Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Back from New Orleans
There are lots of things about the Big Easy that aren't that easy, but we had a great time. It takes some planning to actually see alligators and casinos and eat shrimp at Deanie's on Lake Pontchartrain. We ventured far off the beaten path on this trip and had a grand time. We had a funny little orange Kia, and we explored a lot of places we didn't get to go to on other trips to New Orleans. I was able to find a wonderful bead store on Magazine Street, have a pedicure across the street with the locals, and have a very memorable lunch at Commander's Palace. I even had a massage at the Riverwalk while George shopped for a Fleur di Lis whirligig for his garden. I think, after five trips to New Orleans, we are finally learning our way around.
The weather was 85 degrees and sunny with a drippy dew point of 70. New Orleans is a lot hotter than Massachusetts, and that's the way we like it. It was fun to wear shorts and sandals and hide under our straw hats. The casino is air conditioned, and we found a couple of machines that gave us more quarters back that they took. Amazing. I won't say we made a profit, but we didn't lose anything.
We had oysters at Acme Oyster House, a great barbecue shrimp lunch at Deanie's, and muffalata sandwiches at Joe's in the French Quarter. We listened to Cajun radio on our way to Breaux Bridge, where we knew just where to look to see the alligators. We took pictures of the beautiful old trees outside Laura Plantation, and took a tour of the Creole house. We watched boats on the Mississippi and managed to stay far away from the motorcycles at Bike Week New Orleans. Who knew? They neglected to mention that it was Bike Week in any of the online tourism sites. But the noise didn't bother us that much, because we were ensconced on the 33rd floor of the Marriott in a beautiful corner room that was cushy and cool. A wonderful trip! Worth savoring. I want to go back!
Have a great day.
The weather was 85 degrees and sunny with a drippy dew point of 70. New Orleans is a lot hotter than Massachusetts, and that's the way we like it. It was fun to wear shorts and sandals and hide under our straw hats. The casino is air conditioned, and we found a couple of machines that gave us more quarters back that they took. Amazing. I won't say we made a profit, but we didn't lose anything.
We had oysters at Acme Oyster House, a great barbecue shrimp lunch at Deanie's, and muffalata sandwiches at Joe's in the French Quarter. We listened to Cajun radio on our way to Breaux Bridge, where we knew just where to look to see the alligators. We took pictures of the beautiful old trees outside Laura Plantation, and took a tour of the Creole house. We watched boats on the Mississippi and managed to stay far away from the motorcycles at Bike Week New Orleans. Who knew? They neglected to mention that it was Bike Week in any of the online tourism sites. But the noise didn't bother us that much, because we were ensconced on the 33rd floor of the Marriott in a beautiful corner room that was cushy and cool. A wonderful trip! Worth savoring. I want to go back!
Have a great day.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Overpacking
I have a problem. Every time I go on a trip, I always say I'm going to pack light. And almost every time, I go with a bulging suitcase with just a few extra outfits thrown in. I almost always come back with clothes that I never wore. I don't understand why I can't learn to pack light. It always seems to me that I may have to change clothes in the middle of the day, or I might spill something, or I don't know what the weather will be.
I'm packing for five days and I know I have too many clothes plus as many shoes and sandals as I can squeeze in. Last time we went to New Orleans, it was August and hot as blazes. Everyone was having trouble with blistered feet, and even your most comfortable sandals rubbed the wrong way. The line at Walgreen's for blister meds and band aids was long. I talked to other travelers, and it seems that in the heat, feet swell just enough to rub on shoes. I ended up wearing every pair of shoes I brought, because some cause blisters in one place and some in another. So that is my justification for taking 3 pair of sandals and two pair of tie ups on this trip. I may need them. And I'm wearing my orange Birkenstocks. Why? Because I can.
It is my vacation and I'm looking forward to walking by the Mississippi and waving to the Calliope player. I'm looking forward to eating a mufelatta at the Central Grocery, having soft shell crabs at Mother's, and going to Commander's Palace for a fancy Saturday lunch. It is going to be really fun. We also plan to get to a bead store on Magazine Street, an Asian Festival at the Audabon Zoo, and an evening trip on the Steamboat Natchez.
Sounds like I'm going to need a lot of clothes. Right?
Have a great day.
I'm packing for five days and I know I have too many clothes plus as many shoes and sandals as I can squeeze in. Last time we went to New Orleans, it was August and hot as blazes. Everyone was having trouble with blistered feet, and even your most comfortable sandals rubbed the wrong way. The line at Walgreen's for blister meds and band aids was long. I talked to other travelers, and it seems that in the heat, feet swell just enough to rub on shoes. I ended up wearing every pair of shoes I brought, because some cause blisters in one place and some in another. So that is my justification for taking 3 pair of sandals and two pair of tie ups on this trip. I may need them. And I'm wearing my orange Birkenstocks. Why? Because I can.
It is my vacation and I'm looking forward to walking by the Mississippi and waving to the Calliope player. I'm looking forward to eating a mufelatta at the Central Grocery, having soft shell crabs at Mother's, and going to Commander's Palace for a fancy Saturday lunch. It is going to be really fun. We also plan to get to a bead store on Magazine Street, an Asian Festival at the Audabon Zoo, and an evening trip on the Steamboat Natchez.
Sounds like I'm going to need a lot of clothes. Right?
Have a great day.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
A rosary
I have a lot of really nice people who ask me to make things for them. This is the first time I have made a rosary. It is not a great picture because we are leaving for New Orleans in one day, and I don't have time to set up my little photo studio in the dining room. But I wanted to take a picture before I deliver it tomorrow.
It is exciting to take another trip, and I'm looking forward to some warm weather (usually too warm), and a nice ride on a riverboat and lunch at Commander's Palace.
Have a great day.
