Down The Garden Path Together

It's Official

2011-08-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

I've moved.

You can find me here: For You Consideration@blogspot.com

A Beginning

2011-07-22T12:16:00.008-05:00

I spent last week in Grimes. Not realizing that we were headed for the hottest week of the year I had dug up some of my lavender to transplant. I dug out several bushes,

which was really hard work, along the driveway, planted the lavender, and well, lets' just say they deserved a better fate. I was able to find some fresh plants when I returned to Nebraska and will baby them until I can get them in the ground in Iowa - probably next week. It.was.so.hot. It was almost too hot to walk Charlie already at 7:30/8:00 each morning.

I also did paperwork and orientation at the Grimes Public Library. My first day will be Tuesday, August 2. This means that I will probably wait until late next week to return to Grimes. We'll see.

On my return to Nebraska I had yard work to do. I was eaten alive. There won't be any pictures, but I have welts - some of them 4 inches - on my arms and legs. They should market an economy size tube of anti-itch stuff. At my current rate of use I'll need another tube tomorrow.

We still don't have a date for our closing so plans are being made a few days at time as we wait out these last 2 (or so) weeks.

I also have plans to phase out this blog but have made a start here:
http://foryourconsdideration.blogspot.com/
to cover aspects of a new life in Grimes/Des Moines. Stop over and take a look.
My biggest problem is that I can't find the French audio word of the day gadget, and can't figure out how to transfer it to the new blog. I may have to keep this blog active just to enjoy that gadget. Any suggestions?

An end

2011-07-16T19:27:00.001-05:00

Monday was my last day.

Really.

I turned in my key.

I appreciate being able to work some odd hours, after having quit earlier, but it is time to look forward. While it's possible that our house closing won't happen for several weeks yet, I am
splitting my time between Nebraska and Iowa.
Monday morning will find me at the Grimes Public Library for paperwork and orientation.

A Glimpse...

2011-07-10T13:36:00.003-05:00

I'm afraid this may run long....

It's been a very busy week - mowing, weeding, working, planning, laundry, cleaning, packing, waiting, have all taken their turn in claiming my attention.

Here are the promised pictures of last week's trip to Grimes.

I think I could get a job at the circus - stuffing clowns into small cars. Or parachute folding. Let me know if you hear of any openings. (Actually it would be more fun to practice these skills on a suitcase for an exotic vacation)

Knowing this weekend would include some family time, I started right away Saturday afternoon and managed a nap, hung a shower curtain and added some things to my bathroom, distributed the goods I had brought along, swept floors, and added a few touches to the kitchen and bedroom. I got quite a lot done before Naphtali and Aidan arrived and all work ceased.

It had recently occurred to me that I currently inhabit a bathroom with 8 drawers - 5 of which contain my stuff.

My new bathroom contains 2 drawers, although the linen closet is located inside the room giving me access to whatever I might need.

Baskets and bins should do the trick.

Company will claim the use of this bathroom, meaning that I will temporarily share Tim's and need certain things to be somewhat portable.

(We've had the pleasure of company already, you know)

Aidan and Naphtali came down for part of the weekend and we went to Fort Dodge to see my mother and sister for a while on Sunday. We grilled kabobs and enjoyed an easy visit.

Lake Cornelius was Monday's destination for a few hours with the Kauffmans and Larry & Mary, who were enjoying the company of their daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

All the recent drive time has allowed me to consider options for ordering the household as well as work and school.

I'm tired of living by myself. There are plans and processes that require me to be in one place - our new place. Having the prospects of a (very) part-time job at the local library, it may mean I'll want to look for something else, as well, in time. Transcripts and schedules will need to be coordinated in Nebraska and Iowa to finish my last few classes. I hope to make a stop at Des Moines Area Community College when I'm in Grimes next week.

A new blog will also probably make an appearance in the near future. It seems appropriate to conclude this blog as the Nebraska chapters are brought to a close. Title and topics are still being tossed around but will no doubt take shape as one by one the last strands holding me here are severed and, in the days ahead, I'm able to move forward.

Giveaway

2011-07-10T10:16:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite sites is sponsoring a giveaway! Check it out here:
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/07/cabinet-transformations-kit-giveaway/comment-page-27/#comment-476143

Time out!

2011-06-29T15:05:00.000-05:00

I've been working on algebra and need a break...

The energy involved in preparing for this weekend's visit to Grimes is a bit elevated compared to last week's visit because we have an offer! The closing date will be decided in conjunction with the appraisal, but the end is in sight.
It seems a good time to share the following:

Our house is the little red X, Tim's place will be at the asterisk, and the library has a gold star. While Kennybrook is under construction Tim is situated in an office at the bank. He's carrying his lunch and walking.

A bedside table, more kitchen stuff, laundry hamper, paint chips, my big mirror, and whatever else can be squeezed in, will make the trip this time. It's surprising how much the honda can hold even after you factor in space for Charlie. Last week I took a cabinet, garden hose and watering can, lawn spreaderthingie and grass seed, step stool, large metal tub, towels, bathroom supplies, several boxes, pictures, Charlie, his bed and supplies for the week, 2 suitcases, shelf paper, scissors, glue gun and more.

I've been gathering items to pack along this weekend and diligently working on my algebra. Charlie went swimming this morning. Some of us are having more fun than others....

The best intentions...

2011-06-27T15:54:00.001-05:00

I honestly had good intentions - the best intentions - for taking photos this past week. The first few days, I will admit were simply spent in a funk. The dreary weather mirrored my malaise and no pictures were taken.

Charlie and I ventured further north for an overnighter to attend a soccer game in which Aidan

scored the first goal! Rain eventually cut the match short but it was a delight to hear little voices saying "sorry" as the kids jostled one another. Or watch as play continued, in spite of the ref's whistle. At times they would all bunch up together around the ball - it and the kids at a standstill. Then somehow, soundlessly, they would formulate a plan, step back and allow a mysteriously designated someone enough space to start kicking and moving the ball again.

It was a fun event. I have to wonder, though, at what point these kids will become athletes, with a corresponding shift in attitude. The schedule runs through July, so maybe I can take in another match later.

They did work hard and the rain was soooo cold.

Naphtali and Aidan did come down to Grimes for a few days. I left for Nebraska on Friday but Grandpa took them to Adventureland and it sounds as though a good time was had by all.

I will return to Grimes with another load of stuff this weekend. I will try (reallreally hard) to document this run with photos.

Road Trip

2011-06-18T11:30:00.001-05:00

For the "One picture is worth a thousand words" category:

No, it's not quite this bad, but by the time I thought about taking a picture of my packing, I realized the camera was buried. Deeply. So...

Charlie and I are headed east today for a visit. I have materials for a couple projects (shelf paper etc) and a few more things to help Tim feel like he's living, rather than squatting, in Grimes.

I'll try to take a few pictures.

Monday Morning

2011-06-06T11:30:00.001-05:00

I'm tired of looking at sad news. Unfortunately I have no good news, so here's a photo of the iris in the back yard. The columbine are also blooming and the dianthus is lush.

Tim was able to get a lot of painting done while he was here last week. (This is the painting necessitated by the hail storm, undertaken last fall, and interrupted by bad weather.) I've contributed to the effort by finishing some windows and second-coating a section over the weekend. One last push today should finish it. I guess you could call that good news...
Having seen the new house I have been able to go through some boxes of packed stuff and eliminate a few things, which probably qualifies as good news. I can also say that so far I haven't regretted any previous eliminations - more good news.
You could also call the fact that I didn't have to mow this weekend good news. Our realtor arranged for someone to mow - and I reallyreallyreally appreciated the gesture.

Apparently I was wrong about the dearth of good news - which has raised my spirits considerably, so I'll close with a cute story:
I took Charlie for a walk yesterday morning and let him swim in the irrigation canal at the park - he loves it! You throw a stick, he launches from the bank and lands with a satisfying splash. He retrieves the stick and gets ready for the next round. We then take the long way home giving him opportunity to dry. Unfortunately he stays damp for quite a while...
I had some inside puttering to finish before I began painting so I fastened Charlie outside to finish drying. He has a choice of sun and shade and was just lolling about waiting for me. At some point I saw our (elderly) next door neighbor coming toward the house (which is odd because she always just catches us over the fence for a chat) and wondered if there was a problem as I waited for her to reach the door. She never did. She stopped to talk to Charlie. Petted, patted, chatted, turned around and went home.

Read it and weep....

2011-05-27T09:41:00.005-05:00

Oh the difference a few days can make.

Last Friday we were driving back to Nebraska from Grimes. Tim had finished his last day of work, I had interviewed for a position at the Grimes Public Library and seen the new house for the first time.
We were smiling, thinking happy thoughts, making plans to finish packing, secure the uhaul, sign off
on the house here, and head east to start our next big adventure.
We were one week away from closing.

We received two phone call during the drive.

The first was an official offer for the library post which I accepted.

The second was an unofficial warning that our buyers had run into trouble with their loan and would spend the weekend trying to figure out what they could do to salvage the situation.

The smiling came to an abrupt end.
We were one week away from closing.

We made several suggestions - creative financing that we could offer the buyers - and waited.

2:00 Monday afternoon they withdrew. We have no buyer.

There were phone calls, many many phone calls over the weekend as we tried to make things happen on this end and worked to determine our options on the other end, as well.

The people in Grimes have been very helpful. We will sign on the dotted line, as scheduled, on Tuesday.

Tim starts his new job on Wednesday. I can return to my old job at the library and pick up some
hours while I stay here for another month.
We'll hope for a fast sale.

Painting

2011-05-11T15:22:00.003-05:00

In a previous post Naphtali left a comment about coming to help me paint. We've been discussing Aidan's summer plans and had already penciled in a week for her and Aidan to paint at the new place, followed by a week of Aidan here (there?) on his own. That will be a fun/productive visit. Here's a bit more of the back story.

Last week (?) I had sent Naphtali a link with pictures of the house and a general comment about painting. Her reply made me laugh - something along the lines of:

YES! let's get some paint on those bathroom cabinets!

This, however, was the picture that I had thought might provoke an urgent offer to help:

She never mentioned it....

What do you think: Which room cries out for immediate attention?!

Housekeeping details

2011-05-09T17:27:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day brought phone calls all around - my kids, my mother - it was good to talk with everyone.

Grades were posted today. My 4.0 is intact.

The good ladies of the Garden Club had me out for lunch today. Another round tomorrow with another group of Intrepids.

Here it is

2011-05-04T22:21:00.000-05:00

The offer has been accepted.

There are a few formalities to observe,

but this should be where you'll find us the first week in June.

With the stroke of a pen

2011-04-23T18:37:00.000-05:00

We got the news yesterday - we are officially off the market! Of, course, something could go horribly wrong with the inspection and torpedo the whole deal - but we're going to assume that won't happen.

