Is that right? Well, I 'll be damned.

Ho Ho Ho

2010-12-22T09:41:00.004-06:00

Gearing up for the holidays is never easy when you do not have money. However, I have found that lowering my expectations and truly enjoying the smallest most simplest things fills me up. For instance, this am, I watched the birds on the feeders for a full hour. Coffee in hand I watched as they lined up for a chance to stuff themselves. It reminds me of planes lined up on a tarmac waiting for their turn to take off.

The other part of the holidays that is hard is the week between Christmas and New Years. It is the week that my Mom died of an asthma attack. No matter how many years go by-12 this year-it feels raw and sad.

I will muddle through for the sake of my son. It is important for me to show him the delight in the season. Just this morning, around 6:30am, the clouds cleared enough to allow the full moon to shine down from the eastern sky. He and I stood in amazement at how incredibly bright it looked and talked about the lunar eclipse. I was able to show him with a bowl, a Clementine and a small round sucker why/how the lunar eclipse happens. He thinks I am the smartest person EVER and that in and of itself is the greatest gift I could hope for.

Merry Christmas, Happy Solstice, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and any other I may have missed. Most of all, peace and joy and health to you and yours.

SIGH

2010-11-12T16:34:00.002-06:00

Maybe it is my age, but if you are giving a group presentation-which means standing up in front of the class and lecturing on your research, how do you present yourself?

Well, let me just tell you that i wish I could have taken pictures! T-shirts, shorts and flip flops were the norm and most appropriate of what I witnessed. I had a hard time not snorting to stifle my laughter when one poor thing stood there in her hoodie, bad eyeliner, baggy nylon gym shorts that she had rolled the waist down on for some reason and mid-calf fake UGGS. Oh my goodness, I so wanted to put a full length mirror in front of her!

Also, how do you not just out loud say, "oh you poor thing" to another who was lecturing on The Papyrus Egerton as she informs us that "it was named for the guy who discovered it who was either Papyrus or Egerton." Again, I almost snorted.

yes, being a non-trad has some very humorous moments.

More later.

Fall Break

2010-10-15T07:24:00.002-05:00

I am 2 classes away from my first official break. I have one midterm to complete over break and one more to take after break. All in all I am having a great journey through academia. I have come to the conclusion that the next four years ARE about the journey and I am not going to worry so much about my GPA.

I find myself having to bite my tongue often in class. AND I am also having to not CONSTANTLY raise my hand-even though I know the answer the Prof is looking for...I find myself smiling and nodding and being at peace with what I know and don't know. Oh the wisdom of age!

Stuff Envrionmental Studies Guys Like

2010-09-20T10:51:00.002-05:00

1. Talking about the kind of bread they are currently baking.

Wow, that cool organic cotton knit hat must really come in handy when you need to keep that unwashed hair of yours out of the dough! And you are lame if you haven't come up with a way to get the best gluten free loaf to rise!

I am so tired of this "look"...hippies are not new and until you actually have to fend for yourself, I guess baking bread will seem like a big deal.

Just saying.....

Really? Act out part of Medea?

2010-09-13T22:36:00.002-05:00

I knew that at some point I would feel very silly amongst all the young adults at college, but I thought that maybe it wouldn't happen until I have to complete my PE credit!

Alas, today, in the middle of campus, our Paideia prof gave us each a mask and we had to perform-as a group-a selection from Euripides Medea. Don't get me wrong, if were my family around and we had a couple of glasses of wine in us, well, look out! Hell, I would even don a toga for that! But being an over dramatic fun forty something with a bunch of twits is just plain embarrassing.

I better get ALL the points possible for class participation, dammit!

Religion Paper I - DONE!

2010-09-08T21:13:00.003-05:00

I had to write a four page paper summarizing and assessing (a favorite word for meek woman) the book What They Are Saying About The Formation of Israel. Well, let me tell you in one word - NOTHING!

The book was written in 1960 mind you and most of the arguments end up with the same conclusion-that MORE EVIDENCE IS NEEDED TO DECIDE...really? 100 pages of reading all the arguments for and against and you come with I DON'T KNOW???

That in nutshell is why I am a militant Agnostic-I DON'T KNOW AND YOU DON'T EITHER!

Yup, lovin' school and lovin' the fact that I am pretty much DONE for the week as far as "things due" go...

I will let you know how my papers were received when I know. Now I MUST finish my glass of delicious red wine from the Columbia River Valley, A 2004 Gordon Brothers Tradition. Very good.

College

2010-09-06T22:29:00.003-05:00

What in the hell was I thinking!

I am officially a first year student at Luther College and officially old enough to be my classmates' mother and my professors' peer.

I am being challenged-mostly to keep my mouth shut and to LISTEN. I am trying to LEARN...but if you know anything about me (or the family that raised me)...you know that NOT voicing my opinion is like a devout Catholic NOT having a St. Christopher hanging from the rear-view mirror. Almost impossible and downright SACRILEGES!

I have not been challenged in my intellect-sans the NYT crossword-in quite some time and am looking forward to the next four years. I will do my best to keep my blogging up as to my experience. If any of you would like to review my papers, well step right up!!! I am in need of some fresh eyes-THANKS!

Because Toilet Paper Should NOT be NAKED?

2010-04-07T17:30:00.004-05:00

Why? Why? Why? If the spare roll is THAT embarrassing to have out, try putting it under the sink or in a drawer or in the closet. Has anyone EVER taken the spare roll from under one of these covers? The same folks that use these never light candles and leave the labels on the "nice candles." They also have matching guest towels that are scratchy and have a dusty fold line because they have NEVER been washed. AND the their toilet water is always blue. You know who I am talking about...we all know at least one.

2010-03-27T12:52:00.002-05:00

Went on a wonderful walk along the Upper Iowa River today. The homestead pictured belongs to friends of mine and they have a great trail around the property. The boys (mine and my friend's two) had a great time and so did I!

We saw so many signs of activity of beavers, but did not see a dam. We also spotted 4 eagles, geese, wood ducks and many song birds. Even though there was not sunshine, being outside for a couple of hours was refreshing.

Bike Riding Rocks!

2010-03-21T18:50:00.002-05:00

Went for a nice ride today with my 8 year old. He has a no speed bike and he kicked my ass! He commented how good biking is for me and let me tell you, it was truly motivating.

I learned today that I do not need to go FAST-but just simply pedal and enjoy the scenic view go by.

Tomorrow is my 44th birthday-I think I will go for a nice long bike ride again. Maybe if I put enough miles in by July, I would be able to ride a little of Ragbrai? Mmm, did I just participate unknowingly in goal setting? Mwahahhahaha.

Shattered Mirrors

2010-03-09T16:28:00.004-06:00

i will turn to meet my destiny,
reflected in shattered mirrors.
heart broken open,
i will pick up the pieces
no matter how sharp
to reflect
what is neglected
in dark corners,
wounded, light deprived,
with prayerful hands i'll
recycle devastation to
nourish new life.
art, like gardening,
is an act of faith and healing,
shining for the world.
as Mystery's greater
than the sum of all suffering,
i will trust to Love.

-Mimi Foyle 2008

Walking In Sunshine

2010-03-01T07:07:00.004-06:00

We had our annual Blues Sunday yesterday at the UU. A great Klezmer group played blues from another culture. The music was somber and uplifting at the same time. During the last song, some folks got up and danced up and down the aisle-old, young, middle-age-it was a beautiful sight. I had walked to church and on my way home I cried. I cried for many reasons...
I cried for the music I had the pleasure of hearing and for the community of my UUers.
I cried for my ex-partner and feel sad that he once experienced an alternative view of the world with me and is missing out on so much. I cried because I miss walking arm-in-arm with him. I miss my parents and all of their wisdom and love. I miss my innocence.
I miss our big, extended family get-togethers. I cried for my friend who is facing a summer of chemotherapy and healing. And finally I cried because it was so beautiful outside and the sun felt so good and it was exactly what I needed.
I ended my day with a cup of tea and a book while sitting on my west facing deck taking in all that the sun had to offer.

