Remembering

I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize the events of September 11, 2001 in my journal. The events that happened that day affected all of us in way or another. How could it not? I remember so vividly that morning watching each event unfold one right after another. I was on the phone with my mom watching TV. The two of us watched in horror as the country was attacked and thousands of lives perished.

My immediate reaction was to be in contact with the kids and Jim. Cait was safe at school and I was able to reach her through Instant Messaging via the computer. Daniel was safely at school, and I knew he was safe. Jim was working on a military facility and I had no way to reach him. The phone lines were jammed. I had no choice but to wait for him to contact me.

Watching TV this morning as the remembrance ceremonies take place only stirs all those feelings again. I didn’t lose anyone that day, but I did lose a tiny piece of security living where I do. How safe are we? Is my country really doing all it can to keep us safe and out of harms way? I can only hope.

I miss seeing the World Trade Center rise above the New York City skyline when I head up to the city. I used to love looking for those tall towers. They were so awesome, so beautiful. I am looking forward to seeing the new towers grace the skyline again.

God Bless all those lost souls and their families. God bless us all.

Adios Ernesto and Bennies!

Our first storm of the 2006 hurricane season has come and gone, and without much hurrah, at least in my neck of the woods. There were others, not too far from me, who did not do as well. Before I saw the above photo from the Asbury Park Press, I was grumbling because my front and back yards were littered with branches, twigs, acorns, and an abundance of leaves. I dislike a messy lawn. I also dislike the dogs chewing the bigger sticks into little sticks, making more of a mess for me to clean up. But the I saw the photo and realized, I had nothing to grumble about. What's a few little sticks and leaves?

So after a morning's work, the yard, the deck, and the patio are once again free from mother nature's debris and life goes on...

The weather is fall like and absolutely enjoyable! Of course, I would like to hope I might get one or two more beach days in, but we'll see. This is the last weekend of the summer and for many people in my area it means but one important thing...Adios Bennies!! Those northerners who hog up the roads and beaches are heading home! Bubye! See you all next summer...

Homemade or Jar Sauce?

Life’s regrets. Who doesn’t have them? We all do in one form or another. I have many. Some are small. Some are large. Some are insignificant, while others are significant. I have a small one, although, there are some days when it seems large. I regret having not learned how to make my dad’s spaghetti sauce.

Over the years I have tried to reproduce it, and yet I never can. So consequently I am a ‘jar user’ and no one seems to mind. I was recently at my mom’s house and while there I could smell her homemade spaghetti sauce cooking, or simmering in the kitchen. While hers is awesomely delicious, it’s just not my dad’s sauce.

I’ll keep trying. Maybe one day I’ll hit the spaghetti sauce jackpot and my sauce will really be a good reproduction. I can hope. In the meantime, my jar sauce is prepared with love.

Outdoor Kitchen Update!!

The outdoor kitchen has been completed! After one year, tons of sweat, and handful of pocket change (ok, more like buckets of dollar bills), the outdoor kitchen has been completed. We couldn't be happier with the results and now look forward to many years of outdoor barbeque and cooking adventures. What makes it special is the team effort that went in to it, from the neighbors help, and help from the kids. Not one brick went up without hard work, devotion to the cause, and lots of love. Ok, a few bad words were thrown out there as well! =)
I can't wait for the first meal that comes from this outdoor kitchen!

Sunday Morning Coffee and Softball

This past weekend I had the incredible opportunity to watch my niece Jilly play fast pitch softball. First of all, she’s awesome, so anything to do with her places her on the A-list by me. I absolutely love spending time with her, so being able to have the time to watch her play ball was a treat!

Jilly loves the game and it shows. Her team spirit and her determination to help the team win shine through brightly. She pitches, although she is not crazy about it, and does a pretty decent job. She also plays shirt stop and right field. She never misses the pop fly to right field and throws an awesome pitch, although she feels her arm is not that strong. I wouldn’t know, to be honest, but from where I sit, her arm looks good to me. Best of all I love to see her smile. She grins from ear to ear with each positive contribution she makes to the game. Of course, when Aunt Wendy yells out, “Jillybean, you rock!” I get an even bigger smile.

Her teammates are all sweet and despite their team averages (not the best) they all go to the field or plate with as much enthusiasm as they can muster up. I enjoy watching them all. Softball has taken on a whole new set of rules since I played at that age, but what continues is the love of the game, and for a group of 12 13 year-old girls, the game is always fun. And that’s what makes watching them fun for me. Thanks Jillybean! I love you.