Tim is here this weekend, grilling, mowing, and throwing out shoes, and will stop on his way back tomorrow, to look again at a house in Grimes and get things started on that end.

This is the last week of classes for me. I was able to finish my public speaking class early - submitting my final speech on Thursday. There is a paper - Bruckner's "Symphony No. 4 in E-flat Major" (Romantic) - to write and final test in my music class. And an easy finish for the library class.

Packing can begin in earnest. The city sponsored cleanup week begins Saturday, and I have my list and several growing piles to contribute to the beauty of our fair city.

It will take more than the overcast skies and the threat of rain forecast for the week to ruin my good mood.

2011-04-20T17:13:00.000-05:00

It appears we have an offer....

Catching up

2011-04-11T22:59:00.000-05:00

Well, a lot has happened since I last sat at the keyboard. Tonight, when I returned from my travels, I found there was no wireless service at my house. (Yikes!) Visions of schlepping to the library to do my schoolwork, etcetcetc began to flash before my eyes...
However during my nightly conversation with Tim, he mumbled something about disconnecting this and bypassing that to reconnect directly to something else - no reason I couldn't do it. OR call technical support...
I did it.
Any way - laundry is under way, the loose ends from travel are being tidied.

We had a great time with Naphtali and Aidan. I saw the new facility (under construction) in Grimes.

That's it for tonight.

A Look

2011-03-30T15:25:00.003-05:00

I caught part of an fascinating program on PBS the other night. They were discussing the impact of Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden; their innovative market strategies, their whole woman approach (poise, carriage, health, as elements of beauty), and the adjustments required over such long careers.

Every now and then the subject of creating/claiming one's signature *look* arises in an article or blog post. Madame Helena definitely had a look. It was distinctive, elegant and served her well at every age.

Over the years I have generally chosen the *no look* look as my look. I've never understood the appeal to look the same every single day. My hair is thick, wavy and adaptable and I have chosen to wear it in a variety of styles, sometimes from day-to-day.

Up: loose or sleek. Down: straight, sleek, wild, restrained, or some combination of the above.

Waiting for the last of this bad haircut to grow out I think I've reached the length where it will probably remain. I do like my options, after all.

Madame Helena has caught my attention and I am actually thinking about thinking about cultivating a look. In my mind the key to her look was it's timelessness. Or appropriateness for any age. (On the opposite end of that idea I have to admit that images of June Allyson flash across my consciousness from time to time.) I know that it involves more than just a hair style and both Arden and Rubinstein lived full and interesting lives which added to their appeal and stature as exemplars of beauty.

I'm thinking about it.

The proverbial lull

2011-03-27T18:24:00.000-05:00

(sorry about the eyes...)

I truly enjoyed having Naphtali and Aidan here last week. A fast moving Minnesota snowstorm kept them here an extra day. With Tim in for both weekends it has been a bounty of family, good conversation, and fun.

I'm so glad they were able to visit!

I'm also glad I was about a week ahead on my studies - not much got done with all the distractions - meaning that now I'm pretty much right on track again.

With travel plans for the next two weekends I'll have to make every minute count this week. (optimistic, n'est-ce pas?)

Valerie will be in Iowa for a quick visit next weekend so my mother is trying to get all the girls together. I'm sure there will be laughter and some wild scrabble competition. My mother offered to let Charlie join us (!) but Tim said they would hang out together.

The following weekend will find Tim, Charlie and I in New Brighton for Aidan's birthday.

Busy, busy, busy.

Giveaways abound...redux

2011-03-24T21:07:00.000-05:00

Bethany is still at it! With a little help from friends in the blog-o-sphere Bethany is promoting another giveaway, sending aid to our neighbors half a world away. Stop by and see if you can help.

Really!?

2011-03-22T20:27:00.000-05:00

We had planned an excursion today, hoping to find treasures...

This is part of the day's output.

This is bedtime reading material.

Really.

Giveaways abound...

2011-03-21T14:50:00.000-05:00

Bethany is sponsoring a giveaway with the added benefit of a contribution towards relief efforts in Japan. Take a look and leave a comment...

Smiles all around

2011-03-21T07:49:00.001-05:00

Look who showed up at our door yesterday!

Several within the family knew of this surprise and everyone kept the secret - Naphtali even called me from the road! She said she was running errands - Trader Joe's to be exact. What she didn't tell me was that the Trader Joe's was in Des Moines! I'm still smiling!

Aw, shucks

2011-03-20T11:33:00.000-05:00

Well, yet another giveaway I didn't win! But I feel like I've won the lottery because Tim will be home 2 weekends in a row! Work takes him to Omaha for budget consultations this week, so he is bookending the trip with time here.

Yesterday we tackled a haircut for Charlie and assorted small projects. Today will see some serious computer time for both of us as we address homework and budget details. We're hoping for cooperative weather for a walk after while.

I have crocus peeking through in one flower bed.

I continue to sort and toss. And dig through boxes that have been packed for an assortment of items that seemed utterly unnecessary and thus safe to pack...which means I haven't bothered to pack anything for a while. There are empty boxes stashed waiting for their turn and one of these days I'll try again because I want to avoid the everythinghastobedonerightnow scenario.

Giveaway

2011-03-15T10:51:00.001-05:00

You can link through to a delightful interview with Naphtali here.
It's all part of a giveaway for one of her bags. I already have several but that didn't stop me from throwing my name in hoping to win another...

I'm not sure who to credit for the photo - Jessica or Naphtali....

Watch this space

2011-03-09T08:57:00.002-06:00

I'm going to buy balloons today.

I do feel rather wimpy in some of my recent responses to my circumstances - there are plenty of other stories to give mine some perspective.

But we all know that there are times that, regardless of what we all know, simply get the upper hand.

So I followed Bethany's example and bought myself some balloons.

I also took some to the library. It was hard not to feel better when I saw the look on their faces!

Bellissima!

2011-02-22T19:20:00.004-06:00

Last night I drove to Kearney to fulfill an assignment for my music class: we are required to attend, and file a report on two concerts. It may come as no surprise to my readers that concerts - of any sort - are somewhat rare in the Nebraska hinterlands. A concert of art music? - the type we are studying in class? - well - let me repeat - I drove to Kearney last night.

UNK hosts a weekly concert series featuring faculty, and others, free of charge and open to the public. Roughly 60 of us braved the frigid temperatures to gather at the Fine Arts Building on the UNK campus for a flute recital Monday night. While students seemed to represent the largest portion of the audience there was more than a handful of well-dressed elders in the auditorium. Audiences always interest me, so it wasn't difficult to assign a general storyline that included years of faithful attendance, regular contributions, and tear-inducing memories, to several of the stately women scattered among the seats. Given the opportunity I could imagine myself among their numbers.

One of the selections was "Antigone Speaks," written for flute and viola (with brief recitations by the flutist) by Sylvia Glickman in 2004. It was an elegant and soulful piece enhanced by the subtle accents of German-born Franziska Nabb and underscored by the somber drone-like aspect of the viola. Bellissima!

Nabb first presented an assortment of contemporary numbers accompanied by a piano and featuring a mezzo-soprano soloist. She was joined by the aforementioned viola, a cello and organist for a selection of classical and baroque pieces after the intermission, during which she acted as stage hand rearranging chairs and music stands to accomodate the quartet.

The program began at 7:30 and the applause died at 9:00 sending us back into the cold night.

overwhelmed

2011-02-06T10:54:00.001-06:00

With thanks to Charles Shultz via google images for this classic....

Sharon sauntered into the library, but picked up speed when she saw me standing by the stacks.
Oh! I just heard!
She threw her arms around me and squeezed!

Would you be surprised to learn that Sharon is one of my Intrepids?

Intrepid II

2011-02-02T18:18:00.001-06:00

Lest I seem unbalanced (I know, I know) in my reporting, here is the rest of the story concerning the ladies who coffee:

They are the backbone of this community.

They quilt, vote, volunteer, and donate. They deliver meals-on-wheels to those who need them. They prepare funeral suppers for their dear friends. They mentor and volunteer for CASA. They provide and serve delicious homemade vegetable beef soup, cookies, and sandwiches to close to 200 people for the Red Cross blood drives (one reason we always have such a good turnout). They teach sunday school and shepherd the MOPs kids (and their mothers). They show up for basketball and football games, track meets, concerts, plays and recitals, making sure their grandkids (and their grandkids' friends) have someone to applaud and smile at the appropriate time. They are no stranger to city council meetings. Or to racy stories. Some of them were teaching country schools when they were 16 or 17 years old. They've said goodbye to parents, husbands and children. They know how to work hard, and when to start again. They know the value of laughter and the need for tears.

The coffee doesn't have to be fresh, just keep it coming - kind of like these ladies.

google images

if this is February 2nd...

2011-02-02T09:47:00.005-06:00

then yesterday was Jacob's birthday! I did call. I sent a couple texts, and a card in the mail, but I forgot to post! (he's not alone in the oops!-I-forgot-to-post department)

So, a late, but sincere acknowledgement:

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

cake courtesy of google images

Intrepid

2011-02-02T09:38:00.002-06:00

google images

No, I didn't take this photo, but I could have if I'd thought to take my camera along when I went to the dentist yesterday morning. And if I'd been willing to roll my window down a fraction...

We've all heard of ladies who lunch, n'est-ce pas? Well, in Gothenburg they do coffee. Every morning. Without fail. There are actually several overlapping groups who make the doughnut shop on main street their headquarters starting from, oh say 7:30 to 11. Every morning. Without fail. They come. Some go. The next few arrive. All morning. Every morning. Without fail.

There are very few things that take me away from home on a day off. That list dwindles significantly when the weather is less than ideal. I was only out at 9:15 on a frigid February morning because I had a dentist appointment. But, when I have to put on presentable clothes on my day off I like to make the most of my outing so I also stopped at the bank and City offices. At the corner, looking north, I could see the sign on the bank telling me it was -7 degrees. Let's not even factor in the wind chill from our 30+ mph winds. Swinging my bundled head the other direction I could see the intrepid ladies of Gothenburg were coffee-ing as usual. Keep in mind that these women are closer to 80 than 60, can probably still work circles around most of us, and often cause the play button on my private soundtrack to engage: remember the "Pick-A-Little" song from Meredith Wilson's The Music Man?

Leaden

2011-01-30T17:57:00.000-06:00

google images

Not only were the skies gray and dull today, but at times you could feel the cold tensile touch of metal in your very bones.

Tim and I had a good weekend. We were able to wash his car, hang out at Walmart while they changed the oil, and enjoy some sunshine.

