Justaskjudy

Live and Learn...

2012-02-01T22:12:00.000-05:00

Full-blown migraine with aura. That was my diagnosis today; plus floaters, beginning cataracts and blepharitis. So sayeth the ophthalmologist. When I described my symptoms, he said it was "classic migraine." The good news is I don't need new lenses. The fact that I really want new frames is beside the point. :-/

As far as I know, that was my first migraine. I've had the auras before, but I don't remember having the headache after. Of course, I might just not have associated the two at the time. I can't believe I drove 210 miles with a migraine and I sure hope I never have another one.

///\\\

There is something beautiful about all scars of whatever nature. A scar means the hurt is over, the wound is closed and healed, done with.

Harry Crews, novelist and playwright (b. 1935)

Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness.

George Sand [pen name of Amantine Aurore Lucile Dupin], novelist (1804-1876)

Another Rant....

2012-01-31T14:42:00.000-05:00

but I promise not to make it a habit.

Do you hate being sick as much as I do? I take it as a personal affront when I can't come and go as I please due to illness of some kind. Since December 28th, I have been sick all but a few days and I'm really getting tired of it. I'm just sayin'.....I drove home from Virginia Beach (210 miles) with a horrible headache (other than the one in the passenger seat....lol....my personal back-seat-driver.) I don't recommend that at all. Luckily, the weather was good and the traffic was light.

And just so you'll know, this is not usual for me. I haven't been sick much at all for the last 2-3 years.

If I weren't already sick, the Republican "debates" (and I use the term loosely) would make me sick. I simply can't watch them bad mouth each other, especially when none of them is without sin or error in his life and each of them wants to make sure you know all about the other's faults and short-comings. A debate should be just that. The television networks ought to rename them to something more fitting. How about "The Mud-slinging" Four: A New Reality Show." I wish we could get back to a time (if there ever was one) where candidates run on their own platforms and good works, not simply to sling mud at their opponents. What say you?

To end on a good note: our weather, like much of you who live in the US, is fabulous! Today, it is sunny and 64*, with Carolina blue skies and nary a cloud. If I had my druthers (I seem to be channeling my grandmother today ("nary" and "druthers"), the weather would be 77* all year long, with rain allowed only between midnight and six a.m. Think we could arrange that?

Where I've Been...

2012-01-30T09:32:00.000-05:00

Virginia Beach

Yes, there were water skiers, pulled by Jet skis. Even with wet suits and the air temp in the 60's, I'm sure it was cold when they fell into the water!

The sun, just breaking the horizon...

One minute later than the photo above.

We went to Virginia Beach last Thursday and came back home

Sunday. I always hate leaving the beach. Three or four days in a hotel with free breakfast and the rest of our meals in good restaurants is my idea of heaven, although I'd weigh 500 lbs. in short order! We attended a conference on ancient Egyptian symbolism. I bet you're dying to do that too......LOL I have always wanted to know how to read heiroglyphics, and this conference taught us a little bit about that. I realize now that I ought to have studied archeology, with a specialty in Egyptian antiquities. "Ve get too soon oldt and too late shmart", as the old saying goes. Maybe in my next life I'll be smart enough to do that!

Frustration Abounds!

2012-01-25T15:47:00.002-05:00

I don't know if I can blame it on sun-spot activity (which is now the highest since 2005) or a bad router, but our computers have been on-line only a bit in the last 4 days. We get on-line and either 2 seconds or 20 minutes later, we lose the ability to connect. It is frustrating as hell.

I spent 30 minutes on the phone this morning with our cable company tech support. The "first tier" helper was very nice and easy to understand, but she couldn't help me. The "second tier" person (assigned to the National Help Desk, as they call it) was from Outer Mongolia or Timbuktu or maybe Saturn, and I didn't speak her language. She had a colorless personality, no sense of humor and no ability to vary her speech tones, so everything she said sounded alike - none of which I could decipher. It was very apparent that she was speaking from a script and all she knew how to do was repeat the script - not helpful at all.

She blamed the trouble on our router, and considering it is about six years old, I decided to buy a new one. So off I went to run errands and when I got back, our computers were running perfectly well with the old router. GAH! Now I will have to return it. GAH, again! Why don't they hire (and keep) people who can solve problems?!

A Blast from the Past...

2012-01-23T07:00:00.004-05:00

A friend on Facebook asked her readers to post something that a teacher said about them in a report card, and I remembered this post. Hope you enjoy it.

(Disregard the note at the end of that post, since this is not the anniversary of 9/11.)

There's Nothing New to Tell...

2012-01-22T09:26:00.002-05:00

Except, I'm over my cold and sinus infection - or seem to be. I'm still sneezing some and blowing my nose a little. It has been 27 days and I'm tired of it all.

Tomorrow is Mr. kenju's birthday and we are celebrating it today. All the children and grandchildren will be here for lunch. I am making spaghetti with Italian sausage and my special topping, which includes green peppers, onions, mushrooms, thyme, rosemary, and butter. Yum! Add garlic-toasted ciabatta and pineapple upside-down cake.....and you have a feast!

What's your favorite meal?

2012-01-18T23:38:00.001-05:00

To the woman in the Food Lion parking lot today; you who parked her Toyota so far back into the space behind that I had to inch up bit by bit in order to fit into my space, but not touch your car (which I was careful not to do):

You walked over and made a great show of checking your bumper; you must have thought I had hit your car - or else you were mad because you couldn't get into your trunk for your two small bags of groceries. All you had to do was ask me to back up a bit. Getting in, slamming your door, firing up, revving the engine and then going into reverse and ramming my front bumper was totally uncalled for. Also, driving off in a hurry was sneaky. You didn't even register any surprise when you hit me. I know, because I could see your determined face in your rear-view mirror. I got your license plate number, and I just might report you to the police. That'll learn ya'.

January 16, 2012...

2012-01-16T14:00:00.000-05:00

starts my seventh year of blogging! I started in 2005 and until recently, I posted almost every day for at least six and a half years. I'm nothing if not tenacious! SO...

Happy Blogiversary to me!!

I'd like to report that the saga relating to the tree falling on our house last August was completely over and done - but it isn't. We have yet to be fully paid by the mortgage company - and the money in question was already paid to us by the insurance company, but we had to forward the check to the mortgage company and then they release the funds as soon as they are certain that the work has been done. At least, that is the way it is supposed to work. They hold the money for months, so that they can get interest from it before they release it back to the mortgagee. I think it is a sin and a shame, especially when they have done several inspections (including two that were termed final,) and they know that all the work is complete. We need to pay our contractors, but they are holding our money, and all correspondence seems to take 10 days or more to filter through their system. Our mortgage company - which will not be named here until we have received the final payment - can expect to be reported to the proper state authorities when it is over. Sheeesh.

I'd also like to report that my cold/virus/sinus infection is done - but no - that is hanging on too despite the Z-pack I took. I do feel better, but I'm not out of the woods yet, darn it all.

A Party for Dr. P.

2012-01-14T16:24:00.001-05:00

Edit below!!

When I retired, I didn't anticipate doing flowers on my own again. Sometimes you get

a request you can't refuse. My doctor's wife asked me to do this party. She had a great

idea; to place all his ties on the tables, pinwheeled out from the center. I knew his ties

were all very colorful, so I chose to do multicolored arrangements. And then I decided to write

about him. What I wrote is below. I heard that it was read to the dinner guests last night.

"My first appointment with Dr. P. was sometime in the mid-1970’s, when his office

was on St. Mary’s Street across from the old Rex Hospital. I was dressed in the

skimpy gown and sitting on the edge of the table shivering, and at 5’10” and 118

pounds, I was almost skeletal.

A tall, trim, very nice-looking man came into the room, took one look at me, and speaking

in low tones, he asked….”How long have you been this fat?”

I, who haven’t been speechless since I began talking at nine months old,

finally found enough of my voice to say “all my life.” I fell in serious ‘like’ with him

that day and it hasn’t changed over the years.

I had been his patient for nearly twenty years when I got a call to do the

flowers for the first of his daughter’s weddings. On that day, as I delivered

bouquets to the room where the family was dressing, I saw him standing

nearby. I told him how great he looked in a tux (but every man looks great in a tux,

don’t they?) and then I mumbled something about how it was nice it was for the

money we exchange to be heading in the opposite direction this time. Luckily,

he has a great sense of humor, so I didn’t have to duck, and I got paid, too!

After my last colonoscopy, I said “I’ll see you in ten years” and he shook

his head and said “I will probably be retired by then.” I told him he couldn’t do

that until I died. Since I’m still alive enough to write this – you see he didn’t

listen to me. I’m trying to get over it.

In my opinion, Dr. P. is the quintessential medical man. He oozes a

calm serenity, laced with just enough self-assurance to put a patient at ease.

He never made me feel as though he was watching the clock, or hoping to

sneak out to play golf or some other past-time. All medical staff can take a

very good lesson from him, and I hope they have.

In closing, I wish you and S. all the health, wealth, happiness and

grandchildren you can muster, and lots of time to enjoy it all."

January 16th is my blog anniversary! I started blogging on this day in 2005, although a few of the early posts have been deleted now.

The Worst Analogies!

2012-01-10T12:09:00.000-05:00

(From the Washington Post contest, in which high

school teachers sent in the worst analogies they'd encountered in

grading their students' papers over the years.)

We're in trouble, folks. Which one do you like best? (or least?)

1. Her eyes were like two brown circles with big black dots in the center.

2. He was as tall as a 6' 3" tree.

3. Her face was a perfect oval, like a circle that had its two

sides gently compressed by a Thigh Master.

4. From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an

eerie, surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city

and Jeopardy comes on at 7:00 p.m. instead of 7:30.

6. She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dog

makes just before it throws up.

7. The ballerina rose gracefully en pointe and extended one slender

leg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant.

8. He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck,

either, but a real duck that was actually lame. Maybe from stepping

on a land mine or something.

9. Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.

10 She grew on him like she was a colony of E. coli and he was room

temperature Canadian beef.

11. The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated

because of his wife's infidelity came as a rude shock, like a

surcharge at a formerly surcharge-free ATM.

12. The lamp just sat there, like an inanimate object.

13. McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty bag

filled with vegetable soup.

14. His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances

like underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.

15. He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience,

like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse

without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around

the country speaking at high schools about the dangers of looking at

a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it.

16. Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced

across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains,

one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the

other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph.

17. Shots rang out, as shots are wont to do.

18. The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a

bowling ball wouldn't.

19. Her hair glistened in the rain like a nose hair after a sneeze.

20. The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when

you fry them in hot grease.

21. They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fences

that resembled Nancy Kerrigan's teeth.

22. He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant and she was

the East River.

23. Even in his last years, Grandpappy had a mind like a steel trap,

only one that had been left out so long it had rusted shut.

24. He felt like he was being hunted down like a dog, in a place

that hunts dogs, I suppose.

25. She was as easy as the TV Guide crossword.

26. She walked into my office like a centipede with 98 missing legs.

27. The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil. But unlike

Phil, this plan just might work.

28. The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not

eating for a while.

29. "Oh, Jason, take me!" she panted, her breasts heaving like a

college freshman on $1-a-beer night.

30. It hurt the way your tongue hurts after you accidentally staple

it to the wall.

31. It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around

with power tools.

32. He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard

bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up.

33. The politician was gone but unnoticed, like the period after

the Dr. on a Dr Pepper can.

34. Her eyes were like limpid pools, only they had forgotten to put

in any pH cleanser

35. Her date was pleasant enough, but she knew that if her life was

a movie this guy would be buried in the credits as something like

"Second Tall Man."

36. The thunder was ominous-sounding, much like the sound of a thin

sheet of metal being shaken backstage during the storm scene in a

play.

37. The red brick wall was the color of a brick-red Crayola crayon.

38. She caught your eye like one of those pointy hook latches that

used to dangle from screen doors and would fly up whenever you

banged the door open again.

