Sally's Ramble

A big fat lie for the New Year!

2012-01-01T18:34:00.000-05:00

Can you see the writing on this decoration? It says "Let it Snow". This picture is a big fat lie for the New Year of 2012. Yes, it is cute, but no, not one person in this humble abode want snow! Not a flake, not a Lake Effect Snow, notta nothing. This guy, SSon has to do the snow blowing and shoveling and throwing ice melter thingys. SHusband and I have to drive in the stuff, and as the wonderful saying goes "been there, done that".
But, I am not totally heartless, it would be okay if it snowed at all the ski resorts, outdoor festivals, and where ever little tykes like to play in the snow-but please, respect my boundaries, snow on the streets, driveways or roofs is not permissible. Thank you for your participation in advance.
I have the most wonderful family. I was ordered to do nothing for a week because of an aggravation to my back. "Nothing" can be interpreted many ways, so in order that their message was clear it had these words following the word NO: standing, stairs, carrying, bending, stretching, pulling, pushing, lifting. Then to top it off, they gave me Prednisone, which of course reeves you up, so it makes you want to do all those things that they said no to. Conundrum or what? Well, I tried doing just a bit, bending over to pick a book to read-yikes, were they right! Now I am a good patient because I want this to be better.
My SFriend brought me soup and she did not even know I had messed up my back! Talk about ESP. SDaughter drove me to the doctor appointment, then did errands.
The next day she brought in reinforcements, her SFIANCE (I love saying that), my SGrandson, groceries to cook a bizillion meals, and they even did the dishes that they used, took out the garbage, got the mail, more errands in town that I thought for sure I would be able to do, and gave us so much kindness. SS was driven by SD to the hospital to visit their father, he is still struggling with his health.
SHusband has been doing ALL THE DISHES since Tuesday when this thing reared it's ugly head non-stop. And he even made our bed. What a keeper!

Now, here is our first time together SReaders for our blessing of another year, 2012. I am not in step with those who think that calendars from a extinct culture is telling us that all is over in 2012. It will be over when it happens, and we can not live for today fully if we have one eye trained on the calendar.
Remember:

So listen, Today I planted our Amaryllis. I am not telling you what color she will be, but we have named her "Marilla". We live in the town of Marilla, it almost, kinda, maybe rhymes with Amaryllis, so SH immediately blurted it out, and when something is perfect, you just don't mess with it.

Here she is in front with her neighbors, they all welcomed her warmly.

My only concern is that she had already started to grow when I took her out of the box. We shall see if this matters.

OK, next topic is the most important one. Many dear friends and family members are really facing difficult medical conditions right now, I ask you to please take the time to read this, it was sent by a SFriend, and it struck me as being important writing.

Father, I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and email buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence through

Your grace, In Jesus precious name. Amen.

Thank you for your kindness in reading my blog.

Here is your reward, click here:Angel Standing By, Jewel singing

Prayer answered

2011-12-24T18:42:00.000-05:00

A prayer answered for me, and here it is:

Yes, my precious daughter is engaged to a Mother's Dream! They came over and she burst in the door saying "John asked me to marry him!" and showed me the ring. Tears all around-mostly me I must admit. Hugs, kisses for and from everyone. We talked and smiled and were and are so happy. Then we had a toast,with the good Crystal! SSon shook his hand and said congratulations. SHusband actually had a sip of wine to commemorate such a wonderful event.

Many phone calls were made, first to her father and step-mother, then to her Godmother-my SSister#1.
She is a different person since knowing him, he supports her and brings out the best in her. He is very kind to our SGrandson, and gives him stability and care and most importantly guidance.
And I know she is good for him, they are a match!
During the week, I bought them some nice glasses for an engagement present, now they can toast more important times in their lives together.
SGS thinks he is going on the honeymoon! I set him straight, and hoped that he would be here with me that week win-win!
And, here is the clincher: As they were driving over, they both saw a shooting star!
We immediately knew who sent that, so the Missing Matka tears were unleashed. Matka knew John and really loved him and was happy for Meg then, imagine now! She had to send that message right?

And from a website devoted to sky sightings:

"J. Natti (not verified) on Sat, 17/12/2011 - 21:55

Meteor?
Standing looking into the east - south east (114*). Standing approximately 20 ft away from a 15foot house. At about 35-40* off the horizon (over the house) appeared a reddish green (maybe fire) extremely large shooting star looking ?. It traveled faster than anything I have ever seen before in my life. It traveled in a straight line. It crossed the better part of the sky (from approximately 40* in the east to 35* in the west) in a matter of 3.5-4 seconds. I am assuming it was a meteor, but not sure as I have never seen anything like this in my life. My location is in western Kentucky, town of Madisonville, USA. The sighting was at 12:45 am cst. on December 17th 2011."

So there, Matka sent it that day-no doubt.

And here is their song, click here:
Blood, Sweat and Tears, "You make me so very Happy"

Letting go is really receiving.

2011-12-10T12:44:00.000-05:00

Letting go is really receiving a gift to you.
This morning, in our Buffalo News morning paper, a columnist that I always read, Lisa Earle McLeod posted this essay (If you double click on it, the entire article will appear):

(If you click on it, the entire article will appear)

I always find her writings helpful as I try to look for ways to grow. Today's commentary was a humdinger for me. Having just celebrated a wonderful Thanksgiving with family, let me show you how this philosophy worked for me:

I started making soup a few years ago, pumpkin or squash, I was pretty happy with the way it tasted and others agreed with me (being polite or actually liking it-who knows, but their grace showed through with their positive comments about the soup).

Then last year, SSon-in-law suggested that he could bring the soup-he is a wonderful natural cook, so I knew it would taste fantastic, but that soup was my 'new thing". I thought about it and realized that it would be more important for him to bring the soup than for me to make it, so I agreed that he would make the soup. IT WAS SUBLIME! And guess what? It took a long time to make, and I no longer had to work that in the schedule of my tasks to do. Letting go is receiving! This year and for all future years, he is the soup guy.

Next, I like to say that I make a mean stuffing/dressing for Thanksgiving, I use a bizillion types of bread, use some techniques that SMatka taught me, and every year I would throw in a different new ingredient-Jimmy Dean sausage in the full fat hey days, sliced water chestnuts in my vegetarian days, dried cranberries when they first came out, you name, it had a turn in my stuffing (escept of course for those dark things in that nasty bag that comes inside a turkey if you buy a whole turkey-they are three words DIS-GUS-TING.) Then, one year, many years ago, SDaughter raved about her SStepmother's stuffing, so knowing that it is better to give in to let someone else make their speciality, she was then crowned the Queen of Stuffing, and no Thanksgiving would be the same without her tasty offering. Another time consuming job that I would not need to do, win-win, Letting go is really receiving. And it is good, very good.

Next, we are very fortunate that my SSister#1 and her SHusband are able to attend our Thanksgiving Dinner, sometimes family lives too far apart to manage this. One of SS#1's many specialities is a squash-apple casserole-no marshmallows, just lots of flavor and love put into this dish. I immediately knew that when she started attending that this was the only squash we could have. She loves to make it and I love to have her make it.

Here is her recipe:

BAKED SQUASH AND APPLE CASSEROLE
1 small butternut squash (2 pounds or less)

2 apples (cored, peeled and sliced)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cold butter or margarine
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1. Pare, seed, and cut squash into small slices.
2. Place squash and apple slices in sprayed oblong baking dish (7x11 inches).
3. Blend rest of ingredients with fork, fingers or pastry cutter until crumbly.
4. Distribute over squash and apple. Prepare to here until ready to bake.
5. Cover and bake. temperature: 350 degrees   time: 45 to 50 minutes
yield: 6 to 8 servings    double this for company!

My point, if I could make it is this, the advice that Ms. McLeod makes is so what! So what if you have more than one person who can make something great, it is all about making someone feel included, accepted into the family or group. Just a little give-it-up from one person allows others to feel a part of the group. No one likes to be on the outside as others shine, there is enough shine to go around, so the next time someone new to a group offers a suggestion, never say, no thanks, our way is better-even though your choice of words may be different, the message will come out the same way-and it will hurt to the quick, no matter how much you smile when you say it.
I have said "you" a lot, but really I am absolutely  including myself in this advice, we always need a reminder on how to avoid hurting someone when it is something that can be avoided. So, letting go is really receiving, try it, you and someone you love will like it.
And because you hung in there and read this long post, here is your reward:
click here:
All you need is love.

A pinch in time...

2011-12-04T13:17:00.000-05:00

When we five sibs were young, we attended church with SMatka (Sweet Matka) and sometimes SGrandma Viviani. And sometimes we were restless, distracting, noisy and embarrassing. I don't know if this technique was needed for SSister#1 or SBrother#1, they seemed better able to behave than the other three of us.
So SMatka used a time-honored technique-she pinched us under our upper arm. It was quick, painful, and got the job done. You never saw better behaved, quiet children-EVER! One of those pinches or the evil-eye look that said a pinch was next did the trick. Something so painful was to be avoided at all cost.
The other day, when I went to "check the flowers", which is my euphemism for going to the cemetery, I discovered that pulling up to that grave site is also a "pinch". It has the same effect every time, a quick onset of pain, generated by SMatka. I don't stay long, I check to see that the wind has not picked up the flowers and tossed them onto a neighbor's territory, or if the weather is not good, I actually stay in the car. I make sure the music is turned off because too many times, what is playing makes it worse.
If anyone is in the car with me, the visit is even shorter.

To paraphrase: "Better to have loved and lost, than to never have been pinched at all."

Hope you enjoy this song, click here: The Prayer

Listening is so rewarding.

2011-11-29T09:49:00.000-05:00

This Lady is listening intently to her companion.

Tonight I received a telephone call from a fairly new friend-we have known each other about 8 years. She is 93, and as they say "sharp as a tack!". She volunteered to do an ongoing service project of sewing comfort dolls for children that are donated to hospitals, ambulance services, etc. And we have delighted in each other's company-I hope just as much for her as for me. We have visited in each other's homes, talked on the phone, and I always have her on my card list. Tonight when she called to thank me for the Thanksgiving card (isn't that a sweet thing to do?), we started talking about homes that she has lived in during her time in this town. At one point when she was a young Mother, now remember, she is 93, so this would be at least 65 years ago, well, the economy was even more difficult for workers than it is now. She moved from place to place with her husband and 4 kids, renting very small places, and making it work.
At one point, they were able to buy a small parcel of land, and her husband put up a basement and upper shell of the house. Unfortunately, that is the extent of what he was able to build. For the next 4 years-the entire family lived in the basement. Even though she and her husband were working hard, times were difficult. Her son had a serious accident, in leg traction for an extended period. No one had health insurance then, so the medical bills were all paid by the patient/family. They became so in debt, they had to sell there house the year after the upstairs was finished-and the selling price was $6,500. That house is still standing, and being used as a parsonage for one of the town churches.
The little family then moved to the back apartment of another home, where they rented a very small space. Another move led them to rent a "magnificent in size" home, where she didn't even mind that she had almost no furniture- it was such a joy to be able to move around in the house, for her children to have room to run. And this dream home? It rented for $75. a month.
My SFriend told all of this without an ounce of bitterness or sadness, just stating what she and so many others went though in their lifetime. I think she spends 99% of her time serving and doing for others, because as she said to me on the telephone call she first made to me after reading a newspaper article that I placed asking for volunteers to make these dolls "I told the Lord that when my husband died in 1983, I was so heartbroken and he would need to keep me busy helping others so I wouldn't be so sad".
My life is enriched daily by listening to others. Sometimes, I am the world's worst at listening, other times, I am more focused. I once heard it said that in order to learn you need to first be quiet and listen-now I know how true that is.
Thanks for listening SFriends.

Quietly we go today.

2011-11-25T21:54:00.000-05:00

Quietly we go today, just like our SCat Boo-Boo Marie looks in this photo. Up to today, I have been busy, but not on my blog as you may have gleaned! And I coulda' if I wanted to, but my brain has been in a different mode recently.
We are busy with some important medical appointments for SHusband that for now take up a lot of time for learning and doing, but will all settle down in a week or so. His health is good, just needed some "how to's" for making life easier for him.
We had a lovely day yesterday on Thanksgiving-family here, they all did and brought so much. And put this in SH's babybook-he did not finish his dessert! He was very anxious to have dessert immediately after that humongous feast, but his hard drive was miswired, and he just could not complete his appointed task! I am thinking too hard now, just spit out the words eh?
I never used to end a sentence-statement with eh? until a SFriend wrote that way-I thought it really made sense to add that, and so I stole it from her. I was very close to her, but she moved away, and felt it was a burden to her friends to have them continue their relationship with her, long-distance phone charges, stamps, etc. After going 'round and 'round, with her about how we really wanted to keep our friendship going, it was not a problem, etc., one day she sent us a card which stated that she knew we would respect her wishes and stop all correspondence with her. It was heart-breaking for me-she did not make friends easily-she was afraid of being hurt I think, but we were really close. When she asked this of other friends, I felt badly that she was narrowing her exposure to other people, then it happened to us, and I wonder if she knew how much it hurt me? Maybe she valued our friendship less than I did, I will never know.
So, back to my post.
My SFamily washed and dried the Thanksgiving dishes for me yesterday, I always argue, plead and request that I do my own dishes, they are my guests, and I like to rehash the day, but they always persist. I decided that this year, I was not going to have any conflicts, so I said sure, and away they went, and then the cleaning up and dividing, packing-period of serving a large meal began, and they did that too! I have to tell you around 5pm last night, after they left, it was my aching old body that reminded me that thanks to all of them, I had minimal work to do. Thank you all dear ones.
And now I am back-flipping to the day before Thanksgiving, SSon did not have to work, this is his slow time of year, so he was my SOUS-CHEF EXTRAORDINAIRE! He peeled every potato and apple, lifted this, cut that, dried this rack of dishes, helped set the table, did the final vacuum, and washed the umpteenth load of kitchen towels-how did we go through so many? SH even got in the act and washed a load of dishes. Why, you might ask did I need all these dishes washed? Well, I cook mostly everything the day before-and I think it tastes just as good. The potatoes I cook and mash the day before, then the next day, bring them to room temp for 30 minutes then heat in the crock pot for a few hours on high, stirring every half hour-this is the time that I put in butter-that way, when the butter melts, your potatoes are heated! I do add warm milk and cream cheese when I mash them to make them smooth, baby smooth.
I cook only Turkey breasts, slice them, and this year, I saved the skin over the breasts and covered the cut meat with the skin to keep them moist, seemed like it worked great while they were heating up with a little chicken broth in the bottom of the dish.
Enough, you have heard all about how to cook for this great holiday from everyone on the internet. Let me talk instead of people.
I have the best family, and enjoy spending time with them-that is a blessing.
Today, we had a mini-meal with SH's SSister. She is a kind, dear woman, grateful to all for anything. We shared a meal, visited and then played a game of dominoes-it was so good to see her laugh. This is her "first-of-without" year, first everything without her beloved Husband who died in June. She is a marvel, never wanting to pass her grief on to anyone.
As this mellow day went on, I drove SS on an errand, then went to the cemetery to replace Matka's flowers with the Winter variety. I added some more to perk up the display because they really got pounded in the weather last year. I never thought that this activity would become important to me, but it seems like my time as one of many who was involved with meeting my Matka's needs, I think it is hard for me not to still be doing that. Did I describe that correctly for you? The weather was 57 degrees while I was doing this little project, and I remember last year a few days after I did this, we got a horrible snowstorm-dumping a lot of snow everywhere. We will see if this is the deciding factor of when winter really begins eh?
Salads for supper, with a spoon of dressing/stuffing, talk about defeating the effort of eating healthy!
And wait, one more trip back to the future for this post, we slept until 9am today! I had the alarm set for 7:30, I looked at it hard and decided, just a few more minutes.........
then when SS got up for his breakfast, we woke up. Geez Louise, that is like sleeping through the day. I had PLANS! But, they were all accomplished anyway. SH and I had a protein shake for breakfast-could not chew one thing more today. I made 8 dozen cookies-none for us to eat this morning. Is there a better smell to fill a house with?
A wonderful service-minded woman in the area has a "Prayers and Cookies" project for active-duty soldiers. She sends them cookies, toiletries, books, and cards monthly. Today, was my day to bake for the first time for her project, and I hope to continue to do it periodically. SS was so good about the fact that these were not for us, they were for those in the war zone. Hersheys Chocolate Chips has a great recipe on the back of their package that adds PEANUT BUTTER to a basic chocolate chip recipe, I did not taste them, but they looked really good. Chocolate and peanut butter-what a concept!
So, back to the present. I just finished writing "tier-one" of my Christmas cards-family, then this weekend, I will work on the rest. I am so structured that I need to do them in order, no willy-nilly random card writing for me my friend. My handwriting starts south, it does not have far to travel before it is illegible, so my card writing must be done in batches. When computers first came out, well, became part of my life, I printed my envelopes with the computer. Unfortunately, the printer I was using then, would flip the way it printed the envelope according to the size that you choose for the envelope. And since not all my cards are alike, I did not have correctly printed envelopes-I felt really bad, and thought people were judging me by the way their envelope was printed-pathetic. I just stopped doing them on the computer after that year, and really, I get so many return address labels in the mail-who needs to waste ink and time doing envelopes on the computer anyhow?
Tomorrow, we will see our SGrandson again for a few hours while we deliver all the cookies, etc that others have made for this project. Even a few hours is important-the older they get, the less your time together is. A known mathematical equation exists out there somewhere for this occurrance. Lookitup I say.
Well, goodnight SREADERS, I hope your week went well, and your life is happy-and if not, I hope you can figure out how to change it-you deserve a wonderful life.

Keeping with my slow and easy day, here is a "Wonderful Life" song for you. (I had originally chosen the ending of the Movie "A Wonderful Life", but at the end of the you- tube video, someone inserted a man burping-totally not in my vibe for today).
Click here:
Wonderful Life

Veterans's Day

2011-11-11T08:48:00.002-05:00

My header picture today is a group of our local Veterans that were honored at our recent Kiwanis dinner. I know personally more than half of these men, and I admire them all. The articles below are ones that I put into the local papers this week. I hope they convey my respect for these brave people. I have added personal notes after each article.
#1
KIWANIS CLUB OF MARILLA

November 4, 2011
Please Publish:

The Kiwanis Club of Marilla held their salute to Veterans this week at their meeting, with many activities comprising the program. First, all were treated to a very elegant meal by the staff of the Whistle Stop, with patriotic linen colors. Centerpieces were donated by Leona O’Brien, and made by Country CrossRoads Florist and Gifts.

Every year the club honors it’s own Kiwanians who are Veterans with a special program, and in addition to that, this year, the members of the Marilla Veterans Club were invited guests, newly retired Army Lt. Col. Timothy Zack was a featured guest, and the speaker was someone who is known as a Hero in the area, Distinguished Marine Mark O’Brien, lifelong Marilla resident.

A description of what Kiwanis International is and the club’s activities were listed for those attending by the club President, Paul Wagener. In recognition of their service to their country and the community, The Kiwanis Club made a donation to the Marilla Veterans Club to help with their needs, and this donation was accepted by Commander David Kryzen.

Then retired Army Officer Maurice Janeczko gave a presentation of the many achievements and awards which Lt. Col. Zack has received in his 22+years in the military, and on behalf of the Kiwanis Club, a certificate of Recognition was presented to him. He was honored to have received this recognition from his friends and fellow Kiwanians.

Mark O’Brien, Distinguished Marine was introduced to speak by his Grandmother, Kiwanian Leona O’Brien. Mark discussed his reason for entering the military, his training, tours of duty including two in Iraq, his life-threatening injuries, his brave recovery and his current life and goals.

As Mark was telling his story, the almost 30 fellow Veterans in the room were very quite and attentive, possibly thinking about their own tours of duty and hardships which they were exposed to.

To establish the proper ending for the program, Kiwanian Diana Janeczko read a moving essay about Remembering the Veterans. All were in agreement with her instructions to “Never Forget”.

The Kiwanis Club of Marilla has always been a strong supporter of Veterans, and was proud to have been honored by the presence of so many brave soldiers.

********
As I sat in this room that held more Veterans than we have ever had at our dinner, I was also thinking about our Veteran Kiwanis members that were not there, some are having health or family health problems, some have passed on, and then there were my family members in my thoughts. My two brothers are Veterans-both served in Vietnam, and I remember there were no parades for these brave Vietnam Veterans, they were doing what their country asked of them, but somehow, they were perceived to be the bad guys, not the administration who chose their path. And my step-fathers, and my father, and my uncles, an aunt,nephew, great-nephew, some cousins, the list goes on and is mirrored in your life also SReader. It is wonderful to acknowledge what these brave people did, fighting because we asked them to, but sad that honoring them does not even come close to what we owe them. Thank you all, God Bless You.
*************

Mark O'Brien and sitting to the right of him, his wife and parents.

