GARDEN OF EDEN

One More Year

2010-08-03T09:46:00.003-09:00

Can you recall what you were doing one year ago? Sam old, same old? It's been a long time since I put up a post and that is in part because I have been so busy. Since early 2006 I have moved five times, but owned only two houses. Finally settling into a home that I considered a turn key, yet I have been working on it since April 1st. It's time to get that painting done and take a well deserved break. I have thought of little else but to finish this project. The Momonnator got me thinking.........

Q: What would you do with the remainder of the year if this was all the time you had?
A: Travel to Italy, Spain, Provence, Hawaii and San Francisco.

Q: What would you do differently?
A:Invested better. Spent more time with my sister.

Q: Would you give up bad habits, eating junk food, complaining, nagging, gossiping?
A: No honestly not.

Q: What do you want you legacy to be?
A: Contribution to a greener planet by planting more trees. Improve my relationships, new and old ones.

The Only Constant

2010-01-21T16:20:00.002-10:00

Who is to be credited for the quote that the only constant is change? What a terror in Haiti? What can we all do to help someone less fortunate? How brave are those doctors and other who bravely go into the country that is on the brink. I would be too afraid, honestly.

Reading other blogs I was reminded that this day would have been my dear old
Dad's birthday. Guess he'd be 75 if he were alive. Sometimes I think he is, and I finally learned the lessons. I think he looked like Clark Gable and acted like John Wayne or Gary Cooper. Always quiet always listening, steady as a rock.

Been looking at other homes, closer to work, if only fifteen minutes would be better. How many folks drive more that an hour to get to work each day? Reality is the great equalizer, though this was stressful, world events put it all in perscpective. I have not been this moved by a natural disaster in some time.

Fall for Trees

2009-09-28T03:41:00.003-09:00

Many of you know that I am a nature lover and would not be incline to cut down a perfectly healthy tree. Right? Well, a few weeks ago I remember saying to my partner that soemone is going to get hurt from the hundreds of acorns falling into the driveway. Not to mention the dents that have found the new car's roof.

Last Thursday I came home and while walking to the mailbox I slipped and fell. I hardly remember what hppened except that I stepped on the dreaded acorns and it amy have looked like Elaine Bennis (of Seinfeld) as I tried to right myself. No luck. I fell head and shoulders first, no hands to block my fall. This is not the way to meet your neighbors, nor do I like all that drama and attention focused on me. The police and ambulance responded to the 911 call and after hitting my head I decided it best to go to the ER. As the EMT's took care of me I felt the pain in the shoulder and after several hours in the ER it became more intense. There was a minor scrape on my face and a large one on my shoulder. Glad it was not the other way around. I inisisted on a CT, just to be safe. Then it turned out that there is a fracture in my right clavicle. I thought it was going to be bruised..... Too much drama. Oh, I had barely started taking the meds when the bill arrive, I kid you not.

I am typing this in part to see if I can. Trying to see if I can drive or work. We'll see what the doctor say's later. It's always something....So do we cut down the tree? I cannot be objective. Lots of kids wait for their bus in my drive way every morning, does that change your mind?

Best & Worst ll

2009-08-01T01:53:00.002-09:00

How could we not mention the best coffee; Starbucks, my fave Pike's Place. "Get your motor running, head out on the highway......"I need no fancy latte's etc. Worst, the price tag. For now I am enjoying some swiss almond flavored coffee and the first cup of the day is always the best.

The best time of day, early morning when only I am awake and I am enjoying the first cup of coffee. The downside I am so congested that I can barely breathe. Getting up early today so that I can begin taking up yoga again. I have been talking about it for a year or more. I joined the gym a month ago and really need to go more often.

Good lunch yesterday at Applebee's; a smoked chicken, apple and walnt salad with gorgonzola, ummm. The best part was having lunch with a friend who always makes me laugh! that's a talent! Worst, lunch is only one hour and it's back to work.....

More later...gotta go

The Best and the Worst

2009-07-28T15:21:00.002-09:00

The best book that I have read lately was "Certain Girls" by Jennifer Weiner.
The worst, Shirley McClaine "sageing while aging." she writes about Atlantis, quantum physics, and psychological ideas that are beyond me. Great actress, author?

The best lunch I have eaten lately is the Cobb salad from Salad works. I'm addicted to these.
The worst, leftovers from the fridge. I don't like em, but who can afford to waste.

Best new artist, hands down Shemekia Copeland. Check her out on U-tube.
Worst, the Decemberists, Rake's song which is a story of a father killing his children after their mother dies. Who would write this stuff.