39. Her pants fit her like a glove, well, maybe more like a mitten,

actually.

40. Fishing is like waiting for something that does not happen very

often.

41. They were as good friends as the people on "Friends."

42. Oooo, he smells bad, she thought, as bad as Calvin Klein's

Obsession would smell if it were called Enema and was made from

spoiled Spamburgers instead of natural floral fragrances.

43. The knife was as sharp as the tone used by Rep. Sheila Jackson

Lee (D-Tex.) in her first several points of parliamentary procedure

made to Rep. Henry Hyde (R-Ill.) in the House Judiciary Committee

hearings on the impeachment of President William Jefferson Clinton.

44. He was as bald as one of the Three Stooges, either Curly or

Larry, you know, the one who goes "woo woo woo."

45. The sardines were packed as tight as the coach section of a 747

46. Her eyes were shining like two marbles that someone dropped in

mucus and then held up to catch the light.

47. The baseball player stepped out of the box and spit like a

fountain statue of a Greek god that scratches itself a lot and spits

brown, rusty tobacco water and refuses to sign autographs for all

the little Greek kids unless they pay him lots of drachmas.

48. I felt a nameless dread. Well, there probably is a long German

name for it, like Geschpooklichkeit or something, but I don't speak

German. Anyway, it's a dread that nobody knows the name for, like

those little square plastic gizmos that close your bread bags. I

don't know the name for those either.

49. She was as unhappy as when someone puts your cake out in the

rain, and all the sweet green icing flows down and then you lose the

recipe, and on top of that you can't sing worth a damn.

50. Her artistic sense was exquisitely refined, like someone who can

tell butter from I Can't Believe It's Not Butter.

51. It came down the stairs looking very much like something no one

had ever seen before.

52. Bob was as perplexed as a hacker who means to access

T:flw.quid55328.com\aaakk/ch@ung but gets T:\flw.quidaaakk/ch@ung by

mistake.

53. You know how in "Rocky" he prepares for the fight by punching

sides of raw beef? Well, yesterday it was as cold as that meat

locker he was in.

54. The dandelion swayed in the gentle breeze like an oscillating

electric fan set on medium.

55. Her lips were red and full, like tubes of blood drawn by an

inattentive phlebotomist.

How Scary Is It?

2012-01-07T12:13:00.000-05:00

While sitting at my usual perch this morning (at my desk in the bonus room), I saw movement out the window. It was a Sheriff's Deputy, carrying a rifle, He was stalking something - but I knew what it was.
(not mr. kenju....lol)

About three weeks ago, a neighbor sent out an email saying that there was a deer in the neighborhood with an arrow sticking out of its left side, and that we should call the sheriff if we saw it, so that he could put it out of its misery.

I am always on the look-out for deer, but this one managed to elude me until this morning. I saw the deputy approaching the front door, so I ran downstairs. He said not to be alarmed if I heard a gun shot, that he was going to put the deer down. Another neighbor had spotted the deer in his yard, and the deputy had been called pronto.

I went immediately to the kitchen, and saw the deer at my side fence; warily looking around. The arrow was in plain sight, and I honestly don't know how that magnificent creature managed to live so long with that arrow in him. At the same time, I heard the deputy enter the gate on the other side of our deck. I ran to get the camera, but by the time I got back to the window, the deer was no where in sight, nor was the deputy.

It makes me sad to know that the deer is in pain, but it also lifts my heart a bit, to know that he is strong and able to carry on, no matter what.

And on and on it goes.....

2012-01-05T16:44:00.000-05:00

Still coughing, hacking, wheezing and blowing my nose. I didn't know a body could produce this much goop in only 8 days. My energy level is low, too, and I can only move around about 2 hours before I have to stop and rest. Too bad this illness hasn't taken my appetite.

Grocery shopping was very tiring today, and yet I still managed to spend about twice the amount of money and time than I expected it would be. I'm talented that way.

Mr. kenju gave me money for Christmas, but although I went shopping once, I couldn't find anything I really wanted. This morning, he asked if I had found anything yet. I said no and went on to explain that I hadn't felt like going shopping for clothing since I got sick; requiring me to walk around stores for hours and try things on. He scoffed, saying it should only take me 15 minutes to find something and buy it. Oh, how naive can men be???

The first problem is that I have Dom Perignon taste on a Kool-aid budget. I looked at TJMaxx purses and the only ones I liked were well over $200 and some were more. Does anyone outside of Hollywood ever pay that much for a purse? I surely wouldn't. Then I went to a major department store and looked at clothing. The first sweater I looked at was $278 - ON SALE!! I nearly passed out. I guess I'll have to face the fact that I'm cheap, and I probably would be cheap even if I won the lottery (which I seldom play.)

Looking over the many Christmas cards we received in December, I almost got a guilty feeling, since I didn't send any. If you were one of the people we got cards from, please know we really appreciate them. But neither of us has the time or the excess energy to send them anymore.

I'm making Navy bean soup in the crock-pot now; seasoned with the last of the ham we had last week, onions, celery and pepper. It smells so good I'm not sure I can wait until the beans get tender enough to eat. If I can keep up my energy level for another hour or so, I'll make cornbread to go with it. I wish you could join us for dinner.

The First Post of 2012

2012-01-03T15:26:00.000-05:00

So far, 2012 is not treating me very well. I've been sick for 6 days; coughing, snorting, dripping and now - wheezing. Someone told me today that the bug I have is going around and some people are having it turn serious, if they don't take care early on. Hmmmmm. I worked 2 days while I was sick, but I'm taking it easy now - so I hope that is going to work to keep it from becoming a problem for my doctor.

It doesn't help a bit that old man winter has finally shown up around here. Temps are in the low 30's today and the overnight low is predicted to be in the teens. I went out to get the mail a while ago and remembered to disconnect the hoses and let the faucets drip. The last thing we need is frozen pipes. Doing that, plus rolling out the garbage and recycling bins tired me out, so I took a short nap, or tried. I got hooked on a program about surveillance in the 21st century, and then another one on J. Edgar Hoover (a powerful, but very repellent man.)

Somehow our den television cable has gotten stuck on 70 (Nat Geo). I love that channel, but I don't want to watch it 24/7. I suppose I will have to go to the cable office and get a new remote. Adding that to all the other errands I need to run tomorrow (that I've put off while I've been sick) and I might get back home before dinner. That's no way to recuperate, is it? When am I ever going to be able to put my Christmas decorations away?

2011-12-31T08:34:00.000-05:00

(cough, hack, snort, drip, blow, cough, ouch.....)

but

Happy New Year to one and

all!!

You Can't Burn the Candle at Both Ends.......

2011-12-29T14:13:00.000-05:00

without getting sick. After all the work and parties and eating too much, I am paying the price. We went out to eat 5 times in the last 3 days, breakfast included. I have eaten like there's no tomorrow. Something has to stop!! Even my BIL, who usually will eat until you drag him away from the table, is remarking about the amounts of food consumed. I've made turkey soup, pinto beans and cornbread and ham - so on the nights we haven't eaten out, we've done quite well at home.

After dinner last night at The Angus Barn, we came home and my throat started closing up and feeling raw. I hate that feeling (does anyone not hate it?) and I took meds, including a sinus/allergy pill. Once I went to sleep, I stayed in bed for 8 hours - not a usual thing for me. Once I finally dragged myself out of the covers, I crept downstairs to get more meds and coffee, hoping that would make me perk up. No such luck. I have spent the day in my pj's and robe, throat wrapped in a scarf, drinking first hot and then cold drinks in my quest for throat relief. Bean soup helped a little....lol

Family Christmas and a Big Surprise

2011-12-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

Our family Christmas get-together is usually on December 24th, but my older daughter had to work that day, so we moved it to the 23rd, and traveled about 90 miles to my son and daughter-in-law's home. I took two turkey breasts and my famous sausage dressing (both a big hit) and everyone else brought something, as usual.

The weather was mild and we all enjoyed being together (at least I did.) My daughter-in-law outdid herself to make their home inviting, and we gathered later around their tree to open presents. Going in birth order, we each opened our gifts and the poor youngest kid had to wait what seemed forever to open hers, but to her credit, she didn't complain!

We were joined later by my daughter-in-law's parents, whom we have always liked a lot but seldom see - so that was a treat! The surprise was that my brother-in-law, who usually comes here to visit on the 26th came early this year, and arrived on the night of the 22nd. We were very happy to see him, as was the rest of the family. The children have always called him "Uncle Papa" because he looks so much like mr. kenju (although not as tall.) His children are scattered; one in Ecuador and one in Chicago - so perhaps our kids and grands helped to make his Christmas celebration less bleak.

Last night we went to my younger daughter's home for dinner. I finally got to meet her "gentleman friend", and I was pleased. Mr. kenju met him more than a month ago, but second-hand info is not as good as first-hand viewing for oneself!

This morning, I cooked breakfast (perhaps a twice a year treat) and made a cheese/onion/celery/thyme omelet with bacon and Bojangles biscuits. which are better than any I could bake. We ate in the dining room, to make it special. After that, we opened our presents and no one was too disappointed, I hope....LOL

Here's hoping that you and your family had a wonderful Christmas celebration! Now, on to 2012....

2011-12-24T10:38:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas

To One and All!!

Finally....Our Decor (minimal though it is)

2011-12-21T12:28:00.000-05:00

Monkey gets dressed for Christmas!

Dining room wreath

Pre-lit pencil tree (I forgot to turn the lights on for the photo)

Wreath

Vicki Bennett's Vintage Christmas postcard, on display!

Mr. and Mrs. Santa, by Tom Clark

Stair bannister

Newel Post detail

This year, I didn't do much in our den, since the fireplace area is still somewhat of a mess from the chimney fiasco, and needs to be repainted. Hence - no mantel photos.

Some of our neighborhood women mounted our third annual caroling for a beloved (almost a shut-in) neighbor last night. We arrived bearing a full dinner, home-made by each of the six of us. I took crab stuffed deviled eggs and they were enjoyed by all, as well as a cream cheese/pepper jelly appetizer, with good crackers. The main dish was a shrimp and rice casserole; the side dishes were marinated asparagus, pear salad and cranberry-apple compote. Dessert was apple pie and ice cream, and wine was flowing to those who imbibe.

We sang six numbers and then danced in a chorus line to "New York, New York." You'd have laughed to see it; one of the women just had knee surgery, one has back trouble, another has a bad foot and I had hip pain. Only two of the six were healthy - so I think we did rather well, considering. The family certainly seemed to enjoy it. They were joined by their two sons and a 4 year old granddaughter, and all of them laughed at the funny lyrics we sang this year, instead of just straight carols.

Have you caroled this year?

2011-12-19T00:31:00.002-05:00

Less tired.....back tomorrow (probably)

In a Word

2011-12-17T07:11:00.001-05:00

T.I.R.E.D.

(catch you after work today)

Leftovers

2011-12-14T22:56:00.000-05:00

My granddaughter's swim meet was held here, at Campbell University's Aquatic Center

I hate to admit that this is exactly how I feel today!

An despite everything, I hung my pipe-smoking snow man on the porch. Thanks for coming by - you are indeed welcome!!

:-( to :-)

2011-12-13T14:56:00.001-05:00

It is now 2:30 pm on the first day that I am completely free of work obligations outside my home, since back in November.

I had big plans for this day; I was going to pull out my Christmas tree and all the other trimmings, and at least get a start on decorating my home. Have I accomplished any of that? In a word: NO.

And I can tell you that I have just about as much motivation to start as I would to jump in the car and drive to California today (unless it meant seeing my old friend Sharon, or meeting my blog buddies, Shephard and Naomi.)

Beside eating and dressing, all I have done today is clean the storm doors on the porch and the outside of my kitchen windows. The power washer who was here two weeks ago, prior to repainting parts of the house, didn't do such a hot job on the windows. I had hoped he would leave them pristine, but they had spots all over them, making them dirtier than they were before he came. Bah.