Amy

Every now and again someone comes into our lives and touches us in ways we remember forever. Amy was one of those people. I met Amy 4 years ago in the labor and delivery room. Amy and her husband were there to have their first baby. It was supposed to be a joyous occasion, as most first babies are, but not this time. After a long labor, Amy delivered a stillborn at term. A very beautiful little girl.

Together, Amy and I gave her her first bath, and dressed her in a pretty pink dress and wrapped in a soft pink blankie. Amy held her and rocked her. A touching moment as it should be for a first time mom.

Today our paths met again. This time Amy delivered her second baby; a healthy boy. Sweet, pink, and soft. Amy cuddled and rocked him, and told him all about his sister.

I’m blessed to have shared two very different births with Amy. I’ll never forget her, or her two beautiful babies.

Hummingbirds Galore!

One of the things that I used to be envious of that Gidget had, and I did not, were hummingbirds. We can sit on her deck and watch them flit about all day long. In fact, we can even relax in her hot tub as they buzz around our heads on their way to the sweet nectar. She has had them in her yard for many years, so they have no fear of the humans or the very busy beagle that patrols her deck.

I am no longer jealous because thanks to my incredible trumpet vine, that has bloomed so well this year, I now have my very own little birds. After I saw them come and go for about a week, I added several feeders, and I too, can watch as they whirl in and out of my yard. To many, this may not seem like an exciting thing, but I love these little birds and find them so fascinating to watch! I get a kick out of nature, what can I say?

They also add a little humor when they zip in fast and dive bomb the dogs, who have no idea what they are, and why they have invaded their space. The dogs have learned they are now a part of their world and lay watching them at the feeders. I just hope they stay for the summer and return next year.

Caitlin and the Alpacas

Caitlin is off on a summer vacation, but it’s more than that. She’s out in Ohio working side by side with one of our country’s leading Vets (Pam) in Alpaca Medicine on Alpaca Jack’s Suri Farm. (See the link below) She was able to connect with Pam thanks to her dad and Pam’s dad. (Old friends) So off to Ohio she went for the next three weeks. (And I miss her already) But thanks to Verizon, we are able to share text messages, phone calls, and even pictures of Alpacas.

She’s been helping with research studies there, feeding baby Alpacas bottles, and doing exams on pregnant moms. When she has down time, which doesn’t seem to be a lot of, she’s relaxing back at Pam’s dodging the heat. This is an incredible experience. Hands on time with the animals, research experience, and hopefully one day a great reference for Vet school! I’m so proud of my girl.

http://www.alpacajack.com/

Daddy

This week, had my dad lived, he would have turned 74. He died in 1999 at the age of 66 after a three year battle with cancer. You know how I feel about cancer. It sucks. I hate it. He fought the disease with so much determination.

My dad was an interesting character. He truly was; on many levels. He certainly wasn't the most perfect father in the world, but he did his best to keep us all fed, housed, and protected from the bad stuff in the world. I miss my dad. I miss his crabbiness sometimes the most. I sometimes wonder if he truly knew how much he was loved. I remember the last time I told him I loved him. It was the day he died. He was ornery right up until he could no longer hold on to his life. I looked him those big blue eyes and told how much I loved him. He smiled. It's a smile I will never forget.

I miss you Daddy. A lot.

Beach Etiquette

There's truly nothing like a day at the beach. Sun, balmy ocean breeze, clean seawater, good food, and good companions. Life is good. That is until those without good beach etiquette arrive and feel the need to sqaut right on top of you. What is it about people who feel the need to sit so close you can feel the heat radiate off their skin? There's tons of space, but you want to snuggle with me? Move the hell over!

I always get to the beach hours before anyone and in doing so can enjoy the peace and quiet that the beach and sea can offer. I love watching the sun come up over the water; it glistens so pretty. When it's this early you can hear the gulls as they chatter among themselves. Peaceful. Relaxing. I sit near the inlet so I can watch the boats come and go. There's nothing like it.

And then they arrive. All one million rude beach goers that want to sit right on top of me. They move in with all their unnessary beach stuff. None of them know how to put up and umbrella so it stays put. None of them understand that sand should remain on the beach and not flying randomly about as they shake out their towels or run by you at 60mph. None of them understand that there are designated smoking areas. None of them understand that we don't throw the trash around. And finally while we are outside, we really do not have to shout at each other. Quiet indoor voices work well.

So come and enjoy the beach, just be aware that there are certain rules you should follow.

Happy Birthday Lexy!

