Above was in my e-mail; snapped photo below of Rigby this morning ... Have a great day!
Are you lookin' at me?
Saturday, May 31, 2008
= Cat in Hat; Cat in Blinds =
Above was in my e-mail; snapped photo below of Rigby this morning ... Have a great day!Are you lookin' at me?
Friday, May 30, 2008
Role-playing
Wife, mother, daughter...daughter, daughter... DAUGHTER.
Between writing stories for work and trying to help my mother with looking at houses and now getting ready to buy one (we are signing an offer to purchase and giving an initial deposit tomorrow-yippee!!) I am tired. Really tired. So I haven't felt like blogging much these days. I feel worn out.
And I fear that the three other people in this house haven't been seeing much of me lately. Or I haven't been seeing much of them. Or something like that.
I think I take pretty good care of the cats. Haven't heard any complaints.
* * *
On top of all this stuff, a wonderful man and World War II veteran of the Army Air Corps who I have gotten to know in recent years was tragically killed Sunday in a two-car collision . It was just a short while after our local Memorial Day Parade, on a glorious Sunday afternoon. John was alone, and he was behind the wheel when his new car was broadsided.
Many have said that it was ironic the accident happened on the long holiday weekend, since he was such a patriotic soul. He was active in both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a friend to all.
I feel terrible about it. He was a widower, and his only child, a daughter, died of cancer about eight years ago. He is survived by two granddaughters.
I helped with the story for the newspaper and went to the wake yesterday. There I saw his veteran buddies, all in uniform, who had gathered for a short service at the funeral home. Most of them are his contemporaries, or a bit younger, which made it so sad. One of them, one of his best friends, grabbed my hand and said to me as they were filing out: "I can't imagine what it is going to be like without him."
Me neither.
Between writing stories for work and trying to help my mother with looking at houses and now getting ready to buy one (we are signing an offer to purchase and giving an initial deposit tomorrow-yippee!!) I am tired. Really tired. So I haven't felt like blogging much these days. I feel worn out.
And I fear that the three other people in this house haven't been seeing much of me lately. Or I haven't been seeing much of them. Or something like that.
I think I take pretty good care of the cats. Haven't heard any complaints.
* * *
On top of all this stuff, a wonderful man and World War II veteran of the Army Air Corps who I have gotten to know in recent years was tragically killed Sunday in a two-car collision . It was just a short while after our local Memorial Day Parade, on a glorious Sunday afternoon. John was alone, and he was behind the wheel when his new car was broadsided.
Many have said that it was ironic the accident happened on the long holiday weekend, since he was such a patriotic soul. He was active in both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a friend to all.
I feel terrible about it. He was a widower, and his only child, a daughter, died of cancer about eight years ago. He is survived by two granddaughters.
I helped with the story for the newspaper and went to the wake yesterday. There I saw his veteran buddies, all in uniform, who had gathered for a short service at the funeral home. Most of them are his contemporaries, or a bit younger, which made it so sad. One of them, one of his best friends, grabbed my hand and said to me as they were filing out: "I can't imagine what it is going to be like without him."
Me neither.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Little things mean the most
I don't want a medal or anything but I have to brag a bit because it's my blog and I'll brag if I want to.
Without even trying I discovered there's truth in the saying that it's the little things that mean the most.
My mother and I attended a bridal shower Sunday. There were a lot of women there and a LOT of gifts. I was hoping that we wouldn't have to watch the gift opening, but no such luck.
We sat at a table near the back and missed seeing a lot of the gifts that were opened. It was hard to see around all the heads.
When the bride opened my card containing a gift card and an old family photograph, she came right over to our table to thank me, but more importantly to show her mom, my cousin, the photo. It was a picture of the two of them on Christmas Day in 1975 when the baby was just two-months old.
The picture captured a squirming baby wearing a red outfit being held by a smiling young mother.
My cousin immediately got up from the table and walked around showing off the picture to her guests. She was all smiles.
I felt good that having the picture meant so much to both of them, and enclosing that photo with the gift didn't cost a cent.
OK, done bragging. Haven't been blogging much lately. Hope to resume soon. G'night.
Without even trying I discovered there's truth in the saying that it's the little things that mean the most.
My mother and I attended a bridal shower Sunday. There were a lot of women there and a LOT of gifts. I was hoping that we wouldn't have to watch the gift opening, but no such luck.
We sat at a table near the back and missed seeing a lot of the gifts that were opened. It was hard to see around all the heads.
When the bride opened my card containing a gift card and an old family photograph, she came right over to our table to thank me, but more importantly to show her mom, my cousin, the photo. It was a picture of the two of them on Christmas Day in 1975 when the baby was just two-months old.
The picture captured a squirming baby wearing a red outfit being held by a smiling young mother.
My cousin immediately got up from the table and walked around showing off the picture to her guests. She was all smiles.
I felt good that having the picture meant so much to both of them, and enclosing that photo with the gift didn't cost a cent.
OK, done bragging. Haven't been blogging much lately. Hope to resume soon. G'night.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
* A 1st birthday to remember *
I just knew it. I knew there was going to be a pony.
We just got back from Adam's first birthday bash. It was a cowboy theme. He wore a black cowboy hat that said "Sheriff" on the front.
Twas a catered affair in a pavilion at a town park. Quite the social event.
I'd say there were at least 70 people there.
And a pony.
Photos to follow...
We just got back from Adam's first birthday bash. It was a cowboy theme. He wore a black cowboy hat that said "Sheriff" on the front.
Twas a catered affair in a pavilion at a town park. Quite the social event.
I'd say there were at least 70 people there.
And a pony.
Photos to follow...
Manna from heaven
When I got up this morning I realized I forgot to buy cereal for certain members of the family (not me).
I went outside to get the newspaper and in the bag were two small boxes of cereal, Honey Nut Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. A promotion, just in time.
They're sugary, but at least there is some cereal if people are looking for it when they wake up.