Mr. kenju says "Every one gets decorated (for Christmas) but us " which gets my dander up, since I outdid myself here last year, and plan to do it in similar fashion next week. Somehow he forgets that. He is going to his Pipe club meeting tonight, and I was looking forward to being here alone, eating what I want for dinner, and relaxing in my recliner to catch some TV - and then I remembered another obligation I have - and there went my relaxing evening.

Last night was our annual neighborhood pot-luck dinner, and 21 women gathered at the home of a very brave neighbor, who proffered her home for the evening. Despite arriving at 6:30 pm, we didn't leave until after 11 pm! It just goes to prove how much fun we were having. We talked, ate, chatted, ate, and talked some more - until it was time to start the gift exchange, always a lot of fun. The first person chooses a wrapped gift and the next person in the line can either "steal" yours, or choose a wrapped gift. On and on it goes, with people stealing gifts all evening. I had to open four gifts and every one of them got stolen! I was particularly miffed when the most darling set of hand-blown glass piggies (dressed to the nines) were taken. Of course, the next person in line stole those as well. I got lucky in the end, though, as two very cute snowman trays came hope with me, and now grace my coffee table!

I always tell you about the food. We have a lot of excellent cooks who live here, and they all brought wonderful things last night. My contribution was a spinach/butter lettuce salad, with raspberries, glazed pecans and a home-made poppy seed dressing with everyone seemed to like. (Mr. kenju sure did!) The ham and beef tenderloin were all that you could want and the vegetables and other casseroles were wonderful. We helped our plates and staggered under the weight of them to our respective tables. We are all so lucky to live here, and it is amazing how well (seemingly) we all get along.

The Mansion Party 12-11-11

2011-12-12T07:57:00.010-05:00

The gingerbread house tobacco barn, made by
Donna Ford, of Sweet Memories

See the tobacco on drying racks?

Mel, Billy, Sandra, Pat, Rhonda, Earlene and I hope you enjoy
the photos of our work in the Mansion. We had photos taken
tonight with Governor Perdue, and I'll post those when I get them.

My Last Decorating Job in 2011

2011-12-10T17:23:00.001-05:00

except for my home, of course. I'll start that tomorrow and finish up next week. This job is one I do every year with friends of mine (Pam and Jackie), but I did most of what I am showing you here.

At the Flower Shuttle (weeks ago)

2011-12-08T19:23:00.002-05:00

I found these photos hiding in my files -
I haven't been to the flower Shuttle in weeks!

It's Beginning to Look a Bit Like......

2011-12-07T15:25:00.000-05:00

Christmas, 2011

Detail: I love this leopard ribbon!

He's sort of "Christmassy" too!

Did You Know?

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

There are approximately 25-30 million real Christmas trees sold in the U.S. every year.

When a tree is cut, over half its weight is water.

For every tree cut, 1 to 3 seedlings are planted the following spring.

North American Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada. 80% of artificial trees worldwide are manufactured in China, according to the US Commerce Dept.

Real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. Artificial trees contain non-biodegradable plastics and possible metal toxins, such as lead.

There are close to 15,000 farms growing Christmas trees in the US, and over 100,000 people are employed full or part-time in the industry.

It can take as many as 15 years to grow a tree of typical height (6-7 feet) or as little as 4 years; the average growing time is 7 years.

The top tree producing states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington.

The New Tradition

2011-12-03T21:00:00.001-05:00

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high
gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --
Merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This
year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine
concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift
giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes
there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in
a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates
from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some
health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned
detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a
book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down
the Benjamin’s on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift
receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or
driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift
certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about
a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this
isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town
Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a
local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is
struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin
their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery
and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave
your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at
your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese
lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about
fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to
burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that
China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about
US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow
their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our
communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

(P.S. I copied this from an email.)

A Cardinal Converses

2011-12-02T21:22:00.007-05:00

Click to enlarge.

NC Governor's Mansion Holiday Decor, Part Two

2011-12-01T23:48:00.001-05:00

The photos got out of order, but I'm sure you can fill in the blanks. We finished at The Mansion today; a bittersweet occasion, to be sure. It is the very best place we work all year long, and we always hate to leave. We will go back for a party on the 11th, and I may have more photos from that night to show you.

Two of my favorite trustees** were there again this year. "Ask and ye shall receive" is not just a saying there - it really is their motto. I was happy to learn that neither of them will be at The Mansion by next Christmas, which means they will be going home to their families. I wished them good luck and God speed.

** Trustees are men from the state prison who work in the mansion everyday and go back to the prison at night. They learn trades, such as baking, cooking and gardening, and they do all kinds of manual labor at the mansion, such as vacuuming and silver polishing. Chosen for their "good behavior" (I suppose) they are so very nice to us and make our stay there very pleasant.

The NC Governor's Mansion 2011 Christmas Decor

2011-11-30T20:55:00.000-05:00

More photos tomorrow.

Too Pooped to Post (much)

2011-11-28T22:34:00.001-05:00

Main tree in lobby Brier Creek (sorry, it is blurry)

At Capital City Club (Governor's Room)

I have worked 20+ hours since Friday, and I am t.i.r.e.d. Tomorrow we start at our Governor's Mansion. It allows for a somewhat slower pace, for which we are all thankful. I haven't taken as many photos this year; mainly because it all looks pretty much the same as last year, and I don't really have the time.

Christmas Decor 2011 - Part One

2011-11-26T20:51:00.002-05:00

The five foot wreath behind the reception desk at The Cardinal Club

The winding staircase

A six foot diameter wreath

Poinsettias at Sullivan's Steak House

Sullivan's Bar

Sullivan's kitchen viewing area

Sullivan's wine cellar

A pair of small trees flanking the entry to the bar.

A funny conversation was overheard today while decorating. Two sous chefs were talking and one said..."You aren't married, are you?" and upon hearing the other one say no, he asked..."Then, why do you wear a ring?" The guy said, "Because my girlfriend knows I won't marry her for a long time, and she asked me to wear the ring as a sign to other women to lay off." I was standing very close to them and couldn't help overhearing, nor could I help laughing. The guy continued...." We've been together for eight years, and it took me seven years to propose - so it might take seven more for me to actually get married." I laughed again and said "Good luck with that." If I were that woman, I'd tell him to fish or cut bait! He must think he is a very good catch, if he expects her to wait that long for him! Sheeeesh! Would you?

NOTE: all work is done with/for Dogwood Tree Floral (Mel Day)

And a Good Meal Was Had By All

2011-11-24T20:29:00.089-05:00

Cooking has never been my strong suit, but I seem to be getting the hang of it at this ripe old age I've attained. Or maybe I'm just particularly good at Thanksgiving because our usual menu is my favorite meal of the year. There is nothing I like better than turkey and dressing, along with all the accoutrements (cranberry sauce, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls and pumpkin pie.) Some years we also have sweet potato casserole and/or macaroni and cheese, deviled eggs, and apple pie as well as pumpkin or pecan.

Ordinarily, I bake turkey breasts, because most of us prefer white meat, but I've decided that the best gravy comes from baking a full turkey. This year, I hit the jackpot, discovering a recipe almost by accident this morning that led to a tender, juicy, golden turkey and the best tasting gravy I've ever made (even if it wasn't as thick as mr. kenju might have liked.)

The recipe said to chop celery, onions and carrots and place them under and around the turkey rack in the roaster. It also called for parsley, and because I had some fresh thyme and rosemary and dried sage, I added a bit of all three to the mix, then added 1/2 cup of chicken stock. Every 30 minutes, I basted the turkey with chicken stock, making sure that there was always some of it in the base of the roaster. When the turkey was done, I let it cool for 15-20 minutes and then I made gravy.

I added six cups of chicken stock to the roaster (it said to pour off most of the fat, but it didn't really have much) and let it come to a boil, while scraping the bits off the bottom of the roasting pan and stirring constantly. When the liquid had reduced by about 1/3, I strained it into a saucepan, added 5 teaspoons of butter and stirred well. Then I mixed 1/3 cup of cornstarch into 1/4 cup water and whisked until smooth, adding it to the gravy liquid and stirring continually until the mixture began to thicken. It as dark and rich looking, and I tasted it and added some salt and white pepper. It was nearly perfect, to my taste, and my family seemed to agree. It sure beats the jar gravy, which I usually have on hand in case my attempt to make gravy turns out badly. Luckily, I didn't need to use them this year!!

The dressing was perfection too: home-made sausage that came from Mel's family, sauteed mushrooms, celery, onions, rosemary, thyme, sage and Pepperidge Farm herb stuffing mix.

The "make-ahead" mashed potatoes are always winners, replete as they are with butter, Parmesan cheese and cream cheese. I always make them the day before and bake the dish for 30 minutes just before dinner. YUM.

My older daughter's green bean casserole is really good. I never make it, but I always look forward to eating it during the holidays. My younger daughter brought two pies and yeast rolls, and nearly all of that is gone already!

There were eight of us here this year. My son, daughter-in-law and their girls were with his wife's family (we usually alternate with them) but we will see them all soon. All in all, it was a good day, although a long and tiring one. I only slept 4 1/2 hours last night, so I am truly hoping that I sleep at least 7 hours tonight. I have to be at work by 9am!!

I hope that all of you had a terrific Thanksgiving with your loved ones, and for those of you who live somewhere that this holiday is not celebrated, I hope you pause at some point soon to reflect on your life and the people and things for which you are grateful.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2011-11-23T22:09:00.002-05:00

Quotes of Note +

2011-11-22T15:00:00.000-05:00

There are two kinds of truth: the truth that lights the way and the truth that warms the heart. The first of these is science, and the second is art. Neither is independent of the other or more important than the other. Without art science would be as useless as a pair of high forceps in the hands of a plumber. Without science art would become a crude mess of folklore and emotional quackery. The truth of art keeps science from becoming inhuman, and the truth of science keeps art from becoming ridiculous.

Raymond Thornton Chandler, writer (1888-1959)

*******

Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.

Oprah Winfrey, talk show host and philanthropist (b. 1954)

*****

Mel (Dogwood Tree Florals), the gang and I started Christmas decorating today; six trees and five wreaths at a local hotel. There were five of us (1-2 short from the usual crew) and we finished in three hours. Plus we had to change out the old lights this time. We are getting more proficient every year - too bad we are also getting older. LOL It doesn't seem to slow us down much, though.

We start in earnest this Friday, and work 8-9 straight days. We will decorate two city clubs, a country club, the Governor's Mansion, the State Capitol and a local restaurant. Budgets don't allow for much/any new merchandise to be bought this year, so we will work with all the previous years' decor, which can be a trial. Some of the stuff gets damaged every year and we end up with less and less with which to decorate. That's not true at the Mansion, however. They pack everything away in such good shape that each year, it seems to have multiplied (especially ribbon!) As Martha would say..."That's a good thing."

If I don't get back here before Thursday, I hope that each and every one of you will have a Happy Thanksgiving with your family and loved ones, and pause to give real thought about the people for whom you ought to show gratitude on a daily basis!

Is Your Toilet Roll Naked?

2011-11-21T15:00:00.000-05:00

Are you letting the new Cottonelle commercial make you think you need a cover for your toilet roll? Are you wondering if you "disrespect your roll" if it is naked?

This is a blatant example of advertising attempting to create a need where none exists.

Many years ago (at least I hope no one does this any longer), some people covered their extra roll of toilet paper with crocheted covers, often in the form of dolls with wide skirts. To my mind, they were as tacky as anything ever could be. After those fell out of favor, I remember brass covers with jeweled tops. Both sat on the back of the toilet bowl, in readiness.

Are you falling prey to the new covers? I have not seen them in shops yet - only on TV - so I don't know what material they are made of. But, I ask you, does it really matter if our extra rolls of toilet tissue are covered or not? We all know what they are for - so why try to hide or disguise them? Why provide another dust/germ catcher in bathrooms that are already germ havens?

