Not Quite Average

Monday Morning Bliss

2012-02-13T07:50:00.003-06:00

Another Mother Nature spectacle—
blue-red-purple-orange-ish.

Morning Light

2012-02-09T11:20:00.007-06:00

SUNLIT ORCHID

The sun shone so bright this morning that it

illuminated my orchid from several feet away

—not a normal occurrence. It was a nice

start to an unusually busy day.

Special Relationships

2012-02-08T15:46:00.007-06:00

I don't necessarily have to watch these movies to appreciate the special bond

between mothers, sisters, daughters, girlfriends, but sometimes I like to.

Today was a Ya-Ya Sisterhood kind of day.

Certain scenes and lines in the movie bring

goosebumps. I think the reason is:

I have a special connection with

many great women in my life.

Beneath the Bridge

2012-02-06T08:43:00.009-06:00

Fifty plus: the number of times I walk past this photo each day. It hangs on the wall near the stairway to the upper story. It was taken several years ago during a family trip to Portland, Oregon. My daughter, Stephanie, and granddaughter, Elyse, were checking out the mural beneath The Bridge of the Gods. I remember taking Elyse to a nearby gift shop so she could get a toy. She chose the sweet teddy bear that she is carrying in this photo.

The Bridge of the Gods spans the Columbia River, which connects Oregon and Washington states. The Pacific Northwest is one of my favorite places to visit. I am especially fond of the Columbia River Gorge area. Its beauty takes my breath away each and every time I see it. Ms. Mother Nature is a true artist.

Land Camera

2012-02-03T15:55:00.008-06:00

You may or may not remember this camera from an earlier post. This Polaroid Land Camera was a Christmas gift from my daughter and her husband. It arrived with several boxes of film. I was a bit intimidated by my new toy. Once I tried it I realized that there was little reason for concern, although I did encounter an issue with the film jamming in the camera. It took a bit of research to find out what was causing it. I found the answer in this video. Apparently the problem I encountered is not that uncommon.

These commercial grade cameras are known for producing photos with exceptionally rich color and unique qualities. Many photographers still use them today for that reason. The first few photos I took were definitely about getting acquainted with the camera. I had to toss a few but a couple were worth sharing. There's much to be learned about setting up shots for this camera. It will be an ongoing lesson I'm sure.

Tune Me

Little Shoes

24/7

2012-02-02T08:34:00.001-06:00

soon

seven

where

did

time

Samantha's birthday is on
the 24th of this month.

Keys

2012-02-01T12:51:00.005-06:00

A depth-of-field adjustment would likely have helped this shot but I like the photo just fine without it. It speaks loudly—although I've yet to discover what it is saying. It has something to do with life's journey. I now have something to ponder while out running errands today.

Ellie's Secret

2012-01-31T09:11:00.000-06:00

This valentine was created by my granddaughter for someone very special. Since she wants it to be a surprise I cannot tell you the name of this person but I will say that he is the most important man in her life. He takes her to school every morning and gives her big hugs when she goes to bed at night.

Treasures

2012-01-29T11:45:00.005-06:00

Two special people gave me these unique tiles for Christmas several years ago. I consider them treasures so I like to enjoy them each day. That's why I keep them on the piano next to my granddaughters' pictures.

Blackwings

2012-01-26T21:20:00.001-06:00

It has literally been years since I've sketched to any extent. The arrival of a box of Palomino Blackwings has changed that. My sketch pad now has several renderings in it. I forgot how difficult faces are to draw though—especially the eyes. I think the minimalist approach might be best when working the details. I think I'll replenish my supply of erasers and pick up a couple more sketch pads.

Norman

2012-01-23T16:22:00.004-06:00

Zombies, ghosts, witches,
and worst of all. . . grown-ups!

He speaks with the dead, this misunderstood ghost whisperer named Norman. But he plays an important role in ParaNorman when the town comes under siege by zombies. It is the second stop-motion 3-D film ever made, with the first being Academy Award nominated Coraline.

The Laika production will be released on August 17th so expect to find me seated somewhere in the center of a theater on that day with a large box of popcorn situated on my lap. After the film I will be examining each line of the credits for my son-in-law's name. Rob is a Set Dresser Lead in the movie and he also contributed to the scenes used in the above photo and the ParaNorman promotional poster.