I went outside to get the newspaper and in the bag were two small boxes of cereal, Honey Nut Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. A promotion, just in time.
They're sugary, but at least there is some cereal if people are looking for it when they wake up.
Friday, May 23, 2008
I hear walking is good for you
Luckily I didn't need to "gas up" my car this morning, but I noticed that regular unleaded gas in New Haven was $4.25 a gallon .....
Social calendar getting filled up
I am tired, so tired I could cry. (Isn't that a song?) Oh wait, that's I'm so lonesome I could cry. Well I'm not lonesome...just need a rest.
Can't get it this weekend, though. Two social engagements. Busy, busy. Out of town and everything...
On Saturday we are celebrating Chunkaccino's first birthday!!! I can't wait. He is a miracle baby and a big boy for his age. Adam is having a cowboy-themed party at a park, pardner. I've got to rustle up a cowgirl hat to wear. I must have one somewhere.
On Sunday I am going to a bridal shower for my cousin's daughter, who I barely know. I knew her when she was little but now she's 32. Yikes.
It's a brunch at a nice place and I have nothing to wear. :-(
My mother is invited, but she has nothing to wear either.
Then Sunday afternoon Kid One and Kid Two are marching in our town's Memorial Day Parade with the high school band.
Yes, Kid One is one of seven alumni members taking part. Such spirit! It's because of their teacher, she is wonderful. She inspires all of her music students to give it their best shot.
Have a great holiday weekend!
Can't get it this weekend, though. Two social engagements. Busy, busy. Out of town and everything...
On Saturday we are celebrating Chunkaccino's first birthday!!! I can't wait. He is a miracle baby and a big boy for his age. Adam is having a cowboy-themed party at a park, pardner. I've got to rustle up a cowgirl hat to wear. I must have one somewhere.
On Sunday I am going to a bridal shower for my cousin's daughter, who I barely know. I knew her when she was little but now she's 32. Yikes.
It's a brunch at a nice place and I have nothing to wear. :-(
My mother is invited, but she has nothing to wear either.
Then Sunday afternoon Kid One and Kid Two are marching in our town's Memorial Day Parade with the high school band.
Yes, Kid One is one of seven alumni members taking part. Such spirit! It's because of their teacher, she is wonderful. She inspires all of her music students to give it their best shot.
Have a great holiday weekend!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Somewhere a job for Ralph ...
He is going to be an independent contractor for an auto repair shop. The owners like him and trust him, I could see that right away.
We had Mexican food with them Saturday and they told us their vision of how to grow the business, with the right team in place. And they want Ralph to be on the team!
He will be able to do the work at home, which certainly saves gas. The only problem is he needs to buy a computer.
Thank goodness for credit cards; we'll be using one for that purchase.
I named Ralph Airhead 55 because of his love for airplanes and the world of aviation, but I could have just as easily named him Carhead 55.
He loves cars. He reads about them incessantly. He knows lots about the current crop as well as the classic ones, and even remembers the make and model of vehicles owned by people in the neighborhood when he was a little kid. It's a subject near and dear to his heart.
We don't know what the hourly rate will be, but anything is better than what he has coming in now, which is zilch, nada, zero.
Happy happy joy joy.
We had Mexican food with them Saturday and they told us their vision of how to grow the business, with the right team in place. And they want Ralph to be on the team!
He will be able to do the work at home, which certainly saves gas. The only problem is he needs to buy a computer.
Thank goodness for credit cards; we'll be using one for that purchase.
I named Ralph Airhead 55 because of his love for airplanes and the world of aviation, but I could have just as easily named him Carhead 55.
He loves cars. He reads about them incessantly. He knows lots about the current crop as well as the classic ones, and even remembers the make and model of vehicles owned by people in the neighborhood when he was a little kid. It's a subject near and dear to his heart.
We don't know what the hourly rate will be, but anything is better than what he has coming in now, which is zilch, nada, zero.
Happy happy joy joy.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Dandy-lions
Some people photograph their gardens. I photograph a front yard in the morning sun that needs mowing. I should have gotten down on the ground for a more interesting effect, but there was no one around to help me up.~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Can anyone identify these blossoms?
I cut them off a shrub in my mother's yard last week and took a photo, which I promptly forgot to post.
They smelled like honeysuckle to me. Or at least what I imagine it smells like.
What a gas in Connecticut
I paid $4.04 for regular unleaded gas yesterday.
How much does it cost in your neck of the woods?
How much does it cost in your neck of the woods?
Sunday, May 18, 2008
"Rob"bed identity
I don't know why I forgot to post this mistaken-identity experience from last weekend. Was it a subconscious thing?
After we attended a christening party we took our daughter back to school. She went up to her fourth-floor dorm to get something; I stayed behind. Since there are no elevators so did Ralph.
While we were sitting in the courtyard waiting, our daughter's friend, Christina, who we've known for years, came out and said hi to us.
Meanwhile, a friendly young guy walks over, smiles and introduces himself.
"Hi, I'm Rob. The boyfriend." He shook my hand, he shook Ralph's hand and he started to chat with us and Christina.
I found him likable and quite talkative. He told us his major, what he was going to do this summer, and that he was from South Carolina.
We were listening intently to him, as was Christina. I thought he was a little different than the kind of guy our dear daughter would like, but I enjoyed his company.
(You guessed it. He was the "wrong" guy. I had no idea the girls each had a boyfriend named Rob. Nobody tells me anything.)
Guy #2 arrived and said hello. At that point we still didn't realize that Rob #1 wasn't our daughter's beau. We said hi. Daughter finally comes back downstairs and introduces guy #2 as her boyfriend, Rob.
This is not sounding as funny as I had hoped. It was strange, because I had just gotten used to Rob #1 when I had to redirect my attention to the other one standing in front of me.
It was confusing, but it gave us all a chuckle.
After we attended a christening party we took our daughter back to school. She went up to her fourth-floor dorm to get something; I stayed behind. Since there are no elevators so did Ralph.