This is just another attempt to get you to spend money for something you don't really need. Are you heeding that clarion call? Or will you thumb your nose in their faces, as I am?

2011-11-20T15:06:00.000-05:00

You know there is not much going on in my life if I am reduced to showing fallen branches.....LOL

It's a beautiful day here; the sky is so blue (as you can see) and the 70* temps are very welcome after the cool snap of last week. I sat on the deck in the sun and read all afternoon, until I got too sleepy to continue. Problem is, I've already had one nap today. Do I dare take a second?

BEHOLD! The Power of the Internet

2011-11-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

On a website devoted to old photos of my home town, I happened to mention in a comment to an entry a few weeks ago that I had lived in a certain area, behind the building that they were featuring.

This week, I got a comment from a guy who said he lived on a street parallel to mine, that backed up to our house (and the others in the row). As we corresponded, I mentioned that my grandmother lived on his street too, and that we could go out our back door and with a slight jog to the right, we could enter her back door.

He replied "Your grandmother wasn't Mrs. Burdette?!" and of course, she was. It turns out that he lived next door to her (he was age 7 + at the time) and he was very impressed to find out that she was near 80 then, and so active and cheerful. He recalled that his mom (a nurse) and his dad (a policeman) had told him that if he ever came home and they were not there, he should go to Mrs. Burdette's, and she would look after him till they returned. Knowing her, it was something that she relished. I am sorry that I didn't know him at that time, but I was already 12-13, and little boys held no fascination for me... (but big ones were beginning to....LOL)

My grandmother was a favorite of mine in the family, and it is so nice to know that someone else has fond memories of her. She has been gone 40 years now; she died when my last baby daughter was six weeks old.

Mammaw, as I called her, is rather a legend in the family. Back in the days when it was nearly unthinkable to do so, she divorced my grandfather (for cruelty) and moved 100 miles away (with five children) to the "big city" of Charleston, WV and opened a rooming house for young working women. I have no idea where she got the money to buy the large house; she was able to live comfortably on the first floor and the upper floor housed anywhere from 2 to 4 girls, each in their own room.

Most of those girls, who ranged in age from late teens to late 20's, became my "aunts" and when I would stay overnight at my grandmother's house, I always slept with "Aunt Tillie", and plied her with questions about my birth and infancy. Tillie was a spinster (by the standards of those days) and one summer, while I was away at camp, I learned in a letter that Tillie was going to be married. I think she was in her early 30's at the time. I was very upset, since that meant she would be moving out of my grandmother's house and I thought I wouldn't be able to see her again. I cried and cried. They assured me that she and Alfred would not be moving far away, and I could visit her whenever possible, which I did. Later, Tillie and Alfred had a daughter - one of the prettiest babies I've ever seen. I lost track of her after her parents died.

So, Eddie, with your short comment, you have unleashed a torrent of memories, for which I am thankful. I'm going to search out some good photos of my grandmother and post them when I can, although with the holidays coming up, it may be a while.

Nature (and Love) Will find a Way

2011-11-17T10:08:00.002-05:00

2011-11-15T23:26:00.000-05:00

Our book club club meeting was good tonight; the food is always great, the surroundings were beautiful and the book, though a difficult one, was uplifting in the end.

"Unbroken", by Laura Hillenbrand, is the story of Louis Zamperini, a runner in the 1940's who joined the service during WW11 and suffered many troubles and indignities before being liberated from a POW camp in Japan and ultimately being rescued by his faith, his hope and a remembered promise.

The book was difficult to read because of some of the subject matter. Louis and several colleagues were shot down over the Pacific and floated in life rafts for over a month before they found land. Later he and many others were captured by the Japanese and sent to POW camps, where they they discovered the depths of man's inhumanity to man and the slow degradation of their dignity and self-respect.

In the end, they triumphed; some through faith and some through sheer determination not to let themselves be broken. It points out that man can withstand almost anything if he set his mind to it and gives a sense of the depth of the human spirit. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

I made a recipe of shrimp which I took from a recent flyer from The Fresh Market; a Lemon Garlic and pine nut pesto dipping sauce. It was fairly good.

Our next meeting will be in February, and our book will be Anna Karenina, by Leo Tolstoy. I have not read it since college (50 years ago), and as it was once of my favorites then, I am looking forward to reading it again.

Cats, Butt Bows, Flowers, Etc.

2011-11-14T15:16:00.000-05:00

This is my boss's cat, Chester. If there is a sunbeam nearby, he'll find it. (and yes, he really IS that fat!)

One of the mothers at a recent wedding. I liked her dress until I saw the butt bow.

Mel's centerpiece for a recent wedding.

The weather is to die for here today; 73* and sunny. But the wind is kicking up and leaves are falling like snow! My driveway is completely obliterated at this point, so I suppose I'll have to blow them off, so no one drives over the grass (so I don't back out over it....lol)

Mr. kenju had a dentist appointment this morning, during which he found out he has a leaky filling. I found out the same piece of info last week, so I suppose we will both have to get new dental work done soon. Bah.

License plates continue to interest me. Some recent ones include: SCHNOOK, Nevermor, and Snomob'l.

Are you watching "Once Upon a Time" and/or "Pan Am" on ABC? I love both of those, and sandwiched in between them is "Boardwalk Empire" on HBO. There is some good writing and good acting on all three shows. I know it is fashionable to claim that one never watches TV. I'm not going to be fashionable in that regard (nor any other, for that matter). Everyone needs "down time", when you can park your troubles at the door and get lost in fiction (or realism.) I enjoy my time staring at the boob tube. How about you?

Odds and Ends

2011-11-12T10:38:00.000-05:00

The chimney is finished!! Now we just have to get gutters, a window, power washing, painting and
a new roof on the back of the house!!

I made this for a wedding this week.

Yep, Raleigh still looks about the same!

2011-11-09T19:18:00.000-05:00

On the way home from work tonight... I stopped at a light and saw this full moon....looking like a note on a line of music. I wonder what The moon sounds like....lol

The Code for Mothers

2011-11-08T17:00:00.000-05:00

Every mother should read this!! , sign it and live by it!!

Did You Know?

2011-11-07T18:08:00.000-05:00

Americans eat three pounds of peanut butter per person every year, enough to coat the floor of the Grand Canyon! (I wonder how they know it is enough to coat the canyon floor?)

Astronauts cannot burp in space because gravity is too low; liquids do not separate from gasses in the stomach, so belching is impossible. (A good reason to live in space!)

'Bookkeeper' is the only word in the English language with three consecutive double letters.

Your screams cannot be heard in space because there is no air to carry the vibration of your voice. (There's another good reason that I suspect mr. kenju would like us to live in space.)

When glass breaks, the cracks move at speeds of up to 3,000 miles per hour.

The focusing muscles of the eye move about 100,000 times a day. To give the leg muscles the same exercise would involve walking 50 miles each day!

A Perfect Sunday Afternoon

2011-11-06T17:03:00.003-05:00

As many of you are aware, one of my employers, Mel, bought a house in early 2011. Since then, he has had some reconstruction work done, pulled off loads of icky old wallpaper and old carpet, had floors replaced and some newly carpeted, and re-painted every room in the house, save one bathroom. He has been a very busy man! Considering that he has been running a wedding flower business during its most busy time of the year and doing all the painting, etc. I can't imagine how he has enough energy to be walking around!

I saw the house before any of the reconstruction was done, and today, we got to see the almost finished product. He had a family dinner (and luckily, my family is included in his now) to celebrate his mother's and his sister-in-law's birthday (and mine too.) It was also the introduction of the house to some of them, as well as us (mr. kenju, me and our younger daughter), about 20 in all.

Suffice it to say that if any of you ever need a color consultant (or a painter/decorator), Mel's your man. His home is so warm and welcoming, and beautifully put together with such expertise and love that it is a very pleasant place to spend a few hours (or more) on a beautiful sunny, Sunday afternoon. He is also very good at re-purposing furniture and decor, and adapting it to new surroundings.

A bonus: food was included! He had a wonderful buffet, with London broil, mac and cheese, broccoli casserole, yam/squash casserole, chicken casserole, wonderful potato salad, a side dish with peas, a marinated carrot dish, salad, rolls - I can't remember everything! Desserts were excellent too; chocolate cake, red-velvet cupcakes and a coconut pie made by one sister-in-law that was truly to die for. The sweet tea was great too. We came home with leftovers, plus some stew that his brother had bought at their church. I can't wait to try it!

On the way home from Mel's, I drove mr. kenju through downtown Raleigh, and snapped this photo of Sir Walter Raleigh, all dressed up for the Junior League Shopping Spree, held this weekend. Doesn't he look spiffy?

Autumn Leaves

2011-11-05T17:24:00.000-05:00

These photos were taken of the same tree that I have in my header photo (which I took 2-3 years ago.)Depending on the weather (I guess), the leaves look a little different every year.

After work today, I pulled into Bojangles for a bite of lunch and some sweet tea (the best in the land) and the parking spot under this tree was open. I ate, looking up from my book to view the sunlight filtering through the leaves. I just had to pull out the camera and try a few shots. The photos aren't as pretty as it was in "real life", but maybe you'll enjoy them anyway.

quotes

2011-11-03T12:01:00.000-05:00

There are a thousand thoughts lying within a man that he does not know till he takes up a pen to write.

William Makepeace Thackeray, novelist (1811-1863)

*******

The Potter books in general are a prolonged argument for tolerance, a prolonged plea for an end to bigotry, and I think it's one of the reasons that some people don't like the books, but I think that it's a very healthy message to pass on to younger people that you should question authority and you should not assume that the establishment or the press tells you all of the truth.

J.K. Rowling, novelist (b. 1965)

*******

As for the first quote, I believe it, but at this moment, I have no thoughts, apparently (save these.)

The second quote is so true and I can't fathom why there are people who will not allow their children to read the Potter books (especially the first several.)

2011-11-02T15:12:00.000-05:00

My camera was buried in my purse today when I exited the grocery, otherwise I'd have a photo for you. I saw a man dressed in a newsboy cap, neon orange sweater, butterscotch color knee length pants and black and white argyle knee socks with sneakers. I SO wish I had a photo, so I could send it to Poorly Dressed People of the World.

Friends and Food

2011-11-01T16:16:00.002-05:00

Blogger Meet-ups are always fun, and seeing someone you've met before is even better. My blog-friend Beverly from Florida has been north visiting her children and grandchild, and on her way back south, she stopped to visit with mr. kenju and me, and have lunch. A new route put her a bit behind, but she made it and we didn't get hungry enough while waiting to go ahead with lunch. It is always nice to see a friend, and catch-up with the news (especially since she is one of those bloggers who doesn't blog much any more.)

I made a soup called "garden gold"; consisting of potatoes, carrots, onions and celery (partially pureed in the food processor and re-heated with milk and butter). It is one of my favorite "from scratch" soups and I enjoyed every bite. I also made chicken salad (and should have added a little bit more seasoning.) Live and learn, right? I learned something else too. Next time I buy a boule of rosemary/olive oil/sea salt bread, I'll have the store slice it for me. Either that, or I need to buy some sharp knives. Trying to saw through that loaf (and it was fresh) nearly made me pass out with fatigue. But the chocolate ice cream revived me, I think. LOL

And speaking of LOL, I think I must be the only person alive who still uses that abbreviation! But it's so handy, and it expresses exactly what I'm trying to say/show. You'll forgive me for being trite, won't you? Have you thought about this? Once you are out of school or young adulthood, it is harder to keep up with the current slang phrases. Of course, you don't want to keep up with some of them (LOL) but it would be nice to know when things become passe. Otherwise, you tend to use them well beyond their expiration dates, and your grandkids (and kids) roll their eyes and wink at each other. I know what they're thinking....."Geeze, grandma is SO out of it these days."