We also made it through the recording and transmission of my first required speech, a process that was as nerve-wracking as the actual presentation. At one point we took the phone apart to borrow batteries to power the camera....
But it's done, he's on his way back to Iowa, and, as my friend Scarlet likes to say: "Tomorrow is another day."

Distractions

2011-01-21T12:41:00.001-06:00

Tim is on his way home!

I'm trying to get an assignment and some laundry finished so my time is relatively free while he's here, but there are the inevitable distractions...

If I get my distractions out of the way then I can concentrate more effectively on those things calling for my attention. Right?

This was taken earlier this week. During our phone calls Tim had mentioned (several times) that there had been no sunshine on his end of our connection. So, in his honor, I wore a bit of blue skies to work. Snow on the ground, clouds above, and just that small band of blue. Mine came in the form of a 3/4 sleeve pullover from JJill, in a rich but not "royal" shade of blue. Off white tee and pants complete the idea.

Yes, this is my desk chair with Charlie and I in our standard positions:

slogging through homework and

faithful attendant.

Hope you have a good weekend.

2011-01-16T17:39:00.000-06:00

I told myself I would do schoolwork until 7:00, but Charlie just informed me that it was suppertime and I thought 7:00!? Who am I kidding!?

There has to be something going on outside. Normally Charlie would nap through the afternoon while I'm doing homework, but today he has sat at attention near the window, pretty much all afternoon.

He's been fed and maybe after this short break I can settle in to study a while longer. I do have a load of clothes to fold and I need to do my nails tonight. But I should finish one more section on this assignment...

We have finished our first week of Iowa/Nebraska living. Tim has his work cut out for him. We've talked every night and there will be adjustments. If I told you the local banker came over to introduce himself to Tim would you smile along with me at the unlikely picture that creates? Adjustments, indeed.

Charlie and I have our routine - the house stays clean. I pack a box everyday. I'm also trying to reduce the inventory in the freezer. Tuesday (Wednesday?) I made a turkey potpie using turkey from Thanksgiving, the last of the potatoes, carrots, frozen peas and pie crusts that I couldn't remember my reason for buying - it's not a staple - so I must have had a specific use in mind.

Anyway - it turned out delicious, will feed me for several days and eliminates some clutter.

We had someone look at the house yesterday. The early part of the week was cold (-17 on the thermometer) and snowy (about 8 inches) so maybe no one wanted to be out and around, and we're hoping things will pick up soon.

Tomorrow

2011-01-09T09:36:00.005-06:00

google images

Today I'm hoping for some of Annie's infectious optimism regarding tomorrow!
Charlie and I are on are own.

Due to the practical necessities of midwest weather, Tim left yesterday for Iowa Falls. We packed him off with exclamations over the number of belts and shoes and sweaters and bags and winter gear - you get the idea - necessary to sustain his new routine. Snow is predicted, and is in fact falling, and he needed to be there to start his new job on Monday - tomorrow.

He'll do just fine, but we're already missing him. We'll compare notes tomorrow.

Let's take a quick look at what else tomorrow will bring.

The house will officially be on the market. The realtor was here Friday to get things started. We put in a couple days of busy preparations in which a bedroom was painted, everything scrubbed and tidied, and I'm ready. Today I need to clean the blinds and wash a floor, but I'm ready. As things progress I'm sure there will be other adjustments made to how things look, where the next stack of boxes will be put, but when I go to bed tonight it will be ready. Because I have to take Charlie away during a showing, they will need to give me advance notice, which will make things easier: no surprise visits while I'm away.

Tomorrow brings the beginning of the new semester. I'm hoping that three classes will be the right balance for my time and energy over the next few months.

Tomorrow also marks a full week of antibiotics for the nasty, nasty sinus infection I've been fighting.

Tomorrow will, no doubt, include a snow shovel at some point.

Here's hoping tomorrow treats you well.

Mea Culpa

2011-01-04T10:36:00.002-06:00

In the midst of all the activity of the weekend, something important was overlooked.

We painted, shifted goods, cleaned cupboards and floors, and and and. By Sunday night I was in full sinus infection mode (my teeth hurt) with an earache and restricted airflow but even that is no excuse for forgetting to acknowledge

Tim's birthday.

The present had been secured before Christmas because I've learned not to make any plans for that week between Christmas and his birthday on January 2. This has probably worked well, though, because if I'd had the presence of mind to say anything over the weekend - it probably would have been just

Happy Birthday!

Today I'm feeling up to the challenge of communicating something (reasonably brief, because he'll squirm with the added attention) about him.

We are about to begin another new adventure, while some might say we've had our fair share of them. And we have. We have lived and been and seen and known some amazing people and places and things and opportunities, all because this guy isn't afraid to step out and try something new. He's good at what he does. He's level headed, solid in his outlook, focused, generous, self effacing, supportive, compassionate, and working on a set of killer abs (but I was going to be brief).

I've shared his adventures for 30+ years and look forward what's ahead for us.

Happy birthday, Tim.

That's a wrap!

2010-12-31T09:10:00.001-06:00

It's snowing - our first "real snowfall" of the season - looks like an all day event. We'll see.

Christmas in Iowa went well. I left my camera at home, and my library book at my MIL's, but otherwise had a good visit. They had lots of snow, which made Charlie a very happy dog. The weather played a small role in travel plans but we were all there and that's a good thing.

We returned home Monday afternoon full of plans and ambition to get started with the house. Laundry was started, mail sorted, naps were taken...

I got sick in the night.

Other than yesterday's laundry, there's not much to show for these last three days at home. I've been nibbling saltines, sipping coke and hoping for the best, but yesterday I felt well enough to be irritated by the situation, so that was an improvement.

If you were expecting a year's end retrospective - well - let's just acknowledge that this one is in the books. Events that could never have been predicted have occurred. Lives and people change. Continuity, revolution, time and circumstances, all hold our attention until the next thing pushes them to the periphery.

Tim received word yesterday that he'll need to be in place in Iowa Falls on January 10. Finish in North Platte the 7th and start on the 10th. We're looking at a crazy week ahead.

Happy New Year.

Joyeux Noel

2010-12-22T22:05:00.001-06:00

Tim left this morning for Iowa.

Charlie and I will leave in the morning - after a 7am breakfast at the library. Charlie has had his bath, the last load of laundry is in the washer, things are packed and ready to go, so this is it for me until next week. We're looking forward to a couple days with Jacob, Naphtali, et al, and trust they will have good weather for their travels.

Special greetings to the girls in Merida - hope you have a great time together.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

observations

2010-12-21T07:11:00.000-06:00

Google images

We feel the moon's cycle very strongly at our public library. The flow of customers confirms that, yes, it's another full moon. Can you imagine how things went yesterday with the convergent influence of the solstice and eclipse? Yikes!

Rhapsody in blue

2010-12-17T10:32:00.005-06:00

I love writing - not just the manipulation of words and ideas, but the actual act of putting pen to paper. I have several fountain pens that I enjoy using but I'm not above snagging a free pen with an insurance agent's name emblazoned across it...Roller balls, gels, stick bics, you name it, it's probably tucked away somewhere in the house. Which explains this pile taken from my desk:

This doesn't include the pens from the kitchen. Or my work area.

I've begun the process of sorting/tossing and, honestly, how many pens does a person need?! Have you ever read (in Real Simple, e.g.) how much sense it makes to label your miscellaneous, but vital, cords? You can see that I've also begun labeling a few cords - that one is for my camera - but the thought occurred to me that there are a lot of very similar cords floating around the house, and here, in context, I know which is which, but once they're packed and unpacked and my context no longer exists.....And it may seem an insignificant start but I have started, and it makes sense to tackle whatever area I happen to be using. That way I can do 5 minute attacks all over rather than facing a 10 hour just-slog-through-it-session, which will no doubt happen eventually, but right now this is working for me.

But we were talking about writing utensils. And this semester I rediscovered the delights of mechanical pencils. They flow. They glide. They make a satisfying scritch. They makes taking notes (almost) effortless. This little blue model set me back about $1.25 - and I'd be lost without it! I'm on the lookout for another model - an upgrade.

Wednesday night I came home from work and did all my wrapping. Partly to see what shopping was left to be done, but the ultimate goal was to get this finished so I could clean my sewing room and work area the next morning before going to work. And I did. Another round of sorting/tossing. (There will be a lot of s/t in the near future).

I need to find a few stocking stuffers, but was pleased (relieved) to find that I was, otherwise, done (done being a relative term this time of year). A CLEP in American Government is scheduled for Tuesday, work Monday and Wednesday, 7:00 breakfast at the library on Thursday, then hit the road for Iowa. Charlie needs a bath sometime before we leave. There will be errands on Tuesday after I test. And lots of s/t worked in around everything else. I really should get off the computer....

drum roll....

2010-12-15T07:59:00.001-06:00

The semester has ended. Today I can clear my desk and start on a new round of activities:

wrapping Christmas presents

laundry

ordering books for next semester
schedule CLEP

returns from online shopping

mail hold for Christmas travels
cleaning/sorting
realtor appointment
packing to move
hair cut

groceries

Charlie's tags
transfer/delete files
reading

tradition

2010-12-08T20:04:00.002-06:00

This time of year we are surrounded by tradition. I think my kids would agree that Christmas at our house was celebrated as a holiday of traditions, rather than a religious holiday.

Many magazines or TV programs are dedicated to helping you observe, or replicate, a variety of traditional Christmas traditions: decorations, foods, colors, activities, songs, aromas, movies, and more. They will also give you pointers on bound-to-be-new traditions (check here for a lovely example of Christmas colors).

Families tweak these traditional traditions, creating their own particular traditions: foods (lefse, spritz, prime rib, oysters), locations (Grandma's house), activities (poker), songs (guitar singalongs), how gifts are exchanged or opened, ornaments, tree selection....

In our little corner of the world, billed as the Pony Express capital of Nebraska, a new tradition was begun last year. The local pony express club finished the looong process of paperwork required by the USPS to create and use a commemorative cancellation stamp. This Saturday members will gather the deposited mail, sling it across the horse and ride it down the line, before affixing the special stamp. Those of you (most of you) who receive our Christmas card will find that stamp on your envelope, so look it over - enjoy a new spin on an old tradition.

There was a deadline, (aargh!I could do an entire post on deadlines) of course, so a few stragglers will miss the cut...

.

tradition

2010-12-03T09:19:00.000-06:00

This year's entry for the gingerbread display at the library:

For me this was a cheat - I used a kit - but by the time I added roof details, a chimney, landscaping and a cinammon bear snowball fight, it feels like a custom job.
Now I just have to deliver it safely.....

Ghosts of Christmas Past

2010-12-01T08:19:00.000-06:00

May your days be merry and bright....

observations

2010-11-18T07:08:00.002-06:00

All the catching up is done. I am officially caught up and have only my current workload for classes! The travel was great, but it does get complicated when juggling deadlines.