Happy Birthday Lexy! Lexy is one of our Goldens who happens to be turning 8 this weekend. Because Caitlin is heading out of town this weekend, we celebrated her birthday early. Jill and Josh were here for the weekend, so they added to the big celebration. Now this may sound strange to some, but birthday are important around here, no matter who might be the one having one. And Lexy is one special dog.

Lexy hails from the Tulsa, Oklahoma area. We got her when we were so lucky to have lived there 8 years ago. (There’s just so much love for Oklahoma here that it’s hard to fit it in to one sentence) NOT! Oklahoma was a hard move and no one was happy. We were forced to move at a time when my dad was terminally ill, and I hated every mile that separated us. Caitlin hated us for making her move, and Daniel went along for the ride. So in order to cheer everyone up I got the idea to add one more Golden face to the family. So I gathered up a measly $200.00 (a cheap price for a dog those days) and headed out to the nearest Ostrich farm, and got us a dog. Yes, Lexy comes from a long line of Ostriches. OK, not really, but she was born on an Ostrich farm. Perhaps one of the reasons for the cheaper price, I suspect.

She has proved herself a loyal and wonderful pet over the past 8 years. She’s sweet, smart, and has provided us all with more giggles and love than I could ever have imagined any one dog could provide. Life would not be the same without her. Happy Birthday girl! We love you.

Bodies: The Exhibition

Today’s day trip took us to the South Street Seaport in New York to see the Bodies Exhibition. To help you see what a body really looks like on the inside, this Exhibition uses real human bodies that have been preserved so they do not decay. (Thankfully, or it wouldn’t have been so enjoyable)

The Process: A human specimen is first preserved according to standard mortuary science. The specimen is then dissected to show whatever it is that someone wants to display. Once dissected, the specimen is immersed in acetone, which eliminates all body water. The specimen is then placed in a large bath of silicone, or polymer, and sealed in a vacuum chamber. Under vacuum, acetone leaves the body in the form of gas and the polymer replaces it, entering each cell and body tissue. A catalyst is then applied to the specimen, hardening it and completing the process.

This method of preservation creates a specimen that will not decay. This offers thousands of unique teaching possibilities for educators at all levels, including medical professionals, archeologists, and other scientists.

The whole exhibition was awesome, although Caitlin thought it just “ok”. The kids learned and had fun and isn’t that what counts? Lunch and shopping added to the time there. Cool day!

Amish Delights!

This week my sisters and I headed to Lancaster, PA, kids included, for an educational experience among the Amish. My sister Gidget’s kids had no real idea who the Amish were, so a trip to a ‘real’ Amish farm, and a buggy ride through the Amish countryside would be just what they needed. So off we went. Of course, no trip to the country would be complete without mom. So we got an early start and with Lola (my sister’s GPS) guiding our way, we headed to PA!

No trip to Lancaster would be complete without a trip to Wilbur’s Chocolates, which was an issue in the heat (It went as high as 102), and a visit to the pretzel factory, yet another issue in the heat. (The place was at least 106 and packed with 26 little 5-year-olds who were there to roll out their first pretzel).

With a little lunch under our belts we headed out for a buggy ride with Abe. Abe was an older Amish gent who was more than happy to charge us $10.00 a head for a quick 15-minute buggy ride. They may not live like we do, but they certainly know how to charge for it! Then it was back to the hotel, settle in, and think about what might occupy our time in the evening heat. Miniature golf! The kids had fun, mom groaned about the walk, and the mosquitoes thrived off our flesh!

The next day we did a little shopping, a little lunch and it was a joy ride back home through the “beautiful Amish farm lands” with Lola leading the way! I may sound a little sarcastic, but the truth is, I always have fun with my sisters and the kids; no matter how hot it gets or how lost we may find ourselves. My sisters are truly funny awesome people.

Making a Difference

Jim, Cait, and I recently attended the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” walk in the park across the street from our home. We walk every year in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Light the Night” walk which raises money to help a cause dear to our hearts. My dad and Jim’s dad died of leukemia. So we walk for my dad, Jim’s dad, and for a cousin of mine, who to date is healthy and in remission. (Thank you God)

We decided to expand our walks this year and walk not only for those who have succumbed to this disease but for those who have survived. Jim is a survivor. This fact didn’t really click until recently when the national cancer registry contacted Jim for a survivor follow-up. He beat thyroid cancer and is doing well. We are thankful. So we walk to help others. We will continue to walk. We hate cancer in this house. We don’t like what it does or how it sneaks into people’s lives, robbing them of so much. So we will continue to help when we can. We like knowing we are helping to make a difference.