Can you add a few ideas Merci, Mommonator, Pax?

XPN

2009-07-27T09:24:00.000-09:00

The high point of the XPN festival this weekend was Shemeka Copeland on Friday night. Hope that the link works, please check her out.

7 and 7

2009-07-21T14:42:00.002-09:00

It was Merci's blog a little while ago that asked for seven things you love and to pass it on to seven blogger buddies; Mommonator, Pax, Shannon, the Vault, Klaus, Freudian slips and ET. Could not forget ET. So here goes;
1. Love having a good massage.
2. Serenity.
3. Gardening; spring flowering trees and bulbs.
4. A book that you don't want to put down.
5. Hearing a good laugh of a friend and laughing till I cry.
6. Haring birds sing in the backyard.
7. Knowing that something is good is coming.

Celebrity Sighting

2009-07-17T04:36:00.002-09:00

A few days ago while taking a walk through the new and improved Voorhees Town Center, I noticed a familiar face. After taking at least one second glance I walked right up and told J.C. Romero that we were glad he was back to pitching with the Phills. He stated that he was glad to be back too! His voice grew stronger as he told me that he is still fighting his previous 50 game suspension. Before I knew it or realized it, I was patting him on the shoulder and encouraged him. He said thank you "Mam." When did I become Mam, not Ms. or Miss? J.C. had none of that aggressiveness and tension that is palpable while watching him pitch his usual seventh or eighth innings. He was happy to have been noticed and as I walked away from him I noticed that he was looking around, I believe to see if anyone would notice that he was there. If anyone but me did observe him they did not ask for attention. At I looked for familiar faces to share this anecdote, everyone asked why I did not get an autograph? Just didn't, althought in hindsight, it may have drawn the attention that he appeared to be looking for. Corny or not it brightened my afternoon. Hopefully the team will be happy with their newly acquired pitcher but as for me. I may have found my new favorite Phil. Thanks JC, go get 'em.

Tagged for Ten

2009-07-11T15:04:00.002-09:00

Tagged by Mommonator to name ten things people don't know about me:

10. I don't like bowling but I coached Special Olympics years ago.
9. I don't like SCI-FI.
8. I once compeated in beauty pagents.
7. I grew up around boats at the shore and still am a lousy swimmer.
6. Tied for warmest smile in high school, but removed myself from the list as I was the editor of the yearbook.
5. I am glad my Mom made me learn to sew.
4. I am distantly related to Al Gore.
3. I like almost any kind of music.
2. I cannot play any musical instruments. Do spoons count?
1. I have driven in NYC, Wahington D.C. but am nervous getting on Rt. 295.

2009-05-12T14:57:00.000-09:00

http://alice paul institute

HIT THE DECK

2009-05-10T16:13:00.003-09:00

After all the rain I could not believe that grass could grow that high in just two weeks. It was 8-10 inches tall and the newly planted annuals were lost amidst the managerie. Two lawn movers and aching backs later we restored normalcy. The plants are all doing well drinking up the bounty of the skies benefits. I planted three flats of annual, and some seeds and barely made a dent in my dreams of a new garden. I spent nearly the whole day outdoors and loved it, see weeding and beautifying is not a task for me.

Nasturtiums have always been relagated to containers, this year hanging pots on the deck. Found some white and green marigold seeds, hope that they get a start in the beds before the heat arrives. It's a gamble. Decided on three cherry tomatoe plants for one twenty four inch pot but I could thin them, I suppose. Took some time today to go looking for deck furniture found the best adriondack chairs made of composite materials that cost as much as indoor furniture. The budget for outdoor stuff will probably mean sitting in plastic chairs once again. That is not the worst thing in the world. As long as there is plenty of good food and cool drinks, who cares?

The local nursery was looking for extra help, I admit I considered it. How many folks are going to agree to work weekends? This might be one way to start the next chapter in my autobiography. Humm.

Wanted to go to see the Star Trek movie based on the reccomendations of Chicken Scratch's early opinion. Of course, he is biased, but he was not the only one who reccomended it. With 75.5 million in ticket sales reported for the weekend, someone likes it. Even my sister wanted to go again......go figure? Had lunch with my mom, sis, her daughter and husband who was a riot. Then to the hospital to pay my respects to a friends mom. A very busy day!

2009-05-08T01:50:00.002-09:00

More gardening questions for you experienced toilers. How many tomatoes can I put into one deck pot that is twenty four inches tall and about as wide? One cherry tomatoe, two or three?
I am used to gardening in the earth, not containers. I am sure Pax can sign in on this one.