It is exciting to take another trip, and I'm looking forward to some warm weather (usually too warm), and a nice ride on a riverboat and lunch at Commander's Palace.
Have a great day.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Pretty tulips
George went out this morning, unbeknownst to me, and took these early morning pictures of our tulips. The day was very bright and hot today, almost breaking a record. It was close to 90 this afternoon. The tulips were enjoying the first bright summer day of the season. It isn't summer yet, but its a'commin.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Our weekend trip
We had a great time on our weekend in the White Mountains. It was peaceful and beautiful, and unusually warm and sunny. We had a great time looking at the beautiful early Spring scenery. And no crowds. The B&B was empty except for one other couple that were never there, and we had the run of a beautiful home in the mountains with all the amenities. It was a great trip. Here's some pictures. I'm going to go unpack.
Have a great day.
Have a great day.
Friday, April 24, 2009
White Mountains B&B
Today after work we leave to go to a bed and breakfast called Sunny Grange in Compton, New Hampshire. This is at the southern end of the White Mountains. I always love driving up there because the mountain scenery is so wonderful, and being able to stay a couple of nights at a nice place and be close to the Kangamangus Highway is going to be a special treat.
We are packing a fan. The weather is supposed to be in the eighties, although we are having trouble believing that it will actually get that warm. I am packing a light sweater and a sweatshirt just in case. Sunny weather has been a rarity around here, and the weekend is supposed to be really delightful. Few people on the roads because it is school vacation week here and about every third desk at work is empty.
Sun in the White Mountains is something you can hardly even dream about when you make a reservation two months early. I fully expected to try to have fun in the rain, and we are bringing our books, my knitting, our Cribbage board and my beading. No reason not to bring the stuff I love. My overpacking is always a little more rampant when we go on a car trip and there is always room for one last thing. Do I bring a hat? I think so!
Off to work, but with high hopes for a wonderful weekend! See you Monday.
Have a great day.
We are packing a fan. The weather is supposed to be in the eighties, although we are having trouble believing that it will actually get that warm. I am packing a light sweater and a sweatshirt just in case. Sunny weather has been a rarity around here, and the weekend is supposed to be really delightful. Few people on the roads because it is school vacation week here and about every third desk at work is empty.
Sun in the White Mountains is something you can hardly even dream about when you make a reservation two months early. I fully expected to try to have fun in the rain, and we are bringing our books, my knitting, our Cribbage board and my beading. No reason not to bring the stuff I love. My overpacking is always a little more rampant when we go on a car trip and there is always room for one last thing. Do I bring a hat? I think so!
Off to work, but with high hopes for a wonderful weekend! See you Monday.
Have a great day.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
My Heart
I am always looking to see what other fiber artists are doing. I found a lady on Etsy who makes lampwork beads and fiber dolls and hearts. I don't know what else she can create, but I bet it is a lot. I opened the package and found this heart, which I had bought from her on Etsy.com. It is really beautiful and so inspiring. I wrote her a thank you note and hope to meet her someday since she lives in Madison, Wisconsin. Maybe she will be at Bead and Button. One of the fun things about being in the creative community called Etsy is getting to know people who just can't help but make beautiful and creative things.
Have a great day.
Have a great day.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Crowds
Yesterday my friend Connie and I went downtown to Boston. Connie and I have a secret vice: Neiman Marcus. A couple of times a year, she and I go to Copley Square to walk around the fancy stores and get ideas. Both of us make jewelry, and there is one good way to look for ideas, and that is to watch the crowds of people who have the money to shop at Neiman Marcus. Walking through the cosmetic department is a little daunting. Women want to hand me little cards with fragrance on them to entice me to spend $300 on something that smells really good. It occurs to me that these women have a lot in common with the homeless people who hang out in front of the White House in Washington DC. Both have their own smells, and both are a little scary.
On the drive through Boston, it quickly became apparent that we had forgotten about one key detail when planning our outing. This is Boston Marathon weekend, and there were millions of people milling about, walking the streets, eating in the outdoor cafes and trying to avoid the perfume ladies at Neiman Marcus. I'm not afraid of crowds, but I was pretty daunted by all these people. First, I knew that they were mostly runners and their families. You could tell the runners because they were proudly wearing their yellow plastic bag with shoulder straps that said John Hancock, Inc. on one side and The Boston Marathon on the other. Those yellow bags, which probably cost the companies fifty cents each. were worn at great cost to the runners in sweat and tears. They were very proud of these bags. I also noticed that a lot of people looked like they were no stranger to Neiman Marcus. There were a lot of fashion forward people in that crowd. Traffic was horrible, but the people watching was really great.
We went to California Pizza Kitchen for lunch. Getting a table was too long a wait, so we sat at the bar and watched the delicious puffy pizzas going into the huge ovens. It was fun to eat our delicious salads along side runners who looked like they had lived on lettuce for most of their life, and who were no stranger to rough roads in rough weather. Something about marathon running makes people very lean and hungry looking. I think I could take a lesson from them, I need to be more hungry! Everyone was in a festive mood, and it was unusual for me to be in that place, since I usually avoid crowds and downtown Boston like the plague.
So, today I will take a little inspiration from all those lean and hungry looking runners and spend a little time walking around the block.
Have a great day.
On the drive through Boston, it quickly became apparent that we had forgotten about one key detail when planning our outing. This is Boston Marathon weekend, and there were millions of people milling about, walking the streets, eating in the outdoor cafes and trying to avoid the perfume ladies at Neiman Marcus. I'm not afraid of crowds, but I was pretty daunted by all these people. First, I knew that they were mostly runners and their families. You could tell the runners because they were proudly wearing their yellow plastic bag with shoulder straps that said John Hancock, Inc. on one side and The Boston Marathon on the other. Those yellow bags, which probably cost the companies fifty cents each. were worn at great cost to the runners in sweat and tears. They were very proud of these bags. I also noticed that a lot of people looked like they were no stranger to Neiman Marcus. There were a lot of fashion forward people in that crowd. Traffic was horrible, but the people watching was really great.