While we were sitting in the courtyard waiting, our daughter's friend, Christina, who we've known for years, came out and said hi to us.
Meanwhile, a friendly young guy walks over, smiles and introduces himself.
"Hi, I'm Rob. The boyfriend." He shook my hand, he shook Ralph's hand and he started to chat with us and Christina.
I found him likable and quite talkative. He told us his major, what he was going to do this summer, and that he was from South Carolina.
We were listening intently to him, as was Christina. I thought he was a little different than the kind of guy our dear daughter would like, but I enjoyed his company.
(You guessed it. He was the "wrong" guy. I had no idea the girls each had a boyfriend named Rob. Nobody tells me anything.)
Guy #2 arrived and said hello. At that point we still didn't realize that Rob #1 wasn't our daughter's beau. We said hi. Daughter finally comes back downstairs and introduces guy #2 as her boyfriend, Rob.
This is not sounding as funny as I had hoped. It was strange, because I had just gotten used to Rob #1 when I had to redirect my attention to the other one standing in front of me.
It was confusing, but it gave us all a chuckle.
Took some courage
So...the continuing saga of Cats v. Humans.
We left the door open last night. We're brave.
The cats did not come in.
We're fine; they're fine. All is well.
We left the door open last night. We're brave.
The cats did not come in.
We're fine; they're fine. All is well.
Friday, May 16, 2008
It was cl-awful
I know, I know, another cat story. But the felines provide me with so much blog fodder!
In the early morning hours on Monday (about 2 a.m.) Ralph woke up with a start.
"What the --- ?" he exclaimed (or words to that effect).
What had happened was Rigby (Cat Two for those keeping score) had just playfully scratched the bridge of Ralph's nose, enough to make it bleed quite a bit and wake him up.
I turned on the light, and blood was dripping into the corner of Ralph's left eye. Yuck.
Grab tissues! Run to bathroom sink for water! Emergency!
Ol' Rigby was out of there. He skedaddled.
We cleaned up the mess, and I shut the door to keep out all felines. Needless to say, we've closed the door firmly every night since then.
Sorry cats, we can't let you back in until we get you to a groomer to get those claws clipped.
They need to be bathed and have their nails clipped, but I am not going to do that. It's not one of my jobs.
=^.^=
In the early morning hours on Monday (about 2 a.m.) Ralph woke up with a start.
"What the --- ?" he exclaimed (or words to that effect).
What had happened was Rigby (Cat Two for those keeping score) had just playfully scratched the bridge of Ralph's nose, enough to make it bleed quite a bit and wake him up.
I turned on the light, and blood was dripping into the corner of Ralph's left eye. Yuck.
Grab tissues! Run to bathroom sink for water! Emergency!
Ol' Rigby was out of there. He skedaddled.
We cleaned up the mess, and I shut the door to keep out all felines. Needless to say, we've closed the door firmly every night since then.
Sorry cats, we can't let you back in until we get you to a groomer to get those claws clipped.
They need to be bathed and have their nails clipped, but I am not going to do that. It's not one of my jobs.
=^.^=
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The good kind of 'mug shot'
This morning mug meme (how alliterative!) comes from my fellow Nutmegger, Linda, who got it from Lois at Lowdown from Lois. (I actually started this post April 18, then got sidetracked...)
As Linda said, there's just one rule and this is it ...
Anyhoo I had problems with glare on some of the glazed mugs when I photographed them.
I have much better luck when I take outdoor photos.
Here's my morning cuppa Joe in a large mug featuring Maxine, saying "I'd drink flavored tea if the flavor was really strong coffee." I like her crotchety style.
(Bonus points if anyone knows her dog's name. I sure don't.)
Now one of my other favorite mugs out of which I drink coffee is this one, featuring Garfield's "mug." Haha.
I bought this one several years ago at our church tag sale for 25 cents. We all know his canine companion's name, right?
I love Garfield. He is full of just the right amount of cat-itude, don't you think?
Photo number 3 is the one I hesitated to use...the glare is killin' my eyes. But here goes. This coffee mug is a souvenir from Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It has sentimental value, because we went to Lancaster on our first long road trip with Kid One and Kid Two.
They were pretty little then and one of the most unusual things we all remember from the trip was driving past two street signs in Lancaster. We were at the corner of Lemon and Lime. Really! Not kidding about this!
We also saw the Mason-Dixon line on that rather educational family vacation. I had always thought that it was further South. Silly me.
~
The End.
If you haven't done this meme, give it a whirl.
As Linda said, there's just one rule and this is it ...
Lois' Morning Mug Meme Rules: Most folks drink some sort of a morning beverage, be it coffee or tea, and most likely from a mug. Please share a photo of your favorite mug(s) and tell a story about how it became your favorite. Include what you drink with this mug.I collect mugs, as well as gnomes, bunnies, ducks, and Teddy bears, so I enjoyed this meme. I like stuff, I guess you could say.
Anyhoo I had problems with glare on some of the glazed mugs when I photographed them.
I have much better luck when I take outdoor photos.
Here's my morning cuppa Joe in a large mug featuring Maxine, saying "I'd drink flavored tea if the flavor was really strong coffee." I like her crotchety style.(Bonus points if anyone knows her dog's name. I sure don't.)
Now one of my other favorite mugs out of which I drink coffee is this one, featuring Garfield's "mug." Haha.
I bought this one several years ago at our church tag sale for 25 cents. We all know his canine companion's name, right?
I love Garfield. He is full of just the right amount of cat-itude, don't you think?Photo number 3 is the one I hesitated to use...the glare is killin' my eyes. But here goes. This coffee mug is a souvenir from Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It has sentimental value, because we went to Lancaster on our first long road trip with Kid One and Kid Two.
They were pretty little then and one of the most unusual things we all remember from the trip was driving past two street signs in Lancaster. We were at the corner of Lemon and Lime. Really! Not kidding about this!
