Monday, August 27, 2007
Happy Birthday Dear Hubby!
DH turns 63 today. We had a birthday brunch on Saturday because he is on a business trip in Gatlinburg, TN today. I didn't get him a present other than taking him, his mom, and a friend out to brunch on Saturday. Do you think that counts as a gift? His real reward for getting older is that he is planning on retiring from his current position at the end of October. The current plan seems to be that from then until the first of the year he may do some consulting for the company. After that, who knows?
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Nutmeg
I was debating what to write about--my troubled brother or DH's retirement plans. Both seemed weighty matters that might take some time and thought and I wasn't sure I was into it. Then it hit me. . .post some cute photos of Nutmeg (Meg)! This is a series of photos taken at my parents' house last Christmas. It shows Nutmeg coaxing their miniature dachshund (Brat) into playing with her. After all, Harry got the spotlight a couple of weeks ago. Have to give your "children" equal time.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Here's to Possumlady
Happy Birthday Possumlady!! (tomorrow; had to post this before bed on Thursday so I wouldn't forget! Hey wait a minute; I just realized tomorrow is the 24th. B-day's not till Sat. Oh well, better early than late.)
Here's to a great friend and a wonderful human being. Loves animals, good food and wine, socially liberal, great sense of humor--what more could one want? We're getting awfully close to 50. Who knew we'd be so young at this age!
I give you a virtual gardenia! Do you smell the fragrance?
Here's to a great friend and a wonderful human being. Loves animals, good food and wine, socially liberal, great sense of humor--what more could one want? We're getting awfully close to 50. Who knew we'd be so young at this age!
I give you a virtual gardenia! Do you smell the fragrance?
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
R.I.P. Rocket
Sadly, the Eastern Box Turtle that showed up in our yard about a month ago has passed away. She had been lethargic for the past week or so--no longer interested in blueberries and spending all of her time in the pond. Today DH took her out of the pond and put her on the side of it and she barely moved. When he came home at lunch, she was dead. She is now buried in our yard.
Unfortunately, this past weekend when DH took the dogs for a walk in a neighboring woods, he found another turtle in a stream there. For some reason, he thought it would be fun to bring it home (I guess to see if the 2 turtles would interact!). So, he put the turtle on the ground near the pond and we haven't seen it since (actually, I never saw it). He now realizes that it was a dumb thing to do and wants to return it to the stream, but we have no idea where it is. I hope it is surviving this heat. Men!
Unfortunately, this past weekend when DH took the dogs for a walk in a neighboring woods, he found another turtle in a stream there. For some reason, he thought it would be fun to bring it home (I guess to see if the 2 turtles would interact!). So, he put the turtle on the ground near the pond and we haven't seen it since (actually, I never saw it). He now realizes that it was a dumb thing to do and wants to return it to the stream, but we have no idea where it is. I hope it is surviving this heat. Men!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Misc Photos
I don't feel much like writing a post, but don't want to let another week go by without posting something. It seems I only get to this on the weekend. I've had a very low energy weekend (translation--I spent most of Saturday sleeping). So, for my post, I've searched for some old photos and new to share.
We bought this pot several years ago. I love the relief carving. I had always intended to put a plant in it but did not do it until last weekend. I selected a combination of 3 types of houseplants. I hope they do well.
This is a photo DH took years ago (5?) at the Shed aquarium in Chicago. I can't believe how well this photo turned out given that it was taken through glass. The one below of the Dolphin was also taken at the Shed. Doesn't it look so cool and peaceful?
I took this photo of an iris several years ago while visiting a Japanese garden in Portland.
This is a beautiful sunset that we saw while on vacation in Nags Head, NC. Also several years ago. It's amazing how the time flies by.
A little peek into our home. The painting above the mantel was done by DH's mother and the bowls were made by DH.
This recent photo is of the first Mexican Sunflower to bloom in our yard.
This photo of the Morning Glories was taken just a few days ago. They are the first flowers to appear on these vines, which were planted in May or June. The vine grew and grew till it was about to take over our deck before we got the first flowers. Now we get about one a day.
We were in Jamaica in 2005 and DH took this photo of a dramatic sunset. I worry that they have suffered much damage from Hurricane Dean.