We went to California Pizza Kitchen for lunch. Getting a table was too long a wait, so we sat at the bar and watched the delicious puffy pizzas going into the huge ovens. It was fun to eat our delicious salads along side runners who looked like they had lived on lettuce for most of their life, and who were no stranger to rough roads in rough weather. Something about marathon running makes people very lean and hungry looking. I think I could take a lesson from them, I need to be more hungry! Everyone was in a festive mood, and it was unusual for me to be in that place, since I usually avoid crowds and downtown Boston like the plague.
So, today I will take a little inspiration from all those lean and hungry looking runners and spend a little time walking around the block.
Have a great day.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
My hobbies keep me sane
I can tell I am feeling better because my little feeble mind is brimming over with creative ideas. I have so many projects that I am having to write them down in a special notebook. I can't stop making socks! This new yarn is hand dyed merino and tencel (which I guess is like a nylon, which helps things keep their shape), and it is my favorite color of spring green. The yarn has a shine to it that most don't, and I'm really enjoying it. This yarn is made by a woman who owns Minds Eye Yarns right here near Boston. I need another skein! The price is $22.00 per skein, and if I drive over there, I can save the $5 shipping. She sells on Etsy, and the site is Mindseyeyarns.etsy.com. Pretty stuff!
I have started a Knitting Group at my workplace. Yesterday we had seven people come to the hour long lunch time meeting. People bring their projects or their interest in learning how to knit. Yesterday the mail room guy came. I tried to show his large basketball-adept hands how to hold knitting needles. I showed him the basics. He fumbled some, but said he would be back next week ready to try again. After the meeting, I had four other people ask if they could join. so now we have 16 people on the list. It is nice to get together for something other than work discussions, and people are really enjoying getting to know each other. I think the group is going to take off. I bring knitting patterns, books about knitting, yarn and needles for beginners and people are enjoying it.
I have eight jewelry orders to work on this weekend, included two repairs of hand-knotted pearls. I need to stop knitting socks and get on it. My great friend Connie and I signed up for our jewelry classes at Bead and Button in Milwaukee this year. We will be there for four days and I can't wait. There are hundreds of jewelry classes taught by the best jewelry designers and teachers. The classes cost between $115-$250 and up, and we each signed up for two, so it is no small decision to make. They are all wonderful classes, and the teachers are world renowned. People come from all over the world to this mecca of American jewelry shows. We leave on June 4th on my favorite airline - Midwest. This year one of my classes is in metal clay, and I will learn how to make silver leaf elements for earrings and a pendant in metal clay. I have to bone up a little before hand, and get my hands on some good metal clay tools. Oh, it is so exciting!
I can tell that I am coming out of the dumper, as I say. I still think about my mom all the time, but underlying all my thoughts about her, I can feel my energy level bubbling up. I don't want to stop thinking, I just want to stop feeling bad. If all these projects keep me sane and healthy, then it is a wonderful thing. Anyone need a pair of socks?
Have a great day!
I have started a Knitting Group at my workplace. Yesterday we had seven people come to the hour long lunch time meeting. People bring their projects or their interest in learning how to knit. Yesterday the mail room guy came. I tried to show his large basketball-adept hands how to hold knitting needles. I showed him the basics. He fumbled some, but said he would be back next week ready to try again. After the meeting, I had four other people ask if they could join. so now we have 16 people on the list. It is nice to get together for something other than work discussions, and people are really enjoying getting to know each other. I think the group is going to take off. I bring knitting patterns, books about knitting, yarn and needles for beginners and people are enjoying it.
I have eight jewelry orders to work on this weekend, included two repairs of hand-knotted pearls. I need to stop knitting socks and get on it. My great friend Connie and I signed up for our jewelry classes at Bead and Button in Milwaukee this year. We will be there for four days and I can't wait. There are hundreds of jewelry classes taught by the best jewelry designers and teachers. The classes cost between $115-$250 and up, and we each signed up for two, so it is no small decision to make. They are all wonderful classes, and the teachers are world renowned. People come from all over the world to this mecca of American jewelry shows. We leave on June 4th on my favorite airline - Midwest. This year one of my classes is in metal clay, and I will learn how to make silver leaf elements for earrings and a pendant in metal clay. I have to bone up a little before hand, and get my hands on some good metal clay tools. Oh, it is so exciting!
I can tell that I am coming out of the dumper, as I say. I still think about my mom all the time, but underlying all my thoughts about her, I can feel my energy level bubbling up. I don't want to stop thinking, I just want to stop feeling bad. If all these projects keep me sane and healthy, then it is a wonderful thing. Anyone need a pair of socks?
Have a great day!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Finished my socks
One thing about having a long wait at the endoscopy department yesterday is that I finished these socks in record time; two weeks.
These are hand dyed merino yarn. It is kinda funny - strange, not haha - that it costs $22 for a skein of this yarn and takes many hours to make them, and you can buy a pair at K-Mart for $2. But...look at 'em. Anyway, knitting keeps me sane, and you can't put a price on that!
Have another great day.
These are hand dyed merino yarn. It is kinda funny - strange, not haha - that it costs $22 for a skein of this yarn and takes many hours to make them, and you can buy a pair at K-Mart for $2. But...look at 'em. Anyway, knitting keeps me sane, and you can't put a price on that!
Have another great day.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Survived to tell the tale
Today I had my Colonoscopy. George drove me to the Harvard Vanguard office at 11:00 this morning. I was content and calm, and I had time to knit the heel of a sock while I waited to be called in. I was early, and they were a little late.