I used the break in the rain to plan a flat of zinnias in the back. They are cinnamon and whit striped. I found seeds for white marigolds, sunflowers and nasturtiums that will be added to the soil and deck containers this weekend. I cannot wait for some sunny weather to enjoy the outdoors. But first I must find some furniture. Adirondack chairs, or maybe the retro metal chairs of the 1950's. Most stuff looks like it would not last more than one season or is over 500.00 f0r table and chairs. I plan to arrange a seating area on one side and a dining area on the other. Never had such a nice deck. I an invision the margarita's flowing and the tapas for all of you who helped me move in. Soon as the rain let's up.

Rain, rain, rain

2009-05-03T16:21:00.002-09:00

I took advantage of the break in the rain yesterday afternoon to finish some weeding and applied patch grass applications wherever it was need. Despite the aforementioned remarks I have never seen a lawn as nice anywhere, except maybe a golf course. Thank Goodness, it rained as I awoke, no watering needed. Despite all the rain this spring there were two azalea bushes, maybe three that had died. When I extricated them from the soil it appeared that the roots were as bound together as they were when they left a nursery. No wonder. Does anyone else have difficulty with perennials and small shrubs burning out with the ever changing climate. Maybe azaleas can only thrive in a micro climate that provides shelter from the brightest sun. Hope that the soon to bloom peonies and hydrangeas do better. I never did go our for the herbs and tomatoes that I wanted to fill deck containers today. Just stayed in pajamas and read a good book. Made dinner, read a book, watched baseball and read a book. A good day, despite the rain!
How did you spend your Sunday? (ironic, don't you think?).

Arbor Day = Garden Day

2009-05-01T15:34:00.002-09:00

Last Friday I took a vacation day and the weather could not have been more perfect. Each year at Arbor Day I try to plant a tree, if not a tree, then a shrub or something that will grow to beautify the earth and decrease CO2 emissions. Each time I have moved to a new home I have vigorously dove into gardening chores, and this year was no exception. After cutting grass that was eight inches tall, I planted a 3' red japanese maple sapling. Trying to be frugal and honestly its easier to transplant a smaller tree. Then it was on to a beautiful red azalea bush for a corner of the porch that needed a lift. The borders were cleaned for annuals yet to be determined; the mulch applied to finished beds. I was tired and muscles ached but yet it was a happy day. I f everyone of us planted just one tree...OK I give this retoric every year. The very next day the heat spike to the 90's.
Now it's on to the dead limbs of towering white pines along the back of the property. Those limbs close to the ground have been brutally chopped by neighbors presumably and many lower limbs are dead. I am trying to remove them but as I told Shoebee I am intimidated by power tools. String trimmers not withstanding.
Settlling into this new house has its challenges and I guess I need to give it more time. It's a long long way from the Garden of Eden. By the way I have not even driven by the old garden/house to see what it looks like. I am sure it's beautful as the trees there are maturing and a miriad of colors in spring. With time and God's blessing I can do that again, no problem. Happy planting to you gardeners out there.

Earth Day II

2009-04-22T15:37:00.001-09:00

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. Monday's Inquirer (2005) 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."

Going Green

2009-04-15T15:56:00.002-09:00

It seems that April showers bring May flowers....
Well it's done nothing but rain here and it's a little depressing.
I bet the grass is six inches tall in the back yard but verdant does not begin to describe its beauty. The tulips I planted last year look good in shades of ivory and scarlet. With Earth Day and Arbor Day looming it's time to think of someway to give back to the Earth.

I have finally started reading again and have gone through several books, Jane Heller who writes women's humor with a mystery thrown in, or is it the other way around. I am reading Garrision Keilor's childrens book "Sandy Bottom Orchestra" perfect for a preteen. On deck, John Grisham, Jimmy Carter and the Dali Lama. A group that has no rhyme or reason, just whatever interests me at the time.

The extra bedroom has been set up for excercise for a couple weeks now and the truth is it had not seen any sweating going on, unless you count climbing the stairs......I am runnin low on excuses.

Everthing Must Change

2009-03-28T04:44:00.002-09:00

The original Garden of Eden is gone. I have not blogged since October, with packing moving and legal matters there wasn't much free time. I cannot help but daydream of the gardening projects and improvements to be done in the future at the new house. You can expect some future changes to this site, it's time for an upgrade.

