tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74284510878091599322024-02-06T19:26:47.942-11:00The Gray ZoneThat area between young and old that leaves you in limbo.......Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-82452191922973618452013-01-24T13:27:00.000-11:002013-01-24T13:38:29.884-11:00MY NEW OFFICE!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
FINAL PROJECT</div>
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This is my new office, completed today with the electrician coming to add an outlet. I have a few more things to add, but it is compact and has space for all my office needs. It frees up the little guest/sitting room incredibly. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.............thanks Tim for your wonderful craftsmanship.Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-72810949244079412032013-01-16T05:28:00.000-11:002013-01-16T05:28:17.847-11:00Missed Feast..........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghJL01x9KWYlD0-Hp-NX95NUB-fqmuDHsAsoLP6lIgFgi2XFtj0WN6aVlCsWXbaUYkT2vREd2g4DSQBTDdMUChFgqWOvkApvvQC3TZxQKuru3XRzCa49L6Z_hZ6SuiRsuNopMLdGyMQ6y/s1600/DSC01401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghJL01x9KWYlD0-Hp-NX95NUB-fqmuDHsAsoLP6lIgFgi2XFtj0WN6aVlCsWXbaUYkT2vREd2g4DSQBTDdMUChFgqWOvkApvvQC3TZxQKuru3XRzCa49L6Z_hZ6SuiRsuNopMLdGyMQ6y/s320/DSC01401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a feast that I was invited to yesterday by two little girls, but I preferred to talk to their mother who I had not had more than a two minute conversation with for weeks. I remember years ago a friend's son asked her to play ball with him, and she said she had to wash the kitchen floor. She later thought "my clean floor is more important than time with my son?". <br />
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There is a fine line here........they grow up so quickly and yet to maintain one's sanity, time away from them or adult conversation is necessary.<br />
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BOOKS - Just finished a good book..........a quick, interesting read.....it would be a great book to take on a plane. <i>Death of Bees </i>by Lisa O'Donnell. It reminded me of <i>The Cement Garden by Ian McEwan.</i>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-32915397478086556522013-01-14T09:42:00.000-11:002013-01-14T09:46:54.573-11:00Coming Along.......................<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprt5DqcvfeY8q7IeaobHCk8yJfxYILVxmPAMEWJwTUzaP8kYwhfdSttoy3IYS6p551welBo_1L6VD3xOudVrPtMCMXZIhGMwSxgGW-8SrwmLk-BlPrJsoq_qW9_ZaFOdSQB9UsiRuNKMB/s1600/DSC01398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprt5DqcvfeY8q7IeaobHCk8yJfxYILVxmPAMEWJwTUzaP8kYwhfdSttoy3IYS6p551welBo_1L6VD3xOudVrPtMCMXZIhGMwSxgGW-8SrwmLk-BlPrJsoq_qW9_ZaFOdSQB9UsiRuNKMB/s320/DSC01398.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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A few finishing touches, a coat of polyurethane, a phone jack and outlets, et voila, it will be finished. It came out great and I cannot wait to get everything organized in it. I don't think I will put on doors. I will just have to be super neat. Next posting will be the finished project.Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-50878635605441923802013-01-10T08:28:00.000-11:002013-01-10T08:28:03.105-11:00DAY TWO <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-9Hhyc_cJ0BlEWcYLDw-WAf8q5HqsnFviVJyXr465oyyXSYAxptZH9ZiKCum7o_85MaOoUVHVVZzdW6UDN0rVic2DPTUVi0c1b-ZzcFRkGjZ6bq9jQymn8MoWhKPKS8CAP1tE0TQ2Blk/s1600/DSC01392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-9Hhyc_cJ0BlEWcYLDw-WAf8q5HqsnFviVJyXr465oyyXSYAxptZH9ZiKCum7o_85MaOoUVHVVZzdW6UDN0rVic2DPTUVi0c1b-ZzcFRkGjZ6bq9jQymn8MoWhKPKS8CAP1tE0TQ2Blk/s320/DSC01392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Grayling loses her alcove as the desk is installed. <br />
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Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-53154181897144196792013-01-09T05:11:00.000-11:002013-01-09T05:11:13.655-11:00NEW OFFICE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZqmjHmrnRAdny9CRTjSkMJ8-erydBWDvqaHNekxq5pbwppb5WGIErvmoV0E04rvHdyBgX9P7rgyphWjw3bqlJpG13jdIJy0VBxSLbm0V6SFxWXiQLuOlWdNQ4gpJERhOA_p_U6UaNlvL/s1600/DSC01391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZqmjHmrnRAdny9CRTjSkMJ8-erydBWDvqaHNekxq5pbwppb5WGIErvmoV0E04rvHdyBgX9P7rgyphWjw3bqlJpG13jdIJy0VBxSLbm0V6SFxWXiQLuOlWdNQ4gpJERhOA_p_U6UaNlvL/s320/DSC01391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love to decorate and change things......it is a passion. My latest project is to make the above closet into an office. This is a closet in the second bedroom/sitting room, where I spend most of my time. Right now my desk, etc. takes up a good deal of space in this already tiny room, so I have great hopes to transform the room. I shall keep you posted on the progress.<br />
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We had gone for several weeks with no snow and then several feet in two days. My plow guy was here five times. No snow lately, but it is slippery walking, which I do a great deal of here. <br />
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I have found a place for the Grayling, the dog, when I go away. They love her there, although they did describe her as a bit "velcroy", but were delighted when I called recently to make a booking. And after months and months, I am finally able to let her off leash in the park where I walk her every morning, although this involves a pocket full of biscuits. She seems to realize now that if she wanders and does not come when I call her that she goes back on the leash.<br />
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Here is a picture of her in the cat's bed, which Fellini refuses to sleep in since I washed it, but Grayling finds it to be a rather nice pillow.<br />
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MOVIES - I have even been to the theater and seen movies on a BIG SCREEN. As you know, I mostly rely on Netflix for my entertainment, so it was quite a culture shock to go to the theater. I saw "The Last Quartet", "Hitchcock" and "Lincoln"....all good, yet all too long.<br />
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BOOKS - I had read <i>Privileges </i>by Jonathan Dee which I liked, so went back to read some of his earlier books. Just finished <i>Palladio, </i>which was well written, but way too long. It reminded me of <i>Atlas Shrugged.</i><br />
I am now in memoir stage reading <i>The End of Your Life Book Club </i>by Will Schwalbe, which is very good, and <i>What I thought I Knew </i>by Alice Eve Cohen.Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-18015427725064798872012-12-14T07:22:00.000-11:002012-12-14T07:22:55.253-11:00<br />
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<b>PLEASE JUST ONCE COULD I GET……</b></div>
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An amaryllis where the leaves and the flowers come up
simultaneously? You can see that I have
had to enhance this one with some holly branches (I have a couple of holly
bushes in my back yard). I have another
one going and the same thing is happening.