It was a very nice assembly line of nurses and doctors, treating five patients at a time. They draw the curtains and give you your own space to change in the gown. Then they hook you up with an IV of saline solution to help with dehydration, which I was very happy for. Even three hours without a sip of water is a long time for me.
I was able to chat with the nurses a little and tell them how much I appreciated them, and that I thought this was a very important screening. They were as nice as could be. I explained to the nurses that in my opinion, this screening takes a lot of preparation and study. I had to make it a priority for a whole week in order to get the thing done right. One nurse said "it is nice to hear that, some people don't even read the letter."
I must have read the six page letter they sent to me fifty times. Five days before your procedure you must...., then four days....then the day before...no food, only Gatorade and yellow jello and clear liquids. No Advil, no iron pills, all kinds of little rules hidden in the paragraphs. I told George that if I had to follow all these rules, I wanted to do it right. I really didn't want to be refused the day of the operation because I had had a sip of coke that morning, or something stupid.
To made sure I didn't take anything by mouth, I pretty much stayed in the bedroom upstairs from the time I got home from work. The Magnesium Citrate you have to drink is awful stuff, salty, carbonated, and burns your throat going down. I had to drink 15 oz. last night and 15 oz of this horrible stuff first thing this morning at six. Lest you think you will get away with NOT doing this, they check every single detail, and I told them I wanted the gold star. I had done everything just right. Drinking that stuff was the worst part, and down right impossible without taking a slug of lemon Gatorade with it. Right now I feel like I'd rather die in the desert than drink another bottle of Gatorade.
So, with a little help from the happy juice in the IV, the procedure when down fine and then it was over. I was warm, covered up, lazily lying on my bed in my nice little curtained room. I got to stay there for 20 minutes reflecting on the rather fascinating florescent light fixture.
After a few minutes they brought me four soda crackers and my choice of drinks, which was apple juice -- both really delicious. Then they said the nicest thing, "George is outside waiting for you." Oh, heavens, thank God for George!
I feel a sense of accomplishment and I am very happy it is all over. I'm writing about this because I think Colonscopies are important screenings, and because it was a big part of my life last week. I even went without food for a day and a half, and lived to see the scale drop five pounds. Not an easy way to lose, but necessary. And they liked me so much, they want to see me again in three years. Oh, no!
Have a great day.
It was a very nice assembly line of nurses and doctors, treating five patients at a time. They draw the curtains and give you your own space to change in the gown. Then they hook you up with an IV of saline solution to help with dehydration, which I was very happy for. Even three hours without a sip of water is a long time for me.
I was able to chat with the nurses a little and tell them how much I appreciated them, and that I thought this was a very important screening. They were as nice as could be. I explained to the nurses that in my opinion, this screening takes a lot of preparation and study. I had to make it a priority for a whole week in order to get the thing done right. One nurse said "it is nice to hear that, some people don't even read the letter."
I must have read the six page letter they sent to me fifty times. Five days before your procedure you must...., then four days....then the day before...no food, only Gatorade and yellow jello and clear liquids. No Advil, no iron pills, all kinds of little rules hidden in the paragraphs. I told George that if I had to follow all these rules, I wanted to do it right. I really didn't want to be refused the day of the operation because I had had a sip of coke that morning, or something stupid.
To made sure I didn't take anything by mouth, I pretty much stayed in the bedroom upstairs from the time I got home from work. The Magnesium Citrate you have to drink is awful stuff, salty, carbonated, and burns your throat going down. I had to drink 15 oz. last night and 15 oz of this horrible stuff first thing this morning at six. Lest you think you will get away with NOT doing this, they check every single detail, and I told them I wanted the gold star. I had done everything just right. Drinking that stuff was the worst part, and down right impossible without taking a slug of lemon Gatorade with it. Right now I feel like I'd rather die in the desert than drink another bottle of Gatorade.
So, with a little help from the happy juice in the IV, the procedure when down fine and then it was over. I was warm, covered up, lazily lying on my bed in my nice little curtained room. I got to stay there for 20 minutes reflecting on the rather fascinating florescent light fixture.
After a few minutes they brought me four soda crackers and my choice of drinks, which was apple juice -- both really delicious. Then they said the nicest thing, "George is outside waiting for you." Oh, heavens, thank God for George!
I feel a sense of accomplishment and I am very happy it is all over. I'm writing about this because I think Colonscopies are important screenings, and because it was a big part of my life last week. I even went without food for a day and a half, and lived to see the scale drop five pounds. Not an easy way to lose, but necessary. And they liked me so much, they want to see me again in three years. Oh, no!
Have a great day.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Medical Procedure Looming
On Friday I have a colonoscopy scheduled for 12:15. I have been on a bland diet consisting of fish, potatoes, white bread and food without seeds, nuts, fruits or fresh vegetables for a week now. I call it the Twinky Diet. Anything that you aren't supposed to eat, like doughnuts, cake, cookies,....all that is good, and what is bad is what they tell you is good for you; grains, rice, beans, red meat, fruit and vegetables. It is a crazy diet and has me turned all upside down.
This week I have been eating fish and potatoes every night for dinner. They didn't say anything about chocolate Easter Bunnies, so I split one of those with George last night. I stole it right out of the kid's Easter Basket. This has been one of those weeks.
Tomorrow is Thursday and starting at the moment I get up (although I don't really see anything to get up for) I can't have any solid food at all, and none until my procedure is over at 2:15 on Friday afternoon. I am going to be one mean and hungry junk yard dog by that time! Last night I made a special trip to the store to stock up on what I CAN have; clear soup, yellow jello, Gatorade and flavored water. Yummy! I don't even want to think of what it will be like working at my office for a whole day without food. And I really don't see what clear broth is going to bring to the equasion anyway...who needs it?