We also saw the Mason-Dixon line on that rather educational family vacation. I had always thought that it was further South. Silly me.
~
The End.
If you haven't done this meme, give it a whirl.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
~ A special day ~
22 !
That's how many years ago it was that Airhead 55 and I tied the knot.
Happy Anniversary to me and Ralph. What's our secret, you ask? Dunno, I respond. Ask him.
Today we are going to meet our nephew's firstborn. We've never met him because he was born in Germany in January.
He will be christened and then we are celebrating by going out to lunch with family.
Not sure if we can post pictures of Caleb. We'll have to get the proud parents' permission.
I hope they say yes!
That's how many years ago it was that Airhead 55 and I tied the knot.
Happy Anniversary to me and Ralph. What's our secret, you ask? Dunno, I respond. Ask him.
Today we are going to meet our nephew's firstborn. We've never met him because he was born in Germany in January.
He will be christened and then we are celebrating by going out to lunch with family.
Not sure if we can post pictures of Caleb. We'll have to get the proud parents' permission.
I hope they say yes!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Actual factual feline follies
It's the next day...and the beat goes on.
These cats are keeping us amused as well as keeping me up at night. It's like having babies in the house again.
I need more sleep!
Early this morning Rigby's LOUD snurring (that's snore + purring) woke me up. It's kinda cute, but unfortunately it was only 3:45 a.m.
He nestles himself between us on the bed, all cozy, and makes himself dead weight. All 10 furry, danderific pounds of him.
Try turning over with him there, holding down the covers. It's a challenge.
I guess we could close the door, but I fear we'd be awakened by scratching, saying "Let me in!" in cat language.
This way, he comes in quietly and there is a chance I won't wake up.
These cats are keeping us amused as well as keeping me up at night. It's like having babies in the house again.
I need more sleep!
Early this morning Rigby's LOUD snurring (that's snore + purring) woke me up. It's kinda cute, but unfortunately it was only 3:45 a.m.
He nestles himself between us on the bed, all cozy, and makes himself dead weight. All 10 furry, danderific pounds of him.
Try turning over with him there, holding down the covers. It's a challenge.
I guess we could close the door, but I fear we'd be awakened by scratching, saying "Let me in!" in cat language.
This way, he comes in quietly and there is a chance I won't wake up.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
= ^. . ^ = Litter box follies
Dang! I wish I had had the camera handy this morning.
Linus was using the facilities and his pesky brother Rigby stopped by the box and started poking his face, trying to mix it up while Linus was concentrating.
It was amusing, to me anyway. Now I hope they do that again so I can get a picture!
Stay tuned.
=^..^=
Linus was using the facilities and his pesky brother Rigby stopped by the box and started poking his face, trying to mix it up while Linus was concentrating.
It was amusing, to me anyway. Now I hope they do that again so I can get a picture!
Stay tuned.
=^..^=
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Just a thought
In three days (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) I met three women with whom I felt comfortable talking, which is no small feat for me. And they all had something important to share, related to what is going on in my life at this point in time.
I really believe we meet the people we are supposed to meet, when we are supposed to meet them.
I really believe we meet the people we are supposed to meet, when we are supposed to meet them.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Sharing sunsets
On Cape Cod:
and at home ...
I am not writing anything today. It's not because I don't have anything to say, but because I have too much and just can't focus on one subject.
and at home ...
I am not writing anything today. It's not because I don't have anything to say, but because I have too much and just can't focus on one subject.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Take a quizzzz, or two
Odat had this on her blog recently. Give it a try... Your Slogan Should Be |
 Patti. Live the Pleasure. (Tee hee. Who knew?) |
The Slogan Generator
And here's another. It's about speeling, I mean speling, I mean, oh, never mind.
And here's another. It's about speeling, I mean speling, I mean, oh, never mind.
Your Spelling is Perfect |
 You got 10/10 correct. Your spelling is excellent. You also have a great memory and eye for detail. |
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Cupboard cat
Here's Linus this morning in the (almost bare) pantry. ----->He's probably thinking: "Garbanzo beans? Unsalted peanuts?? Yuck!"
Where are those catnip treats she gives us? Or those salmon-flavored crunchies? I'm hungry."
<----- And here's me trying to find something to give him to eat.
Methinks it's time for a trip to the grocery store.
Old Mother Hubbard
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
On birthdays, cake and cats
For Ralph's birthday on Saturday Betty Crocker and I baked a yummy cake.
Happy Birthday, Airhead 55 !!
After that, we took a trip to a new pet supply store owned by the woman from whom we adopted our cats, Dopus 1 and Dopus 2.
OK, those are not their names... and I'm not being very nice, am I?
She rescues cats as a volunteer for a local shelter and links up adoptive parents with cats being fostered.
We told her all about our cats' progress and she was happy to hear how well they've adjusted.
Linus and Rigby have become lords of the manor around here, with our encouragement.
We don't yell at them when they misbehave.
Instead, I run for the camera. And try to capture the silly moments.
No more hiding under the bed or running away from us as we reach to pet them.
They're free to act like the felines they are.
As you can see, I turn my back for a minute, and they decide to explore inside the kitchen drawer. ----->
How unsanitary! But things can be cleaned, right? They were only there for a minute. Just long enough for me to get the camera!
Happy Birthday, Airhead 55 !!
After that, we took a trip to a new pet supply store owned by the woman from whom we adopted our cats, Dopus 1 and Dopus 2.
OK, those are not their names... and I'm not being very nice, am I?
She rescues cats as a volunteer for a local shelter and links up adoptive parents with cats being fostered.
We told her all about our cats' progress and she was happy to hear how well they've adjusted.
Linus and Rigby have become lords of the manor around here, with our encouragement.
We don't yell at them when they misbehave.
Instead, I run for the camera. And try to capture the silly moments.
No more hiding under the bed or running away from us as we reach to pet them.
They're free to act like the felines they are.