I am going to start opening the packages before I buy them.</div>
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<b>ANIMALS……..</b></div>
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I have been invited to a country place for the weekend. Having been here for five months, I look
forward to a change of scenery. I was also
(mind you, past tense) looking for a bit of time away from the animals who have
been glued to my side for all these months.</div>
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Yesterday I go to this woman’s house who boards
animals. She has three dogs and a cat
and I should have known right there that it wasn't going to work. Grayling entered the house and went
absolutely berserk, jumping on a table, snapping at the cat, and running around
like a maniac. The poor woman looked on
and said “How old is this dog?” “10” “Oh,
she doesn't act like a 10 year old”.
Enough said. Those of you who
know her understand. Sigh……quiet weekend
without dog shattered.</div>
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<b>BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS………….</b></div>
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I read <b>“Gone Girl”</b>
by Gillian Flynn because I had heard so many people say it was a “must read”. And I must admit it kept me reading and was
cleverly written, but I believe it was not written for my genre.</div>
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Another book that I read and thoroughly enjoyed was <b>“A Light Between Two Oceans”</b> by M.L.
Stedman, a great story that would make a
wonderful movie. I couldn’t put it down.</div>
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I am now reading <b>“Astray”</b>
by Emma Donoghue, short stories she has fictionalized based on true historical
facts. It is very good.</div>
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<b>CHRISTMAS</b></div>
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The cards have been coming in…….wonderful cards with friends
pictured with their adorable children/grandchildren. I even got one from a man who paints each
card individually….he works all year on this, which I think is a great
idea. I somehow haven’t been so
motivated, so if you don’t get a card from me by Christmas, possibly you will
get a New Year’s one. But just know that I am wishing you a wonderful holiday.</div>
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Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-80110583134447796662012-11-28T05:29:00.000-11:002012-11-28T05:29:49.385-11:00<br />
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THE ONE OUTLET HOUSE……..</div>
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No, I don’t only have one electrical outlet in my little
house (806 sq. ft.), but I can clean my entire house from one outlet in 10
minutes. I do only have one
thermostat. The property consists of two bedrooms, one bath,
kitchen, living room/dining room, full basement, small back yard, a deck and a
garage. And you know what? I really only use three of the main rooms,
and the bathroom. I love it!</div>
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Guest/Computer/Reading Room</div>
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I had Thanksgiving here.
There were eight of us, four were children. I had put art paper on the kids' table with
markers and pencils and this kept them occupied very nicely. It helped too that one of the guests was an
artist who had as much fun with it as the kids.</div>
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Zuzu, Brian, Henry and Eli</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwDNjb27o5C8hQZlWPPOo_BdH7KkeRrXZzQKIxTEKwbhfmklr_j_8ekZIueC-2xWkzcCVjDoFaEyHEV_Hlds-w1nMyguGx43t5kKxBpLoCkZXRJUk2pk16zDQ0WdWPnWl7aA2lCXgGtVr/s1600/DSC01360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwDNjb27o5C8hQZlWPPOo_BdH7KkeRrXZzQKIxTEKwbhfmklr_j_8ekZIueC-2xWkzcCVjDoFaEyHEV_Hlds-w1nMyguGx43t5kKxBpLoCkZXRJUk2pk16zDQ0WdWPnWl7aA2lCXgGtVr/s320/DSC01360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fellini: Gray? Do you like this place? I wish I could</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
go outside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gray: It's OK. I love the kids, but I sure wish I didn't have</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to be on a leash all the time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BOOKS: I read a great deal here and recently have read a couple of books by young authors that I really enjoyed. One of them is Peter Geye who has written two books, <i>Safe From the Sea </i>and <i>The Lighthouse Road. </i>The other author is Canadian, Dianne Warren, and the book is <i>Juliet in August.</i> I so look forward to their upcoming books. Richard Russo's memoir of his mother <i>Elsewhere </i>is a great read too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will try to post more now that things have settled down.</div>
Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-84653995855647712562012-08-06T04:40:00.000-11:002012-08-06T04:40:03.569-11:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
PASSWORD AGITA</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have had to change my address several times in the last
couple of months…..from one apartment to another and then from my old house to
an apartment and now from this apartment to a house. I have little slips of paper all over the place
with usernames and passwords, very few of them similar, because one required a
number or capital letter or whatever.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So my suggestion is that when a child is born, they are
given a username and password for life, just like their social security number. These can be used for everything and will not
be forgotten. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And why do some magazine websites make it incredibly easy to
change your address and others make it extremely difficult. I wish there was one website you could go to
and list all your magazines and your address would automatically be changed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, we are not dealing with the most technologically savvy
person here……..</div>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-20058155829608093112012-08-04T02:36:00.001-11:002012-08-04T02:36:29.759-11:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
REALLY MARTHA………..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Martha Stewart,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please cancel my subscription to your <i>Living Magazine.</i> Your
September issue was the straw that broke this camel’s back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do we really need to see your daughter’s luxurious triplex apartment
in NYC, with all those expensive toys for your grandchildren? Who can relate to this in this present era???? But the one item sent me over the top, is the recipe for your Breakfast Cookies – 2 CUPS
OF BUTTER and 3 CUPS OF PACKED BROWN SUGAR………for 8 large or 16 small
cookies????!!!!!! And then you label
them WHOLESOME TREATS? If you fed your
kids this for breakfast, they would be dead by lunch or else in an incredible
stupor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Martha, have you been indulging a bit too much
on these “wholesome treats”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-70237190070024955712012-07-31T11:53:00.003-11:002012-07-31T11:53:43.300-11:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOVING ON…………….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last Sunday I had taken my morning walk with the dog, going
to Julie’s instead of to Bug Light Park.
I normally walk on the Greenbelt (a rails to trails walk), but decided
on the way home to walk on a side of the street where I rarely walk. At the end of one street was a tiny, homemade
sign that said “House For Sale By Owner” and a phone number. I walked up the street and there was a very
small ranch that looked interesting. I called and set up an appointment and
also notified my realtor to join me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I have looked at several houses in the few weeks that I
have been here and none of them have really moved me, so I was prepared for the
same with this one. The house was empty
and the minute I walked in, I thought “yes”.