One Good Rant

2010-02-24T17:13:00.002-06:00

Okay, winter, enough already! It is suppose to drop to 6 below zero tonight and maybe only get to 19 tomorrow??? I can't take it anymore-I need sunshine and warmth. I am already depressed, lonely, and have nothing coming up to look forward to. My close girlfriend was just diagnosed with breast cancer, the partner I thought was in it with me for the long haul bails and I am just flat out tired of it all.
I am tired of having to be strong. I am tired of being the only parent in my sons life-not to say I don't adore him, but-I am tired of doing the homework, brushing teeth, reading bedtime stories, getting him to bed, getting him up, getting him on the bus, doing the laundry, shoveling the driveway, taking the garbage out, cleaning the house, fixing anything that breaks, grocery shopping, taking the car in for oil changes, making the beds, vacuuming, recycling, feeding the dog, going to work to make ends meet, paying the bills and then starting all over again the next day.
I know, I know, get in line, right?? But dammit, I would just like there to be somebody at the end of day that is there to say, "I love you, honey and you make my world worth living. Let's grow old together, okay?"

Beautiful Morning

2010-02-20T07:19:00.002-06:00

The large flakes of snow are coming at a fairly rapid pace this morning. My mom always used to say that when the flakes got larger, the snow was about done. I am not so sure anymore...maybe it was just her way of making me watch the snow more closely.

I am planning my vegetable garden today. I am thinking carrots, kale, lettuce, zucchini, watermelon (for Rex), acorn squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, tomatoes (a couple of varieties), green beans, basil, flat leaf parsley, red peppers, and maybe a pea variety-oh and chives. My ex in-laws have a nice rototiller and have offered to turn up my plots-one of which is an old bed and has been used for compost. My plan is to lay down flour bags (the 50 lb double layered paper ones from the bakery where I work)that have been cut open. I will mulch over the top of all and cut through it where I want to plant. This way I can create nice walking paths between the two sides of the bed. The cukes, squash, zucchini, melons, and pumpkins will be planted in mounds of straw. Only one of each plant. The tomatoes are being hung in 5 gallon buckets from an old clothesline t-bar. (MNmom gave me this idea!)

I hope to be able to paste many pictures of this endeavor and that this all goes as planned-if not, well I will learn some for next year!

Spring is Coming!

2010-02-19T08:53:00.002-06:00

You know that smell of Spring? Well, even though it is still cold out-I swear I smelled Spring in the air today. Spring in my step-indeed! I breathed it in with every breath as I walked through the woods. The river was rippling a little louder, too-begging for canoes and kayaks.

I had said on my facebook post that one of my chickens had hopped out of the coop and yesterday when I got home, ALL OF THE CHICKENS were out and wandering about in driveway. Like them, I cannot wait for the snow to be gone. I am also looking so forward to lighting the fire rings and having a WELCOME SPRING party. Music, wine, good food, hot fires, mmmmm.

Keeping me busy this weekend:
Planning the vegetable garden-LOVE that Seed Savers Exchange is just north of town!
"Lessons from Cancer College" A play written by my friend Prof. Nancy Barry about her year of chemo and cancer and teaching. Being performed by Kristin Underwood at ArtHaus in Decorah.
Dinner with friends on Saturday night.

Yeahhhh....let the weekend begin!

Newest Depot Outlet Find

2010-02-16T18:08:00.002-06:00

The second hand store in my hometown is called The Depot Outlet (it got its start in the old train depot). Anyway, most items cost anywhere from $.25 to $2.00. One time I spent $20 on one item-but it was an original Dale of Norway wool sweater for my son.

Well, to make a long blog short, I found an ORIGINAL pair of Bastad clogs in my size today. I had to pay $.50 for them! They are in perfect condition. The bottoms look like they might have been worn only to Lutheran Church functions (clean floors).

LOVE that the local Norwegians are parting with their fine wares.

Clearing and Cleaning

2010-02-12T07:31:00.004-06:00

I rearranged my bedroom last evening. Vacuumed every corner, dusted every surface, flipped the mattress and then brought in the sage for a spiritual cleansing. Still, I miss him. Poo. Time will heal this wound and I am looking forward to moving on-even though it seems impossible right now.

I found some lovely sheer white curtains at the local second hand store for the windows. They allow the light and the view in-but add a certain romance to the room. I never thought I would like sheers. Alas, you never stop learning things about yourself.

I will post a picture once I decide where I want my artwork. I might even paint the room. Any suggestions? I love the creamy white it is right now, but thinking that a fresh coat of color might be the ticket. The room is in the northeast corner of the house.

I am trying to find more work right now. I have placed my name on the website www.welcomeindecorah.com as a wedding planner. I am hoping to drum up a few gigs from this. And hoping to be rehired as the Director of the 2nd Annual Oneota Film Festival (www.oneotafilmfestival.org). The first film festival was a success-so keep you fingers crossed.

For the Madame of Funny Leather Shorts

2010-02-11T08:10:00.004-06:00

I read a post on FB from a fellow blogger about how nobody seems to be updating their blogs anymore. Well, I thought about this and decided she was right. I am going to make every effort to keep my blog current.

For starters, let me tell you that my "Farmville" (read a few chickens and the wild birds)have been keeping me quite busy these days. I am currently getting three eggs every 30 hours-give or take. Two are greenish/blue and one brown. They are tasty, but I am looking forward to Spring when the hens will be free-ranging and their diet will become more diverse. As for the wild birds, they have gone through 50 lbs of feed in a little over 2 weeks. I am getting a wide variety-as the seed bag promised. To name a few; house and gold finches, blue jays, cardinals, rose-breasted nuthatch, downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpeckers, junco, tree sparrow, and of course the chickadee. So much fun.

Speaking of free range, I am having a massage today at my house by a woman who calls her business, "Free Range Massage." Clever, I think. I will let you know just how wonderful it is on my next post.
For now, stay warm and remember that winter will be over, soon.

What is Grace?

2010-02-05T22:33:00.002-06:00

So, my S.O. and I have broken off our relationship. I know it is for the best-as does he. Unfortunately, it had been the most incredible, most powerful, most sincere relationship I have ever experienced in my life. How does one go on from this?? How do you pick up the pieces and move forward? I would take this man back in a heartbeat if he were willing to be "all in" all the time, but how long does one wait for that to happen?? He has an entire OTHER life when he is not with me. It is so hard to be in this state of flux-the unknown, between trapeze bars...I love this man deeply with sincerity, but maybe it is just not our season. So hard.

So, with all that said, I am moving forward with new goals. And, I am opening myself to the possibility that all is perfect and all will be fine. Man, I am a good catch! Trying very hard to remember that and to live with grace and love in my heart always.

Good bye, Eddie Bruce. I love you.

Raptor Day

2010-01-30T18:53:00.003-06:00

Today I scared away a Cooper's Hawk on my way to open the chicken coop. The darn thing was perched under the lean-to of the barn where the pigeon loft is located-smart bird. What I didn't know is that one of my landlady's quail was dead in the loft. When she went out to clean up this morning she came running back to the house shouting, "The Cooper's hawk is trapped in the pigeon loft." She is a licensed falconer and had been wanting to trap a Cooper's hawk for some time. Anyway, the pictures tell the story. It was just such a cool thing to be present to this moment today. The first picture is of my backyard area where the hawks perch-usually in the last poplar tree. I love my life!