KIWANIS CLUB OF MARILLA

November 4, 2011
Article #2, Please publish:

Recently, the Kiwanis Club of Marilla was honored to have Distinguished Marine Mark O’Brien, who grew up and currently resides in Marilla as a speaker.

Mark was introduced to speak by his Grandmother, Kiwanian Leona O’Brien, who gave her opinion as to his background in recovery from illness or injury: when he was a child and needed to spend time with her instead of going to school if he was ill, he would have a rapid recovery as soon as the school bus went by!

Mark said his reason for entering the service was the same as many who enter the military-he wished to defend his country. In his case this happened when he was 18 and the tragedy of the Attack on the World Trade Center Towers occurred. He knew he must get involved. He had extensive Marine training, fought in many battles during his two tours of duty in Iraq, and was injured severely during one of many fierce battles. After the injury, he saw that his vest which contained hand grenades was on fire, and when he realized that he had extensive injuries to his right arm, he knew that he needed to put the flames out with his left hand. He then realized that his right leg was also severely injured, and almost completely severed. He thought that he would not survive as a medic tried desperately to stop the bleeding from his leg injury, and actually stated that they should let him bleed out. Eventually, the bleeding was brought under control, saving his life. He was airlifted, and treated en route to a hospital, and when he awoke, his parents, Gale and Dave O’Brien were beside him. Due to medical tubes in his throat, his communication with them was in writing, and he wrote that “He had no regrets, God was shielding me.”

His recovery proceeded, and he knew that without the support of his family that he would not have made it, family support is something that not all wounded soldiers have.

He received 11 months of therapy including physical, occupational and prosthetic training and he was ready to come home as soon as all the release papers were signed. This process did not happen, and Mark became anxious, sharing this frustration with his grandmother during one of her frequent telephone calls to him. The next day, the release papers were signed, and he was on his way home. The saying “Never underestimate the power of a Grandmother” proved to be true.

During his time in the service, and especially during his recovery, he corresponded with a friend from home, Michelle Pierce. Her dependable support made a real difference to him, they fell in love, and today are married with two young sons. Because of his injuries,losing both his right arm and leg, he had to give up his dream of becoming a police officer as his father and brother both are. He is employed currently by the Erie County Sheriff’s Department as a dispatcher, and is happy to look ahead to a good life.

Mark is extremely active physically now, including riding a bike, and he recently taught himself to try archery after making his own modifications to the bow. He is planning on attending the Wounded Warrior Paralympics in 2012 in Colorado, and the Kiwanis Club of Marilla was proud to give him a donation to help fund this effort with money raised partially at the Marilla Ag Day event. In addition to Kiwanis, The Rademacher VFW Post, represented by Veteran and Kiwanian Stu Rowland also gave a donation to Mark, and then a donation from himself and his wife Margot. Sandra and Paul Grunsweig, owners of the Marilla Country Store gave Mark a donation too. They sold candy at Ag Day to raise money for Mark.
Mark O’Brien will forever be a symbol of bravery to all those who heard him speak that night.

Picture (l-r): Paul & Sandra Grunsweig, Paul Wagener, Mark O’Brien, Stu and Margot Rowland
********************

On the right, making a ppresentation to Mark is Stu, who is one of our Kiwanians, and a Distinguished Veteran. Stu has been kind enough to share his story of service to our country during World War II, he was reluctant to share his memories with the club a few years back, and only did so out of respect for our club. His journey in the service was filled with just what they try to depict in the movies, but he bravely served though it all. I imagined what these two men had in their lives that were so similar, and if you look at the strength of the handshake that Stu is giving Mark, that tells it all. Stu is very important to me, and his wife Margot is one of my best friends, they are equal, strong partners, she supported him during his days of active duty, and her love brought him home.

As a mother and a wife, and I grandmother, I struggled to hear Mark speak of his injuries. I know this is not the first time they heard all the details, which I did not include in the article, but I can't imagine what it must have been like to live through this trauma with him. And I know his story of injury and recovery is repeated daily across this country. May God continue to give the families strength to handle whatever the outcome is for their beloved family members.

*****************
article #3
KIWANIS CLUB OF MARILLA

November 6, 2011

Please publish:

At the recent program to honor Veterans offered by the Kiwanis Club of Marilla, Dee Zeigel, Promoter of a Veterans Support Group in Wales announced that the Veterans Day Observance for the Town of Wales will be November 11, 2011 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park 12345 Big Tree Road, Wales Center.

Dee also gave those attending information about the group called “Operation Prayers and Cookies” . The program started as a result of a conversation she had with an active duty soldier who asked for prayers, and a few cookies too. She and a dedicated group of bakers started this program, and could use some help to take care of the growing needs for this form of troop support. She emphasized that no matter what your politics are, we should all support the soldiers.

She stated that “now,with the holidays rapidly approaching, it is a time for thinking of those who will not be with their families and friends. We need individuals and/or groups to make holiday cookies. Our small core of dedicated volunteers has stood by us for many months (and years) and we need to replenish and give our bakers a much needed break.

Prayers & Cookies also sends Christmas cards from our residents. If you would please take a moment to sign a card or two to be sent along in the December 5th package, I know it would be greatly appreciated.

If you know of any local resident serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, we would be happy to add them to our list. This is only a small token of appreciation to remind them of “home”, but one we feel will make them know we remember them and care. On the 5th of every month cookies are sent, not only to our own Wales military, but enough to share with their Company, some of whom receive no packages or mail from home. If you are unable to provide baked goods, but would still like to support our troops, donations of baby wipes, phone cards, snack foods, hard candy, gum, sports magazines, paperback books, writing paper and pens, plain white socks, etc. may be made. If you would like to take part in this effort, please call and bring your homemade cookies, any variety and/or personal items to: Dee Zeigel – Coordinator 4498 Woodchuck Road,Wales Center, 652-6776God Bless You and God Bless Our Troops!” For those who don’t bake, but would like to help, the group also collects donations of baby wipes, phone cards, snack foods, hard candy, gum, sports magazines, paperback books, writing paper and pens, plain white socks, etc, may by made.

Dee tries to get everything for each month mailed by the 5th. December especially needs to get out asap after I receive cookies...regular holiday mailings can also slow down the military packages. She packs cookies in layers in plastic tubs, however, they can be delivered in any box or container to her as she divides them up equally amongst all.

Picture: Mark O'Brien and Dee Zeigel, Operation Prayers and Cookies
***********
I pretty much have only baked cookies because I needed to, when the kids were growing up, with SGrandson when he was younger with all the cute slice and bake holiday designs. I used to bake a lot of cookies for Christmas, and freeze them, but I soon found out that SSon as a young boy did not mind eating frozen cookies.
I will be baking for this cause, and not just for Christmas. And each cookie will be infused with a prayer as I bake them. A cookie, who would think it would be so important.........................
*************************************
Thank you SReaders for reading, I hope you have a chance to salute our Veterans.

2011-10-24T20:30:00.000-04:00

This new header picture was taken at 6pm tonight. SHusband and I were going into town, driving west and this was our view. I had to pull over to take a few pictures to share with you.
Around 15 minutes later, after leaving SH at his destination, I was leaving and dark had fallen. So I was where I needed to be when I needed to be there for God to show me this beautiful sunset.
Here are some more views of clouds with the sun setting from tonight.

Last of the field corn in the field.

And because this is such a beautiful sky, we need some music right? Here you go, click here:
Fur Elise

Thinking of you SReaders, hoping your life is filled with peace.

Today in the life

2011-10-20T14:04:00.000-04:00

Today in the life, I have been busy and not busy-waiting while car maintenance and repair work done. I always bring something to read for one of these long appointments, something to drink-a bottle of Starbucks light frappacino (which I had to wait until it unchilled to drink since the waiting room is always cold), and some crackers to soothe my screaming stomach after taking a Motrin for my nasty aching "when is this damp weather gonna end" joints.
I checked my email, sent a few, but then, could not concentrate on anything, my book went unread after I read the same paragraph over and over, so I sat there, thinking of all the things that I could be doing, and wishing I got more than the 4 hours of sleep that came to find me last night.
I eaves-dropped on the conversations that the other customers had, I love doing that, just to see a slice of their lives. They all came and went. I sat and waited, and then another customer came and sat in the waiting room! She was a tiny elf, dressed in about 6 layers of jackets-that I could see. She started the conversation, I answered and we took off from there. She was obviously very intelligent, but her attire, mostly
well-worn mens clothes and a barely there haircut did not match what was coming out of her mouth. There I go, my usual sin of judging others, but it was fascinating to watch her.
She had a newspaper with her, so we rehashed all the news, and then we started talking about the history of our nearest big city, Buffalo New York. There is a preservationist convention going on there right now, so many photos and articles have been posted in the paper daily. My wee friend seemed to go back in time, talking about her youth and getting dressed up to go downtown with her Aunts and Parents, her eyes seemed to drift away as she entered that pleasant time in her life. She told of all the stores she went to, all the buildings that were there, she had a wonderful accurate memory and it was so pleasant for me to hear her speak.
She mentioned all the pets that she used to have, and when I asked her about current pets, she answered that she didn't dare have pets, because who would take care of them when she was gone? She seemed very sad about this necessary choice.
I wonder what her day to day life is like? She sounded like she lives alone, and she looked like she was very thrifty judging from her desire to get every bit of use out of the clothing that she was wearing.
When it was time to leave, we both were checked out at the same time, and as she walked to her vehicle, I assumed it also was a thrifty purchase, but she got into a black, sleek sports car! See, that is what happens when you assume.
When the appointment was finished, I had some errands to do, which included 4 containers of pumpkin ice cream for my SHusband. I brought one home last week, he loved it, and asked that we stock up. I also bought 2 more boxes of Gia Russa Kluski Chicken noodle flavored soup mix. I already have 2 boxes, but that is my feeling yucky staple. and I would hate for us to be stuck at home during bad weather with someone not feeling well and us being "OUT" of this elixir.
So, an interesting day so far, I hope you are warm, safe and happy day, and here is a little piece for you to listen to:

Beatles "All you need is Love"

Life well lived

2011-10-15T18:57:00.000-04:00

You might remember in a post a few months prior, that I mentioned how I read death notices/obituaries, how I called them Life Notices. You can read that full post by clicking here:
Life Notices

Well, today, there is just such a Life Notice. Not only does this woman have a very interesting set of ancestors, dating back to an association with Geroge Washington, but her Life's work was so fulfilling. Here is her story, I hope you find it interesting.

WINGARD - Janet Mann Passed away on October 12, 2011. She was born on September 25, 1924 in Buffalo, NY to Dr. Baldwin Mann and Adra Ash Mann. Her father, Major Baldwin Mann, served during World War I as a field surgeon. Janet was a direct descendant of Colonel Theunis Dey, a Revolutionary War hero who was friends with and served under General George Washington during the Hudson River Highlands Campaign in 1780. Her great Aunt Annis and Uncle Sam Eastman were Congregationalist ministers for Park Church in Elmira, NY, during the time that Samuel Clemens and his family attended. Janet's mother Adra was a playmate of the Clemens' children. Her first cousins Max and Crystal Eastman served tirelessly for the cause of women's rights and for the exploited immigrant workers in the coal fields of Western Pennsylvania. Her mother Adra volunteered for many causes including supporting the Greenwich Settlement House of New York City. Janet attended Dundee High School near Glenora, NY, the family summer home on Seneca Lake, where she graduated in 1943. She then attended Rochester University where she graduated in 1947. After graduating, she went to work for Mary Kingsbury Simkovitch, founder of the famous Greenwich Settlement house. This settlement house provided room and board for immigrant artists and others who needed affordable housing while attending college or looking for work. It was here that she met George Matthew Wingard from South Carolina, a musician going to New York University and a resident of the settlement house. They began dating and soon were engaged. They married on August 2nd, 1947. They moved to Clover in the fall of 1949. Here, after her four children were born, Janet began a 25 year teaching career in 1961. In her own words in a letter to the editor of a local newspaper in 1991, she describes her first impression of Clover, SC, the small town in which she would spend 62 years of her life: "My mother, infant son and I arrived in Clover on a cold rainy Halloween night in 1949 to join my husband who was already hard at work putting together Clover's first band. As we crossed the muddy Catawba over the old Buster Boyd Bridge and wound our way into Clover, my mother, a true Yankee, was thrown into despair that her youngest daughter was going to bury herself in this tiny town. She was convinced that we would soon see the light and return to the north. To her we were living in a cocoon far away from the advantages of big city life. At that time Clover had only two schools (one for blacks and one for whites). My husband's band room was a Quonset hut which doubled as a cannery. With the years came improvements, both in staff and buildings, which have contributed to making the Clover School system the great institution it is now. With reputation comes growth as more and more people move into the district and want to send their children to our schools. To my late mother, who incidentally grew to love our little town, I would say, "Mom, I never left my cocoon. It just grew to accommodate all its inhabitants". To those who say to me, "Clover is getting too big for its britches," I would say, "Then we must enlarge the britches." She wrote this letter encouraging the people of the Clover School District to approve the bonds needed to build a new auditorium. The bond referendum passed. Janet watched many of her grandchildren perform on a state of the arts stage! She and her husband Matt spent 21 years in retirement together, traveling around America and the world and enjoying their growing family. Janet was the eternal optimist, never wavering from the task at hand, pulling for all those around her to keep going, to strive to do the best that they could do and always with a cheerfulness and eagerness that was amazing. Her spirit lives on in her progeny. She was a devoted wife to her husband Matt Wingard for over sixty years. He predeceased her on November 27, 2007. In her final days, Janet's strength was resolute, her love for her family and this world undying. She is survived by her children....
Published in the Buffalo News on October 15, 2011

The notice goes on, the Buffalo News did not incude the entire notice online.

Easy Chicken and then another meal!

2011-10-13T18:35:00.000-04:00

Hi, I am really nagging now, but you need to try this easy and healthy chicken and veggie crock pot recipe, I used chicken breast, cut in half in place of the chicken thighs-those are disgusting!
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-thighs-with-carrots-potatoes-10000001924778/
And then, a few days later, after you enjoyed this the first time, you make a pot pie by adding 1.5 cups of cooked green beans, one can of cream of chicken soup, 1 can cream of celery soup-no water added to either, and I used the low fat version, cut up all the leftover chicken and veggies into 1 .5 inch pieces, stir well, be sure you add all the liquid from the leftover dish, these are your seasonings for the pot pie, pour into a pie shell, top with another pie shell, seal crust, pinch to close, cut slashes into top crust and bake at 350 for about 30-40 miutes or until top crust is brown. Here is the important step, WAIT-maybe 15 minutes, keeping the pie covered lightly with foil, the juices will need to firm up, other wise you will have a runny but wonderful tasting pot pie meal. Of course, I use Pillsburys roll off onto the pie pan already made and better than I ever could pie shells!

Here is the recipe if you don't want to click above (but you will love to hear Christy Jordan's beautiful Southern style of speaking):

Ingredients

1 medium onion 4 medium-size new potatoes (about 1 lb.) 2 cups baby carrots 1/2 cup chicken broth (may use 1/4 cup dry white wine insteadof 1/4 of the broth total should be 1/2 cup liquid) 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided 1 teaspoon paprika 6 skinned, bone-in chicken thighs (or 3 boneless/skinless breasts cut in half)

Preparation

1. Halve onion lengthwise, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Cut potatoes/with skin into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place onion in a lightly greased 6-qt. slow cooker; top with potatoes and carrots (I will use reg carrots cut up the next time). I added a green pepper here that I needed to use up-cut into 1 inch pieces.

2. Combine broth, next 3 ingredients, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Pour over vegetables.

3. Combine paprika and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper; rub over and press into chicken. Arrange chicken on top of vegetables.

4. Cover and cook on LOW 6 hours (or high for 3 hours) or until chicken is done and vegetables are tender.

Southern Living

OCTOBER 2009

The String Bunny Family

2011-10-08T18:16:00.000-04:00

THE STRING BUNNIES

Once there was a bunny family called the String Bunnies.

The oldest bunny was a girl, string bunny #1, and she was a strong, PROTECTIVE helper bunny. She was like a crossing guard bunny, you always knew you were safe when she was around, she was also a cheer leader bunny who told other people how talented and wonderful they were, but really, she was the one who had talents and blessings that she did not brag about, and she used them all.

The oldest boy bunny #1 had a big HEART. He was a rock, and helped people and always worked hard without saying anything about it. He loved to dance and hop around and laugh and he traveled all over the bunny world. He never said no and always was quietly doing things for other people, and sometimes this caused him to be a little late, but everyone loved him so much that they never minded, they knew he would be there soon, along with his big smile.
The next bunny was girl bunny #2, she was a lot of FUN, and was always riding a roller coaster, up and down, and doing her best. She loved growing flowers and sewing beautiful quilts. The String bunnies loved her and her quilts that she was very generous to give to so many other bunnies.

Boy Bunny #2 was a water bunny, he loved to look at the big and little waves, and he worked hard and was very KIND and proud of his bunny family. He was always generous and loved by all. He was a good cook and loved to make bunny vegetables for all to share. He was a snappy dresser, and his bunny outfits were the talk of the land.

The last bunny was a girl bunny#3, she loved pushing a pencil and recorded everything, and took many pictures so all the bunnies could see what was happening in her bunny world. She was always protected and taken care of by her older brother and sister bunnies, and she was very HAPPY.

Now, some people would say, why are they called “The String Bunnies”? And the answer is, they were all connected by a lovely string, and that string is made of LOVE, and her name is MOM.

Glassware, Silverware.............

2011-10-02T20:29:00.000-04:00

Did you take Home Ec (Economics) in Grade School? Back in 1959, when I was in 6th grade, it was mandatory for all girls in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades at the City of Buffalo public schools to take Home Ec. Boys had to take Shop, and learn how to make bird houses, cutting boards and use tools. All those manly things. We girls took courses in sewing, cooking, managing the home, etc.
I made an apron, sewn by hand, and when we graduated to the foot treadle sewing machine, I made a wrap-around skirt-brown, ugggly with an emphasis on UG. The sewing skills did not take, but I enjoyed the cooking, and they even taught us the basics on planning a meal to serve it all at once-not an easy task, setting the table, washing the dishes.
I was actually thrown out of that class and sent to the principal because I mistakenly pronounced Hor D'oeuvres "Whore dee vores". Honestly, it was just out of stupidity, not trying to be funny. I had never heard or seen the words before and it was my turn to read in class, but because I did display a sense of humor in the class in the past, no one would believe me, and the students were laughing, and the teacher lost control, and, it was all my fault. I went to the bathroom and cried because if anything, I was trying to not make trouble, and to think, I was sent to the principals office, woe is me.
So anyway, when it came time to wash dishes in class, there was a specific pattern to get the dishes washed up properly: Glassware, silverware, chinaware, pots and pans. I loved the rhyme of that, and that it had reason to it. Rhyme and reason, I am a fond follower of that approach. Those days, no one, not even your rich friend from the other side of Weston Avenue who lived in family homes, not the projects like I did, no one had a dishwasher then. Dish washing was a common task that we shared, rich and poor.
Glassware first because the water is the cleanest, and you want your glasses to sparkle, and pots and pans were last because they were nasty.
Today, we had a lovely family soup party, and I can be quite persuasive some time to not allow my guests to help with the dishes, sometimes, not so lucky. Tonight, I won. and as always, I used the Home Ec formula, organized my dishes, and had them all done in a about an hour.
Today, the schools offer a Home Ec course, but both boys and girls take it, and it is not mandatory, and shop type of courses are also open to both sexes. I think I would have liked shop too!
When it came to the dishwashing tonight, SSon dried and sorted the silverware, he loves to sort things, so this was perfect for him, and he dried the three sizes of plates and sorted them too. The rest I did, all the time thinking about how the get-together went. This dishwashing time is a look back for me on the day, to relive time spent with special people.
I so enjoyed myself-I love having soup parties. One cousin did not know it was a soup party, and when I offered to get him another bowl of a different kind of soup, he stated that no, he would wait for the main course. We laughed and said, this is the main course, after he had a few more bowls, he thought this was a good idea for a party.
We had: Roasted Vegetable Soup, Chicken Italian Sausage Black Bean Chili, Chicken and Rice Soup and Italian Wedding Soup. Served on the side were scalloped apples, almost like an apple pie in a bowl. The usual three kinds of crackers,nice croutons, freshly made and a good variety of bread: White Sour Dough, German Rye, Whole Wheat rolls, and Rosemary Bread-the smell of this one was so heavenly.
For Dessert, we had: Peach Cobbler with home-made whipped cream, Zucchini cake with cream cheese frosting and Thanksgiving Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. I bought some very good cider at Wegmans-their brand, made some Crystal Lite Iced Rasberry Tea, Coffee and that was the meal. It works so well when everyone brings something to share.
There were only eight of us, a nice group, we talked and talked, then watched the last few minutes of the Buffalo Game (boo hoo, we barely lost), and then part of the Yankees play-off game #2 (double boo hoo, we lost that one too). then we talked some more, we are all very compatible.
SHusband is now resting, SSon is catching up on facebook, and little Boo Boo Marie the SCat is now back in the living area, she was exiled to SS's room because nothing says being a good host like having a cat jump onto the table to lick the butter.
Our next get together is Thanksgiving, and since most of my fall decorations are put out, I just need to add a few Thanksgiving things and I will be ready-wouldn't it be nice if the house stayed clean?
Here is a picture of my outside decorative corn stalks-new variety this year called broomstick corn stalks-loooove it. And what is wrong with this picture? Is someone really going kicking and screaming into fall? The temp was mid 40's when we were putting up this thing! Gotta love his enthusiasm for all things summer.