It is small, 806 square feet, with two bedrooms and a bath, a nice-sized
kitchen, a deck, a one car garage and a dry basement. The yard is just what I wanted, small and
manageable. The street is neat and
quiet. It is an apartment sized house
with a lawn and a garage.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Julie and Dave both looked at it and declared it in good
shape, but they thought it was too small and that the owner was asking too
much. Now Dave is very tall and this is
a family with four young children, so I dismissed their first concern. The fact that the price was too high was
true.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, I made an offer and we dickered for a few days and
settled on a price, which was more than I had hoped for, but I knew that if I
let this one go, I would regret it. So
the closing is NEXT FRIDAY, the 10<sup>th</sup>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will send pictures of the house as soon as I can. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tried to get pictures of the kids when I
was babysitting today, but they are such moving targets. I feature here little Ramona, 2, and my
lovely Julie with half brother, Jeff, and the girlies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSoMhdHlfAeq3ENGUOcC6qtfSwB0sHkMHr3NINS0eoQccxkYkl9j6E2bMKhA5st0n4GaCgDhdoJL9Y1qMLh4IDJgvCy2OctXl3pCxFmv4PDUlPOZyDaaS3s3xp9bKNUllp8Qczg1_tu2e/s1600/DSC01162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSoMhdHlfAeq3ENGUOcC6qtfSwB0sHkMHr3NINS0eoQccxkYkl9j6E2bMKhA5st0n4GaCgDhdoJL9Y1qMLh4IDJgvCy2OctXl3pCxFmv4PDUlPOZyDaaS3s3xp9bKNUllp8Qczg1_tu2e/s320/DSC01162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEQJmDcasFYJDjvJvHZCEGKwce-zDgB2zJHanaeMw-GBG9YbaqNSahKJeWnNij_hTRkWZvUgSSHv6PcHz8mvnyWFXi245Ex0NFJ9Hn59V_0HzQ7kSKahpn-MlWIWQdgdOWG4BEChaTOv_/s1600/DSC01164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEQJmDcasFYJDjvJvHZCEGKwce-zDgB2zJHanaeMw-GBG9YbaqNSahKJeWnNij_hTRkWZvUgSSHv6PcHz8mvnyWFXi245Ex0NFJ9Hn59V_0HzQ7kSKahpn-MlWIWQdgdOWG4BEChaTOv_/s320/DSC01164.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitscapdfjE4d7nCmts4c77CyjzmieUlzPU9lYTv_Oxhn2nzge83zj730zEhMSeY-l0k2q-ag6D7SLtnM_IkNVNHjuBlOhBmYzqKVnrHQhYBkYT01W90DpAhZBj11-nsh8VwhrzYIcHf0O/s1600/DSC01153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitscapdfjE4d7nCmts4c77CyjzmieUlzPU9lYTv_Oxhn2nzge83zj730zEhMSeY-l0k2q-ag6D7SLtnM_IkNVNHjuBlOhBmYzqKVnrHQhYBkYT01W90DpAhZBj11-nsh8VwhrzYIcHf0O/s320/DSC01153.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-83469253234147593582012-07-30T12:28:00.003-11:002012-07-30T12:28:37.299-11:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’M BACK……………! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been a Maineiac for almost two weeks now. I made my final exit from New York State on
Saturday, July 14, and the house closing was Friday, July 20<sup>th</sup> (I
did not attend). I had packed a POD
earlier in the month, which is now sitting somewhere here in Maine, then
proceeded to totally clean out my house--packing, throwing out, giving away,
etc. On that final morning, my friend
Susan (bless her) came and helped me get everything in the car…….drugged cat,
dog and my belongs, and looking like the Joads, we began our trip to Maine,
with me praying the whole way that my old car would hold out, and being the
faithful Subaru that it is, we arrived safely and without incident (except for
some things shifting and landing in poor Grayling’s space).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had moved into a larger apartment here in Maine in the
same building that I was in at the end of May, so that is where we are
now. Everyone seems to have settled in
well….my 16 year old cat, Fellini, that
I was so worried about adjusting, never missed a beat, sleeping his usual 23
hours a day between feedings. He hides
under the bed when the four grandkids arrive.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEq1GtYdkWGUXEREiV8kTpNV2dEC-abH2qhO6_yEZHixXWS4WRNgVC1lhldzrCMOMMv52U6c72XuRISXZirH8fpbgm5K-MHKoRmhSBKLdOxuPCsWWoKRS90SBBRyFymgum3fbU1MhbUFe/s1600/DSC01151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEq1GtYdkWGUXEREiV8kTpNV2dEC-abH2qhO6_yEZHixXWS4WRNgVC1lhldzrCMOMMv52U6c72XuRISXZirH8fpbgm5K-MHKoRmhSBKLdOxuPCsWWoKRS90SBBRyFymgum3fbU1MhbUFe/s320/DSC01151.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is wonderful to be near Julie and her family. We discussed our expectations of each other
in this new situation and all has gone very well. I am close enough so that the boys (6 and 9)
can ride their bikes here to visit. They
only have one major street to cross to get here. I often pick up both or one of the girlies (2
and 4) and we go shopping or just come here and hang out. The little one, Ramona, just loves
Grayling. Needless to say Grayling is
totally exhausted after their visits.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some pictures of my new apartment. It has wonderful light, 12’ ceilings and a
view of the water. And I can see the
same lovely sunsets that I had at my old house.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XWOZOSEQpc-7JSs2136JlZalH7ipo3LBA6RDTNS-_tibFoq8wQsei3DnAmmefX8w7O-A8AMlRN-nhX9eHAAqJTtXUss-XaqsRgvC89f3UdZYbjZwSU3LoGj3c_6gHW24WsoLfFFLbCMN/s1600/DSC01122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XWOZOSEQpc-7JSs2136JlZalH7ipo3LBA6RDTNS-_tibFoq8wQsei3DnAmmefX8w7O-A8AMlRN-nhX9eHAAqJTtXUss-XaqsRgvC89f3UdZYbjZwSU3LoGj3c_6gHW24WsoLfFFLbCMN/s320/DSC01122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2gYkaz2w3jTzbnC-Mkpicu5SdluPfVs-WtYBsjJpT27u2dEwkZVHEuuHH-NskuZEve7DBff4D687a0UJZ9yOMsnNzJZuhNoD8kYypgr3GmHWccCSvvpIyidyVbDrdtZhX1yJHuXEAqzF/s1600/DSC01138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2gYkaz2w3jTzbnC-Mkpicu5SdluPfVs-WtYBsjJpT27u2dEwkZVHEuuHH-NskuZEve7DBff4D687a0UJZ9yOMsnNzJZuhNoD8kYypgr3GmHWccCSvvpIyidyVbDrdtZhX1yJHuXEAqzF/s320/DSC01138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWd_3sIEfwMTcxFHuDaVHUaWXqe0LrWCWwSZCy45MK1VZ_s-ZySvbUkA0oGEXNtR-3ygiGvVmAiMO10ghMRldrGDAQ8oHGHGat9qDA0Ggfrz13UMP3JBk2ZURUKI4tANk_GFxiQ8Hrcr6B/s1600/DSC01142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWd_3sIEfwMTcxFHuDaVHUaWXqe0LrWCWwSZCy45MK1VZ_s-ZySvbUkA0oGEXNtR-3ygiGvVmAiMO10ghMRldrGDAQ8oHGHGat9qDA0Ggfrz13UMP3JBk2ZURUKI4tANk_GFxiQ8Hrcr6B/s320/DSC01142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnL4qE9riVhJNE3J2JKchyphenhyphenJc2d6ik9avJZu605NP1f7fUSfd-HC736l3WeUHqdk8DpCYbsF2EHMtsIhXOlNaMdyOqVXxXxwsDyIZhGwaHfUYzGnpgZpLSLKYQC4Mu-e8sKK0WrjG2ZT8W/s1600/DSC01144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnL4qE9riVhJNE3J2JKchyphenhyphenJc2d6ik9avJZu605NP1f7fUSfd-HC736l3WeUHqdk8DpCYbsF2EHMtsIhXOlNaMdyOqVXxXxwsDyIZhGwaHfUYzGnpgZpLSLKYQC4Mu-e8sKK0WrjG2ZT8W/s320/DSC01144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will try to be a better blogger. I was so afraid to talk about the impending
sale for fear of jinxing it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
--------------------------------------------------</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had written the above a few days ago and had trouble
posting it due to my Ludditeness, so tune in tomorrow for the next phase of my