New Year, New Paint, New Attitude, New Work

2010-01-04T08:27:00.003-06:00

It was a great start to 2010. My S.O. came for a visit and stayed 4 nights. He did a great taping/painting job on my new office and the living room in "ambitious amber."

I read a wonderful horoscope that predicted that 2010 would be my year...I am sure one could interpret it differently, but why would I do that?? Anyway, it said to declutter my spaces-emotional, mental, and physical. So, I started with my home office.

The only new item that I purchased for the re-do was the paint. Curtains($3), rug($2),and art (.50 per framed piece, .10 per basket) all came from The Depot (my town's locally operated Good Will). I am so pleased with the result.

And, thanks to my S.O. who helped me follow through with my vision.

View out my office window.

Fabulous 70's curtains that inspired my room.

View as you come in.

Just one more, than I swear I am DONE-for a while.

2009-12-06T01:22:00.002-06:00

The boots I am eyeing...luscious.

Quality Chicks

2009-12-06T01:13:00.003-06:00

Here is a little change of scenery to amuse you while I take a blogging break...will try to add another interesting photo every now and again.

At the Dentist

2009-10-20T09:42:00.002-05:00

I went back to Illinois this past weekend to have some work done a filling. The dentist who worked on me the first time PLAINLY wrote in my file that I have a slow reaction to Novocain.

Slow reaction should probably be rewritten as: Please have patient come in to office 1 hour prior to any procedure so that Novocain can work.

The dentist shot me up with about 6 shots of the stuff at 11:30am and I ended up looking like Mary Jo Buttafuoco until about 5pm, Saturday. I had absolutely NO control of the left side of my mouth. I am glad it wasn't permanent.

Gettting It Together

2009-09-30T11:24:00.002-05:00

I am in the process of writing a business plan. I have met with all the right people and feel confident that I can get "Driftless Moon" off the ground. What you ask is "Driftless Moon?"
Well, I will be opening a retail art gallery for local artists that is combined with a wine bar. I am so excited and think that a March opening date is not out of the question.
In the meantime, I am depending my organizational and interior rearranging talent to pay my bills. I am contracted for 20 hours at one house next week and hope to add more clients to the list through referrals. I love that people will pay me for my opinions.
Wish me luck.

I love to Camp

2009-09-14T15:02:00.003-05:00

I went camping this past weekend with some friends from Minnesota. We stayed at Wyolusing State Park, WI. It was jsut a perfect weekend for sitting around the fire and watching the stars pop out. In the mornings, the Mississippi River Valley and Wisconsin River Valley were both filled with fog. The ridge upon which we camped sat above it like Cloud City...just an amazing feeling of floating.

I am planning to go camping again this weekend. Hope the weather is just as beautiful.

And, by the way. I am just fine and feeling quite wonderful, today.

Heart Aches

2009-09-08T11:10:00.003-05:00

So I am no longer engaged to my schweetie. I feel as though I am walking around with my shoes on the wrong feet. Something is just not right. How does such a wonderful thing fall apart?

I cry, then laugh, then miss him, then get mad at him, then cry again. I want concrete answers. I want him to change his mind. I want my heart to stop hurting and to be done grieving.

I know I am a strong person and that I will be fine. I am just tired of being "just fine."

My Days

2009-08-28T11:39:00.002-05:00

I am not job hunting-I am busy trying to put together a business plan. It is not an easy place to be-between the trapeze bars-but forcing myself to dress up and go to a WiFi location makes me at least FEEL like I am participating in the work week.

I have made appointments meeting with people that I feel add to my ideas. So far it has led me to many great connections. I am confident that my plan will be a success...if not I will be right back where I am right now. And right now I am living within my means and am pretty damn happy.

Chickens

2009-08-13T15:16:00.003-05:00

I have settled into my new digs. I do not have internet access at my house but can pick up the neighbors if I sit on the stump between our houses.

I am typing, faint footsteps can be heard behind me. The three big chickens (two roosters and a hen) are now at my feet and pecking at my toes. This reason alone may be enough for me to get a wireless connection at the house...well that and the cold Iowa winter that will be coming.

I promise to post pics of all the glorious parts of my new home-chickens etal.

Now I must run before Papa rooster takes another peck.

Lovely Weather and Such

2009-07-29T17:01:00.002-05:00

I have been having such a nice time in Decorah and lucky for me, I am moving back here!

Yup. I have found a beautiful acreage within the city limits, but with absolute privacy. It comes with 2 roosters and 1 hen. The hen lays an egg each morning in a cabinet. She and the roosters follow me around like puppies whenever I am outside AND they actually have started begging when I am eating. Maybe it was the blueberries I slipped them earlier.

The weather is incredible. In the 70's, low humidity and a nice breeze. I feel so lucky to call this place home again.

And So IT Begins

2009-07-20T09:33:00.002-05:00

Here in Decorah, the town is getting ready for Nordic Fest. It is quite a celebration of Nordic heritage. And here are just a few of the signs:

Flat bed truck carrying little wooden booths parked on the main street.
Same booths being placed along the street in spots saved by placing 5 gallon buckets in a certain pattern.
Banners of Scandinavian flags hanging across main roads.
Campground is STUFFED
Folks that are "just not from around these parts" window shopping downtown.
Downtown windows decorated for the window display contest.
Scandinavian educators giving life lessons to pre-teen girls at the local pool (first time most of them have seen saggy boobs in the flesh).

I have missed this celebration only one time in all of its 43 years. I have a love/hate relationship with the fest, but mostly I love it. My entire family will be here, there is a silly parade that still gives me goosebumps and it is the only time of the year to eat Rollepolse (cured, peppery rolled beef), Varmepolse (blood sausage rolled in Lefse-potato soft tortilla), and Romegrot (sweet white sauce with melted butter and cinnamon) in one day.

There is a running race-which I have never been up to watch. A canoe race and my favorite-a rock throwing contest that Mr. MnMom won a few years ago. I love the Festical!

Maybe we will see some of you here?

WOW, Time Does Fly!

2009-07-17T00:50:00.002-05:00

I just had a wonderful evening with a few women friends. Sharing stories, drinking wine, validating each other, encouraging one another and drinking wine. I said goodnight to them all, put away the food, washed the dishes, and poured the last of a nice Cabernet into my glass. The temperature is a cool 65 plus degrees, there is no humidity and the skies are clear. I step out on to the deck, pull up a chair, tilt my head back to see the big dipper and WHAM! Toxic words come FLYING out of the window from the apartment next door.

Well, I have had a couple glasses of wine and am feeling OH so empowered by an evening with other moms that I march on over to the window and ask-gently, but firmly-for them to argue all they like, but try to keep the language in check-there is a little one sleeping and I do not want to him wake up to such language. The guy told me that they are having a private conversation to which I pointed out should stay private by shutting their window. He closed the window and that was that. I am so glad I asked for what I wanted...back to star gazing and getting almost cold tonight on the deck.-BONUS to watch the bats fly.

Good Things

2009-06-16T13:40:00.002-05:00

My gratitude list right now:

1. My son and all of his one liners.
2. My sweet, sweet partner-I love him deep down in my bones.
3. The smell of rain.
4. Having a good hair day.
5. Dinner planned for the evening-and it looks to be delicious.
6. Baseball game tonight.
7. Decorah in July.
8. My wonderful bicycle.
9. My incredible family and friends.
10. Strong arms.

Four Agreements

2009-06-15T09:13:00.002-05:00

I believe in the wisdom of The Four Agreements:

Don't take it personally
Be impeccable with your word
Always do your best
Don't make assumptions

I am dealing with a very difficult situation with my SO's family and trying hard to live by these agreements. I was told that I said something to upset his mother, but was not told what it was that I said (hard to "clean it up" when you are not sure what it is). This all took place DURING a family wedding reception in a town where I knew NOBODY. I was embarrassed and humiliated and did not even get a chance to defend myself. The entire extended family-sans one funny uncle-treated me like I was an intruder. On top of it all my SO was asked if he wanted to lose all his family for marrying me! And they don't even know me.

