I found a new for me game on the internet, I thought I'd like to play.
Check out the rules at TNChick
"Furry"
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Photo Story Fridays: Deep Cleaning
Traditionally in January, during the coldest time of the year I try to pull out the cleaning supplies, dust off the rubber gloves and do some deep cleaning. This is the time of year that furniture gets moved, walls get washed, closets re-organized, and junk tossed. By the time March rolls around with its warmer weather (and we can open windows and blow out all the musty winter air) the house is feeling lighter and fresher. Having a sewing project in the works and then being sick for two weeks took my regular cleaning time. Yesterday I made arrangements for the little one to go play with his cousins and dug into the house. I did a little surface cleaning and closet cleaning and that's all I got done! I guess this year the house will go without its annual cleaning. I hope both it and I survive--I'm feeling somewhat buried in dust, dirty walls and clutter.
ahh, winter blaahs!
3:00 p.m.
the perfect cure for winter blaahs!
a perfectly blue sky and lots of sun!
It warmed up quite nicely this afternoon and the little ones would not be denied. So we put on a jacket and boots in one case and a princess gown and glass slippers in the other case and headed outside. After one mishap in the mud, wherein the little princess got her slippers dirty and another mishap wherein the neighbors dog got a little too happy at the prospect of someone to play with--we settled into some good out door play. The little ones chased kittens, rode bikes, tried out the little tikes play thing with the slides, did some swinging and then jumped out their energy on the trampoline. While the grandkiddies were jumping I climbed into the cab of the truck, left the door open and basked in the sunlight and warmth. The day was very still except for the laughter of little ones. It was just the thing to clear out the cobwebs.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thesaurus Thursday: Reunion
Word of the day: Reunion; the act of uniting again
The word is taken from the archives of Dictionary.com "Word of the day" This is an "increase your vocabulary activity"
Play the game like this: Open up a thesaurus on-line. Type the word of the day in the search bar. Using the generated words write a sentence, paragraph, poem, story; anything of your choosing using at least one of the generated words.
Tomorrow is a day long-anticipated at our house. My daughter’s true love will return home after a two-year absence. The homecoming will be glorious! A large get-together will be held. Two people in love will be reunited.
The word is taken from the archives of Dictionary.com "Word of the day" This is an "increase your vocabulary activity"
Play the game like this: Open up a thesaurus on-line. Type the word of the day in the search bar. Using the generated words write a sentence, paragraph, poem, story; anything of your choosing using at least one of the generated words.
Tomorrow is a day long-anticipated at our house. My daughter’s true love will return home after a two-year absence. The homecoming will be glorious! A large get-together will be held. Two people in love will be reunited.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wordless Wednesday: I know Christmas is past, Oh Well!
Christmas lights with the grand kiddiesOh what fun!
(Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah)
(Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tuesday Tales: Winter Weather Lore
Some common lines of weather lore:
If animals have an especially thick coat of fur, expect a cold winter.
When squirrels bury their nuts early, it will be a hard winter
Hornets' nest built in the top of trees indicate a mild winter is ahead; nests built close to the ground indicate that a harsh winter is coming.
If you hear an owl hoot in the daytime, a storm is approaching.
When clouds look like rocks and towers, the earth will be refreshed by showers.
When clouds look like chicked scratches or mare's tails it will soon rain.
High clouds indicate fine weather will prevail; lower clouds mean rain. Smoke that curls downward and lingers means a nearing storm.
Roosting birds indicate a storm, because thinning air is harder to fly in.
If the rooster goes crowing to bed, he'll certainly rise with a watery head. A warm November is the sign of a bad winter.
If the woolly worm's (a type of caterpillar) head is more black than colored, the coldest part of the winter will come in the first months of winter.
If fruit trees bloom in the fall, the weather will be severe the following winter.
If the first snow falls on unfrozen ground, expect a mild winter.
check it out at this educational site
If animals have an especially thick coat of fur, expect a cold winter.
When squirrels bury their nuts early, it will be a hard winter
Hornets' nest built in the top of trees indicate a mild winter is ahead; nests built close to the ground indicate that a harsh winter is coming.
If you hear an owl hoot in the daytime, a storm is approaching.
When clouds look like rocks and towers, the earth will be refreshed by showers.
When clouds look like chicked scratches or mare's tails it will soon rain.
High clouds indicate fine weather will prevail; lower clouds mean rain. Smoke that curls downward and lingers means a nearing storm.
Roosting birds indicate a storm, because thinning air is harder to fly in.
If the rooster goes crowing to bed, he'll certainly rise with a watery head. A warm November is the sign of a bad winter.
If the woolly worm's (a type of caterpillar) head is more black than colored, the coldest part of the winter will come in the first months of winter.
If fruit trees bloom in the fall, the weather will be severe the following winter.
If the first snow falls on unfrozen ground, expect a mild winter.
check it out at this educational site
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday Missions: Dear Diary
Dear Mr. J (for Journal),
This weekend was somewhat unsettling. Two events caused me some reflection.
As you are well aware we live in the mountains. This weekend the hubby and I had promised to take my mother "over the mountain" for a reunion with friends. It was raining (unusual for January) as we headed up the canyon. Not to far up the rain turned to snow and began freezing on the road. We made it to the top and as we rounded a corner I caught a glimpse of movement in the snow flurries. The flick of the ears and the shape that it brought out told me an elk was standing in the road. It was so covered with snow it was hard to see. Anyone that knows elk, knows they never travel alone and sure enough off to the right of the road a long line of his companions stood poised to cross. Gratefully we were able to stop in time. We continued on and as we began our descent down the north side of the summit we hit ice and began to slide. We were traveling slow enough that we were all right. Two of my daughters were also traveling over the mountain that morning so I called them to warn them of the elk and the road conditions. Soon after that we lost cell coverage.