“never let dirt settle under your feet” adventure!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-19610353345895800622012-04-25T03:42:00.000-11:002012-04-25T03:42:01.805-11:00Do You Have An 11?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ca9_LnEw3tAM5vNURL0LWBpZB-yUUmpVwjx85OMWA00ADIH6Ah-8WhrsWeowe0J4urDBy2mpl60Eno9UnJWLR7kn3IesU5b1Z1a1s97Z-gp5KnXsxGt_s1NNh-8_xXjclqxfvDM0ZOF-/s1600/DSC01073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ca9_LnEw3tAM5vNURL0LWBpZB-yUUmpVwjx85OMWA00ADIH6Ah-8WhrsWeowe0J4urDBy2mpl60Eno9UnJWLR7kn3IesU5b1Z1a1s97Z-gp5KnXsxGt_s1NNh-8_xXjclqxfvDM0ZOF-/s320/DSC01073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I was listening to an interview with Anna Quindlen on her new book "Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake" on Fresh Air yesterday. Quindlen said that she the 11 removed from between her eyebrows. 11? What is she talking about? <br />
Oh.<br />
<br />
<br />Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-43244013108247018672012-04-23T12:34:00.000-11:002012-04-25T03:08:50.160-11:00Bar Too High?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I read a line in a book I was reading recently (<i>Some Assembly Required </i>by Anne Lamott) that
advised the author to “lower her bar of expectations”. This is one of my problems... my bar is way
too high.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember years ago
when I was an administrative assistant to the principal in an elementary school
(and I say this with all humility….I basically ran the office), and we had a
janitor, Vinnie, who drove me nuts. He
would leave his pail that he had mopped the floors with for days in his
janitor’s closet. You would pass by and
wonder if some sequestered student had gone to the great beyond. I would watch him mow (a sit-down of course)
right over a piece of paper, which if he had picked it up BEFORE mowing would
have been one piece, but then would suddenly become a thousand. In a conversation one day with his
supervisor, I mentioned these annoyances and he said to me “Sylvia, you are
getting out of Vinnie all he can give”.
This statement has resonated with me for years and often pulls me up by
my bootstraps. I expect far too much
from people.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Am I a perfectionist?
Not really, as I myself am quite flawed.
I do like things nice and tidy. I
like my house to be esthetically pleasing.
A friend tells me that my animals are good for me as they counterbalance
my “perfectionist” side. Possibly
true. Especially today when my dog
rolled in something very “fishy” and is nauseating to be around aside from
several cleanings.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I pray every day for help to accept others as they are. I continually hear my daughter saying, when I
am ranting about something “Mom, it is none of your concern”, and she is right,
but I feel this compelling need to change some parts of the world. HELP!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friend Susan often comes for dinner on Sunday night. She works at a full time job and has a mini
farm and works far harder than I do (she is also 10 years younger than I am),
so she comes to dinner and we sort of wrap up the week and prepare for the
upcoming one. Now I love to cook so am
always happy to try new recipes on her.
This one is a definite keeper. It
was absolutely delicious and not too much work.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Figs,
Prosciutto, and Gorgonzola<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From
<a href="http://www.elabs7.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=fj6,ve4e,dv,k30k,8op9,7kwk,le5w"><i><span style="color: windowtext;">Sunday
Roasts: A Year's Worth of Mouthwatering Roasts, from Old-Fashioned Pot Roasts
to Glorious Turkeys and Legs of Lamb</span></i></a> by Betty Rosbottom (Chronicle Books, 2011). Copyright ©
2011 by Betty Rosbottom. Photographs copyright © 2011 by Susie Cushner. All
rights reserved. Used with permission of the publisher.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Serves
4<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prep
Time: 15 minutes<br />
Start-to-Finish Time: 40 minutes<br />
Materials: Short wooden skewers or sturdy toothpicks, soaked in water for 30
minutes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A
celestial trio of Italian ingredients -- dried figs, sliced prosciutto, and
creamy Gorgonzola -- makes an irresistible filling for boneless chicken
breasts. Once stuffed and skewered, the breasts are pan-seared, then quickly
roasted until golden brown. A glaze made with honey and balsamic vinegar gives
the chicken a polished look and complements the distinctive flavors of the
stuffing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.4pt;">4 large, boneless,
skinless chicken breast halves, 7 to 8 oz/200 to 225 g each <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.4pt;">Kosher salt <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.4pt;">Freshly ground black
pepper <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.4pt;">8 thin slices prosciutto
(4 oz/120 g) <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.4pt;">One 5-oz/145-g wedge
Gorgonzola, crumbled <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.4pt;">1/2 cup/80 g thinly
sliced dried figs, preferably Black Mission <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.4pt;">1-1/2 tablespoons olive
oil <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.4pt;">1/2 cup/120 ml balsamic
vinegar <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.4pt;">1/4 cup/60 ml honey <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.4pt;">2 tablespoons minced
flat-leaf parsley <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.4pt;">Fleur de sel <o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1.
Using a very sharp knife held parallel to the work surface, make a horizontal
slit through a chicken breast, stopping just short of cutting it in half, and
open the breast up like a book. Repeat with the remaining breasts. Cover the
breasts with plastic wrap/cling film and pound until they're 1/4 inch/6 mm
thick, then salt and pepper them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2.
Cover half of each breast with 2 prosciutto slices, and then divide the cheese
evenly over the prosciutto. Divide the figs evenly and place over the cheese on
the breasts. Close each breast and secure each with 2 or 3 wooden skewers. Salt
and pepper the breasts on both sides. (The chicken breasts can be prepared 2
hours ahead; cover and refrigerate.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3.
Arrange a rack at center position and preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C/gas 6.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4.
Heat the oil in a large, heavy, oven-proof frying pan set over medium heat.
When hot, add the breasts and cook for 1 minute per side. Place the pan in the
oven and roast until the chicken is very tender and the juices run clear when pierced
with a knife, for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once after 6 minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5.
Using oven mitts, remove the frying pan from the oven and transfer the breasts
to a carving board. Tent them loosely with foil.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6.
Add the balsamic vinegar and honey to the frying pan and, again using mitts
since the handle will be quite hot, place the pan over high heat. Cook,
stirring often, until the mixture has reduced to 1/2 cup/120 ml, for about 5
minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7.
To serve, use a dish/tea towel or mitts to remove the skewers or toothpicks and
cut each breast crosswise on the diagonal into slices 1 inch/2.5 cm thick.