"Sleigh" Ride

2012-01-21T16:42:00.004-06:00

Today was a good day for a sleigh ride.
Mine just happened to have wheels and a stack.

Little Ladies

2012-01-20T16:32:00.034-06:00

It's all about the hat.

A church sponsored activity center for children turned my three daughters and a friend into church ladies during summer break twenty plus years ago.

The opportunity arose during a trip to my mother's house. She suggested that they visit the center. I'm not sure what activities they participated in while there but I can tell that they thoroughly enjoyed dressing up.

The little girl in the checkered dress was a friend of one of my daughters but I don't recall the exact connection. I do know that she made an especially lovely lady.

Speaking of lovely church ladies. . . now isn't she special?

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This has nothing to do with church ladies or dressing up but here is a painting done by my daughter, Stephanie. The interesting thing about this piece is that this was her first painting effort. She was sixteen years old when she created this work of art for her dad. It made a very special Christmas gift.

There were offers to purchase it during the time it was at the frame shop.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

2012-01-17T11:56:00.007-06:00

There's nothing visibly red about his belly but take a look at that head. This woodpecker has been around the area for a while and utilizes every feeder that I have out. Since he is such a large bird (over nine inches), he doesn't necessarily fit all of them, but, as you can see, that doesn't stop him.

Red-bellied Woodpeckers are non-migratory and they like to eat insects, nuts, and fruits; and visit feeders and suet blocks. It hammers acorns and berries into crevices of trees for winter food. Their favorite hangout is shady woodlands where they excavate holes in rotten wood looking for spiders, centipedes and beetles. Yum! I guess I'll go have lunch now.

Tracks

2012-01-15T13:20:00.027-06:00

Visitors knocked on the door early this morning to tell

us that they saw some of these near our creek bed:

They believed the tracks were made by:

But I wondered if they might belong to:

Then I found:

Once my curiosity was satisfied

my thoughts turned to:

And then:

(I could go on and on.)

I have on occasion seen coyotes on the property as well heard their mournful howls but we have not had any problems with them. There was a recent incident in Madison in which a small dog was attacked by one outside its home but such things are rare.

The coyote population is growing but since we have not had chickens for years, I feel that we have little reason for concern. You'll likely understand if you've ever seen the movie Barnyard. If you wish to learn more about the chicken-coyote connection, and also be entertained, I suggest you watch it. It's certainly no Buck but it is a hoot.

Collage

2012-01-12T23:46:00.009-06:00

Painterly digitals.

It's all about the color.

Special Thoughts

2012-01-12T08:09:00.016-06:00

Memories of Dad today,
a.k.a Santa,
on what would have
been his 82nd birthday.

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." —thomas campbell

A Native American Prayer

I give you this one thought to keep—I am with you still—I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awake in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone—I am with you still—in each new dawn.

Author unknown

Mug Collection

2012-01-10T18:30:00.009-06:00

My collection of mugs has

evolved over time. Each and

every one adds special meaning to

my life.I hope you enjoy my unique

mug collection as much as I do.

New Cat In Town

2012-01-08T23:49:00.006-06:00

this is Otis

he is a very lucky cat

because he has a new home

with a family who adore him

The Gift

2012-01-07T15:01:00.003-06:00

A most unexpected gift

from two very thoughtful people.

It came with a leather case, instruction

manual and several boxes of film.

Taking photos with the Polaroid 450 offers

many rewards I am told. It is capable of producing

professional quality photos with ultra rich color.

This will be an interesting adventure indeed.

Eye of the Beholder

2012-01-05T18:20:00.039-06:00

New baby doll.

This pretty baby appeared during a search of my iPhoto files today. An angel faced sweetie for my granddaughters to play with when they come to visit.

I remember the day I bought her. It took nearly two hours to select the perfect doll. This one had very realistic features—especially the fingers and toes.

I looked forward to sharing her with my granddaughters. It joined another doll that I had purchased months before. But that one did not compare to this beauty. It had molded hair and lacked detail. There was some concern that the girls would not want to play with the old doll after being introduced to the new one with the sparkling blue eyes and blonde tresses.

But I soon discovered there was little reason for concern. As I proudly handed the new baby to Elyse, she gently held its lifelike fingers in her own and softly sighed. It was love at first sight—or so I thought.

Old baby doll.

Within minutes, Elyse was back to playing with "old baby." She had no interest in the new one, and Samantha felt the same way. When I teasingly suggested that we get rid of the doll weeks later because they didn't want to play with her, both agreed that it was the right thing to do. I later found the doll in the bedroom trash.