The best thing about the new house might be the simple joy of multiple bathrooms. Yeah, maybe many of you take that for granted. I am just barely old enough to remember that indoor plumbing was one considered a luxury. My Grand pop was the only one in the family that had a real indoor bathroom when I was born. It was a time when folks grew their own food and tried to live close to nature. Now that paradigm is consider "green" and new.

There are many things once considered luxuries and now are deemed as something more important. Why does every child need their own cell phone at nine, ten or even twelve years of age. Just to text their friends? Why does every room have a t.v.? When I was a child, only the rich kids were lucky enough to have a corded phone of their own in their bedrooms. For that matter kids shared bedrooms until adolescence.......

Sounds like I am ranting I know, the point is with the economic downturn do children or adults know how to live with less these days? Where do we begin to draw the lines during these times?
(I'd like to start a dialogue on this topic, especially after reading the Mommanator's recent blog.
What changes are you willing to make?

MP3/Meme

2008-10-31T02:21:00.002-09:00

I just love the IPOD and hoped that we could share our love of music:

Where do you listen to your IPOD? For me it's at work, or on a walk.
What are your three favorite songs (from your MP3)? Howie Day's Collide, Lennon's Imagine and Dave Matthew's Crash.
What are you listening to that you did not listen to before? Mowown
Have you revisisted songs/artists from years past? Yes.
What are a few examples? Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Peter & Gordon, The Byrds (David Crosby, pre-CSNY) and Beatles.
With all the extra space (if you have any)are you exploring new artists? Yes
Who are they? Daughtry, Lonestar and Hoobastank.
What songs/artists do you want to add? Meatloaf.
Is there more that one genre of music in your MP3? Yes, pop, rock, folk and R&B primarily.
Are CD's becoming obsolete? I hope not.
What was the biggest suprise for you when you started using an MP3? I didn't know that there were games.
Tagged: Freudian Slips, Pax, and Grannie's Ramblings.

The weekend that wasn't...

2008-10-22T04:23:00.002-09:00

At the end of last week the weather turned chilly as we all know. I was invited to a wedding that was outdoors at 11 am on Saturday. Let's say, I did not need to worry about the sweater dress being too warm. We waited for what seeemed an hour for the bride to make an appearance. The bridesmaids were wearing shoulder revealing dresses. There was a little sun but there was a little wind and I know that they were cold. The ceremony was beautiful with a singer who could have gave Barbara Streisand a run for the money, no joke. The reception was beautiful overlooking a golf course and the champagne flowing. The chorus line and dance lines should be banned. The bride and groom looked great and so very happy, that's all that really matters. We each received a CD of their favorite songs. I am still enjoying some of them.
Sunday, off to Batso to visit with a friend but again it was cold. Thought only of buying a warm drink and gloves. I could no leave without the handmade lavender soap which smell so good. In the afternoon it was off to Almathea Winery. The wines were not much to brag about, although a guy next to me bragged that he'd traveled two hours for the wine that he claimed were the best in So.Jersey. "No, east of the Rockies," another guy replied. I think they both drank too much. The best part was sitting in the sun, or by the fire and petting the farm dogs.
Before you knew it the weekend was over.....Next week will be just R&R, I hope.

Books/Meme

2008-10-22T03:44:00.003-09:00

From the Mommanator: comments at the end....

Do you remember how you developed a love for reading? Nope, never did!
What are some books you read as a child? Dick & Jane, Bible, Johnathan Livingston Seagull, Of Mice & Men, Call of the Wild.
What is your favorite genre? Medical Mystery, Spirituality Books
Do you have a favorite novel?Of Mice & Men
Where do you usually read? Car, easy chair
When do you usually read? When bored, when I see something I just can't keep my hands off
Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time? no only during research
Do you read nonfiction in a different place than you read fiction? Yes nonfiction is usually read while sitting up almost at a desk, Fiction is anywhere I plop myself
Do you buy most books you read, or borrow them or check them out of the library-buy and Library. Actually most from library
Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them? Keep them, others I share with friends
If you have children, what are some favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some same ones you read as a child? Same as I read as a child. Also, love taking the grands to the library, pick up a book and then read with them(not to them, but with them)
What are you reading now? Nothing really, have been really busy, but have purchased some for when I get a minute
Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list? no unless someone says you MUST read this
Whats next?POP goes the Weasel by Patterson
What books would you like to reread? None, I can't stand to reread stuff. 2 of the only books I have read many times are Of Mice & Men & Call of the Wild
Who are your favorite authors?Robin Cook, Patterson,Clive Custler, Max Lucado

