I've mentioned Susan before.
Susan is my 64 year old fountain of menopausal wisdom friend that I work with from time to time. She's a Southern lady born and bred from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.
Susan is semi retired. She's our go-to-fill-in-girl when we're short handed at work. Which means she's been on the job a few days more than what she'd like to be lately.
Susan comes in to get away from her retired hubby whom she loves but she admits that if she doesn't get away from him from time to time she's likely to kill him. (Preach on Sister!)
Anyway, everyone was congregated in my office during a slow afternoon this week and we're "jawing" about what's happening in our lives. My boss was relating a story of woe from her weekend when I hear Susan say "Why bless your heart."
My head snapped up and I started laughing. Everyone looks at me and I say "Isn't that Southern for "You sure are a stupid idiot?""
Susan colors up and and everyone starts laughing. My boss is laughing the hardest. "I guess we all know how you think now." She says.
This got me to thinking about back-handed compliments and regional sayings.
Living in the South for the last 13 years, you have a tendency to pick up on a few phrases that the natives use. I'd love to be able to say things like "Bless your heart!" but being a displaced Yankee, it just sounds wrong. Like I'm not part of the club. But I do love to hear the natives talk "colorful" like that.
So I googled "Southern Phrases" and found this list. Some of which had me laughing. I need to learn a few of these...
Nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
That’d make a preacher cuss.
That child’s been beat with a big ole ugly stick.
Don’t pee down my back and tell me it’s raining!
On me like stink on a polecat!
If you can’t run with the big dogs, stay on the porch.
And my personal favorite... Well, butter my butt and call me a biscut!
Do ya'll have any favorite local sayings?
Showing posts with label deep thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label deep thoughts. Show all posts
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
SM - Spider Wrangler
The other morning I got in the shower and noticed a spider up on the ceiling in the corner. Our ceilings are high enough that you just can't swat at it.
Later I said to SM "Hey, did you see there's a spider in the shower?"
"Yeah." Sm responds. "It wasn't moving so I figured it was dead." That's what happens around here. If it ain't moving it must be dead and some kind of cosmic absorption will happen so we don't have to deal with it.
The next day I go into the bathroom and notice the spider has moved out of the corner but still in the ceiling crack. Still too high to deal with it.
But now I know it's alive.
"Itsy, bitsy spider...." I sing to myself in the shower.
Yesterday morning the spider is still on the ceiling but has moved directly over the spot where I stand and transform myself everyday. You know...the blow dry and plaster station.
But today he's dangling.
I eyeball him. His spidey sense must have picked up on my vibe.
He extends one long, thin creepy leg in acknowledgement.
That's it.
I march into SM office where he's checking email and say "Hey...That freakin spider is directly over my head. He's gonna drop down on me for sure if I turn the blow dryer on. Come in and deal with it. Kill it or save it I don't care just get him outta there."
SM is tender hearted when it comes to bugs. He saves them if he can.
SM comes into the bathroom with a plastic cup and an envelope that has one of our utility bills in it. He stretches and gently taps the spider onto the envelope and then into the cup.
"Happy now?" He asks.
"Yes! Thank you Mr Spider Wrangler."
And all is right with the world.
Later I said to SM "Hey, did you see there's a spider in the shower?"
"Yeah." Sm responds. "It wasn't moving so I figured it was dead." That's what happens around here. If it ain't moving it must be dead and some kind of cosmic absorption will happen so we don't have to deal with it.
The next day I go into the bathroom and notice the spider has moved out of the corner but still in the ceiling crack. Still too high to deal with it.
But now I know it's alive.
"Itsy, bitsy spider...." I sing to myself in the shower.
Yesterday morning the spider is still on the ceiling but has moved directly over the spot where I stand and transform myself everyday. You know...the blow dry and plaster station.
But today he's dangling.
I eyeball him. His spidey sense must have picked up on my vibe.
He extends one long, thin creepy leg in acknowledgement.
That's it.
I march into SM office where he's checking email and say "Hey...That freakin spider is directly over my head. He's gonna drop down on me for sure if I turn the blow dryer on. Come in and deal with it. Kill it or save it I don't care just get him outta there."
SM is tender hearted when it comes to bugs. He saves them if he can.
SM comes into the bathroom with a plastic cup and an envelope that has one of our utility bills in it. He stretches and gently taps the spider onto the envelope and then into the cup.
"Happy now?" He asks.
"Yes! Thank you Mr Spider Wrangler."
And all is right with the world.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Who Needs An Alarm Clock?
It's a well know fact that dogs thrive on routine. And my Three Amigo's have their morning routine down perfect.
They herd me along as I stumble down the hallway to the kitchen. They're worse than static cling first thing in the morning. They expect things to get done in a certain way and in a timely manner.
Trouble is, Mamma just don't move that fast anymore.
I used to be the type that could roll out of bed and be instantly awake. Not so much anymore.
I turn the kitchen light on and stand there.. blurry, fuzzy and muzzy staring at the sticky note I stuck to the picture over the sink last night that says (in heavy black marker) DEB 8:30.
(*I do that now...sticky notes that is. Over the years, I have developed the dreaded CRS disease that comes with age. Can't Remember Shit for those of you under 30 reading this blog.)
Anyhow, I'm standing there looking at this note remembering that I've got an 8:30 gig this morning with my neighbors Deb and Jean. Jean is big into charity work and I guess there's some sort of sign up/donation thing that is happening at the local park here in town for some sort of walk-a-thon. I'm still not sure what it's about or who it benefits but both Deb and Jean called me last night to make sure I'd be over at Deb's at 8:30 to drive over. Sure.
So I stand there...staring. Eventually I turn around and find 3 pairs of eyes regarding me. I stare back. Ginny's eyes flick from me to the counter where the snackies are and back again to me. Her pupils are clouding up with cataracts. "She'll be blind in a few more years." I think to myself.
Her silvery eyes flick back and forth again.
This time the message hits. "Oh! You want your snackies."
(I give the dogs a small milkbone in the morning to prevent the "yurps". Both Ginny and Casey have overactive tummies. If I don't get them a bit of food in their bellies when they wake up, they "yurp" up that nice yellow bile. Not something a girl needs to see first thing in the morning.)
Snackies ingested, I walk over to the back door and open it. "Go outside?" I ask.
All three dogs just stand there looking at me like "Why would we go outside in our backyard to do our business? Aren't you taking us for a walk?" I close the backdoor. Fine. But now you've got to wait for me to take care of my business.
Never get a dog (or a cat) if you like your bathroom privacy. No such thing. Closing doors creates scratches and wines which is not desirable when SM is still in sleepyland. So first Casey comes in and stands there looking at me. I pat her on the head. She wanders out. Then Scooter comes in and jumps up on me to make sure I'm still alive. I pet him and tell him he's a good boy. He wanders out. Ginny on the other hand treats our spare bathroom with a healthy respect. In her mind it's one of the most evil places on the planet. It's where she gets her baths and she might hang out at the door, but she rarely comes in.
I start brushing my teeth when I notice that all tree dogs are in the bathroom with me (and this is a small bathroom).
"Get Out!" I say carefully as I've got toothpaste foam in my mouth. Instantly tails start wagging, banging into the wall. "Sssshhh" I say spraying more foam. Tails start banging more. Crap! I rinse quickly, then head into the spare bedroom where I keep my clothes.
Casey jumps up on the bed. Ginnys at my feet and Scooter is guarding the door. They assume these positions everyday. Everyday!! Clothes on, I head down the hallway with Scooter racing ahead, Ginny at my hip and Casey somewhere between the two.
A little more awake now, I make SM's coffee and take my allergy pill. The dogs hover.
I walk to the hallway closet to gear up. Collars are attached. The ladies stand in certain positions while Scooter runs through their legs with excitement. Casey jumps up and puts her front legs on my back when I bend over to put my shoes on. I feel her stretching.
We head out and do 2 miles this morning. The dogs are fired up. Spring must have lots of interesting sniffies cause they stop every few yards and then drag me forward to the next one.
Back at home, they patiently wait for me to gear everyone down. Then they race to the pantry where the food is.
Casey is always there in case I drop some kibble. I take the food bowls out and start to place them in a certain order and position.
Scooter first, then Ginny, then Casey who is jumping and rearing up like she's My Pretty Pony, she's so excited.
This happens the same way day in and day out, 365 days a year. Just as I've described it above.
Except the toothpaste spew.
That was new today.
Remarkable.
They herd me along as I stumble down the hallway to the kitchen. They're worse than static cling first thing in the morning. They expect things to get done in a certain way and in a timely manner.
Trouble is, Mamma just don't move that fast anymore.
I used to be the type that could roll out of bed and be instantly awake. Not so much anymore.
I turn the kitchen light on and stand there.. blurry, fuzzy and muzzy staring at the sticky note I stuck to the picture over the sink last night that says (in heavy black marker) DEB 8:30.
(*I do that now...sticky notes that is. Over the years, I have developed the dreaded CRS disease that comes with age. Can't Remember Shit for those of you under 30 reading this blog.)
Anyhow, I'm standing there looking at this note remembering that I've got an 8:30 gig this morning with my neighbors Deb and Jean. Jean is big into charity work and I guess there's some sort of sign up/donation thing that is happening at the local park here in town for some sort of walk-a-thon. I'm still not sure what it's about or who it benefits but both Deb and Jean called me last night to make sure I'd be over at Deb's at 8:30 to drive over. Sure.
So I stand there...staring. Eventually I turn around and find 3 pairs of eyes regarding me. I stare back. Ginny's eyes flick from me to the counter where the snackies are and back again to me. Her pupils are clouding up with cataracts. "She'll be blind in a few more years." I think to myself.
Her silvery eyes flick back and forth again.
This time the message hits. "Oh! You want your snackies."
(I give the dogs a small milkbone in the morning to prevent the "yurps". Both Ginny and Casey have overactive tummies. If I don't get them a bit of food in their bellies when they wake up, they "yurp" up that nice yellow bile. Not something a girl needs to see first thing in the morning.)
Snackies ingested, I walk over to the back door and open it. "Go outside?" I ask.
All three dogs just stand there looking at me like "Why would we go outside in our backyard to do our business? Aren't you taking us for a walk?" I close the backdoor. Fine. But now you've got to wait for me to take care of my business.
