Birthday 39 again?

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Irish Flowere show

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

Bring on the sun

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

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

Tea for Two or Three

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

Come on Springtime

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

Tagged

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

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

2. Diamonds or pearls? diamond

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

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

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

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

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Italian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. What is your favorite brand of clothing? Gap

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

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

18. What is your favorite time of day? morning

19. Where were your born? Wooster, OH

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

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

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

23. Coke or Pepsi? Water

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

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

26. Manicure or pedicure? both!

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

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

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

30. Any piercings? ears!

31. Every been to Africa? no

32. Every been toilet papering? no

33. Been in a car accident? yes

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

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

36. Favorite flower? Sunflowers

37. Favorite ice cream? mint chocolate chip

38. Favorite fast food place? Wendys

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

40. Who sent you your last email? my sister

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

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

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

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

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

46. What is your favorite color? red

47. How many tattoos do you have? none

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

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

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

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

And the diagnosis is.......

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

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

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

Plant a Tree

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

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

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

simple pleasures 2

What's your preference?

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

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

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

Ruminations, not me.....

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

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

While the world slumbers..

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

Give a listen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Musicians:
Michael Fisher
Don Henley
Stan Lynch
Jai Winding

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

57 Channels and nothing on.....

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

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

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

Favorite things
My favorite things about a new year:

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday Davy Baby!

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

Cultivating a new Garden

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

As the year winds down

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

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

Post Holiday Lament

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

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

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

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

Saturday in park.

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

Thankful III

Simply that this day, this week is over! TGIF

The List

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

Have a happy.....

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

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

Good Night and God Bless

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

Pink sky at night.

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

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

What do you want for Christmas?

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

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

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

Imitation is the sincerest form.....

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

Thankful ll

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

Something to be Thankful For...

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

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

Prjoect Cover Up - II

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

The Big Cover Up

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

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

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

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

The broken path to Boca

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

INDIGO MOON

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

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

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

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

High School Drama

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

A Guitar

stands alone in the corner

Now it is still.

There were times this hand

carved piece of artistry

had been finely tuned,

played the most beautiful

sounds I ever heard.

You brought life to this guitar

singing beautiful notes

Strong hands perfectly

filling the air with beautiful music

In front of a fire

we sat singing old folk songs

as music and time

rolled along

There were times

then

that tender moments

were within your grasp

The music,

the life

you brought to that old guitar

and me.

The music

the life that now

is still.

Driving home the beauty.

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

All Work and no Play.

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

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

Pet peeve of the day

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

The bitter with the sweet

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

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

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

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

Fall favors

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

TOP 5 II

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

What are your favorites?

All work and no play

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

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

Name your Poison!

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

Why I like the rain

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

Can you offer an other ideas?

I Dare You - I

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

Simple Pleasures

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


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

What are your simple pleasures?

Lost and Found

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

All Packed And Nowhere to Go.

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

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

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

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

Stress everywhere and plenty to spare..

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

Jeffrey, Jeffrey, Jeffrey

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

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

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

Oh what a year?

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

All too personal

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

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

Weekend relaxation?

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

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

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

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

I'm Back, OK Who cares?

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

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

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

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

taking a break..

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

Z

Davy Baby & Joey B.

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

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

TO to Go!

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

No place like a garden

Hope that you enjoy the change of scenery.

Favorite things

My favorite things about a new year:

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

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

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

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

1975

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

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

My holiday.

We went to my sisters in northwestern New York state where NJ, NY and PA meet. Her family live atop a mountain and have the most amazing view of the rolling hillside punctuated with stone walls that look as if they've been there since the Mohicans. In fact thats what the view from their breakfast room reminded me of. On a clearer day you can see High Point, NJ which is ten minutes away. Not being a great photographer I have no visual proof to offfer but I'll try to remedy that in a future blog.

Dinner was ready at the same time I wanted to nap, probably around three pm. After driving since 7am, I was beyond tired. We took Mum which I thought would make her very happy. The idea of seeing her 8 year old grandaughter open her American girl dolls and other gifts sounded very appealing. Wrong! Let me just say that next time I'm going alone! I'll spare you the details. Yet it was all so worth it to see my sister and her family so happy in their newly built home. They seem like the ideal happy family. As an engineer her hubby has moved them around the country several times and this is the closest they've been in fifteen years. I could not be happier!

Now its back to the real world and I am determined to make the new year one filled with happy memories. Thank you all for the gifts you've given me this year. Let's vow to make the new year the BEST filled with peace and love.