Here is a closeup of the top of the stalk:

And when I was scattering little punkins around the house, I remembered our little Leona the cow:

When I have dinner parties, I try to use serving pieces or other items to represent people not with us any longer. Matka is very much front and center in my head and heart right now, her birthdate is this week, tears are flowing.
For my Matka today, I used her warm and friendly attitude, she loved having parties too, loved to cook up some lasagna and pizzelles and set the table nicely, and always welcomed everyone to her home.

Deeelightful Dahlia

2011-09-19T14:20:00.000-04:00

My late summer present! I purchased some bulbs and tubers through a fund-raiser, and unfortunately, these are the only fruits of that purchase-other than the good work that the donation made possible.
It is a variety of Dahlia, and the color is even in the fall range.

Just when you think it is time to trim and pluck and toss, here comes this pretty reminder of why we plant and water and patiently wait.

Sometimes I am not so patient-OK, that was a given as those who know me can attest.
But, I had totally written off this plant, and truthfully, was internally grumbling about being ripped off. Maybe God knew I needed something pretty, and he was just waiting for the best time? That's what I am going with.
And speaking of "going with", I have come to a decision-if Boo-Boo the cat is sleeping on our unmade bed, and it is time for us to leave the house, I am going to let her sleep.
I am always certain that I will have an emergency situation, and someone will need to come to my house and see the unmade bed-you can't avoid seeing it, the bedroom is right off the dining room, visible as you go to any room. They will then of course assume that I am a lazy slob. And that is what I have convinced myself that I am if I leave without the bed being made.
But, we have a twist in our exit pattern now, we need to have all the doors (3) wide open to the outside for the motorized wheelchair to zip through, and if I disturb the sleeping cat just to make the bed, she will also zip through the open doors! Not good, not only because she is a pip to catch, but as you know, I am a chipmunk/snake assassin, ( read this link and the comment for my dark side Die chipmunk, die! ) and there might be some lethal dregs out there for sweet kitty to nibble. We can not take that chance with our beloved little cat.
So, I will leave the bed unmade when necessary, and please do not judge me harshly if you see that "nail on the chalkboard" situation.

Today, LIFE IS A HIGHWAY enjoy.

Sunny Day

2011-09-18T09:36:00.000-04:00

We have a new blank slate today, sun is warming us, leaves are beginning to turn. I am going to a baby shower, one of my favorite things to do!
I am striving for a calm, stressless day-stress being caused be me. myself and I, no one else.
Everyday is a gift, take it and run. There it is in my head and hopefully in my actions.
Thanks for stopping by, and hey, go have some pumpkin coffee. If you don't have any Pumpkin Coffee made by Green Mountain, just put a few shakes of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon in your dry coffee grounds before you push start. It's all in the smeller anyway.

And for you to remember that there always is a rainbow, just around the corner,
click and enjoy:
Judy singing for you

Really Pat Robertson?

2011-09-16T11:05:00.000-04:00

Pat did it again. He said it is OK to divorce a spouse with Alzheimer's Disease, because even though we get married for sickness and health, Alzheimer's Disease is a form of death.

(Deep breath. Stay calm so you can get your point across Sally.)

Alzheimer's Disease is a form of death he said, key word "form", Death is the absence of Life, not the journey towards death. And Alzheimer's Disease is just one of the paths that we take towards death, like MS, Cancer, ALS, Heart Disease. Just because the spouse afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease might not be mentally aware of the Divorce, is not a reason for it to be "OK".

Shame on you Pat Robertson.

The love and devotion that spouses of people with Alzheimer's Disease give knows no bounds, just as other care takers provide for their ill loved ones.

This remark of his sounds like he thinks this disease is unique, and all bets are off, vows be damned.

But I am thinking that Pat Robertson is not a spiritual leader, but a publicity whore. The negative attention he received for his "AIDS is punishment for the Gay community" remarks has worn off and he needs a new jolt of attention.

Couldn't a gifted spiritual leader have given better advice than to divorce the person with Alzheimer's Disease. Aah, that is the real problem, you can't be what you are not!

I just don't know what to say.

2011-09-11T18:26:00.000-04:00

As you have done, I am listening to so many commentaries, reading the articles, watching specials about the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.
I could not think of anything to write that could possibly compare with those learned scholars. There is nothing that we could do to bring back one loved one, or spare them their destiny. I can only say, I am sorry for all the pain, and I will never forget..........

A Save for Thanksgiving time recipe...

2011-09-11T18:02:00.000-04:00

I am really thinking fall today. I decided to make up something different for dessert. When I make cranberry relish, I usually cook cranberries, or grind them. Then I add sugar (as little as possible, but you do need some), either chopped up whole oranges or drained Mandarin oranges and if no one is allergic, chopped up walnuts.
Today, I thought I would use these flavors and made this:

CRANBERRY RELISH CAKE

1 pkg. Yellow cake mix

3 eggs

½ cup milk

Mix all above with fork in large bowl until crumbs all moist.

Add 1 can WHOLEberry cranberry sauce-break up with fork as you mix it into batter. Add 1 large can well drained Mandarin oranges, 1 cup walnuts- chopped roughly. Use spatula to mix well.

Pour into sprayed 13x9 pan, bake in preheated 350 degrees oven 35-40 minutes, check center with toothpick at 35 minutes.

Cool, serve with vanilla ice cream, or top with powered sugar if desired.

Hope you like it, we all did. And let me be the first to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
I am the first right?

Wow, that was fast!

2011-09-08T12:22:00.000-04:00

Gee, I remember being so excited to start wearing sandals and no coats, and, and well, everything that marks the seasonal change.
And today, well, today I am calling to schedule the furnace yearly maintenance, we have taken out the screens in the screen door, now it is just a door, and I am wearing a long sleeved top for the umpteenth time this week!
Well, this also means that my favorite time of year is coming, and I really can't wait to get my many totes of fall stuff out. Those colors are so warm and welcoming. So, I need to stop whining about the cold, no cold, no pretty autumn.
And Billie Holiday agrees with me:
Autumn in New York

I get by with a little help from my friends.

2011-09-05T17:29:00.000-04:00

I was told today that a SFriend wanted to comment, but it didn't work. I had tried all that I had knowledge of, so I could not figure out how to fix it. Then another blogger mailed me the instructions! I commented on her blog, and she was trying to reciprocate, but unable to, so she passed on the instructions:
It's really easy to change your setting so this is the form that comes up.

1. click on Settings
2. click on comments
3. scroll down to where it says Comment Form Placement and click on Full Page

I did what was listed, and I hope it works for all of you if you are having a problem with people commenting on your blog.

Please give commenting on my blog another try, and thanks for playing along with me while I learn the ins and outs.

Ernestine, the blogger who passed on this tip has a lovely site. here it is:
http://myjourneytomindfulness.blogspot.com/

Thanks again all who help each other.
A thank you song for all:
Friends are Quiet Angels

One tooth less to brush.

2011-09-03T18:09:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, I had a wisdom tooth pulled. It was rebuilt many times in my many years, and this time I said, that is it-no more money showers for you.
I found it broken in a most unconventional way. I sleep face down in my pillow, teeth clamped tightly together. When I woke up, my tongue seemed bruised, and looking at my pillow, I found a piece of white filling. The small size meant that more pieces were certainly someplace. Could not find them, wonder if I swallowed it/them in the night? And the mirror showed that the reason my tongue was bruised and hurting was because with the filling gone, my remaining tooth stump was a lethal weapon.
This is reverse tooth fairy practice of course, leave a tooth, get some money.
But becausee I am special, I found part of a tooth and spent some money. One hundred and ninety-one dollars to be exact. But really, the oral surgeon and his assistant were exactly what you want in health care professionals, kind, polite, gentile and reassuring. And, they both told me that I had a small mouth-see, I always thought there was a small person hiding inside of me, and it was as close as my mouth!
They even called home before my appointment to say that the Dentist was running late, and that I could come there later for my appointment. But, you know me right? I had left already when they called, and got there 15 minutes early. So, my wait was a tad longer. But, it is what it is eh?
I got to read my email and check facebook on my wonderful droid, check over my schedule for the next few weeks and sit in an air-conditioned lovely room and be still. Not always part of my life, so that in itself was a gift.
After the dentist, I needed to pick up SSon from his father's home, and then go to cash his paycheck-I took that opportunity to stock up on some "soft" food at the grocery store: yogurt and rice pudding. And since I was still under the magical, pain-free spell of the Novocaine, I did a cart worth of shopping too. I did have to keep my mouth closed tightly on a gauze piece, so I could not talk, and my one cheek was way out there from the gauze, but hey, I was not as bad as some people in the store, pants hanging off their coolous, and "Stuff" flowing out of their tops. Not a judgement, just stating the facts ma'am. Of course we all know it was a judgement, but that was my feeble attempt at "live and let live", saw right though me did you?
I was a little uncomfortable last evening when everything wore off, but think about how other people are suffering with real aliments, and for me just a few Motrin and the pain is manageable.
So, think of the money I will save on toothpaste, floss and wear and tear of the toothbrush now that I have one less tooth to pay attention to. What could I spend it on? A sprinkle from the top of a doughnut? A single layer of nail polish on my baby toe? Or hey, maybe I could save it up and buy a pack of sugar free gum-that is what the tooth fairy always left for my kids. One memorable time, SDaughter woke up before me the tooth fairy, and the item had to be snuck back in as if she did not look well enough when she first woke up. I do believe that was the first inkling to her that the tooth fairy was not real.
So listen, today I am fine, salt rinses trying to avoid the dreaded DRY SOCKET, lighter in the wallet, and enjoying Activia Greek Style yogurt-that I bought on sale, by-the-by. Gifts everywhere.

Bottom line: how much wisdom did I lose along with the tooth? I am off to google that, and here is a little music selection for you, nothing to do with teeth, but trust me, I looked through some horrible tooth and tooth themed videos, and gave up, so instead here, is something else that reflects this Labor Day weekend.
"End of Summer"

Around the World...

2011-09-02T01:47:00.000-04:00

Below is a an article about a speaker for our club. This meeting happened a few years ago, but I thought it was very interesting to hear his story. I hope you like it.

The Kiwanis Club of Marilla was the host to Ken Frey this past week, who spoke of his life-changing trip around the world with his wife Cheryl one year after they were married. Many slides were shown during Frey’s talk, which really brought the adventure right into the meeting room. Most of the pictures were taken by Cheryl. The trip changed from “we hope to some day...” to a reality after they mentioned their goal to a 94-year-old friend. He advised them to do the trip instead of talking about “someday,” and they realized he was correct. So they worked very hard to save money, purchased a 39-foot boat which they got sea-ready, christened it Hanna and left for their journey July of 1991. They began the trip along the Erie Canal, actually being pulled by a mule for part of the distance. The outbound route went along the Eastern Seaboard, where they encountered some extremely bad weather which gave a sudden reality check for these novices’ voyagers. Tying yourself to the various parts of the boat was extremely important in bad weather.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) were not widely available for navigation at the beginning of their trip because not enough satellites were connected to the system. The original navigation method which they used was Celestial Navigation-using stars, the sun and a sextant to pinpoint their location. Toward the end of their trip, as technology advanced, a GPS was used which gave their actual location within 100 yards.

Fresh water while traveling on the saltwater Oceans was an important supply, and very hard to acquire. They did use a reverse osmosis system to convert water from salt to fresh. Showering was done with buckets of salt water, lemon Joy soap and rinsing with a precious small amount of fresh water.

They paid $300 to spend an entire day traveling through the Panama Canal toward the beginning of their journey, and in the canal they were dwarfed by large freighters.
Freighters were one of their concerns during the trip, since their size vessel might not be seen by a large ship. Even during the night, they would need to check the horizon every twenty minutes to watch for approaching freighters.

They decided that all of their stops would include a request from the locals to see any regional waterfalls or churches, sometimes these waterfalls really were large and powerful, sometimes the water barely trickled down a hill. Many of the churches were still being used, but some were overgrown with vegetation.

All the residents they came into contact with around the world were very welcoming to them; they were fascinated by their story and by Cheryl’s blonde hair and blue eyes-features none of them had. The children of the world especially were excited to meet them. The life they saw was a simple life for the natives, fishing, visiting with neighbors and making beautiful carved items and cloth. Many times celebrations were held in their honor because they choose to visit.
Because of the kindness shown by so many strangers to them, Frey has never charged a fee to do this presentation-it is his way of passing on this kindness.

A ham radio was their main source of communication, and it was very comforting to be able to call home to Alden New York from anywhere in the world. This was especially good when they would travel very long distances with no sign of life either in the water or the skies. Their longest stretch of this stark alone-time was 24 days on their way to Easter Island.

Many languages were used during their 4-year trip, their Spanish and French were passable, but other languages like Portuguese and Indonesian were more of a challenge.

Money was brought in American Currency since this was widely accepted, and in small amounts, with more funds being wired to banks as needed.

Stopping at the Equator, they followed tradition and had a celebration involving silly costumes and drinking a toast to their 94-year-old friend using some Cognac which he gave them.

A son named Gabriel was born to them in New Zealand in 1994, with the local medical doctors very willing to allow Frey to assist in the birth as much as he and his wife desired. This blue-eyed towhead was quickly the hit of the visits to small islands-he was looked upon as a rarity because of his coloring, and many cultures wished that he be carried while still less than two years old, so he had many different hands willing to hold him. They were always treated graciously during their visits to the villages, but this new baby brought a different sweet tone to their interaction.

Because of the birth of their son, they spent about four months in New Zealand, traveling around by car. They also used this time to spruce up their boat and acquire new charts for the rest of their voyage.

One part of their trip included a stop in South Africa, at the time when Nelson Mandela was recently released from prison. The part of the trip around the southern shoreline of Africa was too treacherous to take Gabriel on, so Cheryl and the baby went by car with friends across South Africa and later connected back with Frey.

Surprisingly, they made contact with some of the same people making similar voyages, along their travels, people that they never expected to see again would turn up at another island. These friendships were very important to the Freys.

Their trip continued on toward home, taking four years, covering 40 thousand miles and visiting a total of 28 countries.

They entered the Hudson River, traveling once again down the Erie Canal, arriving at Crawdaddy’s Restaurant in the Buffalo New York Marina to a large contingent of family and friends.

Their family now includes four children, and someday, maybe they will take another trip and share this adventure also with the members of the Kiwanis Club of Marilla who very much enjoyed this exciting account.

The times thay are a changin'

2011-08-28T11:07:00.000-04:00

I am of that age. You know, when so many of your friends and relatives are the same age and having serious health problems.
We have friends and relatives beyond count having "replacements", knees, hips, and not a week goes by that we don't hear "have you heard about..".
At supper, SSon says our prayer, asking God to "watchover", and lately the list is unfortunately long.
The father of my children, I guess he would be SX using my naming process (S for sweet, and then their relationship), who has been having health problems for thirty years has been giving the unfortunate words "nothing we can do for you" in regards to his heart health. Devastating for all. He has a very devoted wife, who makes sure that he gets the best health care possible, but not even that worked out for this man who is genetically programmed from both sides of his lineage to have heart disease and diabetes. And with these two diseases-one aggravates the other.
My SKids are taking it differently. SS is so stoic, but bears careful watching for when the barrier comes down. And, while we have been editing our updates to him about his father's condition, we have had to give him more info lately. And his quick hugs to all go a long way. What a gift he is.
SDaughter always wants to fix everything, so she is frustrated and tearful, and still she is offering to help in any way with driving SS or anything to pick up the slack from her father's former involvement-starting with last night, when she went with him using her fathers ticket to the Buffalo Bills Football game. She is not a football fan, could have spent the time with her hunny, but she did what was needed-without being asked. What a gift she is.
Some might wonder why this is such a hard time for me-the ex. But, we were married for 24 years, and while we were lousy spouses to and for each other, we are very good friends now, along with our spouses. If we did not have shared Skids and a SGrandson, this closeness might not have formed, but thankfully, it did. As I have mentioned here before, his spouse and I consider ourselves sisters.
If you are the praying type, please say a prayer for SX, thanks.
So there you have it, aging sucks. And yet, it is still a gift.
And here is a song to remind us, we are there for each other:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DBl5gAs6WI&feature=related

Ungrateful wretches!

2011-08-12T17:24:00.002-04:00

Chipmunks, who needs 'em? Not me, that is for sure. One is a little cute, but now we have way too many. They are destructive little brats. I let them eat the dropped bird seeds that the selective birds pull out of the feeder while they are looking for the perfect sunflower seed, and that is not enough! They jump from pillar to post to get to the feeder and just sit there filling their cheek pouches. They look like a 'munk with the mumps when they are finished. Then they start on the bulbs. I have planted many bulbs here over the years, and at first it was only the adorable bunnies that gnawed on the bulbs. But then, the chipmunks realized that there were bulbs in "them thar" flower beds. They dug them up, chewed on them, leaving a big mess and no soon-to-be-flowers for me.
But, they have made their final assault, this means war.
In a previous post: DuBois flowers I told you all about the special plants/bulbs that I found and planted in memory of Matka. I watered them in the spring and summer drought times, a few times I had to "tuck" them back into the soil and under the mulch because they were "toyed" with, but they were still doing good.
BUT, last week my SHusband told me that I better look at Matka's tree and the plants. Well, I'll be a (deleted). Not only did the chipmunks dig up the bulbs, but they ate them, and then to celebrate, they dug a tunnel to China in the middle of the area where the tree is planted. SH said I better do something about that to keep air from getting to the tree roots and killing it. Are you kidding me? Those guys ate the bulbs and put the tree at risk!!
So, I went out with all my tools and went to war. I filled in the hole, put a rock on top, redistributed the dirt and the mulch and made it look nice..........and I added a package of mouse poison.
I have not seen less chipmunks, but the area has not been messed up, except for the wee tunnel dug ........................
I hate Chipmunks.
And to push me just a little bit more, yesterday morning they left a half eaten bulb on the front step. That was my "horse's head in the bed", I tell you.
Next step-put red Cayenne pepper in the bird seed-they say make the food source bad, and they will go away. I tried this before with squirrels, and it worked, so lets hope that what is good for one rodent is good for another!
p.s. don't tell St. Francis of Assisi, the patron Saint of Animals on me. I will have to ask St. Fiacre, the Patron Saint of Gardens to side with me.
Read all about him here:
St. Fiacre
He was a nice Irish boy who had a killer skill with a spade. His Feast day is August 30th. I better be out working in the gardens if I expect him to help me.

Today

2011-08-08T08:43:00.000-04:00

Purple for Matka

2011-08-04T23:40:00.000-04:00

Rose of Sharon opened just in time in memory of Matka.
Purple was her favorite color.

For you.

2011-08-02T18:54:00.000-04:00

In the absence of a post, I am giving you this gift. A wonderful song, a wonderful singer, and scenes from Rome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkWmm5zNhDY&feature=fvsr

I will write when I can...................

PGS

2011-07-24T14:11:00.000-04:00

While listening to a very inspiring homily at mass today, the question was put forth: "What would you ask God for", money and cars were mentioned, etc. But of course none of that stuff lasts.
I immediately thought of my answers, but I also know I would forget it in 5 minutes, so I came up with PGS, as in pigs. PGS would be easy for me to remember because I am a newbie to angry birds on my cell, and am stuck on level 21 of the first set-for three days for goodness sake.. The object is to kill 3 pigs who are barricaded under wood, metal and glass, using kamikaze birds, of different sizes and skill sets. Do not, I repeat, do not start playing this game. Last night was one of my now very rare sleepless nights, and there I was, trying to annihilate pigs.
I passionately digress. Mea culpa. Deep breath, move on.
So listen, in my thoughts about asking God for something, I choose PEACE, GRACE and STRENGTH.
Peace for living with all my choices I have made in my life-good and bad, who I am, how I live my life and what I wish for others.
Grace for my much needed skill: to exhibit Grace under fire, as I have written about here before.
Strength, for all the twists and turns that life holds, for the ability to serve others with out it making me look good, and to except every day as a gift-from God.
'Nuff said.
I wish you Peace, Grace and Strength also my SFriends, if that is what you want.

Here is a Peace song for you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcMw5UGFCGE

And, this is something not peaceful. an image of an Angry Bird:

Now, wipe that out of your brain, and look at this, very peaceful:

See, Peace is achievable!

