Movie Review

Those of you who know me know that I like movies. I have been told that I am not easy to please. There recently have been two, yes two movies from my fave, Javier Bardem! Having seen them both I would endorse "No Country for Old Men." It's a manly kind of film, plenty of action and suspense, violence and intensely good acting from the entire cast. Tommy Lee Jones shines in his performance.

I though that two films would make Javier a house hold name on America. I was a little disappointed with Love in The Time of Cholera. I was never convinced I was watching the character he portrayed. The female lead was above average in her performance. The difficulty lies in the fact that the novel as written by an award winning author and it is hard to make a film as good as the book.

If your looking for a good film this is the one, "Frendo!"

A better place to be

A friend asked me to write and I haven't been feeling much like it lately. Seems that I was having too many stresses for too long. My father always said "if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything."

When Thanksgiving arrived I had to ask myself not only what am I thankful for but what have I done with my time this year?

As a kid every Thanksgiving, we traveled to grandma's in Ohio for dinner and she was a great cook. Sometimes Grandpa let me have a shrimp cocktail as a special treat. Gran's homemade noodles and baked breads rivaled anything you can enjoy in Amish Lancaster Co. restaurants. My Mom never was a good cook, except for baking a flaky apple pie. Go figure? I cooked for many years having the family at my home and now everyone seems to go there separate ways and that's OK. I am nostalgic for Gran's cooking. It was she who taught me to cook, can and bake. Many thanks.

I am thankful for a few wonderful friends & family who have been supportive in many different ways during some trying times. Some have relocated & retired, but they are still in my heart.

Grateful that my shoulder is repaired and PT is over, the co pays were breaking my budget after three months. I am healthy and able to move about, and sleep without pain. Sleep deprivation causes more stress and more emotional upsets than any one ever should have to endure. I have not had that much time off work in twenty years. Despite the shoulder pain, it was serene and welcome. OK must give big thank to the orthopaedist and physical therapist. Dave was the best, do not undergo PT with anyone else......

My birthday gift was a trip to see Josh Groban. He was excellent and I love going to concerts.
My sister and I took the time to go to the Flower Show as we have done so many times and it almost always falls on my birthday. Turning 50 was uneventful, I didn't tell you as I did not want a lot of attention (embarrassment). Whether or not that was good, I am not so sure. During the summer I snagged some great seats to "Five For Fighting". On a warm summer evening enjoyed the folk songs of Jeffrey Gaines. This has become a summer tradition for me.

I truly became a fan of baseball this year, Ryan Howard, JRolle and Pat Burrell had a lot to do with it. I am a big fan of Patsy. Who knew?

I try to spend as much time as I can with my mother as she seems to be needing more help with things. Her memory is not what it used to be. I spent years fighting with her but in the end I realize that she did the best she could. Her life as a child must have been a horrific and devastating time. Imagine hiding from the bombs during WW2 in underground bunkers with classmates that were her only family. Some of her friends could not or did not endure although many came to America, few can be found now. She had had the same best friend her whole life, how many of us can say that?

Why do I say all this, because I needed a shift to my thinking and with Thanksgiving and Christmas I finally began thinking less about myself and more about what I can do for others. As the year winds down there there is much for me, for all of us to do, if we want to make our world a better place to be.

A better place to be reminds me of Harry Chapin who dedicated himself to feeding the hungry and the charity in his name still continues all these many years after his passing.

New Beginnings- New Opportunities

....I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Howard Koch

Yes, its the closing line of the film Casablanca. If you haven't seen it then you don't like good movies. "Grannies Ramblings" started listing great quotes in her blog and I opened Bartlett's and this is where my random search landed.

Friendship often defined by mutally beneficial relationships with other people. Some folks have many friends and aquaintances and there are those who prefer a select few. Which are you? Let me ask another question do we value the relationship we have with ourselves ? They say if you don't love yourself, how can you care for anyone else. Have you performed any random acts of kindness today? this week? Have you called your pals for breakfast or lunch dates?

With a new month beginning and it being Breast Cancer Awareness month I cannot let an opportunity go by to remind all women to schedule their annual exam if they have not already done so. More on this topic later.

I am setting a challenge for myself and hopefully to inspire you to perform some random acts of kindness once each week. There is probably someone sitting next to you now who could benefit from your attention, your good listening skills or your assistance. What's it going to be?

Don't worry be happy!

It's good to be just plain happy; it's a little better to know that you're happy; but to understand that you're happy and to know why and how....and still be happy, be happy in the being and the knowing, well that is beyond happiness, that is bliss.
Henry Miller

Negative thinking seems to open the door for hell to enter and frankly I've had enough for one lifetime. Trying to embrace that which is positive, cliche though it may be, "developing an attitude of gratitude." To be thankfull for what blessings that exisit in life and be happy with what you have on the way to where you are going. Being around people who are filled with pain and negativity can ruin a persons serenity. It has taken a long time to find the peacefull center and I am not going to let myself be short circuited and fall into someone elses quagmire. In 2003 I chanted that life was too short not to enjoy yourself. Maybe I have to accept that the best I can do is not always going to be perfect. Hard lessons. So on the road toward authenticity can I do anything else but challenge myself to change the things I can and enjoy the ride now and then. So I'll continue to say the serenity prayer even if I have to repeat it ten times a day. Keep the peace, follow your bliss, dance, sing, create your art and just BE HAPPY!

Ah, the peace and quiet

The first two weeks after having surgery to repair a small tear to the rotator cuff, a slap lesion (torn tendon over shoulder) and a torn bicep muscle, was a blurr. Plenty of afternoon naps especially after the rigorous physical therapy workouts. Five weeks means that I am half way through this recovery according to the orthpedist that has been treating me. Thanks to all who helped me get through it. What have I learned after five weeks of time away form Officeland? That I can entertain myself with my hobbies, reading and dreaming of new opportunities. I did not miss working, only some friends that I've made at Officeland I and II. I read only two books one fiction and one non-fiction. As is usual I started several others..... Nothing profound in all of this but it has been filled with very little stress and a great deal of serenity.
"The fruit of the spirit is love, joy and peace........."

