Yes, Spring has done it again. The flowers are blooming, the ants and fruit flies are in the kitchen, and the house feels colder on the inside than the outside.
We had the "Screen Mobile" come, and replaced both door screens, had 4 new screens made for the back of the house, and 3 for the front, all for $475.
Jim got a truck load of compost and is spreading it around the flower beds, and I made a trip to Lowes for some container plants.
Bitsy caught something out on the patio. She leaped off the porch, nailed it and ran into the woods with it hanging from her mouth. Whatever it was lasted a few days because she just showed up this morning for more food.
The pool is dried out so we can start cleaning it if it doesn't rain, but there is so much else to do, like getting the summer clothes out, and packing away the winter stuff, plus I start my training next week for the Census.
I am trying to get as much done as possible this week.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Trains
I was listening to the radio yesterday, No not NPR, but a music station and I heard Arlo Guthrie singing "City of New Orleans" and it reminded me of my own fascination with trains.
When I was a child, we always had a Christmas garden with handmade houses and of course, a church, encircled by an American Flyer train set.
The trains were actually my Brother's and every year a new piece would be added to the garden, a signal switch, a cross gate, a beacon tower or additional cars.
Originally our train was industrial, a locomotive with a coal tender, a tanker car, a logging car which would dump it's cargo when it hit a certain section of the track and you pushed a button,and a cattle car and milk jug carrier which would also unload onto a vibrating platform . The engine would puff out smoke, and naturally there was the little red caboose bringing up the rear.
As time moved on, we acquired passenger cars as did the country apparently, as air travel out of reach for the average Joe, and trucking became more practical for commerce.
But I didn't know this when I was young, I just enjoyed the trains for the season, all the lights in the little houses, the whistle of the engine, the clack of the tracks.
My Dad stopped setting the garden up, but when my boys were born he started again. He even built a platform for us, so we had our own set of HO scale cars with a Diesel engine and a KFC instead of the church.
When I became older, the train became more romantic to me. It was the scene of many a soldier going off the war in movies, those tearful goodbyes, sweethearts waving, tearful kisses blown into the wind. It was also the scene of momentous reunions and stump speeches by politicians from the caboose.
It was a sad day when the train pulled through Baltimore with the body of Robert Kennedy. It gave the people a chance to salute him and say goodbye.
When Woodies transferred me to the Metro Center in DC, I would drive 1/2 hr to West Baltimore in the dark, park for free under the bridge on RT 40 (same neighborhood as the Wire) and catch the Marc train to Union Station where I then boarded the Metro to my stop. On the nights I had to work later, or just plain missed the Marc, I rode the Amtrak for $1 more.
Somehow I felt very excited riding the train everyday. It made my job seem more important, and once, when Rocky was trying to make a comeback into my life, he surprised me at Penn Station with flowers, a sweet gesture.
We have a coal train that runs through here that carries fuel to The Indian River Power Plant. When I am tucked in at night, I can here the whistle and the clack of the tracks. Some nights it rocks me right to sleep.
I can see why so many musicians write songs about them....
When I was a child, we always had a Christmas garden with handmade houses and of course, a church, encircled by an American Flyer train set.
The trains were actually my Brother's and every year a new piece would be added to the garden, a signal switch, a cross gate, a beacon tower or additional cars.
Originally our train was industrial, a locomotive with a coal tender, a tanker car, a logging car which would dump it's cargo when it hit a certain section of the track and you pushed a button,and a cattle car and milk jug carrier which would also unload onto a vibrating platform . The engine would puff out smoke, and naturally there was the little red caboose bringing up the rear.
As time moved on, we acquired passenger cars as did the country apparently, as air travel out of reach for the average Joe, and trucking became more practical for commerce.
But I didn't know this when I was young, I just enjoyed the trains for the season, all the lights in the little houses, the whistle of the engine, the clack of the tracks.
My Dad stopped setting the garden up, but when my boys were born he started again. He even built a platform for us, so we had our own set of HO scale cars with a Diesel engine and a KFC instead of the church.