We arrived safely at our destination. My mother enjoyed her rare day out and the reunion with old friends. She is at an age where she can't travel alone and we were glad to help her get there and navigate with all the baggage of advanced age (a walker and oxygen).
As we finished up and headed home I called my daughter to see if they had arrived at their destination safely. Much to my dismay she told me they had hit that ice on the down side of the mountain, started to spin and went tail first down an almost 90* embankment. Fortunatly the snow was deep enough to prevent them from rolling and heading down a second embankment. The car lost its front bumper and the girls got the thrill ride of their life but other than that they were unharmed. They waited an hour for a patrolmen and another hour for the tow truck. But a hot shower and a long nap did a lot for settling drawn nerves. As for (me) the mother, I was glad when I got home and could actually see that they were fine. It's a pretty scary thing to have two of your children fly off the road in a car.
Between thoughts of children in danger and spending a day assisting an aging parent, I thought a lot about my life, I don't think I appreciate it as much as I should. I'm grateful to be alive, have all of my children and grand children, one of my parents, and best of all I am able to enjoy being with my family every single day.
This weekend was somewhat unsettling. Two events caused me some reflection.
As you are well aware we live in the mountains. This weekend the hubby and I had promised to take my mother "over the mountain" for a reunion with friends. It was raining (unusual for January) as we headed up the canyon. Not to far up the rain turned to snow and began freezing on the road. We made it to the top and as we rounded a corner I caught a glimpse of movement in the snow flurries. The flick of the ears and the shape that it brought out told me an elk was standing in the road. It was so covered with snow it was hard to see. Anyone that knows elk, knows they never travel alone and sure enough off to the right of the road a long line of his companions stood poised to cross. Gratefully we were able to stop in time. We continued on and as we began our descent down the north side of the summit we hit ice and began to slide. We were traveling slow enough that we were all right. Two of my daughters were also traveling over the mountain that morning so I called them to warn them of the elk and the road conditions. Soon after that we lost cell coverage.
We arrived safely at our destination. My mother enjoyed her rare day out and the reunion with old friends. She is at an age where she can't travel alone and we were glad to help her get there and navigate with all the baggage of advanced age (a walker and oxygen).
As we finished up and headed home I called my daughter to see if they had arrived at their destination safely. Much to my dismay she told me they had hit that ice on the down side of the mountain, started to spin and went tail first down an almost 90* embankment. Fortunatly the snow was deep enough to prevent them from rolling and heading down a second embankment. The car lost its front bumper and the girls got the thrill ride of their life but other than that they were unharmed. They waited an hour for a patrolmen and another hour for the tow truck. But a hot shower and a long nap did a lot for settling drawn nerves. As for (me) the mother, I was glad when I got home and could actually see that they were fine. It's a pretty scary thing to have two of your children fly off the road in a car.
Between thoughts of children in danger and spending a day assisting an aging parent, I thought a lot about my life, I don't think I appreciate it as much as I should. I'm grateful to be alive, have all of my children and grand children, one of my parents, and best of all I am able to enjoy being with my family every single day.
my daughters car off the road
(look in the snow, it is a little difficult to see)
Friday, January 23, 2009
Photo Story Friday: sleeping in and lurking
Concerning Sleeping In--
My lil' one arrives every morning at 7:30 a.m. This morning I had a surprise, he was still asleep. So mom bundled him into grammy's bed and we slept the morning away. That rarely happens so it was a great treat to stay snuggled in a warm bed on a cold morning with the both of us gently snoring. Three hours later his gentle stirrings brought me back to a life. Waking up in bed with a little one is a pleasure all its own, little arms were soon wrapped around my neck and little fingers danced their way over my face. My arms pulled him to me and together we were wrapped in a cocoon of love. When we finally managed to shake out the sleepies we made a grand breakfast of warm chocolate malt-o-meal and toast for dipping. It was an absolutely perfect morning.
Concerning lurking--
When I first discovered the greater world of the blogosphere I must confess that I looked at it somewhat like a library. When I go to a library I browse along the shelves reading titles and looking at covers. Now and again one will appeal to me and I will lift it from the shelf, read the jacket and peruse some of its pages. If I like what I see I check the book out, take it home and read it.
As I wandered from blog site to blog site I read titles and checked out profiles. If I liked what I read I added the URL to my blog list so I could read from its pages. Most of this reading was done anonomously, for my own pleasure. Occasionally I felt a desire to leave a comment, but I found I preferred anonimity. Recently I read a couple of posts on two different sites, one was a rant about lurkers and the other was an invitation to lurkers to de-lurk. I thought I would be courteous and leave a comment. I found the process intimidating. This site asked for my name, email, url, address, brithdate, maiden name--ok so I'm exaggerating. But suffice it to say, I didn't leave a comment. So I apologize to all I might offend, but I think I'll continue to lurk.
My lil' one arrives every morning at 7:30 a.m. This morning I had a surprise, he was still asleep. So mom bundled him into grammy's bed and we slept the morning away. That rarely happens so it was a great treat to stay snuggled in a warm bed on a cold morning with the both of us gently snoring. Three hours later his gentle stirrings brought me back to a life. Waking up in bed with a little one is a pleasure all its own, little arms were soon wrapped around my neck and little fingers danced their way over my face. My arms pulled him to me and together we were wrapped in a cocoon of love. When we finally managed to shake out the sleepies we made a grand breakfast of warm chocolate malt-o-meal and toast for dipping. It was an absolutely perfect morning.