Registration for spring semester started this week.

Thanksgiving is next week.

Charlie won't step on manhole covers when we walk.

I was hoping to see meteoroids this morning. I didn't.

Thanksgiving is next week.

Family wedding in October 2011.

I've started wearing long pants to walk to the gym in the mornings. CCCCold at 5:00.

Also ccccold at bedtime - I've added another layer of light-ish blankets.

Thanksgiving is next week.

Yoga pants and hoodies. Turtlenecks.

I need color.

I need stronger light.

Dishwashers are wonderful! Or maybe I'm just in that honeymoon stage - but why has it taken me 5 years to discover the delights of dishwashers!?

For whatever reason, I started using my dishwasher for storage when we moved into this house 5 years ago. During a recent marathon weekend of kitchen work I was looking for options. General strike, paper plates, something! While we were at Jacob and Kate's, watching them load their dishwasher, I had the classic enlightened moment - I have a dishwasher! On our return home, school work and laundry shared that first day's busyness with finding a spot for the things stashed in my dishwasher. If I move this stuff here, then that stuff has to go.... Where is the soap the previous owner left behind? (honestly, who keeps 1/2 a bottle of cascade for 5 years?) But there it was...

For my birthday, Tim found a pretty little red-bound French English dictionary at the Goodwill. I keep it at my desk and you'd be surprised how many times I've used it!

Where to start?!

2010-11-07T21:13:00.006-06:00

We are back from the east coast - maritime New England or midatlantic. It was great. Thanks to Jacob and Kate for putting us up, putting up with us, and showing us a great time!

We decided to do NYC, as this is probably our last visit. Thursday it rained, (and it was raining hard when we first arrived) so a few adjustments were necessary. It was a good day but I have very few pictures due to the rain....We stopped at the Riverside branch of the NY public library for a minute after we parked the car.

This sign made me laugh - and we saw them everywhere!

Made our way to the subway station and headed for the harbor. The rain let up long enough to enjoy the sight of the Statue of Liberty and a quick visit to Ellis Island.

On our return we ducked into a museum for some warmth and culture. It was the Smithsonian's exhibit of American Indians and included a section on MesoAmerica which we had just studied in my WldCiv class!

We dealt with some light rain as we walked around Times Square and the surrounding area. Saw Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller and Lincoln Centers, ate a slice of pizza at a local joint, saw lots of suits and boots and umbrellas.

Friday we headed to Rhode Isalnd to satisfy our ocean cravings and ended up at Charleston Beach where we saw the ocean wild and tall and green and booming. It was majestic and awesome. There was a storm brewing in the Atlantic and this was the result. Stopped at Mystic on the way back and browsed in a favorite shop. (funny to think we've done this often enough to have a favorite shop)

We also visited Waterford beach which is a couple minutes from Jacob and Kate, right there in New London. We walked and clambered over rocks, speculated about an amazing piece of driftwood, and picked up a few rocks and shells to add to my collection.

We stopped there again on Saturday before we left and I found this:

I love flying. I can't tell you how much I enjoy the sights through those tiny airplane windows. (Tim graciously allowed me the window seat on all our flights.) Providence is just a delight. The colors, the wooded areas, the estates, the islands and bays, the boats, the backyard swimming pools in all the different neighborhoods - I love it! This time I saw snow east of Chicago, and it was my first time to fly at night. The nighttime lights of Chicago were magical. I wish I knew what route we actually took - I'd love to be able to identify the cities we passed over. Their lights were entrancing.

A quick peek

2010-10-31T10:54:00.000-05:00

Here's Aidan (with a helping hand from Grandpa) somewhere behind the Twin Owls. This trail was a new one for us and we really enjoyed it. Huge boulders, incredible vistas, some rain, some sleet, caves and fancy rocks....
It was a great day.

Caught napping

2010-10-29T19:23:00.002-05:00

Today was pretty much a wasted day. October has been spent in a seemingly unending cycle of current homework, homework that would be due while we were away, and homework that would be due on our return, and, of course, the new round of current assignments. Plus work and daily household responsibilities. (sidebar: Tim has graciously done all and I do mean ALL the mowing this season. You don't know how much I've appreciated that)

We are leaving again on Wednesday, so this week has been no exception. Today - well - let's just say that today was less than productive.

Jacob and Kate are expecting us for a few days out east. We've requested a day in NYC and plan to take the train into the city. I'm looking forward to the trip.

I've finally downloaded the pictures from the quick getaway Tim and I made a few weeks ago (which was wonderful). The pictures from our trip with Naphtali and Aidan (always a treat). And 2 of my three biology experiments.

I hope you're ready for this because I am actually going to post something rarely seen on the North American continent: That's Lake Odessa behind me, taken by Tim back when we made our trip.

I'll catch up again sometime soonish....

Because this never happens...

2010-10-12T20:31:00.001-05:00

You'll have to excuse a certain giddiness in today's post - because this never happens to me. It may be a familiar experience for others - but not me!

So go ahead, smile indulgently, shake your head, you'll not deter my enthusiasm.

We are finally experiencing some cooler weather so I decided to wear some clothes today for running errands. I recently told Valerie that camel/tan and gray is one of my favorite combinations. I also recently scored a never-been-worn-still-had-the-tags-on-it charcoal blazer from Eddie Bauer at the goodwill. I pulled it out of my closet, paired it with a black tee, tan pants and a scarf.

Now, I'll admit that I sometimes receive compliments on things I wear - but today the bank teller said she loved the way I had my scarf tied - how did you do that!? So I took it apart and showed her. It took 2 demos but she got it and she was happy. I was, too. It's all recorded on the CCTV at the bank....

It's that time again

2010-10-03T11:34:00.000-05:00

Today I began my annual round of musical blankets. The nights have turned cool, so I made the first exchange in what will be a process involving several different combinations of blankets, and eventually flannel sheets, to transition to winter conditions. We've had beautiful, classic fall weather this past week. High, clear blue skies, warm sunny afternoons, and cool evenings will continue for the next week also. The house experiences a wide range of temperature fluctuations during the course of a day in this in-between (no AC, no heat) weather, so you'll find us starting the morning dressed in layers that can be peeled away and replaced as the day progresses. I love it.

Reading materials

2010-09-28T06:54:00.001-05:00

This year, September 25 marks the beginning of Banned Book Week. I plan to read something from the list. How about you?

You can leaarn more here:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm

chivlary

2010-09-20T07:10:00.003-05:00

google images

Over the summer, Tim and I have established and maintained a fairly consistent morning routine. We wake up around 4:30 (give or take), do our workouts and start the day. There are times that Tim will wake up earlier (I know, it makes my fingers stumble just to type it). It registers with me that he is on his feet, but I go back to sleep, knowing that I don't need to be up just yet. If I bothered to think about it at all during the day, I figured I had fallen into that deep, delightful sleep (you know the one) that happens in those last 15 minutes before the alarm rings.

My reason for that conclusion? I don't hear the coffee grinder!

Even a non-coffee drinker like me knows that coffee needs to be ground fresh before making a pot. It loses vital aromatics and taste if you prepare your pot the night before and let it sit until a timer starts the process in the wee hours of the morning....

This whole thing came up in conversation recently and Tim sheepishly 'fessed up. On those extra early mornings he takes his coffee grinder downstairs so the noise won't wake me!

Now, I have to ask: Doesn't this gesture rank right up there with the proverbial cloak across the mud puddle!?

24 Hours

2010-09-12T13:38:00.003-05:00

12:30 Saturday

I returned from work to find this project started.

12:30 Sunday

It all started with the hail storm in July. We had broken windows, chipped siding and paint and so Tim spent Labor Day, well, laboring. The plan was to replace the two broken windows, which meant that he should paint first, which meant he had to sand out the hail chips and he made a good start with all this on Sunday, but by the time the sun came around to the west side of the house where he was working, he was forced to call it a day. That weekend was a scorcher! He started in again Monday.

The front is painted, the windows are in but not trimmed.
And that brings us back to the jackhammer.....

If you're going to paint this side, it makes sense to fix (demo) the concrete slab, which slants to the house, first. We had talked (in pretty general terms) about removing the wrought iron railings and updating the look of the entrance and you know how one thing leads to another, projects need to be tackled in order etc etc etc. Here we are. Tim has worked hard and I've helped as I could. Actually, throwing the chunks of concrete around is rather cathartic.....

We put in a long, full day of demolition and removal. I tried the jackhammer, just to say I've handled one, and this morning the top layer, about 10 inches, was gone.

delicieuse

2010-09-05T12:47:00.001-05:00

This was our project yesterday. Tomatoes from Tim's garden, our own basil, rosemary, thyme and italian basil, local garlic from the farmer's market simmered together in the crockpot. We started with about 6 quarts of liquid, cooked it down to maybe 2 1/2 or 3 quarts. This morning Tim added a couple italian sausages to the still-simmering sauce. Boil some penne, (I added spinach to my plate) et voila - delicieuse!

Something new

2010-08-29T10:33:00.001-05:00

Saturday was spent in Columbus, NE, at an all day lab for my biology class. 18 students were expected - 14 showed - an interesting mix of ages (I'm pleased to add that the instructor is older than me) and motivations. We were given a run down on lab journals, charts and graphs, and the procedures that would help make our at home experiments a success. We practiced with microscopes, which were then packed up, signed out, and sent home with us.

I'll need to set up place for my equipment and establish the control onditions for the first phase of my Euglena project.

Should be fun.

On the home front - Tim took Charlie to work with him. Out of the facility most of last week, and heading east again tomorrow for a couple days, Tim put in a few hours at work on Saturday and Sunday. Charlie, in what is no surprise to some of us, has the makings of a good therapy dog. Tim reports that he was well mannered and obedient. His coat is growing in and he had a bath on Tuesday so he was shiny and soft and just starting to curl around the edges - handsome, in fact, and he thrives on the exchange of affection/attention.

Did you get the memo?

2010-08-23T17:04:00.002-05:00

There are days, at the library, that we have time to speculate on some of the bigger questions like:
Who sends the memo!?
A book sits on the shelf for months. One day three people, with no connection to each other, come in and ask for that book. Who said what to bring that particular book to the general attention of the reading public? We always check the Sunday paper - maybe there was a review or reference? A passing comment on Oprah? GMA?
Or within weeks of each other, two (or more) authors will release a book featuring a similar story line. I recently read new books by Dick Francis and David Rosenfelt. Both story lines involved an Iraq veteran who had lost a leg below the knee. What are the chances!?

By any other name...