Bikes and Blooms

2011-07-22T21:43:00.000-04:00

There is a small town in Western New York named Clarence. Some of you might know of it because it is the location where Flight 3407 crashed. A tragedy in a very tight knit community.

This summer, those who live in this very old, quaint, community of lovely homes-in the exact area where the crash occurred, decided to decorate the front of their homes and businesses with bicycles and live plants. They are really beautiful and creative.

Here are a few pictures of that "4 Corners area":

These are actually two stationary bikes in front of a gym!

This is a "twofer", one also on the porch to the left.

This one above looks like a bridal bike, all white..

Tucked into a flower bed.

I must apologize for the blurryness of the photos. I have been taking most of my pictures with my cell lately, and when I zoom in, they are lousy. I really need to start bringing my regular camera when I know I will be doing these type of photos.

Don't give up on me, I will do better, promise.

Life Notices........

2011-07-19T09:51:00.000-04:00

Do you read Death notices and Obituaries? I do. That is why I think of them as Life notices, they try to capture a person's life.
I started reading them in my 20's, I don't know why. As the years went on, and I was involved in patient care, I read them for info on people I had cared for, still later, I read them because I was involved in a ministry that sent mailings to shut-ins, and I did not want to make a mistake and sending a cheery note to grieving families. And now, it is part of me, I read almost every death notice and obit and memoriam notice., in every paper that I read.
There were so few pictures with the notices in the old days, and a lot of obituaries.
In case you don't know, Death Notices are paid for by the family of the deceased, charged by the line numbers, and include everone that they are related to/spouses and details about services. Obituaries are considered a news story, put in by the newspaper, with input from the family as needed. As a news story, they can put in what they want, so if you ever did anything famous or unfortunately infamous, they can include that also.They also include survived- by information, not spouses of their childrens names, just their spouse and/or children. I always thought that was wrong, the spouses of the children are so involved in the lives of that person also. Our paper had a change in policy some years back, Obituaries will only be done on the "creme de la creme", in other words an ordinary person who lived a good life, but did not do anything earth-changing were no longer going to have an obituary published. The decision was made to help the paper be more "efficient".
For people like myself, this was a loss. I liked to read how people spent their lives, what their achievements were, what their history was. I get a lot of information from the death notice about family ties, but that is just the beginning of who they were.
So, for a time, very few obits were published. I think there were a lot of complaints, because after some time, more and more obits appeared, not as many as in the past, but more.
There was an increase lately in the number of pictures that were included with the death notices, they are interesting to look at. Sometimes the family picks a picture of the deceased when they were very young. I didn't use to understand that, but I read once that people want to remember that person at their best-young and full of life. When my father died, his family was in charge of the funeral, and his mother had put a picture on the closed casket of a young kid-maybe 18 or something. I was too dumb and maybe too much in confusion as to if I should mourn him or not to realize that the photo was of him. I had to ask.......................
It says a lot that they would pick a picture of this man when he was a mere lad, they had to take care of him his whole life, so to him he was never a man. Just my opinion, not based on any discussion with them..........
Sometimes the pictures that are chosen make the person look so mean-no smiles, kinda like they are saying "DON'T TAKE MY PICTURE DAMMIT!". I am sure there are a lot of pictures of me with that espression. I like the pictures with hats-today there was a picture of a lovely lady wearing some type of head gear-it could have been a motorcycle helmet, but she didn't look like she "rode", and then I read that she was involved with horse-raising/training, so that is what the gear was. Sometimes, the pictures are of the subject looking off to the horizon. I imagine this was part of a wonderful contemplative photo of someone looking into the sunset or mountains, etc., being very content, at peace.
When my two SStep-Fathers passed away, they published their obits, very nice tribute to them.
When my Matka died, I had what I thought was another good obit. Actually, I had started writing a rough copy of it right after her husband died because I knew I would be so emotional that I would not do it justice if I waited.
They did not publish it.........................
I know everyone thinks that their relatives are special, and I think the same way.
Since her death, I have noticed that some people include the obit info in with the death notice, that way, they are sure to have it published. Some people might not be able to afford this, but we would have gladly paid this in tribute to Matka. I still am disappointed with myself for not thinking of that as an option. Something I could have done better. It will always bother me that this final tribute to her could not have been read.
Until now.
Thank you for being kind and allowing me to post this:

Mary C. Arnesen, 86, born October 7, 1923 in DuBois Pennsylvania, died August 8, 2010. Mrs. Arnesen moved to Buffalo in the 1940’s to raise her family, and lived in the area, except for two years while living near Rochester. She worked for over thirty years as a grocery store cashier and office clerk, most of those years at the former Loblaws and Bells Park Edge.

Her family remembers her as being full of fun, participating in many social and church groups. She loved bowling, having bowled a game of 242 when she was 79; bingo; pinochle, crafts; bus trips with her many friends; gardening; cooking great Italian meals for her family; dancing; crocheting sweaters and blankets for her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; but mostly she enjoyed spending time with her family, still playing on the floor with the youngest ones.

Mrs. Arnesen worked many additional jobs while working full time as a cashier, including waitressing, as a companion for the elderly, and at one point while raising her young family, she operated her own restaurant on Bailey Avenue, “Mary’s Skillet”, where she was known for her great pies.

In retirement she was still very active, and spent many years caring devotedly for her late husband Bernhard during his struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. She held many positions in the social groups which she belonged to and was always available to help when needed for these and church service groups.

She is survived by her sons John and Terrance Connelly and daughters Joan Michalski, Kathryn Merkel and Sarah Kutter and her Sister Rose Reilly.
***********
There she is, an ordinary woman, living an ordinary life that filled her family in an extraordinary way.
And because Matka was full of fun, here is a song that got her clapping and dancing and singing and laughing, I am smiling right now thinking of her reaction:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9FMvfvkBro&feature=related

Meal of a Thousand Ingredients, give or take a few

2011-07-17T18:40:00.000-04:00

We are fish lovers, the favorite used to be fish frys, but to keep SSon and us on a healthy path, those dinners are now as rare as teeth on a hen.
Tonight, I cooked some frozen salmon burgers-sprayed with a CCC (canned chemical concoction) that was butter flavored.
And I made a saute pan chock full of stuff. I started with some olive oil and fake butter heated, and added bok choy stalks/ cut in 1/2 inch slices, and a rough cut onion-seasoned with dried chives and some generic Italian seasoning, and celery seed since the bok choy reminded me of celery, after some time, when the onyons were shiny, (there used to be a creole chef on TV that pronounced onions that way-I wonder what his name was?) I added 3 plum tomatoes cut up, about 1/2 cup of low salt beef bouillon from a carton in the fridge and some pepper and the cut up bok choy tops, cooked a tad more until all were mixed together, then I added about 1/4 c of Splenda to give it a little sweet taste, and I knew it NEEDED something else, so I opened a jar of cooked sweet red peppers, cut up a few and that was it. It simmered just a few more minutes to meld the flavors (I watch way too many cooking shows-that phrase just jumped onto the keyboard).

This is what it looked like:

Then, to make a salad, I used fresh spinach-which I just remembered that I did not wash-yikes, I will have to trust that when the bag states washed, they mean it. I added just a few croutons to make it look like something SS would like, some sunflower seeds and some blueberry flavored Craisens, with just a few splashes of Italian dressing:

The salmon patties cooked up great,

and since I did not make any "starch" SS could have one slice of bread to pretend it was a sandwich.

We (I) play this game, "what is in the dinner you are eating?", and SHusband was able to identify the onions-he is too funny. But SS did really well. I just want him to know that these things that he said tasted good were not burgers and fries. He is really needing to change his entire way of eating so that his Diabetes diagnosis at the age of 40 does not do damage to his body for the next 40 years as his Doc discussed with him this week. This is the time to get his blood sugar down to the normal range (which is not that far away for him now) and he has been so cooperative. His two month checkup showed all his numbers down, so if he continues his diet and exercise, he should be OK.
I am very proud of him not being upset if he can no longer eat certain foods, and especially when he has ice coffee with milk and Splenda instead of sugar and fat filled fancy coffee drinks.
That was our supper tonight, and since my brain is always focused on food, I am already wondering what I will cook tomorrow..............
You need some dessert after reading this supper blog SReader, so here is a salmon inspired video for you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9HCEiZTrpE&feature=related

Flowers in my path

2011-07-15T23:00:00.000-04:00

I like to plant perennials. They don't ask for much, every now and then you need to cut them back because they have spread too much, but then you just start some more elsewhere. They are faithful. And, if you play your cards right, they will not need to be watered. Here are a few flowers in my yard

The first of course, you have seen until today on my header, it is the lupine, you should see how ugly that one is now that it's flowering is finished. Oh baby.

And these we all have seen on the sides of the road in New York State (NYS), they are called Day Lilies, they grow wild here, but these are from what I call my Uncle Jack garden. He was a much loved uncle of mine, he gave some plants to my Matka, and she gave some to me. They grow like crazy, and the past few years, two trees are growing right out of the middle of their bed. They are covered with sometimes 6 feet of snow in the winter because they are right at the end of our driveway, but, they still keep coming back. This year I added some soil, peat moss and a little mulch for them, a special treat because they have been so good to me. I think of them as our personal anniversary flowers when I drive around and seen them everywhere. The explanation for that is because when we were driving through NYS on our honeymoon, they had just sprung open and seemed to greet us everywhere we went, like they were happy for us.

These are of course Daisey's, they seem to be so fresh -hey, maybe that's where the saying "Fresh as a Daisey" comes from? My barberry bush in the background needs trimming, but the color contrast looks nice eh?

Here is a view as you walk to my front steps, astilbes, hostas, daiseys, Iris and Lily of the Valley in the spring.

I don't know what these are called, I had the tag buried near them for so many years, then, we needed to move the plants temporarily, and the tag-all gone. I thought they had the word grape in them, but??? They spread, grow 12'tall, and the buds are only open in the morning, later in the day, when it gets warm, they close tightly. If I find the tag, I will let you know. They really are pretty, and they divide very easily and take well. Hey, while looking up some spelling in my huge "Miracle Gro Encyclopedia of Plant Care", I think this is a Spiderwort plant. Their picture looks like my picture.

Pink something, gee I had that in my brain a minute ago. Is it a Lily too? These are growing in the shade, under our Plum bush that has been trimmed back so many times-it is massive.

These pretty yellow babies were bought just a few short year ago-I like variegated leaves, and they had nice shades of green, then last year, they bloomed, tall yellow flowers, and then this year, they took off like crazy, and I had to cut back easily two thirds of them. They should really all be moved to an area where they can spread and go crazy. They were planted next to a plant that has pretty purple flowers in the late summer-some people call them obedience plants , but my SSister-in-law calls them disobedience plants because they spread like crazy too. They are all over my yard, and I have this policy with them now, I dig up the extras and PUT someplace, not plant, and see if they take-they always do, poor neglected things, and they sprout back up.

These are sunflowers-tricked you, silk sunflowers. On our porch, and did you notice that some of SHusbands rocks moved to the porch. Sometimes when I am walking around and in the house, I need to stop, "IS that a new rock"? I know they have real names other than rocks, but usually rocks are referred to by me as brown, or green, etc. One year, we had real sunflowers growing everywhere, because we had a fun squirrel who thought he should take the sunflower seeds that we put out for the birds and relocate them. I am not kidding, they got over 6 feet tall, we had them tied up everywhere, I wanted to see how they would look. Well, that was a one time experiment, they took all the water from the soil of the other plants in the gardens that they grew in, but it was a fun year when it happened. Now, I pull up those shoots if I see them.

Yellow Lillies, so striking. I am really into yellow and green. Except when I am into purple and pink and blue.
I had some nice Lilacs this year too, I have 4 bushes, two I cut back last year, but the other two came through for me. I tend to like flowering bushes, so we have forsythia, and two beautiful Weigelas, one dark pink, one light pink, I highly recommended them.
I still have some purple cone flowersfrom my SAunt that are just getting flowers now, a purple dahlia that I planted this year, not a perennial, but pretty, gladiolas were planted, but because we had so much rain this spring, the hostas that I have so many of, grew very large and fast, so the bulbs that I planted next to them have grown up sideways??? I will show you if they open. I had some nice peonies that were originally planted by my SMother-in-law, and transplanted by me, very happy to see those flower this year. Our Rose of Sharon-purple, is just starting to get buds, so that is something to look forward to.
Just thought I might share these with you SFriends.

And, here is a sunset for you. Peace, Love, Happiness all.

Good Reading

2011-07-11T16:17:00.000-04:00

Have you read any novel that has made you a life long admirers of the author? I have a few of those authors that fit into that category for me. Today class, we will discuss Fannie Flagg. Some of you might recognize her name from the TV show Laugh In. She was part of the cazy, talented cast that were the original LOL crew. That show also had Richard Nixon as a guest when his handelers wanted him to appear more likeable.......
Goldie Hawn got her big break on that show, as did Ruth Buzzy(ie?o ).They had a family called the Ferd Ferkels or something like that, and if I was usinog my home computer to post this I would have included a Youtube clip for you SReaders. You are on your own for that, consider it homework.
Back to Ms Flagg, she was fun to watch on Monday nights for all the years that show was on. The correct show title was Rowan and Martin's Laugh In.
Years go by, a novel comes out entitled Fried Green Tomatoes, by Fannie Flagg. I actually did not know it was THE Fannie Flagg. Great story and then, one of my favorite movies. I have read all of her novels. The Christmas themed story was especially well done " Redbird Christmas ". Just before going away on this little "R.and R"trip, I went to. BORDERS for some Anniversary gifts for my SHusband and some extra books for me. I picked up "I still Dream about You "by SFlagg. I am already sucked in to the story. Hope you can read it and go away from your everyday for just a bit.
Y

A kind man, and..

2011-07-03T19:16:00.000-04:00

He was a kind man our Brother-in-law Bud. Now, he is at peace, living in the good life's reward that he strived for on Earth.
His 81 year stay here ended on June 30th, surrounded by his devoted wife and 5 loving children.
He was always willing to do for others, with a smile, never a complaint, never a criticism, always wanted to make things good for all. He worked full time, and also owned/managed apartment buildings, did all the work, remodeling units often, with his dependable wife working at his side. He built two of his houses, and said he was going to stay in the last one until he died, shy just a few days at the end, he achieved that.
He shared all the work that he could with his adoring wife, especially during big family meals, he was known for many special dishes, but the one that I am reminded of was his Carrot Cake. I was always proud of my carrot cake, proud until I tasted his, then I stopped making mine-no comparison to his.
He was calm, never heard him raise his voice-except to sing-Imagine him singing to his wife on their 50th Wedding Anniversary. All present knew what a difficult challenge that was for him since Alzheimer's Disease had already invaded his mind. But he did a beautiful job, and as the tears came to his eyes, the applause of those watching wrapped him in their hug of support.
He was a CAR man, loved old cars, owned many, told so many stories from way back to the 40's of his car purchases and adventures driving all over. He was the best man at our Wedding, and he drove us around in his 1953 Hudson Hornet that day. I felt like a Queen from an earlier era.
He was also the oldest son in his family, so that extended family surely feels the loss of this leader.
Because my SHusband's father died when he was 15, Bud took over all the responsibilities of upkeep and remodeling this house that we live in. Every room has his touches in it.
Bud and his Sweetheart loved traveling, and that was their gift to each other. On their last trip to Hawaii, he snuck away, and walked all over to find some material that he purchased and surprised her with when they came home. She had said she wanted to make some Hawaiian tablecloths to remember their trip, and could not find the right material when they were out together.
SH bought every car but our last one from him because he also had a garage for car repairs and sales.
Sounds like many different lives doesn't it? He made it all work, and in the process, BUILT a church with his brothers-the actual building from the ground up, then he stayed on as a Trustee for many years. For many years he, along with two other men cooked a Mother's Day Lunch for over 100 women in town. Soup to desserts, never complaining, he just thought it should be done.
SH said his SMother was very happy that his SSister married Bud, because he was always the most considerate man, opening doors, being respectful and considerate of others.
It was an honor to know him, and a privilege to Love him.

Here is a story of their love:
http://sallysramble.blogspot.com/2010/02/this-this-is-love.html

Loop-de-loop Lupine

2011-06-26T01:07:00.000-04:00

This was my Lupine plant a few weeks back.

I planted it last year, no blossoms. Then, I forgot about what it was.

This year, the leaves/stems started growing like crazy, and I did not know what to expect. One day, I noticed that the stems were laying on the ground, I propped them up with a wee little metal fence, and as Jack Paar used to say, "I kid you not", the blossoms started growing within days, like little pockets, then they opened up and this beautiful color appears. I had 4 large flowers within a week.

One day, it rained a lot, and the large flowers went from shooting for the stars to looking for worms-they hung down from the force of the rain and the weight. Notice at the end/bottom of the flower, those little pockets are white-they are the new growth, and they are already, within hours of falling over,

turning up towards the sky. Fastest growing plants ever.

Now, maybe you master gardeners knew that center flower was upside down, but I think those of us who are simply amazed at it's beauty

are just too in awe to bring it to the attention of the Lupine.

I needed to ask a SFriend who knows so much about flowers,

to tell me what it was named.

Now, I will remember.

As I said, this photo was taken a few weeks ago, now the flower has small, long, furry pods where the beautiful purple pillows were. I need to look in my book to see if those are seeds that I should allow to fall to reseed or just trim off.

I just wanted you to see this beautiful plant-you deserve

some pretty in your life today SReaders.

And for your patience with my little flower story, here is a portion of a Jack Paar show-with Richard Nixon playing the piano.

Only here folks can you be so amazed. No charge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-ihI5_Vg6A&feature=related

What do you mean "Who is Jack Paar?", what do you mean "Who is Richard Nixon?"

Go to bed little kid, way before your time eh?

LOVE, Time and Respect

2011-06-24T13:17:00.000-04:00

Love, Time and Respect, put it all together, and they spell "Happy 50th Anniversary" to my Dear Cara Sorella#1 and Her Wonderful Husband. Here they were then:

Here they are now:

They are always the first to help each member of their families with ANYTHING. Work, Support, Guidance, Role Models, you name it, they did it, never complaining, just looking to see whom else they could support in any way. They are active in their church, and I think that is what really gives them what they need to sustain all their goals.

They have 3 accomplished, kind children, 5 incredibly adorable, smart grandchildren, and a family on both sides that admire them both. May the gifts they give to others come back to them everyday in blessings.

Here is our family picture on that wonderful day:

And here is the age run down on this day in 1961: Bride 20, Groom 22, Mother of the Bride (Matka) 37!!!!!, back row/left SSister #2 18, SBrother#1, well, have you noticed that I cut and pasted him into the photo? He was off serving his country in the Air Force, so this picture was taken 7 seven years later when he was 26, SBrother#2 14, Me 13. The man in the front-left is the father of us kids, maybe 40.

My God Bless them and their marriage for another 50 years. Love you so much.

Gee, how come?

2011-06-23T15:49:00.000-04:00

Gee, How come some people treat others so disrespectfully?
Today I was at the local grocery store. The store is not too large, so while making the rounds, you sometimes see the same people as we weave in and out of the aisles. This happened today with two couples-male and female.
Couple #1 were both in their maybe 80's. He was pushing the cart, she was choosing items and putting them very tentatively into the cart. Sometimes he said nothing, other times as she worriedly looked at him, he told her that was wrong, put it back. No kindness in his tone. Sometimes, she would place her hand on an item and look at him for guidance. He would say, I don't know, you should know. When I was coming down another aisle, he made an abrupt turn, almost colliding with another cart and me. He very pleasantly joked with me that the aisles are too narrow-he was correct, but he treated me, a stranger very politely.
Couple #2 I encountered in the area where you choose which cashier lane you will go in. They were in maybe their 60's. He was telling her over and over which lane to put the cart into to queue up. But, she wanted to get a few more items she said, he said no, that is all we are doing, now get in that line-very roughly. He continued negative comments to her even while he placed the items on the conveyor belt. The items were placed very precisely, if they wobbled when the belt moved, he methodically aligned each item again, still talking to his wife.
So, here I am judging and wondering again. I wonder what the situation was with Couple #1? Was she having memory problems, and could not make proper choices for items that once gave her no problem? Was he not used to going with her to the store and felt out of his element and needed to show resentment to hide his lack of knowledge for grocery shopping? Was he always so domineering? Was she always so tentative to make her choices freely? I don't know, I am outside of their lives, do not know what brought them to this place. I could only see that they both were unhappy and stressed. It saddened me greatly.
Couple #2 made me mad, why were all the decisions his? Why did he need to continue to beat the dead horse? And, why is she taking that constant assault on her self respect?
Again, I do not know what their dynamics are outside of that store, that day, I only know it was hard to listen to for me.
Life is short, life is hard, life is a gift, relationships are gifts.
Please let's try harder not to always say negative things to those we hold so close. It does not all roll off the back,sometimes the constancy of the statements start a fissure, and all future unkindness sink in to fill whatever space was formerly occupied by who we felt we were. I think one of the main reasons I had so much difficulty in my first marriage was because the statement "I was only kidding" was used to defend cruelty to all family members.
My accusations and advice are finished. I need to make sure that I can also not be accused of doing the same things.