As you can see, I turn my back for a minute, and they decide to explore inside the kitchen drawer. ----->
How unsanitary! But things can be cleaned, right? They were only there for a minute. Just long enough for me to get the camera!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Now say it in one word; be succinct
Linda posted this meme Saturday and I thought I would give it a go, since I seem to like succinctness. Oh, and Mimi, Queen of Memes, posted it earlier last week. (Sorry your highness)The one-word meme
As Linda said, "There's only one rule...you only get one word but it's harder than it looks!"
Yourself: Anxious
Your Partner: Ralph
Your Hair: Thick
Your Mother: Stubborn
Your Father: Passed
Your Favorite Item: Gnomes
Your Dream Last Night: Confusing
Your Favorite Drink: Wine
Your Dream Car: Passat
Your Dream Home: Here
The Room You Are In: Living
Your Fear: Illness
Where Do You Want To Be In 10 Years: Published
Who You Hung Out With Last: Cat
What You're Not: Adventurous
Muffins: Blueberry
One of Your Wish List Items: Serenity
Time: Fleeting
Last Thing You Did: Slept
What Are You Wearing: Jeans
Your Favorite Weather: Spring
Your Favorite Book: Nonfiction
Last Thing You Ate: Breakfast
Your Mood: Fine
Your Best Friends: ?
What Are You Thinking About Right Now: Writing
Your Car: Hyundai
Your Summer: Hot
What's on your TV: News
What is Your Weather Like: Rainy
When Is the Last Time You Laughed: Yesterday
Your Relationship Status: Great
C'mon, you know you want to play...
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Beautifully optimistic
"What the caterpillar thinks is the end of the world, the butterfly knows is only the beginning."
I was reading a death notice last week about a young woman who died at 31, and this quote was included with it.
I thought it was a good one to share.
I was reading a death notice last week about a young woman who died at 31, and this quote was included with it.
I thought it was a good one to share.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
I hate when this happens ...
- I bookmark interesting things, in an effort to be organized, then a few days later I've totally forgotten that I've bookmarked them.
- When I don't visit blog friends for a couple of days, and they have written incredible posts and I'm last to comment. Then I'm sorry I didn't visit in a timely fashion because I'm afraid they won't go back and see that, although late to the party, I've read and commented on their creative writings.
- When I get caught up in minutia, and the day seems to slip away, leaving me with piles of minutia, both tangible and intangible.
- When I start planning Patti's pity party (love the alliteration there). Things have been going haywire for too long around here, and I keep trying to joke my way past the anxiety and upset.
Friday, April 25, 2008
From Braingle: a trivia and quiz site
As the site says, "It doesn't hurt to take a hard look at yourself from time to time. This little test should help you get started."
During a visit to a mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director what the criteria is that defines if a patient should be institutionalized.
"Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub. Then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup, and a bucket to the patient and ask the patient to empty the bathtub."
Okay, here's your test:
1. Would you use the spoon? 2. Would you use the teacup? 3. Would you use the bucket?
"Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would choose the bucket, as it is larger than the spoon."
What was the director's response?
"No," answered the Director. "A normal person would pull the plug."
~ Have a great weekend!
During a visit to a mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director what the criteria is that defines if a patient should be institutionalized.
"Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub. Then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup, and a bucket to the patient and ask the patient to empty the bathtub."
Okay, here's your test:
1. Would you use the spoon? 2. Would you use the teacup? 3. Would you use the bucket?
"Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would choose the bucket, as it is larger than the spoon."
What was the director's response?
Answer
"No," answered the Director. "A normal person would pull the plug."
~ Have a great weekend!
Smartly done
Last week when I was on vacation Ralph and I did something we rarely do...
Now get your mind out of the gutter!
We went to the movies. We received a gift certificate for Christmas, and finally got around to going to the theater.
The last time we went I think we saw "Shrek 2." It has been a while.
We saw "Smart People." We are so delayed pop-culturally speaking that neither of us knew who the actor was who played the main character. Turned out it was that "unknown" actor Dennis Quaid. He's new on the scene right? Oh. Maybe not.
Well, we sat back, munched free popcorn and enjoyed thinking about something other than bills and problems. That's what it means to be entertained, right?
It's a wonderful concept.
The movie: It is about a professor of Victorian literature at Carnegie Mellon (Quaid) who is a widower. He is out of touch with his two children, a son who attends Carnegie Mellon for free, since Dad teaches there, and a daughter who is a senior in high school. She is borderline brilliant but emotionally needy.
She holds down the fort at home, making dinner for Dad and taking care of the laundry and the house. Daughter gets accepted into Stanford, but doesn't tell Dad.
He is so wrapped up in his own problems he seems oblivious to the two people he should be most devoted, his son and daughter. An adopted brother (played by Thomas Haden Church) lends comic relief to this rather morose, overly-intellectual household.
Quaid gets injured trying to retrieve his car from the impound and is taken to the hospital. Enter cute former student who he doesn't remember and now emergency room physician Sarah Jessica Parker.
They have some on-screen chemistry, as it were. Eventually, as you might imagine, sparks fly.
This is a movie that is easy to take, and rather smartly done. Quaid plays a curmudgeonly sort, an intellectual vying for the chairmanship of the English department. His character is self-centered, but by the end of the movie he comes around to being human again. You'll feel good walking out of the theater.
Out of five stars? I'd give it three. * * *
Now get your mind out of the gutter!
We went to the movies. We received a gift certificate for Christmas, and finally got around to going to the theater.
The last time we went I think we saw "Shrek 2." It has been a while.
We saw "Smart People." We are so delayed pop-culturally speaking that neither of us knew who the actor was who played the main character. Turned out it was that "unknown" actor Dennis Quaid. He's new on the scene right? Oh. Maybe not.
Well, we sat back, munched free popcorn and enjoyed thinking about something other than bills and problems. That's what it means to be entertained, right?
It's a wonderful concept.