Never get a dog (or a cat) if you like your bathroom privacy. No such thing. Closing doors creates scratches and wines which is not desirable when SM is still in sleepyland. So first Casey comes in and stands there looking at me. I pat her on the head. She wanders out. Then Scooter comes in and jumps up on me to make sure I'm still alive. I pet him and tell him he's a good boy. He wanders out. Ginny on the other hand treats our spare bathroom with a healthy respect. In her mind it's one of the most evil places on the planet. It's where she gets her baths and she might hang out at the door, but she rarely comes in.
I start brushing my teeth when I notice that all tree dogs are in the bathroom with me (and this is a small bathroom).
"Get Out!" I say carefully as I've got toothpaste foam in my mouth. Instantly tails start wagging, banging into the wall. "Sssshhh" I say spraying more foam. Tails start banging more. Crap! I rinse quickly, then head into the spare bedroom where I keep my clothes.
Casey jumps up on the bed. Ginnys at my feet and Scooter is guarding the door. They assume these positions everyday. Everyday!! Clothes on, I head down the hallway with Scooter racing ahead, Ginny at my hip and Casey somewhere between the two.
A little more awake now, I make SM's coffee and take my allergy pill. The dogs hover.
I walk to the hallway closet to gear up. Collars are attached. The ladies stand in certain positions while Scooter runs through their legs with excitement. Casey jumps up and puts her front legs on my back when I bend over to put my shoes on. I feel her stretching.
We head out and do 2 miles this morning. The dogs are fired up. Spring must have lots of interesting sniffies cause they stop every few yards and then drag me forward to the next one.
Back at home, they patiently wait for me to gear everyone down. Then they race to the pantry where the food is.
Casey is always there in case I drop some kibble. I take the food bowls out and start to place them in a certain order and position.
Scooter first, then Ginny, then Casey who is jumping and rearing up like she's My Pretty Pony, she's so excited.
This happens the same way day in and day out, 365 days a year. Just as I've described it above.
Except the toothpaste spew.
That was new today.
Remarkable.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Baby Blues
You may be right.
I may be crazy.
But it just might be a lunatic you're looking for.
Turn out the light,
don't try to save me.
You may be wrong for all I know,
But you may be right.
Billy Joel
When a girl's gotta wear scrubs day in and day out, just where can she find a little bit of fun? Show off her individuality?
Just glance down at her size 11's that's where. You can tell a whole lot about a person from their shoes.
I've teased the girls at work that if the power goes off in the building my shoes will glow in the dark and I can lead everyone to safety @;>
At least they're slightly better than the orange and pick tennis shoes SM handed me the other day. Those would've make me look like a duck. A duck with very large feet.
What can I say...There's just not enough humor in the world today. And if I can make a few people smile with my new "baby blues" then that's just fine by me.
I may be crazy.
But it just might be a lunatic you're looking for.
Turn out the light,
don't try to save me.
You may be wrong for all I know,
But you may be right.
Billy Joel
When a girl's gotta wear scrubs day in and day out, just where can she find a little bit of fun? Show off her individuality?
Just glance down at her size 11's that's where. You can tell a whole lot about a person from their shoes.
I've teased the girls at work that if the power goes off in the building my shoes will glow in the dark and I can lead everyone to safety @;>
At least they're slightly better than the orange and pick tennis shoes SM handed me the other day. Those would've make me look like a duck. A duck with very large feet.
What can I say...There's just not enough humor in the world today. And if I can make a few people smile with my new "baby blues" then that's just fine by me.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
America Revealed
Did you watch this yet? We did last night.
America Revealed by PBS offers up a commentry on the food industry in America. Fascinating, disturbing...it's worth the 53 minutes of your time.
After you watch it, tell me that you don't feel differently about what you put in your mouth.
America Revealed by PBS offers up a commentry on the food industry in America. Fascinating, disturbing...it's worth the 53 minutes of your time.
After you watch it, tell me that you don't feel differently about what you put in your mouth.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
What's Your Secret?
"Hey!" I say into the phone. (*SM's been in Vegas the past few days and we haven't talked at all.)
"Hey, Sweetie. So you finally decide to call me!" SM admonishes.
"I know, I know...Sorry! It's just been an insane couple of days at work." I sigh. "Seriously, I don't think I've spent 2 waking hours here at the house the last few days. I didn't get home last night until after 7 and this morning I was on the road again by 6 (am)."
It's after 6 pm now.
"God, my legs are killing me!" I whine.
"Don't you miss me at all?" SM asks.
"Honey, I didn't realize you were actually gone until today." I reply.
"When you didn't return my call, I was thinking that I'd come home to find the house empty and the bank accounts cleaned out." SM responds.
"Ha! You wish! You ain't getting off THAT easy! You think you're just gonna come home some day and find me gone?" I ask.
"What do I have to do? Can't you take a hint?" SM tosses back.
"You know what your problem is?" I ask.
"What?"
"I like you too damn much." We laugh.
"You ain't ever getting rid of me so you'd better stop whining about." I tell him. "Besides, you're in Vegas! Why don't you just win a million or two and disappear off the face of the earth. People do it all the time. Go ahead and run away while you still have the chance!"
"Would that stop you from coming after me?" SM inquires.
"Probably not." I'm grinning.
SM and I have been together for a while. 28 years together...26 of them married.
I didn't think much of it until a divorced friend told me how amazing she thinks I am for being married as long as I have. She wanted to know my secret.
Oh please! That's the kind of crap Yahoo puts on their home page. I can see it now...Ten Secrets To A Long, Happy Marriage. With a picture of a beautiful guy and girl cuddled up together.
Psst....You want to know what the secret is? There is no secret. It's a pot shot kids and you either have the stones to hang in there together or you don't.
Life tosses too much crap at all of us. And we are all essentially selfish human beings.
Toss in kids, money problems, drugs, alcohol, his family, your family...there's no good way to say it. You can work on your marriage till you're blue in the face and it won't make a difference if your partner isn't on board with you. It either works or it doesn't. So stop feeling guilty.
Now while there may not be any secret to a long lasting marriage, I do think that there are some things that can help.
Marry your friend, not your lover.
Trust me...Romantic love comes and goes. But your friends hang in there with you through thick and thin.
Some days you'll wake up and you'll want to poke his eyes out, he's pissing you off so badly. Other times you'll slam the door in his face as you lay on the floor in front of the toilet puking your guts up. It ain't pretty and it's no place for your lover. But your friend will stick around to apologize for pissing you off and your friend will be there to hang a wet washcloth around your neck.
Don't over think it.
Oh yeah, when I was younger I used to cross examine every thought and decision that flitted through SM's head "because I am a part of this marriage too and don't you want to know what I think about that?"
"Yes" there is communication and "yes" there is trust. But trust should come first. And trust me...if you do end up together for a long time, the measure of that time has already explained itself. You will know far too much about what your partner is thinking at any given moment. And you'll miss the mystery.
It's OK to fake it.
I bet you thought I was thinking about sex right? Actually, I was going to say that it's good to fake interest in the things that make your partner happy.
Only in the last few years has SM discovered that I really don't give a crap about football, basketball, golf etc. For the first 20 years or so of our marriage I would go to the games with him and watch the Superbowl and inquire about how Tiger is doing. I was very good at faking it.
In reality, I could care less. But if it makes him happy do these things and talk about this player or that...Really, how hard can that be. I care about him. I just don't care about all that other stuff. So I just tune him out. Blahhh, blah, blah. White noise. It's OK to fake it. Really.
Humor is a good thing in a marriage.
I think I've shared enough stories about SM and I here in this blog to give you an example of how important I think a sense of humor is. Ya gotta be able to laugh. Period.
And lastly...
I promised. So did he. And that means a lot.
"Hey, Sweetie. So you finally decide to call me!" SM admonishes.
"I know, I know...Sorry! It's just been an insane couple of days at work." I sigh. "Seriously, I don't think I've spent 2 waking hours here at the house the last few days. I didn't get home last night until after 7 and this morning I was on the road again by 6 (am)."
It's after 6 pm now.
"God, my legs are killing me!" I whine.
"Don't you miss me at all?" SM asks.
"Honey, I didn't realize you were actually gone until today." I reply.
"When you didn't return my call, I was thinking that I'd come home to find the house empty and the bank accounts cleaned out." SM responds.
"Ha! You wish! You ain't getting off THAT easy! You think you're just gonna come home some day and find me gone?" I ask.
"What do I have to do? Can't you take a hint?" SM tosses back.
"You know what your problem is?" I ask.
"What?"
"I like you too damn much." We laugh.
"You ain't ever getting rid of me so you'd better stop whining about." I tell him. "Besides, you're in Vegas! Why don't you just win a million or two and disappear off the face of the earth. People do it all the time. Go ahead and run away while you still have the chance!"
"Would that stop you from coming after me?" SM inquires.
"Probably not." I'm grinning.
SM and I have been together for a while. 28 years together...26 of them married.
I didn't think much of it until a divorced friend told me how amazing she thinks I am for being married as long as I have. She wanted to know my secret.
Oh please! That's the kind of crap Yahoo puts on their home page. I can see it now...Ten Secrets To A Long, Happy Marriage. With a picture of a beautiful guy and girl cuddled up together.
Psst....You want to know what the secret is? There is no secret. It's a pot shot kids and you either have the stones to hang in there together or you don't.
Life tosses too much crap at all of us. And we are all essentially selfish human beings.
Toss in kids, money problems, drugs, alcohol, his family, your family...there's no good way to say it. You can work on your marriage till you're blue in the face and it won't make a difference if your partner isn't on board with you. It either works or it doesn't. So stop feeling guilty.
Now while there may not be any secret to a long lasting marriage, I do think that there are some things that can help.
Marry your friend, not your lover.
Trust me...Romantic love comes and goes. But your friends hang in there with you through thick and thin.
Some days you'll wake up and you'll want to poke his eyes out, he's pissing you off so badly. Other times you'll slam the door in his face as you lay on the floor in front of the toilet puking your guts up. It ain't pretty and it's no place for your lover. But your friend will stick around to apologize for pissing you off and your friend will be there to hang a wet washcloth around your neck.
Don't over think it.
Oh yeah, when I was younger I used to cross examine every thought and decision that flitted through SM's head "because I am a part of this marriage too and don't you want to know what I think about that?"
"Yes" there is communication and "yes" there is trust. But trust should come first. And trust me...if you do end up together for a long time, the measure of that time has already explained itself. You will know far too much about what your partner is thinking at any given moment. And you'll miss the mystery.
It's OK to fake it.
I bet you thought I was thinking about sex right? Actually, I was going to say that it's good to fake interest in the things that make your partner happy.