When I became older, the train became more romantic to me. It was the scene of many a soldier going off the war in movies, those tearful goodbyes, sweethearts waving, tearful kisses blown into the wind. It was also the scene of momentous reunions and stump speeches by politicians from the caboose.
It was a sad day when the train pulled through Baltimore with the body of Robert Kennedy. It gave the people a chance to salute him and say goodbye.
When Woodies transferred me to the Metro Center in DC, I would drive 1/2 hr to West Baltimore in the dark, park for free under the bridge on RT 40 (same neighborhood as the Wire) and catch the Marc train to Union Station where I then boarded the Metro to my stop. On the nights I had to work later, or just plain missed the Marc, I rode the Amtrak for $1 more.
Somehow I felt very excited riding the train everyday. It made my job seem more important, and once, when Rocky was trying to make a comeback into my life, he surprised me at Penn Station with flowers, a sweet gesture.
We have a coal train that runs through here that carries fuel to The Indian River Power Plant. When I am tucked in at night, I can here the whistle and the clack of the tracks. Some nights it rocks me right to sleep.
I can see why so many musicians write songs about them....
Monday, March 29, 2010
Rainy Monday
I guess last week was a bit of a let down for me after all the energy I put into the party. It truly was a huge success, but in my own nit picky way, I wish i had a do over to make it perfect, like doing a better job of keeping the food warm, and spending more time socializing.
Trust me, I had no complaints from the gallery and even though Jim came home early, and saw the preparations going on, when the guests started to arrive he was literally stunned.
Our old friends, Jody and Scott came to celebrate and that made us both very happy. We were once very close to them and though I don't expect that to ever be a reality again, we enjoyed seeing them, had lots of laughs about the past, and even did lunch with them last Friday. I see us spending more time with them.
I think Jim was pleased with my efforts as he gave me an unsolicited kiss and said, "That was cool". Coming from him, a compliment is a major achievement.
On the other hand, last week was our victory in Washington, but the party of NO has been disturbing me with their acceptance of the hateful rhetoric being bandied about, and their steadfast resolution to stick together and say nothing.
When I saw McCain with Sarah Palin in her leather jacket I could not believe it.I swear, all I could see was W waving fom that carrier with his banner.
I did, at one time, have a great deal of respect for McCain even when my Brother (a Julianni man) said he was a "frail little man".
When he made her his running mate I could barely keep a straight face. I cannot believe that real Republicans condoned this, but wait...I got into an e mail argument with my big brother about this very thing yesterday and he defended her., "She ran a very large state"..and also condoned this "Tea party" whatever it is movement, casting disparaging remarks about Obama and his "Pal", William Ayers being terrorists?? I am almost certain that he is one of the "Birthers" and cannot believe how "Barry" Obama got such a good education.
Hello...has he been drinking from the Koolade well? Does he realize that his 2 nephews went to some of the finest schools, not only in this country, but in the World, one has a PhD. and that I never earned more that $26,000
This has been so distressing for me that I have had to get off of politics for now. I have not been sleeping well because I take it all too personally, but I pride myself on being grateful for what I have, and my compassion for those who don't. I don't judge others by the depth of their pockets or their strange name or different color.
This may not be the health bill we wanted, but it is the one we got, and it is not an end, it is a beginning, and I am proud of My country , my President and his F@#%ing Vice President. It is about time.
Trust me, I had no complaints from the gallery and even though Jim came home early, and saw the preparations going on, when the guests started to arrive he was literally stunned.
Our old friends, Jody and Scott came to celebrate and that made us both very happy. We were once very close to them and though I don't expect that to ever be a reality again, we enjoyed seeing them, had lots of laughs about the past, and even did lunch with them last Friday. I see us spending more time with them.
I think Jim was pleased with my efforts as he gave me an unsolicited kiss and said, "That was cool". Coming from him, a compliment is a major achievement.
On the other hand, last week was our victory in Washington, but the party of NO has been disturbing me with their acceptance of the hateful rhetoric being bandied about, and their steadfast resolution to stick together and say nothing.