I have decided that I am going to pretend that I am a movie star and that I am paying a thousand dollars a day to go to a fancy "cleaning and rejuvinating" spa, where they limit your food and work on doing exactly what I will be doing as I prepare for this colonoscopy. Maybe I'll even have a manicure at lunch time. Can't hurt.
I haven't gone without meals very often in my life. Even when I had a baby, I had lunch, then had a baby, and then had dinner. I didn't even miss a meal!
No wonder people don't want to have these procedures. This is no picnic...literally. Wish me luck!
Have a great day.
This week I have been eating fish and potatoes every night for dinner. They didn't say anything about chocolate Easter Bunnies, so I split one of those with George last night. I stole it right out of the kid's Easter Basket. This has been one of those weeks.
Tomorrow is Thursday and starting at the moment I get up (although I don't really see anything to get up for) I can't have any solid food at all, and none until my procedure is over at 2:15 on Friday afternoon. I am going to be one mean and hungry junk yard dog by that time! Last night I made a special trip to the store to stock up on what I CAN have; clear soup, yellow jello, Gatorade and flavored water. Yummy! I don't even want to think of what it will be like working at my office for a whole day without food. And I really don't see what clear broth is going to bring to the equasion anyway...who needs it?
I have decided that I am going to pretend that I am a movie star and that I am paying a thousand dollars a day to go to a fancy "cleaning and rejuvinating" spa, where they limit your food and work on doing exactly what I will be doing as I prepare for this colonoscopy. Maybe I'll even have a manicure at lunch time. Can't hurt.
I haven't gone without meals very often in my life. Even when I had a baby, I had lunch, then had a baby, and then had dinner. I didn't even miss a meal!
No wonder people don't want to have these procedures. This is no picnic...literally. Wish me luck!
Have a great day.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
I have a thing about Lavender
When I think of Spring, and think of sunshiny says and warm mornings drinking coffee on the deck, I often think of Lavender. Over the years, Lavender has become my favorite plant. There are many different kinds, and it is hearty, it grows well in pots, it's big and impressive, and it's a lovely shade of blue. Besides that it smells heavenly.
I have a pot of lavender that I am over-wintering here in the window behind my computer. It isn't the prettiest plant in the world after a season indoors, but it is doing fine, and will be beautiful once again when it gets outdoors to bloom.
Last year I had a pot of lavender under the porch, which over-wintered by it self, through snowstorms and ice, and still survived to enjoy the Spring breezes and when I repotted it, the plant was as beautiful as any.
When George and I go to the plant stores in the Spring to choose what we will plant, the first thing I go for is herbs: Rosemary, Thyme, Sage and Lavender. They look beautiful in pots with other flowers, and they last inside throughout the year. I make lavender pillows to add to my yarn baskets to keep the critters away. I can't WAIT until Spring!
Have a great day.
I have a pot of lavender that I am over-wintering here in the window behind my computer. It isn't the prettiest plant in the world after a season indoors, but it is doing fine, and will be beautiful once again when it gets outdoors to bloom.
Last year I had a pot of lavender under the porch, which over-wintered by it self, through snowstorms and ice, and still survived to enjoy the Spring breezes and when I repotted it, the plant was as beautiful as any.
When George and I go to the plant stores in the Spring to choose what we will plant, the first thing I go for is herbs: Rosemary, Thyme, Sage and Lavender. They look beautiful in pots with other flowers, and they last inside throughout the year. I make lavender pillows to add to my yarn baskets to keep the critters away. I can't WAIT until Spring!
Have a great day.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Fun little bee bracelets
I bought these charming hand-made poly clay beads this week and couldn't resist making these cute little girl bee bracelets.
People at work really liked them....and I have plans to make many more in other colors.
Cute!
People at work really liked them....and I have plans to make many more in other colors.
Cute!
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Fast and furious
Seems to me that the world is going at an almighty fast pace. Today the headlines are that the Global leaders have found a solution (a trillion dollars) and that we may have hit the bottom of the recession. Things will go up from here. Seems to me it was only weeks ago that the whole thing became major news.
Fast; we want our computers fast, our fast food fast, and our banking fast. I was struck today by the biggest smile on the face of President Obama. He seems to really relish standing there with all those heads of state. I mean, that is pretty fast company he is keeping! I don't remember such a big smile on any recent president; well, maybe Reagan. He seemed to have a big smile on his face.
I am struck sometimes by how fast people buy big items and dispose of them. Everyone I know has a newer phone than I do and a faster and smaller computer. Most people have thrown three or four of those away in the time that I have had mine. It just seems that we go through stuff very fast. I have food in my refrigerator that is older than my son's computer!
I don't know, I guess it is the way of the world to have things fast. My head spins. We are told it is the end of the world, and then, oops, bam, no that's all solved, the market is going up, and things are on their way up again.
Of course, if I was given a trillion dollars, I guess I could solve things pretty fast too.
Have a great day.
Fast; we want our computers fast, our fast food fast, and our banking fast. I was struck today by the biggest smile on the face of President Obama. He seems to really relish standing there with all those heads of state. I mean, that is pretty fast company he is keeping! I don't remember such a big smile on any recent president; well, maybe Reagan. He seemed to have a big smile on his face.
I am struck sometimes by how fast people buy big items and dispose of them. Everyone I know has a newer phone than I do and a faster and smaller computer. Most people have thrown three or four of those away in the time that I have had mine. It just seems that we go through stuff very fast. I have food in my refrigerator that is older than my son's computer!
I don't know, I guess it is the way of the world to have things fast. My head spins. We are told it is the end of the world, and then, oops, bam, no that's all solved, the market is going up, and things are on their way up again.