Bye Bye

The Garden is going on hiatus for a while. I hope to read about your continuing adventures....take care and keep the peace.

A walk back in time

Going to the boardwalk is as close as it gets to being on the ocean these days. There are few places as serene as walking on the boardwalk, taking a bench seat to gaze at the ocean and the skyline. As the sun was setting for the day looking you could see the most wonderful shades of pink and gold on the horizon as the daylight began too fade from view. There were still a few families catchiing the waves during the high tide. There was one little guy with his dad learning to use his boogie board. Surfers were looking for the best waves. Walking in the surf you cool feel the power of nature as the tide was pulling the sand away from beneath your feet. Walking in the surf reminds me of being a kid and as I gazed at the boats offshore I could not help but remember my childhood experiences of going boating and fishing in these same waters with my dad. Riding the waves from the flying bridge was as exillerating as the child first boogie board ride. Go faster Dad, faster....
Riding on the bow, (like the scene in Titanic) you can imagine that you are the only person in the world when all your view is the ocean. That was a time when everything is in front of you, no fears, no worries, just joy! If my fathers spirit visits he would surely be out on the water. His favorite place to be. For a moment last night it was mine too.

FYI

They say a picture is worth a thousand words....This is Javier Bardem for those of you who don't know the name. If you are a fan of the movies, treat yourself to The Sea Inside, The Dancer Upstairs or Before Night Falls.

What a weekend

Friday the day I'd been waiting for finally arrives and its off to the Ritzy theater straight from work. There reason I cannot wait to see the next movie by the (unknown to most Americans)great Spanish actor, Javier Bardem. He has three movies roles coming out this year.

About this film, without giving too much away.....powerful, disturbing and though provoking. Just the way I like 'em. Maybe too disturbing, he was so villanous...so political and power hungry. Sounds contemporary huh, well its about the Spanish Inquishion and the French Revolution exemplified through the lives of three individuals. Seems that Milos Formeman has wanted to make this film for many years and worked many to create this one. Of course, I caanot be truly objective when I say Javier dominated the film. This was a dark time in history and it appears that at least one message is that history has taught us very little. Has anyone else seen this film?

Going to Pax's birthday was so much fun, laughing so hard the tears kept flowing from my eyes. Enjoyed seeing Gracie, Lu, and meeting Mrs. FS again. Never saw Klaus quite like that before. I Think everyone had a good time.

Sunday I felt like I was in a fog, not from drinking as much as staying up late. Guess I'm not getting any younger. A nice long walk cured what was wrong with me. What a nice weekend it was.

Sunshine and Rain

As I am nearly home today I noticed sunshine in the distance and its pouring rain at the same time. Can anyone explains such a strange phenomenon? Guess I was on the edge of the storm.

I finished what might be the largest project I have undertaken in months and I feel like a reward is in order. What a load off my mind and as long as it doesn't involve shopping, it'll be OK.

Have finally scheduled the surgery for my shoulder and you guys won't have to listen to me moan/complain much longer. Now I wish it was done already as I can rarely get a good night sleep without help. Won't be much longer now. Wonder what excuse I can create to avoid mowing grass after this ordeal is over?

While the Mommonator is in town this week, let's do something fun.....Have a happy!

Not so sweet water

Mom and I went out to dinner at Sweetwater Casino which is located along the Mullica River way down in the PIne Barrens. Seems there are a lot more homes along the winding wooden roads. The restaraunt doesn't look any different thatn the last time I was there for a retirment luncheon for one of our collegues. For that matter it looks like it did in the 70's when I used to canoe with a friend down the lazy river. In those days I could not afford to eat there. The menu still has Duck ala Orange and Beef Wellington, although the only thing I saw anyone eat was the shrimp and crab legs from the buffet. When in Rome? I had to be different and ordered clams casino and a caesar salad. No too impressive. Mom did not like her crab legs but the steamed shrimp was good. The view is the best part of dining there, sitting near a window or outdoors to enjoy the view of the peacefull river and the little marina that has grown up there. Folk around us talking about how they see no need to go to the shore when they have this little spot. Humm. Takng a canoe trip down the Mullica looked like the best idea of the day. Thankfully its the weekend. Enjoy

I get a night off from mowing grass, yeah baby, that's because there is none. It's scorched. Flowers are hanging in there but the new shrubs and trees are struggling. good night to sit on the porch and finish the Patterson novel that I borrowed....want to return it tommorrow.

90 degrees in the shade

Did I complain about the cold of winter?
It was 99 at 7:15 pm yesterday.
When I cam home today it was warmer inside that outside.
Guess I'm going to have to break down and turn on some air conditioning.
Am watering the perennials with a drip hose and the looming clouds that looked like rain are passing bye the Garden.
Despite my best efforts there are three boxwoods that are not going to see the fall.
Maybe I'll just:
sit on the porch swing,or
go swimming,
take a cold shower,
go to the movies.

What your best idea to stay cool, beyond the obvious usage of ac:

jeffrey gaines, in your eyes

Jeffrey,

Summer pleasures

I am doing it again, have three books started, now which one at I going to finish?

Tonight after the light rain I thought it would be a great time to do some weeding in the garden. weeding is a good chore after being at work. Man does it look nice to come up the drive filled with butterfly bushes in purple and white, purple liatris, blackeyed susans, white daylillies, echinechea, verigated grasses and some unknown white flowers that grew out of the bird seed from a feeder that used to be positioned there. If I had a scanner you could all see it too. Down the opposite drive I aboandoned efforts to remove the BE Susans that reseed every year and they are lining my neighbors driveway so beautifully. Hope they like the colors of bold yellow, oranges and brown. Just as I am writing thre is a hummingbird looking for a favorite flower. How cool is that. There is a toad that has hibernated under some ivy for whom I put a little clay (pot) house in place. Hope it's to his liking.....

Now I need to have a tractor trailer of mulch delivered.......and spread around. Once I get my shoulder done forget about it!

Ooops missing the Phillies, bye!