Concerning lurking--
When I first discovered the greater world of the blogosphere I must confess that I looked at it somewhat like a library. When I go to a library I browse along the shelves reading titles and looking at covers. Now and again one will appeal to me and I will lift it from the shelf, read the jacket and peruse some of its pages. If I like what I see I check the book out, take it home and read it.
As I wandered from blog site to blog site I read titles and checked out profiles. If I liked what I read I added the URL to my blog list so I could read from its pages. Most of this reading was done anonomously, for my own pleasure. Occasionally I felt a desire to leave a comment, but I found I preferred anonimity. Recently I read a couple of posts on two different sites, one was a rant about lurkers and the other was an invitation to lurkers to de-lurk. I thought I would be courteous and leave a comment. I found the process intimidating. This site asked for my name, email, url, address, brithdate, maiden name--ok so I'm exaggerating. But suffice it to say, I didn't leave a comment. So I apologize to all I might offend, but I think I'll continue to lurk.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thesaurus Thursday: Rhetoric
Word of the day: Rhetoric; the art of influencing the thought and conduct of an audience
The word is taken from the archives of Dictionary.com "Word of the day" This is an "increase your vocabulary activity"
Play the game like this: Open up a thesaurus on-line. Type the word of the day in the search bar. Using the generated words write a sentence, paragraph, poem, story; anything of your choosing using at least one of the generated words.
Tuesday’s Inaugural address by President Obama was a discourse in eloquence. His verbosity lends to his reputation as a great orator. I hope his speech was sincere and not a lot of hyperbole. This country needs sincerity. I will lend him my support by praying for him.
The word is taken from the archives of Dictionary.com "Word of the day" This is an "increase your vocabulary activity"
Play the game like this: Open up a thesaurus on-line. Type the word of the day in the search bar. Using the generated words write a sentence, paragraph, poem, story; anything of your choosing using at least one of the generated words.
Tuesday’s Inaugural address by President Obama was a discourse in eloquence. His verbosity lends to his reputation as a great orator. I hope his speech was sincere and not a lot of hyperbole. This country needs sincerity. I will lend him my support by praying for him.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday Tales: A Winter Poem
A Winter Dawn by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Above the marge of night a star still shines,
And on the frosty hills the sombre pines
Harbor an eerie wind that crooneth low
Over the glimmering wastes of virgin snow.
Through the pale arch of orient the morn
Comes in a milk-white splendor newly-born,
A sword of crimson cuts in twain the gray
Banners of shadow hosts, and lo, the day!
A New Day Dawns For This Nation
Above the marge of night a star still shines,
And on the frosty hills the sombre pines
Harbor an eerie wind that crooneth low
Over the glimmering wastes of virgin snow.
Through the pale arch of orient the morn
Comes in a milk-white splendor newly-born,
A sword of crimson cuts in twain the gray
Banners of shadow hosts, and lo, the day!
A New Day Dawns For This Nation
Monday, January 19, 2009
Monday Mission: A conversation (mildly psychotic)
SCRATCHY HANDS: We wants to scratch, we needs to scratch. We must scratch the rash!
NON-SCRATCHY HANDS: No, no, we mustn’t scratch, the doctor said no scratching!
SH: Yes, yes, we must scratch.
NSH: No! no we mustn’t!
SH: (high wailing voice) But it hurts us! It hurts us!
NSH: I’m not listening, I’m not listening
SH: We must scratch, it wants us to scratch it
NSH: Go away! Go away and leave me alone!
SH: (silence)
NSH: we told him to go away, and away he goes!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Out for awhile
I'm miserablestarted some new meds that didn't agree with me
out for awhile with a beauty of a rash.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wordless Wednesday: A Pair of Pianists
Pianist #1
Pianist #2
The Piano
by Sean Johnson
Exotic black elephant
hunkered down in the living room corner,
snoring blues scales and Beethoven sonatas.
Jukebox of jazz.
Hummer of hymns.
Ton of tunes.
My fingers stroll along
the Promenade of your keys,
ambling in and out melodies--
now "Waltzin G,"
now Chopin,
now "Chopsticks."
No matter how badly I play,
you can't help but show
your gap-toothed grin, from high C to low.
No wonder they call you grand.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tuesday Tales: 5 questions (for me, about me)
I volunteered to do the 5 Questions interactive thing at Them's My Sentiments and Mary sent me my questions earlier this week. I love inter-acting with others! I enjoyed Mary's answers, they gave me a lot to think about. I like the way her mind works.
Here are the rules if you want to participate in 5 Questions.
1. Send me an email saying: ”Interview Me” to theriverdaughter@gmail.com
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You can then answer the questions on your blog.
4. You should also post these rules along with an offer to interview anyone else who emails you wanting to be interviewed.
5. Anyone who asks to be interviewed should be sent 5 questions to answer on their blog. It would be nice if the questions were individualized for each blogger.