October 30, 1940

2011-10-31T00:11:00.000-05:00

was the day of my birth. I've had many birthdays since then; 71, to be exact. But few of them equal today, when I was with my three children, my six grandchildren, my husband and my daughter-in-law. I have always loved being with any of them, but there is something special about us being all together. I love watching them interact. They were so cute when they were little, but it is a special privilege to watch my offspring as adults, and their children as teens. I hope that all of you can experience that, or will some day. There's nothing like it. My goal is to live long enough to see all of them through school and married, and should I be so lucky as to achieve that, I'll be contented. Of course, getting to hold a great-grandchild would be wonderful too! (but not for a while, please.)

When the children were little, toys, books, videos, swimming, play dough, bubble stuff and sidewalk chalk kept them occupied for hours. But now, it is a laptop, iPod, iPad, smart phone or e-reader that keeps them busy. They grow and their toys change (and get more expensive....LOL)

Lately, the talk is of colleges, and several of them are taking tours of various campuses and thinking about their possible courses of study. They have no idea how exciting it is for me to see them move into this phase of their lives (and would probably think it is weird that I am excited about it, and for them.)

My daughter outdid herself today; grilling beef tenderloin for 12, with potatoes and the trimmings, starting with brie en croute with fruit. Costco "served" us well, and their red velvet cake is really to die for. (There goes my attempt to stay the same weight from now through New Years!)

I am looking forward to using my presents: a 90 minute massage with foot rub, and a gift card to a book store. Both of those are very welcome items! On Facebook, I received so many greetings and wishes for my birthday that it was hard to keep up with them. It certainly did make me feel good. Growing older is interesting; I wouldn't miss it for the world.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN and.....

2011-10-30T00:01:00.013-05:00

Happy Birthday to me (shown wearing my witch hat (mr. kenju would say..."How appropriate!") This photo was taken (by Mojo) during a party at Tiff and Biff's home a few years ago. It will probably be my favorite Halloween photo for years to come.

It's Always Something....

2011-10-29T16:22:00.000-05:00

I don't know what is wrong, but I put together a post of all photos, and it looked fine in draft, but when it posted, the photos were missing. BAH, Blogger!

Efficiency is My Middle Name

2011-10-28T14:49:00.000-05:00

My mom attempted to teach me to be efficient in all that I do, and I have tried my best to show that I learned well. I am efficient - until someone else thwarts my efforts.

There are things that I do that some call obsessive-compulsive, and still others might call them sheer idiocy. For example:

I buy decaf coffee in large 2 or 3 pound containers with handles on the sides. I keep a hazelnut-flavored coffee in a similar container, with "hand-holds" so you can pick it up easily. Nearly every morning, the man I live with makes the coffee, and places the containers back into the fridge.

Come dinner time, I make coffee. When I retrieve the containers from the fridge, they are always turned so that the handles are about as far from the front as it is possible to be. WHY??? I always ask myself. It is so much easier if you pick up the containers by their handles and leave them in that same direction when you place them into the fridge. Otherwise, one must turn them around to find the handles - or use two hands to pick them up. Since I often have something else in my other hand at the time, it is a pain to have to put it down and use both hands to get the coffee.

My question: why can't the person who puts the coffee away make sure that the handles are in the correct position for the next person. Is that so odd? Do you call that obsessive-compulsive or just plain crazy?

Odds and Ends

2011-10-27T15:07:00.000-05:00

Our weather could not be more beautiful than it is today; 76*, sunny, a slight breeze and few clouds. According to the weather people, this is the last day we will have temperatures in the 70's for quite a while - so I'm trying to enjoy it while I can. We will need jackets tomorrow, they say.

The pool has yet to be closed, and falling leaves are about to drive me nuts. I have to clean out the skimmer and skim the leaves off the top of the water on an hourly basis. I sure hope that the pool company will get my new cover put on quickly, so I'll be spared of that chore, especially after the weather turns cold tomorrow.

Do you watch soap operas? I have watched (off and on) General Hospital since the early days of Luke and Laura, because my daughters watched it back then and while I got hooked on it, they lost interest later on. Soaps have always moved their story lines along slowly, but GH seems to be moving along at nearly glacial speeds these days. But there have been some interesting twists and turns, since they have a new head writer who is bringing back some old players (bravo to that).

My followers list on this blog is growing slowly, but it has a long way to go before it reaches the number who followed me on Imagine. Two of them are anonymous, and I do wish they'd let their presence be known. Speaking of followers, if you get a new follower whose name you don't recognize - check it out by clicking on their link/photo/icon. I've learned that some woman with porn sites will follow bloggers, in the hopes that others will click on their sites. I am fairly certain that most of you don't want that kind of link on your blogs, so get rid of them by blocking that person. It's easy to do.

Back to Brio for My Birthday!

2011-10-25T18:44:00.000-05:00

I seem to mention Brio a lot here....and there is good reason for that! I love their food; I have never had a bad meal there, and every time I go - it seems to get better. The service is great too.

A good friend with whom I celebrate birthdays (hers and mine) every year, took me there today for lunch. I didn't tell her that we had been there recently to celebrate my daughter's birthday - but it wouldn't have mattered if I had gone just yesterday - I'd still want to go back.

Determined not to eat too much, I ordered the soup and salad special; lobster bisque so creamy as to be sinful and chock full of lobster bits, and their excellent, crispy Caesar salad. Served with their signature breads and crackers, it is a meal!

My dessert was free, since we were celebrating my birthday, and I had the same chocolate caramel cake and mousse that I had last time. My friend had the carrot cake with cream cheese icing, which she declared was delicious.

After two hours of food and conversation, we left, surfeit (until dinner time, anyway) having thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. My birthdays seem to be celebrated all month long (which doesn't bother me in the least....lol). On Sunday, all of our children and grandchildren will gather at my younger daughter's home and I couldn't be happier - as it is a gift to see them all together. I'm looking forward to it!

Progress: Maybe Yes, Maybe No

2011-10-24T17:37:00.000-05:00

No progress at a city cemetery in removing the huge trees that were knocked down during recent summer storms. This is only one of many.

The chimney as of 10-24-11. You can barely tell where the old brick stops and the new

brick begins. Once the lower portion is power washed, we won't be able to tell at all.

Deck repairs started today, and will be completed tomorrow, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Sorry for the lack of posts, but this is all I've been able to think about for days.

2011-10-22T08:15:00.000-05:00

Witchy Poo rides her broom through my woods (she's stuck to the glass of my storm door)

For me, there is work today, a neighborhood pot-luck picnic tomorrow, the Flower Shuttle and a birthday luncheon on Tuesday. Our chimney restoration is on hold at the moment; the brick mason's father is in Hospice, and mr. kenju told him to take off to be with his dad until the end. The guy who will repair the deck is coming Monday - and since he is one of my favorite people (and a very lazy blogger) I am looking forward to seeing him.

He and his lovely better half are due here for dinner soon, but with all the work I've been doing and all the repairs to the house, there hasn't been time. It won't be long now.....I hope.

The rest of the repairs will get done sometime, I guess. *sigh* (They will, won't they??!!)

This is the worst time of the year for me to gain weight; I am trying to avoid that, and attempting to steel myself against temptation. "How's that workin' for ya'", you ask? "Not much at all", I sigh. There is Halloween candy (which I am not buying) and birthday cake ( which I always eat, along with sumptuous feasts), then Thanksgiving and Christmas? How's a girl gonna stay the same? Most of my clothing is too small now - so I don't dare gain a pound. I can't afford to buy new clothing and when I try, I can't find anything I like. I do know how to cure that problem: walking. I think about it daily.....how nice it would be to walk the neighborhood as the leaves are changing and the crisp weather is bracing. Then I think about how nice it is at home with a good book or my computer - and the idea of a walk goes out the window. I'm hopeless!

Have You Ever......?

2011-10-20T16:43:00.000-05:00

Have you ever baked a cake or a pie and left out a key ingredient? I baked a pineapple-upside-down cake yesterday and forgot the brown sugar. Mr. kenju thought it would be tasteless without it, but it wasn't inedible at all.

Tell me your stories....

Birthdays at Brio are Bountiful!

2011-10-19T19:14:00.000-05:00

Veal Milanese with Campanelle Pasta Florentine.....Scrumptious!

Chocolate cake, chocolate mousse and whipped cream! Add Caesar salad, pinot grigio, excellent bread and butter - and you have three very stuffed people!! Hmmmm....maybe I'll celebrate MY birthday here too!!

Shopping Bears No Fruit

2011-10-18T17:47:00.000-05:00

A shopping trip this morning left me empty-handed (and still in possession of my money), after 3 hours of looking and trying on and comparing and looking some more. I couldn't find anything to buy; nothing I wanted fit well and the stuff that did fit didn't look so good on me. It's frustrating, you know. My birthday is coming up soon, and I was hoping to find something nice (and not too expensive) to buy myself. I saw a few purses I liked, but I'm not willing to pay $200 + (especially at a discount store) for a purse - no matter how soft the leather is or who made it!

If I'd get serious about losing 10-15 pounds, I could fit into most everything I really liked today. I've always loved sweaters, and nowadays, they need to be large enough to de-emphasize my lumps and bumps, otherwise I look a bit like the Michelin Tire Man (on the left.) My mom used to buy clothes that were one size too small in the mistaken hope that it would prod her to lose weight. It seldom worked, and the too-small clothing languished in her closets for months (and years) before she finally gave up in frustration (and donated the clothes.) The few times that she actually did lose weight; she'd pull out a dress she'd owned for months and when my dad asked..."Is that a new dress?", she'd reply...."Why, this old thing? I've had it for a while." Of course she did that with dresses she'd bought only a month ago too.....lol

I Could Have Run a Marathon!

2011-10-17T18:23:00.002-05:00

Today was haircut day and new glasses day and wreath supplies buying day and pharmacy day and grocery day, and the way I feel, I might as well have run a marathon. Driving all over town while getting in and out of the car numerous times (and waiting for mr. kenju to catch up with me) is very tiring. Whew!

I might have mentioned this before, but mr. kenju found out a few months ago that the last ophthalmologist who gave him a prescription for new lenses reversed the script, so that the left lens was really on the right and vice-versa. Either that, or the optician reversed them - but no one will own up to it, so we are stuck. He went to a new eye doctor recently, and that guy was the one who noticed that the lenses were opposite. Today, mr. kenju picked up his new glasses and he was acting like a kid in a candy store......"WOW! I can see again.....You don't look fuzzy now......I can read those signs!.....It did my heart good, until he told me I look 25 years younger. Then I knew he was full of it.....lol

Tomorrow is my youngest child's 40th birthday. She doesn't look her age - and neither do my other two children (they take after their father.) It hardly seems possible that it has been 40 years since I went into Wake Memorial Hospital (now called Wake Medical Center) to give birth. I do remember it like it was yesterday, but then I can easily remember going in for all three of them, in 1966, 1969 and 1971. Back then, no one knew the sex of the child before the birth and we stayed in the hospital for at least 5 days (it was 7 days for first one.) I find it hard to believe that women go home on the 2nd day now - I'd take all the rest time I could get! The little bit of rest you can get in a hospital is the last good rest some new mothers get for months! How many days did you stay in the hospital when you gave birth?

P.S. Happy Birthday, Sweetpea!

Odds and Ends

2011-10-16T10:50:00.000-05:00

A bride's bicycle was parked in front of her wedding and reception site this past weekend. Mel Day (Dogwood Tree Floral) did the flower basket.

At the recent induction ceremony for National Honor Society members, this woman kept turning around every minute to rubber-neck, looking for Lord knows who. I told my granddaughter that if she turned around one more time (after doing it at least 20) that I was going to take her photo, and I did. She was most annoying!

A miniature calla lily and stephanotis boutonniere that I made this week.

Before we set our hearts too much on anything, let us examine how happy are those who already possess it.

Francois, duc de La Rochefoucauld, moralist (1613-1680)

How to Make a Pomander (Kissing Ball)

2011-10-14T19:19:00.000-05:00

Tape a 24 gauge wire with green florist stem tape, and bend it in half, forming a loop by twisting. Trim the ends of the wire so they are even.

