Friday, March 31, 2006
Has Martha Gone Mad?
I watched a few minutes of her show today and I think she has gone off the deep end. Why on earth would anyone ever cover a chair with glitter?
She has a new magazine coming out - called "Glitter" - and today was the unveiling. Some guys named Rob and Orlando were the guests, and when the segment was over, they all had glitter from stem to stern, in all the nooks and crannies.
Martha says that if you glitter a chair (this one was upholstered), you'll get lots of compliments on it. Pooh! Why would anyone ever want to sit in a chair that is guaranteed to paste up your backside with tons of glitter?
The magazine photo above has the caption "I cannot be destroyed". Well, I am here to tell you that glitter can't either. If you glitter anything, you will have vestiges of glitter around for eons. I guess Martha doesn't have to sweep it up, though, so maybe that's why she doesn't seem to care.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Glen Gray and his Casa Loma Orchestra
Sentimental Journey, an old favorite of mine. This song took 3 men to write it! Bud Green, Les Brown and Ben Homer. Remember "Les Brown and his Band of Reknown? I got to meet Les Brown back in the 80's when I did flowers for a political event at which his band was playing, here in Raleigh.
Copyright MCMXLIV - so who can tell me what that date is? My Roman numerals are escaping me at the moment....LOL! I think it is 1914 or it could be 1944. Which is right?
When I was a very young child, there was a Casa Loma nightclub in Charleston, WV. It was gone by 1946-7, but my mom told me that it was this same club that is mentioned on the front of this sheet music, and that Glen Gray used to play there often. I never knew then if she was pulling my leg, but since I just googled it, I now know she was wrong! If you are interested to learn more, go to:
http://www.parabrisas.com/d_grayg.php
One of my uncles by marriage was the absolute spitting image of Glen Gray, so every time I pulled out this piece of music, I said hello to Uncle Joe.
More Hoagy Carmichael/Larry Clinton
Heart and Soul came out in 1938; featured in "A Song is Born". You'll note in the biography to the right of Larry Clinton, the Glen Gray/Casa Loma Orchestra is not mentioned, but it is in the article I referred you to in the previous post on Sentimental Journey.
This bio does mention Ferde Grofe, whom I know to be the composer of the Grand Canyon Suite, not as a swing orchestra leader. Apparently he was that in a previous incarnation.
Anyone who has ever played piano (and some who haven't) is familiar with the tune to Heart and Soul. It rivals "Chopsticks" as a piano duet or solo!
Der Bingle!
Der Bingle was a nickname for Bing Crosby, but I am not sure how that came about. Perhaps Bob Hope called him that in one of their "road" movies. I don't recall this music; I never played it that I remember. Copyrighted in 1938, this one belonged to my mom before I was born.
Hoagy Carmichael
Another favorite, Stardust was the signature piece for Hoagy Carmichael, another man whom my dad resembled. The older they got, the more they looked alike. This was copyrighted in 1929, but I played this one often as a child.
The left side was repaired with contact paper, essentially ruining the value of the sheet music. But at least, it is intact.
Roxanne, at http://melange1.blogspot.com/ mentioned the words to these old songs, and how nice and uplifting they are. This one is no exception, and I love the story they tell:
"And now the purple dusk of twilight time
steals across the meadows of my heart,
high up in the sky the little stars climb,
always reminding me that we're apart.
You wandered down the lane and far away,
leaving me a song that will not die,
Love is now the star dust of yesterday,
The music of the years gone by.
Sometimes I wonder why I spend the lonely night,
dreaming of a song? The melody haunts my reverie,
and I am once again with you,
when our love was new, and each kiss an inspiration.
But that was long ago, now my consolation is in the star dust of a song.
Beside the garden wall, when stars are bright, you are in my arms,
the nightingale tells his fairy tale
of paradise where roses grew.
Though I dream in vain, in my heart it will remain:
My stardust melody, the memory of love's refrain."
They sure don't write 'em like that anymore!
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Funeral Expenses
A Woman's husband dies. He had $30,000 to his name. After everything
is done at the funeral home and cemetery, she tells her closest friend
that there is none of the $30,000 left.
The friend says, "How can that be?
The widow says, "Well, the funeral cost me $6,500. And of course I
made a donation to the church. That was $500, and I spent another $500
for the wake, food and drinks, you know. .. The rest went for the
memorial stone."