The movie: It is about a professor of Victorian literature at Carnegie Mellon (Quaid) who is a widower. He is out of touch with his two children, a son who attends Carnegie Mellon for free, since Dad teaches there, and a daughter who is a senior in high school. She is borderline brilliant but emotionally needy.
She holds down the fort at home, making dinner for Dad and taking care of the laundry and the house. Daughter gets accepted into Stanford, but doesn't tell Dad.
He is so wrapped up in his own problems he seems oblivious to the two people he should be most devoted, his son and daughter. An adopted brother (played by Thomas Haden Church) lends comic relief to this rather morose, overly-intellectual household.
Quaid gets injured trying to retrieve his car from the impound and is taken to the hospital. Enter cute former student who he doesn't remember and now emergency room physician Sarah Jessica Parker.
They have some on-screen chemistry, as it were. Eventually, as you might imagine, sparks fly.
This is a movie that is easy to take, and rather smartly done. Quaid plays a curmudgeonly sort, an intellectual vying for the chairmanship of the English department. His character is self-centered, but by the end of the movie he comes around to being human again. You'll feel good walking out of the theater.
Out of five stars? I'd give it three. * * *
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Just six words sum it up
I took this meme from Empress Bee's post today. She was tagged by Akelamalu.
I've seen it before but never really tried it.
It all started over at SMITH Magazine, and the copy and paste history is thus:
Legend has it that Hemingway was once challenged to write a story in only six words. His response? “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” Last year, SMITH Magazine re-ignited the recountre by asking our readers for their own six-word memoirs. They sent in short life stories in droves, from the bittersweet (“Cursed with cancer, blessed with friends”) and poignant (“I still make coffee for two”) to the inspirational (“Business school? Bah! Pop music? Hurrah”) and hilarious (“I like big butts, can’t lie”)."
The rules of the meme are:
1. Write your own six word memoir.
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like.
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post, and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.
4. Tag at least five more blogs with links.
5. Don’t forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.
Here goes:
1. I will write for money, food
2. Ralph, two children make me happy
3. Note to self: start writing book
4. Linus and Rigby have much fur
Give it a whirl!
I've seen it before but never really tried it.
It all started over at SMITH Magazine, and the copy and paste history is thus:
Legend has it that Hemingway was once challenged to write a story in only six words. His response? “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” Last year, SMITH Magazine re-ignited the recountre by asking our readers for their own six-word memoirs. They sent in short life stories in droves, from the bittersweet (“Cursed with cancer, blessed with friends”) and poignant (“I still make coffee for two”) to the inspirational (“Business school? Bah! Pop music? Hurrah”) and hilarious (“I like big butts, can’t lie”)."
The rules of the meme are:
1. Write your own six word memoir.
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like.
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post, and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.
4. Tag at least five more blogs with links.
5. Don’t forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.
Here goes:
1. I will write for money, food
2. Ralph, two children make me happy
3. Note to self: start writing book
4. Linus and Rigby have much fur
Give it a whirl!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
From the e-mail bag: a history lesson
This is fun to watch, especially if you're a Billy Joel fan.
Ralph and I saw him in concert w-a-a-a-y back in '86.
Click here: We Didn't Start The Fire
Ralph and I saw him in concert w-a-a-a-y back in '86.
"Whether you are a Billy Joel fan or not, you probably remember his great song 'We Didn't Start the Fire.' Here it is, set to pictures--- Had to share this one. It's a fabulous flashback through the past half century. Turn up volume, sit back and enjoy a review of 50 years of history in less than 3 minutes! Thanks to Billy Joel and some guy from the University of Chicago with too much time to Google !
I wonder how many of the images those under 40 will recognize from the early part of the song?? You might have to watch this more than once."
Monday, April 21, 2008
Hairy issue
My hair got chopped off the other day. Actually it was more than a week ago, but I still miss it.It was an accident. I love my hairdresser. M. has been cutting my hair forever. She knows my thick, wavy tresses well. She's a friend I see every six (or 12) weeks, and is a good person.
That said, M. really got carried away with those scissors. She was snipping, and talking, and I was listening, and not paying attention to what she was doing.
It's something about someone working with my hair that puts me in a semi-trance. It's relaxing.
But when I looked in the mirror, I shrieked.
I lost my locks. Will they grow back? Sure. Do I pull on the ends to try to stretch them back down to a reasonable length? Sure do.
The good part is that for now I have gone green: with less hair on my head, I'm saving shampoo, water, energy heating said water and I'm also using less energy to run the blow dryer.
I'm now living the green life. La vida verde, I guess.
(Disclaimer: this is for giggles only, to poke fun at my own vanity. I know people lose their hair for serious health reasons, and I'd never make fun of someone who is bald).
Sunday, April 20, 2008
* * Springtime scenes *
Yesterday we couldn't use our computer until about 9 p.m. I don't know about Ralph, but I was definitely suffering some withdrawal.Our son, Kid Two, cleaned the hard drive and Windows XP and other stuff I don't understand, and the job took much longer than he had thought it would, almost 12 hours. That's why I didn't post until way past my bedtime...almost midnight!
* * *
Today I'm sharing some pictures I snapped Thursday in the backyard of my mother's temporary house. Looks like whoever lived there certainly enjoyed gardening.
This backyard is also where the infamous (to me, anyway) silver pheasant was hanging out for a couple of weeks last month. I wrote about him on March 22.In a strange twist another "exotic" pheasant, also native to southeast Asia, was found five miles from this yard.
At first people thought it was the same bird.
When I got the message about the bird (Pheasant Two, I guess you could say) I called my mother to tell her not to worry any more about "B.T." (short for Big Tail). He was at the nature center! Being cared for!!
Wrong. Different bird altogether.
This one turned out to be a Lady Amherst pheasant, not nearly as large as B.T. But a local resident's discovery of this pheasant, who has an injured leg and was just sitting in the man's garden, did make for an interesting follow-up story for me to write for the newspaper.
