The Best and the Worst

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

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

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

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

XPN

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

7 and 7

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

Celebrity Sighting

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

Tagged for Ten

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

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

http://alice paul institute

HIT THE DECK

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rain, rain, rain

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

Arbor Day = Garden Day

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

Earth Day II

You may not recognize the name Gaylord Nelson more likely you'll remember Earth Day. It was founded in 1970. In 1995, the Wisconsin democarat received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his environmental efforts from President Clinton. Monday's Inquirer (2005) reported his passing and according to W. Meadows, president of the Wilderness Society,"Anyone who cares about the quality of our air, water, and land should be grateful for the life of Gaylord Nelson."

Going Green

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

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

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

Everthing Must Change

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

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

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

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

MP3/Meme

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

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

The weekend that wasn't...

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

Books/Meme

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

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

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

High ho, high ho....

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

What can I say?

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

Bad Dream

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

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

OK you psychology majors what do you make of this?