Evening

Tired of staying indoors to rid myself of a cold I went to the icy theater for a movie starring Vanessa Redgrave, Claire Daines, Natasha Richardson, Toni Collette, Patrick Wilson and more. Ten minutes of the film were with Meryl Streep who summarized the movie and the life story which I will not ruin for you. This is a film about women for women and not a hollywood cliche'. I spent a great deal of time thinking that here comes an award for Vanessa Redgrave. Was she spectacular? you decide. It's worth the trip to a theater.

Movie buffs like Pax may know the interesting connections between four of the actors in this film? Do you?

favorite summer activities

walking in the surf at the beach,
eating junk food like funnel cake,
reading trashy novels,
lying in the hammock,
drinking lemonade,
even better lemonade with vodka,
walking the boardwalk,
summer concerts under the stars,
free concerts,
barefeet,
vacation days,
cherry vanilla gelato,
flowers in the backyard,
fireworks,
sitting outdoors until nine,
hearing birdsong,
watching the ducks at the park,
BBQ ribs and chicken,
fresh fruit.
RELAXATION

Sunday morning sunshine

Sunday morning sunshine is the view from the computer room window. While the rest of the neighborhood is quiet I can hear the birds singing and view the pair of gold finches that just landed on the black pussy willow. No one seems to relish their gardens as they did when I moved here. Is everyone so busy they don't have time to enjoy their backyards. Uh oh, there goes a lawn mover disturbing the peace before 9 am.

Sometimes I think about moving on and although I am not materialist about things, this garden is hard to abandon. Few would want to take over the responsibilities of maintaining it. I would be difficult to drive by here in a couple years to find the trees cut down or the perennial border outside my window returned to lawn.

When I think of getting a second job sometimes, I realize I already have one. Yet,I dare to dream of a full time job playing in the earth. Maybe it was my grandfather the hardest working man I've known, a farmer and florist that inspired me. Maybe my fathers love of architecture and creating with his hands...The way he loved the peacefulness of drifting out on the water on his boats, who knows?

Most of us landscape around the foundation to improve the curb appeal of our homes, some add the ornamental trees to line the drive and add containers of annuals to our porch steps. For me its an art form like a painter with a canvas. I want to garden as long as I am able.

What is the point of this rambling? There is much to be learned from a garden. Many of us take it for granted. I see home owners using chemicals to remove weeks that are growing into their driveways. As much as I'd like an easy solution I cannot remove weeds this way. Do they realize that they are adding it to the water supply? Try as we might you cannot make the roses stay on the branch longer and you cannot stop the grass from growing. There will always be weeds somewhere to be dealt with. These things are metaphors for life outside the garden.
Caring for our earth is like caring for children. You feed and water until they are strong enough to grow on their own. They do need a little nurturing from time to time no matter how old they are. Having a garden naturally lends itself to becoming an environmentalist. There is a simple beauty in watching a pair of finches or wrens fighting to release a tasty worm from the garden soil. The song of the cardinals is unlike no other. In the end its about finding serenity from a busy world in whatever way you can. Sunday's are all about relaxing...... Enjoy your day.

Closer to fine.

Friday and payday are usually welcomed by all of us and this week was no exception. Merci and I went to lunch over at IHOP for eggs, bacon and stuffed french toast. Humm, humm, humm! Highly reccomended and not too sweet despite the cherry fruit topping.

Ah, thank God today is over... after a tough week today should have been a respite. My respite turned into anything but and I'll spare you the details. Suffice to say they ain't heard the last of me yet. After grocery shopping, trimming the overgrown shrubs out front and then back to painting chores trying to stay ahead of the sunshine and the heat. By 10:30 or 11:00 it was too much for me. Mom came for lunch but her mixed breed dog did not sit still more that a split second, no discipline what so ever. I did manage to plant three pots of annuals to welcome people at my door before they arrived. Now if I could just get some basil, dill and tomatoes potted. Maybe there'll be thyme tommorrow?

Sunday morning I will have to be good to myself, great coffee, a leisurely lavender bath, and reading the paper while listening to the birds sing. Ahhh, who knows maybe after a nice breakfast and a long walk I'll be closer to fine.

The To Do List:

We all have one, no I'm not talking about the "hunny do" list this time. I am going to list some of the things that I'd wish for:
Learn a little Italian,
Visit Italy,
Read the remaining Agatha Christie & other novels I have collected,
Visit Williamsburg, Va. maybe this year as it's the 400 th anniversary,
Loose fifteen or twenty pounds,
View the Grand Canyon,
Go to Sundance to watch JT's breakout film performance,
Meet Javier at Sundance or Cann while Pax and I are there,
Watch Pax take a dance lesson from Antonio,
Take that train trip to Chicago for deep dish pizza,
Drive that sporty car that has my initials on it, Hummm did you figure it out?
Visit the Mommonator with her eight great grandchildren asking "what are you doing here?"
Wish that we could all be a little happier in the work that we do,
Design landscapes for Merci's new room somewhere,
Be healthy and able to garden for as long as I live....
MY wish for us all is just to be happy where we are and enjoy every moment while the world seems to be spinning out of control.
Choa bella! It's a start......

the To Do List:

Sunday Bliss

The pic of Fred at Morning Martini is the kind of day I wish to have. Spent many hours playing video games yesterday, what's up with that? Over at Karl's corner he has been talking about choices and that topic's been on my mind as well. Some of the choices we make are hard ones that change your life forever. Some choices are easy any never require a second thought. What to wear today, what to have for lunch and do I really need another pair of shoes.

Somewhere along the way I not only took the path less traveled, I seemed to have lost part of my self, but I am finding new and interesting ways of looking at the world through the lens of nature. Nature can teach and inspire. Recycling, and reusing things in creative ways is what makes compost into the mineral rich ingredient that makes a garden grow best. While watching the gentle sway of trees one might infer to let change move all around you and not be deeply disturbed. You cannot rush the seasons, they arrive when they wish and flowers bloom and fade within a week or two and remind us that beauty in life is short and sweet. Birds singing makes me think that all things are in synchronicity in the garden. A hammock well that is just plain fun and relaxing....for every thing there is a time and a season.