Arrange the slices on a platter, slightly overlapping. Drizzle with some sauce
and garnish with a sprinkle of parsley and fleur de sel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Sides</i>: Serve this chicken with buttered
linguine or orzo and with tender green beans sprinkled with toasted pine nuts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Leftover
Tip</i>: For
lunch or a light supper, garnish a mixed greens salad tossed in a balsamic
vinaigrette with cold slices of the chicken and enjoy with some crusty peasant
bread.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-44217778234086777612012-04-12T10:44:00.000-11:002012-04-12T10:44:26.330-11:00I know I am getting old but...................<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> I am far from a techie, but I do try to keep up in that world. I am already way behind owning only a laptop and a simple cell phone. I don’t text, read books on a Kindle, or own an iPad. I do, however, have an iPod that a friend gave me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> I recently took a tutorial at our library on how to download books from the library’s collection which, amazingly, I did successfully (mainly because the woman taught the class so well) . I then decided to get some sort of device so I could listen to it on the car radio, so headed to Best Buy and bought said device. I got home and opened it. The instructions were written in 2 pt. type and the typeface color was misty gray. There were instructions in every language save Pig Latin. I could not read them even with reading glasses. I packed it up and returned it. When asked why the return I told them and of course got the “look” from some young whippersnapper.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Why? Why would you write instructions so no one can read them, especially someone whose eyesight is aged? And often if I can read the instructions, they are written as though you are very up to date in the techno world. Would you give Tolstoy to a 3<sup>rd</sup> grader to read? I expect to have instructions that go step by step that are easy to follow for everyone. OK, enough said.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"> I am in Maine this week. The weather has been lovely. There is something about the Maine sky that looks like it goes on forever and ever. This is a picture of the park I walk to each morning with my dog. It is a very pleasant walk along the water and takes about an hour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc90a9axpwuJWui4hcPW_n_FXRcX14-KG20GsqSHtDCvWlV5tjIG-aD1RbTpqi5U6PLfjgosJFcN02GxaAzke7diA8f7Uxi0OiXZT0cFbTTdwrwHeL1nqcRTFIdvmKyLoSTTbwXDaxQUqI/s1600/DSC01056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc90a9axpwuJWui4hcPW_n_FXRcX14-KG20GsqSHtDCvWlV5tjIG-aD1RbTpqi5U6PLfjgosJFcN02GxaAzke7diA8f7Uxi0OiXZT0cFbTTdwrwHeL1nqcRTFIdvmKyLoSTTbwXDaxQUqI/s320/DSC01056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> The landlords of my building have offered me a larger apartment….the apartment below me. I looked at it this week and am excited about moving in. It has the same view as my present apartment, which I love, of the water and the Portland skyline, and faces NW so I see those lovely sunsets. It has a porch facing this view. It will be much easier for me with the dog. It will also allow me to spend more time here.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">BOOKS: I listened to <i>Blood, Bones and Butter </i>by Gabrielle Hamilton. This was a great car book….I barely registered the ride up here I was so engrossed. I am now reading <i>Reading My</i> <i>Father</i> by Alexandra Stryon. The next book on my list is “<i>Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail</i> by Cheryl Strayed. I enjoy reading these tales about people who do things that I would never do, being the cautious creature that I am. I am always amazed when people just take off and go on some adventure. There are things I would love to do but don’t have the guts. I am working on it though………… </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-35234037301645158932012-03-15T10:36:00.000-11:002012-03-15T10:36:46.203-11:00What Pure Joy It Is...................<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My grandkids visiting my apartment..............</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqAmaYVr37SWT-RjtU18gTnYRcZY5LkqF5r18CWUlbN4rCJGWneLx7Pq0asL-GRl-ED3nSAnSx-T03oraEgStPvaILvCNngDAm1cRP1d7MNYGkcrRXHakbzrDxMG3PHnZoke0PgET8xep/s1600/DSC00983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqAmaYVr37SWT-RjtU18gTnYRcZY5LkqF5r18CWUlbN4rCJGWneLx7Pq0asL-GRl-ED3nSAnSx-T03oraEgStPvaILvCNngDAm1cRP1d7MNYGkcrRXHakbzrDxMG3PHnZoke0PgET8xep/s320/DSC00983.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">What pure joy it is to take an early morning walk on these spring days. I just love to hear the birds and delve in the fecundity of smells. And then the sun comes over the hill, glistens off the sap buckets, my spirit is lightened and I can truly begin my day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am asking for help these days. It’s the new me, replacing the old “I can do it myself” me. I am hiring the big guns to come in and clean up my lawn. I may even hire a cleaning person. Believe me it was not easy finding someone for the lawn clean up, not many crews of landscapers around here. I could hire some kid but I don’t want to spend days supervising. I want it done in one day. I called a few places but they never called back. This is such a no-no in my book. How can you do business if you don’t respond to people? Even if you have to respond in the negative, at least leave somewhat of an impression of responsibility…..my rant of the moment.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>MOVIES:</b> My DVD watching has been mostly British as usual. I got totally ensconced in <i>Downton Abbey</i> and am just finishing the last season of <i>Lark Rise to Candleford</i>. I found this series delightful…just loved the characters. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>BOOKS</b>: My reading has been all over the place. When I was in Maine last week I read two books that required little of me but were delightful - Rosamunde Pilcher's <i>Under Gemini, </i>and Joanna Trollope's <i>Marrying the Mistress.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For the three member book club that I am in, we are reading the new Dicken’s biography by Claire Tomalin. It is good, but so long. Does one really need to know every detail of his ancestry? I don’t retain this information for two minutes, so it is of little value to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Debarking from Dickens, I am reading <i>Townie </i>by Andre Dubus III. This book makes me so glad I was born twenty years earlier than he was. Who knows what I would have done if I had been born in the 60’s………it is such a scary thought, I don’t even like to contemplate it. This book also makes me realize what a normal, loving household I grew up in and for that I am extremely grateful. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Next on my list is <i>The Art of Hearing Heartbeats </i>by Jan-Philipp Sendker. This is a recommendation from my sister who also liked <i>The Darlings</i> by Cristina Alger. I have the essays by Marilynne Robinson <i>When I Was a Child I Read Books</i> on my night stand<i>.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>FOOD</b>: Because I bought some “precious” wooden sword for my grandson from a fancy catalog, I got a preview magazine called <i>Taproot, </i>its main themes gardening, farming, etc., which I am not into these days. I passed it on to my friend Susan. But in there was an interesting recipe for Kale Salad where you massage the kale and make it sweet. I tried the recipe and it is delicious, so I pass it on here. The nice part too is that it is better the next day. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.25pt;"><i><u><span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span></u></i></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.25pt;"><i><u><span style="color: #333333;">Kale Salad With Apples and Gorgonzola</span></u></i></strong></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">1 bunch kale<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">1 teaspoon sea salt (I used kosher as I didn’t have sea)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">1/3 cup dry-roasted sunflower seeds (original recipe calls for toasted sunflower seeds or candied walnuts). You could add any nut here.