Here we go:
1. What influences your choice of reading matter -- books, magazines, papers, whatever.
Time and my personal commitments are the biggest factors that determine what I read. If I am mostly occupied with tending the little ones I’ll select a book that has an easy to follow plot line that I can put down at a moment’s notice so I can take care of the little buggers. It’s also nice in the evenings after they go home. I can relax and get in a little reading. If I’m traveling and have a little “away” time I’ll pick something more complex. I do like to learn and think about new things. If I have a problem in my life or a new task to complete I tackle it first by “reading about it”. Once I have studied and gathered information, I like to think about it for a bit and then get to work. For example: right now I am in the middle of a monumental sewing project that began about a year and a half ago. I ordered the books I needed and got to work learning all about the process. Now I am applying the knowledge gained. It’s going pretty well. I’ll post pictures when I’m finished. As for novels, I like to read mostly classic, historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. I am very partial to Young Adult Fiction. Occasionally I like to read from biographies, inspirational and educational books. I have children that love to read so we always read and share the same books whether it’s a genre I enjoy or not. What I love is the interaction with my children. I also recently joined a book club. I am finding talking with friends about a good book is very satisfying. As for magazines—I don’t subscribe, I’m against the clutter and waste of money. I read a few online. I also check the headlines online as well. Overall I have to say reading has been my “out”. Everybody needs a place to go when life is too much. Reading keeps my life balanced.
2. How does it feel to be a "mature" mother in a field of "mommybloggers" with babies and little ones?
I enjoy it. If blogging had been around when I was a young mother I would have been in the thick of it. As it is—I have a private blog where I continually boast about my adorable grandchildren and lovely children! I also love the fact that I am keeping up with my own children and nieces and nephews. They spent a lot of time in my home and when they all married and moved off I never heard anything about them. Now I just check their blogs and find out all things wonderful. I also enjoy the fact that my mother and my sisters also keep a page and we can keep in touch in a fun and creative way.
However,
Once when I was newly married I was quilting with some friends. Our conversation naturally turned to things concerning children. One older woman stood up and in a very loud voice said, “If I have to sit here and listen to one more poop story, I think I’ll vomit!” Sometimes I feel just like that. Starting this blog about reading is helping me find a place for the “mature blogger” within. I am starved for adult conversation! It’s also nice to think that someone “out there” wants to listen to me. The first thing that attracts me to a new blog is if they write about something “new and interesting”, or if they write about their children in a creative way including other aspects of their lives. I am enjoying the blogging experience. I find it fascinating that people find so many ways to express themselves, and that so many people care.
3. When you are alone and have leisure, what do you day dream about?
I’m not sure; life has taught me that day dreaming is the result of dissatisfaction with one’s life. When my children were very young, I daydreamed about their future. As soon as I discovered children choose their own future my dreams about that left me. I spent a lot of time day-dreaming about a new house or fixing up the home. Last year when we attempted to sell our home I found out I really loved living here and didn’t really want to leave. Since then I haven’t had day dreams about new houses or new furniture. I’ve also cut my HGTV time back to about an hour a day! So what do I day dream about—I’m not sure. Mostly when I’m alone and have leisure I try to catch up with neglected chores or have a nap!
4. What is the most angry you have ever been at a family member (parents, siblings, husband, child, etc.) and ... what did you do about it?
The most angry I have ever been at a child is when she decided to go to “party where illegal substances were being distributed and used by minors, she had the gall to take her younger sister who was grounded with her! I did what any “madder than a hot hen” mother would or should have done. I went into that house and got my girls, and boxed their ears! They were mortified!
5. What do you most look forward to doing?
Learning to live with just my husband again. We’ve been through the brand-new young love, raising the family love and now we are set to learn all about being content with each other at the end of our lives love. I’m not looking forward to the phase when he or I depart this life and one of us is left to discover the “He/She really was my whole world phase, the love of my life.”
Here are the rules if you want to participate in 5 Questions.
1. Send me an email saying: ”Interview Me” to theriverdaughter@gmail.com
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You can then answer the questions on your blog.
4. You should also post these rules along with an offer to interview anyone else who emails you wanting to be interviewed.
5. Anyone who asks to be interviewed should be sent 5 questions to answer on their blog. It would be nice if the questions were individualized for each blogger.
Here we go:
1. What influences your choice of reading matter -- books, magazines, papers, whatever.
Time and my personal commitments are the biggest factors that determine what I read. If I am mostly occupied with tending the little ones I’ll select a book that has an easy to follow plot line that I can put down at a moment’s notice so I can take care of the little buggers. It’s also nice in the evenings after they go home. I can relax and get in a little reading. If I’m traveling and have a little “away” time I’ll pick something more complex. I do like to learn and think about new things. If I have a problem in my life or a new task to complete I tackle it first by “reading about it”. Once I have studied and gathered information, I like to think about it for a bit and then get to work. For example: right now I am in the middle of a monumental sewing project that began about a year and a half ago. I ordered the books I needed and got to work learning all about the process. Now I am applying the knowledge gained. It’s going pretty well. I’ll post pictures when I’m finished. As for novels, I like to read mostly classic, historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. I am very partial to Young Adult Fiction. Occasionally I like to read from biographies, inspirational and educational books. I have children that love to read so we always read and share the same books whether it’s a genre I enjoy or not. What I love is the interaction with my children. I also recently joined a book club. I am finding talking with friends about a good book is very satisfying. As for magazines—I don’t subscribe, I’m against the clutter and waste of money. I read a few online. I also check the headlines online as well. Overall I have to say reading has been my “out”. Everybody needs a place to go when life is too much. Reading keeps my life balanced.