Fact: Every five minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer.
Fact: Every ten minutes someone loses the fight.

http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org
http://www.cancer.org

POST NOTE: We apparently helped to raise just shy of $7,000.!! :) Thanks Tracy for organizing us and taking the lead for something so damn important!

Fun in Baltimore!

I recently took a three-day vacation and headed to the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. I took my sister Sue, my niece Jill, and my nephew Josh along with me. My niece and I were the only ones who had ever been to the harbor, so we were the official tour guides. We stayed in a Marriott hotel right on the water (my usual place when visiting). WE HAD A BALL!

From the very minute we landed, until we landed back at home, we laughed; we ate great food, and saw many things. The kids loved the dolphin show at the aquarium the best, of course. We even did the learning thing and headed out to Fort McHenry. Now I love this place, but my niece Jill thought it was “stoopid”. So much for the learning vacation.

We even managed to do some shopping at Fell’s Point, another place I absolutely love spending time at when I am down there. The best part of the trip for me was watching my sister Sue on the Ducks Tour when every child on the tour consistently blew their little noisemaker quackers. Sue barely tolerates children as much as she barely tolerates noise. Jill and I chuckled watching her screw up her face with each “Quack”. I loved every minute I had with Jill and Josh. I cannot wait to go again!

The Smells of Morning

I love the fresh smell and sounds of morning, especially during the summer months. I’m usually out on my deck by 6am and greeted by the sounds of birds, the occasional tinkling of my wind chimes, and most times, pure morning silence. The smell is fresh, unless a skunk has passed through the area, which thankfully is rare. What is it about familiar sounds and smells that gives us such peace?

I remember as a kid waking up some mornings to the smell of fresh cut grass, and the sounds of the lawn mower (both power and non-power). I remember feeling safe, knowing my dad was out and about getting chores done. I remember the sounds of small motor boats skimming over the water on the lake we lived on and the sounds of the kids in the neighborhood outside playing games. I can remember the smell of fresh coffee and bacon wafting up through the house; my mom hard at work in the kitchen. They were all normal sounds and smells in my normal little world. Perhaps this is why I love the smells and sounds of summer. They take me to a place where the world was right and good, and I felt safe. The smells and sounds of my mornings now take me to the same place. I love my deck in the mornings. Peaceful, quiet, and safe.

A Little Piece of Solitude

Reading books is one of my most favorite pastimes. I have always loved reading and cannot imagine my life without books. I even have a library in my home. It’s a whole room dedicated to my books; shelves and shelves of books. Except for the continuous ticking of my grandfather’s clock, it’s a quiet room. A peaceful room. I have an over stuffed recliner in there. It’s one of those chairs that seems to wrap itself around whoever sits in it.

My books cover many subjects, from cooking to nursing. In fact, I have five shelves filled with cookbooks, cooking journals, and binders full of recipes I have collected over the years. Most of the books are fictional type books. I have a section of books on the Holocaust (an area of interest) and a section of nursing books. (Mostly obstetrical books)

I have favorite authors, like most, but seem to collect a variety of different genres. I have piles of books I have read, and even more piles of books left unread. There’s the summer reading pile, and the pile to read for school, and even the pile I will read again. I am not a member of any book club, although I do take suggestions from some of them. I typically browse the bookstore shelves looking for whatever sparks my interest. Barnes and Nobles considers me a “great customer”. (Much to my husband’s chagrin) =)

My favorite authors are John Irving, Ken Follett, John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, and most recently Alexander McCall Smith. I have many I have to read, and some I want to read. I usually read two to three books at one time. Many cannot do that, but I cannot imagine not reading this way. I cannot imagine life without books. I cannot imagine my home without books.

“A home without books is like a body without a soul”.

My Little Garden

Actually, the garden is shared with my son, who is currently in culinary school. The two of us planned, planted, and now tend to our little garden. It's home to three tomatoe plants: cherry, plum, and the 'regular' kind. We also have an assortment of herbs, that we use a lot of in our cooking. It's not a massive garden, but then it doesn't have to be. It provides us with exactly the right amount of herbs and tomatoes. It's also a place I share with someone very special. I love my little garden.

Grass Obsessions (The Lawn kind)

Is the “grass greener on the other side” or is it our green lawn insecurities that make us think it is? We have a must-have-a-green-lawn obsession here. We began this obsession back in the mid 80’s when we lived next door to people had the greenest lawn I have ever seen. (I have yet to see a better lawn even to this day) Even the lawn we have here is not that green. Close, but not yet. And it’s not that we do not try.