We bought this pot several years ago. I love the relief carving. I had always intended to put a plant in it but did not do it until last weekend. I selected a combination of 3 types of houseplants. I hope they do well.
This is a photo DH took years ago (5?) at the Shed aquarium in Chicago. I can't believe how well this photo turned out given that it was taken through glass. The one below of the Dolphin was also taken at the Shed. Doesn't it look so cool and peaceful?
I took this photo of an iris several years ago while visiting a Japanese garden in Portland.
This is a beautiful sunset that we saw while on vacation in Nags Head, NC. Also several years ago. It's amazing how the time flies by.
A little peek into our home. The painting above the mantel was done by DH's mother and the bowls were made by DH.
This recent photo is of the first Mexican Sunflower to bloom in our yard.
This photo of the Morning Glories was taken just a few days ago. They are the first flowers to appear on these vines, which were planted in May or June. The vine grew and grew till it was about to take over our deck before we got the first flowers. Now we get about one a day.
We were in Jamaica in 2005 and DH took this photo of a dramatic sunset. I worry that they have suffered much damage from Hurricane Dean.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Harry During a Rain Storm
On Friday we had a very minor and fleeting rain storm. We've had some much more ferocious ones during the past couple of weeks and I guess that has Harry on heightened alert. Usually a cool character, he doesn't like thunder. He usually does not get up on the furniture. We allow him to, and actually encourage it, but he has arthritic hips and is usually self-limiting. The exception is when we have a storm. Then he wants to be very close to one of us and seems particularly comforted by being on the sofa or the bed. However, we had never seen him get up in this relatively small chair before. As you can see, DH was sitting in the next chair and Harry decided he wanted to be near him, even though I was on the roomier sofa and beckoned him to come sit by me. He quickly and gracefully got up in the chair. At 80 lbs., he barely fit!
He managed to turn himself around till he was facing backwards over the chair.
Then he laid down with his back to the rest of the world. I had never seen anything like this, so I had to take some photos!
At a certain point he decided to get off of the chair. I thought he was going to fall over backwards, but he managed to turn himself around without falling off. Then, a moment later, another distant rumble of thunder and he was back on the chair. This time facing forward. Meg gets a little apprehensive, but you can see she was content to stay on the floor. That is until Harry got off the final time. Then, she had to jump up on the chair and smell where he'd been!
Just another Friday night at home. . .
He managed to turn himself around till he was facing backwards over the chair.
Then he laid down with his back to the rest of the world. I had never seen anything like this, so I had to take some photos!
At a certain point he decided to get off of the chair. I thought he was going to fall over backwards, but he managed to turn himself around without falling off. Then, a moment later, another distant rumble of thunder and he was back on the chair. This time facing forward. Meg gets a little apprehensive, but you can see she was content to stay on the floor. That is until Harry got off the final time. Then, she had to jump up on the chair and smell where he'd been!
Just another Friday night at home. . .
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Fact #8: I’ve taken a boat ride on the Seine. . .
In the mid 90's, DH's job required some travel to Europe. I was fortunate to accompany him on these trips. Although it was work for him, we got to have some wonderful experiences that we never would otherwise.
Our first trip to Europe was to Berlin. I have to preface this by saying that I am afraid of flying, but I have not let that stop me from traveling. However, this would be the longest flight I had ever been on and the first time out of the country for both of us. I had the typical places on the top of my list that I wanted to visit in Europe, Paris being one. Berlin was not on the list. Berlin turned out to be a fabulous place with wide, tree-lined streets, parks, good restaurants. The Wall was down and one day I walked from our hotel to museums with stunning collections on the other side. (I'm sorry my memory is so bad. I'm terrible with details and names. Ironically, I was never one to keep a journal or even a travel diary so I must paint these trips with broad strokes. Also, I wish I knew where our photos from this time are. Of course, we've moved several times since then and we have many boxes that remain unpacked.)
This first trip to Europe was business for both of us in two different cities in Germany. We went to Berlin first followed by a trip to Heidelberg, where I had some business. Quite a contrast, but both wonderful. I'm not a big beer drinker, but I do have to say that I had some of the best beer and pork I've ever tasted in Germany. On this same trip, we did go to Paris, if only for a day and a half. Certainly not enough time, but I did get to take my boat trip on the Seine and walk around the Eiffel Tower under a full moon!
