A Journal of Days

Beekeeping 101, What's inside?, Feeling pretty darn special

2012-01-28T06:02:00.099-05:00

1. I'm learning something new. Something big and new. I was a student today. This is exciting!
1.a. #4 is taking classes with me and we're on an adventure together. It reminds me of the good old days of home schooling... only better.
2.There's something appealing about a boxed lunch. Tidily packed into a box and not a bag, each item in its own little paper wrapping, sandwich, sides, condiments and dessert, napkin at the bottom. Each of us with our own box : ). The best part is that I didn't prepare it.
3. Daughter#2 is happy that both her husband and her dad are accompanying her to the concert. I'm on the phone with her when she learns this news and I sense that she is quietly clapping her hands.

4000 miles, Winter salad, MacGyver

2012-01-26T16:33:00.055-05:00

1. My little friend was napping when a far-away friend phoned. The timing couldn't have been better and we were allowed a nice, long chat that ended with, "I'll see you in March!".
2. I'm addicted to this wonderful salad. I've eaten one for lunch every day this week. (My only adjustment is to substitute toasted pecans for the sesame seeds and pine nuts since I already have them on hand.)
3. Poor husband! He kept the old dryer working for 30 years and now the new one is already acting up. Turns out that wire from a burnt-out set of Christmas lights comes in handy when you need it : ) Which backs up his argument for hording electrical junk.

Scrabble tiles, Climbing Mt. Ironing, A sad song revisited

2012-01-25T06:09:00.058-05:00

1. Ghosts of little girls, tucked away in the lids of board games, come out to play Scrabble.
2. The ironing basket is empty! It had been very, very full.
3. She likes to play the piano after dinner and I have music to wash dishes by. No matter how often I hear this song, it makes me sad in a good way. She's rehearsing it again in order to perform it for the arranger, Philip Keveren, at a concert in April.

Here comes the sun!, Leave it for spring?, We can relate

2012-01-24T05:38:00.000-05:00

1. Today's sunshine would have been glorious without the previous week's rain, but the contrast made it that much sweeter.
2. Henri and I walked the back roads, soaking up every bit of the mild day.
3. I untangled the Christmas lights from our crab apple tree. When I returned with the ladder, I saw that the colored bulbs sparkled in the sun and formed an unusual bird's nest where I had stuck a ball of it into the crook of a branch.
4. A line from a sit-com, "Oh my gosh! It's 7:40 microwave time!". Tess and I cracked up because we go through this every morning.

Favorite bird, Coffee time, Is that...?!

2012-01-23T06:57:00.003-05:00

photo courtesy www.statesymbolsusa.org

"If you want to know his heart, listen. Listen to the bluebird sing."

1. A flash of neon blue catches my eye and I spot one of our bluebirds. Not often seen back home in New York, they frequent our yard year round in Virginia. They are sweet, gentle birds who mate for life. Here is a beautiful song from Robin Trower.
2. I love my coffee visits with B. Hours slip by and we discuss any old topic that comes to mind, sharing opinions and ideas.
2.a. Those extra two cups gave me an energy boost this afternoon!
3. I chuckle to hear the guys' exclamations and laughter coming up from the basement during Monday night pool nights. Especially the normally quiet men who end up chattering away and even shouting.

A favorite lunch, Color saturated, In my notes

2012-01-22T06:49:00.065-05:00

1.Sweet Italian sausage is one of my favorite foods. In the summer I grill it and we eat it on a hard roll topped with peppers and onions that have been sautéed in olive oil. In the winter, I bake the sausage, slice it up and then mix it in with the peppers and onions.
2. It's been rainy and drizzling for what seems like days. The bark on all the trees is saturated to their darkest browns. An old Black Walnut is covered from bottom to top with green lichen.
3. A quote from our pastor this morning that is good advice : "Money is a great tool, but it's a lousy god."

Coming home, Vander's nose, What treasure can we find?

2012-01-21T05:53:00.058-05:00

1. I've been alone for almost 24 hours, an unusual and significant occurrence for me. In the afternoon I make the drive to pick up my family from here and there, gathering up precious belongings that have been scattered all about.
2. The horse lips up the apple pieces from my hand, eagerly snuffling my palm with his velvety nose.
3. With an hour to wait, we poke around the antique mall. I haven't done this for ages which makes it even more fun! I find a cut glass coaster with a silver rim to put by my reading chair.

Thoughtful, Switchplates on, Exhilarating!

2012-01-20T06:36:00.000-05:00

1. She hands me a book and says, "I stopped at the store for horse grain and saw this and thought you might like it."
2. Sweeping up, putting things back in their place and gaining back some order.
3. The audience is rowdy and the hockey players are in great form. Their movements are swift and seemingly reckless, although I know they're in (almost) complete control. Virginia Tech. classmates pound on the Plexiglas, hockey pucks fly through the air, fans boo every penalty and people dance during half time. All for five bucks!

It's finished!, Warmth, Communicating

2012-01-18T06:08:00.000-05:00

The view of framing done last summer.

1. To avoid the mud, I park below and trudge up the field toward our new church. A huge bonfire burns debris, scattering ash like snow flurries. Blustering wind challenges my balance as I climb over the silt fence and then over a guide wire held in place with re-bar. Inside, the contrast is remarkable and the word sanctuary is apropos.
2. A hot water bottle at my feet finally warms me up.
3. My sister and I type some messages back and forth, back and forth. This is tiresome, so I pick up the phone and call her. Much better!

Shelter, The weather game, Save it for last?

2012-01-17T05:31:00.071-05:00

Cedar timbers are the supports of the run-in shed.

1. The run-in shed is peaceful and calm with every good smell of earth, hay, wood, and horses.

2. Fickle weather acts the part of spring today. Each day, mother nature surprises us with her mood. I like the challenge of keeping up.

3. A glace cherry in the center of each cookie makes it hard to decide which bite should have it.

Cedar log, At the rink, Pass the napkins

2012-01-16T06:36:00.000-05:00

1. It tells a story and I wish I knew how to read it. Touching the rings, I imagine storms and winds, sunshine and snow.

The first slice on new ice.

2. It's a funny thing about kids on a merry-go-round or skating 'round an ice rink- every time you wave to them, they wave back : )
3. I think they're dipped in fake butter. That's why the pretzels from Auntie Anne's taste so good.

A gem, A great bunch of kids, One particularly great kid

2012-01-15T09:57:00.055-05:00

1. A surprise I found at the bottom of the washing machine. #3 found it on the ground and pocketed it; now it is my little treasure.
2. Overheard above the din in our basement as the teen youth group enjoys a game night, "I'm happier than a tornado in a trailer park! WeeeeHoo!"
3. I'm awakened just after midnight to #4 climbing into bed with me. Unable to sleep from those kinds of things that trouble fifteen-year-olds, I groggily talk to her and then we doze off. When I wake again, she is gone.

A child was born, Hang to dry, Beef pot pie

2012-01-14T19:59:00.001-05:00

1. Daughter #2 turns twenty-five today. Born in Portsmouth, NH, we named her Chelsea, meaning "port of ships". Steve and I lie in bed, talking quietly about earlier days and our daughters' beginnings. How can it be so long ago and yet, seem like only yesterday...

2. The wood stove burns all day in the basement making it warm and toasty for laundry duties.
3. Dinner is made of 'found' items from the fridge. He adds his 'found' item- a bottle of wine.