I guess it is their crazy-not mine and I will just have to keep my head high and keep on loving SO with all my heart. I feel terrible for him. His heart aches.

Baked Kale

2009-06-03T22:28:00.002-05:00

I had forgotten just how delicious baked kale was until tonight. I found some kale at my local grocer...BIG green beautiful leaves. Washed, rinsed, spun in the salad spinner. Remove big veins, "chiffonade" , toss lightly with GOOD olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt, spread on sheet pan, then bake at 375 for about 13 minutes or until kale looks "purplish greenish." Cool slightly, place in a linen lined basket. ENJOY! Tastes great on top of roasted vegtables and broiled orange roughy...mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....

Recognizing Wisdom

2009-05-24T07:28:00.004-05:00

I opted out of going with SO to his family's gathering. I have PMS-actually teeters on PMDD- every 28 days. I am going through it right now and am so glad that I am home with just my son to take care of-as he would say, "Easy peasy, lemon squeezey." I am spending this glorious time with books and quiet bike rides (to check up on my son).

We watched Marley & Me last night and that pretty much took care of the need to cry. I have a yellow lab (Maple) who is almost 9. She, my son, the little yorkie, Pal, and me all together in the big bed for the movie. Perfect.

My son is loving the fact that he does not have any scheduled event for a couple of days. He has been riding his bike around the "hood" and finding all sorts of new friends. He played Hot Box, jumped on the trampoline, had a watergun fight, played Ghost in The Graveyard, and rode to the park with two 9 year olds for tag on the playground equipment. I swear he grew two inches overnight.

Oh, and the pork roast turned out perfect - the lid never did slip. (see previous post)

Damn, damn, damn...

2009-05-21T08:15:00.002-05:00

This morning I was putting a pork shoulder into the crockpot. I was so glad that I had remembered to take it out of the freezer to "thaw" overnight and had just enough bbq sauce to make it tasty. Well, as I was getting ready to set the roast into the crock, it slipped from my fingers and was frozen enough to BREAK the crock. Yup. The bottom broke into chunks.

I have a second crockpot, but it is not big enough to hold the unbendable semi-frozen lump of pork. I am letting sit in the heat and have the lid propped on top-hoping that as it cooks down, the lid will GENLTY(?) fall into place. I think I may be asking for trouble.

I will let you know if my plan works. Mwahahahaha.

Phobias

2009-05-09T00:36:00.001-05:00

Outdoor Fun

2009-05-06T18:03:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago we had received a letter from our neighborhood association stating that we were in violation of association rules due to "trash in the yard." The trash they were referring to was one wooden headboard leaning against our garage. Now, trust me, if you could see some of the trashy yards in our neighborhood you would think that ours was right out of Better Homes and Gardens. I was a little put off by the letter so I painted the headboard and set some pots in front of it-a garden bed. I feel better.

We also stained our deck and added an unusual privacy screen. I will keep you posted if I hear any backlash on our new outdoor space.

The last picture is a chalk drawing I did on earth day...

Aaahhh, Chicago, women friends and MG

2009-04-19T20:30:00.003-05:00

Had a wonderful evening with Melinda June, MG, and friends. We met at MG's friend's house where we ordered Thai food. We shared entrees and all were absolutely wonderful. We then proceeded to venture out to North Center to have desserts at an interesting coffee shop. I have not been in a city atmosphere for some time and I had forgotten how much fun the city is.

Spent the night with Melinda June and BH at their lovely abode. I slept well in crisp cotton sheets perfectly complimented with a cotton blanket and feather comforter. Awoke to a nice pot of good smelling jo. Melinda knows how to make you feel so welcomed.

Of course a Sunday morning would not complete without a decent breakfast. We waited 1 and 1/2 hours for a table at Tweet-but oh so worth the wait. DELICIOUS! While we waited we went for a "walk" (read drive) to Metropolis Coffee Company for GOOD coffee drinks. I thought it to be a little silly to drive all that way for coffee-but it was a great cup of coffee-a perfectly made latte. I was so glad to be with other food/coffee snobs.

I am already looking at the calendar to find another day to meet up with Melinda and BH to hit some fun stores-especially the little shoe store in North Center. I must try on the Camper wedge in funky green and white...

New Traditions

2009-04-13T08:14:00.004-05:00

Took the whole family to Lincoln Park Zoo yesterday. It was delightful. Very few people there and the animal houses were warm shelters from the lake wind. We left the burbs around 12:45 thinking we MIGHT need our extra layers. When we got downtown it was much cooler. One of the boys changed in to his jeans while watching the seals swim around.

We enjoyed a nice big brunch of Chorizo, scrambled eggs, bunny shaped pancakes and bacon. We also made cupcakes, dyed eggs and then used the rest of the dye to make colorful tie-dyed paper towels.

After the zoo we came home to dye more paper towels and to have a yummy dinner of grilled pork tenderloin, grilled asparagus, and cupcakes for dessert.

I missed my big, loud, extended family this year. But making new traditions is just as much fun.

Great Day

2009-04-05T09:30:00.002-05:00

This morning my 7 year old made his own cinnamon/sugar toast. He has been getting his own cereal for some time, but toast is new. I got goosebumps watching him carefully spread the butter on the toast.
At first he turned the toaster around and around trying to figure out how in the world to turn it on. When I showed him how to put the bread into the slot and set the timer-he was no longer interested in any help from me.
His toast looked more like a pastry when he was done. It was dripping with butter and had actual clumps of sugar on it. I only smiled and told him how proud he makes me.
I know its just toast, but now I can have a cup of coffee while it is still hot AND read the paper while he makes his own breakfast. GREAT DAY INDEED!

Disney, Hormones and Too much fun.

2009-04-03T08:11:00.014-05:00

Well, I did it. I managed to get through 4 Disney parks in three days all the while having PMDD. It was hell. Long lines, small children on leashes, sticky stuff, sore feet and WAY too many adults in motorized scooters...but dammit I had fun!
The pictures do not do justice to how much fun the kids had. I am glad I had enough Midol during the day and enough wine at night to keep me smiling.

Nine different modes of transportation in one week. Amazing.
Car, bus, plane, people mover, tram, golf cart, monorail, paddle boat, motor boat, minivan,...oh that is ten.
Remember we are having fun here...getting three boys to pay attention to doors closing and when to get on and off the different vehicles. Making sure everyone had their bags, cameras, cell phones, that they had sunscreen on and that all have been to the potty-you know what I mean. FUN FUN FUN...

Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful for having the opportunity to even go on a vacation. And I was very impressed with how well Disney does hospitality. AMAZING. Did you know they employ 75,ooo people in just the parks?? And apparently they are having to lay off folks, too. The parks were crowded and most visitors were from other countries-taking advantage of the dollar right now. It was a great experience to meet so many different people and to see the artistry that is Disney.

HIGHLIGHTS?
I did spot this fella all dressed up (Epcot, day two)...so glad I was able to get a couple of pics. I had also had a couple of smoothies with "some" alcohol in them - made the day much better...for everyone!

This is a close up of the belt:

The cool gold painted shoes:

The hair:

THE TOTAL LOOK with FAMILY-notice shorter version of rockstar to the right!!

And to end this entry, I leave you with my favorite picture of the trip-Rex with Corndog.

43 years

2009-03-22T19:04:00.002-05:00

There is really nothing different to being 43 as there was to being 41 or 42 and I imagine that birthdays sort of glide by in your 40's...except for 45...45 seems different.

