few minutes from Philadelphia, I thought perhaps that would be a positive for him. It was not. He does not like the city, he prefers a more rural, small city setting. I can understand that, less traffic, no circles to travel, less stress.
On the up side, the price of gas was $3.07, compared to the $3.31 I paid in Connecticut when we left. In New Jersey your gas is pumped for you. How lovely not to get out and smell gas fumes! Fireflies entertained me when I went out of my son’s apartment at night. Shopping options were varied if I needed to shop, there is fierce competition for the consumer dollar.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Visiting and Returning Home
The first time visiting your child is a strange experience. Now I am the guest. It is their home, their rules. The rules were not an issue, I am not accustomed to being a guest.
Friday night, I offered to take my boys out to dinner. My eldest suggested that we go to a grocery store. What!? A grocery store? I relented and off we went. The offerings were immense. The boys chose to get grinders (subs) I selected a wonderful crab cake with a pear parmesan salad. I enjoyed every bite. I returned to the store before the trip home to secure a crab cake for my husband, Crab is much sweeter than lobster.
Short visits are good. You do not over stay your welcome. The return trip was a pleasure compared to our trip down. At a Garden State Parkway rest stop a young lady from Maine spoke of trees being down on the roadway on the Merritt Parkway after Tuesday’s storms. Yes, my plans were to avoid I-95 in Connecticut. The traffic was a bit heavy approaching the Tappan Zee Bridge, and they were still cleaning up downed trees from the tornado on the Tarrytown side. The Merritt was clear of trees and heavy traffic. Once again I am back in my beloved Connecticut River Valley.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Philadelphia
Entering the city via the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, we made our way to Chinatown.
We walked, in the most humid day of the year, to the Historic District a few blocks away. Drenched in sweat, we stop to take in the Liberty Bell which thankfully is kept inside the air conditioned Liberty Bell Center.
After cooling down we strolled around the Historic District. Near Independence Hall some costumed singers were singing “do not fall in love with a blacksmith.”
A quick stroll past Benjamin Franklin’s gravesite, Betsy Ross’s house revealed that the Corn Exchange has been turned into a beautiful gallery.
Off to lunch on cheese steaks. We were greatly disappointed with the fare offered by both Pat and Gino’s. I will be happy if I never eat a cheese steak again.
We made our way north toward the Art Museum. Here is a picture of my boys near Rodin’s Thinker on their way to Rodin’s Gates of Hell.
With the sound of thunder, they had enough of the City of Brotherly Love and we returned to New Jersey.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Trip home
We arrived home later than expected. Pictures and a recap will not be today. My pillow awaits.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Philly day
It's been a long day. I will fill in when I get home tomorrow with stories, pictures and possibly return trip stories.
Friday, July 21, 2006
The ride down
Thankfully, I had a good navigator and great directions from the internet. The drive down I-95 is intense as always. The Northbound lanes did not look too promising for the ride back so I have planned an alternate route.
The sun was shining when we left. We filled up the tank and our stomachs with the usual fare of coffee for me and hot chocolate for my youngest. He is quite a good navigator, helping me stay on track. The was only one time that I doubted the directions, coming off the Garden State Parkway and getting back onto I-95S. Signs, you would at least think that they would have signs telling you that you indeed are on what you are on. After a mile or two there was some signage. Phew!
We did hit two torrential downpours with a great light show. One storm even provided us with hail to watch as it bounced of the hood of the car. All this while trying to merge the truck lanes and cars only lanes.
My nerves were a bit ruffled. We took a break even though it was still hot and humid. Without breaks the trip only took about 4 hours. We arrived with about a half hour before my son's girl friend had to leave for work. It was nice to wind down from the drive in central air.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Anticipation
I must get to sleep but my mind is racing. I cannot not wait for tomorrow. I do not like the idea of driving near New York City, so the Tappan Zee Bridge is the route I’ll be taking. Hopefully skirting the city will work.
There are things still to pack, including an umbrella. I fear that the perfect weather has been changed to humid and stormy for our day trip into Philly. Hopefully things will work out.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Good News Day
The doctor says the wounds are healing nicely and I only have to change and dress two wounds once a day now.
Last week I received comments that it looked like I had lost some weight. Hmmm...My clothes are fitting differently. Now to go to the scale to check. My changes in my diet and exercise have produced some results. Somehow I have lost five pounds in the last few months.
The heat wave was broken late last night by a fantastic light show. The light was so intense that that the street lights turned off three times during our first storm. The floor shook, and our lights went off for a half a second. The fan slowed and we only needed to reset the clock on the microwave and the answering machine. (The second storm at 1:45 am was less impressive and I quickly returned to sleep.)
My planning for this weekend’s trip continues. The doctor suggested trying the Philly street vendors, though it has been over twenty years since she has been there. She recalled the pretzels were very good.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Flowers in bloom
Though the heat is still quite unbearable, the flowers in my yard continue to produce lovely and fragrant blooms.