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">1/4 cup diced red onion<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">1/2 cup dried cherries (original recipe calls for 1/3 cup currants)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">3/4 cup diced apple (about 1/2 of an apple, I like to use Fuji apples)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">1/4 cup olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">2 tablespoons unfiltered apple cider vinegar<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">1/3 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled (or feta)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">De-stem kale by pulling leaf away from the stem. Wash leaves. Spin or pat dry. (You need to get as much moisture off the leaves as possible so the dressing will stick to the leaves, it doesn't stick to wet leaves.) Stack leaves, rollup and cut into thin ribbons (chiffonade). Put kale in a large mixing bowl and add salt. Massage salt into kale with your hands for 2 minutes. (If using plain sunflower seeds, toast them by putting in a dry skillet over low to medium heat and stir constantly for a few minutes until they change color and give off a nutty aroma. If using dry-roasted you do not need to toast them.) Put kale in a fresh bowl and discard any leftover liquid. Stir onion, currants, apple, sunflower seeds into kale. Dress with oil and vinegar and toss. Taste for salt and vinegar, adding more if necessary. Toss in cheese crumbles. Serves 6. (IF you have leftovers, this will taste even better the next day.)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;">You can see I have not been posting as much.</span><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="line-height: normal;">This is more in the form of my old Gray Zone newsletter and several people have mentioned that they prefer this, so I will give it a try for awhile.</span><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;">OK off to massage my kale…………….</span> <span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-76156954440549965282012-02-22T04:10:00.000-11:002012-02-22T04:10:37.112-11:00My Father Would Have Been 100 Today.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHN2rgww_dZcmRHYcJoQOtsjKqapgQpwU_Oe-xXJ7_4S1XGVlC1Zi7GliN9fvAREIdiDCRjCO4g7Z4HHHlZbcynJ0lbqDmSsQZhaAJlYXFoFl1mgAkc2F0nRsW60_wFXHYy9LPxx0_3S8W/s1600/IMG_NEW_NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHN2rgww_dZcmRHYcJoQOtsjKqapgQpwU_Oe-xXJ7_4S1XGVlC1Zi7GliN9fvAREIdiDCRjCO4g7Z4HHHlZbcynJ0lbqDmSsQZhaAJlYXFoFl1mgAkc2F0nRsW60_wFXHYy9LPxx0_3S8W/s320/IMG_NEW_NEW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">My father would have been 100 today and rarely does a day go by that I don’t think about him. He died at age 64 when I was 33 and I have felt as though I was cheated out of his presence for many years.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He was probably the most influential person in my life. Growing up I didn’t always agree with him as he was very critical of me…..but in hindsight I realize that he only wanted the best for me, just didn’t go about it quite in a way that was easy. I was an overweight, taciturn child and when he criticized me, I would just retreat further into my shell.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Since we lived in a small town and he was the town’s physician, life was very busy and not easy, and moments of peace few. We never took vacations. He had a great love of books, nature, and classical music. He would often take up a hobby and pursue it to perfection and then go onto something else.</div><div class="MsoNormal">He was one of the first joggers, running before it became a craze. He also loved all sports. His final job before he retired was as a school physician for a private school, which was right up his alley, as he could attend all the athletic events.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My daughter was the first grandchild (my sister’s daughter was born the spring of the year he died) so she was the only one able to benefit from his great love of children. The photo above, taken when he was in China during the war, is so fitting of his personality. He would have been very interested in my niece’s adopting a little Chinese girl.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He would not have dealt well with the present state of the medical world…..the bureaucracy alone would have done him in. I always remember when April 15<sup>th</sup> rolled around we were told to leave him alone as he had left the taxes until the last minute…cannot imagine how he would have handled the Medicare/Medicaid situation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I still feel his presence on my morning walks, when he whispers in my ear when I take too long a shower, when it is a beautiful day and I am not out enjoying it. I think this poem by Robert Mazzocco, <i>Dynasty</i>, is so fitting.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>F</i><i>amily voices; you still can hear them,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Ever so dimly, there in your own voice:<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i>Your father’s voice, even your mother’s voice.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>The older we get,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>The more you’ll hear them,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i>Though no one else does.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Just as you still can see them, all over<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>Your body, though, of course, no one else must:<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i>Family scars and family kisses.<o:p></o:p></i></div>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-28990199874725745052012-02-17T07:31:00.000-11:002012-02-17T07:31:18.759-11:00Is It Just Me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_LRqmqLbLePy-qebYslDB6qEiK7X8uXRgA2EdMverDTxTVrBMXNLGeM4VQNz-eNxgT-kPl2J9W0KX3iSmRZaojJakVcwy2eilDQQmISC4y8xbbpe2CLSnhkvqBKnkt7MW8mMVmINOWvw/s1600/DSC00987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_LRqmqLbLePy-qebYslDB6qEiK7X8uXRgA2EdMverDTxTVrBMXNLGeM4VQNz-eNxgT-kPl2J9W0KX3iSmRZaojJakVcwy2eilDQQmISC4y8xbbpe2CLSnhkvqBKnkt7MW8mMVmINOWvw/s320/DSC00987.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>The Granddaughters on my recent Maine trip.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Several years ago in my monthly newsletter <i>The Gray Zone</i>, I wrote about giving a wedding present of a basket filled with all sorts of scissors – good scissors. If I were giving that same gift now I would add a few things to it that I find essential for everyday living. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One <i>Gray Zone</i> reader, Paula, told me about seam rippers. These are great to stab and tear those plastic packages sealed for a millennium. On my recent trip back from Maine (and being without one of these handy gadgets), I had forgotten to pack a snack for the front seat and didn’t want to stop. I realized that I could reach the bag of Trader Joe goodies and get the falafel chips' bag, but I could not open it! I tore at it with my teeth, tried to tear it with both hands and was about to throw it at the dog to see if she could get it open. I finally gave up which was probably just as well as I would have eaten the whole bag they are so addicting.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Is it just me that wonders why everything is so tightly wrapped? And I am not a wimp but fairly strong having lugged wood all winter amongst other things. But then I wonder, because when I enlist the help of my 6 year old grandson, Eli, he can immediately tear things open. Is it a vast conspiracy against everyone over 65? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On another note, I have a great idea that I have been proposing to pharmacies. They have blood pressure machines available, why don’t they have a scale? It could be enclosed in a little booth so one would have privacy and it would have a weight chart on the wall. I weigh myself everyday, which I am sure many think rather obsessive, but I know if I overdo one day, I can cut back the next. Not all scales are created equal, but it would be great to have a medical quality scale available. <i><o:p></o:p></i></div>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-16440945266909561682012-02-09T07:32:00.000-11:002012-02-09T07:32:06.466-11:00When You Know the Grandchildren are Getting Smarter than You..............<div class="MsoNormal">Walking the dog with my six year old (his birthday is today) grandson, Eli.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Eli: “ Clog, what is the smallest particle there is, is it a microbe?”