Only in the last few years has SM discovered that I really don't give a crap about football, basketball, golf etc. For the first 20 years or so of our marriage I would go to the games with him and watch the Superbowl and inquire about how Tiger is doing. I was very good at faking it.
In reality, I could care less. But if it makes him happy do these things and talk about this player or that...Really, how hard can that be. I care about him. I just don't care about all that other stuff. So I just tune him out. Blahhh, blah, blah. White noise. It's OK to fake it. Really.
Humor is a good thing in a marriage.
I think I've shared enough stories about SM and I here in this blog to give you an example of how important I think a sense of humor is. Ya gotta be able to laugh. Period.
And lastly...
I promised. So did he. And that means a lot.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Transference and Transformation
One of the big problems with having crappy soil is that you've got to build it up in order to get anything of value back out. What is it they say? Garbage in, garbage out? But this takes time and the only short cut you can take is to buy your compost and toss it in.
We were spreading our bulk compost the other day. SM is in the pickup tossing it out, I'm in the garden tossing it into another pile that's closer to the bed that it will eventually end up in.
That's the problem with bulk compost. It's cheaper than the bagged stuff but you've got to put some effort into getting it where you want it to be. And this garden is now "officially" too big to toss it there in just one step.
Anyhow, as we were transferring the good stuff around, we're also talking.
"You know, for $28 a load this is pretty good stuff" I say admiring the crumbly blackness of the compost. "I mean, it's a good investment, but some people would say that's it's not necessarily a smart one."
"What do you mean not a smart one?" SM asks. "We've chosen to grow our own for the taste and for the health of it. Can you put a price on that?"
"Well, you can buy organic at the store...or just be ignorant for that matter and just keep buying the same ole, same ole like we do now." I point out. "It's not like we're there yet. We still buy produce and fruit at the store and I don't shop organic. Too expensive."
"True. I did buy those grapes from Sams the other week. They came from Chile so who knows what kind of chemicals and crap are on them." SM reflects. "They were good though."
"Well, even that's a matter of opinion. How do you know that they were all that good unless you ate some grapes that we grew here at the house and compared. Remember the lettuce?" I ask.
(*One of the first things we grew here was lettuce. I still remember how good that home grown lettuce was fresh out of the garden. We rarely eat store bought lettuce (when it's out of season) because of the taste. Or lack of it.)
"Still, even though this hasn't been a cheap thing to do right now, I still think in the long run it'll pay us back tenfold as the years go by. We shouldn't have to keep tossing compost into this for much longer. All we'll need to start doing is tossing in organics for maintenance." I pause, thinking about the future.
"How much do you think we've spent?" SM asks.
"You don't want to know..." I say, shaking my head. "Tally it up. Trees, bushes, compost, wood framing, fencing, seeds...This is not a cheap thing to do at all. That's why some people might consider this a pretty stupid thing to do. We've probably dropped at least a grand into it so far. Can you honestly say that we've eaten a thousand dollars worth of fruit and veggies? Of course not. That's why it's an investment in our future. A transformation." I say waving my hand encompassing the whole of the backyard.
This blog is named 500 Dollar Tomato because at the time, that's the amount of project money we had to start with. As the years go by and we keep making improvements here and there, it all adds up. And more to be spent still. On the radar is getting the worm towers started, buying shade cloth in anticipation of the hot, hot scorching Summer and rain barrels.
It may have started off as a 500 dollar "project" but it will eventually turn into an actual 500 dollar tomato.
How prophetic...
We were spreading our bulk compost the other day. SM is in the pickup tossing it out, I'm in the garden tossing it into another pile that's closer to the bed that it will eventually end up in.
That's the problem with bulk compost. It's cheaper than the bagged stuff but you've got to put some effort into getting it where you want it to be. And this garden is now "officially" too big to toss it there in just one step.
Anyhow, as we were transferring the good stuff around, we're also talking.
"You know, for $28 a load this is pretty good stuff" I say admiring the crumbly blackness of the compost. "I mean, it's a good investment, but some people would say that's it's not necessarily a smart one."
"What do you mean not a smart one?" SM asks. "We've chosen to grow our own for the taste and for the health of it. Can you put a price on that?"
"Well, you can buy organic at the store...or just be ignorant for that matter and just keep buying the same ole, same ole like we do now." I point out. "It's not like we're there yet. We still buy produce and fruit at the store and I don't shop organic. Too expensive."
"True. I did buy those grapes from Sams the other week. They came from Chile so who knows what kind of chemicals and crap are on them." SM reflects. "They were good though."
"Well, even that's a matter of opinion. How do you know that they were all that good unless you ate some grapes that we grew here at the house and compared. Remember the lettuce?" I ask.
(*One of the first things we grew here was lettuce. I still remember how good that home grown lettuce was fresh out of the garden. We rarely eat store bought lettuce (when it's out of season) because of the taste. Or lack of it.)
"Still, even though this hasn't been a cheap thing to do right now, I still think in the long run it'll pay us back tenfold as the years go by. We shouldn't have to keep tossing compost into this for much longer. All we'll need to start doing is tossing in organics for maintenance." I pause, thinking about the future.
"How much do you think we've spent?" SM asks.
"You don't want to know..." I say, shaking my head. "Tally it up. Trees, bushes, compost, wood framing, fencing, seeds...This is not a cheap thing to do at all. That's why some people might consider this a pretty stupid thing to do. We've probably dropped at least a grand into it so far. Can you honestly say that we've eaten a thousand dollars worth of fruit and veggies? Of course not. That's why it's an investment in our future. A transformation." I say waving my hand encompassing the whole of the backyard.
This blog is named 500 Dollar Tomato because at the time, that's the amount of project money we had to start with. As the years go by and we keep making improvements here and there, it all adds up. And more to be spent still. On the radar is getting the worm towers started, buying shade cloth in anticipation of the hot, hot scorching Summer and rain barrels.
It may have started off as a 500 dollar "project" but it will eventually turn into an actual 500 dollar tomato.
How prophetic...
Friday, March 30, 2012
In Praise of "The Beater"
It's no joke that we run our cars into the ground around here. SM's minivan is the new kid on the block and even that's got 110K on it. My 13 yo Jeep just hit the 240K mark.
And then there's "The Beater." So named cause we beat it up every chance we get and we don't care that we do!"
We live in a pretty normal suburban neighborhood and while you can mostly find practical, middle class vehicles like Honda's and a few upper crusty cars like Lexus's, there are plenty of working class people with pickup trucks here in the hood.
But no one has a pickup quite like mine.
Our Beater wheezes and chirps like she's taking her last breath. She pulls constantly to the right and badly needs an alignment. One of the side mirrors is busted and gone. She never gets a bath unless it rains and she's filthy inside and out and filled with tons of SM's work crap.
But everyone around us knows that if they need to haul something to or from their house all they have to do is ask. "The Beater" is available to everyone. No questions asked. Smack it around. Scrape it up. We don't care.
The engine on this thing still turns over with the flick of a key. That's all I ask. Her tires flatten under the weight of a yard of compost. We'll drive slowly back to the house at 30 miles an hour with far younger, flashier cars lining up behind us waiting for us to turn off the road.
She's 16 years old and has who knows how many miles on her since her odometer broke a long, long time ago.
I used to drive her to work back when gas was cheap. She's too much of a gas hog to do that now. I remember people always gave me a wide berth. It didn't matter if I was chugging down the road or parking it in the lot. All those fussy, fancy cars stayed far, far away from my beat up old truck.
That's right. I'm big and I'm bad. I'm not too pretty, but I get the job done. I'm old and busted.
And I wouldn't want it any other way.
And then there's "The Beater." So named cause we beat it up every chance we get and we don't care that we do!"
We live in a pretty normal suburban neighborhood and while you can mostly find practical, middle class vehicles like Honda's and a few upper crusty cars like Lexus's, there are plenty of working class people with pickup trucks here in the hood.
But no one has a pickup quite like mine.
Our Beater wheezes and chirps like she's taking her last breath. She pulls constantly to the right and badly needs an alignment. One of the side mirrors is busted and gone. She never gets a bath unless it rains and she's filthy inside and out and filled with tons of SM's work crap.
But everyone around us knows that if they need to haul something to or from their house all they have to do is ask. "The Beater" is available to everyone. No questions asked. Smack it around. Scrape it up. We don't care.
The engine on this thing still turns over with the flick of a key. That's all I ask. Her tires flatten under the weight of a yard of compost. We'll drive slowly back to the house at 30 miles an hour with far younger, flashier cars lining up behind us waiting for us to turn off the road.
She's 16 years old and has who knows how many miles on her since her odometer broke a long, long time ago.
I used to drive her to work back when gas was cheap. She's too much of a gas hog to do that now. I remember people always gave me a wide berth. It didn't matter if I was chugging down the road or parking it in the lot. All those fussy, fancy cars stayed far, far away from my beat up old truck.
That's right. I'm big and I'm bad. I'm not too pretty, but I get the job done. I'm old and busted.
And I wouldn't want it any other way.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Hot Pocket
SM and I often fight over the covers. You know, in bed. It's often tug of war to be sure. SM came out the other morning apologizing over the fact that he had hogged the covers again.
"No you didn't." I said accepting his good morning kiss.
"But everything was on my side of the bed." SM protested.
"That's because I threw everything over on to you, I get so hot." I replied.
"You don't look like you're hot now." SM says noticing that I've got a pullover on.
"Yeah, that's what's weird about it. I get the random hot flash here and there but I can guarantee that between midnight and 6am I'll be tossing and turning in a sweat."
"Glad I'm not a girl." SM says making his coffee. "Are you going to get on hormones?"
"I'm going to try not to, although Natalie (a friend) says it stopped her hot flashes. I just don't think I'm miserable enough to want to consider HRT yet."
Since we'd had that conversation, I figured I'd better get educated so I googled the pros and cons of HRT. Which said that you should try to stay off them unless your symptoms are moderate to severe.
So I googled Peri-menopause symptoms and came across this blog.
Well, crap. I guess I'd better raise my expectations a bit. It sounds delightful though doesn't it?
Anyway, I also went online looking to see if there was such a thing as cool sheets and pillows. And there are! Check this out. Has anyone tried this stuff?
We sleep on a memory foam mattress that is supposed to already adapt to your body's temperature. But I have a mattress pad on it. I wondered if THAT was making me hot. So I took it off and guess what! I've slept better that past 2 nights than I have in months. The heat from the bed drove me away and I would end up sleeping on the couch. I still wake up warm from time to time but no sweats.