Hammering wind, from Chocolate Paper, 1902

2012-01-14T07:51:00.001-05:00

1. I'm properly bundled for the bitter cold, but the wind catches me off guard. My mind reels for a moment when a gust smashes into me, wondering, what does one do if the wind blows the body over? Do I relax and go with it or fight to stay standing?
2. I ate the last two chocolates. One was sea salt caramel and I wished there were more.
3. Enjoying another indulgence, the BBC mini-series, Berkeley Square. Perfect for long, dark, cold winter evenings. I imagine how I would handle myself if I were that nanny. I relate better to the nannies and servants rather than the lady of the house.

Winter project, Visitors from the north, Cat nap

2012-01-12T18:42:00.032-05:00

1. I like to have a "project" after the holidays; something to look forward to. So, I'm painting the master bathroom. Daughter #3 asks what color I'm painting it. I say, "White". She asks me what color is it now? I tell her it's white. "But it's a different shade of white", I add. She rolls her eyes. Later Daughter #1 phones. I tell her I'm painting the bathroom- white. She asks me if I've started it yet. "Only the ceiling", I say. "Well then, it's not too late to change your mind and paint it a color", she says with a hopeful note in her voice.
I'm sticking with white.

2. Robins have a jolly time finding something to eat on the hill outside the window.
3. I nod off in my reading chair for a few minutes and wake up feeling refreshed. I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat lately.

Better than a candle, With pink sprinkles, Experience

2012-01-11T06:07:00.037-05:00

1. Scents of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, brown sugar and molasses fill the house from the cookies baking in the oven.
2. The fabric I chose for my apron reminds her of cupcakes. She doesn't know I finished sewing it, so I stashed it away until the next time I bake cupcakes.
3. I phoned an acquaintance who used to keep bees and we had a nice chat. She's been thinking of getting back into beekeeping and she was glad for my phone call.

Form and function, Reflections, Pasta and beans

2012-01-10T06:01:00.074-05:00

1. Over the holidays, Steve built a tray that enables us to use our over-sized ottoman as a table of sorts. The sides are made from scraps of Black Walnut that came from a tree J. gave us. (The bulk of the tree is destined to become a table.) The bottom is from a scrap of thin, painted plywood.
2. Her teacher encouraged her to submit a photograph in the contest and it was granted first prize. It's a default win because no one else submitted an entry in the photography division.(?!) Still, it's a beautiful photograph and she's excited because it comes with a "cash prize". Kids...
3. I cooked one of my favorite winter soups, Pasta Fagioli. In our household, it's pronounced pastafazool. It's hearty peasant food at its best! Be warned, this recipe makes a lot. Don't forget some nice crusty bread on the side.

Pasta E Fagioli

3 Tbl. olive oil

3 to 4 oz. pancetta, chopped (you get this at the deli)

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

3 large cloves garlic, minced

2 c (about 14 oz.) dried cranberry, borlotti, cannelloni or other small white beans, soaked

overnight in water to cover, drained and rinsed

*I use 2 cans of canned cannelloni

1 ½ c. diced canned plum tomatoes with juices

8 c. water or chicken broth (I used vegetable broth)

½ pound small shells, ditalini or other small pasta shape (2 cups dry)

extra virgin olive oil for serving

grated Parmesan for serving

In a large soup kettle, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until it renders its fat and is golden, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. Add the soaked beans (or canned), the tomatoes with juices, 8 cups broth and 2 teaspoons of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the beans are tender, about 1 hour.

To give the soup more body, remove 2 or 3 large spoonfuls of beans and vegetables, place in a blender and puree until smooth. Return puree to pot. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Cook the pasta separately, drain and add to the soup. Simmer about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a swirl of olive oil, a sprinkle of Parmesan and a liberal dusting of black pepper. Serve at once.

Just one more, May I sit here?, How long have you lived here?

2012-01-09T05:53:00.007-05:00

1. Goofing around in the kitchen, I discover that a buttered marshmallow tastes really good! #3 says there's just something wrong about that; like a chocolate covered Oreo or fried butter.
2. One old timer has been beekeeping since 1939. His comments are full of first-hand knowledge which he shares matter-of-factly. Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful.
3. We're crowded into the "living room" of our small, local historical museum. We sit side-by-side with the mannequins who are dressed in old-fashioned black satin and bonnets and who look a little creepy.
3a. Sometimes life casts us in quirky situations. I look around to check if it's real or if I'm imagining it.

Sunny Sunday

2012-01-08T06:22:00.023-05:00

I had to sneak up so I wouldn't disturb them.

Vander's fluffy winter coat. I want to bury my fingers in it.

I organize before I organize, Great story, Taking a sick day even though I'm fine

2012-01-07T06:41:00.046-05:00

1. A.A.Milne speaks to my heart:

"Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up"

2. I finished another amazing book, The Power of One by Bryce Courtney. Entirely different than the last book I read; that's the beauty of reading.
3. Stayed in sweats, didn't fix my hair, wore no make-up and went no farther than the mailbox.

Eye candy, Out in shirtsleeves, Delicious!

2012-01-06T06:54:00.068-05:00

1. Shiny red, white and blue garlands of aluminum tinsel are strung around the complete perimeter of a block-long car dealership. It flutters wildly in the wind, changing it from tacky to eye pleasing and creates a party atmosphere at the busy intersection.
2. Temperatures gently climbed into the 60's and I was surprised how warm the sun felt on my skin. I was tempted to take a shovel to the garden... if only I had more time.
3. Our favorite fish recipe for dinner. This comes from Better Homes and Gardens Best-Loved Community Recipes. I used cod fillets since they are more readily available in our stores. Really, really good!

FILLET OF SOLE PARMESAN

1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 c. butter, softened
3 tbsp. mayonnaise
3 tbsp. chopped scallions
1/4 tsp. salt
Dash of Tabasco sauce
2 lbs. sole fillets (or any fresh white fish)
2 tbsp. lemon juice

Combine cheese, butter, mayonnaise, scallions, salt and Tabasco. Set aside. Place fish fillets in a single layer on rack of broiling pan. Brush with lemon juice and let sit 10 minutes. Broil fillets 3 to 4 inches from heat for 5 minutes or until almost done. Spread with cheese mixture and broil 2 to 3 minutes longer, until topping turns golden and fish barely begins to flake. Serves 6.

Cleaning up, Tottensea Landing, With big egg noodles

2012-01-04T06:17:00.040-05:00

1. Began the "taking down" of Christmas which always lead to the "cleaning up" afterward. It feels good!
2. Completely enjoyed reading Tottensea Landing by Dale C. Willard. I've written more about this clever and entertaining novel over at my other blog- here!
3. Homemade chicken soup and garlic bread made a satisfying winter's meal.

Another one I can check off my list, Stock up, Love

2012-01-03T08:32:00.038-05:00

1. I tried a new Oatmeal Cookie recipe that finally got it right! A nice thick cookie with the right chewy texture I've been searching for. I toasted the walnuts, as recommended, and used raisins. These are perfect and my quest has ended.
2. The market had grocery carts full of clearance items set up. Some of it was quite useful, like canned pumpkin with two years of shelf life still left, priced at 39¢.
3. The heart of the home (the kitchen) is back to work pouring out good smells. I think it's nice to return home after being out all day at work or school in this cold and blustery weather and be greeted with such welcoming goodness. Although I'm rarely on the receiving end of this scenario nowadays, it's how I remember it from childhood. My mom and dad used to laugh when I would clap my hands at being presented dinner. I didn't think about clapping, it just bubbled up that way : )

What to do, Looking out, A gift from W. & K.