The organization for which DH worked at the time provided continuing education for a bunch of well-heeled docs so we got to travel first class. They would have dinners and receptions in wonderful places. One time we had dinner in an old English castle, complete with a moat. After dinner we walked around the grounds (I believe the moon was full on this night, as well!) with glasses of port and cigars for those who wanted them.
On one of our trips I did try to keep a travel diary, which, remarkably, is in a notebook that I always keep in my nightstand drawer, so I have it right here! I only wrote a few pages and mostly wrote about the food. On this particular trip, in June of '96, we went to Nice, Geneva, Florence and Venice. It was only an 8-day trip so we did not spend much time in any of the cities, which is probably why the meals were the highlights. The only time I describe anything other than food is at our first stop in Nice. I have to relate this story from my notes where I describe an encounter on the beach between "two middle-aged women": One in "peddle-pushers" and tee shirt with frizzy blond hair, backpack and dog, and one lying topless on a towel on the rocks with little goggles protecting her eyes. The dog goes to do a dump a few yards from the sunbather. The dog-owner takes a plastic bag from her backpack to clean up. Meanwhile, the sunbather sits up exposing, in a totally nonchalant way, her rather boney body with sagging breasts, to say something that looked like scolding to the dog walker. They exchange some words, finger-pointing, and then the dog & walker go on their way.
We had one of the most incredible dining experiences I've ever had while in Florence. There were about 16 of us at a restaurant called Enotecha Pinciori (spelling?). It was a 10 course meal--3 of them dessert courses--with 4 different wines. I actually went back to the hotel room and tried to describe all of the food. Here goes:
1. lightly smoked herring on a bed of bread crumbs, tomato, olive oil
2. cold tomato puree drizzled with olive oil with cold, lightly breaded fried turbo with julliened vegetable garnish
3. tortelinni stuffed with quail on a round slice of spinach pasta with dabs of cream sauce and olive oil garnished with a thin slice of friend tomato
4. sea bass, scallops, and red mullet with pureed eggplant with poppyseed wafers and fried parsley
5. narrow fettucine with baby peas, asparagus, carrots, and mushrooms in a butter sauce
6. lamb medallions with baked garlic cloves, peeled baby potatoes, and thyme
7. mixed salad greens with baked filo purse stuffed with melted cheese and sweet vinaigrette
8. cheese course
9. chocolate mousse "patty" with lemon ice and mango sorbet in cones
10. strawberry tart and biscotti and other assorted tiny cookies
Dinner lasted from 8:00 pm until midnight. I noted the wines as: Asti Spumanti, pino gregio, merlot blend, and a dessert white. Assortment of breads throughout. Espresso and latte at the end.
And, with that I think I'll end this post. I could go on; maybe more some other time.
Our first trip to Europe was to Berlin. I have to preface this by saying that I am afraid of flying, but I have not let that stop me from traveling. However, this would be the longest flight I had ever been on and the first time out of the country for both of us. I had the typical places on the top of my list that I wanted to visit in Europe, Paris being one. Berlin was not on the list. Berlin turned out to be a fabulous place with wide, tree-lined streets, parks, good restaurants. The Wall was down and one day I walked from our hotel to museums with stunning collections on the other side. (I'm sorry my memory is so bad. I'm terrible with details and names. Ironically, I was never one to keep a journal or even a travel diary so I must paint these trips with broad strokes. Also, I wish I knew where our photos from this time are. Of course, we've moved several times since then and we have many boxes that remain unpacked.)
This first trip to Europe was business for both of us in two different cities in Germany. We went to Berlin first followed by a trip to Heidelberg, where I had some business. Quite a contrast, but both wonderful. I'm not a big beer drinker, but I do have to say that I had some of the best beer and pork I've ever tasted in Germany. On this same trip, we did go to Paris, if only for a day and a half. Certainly not enough time, but I did get to take my boat trip on the Seine and walk around the Eiffel Tower under a full moon!
The organization for which DH worked at the time provided continuing education for a bunch of well-heeled docs so we got to travel first class. They would have dinners and receptions in wonderful places. One time we had dinner in an old English castle, complete with a moat. After dinner we walked around the grounds (I believe the moon was full on this night, as well!) with glasses of port and cigars for those who wanted them.