Of course, if I was given a trillion dollars, I guess I could solve things pretty fast too.
Have a great day.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
New Orleans is back on
George and I had planned a trip to New Orleans for early March and canceled when my mother became ill. It was a few weeks before I could even think about going again, but yesterday I decided to look at Travelocity and see what they had to offer. Clicking through the weekends that looked good, I came across one where the fares and the hotels were really cheap! We made a reservation for May 7 through 11th, with reservations at the really nice Marriott near the French Quarter, and the cost of the flight AND hotel was $550. For both of us! Then they added the tax, tip and trade-in (as we say) and the total was $661. Still a big bargain.
So, we are going back to New Orleans in May. It is after the Jazz Fest, and nothing seemed to be going on that weekend. I thought maybe that was why the fares were so cheap....and then George realized....it's Mothers Day! Who goes to New Orleans on Mother's Day? We might be the only tourists there. Sounds like a plan!
Have a great day.
So, we are going back to New Orleans in May. It is after the Jazz Fest, and nothing seemed to be going on that weekend. I thought maybe that was why the fares were so cheap....and then George realized....it's Mothers Day! Who goes to New Orleans on Mother's Day? We might be the only tourists there. Sounds like a plan!
Have a great day.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
New Hampshire Bed and Breakfast
When mother became ill on Feb. 28th and I rushed down to Oklahoma to be with her, George and I were planning a five day trip to New Orleans that weekend to hear some Cajun music in Breaux Bridge and to spend some time in our favorite 'wild and crazy' city. Instead of that trip, I was in Oklahoma planning the funeral of my beloved mother. In the past ten years, I have often had to rush to my mother when she had a health crisis and was admitted to various hospitals for various reasons. I always got insurance on any planned vacations, and I've always been mentally ready to drop my plans and run to her side. This time, the New Orleans trip got canceled and I hardly even thought about it. It is in the past....as if I went...and don't remember it.
Things don't make sense to me yet, and it will be a long time before I can imagine life without my mother. She was always ready to talk on the phone, and we shared books, recipes and magazine articles. She was funny and smart and wise. She saw right through me. I never bothered to tell her a lie, because she would know right away. She was my best friend, and we were joined at the heart, if not the hip. I have had her in my life a lot longer than most daughters have their mothers. I am grateful for that, and always have been.
I am not in the mood to go to New Orleans. But yesterday I planned another trip, this time to a small country bed and breakfast in Campton, New Hampshire, in April. It is near the beautiful Kangamangus Highway, and although there will be no dancing or Cajun music, it seems that a nice tranquil spot, and a drive through the country in early spring, will be just right for me right now.
My mother used to laugh with me at something my older brother said long ago, "Other families have their problems, but in our family, it's one crisis after another." That really isn't true, but now I realize that I have had my last crisis with my mother. Now, it's time to figure out how to live without her, and maybe time for a little tranquility.
Have a great day.
Things don't make sense to me yet, and it will be a long time before I can imagine life without my mother. She was always ready to talk on the phone, and we shared books, recipes and magazine articles. She was funny and smart and wise. She saw right through me. I never bothered to tell her a lie, because she would know right away. She was my best friend, and we were joined at the heart, if not the hip. I have had her in my life a lot longer than most daughters have their mothers. I am grateful for that, and always have been.
I am not in the mood to go to New Orleans. But yesterday I planned another trip, this time to a small country bed and breakfast in Campton, New Hampshire, in April. It is near the beautiful Kangamangus Highway, and although there will be no dancing or Cajun music, it seems that a nice tranquil spot, and a drive through the country in early spring, will be just right for me right now.
My mother used to laugh with me at something my older brother said long ago, "Other families have their problems, but in our family, it's one crisis after another." That really isn't true, but now I realize that I have had my last crisis with my mother. Now, it's time to figure out how to live without her, and maybe time for a little tranquility.
Have a great day.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Moving on by the minute
I have been writing my blog about what is going on in my life for years now, so now I will write about my mom, and her funeral, and the thoughts that are going through my mind all the time. I seem to be living minute by minute, hour by hour. I don't have the energy to make big plans.
When I was in Oklahoma staying with her at the hospital, and then going through the process of planning her funeral, I also was trying very hard not to get sick. I didn't want to fall apart and have my health suffer. There is so much going on emotionally, that is easy to have the physical part fall apart. So, this weekend, I am home and have decided to take it easy and get as much rest as I can.
These beautiful flowers arrived today from a good friend at work. I am thrilled with them, and am amazed at the outpouring of sympathy I have received through cards, emails and flowers. A group at work brought me the most beautiful white orchid I have ever seen and it is on my desk. It towers up over my cube, and looks breathtaking. It is so nice to have such nice people around me. It really helps to know that I have such good support.
Tonight George and I are going to the Kennedy Library for a company dinner and a night out. I thought of not going, but then decided that to mope around at home wouldn't be a good idea. We will go, enjoy the lovely food and music, and leave for home when we are ready. I am looking forward to seeing Jacqueline Kennedy's clothes...of all things. (I haven't changed much.)
I decided to buy some beautiful pink alpaca yarn (very soft) and make myself a shawl, which I can wrap around myself like a hug from mom. It is a good thing to remember her as I knit, and also a good thing just to sit and knit, and not to expect too much from myself right now. She would like it.
Have a great day.
When I was in Oklahoma staying with her at the hospital, and then going through the process of planning her funeral, I also was trying very hard not to get sick. I didn't want to fall apart and have my health suffer. There is so much going on emotionally, that is easy to have the physical part fall apart. So, this weekend, I am home and have decided to take it easy and get as much rest as I can.