2012-01-02T06:30:00.006-05:00

1. Wandering about the house in a state of flux. Not quite sure what to do with the day, but too tired to do anything much. I sit by the wood stove and stare into the fire. I found it. This is what I aspire to today and it is good.
2. Winter has followed us home. Blustery snow squalls fill the sky and there are finally white patches on the ground. A good chunk of the day is spent reading by the window.
3. We have a few visitors today, just enough to make me feel connected to the world. Our neighbor comes in to give us citrus fruit he's brought back from Florida. I huddle a grapefruit to my nose and breath in its wonderful scent.
3.a. Daughters spot the bowl of citrus on the counter and exclaim over its contents. Daughter 3 bags one for her work lunch tomorrow and Daughter 4 eats one immediately.

There and Back Again

2012-01-01T07:27:00.003-05:00

1. New York greets us with blowing snow and darkening skies. She is in character for my return and I dream out the window of skating on frozen ponds and sledding down snow covered hills.
2. The old furnace has been softly rumbling on for sixty winters. At night I can hear it through my pillow, as familiar and comforting as a mother's heartbeat to her child's ear.
3. Her appetite is coaxed back to health with some good, home cooking.
4. By the end of the week the freezer is full of foil wrapped meals, neatly labeled in large block letters identifying the contents.
5. Large dairy farms dot the southern Pennsylvania landscape. Each huge barn is a different design and each farmhouse a testament to years of hard working families. Many of them incorporate a light colored stone in house and barn, making them appear invincible to time.
6. On the highway, we pass the startling scene of an accident only minutes old. People are running from vehicles toward a rolled-over car to help out. Dozens of them frantically swarm around it, tossing baggage aside to free the occupants. While the scene itself is horrific, my throat tightens at the goodness of humanity and the nature of man to run toward danger to help one another.
7. Our beloved mountains. They are not mine by ancestry, but they have adopted me in and I love to see them as we near our Virginia home.

Christmas weekend

2011-12-26T16:48:00.001-05:00

1. Many friends and family crossed our threshold this holiday season. I enjoyed welcoming each and every one into our home.
2. Loved having all the kids here for an entire weekend! Daughter #2 and her husband added a Foosball table to our 'game' basement and there was a lot of loud, happy noise making its way upstairs as everyone took turns playing.
3. This year we had a granddaughter sitting among the wrapping paper as we opened gifts on Christmas morning. She looked lost in all that paper.
4. Is there such a thing as too much food? I think yes.
5. Is there such as thing as too many sweets and chocolates? Again, I think yes.
6. Are there tears when everyone leaves? Most certainly. And I'll treasure the memories. : )

Christmas Joy!

2011-12-24T10:37:00.000-05:00

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isiah 9:6

Brought my own bagger, Mirage, "May I?"

2011-12-22T06:01:00.041-05:00

1. The Mr. took today off to shop for groceries with me. As we toddled across the parking lot I said to him, "This is how it will be when we're old."
2. Driving down our ridge, the valley lay before us, blanketed in fog with only the hilltops poking up. It appeared that we were looking out over a body of water and the hilltops were the islands.
3. Daughter #1 and her family arrived this evening. The baby has grown so much since Thanksgiving. She's a person! I can't just scoop her up and bury her in kisses. I feel that I should ask her permission first.

The number of occupants just grew, Touchable, Lights on all day

2011-12-21T05:29:00.052-05:00

1. Gingerbread people take on whatever personality we give them. We make nerds, Santas and farmers. Some have surprised o's for their mouths, others have looks of mischief while most have demure smiles.
2. The cows' winter coats are a beautiful, thick, black velvet.
3. I notice the winter solstice is upon us. Today's fog and rain smell like spring, but the early darkness that descends upon the house is certainly winter.

Take two, A favorite shop, The elves don't have the technology

2011-12-20T06:52:00.000-05:00

1. This is the photo I didn't use on our Christmas card thanks to the Mr.

He's pinching me!

2. I can't say where I shopped today because of who might read this, but I enjoyed going there. Ho,ho,ho!

3. Daughter #4 sat on my lap for a Santa talk. I tried to bounce her but she's about my size so she doesn't bounce any more. We had fun making up reasons why Santa can't give her the Mercedes.

Busy hands, I like the company, I think I said it aloud

2011-12-19T06:05:00.038-05:00

1. I have the entire day free to get down to some serious baking. It's the best therapy for me and my day ends on a much better note than it started.
2. Lingering around the table after dinner with whoever happens to be around, cups and crumpled napkins not bothered to be cleared just yet. No one is in a hurry.
3. The day is done, the kitchen cleaned, I'm ready to put my feet up and my whole body says, "Ahhh".

Oh! Thank you!, Harmonies, We are a funny lot

2011-12-18T06:57:00.000-05:00

1. I stepped out the door into the dark morning and a little snowflake surprised me with a kiss to my lip.
2. The Christmas songs were especially nice at church this morning.
3. There was not a dry eye in the room from all the laughter, ladies all fanning themselves with paper after the hysterical heat wave. It was the result of a fun, funny game using only paper and pencil... and a bit of imagination.

Jewels in a jar, Excitement is an understatement, A gift

2011-12-17T08:56:00.037-05:00

1. "Necessity is the mother of all invention", so the saying goes. Necessity is also what causes one to preserve pears when the they are needed for a recipe and the stores have none. I didn't mind...they look so beautiful in their jars with the light streaming through. They will top this savory Roquefort Cheesecake.
2. The teacher tells all forty five students that there is a gift for each of them under the tree. Can you imagine the scramble?!
3. I think how beautiful she is as she plays the piano.

Love the color, Do you bread these?, Mood-setting precipitation

2011-12-16T07:24:00.000-05:00

1. I finally got around to turning this...

...into this.

2. The customers in front of me at the butcher counter were picking up some exotic (to me) things. I leaned in to see the frog legs one lady was handed. They were huge! Then the butcher brought out boxes of rabbit. One rabbit per box, cut up. I'm pretty sure the box read, "Pet Free". The next man was inquiring about quail. The clerk said yes, they have quail too. Then it was my turn to order my ordinary, old beef roast- somewhat exotic for us.

3. Freezing rain, now that's a little more seasonal. Although I would prefer snow please, if we could fine tune it just a little?

"Just do it", Calm, It makes life a little easier

2011-12-15T05:35:00.001-05:00

1. Necessity mandated that I go to the mall for a pair of black pants for daughter #4's piano recital. My heart filled with dread at the prospect of crowds, long lines, and empty racks with her size picked over. My fretting was all for naught! It turned out to be a breeze, the racks were stuffed with choices and they were on sale. There's nothing so satisfying as a successful hunt.
2. My shawl. It has a "Linus' blanket" effect. At the end of the day, I ceremoniously swing the shawl over my shoulders, settle in with a book, or movie or whatever, and all becomes right with the world.
3. The pleasant greeting of balmy weather every time I step out a door.

I don't wanna grow up, One of my favorites!, Christmas Cheer

2011-12-14T05:20:00.050-05:00

1. 'The Ladies' came for coffee this morning. When Steve got home from work, he noticed the silverware was out. "Did you have fun playing house?" he asked. (My family all knows that playing house was one of my favorite childhood games.) "Yes I did!" I answer.
2. I'm re-reading The Linnet's Tale by Dale Willard in preparation for the sequel, Tottensea Landing. I love the playful wit and humor in this story and find myself smiling all the while that I'm reading. Anyone would love the portrayal of human character played out through these endearing little mice.
"Opportune Baggs The Inventor came into the Bookish Mouse wearing more plaids at the same time than he should have. He tended to accumulate plaids through the day...And though his plaids were separately attractive, taken altogether they appeared to be rather in dispute."
3. I'm much happier walking Henri after dark with the Christmas lights on at our house and the neighbor's.

