Up a stream

Creatures, inside and out

2010-06-20T05:19:00.000-07:00

Living as we do in the suburbs, one is always surprised when wild life comes creeping up. I had thought that we had chased most of the animals and birds away years ago, if not killed them all.

There is a blue jay outside my screen door as I speak, stealing dog food. (we put the food outside for the dogs sometimes and call it a "picnic"). The jay is chirriping as jays will do when they are not screaming out warnings, and I can see it if I turn around from the computer screen.

We have a family of crows that have nested near by. Probably in the tallest of the oaks we have here. I see them on the roof of my neighbors house, and the young ones (very large and able to fly) screeching for food. It can get annoying, but it is still wonderful to see them. One of the neighbors has a small garden plot, and standing on a post is a fake owl to try to keep the birds out.
I have seen the crows attack this owl over and over, hitting it so hard you can hear the thuds and see the owl shake side to side. The crows seem so angry over this fake owl that never moves or flys.

The boys are making beer. They were up very late last night and this morning there are strange
pieces of equipment all over like some mad scientist's lab. I have no clue what they do and went to bed fairly early last night.

Hopefully it will be a quiet Sunday and I can relax and get ready for Monday once again.
Here's hoping yours is quiet too.

Today

2010-03-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

Today we will wait to see what our elected leaders will do.
Today we will wait to see if millions of Americans will now have health insurance.
Today we will wait.......

Busy

2010-03-20T02:05:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy week. My sister was visiting from Canada. She has lived there for years and I don't get to see her that often. I drove up to see her several years ago in Toronto. It was a beautiful drive across the UP and into Canada. There are still small farms there which was wonderful to see. I also saw bear and deer so often it became common.

My sister is silly, crazy, funny, talented, and I love her dearly. She was a second mother to me being the oldest of 8 children. A lot of responsibility on those small shoulders. But she became a very organized person and I wish I had that skill. She can multi task till the cows come home and is always 10 steps ahead.

She also plays in a ukulele band up there and because of the singing and strumming in the house, I am now the proud owner of a ukulele. I can now play "Big Rock Candy Mountain". Very slowly of course because it is difficult to learn all the cords to songs. This one is easy because it only has three and I know the song from "Oh Brother Where Art Thou". Maybe I will become a busker and work for small change although I know I have a lot more songs to learn.

That is my week. A new one is ahead. I will miss my sister and look forward to seeing her again although I don't know when. She just calls and shows up like spring.

Have a great weekend all.

55 and still alive!

2010-03-04T05:11:00.000-08:00

I have entered the great club of "Senior hood" today. I woke to a beautiful bouquet of flowers in sunny yellows, a complete breakfast of bacon and eggs, and happy returns from my dearest husband. It was lovely!

When I got to work, there were roses and a massive group of balloons from a dear friend here. Cards and presents, hugs and best wishes.

Too bad every day can't be like this.

I have finally reached that age where small things don't matter, the weather is a big deal, discounts abound, and one is finally happy with who they are. At least most of the time.
I make a commitment today to show those I love, love. To show those who are friends, friendship, and to disregard all the others. I just want to be kind and graceful.

Happy day for me!!!
Hope it is a good one for you also.

Waiting for the coffee to be done.....

2010-03-02T02:10:00.001-08:00

I woke up too early this morning and could not go back to sleep. That seems to be happening a bit too often lately. And I have miles to go before I sleep again.

I have been checking my son's facebook page to see if there are any new postings from him. He took the train to Caen Normandy on Friday, is in Paris as we speak, and will be heading back to London on the 3rd. How exciting is that!? (pause - mmmm coffee) I am excited to see what new pictures he will post and what stories he has to tell.

Some weekends ago, my husband and I went to see a friend who plays in a band. This friend was playing quite close to where we live so we decided to walk. Not only would we be safe if we drank a tad to much (which we didn't) but we also need the exercise after being cooped up this winter.

A good time was had by all, we didn't make too big fools of ourselves on the dance floor, and the band was very very good! We left a bit before midnight and decided not to take the same route back as we had there. The sidewalks are treacherous and I have always had visions of myself falling and breaking a hip or something. (I think most Minnesota women have this fear).

As we walked across the street to get to a side street off the bigger road, a police car came racing out of no where with his lights flashing and PULLED US OVER! He wouldn't explain why, he just insisted on seeing our IDs. After having the daylights scared out of me, I tried to explain why we were walking on the side of the road (ice conditions). He didn't want to hear anything, he just plugged our license numbers into his computer. A tinny voice came back and said that our IDs were good. As he handed them back, he said "Walk on the sidewalk".

Needless to say, I was angry about this. One does not normally carry one's ID if one is just out for a walk (which is basically what we were doing).

I waited a couple of days to cool off and then shot an email to the Chief of Police. I wanted to know what the police officer's reason was for not only pulling us over, but also his rudeness and failure to explain his reasons. I have yet to get a response.

We do not need bullies out there. But I look at past incidences with the police in my town (not my incidences but ones I have heard), and I am beginning to think that in this small burb town, one is guilty until proven innocent. There was no traffic on the road, we weren't drunk, we live 5 blocks away, etc. But there you have it. Pulled over for street walking.

It is now my normal wake up time so I had better go get ready for work. I think I will have Cherry pie for breakfast.

Yay!!!!!! I won!

2010-02-05T02:56:00.000-08:00

I won this in a contest on the "Country Girl" blog. I read this blog every day and marvel at her lovely stories and pictures. She is a wonderful photographer.

Needless to say, I was very excited! I needed a coffee cup for work and this is perfect!

It made the cold and snowy day much more tolerable.

Happy Weekend everyone!

Cold

2010-01-30T04:32:00.000-08:00

It is cold here but the moon is so huge and bright. Beautiful!
Son in London is doing well. I hear London is a mecca for vegitarians so he is happy. He posted pictures of Bath, Stonehenge, the Military Museum he is interning at. All in all he seems to be doing well.

I have cabin fever. Badly. I go to work and come home, maybe with a side trip to Beyerly's to get some sushi rolls, or to a fabric store (like I need more fabric!). Just call me Hermit.

Lately I have been dreaming about summer. Walking down the country road by the cabin looking for agates. I am a rock hound to the nth degree. I have containers full of rocks, some good, some bad. Mostly agates but I only keep the big ones. I have rocks from Arizona, New Mexico, well, you name it, I have rocks everywhere. I do not know anything about geology, I just know what I like.

So, I am bored half to death. If I could just sleep all the time things would pass quickly. But I can't and I have a nasty habit of waking up by at least 4:30 - 5:00 a.m. Sometimes the days just seem so long I can't wait till nightfall comes. But this only happens in this second tundra on the right. Minnesota can be so beautiful, but also so bleak at this time of the year.

I am ready. Ready for spring and the cabin. Ready for long walks on dusty roads. Ready for green leaves and fishing.

Sigh. The furnace comes on once more.

Raggy Baggy

2010-01-20T02:38:00.001-08:00

I need a hair cut. I am beginning to look like an escapee from Woodstock. Not that the hair styles then weren't the thing at the time. But I look shaggy. And now that I made a New Year's vow not to buy anything new until I am fitter, I feel a tad like a rag doll.

It is amazing how a new style or a new outfit make one feel so good. I think this is why women buy so many clothes. In our sometimes mundane lives, feeling wonderful because we look good is so important.

So, I think I will get a cut this weekend. Maybe something new and stylish. But I will have to think about it because if it is the wrong decision, I could wind up having to look like some chipmunk for a couple of weeks before my hair grows long enough to do the same old thing with.

Until then, I will have to curl, spray, rat, or do what ever it takes to make this mop of mine look somewhat acceptable.

Cheers to you all

This is not a cooking blog

2010-01-13T02:47:00.000-08:00

Definitely not a cooking blog. Couldn't sleep. Got up finally at 3:45 a.m. and decided to make something. Scones!

I added everything, mixed and realized something is wrong. A quick re-check of the recipe shows I have forgotten an all important ingredient. Butter! Now I have this massive glob and have to mix the butter in. I have no idea if this will work but I did the best I could, cut the rolled out blob into scone shapes and I am waiting to see if they turn out. I guess my mind is someplace else, mostly wondering if Sam made it safely to London.

The timer on the oven rings. I take out the now golden brown rough looking blobs and actually, they look fine. I will try one and if it worked, I won't tell anyone that I messed up. Because really, who can mess up scones, right?

I should have put chocolate chips in them.

Good morning to you all. Have a scone.......

London Calling

2010-01-12T16:51:00.000-08:00

Sam leaves for London today. I have had that on my mind for some time now. He tends to be like Phil in certain ways and forgets things he deems unimportant like where he put his wallet, or locking up his bike, etc. Yes, he is 22 and a man now, but I worry as he is my baby and always will be.