All I need now is some great French Toast, a slice of ham and a good cup of fresh coffee. Enjoy your weekend what ever you choose to do. For me there is a novel I want to finish and if its warm enough maybe I'll enjoy it in the backyard hammock.
I love a quiet Sunday morning!

Can you imagine a better Mother's Day?

Took Mom to NY for a weekend at my sister's home in the mountains. What a view from the deck? Did I think to bring the camera?. Mr. K. was on business in Milan, Italy. Four hours and an unlimited supply of music and conversation we arrived without incident. A wonderful meal and chick flicks were the order of the evening. "Dreamgirls" was good but the "Queen" was too long (& boring)......I'll spare you the conversation after that comment. Day two, Mom insisted we go shopping and more than five hours later we were voting to stay longer or go......can you imagine? All I wanted was a rest. The best part of the evening was the dirty martini's . Sunday morning after breakfast and good byes I could not wait to return home to the peace and quiet of the Garden. Despite a few setbacks it was fun to visit with My sister, my tweener niece and Mom....who was happy with the attention to Mother's Day. For me there is still no place like home.

TGIF

Thank God it's Friday:
No more work.
Wonderful spring weather.
A beautiful view of the Garden.
Tall glass of lemonade next to the computer,
B & J ice cream for dessert.
A few interesting magazines to read,
All set for a wonderful weekend....
Peace

Art & French Toast

There are wonderful illustrations at frenchtoastgirl.com. I have not figured how to link you to her site, or I would have. This month of May she is challenging visitors to do some creative work everyday in May. If you write, paint, take photographs whatever creative endeavor you enjoy, do it everday. Believe me, I'd garden everyday if it were not for work spoiling my fun. What ever form of creative endeavor you enjoy, make time for it everyday and see what you can accomplish in one month. Imagine what the possibilites "may" be. What better time to start somethiing new. I am inspired with the possibilities.

Oops did it again

Pacino
Did it again,I want to wish a belated birthday to one of the greatest actors of our day. Al Pacino turned sixty seven on April 25, 2007. You still look "mavelous dahling." Everyone has their favorite and most would agree its the "Godfather II". I would have to say its hard to beat the long hair and bearded "Serpico." During "Dog day afternoon" I learned the price men who would pay for love. Whoahhh, the "Scent of a Woman" performance just sweeps me off my feet (pardon the pun). Thank you for trying to bring Shakespeare to the masses making it more undestandable without dumming it down. I finally could understand Richard III. Loved the Merchant of Venice. Where was the Oscar nomination? As a fan of great movies, there is nothing like sitting alone in the dark with Al (on the screen of course).

ARBOR DAY

Arbor Day, a gardeners favorite holiday. I love looking at trees this time of year because of the variety of colors that are available in our beautiful South Jersey. Here in the Garden of Eden we always add a tree or shrub to the landscape every year. Please visit the arborday.org
site where they have trees available to members for a small fee. You must be willing to watch them grow for a long time. They have ideas to make it fun for children and adults alike. Members of the NAS have planted 8.5 million trees last year alone. Imagine what we could do to improve our planet if we all planted just one a year?

From Wickpedia:

Arbor Day was established by J. Sterling Morton of Nebraska City, Nebraska in 1872.

J. Sterling Morton and his wife moved from Detroit, Michigan to the Nebraska Territory in 1854 , where he was the editor of Nebraska's first newspaper. His influence as a journalist led to his involvement in politics, and he became a promoter of the settlement of Nebraska. The lack of trees, however, was an obstacle.

The Great Plains had been described as the "Great American Desert." The tallgrass prairie that covered much of Nebraska at that time could provide rich farmland, but without wood for building houses or for fuel to heat homes, few found it convenient to settle there. Even the allotment of free land by the Homestead Act failed to entice sufficient numbers of families to relocate to Nebraska.

Morton proposed Arbor Day as a tree planting holiday in 1872 at a meeting of the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture. On the first Arbor Day, prizes were offered to counties and to individuals for properly planting the largest number of trees. It was claimed that more than 1 million trees were planted in Nebraska on that day.

During the course of the 1870s, several other states passed legislation to observe Arbor Day. Schools began to adopt the tradition beginning in 1882. By 1894, Arbor Day was celebrated in each state of the United States.

Morton's home in Nebraska City, Arbor Lodge, is a state historical park, which includes an arboretum and extensive landscaped grounds. Adjacent to the public park, Morton's farm, now called Arbor Day Farm, is run by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

More Earth Friendly ideas...

Go to Time.com or this month's Body & Soul magazine to find more ideas, but here is a few more useful ideas worthy of consideration:


Recycle paper gift bags and wrapping.
Donate or share unwanted Christmas gifts.
pay bills online.
turn off lights when you leave work.
Furnish your home with antiques.
How about vintage clothes.
Wrap your water heater for about 10$.
open windows instead of using air conditioner.
Celebrate your small home which uses less energy for heating and cooling.
use the bus.
Employers let staff work near home.
Use green makeup. Cargo cosmetics makes a biodegradable container than you when empty can be planted and will flower.

Trees

Plant a tree and watch it grow,
Its roots so deep we cannot know,
Please care for her as your Mother cared for you
with shelter and shade, fruit and clean air too

When I make my final rest
beneath a mighty tree I request
each of us may one day return
to earth to bloom and then return

Earth Day

You may not recognize the name Gaylord Nelson more likely you'll remember Earth Day. It was founded in 1970. In 1995, the Wisconsin democarat received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his environmental efforts from President Clinton. The Inquirer reported his passing and according to W. Meadows, president of the Wilderness Society,"Anyone who cares about the quality of our air, water, and land should be grateful for the life of Gaylord Nelson."

Saturday morning

To wake to the sound of birdsong and sunshine knowing you don't have to go to work. That is the way to start the day. Peacefully and gently into a new day.......

I celebrate myself,

And what I assume you shall assume,

For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.

I loafe and invite my soul,

I lean and loafe at my ease, observing a spear of summer grass.

