As the year winds down

While many of my pals are reviewing their best posts for the year that list is easy for me. Mine best writing according to Pax was about my childhood experiences with my grandparents. There are those of you who write for humor and irony. There are those who write to lament the state of the world either inside or outside ourselves. For me it is more of an online journal, a measure of where my head is at at any given time. Creatively I have been very busy, knitting, crocheting and sewing, etc. my writing has suffered and in part due to the fact that I don't want to write about the negative. Haven't been able to successfully complete more than one book all year. i am not a big t.v. watcher either.
I have been enjoying the weekend and quietly reflecting on what I have to be thankful for and the hopeful dreams of what 2007 might be: I cannot believe 2006 year has past so quickly and in many ways that is a good thing.
First let me say I am so thankful that I can finally sleep well most nights,
I am thankful for friends like Momma J and Merci, Pax and J for all the kindness and support throughout this tumultuous year. Couldn't have made it without you.
I managed to get a new roof on the house, several new windows and it looks marvelous,
The new mantra of remove, repurpose and recycle have never made more impact. Less really is more!
I escaped for a weekend here and there and that was enough to relax,
But next year, God willing:
I will be hitting a milestone birthday,
I will loose that extra ten pounds,
so that I will not look my age of 39 and holding,
and to honor that event I am going to take a "real" vacation. I have a few ideas?
What are your favorite vacation spots?

Hopefully 2007 will be healthy and happy for us all. That's enough.

Post Holiday Lament

The scrooge in me was reminded of the joys that are Christmas while spending a little time with children. They cannot wait to open their gifts and are filled with excitement many of us have not felt in years. My Mom was happy because her grandchildren came on Christmas eve and the last child from NY came by last night. They went to dinner but alas, I was whooped and did not join them. It was nice to see Mom happy.

I want to thank all of you for your gifts, calls and attention which made this year a little easier. D asked me yesterday how it went and I replied that it was good. I found myself slipping into a mood on Tuesday and for the life of me I could not figure out why. Maybe Zelda was just tired. I baked, I cooked, I knitted scarves for all and still am thinking of creative ideas.....

Yesterday I indulged Zelda with some much needed new clothing items found at the after Christmas sales at 50% off. There will be no dry cleaning and less ironing for me this winter, that's for sure.

My resolution is to resist worry, hope for our futures and enjoy the New Year filled with peace and love for us all. Maybe I'll learn to add pictures to my blog, nah, who am I kidding!

Saturday in park.

Unable to connect to my email for several weeks, i finally called the provider and they politely tried to tell me that I am not who I say I am. Is someone else using my internet services? After waiting for more that five minutes for a manager, I hung up. Determined to vist them in person today, not detered. Well the headache, hot flashes, sweating and sore throat I felt at work yesterday was apparently not based in stress. I am sick! Stayed in pj's and parked myself in front of t.v. , between naps all day. Five minutes of sweeping floors and I would be tired again. No internet resolution, no cleaned house, oh well. All those folks around me at work who were talking about their recent recoveries from colds and flu's must have generously shared with me. What a gift. Feeling a little miserable, ignore it, I get that way when I am too tired. Perhaps I finally read that novel from Paxie. That would be a good thing. Teh tea pot is boiling got to go.
Hope that you are all well and enjoying you weekend. Peace!

Thankful III

Simply that this day, this week is over! TGIF

The List

This is not about a Christmas list. Any home needs work from time to time. Shouldn't the list get shorter once in a while? Now that the roof is done and the dumpster finally removed I can move on down the list. Yeah only this week did they removed the monstrosity from my driveway. I bet half of the folks in the neighborhood could have cleaned their attics during the time it was here.
What's next?
Drywall repair in the kitchen,
Finish painting the living room walls,
Finish installing basement windows; one down three to go,
Replace the light fixtures outdoors (purely aesthetic),
Empty the garage (of stuff that's not mine),
Replace the garage door,
New windows for the bedrooms,
New windows (wood) for the living room,
Change the carpet in one bedroom,
Sand and refinish the hard wood floor upstairs,
Remove the textured ceilings from dining room and living room,
what were we thinking?)
New full view storm doors?
Repave the driveway! May cost more than the new roof?
By then it will be just about perfect, Yeah.
Anyone who owns a home knows that there is always something to be done.......
Is it any wonder I have not taken a real vacation in years? Humm?
what's up with that?

Have a happy.....

Holidays always bring out the best and worst in people. See Pax's accounting of today's office adventure@ Pax romano's ramblings. blogspot.com. There were so many foods to choose from and so many good cooks in our office. Waiting till the crowds died down there was little of the culinary masterworks left for me. In fact some were going for second helpings before I had the first bite. Didn't Moms everwhere teach their children better! I did get dessert only because I went to that table first. I made the mistake of eating the delicious "Death by Chocolate" by Mommala Romano and regreted it for hours once the sugar and expresso boust wore off. I should know better, but instead I bellowed get out of my way, I need chocolate.....or something to that effect. You know my mantra, give me chocolate and no one gets hurt. Well it was me who suffered. I really liked it but it did not like me.