But on the other hand I envy him his adventure. I loved to travel and did well on my own. Spain, Portugal, Japan, DC, etc. I did meet people along the way (I have forgotten most of them), and tried to get away from military stuff most of the time. So I hope he has a grand adventure that he can bring to mind and savor all his life. It is a wonderful learning experience for him and I know that he will make the best of it.

But....my baby, my still smoothed cheek child will be an ocean and a culture away from the hugs of a somewhat over protective mother. Maybe that is the point. After this, my mothering will not be as important any more. All those years of protection, of soothing, of loving more than life will be like a wallet. Hopefully not laid aside and forgotten.

New Year

2010-01-03T02:47:00.000-08:00

I wanted to say that 2009 was a year best forgotten. That there were so many things that caused conflict not only for my family personally, but the world at large. The economy tanked, unemployment soared, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq forced us to rethink our position in the world, climate change has become a huge issue, and rightly so, and we worry about our children making a place for themselves in a world that no longer seems as friendly as it did when we were their ages.

We spent the Christmas holiday in Arizona. Mostly at the bed side of my brother in law who was in hospice care. After some time of being ill, he found out he had Hepatitis C, probably for years, and didn't know it. He went through Chemo and was on the Liver Transplant list but things got so much worse that they took him off and sent him home.
Mark was a cowboy, a true cowboy. He was a construction foreman, had a ranch with horses, and he fell in love with my tall beautiful sister in law. Mark was a Viet Nam vet, raised two sons and was at the time in his life to start thinking about retirement. He died on Christmas Day just past noon. We will miss you Mark.

2009 also brought the break up of two friends. After 20 years, he decided he wanted more. It was such a shock and my dear girl friend Karen is struggling with the whys, the what did I do wrongs, and trying to start over at 55.

But 2009 did bring good things too. Weekends at the cabin with my husband, a dearly loved daughter graduating from college, a lovely visit from my sister from Canada who I don't get to see nearly as much as I would like to.
So there were some good things too.

2010 is starting out well so far. I have my lists of resolutions, none of which are so difficult I can't accomplish them. And the best so far is a new Grand Nephew who lives in Germany. I am making him a sock monkey so he knows that far away someone loves him very much.

I still have a job, Phil's company's work is picking up. My son leaves for London in a week or so. What an adventure!

But that is what it all is, one grand adventure. Some good, some bad, but exciting none the less.

Happy New Year to you all.

Color my world (but just not that shade)

2009-12-02T02:24:00.000-08:00

Never send a man out to get paint. His heart is in the right place, but his eye sees differently than yours.

We have a flesh colored bathroom. Our house, built in the late 50's has that horrible tile and tub, toilet, sink that was so popular back then. But I think if I had skin that color, people would insist I go to the doctor.

Needless to say, the new paint is not right. In fact it is down right ugly. I suggested, he went and bought the paint and ewwwwwww.

It is not his fault. I love him anyway. But this color has to go. So I will go and get new paint and hopefully it will look a little better. So much work has gone into this project that I am tempted to leave it. But it is so disgusting that it has to change or everyone will start going to the bathroom outside.

Beautiful

2009-11-13T02:28:00.000-08:00

The weather has been beautiful here. But you can sense
winter coming. I have tried to spend some time out
doors, the afternoons being blue and gold, but
I know what is coming.

I do not like winter. The layering, the woolen things,
the covering every inch of exposed flesh. My flannel
pajamas are out of storage and fresh and clean. I have
put the flannel sheets back on the bed.

Winter is coming, but we are enjoying these
warm days as much as possible.

Here is hoping your weekend is clear and blue and gold.

Early. Much too early!

2009-10-31T03:58:00.000-07:00

It is Saturday. One of the days you get to sleep in. And I wake up at 5:00 a.m.
and can't go back to sleep. It is cold and rainy outside and inside seems a very
nice place to be. I don't see anything exciting planned for the weekend. It seems
I will be cleaning for two days. I never seem to get caught up with laundry, no matter
how long, how many loads, etc. I believe it grows over night and unless you do
it all and have not one dirty item in the whole house, it breeds. Figure the odds
that I can get every single dirty thing clean in two days. I lose.

Kansas has been eating things off the counter tops in the middle of the night.
She doesn't want to come up stairs like she normally does when we go to bed.
Lurking on the couch, she waits until she thinks we are asleep (and we usually
are). The other night she ate a tray of muffins. Last night she scarfed
up a pan of cornbread. Well, she didn't eat it all, but has shaved it into
the Grand Canyon with her teeth. She must have been very careful as it is
a glass cake pan and she didn't drag it off on the floor. Reminder to one's
self: Make sure never to leave anything on the counter that is edible to
a dog.
Second note to self: Never leave pantry door open unless you want to wake
up to a kitchen floor covered in trash.
Sigh

Third note to self: Never ever again have a white linoleum floor in the
kitchen unless you like muddy dog prints.

Happy Halloween!

Ready or not......

2009-10-13T02:32:00.000-07:00

It has snowed over the past couple of days. Temps are in the 30's at night and the old familiar sound of the furnace is being heard once more. Not long ago we had the air conditioner on because it was so hot.

I am not ready for this. The leaves have not changed colors yet and are falling still green. One day I have the fan on at my desk, and the next day my toes are cold.

I was not ready for this. I haven't cleaned the cabin (usually done in the early part of November), I hardly got to go fishing this summer, I want to see the colors of fall.
Instead, the ground has been white. Where did fall go? Or do we just not get one
this year?

I insist I have a couple more weekends up north. I insist that I get to smell the
dry leaf smell of fall. I insist that I am not ready for winter.

Someone had better listen.

Some good, some bad

2009-10-07T05:21:00.000-07:00

The game last night was truly amazing! It was hard for me
to just sit and watch. Sort of like a scary movie that you
know something "thrilling" is going to happen so you can't sit
still. I am not a big "sports" person, and perhaps you would
call me a fair weather fan, but the Twins made the game
so exciting that I think even the worst of fans would have
been glued to the TV.

On the other hand, my boss just told me that her 50 year old
aunt had died last night. She died from an asthma attack.
In this day and age, asthma is manageable, but she was unemployed
and had no money for medication. This
is truly a tragedy. Especially when so many are out of
jobs with no medical insurance. This is what the fight is
for and I am sure her family doesn't care about the Democrats
or Republicans petty fighting. This should not have ever
happened. There should be safe guards for exactly this
type of situation.

So sad.

Sweeping out the spider webs

2009-10-06T02:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have not posted for months. It has been a crazy busy summer and
my mind has been pretty blank. But, its the season for reflection and the clearing out
of mundane things.

Its early, not yet 5 a.m. And pouring rain. The temp is 41 degrees outside and
I really do not want to go out into it. But, sometimes when we feel like stalling,
if we lean forward, we have to take that first step or fall down.

So, I am leaning forward, and off I go........

Vacation

2009-08-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

yes, yes I know. No words spoken or written here for quite some time. I have had a busy busy summer and it hasn't included time for being indoors and writing blogs. However, we have just returned from a trip to the Boundary Waters (BWCAW) and I will be posting the trip with pictures.
I am a tad burnt, a tad tired, my right knee is stiff, but besides the numerous rainfalls, it was a splendid trip.

More to follow!

Its Franken!

2009-06-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

Finally the courts have ruled in favor of Al Franken. This has been a long and tiring senate race.
Minnesota is just waiting for Gov Pawlenty to acknowledge what the courts have decided, and approve the selection.

That gives the Dems a 60.

Argh!!!!!!!!

2009-06-22T17:56:00.001-07:00

So.

I lost a filling a bit ago. I visited my dentist and oops! A root canal in the future.
So, I am on some pain medication of some sort, I am drinking a gin ricky, and now
I feel no pain.

I do not know why I am falling apart this way. Old age must be creeping up on
me quickly.

Maybe I will be toothless and have to drink through a straw. That's ok.
Liquor is liquid. It doesn't have to be chewed.

Sunday - Father's Day

2009-06-21T09:24:00.000-07:00

I have been secretly working on a little car kit for my husband. Maps, pencil/pad of paper/tire gauge/first aid kit/fire starter/etc. I am thankful for him, the best of fathers.

I took a break and went to Crooks and Liars. I check them every day for news, etc.

In Iran, a young girl dies while her father looks on. He tries to help.
It is useless and you can hear the anguish in his voice as he calls to her as she slips off.

A beautiful girl from Iran and her father.

And I will go upstairs and shed my tears before he comes home from shopping.

After all, it is Father's Day.