</div><div class="MsoNormal">Clog quaking, pretends not to hear him.</div>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-44010113337473052532012-02-05T13:04:00.000-11:002012-02-05T13:04:39.988-11:00Ah, Football...............<img src="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Desktop/Pictures/2-5-2012/DSC00964.JPG" />While the world is watching grown men bash their bodies together and grunt, I am sitting home by my fire reading my book and thinking about watching an episode of “Lark Rise at Candlewood”. Oh, believe me, there is nothing wrong with sports, it is just something I am not terribly interested in.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Most of the men in my life have been avid sports fans. As mentioned in an earlier blog, having to chase my father down across the street as he watched the final of some sporting event. I was first married in my parents’ living room the day after Thanksgiving, and as soon as the brief ceremony was over, all the males retreated to the TV room for whatever all those post Thanksgiving games are. Ah well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">With my first husband we used to go to Mets’ games and I did get a bit caught up in that…the fun of the stadium and ardent fans. It was during this marriage that I realized when cooking Sunday dinner, that if you asked how long before the football game was over, and the answer was four minutes, that was a downright lie.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My second marriage also was with a sports fan, more basketball than baseball, and I did get caught up in the New York Knicks. It was also helpful as my boss at the time was totally ignorant when it came to sports. He smoked though and was part of the Monday morning crew outside the building fulfilling their vice. He would come in the office and say “Quick, give me a rundown on yesterday’s game” which I would do, and he would happily go out and puff away, feeling somewhat of a Monday morning quarterback. He would always come back to his office after these sessions and say “Ah, football” (or baseball, or tennis, whatever), a term that I have used many a time since for a conversation that I was not terribly knowledgeable about …“ah sewing’…….”ah, chickens”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I shall undoubtedly be snug in my bed by 10, but I hope your team wins, that you don's stay up too late, or eat too much, and that you are not hung-over. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-71964162494491885842012-02-01T13:34:00.000-11:002012-02-01T13:34:45.163-11:00Siblings Probing.......................<div class="MsoNormal">I love my brother. He is always calling me with these questions about our childhood. He is seven years younger than I am, so I think he believes I have a more in depth perception on those years. My favorite question from him was “Why did Mother get up at 4 AM to put the turkey in the oven at Thanksgiving?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, he calls often and we always have a good conversation. Last week we discussed television. We did not have a TV for many, many years and would go across the street to this wonderful family and watch it there…..usually the Ed Sullivan Show on Sunday nights. Now my father was a big sports fan, so he would often be found there watching some final of a sporting event. I also remember having to often pry him away during the McCarthy hearings. He was a country doctor with an extremely busy and hectic practice. My mother got tired of having to go find him whenever some emergency arose, so that is when we got a TV.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My brother only remembers watching Bonanza on the TV once when he was sick. I honestly don’t remember watching anything at all. I did have a babysitting job after school watching these kids until their mother got home from work (the father was deceased) and I remember becoming quite enthralled with “Queen For A Day”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t have a TV now, but do get Netflix and I love the many BBC series that are wonderful tales covering historical eras – Foyle’s War, Downton Abbey, and I am watching a whole series now on the Victorian era called “Lark Rise at Candleford”. I began to think if there were any American series that were similar. Many movies cover history, but I could not think of a good TV series (not a documentary, but a fictional series) that covered a specific era of history, save “Mash”. So can you? What did you love to watch as a child? I would love to know.</div>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-17838878689929900232012-01-29T07:20:00.000-11:002012-01-29T07:20:04.573-11:00Are You Nuts?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17ViFb1bCOGSUkTMA3dtEMgJL5HqlyiDCElVjag9DK3RaM34PpsCcGG7xbEh3l7Tt92YEfDmhVqw_AQzkQhqTu5BFo9QjlvYX_cQRVwAEGEQS3rirsOytu5uayB5TTu0SKJMb_dTV-3Xr/s1600/Sondy+%2526+Sylvia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17ViFb1bCOGSUkTMA3dtEMgJL5HqlyiDCElVjag9DK3RaM34PpsCcGG7xbEh3l7Tt92YEfDmhVqw_AQzkQhqTu5BFo9QjlvYX_cQRVwAEGEQS3rirsOytu5uayB5TTu0SKJMb_dTV-3Xr/s320/Sondy+%2526+Sylvia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Many of my friends are doing the “back to earth” movement – growing and preserving their own vegetables, raising chickens, goats, etc. Now I see nothing wrong with this but wouldn’t our mothers be saying “Are You Nuts?” to this movement….these women who endured their childhoods during the depression and then as adults, WWII? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My Mom made all our clothes, even coats, as can be attested in the picture above (I am the chunky one on the left). We had no dryer and I can remember going out and folding these frozen clothes that were on the line and bringing them in, only to have them draped everywhere until they dried. And then all the ironing, and one way to get on my mother’s good side was to iron. She would often sprinkle the clothes but never get around to ironing them, so they would mildew and she would have to start over. When we got a freezer, they would get sprinkled and then put in there until ironed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We had a huge garden and the children’s task was to weed. I hated weeding then, something I love to do today. And then all the produce had to be preserved, one way or another, for the winter. No wonder this generation embraced the canned, ready frozen, processed food….the era of Betty Crocker and her cake mixes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When I first moved here 14 years ago, I planted a large garden. It happened to be the summer of a drought, so this garden required a great deal of attention to keep it going. I also planted many flowers in containers and added a few perennial gardens around the house. Today I have an herb garden and a small perennial garden…..no vegetable garden. I have tried to make my place as low maintenance as possible.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, my friends, I will gladly take your excess produce and eggs. I will join a CSA and attend the farmers’ markets, but I fear the only “back to earthing” I will be doing is for my final resting place.</div>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-36483684941510879102012-01-27T07:48:00.000-11:002012-01-27T07:48:14.487-11:00Obsessing.............<div class="MsoNormal">I have had some people looking at my house….a woman yesterday and one tomorrow. I was cleaning like a maniac until I was on the phone with a friend who said “You are way too OC about this, let the realtor do their job selling your place for their 6% commission, your house is fine.” And after I got off the phone I thought “I have to start thinking like a man”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Because how many men do you know that would be worrying about whether that shelf is incredibly organized or those few ashes on the floor from the woodstove are there or that the animal bed is a bit untidy? I cannot think of a one.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now the animal thing is a bit of a problem as we have been having milder weather which = mud and = Grayling trying to get those little creatures that burrow into the soil. I looked out yesterday and she was halfway to China, just her yellow, fluffy derrière sticking out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The cat goes out briefly but comes in and sleeps the rest of the time, but that brief foray = dirty paws and then he climbs on the chair and leaves these lovely little dirty footprints. I have relaxed a bit about that especially since I have whitish slipcovers, which I want to clean but am afraid if I send them to the dry cleaner, someone will want to come and look at the house, and what is underneath them is pretty horrible. They are sort of animal-dirty/Martha Stewart chic at this point.