Ok now you are tagged: Shoe, Zelda Parker, Merci, & Pax
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As a pre-kindergardener I learned to read with Mom.
We read English nursey rhymes and I later like Hardy Boys & Nancy Drew to name a few.
Faves include: Mysteries.
Favorites: The Pelican Brief and Atonement
Where: In a comfy chair, the car, at my desk during lunch and in bed before sleep is the best.
When: Far too little lately, usually I read when there is nothing on tv but sports, waiting, and am wishing for an escape.
I am not proud of it but I usually have several books going at once, depends on my mood.
I read non-fiction for motivation, inspiration, cook books and gardening.
In the past I bought most everything I read. I have a library card that does see much action. Usually lend/give away the paperbacks and those especially good books.
No children of my own. Try to encourage children to read by giving books for gifts at birthdays. Bought "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and though better of giving it to a ten year old after proof reading it. Maybe it's better in a couple years...
For about a year I have been reading "Saturday" and its not very thick. I have been reading Jenn Weiner's short stories almost as long. I have a Dali Lami book going as well.
I am trying not to buy any more until I read what I have. Thaqt should keep me busy for the rest of my life. I have a hard time passing up anything written by the Dali Lama.
My TBR list is the stack on the nighstand, right now there is probably a dozen books there as I have not finished more than one or two this entire year. I rarely reread anything but have tagged "the Power Positive Thinking" that was recently re-released with additional tex about the "Amazing results of Positive Thinking".
Favorite authors: Patterson, Grisham, Cornwell, Agatha Christie, Dali Lama, Ian McEwan, Jennifer Weiner, Jane Heller, Steven Covey,and Anne Tyler.

High ho, high ho....

2008-10-01T16:33:00.004-09:00

It seems lately, my time has been consumer with work, work, work. There is the service sector & the dream of helping people, looking a little like swiss cheese. Rather that focus on the harshness of the world around I have been focused on the Garden of Eden which needs the weeds pulled now that it has finallay rained. I dream of adding some mums for fall color before this weekends open house. I took the day off and enjoyed staying up late and going to sleep when I felt like it. For once I slept like a baby, humm. Then I swept and moped, scrubbed and put away some summer clothes. By ten I was painting the front and back porch decks. At 12:30 pm I begrudlingly continued painting the home office which I had long ago started but never finished. In fact I almost forgot about it all together. So the first coat of neutral antique white is up and because I was covering my beloved sage green it will need another coat. The trim is really the bear as it was a darker shade of green than the walls. I only started painting the room because the trim throughout the house had been changed to a creamy white a couple years ago, except this room. The carpet had been replaced two years ago and I really must be careful not to spill. Hours of watching HGTV have taught me that buyers like bright and neutral colors. If folks don't like green than this will not be the house for them. Many have been throught to look, despite the realtors promises there has been no meanigful offers yet. I am hoping that this weeks open house will change that. So another day of painting the office, then some fresh flowers, and baked cookies. Any other ideas to suggest? The world seems to be looking sad lately but the Garden of Eden has never looked this good. Go figure?

2008-09-26T03:36:00.002-09:00

What can I say?

2008-09-16T02:21:00.004-09:00

Since my last blog, so much has happened, my day in court finally came and went. It could have been worse. The Garden of Eden is on the market at perhaps the worst time in America's history since the depression. There has never been more homes on sale. The first day I recieved an offer which at the time I thought to be ridiculous, but now I'm not so sure. Homes in my neighborhood do not have landscaping or large yards, few have any curb appeal. I've been told that some are taking any offers as they have other homes in play, or should I say in pay. I just replaced nearly every window in the house and still no new offers. The house did hasn't looked this good. I do not want to pay the exorbitant heating bills of last year. Hopefully something good will happen soon. The summer has been spent working a second shift (on the house)several days a week and frankly I am tired of it, in more ways than one.
Someone I worked with years ago,and indirectly, was asking about my name changes and was suprised to find I was happy....
We must try to hold on to the mantra, Life is short, live like you were dying. Oh, yeah that's a country song. You know what I mean. I've had too much drama and it cannot be healthy. Fall has never been so welcome....

Bad Dream

2008-06-24T15:01:00.003-09:00

Years ago Pax and Jax and I would analyze our dreams over coffee breaks. Now I want to see what psychoanalysis you can make out of this one. It really happened.

The other night I dreamt that bees were stinging me all over, so real I felt them on my arms.
They were no ordinary bees as they stuck to you skin and they had to be physically removed. I could not get them off fast enough. Someone came along as I nearly completed removing them and opening their hand and added a few more (no sticking there). I kept saying they are poisoning me and as I woke I could feel the sensations on my arms as if they were really being stung.