Fortunately, my eldest granddaughter, Lydia, liked the doll and played with it whenever she visited. "Old baby" continued to be Elyse and Samantha's favorite.

There is little explanation as to why children favor one toy over another. They simply do. Elyse, for instance, had Pinky Pig, who was one of her all time favorite toys. To further understand her commitment to this odd little fellow, check out The Demise of Pinky Pig.

Lydia, who quickly adopted the new baby doll—rolling her around in a stroller for hours on end—actually has somewhat unusual tastes in toys. She absolutely loves scary things.

A favorite birthday gift of hers a couple years ago was a motion-activated head. Flashing eyes and eerie sounds made Lydia giggle as she opened the surprise package. I'm fairly certain that Lydia has her favorite of gifts still tucked away somewhere in her room—along with a variety of other scary entities. Your shrunken head and ghoul collection expands fairly quickly when you celebrate your birthday right before Halloween.

Crackle, Pop, Whisper

2012-01-03T02:41:00.027-06:00

It's one in the morning and I've been lying here listening to the house crackle and pop for the past hour and a half. I'll blame it on the wind, which has been blowing consistently for the past two days—and the fact that I live in a 100 plus year old farm house.

Although they seldom occur, sleepless nights are a major annoyance that are not tolerated well. I force sleep for a certain amount of time and then I usually get up and write.

There were dozens of thoughts zipping around in my head as I attempted slumber. Some of these had to do with a charming movie called Buck, which my husband and I viewed earlier in the evening.

It is a 2011 documentary about a real life horse whisperer named Buck Brannaman. Directed by Cindy Meehl, the film is a Sundance Audience Award Winner for Best Documentary.

I didn't realize that this Netflix selection, which was thoroughly ignored over the holidays, would be so entertaining. I adore the film—and the man. I especially love Buck's quote:

Your horse is a mirror to
your soul. Sometimes you may not
like what you see. . . Sometimes you will.

Horses were a childhood passion that inspired much of my artwork. With renewed inspiration, I think its time to collect my art supplies and begin sketching these beautiful animals once again. I think you'll understand the motivation once you see this insightful documentary.

Beautiful Exotic

2012-01-02T17:32:00.002-06:00

Philodendrons. Day Lilies. Air Plants. Cacti. Ficus. I'd consider these live plants moderately safe under my care. I hope to add this beautiful orchid, which is a New Year's gift from my daughter, to the list. I know very little about exotics but I love real plants in my house so I'll give it my best effort. Orchids, after all, do represent: love, beauty, luxury, strength, wisdom, thoughtfulness, and refinement.

New Year's Eve

2012-01-01T13:57:00.009-06:00

We had overnight guests for New Year's Eve.

One of them did not want to go home so she wrote a note for me to give to her mom when she came to pick her up.

Elyse's note said: Dear Mommy, I am not here. I am on an amazing adventure. I love you. Now go home. Love, Elyse.

This is Elyse on Christmas day in her "scratchy" holiday dress, which she voluntarily changed into so I could take this photo. She then changed back into her comfortable clothes.

Bookends

2011-12-30T16:30:00.007-06:00

What lies between can often

be quite revealing.

Click on photo for closer look.

Unordered diversity.

I am thankful to have bookends.

Not So Skinny Dips

2011-12-28T15:45:00.025-06:00

At the risk of sounding boring, I am willingly admitting to not having plans for New Year's Eve. I prefer to spend the evening at home. If I can work in a game or two of Scrabble during the evening, consider me contented.

If I were entertaining, there are a couple tasty dishes that would certainly be on the menu. I would like to share them with you. I guarantee (kinda, sorta) that they'll be a hit at your party. There's guacamole dip and then there's SUPER BOWL OF GUACAMOLE. I've found none better. The following recipe for shrimp dip became a favorite many years ago when it was served at a party my husband's parents attended. It is especially good on Breton sesame crackers.

When I revisited this post I realized that my graphic
was a lobster rather than a shrimp. Hummmm.. or is
it? Where are the claws? What is this thing!?!