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL18TPxYLIs-OqB9w5ZNs0RoerSLNCm5L2FsQ0Xp8zIceqcVgyjF1pPfnq6JjZ9YC0ZtjuUKOMhWTJBGuwK-v5ZerDtVG5_0wnnZffet8R-NqV4QSUnnWpL5tfb-KD4NfCplJPQttdZN_R/s1600/DSC00961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL18TPxYLIs-OqB9w5ZNs0RoerSLNCm5L2FsQ0Xp8zIceqcVgyjF1pPfnq6JjZ9YC0ZtjuUKOMhWTJBGuwK-v5ZerDtVG5_0wnnZffet8R-NqV4QSUnnWpL5tfb-KD4NfCplJPQttdZN_R/s320/DSC00961.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And by the way, what idiot invented the vacuum cleaner? It is the most cumbersome machine going. In my next life I am getting central vac.</div>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-34371495669046893072012-01-23T13:35:00.000-11:002012-01-23T13:35:05.936-11:00If This Table Could Talk...........<div class="MsoTitle"> I recently purchased a small hand sander. I hoped to find treasures, laden with dirt and paint, and sand them into valuable antiques. I did manage to do this (although I don’t know about the valuable antique part) with a bench that I purchased for $20.00. I sanded and sanded and then oiled it and it was passable enough to place in my bedroom (my bedroom, you may note, not the guest receiving living room). I was so pleased with this project that I decided to sand my round, all-purpose coffee table. I lugged it to the garage and got the sander out, but…….</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p> I could not do it. I looked at this table and was flooded with memories. My father made this round coffee table from a top he found at the dump. Many of you may remember that a trip to the dump could be an exciting experience, not like now where everything is neatly organized. You could find all sorts of discarded treasures. Well, this table top was one of them. He refinished the top and made legs for it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p> I was living in a small apartment in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York City</st1:place></st1:city> at the time and one Wednesday (his day off) he drove down with the coffee table on the top of his little Corvair. It fit so nicely in that tiny apartment, serving multiple functions…..coffee table, dining table, boudoir table, desk, telephone table, etc.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p> When I married and moved to a larger apartment, the coffee table came with me. We were quite social then and had many a party. We all drank and smoked to excess, often missing the coasters (if there were any at all) and ashtrays. All of this is well documented on its top.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p> When I was pregnant with my daughter, we moved to a house in the suburbs of <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New Jersey</st1:place></st1:state> and the coffee table came along, by now showing much character. My daughter learned to walk around that table. Around and around she could go and never fall, her little hands leaving imprints. It had no sharp edges to hurt her.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p> Within a five year period, three very important people in my life died. My best friend died of cancer, my father died suddenly, and my husband developed a brain tumor and died within two months. I spent many a night on the couch with my feet on this table, in a grief-generated stupor, contemplating what to do next. By now the drinks had been replaced with herbal tea and a more sensible way of life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p> After 20 years in the house in the suburbs, I remarried and the table moved to a house by a lake in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pennsylvania</st1:place></st1:state>. Here it sat in a sun room, more civilized in its function….drinks with coasters, coffee table books, bouquets of flowers, and no ashtrays. And here it stayed, well dusted and cared for, for 6 years, until I finally realized the staid life was not for me and I longed for my freedom.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p> So now I have brought this table back to its origins. As I was about to attack it, sander in hand, I realized I was about to perform a major face lift…..an erasure of every character line that so enhanced its surface. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p> I don’t want to bring this table back to its youth. I want it to grow old with me and show every one of its 40+ years, and then some. I want my grandchildren to walk around and around it. I want my daughter to inherit it I love this table…..it talks to me. *</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">*As a postscript – I wrote this piece several years ago. With my constant redecorating, the table no longer fit in. I offered it to my daughter, but she passed on it. It was shipped out to my niece in Colorado. I am so glad it is still in the family. </div>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-45392312489143293142012-01-21T09:08:00.000-11:002012-01-21T09:08:01.591-11:00My Butterfly Amaryllis Bloometh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfrOwuoIGuaYpbG2UwDH7K2u2V1Evjm5CsV1Mla20AfJV2MEM5tsmHYOz0yZHxuwWBDyjJnotYR6tihpVC4XREt-pXQyMnI3WOCn8ngCqfEiUHoNH870svd15Wldmx-LoGxGgFr52fXAs/s1600/DSC00959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfrOwuoIGuaYpbG2UwDH7K2u2V1Evjm5CsV1Mla20AfJV2MEM5tsmHYOz0yZHxuwWBDyjJnotYR6tihpVC4XREt-pXQyMnI3WOCn8ngCqfEiUHoNH870svd15Wldmx-LoGxGgFr52fXAs/s320/DSC00959.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I have had this plant for over 20 years and once a year it produces this beautiful bloom. I never know when it will happen, so it is always a lovely surprise.Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428451087809159932.post-41161219662333106472012-01-19T08:43:00.002-11:002012-01-19T09:10:55.970-11:00And All This Before a Cup of Coffee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmGkxahyXSSPCNsLpSSsUYQJLQ5YtVfp0XKy7kjafjb1R-gB8GUOiRwXvPSM-K8rgdLLeI9AssIC2lzGuYKvRvqlZ_v7hw-SqQKJBr49J2hIKnBAQnb10o41SxOHM1fEGsY0sKzx13Hg0/s1600/DSC00954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmGkxahyXSSPCNsLpSSsUYQJLQ5YtVfp0XKy7kjafjb1R-gB8GUOiRwXvPSM-K8rgdLLeI9AssIC2lzGuYKvRvqlZ_v7hw-SqQKJBr49J2hIKnBAQnb10o41SxOHM1fEGsY0sKzx13Hg0/s320/DSC00954.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So today, we get up, or should I say a feline decides that we get up, at 5:30…..feed the animals, stoke the fire and let the animals outside. Dog starts to bark and bark and bark and bark. I look out and cannot see anything, as it is dark. All I see is the sliver of moon and have the passing thought “would this dog truly be dumb enough to bark at the moon?” And she continues to bark and bark and bark. I am sure my neighbors were ready to kill me (or her).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Day breaks and I look out and see this sad doe on my upper lawn, like those statues you see at the summit of some mountain. Barking continues. The doe pays no attention to the dog and actually when the doe drops her head to eat a bit of grass the dog runs away, but still barking. Might I add here that this is the dog who was shut in a barn for a week and NEVER BARKED. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I get some duds on and go outside and walk towards the doe and still she doesn't move. I realize now that the lower part of one of her legs is broken.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I call my friend Susan, who knows all things of animals and she suggests I call our dog catcher, who suggests I call the state troopers, which I do and he comes about 45 minutes later. What is it about those clean cut guys in their uniforms?……..oh sorry, got off track there for a minute……Anyway, he gets out of his car and the doe takes off on her three legs! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I asked him what he would have done and he said he would have shot her, but could not take the carcass away. I had visions of someone coming to look at the house and my saying “Oh, you don’t mind a deer carcass on the lawn do you?” Actually he said if he had shot her, he would have stopped at the local coffee hangout and asked if anyone was interested. How long do you think it would have been before my usually quiet road looked like the thruway?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270655053090690689noreply@blogger.com1