I decided to start planning a "real" vacation, one that I've always wanted to take. An excursion just may break up the oh too-long winter. See Mommala is rubbing off on me! Gotta love her sense of adventure and she bakes well too! Who knew?

Good Night and God Bless

Last night I attended the services of an aquaintence who had left this earth following a three year battle with breast cancer. She was diagnosed as it turns out, the same year as I. When I heard that stated out loud, I thought good thing I am sitting down, as I tried not to show that it rattled me a bit. She was a member of the Eastern Star organization which in my ignorance I had to research. There was a restful aura in the room that was loaded with people and everyone seemed to be in peaceful harmony. Good night A, you will be missed but not forgotten.

Pink sky at night.

The full moon and sunset were a thing of beauty as I drove westwardly home. The sky appeared dark pink and blue were the scattered clouds. I though of a saying my Mom used to chant; "Pink sky at night, shepards delight....."

If only it were soldiers delight, as in returning home? Why can't men, admit that they have made a mistake going to the middle east? What is it going to take to bring our soldiers home alive and well? The price is too high!

What do you want for Christmas?

Please don't tell me world peace. We'd all have that if we could, i hope anyway.
So what is your heart yearning for this year?

Is it a MP3 player now that you've bought them for the kids (last year)?
How about the big screen t.v.?
Is it fruitcake that makes your mouth water?
Did you get the camera/phone/MP3 combination yet?
Freshly baked cookies and cakes are sounding pretty good right now.
Each year one of my friends and I talk of escaping to some exotic location and skip the whole thing. Could be fun? I am picturing Javier putting suntan lotion on my alabaster skin ....Oh, sorry I got carried away.

I usually yearn for something that I could not or would not purchase myself. Now I look forward to just spending time with the people closest to me and having a cocktail to celebrate another year of success, love and friendships.

Imitation is the sincerest form.....

Justrose and Lori had this idea on their site, and i got to thinking about the things I'd done in my life. What remarkable things have you all done? Like Rose I have highlighted some and have edited many. Please add your own to the list.
01. Touched a live shark.
02. Went climbing in the blue ridge/smoky mountains.
03. Driven as fast as I could...
04. Appeared on t.v.
05. Modeled clothing.
06. Competed in a pageant.
07. Bathed by candlelight with someone.
08. Said "I love you" and meant it.
09. Planted trees, too many to count.
10. Written poetry
11. Captained a boat.
12. Help to raise a sail on a schooner.
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Made my own clothes.
15. Gone to Live 8 concert.
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
17. Grown and eaten my own vegetables.
18. Made homemade jams and pickles.
19. Slept under the stars on a boat.
20. Spent the holidays doing charitable work for others in need.
21. Rode a pony.
22. Won a trip to Washington D.C. as a teenager.
23. Wore a mini shirt
24. Went topless at the beach
25. Picked up and move to another city to start over
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Buried one or more of your parents
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a piglet
33. Broken a bone.
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking.
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Driven with a friend on the beach
40. Been heartbroken longer than you were in love.
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Broke someones heart
44. Alphabetized your CD's
45. Bought a house
46. Lounged in bed on a rainy day.
48. Made a patchwork quilt.
49. Wrote a story about my Grandparents, for my siblings and nieces.
50. Played touch football.
51. Hit a home run.
52. Bat left or right handed.
53. Played golf.
54. Held hands and walked in the rain.
55. Saw Bruce Springsteen perform live. WOW!
56. Gone to a drive-in movie
57. Started my own business
58. Voted as "Ms. Friendship" in a contest.
59. Learned a second language, but forgot most of it.
60. Baited my own hook and removed the fish afterwards.
61. Met Muhammad Ali
62. Met Joe Frasier
63. Was on the beach during the running scene from Rocky 3.
64. Been visited by Cancer.
65. Believe I saw a ghost.
66. Tried sushi
67. Eaten seaweed.
68. Gone back to school as an adult.
69. Touched a cockroach
70. Eaten fried green tomatoes.
71. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
72. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
73. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
74. Had a booth at a street/craft fair
75. Voted best smile in high school(tied and opted out).
76. Wore hot pants and knee high boots.
77. Traveled along the east coast from Maine to Florida.
78. Chose to take the hard way just to be authentic!
79. Been a mentor, twice.
80. Leader of a 4H Club.
81. Taught knitting and crocheting to others.
82. Made wedding bouquets and floral arrangements by request
83. Canned my own tomatoes, pickles, etc.