2010-08-21T12:34:00.003-05:00

Roasting ears...sweet corn...corn on the cob...

a summertime staple - no matter what you call it

Birthday Greetings

2010-08-17T05:42:00.034-05:00

Happy Birthday, James!

Friday the 13th

2010-08-15T14:30:00.000-05:00

Tim and I were married on a Friday night - August 13, 1976 - a Friday the 13th. So when the plumber replacing our hot water heater the other day, explained that he was late because he'd had trouble at the preceeding job by shrugging his shoulders and saying, "Friday the 13th!", I just smiled.

We were both out of town last week. I left on Saturday for central Iowa, returning Tuesday. Tim left for Indianapolis on Sunday, back again Thursday. I had his package wrapped and ready for him when I left for work on Thursday, knowing that he would be home before me. And he had mine ready, too, when I got home that night. Over the years he's done a pretty good job of finding some pretty good loot for anniversaries and such. This year's will be one of my favorites. Here's part of it - I wish the camera did them justice:

They simply sparkle. These tiny ruby buttons are faceted cut glass. They are gorgeous.

2010-08-15T14:03:00.003-05:00

My break is flying by - one week left!
There has been progress on my list - the curtain is up, some of the weeds have been tackled. Closets and drawers have been cleaned. I've managed to do some reading and a little online shopping. I've taken, and passed, a CLEP in American Lit.

Here's a glimpse of the weekend in Fort Dodge. It was sooo hot! The drive there was uneventful. Naphtali and Aidan were available for part of my visit and, as always, it was a treat to see them. On Sunday,we went over to see my sister and Mike. He's been busy siding the farm house and it looks great. We looked in at the horses and new kittens, and played with the dogs a bit. This kitten found a cool place to nap. My mom and I sat in the shade and watched everyone else cavorting in the pool.

Naphtali and Aidan

Andrea grilled some chicken, fixed sweet corn and fed us a good summertime meal. Although black tie was optional, Aidan came to the table in what looked like a smoking jacket over his swim trunks and COWBOY BOOTS!

Yes, let's put those two ideas in the same sentence, again. Here is Aidan wearing COWBOY BOOTS! We (Grandma Donna, Naphtali, Aidan and I) had looked for a pair at several places Saturday night, including the Goodwill, and though we didn't find COWBOY BOOTS, we did find a necessary piece of COWBOY gear - a guitar. Why were we looking for cowboy gear? His camp has a dress-up day each Monday, they've done clowns and rock stars, and the next was cowboy. He found a mustache, jeans and plaid shirt, hat, and this wonderful guitar!

On our way to Andrea's, we made one last stop to look for the COWBOY BOOTS. Aidan tried on several pair and he loved them! Now, some might think that is a bit of an exaggeration, but let me point out that he told his mother that if he got the black pair he could wear the COWBOY BOOTS to school. Sound logic and sartorial sense.

I happen to think there are few things cuter than a lanky kid in shorts and COWBOY BOOTS. Jacob wore them for years. We had mentioned to Naphtali several years ago that the day would come for Aidan, and let's just say she was less than thrilled with the idea. So permit me this small measure of glee - a boy should have COWBOY BOOTS - at least for a season - and Aidan is quite dapper in his.

By the way, he opened car doors and made sweeping bows as we seated ourselves, in imitation of the doormen he had seen in NYC. It was great. James and Naphtali have such a delightful son. I'm looking forward to the pictures of Aidan in full regalia. (if you can refer to COWBOY duds as regalia)

They headed north from there and my mom and I returned to Fort Dodge. We went to the apple orchard, played scrabble, caught up on recent events. It was a good visit.

Cool beans!

2010-08-04T07:14:00.003-05:00

Cool beans!

Tim worked on these the other night. They are asparagus beans, which grow 14-18 inches long. He added a bundle of thai basil and a gorgeous clove of garlic from a local farmers market. (He grew the basil and beans) I passed through the kitchen when he was prepring the herbs and they were simply lovely - but I had my hands full at the moment and was on my way to ...something and it never occured to me to take a picture.

Over the weekend he made strawberry jam and a first, smallish batch of apricot. Monday night I helped with a large batch of apricot jam. We had time to chat while we stirred and watched our respective pots of apricots - a companionable way to pass an evening.

With an unexpected free week, having finished my schoolwork early, I've made a start on my list of things to squeeze into the break. (classes start again 23 August)
My hair has been trimmed. Cleaning has commenced. There is a Clep scheduled for Friday.
The bed in the spare room has various piles started with things that will make the trip with me on Saturday, and a list of things I need to pick up while in Fort Dodge. Naphtali's recent post reminded me to charge some batteries, not that there will be anything as interesting as the streets of NYC to shoot this weekend, but one should be prepared, n'est ce pas?

Fini!

2010-07-31T18:53:00.001-05:00

This can all be put away. ..

because this says I'm done:

Ilona, I'm not going to bother returning your paper because I can fit my comments in here. First, you're one of the few students who I can waive the final draft requirements. Making you re-submit and me reread serves neither of us well at this point. Your consistent excellent work earns you an "A" in the class.

Just Thinking

2010-07-30T06:47:00.003-05:00

While the rest of my family thinks about making pickles, (honestly, that was the Tim's plan last night)(you can take it up with Jacob) I am quietly making a list of things I want to do/get done during the three (very) short weeks between class sessions. My assignments for the library class have all been turned in - it's done. I have a research paper to finish writing today - it sounds good to say I'm about halfway done - but I may be optimistic on that....Anyway I have until 11:59 tonight and we'll just have to see how it all goes today. Technically this is a rough draft, but practically we were told that this should be a finished product due to the time constraints etc for the instructor. I have to admit I'm not terribly impressed with this guy; emails go unanswered, assignments aren't returned in a timely manner, comments are pretty vague...I'll be glad when this is finished.

Back to the list:

A hair cut - I mean trim - is on the list, as is a trip to visit my mother and sister. I want to finish making a curtain for one bedroom, work on weeding my flower beds, read, clean, sort through my fall clothes, take a clep test, and freeze some corn. No doubt the list will grow...

(BTW, Tim made apricot jam yesterday)

birthday greetings

2010-07-28T08:09:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, Naphtali!!
Here's hoping the day and its events bring you joy.

flotsam and jetsam

2010-07-26T06:40:00.001-05:00

We had a busy weekend. My assignments were turned in early Friday afternoon, I didn't have to work Saturday, it was actually nice enough to work outside - and so we did. Weeding and tending and planning and plenty more waiting to be done. My half price - half dead hydrangea from last season is looking wonderful. We turned the air conditioner off for a couple days - it went back on this morning.

Friday morning I rode my bike down the hill to town and ran a few errands. When I got back about 10:30 I was hot, thirsty and surprisingly hungry. But I realized it had already been over 4 hours since I'd had my bowl of cereal....

Tim fixed an amazing shrimp stir fry with asparagus beans, peppers and thai basil from our garden. Cucumbers have been doing well.

There are 2 weeks of classes left in this session. I will be writing a paper over the next few days, rough draft to be submitted on Friday. In preparation I've been reading Theodore Roszak's "The making of an Elder Culture," which I have found fascinating. Roszak first applied the term counter culture to the baby boomers and this book looks at how they (we) have handled aging. It's given me much to think about....

let's just say

2010-07-18T12:27:00.000-05:00

that this has been a good weekend. I did work yesterday morning, but I had my assignments turned in early and treated myself to the night off on Friday. I did housework, as usual, yesterday, with ironing still ahead later today. The sounds of golf coverage are floating up from the basement and I will probably join Tim there shortly. Yesterday I hemmed and stenciled some dish towels. This morning I baked muffins - savory muffins, to go with salads and grilled chicken....
Zuchinni from someone's garden, and fresh rosemary from our garden provided the inspiration. They are tasty. And healthy. Unfortunately the only definite measurements I can provide are:
2 eggs and 1 Tbsp baking powder.
grated zuchinni
corn meal
whole wheat flour
white flour
wheat germ
buttermilk powder
2 eggs
sugar
salt
1 Tbsp olive oil
rosemary
grated cheddar cheese
water

mix and bake at 375 for 15 minutes.

My next assignments are due Friday, and I have been working at them. English is multi-parted so I plan to build up to the big, saving it for Friday. I'm enjoying my subject but have to admit that the tenetative thesis submitted several weeks ago is just not pulling together for me, so I'm reading and jotting and hoping for inspiration, hopefully early in the week.

Catching up

2010-07-14T11:35:00.002-05:00

We had hail over the weekend. Both Saturday and Sunday nights. These pictures are from the damage on Saturday night. We had egg-sized hail. There are broken windows, which my pictures failed to catch, so you'll just have to take my word for it, but you can see several of the holes punched in the "shutters" and the mess it made of the siding. There were branches down, leaf debris everywhere. The weather service reported 94 mph winds on Sunday. Less debris, (due in part to the fact that it all came down the day before?) but we lost the robin nest in the maple tree in the backyard. The hail on Sunday was probably about the size of those glass pebbles you get for flower arrangements. This window has broken panes on both the inside and outside.

This window is broken just on the outside pane. Tim has a few dings on his car, mine was safely in the garage. We had just been talking about how spoiled I've been with an attatched garage. One of our daydreams includes a generous double stall, attached garage, with a drain in the floor.

The insurance people were called Monday morning, we are in the queue for assessment.

I am writing from the library because the new wireless system that Tim worked so hard to get in place for me, refuses to play nice with my Norton 360, or maybe it's the other way around, either way I have no wireless, have been managing fine with a combination of my laptop and Tim's PC, but last night the electricity was out for an undetermined amount of time and this morning there was no wireless to be had. Anyway...

Sweet dreams

2010-07-04T09:25:00.009-05:00

I love the fragrance of lavendar. I have several planted in my flower beds. These are lavendar sachets that Naphtali gave me for Mother's Day.

You can see that they are rather flat, which makes them perfect to tuck inside my pillowcase.

I put them inside, about right there, and at night if I wake up tossing about, they release their soothing fragrance and I'm off to sleep again. Just. like. that.

Wishing you pleasant dreams....

Full disclosure

2010-06-28T06:45:00.002-05:00

I'll start by giving Tim full credit for solving my computer problems, last weekend. (thanks again) I didn't add any pictures to my last post because I liked the idea of everyone seeing their own images. You have clutter - you certainly don't need to see mine....
So I'm back in business, at my desk. Last week we had two fairly substantial asignments due in English. The deadline is always 11:59pm. One was submitted around 3:00. For the other I hit the submit button at 11:51pm. It was a propsal and I'm honestly expecting a train wreck on that one so I have been re-phrasing, fine-tuning, trying to set a firmer, more concise direction for it ever since. I'm reluctant to log on and see what he has to say....This week's assignments are time consuming but don't carry the weight of last weeks. Needless-to-say ( which is why I'm saying it, eh?) I'll be spending a lot of time at my desk. Again.
This week I'm also working two, full 8-hour days, filling in for a vacationing co-worker. I know I'll come home tired at the end of the day, tempted to claim the privilege of vegging, but I will need to be a responsible adult and put in some time with homework. Being a grownup has its drawbacks....
We've had heat. We've had mosquitos. We've had weeds. Lovely, healthy abundant weeds. And basil, rosemary and cilantro.