Have a Happy!

No matter what holiday you celebrate this season. My wish for you all is happiness, peace and joy!

What a day for holiday?

Well the shopping is done and the gifts are wrapped. The sun was shining and the cold didn't seem to be noticable this morning. A beautiful day to be on holiday mode and so apparently was everyone else. When I couldn't get a parking space at Trader Joe's I knew that the mad, mad rush was on. Not the kid, no I did not need organic extracts and dried fruits that badly. I got the idea to bake a version of the much maligned fruit cake for my Mom who thinks they are great. Instead I indulged on a delicious expresso with cherry syrup topped with whipped cream and a hint of chocolate syrup at Borders. They called Black Forest Mocha. I called it heavenly with every sip. Uhmm...The Brits are right about one thing, holiday sounds better that vacation. What a nice day to hang out and lunch with friends this holiday.

Humm! Can you say cookies?

One holiday tradition that did not escape this season was the baking day ritual. See Pax Romano's blog. After sorting throught through dozens of recipe cards, magazine pages and a cookbook or two, I got down to business. Even invited Mommy dearest, but alas she was out shopping. So I whipped up a batch of peanut butter, some gingerbread, chocolate candy and butterscotch almond bars. That was after baking an easy cheesecake. The chocolate chips that Bubba made on Friday are already gone...wonder where they went? I cannot find my recipe for pizzelle's. Does anyone have a recipe they could share? Today its oatmeal rasin, chocolate marble brownies (my sisters recipe) and yes the anise cookies...Hummm! Got milk?

Holiday hopes

Never thought I'd say it but I'd like to skip Christmas this year. Well at least in the traditional ways of over decorating the house and buying gifts for family that they don't need or don't have a place to store. I have gotten more joy from giving gifts to children and to charities than any thing else.
When friends ask what is on my wish list I am often at a loss. I am happy to have time and laughter with each and everyone of the friends in my life. Friends (and you know who you are) provide me with more gifts than I could ever put under a tree.
Let me say thank you for the gifts that I received every day:
Laughter: the kind that makes me cry and makes my face turn an unflattering shade of red. To those who find the humor in everyday events and to see the irony that is all around us if we just open ourselves to it.
Challenges: to those who are honest/brave enough to say what is in their hearts and minds and yet present it in a way that is sensitive. Even hardships can be tools for teaching.
Sharing and discussions about timely and thought provoking movies, books and entertainment over a cup of tea or coffee. OK, even blogging! I've left out politics purposely.
Music: Don't know what I'd do without it on a daily basis! Something about taming the savage... I am convinced that a christmas concert is one way to start the season with spirit!
Knowledge: that there are a few people that I can depend on whenever things are too much to bear and the world seems a little too chilly!
Family: A woman really needs her sisters/brothers. What would we do without one another? Even if we do not share the same DNA. There are those who promote spirituality, serenity, authenticity, honor and humor. Each is a precious gem not to be taken for granted.
Love and peace are not cliches, they are what we all really want and need. Happy holiday!
XOXO

Pride & Prejudice review

Last week faced with three eagerly awaited films I end up going to see another remake of P&P which had been in theaters the longest. A bit sceptical at first, I succumbed to the advertising campaign. I thought nothing could replace the last version with Emma Thompson and Colin Firth. Either I have memory loss or the story was told with a new spin and yet kept to the original witty dialogue and humor. Kiera Knightly was pretty good as Lizzie and Donald Sutherland as her father, not bad! The actress who played the neurotic Mum was excellent. I cannot remember her name. She's been a few good (English) films. If you know her name please share it with me. Overall, I'd give it 3 out 0f 4, you may want to wait for DVD, but it is worth watching once again.
I cannot wait to see RENT and am intriques by Walk the Line. I'll keep you posted. HA HA

Bochelli & Brigantine

Every once in a while employees of the casinos get free tickets to wonderful performances. Last night at the spur of the moment I had the rare treat of joining friends from Brigantine to see a dress rehersal of a Christmas special with "Maestro Andrea Bochelli." There were excerts from the nutcracker performed by the Bolshi ballet, a Hungarian dance troop that had to be seen to be believed. Ever seen the Russian sitting dance performed other that on Ed Sullivan. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performed some of the traditional but many european favorites.
Mozart, Bach, Greensleeves and Ave Maria (2 versions). My mom would have been in heaven had she heard it. Hearing Bochelli sing Ave Maria is like nothing else......I forgave that he arrived at 11:10p.m. The "sleighride" and "Adese Fideles" are etched into my memory. This event was a dress rehersal for a traveling show, not to be performed in AC. A concert is a wonderful way to get into the christmas spirit! Thanks to P, B, and N for thinking to include me!
WOW! What a night!