Walt Whitman (from Song of Myself)

Waste not our Earth

As a citizen and an avid gardener I cannot help but reflect on the environment and global warming as Earth Day approaches. Here's a few things you probably already know:

1. Recycle, reuse and re purpose old things. It can be a creative endeavor.
2. Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs.
3. Walk whenever you can.
4. Seal up you home lower your thermostat.
5. Plant trees and go outdoors.
6. Turn off lights when you're not in the room.
7. Turn off your computer when you're finished using it.

Here are a few things you may not know about reducing our carbon footprints:

1. Compost kitchen scraps into rich organic matter for you garden beds outdoors. Better than any amendments you can buy.
2. Buy fresh fruit and vegies from local growers, natural and organic foods will become less expensive as consumer demand grows. You are also saving the expense of shipping by buying them locally, especially if you can walk there.
3. Mow and maintain your own lawn without using gas and electric powered tools if possible.
4. Use natural predators to repel bugs and critters from your garden instead of pesticides and insecticides. Bird feeders and bat boxes. Bats enjoy a nice meal of mosquitoes.
5. Unplug phone chargers and other small appliances when not in use. Electrical appliances drain energy when not is use.
6. Reclaim rainwater directly into a covered storage container for watering your garden plants.
7. Green shade grown coffee growers save against deforestation, use less pesticides and natural predators.
8. Stop using paper towels and napkins. How about recycled TP? I am not so sure about this one. Here's the scoop. Recycled paper saves many pounds of clorine pollution and preserves fresh water supplies.
9. Empty the trunk of your car of the extra weight that burns more fuel.
10. Grow your own salad greens, veggies, whatever you like in your own yard. Fresh, organic and readily available. Raspberries and strawberries never taste better than fresh off the vine.
11. Stop using plastic water bottles........at least reuse them.

There are 100's of things we can do to help our planet. Magazine articles abound these days and you can go to websites like www. Earthday.net for ideas. We cannot all go out and buy hybrid cars but if each of us did a few things, whatever we can, then maybe the Earth will continue to do what she can for us and for our children and their children. Guess Grandma was right, "waste not want not." We only have one planet Earth!

But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
WB Yeats

Raining again?

Into each life some rain must fall and today, as I'm writing this it has just stopped sleeting against the house. The past two days have had me contemplating a new line of work. Maybe its because friends and colleagues all around me are retiring? Maybe its because one of my high school classmates were in the obits today ? Maybe this is the hardest job I've ever had? Maybe the IRS wants money from me? Maybe my tax preparation fee emptied my checkbook? Maybe its due to having woke up at 4:30 this am? Maybe its because I drink coffee to wake up and have chocolate to soothe myself in the afternoons? Maybe I have not been eating right and exercising? Maybe my shoulder hurts after moving to a new office? Maybe its because spring has not sprung? Maybe I just need to let dark Zelda out to play more often? Ahhargh! One of the aforementioned statement are not true, can you guess which one?
I have been through worse days, but this is ridiculous..... I have nothing left to do but laugh.

Returning to the scene of the dime

In full bloom amongst the dried stems of last years ornamental grass sits a beautiful spray of amethyst crocus. They are covering the bed like a blanket, well a baby's blanket. The Contessa showed mommonator and I a yard near the office that has a lawn of crocus this time of year. Daffodils are golden and despite last weeks cold snap are still in their glory! First time I uncovered them so early, but they seemed to have survived.

Returning to work after a week of blissful vacation was very difficult. I missed all the parties and the farewells. Didn't plan it that way, just happened to be my vacation week. The pivitol moment of cleaning my desk was oddly when I threw out the menues of the favored local eateries. Some of my favorite times at officeland were the coffee breaks with Pax, Mercia and Mommanator and our breakfast club meetings over blueberry pancakes. The high point of the day was going out to lunch with friends, old and new. Throwing out the menues reinforced how different things are. No more pasta at Maplewood, or Grand chinese food.

It has been a tough week for me for a number of reasons. My new coworker would slyly leave bits of dark chocolate about, and has brought me freshly brewed coffee on occasion. Did you talk to him Pax? Sounds like it, doesn't it. Mostly folks gave me a wide berth as I turned into dark and irregular Zelda overloaded with more than a hundred reports to do. A worker near me told me to stand down when I was in the midst of standing up for myself and my collegues. What's up with that? Frankly Scarlett......

Been having a hard time looking on the bright side but the flowers in the garden and the budding trees are a welcome sight. It appears that the rain has ceased and with any luck at all I'll be able to go out and work in my beloved garden today. If not, there is always a good movie playing somewhere. My choice, humm, maybe Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle! Will let you know how it turns out. Keep smiling folks the sun is trying to come out!

Good Night Baby

Beatrice V
1994-2007

We miss you puppy!

Birthday 39 again?

Springing forward indeed. Time flies .... That being said my big birthday came and went without alot of fanfare, just the way I hoped. A clean get away was not for me however because one member of my team remembered and my desk was littered with a new flowering plant a card and a badge that she insited I wear last week, although the big day was still four days away.

On Sunday it was bright and sunshining outside and the sound of birdsong could be heard, much as it is now. After a leisurely morning relaxing it was too nice to stay indoors. A walk at the lake seemed in order.

A little shopping and I'll admit mostly things that I needed, loosely defined anyway. Before you know it the day was winding down and it was off to dinner. The same lake side walk taken earlier in the day was part of the panoramic view that was now before me as the waiter ushered us to a circular booth near the glass doors overlooking the lake. Had we arrived any later we would have missed the view. Note to self, come earlier for a view of the sunset.

A glass of St. Michaels de..?....pino grigio was dellicious. Will have to look for that again. A nice grilled salmon, baked potato and sauteed spinach with sweet roasted garlic. Yumm! A little pricey, but big birthdays come only once and this one was special. Did I forget to mention the chocolate cake, mousse icing lush strawberries and bananna filling in the middle. Wow!. What a day!

I cannot share any wisdoms that I've learned this past "thirty nine years" but one, I will say there is no time to waste, life is a sweet as chocolate soemtimes. Live, love and be happy!

Thanks to all. The flower show, the Josh Groban concert and a very special chocolate cake were lovely. Thanks for all the gifts, but mostly for the lovings friendships that have sustained me this past year. There is much to celebrate in life, be happy!