2. How does it feel to be a "mature" mother in a field of "mommybloggers" with babies and little ones?
I enjoy it. If blogging had been around when I was a young mother I would have been in the thick of it. As it is—I have a private blog where I continually boast about my adorable grandchildren and lovely children! I also love the fact that I am keeping up with my own children and nieces and nephews. They spent a lot of time in my home and when they all married and moved off I never heard anything about them. Now I just check their blogs and find out all things wonderful. I also enjoy the fact that my mother and my sisters also keep a page and we can keep in touch in a fun and creative way.
However,
Once when I was newly married I was quilting with some friends. Our conversation naturally turned to things concerning children. One older woman stood up and in a very loud voice said, “If I have to sit here and listen to one more poop story, I think I’ll vomit!” Sometimes I feel just like that. Starting this blog about reading is helping me find a place for the “mature blogger” within. I am starved for adult conversation! It’s also nice to think that someone “out there” wants to listen to me. The first thing that attracts me to a new blog is if they write about something “new and interesting”, or if they write about their children in a creative way including other aspects of their lives. I am enjoying the blogging experience. I find it fascinating that people find so many ways to express themselves, and that so many people care.
3. When you are alone and have leisure, what do you day dream about?
I’m not sure; life has taught me that day dreaming is the result of dissatisfaction with one’s life. When my children were very young, I daydreamed about their future. As soon as I discovered children choose their own future my dreams about that left me. I spent a lot of time day-dreaming about a new house or fixing up the home. Last year when we attempted to sell our home I found out I really loved living here and didn’t really want to leave. Since then I haven’t had day dreams about new houses or new furniture. I’ve also cut my HGTV time back to about an hour a day! So what do I day dream about—I’m not sure. Mostly when I’m alone and have leisure I try to catch up with neglected chores or have a nap!
4. What is the most angry you have ever been at a family member (parents, siblings, husband, child, etc.) and ... what did you do about it?
The most angry I have ever been at a child is when she decided to go to “party where illegal substances were being distributed and used by minors, she had the gall to take her younger sister who was grounded with her! I did what any “madder than a hot hen” mother would or should have done. I went into that house and got my girls, and boxed their ears! They were mortified!
5. What do you most look forward to doing?
Learning to live with just my husband again. We’ve been through the brand-new young love, raising the family love and now we are set to learn all about being content with each other at the end of our lives love. I’m not looking forward to the phase when he or I depart this life and one of us is left to discover the “He/She really was my whole world phase, the love of my life.”
Monday, January 12, 2009
Monday Missions: For Sale. Sold?
This is an interesting assignment, last year at this time our house was up for sale! And what an experience it was!
Me: Yes the kitchen is small. I feel somewhat claustrophobic in it when we are all assembled. But we have learned to dance around each other. Lot’s of loud and entertaining conversations take place around the table large enough to accommodate a family that gets larger not smaller. My husband also refinished this table, so I’m afraid it stays. I love the refrigerator as well—one of those armoire type. It holds enough food to feed my small army! One of my favorite memories of the kitchen is associated with the corner base cabinet. At one time it did hold a lazy susan but the kids removed it, unloaded the supplies and found it made a superb hide-away. The clock face they drew on the inside still remains.
Realtor: The closet space in the hallway is nice; you should pack away your stuff, and leave just a few things. A buyer wants to be able to see how their own stuff will fit in.
Me: It’s already serving that purpose. My husband ran a home based business from this room for 30 years supplementing his regular income so I could stay home with my children. The kids did their homework in this room with dad supervising. One on one attention, now how many kids get that! Occasionally it’s cleared out so I can quilt, or sew a big project. Lately it’s been a playroom for the grandkids. It’s a great room!
Realtor: Oh, what a pleasant surprise, your back yard seems to go on forever. Most in town lots don’t have that kind of property.
Me: I love the backyard, lots of room for kids to play, and things to grow. You know I really like this house, it is my home—I think I’ll stay. (speaking) Thanks for your time—but I’ve changed my mind. Will you please take the sign down on your way out!
Realtor: (doorbell rings, I notice she’s already placed the “for sale” sign out on the front lawn). Hello, how are you today?
Me: Pretty good I guess.
Realtor: Shall we get started? I see we are in the living room, no foyer and the room is smallish but the furniture is beautiful. The piano is a little cluttered and out-dated.
Me: (thoughts only since I have no reply). The piano was given to us by my in-laws. My husband learned to play on that piano. I have two daughters that play brilliantly, one of which majored in Piano Pedagogy and is now running a successful piano studio. The piano is priceless! I guess we can move the music from off the top of it. The furniture is beautiful, it was selected by my husband—personally I would have preferred something not so beautiful and a little more kid friendly.
Realtor: I see the kitchen is just through this doorway. No formal dining area, just a kitchen. The table is a little large for the space. The cabinets could use a little updating and de-cluttering. You might set something pretty out on the table. But the appliances are all new, that’s a plus. Love this refrigerator.
Me: Yes the kitchen is small. I feel somewhat claustrophobic in it when we are all assembled. But we have learned to dance around each other. Lot’s of loud and entertaining conversations take place around the table large enough to accommodate a family that gets larger not smaller. My husband also refinished this table, so I’m afraid it stays. I love the refrigerator as well—one of those armoire type. It holds enough food to feed my small army! One of my favorite memories of the kitchen is associated with the corner base cabinet. At one time it did hold a lazy susan but the kids removed it, unloaded the supplies and found it made a superb hide-away. The clock face they drew on the inside still remains.
Realtor: The closet space in the hallway is nice; you should pack away your stuff, and leave just a few things. A buyer wants to be able to see how their own stuff will fit in.