The sun on my face, In a little brown jug, You mean butter isn't a side dish?

2011-12-13T05:27:00.045-05:00

1. I didn't realize how beautiful the day was until I poked my head out the door. My plan was to stay holed up and do laundry, ironing, wash floors, etc. But once I felt the warmth of that sun, I abandoned the work pile and went for a walk. Except for my companion, Henri, and the lone blue jay we spotted, it was solitude.
2. Rose hips picked by the roadside look pretty on the windowsill over the kitchen sink.
3. I brought a jug of maple syrup home from NY which meant pancakes for supper! The simple goodness of fluffy pancakes, slathered in butter and dripping in pure maple syrup was very satisfying.

A beacon in a dreary shopping world, That's Me!, Good soup

2011-12-12T07:50:00.028-05:00

1. The guy working the cosmetic counter at Macy's was a lot of fun. He was jovial, extremely helpful and had a great sense of humor. I didn't need my purchase wrapped, which I think disappointed him. As a concession, I agreed to take some of his gift wrap home to use. He gave me small roll of it! Macy's needs to keep this guy.
2. Mari gets on the phone and says, "Naw" for Nonni.
3. Reheated beef barley soup from yesterday along with some fresh bread for dinner means I don't have to fuss.

Christmas is Coming!, It used to be bigger, Love the blue, Making it straight

2011-12-10T06:26:00.071-05:00

1. There is a Christmas tree farm behind our house. It seems silly to use the truck, but after carrying our tree one year, we decided it got heavier with every step. We found one with a lot of character today!

2. Many Christmas memories are stored in this ragged little piece of felt. Circa 1959.

3. My newest finds! All year I scour vintage shops looking for old ornaments.

4. He helps me. While I...? Pluck something off the tree?

Throughout the decades dads have made this sacrifice.

Hunting and Gathering, Prancer, Kicked back

2011-12-09T06:18:00.040-05:00

1. I wore my Friday routine like an old, favorite pair of blue jeans.
2. I found one of Daughter #3's favorite Christmas movies at Walmart. Netflix doesn't carry it, so I bought it.

3. Just the man and me for dinner. We ate on the sofa, eating homemade "egg'a muffins" and watching the latest episode of Modern Family.
(Egg'a muffins: toasted English muffin- buttered, topped with one or two slices of fried ham, then a fried egg, and then a slice of American cheese which melts. Yum!)

Two homes, one me

2011-12-08T05:11:00.005-05:00

As the front cleared, upstate New York

1. The Italian bakery, Bella Napoli, was bustling at 10 AM. Good thing because I needed a moment to gather my senses and settle my emotions. I was so overwhelmed by the cases of pastries and breads and the 'home' this represents that I had to blink back tears from my eyes. Doesn't everyone cry in bakeries?
2. The kind of laughs you can only have with a sister. We laughed and giggled over underwear and funny elevator sounds and even got our adorable mother to chuckle, although it hurt her broken ribs.
3. They say she should be home by Christmas. I left on this note, with plenty of hope and faith in my heart.
4. New York bid me farewell in my favorite colors! Heavy, low clouds hung on a slate gray sky behind a landscape of pure white. Snow covered every branch, bough and field in breathtaking beauty as we drove across the state.
5. Virginia home. Oh how I wish I could be in two places at one time! This is my sanctuary where I can recharge and gather strength, surrounded by the love of family and friends for whatever may come...

Time to get these fall decorations put away for Heaven's sake!

Another World

2011-12-03T05:14:00.001-05:00

1. I'm driving around highly populated areas this week and the Christmas lights displays are fantastic! It's beginning to feel more like Christmas.
2. Hugs are tighter and longer, kisses are sweeter and tears are briefer.
3. Two elderly ladies, neither of whom speaks, sit side by side at the lunch table. They clasp hands and smile huge smiles, showing everyone that they are Best Friends Forever.
4. I attend Catholic Mass with my FIL. Voices echo in the church just like I remember. The scriptures are for advent and proclaim the coming of our Lord; the incense, the music and the darkness outside make everything feel close and somehow mysterious. But what changes it up is Father Koffi. He is from Ghana and his voice with accent and his sense of humor bring a slight touch pf playfulness into the mystery.
5. New York accents!!! I've never noticed them before. Do I sound like this?
6. It gets dark very early up here. By 4:00, it is night. I'm not crazy about it, but it is so familiar that I embrace it like an old favorite blanket.

Special delivery, Between our comings and goings, A call from Pete

2011-11-29T02:37:00.053-05:00

1. I made the final stitches on my mom's Christmas gift, wrapped everything in sparkly gift wrap and now I can deliver her gifts in person.
2. She apologizes for not having much on hand to serve for our visit: a delicious pot of coffee, paper thin slices of apple, assorted cheeses, crackers and spicy cookies! Best of all is the visit.
3. I was debating where to stay in New York because my childhood home would be lonely with no one else there. So I was glad when my FIL called and asked me to stay at their house. I knew all along that I could stay there; I didn't need an invitation, but it made the decision easier for me.

Getting ready, Stashing some smiles, He's not usually like this

2011-11-28T06:44:00.060-05:00

1. Travel plans fall into place and my obsessive/ compulsive nature kicks in to make preparations. A doctor once told my mother that she was wired like a race horse in the starting gate. Ha! I think I take after her. But this can be worked towards good.

2. Sorting through photos from the weekend and smiling at our(silly)selves.

We know who wears the pants in that family.

We didn't drink all that beer on the floor. Those are just supplies for brewing. #3 is going to kill me.

I'm like the streaker behind a news reporter.

3. I've heard him laugh more these past few weeks than I've ever heard before. Long, hard, belly laughs. Is life funnier these days? I don't know...

"Say Non-ni!", My personal electrician, Perfect for walking

2011-11-26T17:30:00.001-05:00

I am counting blessings and joys to hold in reserve for the anxious days that are sure to be ahead. Both our mothers have fallen, broken bones and are in the hospital. Same hospital, same floor, same hall...600 miles away.

1. Mari is a great mime for sounds. She says, "Nonni" and "Pop" along with a bunch of other names and nouns we ask her to repeat. Hearing her tiny voice say my name is pure joy and I ask her to say it over and over : )
2. I announce that I would like to string Christmas lights on the crab apple tree. We don't usually bother with outside lights, but I think it will be a cheerful beacon to see out the kitchen window. Steve holds the ladder for me, replaces spent bulbs and gathers extension cords.
3. We've had the most beautiful, mild weather to enjoy throughout the entire holiday weekend.

The girls, I think we've bonded, A line at the microwave

2011-11-25T08:24:00.004-05:00

1. I'm happiest when the girls are all here. Like now.

2. The baby couldn't sleep, so I brought her downstairs to the rocker where we cuddled and rocked while everyone else slept.

3. Leftovers are usually ho-hum, but not at Thanksgiving. We make a big deal out of getting to eat everything all over again.

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Checking the calendar, To satisfy a craving, Wellspring

2011-11-22T05:21:00.066-05:00

1. The bare woods are filled with the sound of birds. With the balmy air and the soft ground, I imagine they're announcing spring. The Virginia climate is playful,sometimes briefly interchanging the seasons. But then she always draws each season out to its full calendar dates.
2. A Reuben sandwich for lunch. Words cannot explain how good...
3. Each family donated one small item which added up to a complete Thanksgiving dinner. One small drop combined with another small drop created an abundance for someone who was without.