Coincidence? Maybe. Time will tell but it's been wonderful actually getting a couple of good nights sleep.
"No you didn't." I said accepting his good morning kiss.
"But everything was on my side of the bed." SM protested.
"That's because I threw everything over on to you, I get so hot." I replied.
"You don't look like you're hot now." SM says noticing that I've got a pullover on.
"Yeah, that's what's weird about it. I get the random hot flash here and there but I can guarantee that between midnight and 6am I'll be tossing and turning in a sweat."
"Glad I'm not a girl." SM says making his coffee. "Are you going to get on hormones?"
"I'm going to try not to, although Natalie (a friend) says it stopped her hot flashes. I just don't think I'm miserable enough to want to consider HRT yet."
Since we'd had that conversation, I figured I'd better get educated so I googled the pros and cons of HRT. Which said that you should try to stay off them unless your symptoms are moderate to severe.
So I googled Peri-menopause symptoms and came across this blog.
35 Symptoms of Peri menopause
- Hot flashes, flushes, night sweats and/or cold flashes, clammy feeling
- Irregular heart beat
- Irritability
- Mood swings, sudden tears
- Trouble sleeping through the night (with or without night sweats)
- Irregular periods; shorter, lighter periods; heavier periods, flooding; phantom periods, shorter cycles, longer cycles
- Loss of libido
- Dry vagina
- Crashing fatigue
- Anxiety, feeling ill at ease
- Feelings of dread, apprehension, doom
- Difficulty concentrating, disorientation, mental confusion
- Disturbing memory lapses
- Incontinence, especially upon sneezing, laughing; urge incontinence
- Itchy, crawly skin
- Aching, sore joints, muscles and tendons
- Increased tension in muscles
- Breast tenderness
- Headache change: increase or decrease
- Gastrointestinal distress, indigestion, flatulence, gas pain, nausea
- Sudden bouts of bloat
- Depression
- Exacerbation of existing conditions
- Increase in allergies
- Weight gain
- Hair loss or thinning, head, pubic, or whole body; increase in facial hair
- Dizziness, vertigo, light-headedness, episodes of loss of balance
- Changes in body odor
- Electric shock sensation under the skin and in the head
- Tingling in the extremities
- Gum problems, increased bleeding
- Burning tongue, burning roof of mouth, bad taste in mouth, change in breath odor
- Osteoporosis (after several years)
- Changes in fingernails: softer, crack or break easier
- Tinnitus: ringing in ears, bells, ‘whooshing,’ buzzing etc.
Well, crap. I guess I'd better raise my expectations a bit. It sounds delightful though doesn't it?
Anyway, I also went online looking to see if there was such a thing as cool sheets and pillows. And there are! Check this out. Has anyone tried this stuff?
We sleep on a memory foam mattress that is supposed to already adapt to your body's temperature. But I have a mattress pad on it. I wondered if THAT was making me hot. So I took it off and guess what! I've slept better that past 2 nights than I have in months. The heat from the bed drove me away and I would end up sleeping on the couch. I still wake up warm from time to time but no sweats.
Coincidence? Maybe. Time will tell but it's been wonderful actually getting a couple of good nights sleep.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Venus Fly Trap
You know how they say that men are from Mars and women are from Venus? Well, this crafty Venus girl got what she wanted the other day. And SM fell right into my trap. Whaa ha ha....
Remember a few days ago when I posted about wanting some help with all the compost hauling? I try to do most things without whining about it too much. But when it comes to things that require a bit of muscle I'm not shy about admitting that my upper body strength sucks. I'm a full fledged wimp. I can get it done on my own but it takes me a L O N G time to do it.
Friday morning and SM is standing there with a cup of coffee at 7am.
"You're off today...what are you going to do?" SM asks.
"What aren't I doing today?" I sigh dramatically. "Everything. Look at this house, it's filthy and I've got so much work do outside."
"You going to weed and spread the mulch?" SM asks. (He's just full of questions isn't he?)
I sigh again..."I'm really torn. I thought I'd have more time to get the garden going but look at this weather? I really think I need to concentrate on hauling some compost today. It's supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow and you won't be here next week (Vegas) And I've got strawberries shipping next week and no place to plant them..." I fade off hoping I'll get a nibble.
Blink, Blink. (*It also never hurts to flutter your lashes at your guy either, Girls.)
"Well, I'm free this morning. Need some help?" SNAP GOES THE FLY TRAP.
"Sure can!" I say enthusiastically all the while thinking "Suck-er! You belong to me now!"
"When do they open?" SM inquires.
"7:30" I say.
SM looks at the clock (7:18am) "Well, you've got their hours memorized don't you?"
So off we go to get the bulk compost. One yard for $26 and it's good stuff.
So that's how I got my man to help out with the compost hauling. I guess the Ole Girl's still got it, huh?
Remember a few days ago when I posted about wanting some help with all the compost hauling? I try to do most things without whining about it too much. But when it comes to things that require a bit of muscle I'm not shy about admitting that my upper body strength sucks. I'm a full fledged wimp. I can get it done on my own but it takes me a L O N G time to do it.
Friday morning and SM is standing there with a cup of coffee at 7am.
"You're off today...what are you going to do?" SM asks.
"What aren't I doing today?" I sigh dramatically. "Everything. Look at this house, it's filthy and I've got so much work do outside."
"You going to weed and spread the mulch?" SM asks. (He's just full of questions isn't he?)
I sigh again..."I'm really torn. I thought I'd have more time to get the garden going but look at this weather? I really think I need to concentrate on hauling some compost today. It's supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow and you won't be here next week (Vegas) And I've got strawberries shipping next week and no place to plant them..." I fade off hoping I'll get a nibble.
Blink, Blink. (*It also never hurts to flutter your lashes at your guy either, Girls.)
"Well, I'm free this morning. Need some help?" SNAP GOES THE FLY TRAP.
"Sure can!" I say enthusiastically all the while thinking "Suck-er! You belong to me now!"
"When do they open?" SM inquires.
"7:30" I say.
SM looks at the clock (7:18am) "Well, you've got their hours memorized don't you?"
So off we go to get the bulk compost. One yard for $26 and it's good stuff.
So that's how I got my man to help out with the compost hauling. I guess the Ole Girl's still got it, huh?
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Shifting Priorties
Lately I feel like I'm walking on quick sand. One step in this direction...No, that doesn't feel right. Lets try the other way...Ooo that's better. But then 10 steps down that road, something else comes up and has me thinking that I'd better head over in that direction.
With this "Ka-Blam" Springtime weather we're having lately, I've been feeling like I need to shift my priorities daily. I start off alright but by the end of the day I'm scratching my head wondering just what did I get done today.
I took a few days off this week as two of my Dr's are taking some much needed vacations with their families. So given the option of twiddling my thumbs at work or taking some PTO and busting my double-wide here at the house, I opted to take Wednesday and Friday off to try and get a handle on things around the plantation.
Wednesday started off great with a 3am hot flash and me getting up to watch some TV hoping to go back down. But then I made the mistake of watching some TiVoed Hot in Cleveland which has got to be the funniest thing ever. I was laughing so hard I was afraid I'd wake up SM. I just started watching HIC this year and I tell you...Betty White kills every time. What good writing.
After my laughfest I walked the dogs, fed them, spent a hour or so on your blogs, another hour on my blog, (these posts don't write themselves do they?) trimmed Ginnys and Caseys nails, (Poor Casey was twitching like she was being electroshocked) loaded the dishwasher, ate some breakfast and once I saw that the sun was filtering through the fog, stepped out onto the porch to survey my domain.
"It should be pretty easy pulling weeds today after that rainstorm last night." SM decrees, already assigning me my tasks for the day.
I hate weeding. But SM hates it even more. So shifting the twitches that rippled down my back in anticipation of another fun filled day hanging upside down, I headed out eyeballing the beds. As I strolled around the wet grass with the dogs zipping here and there, I noted that the lawn needed mowed. Again. "But I can do that this afternoon." I muttered to myself wandering over to go look at the garden.
What a mess. But not really. The weeds are mostly suppressed by the cardboard. But I'll need more. I'm finding it most effective to lay cardboard in the walkways twice a year. It may not look pretty but it's a cheap fix if you can find it. I went cardboard hunting on Monday and mostly struck out. Lots of little stuff but that's just a pain. I want the medium to large boxes. I even went in to talk to the grocery store manager who told me that Mondays are not a good day in the world of cardboard dumpster diving. But I was welcome to come back on Wednesday and Friday as they are better for boxes. So add that to the list of ToDo's for today.
Some of the beds and the new double dig area needs more compost, and I wouldn't mind going and getting a load today but we had rain last night so that'll make hauling it and shoveling it harder than it needs to be. Besides, I'd rather wait until I can coerce SM into helping with that.
Fencing needs moved after the compost goes in. Do I want to plant some pears? If so I'd better get a move on. I ordered the strawberries on Monday so those will be shipped next week. I need to back-fill the hole that the shrub came out of last weekend.
This is where the new strawberry bed will go. Do rabbits eat the strawberry plants? If so, I'll have to delay planting them until the fence is moved which means compost is the first priority.
Actually weeding first, then cardboard, then compost...
Oh great, the cat just puked on the carpeting. OK...clean the carpet first, then weed, then cardboard, then compost.
Geez, can you dogs try and wipe your feet before you come in the house? The floors all tracked up and muddy. Might as well get out the mop and clean up the floors. But you guys look like you could use a bath. (sigh)
OK...Lets see. Baths first, then mop, then clean the carpets, then go out and weed...
Oh Crap! I've got a hair appointment today. The girl I've been with for the past year made me so blond I'm starting to feel ditsy so I'm done with her. I'm trying a different stylist who I hope will toss in some brown "low lights" to bring me back down to earth.
OK...Let's see. Mop the floor first, then clean the carpet, then get my hair done, then dumpster dive for cardboard while I'm out, then come home and mow the lawn...maybe I'll give the dogs a bath later.
So the floor got mopped and then I got my hair done. I dumpster dived to find a few boxes, not much though. Came home and cleaned the carpets. Hopped on the mower and did our lawn and sat back and considered my neighbors yard.
Yes I have one of those neighbors. The house right beside the garden is occupied by a Mom and her 2 adult children. We never see them which is sorta nice but also sorta weird since you don't know really know if anyone's dead or alive. They hire out their yard work every year but wait to hire a service until their grass is impossibly high.