Due to technical difficulties...

2010-06-20T10:41:00.000-05:00

The photos I wanted to include for this post are on my laptop, while I am on Tim's computer - so they will be added later. (feel free to envision the following scenes anyway you like)

Tim has said that the amount of clutter on the kitchen table is a good way to gauge my stress/distraction levels. Hmmm what would this picture suggest?:

(insert image of clutter)

I did no school work yesterday. We took a drive, meandering through the sandhills, pointing at clouds and trains and washouts. Chitchat ruled the day. It was a palate-cleansing day, therapeutic,and companionable. Tim grilled chicken when we got home. We watched some golf...

(insert scenery)

I slept over ten (10) hours both Friday and Saturday nights, with a short nap while we were driving. I hope that catches me up on sleep! This morning I cleaned off the table. There is laundry in the washing machine and a few outside chores calling for my attention. Homework will happen. Rain is threatening. Tim is getting the oil changed in his car. We already did the Father's Day gifts and I will add a quick word of appreciation for his help and support. (and the lawn mowing)

(insert image of buff guy mowing lawn)

Today I'm feeling mellow yet recharged. Tomorrow it will be business as usual for both of us and I think we're ready. Hope you are, too.

(insert image of glorious sunrise)

Cue the music...

2010-06-19T18:51:00.001-05:00

In the first communication I've had from my sister, in weeks, (many weeks) I realized we'd recently been passengers on the same train of thought.

It will sound odd, no doubt, but we'd both been thinking about - me! More accurately about the variety of experiences and accomplishments I've had in the last several years.

To me, it's an interesting list, but you're welcome to tune out at this point. Some of these were mutual recollections for Valerie and me, some are included simply because they are significant to me.
2003 saw the move to Nebraska. Frankly, I'm surprised we're still here. Since then, I've become quite comfortable making the 9+ hour drive to the Cities to visit the Kahls. How about the cross country drive to Connecticut, picking up Kate in Dubuque, so she could join Jacob after his basic training. There have been hikes in the mountains. (Tim talked me into making the last effort to reach Black Lake, when I thought I was finished. I appreciate his knack for knowing when to "push" and when to respect my decisions.) (I also appreciate that he has done all the mowing this season) Let's mention a job I always wanted, and a blog! I've canoed in and camped at the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area. There was a half-marathon, undertaken and completed with my sister. I've become a college student. I got a dog, for pete's sake! Who knows what lies ahead? These challenges have given me confidence, preparing the way for new adventures....

I wish...

2010-06-13T10:42:00.001-05:00

Oh, that the umbrella I could be using right now were planted on a sunny beach!!
It has been a weekend of "emergencies" (read Tim is gone for the weekend) I have a borrowed dvd stuck in the player. No TV reception. No wireless. The spin cycle on my washer needs to be run several times for each load of laundry....

There are many times when I wonder what my rain gauge reads then realize it will do no good to check it because I haven't emptied it. Yesterday morning I emptied it. It was overflowing. It registers over 6 inches - but it has rained off and on since Thursday (Wednesday?) and I know it hadn't been emptied...so (unfortunately) we can say that over the last several days we have received more than 6 inches of rain. Friday night three separate lines of storms came through the area breaking branches and dumping - by other accounts - between 3.5 - 5 inches of rain. Which would explain the water I sopped out of one corner of my basement Saturday morning.

The four inches of water that I emptied from the rain gauge today would account for the water I sopped out of the basement again this morning. These are, of course, temporary inconveniences. My heart aches for the families caught by the storms in Arkansas...

It's still raining. Tim will be home later this afternoon. Charlie and I have plenty to occupy our time....

BWCA - Chapter 2

2010-06-04T20:58:00.004-05:00

Our tent was tall enough at one end to sit up comfortably. The other end was tall enough to flex your ankles. With the addition of Aidan, this tent was no longer big enough for the Kahls, so we were able to use it. The three of them upgraded to the big blue tent. It even had a secret exit! Honestly, I thought it was James snoring that first night - it was Aidan!

This was our main camp. We cooked, talked, watched loons, watched stars, all from this spot. The ground drops off, where the green disappears in front of James and Aidan, to become our beach. A lot of time was spent on the beach, pumping water, fishing, skipping rocks, fishing, chasing crawfish, fishing, wandering from point A to point B....

We were very fortunate to be on a point, we could walk around to the other side which formed a small

cove - all for us.

The fishing was magical. We cooked 20 or so and they caught and released at least that many.

Tim did the cleaning. His grandpa taught him many years ago.

Aidan was in the thick of things, on the go, all day long.

We ate fish for breakfast, lunch and supper. Naphtali had brought a few things - some good choices - to build around in case the fish were scarce. Someone had used the flat slabs of shale (?) to protect the firepit on three sides, as well as providing a piece on top, which we used as a "warming tray." I can't offer an expert's opinion but it seemed an effective windbreak and firebuilding was never a problem.

Change of plans

2010-06-01T07:35:00.015-05:00

I had soooo much trouble with my laptop this morning. The original plan was school work. Couldn't get past the first page of anything. OK. Plan B was use Tim's computer. It was no better. Plan C - blog. That wouldn't work either. I hit the button once and logged out - I don't know what happened next.....

So, last Thursday Tim and I left for the Cities. Naphtali and James have traditionally gone to the Boundary Waters over Memorial Day weekend. I have gone up to stay with Aidan. This year they decided he was old enough to go along, and invited Tim and I to join them, as well. Aidan was a delightful camping companion. He worked hard, didn't complain, snored effectively enough to keep the bears at bay, fished, paddled, chatted, skipped rocks, used an ax, chased mudbugs all with a smile on his face. (a face which had recently lost 2 front teeth) The major packing was done before bedtime Thursday night. We had 3 large packs for sleeping bags, tents, cooking and rain gear - camp stuff. We also had smaller (typical) backpacks with food and personal stuff.

This is some of the gear in the living room the night before we left on our adventure.

Yes, this is the last picture I took before we hit the road Friday morning.

We drove about 4 hours north and stopped for breakfast.

I think we were in Ely.

We picked up life jackets, paddles, canoes, permits and licenses and set out.

The CRV (cute recreational vehicle) worked great. Plenty of space to stash everything, 3 comfortably seated in back, easy on the gas.....

1/2 way there.

According to the map it was just short of 10 miles (or maybe a bit over 9 1/2) (depends, I 'spose, on how much zigzagging you did) After roughly (did I say roughly?) 4 hours of paddling we arrived to enjoy the comfort of

Home sweet home.

I'll save the rest for another installment. The fishing was wild. Everything tasted sooo good. The scenery, quiet and enforced restfulness of the place was a treat.

For Bethany

2010-05-24T07:29:00.000-05:00

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Hope you're getting your peony fix!

Weekend Review

2010-05-23T18:59:00.004-05:00

This past week has been very busy. Rain (days and days of it) kept me from getting much done outside during this break between semesters, but there was plenty to keep me occupied in the house.....

Taking inspiration from Sal, I gave my jewelry some attention. She had used a papertowel rack to display her bracelets but I realized it would drive me crazy to stack, remove, retrieve everytime I wanted to wear one, which would probably mean I would pass, defeating the whole idea of wearing them because they were on display, rather than kept in a box somewhere. While at a garage sale I found this mug tree, on a marble base, and decided that it would do the job. I also added velvet to the box that holds my watches and pins. A pushover for clever boxes, this one came with a set of stationery and was repurposed several years ago.

I also added a couple more hooks to the back wall of the closet where I hang my neckalces. Jacob sent two lovely birthstone necklaces for Mother's Day (!) and as I was already doubling up on a couple hooks, it seemed a good time to add the extra hooks.

Charlie enjoyed his fair share of my time. Daily brushings are part of our routine. The iris have been just gorgeous, as has the snowball bush. I've enoyed bringing them in the house. I've got a couple slips from a new plant starting to root. A couple leftover blue bottles were given a new lease on life as they were turned into garden decorations. My papers and books from last semester were all sorted and filed and I'm ready to start a new semester tomorrow. Funny how you forget how delightful free time can be .....

The summer's first batch of sun tea was brewed. Leaflets for National Garden Week (June 6-12) were crossed off my "to do" list. I turned an old vanity seat (from the same garage sale)(possibly my only one for the season) into a planter. I picked up an old metal "kitchen cart" and used it to organize my messy garden supplies in the garage. Scored a milk glass cake pedestal and a couple doodads for the garden all for less than 5 bucks! Furniture was rearranged, curtains scrutinized, piles formed to pack for our trip north, later in the week, several books read..... I'd say it was a good week.

Happy Birthday Kate!!

2010-05-22T07:15:00.000-05:00

The flowers are for Kate - Happy Birthday - hope you have a great day!

Book Notes

2010-05-18T07:42:00.004-05:00

We see many readers, at the library, who take an authors' complete work off the shelf and read it straight through.
Not my cup of tea.

There are others who read only the new book by whomever, then we don't see them again until he/she writes another new one.
No comment....

There are a handful of authors that I actually look forward to reading. Last night I finished Laurie King's newest book about the improbable (but oddly believable) relationship between Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. She presents Holmes, and his processes in a way that, while paying homage to Conan Doyle, is a successful extension of the attributes of a wellknown literary character. Not an easy thing to do. Do you remember the pathetic attempts to catch the spirit of Rhett and Scarlett, and the DeWinters.....The characters are well developed, the plots interesting. The Beekeeper's Apprentice is the first of this series.

The recent weeks have also seen a new Martha Grimes, Elizabeth George and the last Robert Parker western. At least I assume it to be the last, although we've seen, on a fairly regular basis, that death does not mean a person won't publish again...

Later this summer I'll pick up the new Daniel Silva. In between, there are more than enough good books out there to keep me busy. In spite of the perennial warning not to judge a book by its cover, there are many times that it is the cover that catches my eye, more than an author's name or genre. Other than an irrational (and fairly consistent)avoidance of book club books (snobbery, according to some) my taste is eclectic, satisfying whatever mood happens to strike.

What's on your summer reading list??

Rainy day observations

2010-05-16T12:00:00.003-05:00

Rainy day people...

I'm beginning to feel like I'm trapped in a Gordon Lightfoot song...