Comment away

2011-06-16T12:51:00.000-04:00

Hi all, it has been mentioned to me that readers have not been able to post commens to my blogt. I found out today that it is totally my fault. When I switched over to a new editing format, I did not enable comments again. I thought it was automatic. I know, that's what I get for thinking.

Here is me today:

And here is something for you to listen to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCmUhYSr-e4

I love this song, have been known to sing it, and it fits me perfectly today.

Hello my friends...

2011-06-14T13:48:00.000-04:00

I know, I know, where have I been. Everywhere, no where, ups and downs. SO here is something beautiful to listen to as a present for you until I can do a proper post.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gORWrElG1ag&feature=related

It is MEDITATION FROM THAIS - J.MASSENET (GH.ZAMFIR)
SHusband and I were searching for a "just right" prewedding song to have all attending listen to before the ceremony began. A few weeks before, I was driving the car, listening to WNED the classical station, when this song came on. SH was at home planting the Tulip Tree that I gave to him as a wedding gift. We wanted to plant it early so that he would be available to water it for a few weeks. We ran out of peat moss in the process, so I made a peat moss run. Found it, was returning home when I heard this beautiful meditation. I zoomed home, screeched to a halt and beckoned SH to quickly come listen, he did, and he caught the title. That night we went to Borders Books and Music, were able to order a tape of it and then made a copy for our master tape to be played before our wedding.
I hope you like it.

Ever feel like someone is watching you?

2011-06-07T15:16:00.000-04:00

Ever feel like someone is watching you? Well today while I was doing some computer work, SHusband said very excitedly "Look at this"!!

I looked and took a few pictures so you could see also:

He is a Pileated Woodpecker, not usually seen at our feeder, and he did not fit very well, but did manage to grab a few morsels. SH and Boo-Boo Marie were amazed. SH said that while he was lying down he heard the PW's call first, and wondered why the sound seemed so close-when he sat up he was very pleased. Here is that sound and a good look at them, they are about 15 inches long:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwFMcutDt2o&feature=related
My pictures are not very good-they were taken from the opposite end of the living room, through the window screen, I didn't dare try to get too close or wait to zoom my cell phone-these needed to be taken now. Nice diversion for an afternoon.

And here is what I am watching while I drive through my town:

Some hay has been sown after the fields were turned over, now grown and cut, will sit like this for a day or so then turned over to dry and then a big machine sucks it up, compacts it into a block or roll and spits it out for another machine to gather up. I like living in the country so that I can see this process and can appreciate the long hours and days that it takes our farmers to produce our country's bounty. And I also get to see little baby sheep and goats and cows toddling around. Life, ain't it grand. I need to make sure that I appreciate all the good things around me, sometimes I get caught up in planning, doing, and my brain is going a bizillion miles an hour to do what I think I do best "seeing the big picture", well, the big picture is sometimes really small out a window and needs to be part of my daily "to-do" list.

Mighty May

2011-06-01T20:18:00.000-04:00

May, the month of birthdays and all things that tweak your being.
Here are few pictures from May:

Me and my SDaughter, I brought her some lilacs from my fairly new bush, and put them on the car dash so that I would not forget to give them to her. While in having lunch, the sun moved to the dash and whitered away the beautiful French Lilacs. But she smiled anyway. We both have May birthdays

SD and her Godmother, my cara sorella-whose daughter/ my SNiece has a May birthday.

I did not take this picture, stole it off of facebook. It is my SNiece and her handsome family-she also has a May Birthday and her adorable brother and his wife/my SNiece and SNephew both have birthdays and her kind brother-in-law/my SNephew, married to my SNiece has a May birthday(the same day as my daughter).

A precious picture of my SBrother#2 and his adorable granddaughter at her 1st Holy Communion this month. Her brother has a May birthday, and her uncle/my SNephew/my SB#2's oldest son has a May birthday .

Mother's Day: Me, SD, SS-I-Law (SD's stepmother)

and SD's Mother-in-law to be-they are all generous and kind Ladies to me. All but the lady on the right have May birthdays-but she is right on the cusp in June.

We had our "Ladies Lunch" in May, and the Sweethearts above with me were joined by the sweetie below who scampered out before we got our picture taken She was on her way to Washington D.C. to attend a Venetian masked ball at the Italian Consulate. We live through her and her adventures!

At SGrandson's May birthday party-we watched the Celtic singers- a bunch of good looking Irish boyos. Do you see SD's sig other-he put up with the ladies watching it twice.

Hey, it was raining, he couldn't run outside.

And here is the cuttin' O' the cake, with the knife pulled out by SGs SGrandma Ellie. She was next in line for her birthday, so she got to do the honors.

Cake, design as requested. Good job TOPS Markets.

In May, SHusband received this quilt from my SSister#2, far away. Her daughter and grandson/my SNiece and SNephew also have May birthdays.

When I put it on him, you know who had to stay tucked in.

She did a beautiful job sewing this, as always.

Hey, see that thing near SH's head? It is actually a brace/bar thingy that fits under the end of the couch and when he wants to get up from the couch, he pulls on this for some help-it works,

so if you have someone you know who needs a little bit of help-

we got this one at our local medical supply store-they ordered it from a catalog, it is called a couch brace.

Our cherished SGrandson.

Opening presents at his party, Soaking wet after a bit of water gun play with his friends in the rain.

And because it just looks so pretty, here is another picture of that cake from the lunch with my SDFriend when we celebrated both of our birthdays.

Also in May, we have two Wedding Anniversaries from our Generation 3 kids.

The service organization that we belong to Kiwanis International had a very busy month

of service projects and meetings, feels good to do these projects, feels better to be finished for the month.

And, just so that the whole month is not one big celebration, SH got shingles last week and on the last day of May, my parked car was slammed into by a poor dear soul who thank God was not hurt.

That kinda put the frosting on the cake for May.

Another crock pot recipe

2011-06-01T19:15:00.000-04:00

It was very hot here yesterday, so I decided to make a crock pot recipe today to keep the kitchen cool:
3 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
1 cut up onion
1 cut up green pepper
1 zucchini cut into chunks
1 can red beans for extra protein
1 small can of tomato sauce
1 package crock pot chicken italiano seasoning
Stir, cook on low 6 hours, then break chicken into chunks-not shredded.
Add 1/2 bag spinach, stir to cover spinach, turn to high for 15 minutes.
Serve over Ronzoni Garden Delight Fettuccine. (made with tomato, carrot and spinach)
There, now you have the recipe.
Now, burn your computer, this was possibly the worst supper that I have made in my adult life.
The boys said the pasta was good. They said the whole thing wasn't horrible. Does that tell you anything? As I was putting the leftovers into a freezer bag-I wondered how I could throw it away without SHusband knowing?

Well, anyway, here is a happy picture for you:

Leona, a flamingo friend, a big sister flamingo from SH's big sister, and she threw in a duck!

STRHUBARB PIE...

2011-05-29T14:48:00.000-04:00

If you have never made strawberry rhubarb pie, it is really easy and so good to use fresh, fresh, rhubarb. In my case today, I used fresh rhubarb plucked generously from my SSisterinlaw's garden. This is the recipe that I used, straight from "Taste of Home" website.
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Strawberry-Rhubarb-Pie
The only differences: I used 1/2 Splenda, 1/2 sugar and sugar free Jello-entire package (confession here: I only had sf raspberry, no strawberry, hush up, don't tell the boys). I think my pie plate was too big, in the picture with the recipe, the contents came almost to the top. I found a tip for cooking unfilled pie crusts-unroll your crust-because that is how "I roll", place in pan as usual, prick sides and bottom with fork, place a sheet of foil on crust, and pour in your uncooked beans (about 2 cups that you reuse later for more pies)-we all know that step right? But what I learned recently is to remove the foil and beans (very hot) for the last 4 minutes of baking-that allows the bottom of crust to get cooked properly. Oh, and one other little difference, I used the strawberries I had, which came in all different sizes, so I put them in where they fit, you will see that for the demo pie-they had a beautiful pattern on theirs-good luck with that.
Here is my finished product.

I plan to try again tonight to make a whipped cream topping using skim milk and sweetener-very chilled then whip with immersion/stick blender, the recipe says to use promptly or it goes back to milk state. I tried it once, but I did not chill, so it did nothing. I will let you know how it works.

My baby...

2011-05-24T09:58:00.000-04:00

At 11:16 pm, my baby girl was born on this date.
These pictures are of her from her baby book, on the day she was brought home from the hospital.

I really can't believe how many years that has been-33!

She was a very welcome member of our family, and I am eternally grateful that she is in my life. She opened my eyes to so many things, and my ears too, since music is so much a part of who she is.

Thank you SDaughter, looking forward to all that life brings you now that you have made your life the wonderment that it is.

Your travel has not been easy, but then, nothing good comes easily eh? Do you know this "Stones" song-"You can't always get what you want" ? The kicker line is "You get what you need". And guess what, I have this song on one of my Stones' albums, you know a 331/3-those big things that look like a cd? I tried to explain this to my SD this morning when I was wishing her a happy birthday and comparing her to a

33 1/3, and she pretended that she was too young to understand! Pissant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7knIi3LGf4M&feature=related

All those concerts of yours that you performed in, with me crying in the audience, just awed by your voice and participation. And your drive to always start something new and organize it so that it was done your way-you made me shake my head in awe of your bravery to just "Go for it". How strong you are my Moomie.

Your gift of life which I was lucky to have in my life, is now repeated in your son, thank you for all he is to all of us, and you made it possible.

Love you my girl (as Matka would call her granddaughters), and I am so happy that you have your SSigother to hold your hand in this wonderful journey.

Here you are today on this facebook posting this morning-a real woman, successful and happy-isn't that what we want for our kids? Happy Birthday sweetie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGAXxiwxFZk&feature=related

Crabapple, Lily of the Valley and me...

2011-05-22T18:54:00.000-04:00

Crabapple, Lily of the Valley and me...

to go with the new picture in my header, I will tell you that I love the beauty of nature. I have always loved Spring because of the flowering trees that are always so calming to look at. A few years back (12 or so) SHusband and I spent a lot of time deciding which and how many flowering trees we would get. We could not decide, there are so many varieties. So we bought.......... none....

Then about two or three, wait, ....excuse me a minute..................there, that is better, I had to wipe off the cat hairs on my computer screen from Boo Boo Marie's last visit to the keyboard-she loves to step on the keys!

I digress, two or three years ago we bought a beautiful Red Bud tree which I have showed you here, and three lilac bushes have been added to the flower beds around the house, two years ago SH bought me a Crabapple tree. We live not far from a town named Cheektowaga, which is supposed to have a Native American meaning of "Flowering Tree" and the Crabapple tree is the symbol of that town, so they have been really everywhere near where I spent most of my life.

So, here and in the header is a picture of MY Crabapple tree.

I know the Evergreen is not a standard flowering tree, but the Evergreen that we call our grandson's because we planted it in the front yard for him when he was a newborn and it was just a foot high, sure does look like a flowering tree to me-look at the beautiful green tips on the branches. And the Red Bud tree is peeking at you from behind.

And, remember my little suggestion to look for hidden surprises? If you look left, right and center in the picture, you will see chipmunks-a triplet group.

They have been running through that tree after each other, and when they see one of us, they freeze-like if they don't move, we won't see them! I am not a fan of these little guys, they are fine when they eat the fallen birdseed, but they just dug up and ate part of some bulbs that I planted and then chopped the flowers off of the Pansys. When SGS was here this weekend, he took it upon himself to protect my flowers and he would go out and scold them, walk away, and then, they would run back to what they were doing.

I was just outside dividing and transplanting for the last time this year-Daisies. And in the area where I was working were a bizzilion Lily of the Valley plants that were planted over 60 years ago by my SMother-in-law. The smell is so thick, and luckily, not one that my lungs hate. When I was a know-it-all teenager, I used to call them "Muguet des Bois". A nice gift from my SH's Mom. I wish you could lean out my window and take a big inhale for yourself. Below is a wonderful French gardening blog, that gives a nice little history about French Holidays, and the importance of this little flower.

http://www.frenchgardening.com/postcard.html?pid=3104967242182928

When we have had work done on the house over the years, I always point out to the crew where the important plants are that she planted, and to take care around them. These plantings mean a lot to us. When the water lines were put in about 10 years ago, they needed to trim some large branches off our Maple trees, and when they did, areas that did not previously receive much sunshine were suddenly getting some beautiful light. That year, for our anniversary-a rose bush in that area bloomed where I had never seen one before. Very exciting for us, like a message from her. When work was done on that side of the house, I carefully dug up that little bush and moved it temporarily. The following spring I moved it back, and not only is it doing well, there was enough of it to split and leave some in it's temporary home.

SMIL also had some majestic Irises planted behind the garage, and when SH finally was worn down by my requests, he allowed me to have some scrub trees (Catalpa) removed from that area, and after fixing the soil, her Irises took off, I have since split them, and we can see them grow and bloom from our bedroom windows. Funny story, about a month after we removed those Catalpa trees, there was a segment on TV that the red, cone shaped blossom on these trees was now being used in upscale restaurants, and you paid a pretty penny for this dish. Always too little too late eh?

Well, I hope you liked my little flower stories, but really, more than stories grow here, thank you for visiting and sharing some time with me.

Well, it's not like I ask for a lot.........

2011-05-19T13:25:00.000-04:00

Well listen, it is not like I ask for a meowlot, but if you are not going to let me go outside, you could at least cut the meowgrass so that I can track the little brown striped things that run amok outside?

How can I do my meowjob if you don't do yours? And, when you are working outside of my meowwindow pulling pretty green things out of the ground and throwing brown stuff on the green things that you leave in the ground-do not meowtalk to me! I know you mean well, but it is meowaggravating to listen to you and that baby talk you always meowuse when you speak to me! Who meowtold you that I like that? I am a grownup, talk to me like you would any other meowfriend-ooh, rub my ear please, meeeeeeow that feels good, here let me lick your face as a meowthanks. Geez, don't jump away so fast, you could make me meowfall.

And I noticed that you put a pretty thing in the ground near Leona-well, at least you planted it at the right end-if you know what I meowmean.

Now, go cut some meowgrass.

Marilla Orioles

2011-05-17T16:49:00.000-04:00

Recently, my SDFriend had been telling me about Baltimore Orioles coming to her feeders. I have never seen one live and in person, ever. This morning a smidge after 7am I was blissfully reading my paper and sipping my instant coffee-not my usual beverage, but I did not plan well. Out of the corner of my eye, I am always looking at the bird feeders, and all of a sudden, MR. BALTIMORE ORIOLE was on the suet cake. I honestly thought it was a fake bird for a millisecond-the orange is so vibrant. I ran for the camera, first so that I could prove it to SHusband, and then so I could share it with you. By the time I got back to the window, and pushed all the buttons needed to make the shot, it flew away. No amount of whining on my part would bring him back.

We had a busy morning, and afternoon, doing necessary, unexpected medical things, and after SH got up from his little "lay down" on the couch, he looked outside and MRS BALTIMORE ORIOLE was on the suet cake. Happy was the emotion. I brought the camera, snapped a few shots, was processing them to crop, and resize just so you could get a peak,

and then MR is in the house!

Here he is the same way that I saw him this morning.

I cut an orange in half and hung it on the suet holder so that the next time, they will have a little variety in their diet.
Aren't we lucky? Everyday has a little something waiting to make you happy, sometimes we might have to search a little harder..................

See, there, tucked in the branches of life is a little surprise for you.

And here for you, without having to search is where my SDFriend is, who usually has the company of wonderful birds has the company of an angel:

Your gift for today! I bet you are smiling too.

Beauty is there, here

2011-05-11T09:31:00.000-04:00

The last few days have been busy, but as they say, a busy mind is a ....what do they say, oh well.

Start over: Hello SReaders, was your last few days as wonderful as mine? I really hope so, I certainly don't only come here to brag about this, that or whatever. I hope you are thinking of your own life as you read my little thoughts about the ying and yang of my life.

I think the fact that our weather here has been so spectacular, and was so long awaited is what is making me gush so. We had rain, rain, and then because we were good little kittens a touch more rain. Now, we have blue skies, nothing but blue skies, and that really does reflect your inner being when you can be sighingly (new word-feel free to try to pronounce and use) pleased when looking outside.

My bones are not sighingly pleased at this moment, YWNRUSNM (yard work not are us no more, to steal a logo/name from a toy store). But, I do love to see the results, so, weed, plant, peat moss swirl, PREEN, soil, mulch, done. I hereby promise to never make a new flower bed, really, I was mentally imprinting that while working last evening-Tim was there for me to lug a bit-third day for me alone would have been very unproductive.

But, there are other beautiful things all around, here are some of mine from the past few days:

SNiece and her family "were in the neighborhood", considering they live about 50 mins away, this was delightful that they stopped over after dropping off a bingo marker and flowers at Matka's marker, gee what can I call that place? cemetery burial site is not the way to go. But, let's move on. She has two very adorable kids, so our day was really colored by their visit, and hey, she showed her old feeble Aunt how to download a music app, which has led to various adventures in filling up my droid-the Beatles singing "Michelle, ma belle", Robert Palmer singing "Might as well face it, you're addicted to love", I by mistake touched "make this my ring tone", and now when my cell rings, it sounds like a stripper answering service-must change that today. Also, Pavoritti singing "Ave Maria", Dean Martin "Baby it's cold outside", that was a mistake, gotta be careful with the touch screen, I already had purchased Debussey piano pieces-I love "Claire de lune", I also purchased Whitney Houston "I will always love you" which I plan on springing on SHusband when he is reading sometime, but the funny part is, the text under her name is in some Slavic or Russian name alphabet??? How did I do that-just talented I guess.

The ladies after Mother's Day breakfast, I enjoy being with these truly kind women. How did I get to be shorter than all, including my SDaughter?
Lunch at Muscarella Bakery
http://www.muscoreils.com/
with SDFriend celebrating our joint "pretty darn close to our birthday" day. The pieces in the front of the cake were enjoyed by me, and the rest will be "worked on" by SH over the next week-no kidding.

These tulips are from Matka's 80th birthday party.

This is our Red Bud tree-beautiful in Spring.

Magnolia, aaah.

SDaughter and family-how happy to see them. Happy Couple, you can tell.

Look at my SGrandson-couldn't you pinch those cheeks?

This is how SF wrapped my gift-a gift in itself-inside was a bird window hanging thingy, and an inspirational music box which played "Amazing Grace". I am truly Blessed to have her as a friend-we spent the day together, just shopping, talking and it was a nice break in the action for both of us.

They should have an AAA group for shoppers at The Christmas Store. Where do they find these things? And the prices are very, very, nice.

Niece in Maryland, lovely girl, sweet as you would want. God Bless her.

Magnolia from a different angle for you.

Our happy family-don't overlook SH waving in the car!

And, now stop reading my drivel, go look at something beautiful-start with the mirror my SFriends.