Bochelli & Brigantine

Every once in a while employees of the casinos get free tickets to wonderful performances. Last night at the spur of the moment I had the rare treat of joining friends from Brigantine to see a dress rehersal of a Christmas special with "Maestro Andrea Bochelli." There were excerts from the nutcracker performed by the Bolshi ballet, a Hungarian dance troop that had to be seen to be believed. Ever seen the Russian sitting dance performed other that on Ed Sullivan. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performed some of the traditional but many european favorites.
Mozart, Bach, Greensleeves and Ave Maria (2 versions). My mom would have been in heaven had she heard it. Hearing Bochelli sing Ave Maria is like nothing else......I forgave that he arrived at 11:10p.m. The "sleighride" and "Adese Fideles" are etched into my memory. This event was a dress rehersal for a traveling show, not to be performed in AC. A concert is a wonderful way to get into the christmas spirit! Thanks to P, B, and N for thinking to include me!
WOW! What a night!

GO OUT and VOTE!

Autumn Sunset

My Mom used to say "pink sky at night, shepards delight." This is an example of the beauty that is mine driving home from the office each evening since the time changed. OK, some of you know there is only pine trees and no water view along highway 57. The pink and orange sky is accurate enough to illustrate how beautiful the world can be depending on our point of view. Keep looking up and faith will be rewarded!

Cha Cha Changes

I am a month, more or less into a new assignement at work. Change is something that I welcome but not all changes are for the best. Change stimulates thought processes and cleans out the cobwebs, so to speak. Some changes are not welcomed or expected such as Bubba's recent hospital visit. Luckily he has no serious damage. Thanks to all who visited and sent cards. He is pleased with the attention.
Peace and love

Top Ten -On and Off

From the cerebral outpost: name the top ten turn on's (non-sexual) and then your top ten turn off's. Here we go:
Top ten turn on's (non sexual)
!. From Carol, the smell of coffee brewing in the morning.
2. Likewise, changing the furnture around. My husband says he's afraid to walk around in the dark.
3. Friends who know the answers before you aks the questions.
4. The smell of fres baked bread and chocolate chip cookies.
5. Lavendar
6. A warm bath, good music and a glass of good red wine.
7. Laughing until my eyes are teary. Thanks PAX!
8. When the dog greets you at the door.
9. Eating at Almish restaraunts, reminds me of my Grandmothers kitchen.
10. Any book, so well done that I can't put it down.

Turn off's
1. The endless soundtrack of the ice cream truck in my neighborhood.
2. Smelling the cat when I come into the house, no more cats for me.
3. A cluttered dining room table
4. A dirty bathroom
5. Bad manners (my Mom is British, what would you expect?)
6. Procrastination of unfinished projects around the house. Ahhhh!
7. T.V., do you think they would improve the content if we all stoped watching?
8. Slanderous political tactics, give me a break and stick to the issues.
9. Lying, liars and the lies ....yeah we've heard this before.
10. Raking leaves, yes its that time of year again.

What's on your list? You don't have to name ten.

Drain Bramage?

What a week its been without sleeping properly it feels like brain damage or drain bramage? Hope it's only temporary. Seems Bubba will get to come home from the hospital in a few days. What a lucky guy he is. Wether he realizes it or not remains to be seen. This wake up call will hopefully serve as a reminder that he is not the hulk or superman. Guess if you've been generally healthy, a first visit to the hospital is a shocking experience. No pun intended.

I have been so tired at times that I've been down right silly. I get like that sometimes, what can I say?

Thanks once again to all who have provided support during the past week. Don't quite know what I (we) would have done without our extended family.
Peace and Love

Festivites of the fall

Unless Pax wants to run off to the party for Antonio this weekend (yes I got an invitation). This weekend I am taking a breather from hanging out with hunks and hearthrobs to do my domestic goddess routine. Yes, unless you're Martha or the Donald somethings must be done. There is a couple air conditioners to put away, furniture and grills store. I have not planted a single mum or weeded any garden beds since Javi, the gardener has been on strike around here.