Today's rain, though, is giving me opportunity to catch up on some rainy day projects in the house.

I have papers from last semester to sort and file.

The new Laurie King novel is waiting to be read.

My standard Sunday sessions of ironing and a manicure are still ahead of me.

This is my last week of freedom before classes start again and I have plans for some cleaning and organizing. Or if the sun shines I may just blow it all off....

I found inspiration here. There are several websites I want to visit from my new issue of Real Simple.

This is also the last week to push in preparation for our trip to the Boundary waters over Memorial Day weekend. Tim and I have been faithfully working out every morning. We put in about an hour, arriving around 5-5:30. I have seen an increase in stamina and laundry and my main goal at this point is simply not to embarrass myself when we actually hit the trail.

...just pass it on...

Sunshine

2010-05-14T08:53:00.001-05:00

We finally have some sunshine!! (We might actually get two day's worth) The alium are enjoying their day in the sun.

These iris are just a bit ahead of the rest.

My snowball bush is lush. Since we removed the walnut trees from that side of the yard, this bush has nearly doubled, not so much in size, but in fullness.

Happy Mothers' Day

2010-05-09T09:53:00.002-05:00

Yesterday

2010-05-06T10:34:00.006-05:00

Yesterday I mailed Mothers' Day cards.

Yesterday for work, I wore my lovely yellow cardigan with a white shirt, gray pants and gray pearls, "pearls". I've included this picture because it's what I have, and what I've usually worn. The cardigan was an impulse back before easter and I love it! Generally, with the classic white and blue combination, I add the coral brooch and bracelet and I'm set.

Yesterday the gray and yellow gave the outfit a whole 'nother vibe, which I really liked.

Yesterday was another cool, sunny spring day. Today, though I'm going to have to carry my sunshine with me. It's chilly, windy, overcast with the promise of rain, and a forecast for a gloomy weekend. But with half my housework done...I'm thinking about getting caught up on some reading! (I'm also thinking a Kindle might be cool)

Yesterday I submitted my last assignment. I'm free from homework for the next 2 weeks! I do need to order books, tomorrow, for the next round of classes, and I think Charlie and I will take time to check out the plants at Pamida. This morning I've got laundry in both the washer and dryer, rugs have been shaken and are airing as we speak, dishes are done, the vaccuum has been run, Charlie brushed, and in a few minutes I'll turn my attention to Clinton and Stacey as they tell me what not to wear....

Just a heads up

2010-05-03T20:01:00.010-05:00

National Nurses Week is May 6-12.

You still have time to make plans to let your favorite nurse know how proud you are of her, and how much you appreciate all her hard work....

(In case you're curious as to why the "week" runs Thursday through Wednesday, it is tradtionally held to end on May 12th - Florence Nightengale's birthday)

Keep up the good work, Naphtali!!

always something!

2010-04-26T07:16:00.004-05:00

This is essentially my last week of classes for this semester! (!) I have registered for just three this summer - there are so many nice days ahead and I want a bit more flexibility to enjoy them. It has been an interesting experience. We were'nt too far in to the semester when I realized that I miss being able to read people. A change in tone or expression, a pause or gesture can add so much to communication. I miss that. Online classes have given me opportunities I wouldn't otherwise have, but there are drawbacks. So this week there are a couple chapters, and their quzzies, waiting for me in ethics.(one more paper to write, as well) A test in econ. A long writing assignment in English and a shortish one for Library, although that one involves an interview...Yikes! It looks worse on paper! Plenty to keep me busy.

I plan to ride my bike to work today. Since we put the baskets on a couple weeks ago it has been cold (I miss my flannel sheets), raining or blowing so hard a person can barely stand, let alone pedal uphill. So today will be the maiden voyage for the season.

We were busy with dandelions and other outdoor projects this weekend. Tim planted seven bushes along the north side of the house ( remember,we lost trees to the paving project), crafted a new door for the shed. Old, but serviceable, the shed lost a door in a recent wind storm. We did look at replacing the whole thing but felt we had better ways to spend that thousand dollars...so for a couple bucks and a few hours the door has been replaced.

The other project claiming our time lately has been a general shape-up for both Tim and I in preparation for a canoe trip into the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area, yes I said wilderness area, with the Kahls over Memorial Day weekend. James and Naphtali have been doing this for years. . Traditionally I have gone up to watch Aidan while they were away. This year they've decided he is big enough to join them and when Tim signed on I was very supportive, thinking what a great time they'll all have, while formulating plans in my head for a long, free, weekend. They're taking me along, too. And Naphtali wants Charlie to experience the great outdoors with us. I'll spare you the details of our new regime but will end with this picture of Charlie breaking in his new pack

I hardly know where to start!

2010-04-20T09:24:00.006-05:00

We had a busy and productive weekend. A pleasant mix of outside work and homework. Tim replaced the latches on both gates and tightened this and shifted that so they would hang straight and close easy. My bicycle has been tuned up and baskets installed on the back. So it comes as no surprise that this week is cooler with a chance of rain every day. Turns out my timing was off in the matter of flannel sheets - again! It has been a real spring (we haven't always had one out here) sunny days, coooool nights. Tim also mowed and washed out the overhead canopy on the back patio. Lots of leaves and gunk...

I moved a few plants, helped with gates, submitted a couple lessons for economics, laundered, cleaned etcetcetc. Classes are winding down. I have a major paper (and a minor one) due Friday. One last chapter and questions, and one last test for econ. Two chapters, two quizzes, two papers for ethics.

Tim routinely steps across Charlie at the foot of the bed in the morning. I've actually heard him say "good morning, Charlie" a few times.

The forsythia has been brilliant this year. Iris are blooming! I have a couple different varieties, the others are still weeks away. The dianthus should go crazy pretty soon. There are leaves budding on the hydrangea, trumpet vine and lavendar. The flower beds change during the course of the day.....

Last night we came home from work to find a 4X4X4 foot hole had been dug BY HAND in the front yard. The gentleman who takes care of the sprinkler system came with the house. He is rail thin,tougher than barbwire, and elicits an automatic "sir" when you address him. I can't even guess his age but I'll put it closer to 80 than 70. We knew he was going to replace a valve and would need to dig around the access pipe but hadn't expected anything quite that extensive. Nor had he. That hole is a work of art. Square. Tidy. BY HAND. I felt so bad for him....he just smiled and said "Well, you never know what you might have to deal with when you start a job." I need to give Tim credit on this one as well. The water to the house had to be shut off and when it was turned back on created a mess with sediment.....any way he spent his evening replacing this and shifted that working on water pressure and fixtures - not what any of us had planned for the end of a long day.

I have a computer seminar over the noon hour so I really should get busy.....

Overnight

2010-04-12T20:02:00.005-05:00

It seems that grass is turning green and flowers are blooming ---Overnight!! These lovelies certainly did!!
You can see the peonies up about 6 inches behind the daffodils, which were not open yesterday when I called it a day. The delicate lavender blossoms on the phlox (I think it's phlox) appeared sometime today while I was at work, as did the red tulips that can just barely be seen against the wall. I have to admit I've never seen those tulips before...They've haven't been there in previous years; because you have to dig them in so deep I know I didn't put them there and I certainly wouldn't bury them behind the peonies. Oh, well.

This trellis creation is my Christmas present from James and Naphtali. It spent several months at months at my mother's, waiting to be claimed after Christmas. I've been moving around the yard looking for the right spot, and this may be it!

Friday, Saturday and Sunday homework, housework and yard work made claims on my time and attention. It felt good to get the winter debris cleared away, dig a few weeds and get a look at all the budding/greening that is happening around the house. Tim and I both pitched in on various projects and made mental lists (they will find their way to paper) of things, some necessary, some optional, yet to be done. Charlie loved being outside and I did, too. Blankets were hung to air, windows opened, good days. I switched from flannel to regular sheets this weekend, also. There have been some (too many) years that it seems I switched too early but maybe this year I got it right.

A busy weekend

2010-04-06T07:43:00.007-05:00

We had a great time with the Kahls. As you may well imagine, this little guy drove the bus for the weekend.

Aidan turned six. He kept Grandpa busy with stories and boy stuff. He and Charlie took several walks - some with Naphtali, one on his own, and he, James and Charlie delivered birthday cupcakes to friends in the neighborhood.

Grandpa worked on project for Naphtali while the rest of us did a MOA adventure. James had registered Aidan's birthday at the Nickelodeon Universe, giving him a free pass for rides. We tagged along and enjoyed a couple rides with Aidan. It was my first (and probably last) trip to MOA.

I was amazed (not by the mall) that on the trip there - it was a surprise - we'd been in the car for a while, everyone is talking, distracted, engaged, we're swooping along the road, under here, over there. At some point we make a slight veer to the right, joining a different flow of traffic, no signs, no buildings or landmarks, and Aidan says this is the way to MOA! He did that several times. He knows his way around, recognizing an area, or an off ramp as the way to thus and such! Amazing.

There was en easter egg hunt Sunday morning before church. James hid the eggs while Mom, Aidan and Charlie released a bit of energy. The morning was lovely. (the weather for the weekend was pretty much made to order) The songbirds in their neighborhood are a treat. Crocus were up and open. Tulips won't be far behind.

Aidan taught me how to make dumplings. Chinese dumplings. They were tasty, we were all starving so no one thought to get any pictures...Naphtali sliced the leftovers to saute with some bok choy the next day mmmmmm

And then we had to go home.

Catching up

2010-03-30T11:47:00.006-05:00

Friday night the Garden Club was invited to attend the annual Gothenburg Chamber of Commerce banquet, as we were one of three to receive an award for outstanding community volunteers efforts. (other honorees are active in the community theater and the VFW Honor Guard)

Today is my get-everything-done-before-we-leave-for-Aidan's-birthday day. Tim left for Omaha this morning for budget "week", he'll be back sometime Thursday - unpack, repack and off we go!! I've done three sets of chapter review questions since Saturday, and now just have one chapter left to read and turn in questions for econ. I have a library assignment to write.(and maybe a post for next week - just to get ahead.) I'll have an econ test when I get back and as I plan to blow off both english and ethics for the next few days, I'll have plenty waiting for me when I return.
I've got laundry going. I will be cleaning out the fridge, eating from the freezer. I've got eggs for Aidan that need to be finished and birthday presents to wrap. Work Wednesday and Thursday, pack and go!
It seems doubtful that I will get anything done outside but I did take this picture of the trellis Naphtali gave me for Christmas. This may be a temporary location (at an opening along the fence between us and the neighbor)or not...I had hoped it might be enough to keep Charlie from going through. We'll see. I have crocuses up, tulips coming up,and lots of perennials' leaves starting to green-up. Charlie and I are planning a walk this afternoon.

who knew?