We have a fair amount of property here, so when we moved in we knew if a green lawn was our goal, and a green lawn needs water, than we knew we would have to install an irrigation system first. That done, we began our quest for the green, well-manicured lawn. We seeded with the finest of seed, or so the package said so. But I wonder is it? The picture on the package was pretty green lawn, but then would they show us a less than perfect lawn on the package of seed? I doubt it.

Seeds planted, it was then time to fertilize and maintain with all the chemicals we can find to do so. Chemicals. Oh we use them. We were sucked into the Scott’s Four Step program. We do it exactly at the right time, and use the right step. I have no idea what would happen if you skip a step or worse yet leave one out. We have no intention of trying.

The front lawn is quite lovely. The back needs work. We have three dogs who insist on digging, and of course, the dog’s peepee does not help either. It’s not far from perfect, but I’d like to think we are closer than most. It’s truly an ongoing battle. The battle to keep the holes at a minimum. A battle to keep it well feed, watered, and fertilized. A battle to keep the weeds away. A battle to ensure it’s a green as our neighbors. I think we are doing ok. Thank you Scotts.

“The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be.” ~ Robert Fulghum

The Outdoor Kitchen

We love cooking, grilling, and barbecuing (all very different styles of cooking) outside, so what better to add to our backyard than an outdoor kitchen! We truly stole the idea from our neighbors to the right, not the ones on the left (who have very little interest in outdoor anything), and took off running.

We asked for some assistance from their masons to get us started (two very crafty and smart Portuguese men) and the outside walls were created. After the walls were up, we then had to decide on how we would build the inside walls, and create the places the grill, the burners, sink, and refrigerator would eventually be housed. With those walls in place, we then framed out the countertop, and poured it. (All cement...Big job...Well worth it)

At this point in the project we are adding the stone facing to the walls, and in two weeks (approximately) we should be tiling the countertop with tile slate tiles. After which the appliances are place, the water and electric are hooked up, and the project should be completed!
Adding a kitchen to our outside world only makes it more special. My outdoor living space seems complete. (until I get another project going!)

My Poop Deck

My deck is just as important as my front porch. It's an extension of my home, a part of who I am, and a place I like spending time on.

The deck was added to our home shortly after we moved in, as a necessity. There was simply no place to wash 8 large paws that were caked with wet dirt (also known as mud) before said paws came into the house. So in an effort to make me happy, the deck was designed and built. This would not be the first deck built by my family, nor the last. So after assembling my siblings and their tools, the deck was completed in two weekends. After waiting a specified amount of time (I did however fudge the numbers), the deck was stained and prepared for the rough winter that lie ahead. Now the color of the deck is an interesting brown, which compliments the siding of our home. The neighbors to the left, refer to it as "poopy brown". We refer to them as idiots that lack class and an eye for color. The same color adorns our picket fence, an arbor my husband made for me, and our little shed in the back of the yard. It works well. I believe.

The deck is a decent size; 24 by 16. Not too big, not too small, just right. I have tables and comfy chairs for anyone to rest in when they stop for a visit. I even have a huge swing that grabs hold of you and won't let go. Of course, I have flowers and plants that add a splash of color which is obviously needed according to the neighbors to the left. It's has a warm feeling. I love it best early in the morning when the area is quiet and the birds are singing their best. It's peaceful. It's relaxing. It's who I am. Poopy color and all.

Good Grief!

I am not sure where a whole year went, and why I dropped this journal, but I'm back! Maybe this time the journal will continue. I recently had to journal for a Women's Literature class, and I loved it. Of course, the only reader I had was my professor and she seemed to enjoy what I wrote, so with that captive audience, I wrote. A lot. I also went back to school right after starting this journal last year, and the majority of my 'writings' were school related. My time was not spent here but rather in Word doing school work.

I'm still in school, and currently working towards my BSN / MSN through a community college. I love being back in school, being mentally challenged and meeting new people. Nurses are funny creatures, but then that's a whole other journal entry.

My deck is once again alive! The winter has been hosed off and I have pretty flowers and cozy cushions that welcome my family and friends. I even bought new cushions this year and new umbrellas. The deck has a new look, but hopefuly the same old welcome feeling. We had to replace the old porch swing, and Luke finds this one just as comfy as the last one. I cannot imagine not having a swing in place for Luke. (Luke is a dog)

We began an outdoor kitchen last year to finish off the patio and that work continues. It should be finished within a short time, and I cannot wait! Spending time outdoors around here is important. Adding a kitchen will make it easier. Life is sweet.