When I saw McCain with Sarah Palin in her leather jacket I could not believe it.I swear, all I could see was W waving fom that carrier with his banner.
I did, at one time, have a great deal of respect for McCain even when my Brother (a Julianni man) said he was a "frail little man".
When he made her his running mate I could barely keep a straight face. I cannot believe that real Republicans condoned this, but wait...I got into an e mail argument with my big brother about this very thing yesterday and he defended her., "She ran a very large state"..and also condoned this "Tea party" whatever it is movement, casting disparaging remarks about Obama and his "Pal", William Ayers being terrorists?? I am almost certain that he is one of the "Birthers" and cannot believe how "Barry" Obama got such a good education.
Hello...has he been drinking from the Koolade well? Does he realize that his 2 nephews went to some of the finest schools, not only in this country, but in the World, one has a PhD. and that I never earned more that $26,000
This has been so distressing for me that I have had to get off of politics for now. I have not been sleeping well because I take it all too personally, but I pride myself on being grateful for what I have, and my compassion for those who don't. I don't judge others by the depth of their pockets or their strange name or different color.
This may not be the health bill we wanted, but it is the one we got, and it is not an end, it is a beginning, and I am proud of My country , my President and his F@#%ing Vice President. It is about time.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Jim and his Birthday
I wanted to do something nice for Jim's Birthday this year without spending a ton of money. I actually earned $200 last weekend working the Food Show, so I have decided to have a "Cocktail Party" here at the house to celebrate.
I have already made some mini quiches, spanikopita and meatballs with red sauce.
I made a major trip to BJ's for a corned beef flat and Italian Sausage which I have stashed in the outside fridge. So far he hasn't been suspicious even though i have been cleaning up the chafing dishes and washing glasses like crazy.
Th hardest part is , as usual, cleaning up the dining room and living room. The Christmas tree is still sitting in the box to go outside, and I have a load for the Goodwill to go today.
I am also going to finish up the shopping,so I have it all under roof. Prudence is off all day Thursday, so she volunteered to assist.
Joell, however declined the invitation and then called Jim and invited him to lunch that day in Dover.I am trying to look at this as a good thing, not an act of sabotage.
I have already made some mini quiches, spanikopita and meatballs with red sauce.
I made a major trip to BJ's for a corned beef flat and Italian Sausage which I have stashed in the outside fridge. So far he hasn't been suspicious even though i have been cleaning up the chafing dishes and washing glasses like crazy.
Th hardest part is , as usual, cleaning up the dining room and living room. The Christmas tree is still sitting in the box to go outside, and I have a load for the Goodwill to go today.
I am also going to finish up the shopping,so I have it all under roof. Prudence is off all day Thursday, so she volunteered to assist.
Joell, however declined the invitation and then called Jim and invited him to lunch that day in Dover.I am trying to look at this as a good thing, not an act of sabotage.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
After a full month of the Blahs and SoSos, Metzomezzos and snowdrifts, My Birthday arrived....right on time.
I wasn't expecting much with the family being so far away and the family here even farther, so Jim decided we should go out for dinner.
In my usual fashion, by 5 PM I was ready to blow the whole thing off, get carryout, and eat this wonderful 1 2 3 4 cake that I worked on all day, half chocolate and half butter cream frosting.
But Jim would not hear of it and insisted that we go. Our destination was a relatively new Italian restaurant who's name escapes me at the moment but in a new building somewhere between Smitty McGee's and the Cactus Cafe.
We arrived at 7, and the fragrance of tomato sauce and cheese greeted us at the door. A most appealing aroma... it makes me react like one of Pavlov's dogs, I immediately get an appetite.
Lo and behold there was my friend Rita, who does my hair, waiting at the bar. Jim had invited her to join us as a surprise for me. She was "all dolled up" and there I was in my casual clothes. I had decided it was my birthday, and I didn't need to shower or dress up. At least my hair looked good, she had colored and trimmed it the day before, and I did apply makeup.
Our meal was wonderful. The waitress brought us some delicious crusty rustic bread with whipped butter and a side of sweet peppers. Jim ordered us a bottle of house Merlot while we perused the menu.