2009-06-16T10:53:00.001-07:00

Hopefully this lady doesn't get hit. We are on a pretty busy road.
She sat there for about an hour, moved to peer through the window into the printing area, and then strutted off down the side walk. I didn't see her when I left work so hopefully she decided to go someplace quiet.

Wild Life

2009-06-16T05:18:00.000-07:00

This morning when I came into work, there was a surprise waiting for me.
A wild turkey (female) is sitting on a rail right outside my window.
A fellow employee had come in earlier and scared it. It flew into the window,
and then flew away. It has returned and is grooming itself now.

I had to sneak out to get the paper, and it glowered at me but stayed still.

I am trying to caution people not to scare it so I can have it just a little
longer...............

Once upon a Time

2009-06-10T05:05:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there were two young lovers named Romeo and Julie. They had to secretly see each other because years ago their fathers, Big Jim and Billy Bob had loved the same woman and hated each other. This woman ran off to South America because she couldn't stand either one of them. Big Jim and Billy Bob got in bar fights, restaurant fights, hardware store fights, you name it, they fought.

Both fathers had a tendency to belittle their children, which made them rebel. Romeo had shaved his head, pierced his lips, ear lobes, and had spikes implanted under the skin of his scalp. Julie had tattoos over almost every inch of her arms, her hair was atomic red with undertones of black, her eye brows were pierced as well as her naval. These two had learned to love regardless of their fathers and they swore they would love unto death.

One day while they were kissing in the back of the old fish house that Romeo’s father owned (he never went fishing), Romeo’s father walked in on them and seeing Julie (she looked just like her own father) he went into a rage and threatened to shoot the both of them. He ran into the house, called Julie’s father, and then the fireworks escalated to such a degree that Romeo and Julie decided to run for it.

They leaped onto Romeo’s moped, Julie side saddle on the back, and took off across town. Unfortunately while concentrating on the road ahead, Romeo did not notice that Julie flipped off when the moped hit a bump. She fell into an open man hole and was seen no more.

Julie’s father called the police as Julie was only 14 at the time and Romeo was 34, - “jail bait”. Needless to say, Romeo was arrested not only for child abuse, but for suspicion in the case of Julie’s disappearance. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Some years later, we look in upon Romeo. He has married the matron prison guard and has 7 children and one more on the way.

And Julie? Well, her plan worked. She got rid of the dork, moved on to California, and became a high buck call girl.

fini

Sometimes life can be a tad difficult

2009-05-19T14:08:00.000-07:00

No, I am not falling apart. No, I have no illnesses, wounds, broken limbs. But my heart hurts a bit. I don't like it. Sometimes I wish I did not feel so strongly, but then I tell myself at least I "feel" alive. Not excitingly alive. Just not completely dead of heart.

I adore my family and hate to see any of them go through emotional upheaval. Fears of the future, after school, with no real future to speak of. Loans that will have to be paid, years spent on studying something only to find there are no prospects at this time. Times are hard all over especially for young people graduating from college.

I feel badly when I know they are having relationship problems. I am not an expert, I just know that even though things feel terrible at the moment, it will pass. Time and distance do cure many wounds.

I am a mother, with all that comes with the job. I worry about my children, I wish I could help when they go through rough spots, but sometimes a kiss, an ear, or a shoulder are just not enough, and sometimes that is all I can offer.

There is a saying: "Someone should have told us when we became parents that for the rest of our lives our hearts would walk around outside our bodies". My heart is out there riding a bike from St. Paul to the University, riding a bike from Harding to home, and out driving, trying to come to terms with having to really be an adult.

I sometimes wish to keep them always near me. But they need wings and I must encourage them to go out into the world to find their own lives. It is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. To just let go, let them go through hurt, joy, sadness, and all those things that we all go through. They will survive. I think I gave them that at least. And they will become who they are supposed to become.

And I will still be the mother, the wife, and when they need it, a friend.

Rushing

2009-05-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

This is a quick post while I wait for my daughter to get me eggs for Phil's cake. I thought I had it all planned out but NO EGGS!

Yes,it is Phil's birthday today and I am making two cakes and potato salad.
Every year Chip and the boys (including Phil) go up to Leech Lake to fish on opening weekend. It usually is on Mother's Day weekend, but I am used to that.

They leave on Friday and come back late on Monday. In past years, I have sent along potato salad but last year I didn't. I was in the process of debating quiting a job that was so horrible, I would come home exhausted every day. I did quit, but like I said, there was no potato salad. Imagine my surprise when the boys called and asked me
where the potato salad had been. I have promised to make it until the end of times.
Its nice that they like it. It is my mother's old recipe....a little of this and a little of that and you mix until it has that perfect taste.

So here I wait. For the eggs. Maybe the cake will be done for dinner. Who knows?
Lucky me my guy is so laid back and will find humor in the situation.

His birthday is always a great day for me too.

Happy Mother's Day to all!!!!

Certain Bargains

2009-04-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a bargain is not what you pay for.

My husband and I went to a Fleet Farm so that he could look at some fishing tackle that was on sale. Now, I don't normally shop at Fleet Farm, but while I was waiting for him
(he is so poky), I saw some clothing. Most of the women's clothing was not something I would like, but I did find a pair of black slacks for work. I have lost a bit of weight and I need new clothes so you can imagine my delight when the slacks were only 20 dollars!

I went to work this a.m. all happy with my deal, and an hour into the day, someone pointed out the slit on the right side where the stitching had come loose. It wasn't that way when I left the house. I had to whip stitch it sitting at my desk. I have no idea how long I was having this wardrobe malfunction, but it was embarrassing to say the least.

In future, I will check out a deal better than I did. And I will also admit that I don't plan on clothes shopping at a fleet farm any time soon.

Lovely

2009-04-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend at the cabin. Saturday came cool but sunny. I didn't want to get out from under the electric blanket, but there was work to do.
I cleaned. Rewashing all the dishware and pots and pants. I swept, scrubbed, dusted, and then decided to rearrange everything. More room in the open living area.

I miss that bed during the winter. It is only a full size, and Phil and I have to curl up a bit. Especially if Bufford the lab sneaks on during the night which he did because
of the chilly night. Thank heaven for the wood stove and the electric blanket!

When we first drove in, I caught a flash of white up on the hill and realized
it was the warning of a deer's tail. Disappeared in a flash.
As usual, we had locals (all cousins and family) dropping by to welcome us "home".
Its nice to know they are around and the keep an eye on things. Theft of summer
cabins is big time in our areas. My brother has been broken into twice since his place was built. If you are not in residence, there is really nothing you can do.
At least our place is insured and there really isn't anything expensive in it
to make off with. If we do bring something, we haul it back home once the weekend
is over.

I am trying to get some pictures here but can't find which file they are in.
When I do find them, I will post.

Reamus:

Good luck on your journey. Let us know how things are going, where you are, etc.

Take care!

Friday

2009-04-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight when my husband gets home, we are going to go to the cabin up north. I have needed this solitude for quite some time now, and this is our first visit this year.
I will be cleaning everything, etc, but I will be THERE.

It is my "true north".

Have a great weekend all. Maybe I will send some pics next time.

Dear Mom, Papa and Tim:

2009-04-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

When I got home I found a note from my daughter. The following steps were listed for me to
follow: (All emphasis is mine)

"I've prepared dinner for you guys. Follow the instructions carefully please.

Directions for Delicious Burritos:

1. Warm large tortilla in microwave for 20 seconds (tortillas are tagged with number 1)
2. Spoon meat and onions onto open tortilla (Meat/onions are tagged with number 2)
3. Cover meat in Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce (tagged with number 3)
4. Spoon french market beans onto meat (tagged number 4)
5. Cover with shredded cheese (tagged number 5 Mozzarella, tagged number 5.5 6 cheese Italian)
6. Apply Tabasco liberally (I skipped this step because I don't like Tabasco)
7. Wrap Tortilla tightly, microwave for 30-45 seconds. (the microwave was tagged with the number 7)
8. Enjoy!!

Love,

Teagan"

I am a lucky mom!!!!!

What can I say

2009-04-13T18:07:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Yawn. In more ways than one.

2009-04-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves............

I know that as we age, we lose brain cells, and we don't get new ones either.
I seem to be in some odd hazy funk. And I get bored easily. My only recourse
to the boredom is to sleep. I think it must be spring.

We had a lovely easter dinner. (Made by Phil of course). It was nice having the kids and significant boy/girl friends along. After dinner, I caught up, Jessica wrote her paper on
"fighting words" and everyone else went to the park to play football. We all ended the evening
tired but contented.