The friend says, "$22,500 for the memorial stone? My God, how big is
it?"
The widow says, "Three carats".
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
This song has been a favorite of mine since the 50's, though it was copyright in 1933. It is a beautiful piano solo (if the pianist is good). Parts of it are written in 4 sharps, and I was never good at deciphering that!
I also love the look of this sheet music; the graphics and lettering are art deco, which has always intrigued me.
"When your heart's on fire, you must realize.......smoke gets in your eyes."
Always good advice - don't you agree? I don't think I ever saw this movie, but the music is wonderfully upbeat.
"Please don't be offended if I preach to you a while,
Tears are out of place in eyes that were meant to smile.
There's a way to make your very biggest troubles small,
Here's the happy secret of it all.
Look for the silver lining
When-e'er a cloud appears in the sky
Remember somewhere the sun is shining
and so the right thing to do
is make it shine for you.
A heart full of joy and gladness
will always banish sadness and strife
so always look for
the silver lining
and try to find the sunny side of life."
Ephemera ~ Sheet Music
This song came out in 1953, I presume at the same time as the movie "Ruby Gentry". I was too young to see this movie at that time, but Jennifer Jones was very pretty, don't you think? Part of the words are "They say, Ruby you're like a song, you don't know right from wrong, and in your eyes I see heartaches for me, but from the start, who stole my heart? Ruby, it's you."
Maybe I should rent this one.....LOL
This song came out in 1959, recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis, written by Ray Charles. I always preferred Ray Charles' version of it. There was a time I could dance to this and never miss a beat. I doubt I could move that fast nowadays.
"Hey Mama, you treat me wrong....Come and love me, ba-by, all night long...."
"Hey Mama, you treat me wrong....Come and love me, ba-by, all night long...."
Monday, March 27, 2006
Lessons on Life
There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.
The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall.
When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.
The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise.
The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.
The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.
The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.
He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.
If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.
Moral:
Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.
Don't judge life by one difficult season.
Persevere through the difficult patches
and better times are sure to come.
The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall.
When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.
The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise.
The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.
The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.
The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.
He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.
If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.
Moral:
Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.
Don't judge life by one difficult season.
Persevere through the difficult patches
and better times are sure to come.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Ephemera ~ Sheet Music
This is probably the oldest piece of sheet music I have. It was copyright in 1929. The reverse is printed with ads for other music books, such as:
Bottoms Up! A song book for Good Fellows - the Collection that puts Pep into any party. Contains chords for Guitar, Tenor-Banjo and Ukelele. Includes the words and music of more than 135 jolly songs for jolly people; also Toasts and Famous Quotations. Price 35 cents.
This one was copyright in 1936. Jeanette MacDonald was one of my mother's favorite singers. She was fond of Gable too, so the pairing was good for her.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
A Long, Long Time Ago.....
A long time ago, I attended a birthday party for the brother of a friend of mine. He was seven, and sits at the far right of the table. His sister, my friend, is on the far left and I am on her left. The birthday boy sent this photo to me recently; I had to admit that I had absolutely no memory of his party, which made me sad and a little embarrassed. The little boy in the center, with his arms up by his face, is now over 50, which makes me feel as old as the hills. I used to babysit him and his younger brother, and I still see his family nearly every year.
I have not seen the birthday boy since he was about 10, since his sister and I graduated from high school and she moved away. She and I still see each other at school reunions and we email often. The birthday boy began to email me several years ago and we are in daily contact. It makes me happy to stay in touch with all these people and I am happy to have them in my life today. We share a history of place and era, and a comfortableness together that is very appealing. I hope that you have similar old friends with whom you continue to share.
Monday, March 20, 2006
The Earliest Memory....
I was under our baby grand piano; the one my mother traded in for a Hammond Spinet Organ when I was twenty, making me so mad I cried for hours. The beautiful, mahogany piano with the ivory keys I loved to touch so much. The Baldwin piano with the tight brass strings inside, that could be plucked and made to sound like an angry harp muffled under velvet cloth.
It always sat in one corner of the living room; sometimes the top was propped open and sometimes it was down, with a piano scarf and a lovely vase. I loved to stand and touch those keys and make them sing, reaching up to touch the keyboard. I loved looking inside of it, noticing the way the strings were attached; the curving geometry sensual. I experimented and learned how the felted hammers struck those strings, producing beautiful, melodious sounds.