Shrimp Dip

1 can tomato soup
2 envelopes KNOX gelatin
1/2 cup cold water
1-1/2 cups Miracle Whip
2 packages cream cheese
(1 large and 1 small)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 small onion, finely diced
3/4 cup green pepper, finely
diced
1-3/4 cups celery, finely diced
2 small cans shrimp, diced

Warm tomato soup. Mix gelatin and water together and add to soup. Add remaining ingredients to soup mixture. Mix well with electric mixer. Refrigerate overnight.

And for New Year's Day. . . have you ever considered a pot of bean soup with cornbread? Neither had I until we received a gift that included a packet of beans and a recipe for French Market Soup. Delicious! I think you'll agree.

French Market Soup

2 cups dried beans (The pre-packaged kind

with several different varieties in it.)

2 quarts water

1 large ham hock

1-16 ounce can whole tomatoes,
undrained and coarsely chopped

1-1/2 cups chopped onion

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 chili pepper, coarsely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1-1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Wash beans and place in a 4 quart pan. Cover with water 2 inches above beans. Let soak for 8 hours. Drain beans and return to pan. Add 2 quarts water and ham hock. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 1-1/2 hours. Stir in tomatoes and next 4 ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove ham hock and let cool slightly. Remove meat from hock, chop and add to soup. Mix in salt and pepper.
Yield: 3 quarts

Note: To speed soaking time, bring 2 quarts of water to boil. Add the beans and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 1 hour. Drain and proceed as directed.

Lights Fantastical

2011-12-26T11:46:00.027-06:00

This view of the Madison skyline can be seen from Olin Park, where the Holiday Fantasy in Lights is an annual event. My husband and I drove 6 year old granddaughter Samantha through the display last night. When we declined the offer of candy canes at the end of the ride, she said, "But I wanted one!" The reason for the lack of consideration: We were told earlier in the day that she was a candy cane "muncher" who eradicates them in mere seconds. Her mom said watching her eat them made her own teeth hurt.

Photo from Holiday Fantasy in Lights Facebook page.

One of the displays at the 2011 Holiday Fantasy of Lights. The snowman appears to be in motion as he breaths in deeply and exhales snow.

hoLiDaY GReeTinGs

2011-12-25T08:30:00.003-06:00

Best wishes to all. . .

Life's Little Sparks

2011-12-22T22:34:00.032-06:00

Samantha loves dogs and cats. She is shown here with her dog, Buddy.

Joy and laughter. They make the days worthwhile. If I can experience either on a regular basis, I feel incredibly blessed.

The little things in life are usually the spark. This photo of granddaughter Samantha with Buddy the dog is one such example. A source of joy for certain. If a title were needed for this photo, I would call it Exposed—for obvious reasons.

Life has taught me that there is less emotional suffering if one can manage to laugh at oneself.

This lesson was quite meaningful yesterday afternoon when I discovered that I inadvertently used the men's bathroom at a department store in the mall. I realized it once I emerged from the bathroom stall. One quick glance told me that I was no longer alone. My exit was swift and done with great precision.

Why the strange behavior? Chalk it up to shopper fatigue. I'm grateful to be spending the next few days at home where I can enjoy the simpler side of Christmas.

Amazing Grace

2011-12-21T08:38:00.006-06:00

Before the day is in full swing, I'd like to take a few moments to share a link, Dogs Saying Grace, which was sent to me earlier in the week. I am amazed that dogs have this degree of discipline. I have similar sentiments when it comes to their owners. They did train them after all.

I love what our pets teach us about ourselves.

Happy Holidays!

Atop Grandma's Refrigerator

2011-12-19T10:08:00.012-06:00

The pecan topped cookies shown here was a favorite of my husband's grandmother. She often served them when my family and I went to visit her; as well as her famous chocolate cake with homemade fudge frosting. We always knew there was a treat in store whenever we saw Grandma's rectangular cake pan setting on top of the refrigerator.

This oatmeal cookie recipe is a family favorite because it is not as sweet as other homemade cookies. It is easy and makes a small batch.

Self-Frosting

Oatmeal Cookies

1-1/4 cups flour

3/4 teaspoon soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup soft shortening

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1-1/2 cups quick oatmeal

4 plain Hershey bars

Pecan halves

Sift flour, soda, and salt into bowl. Add shortening, brown sugar, egg, milk and vanilla. Beat until smooth (approximately 2 minutes). Blend in oatmeal. (Dough will be stiff.)