On one of our trips I did try to keep a travel diary, which, remarkably, is in a notebook that I always keep in my nightstand drawer, so I have it right here! I only wrote a few pages and mostly wrote about the food. On this particular trip, in June of '96, we went to Nice, Geneva, Florence and Venice. It was only an 8-day trip so we did not spend much time in any of the cities, which is probably why the meals were the highlights. The only time I describe anything other than food is at our first stop in Nice. I have to relate this story from my notes where I describe an encounter on the beach between "two middle-aged women": One in "peddle-pushers" and tee shirt with frizzy blond hair, backpack and dog, and one lying topless on a towel on the rocks with little goggles protecting her eyes. The dog goes to do a dump a few yards from the sunbather. The dog-owner takes a plastic bag from her backpack to clean up. Meanwhile, the sunbather sits up exposing, in a totally nonchalant way, her rather boney body with sagging breasts, to say something that looked like scolding to the dog walker. They exchange some words, finger-pointing, and then the dog & walker go on their way.
We had one of the most incredible dining experiences I've ever had while in Florence. There were about 16 of us at a restaurant called Enotecha Pinciori (spelling?). It was a 10 course meal--3 of them dessert courses--with 4 different wines. I actually went back to the hotel room and tried to describe all of the food. Here goes:
1. lightly smoked herring on a bed of bread crumbs, tomato, olive oil
2. cold tomato puree drizzled with olive oil with cold, lightly breaded fried turbo with julliened vegetable garnish
3. tortelinni stuffed with quail on a round slice of spinach pasta with dabs of cream sauce and olive oil garnished with a thin slice of friend tomato
4. sea bass, scallops, and red mullet with pureed eggplant with poppyseed wafers and fried parsley
5. narrow fettucine with baby peas, asparagus, carrots, and mushrooms in a butter sauce
6. lamb medallions with baked garlic cloves, peeled baby potatoes, and thyme
7. mixed salad greens with baked filo purse stuffed with melted cheese and sweet vinaigrette
8. cheese course
9. chocolate mousse "patty" with lemon ice and mango sorbet in cones
10. strawberry tart and biscotti and other assorted tiny cookies
Dinner lasted from 8:00 pm until midnight. I noted the wines as: Asti Spumanti, pino gregio, merlot blend, and a dessert white. Assortment of breads throughout. Espresso and latte at the end.
And, with that I think I'll end this post. I could go on; maybe more some other time.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Fact #7 I am an Atheist
So, time to talk about one of the most personal of subjects--religion or lack thereof. After years of wondering, I have decided that I am, in fact, an atheist. I just don't believe. I cannot make myself feel a faith that does not exist within me. I believe that there are many things that are beyond my understanding, or that of any human being at this time, but I believe that reason is behind all things, whether or not we are capable of discerning that reason.
What has struck me upon this acceptance is that it is really quite socially unacceptable to be an admitted atheist. I keep silent among co-workers or acquaintances when the subject of God or religion comes up, which it often does, even in casual conversation. Over 80% of Americans declare themselves as Christians. Any arguments about religion are often about what faith one believes in--are you Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, etc.? The atheists are truly a minority.
It would be comforting to have a God to believe in, but if you don't, you just don't. Wishing doesn't make it so. My mom and I were having a conversation about this recently (she is a Christian). She can't explain her faith. I said that's what faith is--you have faith, you don't justify or explain it. In the same way, I do not.
So, that's enough of that. I am thankful that I live in a place and time where I can express my lack of faith without overt or state sanctioned persecution, even if it is a view shared by few.
What has struck me upon this acceptance is that it is really quite socially unacceptable to be an admitted atheist. I keep silent among co-workers or acquaintances when the subject of God or religion comes up, which it often does, even in casual conversation. Over 80% of Americans declare themselves as Christians. Any arguments about religion are often about what faith one believes in--are you Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, etc.? The atheists are truly a minority.
It would be comforting to have a God to believe in, but if you don't, you just don't. Wishing doesn't make it so. My mom and I were having a conversation about this recently (she is a Christian). She can't explain her faith. I said that's what faith is--you have faith, you don't justify or explain it. In the same way, I do not.
So, that's enough of that. I am thankful that I live in a place and time where I can express my lack of faith without overt or state sanctioned persecution, even if it is a view shared by few.
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