I loved to press the floor pedals and imagine how it might feel to play the keys and the pedals together. I was nearly three.
The doorbell rang. It was spring or summer; I was dressed for warm weather. I heard my mom answer the door. It was some woman I had never seen before - or had no memory of - and I had no interest in meeting her. I crawled under the piano and scooted back to the far corner. "I can hide here", I thought, "she'll never find me and I won't come out until that woman leaves".
Mom offered her coffee or some springish libation like iced tea, and they sat on the sofa and chatted. I sat very still, under the piano, in my hiding corner, as quiet as a mouse. Soon mom called out, "Judy, where are you? Come and meet Mrs. _______". I said nothing, and she resumed chatting, all the while wondering where I had gone. Soon, her curiosity got the better of her, and she got up to find me. It didn't take long, as she knew that was my hiding place, my special, little girl's fort. She coaxed and coaxed and I wouldn't budge. I have no idea why, but I was not about to come out and meet that woman. She finally made apologies for me, and the woman left. I crawled out from under the piano, happy to have my mom all to myself again.
That truly is the earliest memory that I have. What is yours?
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Some Things...Even Your Best Friend Won't Tell You
There used to be a commercial that started out that way. I don't remember if it was for body odor or bad breath, but it was the catchphrase of the year for a while, sometime in the 50's.
Something happened today that brought it back so quickly my head swam. I was sitting in my recliner (where I have been for most of the last 6 days) and suddenly I smelled an odor that was so offensive I thought one of the cats had used the litter box and didn't bother to cover it up. "Peeeeuuw", I said, to no one in particular...."that really stinks!" I was too tired to get up and change the litter, so I told myself it would dissipate quickly and not be a problem. But I kept smelling it. After about 30 minutes, I decided I had to get up and do something before the smell killed me (it was that bad).
Guess what I discovered? It was my breath; the product of a sinus infection and un-flossed teeth. The combined effects of the antibiotics and the sinus products had done their jobs well enough, and now my nose is working better than it has in 2 months. Suddenly, everything stinks. I detected a faintly pissy odor in the bathroom (I didn't clean this week, of course); the refrigerator is a sitting time-bomb and I expect something will explode in there tonight. I hope it will hold off until tomorrow, so I can clean it out before it comes to life and crawls out of the bowls. Tonight, I went out into the garage to get a drink from an old fridge we keep out there, and I discovered mellowing florist scraps (stems and leaves) in a plastic bin. It should have been thrown in the compost pile 2 weeks ago. That's what happens when you get sick!
Remember when "they" used to talk about smellavision? We would go to see a movie and "smell" the coffee the stars were drinking or sniff the ocean in a beach scene? Well, you had better be glad that Bill Gates hasn't invented "smellthroughurcomputer" already, otherwise you might be signing off about now - or at least clicking goodbye to kenju! And I'll bet you wouldn't even tell me - would you?
Saturday, March 18, 2006
What a Way to Start Spring!
Yesterday morning when I woke up, mr. kenju had gone to a morning Bible study and I was alone in bed with my two faithful companions. I lay still for a few minutes, trying to assess how I was feeling, and I noticed some wheezing and whistling noises. Hmmm, I thought, while stretching lazily, the cats are snoring. After a few minutes I realized that the wheezing and whistling was not coming from the cats - but from me. Everytime I exhaled, a sort of squeeky rale followed. Uh-oh, I said to myself, it's time to call the doctor.
My appointment was at 1pm, and after the required poking and prodding and looking in all the nooks and crannies, the doc decided that my illness had begun with the flu, but it had progressed to a secondary infection. Armed with 3 prescriptions, 2 OTC meds orders and a sample nasal spray, we went to the pharmacy. WHY does it always take a minimum of 30 minutes to fill an Rx, no matter how many people are in line? There was only one woman waiting before me, so I expected to be out of there in short order. With 2 pharmacists and an attendant on duty, you would think that was not an unusual expectation. Would you?
I went to the ladies room and mr. kenju, who has never met a stranger, chatted up another woman who was suffering, evidently, from the same malady as I. We commiserated about having the illness and having to wait for our meds, and the absolute un-wisdom of us having to sit there and breathe out all our germs on the other patrons of the store. Finally, I was given the bag of prescriptions after I handed over a fair amount of money, and we left for home.