I slept in, awoke to a delicious latte, had pancakes made for me, played outside, laid down in the grass, and I took a nice long nap today on top of my freshly made bed. Today was a perfect birthday and I love being old enough to know this.

Today I was feeling like the woman I have always wanted to be and that was the best gift of all!!

WOW!!!

2009-03-20T15:55:00.002-05:00

My sweetheart bought me a beautiful Dell Laptop for my birthday and I am floored with the fast and wonderful world of computing...all I need is a fingerprint scan to access my secure pages from my laptop-cool! I am just giddy with delight.

Like great cupholders in a minivan, the best features of this new gift:
1. Color-funky spring green
2. Backlit keyboard
3. Wireless mouse
4. VERY fast

Oh the joy.

Counting Down the Days

2009-03-18T09:29:00.002-05:00

It is just 6 days until we leave for Florida and I am so excited. I love taking trips-mostly i love to pack. Prior to any MAJOR trip, I make a list and keep it on the kitchen counter until I leave. My partner thinks I am a little obsessive at times, but typically it keeps me from thinking that I might forget something. It is much like Erma Bombeck taking her clothes iron with her on trips so that she KNOWS it was not left plugged in.

CATCHING UP FROM LAST WEEK...
Went on two test drive dates. We drove two different USED Chrysler Town and Country minivans. I must say, it is a deluxe ride. Melinda June spoke highly of the model at the car show-apparently her Mum has one and loves it. The two we tested were LOADED and came with Stow-n-Go seats. In about three EASY steps the second row captain seats stow away into the floor. Very functional. Also, the foot pedals are adjustable, so short people like me can reach the them without our bellies being up next to the steering wheel-another great design. For our dinner portion of the date, we stumbled upon a great sushi place. I love sushi and this place rocked! They have all you can eat for lunch and dinner M, T, W. The special roll on the day we were there was called "The Spicy Lover's Roll." Let me just say it is wrapped in white tuna-YUMMY!!!! I have now officially moved-have found my sushi home and it is only 15 minutes from my house. I can stay a while longer.

Another great adventure from the weekend was attending a free concert. Luther College Jazz Orchestra and the Cathedral Choir performed in Tinley Park. The choir was beautiful, the jazz awesome, but the best part was at the end. They combined the two groups and did the Lutheran Doxology (Praise God from whom all blessings flow...) jazz style. It gave me goosebumps to hear them belt it out jazz style. They have not yet performed this at home, so I wonder how it will go over. I am sure that there will be a few old school Norwegians that are uncomfortable with the arrangement-but man o man it was good!

Well, now that I have officially updated all of you with my mundane blabber, I shall have another cup of coffee and watch the finches.

My First March Post

2009-03-03T07:57:00.002-06:00

Here it is already March 3rd and I am just getting back to blogging...March is my favorite month and here are just a few of the reasons why:
1. My birthday is March 22 and my fiance's is March 19.
2. You know that warmer weather is coming.
3. The first crocuses and daffodils begin pushing their way to sunshine.
4. NCAA basketball tournament...I do like to watch a few of the games and I love filling out the brackets.
5. The sloppiness of of spring thaw.
6. The smell of the earth ripening for another cycle.
7. Bright green buds.
8. This year, FLORIDA!!!
9. Spring Equinox.
10. Did I mention my birthday?

Happy March to all of you!

A Great Evening

2009-02-19T09:17:00.004-06:00

I saw Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt in concert last night at the Historic Rialto Square Theater in Joliet, IL. The theater is amazing!! It was like sitting inside of a rare jewel...and Lovett and Hiatt were having a great time. the pictures just don't do it justice. Check out the history-it was going to be demolished for a parking lot!! ONE WOMAN called everyone she knew and the enthusiasm took off.

Of course there had to be one die-hard "john" fan that would constantly yell out things, "Thanks, John" as if he personally knew the guy and at one point while Lovett was talking the same guy shouted something and Lovett stopped, looked up an said, See, that is the problem, we can't hear you when you talk when I am talking..." The crowd laughed and clapped and Mr. Call-out-a-song finally shut up.

All in all a great evening.

CAR SHOW!!!

2009-02-17T20:31:00.004-06:00

Melinda June and I had a great time at the car show. Mostly we enjoyed checking out every vehicle imaginable without the hassle of a salesperson...truly a beautiful thing.
Here we are!

Lunch...Chicago Dog-hot peppers, mustard, onion, relish, tomato, pickle spear, NO KETCHUP!

I will post more later....

Looking Forward to....

2009-02-16T10:21:00.002-06:00

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I like cars. Well, it just so happens that tomorrow is "Women's Day" at the Chicago Auto Show. I called Melinda June and she will be joining me. I cannot wait. I am taking the train into Chicago and she will meet me at my station. From there to the show then out for dinner. I promise to take lots of pictures.

On another note. In the last four days I have noticed little red patches (like bites) all over my body. they do not itch, but appear to look an awful lot like eczema. Just weird I tell ya, weird. Will watch them for the next couple of weeks and if they do not go away, I will go to doc.

I hate getting older.

One Pet Peeve

2009-02-11T08:57:00.004-06:00

I have a pet peeve about phones. Seems that answering a phone call is annoying to some people. I hate calling and having the person answering sound as if I have interrupted their time. If you don't want to talk to anyone, then don't answer the phone! Let the answering machine pick it up and listen when you have time. This seems to happening more and more-is it due to the overwhelming number of sales calls? Is it because we have lost our sense of civility and courteousness due to texting and e-mail?? Your thoughts, please.

Weekend Randomness...

2009-02-08T17:43:00.004-06:00

1. Yesterday had future in-laws here for lunch. Burgers from grill and cucumbers in sugar/vinegar...yummy meal.
2. SO's boys here for weekend...so far they have misplaced IPOD, cell phone charger, eye glasses. Of course I am to know where everything is...alas, eyeglasses found, oldest's IPOD still awol.
3. SO and I scrubbed the kitchen floor on hands and knees then I waxed them with eco-friendly stuff. They look beautiful AND so do my fingernails...I remember my cousin Anne commenting on how wonderful it was to have such shiny nails after waxing. Budget manicure!!
4. Absolutely beautiful weather both Saturday and Sunday. We hit a high of 62 degrees on Saturday. Of course we sat out on the deck until the temp dropped to 48 and it still felt warm.
5. Fresh flowers on table are a delight.
6. HAVE to go to IKEA tomorrow to buy another giant bag of tealights-darn. Yes I know that Target has them, too, but I love an excuse to go to IKEA.
7. Have a new haircut that makes me feel younger and healthier. A good hair cut goes a long way to better ones mental health.

Trust

2009-02-04T07:51:00.002-06:00

Being a parent sure does require one to trust, fully. Trust that the neighbor sees your child walking across the sidewalk before backing his car out, trusting that your child is watching for cars as he crosses the street to his stop, trusting that the bus driver will be safe on the road, trusting that his teacher will be kind, trusting that other kids will be nice to him, trusting that he will eat his lunch at school. The list goes on and on...I know he will be fine. Today just happened to be one of those days that I wanted to send him on his way in a giant "safety green" bubble.

Dragon Parade

2009-02-02T10:54:00.004-06:00

My 7 year old celebrated the Chinese New Year all week and directed me on how to make this dragon. We then proceeded to march around the kitchen island...

Random Weekend Things

2009-02-01T09:38:00.003-06:00

Had a great day yesterday. It was 40 degrees and sunny outside. My son, dog, and SO and I went to McKinley Woods for a walk. Ended up having a great snowball fight. BEAUTIFUL time together. We also made a dragon from paper mache bowl and platter. I will post those photos tomorrow.