The weather has been beautiful lately. Sunny skies (except today), and warmer temps. Temps in the 50's to Minnesotans means its time to put on the shorts, BBQ stuff, and suddenly erupt from homes across the state like those crazy mice in Australia. Sorry, it was on some show I saw and I don't remember what. Animal Planet? Animals gone wild? Sorry, no little bikinis.....as if people would be interested in that. But you never know.

My doctor told me that younger people are getting kidney stones at an alarming rate. He and others believe it has something to do with high fructose corn syrup. I didn't think I ever drank that, but it seems my lemonade (frozen concentrated) has huge amounts. Most fruit juices do unless they cost a lot. Cheap stuff that you can afford usually is worse for your health.

Well, time to get something on for dinner. But I would rather take a nap.

Happy Easter

2009-04-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

I will be out for a bit and wanted to give the blog a good spring airing.
I will try to be back next week.

Breakfast

2009-04-05T15:46:00.000-07:00

I was just listening to a blurb on NPR about Iceland. Seems people are going back to the old ways.
Everyone is eating oatmeal again, where before it was almost shunned.
In fact it is hard to keep it on the shelves as everyone is buying it. It is nutritional, hot, and stays with you awhile during the day.

We used to eat alot of oatmeal when I was young. It was cheap and could feed all eight of us kids.
I especially liked it with brown sugar, but my mother always made it with raisins too. ewwww
I hate cooked raisins. No raisin pies, no raisin cookies, no raisins in baked goods. Yet every
morning there would be my bowl, full of bloated cooked raisins. (They reminded me of those awful huge ticks that dogs get if you miss even one of the little buggers.)

I also loved Farina/Cream of wheat. With brown sugar of course. But my all time favorite was
cooked hot wild rice with cream and sugar. With a little dab of butter, there is nothing like it with it's nutty taste. Of course in those days, we went to the farm to get milk. And would let the cream rise to the top. mmmmmm. We also harvested the wild rice ourselves. At least my brothers did. I remember having to clean the unsavory bits out of the rice.

Now days, I am partial to cheerios, grape nuts and some of those kids cereals. I know. bad bad.
But at least I eat breakfast. And not to forget, the best of all of these is my husband's pancakes with real old time maple syrup. The stuff that is boiled over an open fire in a big kettle. You can taste the smoke and it is thick and very dark.

Poor people food at that time. Now it costs an arm and a leg to get the real stuff.

Anyway, it is nice to hear that others eat oatmeal like we do. I just hope they don't put raisins in it.

Owwwww!

2009-04-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

Ok. so the evil tooth is gone. But it left something behind. Pain that no amount of recommended Tylenol has helped. I took the max I thought safe and I still want to crawl into bed and weep.

I am scolding myself for not saving even one of "those" little pills. And I can't drink either.
Dang! Next time, I am going to have them put me completely out instead of the Novocaine and the wracking around in my mouth. I would be asleep in la la land and not feel anything.

When?

2009-03-31T07:00:00.001-07:00

As I sit at my desk, I can see snow driving by the windows. This snow fall has clumps of snow falling, or the flakes must be at least 1/2 - 1 inches in diameter.

The ground is white again, the roads covered and the grass invisible once more. This storm will
go on for a couple of days, with colder temps too.

ack! When will spring be here?

Love

2009-03-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

I love this poem and here are the last lines:

I have you fast in my fortress,
And will not let you depart,
But put you down into the dungeon
In the round-tower of my heart.

And there will I keep you forever,
Yes, forever and a day,
Till the walls shall crumble to ruin,
And moulder in dust away!

The Children's Hour
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Old

2009-03-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

Some time ago I was talking to a cousin who is a nurse. (I am sure she gets lots of questions from people and I wonder if this is annoying) I had a discolored mark on my wrist and wanted to know what it was caused from. Her response? "Old". Yes, those horrible marks our mothers used to use Porcilana (sp?) on. Age spots!

Well I feel rather old of late. I went to my quilt retreat. It was lovely. But one of the meals they served had carrot sticks and as I chopped away, I realized my tooth was hurting. this is a tooth I had a root canal (ugh!) done on some years ago. Over the next several days my cheek started getting larger and larger, and I started taking those horded oxycodons that I had from my last hospital visits. Wednesday, I looked like a chipmunk with his whole horde of winter food stored in my left cheek. Yes, I went to the dentist and he informed me that one of the roots of the tooth had broken. How the heck does that happen?? So I have to have it pulled. There is no saving this evil tooth, it has to go.

So now, I exist on antibiotics, my left over oxycodons and I am allowed one Gin Ricky a day.
this is my penance for my St Patricks day joke, which in reflection, was not a good thing at all.
To those of you I insulted, I will have you know that I am atoning for it. And also know that I walk with a slight limp as I have a pretty awful case of scoliosus (also I have no idea how to spell this). I have degenerative disc disease up to the 1st lumbar so I do limp.

So, for those that don't know me well, my Paddy's day joke was a laugh at myself. But do know, even though I limp, I love you all.

St Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

I am not Irish. At least I don't know if I am. But it is fun to get into the spirit and wear green, or drink green beer (ugh!). Every one at work was calling themselves "O" what ever their last names were. It was rather amusing.

Here is my old Irish saying, although I really don't know if it is new or old or even Irish:

May those that we love, love us.
And those that don't...
May God break their ankles
so we will know them by their limping.

Have a green day!

Early Evening

2009-03-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, when the weather is nice, I wait out on the front steps for my husband to get home.
Today is such a day, and a lovely one to ride your bike. He rides his to work in good weather.

While I sat there, two different vehicles at two different times stopped at the 4 way stop on my street. Both times a man was yelling at the passenger (I think they were women) about paying bills, money problems, etc.

This is a blue collar neighborhood. And there have been home repos, as many as 90+ in this small community. It was so disquieting that I had to come back in the house. And no matter where you are, you can't get away from the fact that our world seems to be exploding.

It is a beautiful evening. And I am waiting for my husband to come home.

Spring at last??

2009-03-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh! It is a beautiful Friday afternoon. Temps are in the high 30's and Sunday brings them into the 50's!
I feel the spring fever, really. I want to run barefoot through the yard, sit in the sun, heat up the
grill and get ready for summer.

I have been hearing all sorts of birds and was able to coax a male cardinal into the yard the other day. I try to repeat their specific bird calls and sometimes they are tricked into visiting.
I think the cardinal was so stunned when he realized I was not a competing male that he just sat in the tree for about 10 minutes in utter silence.

Spring! Hopefully March is out of its lion phase and into its more gentle lamb-like personality.

Birthdays

2009-03-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

People at work bring birthday treats in when it is their own personal birthday. Tomorrow is mine,
but since I am not on the official list, I could slink by. But, I have enjoyed others birthdays so
I think I will make cupcakes.
Yes, tomorrow is my birthday, and I am now at the point that it could come and go without anyone being the wiser and I would be just as content as if a huge party had been thrown.

I know what I want. Two weeks from now there is a quilt retreat about 200 miles north of here.
I have gone many times in the past, but the last couple of times, well, it just didn't appeal to me.
You pack all of your things in your van (normally I bring two other people), drive north stopping at every quilt shop in the state on that route (my patience runs out within 10 minutes at each store and I have to wait for two very smart but dizzy women who have to look at everything).
So, in times past, I have gritted my teeth, sat in the van and waited them out.
It just got to be too much when the last time they wandered for over an hour on a Sunday early evening, and I was starting a new job the next day. I just figured I needed to give it a rest.

But, since I have not been at the last couple, I am getting phone calls left and right begging me to come. We saved you a spot, you can come on Fri vs Thursday, you only have to pay X numbers of dollars, (cheaper than regular fees), you can bunk with us. And now I am feeling a tad guilty as if my presence were somehow necessary for the good of the all.

However, I do need to get away. I need to be creative. I need to be able to take a nap if I want and to wear my pjs until 2 p.m. if I want. It is fun. Great people, lots of snacks, wonderful quilts, and beautiful fabrics.

Maybe I will ask for that weekend for my birthday. What do you think?

Super Hero?

2009-03-02T10:53:00.000-08:00

Another blogger had this site on her blog, so I thought it would be fun to find out what sort of Super Hero I would be. Queen of the grocery shoppers.

New Day

2009-02-27T02:51:00.000-08:00

Its not quite 5 a.m. Phil, up early, has stolen my shower spot.
It snowed yesterday. Wind blowing, flakes flying. I don't know how much we got,but it has turned the yard white. The backyard is full of dog prints but the front is smooth and beautiful.
As a kid raised in the country, on days like this after a new snow fall, it was like a person got to start all over. Everything pristine and new, fresh.
So, I will go to work, the first to step out into the snow and a new day.
Beginnings are not always easy, but in some cases necessary.