My nephew is getting married on Saturday and I cannot think of a single reason except that I do not feel like going. Will send the obligatory gift card but when did brides register at Target? How insipid can we be? He is obviously from the other side of the family tree. Oh well, everyone has a dark side.

Have a fine weekend if I don't talk to you.

A Road less traveled.

It seems that I've been going throught this midlife reevaluation far too long. I am trying to keep my focus on the long run and act accordingly. There comes a time in everyones life when they may opt or be forced to reevaluate their place in the world. When everthing you thought/believed gets challenged and may never be the same again. Maybe it"s just me, perhaps some just ignore the nagging and live a life without examination. Thats fine for some, not me. Many of you know that I went through a scare with cancer a few years ago. Seems that started me down a road less traveled and sometimes I got a little lost, despite my good sense of direction. That was the same year my favorite senior citizen passed through this world into the next, but not before she said to me in a dream, "everything was going to be OK girlie." I have no reason to doubt but cannot help thinking of my Gran as it is now the anniversary of her departure. Her final words reverberate in my mind, "you must take the bitter with the sweet."

Whatever happens next, I know that I can face it without worry and remourse because there are trials and tribulations that we all must endure. Nothing is so bad that I cannot enjoy the simple pleasures in life from the first cup of coffee in the morning, to the friend who adminsters first aid. The friends who gently remind me that it's time to snap out of it and they would be right. These are the best friends I know. It's not always easy to hear what we don't want to face.
I am ready to put this test to an end and hope that in the future I will only see the beauty; of the sunsets, the purr of the ocean as it breaks on the shore and the laughter of those I care about most. I promise to stop making those self depricating jokes and stop wanting the body of my youth. Truth is I wouldn't trade experience and maturity for endless days of sunbathing on the beach. I have learned that we have no time to waste, no time to leave kind words of love unsaid. There are a great many lessons in life and this is just one that I am ready to put aside....God williing.

Pet Peeves

It seems that I have nothing but gripes these days, what is that about? Time for a vacation or what?

1.My favorite pooch seems to prefer to defecate in the house rather than outdoors. Too many steroids perhaps?
2.Men who call their wives the "old lady."
3. How bubba will run the air conditioner with the windows open upstairs.
4.When you drive a safe distance from the car in front of you and someone cuts into the too small space in front at 60+ mph.
5.Fake people. Sometimes I just want to tell them .......
6.Clutter around the house after I spent the weekend cleaning.
7. Spending nearly one hundred dollars for hair that is not what you asked for.
8. Lying, liars and the lies .............
9.
10.

Well I could not think of ten, bet that you have some of your own that you could add to the list?

Less is more?

I had been procrastinating for weeks about having a yard sale to reduce the unneccessary stuff from my home as well. Stuff seems to multiply like rabbits. One of my first blogs was about moving a family member from their home and all the treasures that they could not bare to part with. Now I wonder if the apple doesn't fall far from the tree? Is this a heriditary trait? If so, I'm in big trouble as both my paternal Grandmom and the maternal side of my family have a penchant for saving things well beyond their time. Now I ask myself when was the last time I painted? Why am I keeping supplies for crafts I've long ago lost imterest in? Why do I have gold flatwear and a silver service? AHHHHHH! There is fabric enough to make a quilt for each of my blogger friends. Forget about the books........six bookcases in this house. How many books do we really read again? Help! Maybe George Carlin was right that we buy bigger houses to keep all of our stuff. Is there a cure for this insanity? This is the Saturday that all the insanity stops....if it doen't rain you'll find me in the side yard, coffee in hand, sellling stuff I just had to buy, for much less than its worth. Because misery loves company I'm enlisting my neighbors in this foolishness as well. That is if they haven't read this yet. Hurry over, treasures like these will not last long! Help.............

Fall rememberences and Garbo

I've tried to watch Garbo films playing on TCM this month, but still have not caught Camille that Mercie reccomended.
With summer offically fading this week I'd rather take in one more walk at the beach, one last stroll down the boards. Being near the ocean is the place most likely to remind me of my Dad, of fishing trips, riding the waves through the AC inlet surpasses any rollercoaster ever built. Fall also reminds me that its time for a trip to Lancaster, Pa. The Amish restaraunts serve hearty fare homes in a homestyle setting. The rapidly fading vistas of horse drawn carriages are getting pushed aside for traffic of all kinds. Faster yet, the farm houses and red barns are becoming housing developments. I enjoy visiting Lancaster as it reminds me of my childhood in Ohio. Life was simple then and in the fading summer days we'd sit at the fishing pond with bamboo poles and red and white bobbers that sink when a fish was on the line.
As for the beautiful Garbo, I don't believe she wanted to be totally alone, more likely misunderstood. She probably just wanted a little solitude and serenity. Who doesn't?