I make a quick trip out, of the air conditioned comfort, to check out the asiatic lillies and retrive the mail.
The first time I saw the Star Gazer Lily was at a wedding in Watch Hill, RI. I was enchanted by the beauty and the fragrance. It joined the list of my cut flower favorites like daffodils and tea roses.
A Star Gazer bloom was picked and cleaned to come inside. The fragrance flows with the air currents created by the air conditioner. Soon the blooms will go by and I will have to wait until next July for more of my Star Gazers.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Changed Plans
The phone rings. It is my eldest calling to inquire if I was still interested in coming down to see him this weekend.
“I thought you had plans?”
”The plans changed.”
”Okay, this weekend works for me.”
I shift gears, now my focus is getting things ready for the weekend. My sister is available to take my middle child for the weekend, so my husband can work and have the house all to himself.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
We are having a Heat Wave
Currently it is 92°, and tomorrow they say it will be hotter. I have been looking at my garden from the comfort of my kitchen window. I did sneak out to grab a few pictures of what is being productive right now.
We have the promise of some tomatoes and peppers. Already there has been one zucchini; I am sure many more will follow.
The flowers that are blooming give me much joy. I like the lighter colored Day Lily.
The Stella D’Oro produces many blooms thought the growing season, but I like the Happy Returns variety better. It is nice when the perennials give repeat blooms.
I need to go out and weed the garden, perhaps after a dip in the pool. My garden plans have not progressed much. I am thinking of just putting perennials along that fence, herb garden near my back door and finding a new location for my vegetable garden.
This heat gives me time to ponder my options.
We have the promise of some tomatoes and peppers. Already there has been one zucchini; I am sure many more will follow.
The flowers that are blooming give me much joy. I like the lighter colored Day Lily.
The Stella D’Oro produces many blooms thought the growing season, but I like the Happy Returns variety better. It is nice when the perennials give repeat blooms.
I need to go out and weed the garden, perhaps after a dip in the pool. My garden plans have not progressed much. I am thinking of just putting perennials along that fence, herb garden near my back door and finding a new location for my vegetable garden.
This heat gives me time to ponder my options.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
It's time has passed…
When I heard this phrase it brought to mind things that have gone by the wayside. Rotary phones have been replaced by more useful digital phones. Music has gone from vinyl to digital format.
Some of these changes are for the better. For example I can see jump drives that carry music being used in cars, just plug in and play using voice recognition to control your selection and volume.
But with farms, has their time passed? I certainly hope not, we still need to eat. However as farmers age, selling to developers is a sure way to secure funding for retirement. The farm land is lost forever. I still have difficulty accepting the loss of farm land.
Where I went to pick strawberries, they are reducing the area. Blueberries too will soon be a thing of the past.
Some changes are not always for the better.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Invoice
The invoice for the university came. We were concerned that he might not be able to attend this last semester. Thanks to the grants and scholarships, it looks like my eldest will be able to complete his college education.
This fall will be his last semester as an undergraduate student. He already has a job offer, so at least he will be able to pay his loans when they come due. Time has flown, it was not that long ago that we dropped him off at the dorm.
In the fall of 2007, my youngest will start college. The search is on.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
End of an Era
Waiting for darkness, the smell of popcorn is in the air. You hear the chatter in the cars near you. Children run around in their pajamas, getting out the excess energy before they have to go back to the car. The screen brightens, music plays and children run back to the car and settle in. The speaker is placed on the car window and the volume is adjusted.
It was a time for bench front seats in cars, not the usual bucket seats that we have now. There were no head rests, so those seated in the back could actually see what was on the movie screen. Perhaps these new cars aided to the demise of the drive-in theater, those in the back cannot see through those safety devices.
It is sad to see a landmark go. Soon we will only see townhouses.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Healing
Not to be too graphic and because I could not stand to look at his wounds before pictures were not taken. The wounds are looking better today, so I took some pictures of his healing. Still do not look if you are squimish.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
quitting time
Following rules my son has been trying to find subs while he cannot work. It became evident that would be impossible for the next two to three weeks, so he decided to resign for medical reasons. The good news is that the director is looking at it as a temporary resignation.
This means that we can plan a weekend trip without worrying about him getting time off. We plan to go visit my precious first born in New Jersey and take a day trip into Philadelphia. I have always wanted to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and we will probably tryout those Philly cheese steaks.
Any other "must see" suggestions are welcome.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Doctor’s Visit
When the nurse and doctor examined the wounds usually their expressions are stoic. Their expression on their face spoke volumes. I was told that the wounds were like second degree burns and would take two to three weeks to heal.
Each cleaning inflicts so much pain that it breaks my heart to have to clean his wounds. But I must or infection could set in, which would be much worse. He returns to the doctor in two days.
Each cleaning inflicts so much pain that it breaks my heart to have to clean his wounds. But I must or infection could set in, which would be much worse. He returns to the doctor in two days.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Packages
The Fin Aid package came yesterday and today it was opened. Unfortunately it did not say that it included the special circumstances, so my precious first born will have to call the university and find out what happened.