Where are all these exotic birds coming from? Don't their owners/breeders keep them in their pens?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Shot heard 'round the world, re-enacted
"Listen my children and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-five;
Hardly a man is now alive
Who remembers that famous day and year."
Opening lines of the poem, "Paul Revere's Ride," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Today Ralph and I went to a re-enactment of what happened on the morning of April 19, 1775, when British soldiers (Redcoats) marched into Lexington, Mass. and the first shot of the Revolutionary War was fired on the Lexington Green. Paul Revere had announced the arrival of the British the night before, on his legendary horseback ride from Boston to Lexington.
The re-enactment was held on the picturesque Green in Milford, Ct.
A friend of mine, Christine, had told me about the event or else I would not have known about it. She is a docent at the Derby Historical Society, and was one of the women in colonial garb tending to the "fallen."
There were a lot of people there so it was hard to get photos without the "tourists" in them. Of course we were "tourists" too, so I guess I shouldn't complain!
Here's Christine chatting with Ralph about how in Colonial times the city of Derby, Ct. was pronounced "Darby." She told me she makes her own colonial costumes. That kind of sewing ability amazes me. I have no patience for that kind of work, safe to say.
The whole event lasted less than a half hour, but it was fun to get out on a beautiful spring morning and do something out of the ordinary.
~
On our way back to the van, I spotted this duck sunning himself at the Milford Duck Pond. He looks like he was enjoying the warm weather as well.
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-five;
Hardly a man is now alive
Who remembers that famous day and year."
Opening lines of the poem, "Paul Revere's Ride," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Today Ralph and I went to a re-enactment of what happened on the morning of April 19, 1775, when British soldiers (Redcoats) marched into Lexington, Mass. and the first shot of the Revolutionary War was fired on the Lexington Green. Paul Revere had announced the arrival of the British the night before, on his legendary horseback ride from Boston to Lexington.The re-enactment was held on the picturesque Green in Milford, Ct.
A friend of mine, Christine, had told me about the event or else I would not have known about it. She is a docent at the Derby Historical Society, and was one of the women in colonial garb tending to the "fallen."
There were a lot of people there so it was hard to get photos without the "tourists" in them. Of course we were "tourists" too, so I guess I shouldn't complain!
Here's Christine chatting with Ralph about how in Colonial times the city of Derby, Ct. was pronounced "Darby." She told me she makes her own colonial costumes. That kind of sewing ability amazes me. I have no patience for that kind of work, safe to say.
The whole event lasted less than a half hour, but it was fun to get out on a beautiful spring morning and do something out of the ordinary.~
On our way back to the van, I spotted this duck sunning himself at the Milford Duck Pond. He looks like he was enjoying the warm weather as well.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Lemonade?
I got ripped off today...ever so slightly.
After I visited my mother at her temporary house I drove down the road I grew up on to pick up her mail. I came upon two brothers who had set up a stand with a sign that said, "Lemonade 25 cents."
OK, I said to myself, after I drop off the mail I'll go back and get a lemonade...I'm a sucker for enterprising youngsters and it was abnormally warm for April.
I stopped, rolled down the window, and handed the boy a quarter, big spender that I am. He gave me a plastic cup.
Um, it wasn't lemonade. It was grape-flavored, sugary water, nice and warm from sitting in the sun.
Refreshing? not particularly.
I asked the entrepreneurs how business was, and they said they had had only "three or four" customers, then added, "Tell your friends!"
Tell them what? That what they advertised as lemonade, wasn't?
Don't mean to sound harsh. They really were cute kids, and they were polite.
(Lesson learned: Let the buyer beware.)
After I visited my mother at her temporary house I drove down the road I grew up on to pick up her mail. I came upon two brothers who had set up a stand with a sign that said, "Lemonade 25 cents."
OK, I said to myself, after I drop off the mail I'll go back and get a lemonade...I'm a sucker for enterprising youngsters and it was abnormally warm for April.
I stopped, rolled down the window, and handed the boy a quarter, big spender that I am. He gave me a plastic cup.
Um, it wasn't lemonade. It was grape-flavored, sugary water, nice and warm from sitting in the sun.
Refreshing? not particularly.
I asked the entrepreneurs how business was, and they said they had had only "three or four" customers, then added, "Tell your friends!"
Tell them what? That what they advertised as lemonade, wasn't?
Don't mean to sound harsh. They really were cute kids, and they were polite.
(Lesson learned: Let the buyer beware.)
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Morning playtime, kitty style
This morning Ralph called me in to see Rigby silhouetted behind the drape. I love the ears.The cat likes sniffing around the Christmas cactus. Actually he sniffs everything in the house!
And this is what happens when you don't supervise kitties with your plants:
Does he look guilty? At least when the plant fell off the windowsill it didn't land upside down. Don't need to be cleaning up potting soil. I've got better things to do with my time.Ah, pets. Always available to supply us bloggers with fresh post ideas.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Weepy
Yesterday we took Kid Two to a final presentation for those who have been accepted at the University of Hartford but have not yet decided on the school.
As an aside, his parents love it there.
We got to see our Kid One, a sophomore, for only about 10 minutes. She had things to do and people to see. They were having an election at the student-run TV station and she was a candidate.
When our son left with the students-only tour, I got teary. It was easier when our daughter went, because Kid Two still had two more years of high school left.
During the presentation for parents, I got weepy. Several times. And there was a lump in my throat as I tried to say something to Ralph.
I got over it, for now.
Soon we will have the prom, class trips and graduation -- all the milestones that signal the end of his high school career. And that signal his mother to start weeping again.
Change is an easy concept to grasp, but it can be a tough one to live.
As an aside, his parents love it there.
We got to see our Kid One, a sophomore, for only about 10 minutes. She had things to do and people to see. They were having an election at the student-run TV station and she was a candidate.
When our son left with the students-only tour, I got teary. It was easier when our daughter went, because Kid Two still had two more years of high school left.
During the presentation for parents, I got weepy. Several times. And there was a lump in my throat as I tried to say something to Ralph.