Shape dough into small balls and place two inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Flatten each with the bottom of a glass covered with wax paper. (Grandma preferred to spoon the dough onto the cookie sheet and leave them au naturale. I use the heel of my hand to flatten them slightly.) Bake for 12-15 minutes at 350 degrees.

After removing the cookies from the oven, immediately place a small square of Hershey's chocolate on each. Then remove cookies from baking sheet and press a half of a pecan into the melted chocolate.
Makes 3-1/2 dozen.

My Homemade Caramels were a hit. If you make these delectable dandies, I'd like to offer you the following tips:
• When choosing a pan, allow space for boiling. (I used a 3 quart pan and I had some concern that it was going to boil over.)
• Prepare yourself for a lot of stirring because it takes a while to get the mix up the 240 degree temperature. (It's worth the time though.)
• Purchase precut wrappers if possible. I cut individual 4" X 4" parchment wrappers using a paper trimmer. You will need a lot of them.

I used a knife similar to this with an 8" long
blade to cut the caramels into squares.

• When it comes to cutting the caramels into pieces, I found that a large chef's knife was the best way to get a precise cut. I scored or imprinted the location of my cut and then kind of rocked the knife forward and back from the tip to the handle placing light pressure on the middle of the knife blade with my hand. (The sharp side was obviously down—no blood drawn that day.) I cut one row at a time, wrapping them as I went.

Sweet Treats

2011-12-15T22:20:00.005-06:00

Chocolate chips, pecans, brown sugar, and butter—lots of butter! The cookies I baked today were loaded with these and other forbidden ingredients. I also made Homemade Caramels (see photo below) for the first time. Sinfully delicious!

The hours spent in the kitchen today stressed my need to limit time there. :-)

A few of the ingredients and my little helper. The under cabinet light in this work area
recently quit working and Frosty added a little extra brightness—all 7 watts of him.

"What Is Love?"

2011-12-13T08:56:00.021-06:00

Jessie, the clothing designer of the family, was six years old in this photo. I love the
bedraggled appearance of the snowman, especially his mouth made of yarn.

I've been looking for a reason to use one of my favorite photos (shown above). And, just like magic, one showed up in my mailbox this morning.

This "forwarded" email arrived without specific information about where it originated. Under normal circumstances I would not reproduce an article without knowing where it came from or who produced it but I'm making an exception with this one. (I did some minor editing and I eliminated the final paragraph which asked that you forward the email to others.)

What Love means to a 4-8 year old.

Slow down for three minutes to read this. It is so worth it.

Touching words from the mouth of babes.

A group of professionals posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds:

"What does love mean?"

The answers they got were broader and deeper

than anyone could have imagined.

See what you think.

When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.

Rebecca- age 8

When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.

Billy - age 4

Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.

Karl - age 5

Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.

Chrissy - age 6

Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.

Terri - age 4

Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.

Danny - age 7

Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss.

Emily - age 8

Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.

Bobby - age 7

If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.

Nikka - age 6

Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it every day.

Noelle - age 7

Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.

Tommy - age 6

During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.

Cindy - age 8

My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.

Clare - age 6

Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.

Elaine-age 5

Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.

Chris - age 7

Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.

Mary Ann - age 4

I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.

Lauren - age 4

When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.

Karen - age 7

Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.

Mark - age 6

You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.

Jessica - age 8

And the final one

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard , climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry."

A Christmas Carol & The Spirit of a Famished Child

2011-12-11T21:37:00.018-06:00

The Overture Center for the Arts in downtown Madison.

A wonderful actor by the name of James Ridge played Ebenezer Scrooge in a Children's Theater of Madison (CTW) production of A Christmas Carol at the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison last night. Both the play and Mr. Ridge were fantastic. It's an inspirational way to spend the holiday season.

I attended the performance with my granddaughters, Elyse and Samantha, daughter, Stephanie, son-in-law, Eric, and his mother, Marie.

An amazing thing happened during the performance. Samantha experienced a growth spurt during the play. At least that's one explanation for her excessive hunger. (I believe the knowledge that her Mom had candy in her purse may also have been a contributing factor.) A refrain heard throughout a large part of the presentation was: "I'm hungry."

But, in Samantha's defense, she is only six and the play is for children eight and older. A few pieces of candy, and one of my healthy snack bars, helped; as well as the arrival of the third ghost, The Spirit of Things to Come. The scary apparition held both girl's attention as they clung to their parents. (I swallowed hard a couple times myself.) Scary fellow—that ghost.