Then I did something really, really stupid. I took the medicines before reading the patient information that came with them. Uh-oh, all over again! One of the OTC preparations was not to be taken along with one of the Rx's, up to 2 hours before or after.
Oh, Lord, I thought, what have I done to myself?! The patient info did not say what might happen if you took the two together; I suspect the presence of one negated the usefulness of the other - but I couldn't be sure. I debated calling the doctor's office to confess my sin, but I didn't want her to know I was that careless. So, I waited it out, suffering no new symptoms, for which I am very thankful. In the future I promise never to take medicine without reading about it first - and you should make that promise too!
I am better today, and growing very tired of being sick. Apparently the antibiotic is working it's magic and I have high hopes of being well again by Monday at the latest. Thanks to all of you who have come to leave your good wishes and felicitations; they help - maybe more than you know.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Not Really Much Better
I am not feeling much like a human, but being able to come here and read your wishes for me to get better sure puts a nice perspective on it. On a scale of 1 to 10, I am about a 3 right now, while the previous two days were 1's. I can't sleep now because I have slept off and on all day. I guess I will browse blogs until I feel tired enough to go to bed. I can't take any more Nyquil until 2:30 am, but I might not make it that far....LOL.....I'm sort of spacey as it is!
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My neighborhood women's organization had a St. Patrick's Day party on Tuesday, but I couldn't go, of course. I did flowers for it - Bells of Ireland - and made 2 pounds of fresh bacon bits. The main course was to be baked potatoes, and all the women were bringing either wine, salad, or a topper for the potatoes. We were asked to come in costume, or at least wearing green, and I am told that about 15 out of the 22-23 attendees followed that order, at least partly. They had fun; I feel sorry for myself that I couldn't go. I'll get over it - eventually - LOL.
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I heard some bad news today. A wedding cake baker here died from complications during surgery for high blood pressure or something heart related. This guy will be sorely missed. He was an amazing person; when I first met him he weighed over 300 pounds. I didn't work with him again for 3-4 years, and when I saw thim the next time, I didn't recognize him. He had joined a gym (the same one we belong to) and after 1-2 years of exercising, he had lost over 120 pounds. I saw him at the gym and he was so buff and trim I had no idea who he was. Then I heard him speak, and since his voice was so specific to him, I finally realized who he was. I asked him what he had done to lose so much weight - and he answered....."I stopped tasting my wedding cakes". Unfortunately, even though he was religious about exercising and being careful of his diet, he had a hidden blood pressure problem that caused heart damage. I don't know this guy's age, but I don't think he was over 40. It is so sad. Local brides will be inconsolable, since Greg had been the baker of choice around here for a long time. Rest in peace, Greg.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Ephemera ~ Greeting Cards
In 1966, when my son was only 1 month old, his great aunt and uncle sent him this card for St. Patrick's Day. It is a Norcross "stand-alone" card, measuring 13" tall, and for every March since 1966, it has stood on a table near our front door, to welcome visitors and family alike.
Blarney the Leprechaun says,
"This very lucky leprechaun
A-playin' on his fiddle
Is wishin' you a day that's gay
Beginning - end n' middle!
The same aunt also sent a Halloween card, which also gets displayed every October.
I say aunt, because for 50 years that is what we thought she was. Mr. Kenju has been doing his family geneaology for about 8 years now. He recently ordered birth certificates for some of his mother's siblings, and that is how we found out that this woman was not his aunt - but probably a cousin. It seems that this woman was taken in and raised as if she were one of his grandparent's children, when in truth, she was the child of one of his grandfather's brothers. He solved a family mystery; one which we didn't even know was a mystery!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Ephemera ~ Paper Fans
A pretty lady from the 1920's, judging by her hairstyle. Too bad she has that rusty staple along the side of her nose. This fan is not signed, so we have no idea who painted her. She looks like magazine illustrations from the 20's and 30's though, and the quality of the painting is so good that I imagine the illustrator was well known in his or her day.
Thanks to all of you who have sent get well wishes. I am still not able to stay out of bed for very long, but it is always great to come here and see your email and comments. THANKS!
Monday, March 13, 2006
Sorry, everyone......
Too sick to post.......I'll be back when I can sit up.
I Knew It Was Too Good To Be True!