It's all about the texture, Who ordered these?, Cranberry bread

2011-11-21T06:13:00.057-05:00

1. These molasses cookies are my favorite store-bought cookie. "Snacking" is an understatement. "Addicting" is more accurate.
2. Packages arrive in the mailbox and are quickly hustled away. They're secreted into dark closets and corners where curiosity won't find them.
2.a. As she wraps the gifts she bought, she exclaims that she just loves Christmas.
3. Baking extra- one to keep; one to give.

A proud son, Carnitas, muffins and tarts, Companionship

2011-11-19T06:22:00.009-05:00

marthastewart.com

1. A spiffy, red pick-up truck with highly polished chrome stands out on the crowded highway. The rear window proudly reads, "In Memory of MOM 1939-2008". She must have been a very special lady.
2. I had time to play in the kitchen today. Two recipes I recommend: Pork Carnitas and these Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins.
3. Steve and I ran morning errands together- landfill, post office, nothing spectacular. But it was nice doing it together.

Where I spend a LOT of time- Bead board project is finished!

2011-11-18T20:25:00.002-05:00

Problem: The laminate back splash was soaking up water. It had begun to come apart and the wall behind it was getting wet and moldy. I would like to replace the entire counter top with granite, but it is out of our budget right now. We had to do something, so...

Solution: Steve tore off the back splash. He repaired the wall and rather than simply paint it, we opted for bead board. We added a baseboard and trim, caulked the bottom so it wouldn't seep in water any more, then primed, painted and sealed it all with Verathane. For about $100 we solved the problem and bought some time before we have to replace the counter top.

After: The hardest part (other than filling in staple gun holes) was cleaning the kitchen for the after photos.

A cookie for you Debbie : )

I get it now, Bonsack Kroger, First use

2011-11-17T06:19:00.000-05:00

1. I phoned a friend this morning and while her line was ringing, something funny dawned on me and I started laughing. I was still laughing when she picked up her end. I'm glad it made her laugh too.
2. The market was peaceful and calm. The butcher came out from behind his counter and chatted, the cashier talked and laughed about Thanksgiving, all the clerks said "hello" when I passed them in the aisles. Wait...maybe this is the Stepford Wives store.
3. Playing with my new, mini tube pans. They make the cutest pound cakes! For serving, I'll add a dusting of powdered sugar, some fruit and a bit of whipped cream. I'm popping them in the freezer for now, to save for next week.

It's dark out there, View from the windshield, In time for Thanksgiving

2011-11-15T06:04:00.072-05:00

1. A dark and drizzly November morning made the hairdresser's shop a cozy retreat. Muted voices, the rhythm of scissors clicking and warm hairdryers fell under the spell of the subdued atmosphere.
2. White clouds snuggle into the valleys with dark purple mountains looming up behind them. An even darker gray sky above it all adds to the drama.
3. I put the final coat of paint on the bead board project in the kitchen. Tomorrow I'll finish with the Verathane and then I can put everything back in its place!

Waiting for me, Way back when, A guy thing

2011-11-14T06:33:00.111-05:00

1. The tried-and-true method to determine if you really want to buy something is when you think about it for weeks afterward with regret for not snatching it up.I returned to an antiques shop where, two weeks ago, I spotted the most adorable little 3" tube pans for baking tiny cakes. I was relieved that they were still there.

2. I rediscovered a box of magazines originally found in the attic of our first home in Saratoga Springs, NY. I like the nostalgia of the art work. The articles sound hokey nowadays, but there are many on being frugal which make me realize things haven't changed all that much.
3. "Monday Night Pool Night" has become a regular for the guys.

Breathtaking!, Hypnotized by the moon, Found one

2011-11-12T07:05:00.070-05:00

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

1. Can you even imagine?!

2. The full moon is clear and white on this frosty morning. It's so sharp that I can see all the shadows of its landscape.
3. I've been experimenting with frosting to get a buttercream that is light and fluffy enough to pipe onto cupcakes. I can't bring myself to use Crisco in order to get a white frosting, so mine remained butter-colored. I am pleased with the results so far. This makes more than enough for 12 cupcakes.

Bakery Style Frosting

2 sticks butter (I use salted because I like a little salt with my sweet.)
3 1/2 cups sifted confectioner's sugar
1/2 tea. vanilla or almond extract, depending on what flavor you like.

Blend butter until it's smoothed out. Then add confectioner's sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until blended. Add vanilla. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 3 minutes.
*If you want white frosting, substitute 1/2 cup non-hydrogenated shortening for one stick of the butter and use
almond extract or a clear vanilla if you can find it.

In honor, Some can take a while, Dating for convenience

2011-11-12T06:59:00.001-05:00

1. Thinking of my dad today and how proud he was of our country. He always had to go to work on Veteran's Day while we kids got the day off from school. I always thought that was unfair. If I were President (ha,ha) I would pass a law that all veterans get Veterans Day off from work.
2. A daughter has been cooking more than a bit and talking to me a lot. This is quite out of character, unusual and puzzling... in a good way.
3. It was too far to drive back and forth home after giving Daughter #4 her ride, so we stayed out and had a date.

Colors of today, Juggling the week, So much for not bothering

2011-11-10T06:13:00.086-05:00

1. As I was driving along, I noticed my sweater bore the same blues and rusts of the landscape. I was wearing the day! Later, Chelsea and Chad shared this photo they took while hiking Dragon's Tooth today and it shows the hues perfectly. (Chelsea is on the rock outcrop to the right.)

Another photo Chelsea took of McAfee Knob on the right. The afternoon turned golden as a cold front moved through.

2. I combined grocery shopping with another errand and now tomorrow is a free day!
3. After being out all day, I planned for we three to have a simple meal of eggs. But three quickly turned into seven, so I whipped up a short order feast of scrambled eggs, blueberry pancakes, bacon, coffee and juice. Everyone was satisfied and happy to be together. It felt more like a Friday night than a Thursday.

A favorite breakfast food, To show she cares, Keeping warm

2011-11-09T05:38:00.062-05:00

1. Mornings are brighter when there are biscotti to dunk in my coffee.
2. She wants to bake him a pumpkin pie. A comfort food for him to enjoy after his long day at work. This is the language of love.
2a. I watch her hands as she attempts to work the dough lightly.
3. Time spent at the sewing machine using wonderfully soft flannel. It's a gift for my mom, so I think of her while I work.

Want to come along?, Where they give you a sticker, Contagious

2011-11-08T05:14:00.044-05:00

1. Schools were off today so Tess came on errands with me, just like old times.
2. I've lost count of how many old churches and musty school gymnasiums I've been to in order to vote over the years. This is what makes it personal and so "all-American". An honor which I hope never to take for granted.
3. I'm used to hearing him chuckle now and then, but tonight he's laughing so hard that he can't stop. At 4 am. he wakes up, thinks of it, and starts laughing again.

For someone else, Planning ahead, New pets?

2011-11-07T08:14:00.049-05:00

1. With all of our home school textbooks up for sale, I think I am officially done. Twenty years! Should I say I'm retired? It feels more like I am just beginning something.
2. I cooked this morning, so that all we had to do was re-heat our dinner this evening.
3. Biodynamic farmer and beekeeper, Gunther Hauk spoke at the Botetourt Beekeeper's Assoc. meeting tonight. A soft spoken and gentle man, he shared his wisdom and practical advice regarding the honeybees. I will spend the winter reading and learning about a new hobby I hope to undertake.