Nothing Like One Good Pair of Red Shoes

2009-01-30T18:58:00.004-06:00

Well, I wasn't going to say anything about my new shoes. I feel almost guilty in having bought them, but ever since they arrived from Zappos I have had them on and I have zero regrets. My feet feel good, my arch feels good, my knees are fine as are my legs. I have worn them around the house all day and not one single complaint-it is as if they were made just for me. I have found my perfect Spring/Summer shoe. I want them in every color and they come in several. So cute and major comfort. I always buy GOOD footwear-and good cooking tools.

Back to Blogging -per MnMom request

2009-01-29T10:06:00.002-06:00

I have not had anything interesting in my head for some time. I am without a car, stuck in the burbs, and I live where the wind blows constantly. It is no wonder that the plains pioneers did not go insane...or did they?

I am looking forward to Spring Break. My finance (schweetie-for you Cheesecake Maven) just booked a non-stop flight to Tampa for the whole family. We will stay with his aunt and uncle. We are including a day or two at Disney World. We are able to fly down, rent a minivan, and get into Disney World for under 2K. I have never been to Disney World and my seven year old has never flown. I'm not sure what I am more excited about...warm sunny beach, Disney, or the look on my son's face when the plane takes off. Kodak moment for sure!

That is all for now...will report back if my mind starts a stirring. I think I need a good hobby-suggestions?

Check It Out!

2009-01-23T16:26:00.001-06:00

My dear friend, Nancy is selling the farm-literally. Please check it out and send any interested buyers her way...http://crestedbuttefarm.com/

Inauguration 2008 Parade According to a 7 Year Old

2009-01-21T12:15:00.007-06:00

This was drawn in a span of about 10 minutes...captions follow picture.

I didn't see Herky the Hawk-but my son drew him into his parade. Once an Iowan-always an Iowan.

Here we have the float from the state of Illinois-Abe in his tall hat and the Sears Tower marked with an "S"

This is the George Washington University Float - you do recognize the GW mascot, don't you?

Here it is in full length...he was very interested in using lots of color. All of the dots represent the bands and the rectangles with a dot on each side are the banners of course.

I think I will frame this for my office. Such a great memory.

And so it begins...

2009-01-21T07:26:00.002-06:00

How wonderful to wake up this morning in a country filled with hope again. Maybe it is just me, my there seems to have been a collective sigh of relief yesterday.

I watched and watched and cried and laughed and danced all day. When the Obamas stepped out of the limo during the parade, I held my breath and prayed that nobody would harm them. I watched the parade-yes the whole thing. LOVE CSPAN-no commentary and so candid and no commercials. My 7 yr old watched it with me and then drew a great parade picture. It looked very much like his Star Wars battle drawings. I will try to scan it and post soon.

So, what are we going to do next? I for one am looking into the possibility of getting on my neighborhood association board. It is an elected post. I have never seen anything in the mail from the assc. and for the amount of dues that are paid yearly, this neighborhood should be AWESOME. I am curious to know what we DO get for the money ...I will then be better able to talk with my neighbors about change. I will let you know how things are progressing.

Nothing

2009-01-20T08:12:00.002-06:00

I've got nothing today. I am happy to be back home after a nice weekend with my schweetie in Dubuque. We danced like crazy and had a nice hotel room to ourselves for 2 nights.

I am getting myself setup to watch the inauguration, coffee and a blanket to curl up under. I love a good ceremony. I attended Clinton's first inaugural. I was standing on Pennsylvania Ave and listening to Maya Angelou speak. It was a gloriously warm day and I had a great time.

Other than that, I am just having a wonderful Tuesday.

Sing with me...We're having a heat wave, a tropical heat wave.

2009-01-16T14:10:00.003-06:00

Yep, it is officially above zero...12 degrees above zero. WHOO HOO!

I've Been Tagged-6 Random Things

2009-01-16T10:48:00.003-06:00

Now I tag Brenda K, Suzie Q, and Madame L.....

1. I have had a job up until August 2008 since I was 14 years old. I am not quite use to not having my own income. It feels weird and I feel guilty.
2. I am happy with my body. Sure there have been days when I wished for long legs and a flat chest, but all-in-all I love my body and have always felt confident.
3. My parents were great. They had terrible fights and probably should not have stayed together, but I always felt loved and cared for. I thought we were wealthy growing up and I cannot remember ever feeling that I was going without. Could explain number 2.
4. As mentioned in a previous post, I love cars. I like to pretend shop for them on the internet. I love the 360 degree views that the online ads offer. I would love to attend a big auto show.
5. I have worked as a certified nurses aide, a veterinarian technician, a marketing director for a real estate development company, a nanny, a manager of a cooking school and lastly an assistant director of catering at a college. I loved all my jobs.
6. I have an uncanny ability to remember names of classmates going back to kindergarten.

There are my six random things-which were almost impossible to type due to the fact that my 7 year old was sitting next to me-saying, "Mom, I can make this Anakin disappear in your ear." And, "Hey, look at me." When I looked over he was wearing a tissue paper green crown from a Christmas Cracker...he gave it to me and now I am wearing it. I feel oh so festive and am reminded that life is too short to continue typing while my son is home and wants to play with me. I am blessed-oops that 7 things.

Yes, That Cold.

2009-01-15T08:00:00.003-06:00

Yes, it is January in the Midwest but this is ridiculous:

And this is without windchill....

Baby It's Cold Outside

2009-01-13T07:56:00.003-06:00

So, it is January and it is cold. I fail to see why this is news in the midwest. If I hear anything more about clippers and wind chills I am...oh, oops I am watching The Weather Channel.

As time goes by...

2009-01-09T08:14:00.004-06:00

My son turns 7 today. We made him birthday pancakes for breakfast and he just loved it!
Tonight we will take him to Famous Dave's for ribs. His "brothers" helped him pick the spot.
My son was born prematurely-only 25 weeks of oven time. He arrived at 4:00pm weighing in at 1lb,11oz. He stayed in the NICU for 101 days, had 10 blood transfusions and countless tube changes. He quit beathing and his heart stopped 2 times. The NICU team we had was unbelievable. Today he is a strong, smart 7 year old. AMAZING!
I do not know how I got through it all. I do know that the support and love from friends and family carried me most days and on the bad days, the days when the little guy struggled the hardest-I know that my mom and dad were with us, cradling me and my son in their angel arms telling me that everything will be okay.
SO, here is to my son, the survivor.

Bliss?

2009-01-07T08:48:00.003-06:00

I miss shoveling. It is such a neighborly thing to do. In my old neighborhood, I would shovel my walk, then I would shovel my neighbor's because she was disabled, my other neighbor would bring over his snowblower and take care of the driveways and we all shared hot coffee and good conversation. Mind you, we would sometimes be out 3-4 times per storm to "keep up with it."

Now shoveling in my old town is a very serious matter. They print reminders of the rules for shoveling in the paper every year and most residents follow them. My fiancee and I were out for a walk last winter and noticed a particular system used by an elderly gentleman. He not only shoveled with precision, but actually pushed the snow back away from the edge of his sidewalk a good six inches-almost like firewall of sorts. My fiancee was rather impressed and also amused but how serious this guy was about shoveling...I found myself full of pride for my hometown. (And I reminded my fiancee that walking is sure a lot safer with shoveled walks).

I am now living in a subdivision outside of Chicago in an "exburb." Nobody shovels because they assume the snow will be gone in 48 hours. I cannot tell you how annoying it is to go for a walk. I am force to walk in the street-which if you know anything about inexperienced snow drivers-which is a dangerous path. I am praying for a heavy BIG snowstorm that would FORCE these people out of their cocoons.

It is such a reflection on the apathy of people these days. I mean, they move into a neighborhood and think that community will just happen, but they have no idea that it takes personal interaction to make a community have a soul.