I'm concerned about this because we're having an early season. I'm sure that tall grass will attract fleas, ticks, snakes and mice. Last year when she did this I actually found a copperhead in my garden. (shudder) And had fleas for the first time in years.
So I sat and looked at her lawn. Yes, I am THAT sort of neighbor. A "busy-body" to be sure. If I was going to intervene and mow it, I'd better do it soon. That grass was already 2 feet high.
I went over and rang the bell. Twice. I walked around back and noted that a car was there. (They never answer their door.) I walked around the back yard making sure nothing would damage the mower. I walked back around the front and noticed a neighbor across the street was out, so I went over and chatted with her. Any news? We discussed the yard, (I wasn't the only one concerned) she offered to help, I waved her off. I knew if SM was home he'd tell me to leave it alone. But I can't. So for purely selfish reasons, I went over and mowed their yard.
Dropping a hint? I'm not subtle am I?
It was HIGH and on top of all THAT, I think I might have gotten poison ivy on my wrist. (*No good deed every goes unpunished.)
So that's how my days have been. All over the place. Did the weeding get done?
No. But there's always tomorrow.
With this "Ka-Blam" Springtime weather we're having lately, I've been feeling like I need to shift my priorities daily. I start off alright but by the end of the day I'm scratching my head wondering just what did I get done today.
I took a few days off this week as two of my Dr's are taking some much needed vacations with their families. So given the option of twiddling my thumbs at work or taking some PTO and busting my double-wide here at the house, I opted to take Wednesday and Friday off to try and get a handle on things around the plantation.
Wednesday started off great with a 3am hot flash and me getting up to watch some TV hoping to go back down. But then I made the mistake of watching some TiVoed Hot in Cleveland which has got to be the funniest thing ever. I was laughing so hard I was afraid I'd wake up SM. I just started watching HIC this year and I tell you...Betty White kills every time. What good writing.
After my laughfest I walked the dogs, fed them, spent a hour or so on your blogs, another hour on my blog, (these posts don't write themselves do they?) trimmed Ginnys and Caseys nails, (Poor Casey was twitching like she was being electroshocked) loaded the dishwasher, ate some breakfast and once I saw that the sun was filtering through the fog, stepped out onto the porch to survey my domain.
"It should be pretty easy pulling weeds today after that rainstorm last night." SM decrees, already assigning me my tasks for the day.
I hate weeding. But SM hates it even more. So shifting the twitches that rippled down my back in anticipation of another fun filled day hanging upside down, I headed out eyeballing the beds. As I strolled around the wet grass with the dogs zipping here and there, I noted that the lawn needed mowed. Again. "But I can do that this afternoon." I muttered to myself wandering over to go look at the garden.
What a mess. But not really. The weeds are mostly suppressed by the cardboard. But I'll need more. I'm finding it most effective to lay cardboard in the walkways twice a year. It may not look pretty but it's a cheap fix if you can find it. I went cardboard hunting on Monday and mostly struck out. Lots of little stuff but that's just a pain. I want the medium to large boxes. I even went in to talk to the grocery store manager who told me that Mondays are not a good day in the world of cardboard dumpster diving. But I was welcome to come back on Wednesday and Friday as they are better for boxes. So add that to the list of ToDo's for today.
Some of the beds and the new double dig area needs more compost, and I wouldn't mind going and getting a load today but we had rain last night so that'll make hauling it and shoveling it harder than it needs to be. Besides, I'd rather wait until I can coerce SM into helping with that.
Fencing needs moved after the compost goes in. Do I want to plant some pears? If so I'd better get a move on. I ordered the strawberries on Monday so those will be shipped next week. I need to back-fill the hole that the shrub came out of last weekend.
This is where the new strawberry bed will go. Do rabbits eat the strawberry plants? If so, I'll have to delay planting them until the fence is moved which means compost is the first priority.
Actually weeding first, then cardboard, then compost...
Oh great, the cat just puked on the carpeting. OK...clean the carpet first, then weed, then cardboard, then compost.
Geez, can you dogs try and wipe your feet before you come in the house? The floors all tracked up and muddy. Might as well get out the mop and clean up the floors. But you guys look like you could use a bath. (sigh)
OK...Lets see. Baths first, then mop, then clean the carpets, then go out and weed...
Oh Crap! I've got a hair appointment today. The girl I've been with for the past year made me so blond I'm starting to feel ditsy so I'm done with her. I'm trying a different stylist who I hope will toss in some brown "low lights" to bring me back down to earth.
OK...Let's see. Mop the floor first, then clean the carpet, then get my hair done, then dumpster dive for cardboard while I'm out, then come home and mow the lawn...maybe I'll give the dogs a bath later.
So the floor got mopped and then I got my hair done. I dumpster dived to find a few boxes, not much though. Came home and cleaned the carpets. Hopped on the mower and did our lawn and sat back and considered my neighbors yard.
Yes I have one of those neighbors. The house right beside the garden is occupied by a Mom and her 2 adult children. We never see them which is sorta nice but also sorta weird since you don't know really know if anyone's dead or alive. They hire out their yard work every year but wait to hire a service until their grass is impossibly high.
I'm concerned about this because we're having an early season. I'm sure that tall grass will attract fleas, ticks, snakes and mice. Last year when she did this I actually found a copperhead in my garden. (shudder) And had fleas for the first time in years.
So I sat and looked at her lawn. Yes, I am THAT sort of neighbor. A "busy-body" to be sure. If I was going to intervene and mow it, I'd better do it soon. That grass was already 2 feet high.
I went over and rang the bell. Twice. I walked around back and noted that a car was there. (They never answer their door.) I walked around the back yard making sure nothing would damage the mower. I walked back around the front and noticed a neighbor across the street was out, so I went over and chatted with her. Any news? We discussed the yard, (I wasn't the only one concerned) she offered to help, I waved her off. I knew if SM was home he'd tell me to leave it alone. But I can't. So for purely selfish reasons, I went over and mowed their yard.
Dropping a hint? I'm not subtle am I?
It was HIGH and on top of all THAT, I think I might have gotten poison ivy on my wrist. (*No good deed every goes unpunished.)
So that's how my days have been. All over the place. Did the weeding get done?
No. But there's always tomorrow.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Simple
What a mess!
It's a hodge-podge weekend around here for sure...In my head at least.
There is SO much to do that I feel distracted because every time I start on one thing, something else comes up and "oops" there's another thing that needs doing.
I've started a list and boy is it getting crowded. Everything is on it from trimming the dogs nails to looking at bathroom cabinets to cleaning the AC unit. (Hard to believe that anyone is running their AC yet, but I've been tempted, let me tell you!)
So as distracted as I am right now, I looked up to find a moment of peace and serenity yesterday.
The beauty of a peach blossom, framed against a pure blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Simple.
I could look at that tree all day.
It's a peach "stick" right now to be honest, but I know that a few years from now I just might take a moment from my busy day, lay on the ground and look up at a mass of peach blossoms against a blue sky and marvel that somehow, Spring has come once more.
It's a hodge-podge weekend around here for sure...In my head at least.
There is SO much to do that I feel distracted because every time I start on one thing, something else comes up and "oops" there's another thing that needs doing.
I've started a list and boy is it getting crowded. Everything is on it from trimming the dogs nails to looking at bathroom cabinets to cleaning the AC unit. (Hard to believe that anyone is running their AC yet, but I've been tempted, let me tell you!)
So as distracted as I am right now, I looked up to find a moment of peace and serenity yesterday.
The beauty of a peach blossom, framed against a pure blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Simple.
I could look at that tree all day.
It's a peach "stick" right now to be honest, but I know that a few years from now I just might take a moment from my busy day, lay on the ground and look up at a mass of peach blossoms against a blue sky and marvel that somehow, Spring has come once more.
Friday, March 16, 2012
The Path To Wisdom
My peri-menopausal symptoms haven't been all that tough to bear so far. Skipping a period now and then, the restless, sleep interrupted nights, the occasional urge to rip SM's head off...
Yeah, pretty tolerable so far.
But lately a new player has entered the game. I've noticed the past few months that I've been waking up hot and sweaty from time to time. Then I get cold. Then hot again. Cold-hot-cold-hot...
The tempo has increased lately and now with the warmer weather that's come around I'm noticing that the "temperature tango" I've been dancing is moving into the daytime too.
Oh Joy! Here come the hot flashes and night sweats!
I tell myself as I'm going through all these changes that "The path to Wisdom isn't easy."
Say what? One of my favorite books that I read years ago is The Mists Of Avalon.
I've always gobbled up books on Arthurian Legends. MOA is told from the view point of the female characters surrounding Arthur and their religious beliefs. Basically the old religion Pagan (Druid-Goddess) verses the new religion (Christianity)
One of the things that appealed to me when reading this book is the description of The Goddess represented as three women in different stages of their lives.
In common Neopagan usage the three female figures are frequently described as the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone, each of which symbolises both a separate stage in the female life cycle and a phase of the moon, and often rules one of the realms of earth, underworld, and the heavens. These may or may not be perceived as aspects of a greater single divinity.
(*Now please don't think I'm getting all religious here. I'm not. I'm a student of life. I'm not pushing Wicca or paganism or anything like that. I do tend to worship Mother Nature though...@;)
Anyway, the Maiden and the Mother are self explanatory. The Crone however, "Gosh" using that term makes it sound like a woman has turned into a witch or something. Actually, in the book, the Crone is described as a wise woman.
I googled a description of "The Crone" and found this.
The Crone is a symbol of inherent wisdom that comes from experience. She has lived through love, sorrow, hope, and fear, coming out of it all a wise and confident spirit. Through these experiences she has learned the secrets of life and death and of the mysteries beyond this world.
The wisdom of the Crone comes only after learning the lessons of non-judgment and compassion. Through these lessons the Crone becomes the balancing scales between light and dark and between life and death. She is selfless, yet she loves herself. She is kind, yet she knows when to be harsh. She is free, she is compassionate, and she is wise.
The Crone is full of power. Her body is no longer fertile, but her mind is sharp and able. She no longer bleeds, keeping her power within her and owning it without shame or fear.
She is often seen as a healer, working in tune with Nature to cure ailments and guide those ready to leave or enter this world. She is the Grandmother whose words are few yet priceless in their wisdom.
If this is the path that I'm walking down, than it sounds pretty good to me. I just need to keep reminding myself of this as the sweat breaks out all over..."I'm on the path to wisdom"...
Yeah, pretty tolerable so far.