OK you psychology majors what do you make of this?

One Word

2008-06-24T14:57:00.002-09:00

You can only type one word. It is not as easy as you might think. Copy or
> forward, change the answers to suit you, and pass it on (don't forget me).
> It's hard to only use one-word answers.
>
>
> 1. Where is your cell phone ? table
> 2. Your significant other? secret
> 3. Your hair? blondish
> 4. Your Skin? Fair
> 5. Your mother? Kathleen
> 6. Your favorite thing? gardens
> 7. Your dream last night? none
> 8. Your favorite drink? cosmopolitan
> 9. Your dream/goal? retirement
> 10. The room you're in? office
> 11. Your ex? bubba
> 12. Your fear? debt
> 13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? gardening
> 14. Where were you last night? friends
> 15. What you're not? brave
> 16. Muffins?YES
> 17. One of your wish list items? Peace
> 18. Where you grew up? Ohio
> 19. The last thing you did? ate
> 20. What are you wearing? capri's
> 21. Your TV? off
> 22. Your pet(s)? deceased
> 23. Your computer? here
> 24. Your life? stalled
> 25. Your mood? Depressed
> 26. Missing someone? jax
> 27. Your car? old
> 29. Favorite Store? qvc
> 30. Your summer? peacefull
> 31. Like someone? Yes
32. Your favorite color? green
> 33. When is the last time you laughed? am
> 34. Last time you cried? 6/14/08
> 35. Who will/would re-post this? michelle
> 36. Whose Answers are you anxious to see? Everyone
>
>
>
> Hugs And Kisses
>
>
>
>
>
>

A visit to Officeland II & BB

2008-06-04T13:27:00.004-09:00

Well today was the first of my weekly visits to Officeland II and wouldn't you know Big Daddy was not there. I did run into Gracie who was kind enough to show me around the labyrinth. Everyone spoke so warmly and greeted me, some with hugs. Let's see how long that lasts when I finish my mission. I found myself in a large space but far away from any windows. Not much to look at as the mall across the street is under construction. One perk is that I was sitting near Rocky and she said that it was her son's 13th birthday. Wasn't a minute ago she talked about him starting school? Her infectious laughter could be heard around the end of the annex. LeLe asked me what was I dong there "I said looking for people" and she asked don't you have any friends in Office I? We shared a good laugh. Then she said you won't be making friends here with the work you do, more laughs. Someone had a voice that sounded so much like Klaus I kept thinking he was there. OK for a first day.

Seems that they already want to move me to another spot, can only hope its a better one for the inconvenience.

Rain, rain go away, wanted to go to see the Phillies, I mean Pat Burrell my fave. Actually I was hoping to see Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 600th homer. Oh, well, guess 5000 othe people had the same idea, sold out and Griffey's not scheduled to play if there is no rain delay.

Love the sound of birds in the Morning...

2008-05-31T04:15:00.004-09:00

Spring, my favorite time of year is rapidly turning to summer. The flowering trees of pear, plum and cherry have given way to iris, roses and dasies. The beauty of the trees that bloom is fleeting but worth every bit of the work. The garden has never looked better and I thought how I used to have BBQ's for Memorial Day. The weather this past weekend would have been perfect for just such an event.

Been so busy trying to put things in order that I haven't made time to sit and read emails, balance my checkbook or finish any of the novels that I've started. Did go to see Indiana Jones...and it was good. Looking forward to seeing the girls in "Sex in the City." especially if it rains this weekend.

I am planning to sell the house, despite the market slump, it will be OK as I am not trying to get rich. Just a fair market value and expenses will do. Hope it can get finished before the summer heatwave, frankly asap. This house is too much work for me. Hate to admit it. thanks to those who have pitched in now and then to help me.

Have to plan a 75th birthday for Mom as my sister lives out of town and my bro, well never mind. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

Seems life is moving at warp speed and I am in the slow lane. Freudian Slips author is in a movie soon to be release. Big Daddy is in LA, Merci is enjoying her new home. Granny moving to Fla. as is another couple I know who should have arrived yesterday. Not complaining the peace and quiet is good for my soul. Listening to the birds sing and enjoying this fresh coffee is a great way to start my day.

Keep a positive thought and as always live, love and laugh as much as possible.

What's Up?

2008-03-28T03:11:00.003-09:00

It has been hard for me to write lately, talking not so much. Winter always leaves me feeling a little SAD and excercise does help. Chocolates seen more comforting and I am going to pay a price for that later today.