Start with a ball of wet Oasis (you can get it at craft stores, or from a florist). Cover it with mesh or chicken wire. Here I have used a mesh covering that is used to protect gerbera daisies during transport. I think onion bags might work as well. NOTE: wet Oasis is use for pomanders made of fresh flowers. If you are making one using silk flowers, you would start with a styrofoam ball (also available at craft stores or florist shops.) There is no need for mesh with silk flowers.

Here, I have inserted the wire through the mesh, all the way into the ball and out the bottom.

The bottom wires are twisted and the trimmed ends are inserted into the oasis ball. This will help to keep the wires from pulling out of the ball at the top. This is especially important if a child will be holding the ribbon handle on the ball.

Any good quality florist glue can be used to adhere the flowers to the Oasis ball. This glue is unscented and dries quickly.

Cut the flowers off their stems, leaving about 1 and 1/2 to 2 inches. It is best to cut those stems with a sharp knife, on a slant. This helps the stem insert easily into the Oasis ball.

Here I have begun to insert the flowers into the Oasis ball, through the mesh covering, after putting a dot of glue on the stem end of each flower. I have used an old department store display stand to hold the oasis ball while I make the pomander. You could hang it from an upper kitchen cabinet door while you work.

Continue inserting the flowers until you have reached the top; making sure that you cover all the open spaces. If you are making a pomander with only spray roses (as I am here) it is fairly easy to get the flowers all at the same level. If you choose to make a pomander with different varieties of flowers, then you must make sure that you insert the stems in such a way that the ball is uniform in appearance (easier said than done.) Feel free to insert buds and partially open roses as well as fully open ones.


Here is a finished pomander (kissing ball). I made nine of these today; they will be used on Shepherd hooks lining a wedding aisle, and others will be hung from an arbor. Sometimes, flower girls carry pomanders instead of dropping rose petals. Younger children must be reminded to be careful with their pomanders. While we always make them as sturdy as possible, they will not withstand vigorous shaking or swinging from their ribbon handles. NOTE: This is my way of making pomanders; I am sure that various others have different ways of doing them, which will work just as well.

2011-10-13T18:46:00.001-05:00

It seems obvious that if you are going to work hard, you should sleep well and long in preparation for it. Alas, I have not been doing so well at that sleeping part lately. I'll have to figure out a way to remedy that if I am to keep working as much as I have been. I worked with Mel Day today; the first time since August and it was nice to be back at Dogwood Tree. We conditioned oodles of flowers, including at least 1000 roses (or so it seemed.) Among them was 24 bunches of spray roses, which points to my making lots of kissing balls tomorrow. The link takes you to a video about the process, but it isn't the way I make them. I start with an Oasis (the green florist foam) ball and make my own cage. I hope I will have time to take photos.

Have allergies been bothering you this autumn? Mine have returned full force. Some years I am bothered more in the spring with hay fever, and some years it is the fall season that bothers me. My nose has been running like a faucet for several weeks. Nasal spray helps, but I try not to use much of it since I can easily become addicted.

Try as I might, I can't come up with anything else to say tonight. Those who know me will find that odd, I'm sure. I'm seldom at a loss for words. I'll be back soon....

2011-10-11T23:06:00.001-05:00

Two stacks of bricks were delivered today, and if it weren't going to be raining for the next 2-3 days, the masons could start constructing the new chimney. I guess it will get done some day.

*Sigh*

Mr. kenju went out to his pipe and tobacco club meeting tonight, so my younger daughter and I had Mexican at my favorite place (chimichangas.) She made me call her when I got home......LOL. Who's the kid here?

The nail salon was busy today, and mr. kenju didn't want to wait in line for his pedicure. So I took him home and went back later. My feet looked and felt like hooves and I couldn't wait, since I am working every other day this week. My new polish is called "pearls in the sand" and I quite like the neutral color for the fall, not that I'll wear sandals much longer.

It was cool here and having dressed for warmer weather this morning, I was chilly all day. When I got home from the nail salon, I wanted some hot tea. I poured water into the coffee pot and turned on the warming plate, while putting a mint tea bag and a packet of sweetener in my cup. I wish I had remembered to remove the coffee ground left over from the morning coffee. I was ticked at myself, but I poured the water/dilute coffee into the cup and believe it or not - it didn't taste half-bad! I did what it was supposed to do: it warmed me up, and the taste was interesting, to say the least. Have you ever had "mixed" drinks, when you didn't mean to?

I'm Still Busy!

2011-10-10T23:33:00.000-05:00

Fall basket arrangement

It was time to re-do my monkey container, since the old arrangement fell apart last week when I was cleaning. I went monochromatic this time, except for the feathers.

This was made at the Flower Shuttle last week.

Odds and Ends

2011-10-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

I found this on my deck Saturday morning. I don't know what kind of bird it came from, but I admire the patterns and the pale yellow color.

The reverse.

The yard has been leveled and reseeded where the tree once stood. I can't decide if my shadow looks like a sad-eyed ghost with a pumpkin head or something else.....lol

Come on; I KNOW you have had times when this applied!

Running in High Circles

2011-10-08T15:54:00.001-05:00

Mr. kenju went to the Washington, DC area this week with our younger daughter; she for business and he for pleasure. He scheduled some meals with old college friends, and last night he had dinner at a famous restaurant that has been in existence since 1960. His dining companions were our daughter, and a couple he's known for many years. The man was formerly the commissioner of a well known American national sports league.

While there, they met a man that said commissioner had lunched with that same day; the Japanese Ambassador and his wife. Too bad I didn't go along, right? I think it would have been very nice to meet them, and something I could tell my grandchildren (though I doubt they'd be impressed....lol)

I was scheduled to work this weekend, or so I thought, but it turned out that the dates were wrong. Another florist for whom I have been working sent an email at 1pm, asking if I could come in a work for them - and since I was "widowed" for the weekend, I said yes. I got there at 2:30pm and we didn't finish until 9:45! It's a good thing I was available; otherwise they might have had to work past midnight. It wouldn't be the first time I've done that, but not since I turned 60 or so (it's been a long time.) After we ended work, we tucked into Chinese delivery: wonton soup and egg rolls, etc. It sure tasted good!! I went to bed early (for me) and slept until 9:45 this morning!!

There's Progress to Report.....

2011-10-06T18:33:00.014-05:00

Did you ever make something that you liked while you were making it, but afterward you didn't? That's where I am with this wreath. See details below.

I always get lost in the details. That's why my college art teacher made me stand at arm's length away from the canvas, when I was painting or drawing.

The chimney guys started this morning at the roof/gutter line....the process of removing the courses is slow and painstaking.

and as of this afternoon, they have removed all of the broken portion of the chimney!! YAY! As soon as they remove the inner flue tiles and excess mortar, they can being to rebuild the chimney. After that, we can get the roof repaired, the gutters replaced and painted, the window replaced and the deck railings rebuilt. Do you want to bet it will all be done by Christmas?

Another wreath, much simpler than the larger one. I think I'm done making wreaths now....until the Holidays!

Will Wonders Ever Cease?

2011-10-04T16:19:00.001-05:00

The Flower Shuttle was this morning and I left home in a rush about 8:50, before the chimney guys showed up. After the shuttle, I ran errands and I was standing in line at the pharmacy when my cell phone rang. It was Mr. Kenju, telling me....."You won't believe it, but the chimney righted itself!!" He was right, I didn't believe it.

In case you don't remember (or haven't been reading about our Hurricane Irene saga) the broken top part of the chimney (approximately 14 feet down from the top, which was estimated to weigh 5-6,000 pounds, had been leaning back against the edge of the roof ever since the tree fell on the house and broke it. The break opening was approx. 4". The chimney repairmen started work yesterday morning, and by mid-day today, they had removed about two feet of the top of the chimney. Suddenly, according to the guy on the roof scaffolding, the chimney started to rock a little, and he had no idea what it was going to do - but luckily it settled back on top of the lower section of the chimney and except for some broken mortar, one might have a hard time realizing that it had ever been broken and leaning back that far!

It's sort of dark, but you can still see the break here (above the black tape and between the windows).

This photo and the two below were taken Tuesday afternoon, after the chimney did it's rocking and rolling and settled back into it's original position.

At this point, since it is back in place, we could conceivably have them repair it instead of replacing it; however, since we've learned that the chimney was not built completely to code 35+ years ago, we are opting to have it rebuilt from the break up, and they will also replace all the flue tiles and bring them up to code. According to them, it will be just as good as new when they are done. The chimney guys said they have never seen anything like that happen in all their years of work with chimneys.

Did You Know?

2011-10-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

The phrase "in a pickle" was first introduced by Shakespeare in his play,
The Tempest".

You are 1,000 times more likely to drown in the sea than you are to be bitten by a shark.

Your right lung takes in more air than the left one does. The left lung is smaller than the right one, making room for your heart.

The act of sneezing is referred to as sternutation.

The first movie in which a toilet was heard flushed was "Psycho."

A lobster that has lost one claw (or other appendage) is called a cull. One that has lost two claws is a bullet or dummie. Also, lobsters can grow back new claws, legs and antennae.

Cotton candy's original name was Fairy Floss.

In 4000 BC, in Egypt, both men and women wore glitter eye-shadow made from the crushed shells of beetles.

A piece of currency can be folded back and forth 4,000 times before it will tear.

Wonderful Presents!

2011-10-02T23:48:00.000-05:00

Driving 165 miles round trip today netted us some lovely gifts! This charcoal and pastel drawing from our 12 year-old granddaughter, which makes us very proud of her abilities!!

This wheel thrown pot from our 15 year-old granddaughter, who continues to amaze us with her creativity and talent, and....

Our 17 year-old grandson....the one who was inducted into the National Honor Society today, and I was there!!

Odds and Ends

2011-10-01T23:14:00.000-05:00

Sunset over Boston Harbor

10-1-11 (see below)

10-1-11 At Cobblestone Hall for The English Garden

AMEN!!

A Bridal Bouquet

2011-10-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Two views of a bride's bouquet that I made yesterday. The four bridesmaid's bouquets are almost identical, but smaller. The boutonnieres and corsages are all miniature mango calla lilies. Maybe I'll have some time to get more photos during set-up on Saturday. Can you identify the flowers? They are hydrangea, callas, celosia, cockscomb, billy balls, scabiosa pods, roses, hypericum, eucalyptus and gerbera daisies.

Isn't It Lovely? (not)

2011-09-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

Part of the water damage in the den ceiling. I took the photos without the flash, so it looks darker than it really is.


I guess we'll get a new ceiling out of it. I'd like to think we could get rid of the popcorn look, but I can't be too optimistic. I had fun at work today; made six bouquets, eight boutonnieres and four corsages, as well as a vase of a dozen roses. Maybe I'll get time to take some photos tomorrow. Have a good weekend!

Will It Ever Be Over?

2011-09-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

We've been waiting for the brick masons to start repairing the chimney, and they are stuck on another job which has been delayed due to rain. Now - rain is causing a problem for us. Wednesday evening, my son and my younger daughter were here for dinner, and she noticed that there is a crack in the ceiling of our den over the fireplace, and it also has water damage and brown staining. We had a bad storm last night and apparently, it rained into the crack of the chimney and seeped into the ceiling.

I can hardly believe that she saw it and neither mr. kenju nor I did; but to be fair, it isn't that readily noticeable. I immediately removed everything from the mantel and the hearth. Luckily we are not scheduled to have more rain tonight, but it pays to be careful. I am so ready for all this to be over and with all the damage, I fear it will take months!

Work will keep me away from the computer for most of the next three days, so visiting may be sparse. On Sunday, we may get to watch our older grandson get inducted into the National Honor Society - a real thrill for me as I get to relive my own induction to it - in 1958. We are so proud of him!!

Quotes and a Photo

2011-09-28T06:00:00.004-05:00

If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?