These beautiful flowers arrived today from a good friend at work. I am thrilled with them, and am amazed at the outpouring of sympathy I have received through cards, emails and flowers. A group at work brought me the most beautiful white orchid I have ever seen and it is on my desk. It towers up over my cube, and looks breathtaking. It is so nice to have such nice people around me. It really helps to know that I have such good support.
Tonight George and I are going to the Kennedy Library for a company dinner and a night out. I thought of not going, but then decided that to mope around at home wouldn't be a good idea. We will go, enjoy the lovely food and music, and leave for home when we are ready. I am looking forward to seeing Jacqueline Kennedy's clothes...of all things. (I haven't changed much.)
I decided to buy some beautiful pink alpaca yarn (very soft) and make myself a shawl, which I can wrap around myself like a hug from mom. It is a good thing to remember her as I knit, and also a good thing just to sit and knit, and not to expect too much from myself right now. She would like it.
Have a great day.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
My mom
I wanted to let everyone know that my mother, Frances Caroline Lucia Krause Bremseth(1909 - 2009), died on March 3, 2009 at the age of 99. She lived in her own home and was still enjoying life. She was independent, loving, and kind and doing what she loved to do. She had played bridge the previous Monday at the Senior Center...and she won! She had a stroke that was debilitating, and I was at her bedside and she knew I was there. The funeral was Monday, March 9th, with lots of relatives and friends and beautiful flowers which she would have loved. I will be writing a lot more later.
God Bless my mom.
God Bless my mom.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
"And, why do you do that?"
This weekend I have been learning how to make crocheted beaded jewelry. Every teacher in a bead store will tell you that this is a complicated technique. I went to my first class last Wednesday, and will go to the second this week. Because I strung the wrong beads in the wrong pattern for my class last week, I had to start anew yesterday, and that meant that I had to start the project off, just six little beads crocheted on a very thin thread...and somehow I made it work. The process is so difficult that the next class will teach us how to start and finish, so I am ahead of the game. I had no choice, since my original string was useless. I did it! Yay! Another addiction in progress.
A year ago, I developed a trigger finger. The index finger of my right hand developed a cartilage problem, probably from overuse. I had to wear a splint for several weeks. I went to the hand therapist that the hand surgeon referred me to. She asked me to tell her how I use my hands. What don't I do? I type all day, and then make jewelry all night and all weekend. In my off hours, I knit socks and crochet afghans. I carefully explained the process for making peyote stitch beads. I explained that you take tiny perfectly cylindrical Delica beads (made in Japan, of course, where they know perfection) and I weave them using silk thread to make peyote beads. The therapist looked at me and said, "And....why do you do that?". Well. Because. Because making things is in my blood and I spend most of my free time, and risk overusing my hands, just to do these things. I don't know why. Why do ducks like white bread?
At my class the other night, I was with several other people who also love to make things, and one lady and I shared our stories of making socks, and how much we love making them, the kind of yarn we like (she is making some using yarn made from seashells, and I like soy fiber) and how many we have made...dozens of pairs. She stuck out her foot, showing her beautiful striped handiwork and her Birkenstocks. Now, that is a lady who understands! She wouldn't say to me, "And WHY to you do that???"
So, here I am this weekend, learning how to make crocheted beaded jewelry. I plan to learn how to finish these bracelets in class on Wednesday and to wear them to New Orleans. The next one is Marti Gras colors: purple, gold and green. After that, I will just make them because that is what I do.
Have a great day.
A year ago, I developed a trigger finger. The index finger of my right hand developed a cartilage problem, probably from overuse. I had to wear a splint for several weeks. I went to the hand therapist that the hand surgeon referred me to. She asked me to tell her how I use my hands. What don't I do? I type all day, and then make jewelry all night and all weekend. In my off hours, I knit socks and crochet afghans. I carefully explained the process for making peyote stitch beads. I explained that you take tiny perfectly cylindrical Delica beads (made in Japan, of course, where they know perfection) and I weave them using silk thread to make peyote beads. The therapist looked at me and said, "And....why do you do that?". Well. Because. Because making things is in my blood and I spend most of my free time, and risk overusing my hands, just to do these things. I don't know why. Why do ducks like white bread?
At my class the other night, I was with several other people who also love to make things, and one lady and I shared our stories of making socks, and how much we love making them, the kind of yarn we like (she is making some using yarn made from seashells, and I like soy fiber) and how many we have made...dozens of pairs. She stuck out her foot, showing her beautiful striped handiwork and her Birkenstocks. Now, that is a lady who understands! She wouldn't say to me, "And WHY to you do that???"
So, here I am this weekend, learning how to make crocheted beaded jewelry. I plan to learn how to finish these bracelets in class on Wednesday and to wear them to New Orleans. The next one is Marti Gras colors: purple, gold and green. After that, I will just make them because that is what I do.
Have a great day.
Friday, February 20, 2009
La Danse De Mardi Gras
It is 7 p.m. on Friday and George is upstairs sleeping. I am quietly enjoying trying to learn how to crochet beads into pretty ropes. My right hand hurts from the effort and I'm wondering if my hands will hold up to the task.
Last night we had a really big night. We went to a local club, Johnny D's in Somerville, and had dinner with friends and got to hear a band from Louisiana, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. Their music gets you dancing, and even though it was a work night, George and I kicked up the rug a little and had a good time. Actually, we did a great waltz around the floor, and tried to stay true to the way the Cajuns dance in Louisiana, calmly traveling around the floor to the fast beat of the music. But last night most of the dancers were doing some variety of bebop...hopping and twirling around. People in Cajun country don't dance like that, but hey, everyone was having a great deal of fun, and we were too. It was great to to go out on a weeknight and not worry about tomorrow.