Everytime I tell someone that I have been through the winter without getting sick......I get sick. I knocked on wood and everything, but it didn't help. My grandsons were here this weekend, and one of them got sick. His step-dad has had the flu, sinuses, full-boat as they say, and the little guy got it and has now given it to me. You know that tickle in the throat....twinges of ear pain.....burning eyes.....that signals a cold or flu coming on? I have it in spades - plus a weird sunburn from the parade yesterday. I had a hat on, but the sun got me on the left chest, neck and arm. A one-half "farmer" tan is not the best way to start the season, is it? I just used Zicam for the first time. anyone have any experience with it? A pharmacist told me that it works wonders, but the box says it is for colds - not the flu - so I don't know if it will help or not.
The painting is by Jan Steen, titled "The Sick Woman", c. 1665, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.
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Is there any way to make an hour move faster than an episode of "The Sopranos"? I love that program; from the beginning music to the credits. It was so great to have it back tonight! A few surprises and a bit of a recap (which made me happy). We were momentarily surprised to see Adriana, until it was revealed that Carmela was dreaming. The ending was a shock, but I am betting it will turn out okay.......how could it not????
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Sunday, March 12, 2006
St. Patrick's Day Parade
On Saturday, we went to the parade in downtown Raleigh, in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Our two grandsons were with us, sporting their green "cat-in-the-hat" toppers with shamrocks on them; one bought last year and one today. I discovered they are Most useful to catch the candy and bead necklaces thrown by the parade participants. Our grandsons had their hats nearly half-full when the parade ended. It pays to be handsome, apparently. Little girls and grown women were walking over to them and placing handfulls of candy in the hats, or draping beads around their necks. They collected 6-7 necklaces.
The weather cooperated as never before; most of the parades are held in freezing weather. We reached about 75* today, and it was mostly sunny and breezy enough to keep us from getting too hot. That is more than I could say for the poor dogs who marched in the parade, especially the Huskies. Their tongues were hanging to the concrete and I could tell that the hot street was hurting their paws.
I was taking a lot of photos, but I couldn't see the digital camera screen very well due to glare, so I was just pointing and clicking and hoping they were good enough to share. I am not sure they are - but I am sharing them anyway. We had bagpipers, Irish and Scottish dancers, cheerleaders, horses, miniature horses, antique cars, people in Renaissance costumes (which has not much to do with St. Patrick, I'll wager), local radio personalities and dogs. At the end of the parade, local army parachutists dropped from the sky into Moore Square; trailing green smoke and narrowly missing all the tall trees surrounding the square. All the children were properly impressed! Enjoy the photos, such as they are.
St. Patrick's Day Parade Images ~ 2006
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Ephemera ~ Paper Fans
Dipping water from the cool, clear creek, the young Indian maiden may also see her reflection in the water. What a wonderful location for her; surrounded by pines and birches on the rocky shore. As a child, I spent a lot of time in the summer by the shores of just such a creek; looking for crawdads, turtles and frogs. This fan brought back memories of those times and some of my favorite places - and I had to buy it.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Funny......
Earlier today I was playing Michele's Meet n' greet. As I scrolled down to find my next place to visit, I saw my name and it said:
"I can, Kenju?" A woman named Jessica had left that message. I went to her site and left this message:
"Jessican!"
I was proud of myself, but I think we are both pretty good, don't you??
Visit Jessica here:
http://threeinchcrack.blogspot.com
and tell her Kenju sent you! and don't forget to see the two fans below!
"I can, Kenju?" A woman named Jessica had left that message. I went to her site and left this message:
"Jessican!"
I was proud of myself, but I think we are both pretty good, don't you??
Visit Jessica here:
http://threeinchcrack.blogspot.com
and tell her Kenju sent you! and don't forget to see the two fans below!
Ephemera ~ Paper Fans
This sweet baby was painted by Charlotte Becker, a very prolific advertising illustrator who lived from 1907 to 1984.
Ephemera ~ Paper Fans
West Virginia......Almost Heaven......where I was born. I found this fan in Maysville, NC in 1996, and even though it shows water damage, I had to have it for my collection.
In Memoriam:
My handsome Daddy
March 11, 1904 ~ August 13, 1995
May he rest in peace.
I have written about him before, so I won't repeat it. He has been gone 10 years + and I miss him more than I can say. This photo was circa 1945-50.