Take care out there.

Life in the time of depression

2009-02-26T09:12:00.000-08:00

Two winter storms are on their way. I can deal with the snow and the cold, its the economical storm I worry about.

Cuts in pay across the board where I work. Thankfully I don't make that much money so my cut is small..
Some will have 10% or more in wage cuts.
People are worried. You see it in faces at the grocery store, gas station, bank, and at home.
My son's wages at the U of M have been cut. He may have to move back home. At least I know he will be able to eat.
My daughter's job hasn't called her to work in two weeks. She works part time as a waitress and there just isn't enough business to pay even part time wages.
I worry about my husband's job. I keep thinking of ways that I can help but I think the boss, who is pretty business savvy,has cut back just about every way he can.

Good people I work with, good people Phil works with, this economy is hitting home with a vengeance.

I have been trying to eke out dinners, making them last a tad longer by adding something. I have been baking from scratch and may start using my bread maker again.
I only hope that what ever I can offer will be of benefit to my husband, who is my world. I do not want him stressed more than he is.

I think I will start looking for a cobbler, etc to have on hand. In times past when my shoes got shoddy, I just bought a new pair. Now, I polish them and try to protect them as much as possible because they have to last longer than normal. I also have to start going to the library more often. I am sure Barnes and Noble love it when they see me as I am an avid reader, but for now, its back to the library.

I am sure we will make it through this. We are pretty tough and I grew up with next to nothing, my parent's depression frugality a fact of life. Hopefully those values will stand me in good stead in the days ahead. Perhaps we can come up with some creative ways to make ends meet.

It's a grey day. I have to remember to "keep my sunny side up". Sometimes a laugh or smile can make a difference and so I will try to do that as much as possible.

I wish you all better days ahead.

The importance of water

2009-02-17T16:03:00.000-08:00

I have learned, the hard way, to make sure to drink a lot of water.
Three days in the hospital are not good ways to learn this.
Kidney stones are a good way to learn this, but terribly painful.

Skip the pain. Drink a lot of water.

Off to bed

Early Morning

2009-02-11T03:19:00.000-08:00

Life is interesting. I go to work and answer phones, direct visitors, etc. Very verbal and face to face. When I get home, the last thing I want to do is talk to people.
I am a bit of an introvert, and I have a tendency to hibernate while home.
So, I read news, blogs, etc on the internet. I have become attached to certain blogs, and certain bloggers as if they were friends that come over on Friday nights for a beer and pizza. When they don't post on a regular basis, I worry that something is wrong.
If they seem down, I post comments on their sites, trying in my way to be supportive.
Silly I know. But I am loyal if nothing else. And I do enjoy the different writing styles and content.
I should go out and do things, meet people, communicate in real life. But, I am content in my little world. And if I garner pleasure from these things, what is the harm?
Its early, I am a bit foggy, and I really need to get ready for the day.
I wish a good day for all in my life, bloggers included. You know who you are.

Groundhogs Day

2009-02-02T15:27:00.000-08:00

So the damned rodent saw it's shadow this morning. I say bring out the traps!
Why this large guinea pig has any say on whether we look for buds on the trees, or add another layer of polar fleece to our winter wardrobe, I will never know.

I just can't see why they don't put some bright spot light over its head to fool it a little. But, as they say, you can't mess with Mother Nature.

Well, Mr. Punxsutawney Phil, lets have a do over. If you see your shadow again, its the dog bowl for you!

I don't know if I can stand more of this weather. Saturday it was sunny, melting and beautiful. You could almost smell "spring" in the air, but perhaps it was the dog "gifts" in the back yard.

I think I will burn my wool socks when spring actually does come. An offering to the gods that be.

Changes

2009-01-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

There were layoffs at work today. A couple of people in production and one Project Manager from upstairs. I am concerned as I am the newest person there. We all knew it was coming, what company doesn't know that at this time in the world, more people will become jobless. And that the economy is not going to help them get new jobs.

There are usually 4 shifts in the printing area. In good times, we run 7 days a week. But it is not good times and we are a large rather prestigious company with expenses. They have modified the schedules down to two sections.

One of the layoffs was a guy that has been working here for 20+ years. He lives in the same home his parents owned, he has never had children or even a dog. And part of the reason is that he has epilepsy that becomes more and more difficult to manage with medication. He is a slow, methodical sort of guy, but he has the sweetest smile you could see. I don't know what he is going to do without a job as to others he may seem a tad "slow".

Another is George. He works in the shipping area or where ever he is needed. Shipping is a pretty important part of our business. We print and then ship the product for our clients. George is probably close to 60 years of age. What is he going to do?

The last one I will mention is Heidi. She has been a project manager for this company for a year. She has two boys and is in a rather protected status trying to stay away from her abusive ex husband. There are no prospects in this industry as everyone is hurting. From the paper companies, the ad companies, the printing companies, all of them. Our sales force (working on commission only) is pounding the streets like crazy for leads. The layoffs put pressure on them as they feel it is their fault. So this is personal. It isn't joe blow in the back that we see once a year that is leaving. These are good people who have become friends over the past 4 months.

Now, we get to me. The newest person in the company, I only work part time, I do not get vacation or medical either. I have offered to cut back an hour each day if there is a schedule change. Small help, but I want to keep this job.

I know this all is disjointed and poorly written, but it has been a very sad day. It has hit home now, as it will for thousands of people. And I almost feel guilty for being one of the people that still has their job. And we all feel helpless at this point because the owner who is a wonderful man would not have done this without having great agony over the decisions.

Hopefully things will get better. Hopefully these people will come back. Hopefully I will still have a job come Monday.

Reamus

2009-01-21T03:50:00.000-08:00

Because I am unable to post on that sight. I will post here.
It was an incredibly beautiful blog. I can almost smell the Mississippi mud.
This is an area of U.S. history that I did not know about and will have to do some research. The Civil War, though fought many years ago, is still a bit of a ghost to this country.

My home town is on the Mississippi. Another connection.

Thanks Reamus. If you ever publish a book on your travels, I want a signed copy!

Lost Boys

2009-01-18T06:11:00.000-08:00

Next week brings an incredible change to our country. Yes, many will say we were duped with messages that promised hope and the ability for each of us to change our world. Hope to me is that small green growing thing inside each and everyone of us, a personal spring. If we water it, and treat it kindly, who knows what it will become.

One of my "lost boys" just turned 21 years of age. As his "other mother", I attended this birthday party as a celebration of what this young man has become. When he first came to me, he was troubled, and in trouble. Problems at home, beyond his control, had semi shattered his life. And he was lost.
We were fortunate to have some input into this young man's life. We fed him, gave him a bed, made him do his homework, but he himself was hopeful that things would get better. And they did. I am proud of this young man. I might have put food in his belly and scolded him a time or two, but the hope was his own.

Mark is in the National Guard, a good fit for a still growing young man. It saddened me when he went to Iraq. He has a very sensitive soul and I am still a bit worried about his experiences there. But he is in school now, and working full time. And taking care of himself.

Mark got news the other day that he was heading to DC as part of the inaugural security force. He was very excited to be part of such a historical celebration.
I told him to make sure he wore long underwear, and wool socks. And I told him he was a lucky little bastard. The interesting thing is he called us first. Before his own parents.

Ah Marky. Do us proud. Stand straight, be kind, and hopefully you will see our new president in the distance.
And have fun! You are now 21 with all the rights and privileges. And I have hope for you, as I do for all.

Here is to a better future for us all, and for Mark and my own children. They are just coming into the world and we need to make them a green growing future.

Baby its cold outside

2009-01-04T03:56:00.000-08:00

Snow snow and more of the stuff. I have been home for almost 4 days, hardly leaving the shelter of the house for more than an hour or two. I am beginning to get cabin fever, but know that I will be going back to work tomorrow.

I wonder when our view of winter changes in our lives. As kids, we loved the stuff, staying out until all our fingers and toes were numb. We built igloos by heaping snow, and then alternating water and snow to build up the mass. I, being claustrophobic, didn't like actually getting in the things once we hollowed them out, but it was fun to build them.

Living on a lake most of my childhood and teens, we would clear off the ice and make a skating rink. We only had these old hockey skates, but we had a blast. Once again the only way we would come in was to be so numb we could hardly walk.

My brother used to trap muskrat in those days. One time he brought them in and left them on the basement woodpile to thaw. I used to hide down there, trying to find quiet and peace from a family of 8 children and two adults. Imagine my surprise when one of the muskrats thawed out and ran all over the wood pile. It was weeks before I could go back down there without listening for the scritch scratch noises.