The Irish Flowere show

I'm taking a page of Pax's notebook and have taken the entire week off from Officeland. OK, started early last Friday. After breakfast with B & A, we were off to the best flower show in years. Verdant and serene were the Irish gardens complete with stone cottages that looked hundreds of years old. Front porches with rockers that beconed welcome to visitors up a flower lined path. There were pub settings with knomes hiding about. A miniture garden display that was only navigable by minature trains, children and the well the knomes. One display was a mountainous waterfall that ran down steps paved with recycled materials; imagine red headlight covers in tiny pieces, blue plastic chips on the next downhill all lit from underneath. It was impossible not to touch. there were those promoting green gardening, planting trees to improve our earth and the vendors. The clog dances, well I passed them bye only to find that the XPN lounge did not open till 5 pm and well we were well on our way home by then. Many of the displays were done with simplicity in mind, redwood pergolas and waterfeatures spilling from bamboo rods. High schools competed with outdoor porch and patio displays that were very creative. Everything was green and white and it could not have been better. Oh, the crowds there were too many people even early in the morning and most of them seemed to wear their irish swaters or something with shamrocks. No blarney.

Bring on the sun

I thought day light savings time was established for farmers to have longer days for plowing and chores. Turns out the beloved cows get thrown off their established patterns with DST. I was told as a child that an unhappy cow does not give milk... curious about the origins of day light savings time and not always one to take things literally I had to do some homework. Here's what I found in Wickipedia. Just in case you're interested.
"Saving daylight was first mentioned in 1784 by Benjamin Franklin in a humorous letter[1] urging Parisians to save money by getting up earlier to use morning sunlight, thereby burning fewer candles in the evening. Franklin did not mention Daylight Saving Time—he did not propose that clock time be changed. His letter was in the spirit of his earlier proverb "Early to bed and early to rise / Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."[2]
DST was first proposed in 1907 by William Willett,[3] but he was unable to get the British government to adopt it, despite considerable lobbying.
DST was first put into practice by a national government in Germany during World War I, between April 30, 1916 and October 1 1916. Shortly afterward, the United Kingdom followed suit, first adopting it between May 21 and October 1 1916. On June 17, 1917, Newfoundland became the first North American jurisdiction to adopt DST with the passing of the Daylight Saving Act of 1917. On March 19, 1918, the U.S. Congress formally established several time zones, which had been in use by railroads and most cities since 1883; at the same time it established DST from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. The law, however, proved so unpopular, mostly because it obliged people to rise and go to bed earlier than had become customary since the advent of electricity, that it was repealed after 1919, when Congress overrode President Woodrow Wilson's veto of the repeal.
It appears to be determined on a state-by-state basis whether a state will choose to observe Daylight Saving Time or not. Arizona and Hawaii do not observe Daylight Saving Time. Until recently, Indiana did not observe it due to intense lobbying from farmers, although the Indiana legislature recently voted to observe it. "

I consider it a gift that the sun is shining no matter if it still feels like winter. An extra month in all of day light savings time seems like a great gift to me as I am tired of gray and gloom, snow and ice. Welcome spring! There are crocus blooming in my garden. Let the fun begin....

Tea for Two or Three

A great start to the weeked was tea at the Victorian Rose Tea Room in Millville, NJ. The outside was barely noticable but inside the decor was the nicest place we've explored yet. Imagine silver service, royal daulton china covered in roses and soft music playing in the background. Just the kind of things girls (of any age) would like. Raspberry spritzers to start. The salad of spring greens, strawberries, sunflower nuts, goat cheese, cranberries and golden rasins was so good I did not notice it didn't have dressing. After that it was onto finger sandwiches, scones with lemon or cream. The desserts were petite nut filled, chocolate or lemon tarts, and shortbread cookies in the form of pink hearts. Higly reccomended for Mother's Day gift ideas, they are planning a book reading for children one Saturday a month. Try it, my guess is that you'll like it. It was the ultimate was to spend time talking with your best girl friends. Life is good!

Come on Springtime

It is as consistent as rain that gardening catalogs start pouring into the mail boxes at this time of year. Maybe we cannot start gardening yet but commercial growers want us thinking about it. Everywhere there are offers for spring planting ideas, time to design, plan and reformulate your gardens. All though it's bitterly cold and the winds are whipping, be not deterred. Spring is around the corner as evidenced by longer days. No longer am I driving home from work in darkness. Instead of looking for deer along the road, I soon be admiring and trying to name flowering trees. Oh, the joys of spring! Before you know it there will be crocus and forsythia heralding the magnificence that is spring. Until then I'll have to enjoy the flower catalogs or the upcoming flower show in Philadelphia. Maybe some cut flowers for my desk. Yeah, why not? When was the last time you bought yourself or your loved one some flowers, just because? No better time of year to do random acts of kindness. It's good for your soul and the spirit will be lifted. What could be better this time of year!

Tagged

My sister sent this as an email asking me to send it but I thought it would make a good meme: I included her answers but have listed mine at the end. Let's here what you have to say? PAX and JAX you're tagged!

1. What time did you wake up today? 5:45 am (kissed hubby & grunted goodbye...what can I say, I'm my father's daughter)

2. Diamonds or pearls? diamond

3. What film did you last see in the cinema? The Pursuit of Happyness ( my daughter had a play date!)

4. What is your favorite tv show(s)? House, The View, Divine Design or anything in HGTV

5. What did you have for breakfast? Bagel and lots of coffee!

6. What is your middle name? Tawnya-Jean (Mom & Dad couldn't spell)

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Italian

8. What food(s) do you dislike? Fish! (odd, considering answer to #29)

9. What is your favorite potato chip? Salt and Vinegar

10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Harry Connick Jr. - Oh my Nola

11. What kind of car do you drive? sadly, Ford Windstar (still...it's on life support)

12. What is your favorite sandwich? Italian Sub from the White House in AC

13. What characteristics in a person do you despise? two-faced liars (deep down I'm still 11 years old)

14. What is your favorite item of clothing? pj's

15. What is your favorite brand of clothing? Gap

16. If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be? Alaska, but the list is long and varied

17. Where would you retire? somewhere near my daughter - maybe back in Michigan

18. What is your favorite time of day? morning

19. Where were your born? Wooster, OH

20. What is your favorite sport to watch? basketball - I don't have game, so I can appreciate.... (Alyssa thinks it's her Ice Skating - don't tell)

21. Who do you think will not respond to this? Anyone who has a life

22. Who do you think will send it back first? Someone without anything better to do

23. Coke or Pepsi? Water

24. Beaver or duck? ??? To eat, or are we asking an animal rights question, or is this something I don't understand now that I'm an old, boring Mom...