We started with a stuffed eggplant appetizer which was a rather large roll of the eggplant stuffed with ricotta cheese and somehow crisped on the outside and topped with a light marinara sauce. I made a mess trying to divide it so we all could try it, but it was divine. It is also on the menu as an entree so maybe I will opt for that the next time.
Rita and I both ordered a small house salad which I found disappointing. Same old flat glass salad plate, piled too high with boring lettuce and little else and an uninspiring balsamic vinaigrette. It didn't take long to spread that around on the tablecloth to keep the sauce company. It was difficult to eat because the lettuce needed to be cut up and pieces spilled off of the plate with every bite.
I was excited to see that Lobster Ravioli was an entree. For some reason, I have been thinking about that for the past few weeks, so that was a no brainer for me.
It was to die for... plump ravioli with a dot of pink in the center, lightly floating in a pool of creamy champagne sauce with fresh blue crab meat. It needed nothing more... it was perfect.
Jim ordered the Chicken Parmesan and penne, and it too was a winner. A tender chicken breast, lightly breaded and sauteed, topped with cheese and tomato sauce.
Rita chose an angel hair pasta dish with aglio olio, simple. She seemed quite pleased with it and even took the remainder home when we requested containers to go.
Our waitress brought us more bread when our meals were served which I thought was thoughtful, but she also made a comment about the mess on the table. I think the service is like the restaurant itself, maybe a little pretentious and uneven.
There is a great disparity in prices...some entrees are in the $30+ range, especially some of the specials such as locally caught sea scallops. They also have a variety of steaks and veal dishes that are quite pricey. I am not complaining,our meals were quite in order.
Jim's entree was $15, mine was $23 and Rita's was only $10. Her entree was a build your own meal with a selection of pastas and sauces, not a bad deal at all.
Our entire tab was only $92 for the three of us and that included 2 coffees, 1 Grand Marnier, a a bottle of wine and a $10 appetizer.
It was a delighful evening all around, and yes, refreshing to get out!!
BTW I found the name, it is MIO FRATELLO, and it is an Italian steakhouse. That may explain the pricing.
I wasn't expecting much with the family being so far away and the family here even farther, so Jim decided we should go out for dinner.
In my usual fashion, by 5 PM I was ready to blow the whole thing off, get carryout, and eat this wonderful 1 2 3 4 cake that I worked on all day, half chocolate and half butter cream frosting.
But Jim would not hear of it and insisted that we go. Our destination was a relatively new Italian restaurant who's name escapes me at the moment but in a new building somewhere between Smitty McGee's and the Cactus Cafe.
We arrived at 7, and the fragrance of tomato sauce and cheese greeted us at the door. A most appealing aroma... it makes me react like one of Pavlov's dogs, I immediately get an appetite.
Lo and behold there was my friend Rita, who does my hair, waiting at the bar. Jim had invited her to join us as a surprise for me. She was "all dolled up" and there I was in my casual clothes. I had decided it was my birthday, and I didn't need to shower or dress up. At least my hair looked good, she had colored and trimmed it the day before, and I did apply makeup.
Our meal was wonderful. The waitress brought us some delicious crusty rustic bread with whipped butter and a side of sweet peppers. Jim ordered us a bottle of house Merlot while we perused the menu.
We started with a stuffed eggplant appetizer which was a rather large roll of the eggplant stuffed with ricotta cheese and somehow crisped on the outside and topped with a light marinara sauce. I made a mess trying to divide it so we all could try it, but it was divine. It is also on the menu as an entree so maybe I will opt for that the next time.
Rita and I both ordered a small house salad which I found disappointing. Same old flat glass salad plate, piled too high with boring lettuce and little else and an uninspiring balsamic vinaigrette. It didn't take long to spread that around on the tablecloth to keep the sauce company. It was difficult to eat because the lettuce needed to be cut up and pieces spilled off of the plate with every bite.
I was excited to see that Lobster Ravioli was an entree. For some reason, I have been thinking about that for the past few weeks, so that was a no brainer for me.