Me: Where am I supposed to put this stuff—we use it every day!
Realtor: The bedrooms are small but serviceable. I like how you’ve repurposed this upstairs room for a television space.
Me: Yes they have been serviceable. At one time this re-purposed bedroom housed 4 children and their toys and such! Once there was an antique vanity in this room that the little girls would crowd around, spending hours making each other beautiful. In another era it served as a band practice room with daughter #4 playing the drums and son #1 playing the lead guitar. Friends would arrive with their equipment and “rock our world”. Good times!
Realtor: Unfinished laundry room in the basement, that’s acceptable. There is good storage and I like the clothes chute.
Me: I also love the laundry room in the basement, though I have often asked my husband if he would finish it. He thinks he needs easy access to all the pipes and such that are in the walls and ceilings and so it remains. The best thing about the Laundry room is nobody else in the family wants to be there. So when I find myself needing quiet time—it is my refuge. I can spend hours down there working away and nobody bothers me.
Realtor: Unfinished space in the basement—potential for a family living area.
Me: It’s already serving that purpose. My husband ran a home based business from this room for 30 years supplementing his regular income so I could stay home with my children. The kids did their homework in this room with dad supervising. One on one attention, now how many kids get that! Occasionally it’s cleared out so I can quilt, or sew a big project. Lately it’s been a playroom for the grandkids. It’s a great room!
Realtor: Oh, what a pleasant surprise, your back yard seems to go on forever. Most in town lots don’t have that kind of property.
Me: I love the backyard, lots of room for kids to play, and things to grow. You know I really like this house, it is my home—I think I’ll stay. (speaking) Thanks for your time—but I’ve changed my mind. Will you please take the sign down on your way out!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Photo Story Friday's: Dream Home
2009 HGTV Dream Home
Well it's that time of the year again, that time of the year when I try to win HGTV's Dream Home. I actually think this year’s home is quite lovely and gracious, but most importantly its floor plan is more practical. I don't know why I engage in this ritual every year. Personally I think they winner is pre-selected and a buyer is already waiting in the wings to purchase the home. I’m sure it is someone who lives and works in the area. Some of those homes are built in gated communities. I'm not sure what a gated community is, but I don't think they let just any Tom, Dick or Jane off the streets live there. But a girl can always dream!
This week’s "Monday Mission" is to write a sales pitch for our home. So naturally my thoughts have focused at times on how exactly I would describe my home and the drama called life that has played out within its walls.
Perhaps a little history of the place would be nice to begin with. Thirty some odd years ago my new hubby and I had just finished up with the rigors of gaining an education and had just obtained employment. We settled into a little apartment with our two kiddies and started house hunting. We looked at quite a few but didn’t find one we liked. About the time we were looking hubby’s brother decided to sell manufactured homes. So we found a lot and purchased a made to order interstate home. It was exciting picking out the paint colors, carpets and appliances. I can still remember the day the diesels pulled into town with our house triumphantly riding on the trailers. The whole neighborhood turned out to watch as it was rolled onto the foundation and the walls joined. It wasn’t long after that we moved in and began our lives in our brand new home.
Our first look insidethe house being rolled onto the foundation
Three babies were born to us while living in our home. Our five little kiddies laughed and played and grew and at times exasperated their parents for two decades. These same five children both delighted and tormented us over the last 10 years as they passed from childhood to adulthood (sigh, roll of the eyes, you know—those teenage years).
And now our home is showing its age. It’s had a new roof, new counter tops in the kitchen, replacement of bathroom fixtures, and two rounds of appliances and paint. In the near future we are looking at major replacements, the furnace, air-conditioning and flooring. Hopefully a larger room will be added to accommodate our larger family.
The hubby and I are showing our age as well. Our parts aren’t working as well either, but as of yet there have been no replacements! The children are all grown with only one that needs to leave home, and that is looming before us. Fortunately they all live close so we see them almost daily. The grandkiddies are a blessing and keep the old man and I busy. Life has happened within the walls of our little home. It’s been grand. It’s been pretty good. It’s been boring. It’s been trying. At times heart-breaking and sometimes it was more than we could take. But all those experiences lumped together have turned out pretty much perfect.
So back to my opening paragraph—the DREAM Home
Here is a list of things my dream home would have to have:
1. Lack of space so family members are naturally pushed into associating with each other
2. Corded telephone in the center of the home, likewise for the computer
3. No lock on the doors, a closed door means I need some time leave me alone
4. A well stocked pantry and refrigerator to feed the masses that are always passing through
5. A large table, in the kitchen, so good food and good conversation can be shared
6. A large outdoor play space for kids and their friends containing energy consuming devices
7. Plenty of books, art supplies and play items to encourage the imagination
8. A laundry room that is hidden so mountains of waiting laundry are never observed
9. No television in conversation areas of the home
10. One room, preferably the one closest to the main entrance, to be designated as the clean room just in case someone drops by that doesn’t love and understand the way we live.
11. A quiet space to read, or listen to music, or to play music, a space to find peace--in an otherwise chaotic environment.
Upon reflection I have discovered that I already live in MY DREAM HOME. I think I’ll pass on entering the contest this year.
And now our home is showing its age. It’s had a new roof, new counter tops in the kitchen, replacement of bathroom fixtures, and two rounds of appliances and paint. In the near future we are looking at major replacements, the furnace, air-conditioning and flooring. Hopefully a larger room will be added to accommodate our larger family.