Addition: Everyone always told Daddy that he looked like Randolph Scott, the movie actor from the 40's and 50's. See his photo below.
Randolph Scott, back in his "oater" days.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Ephemera ~ Paper Fans
From Wilson's Drug Store in Bridgeville, PA, comes this colorful fan which advertises Putnam Fadeless Dyes and Tints
. Unfortunately, the only signature is W.M.Y., which I could not locate any information about.
When in Doubt ~ Post Photos
This arrangement is sitting atop a vase carved out of a solid block of ice, and it is a copy of a Waterford crystal vase. The ice vase was 40" tall, and with the flowers, the arrangement was almost 8 feet tall.It was the main buffet arrangement for an outdoor wedding reception I did in November a few years ago.
I took the photo soon after it was removed from refrigeration, so it appears frosted. I was told that after it had been out in the air for a while, the frosting left and it was crystal clear.
If you want to see more ice carvings by the guy who made this one, go to:
http://iceoccasionsofnc.com/weddings. This arrangement can be seen from another angle; it is the one in the lower right-hand corner.
Another wedding buffet centerpiece; last summer at the Carolina Club on the campus of UNC in Chapel Hill.
Dimensions are always confusing in photos. This arrangement is almost 7 feet tall and at least 3 1/2 feet across.
Yet another arrangement; this one was one of a pair of altar pieces
at a wedding in Chapel Hill this past summer, at the Governor's Club.
See what I resort to when I can't think of anything to write?
at a wedding in Chapel Hill this past summer, at the Governor's Club.See what I resort to when I can't think of anything to write?
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Another Semi-Unknown Golden Oldie
Edit below.....
This photo is so faded and washed out that had I not been able to edit it in Picasa, it would have been impossible to post. I know that the two people on the left are my great-grandparents, whom I have posted old-age photos of before. 
The others are a mystery to me, although I can speculate that the woman standing on the right is my grandmother and the woman seated on the right is her sister. Once again I am stymied by a photo not labeled. I think this one had to have been taken before 1900, but I cannot be certain.
This is yet another lesson in how important it is to label all our pictures.
The others are a mystery to me, although I can speculate that the woman standing on the right is my grandmother and the woman seated on the right is her sister. Once again I am stymied by a photo not labeled. I think this one had to have been taken before 1900, but I cannot be certain.This is yet another lesson in how important it is to label all our pictures.
Mr. kenju and I were discussing this photo this a.m. and he says this photo was taken way before 1900. The woman on the right cannot be my grandmother, because she was born in 1880, and in this photo, she appears to be almost the same age as the 2 people I thought were my grandparents. So..... if they are my grandparents, then the others may be their siblings and the boy could be a nephew.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Whew! Kids Wear Me Out!
My children have been living away from home for years, and my grandchildren come for sporadic visits (only 1 or 2 at a time without their parents). We have four in one family (ages almost 12,twins aged 9 1/2 and 6) and two in another. I forgot how exhausting the day to day care of kids can be. My hat is off to all you young mothers (particularly single moms or those whose husbands travel a lot). Today, as never before, I have been aware of the truth of the old saying about God being smart to give children to the young. We oldies haven't quite enough energy to keep up with them for 48 hours! And yes, I know about the woman who gave birth at age 62 and I am still wondering why on earth she wanted to.
I knew they would be here for a while without their parents, but I thought it would be for 3-4 hours. Their aunt has been keeping them all week, while their mom and step-dad have been in the Bahamas. They were supposed to return last night, but their plane had mechanical trouble and by the time they reached Ft. Lauderdale, they had missed their connector flight. The earliest they could get home was around dinner time tonight. So, since the aunt had to go back to where she lives and works.....I had the four of them since noon yesterday. I love them to pieces, of course, as grandmas do......but I was glad to see them getting into the homeward bound car this evening. I am pretty sure that mr. kenju felt the same. Of course, later this evening, we will talk about how sweet they are and how much we love them.