Thankful ll

Something else that I am thankful for today is simply a day off from work. Not for doctor's appointments, repairmen or anything else. The sun is shining and the weather mild. Must get out for a walk today. Ferris Bueller had his day off and now I am having one of my own.
I have been in a creative mode and believe me I am having fun making things for gift giving. In searching through my supplies for white fabric I found a quilt top that I started one or two years ago that needs finishing. Made something similar last week. One has a children's theme and the other a tree pattern or my own creation. Never the less I am wrapped up in sewing at this time. This rarity will probably not happened again for another twelve months or more. Hated to learn to sew as a kid. Thanks Mom for insisting.
Funny though I am not motivated to decorate and put up a tree. I am probably a decorator at heart, maybe in a past life.
Speaking of being creative I was tempted to purchase the TSV on QVC. A dream for the handy man or woodworker. Whats next? While I do not share the gifts of prose and poetry of some favorite bloggers and I don't have the humor of Pax Romano. I'm not interested in politics like Karl and Patsy. I will say that I thought the war in Iraq was a mistake from the beginning. Thats all the politics you'll get from me today. I have some talents of my own and they are calling me to get back to work. Who knows what is next? Peace and love in all you do my friends.

Something to be Thankful For...

Yesterday I had the roofing contractor return as the guys broke a pipe that vented through the roof. It was after eleven when this hunky workman arrived. He needed only twenty minutes to make the repair and the roof was good as new. What was new was his accent that overshadowed his attempts at English. Vincent it turns out was from Brazil. His accent was as thick as his shoulders probably from carring roofing materials up ladders. I did not ask, but wondered what would bring someone from such a warm climate to the cold fall days of NJ. My only interest was to put to rest the roof repair and replacement.

So the point, I am thankfull that the roof is complete. That all of your well wishes came true. It was not as bad as I imagined. Only two and a half sheets of plywood had to be replaced. Watching home improvment shows last week had me imagining that it was badly rotten. That thought was not a figment of my furtile imagination but a seed planted by one roof contractor who predicted the worse. Thank God he was wrong. I am going to try to learn a lesson here. In a voyage of self discovery toward authenticity, there are nothing but lessons to be learned. Now I can put a lid on the stress of waiting and wondering. There is much to be thankful for.

Prjoect Cover Up - II

Well, he's not making a good impression. 8 am sharp has come and gone on day 2. In fairness he called said a worker was running late. At 9:40 , still no roofer. I called said I was anxious to get started and planned to go to work by lunch. It's 11:17, no call, no show. Not a good start. I just want to get this over with. The sun is shining and its beautiful out, here's I' m hoping for the best.

The Big Cover Up

A five day weekend seemed like just the thing to cure my ills. Seems that I'll need another day off. Oh, dear what a shame. I might try to take a photo of the before version. But I don't have a digital camera to share with all fo you.

Well, today is a big day. What you ask? After saving and stress, stalls and stalemate a new roof is scheduled to go up today, unless it rains again. Seems its been raining alot since finding the urgent need for a complete roof replacement. One estimator scared the h--- out of me when informed me of the anticipated extent of the damage. He had not even opened the roof yet. How long had it been this way? Why did I not get the full story ? On and on, as panic moved in as my good common sense took a back seat. My overactive imagination began to wonder what else was lerking that I did not know about. Did I want to know anymore?

Hopefully today's weather is as nice as Friday and Saturday. Could we have had better fall days?

I'm trying to look on the bright side and I am not talking of the view from the sky light. If things go well this project will be complete in a few days. If not get my room ready at the big house. I'll need a special case manager. I hope that the master carpenter in my family will be watching, supervising and be a guardian angel as I take this leap of faith. It will all be finished soon and prayerfully there are no more hidden suprises. Wish me well. Peace and love to all.

The broken path to Boca

My friends Saul & Sylvia are checking out of this cool weather and checking in at the Feinstein compound in Boca, Fla. I am sworn to secrecy about the location as the hundreds of regular customers of Saul's Soles will be calling Saul asking for new styles in time for the holidays. Sylvia is a little worried about Saul, he's been taking a lot fo time off these days. Usually he'd stay at home in Philadelphia to mind the store on Chestnut St. Not this year, Sylvia said she'd have to give up her passion for shopping and spas for canasta and fun with Saul. I cannot beleive she agreed. Every since he found Viagra, Sylvia found........, well you can imagine for yourself. A good woman doesn't talk about such things. There is that one meschugana that calls for Saul in the middle of the night and Sylvia is a little worried. Only her closest friends can see the truth. Oye, but I'm not one to gossip. Did I tell ya about her sister Liza, always on the move that one...More later, Molly is her and we're off to the casinos to meet Liza and her new husband. She must be up to four or five by now. We'll chat later.........Maybe Saul will give a call from
Boca to check in and see how things are going there. I'm sure his aching back is enjoying the warmth of only a loving wife and the massuse in Boca can't hurt either.

INDIGO MOON

I was eager to attend a concert under the stars. After all, it was free and there are few things better that good music and great friends. The band, Grey Eyed Glances was one that I'd seen before at an all day folk concert held on mowed pasture fields in Southern NJ. Their ballads werre laced with folk melodies and soft rock sounds, but the angelic voice was what impressed me. It was reminiscent of an old Irish lullaby.