I also went to a one room country school for the first 5 years of grade school. We used to walk quite a distance, rain or shine, warm or freezing, to get there. The cold never seemed to bother us, the way it does now.

So, I stay in the house as much as possible. If it wasn't for the fact that I HAVE to go out, I would stay put until spring, pasty white and rather like a gollum (sp?) sneaking about.

Here's to spring. May she come very soon.

New Years Day 2009

2009-01-01T15:09:00.001-08:00

Stayed up last night until well after Midnight. Pip (husband Phil who has met all great expectations) and I got a little blotto, danced the evening away, and woke up after 10 a.m. We never wake up this late! I am always up by at least 5 a.m. and Pip a little after.

So we are dragging a bit today. I do not remember the last time I had a full bore hangover, and I don't want to remember this one either. It was fun though, and I would do it again without so much "dog".

I wish everyone a very happy New Year. And my hopes that it proves to be a much better one for all than 2008.

The Aitkin Fish House Parade

2009-01-01T09:11:00.000-08:00

I grew up in a small town called Aitkin. I could go into the history of the place: The man named Aitkin that ran the Company fur trading post, the fact that the area was originally a huge glacier lake that over time created hundreds of smaller lakes which makes this area a haven for fishing, summer tourists, etc..

About 7 miles south of Aitkin in an area once called Hickory Hill, my great grandfather, supposedly using his civil war pay off, came out from Somerset Wisconsin and bought this land. My grandfather and two other brothers had farms here. In the winter they could stand out side and shout at each other, the clear air carrying the sound. In spring, one would shout the french version of "the sap is running" and everyone would scurry out into the woods to "pick" sap.

I remember having huge outdoor picnics at my grandfather's sugar bush, to celebrate the end of the maple syrup season. Each of us would have our own miniature canoe paddle to dip into the boiling kettle, and then lick it off once the sticky syrup would cool. There would always be several types of dill pickles to eat to cut the sweet once you got sick of it. Then you could start all over. This final batch would be boiled down to make maple sugar candy. We still do this although the method of boiling the sap down has become more commercial and not many have time to spend doing this. It definitely is time consuming and not something you can just do on weekends. My cousin sells his syrup in grocery stores. It is good, but I miss that smoky taste of the old open kettle boiled syrup. And to eat the stuff you buy at the grocery store is like eating soy meat to me.

So, what do you do in the beginning of winter here, when there is no snow on the ground to snowmobile (which I actually hate because I think it tears up the country side too much), and the lakes aren't frozen so you can't ice fish? You have a fish house parade.

The Aitkin Fish House Parade is the Friday after Thanksgiving. Everyone for miles around flocks to town for the festivities. ( those of us who are more like summer people come up for the day). There are Chili cook offs at the American Legion, music, specials at most of the stores, in short there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The winter fashionistas are on parade too, with their sorrel boots, fur bomber hats, thick gloves, and winter coveralls.

I will warn you that this is not Macy's Holiday Parade. This is just down home clean fun. Even when they threw out the Mardi Gras beads, no one flashed. Could be because it was pretty cold and this is a churchy sort of town. This parade has been televised all over the globe at one time or another. So in this part of the world, it is famous.

Here are some pictures:

Once the festivities have ended, we wander until 5 p.m. because the local bank is serving free stew at the Legion. While we wait, we visit our family plot at the cemetery. There are two here, one across from the other. One is Catholic, and the other is all the other Christian religions. Silly, but that is how they did things in those days. Our family originally had it's private cemetery, complete with day old infants. When a new priest came into town, he balked at having to travel all over the county for funerals, so insisted all existing graves were moved into town. Our section is old as you can see by the photos below.

I go sometimes in early in the morning when everyone else is asleep. My grandparents: Henri and Florida are buried here, as is my father and some cousins. I sneak a bottle of my husband's beer, I try to keep the plaques tidy and cleared, and then I split that beer between my father and grandfather. Crazy? Well it gives me some comfort and some connection to these two that have gone before me. I have a rich French Canadian history that was nurtured by my grandparents and I hope to pass some of that on to my children.

Back to the Legion for stew. I snuck an extra piece of cake. It was delicious.
The long drive home (2 hours) gives me time to reflect, morn a little, and laugh at the day.
I can not wait till spring comes so that I can return to my little cabin on the prairie

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat

2008-12-18T02:48:00.000-08:00

Sorry all. I haven't had much time what with packing for zoni land, kids finishing up their finals,
snow, baking, and just preparing for the holidays.

My work schedule has changed. I have to be in before 7 a.m. now. And with the weather the way it has been, well, it makes me tired.

I will post more when things calm down. I am due to leave for sunland the day before Christmas.
Hubby ships off on Friday so maybe this weekend, I will have some quiet time.

Yes, Reamus, I will post about Aitkin.

Teagan

2008-12-06T07:55:00.000-08:00

My daughter is 23 today. She is the midget in the family but wonderful things come in small packages. She is no exception. With her nordic blond hair and blue eyes, she is a petite spriteful child.

She seems to flow through life easily, and lessons learned are taken firmly and fixed. She has friends that have been her other family for years and they are such a tight knit group. I am glad for that. We all need people that are known and have shared experiences with us. In this case, I am glad I do not know all the "experiences" though.

She is pretty tough considering that her infancy was so difficult. She has had so many close calls that I consider her my miracle child. For all that trouble she is 23 years old!!!

She is so like her father in mannerisms. That same calm character and reliability. If she says she will do something, she always does. She also has this other worldly ability to look beyond to things I can not always see.

I watch her cut her father's hair sometimes. He so enjoys that short quiet time they have together. I can only hope she realizes how much we love her. Regardless of what she does, or where she goes, she is a home body and will, I think never go too far.

I have this need to touch people I love. Sometimes I brush my hand on her hair or briefly
sweep my fingers on that pure clear skinned cheek. This is the same child that I held in my arms for so long, and sometimes my arms are lonely for that closeness. She will forever be my 'heart baby' and my arms and my life are always open to her.

Teagan, you were my first child. You are the smartest and most beautiful young woman I know.
Papa and I adore you.

Happy Birthday LaLa!

Cough Syrup is not the Elixar of the gods

2008-12-02T03:05:00.000-08:00

I have a rotten cold. Have no idea where it came from since most people I know seem pretty healthy.
I have to go to work early today. My head is filled with cotton balls, my eyes water, and I keep sneezing like there is no tomorrow. All I want to do is crawl back into bed and sleep for a couple days.

At least I only have to work until 12:30. I will write something about the Aitkin Fish House Parade tomorrow or Thursday or when ever I feel better. (sneeze)

Its cold outside but I am feeling fine

2008-11-14T03:52:00.000-08:00

I don't get cold often any more. After my surgery in January, well, I get little bursts of roasting heat that leave me half melted. But enough of woman stuff.
I saw a flock of trumpeter swans yesterday morning. I don't see them very often so it was lovely.
I enjoy seeing things like that and I never take those special glimpses for granted.

We are going up north this weekend. It will be cold but we have our little woodstove and the electric blanket. It probably will be the last time we stay over until spring. I hate leaving the cabin all winter, but until we get it finished we couldn't stay warm through the winter.
I think I could stay there forever. Taking walks along the road and running into cousins doing the same. Agate picking (thats what we call it), looking out over the field and seeing a glimpse of Hickory Lake. I will miss the fishing. Phil and I would go out on Saturday mornings and watch the world wake up. Spirit is a lovely lake to be on early in the morning. I never really cared if we caught anything, it was just sharing quiet moments with each other.

We get more content as we age. I hope that happens for most married couples that stick it out.
We are not spring chickens anymore. There are wrinkles and droops, aches in joints and vision that is changing. But my husband will always be handsome and young in my eyes. I think that is what love really is. Going through life, the good parts and the bad parts, and learning to lean on each other. The trust that comes with long aquaintance.

Its cold outside, but here in our little home, it is always warm. And I am feeling fine.

New beginnings

2008-11-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

It is my youngest child's birthday today. Happy 21st Sam!
I am excited because he has reached another milestone in his life. His birth, being totally potty
trained, his reach to 6'5' & 1/2, his meeting and moving in with his darling girlfriend, these are
all pretty big steps. Maybe they don't have as much significance to him, but they do with me.

A friend of mine that met my children when Sam was three said "he can't grow up, he is only supposed to be three years old!" And sometimes I feel that way too. But he is truly an adult now, with all the responsibilities and the fun of being 21. I am so proud of him.

Sometimes when he is not watching and unaware, I still see my "pootie" at three. The baby he was is still there if you look close enough.

We had a little tiff last night. He tends to be blunt and to the point (which is not wrong), and I sometimes am too sensitive. But he hugged me and it was almost like hugging his father. I could hear his heart beat slow and steady and I hope that his girlfriend finds the safety there that I have found in his father's arms.