Just cooking for them has been a chore. I remember how time-consuming it was to cook for growing boys and girls, but back then it didn't cost as much...LOL. We had chicken and dumplings with carrots and green beans for dinner last night, with fresh sliced strawberries over praline ice cream for dessert. This morning, I scrambled 13 eggs, microwaved 1/2 a pound of bacon, toasted 10 slices of bread. At lunch, they had grilled cheese sandwiches, salad with grape tomatoes and more strawberries and ice cream. For dinner tonight, we had hamburgers, baked beans, mac and cheese and more ice cream - butter pecan this time. I've gone through a gallon of milk, a half gallon of orange juice and a 2 liter bottle of caffeine-free, diet soda. Oh, and I forgot the bananas. I guess it's back to the grocery for me. Two of them will be here again next weekend for the St. Patrick's Day parade.....LOL
Before you ask, I am not allowed to post photos of my grandkids on the web now, otherwise, I would probably bore you to death wtih their photos, seeing as how they are so beautiful and handsome and smart and poised and talented and well.........I'm just sayin'.....
Remember the loveseat I posted a photo of last week? It just sold on Ebay for more than a local re-sale shop said they could get for it. Hurrah!
On the Importance of Labels....
This is another in the long line of unlabeled photos from my mother's collection. It would be nice to know if these children are siblings, or if they were assembled for a school event or a home holiday musicale.I like to imagine that she is singing "O, Holy Night", since her lips form the perfect shape for it. The viola player is intent on his fingering and bow placement, while the violin boy watches for public reaction or approval to the show.
Wouldn't it be nice to know who they were and what year it was? I estimate late 40's. If you have a photo box full of unlabeled pictures, do all your decendants a favor and name and date them. Now.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
All you ever wanted to know about kenju - but were afraid to ask...
Put an x in the parentheses for those things you have done in your life:
(x ) Smoked a cigarette
(x ) Drank so much you threw up
( ) Crashed a friend's car
( x ) Been dumped.
( ) Been laid off/fired
( ) Quit your job
( ) Been in a fist fight
( ) Snuck out of your parent's house
( x ) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
( ) Been arrested?
( x ) Gone on a blind date
( X ) Lied to a friend.
( X ) Skipped school
(x ) Seen someone die
(x ) Been to Canada
(x ) Been to Mexico
( X) Been on a plane
( x ) Been lost
(x ) Been on the opposite side of the country
( X ) Gone to Washington, DC
( X ) Swam in the ocean
( x ) Felt like dying
( x ) Cried yourself to sleep
( ) Played cops and robbers
( X ) Recently colored with crayons
( ) Sang karaoke
(x ) Paid for a meal with only coins
( x ) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?
(X ) Made prank phone calls
(X ) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
( x ) Caught a snowflake on your tongue.
(x ) Danced in the rain
( x ) Written a letter to Santa Claus
( x ) Been kissed under the mistletoe
( X) Watched the sun rise with someone you care about or love
( x ) Blown bubbles
( ) Made a bonfire on the beach
( ) Crashed a party
( x ) Gone roller-skating
( ) Ice-skating
Any nicknames? Cootie (in the 5th grade)
Mother's name?Madeline
What is your favorite drink? coffee
Tattoos? NONE
Body piercing? 1 in each ear
How much do you love your job (1-10) - 12
Birth Place? Charleston, WV
Favorite vacation spot? Hawaii
Ever steal any traffic signs? No
A, B, C, D, DD cup size? I've been 3 of those....lol
2 Door or 4 Door? 5, I drive a minivan
Salad dressing? raspberry walnut
Favorite pie? pecan
Favorite number? 9
Favorite movie? Dr. Zvihago
Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
Favorite food? mashed potatoes
Favorite day of the week? Sunday
Favorite brand of body soap? Lever 2000
Toothpaste? Crest
Favorite smell? Pumpkin Pie baking in the oven
What do you do to relax? watch TV or blog
How do you see yourself in 10 years? Alive, I hope!
What do you do when you are bored? watch TV or blog
If you are brave enough, you may feel free to copy this. If you do, let me know so I can read it.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
YYEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS !!!!
Wedding Flowers at Sacred Heart Cathedral
My wedding flower delivery today was at Sacred Heart Cathedral in downtown Raleigh, the smallest Catholic Cathedral in the U.S. I had intended to take many photos of it for the blog, but my camera batteries gave out after this first one and I had failed to pack extras. Bah. I am putting a supply of batteries in my car today so I won't have that problem again.