Alexander Solzhenitsyn, novelist, Nobel laureate (1918-2008)

*******

You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.
C.S.Lewis

*******


Yours truly (left), receiving the tickets I won in a contest to see the American Idol Concert this summer.

*******

Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof.

John Kenneth Galbraith, economist (1908-2006)

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

If you already know this, I am sorry for the repetition, but I have to say it. I get too many of these darn things.

When you get an email that asks you to forward it on to 5-10 or more people, there is a 99% chance that the reason for that request is not good. Most of the time, it is an email that has been sent by a would-be spammer, who has found the perfect way to get additional email addresses.

They are very good at making up emails that tug at your heartstrings, or call on your patriotism, support for our soldiers and/or deep friendships - so that you will want to send them on to your friends and family. You are not doing your friends and family any favors when you forward those emails, since every address to which you send it is then sent back to the spammer - and voila - he has more and more places to send his junk, in the hopes that you will click on it and buy. Or, they might be attaching tracking cookies to your computer, so that they know the types of sites you visit and thus they know how to target specific ads.

Please think twice, before you forward these types of emails! If you get one that asks (or demands) that you forward it, "keep it going around the world" or "don't be the one to let it stop", send it as safely as possible. Wipe all the addresses off the email you get and send them as BCC - so you don't pass the addresses back to the spammer. (At least, I hope they can't get them that way!) Don't let them scare you either; nothing bad will happen if you simply delete that email.

2011-09-26T12:01:00.000-05:00


For locals who missed it - and others who might be interested. Can you tell I	'm proud? Click to enlarge.

Odds and Ends

2011-09-25T15:22:00.000-05:00

Isn't he a beauty? He's not one of MY babies, but I bet all the does around here would love him!

The new Snuggie for two?

Boy, do I ever wish I knew where this place is!!

Scene/Seen at Recent Weddings

2011-09-24T20:07:00.030-05:00

A very different wedding cake.

The flower girl in all her finery!

I worked this weekend, and delivered a wedding to the same location of the last wedding I had before I closed my business. My instructions were to make it as pretty as possible. That turned out to be nearly impossible, considering what the wedding planner had chosen - or talked the bride into. I won't tell you what was involved, but some of the table decorations, chosen by the planner, were especially tacky and it would have taken monumental effort and expense to make them look any better than they did. I have to hope that the bride and her family had so much fun at the wedding that they didn't notice. I'm sure our flowers helped a lot, but the look of the reception just wasn't "my cup of tea", as they say. The bride's bouquet and her bridesmaids flowers were gorgeous. Too bad that the reception decor didn't live up to the promise of the ceremony flowers.

This is the second straight weekend here with either rain or overcast skies and high humidity. When we were setting up under the walled tent, it was so hot and humid I began to "glisten" and by the time we left there, the back of my head and neck were dripping. The temperature was only 77, but it felt like 97 under that tent. I sure was glad I didn't have to sit out there all afternoon!

My Good Deeds

2011-09-22T15:34:00.000-05:00

One of my employers (Mel Day) has a birthday tomorrow, so I baked a pineapple/mango/papaya upside-down cake and delivered 2/3 of it to him today. Yes, that's right - 2/3 of it. Just as I as taking it out of the oven, mr. kenju came into the kitchen and literally begged for a slice. He takes it very personally if I bake for someone else and he doesn't get any. Sometimes I make two so that we can have some, but since neither of us is supposed to have sweets, that's not a great idea. Neither of us can resist if sweets are around! Luckily Mel knows mr. kenju well, so he said he doesn't mind sharing his cake! Hope your day is good, Mel!

After delivering the cake, I went to the pharmacy and the grocery store - both of which I have shopped in on each of the last three days. It seems I can't stay out of either place these days. I wonder if there could be a connection? lol

Between Mel's shop and the pharmacy, I encountered all sorts of car drivers. Most of them irritated the heck out of me because they were either tail-gaiting or cutting in front of me. People don't seem to want to go my usual speed (which is 5-6 miles over the speed limit.) As Raleigh makes every list on the best places to live in the U.S., and has for the last 10 years, we get more and more people moving here in search of jobs and the good life - and our roads can't handle the traffic. Added to that are all the cranes and construction jobs going on in downtown Raleigh, and traffic is made even worse, for months at a time. Most of us are proud to live in an area that is so well thought of - but it has its downsides! Maybe it's time for us to move further away from town....

Wedding Photos September 17, 2011

2011-09-21T11:00:00.000-05:00

Altar Flowers (one of a pair), at The Matthews House

Our beautiful bride, at Brier Creek CC. This is the wedding I mentioned yesterday.

The bridesmaid's bouquets

Altar Flowers (one of a pair), at Brier Creek CC

Now she is a married lady! (Cydney, in the back, very glad we are done!)

The aisle, Brier Creek CC. It took hundreds of white roses!

One of the short centerpieces. The tall ones were very similar to the altar flowers, and the third type had multiple tall cylinders with flowers and floating candles, as well as votives. Do you like the purple leafy table overlays? They were gorgeous!

2011-09-20T13:23:00.000-05:00

Haircut day is always a good one around Casa Kenju, and today was no exception. We both enjoy getting our "ears lowered". I've always wondered about the derivation of that phrase, especially since I can't see how it applies to getting your hair cut. Do you know where it came from? I'd love to hear all about it.

This past weekend was good; I worked three days and Saturday I went from 11:30 am to almost 9:00 pm before getting home. Three of us delivered one wedding and set it up. It was supposed to be out-of-doors in a garden, but due to an all-day misty rain, it was moved inside. The room for the ceremony had to be the same one as for the reception, which makes set-up more involved and always takes longer. The second wedding was delivered by another crew, but due to its being moved inside, we had the same problem, so two of us from the first wedding went to help the other four. The bride and groom and their families had about 240 people coming, and after the chairs were set for the ceremony, the ballroom had to be split in two with "pipe and drape", to hide all the reception tables, which were set up and ready to go, except for the centerpieces.

Had the centerpieces been simple, we could have just placed them and left - but we had three different types of centerpieces, and they have to be strategically placed throughout the room, which meant that we had to wait around until the ceremony was over. The cocktail hour was set up in the lobby of the country club, and people left the ceremony area fairly quickly, so we were called back to get busy. While the ceremony was taking place, we went to the bar and grill in the club and had wings, chips, etc. and soft drinks. It was nice to have a food break and get to sit a bit.

The club staff got busy quickly setting tables in place, but most of them had to be moved again, in order to conform to the seating plan - so that meant that the first set of centerpieces we put into place had to be moved, yet again. We ran around like the proverbial "chickens with their heads cut off", trying to get everything in place, light candles, clean up our supplies and get out of there so that the guests could be allowed back into the room. WHEW!!

Maybe you will now have a greater appreciation for the people who work as wait staff, decorators, florists, band members or DJs, since we are all subject to the quixotic nature of weather (and brides.)

I will say this: this group was one of the nicest wedding parties with which I have ever come into contact. The bride, her mother, all her bridesmaids and grandmothers could not have been nicer - in spite of all the changes that had to be made. And topping that off was how gorgeous they all were. I have seldom seen a prettier group of people - and the bride's dad was so cute! I told him he didn't look old enough to have a daughter getting married, and I thought they must have had her when they were 15. He smiled and said...."No, we were 12." I almost believed him... LOL!

It's Been a Long, Long Time.....

2011-09-18T15:57:00.059-05:00

over four years, in fact, since I left Just Ask Judy behind and started my other blog.

As many of you know, Imagine has been attacked by malware that I can't/don't know how to get rid of. So I am coming back to this blog and hope that all my former Imagine readers will join me here.

A lot has happened in the last four years. My hair has been allowed to turn gray, I've put on a few pounds, I'm still working as a florist (for two shops now) and loving every minute of it. Mr. kenju had a stroke four years ago, and we are grateful that he suffered only minimal long-term damage.

I still have six grandchildren (and very little hope for more), although I need a baby in my life (don't we all?)

We had storm damage from Hurricane Irene; I wish she had passed us over instead of sticking around long enough to dump massive amounts of rain. The chimney will be fixed in the next few months, we hope, but the masons have other jobs they have to complete before they can start ours. Luckily, we burn only a very few fires in the winter. I love an open fire, but I really hate cleaning out the ashes afterward.

When I left Just Ask Judy in 2007, I asked you to follow me to the new blog Imagine, and I am now asking you to follow me back to this one.....and hoping we'll have good experiences here (without malware and other junk!!)

A New Day ~ A New Creation

2007-02-09T20:07:00.001-05:00

After 1,120+ posts in a little over 2 years, Just Ask Judy is changing. I am ready for something different. When I finally changed to the new Blogger, I sampled the fun of a new template and new colors. The change bug bit me hard.

Last month, Shephard, at:

http://www.shubertalleyshephard.blogspot.com/

wrote about seeing Debbie Reynold's daughter Carrie Fisher, in her one-woman show. During that show, she told a lot of "family secrets" and one thing she said was......Imagine what I'm leaving out!

I was immediately struck with the thought that it would be a heckuva good name for a blog. So, I am going to stop writing at Just Ask Judy and resume my daily discourses here:

http://imagineomit.blogspot.com/

Just Ask Judy will remain in place, and you can come and read archives or see photos whenever you want. I hope to place new photos (and perhaps the older albums too) on the new blog as well as the blogroll I so recently placed here.

Please join me there and welcome my new creation:

Before I leave here, please let me thank all of you for a wonderful, enlightening, and sometimes exciting two years here. Your comments and humor are heart-warming and I truly am grateful for your continued support.

Who Wants to Go to the Oscars?

2007-02-09T15:10:00.000-05:00

Here's the menu for the buffet at the Oscar Ball.....

Lobster Tempura with Vanilla Bean and Pineapple Mini Prime Cheeseburgers with Remoulade and Aged Cheddar

Spicy Tuna Tartare in a Sesame Miso Cone

Dungeness Crab Cake with Marinated Tomatoes and Basil Aioli

Smoked Salmon Pizza with French Farm-raised Osetra Caviar and Dill Creme Fraiche Pizza with Italian White Truffles

Smoked Salmon 'Oscars' with French Farm-raised Osetra Caviar

Marinated Olives with Rosemary, Chile and Orange Flatbread and Grissini Assorted Bruschetta

Tapas Mini Gold-wrapped Baked Potato with French Farm-raised Osetra Caviar and Creme Fraiche

Roasted Pumpkin Squash Ravioli with Italian White Truffles

Potato Gnocchi Gratin with Gorgonzola Chinois Chicken Salad with Candied Cashews, Crispy Wontons and Honey Sesame Dressing

Caesar Salad with Parmesan Crostini and Creamy Garlic Dressing

Chopped Chino Farms Vegetable Salad with Spiny Lobster and Osetra Caviar

Stir-fried Chicken Lettuce Cup with Thai Basil and Pinenuts

Miso-glazed Black Cod with Sticky Rice and Cucumbers

Celery Root and Apple Soup with Black Truffles

Beet and Goat Cheese Napoleon with Toasted Hazelnuts and Citrus Shallot Vinaigrette

Buffet Grilled Snake River Farms 'Kobe' Beef with Bordelaise Sauce

Wasabi Potato Puree

Roasted Organic 'Smart' Chicken Breast Risotto with Black Truffles from Perigord, France

Spiny Lobster Shanghai-style with Crispy Spinach

Striped Bass en Croute with Sauce Choron

Stir-fried Chino Farms Organic Vegetables

Assorted Organic Breads

Oscar's Sweet Extravaganza Dessert
Meyer Lemon Bars
Valrhona Organic Chocolate Fudge
Hazelnut Marjolaine
McGrath Farm Strawberry Baked Alaska
Fuji Apple Strudel
Medjool Date Toffee Cake

This was printed in a magazine I get on-line.

2007-02-08T23:24:00.000-05:00

I'm going to be super busy over the next six days. I'll be working many hours for another florist, getting ready for Valentine's Day. If you don't get a visit from me for a while - please don't take it personally. I'll get around as soon as I can.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

2007-02-08T16:40:00.000-05:00

DID YOU KNOW?