On that Indian summer evening, I arrived to find one of several friends had arrived moments before me. I was excited to see a friendly face. From my cars trunk I retrieved a well worn patchwork quilt. My foavorite colors of pink and green, very warm and comforting whenever you wrapped yourself in it. Finding just the right vantage point I spread the blanket across the sloped ground in anticipation of the evenings' magic and energy of live music. It was the sky that drew my attention like a magnet. The indigo sunset was beautiful beyond words. I cannot remember a sky quite like it. Only Van Gogh could have painted its likeness. The purest indigo, yellow blue and lavender striations consumed the horizon, above the hill where we sat.

Still anticipating the bands arrival on stage, try as I might I could not take my gaze away from the sky for very long. Trying not to sound corny I asked my companion if she'd noticed the sunset. "Oh yeah, it was really nice huh." Nice it was, compelling drawing me to stare the way the ocean tide beckons surfers and fisherman.

When the music started it was relaxing in a way that little else can. Still there was a little chill in the air. I wiggled deeply into the quilt while listening to the music and taking in the last few minutes of the most beautiful sunset. As it began to fade to oranges and salmons the band was just hitting their stride. With Halloween approaching, they sang "oohhoo, oohhoo that Voodoo beware..." In that fleeting moment music filled the arena where everyone was dancing, swaying and clapping to the gentle rhythms. It was a perfect evening and the beauty of the indigo moon at sunset was etched into my memory as perfection.

High School Drama

At Merci's room you'll find an example of high school poetry. Well here goes my psudo-Sylvia Plath saga :

A Guitar

stands alone in the corner

Now it is still.

There were times this hand

carved piece of artistry

had been finely tuned,

played the most beautiful

sounds I ever heard.

You brought life to this guitar

singing beautiful notes

Strong hands perfectly

filling the air with beautiful music

In front of a fire

we sat singing old folk songs

as music and time

rolled along

There were times

then

that tender moments

were within your grasp

The music,

the life

you brought to that old guitar

and me.

The music

the life that now

is still.

Driving home the beauty.

Ok so this isn't exactly the sunset I saw driving home this evening, but its pretty close. The fall color is at its prime now and the sunset was filled with pink and orange reflecting the trees below as I drove west toward home this evening. Views like this inspire creativity and lately I'd rather be creative than almost anything else. Idea abound and with the holidays looming, less that two months away it's time to be industrious. Hope you are all having a good week. Do enjoy the beauty that is around us.

All Work and no Play.

I remember saying that I was going to take this month off from the home improvement list. Well, I lied. I made breakfast which I never do; blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham, juice and coffee. Since we had a table full fo strong men for breakfast they were put into action. With fall well underway there is still much to do before winter approaches. For every two projects completed there is one new addition to the list. The list that has no been eradicated in fifteen years. The project de jour, the basement windows purchased today are not easily replaced. After all the old ones are quite cozy where they were. Like everything in this 80 year old bungalow there are always modifcations due to listing and gravity. Starting early means right after breakfast and at 12:30 window number one is still a work in progress.

The weekend was not without fun however, found a great place in Lacaster county filled with farm animals, ride hayrides, buggy rides, and a 2.5 mile corn maze. After an hour and fifteen minutes it was looing its appeal. Dining at "Good & Plenty" is always the high point of any trip to Lancaster. Seems half of the east coast had the same idea to enjoy a last hurrah in the beauty of a simpler lifestyle that is quicky fading. What fall color, what a weekend.

Pet peeve of the day

How is it that a plane could crash into any building among the NY skyline? This should never have happened after 911. What is going on? I hate to watch the news sometimes. What is your pet peeve ?

The bitter with the sweet

An homage to my grandmother is in order this time of year as it was she who taught me how to cook, how to preserve foods, though no one does that these days. She inspired my love of quilts which are nothing more than a story weaved of new and used fabrics that once clothed and warmed her family. It was the gardens of my Grandfather that inspired my love of horticulture. The long drive way to their home was punctuated with iris, prized gladiolus and dalias each summer. And yes, there were tractor tires on the lawn, freshly painted each spring filled to overflowing with annuals.

They lived through the depression and did not waste anything, reuse and recycled every thing. Most of the furnishings were antiques that Gramps loving restored. These were intended to be passed down to future generations of the clan. As a child, I recall visiting during August heatwaves when fields were punctuated with golden grains as far as you could see. Cows and chickens grazed leisurely on green grass alongside the listing red barn. We would have to navigate through the pasture filled with cow pies to reach our special destination. My father, brother, sister and I fished with Gramps at a pond he built and stocked with fish. Imagine sitting on the bank with a bamboo fishing pole and the red & white bobber that let you know a fish was nibbling at the bait like something out of Tom Sawyer. I recall riding in the blue pickup truck to visit friends with them. If we behaved we might get a treat of those red and white peppermints that were stashed in the glovebox. Sometimes it was freshy made carmel popcorn and home made rootbeer or ice cream. Ah the smell of a busy kitchen can take me back to these childhood rememberances. Whenever I go to Lancaster Pa., it feels like home.