Motherly Rambleings

2011-05-07T13:25:00.000-04:00

I could not pick a title for this entry. I did not want it too sound "poor me, my Mom is gone for Mother's Day", I did not want to make it funny or attention getting or prideful. I just want to "talk". I want to say how honored I am to be a mother. Thanks to the generosity of two women who made the sacrifice of carrying children and then giving them up for adoption, my lifelong wish to be a Mom was fulfilled. I knew just how I was going to do everything to take care of these gifts. Of course, that is not the way things work out, you have to learn the role of being a Mom. Heart and desire is not enough. You have to make mistakes, learn and go on. You have to accept that children are NOT lumps of clay that you can mold into your wants, they are their own special composition, and lucky the person who knows and works with that at an early stage. I KNEW that I was not going to do certain things, like say "Because I said so" or "I'm the Mom, just do it". I wish I had a nickle every time I said that during the teen years. I started out so methodically explaining why things are done a certain way, at a certain time, just to be sure that all the info that I had was clear to the kids. That is how the famous blank stare and eye-rolling phase begins in kids. And all the time, I was doing what I thought was best. One child had special needs, one child had a desire to do it all, and every step I took with one pulled me away from the other. How do Moms of so many children cope? Not just physically, but mentally. I was working during most of my kids upbringing-just as my Mom was. I made sure that all their appointments were scheduled on Monday, my day off-I worked at one job where I put in all my hours in 4 days to keep a day available. As we know, children do not all have their needs on a scheduled basis, so changes happened. Sometimes my bosses understood, sometimes they didn't, sometimes I was the boss and did my best to accommodate the needs of Moms.
The part I remember most is the stress to have them to daycare on time, no puking in the car, no last minute diaper change, no problems with old cars, no last minute hissy fits, just so that I could be to work on time-I was never early to work as a young Mom, and anyone who knows me will understand how that also stressed me-I always wanted to be the employee who could be counted on. But, I had children who needed to count on me too, so it was what it was. I wish I knew that helpful phrase back then "It is what it is".
And, after work was a running battle to be at day care before they closed, all the while working at a job that had emergency situations. I tell you, I am blessed that never once did I have an accident or get a ticket on one of those "running late days". It must have been the guardian angel of mothers watching over me.
As the kids got older, and no longer needed outside care before and after school, that was no easier, financially yes, but in all other aspects no. The phone calls to work were always a cause for concern, "she is bothering me", "he is yelling at me", "so and so is fighting with me outside", and my all time favorite "the leg of the kitchen chair broke off". WHAT? a heavy wooden captains chair-the leg broke off, and no one saw it, no one heard it? Oh Lord.
But just as many times as I was stressed, I was blessed, sometimes it was unfortunate that I was only thinking about the worries, and not noticing the great parts, but that is what life is. I have two kids that I love dearly, and now I can say that I would not change a thing about them, lesson learned late, but lesson learned.
I was always trying to make things right, make things good, make things different than what I had as a child-and that is too bad in a way, because I now count what I had with my family as it was as good memories. "Everything is RELATIVE". I am sure it all stays the same from generation to generation, little changes, but basically just the furniture changes.
The thread that pulled all together in the end was the commitment to love. And that is why I am "poor me, my Mom is gone". The more I reflect on my mothering, the more I miss my Mom. She did love us and our kids and grandkids, she did her best, which at the time was not always the way other Moms did things, but better than a lot of Moms. It is so hard to not have her available to share the everyday stuff with. Tonight I am making pork chops for supper, we are not really fans of pork chops, but I won them recently (we have fun here in smalltown USA), and so I am cooking them, and the house smells like Matka's house, and she would have loved to have tasted them, and, and, and.........
Happy Mother's Day to all my SFriends, if you have your Mom, God Bless you and her, if you don't, God Bless you and her, if you are not a Mom, I am sure you helped Moms everywhere in your life, and gave children comfort, so God Bless you too.
This blog was "cooked' over several days, and in today's Buffalo News(paper), there were three articles about Mothering. None are the typical Mom and apple pie stories, but they are all honest, and in the end that is all we have-our own truth.
Happy Mother's Day SReaders.
http://www.buffalonews.com/life/article415440.ece
http://www.buffalonews.com/life/article415448.ece
http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/niagara-county/article416182.ece

A little at a time

2011-05-06T17:03:00.000-04:00

Here are the blossoms, opening a little at a time-each stage is just so important and so delicate, just like life.

Wilma!

2011-05-05T16:32:00.000-04:00

Wilma showed herself today, here she is putting on the feed bag,

while Mr. Goldfinch is warning her not to take too much.

She solves the problem by yelling "hey Lady, better fill this thing up-you are running low"!

Twofer day!

2011-05-03T22:05:00.000-04:00

Hi SFriends, today is "Twofer Day", you get two updates for the price of one.
#1, drum roll please, Willy is BACK.

As you might remember from last spring, a family of birds called Rose-breasted Grosbeaks comes here every spring for a few weeks, they have their babies here and stay and visit for a time. Then the next year, the babies are now full grown

and they return to start the cycle of life again. And today, Willy is back! We give the males the name Willy in homage to Willy Nelson-because of the red neck scarf appearance that the male Grosbeaks have, so then to make things easy, we name the ladies Wilma. This Willy had an extra little white area in his wing when he was born last year-and there it is! Welcome home big guy.

Wilma is brown, same size, with the same strong yellow beak.

This photo is from Bird Watchers Digest online.

She is more shy, so we get more pictures of Willy. Happy day when they come around.

And #2 update,

here are how open the Magnolia buds are-they have not had a lot of warm temps these past few days, so not much progress, but as much as I want to see the bush in bloom, I know that the blossoms do not last that long, so I will savor every day that they are giving me their gift of beauty. Just as I savor every time you my friends check in with me-thanks for stopping in, and if you were here, I would share a cup of lunch soup with you-one of my favorite if you can not have homemade soup:

Gia Russa Kluski Soup!

If you are well or sick-this is the pick! Hey a little advertising jingle!

As promised......

2011-04-30T00:46:00.000-04:00

As promised, here is the next step in the "Grand Opening" process for our Magnolia bush:

There are two yellow goldfinches in the middle-the one in the front is definitely male, can not tell about the one behind him. There is also a purple house finch on the bottom of the photo, and a

"Not sure what it is" bird in the left side of the photo.

Can you see how pretty the colors will be when the buds are open? We lost almost 10 buds in the recent storm, just laying on the ground after the high winds here-even our heavy outdoor chairs were picked up and tossed around . It was chilly here today (40ish), so not enough warm sun to make them want to shed their nice warm outer blanket-maybe tomorrow eh?

ROYAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS

2011-04-29T12:06:00.012-04:00

Camilla here all,

Yes, thank you, thank you, I am beautiful today.

I thought I would show you some family photographs of today's soiree:

As you all know, Kate changed her mind and went with a very simple, plain actually, little dress:

And Willy and his Papa and brother Harry dressed all similar-my man of course stands tall in the group:

Here is a group shot that I aligned:

And in the bright yellow is the Queen Mum:

Must take a rest now, my back is bent from having to curtsy....I always say better late than never.

Lucky Me!

2011-04-28T17:06:00.014-04:00

Today, I am the Happiest girl in the whole USA! And Donna Fargo wrote this song just for me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPUlMC2qETo

I especially like the ending part "shine on me sunshine, skip with me world". And the man who introduces her, very precisely states her name-I like accuracy.

I slept until 8am-rare of rarest , I am sure if I had gone right to sleep last night that I would have been up earlier, so this just averages out.

For Christmas, my SDaughter and her family bought me an extravagant gift-a spa pedicure. I was waiting until I was SURE that there would be no more snow, and that my shoes would be of the summer flavor. When the temp went to 80 degrees this week, I knew it was time to make the appointment. And they were able to take me today! Life is good.

The place is called Blue Spa http://www.bluspaandsalon.com/

Click on "photo gallery" on their website, and see how beautiful it is there. Someone with a great "eye" planned and decorated it.

I started taking pictures as soon as I walked in so that I could share it with you.

See me taking the picture behind the lovely blue stone?

It is a beautifully decorated, serene place, with touches of striking blue everywhere.

A lovely young woman named Stephanie took care of me, and I will be sure to ask for her when I return. She was very polite, serene, did her job well, not distracted by other people or things. Could carry on a conversation without being intrusive. Not once did she have to jump up and answer the phone or leave me just soaking.

Here I am in BLUE water, percolating to start.

Here I am after a wonderful massage of the legs and feet, she knows her stuff, my color is PAMPLONA PURPLE/OPI. I also bought a bottle for touch ups in between pedicures. It is a new deep color.

Do not make fun of my feet, I will have you know that a longer 2nd toe is a sign of royalty!

And did you see my new flip flops from Kohls? I had them waiting in a bag just for this special time.

When she was finished with me, I placed my feet into a foot nail dryer-so cool-I wish I invented it. Then she sprayed me with something to help harden the color, and I dried again. When I was done, she took me for a tour, and OMG, they have a relaxation room for people to sit in before their massages to set the mood-fireplace, wall waterfall, comfy furniture, soothing music, you name it, and it was just dark enough. A large styling area was so beautifully decorated that it would be hard to imagine not loving your "do" when you were done. They had COUPLES massage rooms, and about 15 other treatment rooms. They also had a neat room for a party, tall tables and chairs where you could have lunch, like for a bridal party or any occasion-heck make one up to go there.

The blue and green glass subway style tiles were above the sinks, and they had all kinds of things to drink, I had water-in a beautiful blue glass.

Just before I left, I took these pictures in the ladies room of their wall art:

After this calming 90 minutes, I took the car for an extensive deep interior cleaning, trying to wash winter away from the place where I spend so much time-looked great, but I did end up with a wet coolou because the plastic that they use to cover the newly shampooed seats shimmied away as soon as you sat down. So, there I was, my newly highlighted hair again, my pedicure looks marvelous, in a spanking clean car, and my pants were wet! Talk about a mood killer, a good thing that I was going straight home.

When I got home, SHusband greeted me at the door, and SCat Boo Boo Marie slipped out and eat a little grass and then came back in. It was really funny, about 10 minutes later she burped! I did not know cats could do that, but it was nice to share a laugh with SH.

AND, supper was leftovers-how great can this day be!

Well, if I happen to get a last minute invite to tomorrow's big affair in England, my feet, hair and car will be beautiful, and my coolou should even be dry by then. I will stay close to the phone, who knows, maybe my long 2nd toe will have some pull?

Look at what is coming!!!!

2011-04-27T11:31:00.003-04:00

These past two days of beautiful, warm weather have started the process for our Magnolia Bush.

The bud at the top of the page shows such rich pink color-stay tuned my friends, I will share it live at it happens-and you don't have to get up at 4am to watch it!

Seen in Western New York today....

2011-04-26T19:14:00.006-04:00

Here is what I saw in Western New York (WNY) today:

* 80 degrees on the home digital-ever-so-reliable thermometer

* someone picking up hundreds of Easter eggs on their front lawn-that would be me. I will be reminded of this task tonight when I try to sleep, but my back and joints will be screaming "Stopida Faca Questa".

*a lady in a strapless, super short swimsuit coverup thingy, sitting in the sun, trying for some color, warmth and vitamin D-that would not be ME~!

*someone cutting their grass-not me, no way

*someone wearing sandals-that would be me, which reminds me now that sandals are official, I need to make my appointment for my first pedicure of the summer-thanks to my Christmas gift certificate from SDaughter and her family

*someone driving with their convertible top down, it was not anyone I knew, but I wonder if SD's SSig-other put his convertible top down on his PT CRUISER, sorry, did not mean to shout, but I love that car

*someone putting on a muscle shirt after their shower-that would be SSon, and he tried on a new Sabres bathing suit-can you see him smiling?

(All the pictures taken with my cell have this crappy orange hue since Sunday-I must have touched a wrong setting-sorry)

* a cat sitting in the window, one of many that were open today-that would be Boo-Boo Marie

*someone packing away their Easter decorations, and then of course finding two more that were hiding in plain site, then realizing that there are eggs and an Easter bonnet to be taken away on Leona-that would be me

*someone seeing the sweet face of their SDaughter at our lunch date-that would be lucky me

*someone going back out to plant bulbs and seeds that were purchased and plants that were dug up in the rain at Matka's house yesterday-she told me many times to take some, but I always said some other day-that day was here-that would be me, and thank goodness I had some beautiful new soil to cover it all with. God is going to water them for me tonight, and the next 4 days if the weather forecast is correct

* many people walking and walking dogs and pushing strollers

*someone enjoying a nap near an open window, very content-that would be SHusband

*someone putting out summer wicker chairs and hoses-that would be SS

*someone getting bitten by an insect already on first nice day-that would be SFriend

*someone seeing so many people walking around in tees and shorts, and then buying the summer supply of Sahlen Hot Dogs-3 lbs for the freezer, when they went grocery shopping after supper-that would be me

*someone going to buy edging for newly improved flower beds so that they don't get trampled on while trying to push out of the ground-that would be me

*someone enjoying a wonderful day-it all gets you in a better mood if the weather is good-all full of anticipation for the next season in WNY-that would be everyone!

Welcome Spring, don't y'all go away now you hear?

And that's what it is all about.

2011-04-21T12:12:00.004-04:00

Today is dark, damp, cold, windy, snowy.

It affects your mood, it gets into your bones, it slows you mentally.

It stops you from just being who you want to be.

This winter of the mind and body has overstayed and has just beaten you down.

But then, a glimmer.

But then a view.

And, hope has returned.

Memories are there.

And isn't that what Easter is all about?

New Hope.

New Life.

With strength to face today, tomorrow.

Easter gift for YOU

2011-04-19T12:06:00.006-04:00

Many years ago a co-worker/friend gave me this recipe that she found in a group cookbook. It is now a family favorite. I tweaked a little here and there. I make it most Easter's and give a bunch away-here is the recipe for you-still time to make a batch or 5 before Easter.

Click to enlarge if your eyes are like mine and need BIG print. Enjoy.

p.s. for some reason, my usual formatting is not working, so I can not delete these big empty spaces-sorry.

Oh, grow up, OR....

2011-04-18T13:06:00.017-04:00

I have a whimsical side to me, I love my many Christmas-themed musical stuffed thingys, I put little chatski things of an animal nature all through the house, and for most holidays, I decorate like crazy some say, with my bizillion Easter eggs on our lawn. Some of my blogs are done using the persona of a flower or a cat-so be it, I enjoy it.

I know there are terrible things going on in the word, but we can only fix what we are able to, and we are responsible for the tone of our lives-I do not stick my head in the sand and ignore all the ills of the world, I merely choose, when I can, to do things that make me or others smile, even for a short time. Someone once said I should grow up-said in half jest, and someone said to me yesterday that I have too much time on my hands-of course, this is certainly not the case. But, I have found time to do the things that are important to me.

Here are the recent things:

Notice that the toilet paper is in an antique chamber pot!

And I love that the blue-male birdie has his arm around the obviously adoring female birdee-I bought this a zillion years ago, and SHusband has had to glue it so many times-it is top heavy, and when I kept it on the widow sill, I knocked it over all the time. Now, it is moved to a less accident prone area. Thank you SH for always fixing everything for me! You are a keeper.

Bunnies and chicks are we! In my past life as a ceramic painter-I made the bunnies, and the little peek-a-boo chick is really a salt and pepper shaker-a unique baby shower favor from a SDEARFriend.

Who doesn't have a bunny in their living room-at least this one doesn't leave little presents on the floor.

This is my favorite musical Easter decoration, it sings "In your Easter Bonnet" and bounces up and down-quite happily!

And if you want a really cute rendition of "The Easter Song", check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_y09p-XB_k

This is Leona's Easter Hat-notice her one ear sticks through the top?

Just a few eggs....................

I am a spoiled brat-I was jealous of Leona, and thought we NEEDED this cute chicken and her eggs to improve our yard.

And, since my SSHusband and best friend makes me laugh like no other person, here is an example of him from our SCousins dinner yesterday. Notice he is not easily lifting that bottle of sparkling apple cider-but it was important for him to make that joke-the quiet teatotler made us all laugh!

Do you have joy in your life? You are responsible for your own happiness, it is not owed or due to you-now go out and be silly and happy. You are worth the effort SReader.

Happy Cowbirthday!

2011-04-13T11:00:00.017-04:00

Last week, my SHusband celebrated his Birthday. As the post title states, it was a cowbirthday, and that is because my SSon and I delivered a cow for him. Now the story: SH's family were cheese makers as you may have read here before. We still have the cheese factory behind our house, it was treated to an expensive new hat, excuse me, a new roof last summer, and for many years, SH wanted to buy a cow statue to honor all the farmers and cows that had their milk delivered here for cheese production. When the factory was first built in 1904-the milk cans were delivered by the farmers in horse-drawn wagons, and as the years passed, of course that changed to motorized trucks.

You can read a little more here and see a photo of the cheese factory way back when: http://sallysramble.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-neighborhood.html

About 10 years back when we were on a "rock run" (as in "milk run" where you go to buy milk-see the connection?), we passed a place selling all kinds of lawn art, we turned around and there it was, (cue music) a standing calf-life size, made of cement, painted true black and white colors. SH fell in love. He wanted to buy it immediately-it was pricey, and BIGGGGGG. We decided to wait until we were driving home from our destination to make sure we had room for all his other purchases in the car. We did not. Boo Hoo. And we had to drive right past his little cow on our way home-leaving it behind with all the whirligigs on a stick and colorful cement butterflies and frogs sitting, just waiting for a new home.

SH talked about a cow statue occasionally, but the conversation really ramped up when a few years ago the cheese factory was honored with a historical marker from the town.

Oh, my rooster was crowing then.

Two weeks ago, on April Fool's day, I was doing some spring shopping in town-first at the wonderful, unique Country CrossRoads Store: www.countrycrossroadsflorist.com/

I bought SH a heart shaped arrangement, and soap that looks like a rock! Here is one of the little things which I bought from there to bring Spring to the house:

Shopper needs a gift too!

Then, I stopped at our other gem in town, Marilla Country Store: http://www.blogger.com/www.marillacountrystore.com/and when I was all finished, I found him a cow magnet, and walking out, I saw a COW, a calf really, but you get the idea. It was small, made of cement, and just too adorable. I paid for it, and later when SSon came home from work, we snuck the dolly into the car and went to pick it up. We placed it near the historical marker-that little one was right at home there. Then I called SH on the phone to ask him if he could look out of the window at the cheese factory for a minute-he did and was very happy and surprised.

In subsequent conversations, he decided to name the new arrival Leo-his own middle name. But, being the accurate type that I am, I mentioned that since cows are female, he might want to tweak the name a bit-so he changed it to Leona. So, that is the name of our new family member. Leona's picture was posted on facebook, and many birthday wishes were offered.

For the actual day of SH's birthday, Leona sported a ribbon, cake was served, presents were given and the song was song,

but the real happiness was spending the day together, all happy for this little completed wish.

Sneak preview.

2011-04-09T10:21:00.005-04:00

Camilla here, Please don't boast about it, this is ever so secret, but I have a glimpse for you of the "WEDDING DRESS" to be worn by the future Queen-oh of course she will be Queen one day, we all know my Charlie is to be passed over, or picked so late in his dotage that he will not truly reign supreme.

Well, no matter, here is the gown

Isn't it lovely? Do you see the train in the back? I only wish, well, no matter, here is my creation in progress, sure to be a scene stealer:

Stop back and we will have a lookie at what the MIL will be wearing, what would look nice with a a hat and a purse?

Twenty years and counting.....

2011-03-31T09:20:00.013-04:00

As promised, here is the story, mostly with pictures of the Ceremony where SSon was honored for 20 years of service to his employer. He works in a sheltered workshop which provides him training for his jobs and support as needed as he goes through his day. He does various jobs, and I have included pictures of his work site. Attending were me, the proud Mom, SHusband, SSon's SDad and SStepmother, and SSister#1-filling in for SDaughter who was working that day.

It was a very emotional day for me, thinking of the past, how far he has come, the future, what does it hold for him as he will eventually transition to a group home setting-a phase that I am honestly not willing to even discuss yet. And also the largest part of the day, was happening right there-all these workers being joyfully celebrated for their great accomplishments against so many odds. 50, 100 years ago these workers would not be workers, they would be "put away", away from family, away from friends, away from "the view" of the oh so gentle public-but NOT TODAY BABY. Today, they and their work are celebrated for what they are and did! Hooray for all of them, especially our SS.

The place was so decorated to reflect a celebration,

large welcoming signs, steamers, glittery flowers a lineup of certificates and trophies, and a DJ-the same man who plays for the annual Christmas Party-which SS loooooves attending.

They started off with the usual welcoming remarks, but is was all about honoring the workers-no blah, blah about the business itself. These staff are dedicated to the workers, and they show it. Imagine if all employers treated their valued workers so wonderfully?

SS was wearing a shirt with his picture and some words celebrating his accomplishments-the picture is actually from his employers website-stolen, um, I mean borrowed by me for the family albums.

The music began, a theme of songs like the triumphant workout song for "Rocky", the audience was pumped up and the participants were actually bouncing up and down while waiting to be called. Then, each honoree was called out individually, with positive remarks about each, to a great round of applause. I have never been so proud of SS, and in honor of Matka-who was so supportive of her family, SSister#1 and I screamed a wee bit for SS!

Family was invited forward to pose with each recipient, and when family was not there, many times members of their group homes and staff members posed with the emcees-these people were never alone.

A group picture was also taken of each milestone group, 5 years, 10 etc. And, one individual was honored for being there 40 years-when the program, first began. And if this was not enough of a celebration, a fish fry was served to all attending-like it was custom designed to be SS's favorite day. Cake that was from a local well-known bakery, specializing in wedding cakes was provided, and that was the topping of a perfect day.

A Picture was sent as it happened to facebook, which generated many loving and supportive remarks. And that night, there was a message for SS from his best bud, who lives in a group home and was told of Tim's accomplishments by a fellow resident. Very sweet. Matka was there in the form of her favorite ring, thank you SS#1 for thinking of that, and that was another reason for tears of all sorts.

In parting, look at this smile-a man happy in his life.

Delightedly Solarized

2011-03-29T12:59:00.006-04:00

Doesn't one feel ever so much better when kissed by the sun?

Delightful, simply delightful, and now I am really starting to come into my own beautiful self in time for "THE EVENT". Who made the pronouncement that the person wearing white is the center of the universe! Why, just look at my splendid presentation.

Charles, are you listening to me? Charles?

A Seedastrophe..

2011-03-26T08:54:00.008-04:00

Yesterday was a wonderfullybusyday.