There have been many challenges and a few that I put in play myself. But on a voyage of self discovery you will hit a few icebergs along the way. There is nothing like the trip to authenticity however and you may learn that some acquaintances do not want a ticket. Some will wave from the shore. The greatest gift of any trip is to find that there are one or two who will be by your side when the water is rough and the ship is unsteady. With a good captain at the helm there will be sunshine after the rain clouds have passed. I feel blessed that there are a few shipmates out there and one or two who try to keep me on an even keel. I will not let my ship get turned around as I have gone past the point of no return and there is sunlight on the horizon.

Spring is my favorite time of year. I have gardening projects that I'd like to do if it is not too chilly this morning. Later its off to the doctor for a check up. Never mind if I go play in the dirt there will be no visit to Dr. Pat.

SAG or No Sag

2008-02-10T10:23:00.000-10:00

Well I've been trying to tell you about the spanish actor who would be respected in America one day, ever since I first saw "The Dancer Upstairs" in 2003. Conversations with Pax lead me to one of his finest performances to date in "Before night Falls." Since "The Sea Inside," I have not missed one of his films since, some are better that others, even I must admit. Naysayers be warned Javier Bardem is not just another pretty face. I waited anxiously for "Love in the time of Cholera," thinking it would be a blockbuster as the book was excellent. Maybe reading the book first is not such a good idea. But two movies released in one month, coincidence, I doubt it.

A few weeks ago the Screen Actors Guild named him as the best supporting actor for his role in "No country for old men." The entire cast was outstanding! It's worth the price of admission for the big screen effects, as I said in a previous blog. The SAG awards also found cause to credit Ms. Julie Christie for her performance in "Away from Her." Despite being in her sixties she looked beautiful and gracefull in her acceptance. There is a line about grace in this film that haunts my thoughts still. She says "what this situation needs is a little grace."

I am sure all the films nominated are good but these two were my faves....so far. There is much work to do before Zelda can print her list of Oscar contenders......

Faux Spring

2008-02-05T14:19:00.000-10:00

Was today a beautiful day here in So. Joisey? There was sunshine warm temperatures and I just felt like wow, spring really is coming. First I noticed that it is no longer dark when I leave work anymore. 2. There was no need to wear a heavy coat. Ok, I'm still a bear to wake up in the morning, urgghh. Guess the season of hibernation and winter are not quite gone. But I'm happy while it lasts......

Come on Springtime

2008-01-26T03:18:00.000-10:00

There are fifty days till spring, give or take. right now I am happy every time the sun shines. How sad, i've had enough winter already. Finding it too cold to walk outdoors unless it is a necessity. How sad again? Forget about the cost of heating oil, I am considering a second job just for that. Where are my gardening catalogs? Seeing primroses and spring floweres forced into bloom in the Acme yesterday was uplifting. The flower show cannot be far off now.....can't wait, it's a burst of spring in the cold of a neverending winter season. I need winter to be over.....asap.
How do you ward off the ills of winter? Going to sunny florida seems out of the equation this year. Any suggestions?

I just visited the DMB site and they are promoting Willi Nelsosn's cover of "gravedigger." Check out clicks1.musictoday.com or DMB web site if you want tsee his version done in black and white. Very interesting since I've never been a fan of WN before.......humm. See what you think?

You only have two feet.

2008-01-13T07:05:00.000-10:00

While many of us are trying to carry out our newly made resolutions in this new year amidst ever rising challenges. I am going to make only one resolution and that is to do the best I can with what I have and be grateful.

Trying harder just seems to add to stress and there comes a point where enough is enough!
How much stuff do we need to collect? Is there a prize for collecting more stuff.
How big does our home have to be? Remember George Carlin said, we buy bigger homes to store more stuff.
How many shoes do I really need? My dad would laugh as he used to say "you only have two feet." How many books line my shelves that I have not read? CD's that I no longer listen to?
Are we going without any of our basic needs to servive? Food, clothing and shelter?

OK, so a few bills linger from the holidays, and basic services such as oil heat, electric and city sewage cost twice what it did a few years ago. I won't be going to the movies this week and there will be no new clothes this winter, boo hoo. We are blessed with many good things in our lives and that is something to be thankful for; such as: friends, family, and stablity that we are there for one another. Many places in the world cannot say that. Many are suffering from fires, floods, natural and unnatural disasters.