This church has really beautiful stained glass windows. Too bad I can't show them to you today. The ceiling is beautiful too. A number of years ago, the church was renovated and they had artisans from Italy over here to paint the church and install new marble Stations of the Cross. They are among the most beautiful I have ever seen, and look like blue Wedgewood porcelains with white designs. The ceiling arches are painted sky blue and are dotted with gold stars, all hand painted.
You can see a little bit of the gorgeous terrazo floors on the altar. When we first moved to Raleigh, those floors had been covered in a previous "renovation", in which they laid plain terra cotta tiles over that wonderful inlaid terrazo. What idiots decided that should be done? The altar also had a triptych of plain wood in front of that built-in plaster arch on the back wall, and the beautiful angel/cherub statues in the niches (you can't see them here) had been relegated to the church storeroom.
Luckily a priest with some creative vision decided to find out what was under and behind the mess of the previous renovation. He uncovered the floors and plaster walls, replaced the statues and ordered new Stations. We are the richer for it.
present simple: The dance
Friday, March 03, 2006
How Old Are You?
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions. "How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key.You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number ... or even a few ahead. "How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . . . YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!! But then you turn 30. Oooohh what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk. He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now. You're just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed? You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes .. it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone. But wait!!! You MAKE IT to 60. You didn't think you would!So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE IT to 60. You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday! You get into your 80s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards ..."I Was JUST 92. "Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a half!" May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height.Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay "them!"
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle."An idle mind is the devil's workshop."And the devil's name is Alzheimer's..
4. Enjoy the simple things..
5. Laugh often ... long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath..
6. The tears happen. Endure grief, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive..
7. Surround yourself with what you love ..whether it's .. family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge..
8. Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help..
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall ... even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them at every opportunity....AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
You may have seen some of these before; another email gem. P.S. I am not really asking how old you are - it was the only title I could think of...LOL
Thursday, March 02, 2006
A Meet n' Greet Suggestion ~ Plus Two
If you are going to play Michele Agnew's Weekend Meet n' Greet, please try to have a new post at least once during the weekend. It is a bit disconcerting to click name after name, only to see the same old posts three days in a row, especially if it is a blog you read everyday, and therefore have read everything behind it too.
Want your posts to look neat and legible? Click on the "Justify full" icon when you reach the end of each paragraph. It spreads the letters out across the line and makes the whole page look better, plus it is less distracting than uneven lines.
Want to guarantee that everyone will read your posts? Use larger print than "tiny" and put it on a lighter background or at least have good contrast. Some eyes cannot read that tiny print, especially when it is against a dark background. I realize that some of you probably don't care whether older eyes can read what you post, but please be considerate and either up-size or use bold letters.
Okay, I'm off the soapbox now.
P.S. Thanks to all of you who responded earlier to my answers with your questions. Mr. Kenju and I got a kick out of all of them, especially the "theme" answers. Very creative!
Back to School
HERE ARE THE ANSWERS:
1. Yes
2. Never!
3. Completely
4. Once
5. Hardly ever
6. Hallelujah!
7. Hawaii
8. Almost all
9. Are you kidding?
10. The first time
YOUR TURN: What are the questions? Please post your answers in my comments - or on your blog and let me know. Thanks!
1. Yes
2. Never!
3. Completely
4. Once
5. Hardly ever
6. Hallelujah!
7. Hawaii
8. Almost all
9. Are you kidding?
10. The first time
YOUR TURN: What are the questions? Please post your answers in my comments - or on your blog and let me know. Thanks!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Spring
Top: The new basket of silk flowers I made for my porch wall.Spring is showing her signs; here are a few clues she left around here this week.
My forsythia is rather tame this year. I use it in my business all year long, especially the longer stems. I love forsythia when it is allowed to grow willy-nilly and has long, graceful, arching branches. Since I cut mine in the fall, there are not any longer ones left, but the small yellow blooms are most cheerful on a February day. Daffodils are another favorite this time of year. I don't have many in bloom yet, but these few are enough of a promise that spring is just around the corner. Soon they will be joined by tulips and grape hyacinths, which entwine with
the fragrant rosemary in the flower bed. Violets are already leafing out and soft, deep, velvety purple blossoms will appear before too long.Last year I wrote about the wisteria that grows all over this area, hanging pendulously from the trees. You requested photos - and this year I will deliver! As soon as the wisteria and azaleas and dogwood are in full bloom, my camera and I will go on a pilgrimage, to find the best examples for you. I promise!