25. Are you a morning person or night owl? More like, mid day....

26. Manicure or pedicure? both!

27. Any new or exciting news you would like to share with anyone? normal stuff is good...

28. What did you want to be when you were little? a teacher

29. What is your best childhood memory? fishing with my dad - riding in clothes dryer with brother & sister...

30. Any piercings? ears!

31. Every been to Africa? no

32. Every been toilet papering? no

33. Been in a car accident? yes

34. What is your favorite day of the week? Saturday

35. What is your favorite restaurant? Olive Garden - I'm not fussy

36. Favorite flower? Sunflowers

37. Favorite ice cream? mint chocolate chip

38. Favorite fast food place? Wendys

39. Have you ever failed the driver's test? no

40. Who sent you your last email? my sister

41. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card in? Pottery Barn

42. What is your bedtime? I'm a grown up now, I can go to bed whenever I want....usually around 9....thank God for TIVO!

43. Are you interested in any one person's responses? everyone's!

44. Last person you went to dinner with? husband & daughter

45. What are you listening to right now? nothing - ahhh silence!

46. What is your favorite color? red

47. How many tattoos do you have? none

48. How many people are you sending this to? not sure

49. What time did you finish this email? 10:30

50. Favorite magazine? Newsweek
==============================================

1. 7:30 am
2. Diamonds are a girl's best friend.
3. The Devil wears Prada, gotta get out once and a while.
4. Anthing HGTV; Divine Design, QVC, Top Chef and Six Feet Under (re-runs).
5. Coffee
6. Marie
7. Italian
8. Most fish, especially sushi
9. Salt & Vinegar
10.Josh Groban - awake
11.Camry
12.Pulled BBQ pork
13.Liars and the lying lies they tell.
14.Great fitting jeans
15.Liz Clairborne
16.Always dreamed of going to Italy, especially Venice.
17.On the water, perhaps the Chesapeake Bay area
18.Morning
19.Wooster, OH
20.Football
21. Two or three blogger friends
22.Pax Romano
23.Diet Pepsi, caffine free
24.What?
25.Morning but only after a cup of fresh coffee
26.Love all those spa treatments, both!
27.Nothing exciting, a girl has to have a secret or two.
28.I did not have a clue, still don't
29.Fishing with Dad, running the boat, eating fresh raspberries with Gran.
30.Double pierce ears was the trend when I was a teen
31. no
32. no
33. More than my share
34. Sunday
35. Pompeii (in Philadelphia)
36. tulips, white roses, zinnias, oh all of them, who am I kidding?
37. Cherry Garcia or Vannila Swiss Almond
38. none of the above
39. no
40. my sister
41. Restoration Hardware
42. Rarely make it past ten
43. Absolutely
44. A Friend
45. The sounds of a running computer, heard enough talk at work for one day.
46. Green
47. none
48. Bloggin instead..
49. 7:24 pm
50. Family Circle & Woman's Day (cannot help myself)

And the diagnosis is.......

As a child I wondered why my grandparents talked about illness and death so frequently. As if on a vigil reading the paper for friends and loved one listed within. Now I am beginning to understand..........arghhhh...

Seems that a number of us in officeland have some medical issues these days. When did bad knees, bad backs, hernia's and colonoscopy's start to dominate the break room conversations? What happened to talk of fine dining and movie reviews? I almost miss hearing about the world trips that so many take for granted. Must be middle age settling over us, oh perish that thought.

Three MRI's, multiple xray's, three hours in the waiting room, two orthopedists and a finally one diagnosis. No Mommonantor, I am not a hypochondriac. We have an opinion that I have a SLAP lesion and a moderate rotator cuff tear. SLAP lesion I have learned, is a tear in the tendons over the head of the shoulder bone and often accompanies a rotator cuff tear. As much as I abhorred the arthroscopic MRI it finally showed what has been bothering me for probably two years. Last year the insurance would not approve the MRI when the first doctor suggested it. Instead I took a prescription for some heavy duty pain killers. That was until someone said hey, what's up with you woman? Are you depressed? No I was under the influence and I was sleeping for a change. Seems like you must complain enough till the insurance providers tire and concede. Who would volunteer for these things if they did not need them. Truth is, part of me did not want to go today. That part however was overridden by reason because the imaginations were worse that the reality. OK, not ready for more than PT and injections right now. That's enough to absorb.....frankly I am tired of talking about it and relieved to have a diagnosis.

Plant a Tree

Plant a tree
and watch it grow
Its roots so deep we cannot know

Please care for her
as your Mother cared for you
with shelter and shade,
fruit and clean air too

When I make my final rest
beneath a mighty tree I request
each of us may one day return
to earth to bloom and then return

simple pleasures 2

What's your preference?

City scape or countryside?
High rise or cabin in the woods?
Picnic or fine restaurant?
Theater, opera or outdoor concerts?
Art museums or arboretum?
Do you prefer serenity or parties?
Tell the truth or what they want to hear?
Reading or watching TV?
Walking at the beach or city line avenue?
Shopping for bargains or name brands?
Do you believe less is more?
Chicken wings or roasted rosemary chicken with all the trimmings?
For dessert, Ice cream or creme brulee?
Do you spend Sunday relaxing or frantically preparing for work on Monday?
Do you believe one person can change the world?
If you could change just one thing would it be within yourself or out in the world?
You don't have to reveal your answer, unless you want to).
Would you do things differently or just the same if you had the chance?