The hubby and I are showing our age as well. Our parts aren’t working as well either, but as of yet there have been no replacements! The children are all grown with only one that needs to leave home, and that is looming before us. Fortunately they all live close so we see them almost daily. The grandkiddies are a blessing and keep the old man and I busy. Life has happened within the walls of our little home. It’s been grand. It’s been pretty good. It’s been boring. It’s been trying. At times heart-breaking and sometimes it was more than we could take. But all those experiences lumped together have turned out pretty much perfect.
So back to my opening paragraph—the DREAM Home
Here is a list of things my dream home would have to have:
1. Lack of space so family members are naturally pushed into associating with each other
2. Corded telephone in the center of the home, likewise for the computer
3. No lock on the doors, a closed door means I need some time leave me alone
4. A well stocked pantry and refrigerator to feed the masses that are always passing through
5. A large table, in the kitchen, so good food and good conversation can be shared
6. A large outdoor play space for kids and their friends containing energy consuming devices
7. Plenty of books, art supplies and play items to encourage the imagination
8. A laundry room that is hidden so mountains of waiting laundry are never observed
9. No television in conversation areas of the home
10. One room, preferably the one closest to the main entrance, to be designated as the clean room just in case someone drops by that doesn’t love and understand the way we live.
11. A quiet space to read, or listen to music, or to play music, a space to find peace--in an otherwise chaotic environment.
Upon reflection I have discovered that I already live in MY DREAM HOME. I think I’ll pass on entering the contest this year.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Thesaurus Thursday: Vacuous:
During the week I was reading a book and came across a word I’d never heard before.
Word of the day: Vacuous: lacking in ideas or intelligence, without contents, empty, devoid of purpose
The word is taken from the archives of Dictionary.com "Word of the day" This is an "increase your vocabulary activity"
Play the game like this: Open up a thesaurus on-line. Type the word of the day in the search bar. Using the generated words write a sentence, paragraph, poem, story; anything of your choosing using at least one of the generated words.
My friend who is blond is often the butt of those semi-popular blond jokes. Countless times she has been accused of being an air-head, dull and dumb. People laugh at her foolish antics and howl at her silly remarks. The vacant look in her eyes as she struggles to understand the punch line of the joke sets people to laughing nearly every time. I am certain she is putting on an inane act. When I have found myself in earnest conversation with her I find that she is highly intelligent and very aware of all that goes on around her.
Word of the day: Vacuous: lacking in ideas or intelligence, without contents, empty, devoid of purpose
The word is taken from the archives of Dictionary.com "Word of the day" This is an "increase your vocabulary activity"
Play the game like this: Open up a thesaurus on-line. Type the word of the day in the search bar. Using the generated words write a sentence, paragraph, poem, story; anything of your choosing using at least one of the generated words.
My friend who is blond is often the butt of those semi-popular blond jokes. Countless times she has been accused of being an air-head, dull and dumb. People laugh at her foolish antics and howl at her silly remarks. The vacant look in her eyes as she struggles to understand the punch line of the joke sets people to laughing nearly every time. I am certain she is putting on an inane act. When I have found myself in earnest conversation with her I find that she is highly intelligent and very aware of all that goes on around her.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Tuesday Tales: Winter Poems
When I was a little girl my mother took the opportunity to read to me often, I believe it is from her I first learned to love the written word. We had a set of "Childcraft" books that were used until they were worn out. My favorite volume from the set was "Story Telling and Other Poems". Here are two of my favorite poems about winter from the book.
The Mitten Song
"Thumbs in the thumb-place,
Fingers all together!"
This is the song
We sing in mitten-weather.
When it is cold,
It doesn't matter
whether Mittens are wool,
Or made of finest leather.
This is the song
We sing in mitten-weather:
"Thumbs in the thumb-place,
Fingers all together!"
Marie Louise Allen
I volunteered in the classroom at least once a week during my children's elementary years. Every winter at least one of the classes would trace the children's hands (thumbs extended, fingers close together) and then the children would color their "mittens". The teacher would hang them on the wall in the hallway. It was such a delight to see this poem from years gone by, enjoyed year after year.
My "mittens" (made today)
Another favorite
Christmas Eve
See the pretty snowflakes
Falling from the sky!
All the trees and houses
Are like a big cream pie.
Look at all the snowflakes
As they fill the air:
Look how fast they're falling,
Do you think Santa'll care?
The snow is falling faster,
Dear Santa will get wet;
But if I hang my stocking
I know he won't forget.
J. Morris Jones
I love the imagery created in this poem. I have spent many a winter evening sitting with my nose pressed against the window pane, watching the snowflakes fill the sky. I still love waking in the morning looking out at a world that looks like a big cream pie!
The Mitten Song
"Thumbs in the thumb-place,
Fingers all together!"
This is the song
We sing in mitten-weather.
When it is cold,
It doesn't matter
whether Mittens are wool,
Or made of finest leather.
This is the song
We sing in mitten-weather:
"Thumbs in the thumb-place,
Fingers all together!"
Marie Louise Allen
I volunteered in the classroom at least once a week during my children's elementary years. Every winter at least one of the classes would trace the children's hands (thumbs extended, fingers close together) and then the children would color their "mittens". The teacher would hang them on the wall in the hallway. It was such a delight to see this poem from years gone by, enjoyed year after year.
My "mittens" (made today)
Another favorite
Christmas Eve
See the pretty snowflakes
Falling from the sky!
All the trees and houses
Are like a big cream pie.