This week marks the anniversary of the passing of my Gran who left this world in her 93rd year. She would be 96 now and I so hoped that she would make the 100 mark. Her parting words were that you must take the "bitter with the sweet." Some thought her to be hard and cynical but the woman I know was loving and gentle, albeit sometimes strict. I could barely get my arms around her for a hug and rememeber spending hours brushing her long silver hair.
I still miss her and the pastoral serenity of the life that no longer exists.

When next I visit Ohio, I wonder if the view will be that of a housing development or a strip mall on the 48 acres that once were the family farm my Grandfather built. Life seems so different now but what a wonderful time it was to be a child on the farm.

Fall favors

Time marches on and on and if we aren't mindfull we'll miss some important things along the way. These past weeks have been tumultous for several friends and I cannnot help but look back to blogs of a year ago just to see what and where we all were. Another fall, another sunset and many changes for all. Fall and all its beauty is upon us and I hope that we are taking time to enjoy the colors of brick, bronze, gold and green that is everywhere. There is something extremely beautiful about the fall colors. I suggest a walk outdoors to take in all the beauty that nature has presented for us these days. The colors are fleeting and perhaps thats a metaphor for life. Good things never last long. Enjoy your weeeknd!

TOP 5 II

Only a year ago I asked the same question: What are you listening to, artist and title? I'll go back later and see if it's the same. We all know some who never listen to anything but the 70's....Uhmm Have we tried anything new this year?
Dave Matthews, "Crash"CD
Dave Matthews, "Everyday"CD
Billy Joel -Live
Jeffrey Gaines-Always Be
Allan Tousiant and Elvis Costello new CD,

What are your favorites?

All work and no play

What have you been putting off doing even though you know you should get it done?

I'll start, after powerwashing the deck early this am I found that I had only a smidgen of stain left. I ws sure there was another can waiting for me.....after staining the fences the deck will be easy. But I'll have to go get more stain........arghhhhh
Ask me how many times I went to the shore this summer?
Thanks to the breakfast club and friends who make sure that the addage all work and no play does not apply.

Name your Poison!

We all have one of those days from time to time. Well yesterday was mine, found a door that was coming off its hinges and a major tree limb hanging on by a thread....oye. I don't want to guess what's next. So I thought maybe a good stiff drink was the in order. What's your favorite drink/cocktail and do you care to share with us how its made?

Why I like the rain

The current weather has me thinking of ways to be "cool" -
As a child I loved raining days walking home from school tramping through puddles in barefeet.
Rainy weather makes pulling weeds in the Garden of Eden easier.
Rain often lowers the temperature.
Free car washing.
Rita's buy one get one offer.
Sleeping soundly at night to the music of the rain on the roof.

Can you offer an other ideas?

I Dare You - I

How many days can you go without watching T.V.? What are you going to do with all that free time?

Simple Pleasures

At Morning Martini the following posting was too good not to be repeated:


"that man is richest whose pleasures are cheapest"
-Henry David Thoreau

What are your simple pleasures?

Lost and Found

Drinking coffee while gazing at the backyard garden is one of the most supremely serene experiences. In early morning I do not turn on music as the naturalistic views and bird song are all one needs. Having repositioned the birdbath the birds now come closer than ever to the dining room windows. If you go quietly for the morning paper they don't seem to mind. Maybe they are busy enjoying the small fruits they find this time of year. I rarely get to eat any of the red raspberries, blackberries and grapes scattered across the garden. In fact the recent heatwave reminded me how important the water element is for these small creatures. Most days this is the scenario except when two rather large seagulls made an appearance. Were they lost? They were way off shore and looked as much out of place as two shoebees as the Jersey shore. Happily I can report another first, pairs of gold finches fluttering about the butterfly bushes. I highly recommend these deciduous shrubs for any home garden, as they attract more than just butterflies. Seeing birds return time and time again makes me think that the world is a beautiful place. Nature inspires serenity and the hope that mankind can turn it around. We don't have to remain off course like the lost gulls.

All Packed And Nowhere to Go.

I was overdue for a vacation in the worst way imaginable. Postponed from the beginning of July until this week. Not only was I deemed "essential" and had to work during the state shutdown there seems to be no reward for doing the deed. I missed out on a change to join a friend at the shore in MD. I was going to miss the party of the season at Merci's because I had tickets to a favorite artist's concert. What was I thinking? ARGHHHHH, What a month? I don't know how no one got hurt, frankly?