Habits, One man's junk..., Harvest flavors

2011-11-06T06:36:00.047-05:00

1. On a slice of cake where the two frosted layers come together with the frosted outside edge, it forms a "T" of frosting. This is the best bite that is saved for last. Always.
2. One load was taken to Goodwill and another trunk full is forming! I confessed to the family that the hardest things to get rid of are the animals and dolls. They have faces. Tess (who isn't usually evil) said, "Just don't think of the Toy Story song." Thanks a lot Tess. I think this box will stay.
3. Our shared meal with friends had a harvest theme: pork, apples, squash and all things spicy and good.

One project became two, Hard to keep my eyes on the road, Eight years later

2011-11-05T06:31:00.074-04:00

1. The check-out line is long at the fabric store. But everyone is cheerful and, if they're like me, it's because they have a project in their basket.
2. We drove on roads with names like, Lee's Gap, White Church, and Switzer Mountain. All with gorgeous scenery in golds and burnt reds.
3. Steve tackled the biggest reorganization thus far in the basement. My heart was beginning to pound in fear of chaos, but we put our heads together and came up with a plan. I did my part for the day and then I walked away. Later I went back to peek at the progress. It's so much better organized and now my heart pounds with excitement!

North Star, O!, Last game

2011-11-04T08:55:00.000-04:00

1. I listened to one of the MP3 mixes Steve made for driving, so it was a mixed bag of music today. An old favorite popped up and made my heart skip with happiness. Robert Fripp's use of few words in North Star is pure poetry.

2. Four pumpkins, each carved with a different surprised expression, line the steps.
3. Layered jackets, scarves, gloves and blankets help fight off the chill at the football game.

I know that hair, Exploring the great outdoors, Chain reaction

2011-11-03T06:09:00.074-04:00

1. The breeze fluffed her hair.

2. The warm sun, blue sky and green grass were too inviting to ignore. This little granddaughter reminds me very much of her mom when she was a baby.

3. Since Claire and Marian were visiting, Chelsea and Chad came to visit. Since Chelsea and Chad were coming, a bigger dinner needed to be cooked. Since a bigger dinner would be cooked, Audrey and Matt joined in. Finally, when Tess and Steve got home from school/work, the fun began! Stories were told around the dinner table, Audrey had us laughing to tears, a bathed and powdered baby was passed around, and several games of pool were played- full of excitement and shouts. We ended the evening with this dessert of pumpkin cake and spiced cream cheese frosting.

Nice day for a drive, Visitors, Holiday traditions

2011-11-01T06:47:00.110-04:00

1. I didn't mind driving the forgotten lunch to school on a beautiful day such as this. The first few miles take me over the mountain and then down the other side to this view.

At the corner I turn right, past this old building. To me, it looks like it may have been a general store?

Once through the ghost town of Springwood, it's over the James River I go.

The school sits in a valley. From this distance I can just see the lights of the football field in the center of the photo where there is a gap in the trees. It may be on the way to nowhere, but it's one of the most beautiful 'nowheres' I've ever been. I left the lunch at the front office and turned right around for the ten mile drive back home. (If you click on any of the photos, they will enlarge.)

I've always admired this property. The old farmhouse is situated in a cozy spot and it has lots of outbuildings. I think it must have been beautiful at one time. You can see a cow standing under the big tree on the right. Cows graze all around the house. It belongs to them now.

2. Claire and Mari have come for a visit!

3. I baked sugar cookies in pumpkin and leaf shapes, then frosted and sprinkled them in shades of autumn. We had these for dessert while we watched Captain America.

The Momur, A gypsy and a dog

2011-11-01T06:24:00.000-04:00

1. Steve's rhino comment on yesterday's post got me listening to Adrian Belew for my drive today. The Momur- I'm smiling a lot. This is my Halloween persona; no costume required...however, raging hormones may be necessary.

2. Tess and her friends decided they were not too old for trick-or-treating. She quickly transformed into a gypsy and I dropped her off in town for the local festivities.

3. Sweet little Henri turns seven today. Audrey brought him gifts and he dozed on his new bed all afternoon.

Contrasts of autumn

2011-10-30T08:17:00.002-04:00

Normally abuzz with activity, the lavender is eerily absent of bees and butterflies. I still slide my fingers through it to capture its sharp fragrance.

Frost on the lawnmower seat resembles the tough hide of some exotic animal. Elephant or rhino?

Poor little lilac didn't get the memo about bloom time. It makes a brave appearance and stands alone.

Most of the color has fallen to the ground where it was frosted overnight.

Free is better, All done up, Boys on one side, girls on the other

2011-10-29T07:38:00.047-04:00

1. In the store, her new cell phone would cost $99 after a $50 rebate and I would have to change my plan. On their website, the phone is free and I keep my plan. I'm glad we walked away at the store and decided to shop around. The lesson daughter #4 learned today: Patience is a virtue. (and it enables you to keep your birthday money)
2. Her first high school dance and she looks beautiful.
3. "So, did you dance?" "Yeah...with Hannah."

Will even cheer a curmudgeon, Great beginnings, On the right side of the window

2011-10-28T20:05:00.000-04:00

1. The first snow of the season excites us with its magic. We dart to windows, calling others in the house to, "Come see! It's snowing!" Suddenly, Christmas lists are being composed.
2. Onions, celery and garlic gently sauté in olive oil promising the start of a good vegetable soup for dinner.
3. Sitting in my favorite chair, reading and then sewing with the lamplight over my shoulder while something frozen patters on the window.

Drama, Scottish in origin, Soaps and sprays

2011-10-28T05:55:00.002-04:00

1. The sun had just set when foreboding clouds blew in from the west. The wind kicked up and began blowing leaves everywhere. I can tolerate this kind of drama in my life.
2. I was flipping through recipe books this evening, trying to write a weekly menu when I ran across a recipe for Hot Toddies. Hmm...I've never had a Hot Toddy... in novels they drink them at night...and it is cold outside, so I had to try it. It warms you from the inside out : )

In a mug combine 1 tablespoon brandy, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon honey; add 1/2 cup boiling water and stir. Garnish with a lemon slice if desired.

3. I poked around the housewares department at Marshall's where I sniffed an amazing room freshener called "Winter Woods".

Ran into an old friend, Right where I put them, Coffee break

2011-10-26T06:24:00.000-04:00

1.My friends and I enjoyed hundreds of hours of play with our Barbies in the 1960's. We played on back porches and under trees, in bedrooms, living rooms and basements. Our imaginations had us living in high rise New York City apartments, attending balls or jet setting to beach vacations. Thanks for the adventures my dear friend!
2. Another good thing about cleaning...you might run across that which you thought was lost. Example in point: Daughter #2 thought I gave away her paintball masks. I would never! Today they are found.
3. I brewed a second cup of coffee this morning to sip while I visited with my mom on the phone.

Take a deep breath, Reporting for duty, Headig in a simpler direction, It deserves a name

2011-10-25T20:02:00.035-04:00

1. Thank you, Mrs. Cahoon for burning such lovely scented wood today. It blended perfectly with that of fallen leaves and fresh air.
2. Empty terracotta pots line the walk waiting for clean-up and a winter rest.
3. Having the patio cleared of plants and pots enables me to envision it as a blank canvas. I think I'll make some changes for next year. The excitement of ideas for next year's garden will give me something to ponder over the dreary winter months.
4. The lawnmower is still working... in all of its rattling, temperamental glory!

In my grandmother's trunk...

2011-10-24T19:05:00.005-04:00

1. I'm beginning a season of sorting and cleaning. Today I worked in what is perhaps my most prized possession. Prized not because it has any monetary value, but because of what it represents. This is the trunk that carried my maternal grandmother's belongings when she immigrated to America from Italy in 1906. You can still see faint vertical lines where the ropes burned into the wood when it was tied and loaded aboard ship. The trunk mostly goes unnoticed where it sits in a corner of our bedroom, but I love it dearly. All morning as I worked, the stories swam around in my head.