But lately a new player has entered the game. I've noticed the past few months that I've been waking up hot and sweaty from time to time. Then I get cold. Then hot again. Cold-hot-cold-hot...
The tempo has increased lately and now with the warmer weather that's come around I'm noticing that the "temperature tango" I've been dancing is moving into the daytime too.
Oh Joy! Here come the hot flashes and night sweats!
I tell myself as I'm going through all these changes that "The path to Wisdom isn't easy."
Say what? One of my favorite books that I read years ago is The Mists Of Avalon.
I've always gobbled up books on Arthurian Legends. MOA is told from the view point of the female characters surrounding Arthur and their religious beliefs. Basically the old religion Pagan (Druid-Goddess) verses the new religion (Christianity)
One of the things that appealed to me when reading this book is the description of The Goddess represented as three women in different stages of their lives.
In common Neopagan usage the three female figures are frequently described as the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone, each of which symbolises both a separate stage in the female life cycle and a phase of the moon, and often rules one of the realms of earth, underworld, and the heavens. These may or may not be perceived as aspects of a greater single divinity.
(*Now please don't think I'm getting all religious here. I'm not. I'm a student of life. I'm not pushing Wicca or paganism or anything like that. I do tend to worship Mother Nature though...@;)
Anyway, the Maiden and the Mother are self explanatory. The Crone however, "Gosh" using that term makes it sound like a woman has turned into a witch or something. Actually, in the book, the Crone is described as a wise woman.
I googled a description of "The Crone" and found this.
The Crone is a symbol of inherent wisdom that comes from experience. She has lived through love, sorrow, hope, and fear, coming out of it all a wise and confident spirit. Through these experiences she has learned the secrets of life and death and of the mysteries beyond this world.
The wisdom of the Crone comes only after learning the lessons of non-judgment and compassion. Through these lessons the Crone becomes the balancing scales between light and dark and between life and death. She is selfless, yet she loves herself. She is kind, yet she knows when to be harsh. She is free, she is compassionate, and she is wise.
The Crone is full of power. Her body is no longer fertile, but her mind is sharp and able. She no longer bleeds, keeping her power within her and owning it without shame or fear.
She is often seen as a healer, working in tune with Nature to cure ailments and guide those ready to leave or enter this world. She is the Grandmother whose words are few yet priceless in their wisdom.
If this is the path that I'm walking down, than it sounds pretty good to me. I just need to keep reminding myself of this as the sweat breaks out all over..."I'm on the path to wisdom"...
Sunday, March 11, 2012
A Letter
Dear Miss March,
I'm so pleased that you're here. Mr February left with about as much drama as he arrived with, which is to say "not much". His visit here was a snoozefest to be sure. And on top of that he decided to extend his visit by an extra day this year...The nerve!
You on the other hand....My goodness! What a contradiction you are!
You've always had a charming, flirtatious spirit. I've always admired that about you! You breezed in last week in a bit of a huff to be sure, not that I blame you. It has been a year since we last had the opportunity to speak and I don't want to sound too demanding but I have a little favor I'd like to ask you.
Is there anyway you might tone it down a little over the weekends?
During the week I hear you've been all smiles and sunshine, warming up to people so much that that's all I hear about is how wonderful you are, that you've broken a few records lately. You're on a roll to be sure! Your sunny attitude is bringing out all the best in everyone!
But then Friday night comes and I know you tell me that you're going to behave yourself over the weekend but instead I wake up Saturday morning to find out that you've decided to party again this weekend!
I know, I know...you're young, you've been stuck in a rut since last year but all this partying on the weekends just can't be good for either one of us!
You do know that we have a time change this weekend right? We've SPRUNG FORWARD you know, so your frosty attitude the past few days has not been very welcoming. I mean, I know it takes a little while to warm up in the mornings but really...Do you need to be so chilly even at lunchtime?
And the way you breeze on about every little thing. Don't you realize that I have things that need to be done outside and only a short time to do them in? Between your cold shoulder and your huffing and puffing over every little thing...Well, I just can't get anything done on the weekends with your unpredictable behavior! Last weekend it "cry me a river". So many tears, you could have washed us all away! Isn't there anything you can do to try and tone it down a little?
Yesterday is a good example. I really wanted to get some work done on the front yard. Spruce it up a bit. But besides being cold until noon you decided to blow on and on about your springtime allergies. You created quite a dust storm over it. Do you think you're the only one who suffers? Between freezing me out and making me cry with irritation I'm starting to wish you would pack it up and leave! It's only been 11 days since you came to visit and yet I'm already over all your drama.
Come on, fess up...Why so cranky? Is it a man? Is it just that time of the month? Is it your Mother? I know that you and Mrs Nature have your moments. Who doesn't? No?
Is it your sisters? Yes, that's it?
Oh come on... You and I both know that April and October are very popular but you could be too if you just put some effort into it! I think it's high time you put your big girl panties on and just face facts. Yes, your sisters are colorful and even tempered which does tend to make them very popular in certain circles but you could have that admiration too if you'd just learn to moderate your own behavior just a bit. You're swinging just a bit too hot and cold if you ask me. Take a breath. Slow it down.
You see? You're starting to feel better already aren't you?
That's right just give me a little time on the weekends. That's all I ask.
Hugs and Kisses,
Tami
I'm so pleased that you're here. Mr February left with about as much drama as he arrived with, which is to say "not much". His visit here was a snoozefest to be sure. And on top of that he decided to extend his visit by an extra day this year...The nerve!
You on the other hand....My goodness! What a contradiction you are!
You've always had a charming, flirtatious spirit. I've always admired that about you! You breezed in last week in a bit of a huff to be sure, not that I blame you. It has been a year since we last had the opportunity to speak and I don't want to sound too demanding but I have a little favor I'd like to ask you.
Is there anyway you might tone it down a little over the weekends?
During the week I hear you've been all smiles and sunshine, warming up to people so much that that's all I hear about is how wonderful you are, that you've broken a few records lately. You're on a roll to be sure! Your sunny attitude is bringing out all the best in everyone!
But then Friday night comes and I know you tell me that you're going to behave yourself over the weekend but instead I wake up Saturday morning to find out that you've decided to party again this weekend!
I know, I know...you're young, you've been stuck in a rut since last year but all this partying on the weekends just can't be good for either one of us!
You do know that we have a time change this weekend right? We've SPRUNG FORWARD you know, so your frosty attitude the past few days has not been very welcoming. I mean, I know it takes a little while to warm up in the mornings but really...Do you need to be so chilly even at lunchtime?
And the way you breeze on about every little thing. Don't you realize that I have things that need to be done outside and only a short time to do them in? Between your cold shoulder and your huffing and puffing over every little thing...Well, I just can't get anything done on the weekends with your unpredictable behavior! Last weekend it "cry me a river". So many tears, you could have washed us all away! Isn't there anything you can do to try and tone it down a little?
Yesterday is a good example. I really wanted to get some work done on the front yard. Spruce it up a bit. But besides being cold until noon you decided to blow on and on about your springtime allergies. You created quite a dust storm over it. Do you think you're the only one who suffers? Between freezing me out and making me cry with irritation I'm starting to wish you would pack it up and leave! It's only been 11 days since you came to visit and yet I'm already over all your drama.
Come on, fess up...Why so cranky? Is it a man? Is it just that time of the month? Is it your Mother? I know that you and Mrs Nature have your moments. Who doesn't? No?
Is it your sisters? Yes, that's it?
Oh come on... You and I both know that April and October are very popular but you could be too if you just put some effort into it! I think it's high time you put your big girl panties on and just face facts. Yes, your sisters are colorful and even tempered which does tend to make them very popular in certain circles but you could have that admiration too if you'd just learn to moderate your own behavior just a bit. You're swinging just a bit too hot and cold if you ask me. Take a breath. Slow it down.
You see? You're starting to feel better already aren't you?
That's right just give me a little time on the weekends. That's all I ask.
Hugs and Kisses,
Tami
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Somewhere In The Middle
A few weekends ago SM and I were doing some backyard clean up. After a few hours of hacking away at things we took a little break and sat on the edge of our porch, feet dangling, looking out over our domain.
We talked about how we wanted to minimize the grassy area, expand the garden area and started evaluating some of the trees and bushes.
We decided to dig up a crepe myrtle bush that had always grown funky. (SM hated that bush.) We talked about moving another bush to the front to make way for more garden space. We considered an evergreen tree that was not growing as well as we'd hoped.
"I think it has wet feet, see how the water runs past it?" I pointed. "Why don't we move it over to where the crepe myrtle was."
"I'd rather put it back there in front of the rose bushes by the raspberries." SM countered, pointing to the area he wanted.
I made a face. "I don't really want to crowd the raspberries. Once that patch gets up and growing I'll need room to move around back there." So we sat and thought...considering.
"Isn't it weird how we're always having to make adjustments to things? I mean, it's strange having to think about how this is all going to look in 20 years." I said.
"I doubt in 20 years we'll be interested in doing any of this?" SM replied.
"What do you mean? I said, shocked by his comment. "What else are we going to want to be doing 20 years from now? Crap!...We'll be in our 70's by then!" I sat stunned by the thought.
"Well, think about it. We go through stages in life. Remember when we bought our first home? How excited we were to have a lawn to mow? Bushes to trim? Walls to paint? Are you really going to be interested in doing all that stuff when you're 70?" SM asks.
"Maybe." I said swinging my feet, feeling a bit like a little kid whose been asked to do something she doesn't want to.
"What happened to your RV dreams?" SM prods me gently.
"Well...I thought we'd be doing a little bit of both. You know, RV in the Winter and garden here in the Summer." I hedged.
"You really think you'll want to be doing all this when you're 70?" SM asks again with a wave of his hand.
"Well, you may have a point. Maybe not. But think how great the garden will be in 20 years, all that cheap food we won't be growing." I asked.
"Oh, in 20 years I'm sure you'll need a permit from the government to grow all that. Besides, by that time we'll be in our Depends on a liquid diet, probably in a nursing home." He teases.
I laugh.
"God, I hope not. Just shoot me now. So this is our 20 year plan?" I ask him.
"As good as any..." SM responds.
I've thought about that conversation the over the past few weeks. It's funny how we always try to make plans. Short term plans are easily predictable and achievable. It's the long term plans that screw with your head. Really. Who knows what the world will look like in 20 years let alone what SM and I will be up to in 20 years.
But SM does make a good point. We hope to RV. But that depends on if we can afford it. Who knows what gas prices will be like in the future? What our health will be like? If we'll even like RVing once we start. Will SM and I like that lifestyle or will we miss our "stick and brick" home and gardens? Who knows...