These two men in my life make my life. As does my daughter.

Sam
Congratulations! I think you are wonderful and have become a man that any mother would be proud of. And your mother is so damned proud of you. Not just today, but everyday.

Friday and we don't have to eat just fish anymore

2008-11-07T03:52:00.000-08:00

Random thoughts.
I have always been semi religious. More spiritual if you will. I don't go to church often, and I don't believe in much of what Christianity teaches. I think we are either good, or we are bad, or we can be both. I have a much more religious experience finding Orion, or seeing wildlife than I do sitting in a man made building pretending it is God's house.

It has been frightening for me to see the religious right wing try to force religion into everything in this country. I am tired of people professing how religious they are when I see them doing wrong things.

Many people that are religious have this concept that because they have accepted Jesus as their savior, they can do anything they want because they have been "saved". How can you profess to be a good clean christian and then sleep with your boyfriend, or steal something, or use your religion as an excuse to do wrong things? Yes, we are all worthy of redemption, however, the attitude at some of the Palin rallies by supposed Christians was horrible. Racism, threats, etc are not Christianity. They are some warped concept that only that sort of Christianity is the right one.
Please, don't tell me you are a Christian unless you practice good Christian values. Don't tell me you are a christian and yell threats and hate speech. Don't tell me you are a good Christian when you insert yourself into my or others private lives to insist they do as YOU tell them to do.
I will take a non Christian friend over you any day.
And remember: I don't teach math in your church. don't bring your religion into my schools or work place.

Thank you

The morning after

2008-11-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

Its been quite a roller coaster ride over the past months. This morning I feel calmer and think the world is a better place.
We spent the evening with my husband's boss and wife. Great people, they invited us to share the election results. Laura (Chip's wife) and I were fevered every time a new stat would come in.
I think we were both stunned when Obama won. One of those "pinch myself so I know I am awake" moments.

But we did it! And now the hard part comes. Because we each have to do what ever we can to change this country we live in. We can't leave it up to Obama, WE have to work hard too.
We have to roll up our sleeves, tighten our belts, go out on the street in our towns and cities, in the country and everywhere. We have to work to make this new world better.

Go tell it on the Mountain. Obama is not a god, he is a man who has given us hope of a better place.

2008-10-27T05:35:00.001-07:00

This is all I have to say

2008-10-27T05:35:00.000-07:00

Is this crazy or what???

2008-10-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

This is Michelle Bachmann

At a debate with El Tinklenberg earlier this month, she claimed immigrants are “bringing in disease and violence and every sort of difficulty” to this country.
In September 2008, Bachmann blamed the financial crisis on a federal program that awarded home mortgage loans "on the basis of race and often on little else."
In February 2007, Bachmann told a newspaper that Iran had an agreement to take over half of Iraq, that a name had been chosen for that part of the region and that it would be used as a training ground for terrorists.
In March 2004, Bachmann said on the radio that failure to pass her Defense of Marriage Amendment in the Minnesota Senate would cause the gay community to start “specifically targeting our children.”
In a March, 2008 meeting she said "The big thing we are working on now is the global warming hoax. It's all voodoo, nonsense, hokum, a hoax,"

This is NOT what we need for Minnesota. Please donate to Tinklenberg's campaign even if you don't live here!!!!

All I can say

2008-10-22T07:12:00.001-07:00

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

Conservative values

2008-10-21T04:23:00.000-07:00

I read in the paper that a woman, talking about being a republican, said that she wanted our
country to return to "conservative values". I don't know what this means. Is she talking about religion? If so, the only conservative values religions I can think of are the Puritans and the Taliban. I do not think these are healthy examples of "conservative values".
Is she talking about fiscal responsibility? Hmmm I think the Republicans in the current administration have blown that one. We are further in debt now than we were when we had a "liberal" president. And yes, fiscal conservatism is important in our lives. We can't keep spending our "personal" income on material things that don't matter. But, wasn't it President Bush who told us after 9/11 to go out and spend spend spend? They even gave us some money to do that last year. I can just see the clerks at Walmart ringing up the purchases.
Is this woman talking about abortion and same sex marriage? Well, I think I have given my thoughts on abortion so I wont go there again. But same sex marriage. This is the same old issue. Some years ago, it was illegal to marry someone of a different race. Stupid and racist, the point was moot and went by the wayside. Now, the same battle is being fought against same sex marriage. Who's business is it? It is between the two people it involves. McCain talks about government staying out of peoples lives but this seems to be to be inserting yourselves to a very high degree.
Conservative values. This is just another term for forcing your religious beliefs on other people.
That is the problem I have with religion. Thinking you are the only one with a direct line to God and that what you believe should be forced down other peoples throats for their own good.
Bah!

Something Stinks

2008-10-20T04:35:00.000-07:00

I have been watching the situation with Michelle Bachmann. I am appalled. I can not understand why someone would think that just because of opposing opinion, someone is anti-American. From what I hear, if you lean to the left, Michelle thinks you are anti-American.
I vote. I pay taxes and make my house payment on time. I have not committed any crimes (at least legal crimes), and I have only gotten one speeding ticket in my life.
I believe that people go into politics for two reasons: Power, and a genuine desire to help humanity. I suspect Bachmann of the first reason. An attempt to push forward her religious agenda.

I do not believe that all Republicans are wacked out Christians, nor do I believe that all Democrats are intelligent and open minded.
I am not a politician. I do not go about accusing people of the opposing side of not being American enough.
We have enough problems going on without turning things into witch hunts. Accusations like Bachmann's only divide us, not bring us together. Remember, the main point in this whole sordid business is that we are all together in this. To push for a further separation between political ideals is incitement. And it has no place in turning this difficult business into something
better and healthier.

So please, Michelle, stop and think about what you are doing. You are not building bridges, you are trying to create a bigger divide. We all need to stand together and this is not the way to bring that about. It only makes you look like a nut job, not a distinguished politician.

Being an American does not mean you are more religious, wear a bigger lapel pin, or have some direct line to God. It means working together through the easy times, and standing tall during the hard times. This is the time that we all need to remember what and who we are.

Sunday

2008-10-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

Well, its been a busy weekend. Phil is redoing the windows. I am making chili. I still need to do laundry (hate hate) but we all need clean stuff once in awhile.

I just heard that Colin Powell endorsed Obama. Interesting. But I think he got a really bum deal from the Repubies and Bush. Well, he is intelligent, no?

Ta!

Guppies

2008-10-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

I am tired of the religious conservatives spouting off about abstinence being the best form of birth control. It didn't work for the Palin girl who was raised in a "religious" household.
That's what comes of talking about a system that DOESN'T WORK!!!.
Now, personally I could never have had an abortion. I have two great kids, but that was a lucky roll of the dice. I was told I probably would never have them. That dire prediction did not make me whine and whimper about abortion and not having a future possibility of adoption.

The thing I have the most problem with is the anti-choice people's stance.
I talked to a guy a couple of years ago that was standing out with a big Anti-Abortion sign. I asked him what he does to help women that do not have abortions. Does he adopt?
Help them raise the child? Does he insure that the child will be raised in a loving, encouraging, non violent home? His response was that his responsibility ended with the birth. That he was not responsible for making sure the child was raised in a good environment. As long as he made sure the child was born, his work was done. That is pretty selfish to me.

Until the anti abortion people can make sure that all children are raised with love, safety, and respect, then they should shut up. When they are out there making things better all through the child's life, then I will agree with them.

Responsibility does not end at birth. It begins at birth. And to me, birth does not start at conception, it starts when this child enters the outside world.

Speeling

2008-10-11T05:35:00.000-07:00

I have warned you all that my spelling is horrible. However, I think people will get the gist of what I say. Perhaps they will just "feel sorry" for my lack of education.

Sarah's Palin

2008-10-11T05:22:00.000-07:00

So..... Its been proven that Sarah used her influence in the case where she tried to get her ex-brother in law fired as a state trooper. That along with her inciting people almost to violence proves she is unworthy of the vice presidency. I listed to a McCain town hall meeting held about 2 miles from my house yesterday. This is a battle state but I think he has lost the fight.

A woman said she was afraid of Obama because he was an Arab. McCain did try to clear that up by saying that Obama is a good family man, a citizen of this country, and the only problem he had with Obama was a difference of opinion. He is trying to calm down his followers after eagerly promoting a mob like mentality. He picked Sarah, the pit bull in lipstick, and now he has to swallow it.

Sarah always talks about being a hockey mom. Well, I was a hockey mom too until it became so expensive that we had to find something else to do. If she can afford hockey for her kids, she is far richer than I am. And, typical hockey moms don't dress like she does either.