2. The odor of mothballs is still very strong even though I've had the trunk for over thirty years. I don't use mothballs but I do like that smell. My mom also used mothballs to store our winter clothing in New York so it reminds me of northern winters, warm clothing, ice skating and Christmas. My grandmother arrived at Ellis Island on December 20, 1906 so I think it's appropriate that the trunk smells like winter.
3. I have no idea when the wallpaper was glued to the interior, but it's very pretty. The cobalt blue part of the design is still so bright. By the end of the morning, I had the trunk emptied out and the master bathroom linen closet also cleaned and sorted!

Allergies?, Music at the Grands, On Sundays only

2011-10-23T08:06:00.002-04:00

1. Puzzled but thankful that I feel better today!
2. We went to a great piano concert performed by two local piano teachers. (Graduates from our very own Hollins University ) It was a lively and fun program with the wonderful sound of two grand pianos and drums filling the room.
3. Pumpkin pie and coffee for dinner.

It will have to be a beautiful weekend without me, Steve has the fun, Goodnight house

2011-10-22T06:22:00.003-04:00

1. Reluctantly, I gave myself permission to dump any plans for the day. Instead, I sat with a box of Kleenex on my lap, nursing a head cold. There is relief in letting go.
2. The echo of the chainsaw drew me to the porch where I stood in the sun for a few minutes.
3. The ritual of tucking the house in for the night; going 'round to turn off lights, lock doors and pull down shades.

Always the baby of the family, Good choice, Still some color left

2011-10-21T19:29:00.008-04:00

1. Tess turns fifteen today. She had a bright day full of good cheer and laughter with school friends and well wishes from family.
2. She requested that we celebrate with fruit pizzas. A treat for all of us!
3. The play of sunlight and clouds made the fall colors exceptionally brilliant today.

2011-10-21T01:40:00.005-04:00

Time passes too quickly.

Five stars, Migrating, Armed with a Sharpie

2011-10-20T06:05:00.004-04:00

1. The movie Buck is an excellent documentary! It's the story of Buck Brannaman who some call The Horse Whisperer. I would recommend this movie for everyone, not only horse people. One of many quotes I especially like:
"You know a horse is pretty sensitive. A horse can feel a mosquito on their butt in a wind storm."
2. I noticed a plume of gray smoke off in the distance. I didn't think much of it until Tess exclaimed, "Look at that flock of birds!" It was a lot of birds.
3. Organizing and cleaning makes me extraordinarily happy. It might actually be a curse... I'm not sure. But I felt good all day after I sorted, labeled and organized all our old paint cans in the basement.

Composer unknown, A challenge, Craving

2011-10-19T06:40:00.001-04:00

1. Among the box of music we bought at auction last summer was this handwritten music score titled, "A Christmas Carol to My Washington Family" from 1937. Today I found the perfect frame for it and now it is sandwiched between two pieces of glass and sits atop our piano.
2. Steve gives me second chances when we play pool.
3. I made a rich chicken and rice casserole with mushrooms, pimento and crunchy sliced almonds. I use whole milk and a vegetable bouillon that B. brings me from Germany. Pure comfort food for a cold and rainy night.

I can't look, Her favorite subject, Not many of these left

2011-10-18T10:56:00.018-04:00

1. I used to help Steve's grandmother periodically clean out her file cabinet. It would take all day because she would read every piece of paper, stop and cry. I attempted to do a bit of my own file cabinet purging today. I didn't get far before I ran across this drawing done by Chelsea when she was 4 1/2. Notice the color of the streamers? They reminded me of the photo from last Saturday-they match her jersey 20 years later. I don't dare go back to the filing cabinet because at this rate, it will take me all day. : )

2. While packing her ample school lunch she says, " I wish lunch counted as a subject because I would get an A."
3. Balmy temperatures and dwindling daylight allowed for an evening walk. We picked up a few acorns as we went along.

A Vagabond Song by Bliss Carman

2011-10-17T10:40:00.004-04:00

There is something in the autumn that is native to my blood-
Touch of manner, hint of mood;
And my heart is like a rhyme,
With the yellow and the purple and the crimson keeping time.

The scarlet of the maples can shake me like a cry
Of bugles going by,
And my lonely spirit thrills
To see the frosty asters like a smoke upon the hills.

There is something in October sets the gypsy blood astir;
We must rise and follow her,
When from every hill aflame
She calls and calls each vagabond by name.

*Tess took this photo from the hill next door.

No drivel here, Our road, Winterizing

2011-10-17T06:14:00.001-04:00

1. Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner is, by far, one of the best books I've read in ages. He is an author whose writing is pure art.
2. Only in the glory of autumn do we return home with such fanfare as a road strewn with gold coins.
3. Down comforters are hauled to the laundromat where I sit for an hour or so, breathing the clean scent of detergents and warm dryers. Back home, I hang them in the sun and breeze before returning them to beds that are made up with fresh sheets. Bed time will be a treat tonight.

Comes with a history, The thoughts of a parent, But it needs to be sterile!

2011-10-16T06:02:00.004-04:00

1. Steve is really smitten with his new toy. He researched the company that made the table, measured bolts and boards and came up with a manufacture date in the 1920's. I like to imagine the places and things this table has seen.
2. The top is made from three pieces of slate, each weighing 250 pounds. There were no men around to help him carry them down from the truck. Daughter #3 was happy to oblige. "Aren't you glad you have a strong daughter?" she asks me with pride. A simple, "Yes!" doesn't suffice, but I don't bore her with my long answer.
3. Chelsea and Tess decide to build terrariums in some gallon bottles, but we have no potting soil. Steve finds this amusing. In typical dad-style he says, "You mean we have five acres out there and you have no dirt?"

Saturday's #1 A beautiful day for a race, #2 Amazing endurance

2011-10-15T22:48:00.001-04:00

Chelsea after competing in her first Cyclocross race. Thirty minutes of slugging through fields, up hills, over barriers and through mud.

Chad is cheering Chelsea on with a cowbell. We cheered from the sidelines, but Chad ran right into the course to cheer his wife on.

Chad's turn. The 'A' class entries spent 45 minutes (!) doing the same. It's a grueling task, but everyone is lighthearted and good-natured about it.

Chad and his main competitor coming up a hill.

Bodies and bikes are covered in mud at the end.

Saturday's #3 Love this place!

2011-10-15T20:35:00.003-04:00

Tess' piano teacher gave her a coupon for a free cupcake. A good excuse to check it out, no?

This beautiful, old home is perfect for a bakery/shop.

The display case is hypnotizing. I could stare at it all day.

Everything about the place is whimsical and tastefully done. I always thought "cupcake" bakeries were overrated, but Bubblecake is the exception. The cupcakes aren't only pretty, they taste great too.

Warmth at a bargain, Brilliant, Sounds of a season

2011-10-14T06:49:00.000-04:00

1. Great prices at the annual warehouse sale for Hanover linens. I stocked up on Company Store brand items that are exactly what we needed for our winter bedding. I put the new mattress topper and comforter on #4's bed and found her asleep on it when I called her down for dinner.
2. Clouds gave way to bright sunshine today, lighting up the colors of the trees.
3. When I close my eyes, it's still autumn. The air sounds hollow, leaves rustle in the breeze and a lone cricket has lost its choir.