I ask myself what can I do to contribute to a better environment? to become a better friend and a more authentic person?
Seems that making resolutions are harder to avoid that we think, but as long as you enjoy and be grateful that might be the most important way to be happy. What if any changes are you planning for 2008? I am focusing on just having a happy year.

Movie Review

2007-12-05T02:34:00.000-10:00

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

2007-12-02T07:34:00.000-10:00

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

2007-10-01T13:00:00.000-09:00

....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!

2007-09-24T15:01:00.000-09:00

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

2007-09-23T03:51:00.000-09:00

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

2007-08-15T13:50:00.001-09:00

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

2007-08-01T02:34:00.000-09:00

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

2007-07-23T13:44:00.001-09:00

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

2007-07-23T13:12:00.001-09:00

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

2007-07-18T16:13:00.000-09:00

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

2007-07-14T02:14:00.000-09:00

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

2007-07-11T14:40:00.000-09:00

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

2007-07-10T13:20:00.000-09:00

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:

2007-07-07T13:34:00.001-09:00

jeffrey gaines, in your eyes

2007-07-07T13:33:00.000-09:00

Jeffrey,

2007-07-07T05:45:00.001-09:00

Summer pleasures

2007-07-05T14:32:00.000-09:00

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

2007-07-01T04:27:00.000-09:00

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

2007-06-28T07:31:00.000-09:00

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

2007-06-17T03:28:00.000-09:00

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.

2007-06-02T14:10:00.000-09:00

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:

2007-05-22T15:26:00.000-09:00

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:

2007-05-22T15:25:00.000-09:00

Sunday Bliss

2007-05-20T06:14:00.000-09:00

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?

2007-05-14T07:44:00.000-09:00

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

2007-05-04T13:36:00.000-09:00

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

2007-05-01T15:56:00.000-09:00

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

2007-04-27T13:52:00.000-09:00

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

2007-04-27T12:56:00.000-09:00

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...

2007-04-24T15:43:00.000-09:00

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

2007-04-22T01:48:00.000-09:00

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

2007-04-22T01:47:00.002-09:00

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

2007-04-21T02:34:00.000-09:00

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

2007-04-20T16:53:00.000-09:00

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:

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

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

Compost kitchen scraps into rich organic matter for you garden beds outdoors. Better than any amendments you can buy.
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.
Mow and maintain your own lawn without using gas and electric powered tools if possible.
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.
Unplug phone chargers and other small appliances when not in use. Electrical appliances drain energy when not is use.
Reclaim rainwater directly into a covered storage container for watering your garden plants.
Green shade grown coffee growers save against deforestation, use less pesticides and natural predators.
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.
Empty the trunk of your car of the extra weight that burns more fuel.
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.
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!

2007-04-20T16:45:00.000-09:00

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?

2007-04-11T14:27:00.000-09:00

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

2007-03-24T02:52:00.000-09:00

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

2007-03-20T01:43:00.000-09:00

Beatrice V
1994-2007

We miss you puppy!

Birthday 39 again?

2007-03-13T03:25:00.000-09:00

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

2007-03-12T14:19:00.000-09:00

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

2007-03-10T06:58:00.000-10:00

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

2007-02-24T10:42:00.000-10:00

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

2007-02-10T08:34:00.000-10:00

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

2007-02-06T13:46:00.001-10:00

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.......

2007-02-05T11:18:00.000-10:00

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

2007-02-05T05:03:00.000-10:00

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

2007-01-27T03:54:00.000-10:00

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.....

2007-01-23T15:18:00.000-10:00

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..

2007-01-17T01:19:00.000-10:00

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

2007-01-14T13:05:00.001-10:00

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.....

2007-01-10T14:14:00.000-10:00

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?

2007-01-08T15:19:00.000-10:00

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!

2007-01-08T15:07:00.000-10:00

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

2007-01-08T14:25:00.000-10:00

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.

As the year winds down

2006-12-30T16:01:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-28T01:48:00.000-10:00

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.

2006-12-16T13:48:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-15T13:31:00.000-10:00

Simply that this day, this week is over! TGIF

The List

2006-12-14T03:14:00.000-10:00

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.....

2006-12-13T13:57:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-07T13:38:00.000-10:00

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.

2006-12-05T13:23:00.000-10:00

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?

2006-11-30T14:32:00.000-10:00

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.....

2006-11-29T16:09:00.000-10:00

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

2006-11-28T04:31:00.000-10:00

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...

2006-11-22T02:10:00.000-10:00

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

2006-11-15T06:15:00.000-10:00

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

2006-11-14T01:24:00.000-10:00

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.