It has been some time since I've seen the play. Now that I have, I feel inspired to see the Nutcracker ballet later this month. The effort and expense would be worthwhile for the opportunity to experience The Overture Center during the holiday season once again.

Up On The Rooftop

2011-12-10T01:15:00.035-06:00

"He had a broad face and a round little belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly."

My dad looked the part when he donned his santa suit and posed in front of our tree on the Christmas Eve of 1956.

I don't recall this particular moment in time but I do remember Mom telling my siblings and I that Santa was coming and that if we were quiet we would be able to hear him on the rooftop. Sure enough, we heard thumping noises overhead. Whether the noises emanated from the roof or attic, I'm not sure, but who cares when you're five. Some years later, we discovered Dad's santa suit stashed in the upper cabinet in the bathroom.

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Bags of nuts, candied cherries, chocolate chips and numerous other ingredients have yet to make it out of the grocery bags they were brought home in. I never quite have the space to store all of the extra ingredients needed for Christmas cookie baking, which is next weeks project. Yes, I will be baking up a storm as Mom used to say. Then the task at hand will be to rid the house of every last bit of the holiday goodies as quickly as possible. You will most likely understand my motivation.

This year I will be making Homemade Caramels. A recipe I found at a website called Modern Stead . Take a look and you'll understand why I've added them to my list of treats to make. And while I'm at it I'd also like to direct you to the recipe that I will be making for dinner on Sunday, Lemon and Basil Roasted Chicken. It looks fantastic. A side dish that I've made several times is (S)mashed Potatoes, also found at the Modern Stead website. It's a tasty alternative to traditional baked or mashed potatoes.

Last but not least, I'd like to share one of my best cookie recipes. It is The Cookie of All Cookies. They may look typical but based on the response of those who have tried them, they are not your standard chocolate chip cookie. But you be the judge. Give them a try and let me know what you think.

P.S. A few additional revisions have been made to my Magic In The Silence poem. Peek away. . .

Puppy Power

2011-12-08T08:06:00.000-06:00

Okay, sometimes I cheat. This photo is not my own. These two adorable little pups are on the cover of the latest LLBean catalog. Although seeing them in print isn't quite the same as having one curled up in your lap, their open-mouthed smiles have definitely started the day off right. Oh my gosh! Love 'em.

Cool Weather Comfort

2011-12-07T21:40:00.012-06:00

Twenty degree weather has prompted me to make heartier meals. This recipe fills the bill. It's hearty, delicious, and extremely simple to make. Add a salad and cornbread and you've got a great meal. It's even better the next day.

Calico Bean Casserole

1 pound ground beef

2-4 slices bacon (optional)

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1 cup catsup

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon prepared mustard

2 teaspoon white vinegar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 can kidney beans

1 can butter beans

1 can pork and beans

Brown ground beef, bacon, and onion. Drain and mix in catsup, salt, mustard, vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir in kidney beans, butter beans, and pork and beans. (I used standard size cans of each.) Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Note: I included the bacon and probably will next time I make this. It adds a wonderful smokey flavor to the dish. This is obviously not for calorie counters like myself but I believe tasting is allowed.

The Most Magnificent Sounds

2011-12-07T09:58:00.025-06:00

There's Magic In

The Silence

Perched on the floor next to me
are three bright-eyed little girls.
Their chins rest upon their hands,
their elbows upon their knees.

Their day was filled with laughter,
good friends, and gifts galore.
"Now," I say,"turn down the lights.”
“It's time to take it slower."

As the sun sets in the west
and the snow begins to swirl,
it seems the Christmas lights
shine even brighter than before.

There is a sense of peace
in the freshly fallen snow but
as I peer out the window I hear,
"I thought there would be more."

"Please be quiet and listen
to the stillness all around.
There's magic in the silence. . .
speak less and it will be found."

As I threw open the window I said,
"Come closer. . . grab a blanket or two."
Then we huddled on the floor as the
snowflakes came tumbling through.

"Did you see that shooting star
in the distant northern sky and
hear the swooshing sound it made
as it quickly passed on by?"

"And do you hear the crunching
as a grey fox makes its way
along the path by the pines
near that place you like to play?"

"I believe I hear a heartbeat.
Do you think that could be so?
It reminds me of the love I feel. . .
is that an icicle on your nose!?!"