------------------------------------------------------------------
My answers;

Green acres is the place for me!
A cabin in the woods, lakeside preferred!
I must admit I enjoy tring new restaraunts.
Tough one, but outdoor concerts prevail.
Again, tough choice, give me the green trees of Longwood, Morris, or Garden of Eden.
Serenity after a great party. I cheated.
The truth is often hard, but much prefered.
Reading. There are 57 channels and nothing on.......
Give me a walk at the beach anytime, even winter.
The joys of bargain shopping.
I've learned you really can do with less and enjoy it.
Uhmm, roasted chicken with rosemary and lemon, mashed potatoes & gravy, fresh vegies.
I'd take Cherry Garcia or Vanilla Swiss Almond.
Lazing on Sunday, lazing on a Sunday afternoon.
Yes, examples Harry Chapin, MLK, Rosa Parks...
Our position on the environment in this country.
Knowing what I know now, I'd do things differently.
I would also plant more trees! I urge you to do the same, if you can!

Ruminations, not me.....

Well, let's see how I am doing on the annual resolutions;
Eating breakfast every day- OK, so far so good.
Eat right, guess chocolate mousse and cherry cake for breakfast yesterday blows that deal. But I told Deb it may have been the best dessert I ever had. Save it for lunch, hardly, it lasted as long as I savored every bite. Exercising the waistline, new machine and so far about three ten minute sessions. Doesn't even account for yesterday's breakfast, oh it was that good.
But the most important goal one is still intact. Don't worry, be happy!

How are you guys/gals doing? Oh, don't tell me that you didn't make any, that's too easy.

While the world slumbers..

Up early while the rest of the world around me is still quiet. This may well be the most serene time of day. The sunrise is peaceful and beautiful unlike the angry red sky of last night's setting sun. Today's agenda may well be challenging as they are going to do some tests of my shoulder. So I have asked for a sedative, just in case I need it as I loathe MRI's. There is a second doctor's appointment in the afternoon and as a reward a Swedish massage. A massage is something I have not done in almost a year! That should help.

Give a listen

Warm weather for mid January. Usually by this time I'd be looking for a light box or a trip to sunny Florida. Yesterday while driving to the market I got hooked on one song from Don Henley's "Inside Job" and to honor one of my favorite singer/songwriters of all time I wanted to share what seems like a mantra for me these days:

A lot of things have happened
Since the last time we spoke
Some of them are funny
Some of ’em ain’t no joke
And I trust you will forgive me
If I lay it on the line
I always thought you were a friend of mine

Sometimes I think about you
I wonder how you’re doing now
And what you’re going through

The last time I saw you
We were playing with fire
We were loaded with passion
And a burning desire
For every breath, for every day of living
And this is my Thanksgiving

Now the trouble with you and me, my friend
Is the trouble with this nation
Too many blessings, too little appreciation
And I know that kind of notion—well, it just ain’t cool
So send me back to Sunday school
Because I’m tired of waiting for reason to arrive
It’s too long we’ve been living
These unexamined lives

I’ve got great expectations
I’ve got family and friends
I’ve got satisfying work
I’ve got a back that bends
For every breath, for every day of living
This is my Thanksgiving

Have you noticed that an angry man
Can only get so far
Until he reconciles the way he thinks things ought to be
With the way things are

Here in this fragmented world, I still believe
In learning how to give love, and how to receive it
And I would not be among those who abuse this privilege
Sometimes you get the best light from a burning bridge

And I don’t mind saying that I still love it all
I wallowed in the springtime
Now I’m welcoming the fall
For every moment of joy
Every hour of fear
For every winding road that brought me here
For every breath, for every day of living
This is my Thanksgiving

For everyone who helped me start
And for everything that broke my heart
For every breath, for every day of living
This is my Thanksgiving



Musicians:
Michael Fisher
Don Henley
Stan Lynch
Jai Winding

Thanks You Don Henley from one of your biggest fans! Friends please give a listen and tell me what you think. He has a website that features this particular album/CD.

57 Channels and nothing on.....

What is up with t.v.? Sometimes I ask myself whay am I paying for this?Another "reality" show? Are we addicted, or what? I find myself mindlessly watching those on Bravo. I usually surf the channels and settle on HGTV or QVC (my weaknesses, both likely designed to keep one spending money).
I will admit there are a few that hold my attention; House, My Boys and Ugly Betty. Usually its reruns of Six Feet Under (still compelling) or old movies on TNT. What will I watch when the football season is over. Win or loose I am always sad to see the Eagles season come to an end. Let's hope they keep going during the playoff! Go Green!

Tell me what do you like to watch when your t.v. is on and why? Whatever would move you to buy a big screen t.v.(other than football)?

Last years blog, not much has changed or has it?

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 exercise 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 therapeutic. 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 achieve the goals that we set for ourselves.
Finally, Faith the things will all turn out for the best!

Happy Birthday Davy Baby!

Since 1972 and Ziggy Stardust, I have had a thing for David Bowie's eccentric style and music. He shares his birthday with that lesser famous singer, sometime actor Elvis Presley!

Cultivating a new Garden

Today's mail was filled with new years gardening catalogs filled with beautiful tempting annuals, perennials and trees. I want to start the new year with a healthier more positive approach. I want to enjoy some of those things on my to do list like taking a vacation. I've been taking pictures with my old camera(not digital) and a few are worthy of framing. Guess I need to learn to add them to the blogs. Today I found the piece of exercise equipment ordered for a NY resolution on the back step, no more excuses. Trying not to eat sugary stuff this afternoon was hard but I managed, until now. Who left that carton of Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream in the freezer? The creative part of my brain is reusing and recycling whatever items I can around the house, less is more. One example is a quilt top of children's Christmas fabrics that have been here for a long time and I quilted even while watching the Eagles game yesterday. My Gran would be proud. Waste not, want not. Where else have I heard that? Great news that Momma Jax is better and will be back to singing a church before we know it. There are many things to be thankful for and sometimes we loose sight of the blessings in our lives. Life is too short and I don't have any time to waste cultivating negative thoughts. Of course if we all planted just one tree, imagine the improved air quality. A quarter acre of green grass can provide air for a family of four. A quarter acre of trees well, that would be miraculous... imagine the possibilities.