Music fills the soul and lifts the spirit above the mundane and responsiblities of life's to do list. Looking forward to outdoor music for months after splurging on concert tickets so I pack up toward Philly for the XPN's music weekend. Yeah baby, 3 days. Sounds good huh? I decide to rest on Friday instead of going to lunch at World Cafe with L & Big Daddy. I also had bought tickets to see Chicago and Huey Lewis at the Tweeter right in the middle of the other concert without realizing they were the same weekend. OK, it'll be a record of sorts, pardon the pun, I couldn't resist. It all sounds like the perfect start to a perfect weekend.
That is until the rain came......
Saturday still waiting for the sun to shine it was off to the waterfront in mid-afternoon. Finally securing a reasonable place to park we arrived at the waterfront. Just exiting the car the wind started to blow and the sand started pummelling my legs like razors. A nice picnic lunch was safety stowed in the trunk for the long afternoon and evening full of music. It was back in the car until it blowed over. Forty minutes or so later I wondered why I'd left the drinks and snacks in the trunk. It was raining too hard to retrieve them now. In minutes the parking lot looked like a lake, the drains looked like fountains unable to withstand the onslaught or water. It seemed to be raining upward as the deluge had no where else to go. At times you could not see the Ben Franklin Bridge though I was sitting one hundred yards away. I had time to imagine the car flipping and turning in the wind like an apocalyptic nightmare. Maybe it was low blood sugar, I don't know.
When the rain finally let up it was off to the park, well prepared with picnic, poncho's, color coordinated blue blanket and plastic tarp to save us from the wet ground. Imagine my surprise when there was plenty of great spots to sit in full view of the stage. Unpacked and seated it started to drizzle and I was happy to have brought along rain ponchos. What a sight, imagine a rain swelled slope filled with folks in various degrees of wetness. I barely got comfortable when there was the message from the stage. We are canceling today's concert as the equipment is all wet. Listen to XPN radio and they'll reschedule some of the artists to this evening at other venues. Where else but at World Cafe where everyone was welcome but first come first served with a capacity of 800. You're kidding I thought. Trying to "look on the bright side" all I could do was laugh. Did I want to go to World Cafe?

The Chicago concert was two hours off and there was no way I was going to sit and wait in hopes of better weather. For years I've gone to summer concerts and only once did it rain. I can still remember the saying, "oh, it's a light heavy rain" let's go anyway. Not a chance. Systematically I planned one concert a month for the summer entertaintment. Each time it was beseiged with rain. After last month's Dave Matthews show I vowed like a watery Scarlett OHara I will never get wet again.

I am looking for bright side and hope that despite the rocky start the vacation this week will be peaceful and serene, come rain or come shine.

Stress everywhere and plenty to spare..

I'd like to know what you do to reduce your stress after a hard day? Does it seem like things are getting a bit crazy or what?

Jeffrey, Jeffrey, Jeffrey

First concert of the season, yeah! Almost rained out, yeah! Free, yeah!
After one bad day this week it was a treat to go and see one of my favorite performers Jeffrey Gaines. Who you ask? Are you an XPN listener? I first saw him perform and pour his heart out in song and sweat one hot June evening at the Tweeter when Sting had transportation problems. I still remember this black man wearing red leather pants and a jacket in June. He had to be hot and he was, his music that is. If you have never heard his heartfelt and engaging songs you should give a listen. Songs like "Over and Over,"Always Be," and I know a Man" are great. His version of PG's "In your Eyes" is better than the original, in my opinion. JG is hard to define his songs from the heart are about his life, heart, aspiring to greater things, and personal freedoms. He doesn't sound like anyone I could name and I have tried. He defies generalization. I bet you can find JG performing somewhere this summer in the area as he hails from PA. Most of his performances are free to the public and he can usually be found donating his time for charitable causes like Katrina or Africa relief. If not you'll find him on XPN.
I woke up with his music running through my mind over and over, oh, that's one of his lyrics.
Love, love, love JG. Sorry couln't download a pic. Try his website: Jeffrey Gaines @Homepages.com for interviews on politics, music and more...

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

This weekend the classic movie channel ran "Mr. Smith goes to Washinton." Am I the only one who hasn't seen it? It dates to 1939 and is considered by some to be Capra's best work. Thought that Christmas tale was also named as his best, but anyway. The obvious message is one of corruption in politics. There is a secondary plot that the one man can make a difference. It is just as relavent today as it was in 1939. Do check it out if you haven't already.

Oh what a year?