Look at all the snowflakes
As they fill the air:
Look how fast they're falling,
Do you think Santa'll care?
The snow is falling faster,
Dear Santa will get wet;
But if I hang my stocking
I know he won't forget.
J. Morris Jones
I love the imagery created in this poem. I have spent many a winter evening sitting with my nose pressed against the window pane, watching the snowflakes fill the sky. I still love waking in the morning looking out at a world that looks like a big cream pie!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Monday Mission: Reading the Cards
Fortunes for the Homefront
1. The King of Clubs tells us we will see the Inauguration of Americas first black president
2. The Queen of diamonds forecasts that a daughter will achieve a major milestone (graduation from high school)
3. The King of diamonds likewise forecasts that a son will also graduate (from college)
4. The Jack of Hearts indicates a long lost love will return home
5. King and Queen of hearts overlapping foretells a wedding
6. An “Ace” in the hole covered by a deuce predicts a baby
7. The Ace of Spades supplies reassurance that a daughter will survive her first year of teaching
8. The joker askew, away from the group—foreshadows that someone will get lost, and then found
9. A full house definitely indicates the need for new family room
10. And for the Queen of spades (that would be me) no weight will be lost or gained (even though the doctor recommends shedding at least 20 or 30 if I could manage. HA!)
Updates to follow upon the fullfilling of aforementioned predictions
visit the Painted Maypole for January topics for Monday Missions--she predicts you will have tons of fun while participating
Friday, January 2, 2009
Photo Story Friday's: Farewell to Sandra
For the past 15 years (maybe more, I forget) my dear friend Sandra Boynton has helped me manage my life. Thanks to her amazing organizational skills I have juggled a family of 5 children and 1 husband, keeping track of who needs to be where, when and with what. This is no ordinary wall calendar. It has six—count them—six columns for keeping track of everything that is happening. The first for mom . . . and then fill in the blanks with the names of family members for whom you are responsible. The colors are lively and the cartoon characters fairly dance off the page bringing a smile to a busy mom’s face. The large numbers are readable from across the room so a harried mom can see what day it is even though she really doesn’t have a clue. The vertical calendar is a God send. The use of a paper clip to mark the day lets mom know at a glance precisely where we are in the month. (Oh goodness, January is here already! I can’t believe it’s the middle of January. And “Oh my gosh, where did January go!”) Colorful, friendly stickers mark and help a frazzled mom remember special days. I just don’t know how I would have managed without her skills and friendly attitude.
Soooo . . .
I’ve come to a crossroads in my life.
I have no one’s life to manage anymore, except my own of course. The children are grown and gratefully able to manage their own schedules. I do care for the grand babies on a daily basis, but the management of their lives belongs to their mothers. They have the responsibility to remember the who’s, where’s, when’s and what’s. So what’s a former micro-managing mom to do?
Farewell Sandra Boynton
Hello Simplicity
I’m off to discover a new phase of my life, keeping track of only me. I wonder what I’ll discover along the way. (Shaking with fear and trepidation—and a little excitement)
Now if I can only learn to read a horizontal calendar again. —AND these eyes don’t focus as well as they used to, why are the dang numbers so small? I still don’t know what day it is unless a calendar tells me, I guess I’ll just have to walk across the room and get friendly with it. Maybe we’ll become better friends. I must admit, I do like the pictures—they are somewhat restful. I wonder, is that what I need after all those years of micro-managing?
P.S. Monday Missions begin next week. The "Painted Maypole" has posted the topics. You should give it a try, its tons of fun and good for the brain.
Soooo . . .
I’ve come to a crossroads in my life.
I have no one’s life to manage anymore, except my own of course. The children are grown and gratefully able to manage their own schedules. I do care for the grand babies on a daily basis, but the management of their lives belongs to their mothers. They have the responsibility to remember the who’s, where’s, when’s and what’s. So what’s a former micro-managing mom to do?
Farewell Sandra Boynton
Hello Simplicity
I’m off to discover a new phase of my life, keeping track of only me. I wonder what I’ll discover along the way. (Shaking with fear and trepidation—and a little excitement)
Now if I can only learn to read a horizontal calendar again. —AND these eyes don’t focus as well as they used to, why are the dang numbers so small? I still don’t know what day it is unless a calendar tells me, I guess I’ll just have to walk across the room and get friendly with it. Maybe we’ll become better friends. I must admit, I do like the pictures—they are somewhat restful. I wonder, is that what I need after all those years of micro-managing?
P.S. Monday Missions begin next week. The "Painted Maypole" has posted the topics. You should give it a try, its tons of fun and good for the brain.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Thesaurus Thursday: Resolution
Resolution: the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action
The word is taken from the archives of Dictionary.com "Word of the day" This is an "increase your vocabulary activity"
Play the game like this: Open up a thesaurus on-line. Type in the word of the day. Using the generated words write a sentence, paragraph, poem, story; anything of your choosing using at least one of the generated words.
I resolve to not make any New Years Resolutions. That is my decision, I mean it with all sincerity. Resolutions are made to be broken. My intent is to try daily to live a life of purpose.
The word is taken from the archives of Dictionary.com "Word of the day" This is an "increase your vocabulary activity"
Play the game like this: Open up a thesaurus on-line. Type in the word of the day. Using the generated words write a sentence, paragraph, poem, story; anything of your choosing using at least one of the generated words.
I resolve to not make any New Years Resolutions. That is my decision, I mean it with all sincerity. Resolutions are made to be broken. My intent is to try daily to live a life of purpose.
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