What a Week?

I hardly know where to begin to descibe the roller coaster of a week that I've had. Last weekend I told of the Jack Johnson concert at Penn's Landing. Didn't mattter that there were only a handfull of "old folks" like me. The crowd was adrift with the local college students. What a night!

Later there was an attempted break in at the Garden of Eden. Thirteen years without a problem, but this is not the same neighborhood of friendly Italians that looked out for one another.

By Tuesday, I was interviewing for another job! Thanks to all for the e-mails of congradulations on Friday. Most importantly to Merci, who has always been helpful and supportive. Within a day we were told out office is moving and for some its too long a drive. While some were doing their happy dance others were crying and complaining. Really too much complaining if you ask me, but then my drive doesn't change much. I see the drive as an opportunity to unwind befor you go home. This may or may not happen anyway. Why worry now?

I must decide if I am going to attend a class reunion, yikes. There is my nephews wedding in October. Would it be wrong not to go? I am not really in the mood for it. Add that the bridal tea/shower is being held at my Mothers former home. Seems strange to me.

There are so many changes before me I don't know where to start but I do believe that change is a good thing and the future is waiting for us to make the best of any opportunities. As long as we live everyday the best we can and never forget to tell those we love what they mean to us, thats all that really matters in the end.

In closing, I hope that we can rally to aide those persons who need our help in the Gulf Coast. No matter how large or small, we should all help if we can. You never know when we may be the ones in need.

Peace and love.

Summer Vacation

Wow, time to return to the office already and I was just starting to enjoy this vacationing concept. As I may have mentioned must have worn myself out and was sick with allergies/cold symptoms at the start. Went to the movies (of course) to see Broken Flowers and the 40 year old virgin which was very funny. Walked around at the Morris Arboretum in Chestnut Hill after spending an extra hour trying to find the place. We tried to ask directions of a gentleman who lived in the area but had no ideas about it....Hummm. It is smaller that Longwood but equally impressive to any gardener or architect. There are fountains and ponds, the english garden and the highlight is probably the train garden. The kid in all of us should enjoy that site. It is probably a lot more colorful in spring when the flowerering trees are in bloom, but it is a great place to visit. If you don't get lost like I did its only minutes outside Philadelphia off Lincoln Drive and Germantown Avenue.
The highlight of my vacation was the Jack Johnson concert at Penn's Landing. He was GREAT! He had his friend G Love and the Animal Preservation Orchestra. The APO was not too impressive until some of its members played with Jack and G. There was another opening act but I missed most of that. I am please to tell you that this concert was the best one this summer. In a summer where there was a concert scheduled every month, this one was the best. Thanks to my friend for this belated birthday gift, it was a wonderful. Without a real plan it turned out to be a wonderful vacation! I must apologize to the girls for bailing out on the theater yesterday, thanks for being so understanding.

Happens Everytime

Maybe I wait too long to take vacations. The past few weeks have been very stressful professionally and personally. With only three days till vacation I came down with what I thought was a cold last Sunday. You know I'm sick when I don't go out of the house for four days. I didn't read one book and didn't talk because I had a horrible sore throat. Maybe the allergy medicine is just is not working? The message is clear, I need a break! Sometimes it has to be about yourself. Giving too much can be costly and I am paying a price. Happens all the time, I catch something just enough to annoy me, rob my energy, and cause me to become a couch potato eating Ben & Jerry's for comfort.

I cancelled all my appointments and activities and just watched the sad excuses that t.v. programming has become. Saddest of all is what is happening in the Gulf Coast states. Wake up America, wake up GW! Why weren't there troops and supplies arriving the morning after the storm passed. Homeland Security indeed! Perhaps there is something I can do to help? Contact the Red Cross, send money, something? If every adult sent just one dollar, imagine the power that could have?

Since I am not contageous I am going to carry the tissues and go out to face the beautiful world today. Running errands yesterday doesn't count. So where will I go and what will I do? Hummm, summer is winding down fast and there are plenty of things that I haven't done yet? This is supposed to be my vacation and it will be over before I know it!