2010-03-25T18:21:00.004-05:00

We've all heard variations on the theory of raising the temperature on a frog, right? Let me tell you how that theory is playing out at our house.Not being the type of thing most people think about it should nonetheless be no surprise to hear that Tim thinks that dogs should have their own place to sleep and that place is not in the bedroom.
While Charlie was sick it was convenient to allow him to sleep in our room at night.(remember that Tim was out of town for that first week and has been in and out since) Charlie has what I assume is a comfortable cushion to call his own. In the living room. When we go to bed he is comfortably, if somewhat disconsolately, ensconced thereon. Recently, there have been several mornings when one or the other of us have tripped over Charlie at the foot of our bed! Tim mumbles a protest and goes on his way. This scene is repeated, to my amusement, the next day....

I, who have always eschewed blue ink, am being converted to its use.

google images - who knew!?

look what I found

2010-03-21T09:18:00.005-05:00

We've finally had some sunshine. We also had what I hope was our last skiff of snow on Friday and are ready for spring. Tim is talking about bringing the bikes up from the backyard shed. I've walked around and looked at my pathetic flower beds - with the unexpected early snow last fall I never got the flower beds cleaned out and they now have winter debris on top of fall leftovers hiding little green shoots and it all needs attention.

I'll add a dream to keep the theme going - there has been talk of Jacob and Kate coming out some time this summer and Leslie (thanks!)offered us their cabin for a weekend if we can coordinate schedules for James, Nahtali and Aidan to join us. I'm dreaming of a lazy afternoon on the dock......

the blink of an eye

2010-03-16T12:49:00.005-05:00

I have no photo specifically to accompany this post but I know some readers need the visuals so I pulled this from the archives because it is a favorite and gives me hope that the sun will shine. Flowers will bloom.

Charlie is doing well. The cone of shame has been returned to the vet. We hope to walk later this afternoon. Thanks for the inquiries.

We've had good phone calls from Jacob and Naphtali.

Tim made a quick trip to Fort Collins on Sunday when Iva (his mother), on a visit to her niece, Cheryl, threw a stroke. Iva is doing pretty well. Leslie and John went out yesterday to join Tim. These are the times that cell phones prove their worth. Plans were made, (some of my time and energy was diverted to assist Tim and prepare for the arrival of Leslie and John), changed and remade. And more have yet to be made. I think Tim is coming home tonight.

I also had a funeral on Monday - an 8 year old boy, killed in a car accident. The saddest of sad days. Thankfully it remains a rare occurance in my world.
Hannah Thompson,
Naomi,
Peter Sahr
Michael Reyna.
It's good to remember their names.

I just got off the phone with Tim. It wasn't a stroke - it appears to be seizure related which changes everything. I don't think he's coming home tonight - and we we're cut off. Did I just say more decisions to be made?

I have homework to attend.....

The Saga Continues

2010-03-05T08:07:00.002-06:00

Tuesday morning found us making a mad dash for the vet's office. I'd left Charlie alone for 5 minutes - a quick bathroom break - when he opened his sutures!!
I made the phone call, threw on some clothes, brushed my teeth, (applied eyebrows and powder)and we were out the door.

He spent most of the day at the vet's. His fancy new headgear is only for when I'm not here. I'll admit I've laughed at him. He can't see anything if its not right in front of his nose. He can't get his nose close enough to the ground to find anything. He has trouble remembering his turning radius has increased.

I worked yesterday. Came home at the midway point and found him right where I'd left him. Sleeping is good for his recuperation, which as of Tuesday, is back to square one.

Good time Charlie's got the blues

2010-02-27T16:23:00.011-06:00

It's been a long week of interrupted sleep and intermittent emergencies culminating in surgery for Charlie on Friday morning. He'd been to the vet on Wednesday, seemed to be improving, but sealed the deal Thursday night. He'd eaten something that did some damage to his stomach.

We're glad it wasn't any worse. Here he is loaded into the back seat on his way to the vet.

He came home today, tired but glad to be here.

Recuperation will take a while. He has pills to take and needs a shot daily to guard against infection. The purple bandage covers his IV port.

Illness Strikes Jordison Household

2010-02-23T08:26:00.008-06:00

This is the orchid Tim brought me for Valentines Day. Lovely, non?
These pictures simply don't capture the delicate shading on the orchid's petals but I decided that even a poor picture was better than none.

Last night -- or rather the wee hours of the morning -- were spent in and out of my warm bed, grabbing a robe and rushing down the hallway to the accompaniment of whimpering and whining....think you have the picture??

Think again - Charlie is sick.
We came home from work to find him refusing his supper. Big clue!! Believe me. Listless evening spent at my feet morphed into dramatic appeals to be let out in the early morning. Four times. And then another time with Tim during his (official) morning routine. (official 'morning' not official 'routine') We're thinking he ate a spider. He is waiting for me to take a break and I think we will both nap on the couch downstairs.
I have an econ test to prepare for, formulas to write out, definitions to refresh. An english paper in the works. A library assignment to tidy up. Round and round she goes.....

getting a start

2010-02-22T06:29:00.004-06:00

There is no 'theme" today -- rather a good reflection of how I feel -- just an attempt to catch up, start a new week, organize random thoughts, and satisfy that nagging at the back of mind that I should get a new post done.
Naphtali has referenced the upcoming art fair at Aidan's school. It sounds like a lot of work but she tends to thrive in busy situations and will no doubt have another successful venture.
We had snow again over the weekend. I hope to have my winter boot problem solved in the next few days. What winter boot problem, you ask, breathlessly? Gotta love LLBeans policy of keeping customers happy. For whatever reason at whatever time send it back.
For the past 5 years I have worn a pair of "stormchaser slip-ons" and hated the way I had to force my foot past the cuff to put them on. Everything else was fine - good product - I just didn't like the entry process. Their catalog says I can return anything - anytime. So I did. Finally. A couple weeks ago, thinking we had a lull in our snowfall, I sent them back. Ordered a different boot, which will start its trip back to Maine on the UPS truck today. Passing my latest replacement, on its way to me, somewhere along the road. There should still be snow to greet them when they arrive.

This was the spot I was going to show you the orchid Tim gave me for valentines day but I just realized I haven't loaded it from my camera and I'm not going to take the time to mess with it now so you'll just have to check back to see if I get it together.......

And that will be all for this morning.....

always something new!!

2010-02-13T10:57:00.004-06:00

I learned a new skill today!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

It's been a busy week. I had several papers ♥ due by Friday and got them all done only to find that the ethics instructor changed the calendar ♥ sometime during the day bumping the due date for one of the pares back 2(!) weeks. Yes, I realize this puts me ahead and I can ♥ spend time this weekend reading Paris Under Water, or my new issue of Real Simple, I can enjoy a walk with Tim ♥ and Charlie ♥, I can call my mother and send her off to Arizona with wishes ♥ for a safe and happy trip, the list just goes on and on....
oh and Happy valentines day, too.♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Another Pleasant Valley Monday

2010-02-08T07:15:00.005-06:00

My paper whites have bloomed.

I wish their aroma was more in keeping with their delicate stature. Aidan and Naphtali would call them stinky!

I planted them in the old "pancake bowl" from my childhood. They won't last long but I've enjoyed watching them develop and blossom. A good reminder that all this snow and cold can't last forever. We've had robins singing all over town the past week and I'm afraid they are suffering with this fresh round of snow.

Tim is on his way to Omaha for a couple days of meetings. I have several papers due by Friday and claims on my time that should make this an interesting week.

there was a message

2010-02-06T08:28:00.004-06:00

from this little guy on my machine when I came home Thursday night. He was having an issue with his mother - who he kept calling "your daughter"- and wanted me to intercede....Aidan has the most adorable phone voice. I've still got the message and listen to it a couple times a day because that voice is entrancing.
I did call. All is well.

happy birthday!!

2010-02-01T07:57:00.004-06:00

Birthday greetings go out to Jacob today!!

He and Kate also celebrated their anniversary yesterday.

With his new work schedule Jacob has gotten into the habit of calling on his way home on Sunday evening. Always a treat. Last night he reminded me that I don't need to stress about my school work and that I can call him, Kate or Naphtali for pointers and tips any time. I just may do that!!

Happy Birthday, Jacob!!

old things new

2010-01-28T08:12:00.005-06:00

A recent assignment included a description of my 'office' which reminded me I hadn't done an old things post for a while....

We picked up these speakers at a yard sale, used them for quite some time, eventually realizing one had a cracked woofer. Nice wood cabinets - too nice to simply toss, so they became part of the storage and display options in my office. With a quick swivel in my chair I have fingertip access to a phone book, catalogs, mail, camera, mp3 player....
The camera flash caught the speakers through the fabric cover - you don't actualy see them like this, but talk about outdated!!

elegance

2010-01-25T09:23:00.005-06:00

This year the traditional scarlet amaryllis just didn't sound appealing. The package is long gone so I can't even tell you what this delicate beauty is named.
The veining is a subtle pink - I think I've captured it. Finding a dark background for the photo was a bit tricky.

Tim was supposed to take it to work today but the wind howled ferociously all through the night and continues, even now, (though the sun is finally shining!!) so i'm not sure if it would have survived the trip. I can enjoy it for another day.
I started the amaryllis before Christmas. I picked up a box of paperwhites from the clearance section after Christmas - they are juuuust starting to show a bit of green....

Down The Garden Path Together

It's Official

A Beginning

An end

A Glimpse...

Giveaway

Time out!

The best intentions...

Road Trip

Monday Morning

Read it and weep....

Painting

Housekeeping details

Here it is

With the stroke of a pen

Catching up

A *Look*

The proverbial lull

Giveaways abound...redux

Really!?

Giveaways abound...

Smiles all around

Aw, shucks

Giveaway

Watch this space

Bellissima!

overwhelmed

Intrepid II

if this is February 2nd...

Intrepid

Leaden

Distractions

Tomorrow

Mea Culpa

That's a wrap!

Joyeux Noel

observations

Rhapsody in blue

drum roll....

tradition

tradition

Ghosts of Christmas Past

observations

Where to start?!

A quick peek

Caught napping

Because this never happens...

It's that time again

Reading materials

chivlary

24 Hours

delicieuse

Something new

Did you get the memo?

By any other name...

Birthday Greetings

Friday the 13th

Cool beans!

Fini!

Just Thinking

birthday greetings

flotsam and jetsam

let's just say

Catching up

Sweet dreams

Full disclosure

Due to technical difficulties...

Cue the music...

I wish...

BWCA - Chapter 2

Change of plans

For Bethany

Weekend Review

Happy Birthday Kate!!

Book Notes

Rainy day observations

Sunshine

Happy Mothers' Day

Yesterday

Just a heads up

A Look