I got over it, for now.
Soon we will have the prom, class trips and graduation -- all the milestones that signal the end of his high school career. And that signal his mother to start weeping again.
Change is an easy concept to grasp, but it can be a tough one to live.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Up on the (condo) roof
CATS ...Could be an acronym for "Can Always take Time to Sleep"
* * *
Q. What is a cat's favorite color?
A. PURR-PLE
~ Have a great Friday!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Horrific story recounted
On Sunday I went to a book reading at a small bookstore that just opened last year. I had never been there before, but now plan to return. It was a friendly place.
The author, Connecticut resident Martin Schiller, is a Holocaust survivor who wrote of his horrific boyhood memories of living in concentration camps.
"Bread, Butter and Sugar" is the story of the sheer cruelty Schiller witnessed, and somehow survived.
"Writing that book was an emotional roller coaster," Schiller told the audience of about 60 people. "I discovered it was impossible for me to write in the first person, so I wrote in the third person."
For the reading, however, he shifted back to first-person narration. He read a chapter, "The Train Ride," which was a gripping tale of being "sardined" with other Jews into a cattle car and taken to Buchenwald, a concentration camp in Germany.
One woman asked him if he had been "emotionally scarred."
Schiller replied: "I still wake up with nightmares. Traumatic situations may diminish with time, but they never go away."
When the camp was liberated, Schiller was 12. "I was emaciated," he said. "I was only 48 pounds. I almost died."
Now 75, Schiller is a retired electrical engineer. He and his wife of almost 50 years raised three children. When he returned to Buchenwald in 2004 with several family members it was cathartic for him, he said.
Another audience member asked him if he experienced "survivor's guilt."
Schiller replied, "Absolutely. But I turned that into obligation. That's why I'm here."
The author, Connecticut resident Martin Schiller, is a Holocaust survivor who wrote of his horrific boyhood memories of living in concentration camps.
"Bread, Butter and Sugar" is the story of the sheer cruelty Schiller witnessed, and somehow survived.
"Writing that book was an emotional roller coaster," Schiller told the audience of about 60 people. "I discovered it was impossible for me to write in the first person, so I wrote in the third person."
For the reading, however, he shifted back to first-person narration. He read a chapter, "The Train Ride," which was a gripping tale of being "sardined" with other Jews into a cattle car and taken to Buchenwald, a concentration camp in Germany.
One woman asked him if he had been "emotionally scarred."
Schiller replied: "I still wake up with nightmares. Traumatic situations may diminish with time, but they never go away."
When the camp was liberated, Schiller was 12. "I was emaciated," he said. "I was only 48 pounds. I almost died."
Now 75, Schiller is a retired electrical engineer. He and his wife of almost 50 years raised three children. When he returned to Buchenwald in 2004 with several family members it was cathartic for him, he said.
Another audience member asked him if he experienced "survivor's guilt."
Schiller replied, "Absolutely. But I turned that into obligation. That's why I'm here."
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
What we leave behind
I recently attended a memorial service for a courageous woman and wrote about it here.
Copies of this poem, author unknown, were given to those in attendance.
The Dash
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on his tombstone
From the beginning...to the end.
He noted that first came the date of his birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what matters most of all
Was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
That he spent alive on Earth
And now only those who loved him
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars...the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend the dash.
So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what is true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile...
Remember that this special clash
Might only last a little while
So, when your eulogy's being read
With your life's actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?
Monday, April 7, 2008
Still able to get around
I've been wanting to be sillier than usual lately to take my mind off stuff, such as physical pain. My knees bother me and as of last night, my left shoulder hurts.
I think it's tendinitis, since I had that back in the 80s on my upper arm (aerobics induced, no doubt) and know what it feels like.
Today I took my mother to today's neighborhood drugstore, CVS. It hurt to turn the steering wheel to the left, so I tried to just make right-hand turns. That was a challenge.
We shuffled into the store (she was the lucky one with a cane) and immediately headed for the ointments and rubs aisle.
You know how it is when all you want is some magic ointment to ease the pain? A special potion, money no object?
That's what we both seemed to need.
We looked and looked, and decided we each would try something different. Then we can report back, and recommend remedies, or not.
I bought a box of 40 adhesive patches (variations of which have been popular in Japan since the 18th century, says the label) that smell like camphor and menthol (sexy!) and my mother got some cold/hot cream to spread on some part of her anatomy.
We took so long looking at the boxes and tubes and patches full of possibilities that we got giggly. Punchy, actually.
We needed to laugh, I think. In my book it's good to be silly. Laughter does indeed seem to be the best medicine.
P.S. Now I'm thinking after writing this that some may think it's ludicrous for me to complain, seeing as I have a husband who uses a wheelchair. But he doesn't mind my complaining, he says.
I think it's tendinitis, since I had that back in the 80s on my upper arm (aerobics induced, no doubt) and know what it feels like.
Today I took my mother to today's neighborhood drugstore, CVS. It hurt to turn the steering wheel to the left, so I tried to just make right-hand turns. That was a challenge.
We shuffled into the store (she was the lucky one with a cane) and immediately headed for the ointments and rubs aisle.
You know how it is when all you want is some magic ointment to ease the pain? A special potion, money no object?
That's what we both seemed to need.
We looked and looked, and decided we each would try something different. Then we can report back, and recommend remedies, or not.
I bought a box of 40 adhesive patches (variations of which have been popular in Japan since the 18th century, says the label) that smell like camphor and menthol (sexy!) and my mother got some cold/hot cream to spread on some part of her anatomy.
We took so long looking at the boxes and tubes and patches full of possibilities that we got giggly. Punchy, actually.
We needed to laugh, I think. In my book it's good to be silly. Laughter does indeed seem to be the best medicine.
P.S. Now I'm thinking after writing this that some may think it's ludicrous for me to complain, seeing as I have a husband who uses a wheelchair. But he doesn't mind my complaining, he says.
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