SSon was honored at his work site for TWENTY years on the job. I took a zillion pictures and even a video, but have not had time to download them all yet, and will do a longer post when I do have more time. Here is a teaser:

On the way home, I stopped at a large branch of a local grocery store for a birthday card for my brother-which I was in a panic over the night before-and I of course remembered after buying it that I had my month's confused-the end of March was coming, not the end of April. I sometimes am so trying to be organized that I flipped a month. Do you ever do that? Well, now I have his card-tick that off the list. I was also looking for parakeet seed. We have 5 and they are suddenly in an eating frenzy-must be an internal clock-rite of spring response. They ate us out of house and seed, so I was on a mission before we went home. And....that store did not have any seed for parakeets-just 20 lb. bags of outdoor bird seed. So, I bought some more "wet' food for the cat and left. Store #2, large chain drugstore, no parakeet seed, but I did pick up another item for our upcoming Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast/Basket Raffle. Store #3, another branch of a large drug store chain-no seed, just came out with two hands full of frustration.

Store #4, small discount store, they HAD seed, not a brand name, not sure if it was nutrisishy enough, but got two bags for an emergency backup, and these two pillows, the dragonfly and the sunflower-it is still snowing here and was 16 degrees yesterday morning-I need a little spring-right this very minute (can you hear me singing?):

Finally, we took SS for a "ride home" celebratory Tim Horton coffee-if the weather was nice, we would have taken him for ice cream, but he does love his Timmy Ho's coffee, so he was happy.

Went home, a verrry weak SHusband made his way to the couch. But, he was so happy for SSon, he said it was all worth it. I sat in a chair for 15 minutes, ignoring the unmade bed, due to us leaving so quickly that morning, the unwashed breakfast dishes, and just sat thinking of the day.

Next, off to my hair appointment, and while there, all my SStylist's family were talking about the Mega Lottery, worth 350million bucks! I do not usually buy those things, "scratch-offs" yes in memory of Matka, those SS and I buy, but I decided, why not, so I went to my local branch of the first store I went to that afternoon, and bought $10. worth of Megamillions tickets. I hope I don't forget to check them now. I also bought two bags of the bird seed that I was looking for-Hartz Bountiful Parakeet Seed. AAAh. Mission accomplished.

Then, while driving home, it snowed like crazy. Stop. Please. Now. I will give you some seed if you stop.

And when I got home, dishes were washed and SH was making the bed. The person who always worries about me doing too much for him, was doing too much for me.

Hidy Ho all..

2011-03-24T08:44:00.004-04:00

My name is Camilla, I hail from Britain, not very welcome there, so uprooting, and moving here to a friendly little serfdom for a short time.
I am preening for an upcoming little family event, so I have pulled out all stops-even demanding a diluted taste of that exotic drink coffee, watered a bit, every fortnight to make my blooms ever so loooovely.

Here is the beginning now:

I DEMAND your presence here on a regular basis!
Excuse me, it would be ever so nice to have you attend here frequently.

Tootles.

Wait, Where is my horse, where is Charlie?

Family is spelled...

2011-03-21T09:29:00.015-04:00

Family is spelled, T I M E. You need to spend time with each other. Not fit-in time, but nice calm, relaxed, "in the moment" time.

Yesterday, the four local sibs enjoyed soup, desserts, misc and each other. The nine of us were so happy and the sun was shining, and everything that was made and brought from near and far was a hit.

This is a napkin that SSister#1 gave us for yesterday:

SS#1 and her SHusband made "Beans and Greens" soup (at 7:30am that morning!), a Wegmans's recipe, and really what family with even an ounce of Italian blood in them doesn't like beans and greens eh? And SBrother#2 and his SSigother (she really) made beautiful, tasty vegetable soup with a zillion different kinds of veggies cooked to perfection. I made roasted vegetable soup-a recipe from Ina Garten/Food Network, it is one of my and SHusbands favorites. For SSon, his favorite soup is canned Campbells cream of mushroom soup-I know, I know, but that is what he likes, and "we aims to please"-one year I made him fresh mushroom soup with all kinds of fungi-he hated it-lesson learned-pay attention to what the kid says!

A Wegmans "Menu" book from the Winter 2011 edition gave me a recipe for a spinach flan-which I changed into a 13x9 pan quiche and cooked about 65 minutes, let set for a few minutes before serving, and it was wonderful-the only change I made was to sprinkle some nutmeg on the top before placing in the oven-I use nutmeg in my spinach lasagna so, why not right?-and it looked so naked with the custard sauce-this made me feel better-all about the feelings eh?

I threw in a "palate cleanser"-2 packages sugar free lemon Jello-made according to directions, let chill for three hours-use a stick or regular blender to make it light and foamy, add 1/2 carton mango type of yogurt-blend a little more, put in a nice dish-I used a glass dish that belonged to SH's SMother, and chill until the next day-just something light when you are eating various flavors at a meal, or in our case to put off dessert as much as possible until SH pleads for his sweets!

We had the most rich, chocolaty cake from SBrother#1 and his SWife-the smell alone was intoxicating. I also threw in a apple cake that has a caramel sauce that you pour over the cake when it is still hot from the oven-and it soaks in-SH and others loooved it, I thought it was too sweet.

We discussed business at one point for a millisecond, and then were lucky enough to see some pix on the TV from a trip to a whale watching-breeding area in the Dominican Republic-so beautiful, the scenery was so many vivid colors of blue and green-you all need to go to the Dominican Republic to see it for yourself. SB#2's SSigO has family there, so we got to "visit" them through these pictures also.

The ladies did the dishes for us-I used to be really mean and insist that I would do the dishes when company left-but I was told a few years back that my guests enjoyed the visit while they were all working together-so I give in now. And I just do a few little things later. I enjoy cleaning for a party, cooking for a party, and the cleanup afterwards lets me think again about the people there that day. A triple-header!
On the dining room table was a tablecloth that SS#2 made-that brought her to the party even though she lives out of state, and on the kitchen table was a table cloth that SMatka gave me long ago-she said it belonged to her mother-and since this is the day of my SGrandma Viviani's birthday-she needed to be here also.
When I mentioned the tablecloths to the family, I was also going to mention that the presence of Mom is inside every one of us at the table-but I couldn't say it out loud. I am sure she heard me anyway.

I put out some spring flower arrangements and displayed only one St. Patrick's Day decoration, and look who found it hanging on the back of the bathroom door:

I love this picture of SS#1, it shows her joy and her beauty.

Here are the recipes that I mentioned above:

*Ina Garten's roasted vegetable soup

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-vegetable-soup-recipe/index.html

*Wegmans Spinach Flan:

It should enlarge when you click on it. Too bad it does not automatically cook it when you click on it-who knows, that could be in the future too!

*Wegmans Beans and Greens:

SS#1 made meatballs with turkey Italian sausage. And used 1/2 of the pasta called for.

Thank you for visiting-I wish I could give you a little taste of the soups, but you will just have to settle for a cyberhug my SFriends.

First Day of Spring, SPRUNG!

2011-03-20T08:22:00.003-04:00

Spring is finally here, it has been much anticipated, and now we begin our journey, new life, new hope, new___________,

you fill in the blank of what you want it to be.

Here are some forsythia for you SReader, the sure sign that Spring is here, even if they are only silk, they are a helper to remind us of the beauty about to be jumping out of the ground and bursting in the bushes and trees. Enjoy!

Words to HEAR...

2011-03-19T09:11:00.003-04:00

In my local paper today was a story containing these words:

"...live while you're alive. All you've got is right now-this breath. You get to choose."

It was a story about Marcy Brenner, breast cancer survivor, first diagnosed at age 34. Two different diagnoses, three years apart, family history, divorces after first battle. Now, her story is a film "Dead Girl Walking." The title comes from a song that she wrote about her cancer.

She now is married for the second time, and travels and performs with her husband in a folk and bluegrass Band.

Read the entire article here:

http://www.buffalonews.com/life/article371046.ece

Those words really impacted me, bang-arrow to my heart and mind at the same time.

Now is all we have, and that is enough if you embrace that time. And to prove it, SHusband saw this out of the window this morning, right after I shared this story with him, a very life affirming, harbinger of Spring, a Robin.

Torn between two loves...

2011-03-16T11:20:00.004-04:00

I am so excited about our family coming over on Sunday for our annual SOUP day, that I am like a little kid waiting for Christmas. Family is so important, and we are all very loving and respectful to the uniqueness of each of us. This is the first Soup party without Matka, and she will be missed but she will be FELT. After all, she is the one who loved us and showed us how to appreciate family times. We all bring some food item to share at these parties, and we try to be good hosts to our valued guests. I am sure there will be pictures to share and many laughs-we try to get in a game of dominoes, but sometimes we just are too busy BEINGWITHEACHOTHER to fit anything else in. Next month, we will be hosting our other side of the family, and I look forward with equal excitement to that party.

So, here is my "torn" element: our lives are going on as usual, enjoying the changing of the season, getting together with family, cheering on the local hockey team, but how dare we with the devastation in Japan? I know, cancelling a soup party will not help them through this tragedy, but in my heart I think of all the mothers who lost children or are watching them suffer from radiation exposure, the wives who have lost husbands, the children who have lost parents, those who have their lives, but have lost all possessions-what a heart breaking overwhelming existence they are living. I prayer for them, I cry easily for them and I wish it did not happen.

My love of humanity makes me what some people call "A bleeding heart". This is true, and while I am not proud of my inability to cope better with the pain of others, I know it is better to have a heart to bleed than to be non-caring for the plight of others.....

Tragedy continues..

2011-03-13T14:20:00.004-04:00

When Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf in 2005, the real damage was caused to New Orleans by the levy breaking and the waters flooding in. The circumstances are similar to the present tragedy in Japan. The first event, the earthquake, 8.9 strength, caused massive damage, certainly some lives were lost in the areas where the tremors were the worst, but the real damage and taking of lives happened when the tsunami came through. Watching the videos on Friday and since, it was obvious that all those buildings, boats and cars swept away probably had someone in them. All the crushing debris then did more killing. I can't imagine how it could be worse.
Then....they are now talking about the threat of nuclear leakage, causing radiation exposure to tens of thousands. And this to a country that already had generational damage from the other source of radiation poisoning, the atomic bombs during World War II. How those who are old enough must be in fear of a repeat of those most painful times.
My heart goes out to all of Japan, and the countries who may have been assaulted by the tsunami waves as they rippled across the pacific rim and beyond. And then, if radiation leakage occurs-it will certainly not be contained within the confines of the local area of the nuclear reactors. Remember when the nuclear accident at Chernobyl happened? The cows in Switzerland were eating grass contaminated by nuclear fallout, and then producing contaminated milk, etc, etc.
We are all one world, so a prayer for them is a prayer for us. Not to ward off us getting their problems, but to share in the pain of our fellow travelers on this small planet.

Chopping d'chop, chop...

2011-03-12T20:03:00.008-05:00

Chopping was a big part of our last few days.

First when I drove SGS here for the weekend, did I tell you that I call him Liebchen? That is German for loved one, anyway, when we got here, Liebchen found a super bouncer ball that we were playing with in the driveway almost

4 years ago-SGS, SHusband and myself. At one point it bounced so high that it went up onto the garage roof-and then bounced into the really big evergreen next to the garage. It was up so high that we could barely find it, and then a huge wind storm came along, chasing us into the house. When it was over, we used some rakes and chopping motions to shake it down, but nothing, nada, zilch. Since then, no matter what wind we had, it stayed tucked into a crook of branches that were holding on tightly. A few days ago, we had another of those high winds they called Moria, and when SGS got out of the car, he found the ball!

It was much smaller, a little dirty, but he found it. I think the shrinking of size caused it to finally slip between the icy fronds of the evergreen branches. We washed it, found an inflating pin, and realized that it did not have a valve in it to add air, so it will not be able to be inflated-it does not bounce, just THUDS. But we have it back, like an old friend we have not seen for a time.

And, before he even took off his jacket, he needed to show his beloved Grampa his latest progress report from school. What must it be like to have a grandpa? How lucky SGS is.

This morning, SGS had his Karate class, and I enjoyed watching it, and believe me, unless you have been in a not so big room with sweating kids, you never knew what joy a ceiling fan could bring! For 90 minutes, he did various exercises, sparring with other classmates, and was evaluated on his coda (think dance routine with screaming periodically), and his karate chops were very strong-and accompanied by a loud shriek "ah YAH!" He was even hoarse on the ride home. He stayed after class to ask his sensai (teacher) about a few moves. When we got home-he was begged to take his shower immediately, and then later he became my sous chef-chopped all the veggies, it was a nice time together. He had never had Swiss chard, and I needed to use the last of it, so he started with that, and even was adventurous enough to eat a leaf and stem piece raw-he noticed the pepper taste that comes as an aftertaste with raw Swiss chard, and then when it was time to add the green tops and raw spinach to the sauteed peppers, onions and chard stalks, he ate about a cup of raw spinach-leafy green R US.

His next step was to taste the soup which I made. I had some leftover smashed potatoes and decided to make some cream of potato soup-some chicken stock warmed, leftover potatoes, cream of celery soup, a few tbsp of roasted red pepper salad dressing for some punch-simmer. He asked if it needed to be tasted- and was given the job-a little cracked pepper and it was pronounced perfect. But, I must say, before he got involved, I had the DIS-GUS-TING job of removing the potato skin pieces-note to self: never make leftover potatoes into soup if they are smashed. Oh puke. I would have been chopped from any cooking competition with these brown pieces floating in there.

After supper with the promise/bribe of dessert, we managed to talk SSon into playing dominoes with us-it was a good time-no hurry, but SHusband was relived to see us finish in time for his nightly news. Dessert was whipped sugar free raspberry gelatin, set for a few hours, that I used a stick blender to pulverize a can of drained Mandarin oranges into, then blend a little longer to add some air and make puffy. Top it with some chopped up pieces of graham crackers, they loved it, and they got some nice gelatin powered chemicals to keep up our quota of artificial foods. When I was in about 8th grade, they mentioned in some class that horse hoofs were used to make gelatin-I was really shocked and would not eat jello for some time. What class would teach you that? There was no class in recycling/repurposing in those days-was it "horse hooves 101" or something?

Next, instead of putting the dominoes away, SGS decided to build some Stonehenge structures, including sleeping quarters for families who lived there while building them. Then he built some super structures that he chopped down. He made his structures for over an hour-no battery or password needed-just using his mind.

Well, we just sprang the clocks that are not electronic forward an hour in prep for tonight.
Teeth are brushed and the Buffalo Sabres Hockey Team are winning-this may have been a choppy weekend-but it was a keeper.

I hope you are making the best of whatever you are doing, and finding peace.

SINGLE BL MALE Looking...

2011-03-08T21:07:00.007-05:00

Apartment wanted:

Single Blue Male looking for apartment to rent or share:

-Must have nice neighbors-who just flew by?
-Nice big place-how far down does this go? -Privacy desired.Is that a cat?

Bunny trails

2011-03-08T10:18:00.003-05:00

We have a lot of bunnies around our house, but really sometimes I think of them as "those wascaly wabbits" because they have eaten so many branches of our burning bushes-stripped them clean. I know.... we live in the country, they lived here first, yadda-yadda. But, "can't we all just get along?"

The deposits they leave behind can be used to help the bushes grow, so maybe that is payment for their meals?

I enjoy looking at the tracks, to see how they traveled here and there in our yards. It looks like a thruway overpass sometimes, mostly the same tracks in the same pattern, over and over.

Yesterday, I needed to go to Matka's home in preparation for selling. As I walked up the driveway, a light snow gave away the identity of the recent visitors-bunny tracks from the yard to her front garden bed and back. In the good old days, when I would pick her up to go places-she was always ready in coat and scarf at the door waiting-and we always remarked on her bunny friend's tracks. Not yesterday.

But, I did enjoy a smile thinking of her and those simple little shared moments.

No tears, just good memories.

Cooking For a Crowd?

2011-03-05T10:51:00.008-05:00

The scratchings at the end of the recipe are mine. I found it works better to split into two pans for this first step. This is from "Tasteful Traditions", a cookbook published for our town's Sesquicentennial Birthday in 2004, which is 150 years from the founding day-and I know how to spell that from my participation during the sesqui celebration. I can not however spell easy things like anything ending in "le" or double "l". Must have missed school that day.

The recipe was submitted by Julia Tait-she is known in town for her great pies also.

This is a recipe that I use if making something for a double, triple meal for freezing or a crowd of people. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken or use 1/2 and 1/2 with beef-make it your own. We prefer it on rolls like egg or potato rolls. Add a salad like cole slaw or mixed greens, applesauce or fresh fruit and you are done. If you are making fresh fruit, you can just mix 2 lemon yogurt with a small amount (1/2 cup) sour cream and stir carefully. How very nice. You must add a dessert, brownies or a fruit pie.

I read a novel about 30 years ago when SDaughter was a terror, excuse me, I mean a behavior challenged toddler, about pioneers and their struggles-and the woman in the story soaked 1/2 cup of raisins in precious red wine overnight-enough to cover, and she covered it with a cloth to keep the bugs out, yikes-I hate bugs. I would not have done well in those days, outside plumbing-bathroom and water from the creek, dirt and dust-unlike my home when I have gotten behind in my cleaning-this is the real dust and dirt, straight from the prairie, no Tim Hortons Coffee mule-drive through, and no computer, well you get my point-I would not have done well. We all would have survived, and maybe if I did not know what I was missing, it would have been fine. But still-bugs?

Back to my story, I almost never have had wine in the house, so I just use any kind of juice-grape is best, soak as directed (not refrigerated) and then add it to your regular apple pie recipe-it really gives it a nice flavor. I have even sunk so low as to add it to canned apple pie filling. Still was a nice touch.

Hope you have a special group of people that you share a meal with, and maybe some of you are at a place in your lives, that what you have are memories of shared meals. That is all it takes sometimes, a life well-lived, full of memories that you can draw on whenever needed. Thanks to Matka, I and my family have a purse full of precious family times to pull out and examine.

Here are "Julia's Girls", named for SGrandma Viviani, a wonderfully dedicated, family, Italian cook: SCooks, SCousins, SSisters and SMoms all.

Squirrelly day

2011-03-05T09:52:00.003-05:00

Today is a little different kind of day for many reasons, but Boo Boo Marie is all hyper-a squirrel managed to go from being a ground feeder to a Rodent Olympian and high jumped up to the bird feeder. Poor SCat was frantic to burrow through the picture window, but it got her juices running for the day.

Flowers are magical

2011-03-02T16:25:00.007-05:00

I love flowers.

I love when people give me flowers.

Sometimes I buy fresh cut flowers just because I love flowers.

Today this Hospice Bouquet was delivered from SHusband, and the flower in the header is from that bouquet.

I share them all with you dear readers.

Here, take this pretty rose. You can put it in your hair, clench it in your teeth and dance, put it in your lapel, or just in a wee glass on your nightstand.

You deserve it.

Salley Gardens

2011-03-02T10:52:00.002-05:00

I am really looking forward to March. A season of green popping through, not just that muddy green when the snow goes away but REAL GREEN, signs of new life, new hope and refreshing of the spirit. In preparation for that, I was looking for an Irish song for you to listen to and I found this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ftjDIarPLY&feature=pyv&ad=5601577943&kw=irish

And the name of it is "Down by the Salley Gardens". Custom made I think.
Enjoy, and thank you for always being there, I look forward to visiting with you each day.

And if you are not in a mood for beautiful music, about about a look at some dancers?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6psDUbKihc&feature=related

I hate Josh Groban....

2011-02-28T20:04:00.004-05:00

Of course, anyone who knows me knows that I do not hate Josh Groban, I just hate what happens sometimes when I listen to him, and last night his singing was the wind that toppled my house of strength cards.

Matka has been on my mind this past week, and then issues came up on Thursday that made her be up front in my brain and center stage in my heart.

Yesterday I made a silly supper, and in the past, she and I would laugh at the concoction that came together as a meal. She liked talking about food, what she ate, what others ate, what someone made on TV, what she used to make to eat, etc. Her grocery list was often as if we 5 kids were still living at home-she had great plans to always make a dinner for big crowds, but that really was not possible for her the last few months, she always overdid the preparation and then she was extremely exhausted for days after that.

The last grocery trip she made 4 days before her death was with the van of seniors to TOPS Market, where she bought pasta, sauce, and a frozen pizza-just in case some one came over. Her stove top burners were not powered in her new kitchen because there was some concern about leaving things unattended....

She was provided with her meals and snacks in her assisted living facility.

We put that sauce and pasta in a basket and brought it up as part of the gifts to the alter during her funeral mass. It so represented her dedication to her family, and, she was a woman of hope, and hoped to be cooking for her family if they came to visit.

So, food was important to her, and I missed sharing this conversation with her last night. After supper dishes were finished, I dried the kitchen table with her dish towel.

I almost did not take it when we were packing things up, it was not my color scheme-as if I don't have a ton of mismatched things in my home. But, I was resistant, it was something she used all the time, but my SSister#1 said I should take it and another one home. I so love using the two dish towels from Matka once I got them home. I smiled every time I saw one or used one. They reminded me of Matka, and also that SS#1 is so smart about everything. She is such a gift to our entire family.