How appealing is it to see this:

A driveway with only tire marks. An un-shoveled front walk and front porch and no sign of any activity between the drive and the front door. It says, "Leave me alone." "I do not welcome any visitors." "I don't care-it is somebody else's problem."

Basically they drive home, pull into the garage and then poof, they are "safe." They need not worry about anything else today. They are not meeting their neighbor halfway down the walk shoveling, finding out if Mr. Smith around the corner needs any help getting his driveway cleared or if he is even okay. Hell, they don't even know that Mr. Smith lives around the corner.

How do I live here?? I shovel like a crazy woman, go for lots of walks, say hello to everyone, wave as cars drive by, volunteer at the school, and keep on going.

I guess I am just homesick.

Queen of the Rhetorical Questions?

2009-01-05T11:18:00.003-06:00

1. Do dogs think you know what they want when they sit right next to you and stare?

2. Do I really have to make "go-home" treat bags for my son's birthday party?

3. My ex-husband and his parents are spending the night at my house this weekend, am I crazy?

4. Do 14 year olds really know how to clean a bathroom without supervision?

5. Can I eat a big bowl of icecream with Jenkins Heavenly Sauce daily and lose 40 lbs?

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T10:57:00.003-06:00

My fiancee and I had a lovely New Year's Eve at home with my six year old. We bought some King Crab Legs and tri-color potatoes. My six year old had a great time cracking open the legs and kept apologizing to the crab, saying things, "Oh, poor Mr. Crab, I am so sorry to have eat you but you taste really good." I gave him a corn on the cob holder to use as a pick-he can really clean 'em out!

The potatoes were a perfect match-roasted with a little thyme, olive oil, s&p-YUM! I made a delicious sauce of butter, shallots, thyme, white wine, and lemon juice to pour over the crab legs once they were done-scrumptious.

The rest of the evening we played Upwords, washed dishes, danced in the kitchen, and watched some of Hang Em High with Clint Eastwood. At midnight we went outside and let off some fireworks. The whole neighborhood sounded like they were doing the same thing. Noisy and fun and such a celebration.

Here's to a New Year!

Aaaahhhhh

2008-12-29T22:17:00.003-06:00

No more tooth pain. I do however have two new fillings and apparently need 4 more. I cannot even tell you how astonished I am to know that I had 6 CAVITIES! I guess I am making up for lost time in the dental world....

The dentist was from India-Southern India to be exact. She gave me some great leads on authentic India Cuisine in the Joliet area...cannot wait to check them out. Always the food guru.

We have decided NOT to buy minivan at this point. We have no car payments right now and have decided to wait until summer to look again. In the meantime, we are going o go on "test driving" dates. We will test drive the best minivans we can find, then pick a great restaurant nearby to dine. No kids, new car smell, I am hooked.

You see, I am a closet car hound. I can usually tell you what make and model of car is in front of you depending on the tail lights. It is a strange hobby-but one I shared with my dad.

More to come...

Toothache

2008-12-29T09:47:00.004-06:00

I have been ignoring a toothache for one week. Today I will see the dentist and probably be told that my old filling has given out. I have only one filling and have never worn braces and am fastidious about brushing and flossing. I do not mind my yearly teeth cleaning-but I am terrified of Novocaine. Wish me luck.

My holiday thus far has been great despite missing my famliy. My partner and I set a date for nuptials (June 18, 2010), our family escaped the dreaded 24 hour intestinal bug that the rest of the clan had and we are purchasing a new (used) minivan! Three children, two dogs and luggage in a sedan makes for bitter travel. AND we cannot rent an RV for every trip.

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with my partner's youngest. We went to IKEA to buy a dresser for him (gift from santa) and then we had a nice lunch at Famous Dave's. It was great to have one on one time with him...we seem to be bonding.

Here's to a Happy New Year full of HOPE and NO MORE Dubbya. Whoo Hoo!!!

Keep the Faith

2008-12-16T14:09:00.000-06:00

I have lost both my parents. This time of the year I am always reminded of my mom's death.

I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with them on a lake outside of Stillwater, MN where I was house sitting. My other siblings were with their families, brother in SC, MNMom in NYC, and Cheesecake Maven in Alabama.

I took my parents to a big new grocery store in Stillwater to shop for the holiday. Dad had never seen anything like it! The two of them were like kids in a candy store. Dad held up brussel sprouts still on the stalk and yelled for my mom to come and "take a look at this." I was laughing so hard at them-loving every minute of it. By the time we got out of the expensive gourmet section, I had to make them each put a few things back. We had picked up enough food to feed God's army.

Back at the lake house, Mom and I got ready to go to the midnight service at the local Methodist Church. She came in to the bathroom and looked at me in the mirror and told me how beautiful I am. I am crying as I write this because if you knew my mom, you know she was not one for handing out "pretty compliments." Then she asked me for some lipstick and proceeded to primp with me. I had no idea how special this memory would be.

We were getting on our coats and it felt like she was my shadow. I turned to ask her what was wrong and she only said that she hopes I am happy and then asked me if I thought all my siblings were happy. I assured her we were. Did she know on some unconscious level that her time was near?

The service was a beautiful candle ceremony with no sermon, just hymn singing. DELIGHTFUL. It snowed over night and on Christmas day. Mom and I walked the lake - it was frozen solid. She made instant friends with the kids next door playing hockey and commented on how much my nephews would be enjoying the ice and snow.

Dad and I played Mastermind (tricky for my dad since he is almost blind), snacked on smoked herring and crackers, and talked about the lake and the history of Stillwater. We had a nice Christmas Dinner at the Lumber Baron Hotel in Stillwater.

Mom and Dad left on December 26. That is the last time I hugged my mom. She died from an acute asthma attack, January 2, 1999 after being taken off life support.

I will always cherish that Christmas.
And Mom? I will always keep the faith.

Love Joy Thanks

2008-12-11T11:50:00.001-06:00

I was out of the house this morning volunteering at my son's school. I came home and on the table....

I found this:

I love my schweetie, E.

2008-12-08T11:21:00.000-06:00

Thank you to all who have posted a pic from their kitchen sink.

I have been decking the halls. I found my box of giant pinecones that Cheesecake Maven made for us one year and hung them from a piece of gingerbread trim my mom had found in trash heap years back. It is hanging above my patio doors. I think I may add some boughs of evergreen once we get the tree...

What is the view from you kitchen sink?

2008-12-05T08:31:00.000-06:00

Below is a picture of the window sill behind my kitchen sink. I was wondering what is it that you look at everytime you are at your kitchen sink. Post a picture at your blog today!

The RV

2008-12-03T17:18:00.000-06:00

As promised, I will tell you of the RV trip home for Thanksgiving.

First off, we picked it up on Wednesday at about 9am. Lots of paper work and the contract clearly read NO PETS. We were already planning on bringing both dogs with us-so we just kept quiet (and cleaned it very well). My partner's youngest son, who is 11 proceeded to open every cabinet and drawer and bounced on every bed and claimed his place above the driver's seat. He was up there when partner made a quick acceleration and he fell to the floor-we all laughed a lot.

We loaded the essentials, linens, toilet paper, hand sanitizer(the RV had been winterized-no water on board), food and water (for humans and pets). We also packed all the groceries for Thanksgiving, and of course two skateboards (which were never used but fit nicely in one of the storage compartments under the RV).

My partner drove all the way to Decorah (five hours). The boys (14, 11 ,6) watched movies and played cards, the dogs panted and slept. We parked the beast in the driveway of Cheesecake Mavens.

Nothing out of the ordinary happened-it was just a very comfortable 5 hour ride and one of the best ways to travel as a family. The boys thought it was a true adventure and I am just glad to have provided them with great memories.