Whenever I try to make future plans for anything, I always consider what's the best possible scenario and also consider what's the worst that could happen. And I've found that the truth can usually be found somewhere in the middle.
That's the way it works for me. Nothing is as bad as you think it will be and likewise it's unlikely that it's going to be "pie in the sky" either.
So we'll keep doing what we're doing for now because we're happy doing it. Someday though, we'll be looking for a change. And then we'll toss that into the mix and see what happens.
But still...
70? In 20 years I'll be freakin 70!!!!
Holy CRAP!
We talked about how we wanted to minimize the grassy area, expand the garden area and started evaluating some of the trees and bushes.
We decided to dig up a crepe myrtle bush that had always grown funky. (SM hated that bush.) We talked about moving another bush to the front to make way for more garden space. We considered an evergreen tree that was not growing as well as we'd hoped.
"I think it has wet feet, see how the water runs past it?" I pointed. "Why don't we move it over to where the crepe myrtle was."
"I'd rather put it back there in front of the rose bushes by the raspberries." SM countered, pointing to the area he wanted.
I made a face. "I don't really want to crowd the raspberries. Once that patch gets up and growing I'll need room to move around back there." So we sat and thought...considering.
"Isn't it weird how we're always having to make adjustments to things? I mean, it's strange having to think about how this is all going to look in 20 years." I said.
"I doubt in 20 years we'll be interested in doing any of this?" SM replied.
"What do you mean? I said, shocked by his comment. "What else are we going to want to be doing 20 years from now? Crap!...We'll be in our 70's by then!" I sat stunned by the thought.
"Well, think about it. We go through stages in life. Remember when we bought our first home? How excited we were to have a lawn to mow? Bushes to trim? Walls to paint? Are you really going to be interested in doing all that stuff when you're 70?" SM asks.
"Maybe." I said swinging my feet, feeling a bit like a little kid whose been asked to do something she doesn't want to.
"What happened to your RV dreams?" SM prods me gently.
"Well...I thought we'd be doing a little bit of both. You know, RV in the Winter and garden here in the Summer." I hedged.
"You really think you'll want to be doing all this when you're 70?" SM asks again with a wave of his hand.
"Well, you may have a point. Maybe not. But think how great the garden will be in 20 years, all that cheap food we won't be growing." I asked.
"Oh, in 20 years I'm sure you'll need a permit from the government to grow all that. Besides, by that time we'll be in our Depends on a liquid diet, probably in a nursing home." He teases.
I laugh.
"God, I hope not. Just shoot me now. So this is our 20 year plan?" I ask him.
"As good as any..." SM responds.
I've thought about that conversation the over the past few weeks. It's funny how we always try to make plans. Short term plans are easily predictable and achievable. It's the long term plans that screw with your head. Really. Who knows what the world will look like in 20 years let alone what SM and I will be up to in 20 years.
But SM does make a good point. We hope to RV. But that depends on if we can afford it. Who knows what gas prices will be like in the future? What our health will be like? If we'll even like RVing once we start. Will SM and I like that lifestyle or will we miss our "stick and brick" home and gardens? Who knows...
Whenever I try to make future plans for anything, I always consider what's the best possible scenario and also consider what's the worst that could happen. And I've found that the truth can usually be found somewhere in the middle.
That's the way it works for me. Nothing is as bad as you think it will be and likewise it's unlikely that it's going to be "pie in the sky" either.
So we'll keep doing what we're doing for now because we're happy doing it. Someday though, we'll be looking for a change. And then we'll toss that into the mix and see what happens.
But still...
70? In 20 years I'll be freakin 70!!!!
Holy CRAP!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Times "10 Ideas"
I try to keep up with current events same as you do I'm sure. I go through "spurts". Sometimes I'm very interested in what going on in the world today. And sometimes I just can't take it anymore and like to hide with my eyes and ears covered and avoid all the crap that's out there.
The other day I grabbed some lunch (Trader Joe's snow peas...I need veggies in a bad way right now...come on garden!) and saw a Time magazine on the table and decided to thumb through it.
Time is not my favorite magazine. I find the articles poorly written and while they to give you some information, the articles tend to fade away if you know what I mean. You almost have to take the information they've given you and go research it again yourself because you know they haven't given you the full scoop. (Just my humble opinion...)
Anyway, I poked through the magazine and actually took the time to read a few of the articles.
1. Living Alone Is The New Norm
2. Your Head Is In The Cloud
3. Handprints, Not Footprints
4. The Rise Of The Nones
5. Food That Lasts Forever
6. Black Irony
7. High-Status Stress
8. Privacy In Public
9. Nature Is Over
10. Niche Aging
Now you have to subscribe to read Time magazine articles online. I tried to find the Time articles at other sites (which you can sometimes do) so you could link to them. No luck. But that's OK. You can go to the library and pick it up. Or you can research even further and get better articles than the ones that Time teases you with.
The articles I found most interesting?
"Nature is Over" which discusses the idea that MAN is now controlling nature. The term "Anthropocene (New Man) Epoch" is tossed out there which is the theory that we have entered a new geological age. The Economist has a good article explaining this a bit better than the Time article. (But this really isn't anything new to us is it?)
"The Rise Of The Nones" which discusses the increase of Americans who are still spiritual but reject organized religion. This is right up my alley. I've felt this way for most of my life. SM was raised Catholic and IMHO still carries around a lot of that "guilt" if he doesn't go to church. I don't push him one way or the other and will attend Mass with him when he feels like going. But I just don't feel connected. I feel that most everyone there is just "going through the motions." I realize that I'd likely feel differently if I found the right church. But the last time I felt "connected" to a church was 25 years ago when SM and I attended a Catholic church whose priest gave outstanding sermons. Once we moved away from the area we never found another church that grabbed us that way.
So if the messenger can't deliver is the message still lost? Not for me. Not at all. I found this blog post which asks some good questions.
"Food That Lasts Forever" which discusses Man's attempts to increase the shelf life of food. It talks about the additives that we put in food to help things stay fresh. (SM had bought some grapes at Trader Joes and the package said that the grapes had been sprayed with sulphur dioxide to "preserve freshness". Ummm, I'm sensitive to sulphur, gives me tummy aches, so no grapes for me. At least they bothered to label it!!!) What I found interesting was that NASA is experimenting with non thermal high pressure techniques that kills bacteria. I found this article that sites the Journal of Food abstract...this is WAY over my head to understand. But interesting to think about.
"Niche Aging" which discusses the trend of older people who are retiring in communities with "like-minded" people. Again, something that's right up my alley and I applaud these communities that are springing up, taking control and creating their own system of caring for their elderly. This AARP article discusses this trend very nicely.
Anyway, I thought I'd share some of these with ya'll. (Another slow news day I guess. Won't you be happy when all I blog about is garden stuff? Come on Spring!)
The other day I grabbed some lunch (Trader Joe's snow peas...I need veggies in a bad way right now...come on garden!) and saw a Time magazine on the table and decided to thumb through it.
Time is not my favorite magazine. I find the articles poorly written and while they to give you some information, the articles tend to fade away if you know what I mean. You almost have to take the information they've given you and go research it again yourself because you know they haven't given you the full scoop. (Just my humble opinion...)
Anyway, I poked through the magazine and actually took the time to read a few of the articles.
1. Living Alone Is The New Norm
2. Your Head Is In The Cloud
3. Handprints, Not Footprints
4. The Rise Of The Nones
5. Food That Lasts Forever
6. Black Irony
7. High-Status Stress
8. Privacy In Public
9. Nature Is Over
10. Niche Aging
Now you have to subscribe to read Time magazine articles online. I tried to find the Time articles at other sites (which you can sometimes do) so you could link to them. No luck. But that's OK. You can go to the library and pick it up. Or you can research even further and get better articles than the ones that Time teases you with.
The articles I found most interesting?
"Nature is Over" which discusses the idea that MAN is now controlling nature. The term "Anthropocene (New Man) Epoch" is tossed out there which is the theory that we have entered a new geological age. The Economist has a good article explaining this a bit better than the Time article. (But this really isn't anything new to us is it?)
"The Rise Of The Nones" which discusses the increase of Americans who are still spiritual but reject organized religion. This is right up my alley. I've felt this way for most of my life. SM was raised Catholic and IMHO still carries around a lot of that "guilt" if he doesn't go to church. I don't push him one way or the other and will attend Mass with him when he feels like going. But I just don't feel connected. I feel that most everyone there is just "going through the motions." I realize that I'd likely feel differently if I found the right church. But the last time I felt "connected" to a church was 25 years ago when SM and I attended a Catholic church whose priest gave outstanding sermons. Once we moved away from the area we never found another church that grabbed us that way.
So if the messenger can't deliver is the message still lost? Not for me. Not at all. I found this blog post which asks some good questions.
"Food That Lasts Forever" which discusses Man's attempts to increase the shelf life of food. It talks about the additives that we put in food to help things stay fresh. (SM had bought some grapes at Trader Joes and the package said that the grapes had been sprayed with sulphur dioxide to "preserve freshness". Ummm, I'm sensitive to sulphur, gives me tummy aches, so no grapes for me. At least they bothered to label it!!!) What I found interesting was that NASA is experimenting with non thermal high pressure techniques that kills bacteria. I found this article that sites the Journal of Food abstract...this is WAY over my head to understand. But interesting to think about.
"Niche Aging" which discusses the trend of older people who are retiring in communities with "like-minded" people. Again, something that's right up my alley and I applaud these communities that are springing up, taking control and creating their own system of caring for their elderly. This AARP article discusses this trend very nicely.
Anyway, I thought I'd share some of these with ya'll. (Another slow news day I guess. Won't you be happy when all I blog about is garden stuff? Come on Spring!)
Monday, March 5, 2012
Roar
There's a saying that "If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb." (Come on lambs....Baaa)
Until then, there was lots of "Roaring" around here this past weekend.
Nothing (and I do mean nothing) got done outside. At all. Soggy, boggy ground and gusting winds kept me inside yesterday (and it sounds like it going to be windy again today too....pout!)
So if I couldn't be outside I thought I'd deal with the rough spots inside. Knowing that sandal season is right around the corner, I decided to attack the "hooves" that my feet have become and give myself a pedicure. My heels were rough, let me tell you. ("Roar" says the lion) as I stick my feet in for a long soak hoping to soften them. Scrub, scrub...45 minutes later I emerge with feet encased in socks, schmeared with a heavy coating of Vaseline. (Come on lamb!)