In North Carolina, all couples staying overnight in a hotel must have a room with double beds that are at least two feet apart. Making love in the space between the beds is strictly forbidden.

(I wonder if it is against the law to push the beds together.......LOL?)

See this and many other fascinating laws at:

http://crazytopics.blogspot.com/2007/01/craziest-laws-in-america.html

and scroll down for cartoons!!

TOONS!

2007-02-08T16:00:00.000-05:00

More Childhood Memories

2007-02-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

Every time I read someone's post about their past memories, I recall more things I could have added to mine. I hope my trips down memory lane are not too boring for you, as they are intensely pleasurable for me.

The house we lived in when I was ages 9 to 12 had a chicken coop on the property; a holdover from the days when it was okay to keep chickens in that area, before it was taken into the city limits. My dad used it as a tool and garden shed, and my mom convinced him that he could share some of the space with me, to use as a playhouse. We scrounged up some carpet remnants and mom made curtains for the windows, and added a small table and chairs. I spent hour upon hour in there, either alone or with friends, having tea parties and playing house. In truth, it was a ramshackle building and sadly in need of repairs, but to me it was a castle. The only downside was that the remaining faint aroma of chickens drew black snakes all too often. The snakes were disappointed to find only dolls and tea party dishes!

I spent most of my time on a bike, when I wasn't in the playhouse or in the woods. I became a daredevil; riding down the hill in front of our house, standing up and not holding the handle-bars. I got away with it most of the time, but I fell once, skidding my knees on concrete and coming to rest with the kickstand penetrating my calf. My knees took almost 5 months to heal, because every time they got a good scab on them, I knocked it off again. I still remember one time when I approached the teacher's desk at school, hit the corner of it with one knee and screeched with pain and the knowledge that I had broken it open once again. If you look closely, you can still make out the scars.

In the summer, my friends and I were addicted to telling ghost stories. Most of us had been to some form of summer camp, where such stories are legendary, and we brought them home to share with each other. I remember sitting in Julie's big walk-in closet, lights out, and being scared to death by the story. Inevitably, at the point where the fear was the greatest, someone would reach out and grab me. I screamed bloody murder on more than one occasion and her mother would come running to see if we had been spirited away. When we weren't telling stories, we played paper dolls. I had boxes and boxes of them, and so did my friends. Little girls nowadays don't know what they are missing! I bought some nostalgic ones for my granddaughters, but they were not too impressed. I guess they pale by comparison to video games.

Our picnics were not too frequent, but when we had one, we did it in style. Sometimes mom would pack a lunch as we would just get in the car and drive, stopping whenever we got hungry. It might be a roadside park or a cemetery or a church yard but the location didn't matter as much as being in the open air and having a great picnic. Sometimes we went to Coal River; I don't know why it was called that. Perhaps a WV'ian will see this and be able to tell me why that is the name. There was a section that had been dammed up and it made a wide swimming area. They had formed a beach with sand brought in for that purpose. There was no place to buy foods or drinks at that time, you had to bring your own. So mom would pack a picnic the likes of which few have seen (except maybe Jen and Angie): fried chicken, ham, potato salad, devilled eggs, biscuits or cornbread, and desserts to make everyone else jealous, plus the inevitable watermelon. Cokes (the old-fashioned kind in 6 oz glass bottles) were flowing like water. I have a few photos from those days; I will post them when I learn how. When I was about 16, a group of girls and I went to the river with a huge inner tube from an airplane tire. It held all 6-7 of us, and we floated lazily downstream. We got so engrossed in our conversation, that we were about 2 miles down river before we realized it. We had to walk back, carrying the inner tube.

My first "date" took place while I was living in this house. I was all of 10 or 11, when a neighbor boy invited me to go to the movies on Saturday. My mom said I could go, but that I shouldn't let him pay for my ticket or my snacks. She sent me off with money for it; his mom drove us there and my mom was picking us up afterward. When his mom let us out of the car, I made a mad dash to the ticket counter and bought my own. I don't think he was happy about it, but then he realized he would have more money for snacks - so he happily let it go. I hope he learned to be first in line after that!

2007-02-07T18:18:00.001-05:00

Dawn at Virginia Beach

My blog friend SRP, at:

http://melange1.blogspot.com/

posted a great photo of a gull in flight at sunset in Virginia Beach. I thought it would be nice to see an over-the-ocean sunrise there, too. I witnessed this one in 2000. The sun rises so fast that it is hard to catch it at this point; I took many photos in the series, trying to get one just at the point where the sun crested the horizon.

This is a double post. Be sure to scroll down to see some quotes that struck me as good. You can leave comments under that post.

Quotes of Note

2007-02-07T16:48:00.000-05:00

If the English language made any sense, a catastrophe would be an apostrophe with fur.

Doug Larson, Olympic Gold Medalist (1902-1981)

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I believe I found the missing link between animal and civilized man. It is us.

Konrad Lorenz, ethologist, Nobel laureate (1903-1989)

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One must be drenched in words, literally soaked in them, to have the right ones form themselves into the proper patterns at the right moment.

Hart Crane, poet (1899-1932)

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The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards.

Anatole France, novelist, essayist, Nobel laureate (1844-1924)

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There is wisdom in turning as often as possible from the familiar to the unfamiliar: it keeps the mind nimble, it kills prejudice, and it fosters humor.

George Santayana, philosopher

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He that uses many words for explaining any subject, doth, like the cuttlefish, hide himself for the most part in his own ink.

John Ray, naturalist (1627-1705)

It's Gonna Get Warmer Someday

2007-02-06T22:50:00.000-05:00

at least, I sure hope so. If this bone-chilling cold was going to be the norm around here, I might have to move. I read it was 80* in Arizona today; that sounds like a good place to go!

Maybe some pics of summer days will help you warm up. The top photo is from the early 1940's. These three boys rowed our boat across a river to a beach and picnic area. I don't remember this at all, but I was told by my mom that it happened. What I can't fathom is why she took their photos....LOL

The next photo is one I took of my children and two of their friends in 1974, in February, believe it or not. We had a mild winter that year, and the day they got in the sprinkler, it was 80*. That's not a frequent temp in this area until April or May, so having it in February was a real treat for children - and their parents. One can only hope that we can approach 80* this month!

A Question to Ponder

2007-02-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

I heard a story at church Sunday about a man who decided to do some research into life. He gathered up as many 95+ year olds as he could find, and he asked them to write down the answers to some questions, among which was this one:

How would you have lived your life differently, if you had it to do over?

The answers were very interesting; here are some of them:

1. I would have worked less.
2. I would have been less concerned with making money.
3. I would have been less interested in rising up the ladder of success and gaining status.
4. I would have spent more time with my children.
5. I would have enjoyed nature more often.
6. I would have lived my life in such a way that I made a difference in other people's lives.

Think about that last one. What have you done to affect the life of another person in a positive manner?

Are you so frenzied with work or school or clubs or hobbies that you won't take time to enjoy being alive?

Are you focused on making money and/or making a name for yourself? Is it taking precious time away from your family and friends, from relaxation and general enjoyment of life?

I read this quote recently and it was said at church too; and I will paraphrase it:

"At the end of your life, it will not matter how much money you had in the bank or how many awards you have won. The most important thing that can be said about you is that you made a difference in the life of another."

Can you say that you already have or do you need to get to work on that as I do?

Creativity Abounds

2007-02-05T15:14:00.000-05:00

Ooops: it has been pointed out by Scouser in the comments that these are probably fakes, given that they are all in the same exact position. Oh, well, it was a good fake out, right?

Here are some photos of trucks in Europe, which have been painted to appear as though the sides are missing and the contents are showing.

Cases of Pepsi, stacked upside down and hanging from the ceiling!

An aquarium!

A library!

And for pringles Hot & Spicy, a burned out shell!

Why don't we ever see anything this creative and fun in the US?

GOOOOOGLE-SCHMOOOOOGLE

2007-02-04T23:26:00.000-05:00

By now, most of you may know that Google is building (maybe) a facility in western North Carolina. I haven't fully followed the stories in the paper, but I know there has been some consternation at the tactics Google used to get the "powers that be" to give them all sorts of perks.

This cartoon in our paper, by Dwane Powell, speaks to the massaging that politicoes in NC were providing the people representing Google.

In light of the recent massaging that Google + Blogger has given all of us using Blogger (and not a good, relaxing massage, I must say), I found this amusing and apropos. The words in the middle, which Powell has the Google rep saying, could be turned around on them - and I would if I was able to figure out how to contact them directly.

Talk about hassles and inconvenience! The ONLY way I have been able to access my Dashboard or to moderate comments is to first leave a comment on a blog on which I can sign in with the Google email address and password. If I do that, I can access the account for about 30 minutes. If I leave it, the next time I come back I have to go all the way through the process again. It is time-consuming and completely aggravating, especially when I have less time than usual. There is no way I can sign in the way everyone else does; when I try to, the page goes blank.

Picasa, the Google photo service is also at odds with my new Blogger status. I used to be able to post directly from Picasa, but now they pretend not to know me (although I can send email from there, and I can access my web albums, etc.

Wouldn't you think that since Google-Blogger-Picasa are now all part of the same conglomerate, they would work smoothly together? Me too.

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This caricature of me was drawn by the same man who drew the cartoon above. He was doing them as a favor to a local charity; we paid $5 each for a drawing that would have cost much more had we hired him individually. He asked me what I did for a living and I said florist. He thought for a minute and then started drawing - and I was amused at the result. Seems he is creative in several areas of his life.

(I just now realized I had already posted this caricature before. Bear with me while I try to complete this phase of "Senior Moments" I've been in lately!)

Moorefields

2007-02-04T01:19:00.000-05:00

Moorefields, a house and grounds on the National Register of Historic Places. Moorefields was built in 1785 by Alfred Moore, a Revolutionary War soldier and eventual U.S. Supreme Court justice. Located southwest of Hillsborough, NC, the house and 84 associated acres are owned by a private foundation. Moorefields is maintained as a wildlife refuge and is open by appointment to the public.

I did flowers for a wedding at this location back in the 90's. They have a Victorian knot garden in the back yard, and the interior of the house is set up in the way that houses were in the late 1700's. I love the big front porch.

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Front porches were a great invention, especially in towns where the houses sat fairly close to the street. You could sit on your porch and keep an eye on the comings and goings of your neighbors, as well as delivery men. When it was raining, unless it was very windy, you could sit on your porch and revel in the fresh, clean air of a summer rain. My mom sat on her porch at every home they owned. It was a place to have the first cup of coffee in the mornings, dessert after dinner and a place to run to in the winter when a hot-flash began snaking it's way up her body. She did that a lot in the late 50's, fanning her house dress to let the cooler air into the nooks and crannies.

When I still lived at home, I sat on the porch a lot too. It was a great place for reading and homework, and if friends happened to drive by, they might stop if you were outside and easily accessible. The last house I lived in with my parents was close to the neighbors, so we could sit on our porches and talk to our heart's content. If you got tired of talking, you could always go inside, pretending you had something to see about.

One of the best things about the porches in those days was the location of the mailbox. We had only to step out onto the porch with one foot to retrieve the day's mail. That didn't matter in the summer, but in the winter, it meant you didn't have to put on a coat and walk outside to the curb, or the end of the driveway, as we do now. If you put your dog outside to go to the bathroom, he had the perfect shelter from the hot sun, until you opened the door again.

I was always certain that I would live in a house with a front porch. I knew just what kind of furniture I would put there, and how I would place the many plants I expected to have. There would be bamboo blinds on the sides to block the late day sun, and a welcoming sisal rug, preferably hand-painted. That was a pipe-dream, apparently. Since moving away from my parents, I have never lived in a house with a sittable [sic] front porch, and I have lived in 8 different places since I left them in 1963. At this point in my life, I know it will never happen, but I still think about it and I decorate it in my mind. Maybe in my next life.......