It was to die for... plump ravioli with a dot of pink in the center, lightly floating in a pool of creamy champagne sauce with fresh blue crab meat. It needed nothing more... it was perfect.
Jim ordered the Chicken Parmesan and penne, and it too was a winner. A tender chicken breast, lightly breaded and sauteed, topped with cheese and tomato sauce.
Rita chose an angel hair pasta dish with aglio olio, simple. She seemed quite pleased with it and even took the remainder home when we requested containers to go.
Our waitress brought us more bread when our meals were served which I thought was thoughtful, but she also made a comment about the mess on the table. I think the service is like the restaurant itself, maybe a little pretentious and uneven.
There is a great disparity in prices...some entrees are in the $30+ range, especially some of the specials such as locally caught sea scallops. They also have a variety of steaks and veal dishes that are quite pricey. I am not complaining,our meals were quite in order.
Jim's entree was $15, mine was $23 and Rita's was only $10. Her entree was a build your own meal with a selection of pastas and sauces, not a bad deal at all.
Our entire tab was only $92 for the three of us and that included 2 coffees, 1 Grand Marnier, a a bottle of wine and a $10 appetizer.
It was a delighful evening all around, and yes, refreshing to get out!!
BTW I found the name, it is MIO FRATELLO, and it is an Italian steakhouse. That may explain the pricing.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Just thinking about how different babies are these days.
It seems like they are miniature adults from the beginning, no longer wearing crocheted bonnets or dresses like we did, or even my boys did.
Or the long Sweetpea nighties with the draw string
The clothing is very distinctly boyish, denim, plaid, crew socks ,tennis shoes, cargo pants.
I just found some white shoe polish that I'm sure I used on those first walking shoes. Does anybody buy them anymore?
And the neutral colors, yellow and green to paint the nursery are no longer necessary since the sex is known ahead of time.
Guess I am getting old.
It seems like they are miniature adults from the beginning, no longer wearing crocheted bonnets or dresses like we did, or even my boys did.
Or the long Sweetpea nighties with the draw string
The clothing is very distinctly boyish, denim, plaid, crew socks ,tennis shoes, cargo pants.
I just found some white shoe polish that I'm sure I used on those first walking shoes. Does anybody buy them anymore?
And the neutral colors, yellow and green to paint the nursery are no longer necessary since the sex is known ahead of time.
Guess I am getting old.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Drip drip drip...the snow is melting and huge sheets of snow have been crashing down off the roof all week. The cats run for cover each time it happens, and it makes me jump as well.
I can't believe that my car is still stuck in the driveway. We left it facing out near the mailbox, but the plow has stacked up so much snow, which is now ice, that I can't drive over it. I may try to work on that today.
I've been thinking about the man who has been missing from Fenwick Island since Tuesday a week ago. My gut feeling is that he will not be recovered until every thing thaws or one of the summer residents comes to set up their house in the spring. It is either that or a complex hoax that has gotten out of hand.
There is a website to pray for his return and it discourages any negative thoughts, but realistically at this point I would be amazed if he turned up alive.
The story is that he was at a party with friends,and left around 11 PM. His car, cell phone and some personal belongings were found at 11 AM the next morning behind the house where he had parked. This was after our first blizzard, but before the second round which started that afternoon. You have to remember that Fenwick Island is pretty much a ghost town in the winter because many of the homes are not insulated or heated. I doubt that crime is a factor.
We've accumulated so much snow, that there are mounds of it piled up along the sides of the roads that you can't even see over. I think he may have been scooped up and buried there, or worse yet, taken to a dump where the trucks were trying to dispose of the mass of snow.
This is such a small community that everyone seems to be involved. Hundreds of volunteers showed up on Saturday for a massive search of the area. Dogs were brought in but I doubt they could detect the scent due to the snow, which blocks their senses.
Ironically, I actually know his father, who is a HS guidance counselor, and worked in the summer as a delivery driver for Grotto. Prudence, of course knows him from school. He was the BF of her BF's brother.
At any rate, this has been disturbing me and waking me up at night. I sincerely hope that his body is recovered soon and his family and friends have some closure.
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