Also it gives me time to try and figure out how to get some money after paying the taxes, car maintenance, tires and all the other little expenses.
A lottery win would be very helpful right now.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Road Rash
Out for some me time, my cell phone interrupts.
“Hello”
“Where are you?”
Not a moment’s peace, I am hunted down and told I have to pick up our youngest.
“He fell off his bike.”
My mind races. Is he okay? How bad is he hurt? He must be okay, he called.
We take the bike to the shop then call the doctor. At the office, the Doctor compliments him on his first aid skills. Road rash is treated the same way burns are. I have to change the dressings on his arm and leg twice a day.
Apparently my first aid skills suck… it takes me an hour to change his dressings. Some of the time it takes is do to his pain, he has to take a breather. He goes back to the Doctor on Monday to find out how long he has to stay out of the water. For now his life guarding is out.
Friday, July 07, 2006
What time is it?
It is beautiful sleeping weather. The cooler dry Canadian air makes for wonderful summer days and nights. The sleep I had was the best in ages. Unfortunately, I’m here at the keyboard at this ungodly hour. The sunlight is already breaking the darkness of the night and the birds have started to greet the new day.
I know that I will be useless later in the day, since I will have only about 3 hours of sleep. My hubby has left of work and will return around 7a.m. I had ambitious plans for the day, but with the lack of sleep my posterior will be dragging. I will still be able to make the baked beans for tomorrow’s party. But as for my other plans… trimming the shrubs… well I do not know if handling a power tool that cuts is wise move. The shrubs are usually all trimmed by this time of year, but the rains have delayed the trimming.
I should try to get back to bed, but I know that my eyes and brain will not shut down. So now, while my brain is clear, I will make my list of things to do today.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Land of the Free
Thankfully we live in a country that allows freedom of speech. Politics is heating up in Connecticut. Tonight there was a debate between two Democratic candidates for the Senate seat. Ned Lamont would like to replace Joe Lieberman. Lieberman is a seasoned politican, while Lamont is new to the political arena.
I was quite surprised that the debate, besides being aired on our local station, was also on CSPAN, MSNBC and on the web. It appears that there is national interest in this race in this tiny state.
I will not be voting on 8/8, since I am registered as unaffiliated. But you have to admit that fireworks in politics can be intersting. The blogs are all abuzz. Polls on line indicate that most feel Lamont won the debate. Besides if Joe does not win the primary he has already stated that he will run as an independant.
All this fodder for the press, just like our President is fodder for our comedians. Even on the Comedy Channel tonight, it was mentioned about the President having a "C" average.
It should be interesting here in little Connecticut in the next few weeks.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Summer Routines
Summer school has started. My youngest is working as a lifeguard. I am exercising four nights a week. Getting settled into the routine for the next four weeks and catching up on forgotten tasks due to the holiday is what I am up to.
Hopefully things will workout so that, at the end of the month, my youngest and I will go to New Jersey with a quick trip to Philadelphia and stay with my eldest son. We would like to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and my youngest is especially interested in checking out the cheese steak sandwiches. There are many more things to see in Philly, but due to a one day visit our list will be restricted
All this depends on my youngest getting time off from work and finding someone to care for my middle son. It would be nice to get away.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
The Fourth
Twenty two years ago, I laid in a hospital holding a brand new baby, watching fireworks on PBS. It truly was a special day.
This was the quietist Fourth of July. In addition to the normal celebrations, we celebrate our first born’s birthday. We would have a family picnic, but not this year. It was a low key day, where one would hardly realize there was something to celebrate on this day. We had celebrations all weekend long, so we were all celebrated out by the time the Fourth arrived.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Departures
It was wonderful to sit down and have a late night conversation with my eldest son. Rarely does one have a chance to tell a child how proud you are of them. What he has been able to accomplish for himself. Our relationship is changing away from mother and child.
He has a special connection with his brothers. Trips to Taco Bell top the list. Washing cars and playing in the pool.
He left after we celebrated his birthday. It was sad to see him go. Already I cannot wait for his temporary return in mid-August.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Fireworks
Looking out my kitchen window, I see sparks shooting upward toward the sky. The boys and I venture out to see the fireworks display from our next door neighbor's fence.
We watch the glorious display being put on at the college. Behind us we hear the Riverfront display, we turn and can just see tiny bits of it through the trees above another neighbor's roof. The mosquitoes are not too bad, we only get a bite or two.
My middle son has an aversion to loud noises so as a family we have kept our distance when watching fireworks. It is not the same as being up close, the delay between the speeds of light and sound, the lack of the feeling the percussion of the booms.
Yet we watch and still say ooooo and ahhhhhhhhh!
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Coming Home
When does a 3-4 hour trip turn into a 6 hour trip? When you head to Connecticut from New Jersey and sit in NYC traffic for an hour and a half.
My precious first born is home for the holiday weekend.