I had some baked potatoes hanging out in the fridge that needed to be used up so I made a baked potato soup yesterday afternoon. Butter, milk, green peppers, bacon, (lots of bacon),corn, broccoli, salt and pepper, chopped up baked potatoes....("Roar" says the lion)! I ate almost half the pot! Damn, it was good! (My belly is pooching out like a fat sassy lion after a big feed.
This morning as I was brushing my teeth, I cracked an eyelid and looked at myself in the mirror and thought I was looking a bit rough. ("Roar" says the lion.)
I said to SM "Here, take a picture of my bedhead. It'll show eveyone how "rough" it is around here.")
"You're nuts." says SM as a commentary.
Later, after our morning walk out in the cold gusty wind, I gave the pups a chew bone to work on.
"Gnaw, gnaw, gnaw... "
Sounds like the lions are definately "in house" today. ROAR!
(Come on lambs!!!!)
Until then, there was lots of "Roaring" around here this past weekend.
Nothing (and I do mean nothing) got done outside. At all. Soggy, boggy ground and gusting winds kept me inside yesterday (and it sounds like it going to be windy again today too....pout!)
So if I couldn't be outside I thought I'd deal with the rough spots inside. Knowing that sandal season is right around the corner, I decided to attack the "hooves" that my feet have become and give myself a pedicure. My heels were rough, let me tell you. ("Roar" says the lion) as I stick my feet in for a long soak hoping to soften them. Scrub, scrub...45 minutes later I emerge with feet encased in socks, schmeared with a heavy coating of Vaseline. (Come on lamb!)
I had some baked potatoes hanging out in the fridge that needed to be used up so I made a baked potato soup yesterday afternoon. Butter, milk, green peppers, bacon, (lots of bacon),corn, broccoli, salt and pepper, chopped up baked potatoes....("Roar" says the lion)! I ate almost half the pot! Damn, it was good! (My belly is pooching out like a fat sassy lion after a big feed.
This morning as I was brushing my teeth, I cracked an eyelid and looked at myself in the mirror and thought I was looking a bit rough. ("Roar" says the lion.)
I said to SM "Here, take a picture of my bedhead. It'll show eveyone how "rough" it is around here.")
"You're nuts." says SM as a commentary.
Later, after our morning walk out in the cold gusty wind, I gave the pups a chew bone to work on.
"Gnaw, gnaw, gnaw... "
Sounds like the lions are definately "in house" today. ROAR!
(Come on lambs!!!!)
Sunday, March 4, 2012
My Life On A Plate...I Wish!
I was making a seed mat last week using glue, paper towels and carrot seeds. I would dab the glue onto strategic spots on the paper towel and with a bit of glue on the end of a pair of tweezers, pick up the seed and place it into it's proper spot.
This worked really well for me last year. Saves me from being bent over thinning carrots. Saves on seeds too.
Anyhoo, I finished things up and went to clean up when I noticed the plate that I had put the seeds on.
SM and I got these plates at our bridal shower 26 years ago. I'm sure I admired them at the time. And I've used these plates every day since so you'd THINK I would know what was on them.
But ya know, there's looking and then there's looking. I had to laugh...
Seriously...a farmer cultivating a garden with a cow looking on? I pulled down one of the dinner plates.
Is this the universe speaking to me or what?
This worked really well for me last year. Saves me from being bent over thinning carrots. Saves on seeds too.
Anyhoo, I finished things up and went to clean up when I noticed the plate that I had put the seeds on.
SM and I got these plates at our bridal shower 26 years ago. I'm sure I admired them at the time. And I've used these plates every day since so you'd THINK I would know what was on them.
But ya know, there's looking and then there's looking. I had to laugh...
Seriously...a farmer cultivating a garden with a cow looking on? I pulled down one of the dinner plates.
Is this the universe speaking to me or what?
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Hard To Believe
It's hard to believe that 5 miles away from where we live a tornado ripped though.
Yep...The National Weather service confirms that it WAS a tornado. Many homes damaged, some completely. Fortunately no loss of life that I'm aware of, but 3 people were injured. I can't imagine. There's not even a tree limb down in our neighborhood. Even my "hoopty" is still upright.
I left for work this morning taking my usual drive route. The cops had the country road that I travel on blocked and I had to double back almost to my house. I circled around and hopped on the freeway to get from one exit to another and during that one mile of freeway you could see the debris from the homes that were torn up.
I pass these neighborhoods every day on my way into Charlotte.
The finger of God. Amazing.
Thanks for all your thoughts and wishes. We're fine. Even though I was prepared to go to the closet, it never seemed bad enough here at our house. I've heard people say that you WILL know if a tornado is coming. The only thing that had me concerned last night was the curved shape of the storm cell on the radar. Other than that, it just seemed like a really bad thunderstorm.
(Shaking my head) You just never know, do ya?
Yep...The National Weather service confirms that it WAS a tornado. Many homes damaged, some completely. Fortunately no loss of life that I'm aware of, but 3 people were injured. I can't imagine. There's not even a tree limb down in our neighborhood. Even my "hoopty" is still upright.
I left for work this morning taking my usual drive route. The cops had the country road that I travel on blocked and I had to double back almost to my house. I circled around and hopped on the freeway to get from one exit to another and during that one mile of freeway you could see the debris from the homes that were torn up.
I pass these neighborhoods every day on my way into Charlotte.
The finger of God. Amazing.
Thanks for all your thoughts and wishes. We're fine. Even though I was prepared to go to the closet, it never seemed bad enough here at our house. I've heard people say that you WILL know if a tornado is coming. The only thing that had me concerned last night was the curved shape of the storm cell on the radar. Other than that, it just seemed like a really bad thunderstorm.
(Shaking my head) You just never know, do ya?
A Small Price To Pay
Ya gotta take the good with the bad.
The past few days have been very, very warm here. Almost 80. Freakishly warm. And now this horrible line of storms slowly, painfully sweeping across the eastern half of the US. (sigh)
I always get those pressure headaches (you know the ones) caused by storms moving through the atmosphere. Feels like a spike through your eyeball. Pain killers don't help. I had one for most of the day today and now...Tornado warnings. I hate it when storms move through at night.
I sleep for an hour, up for an hour. Ginny is at my feet even now quivering every time a thunderstom moves through. SM is still snoozing away but I got up as soon as I heard the first crack of thunder hit. For some reason I feel watchful tonight. Uneasy. The TV is on and the computer has the Intellecast WXMap on that keeps "timing out".
I am NOT liking the look of some of the storm cells that are heading our way.
Friday morning we had a very brief thunderstorm. I was driving in to work taking a shortcut through a neighborhood to avoid some backed up traffic. I made a left turn and saw on the corner this HUGE tree, easily as big around as my Jeep, with the bark blown clean off of it at the base. The wood was splintered every which way. Obviously a lighting strike. I'd never seen one up close and personal like that before. I drove under it before I had considered how stupid THAT was.
Most times, I'm pretty relaxed when there's threatening weather. Not tonight though. I asked SM to clean out some of the boxes that had accumulated on the floor of our designated "go to" closet. It's big enough to fit all of us and is in the center of the house. I've never had to use it. I hope never to have to use it. The dogs have their collars on in case I need to force them in. I've tossed my purse, keys and SM's cell in there along with a couple of flashlights.
I know that the odds are good that all these preparations won't be needed and that tomorrow morning will come with me heading into work looking like something that the cat dragged in. That's OK. There's a reason why God created caffene.
So it'll be a very wakeful night. I think that there's a lot of people out there watchful tonight, just like me.
It's a small price to pay, this night of watchfulness.
Edit Update:
6:00 am: We had a really bad cell move through about 3:30am. We never lost power and the winds never seemed quite bad enough to think it was a tornado. The local news people reported a straight-line wind / rotation / or a possible touchdown just south where we live. Of course by the time I heard THAT all of the storm had passed already. Everything behind it looked much less threatening so off to bed I went. I got a few hours of sleep in and looking at the radar now it looks like the worst is south of us and won't be creeping up our way.
I hope all of you whose blogs I read made it through OK too. Just freakin NASTY weather!
The past few days have been very, very warm here. Almost 80. Freakishly warm. And now this horrible line of storms slowly, painfully sweeping across the eastern half of the US. (sigh)
I always get those pressure headaches (you know the ones) caused by storms moving through the atmosphere. Feels like a spike through your eyeball. Pain killers don't help. I had one for most of the day today and now...Tornado warnings. I hate it when storms move through at night.
I sleep for an hour, up for an hour. Ginny is at my feet even now quivering every time a thunderstom moves through. SM is still snoozing away but I got up as soon as I heard the first crack of thunder hit. For some reason I feel watchful tonight. Uneasy. The TV is on and the computer has the Intellecast WXMap on that keeps "timing out".
I am NOT liking the look of some of the storm cells that are heading our way.
Friday morning we had a very brief thunderstorm. I was driving in to work taking a shortcut through a neighborhood to avoid some backed up traffic. I made a left turn and saw on the corner this HUGE tree, easily as big around as my Jeep, with the bark blown clean off of it at the base. The wood was splintered every which way. Obviously a lighting strike. I'd never seen one up close and personal like that before. I drove under it before I had considered how stupid THAT was.
Most times, I'm pretty relaxed when there's threatening weather. Not tonight though. I asked SM to clean out some of the boxes that had accumulated on the floor of our designated "go to" closet. It's big enough to fit all of us and is in the center of the house. I've never had to use it. I hope never to have to use it. The dogs have their collars on in case I need to force them in. I've tossed my purse, keys and SM's cell in there along with a couple of flashlights.
I know that the odds are good that all these preparations won't be needed and that tomorrow morning will come with me heading into work looking like something that the cat dragged in. That's OK. There's a reason why God created caffene.
So it'll be a very wakeful night. I think that there's a lot of people out there watchful tonight, just like me.
It's a small price to pay, this night of watchfulness.
Edit Update:
6:00 am: We had a really bad cell move through about 3:30am. We never lost power and the winds never seemed quite bad enough to think it was a tornado. The local news people reported a straight-line wind / rotation / or a possible touchdown just south where we live. Of course by the time I heard THAT all of the storm had passed already. Everything behind it looked much less threatening so off to bed I went. I got a few hours of sleep in and looking at the radar now it looks like the worst is south of us and won't be creeping up our way.
I hope all of you whose blogs I read made it through OK too. Just freakin NASTY weather!
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