Dinner last night was a wonderful Brazilian fish stew with rice, mussels, shrimp and white fish. It was perfect. We had a two hour dinner, because we needed to get there early in order to get a seat at a table. The place is small, and we were only 40 feet from the band. The music was really great, as always, and we had a fabulous time. I can't wait to go to New Orleans and Mamou and Henderson in a couple of weeks for more of that music and to hear the Pineleaf Boys. I'm so excited!
Now I'm going to listen to some of that good Cajun dance music and keep on crocheting these tiny beads.
Have a great nap, George.
Last night we had a really big night. We went to a local club, Johnny D's in Somerville, and had dinner with friends and got to hear a band from Louisiana, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. Their music gets you dancing, and even though it was a work night, George and I kicked up the rug a little and had a good time. Actually, we did a great waltz around the floor, and tried to stay true to the way the Cajuns dance in Louisiana, calmly traveling around the floor to the fast beat of the music. But last night most of the dancers were doing some variety of bebop...hopping and twirling around. People in Cajun country don't dance like that, but hey, everyone was having a great deal of fun, and we were too. It was great to to go out on a weeknight and not worry about tomorrow.
Dinner last night was a wonderful Brazilian fish stew with rice, mussels, shrimp and white fish. It was perfect. We had a two hour dinner, because we needed to get there early in order to get a seat at a table. The place is small, and we were only 40 feet from the band. The music was really great, as always, and we had a fabulous time. I can't wait to go to New Orleans and Mamou and Henderson in a couple of weeks for more of that music and to hear the Pineleaf Boys. I'm so excited!
Now I'm going to listen to some of that good Cajun dance music and keep on crocheting these tiny beads.
Have a great nap, George.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Bead class
I just got home from a beading class and I made this. Hum. It started to remind me of little beaded souvenirs you see from Guatemalan ladies who have been bead crocheting for hundreds (thousands?) of years. This little bit of not very good crochet work took me two hours. Next Wednesday I will go to the second two hour class, and hopefully will come away with something a little more glamorous.
Bead crochet, when done well, and with beautiful beads, is going to be really fun. I just have to get through the ugly duckling stage.
Have a great night.
Bead crochet, when done well, and with beautiful beads, is going to be really fun. I just have to get through the ugly duckling stage.
Have a great night.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Queen of Hearts
Last night George and I hosted the annual Hearts Party at church. Twenty two people showed up for a chili supper. We had to overcome a disaster on our way to the church. Just down the street from our house, someone started to back out of their driveway, and George hit the breaks. They stopped. We stopped. We started, and they started backing out again. This time George hit the breaks a little harder. I screamed..."the Chili!". We went back home. Sure enough, the chili in the pot in the trunk had splashed all over the place. It was in a box with newspapers and kitchen towels, but the lid had flown off into the trunk and there was chili slurped everywhere. It was a disaster. We lost about six cups of chili off the top of the pot, and had a really messy clean up job. We were a little late to church, but someone else had brought a pot of chili too, so after we swabbed the pot and ourselves (it was a real mess), we heated our chili and there was plenty for everyone.
Twenty people had a lot of fun playing cards and two people sat out because they planned to anyway. The game ended at 9:30 with a playoff, and I was in the top four women, the lowest scorers. During the play off game, everyone got a heart except me. I win! I'm the Queen of Hearts for 2009!
Today after our recovery nap, we were looking at the parade cam for Marti Gras in New Orleans. Our favorite parade today is called "Barkus"....for dogs only. Oh, they get silly in New Orleans!
Have a great day!
Twenty people had a lot of fun playing cards and two people sat out because they planned to anyway. The game ended at 9:30 with a playoff, and I was in the top four women, the lowest scorers. During the play off game, everyone got a heart except me. I win! I'm the Queen of Hearts for 2009!
Today after our recovery nap, we were looking at the parade cam for Marti Gras in New Orleans. Our favorite parade today is called "Barkus"....for dogs only. Oh, they get silly in New Orleans!
Have a great day!
Friday, February 13, 2009
A lesson in patience
Long before Christmas George and I bought a box containing and amaryllis bulb, and planted it in it's little white plastic pot. I don't like that pot very much, but that is what they come with. For several weeks, the bulb just sat in its pot and did nothing. I thought maybe it was too cool, so I put it on top of the stove under the overhead lights. Gradually, one centimeter at a time, the bulb started to send up a shoot. Then there were two little shoots. I kept it watered with warm water, a little at a time, and gradually, gradually, it started to grow. I kept it on the stove for three weeks! Then, it outgrew it's area on the stove. The blossom was one inch from the light bulb when I moved it to the living room. It is still growing!
Now the Amaryllis has been in our family so long we don't even remember when we got it. We have grown used to this albatross growing in our house. Up and up it goes.
Finally, two days ago, the first tight blossom has started to break open....and it has been 3 days since THAT started to happen. It is so tall it has outgrown the pot and just looks silly. We are all still waiting. Waiting.
Hey, maybe it's waiting for Valentines Day!
Have a great day!
Now the Amaryllis has been in our family so long we don't even remember when we got it. We have grown used to this albatross growing in our house. Up and up it goes.
Finally, two days ago, the first tight blossom has started to break open....and it has been 3 days since THAT started to happen. It is so tall it has outgrown the pot and just looks silly. We are all still waiting. Waiting.
Hey, maybe it's waiting for Valentines Day!
Have a great day!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Bag
On Saturday we went to Macy's to look at the sales. I bought a couple of things to wear to work. Little did we know that the bag from our Macy's trip would bring endless hours of fun for the kitties. They have been playing in the bag for two days. Today we thought the fun was over and we put our newspapers into the bag for recycling, but Safari looked so longingly at the bag, trying to see how she was going to fit in there with all those newspapers, that we had to take the papers back out and turn the bag again into just the most fun kitty toy you ever saw.
Here's some evidence:
Here's some evidence:
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