On May 27, 2006 the first anniversary of writing a blog came and went without fanfare or celebration. If you don't count the months I was away. Most of my entries have been just journals on the computer. Thinking about what has transpired over the last 365 days makes my head spin. One year ago today was the Appel Farms concert with Aimee Mann, Mavis Staples and the Wainright clan. Loved the eccentricity of Lodon Wainright so much that I went to the XPN festival where he headlined. (I thank Pax Romano for introducing me to his music). That was the only time I can remember us sharing an activity with Judy Holiday and everyone having a good time. Music is nourishment for my soul and last summer was filled with more concerts than some attend in a lifetime. Diversity is my middle name when it comes to music including: Live 8, Tears for Fears, Jack Johnson, James Taylor, Bochelli and Jim Brickman are just the memorable highlights. I am gratefull for every friend who is young at heart and willing to stand among the crowds. Many were the walks at Longwood or the shore. Just looking out over the ocean is calming. It was in the heat of summer my Mom decided to sell her home of forty years and move to an apartment. One grandson and I helping her moving years of memories, hobbies and the important paperwork of a life. Packrats beware. In retrospect that is probably what started me cleaning and empting my house of many unused items. No one thinks they are the packrat in their family, do they? What can I say I come from three generations of savers. My Gran saved and recycled after the depression making feed sacks into dishtowels and old clothing into quilts. Mom came from another country and has all the memories of a lifetime. Their adage is to waste not, want not? (Thanks for reminding me Jac's). How many books and CD's have I collected?
I also reached twenty five years working in civil service. Where did the time go?
By fall it was deep into the home improvement projects which any home has, unless yours is brand new. I finally finished the yard projects and hate to admit that maybe there are a few too many garden beds. Thank God we did not put in the pond as it would be very murky after my time away.
Winter was not just gray but made longer waiting for the tests that report me to be in good health. Its been three years already. I am very lucky to be here and need to remember to enjoy every day. Sometimes it is hard not to be frightened. Simply put, Dad used to say,"everyday you wake up is a good day."
In spring I left home and ran away for a while to try to find my way. I had been thinking about making changes for a long time. Unlike some of our brave blogger friends I could not bring myself to share the minutiea or the heartache. I have said very little and no one asked any questions that I did not want to answer. Besides who has not been through something in their life that alters it forever.... Let those in glass houses...etc. etc. (I think of Yul Brenner in the King & I, as well, for Merci).
Last weekend, Memorial Day, I went to a party, perhaps the first time by myself and it was OK. I look forward to another summer, another concert and other opportunities to lunch and laugh with friends. What would my Dad say? "It's a great life if you don't weaken." Love and best wishes to all who have been supportive friends this year.

All too personal

Last week while driving home and regrettably still thinking about the office issues of the day my phone rang. My sister called and after a few minutes of small talk about her daughter and family she got right to the point. First she said she was trying not to panic about the small lump she found under her arm. While waiting for the doctors diagnoses, she lost her composure. (this may be the first time she admitted such a thing). She was told that she might be having an allergic reation to cosmetics we all use there everyday. Humm! Sure enough in a few days the lump was going away. She said she was afraid the she'd have to give up coffee. Nothing doing, I said, as long as you drink in moderation, you'll be fine. Besides coffee is supposed to keep you brain from developing dementia. Humm, she replied " we are doomed as Mom drank enough coffee in her day for all of us." We just laughed for a good few minutes. We recounted the time Mom decided to give up coffee and replaced it with Pepsi. Now her drug of choice is Chocolate. I cannot help being addicted, its a personal amd familial tradition.

I hope that my sister is fine and that she never has to encounter the dreaded "C "that seems to run through our family. Keep a good thought for her. My thoughts were how important family is and the work will always continue......so why sweat the details.

Weekend relaxation?

I arose early to go to the market before the sleepy heads crowded into the old Shop Rite in my neighborhood. Completely forgot that I had a 9 am appointment to get my hair done. Oops, now who is the sleepy head. A quick trip to the nearby True Value hardware store for rakes and new garden tools, at least ones that would fit into my car. Wouldn't you know the twenty dollar garden cart was sold out. Surprise, surprise. Looks like the made them for children to play in the garden . Rushed home for an afternoon delivery of mulch, knowing there were plenty of beds and trees that still needed weeding in anticipation of the big delivery. Quickly I cleaned the area where the hammock will go up later (a reward later for all my efforts), removed the old BBQ grills and four tanks. Why did two people need two grills and four tanks of fuel? Miscellaneous items just seemed to find their way behind the garden shed and I know I didn't put anything back there? Humm, spend the remaining morning cleaning stuff that was never mine to begin with from behind the garden shed that was supposed to house the items that overflowed the garage. A garage that has not seen a car since 1990. I worked till the only stuff out back was a pile of wood seasoned for the taking and the lonely wheelbarrow that still had seen mulch today. About two o'clock when I was ready for a siesta the delivery finally arrived.

It took about ninety minutes to spread two cubic yards. Worse that that it barely made a dent compared to those areas that still need attention. Looks like its back to my favorite garden center for more mulch, more delivery charges, oops. Probably can use another four or five yards to finish my existing garden beds. Looks like it will not be ready for parties by the upcoming holiday. Maybe July? September?

Why tell this tale? Gardening is my passion so why am I complaining about the chores this year? Complain, complain, complain!. Cannot use my shoulder injury as an excuse any more. Is it time for a smaller yard? Perhaps a nice new condo with a oversized postage stamp of a yard?
I wonder?

I so looked forward to the weekend as a time to rest and relax, maybe tommorrow?

I'm Back, OK Who cares?