We loaded the RV with more of my belongings on the way home. The entire "bedroom" in the rear of Rv was full to the roof. We saved around $200.00 renting the RV verses:
Uhaul trailer and a new hitch for my Subaru
2 cars plus gas - 3 boys, one in car seat do not fit in Subaru
3 nights hotel
3 nights boarding two dogs

We did have to "flush" the toilet with windshield washer fluid and empty the "crapper" at a Flying J. Very easy-my partner did it-hee hee.

I did drive for a bit on I-80 and as long as you remember to double check the big side mirror and the little inset one-you are fine.

We did get pulled over by the State Trooper. The speed limit for RV's in IL is 55 not the almost 70 we were going. No ticket and the trooper was very sweet.

I recommend RVing to all of you!

2008-12-02T10:52:00.000-06:00

. Five names you go by:
a.) Ruth
b.) Ruthie
c.) Mom
d.) El Ruthaya
e.) Rootie Toot Toot

2. Three things you are wearing right now:
a.) Black yoga pants (because they are stretchy)
b.) Periwinkle microfleece jacket
c.) White tank top

3. Two things you want very badly at the moment:
a.) A second appraisal on my house to come in high!
b.) Another hot cup of coffee

4. Three people who will probably fill this out:
?????

5. Two things you did last night:
a.) made beautiful 6 point snowflakes and hung them in the window
b.) Cared for a sick partner (chicken soup and hot tea)

6. Two things you ate today:
a.) bluberry smoothie
b.) vanilla yogurt with granola

7. Two people you last talked to on the phone:
a.) realtor
b.) partner

8. Two things you are going to do tomorrow:
a.) walk
b.) bake cookies and breads for holday parties

9.) Two longest car rides:
a.) Decorah, IA to Washington DC
b.) Peoria Il to Channahon Il during a blizzard

10. Two of your favorite beverages:
a.) Red Wine
b.) Water

And More Thanksgiving Fun

2008-11-30T18:51:00.000-06:00

MnMom told you all about Thanksgiving...so here I have posted the food pics and others from the weekend. ENJOY!

2008-11-25T10:03:00.000-06:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

FRUSTRATED

2008-11-25T08:38:00.000-06:00

I wanted to post a video, but blogspot is not an option - I tried embeddng the video and that failed as well...so here is the link, please enjoy the video and I will continue trying to "Geeksquad" my way around.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OINStsPwgQ4ted

P.S. Thank you oldest sis!!!

Jello Head

2008-11-24T09:35:00.000-06:00

I drew the short straw yesterday and had to do the grocery shopping. I am usually very up for going to the store, should have known better. It went something like this:

I am in charge of the Green Bean Casserole (GBC) for Thanksgiving. I am a talented gourmet cook but my nieces and nephews claim that my GBC is the best (probably due to the fact that I double the amount of fried onions). Anyway, I was shopping for the ingredients for the the GBC and could not find the fried onions. Mind you, I was in the canned vegetable section and did grab two jars of Aunt Nellies pickled WHOLE beets-hands down the best pickled beet in a jar-just make sure you get WHOLE not sliced, they lose something the dissection-back to the story, I could NOT find the fried onions. I managed to find a helpful shelf stocker and he promptly took back to the canned vegetable isle and pointed to the fried onions-which were RIGHT NEXT to Aunt Nellie's pickled beets. I felt so stupid-but it gets better...
being a Jenkins and all I had to offer my "two cents worth" and told the stocker guy and another employee who came around the corner that they should really have an end cap with the all three GBC ingredients together since it is Thanksgiving. The two of them did an eye roll and promptly took me around the corner and said, "like this?"
"Oh, never mind," (Roseanna Roseanna Danna style) is all I said - and by the way I had grabbed two cans of green beans from this very end cap just moments before I could not find the fried onions...

Raising a Boy

2008-11-23T12:43:00.000-06:00

I tell ya, I never imagined myself as a sports person. In fact I have always been into music, drama, art, and yes even marching band (still get goosebumps watching DCI).

I have a 6 year old boy...and he is all boy. I know more about Star Wars than I care to admit. I can hold my own against an impressive offensive line in two-hand touch football AND have to listen to endless stories about battles and imaginary sports games.

Also, if MG thinks that my flatulence is surprising then he has not been around a group of 6-8 year old boys in while. MY GOD! The burping, farting, and endless talking of those bodily functions is just not something I thought I would have to be subjected to daily.

On the flip side-my son is such a light. He dances, plays the drums, and put on plays. He also loves to dress up in different "costumes." I posted a few pics here to demonstrate. Enjoy and wish me luck here in testosteroneland...

How DO You Spell Relief? S-O-L-D

2008-11-21T10:02:00.000-06:00

I sold my little house pictured above). I got enough in the sale to cover my mortgages, pay the realtor and then have a bit left over to pay off other debt. I AM SO LUCKY!

It was an emotional sale for me. The house is an 1875 Victorian Cottage in a GREAT neighborhood. It's brick and has a lovely front porch with a swing that glows the most brilliant yellow every fall.

I brought my only child home to this house. It was my sanctuary...my nest of creativity, joy, and relaxation. I will miss it.

I will not miss sitting next to frozen pipes in the winter with a blow dryer in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Nor will I miss the mice that took shelter every fall in my mudroom. I will also not miss my "one butt kitchen."

I close on December 12th...everything is set. I just have to stop holding my breath.

Thank you Thank you Thank you

2008-11-19T19:03:00.000-06:00

Thank you to all who have wished me a big welcome to blog-o-matic. I must say it is enjoyable to know that I can download the crazy crap in my head once in a while.

I am still trying to figure out how to get my scanner hooked up properly (thank you MG for the scanner, printer, computer, etc.). Once I have that figured out my sisters, MnMom and Cheesecake Maven will maybe want me to stop blogging.

My schweetie just brought me wine..mmm-my I am a lucky woman. I have posted a few pics of us and I will not go on and on about how much I am in love with him or how we met or the fact that I moved to a subdivision in a way western Chicago burb to be with him or tell you how gooshy we are together because MG and MnMom will make fun of me (again)...but I just have to say that I am so LUCKY AND HAPPY!!!! Hee hee hee hee...
as my schweetie would say, "Spread the Love, baby."

Notice what you notice and then ask why...

2008-11-18T09:24:00.000-06:00

So the BIG 3 auto makers want a bailout?? Mmmmm...let's make a short list of those who might be able and are responsible for our current economic woes and see if we might be able to help them out...

1. Bush/Cheney
2. Private Contractors in Iraq. i.e. Halliburton, CICA, Blackwater
3. Mobile/Exxon - who reported HUGE profits in their fourth quarter

I hope that with new leadership comes innovative ideas for the auto industry that will create new jobs and clean up the environment...

What a mess to have to clean up.

Here I am

2008-11-17T17:13:00.000-06:00

It is snowing outside, there is a nice pot of Thai Coconut Chicken Soup on the stovetop and there are two 6 year olds screaming at the top of their lungs while jumping from the top step to the bean bag at the bottom...so relaxing.

Gearing up for Thanksgiving...which this year will involve me, my 6 yr old and my boyfriend and his two teenagish boys taking an RV on the road. That's right-Griswolds look out!! Of course the boys are thrilled and already fighting over who gets to sleep over the cab. I will take lots of photos-promise.

In the meantime-here is a photo of the three boys under the giant silver jelly bean (Millenium Park, Chicago).

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

2008-01-31T12:04:00.000-06:00

Hello! Thank you all for encouraging me to begin blogging. I am not as crafty with scanners as my sibs (mnmom and cheesecake maven) and not nearly as witty...but I am the youngest and therefor have a leg up on them all the time.