“You may not hear each snowflake
as it tumbles to the ground,
but if you are quiet, you will hear
the most magnificent sounds.”

“Learn to listen patiently
and you will come to see
that the world is full of wonder
—and the best of it is free.”

Right Brainer

2011-12-06T12:36:00.015-06:00

What would you say if I told you that I cyber shop to preserve my Christmas spirit?

Have you noticed that things are a little crazy out there in Shoppersville? Especially right now. For this peace loving country dweller, traditional shopping can be a bit overwhelming. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy it—sometimes—but I require a bit more breathing space than most. Nothin' wrong with that I'd say.

Here are a few items that caught my eye while I shopped the internet on my laptop this morning. Although their practicality is under question, I genuinely love all of them. Practicality is overrated anyway.

Aren't these luscious? Whether I would actually light them. . . not so sure.

Available at Anthropologie.

Again, I'm not sold on their practicality but I like them despite the fact.
Available at Anthropologie.

These buri ornaments can be purchased through Barnes and Noble's website. They are made by Kurt S. Adler, who runs a family-owned business. I purchased the the animal ornaments last year and found them to be so adorable that I ordered the birds this season. I saw similar versions at Pottery Barn last year.

Hidey Ho Ho Ho

2011-12-03T11:25:00.005-06:00

FYI: I'm puttin' on my Santa hat today. . .

I'm stuffing my coat pockets and purse with goodies—nuts, candy, an apple and orange, and assorted small gifts—and then driving to my mother's house with my husband. (She lives over an hour away.) And, in the sneakiest, most conniving manner I can conjure up, I plan to empty the contents into the decorative Christmas stocking that Mom has hanging on the wall.

I wonder how many casual unobtrusive passes along that wall—on the way to the bathroom perhaps—will I need to make to complete the job.

My heart will likely be beating a mile a minute and my breathing will become shallow as I go about my Secret Santa duties. The goal, after all, is that I not be discovered. It's worked in the past. It has taken her days to notice the expanded girth of the stocking. We'll see if it works today.

P.S. I hope that she has her stocking in place, and that her intuition is suppressed by the cool rainy weather we're having today. Wish me luck.

Gluttie Juttie

2011-12-02T10:18:00.012-06:00

Other than an occasional mention of gluten, I have not written a lot about the eating plan (I prefer that term over diet.) that I started earlier this year. Recently anyway. I lost over thirty pounds by eating mediterranean-style: whole grains; healthy fats; lean protein; lots of fruit and vegetables, etc.

A simple approach to losing weight was an absolute necessity for me since time in the kitchen isn't necessarily my ideal of fun (I lived that life when raising a family.) Things got a little complicated with the diet when I discovered I was gluten-sensitive—especially since whole wheat was a a staple on the plan. But I found plenty of substitutes that allowed me to continue eating healthy—even healthier.

One of my favorite GF meals is Walnut Apple Waffle, which is simply: two whole-grain waffles (Van's gluten-free); a chopped medium apple; two tablespoons walnuts; one teaspoon agave nectar. Easy and quick!

Since I use gluten-free waffles, I eat one and a half rather than two waffles (GF frozen waffles have more calories.) to keep the total calories for the meal to around four 400. Each of the four meals I have throughout the day have around the same number of calories. One of the best deterrence to overeating is not allowing yourself to get too hungry. I'm very conscious of this fact. And when I do eat, I try to make wise food choices and consider the total number of calories.

So far, so good. Now to lose the other twenty five pounds.

Fruitier, Chewier, Nuttier

2011-12-01T12:22:00.005-06:00

Is it normal to be this excited about winning something? In this case, a box of KIND bars.

I was one of five winners chosen earlier this week when KIND asked people to write a short poem about kindness and then post it on KIND's Facebook page. Apparently I'm not the only one who is inspired by the thought of winning something—anything! because there were quite a few entries.

Before you go thinking I'm another Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, I should share my little poem about kindness with you:

Maybe if we took more time

to give to others—to just be kind,

this world would be a better place;

a fruitier, chewier, nuttier, healthier

—but funnier, KINDer space.

A final thought: If you haven't tried these bars, I recommend you do. They are a real treat. Earlier this year I discovered that I could no longer eat foods that contained gluten. KIND bars made the transition to GF foods much easier. The company culture is also quite inspirational.

A Not So Secret Obsession

2011-11-30T13:46:00.008-06:00

My VCR version of A Christmas Carol.