I see you!, Make room, With marinara on the side

2011-10-13T05:56:00.003-04:00

1. The backyard maple has varying shades of color from year to year. This year it is a bright, crimson red. The vivid color is startling whenever I glance out the kitchen window, especially on this dark and dreary day.
2. He's brought home an ancient monster of a billiards table. Piece by piece, he disassembled it for transport and now he's reassembling it in our basement. The chutes for the balls are fascinating, skeletal works of rubber coated wire and clamps. The woodwork has been painted over, but we can see signs of its original, stately condition.
3. We all look forward to homemade calzones for dinner.

I don't think they taste that great, Rain and fog, Yankee Candle

2011-10-12T17:13:00.004-04:00

1. Black cows congregate under an ancient pear tree, scarfing up pears as they fall with a loud "plump" onto the ground. They stand very still, staring at me while they chew and chew and chew.
2. All sorts of rainfall today- downpours, drizzles and mists. In the misty episode, the rain was so fine that it caught on my eyelashes.
3. The salesclerk uses the word technology when describing the candle. Funny, candle and technology are two words I would never associate together.

2011-10-11T19:45:00.001-04:00

Keeping the tank full, Displaying red, Bottle that

2011-10-10T06:23:00.003-04:00

1. Schools are closed for the holiday which means twelve miles less driving. There's still a piano lesson, but we leave straight from home and we run three other errands on the way to it. I am mindful of saving gas, one drop and dollar at a time.
2. The burning bush is on FIRE!
3. We're early, so we poke around a nearby antique shop. It has that good kind of old smell.

Bonfires- one reason why fall is my favorite season.

2011-10-08T06:38:00.001-04:00

Perfect fall weather and most of the kids' schedules came together for a bonfire weekend. There was a lot of rubble to burn from the trees Steve cut last week.

We had the fire going when Steve returned from his week away.

Mugs of baked potato soup, hot dogs to roast on sticks, the fixings for s'mores and a Boston Cream Pie with candles for Matt's birthday were all carried out to the fire.

Chelsea and Audrey

Tess

Some of Fall's Favorites

2011-10-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

1. The nursery had bins of heirloom pumpkins and gourds in every color, shape and size. This one looks like it's made of terra cotta.
2. Several years ago I stumbled upon a trick for preserving real leaves that works pretty well. (Those are real leaves under the pumpkin.) Iron them between sheets of waxed paper, just like we used to do when we were kids. Leave them for a day, then peel the paper off. The wax stays on the leaves and keeps them from browning.
3. Caramel apples sit on a plate of buttered wax paper.

Glorious weather, Preserved, What the...?

2011-10-06T06:55:00.007-04:00

1. I took a few moments to sit outside and turn my face to the sun. A gentle breeze teased away the heat.
2. Picked some leaves and ironed them in waxed paper : )
3. This evening we heard a racket coming from outdoors in every direction! The coyotes were howling and crisscrossing the fields. Adding to the din was Daughter #3 playing a rabbit's distress call out the window from her computer. I don't even know what to think.

Dog hair, People hair, It's even waterproof

2011-10-05T06:32:00.004-04:00

1. Handsome Henri is sporting a pumpkin print bandanna from his groomer. Whatever product she uses on his coat, I would like for my own hair. His fur is downy soft and cuddly.
2. There's a walk-in client waiting patiently for an opening at the hair salon. It's a small establishment, so he moves from chair to chair as customers come and go. His face bears an amused expression as he watches the different women having their hair done and listens to their conversations. I'm pretty sure he's enjoying the wait.
3. For so many years, we made fun of and mimicked the commercials that say, "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!" Now has come the time when we've had this installed for my mom. We all feel a peace of mind knowing help is there at the push of a button.
She's determined never to need it : )

Reorganizing the wardrobe, Landscapes, Sorry! Sorry!

2011-10-04T06:31:00.005-04:00

1. I feel like I have something new to wear when I take winter clothes out of storage. I haven't seen these old friends for several months and we're getting reacquainted. The lavender I had tucked into the trunk left them gently scented.
2. The clouds form dramatic scenes on every horizon. They work well with the mountains, creating breathtaking views.
3. Green cherry tomatoes "Pop!" when I accidentally step on them in the garden. It's gross but also addicting- like stepping on bubble wrap.

The eternal, unseen things, A new resident, As in Little Miss Sunshine

2011-10-02T06:46:00.004-04:00

1.Today's sermon on 2Corinthians 4:1-18 was powerful and encouraging. I look forward to pondering over it this week.
2. B. shared a large chunk of a flowering shrub from her garden. I had an empty spot just waiting to transplant it and I have high hopes for its success.
3. We're joking with Tess about how to have fun at a dance. Big sister shows her some dance moves that have us cracking up.

Highly valued, Making Preparations, Autumn sound

2011-10-01T21:35:00.008-04:00

1. Watching a load of compost being loaded into the back of our pick-up makes me want to jump and clap my hands. I love good dirt! I redid the raspberry and rhubarb patches, a portion of a perennial bed and prepared some of the trees for a planting of ground cover.
2. Today was a cool and blustery day. Every so often a fit of wind brought leaves raining down. The wind and the clouds rushing across the sky said, "Hurry. hurry!".
3. I heard Steve using the chainsaw, its lonely sound echoing off the woods.

It's what moms do, Just hangin' out in the fridge, Keeping house

2011-09-30T07:57:00.006-04:00

1. I told Tess I keep an eye on her while she's waiting at the bus stop every morning. She said, "What, are you stalking me?" and I said, "No. Think of it more like I'm your bodyguard." It made her smile.
2. This photo of Marian : )
3. I'm always inspired after a visit at B.'s. She creatively keeps her home warm and inviting, adding touches of the season and changing things up every so often.

Added to the collection, Revived, My next creation

2011-09-29T03:20:00.013-04:00

photo courtesy of circlemakers.org

1. Steve spotted a recipe in Reader's Digest, (of all places), and asked me to make it. It turned out to be a delicious side dish that I can't wait to make again. It reminds us of French Onion Soup.

Baked Onions with Gruyére

5 medium, sweet onions such as Vidalia
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
1 cup low sodium beef broth
2 teaspoons Soy sauce
1 cup finely shredded Gruyére
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh sage (I used dried)
Preheat oven to 400 °F. Coat shallow baking dish (large enough to hold 10 onions haves) with cooking spray.
Trim about 1/4 inch off the top and bottom of onions so that halves will sit level in the pan. Cut onions in half crosswise and peel them. Arrange onion halves, cut side up, in baking dish.
Brush exposed tops with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 35 minutes.
In a glass measuring cup, mix beef broth and soy sauce.remove dish from oven and pour sauce over onions. Return to oven and continue baking about 1 hour, basting occasionally. If liquid evaporates, add a little water.
Remove dish from oven and sprinkle cheese and sage evenly over tops of onions. Bake 5-7 minutes more until cheese is nicely melted.
Serves 10.

2. The change of seasons renews my interest in cooking. Cooler weather adds more options to the menu, especially recipes that were too heavy to eat in the summer like stews and casseroles.
3. I'm not fastidious about making tidy checkerboard patterns on our grass with the lawnmower. I make freestyle, circular lines that I imagine are more like crop patterns.

** Steve put the recipe link under "Comments" : )

What they're saying

2011-09-27T17:49:00.001-04:00

A bit of conversation between teen daughter and friend. Apparently one can be too clean.
D: Have you ever seen his friend with the really clean gelled hair, and the rectangle glasses? He looks so... clean. It's weird.
F: No! I haven't but hygiene is important.

D: I know it sounds reallllllly weird, but you look at him, and the first words that come to mind are like, 'Windex', 'soap', 'Swiffer'.