I also don't like the fact that she uses her small son to illicit pity. My uncle was a down syndrome baby and we didn't use him to make people feel sorry for us. There are many down syndrome people in the world so she can't corner that market. She hardly holds him at all, just passes him off to one of her children after she pats him a couple of times.

But, this is just my opinion. Who knows what lurks in her mind. But I will say that she scares me more than John McCain. He at least has the wisdom of his years.

Can of worms

2008-10-08T03:08:00.000-07:00

I watched the debates last night. I just think that McCain is a loose canon waiting to go off. I believe that he has been through terrible things in his life, but I just do not think those things make him presidential.
I am a peaceful person to a certain extent. Yes, I would defend myself and mine against others, but I do not think we have a right to insert ourselves any place we choose to force our own agenda.
I think John McCain is too willing to send our boys and girls of the military into harms way with nothing justified.
Yes, I understand we need to protect ourselves but this current situation reminds me of ancient Rome. We have spread ourselves out too far, we are broke, and we just do not have a concentrated power to correct any of the situations we find ourselves in. But I refuse to take credit for Iraq. I believed it was wrong, I believe it was a ploy to send our attention off in a different direction so that a failure in one area (Afghanistan) was not as obvious.
When I was in the military, we were taught to always watch the Soviet Union. They had a nasty habit of promoting unrest in a certain area of the world, and while our eyes were watching that, they secretly pulled something bigger and meaner in another area. This was their typical ploy in Georgia too. But when I see my own country pulling the same crap, it makes me fear for our country.
I want the billions to stop going to Iraq. I want our old people to be healthy. I want our young people to have hope for a future. I want to feel comfortable that the hard work I have done over the past 40 years (yes I was working when I was barely a teen ager) to mean something. So that in my older years I am comfortable and have decent medical. And I don't just want this for myself but for everyone that has made an effort to work towards their golden years.
And now all this encouragement to put money away and save has backfired. Many people have lost their life savings, lost their health coverage or are paying a very high price for it, and many people have lost their jobs and their homes.
Where is this American way people keep talking about? What is our future and where is our ability to help our own?
We are sliding quickly into being a third world country. I am tired. I think we all are. The dream seems to be turning into a nightmare.

Just a little fish in a big sea

2008-10-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

I checked out another guy's blog. He is the brother of my husband's boss. It was outstanding and current. I will never strive for that perfection. I am simple and while I have read the "Iliad", the "Aeneid", the "Oddessy", and I have compared "Apocalypse Now" to Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness", I am not that intelligent. I have a tough time speeling any of those words above and had to go again and again to spell check everything.

We are worried, my husband and I, about what sort of world is ahead for our college aged children. Their education has always been of great importance to us, but things seem so horrible right now. What are the possibilities for them? What sort of jobs will be available because of this terrible place our country is in now. My husband said that he hoped someone would snap their fingers and we would all somehow wake up. I tried clicking my heels together like Dorothy (although I would never be caught dead living in conservative Kansas) but it didn't work. The nightmare just keeps on going with no dawn to look towards.

Yes, John McCain is a maverick, as is Sara Palin (or so they keep telling us) but they don't seem to have a plan or give any hope of change to look forward to. So, I will continue to be a democrat because I believe the world can be better than the dim and somewhat warlike world Mr. McCain sees.

Bass ackwards

2008-09-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, Ok, I have been remiss in keeping up with my blog. Thursday is here, garbage trucks roaring past. A noisy beginning to the day. Except that its Thursday!! One more day to the weekend and then up north for two days. I have no plans. Just fishing and sleeping and eating. We always have these huge dinners on Saturday and Sunday with my brother. He loves to cook and has these menus that he must think about all week long. He is also crazy about time frames while my husband (also a very very good cook) is more laid back. To my husband, if he says dinner is at 2 p.m., it will be at 4 p.m. My brother has to have everything ready and on the table by his selected time.

He is an out of work (by choice) truck driver. He hates the unregulated industry. He believes if they have rules, they should be followed. And he is a stickler for rules. He will not run over hours, he will not "fudge" his books, and when companies he has worked for press for him to run illegally, he quits. Yes, you can make more money driving illegally for someone, but my brother is as honest as they come. So, he has taken the summer off to catch up on repairs, have a garden, (he is so proud of providing salad things) and just rest.

The schedules truck drivers have are really awful. And I don't wonder that they fall asleep driving. Its interesting though, its the driver that gets screwed. Not the company who encourages the drivers to run longer, faster, and be more profitable for the company. The company will deny they encourage "cooking the log books", but they do in so many ways. And for a driver with a family and bills, well, he will take the routes because he can make more money. And in this day and age, with the economy like it is, can we blame him?

Anyway, I have to get ready for work. Tomorrow (Friday) is casual day. It is nice not having to dress up every day, but I still have to look professional as I am the first person clients see when they walk in the door. So, I guess it is still a dress up day for me.

Still looking for bait

2008-09-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

It is Friday. The middle of September and the summer is gone. It seems I didn't have a summer this year what with the traveling, family get togethers (hubby's) and visits. What I wanted most was to go to my little cabin, sleep late, sew, and just have silence and be solitary. I have a need now, in my old age, to have alone time. Life (other people's) has overridden everything.

Ok, enough of the sob. I have started a new job. Receptionist at a large company. Because I only started on Monday, I have disconnected people, paged the wrong names, forgotten most of the people I am supposed to know. (I did remember the Owner although I only knew him from the picture in the hall way). Lucky me, he came in yesterday and I did recognize him. Brownie points!!

It isn't very busy, this job. As most of the clients call in the a.m. and I work p.ms. Which is fine since with only a few days training, I can learn slowly. I am also trying to learn MicroSoft systems as I have a Mac (which seems easier).

The front lobby is filled with bamboo trees and other plants, so they keep it like a hot house in there. My hands sweat so badly, and I am constantly having to shake hands with people. Ack!
I got the IT guy to turn down the heat. Hopefully things will be better today.
I only have to work until 5 p.m. which is great. 24 hours a week is just fine with me. I don't like the drive but things are improving as they have finally opened up the 35W Bridge after the big collapse last year. It will take awhile before I go over that bridge. Too scarey!

Paper towels

2008-08-30T05:36:00.000-07:00

There is a commercial on TV that I just hate. The scene is set when a father and son stand peering at something on the floor. Someone has spilled their beverage and the two are debating on how many paper towels it will take to clean up the mess. The father says 4 sheets, the son says 5. Typically male, they stand over the mess and watch it flow towards the carpet. No effort is made to clean it up themselves.

All of a sudden, Mom pipes up and says, in an upbeat manner, that it will only take 1 sheet of the paper towels to clean up. She swoops in, wipes up the mess, rinses the paper towel out and cleans off the carpet. She seems soooo happy and cheerful to be allowed to clean up. It sickens me on two levels.
1. Why can't the damned "boys" clean up their own mess? They stand there watching the liquid seep towards the carpet like it was some sort of Nascar race!
2. No woman I know would be happy to clean up the mess in this manner. A normal woman wouldn't smile so sweetly and rush to clean it up. She would be yelling at the idiots to hurry up and wipe it up before it reaches the carpet. She wouldn't care how many paper towels were used!

This isn't a Beaver Cleaver world. And to promote the idea or concept that women are only too happy to clean up after every one is bull. What was this company thinking?

Only On Rainy Wednesdays

2008-08-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

Do we all have these feelings of being overwhelmed? That icky panicky feeling that makes our hearts beat fast and that lump that sits somewhere behind our sternums? Drinking helps but at this time of day, one would have to admit that they have a "problem" even though they might say "somewhere in the world it is 5:00 o'clock.

No, gin is not the answer. I know if I just get up and go down into the dark cellar (basement), and move one thing, maybe two, I will feel I have accomplished something. I have set things in piles, moved the piles, thrown things out, moved the full trash bags. It seems I just push things from one area to another. I dream of having a huge dumpster with a conveyor belt so that I can heave things on and they just go away.

This is what happens when you work at a fabric store for years. You collect and collect, big plans for making things, and then you lose interest in that particular task/project and then you lose the pattern or the idea and are stuck. My husband is not happy with the disaster. He says it looks like one of those houses where they call in the health department. Hoarding.

My sister is coming to visit. She also loves fabric but is neat and tidy and organized while I suffer from ADHD (not diagnosed). And I can not stand that she will think I am some loon woman. I think it is a sickness, this collecting. I have friends who's fabric has taken up the whole basement and most of their homes. I know it is rather normal for a sewer but I can't stand that sort of thing. So, I am throwing away everything and cutting back.

Sigh. Back to the dungeon.