I signed off for a while as I claimed to be working on my garden. Truth is I went on a voyage, a long one. Although I missed going to Cannes this year I had quite an adventure lately, would you believe I:

Went on a voyage of discovery with my good friend SylviaFeintein. During which we enjoyed two months traveling with her Aunt Bubbie to the Orient. After which she took me to Boca to see her sister and her rich husband, you remember the diamond merchant. Then we went to see RENT with cousin Mel. Syl's sister Liza and I traveled to Europe to find her another husband and I ended up spending one dreamy night with Antonio. Sorry Pax, I know what he means to you, but that sweet talking, dreamy eyed Latino was more that any woman can resist!

Maybe I took Mom to NY a week before Mother's Day, just to be a good daughter.

No, not buying it, so far. How about I went to the Garden of Eden and did not return for three months. I have traveled far and there is still no place like home.

taking a break..

The Garden of Ede will be temporarily closed while I begin planning the spring garden. You may think it's too early but I'm looking forward to the beauty of the earth's renewal and beautiful manmade gardens do take some planning. I am looking forward to spring an all the joy it brings? Isn't that a song lyric?

Z

Davy Baby & Joey B.

Usually I do not enjoy eating in the conference room at the office. Too much testosterone for one woman. Usually I cannot wait to run outdoors and play especially on such a mild day. Even with Mr. Testosterone sitting next to me today it was tolerable enough. The reasons that it was so enjoyable are as follows:
I was joined by three or four of my closest friends, Molly, Aunt Bubby,and cousin Mel. The usual cast of characters were present but they did not get to discuss sports, sex and competitive eating as usual. There were no embarrassing moments where I turned beet red for their amusement, not today.
Anyway, we continued a discussion that Big Daddy initiate this morning with Joey B. Seems our young protege does not know who David Bowie is. That was all it took to get me started as I consider myself one of his greatest fans. We gave the young Mr. B. A homework assignment to listen and learn about the androgynous creation of the 70's, Ziggy Srardust, the actor who gave us The Hunger, the Man who fell to Earth, and Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence. Oh, how about his portrayal of Andy Warhol. Forgot what movie that was? What was it Pax? The man survived sex, drugs and rock and roll of the 70's to become a classic rock icon. After marriage and a second career as an artist he now models along with his beautiful wife in fashionable magazines.

Someone announced that we should develop a kind of jeopardy game for Joey B. to share all the glory and great bands of the 60's and 70's. So the remaining hour was filled with reminiscences over favorites from the 60's and 70's. Few of us may still remember Woodstock or the British invasion of the Beatles. Joey B. was only five when Live Aid took place. Remembering the the following was fun:
The Byrds
Bread
The Band
Janis Joplin
Cream/Eric Clapton
The Door/Morrison
Stevie Winwood
The Kinks
The Animals
Motown and Marvin Gaye
The Temptations/Four Tops/Smokey Robinson
Harry Chapin
Iron Butterfly
Pink Floyd
Don't even get me started about movies.....Last time we suggested he watch the Graduate.
All afternoon I could not get the Temptations rythms out of my head, " I got sunshine on a cloudy day"...
Pax I wish you could have been there to see what cha, cha, changes you started with our young American.

TO to Go!

A few days, maybe a week ago while Bubba and I were watching football and discussing the decline of the Eagles, etc. He mentioned TO and I predicted him going to the Buc's. I saw him wearing those awful bronze pants that are the hallmark of the team. But that fact I kept to myself until today when someone mentioned it. Better yet my coworker asked how I knew and my retort was that I'd seen a vision of those ugly bronze trousers! She said, "oh OK," which sounded a little silly at the time and we laughed. Hummm, it remains to be seen if he can fit into the team and their uniform but I saw it coming.......Wish I could predict the outcome of game between the Colts and Steeleers. If so I could clean up on a large bet with the big guy!

No place like a garden

Hope that you enjoy the change of scenery.

Favorite things

My favorite things about a new year:

HOPE that this year will bring health, happiness and peace we all desire.
While most people are starting diets and excercise regimes I hope to be able to continue walking several miles each week. (don't really like going when its cold outside). Somehow I managed to loose a few pounds....

Cleaning out the clutter from closets and the attic seems to be in some way therapuetic. Having a small house has forced me to streamline and not collect too much stuff. A work in progress I admit.

Wishing that this year the fighting will cease and American soldiers will come home to their families.

A new year brings a new opportunity to acheive the goals that we set for ourselves.
Finally, Faith the things will all turn out for the best!

1975

Traveling is the appropriate thing to do while one is on vacation. So today I went back to London 1975. Yes it's possible and what a pleasant trip it was. Went along with the E Street band to the days of white polyester suits, curly perms, big glasses and platform shoes. Bruce unshaven and unkept sang his heart out! Cool! The thirtieth anniversary of "Born to Run" rereleased with concert footage and other goodies was a special treat this holiday.

Thanks to my dear friend Pax for making this trip possible.