After the table was dry, SHusband and I decided to play a card game called "Kings in the Corner", we played it a lot with Matka, especially when she would be here for a few days in a row. She would play and laugh and do just a bit of cheating-she was very competitive. We now say phrases like "Push um uppa" when a King row was completed. She used to say it in a broken Italian accent. We have a "Matka Move", where she used to knock on the table before she was about to make a certain one-card-left play. We always laughed and ate pretzels, and laughed some more. Then she would go sleep in the little bedroom in what we called the magic bed-anyone who slept there seemed to instantly go into a cocoon stage and sleep peacefully. That room is no more, that bed is now moved over to SGrandson's house, and she is not sleeping there with a scarf wrapped around her head to protect her hairdo.

This all jumped into me at once last night, and then I heard my Josh Groban singing "You lift me UP". She loved that song. That was it, one of those sobbing, chocking, coughing cries that I had not experienced for at least a few months, and that I thought were behind me. My house of cards collapsed, and I with it. And through all this, SH was there talking softly, rubbing my back and getting me water. Matka loved SH and she knew I was well taken care of with him. Thank you Matka for welcoming him so warmly into the family and for making him lemon meringue pies.

One knife, one meal

2011-02-27T17:13:00.010-05:00

Do you have a favorite set of knives? I do. I have knives that are over 40 years old and still working fine, but I find I only use three knives most times.

I bought a three piece set a few years back at Kohl's. The brand name is J. A. Henckels International EVERSHARP PRO, with a symbol of a man holding a long stick, and he has a gumbyesque shape. I have a three piece set, big ("never use this knife" was told to SHusband and SSon-they rarely use a sharp knife and this one is VERRRY Sharp), medium-my "go-to" knife, and a small paring knife-that I actually "pare" with.

Tonight for supper, I used the "go-to" knife for everything I cooked/served. I usually fill the dishpan with hot sudsy water when I start supper prep, so this knife was used and washed again and again, along with the same small green Teflon cutting board that was the Ed McMahon sidekick to my Johnny Carson, Star of the Show knife.

I did not cook with raw meat tonight, or I would have used my "MEAT" cutting board, that needs to be cleaned with bleach. I read where it is better idea to have one, so I do.
Supper tonight was sauteed swiss chard with caramelized onions, chicken smoked sausage and potato pirogie, with fresh pineapple for dessert. Two parts of it were made by others that I bought-the dreaded "processed food".
My menu was supposed to be sauteed swiss chard, peppers and onions with spaghetti and meatballs, BUT, meatballs were still frozen in downstairs freezer, and while looking for them in the upstairs freezer, I spotted the pirogie that I knew should be used soon. So with a "Bewitched" wiggle of my nose, I switched cultures and a meal was born.
I sauteed the plain old yellow onions in equal parts canola oil and "Smart Balance" buttery spread, a few tbsp. of each-it changes the burning temp so things burn less quickly with that mixture. (How bad a cook was I before Food Network came into my life???)

Be sure to use a heavy-bottom frying pan, this makes things cook more evenly. Mine is made by Paula Dean that I bought at "Ollies" Discount store-it was still not cheap, but I love the way it heats up, and they always have her products there. I look at them, and decide I do not need anything, but sometimes, I lust after some of her pieces.

After they cooked on med-high a few minutes, slightly translucent, I added the white stem parts of the swiss chard, chopped into thin slices, some salt, and some fresh cracked pepper-it really does make a difference. The onions caramelize-bringing out their sugar while the swiss chard stems are cooking.

Cook a few more minutes and add the chopped up green leaves of the swiss chard, and the sliced smoked chicken sausage.

I used Hillshire Farms brand. When I buy it, I cut into two links and freeze one, so a meal is always ready if you just nuke it to defrost. Reduce heat and let heat through-try not to overcook, it looks nasty, tastes OK, but looks, well, I don't want to plant images in your head-this time.

Lettuce continue (I used to do liturgy planning for Catholic Masses with a SFriend, and whenever we used the phrase "Let us..." we cracked up laughing).

While this was all going on, I cooked the Pirogie. Do you know what Pirogie are? Some of my friends make them. It is a Polish food, a circle of very light dough, filled with a variety of good stuff: sauerkraut, mashed potato and cheese, farmers cheese, sweet plum, and sometimes meat-but truthfully, I have only heard that meat is used, I have never seen any for sale or served in a restaurant. You boil them to cook, then sautee in butter to give a nice crust. Some places serve them unsauteed, and some serve with gobs of sour cream.

I buy mine frozen. Many years ago, I used the MRS. T's brand, and more recently, I use a local brand "Nowinski" Gourmet Pierogi.

They come frozen, cooked, you prepare them frozen in that same mixture of oil and fake butter from above, but in a smaller pan. I used the knife to cut open the bag-see, I am consistent. You are really only defrosting and browning them, so it does not take long-the package instructions said 5-6 minutes, covered, turning frequently, but mine took more like 8 minutes. We all like the flavor of this brand, not as good if they were made by the Nowinski family and then handed to me to finish, but they need to be frozen. Hand-made pierogi are wonderful, but this Italian-Irish, hint of French girl is not genetically fashioned to make pirogie. SGrandma Viviani would not be happy if I tried.

While they were cooking, I cut the pineapple.

My theory for fresh pineapple is: buy it green, cut it brown. My SSister#1 is a great cook, and she passed the info to me that you store a fresh pineapple upside down while it is ripening, that way the bottom never gets mushy from all the juice going to the end that gets ripe first. I have had good results with this. I let this one go about two days too long. I knew it was ready then, but had other fruit that I was moving to the top of the "eat this first" list for the family.

You can see just a little bit of light brown on the flesh here, but it did not effect the flavor. I can't believe that 25 years ago when my kids were young that I would add powered sugar to the fresh pineapple! What a stupida, it is so sweet plain.

So there you go, a knife makes a meal, as promised.

Collective Bargaining Agreement...

2011-02-26T21:45:00.003-05:00

OK listen, I meowwant you to consider this. Everyone is meowfighting over collective bargaining agreements.

Meaning, the union and management of an organization agree to discuss complaints, and look at ways to resolve issues and do the best job possible. Oh, and they want to talk about benefits also........ like pay, job duties, retirement, and health insurance coverage. I think they are meowgoing about it all meowwrong.

It's all about food, entertainment, clean litter and soft places to lay your head, if you get me meowdrift.

So here, as Boo Boo Marie, the Union rep, I present my meowcase:

-food: just because a certain employee health doc told you I needed to only have 1/2 cup per day of food, it is not carved in rock (although if you were looking for a rock to carve, this is the place-I could fix you up for a little kibble). There are measurements, and there are meowmeasurements. A little bit more passed under the table would not hurt anyone-who has to meowknow?

-entertainment: I really do meowappreciate all your efforts to keep feeding those birdies outside, they are fun to watch, and you giving me a few meowminutes with two of those house meowbirds that I managed to get out of that little dinky cage a few meowweeks ago, was a nice touch to keep my work skills up-You could have looked the other way a few more meowminutes and that really would have been a meowperk! As part of our new meowagreement, I would like a few extra minutes just playing a little catch with those little colorful guys-let's say once per week, I wouldn't hurt them, no harm, no fowl!

-clean litter: so here's the meowstory on this meow wasteful issue, I would so meowthink that having you guys just standing by while I am on meowduty, doing my job, would be best, that way, as soon as I am meowfinished, you can do your job! Discretion would be appreciated, but meowpromptness is needed when doing your job-pick it up, shake it out, move it out, Rawhide, let's meowgo.

-Sleeping: Now, the most important benefit I meowneed, is my chillin' claws. I needs me meowrest, after all, when all of you are snoring meowaway, I am

ON THE JOB. So I would request that all future contracts include a claws and agreement that I will sleep all day, without loud meowmusic, clacking meowkeys or anyone trying to get me to chase a fur mouse or feather on a meowstick. This has to be listed prominently in the agreement-especially when that meowkid comes over and is all over me all meowday. Jeesh, tell him the meowrules, or I might just walk outtah here, and take my many meowskills to someplace that appreciates someone sleeping all day, and agrees to still give me all my meowbenefits! I have tenure you meowknow! Deal with it.

Bye-bye Wal-Mart

2011-02-23T18:03:00.003-05:00

About a year ago, we decided to buy some more stock, interest rates being what they are (or more accurately, are not).
SHusband and I discussed all the usual ones, and some we already had, but I thought Wal-Mart would be a good experience. After all, 6 years ago we were spending so much money on Tim Hortons that we thought we should buy stock in the company, and we did, (well, he did, for me, as an Anniversary present) and that has really gone up.
Well, our Wal-Mart was doing OK also, until the past SEVEN quarters, which means that for 5 quarters we were ridin' high, and then creepy feelings started as we watched it stop going up.....
Today, our broker called, and suggested that we sell, sell, and buy, buy-GE. We already owned some GE, and he thought it would be prudent. (That may be the first time I ever typed that word, let alone use it.)
So, SH, knowing that those Wal-Mart shares were hand-picked by me, checked with me before selling and then he went ahead with the transactions. So, if I could ask you a favor-buy every stinking GE product you see. Even if you know it is overpriced or you don't need it. Just for me. OK? Thanks.

DROID

2011-02-23T17:49:00.003-05:00

I DROID, therefore I AM. Or something profound like that. I decided not to buy an ipad, and selected a DROID instead. My former cell phone was slower than chalk on slate. I was given a preview of SDaughter's new phone today, and that did it for me.

So, a quick 90 facada minutes later, I was the proud owner of .25oz (estimated, no clothes) new toy. Someday I might even learn how to use it properly. I need a long lunch with SD so she can teach me in slo-mo. The salesman was very nice, and I made him show me the important stuff before I left. But in the car when I wanted to test out the GPS thingy, I realized that I did not know how to unlock the little darling. It worked out after a few tries, I was NOT going to go in and ask.

So, that is what I will be doing during the upcoming storm that is predicted starting tomorrow evening.

Here is my first picture-camera a must in my cell you know.

I thought it looked like Martian footprints in the snow-very weird. It was really a bunch of bunny footprints, after the wind blew the top layer of snow away. I am so multi talented that I managed to post this picture three times on facebook when trying to upload.

Let's share a sandwich...

2011-02-22T19:04:00.007-05:00

I think I mentioned before that when Matka and I would go out for lunch after a doc appointment or other outing, we usually shared a grilled cheese sandwich-sometimes with a slice of tomato, usually on rye. We would have some soup with it. She would always tell me everything that was going on with other family members-but at these lunches-she held court. Spilling everything she knew, somethings she guessed at and everything she hoped would happen with family and her friends.

Sometimes, if I was on a diet at the time, I would not have that 1/2 sandwich, just picked something else-non bread, non greasy. She was always disappointed. She took her other 1/2 sandwich home usually. She liked going out to eat with me because I usually shared that sandwich. She would say, "you're fun to go out to lunch with, you eat." By saying this, she compared me to going out to lunch with my SSister#1 who was always very smart about what she ate (we are excluding ice cream in this conversation-ice cream for my SS#1 is not a food group-it is oxygen-you need it to live). SS#1 usually pulled out a little yogurt container to eat and ordered tea.

After Matka died last year, when I was really a mess for all those months, one of the things that made me just break down and cry was seeing a pair of ladies who looked like a mother-daughter duo eating lunch together and talking.

I thought it was so lovely to see, and wished them many years of the same.

I gradually stopped looking for these couplings, it was just too painful, and I was too envious. I love to eat, but I loved my Matka more.

Wait, just a little stop here, Kleenex time.

OK, Back, and strong again.

Today was one of those lunch with the ladies days. My usual group of lovely friends. We were so pleased that one of the ladies was feeling much better after being ill for two months.

I think I started the topic of being so old now, and after we all reminded each other of our ages, one of my SFriends remarked that she is old enough to be the mother to all of us! And she was correct.

Coincidentally, she and I ordered the same meal. And it was soup and sandwich, and much too big for each of us. As we walked out, she whispered to me "Next time we will share a sandwich". I was so moved by that statement that I could barely keep myself from crying. Suddenly, Matka was there saying hello.

My gift today.

How many TOYS did you have?

2011-02-19T13:32:00.004-05:00

I found this really neat report from TIME magazine, the top toys of each decade.

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,2049243,00.html

In my toy decade-I picked the 1950's I had quite a few for a kid from a family without a lot of money, but I think the fact that I was the youngest of 5 kids meant that:

1. I was a spoiled brat and got more than the others got
2. They got it first and passed it down to me

3. Toys were so much cheaper then, and you could actually save up money and buy it yourself. Novel concept.

My two favorites from the list were Silly Putty and the Hula Hoop. I marveled at the science (technology was not a common word then) involved to make a mirror image copy of anything you pressed this magic stuff onto-my favorite to copy were the comics-full color with a pink tinge from the silly putty. And when you were done, you just kneaded the stuff together a few times, and

presto-chango, a clean palate. I remember the excitement I got from showing this "magic" to people. It was stored in and egg, and it got hard and unusable if you left it "out".
The hula hoop was a fun toy, and either you could do it or not, and it fell to the ground. I think I did pretty good with it. The wiffle ball mentioned was also part of a toy set that was bought for me in Pittsburgh when visiting a SAunt, SUncle and SCousin. It had two ball catchers that had a scoop like in Jai alai (pronounced hi lie), and a whiffle ball. I thought I was just so IT to have this before the kids in my home town. It was a lot of fun.

Did you have a slinky? The original metal ones did not get tangled so much like the new plastic ones that I bought for our SGrandSon. They were really fun to watch work. SSon had a real metal one or two.

I had at least 5 troll dolls. Do you know what they are:

Wiki says that they were popular in the USA starting in 1963, not the 1950's even thought they started in 1959 in Europe. I think this was correct because I turned 11 in 1959 and I think I was a little older than that when I collected them. I had troll dolls on my dresser when I started swooning over Ringo of the Beatles at age 14. I think they were part of a give-away program from some product. Packed away in a little cardboard case upstairs I have my little bride doll and a troll. Most of my trolls had clothing to go with them, they were not streakers like in the photo above. I gave my SDaughter two to play with when she was little. They were pretty indestructible, made of rubber, funky hair loved bathtubs.

From the list of toys in the 50's, as a family we had the water balloons, fake vomit, Chatty Cathy doll, paint by number kits, Mr. Potato Head and Frisbees. Not on the list were ball and jacks, marbles or games like cootie, monopoly and checkers-regular and Chinese and pick-up-sticks, Kingers made with chestnuts and a shoelace. I remember my family being very patient with the youngest with these games. (Not pinochle-that is another story left for when I am in a "poor-me" mood). If we did not have these toys, our friends did, along with an assortment of balls to play kickball, seven-up or dodge ball.

We also owned something wonderful-chalk. We would draw pictures of course on the sidewalks, but also we would draw boards like hop-scotch, and categories. And we also sat on my SFriend Juliet's front steps and would pick a car category like Ford or Chevy or car colors and the most of the one you picked that passed by in a set amount of time would win. Imagine, there were so few car companies that even little girls would know the models and could play this game! We would use scraps of cloth to hand sew doll clothes that we designed.

I am sure I am forgetting a bunch of toys or games or activities that we did, we were always busy and outside. Even in the rain, we sat on the cement stoop and played under the small metal awning.

Not one toy required a battery or a code to enter online.

Winters, we did not have snowsuits, we had each others cloths to put on in layers! We built snowmen and ladies, had snowball wars-my SBrothers were sharp shooters as I remember. Made snow angels in our minuscule yard and loved every minute of it. Snow days from school were so rare, and yet not one kid was inside during the snow day.

I loved thinking about my childhood writing this blog. We all need a trip backwards to appreciate what we had.

Let's see what the wind blows in...

2011-02-18T22:02:00.005-05:00

It is so windy here today that if it could talk it would say "HEY YOU, LOOK AT ME, OH WAIT, YOU CAN NOT SEE ME. WHAT NOW?"
Well, my friend windy is correct, we can not see him. But we can see the roof shingle from our neighbor's house on our snowishgrass.
We can see the bird feeders are empty from the wind blowing them around so much they are like a pinata for the birds, who are actually MIA since they could not fight the strength of the wind this time.
We can see two plastic Easter eggs that were part of our front lawn decorations 10 months ago, and were hiding on us when we tried to bag them all up. The ones that were plucked out of the branches did not give away their comrades, so these two remained. Well, who could argue with them? In a dark plastic bag in a storage room, when you could be outside, tucked into a nice evergreen, sheltered for the most part, looking through the branches to see the snow falling and watching us trying to take it away? Really, the few pecks that are hammered on the eggs from birds and squirrels are only temporary when they figure out this thing won't open. Now they too have been dislodged, and if they are still there tomorrow, they will be snatched and put into the bag to tell the others of their adventures.
We also see broken tree branches, ripped from the waving arms of the larger branches.
We also see empty cardboard boxes which were stacked neatly at the garbage area of the corner pizzeria-now free, and running for their lives before they get smashed, pulverized and spit out as new boxes. I for one would be happier if the boxes were returned back to their owners instead of going deeper into the woods across the street. The snow bank was too high for me too leap (leap??? more accurately fall) over yesterday to grab them, and now the snow bank is gone, and boxes are out of reach-maybe they are going up the street to visit my SFriend-it would give her SDog something to run after-some of them contained chicken-so they might still have that come hither smell that doggies like.
And we see the clouds, going at such a speed that they are mesmerizing to watch their ever changing patterns.
We see some dried leaves flying across the streets, broken out of their shelters and continuing their trip from last fall.
We see hair standing straight up and then, poof, all going horizontal. Kinda fun to watch, as long as it is not me.
SHusband says that winds are always a sign of change in the weather, and today the temps were in the 50's, tomorrow the 30's are predicted, so long as they don't bring that white stuff, 30's are OK, we are tough up here in Western NY, but we have reached our "enough" point-give us a few nice days and we want more-we have had enough snow, keep it up there.
And here for you, is one of my favorite oldies: "Windy" by the Association
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHpwzpaFI4ghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHpwzpaFI4g

Burning Heart

2011-02-15T21:18:00.003-05:00

New header picture today. I can no longer stand to look at snow-it is starting to get that dis-gust-ting (three words) dirty look, and then it thaws, then it freezes-invisible sometimes just to see if you are paying attention to where you are walking! Stick a fork in me, I'm done! I know I said I would only choose pictures which I took of nature for my header, but really, there are trees in the background-this qualifies right? Sunrise on a heart mobile on our porch last spring-I named this "Burning Heart" in my file.

Three posts in one day-crazy waste of time, but my house is all trashed due to the kitchen being painted, painter was off today and needing a trip back tomorrow, so we had a day today of just walking around stuff and looking for stuff and wishing we did not have so much stuff...

I likes to sit where I likes to sit...

2011-02-15T20:43:00.010-05:00

You all know of my #1 preference for sitting, but sometimes, I like to mix it up a bit, you know expand my meowhorizons. So I have been trying out a few other meowvenues. And here they are:

Sometimes I sit in front of the big meowthing that is colorful and loud.

Sometimes I sit on the meowthing that sounds pretty.

Sometimes I sit on soft meowthings-what do mean get off the coats that are only there while the closet door is being replaced? I like it here and I will sleep here now. Go away. Do I look like I am kidding?

And sometimes, I like to sit on the clacky-clackity meowthing. Let me think, oh yeah, BOO-BOO Marie's Rambles, yeah, I like the meowsound of that.

Man vs Man

2011-02-15T09:13:00.003-05:00

Listen, don't be fooled. If you are watching the Jeopardy showdown between man and machine to show who is the smartest, remember, human kind built and programed the machine. So if the machine wins, it is because we had some really smart people working on the project.
And yes, we are watching the show, and yes, we each beat-out the machine and the humans with the answers a few times, but it should not be taken so seriously-just entertainment to showcase the achievements of Humans who can BUILD something amazing.
And one other observation, it took a team of Scientists four years to complete this project, and it may one day be able to help doctors evaluate medical conditions, but wouldn't it have been nice if those same scientists were working on cures for cancer and other devastating diseases for those four years? Just saying. And the money used on this project could have gone for supplying our schools-all our schools properly, and that goes for those terrible wastes of money to put on awards shows-the cost of getting all those 15minutes of fame people glammed up (or down) for all these shows most be astronomical.
Jeez, did I get up on the wrong side of the bed today or what? Sounds like Sally's Rants not Rambles. I promise tomorrow I will be all sweet and light-or a reasonable facsimile thereof.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2011-02-14T09:50:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day to my SWEET READERS!

SGrandson arranged these little heart guys in a free form design!

This too shall pass.......

2011-02-14T09:41:00.004-05:00

Final large room having painting done:

Kitchen, great to see counters cleared, well except the coffee pot, painter goes on coffee.

All is washed down and ready for him.

It is an adventure to keep the cat from taking down the drop clothes, she loves the rustle sound.

SSon was OK with all this confusion this morning, I had everything he needed lined up and ready for him.

SHusband has all he needs for the day in living room and dining room, three "C's": couch, computer and cookies!