The holiday season begins today. I consider the watching of A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott to be a holiday tradition. One that evokes the Christmas spirit—at least in me. Since other family members do not share my passion for the movie, I usually watch it alone. I'm not sure why I enjoy this version of the movie. I just do.

A cup up of freshly brewed coffee will accompany me during today's viewing.

I usually wrap gifts or put the finishing touches on the tree while watching the movie but neither will be my focus today. I will be working on my Christmas cards.

There is a website called Heritage Makers that allows you to make your own cards (The deadline is December 7th for Ground Delivery and Priority Mail, which is the cheapest way to go.). You have the option of using a template or blank card. My niece, Jennifer, and sister-in-law, Sue, are representatives for the company—and good ones at that.

I was in the post office yesterday and overheard a woman grumbling about how she hasn't been able to find Christmas cards that aren't made in China. (I know they're out there somewhere.) I felt inclined to share the above information with her.

Best Gifts of All

2011-11-27T17:43:00.045-06:00

Wind it up and watch Santa juggle the snowball as he dances to a music box rendition of Jingle Bells. This was a gift from my husband's parents, given to me sometimes during the 1970s. A fun gift that caught the eye of my father-in-law while shopping. A gift that's earned respect because it still works after all these years.

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I have fond memories of a bedroom shared with my brother and sisters. My sisters and I slept in the same bed. We would "finger draw"on each other's backs and then try to guess what had been drawn. The drafty old farmhouse that we lived in made bedroom and bed sharing a necessity.

This melancholy looking bear was a Christmas gift from my parents during this time. I recall my mother teasingly holding the bear up for a second as she was walked through the living room. She and my dad had just returned from a shopping trip that Christmas Eve.

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When my children were young, we did a variety of crafts together. The ornaments in the photos were made during these early years. I remember time spent with my son and daughters as they worked on these special projects.

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Kind words. . . the best gift of all.

Sent earlier today, a sweet message from daughter Stephanie:

"I just ate my first piece of after-Thanksgiving pie. And as I'm carefully taking each perfect bite, a combination of pie and whipped cream, I realized that the reason I like your pie so much is because it brings back memories of a happy childhood. As far back as I can remember there has always been the security of home with the, sometimes simple, traditions and consistency of mom and dad. And that's why I like your pie!"

Kitty Kiddy

2011-11-25T21:09:00.019-06:00

There's something about silhouettes. . .

This poem was written for my youngest granddaughter, Samantha, now six. As a toddler, she was very curious. It was not unusual to find spice bottles and other items hidden behind the bed in the downstairs bedroom.
------------------------------------
Granddaughter number three,
just as cute as cute can be.
With golden hair and eyes of blue,
it's very hard to say "No" to you.

You've forever been the curious type,
nosing around when out of sight.
You'd crawl behind the couch or chair
just to see what might be there.

You'd open drawers and peek inside,
grab some stuff and try to hide,
because no matter what it might be,
there must be something inside to see.

Grandpa would get quite upset
because busy little fingers get
into places they shouldn't be—
like inside the door on our TV.

Full Steam Ahead

2011-11-23T08:48:00.007-06:00

When it comes to the fashion industry, it is apparently "full steam ahead" most of the time. My daughter, Jessie (Saint Elyns), is already gearing up for the 2012 Fall/Winter season. She is making plans to attend the Women's (capsule) Show in New York City in February to show her latest designs.

The 2012 Spring/Summer show was a success and Jessie is looking forward to the upcoming season. Here is a link to an inspirational video created by Paul Tamayo showing last Fall's (capsule) event. (It was exciting to see Jessie in the background—for all of a second and a half.)

This lovely sweater is from the 2012 Spring/Summer collection. The illustrations show a bit of the process prior to its creation.

Sweetly Nourished

2011-11-20T21:22:00.001-06:00

Need I say more? I love my granddaughters.

My oldest granddaughter, Lydia, visited today.

Her sweet sweet hugs nourished my soul.

Lydia in her cozy new pajamas—a birthday gift from her great grandma.

Gobble, Gobble, Cluck

2011-11-18T18:41:00.008-06:00

Through the living room window

early morning—a peeping tom.

When I become the "peeper,"

he quickly turns away.

And then he runs,

runs,

runs away.

Conclusion: Tom turkey's chicken.

A Good Day

2011-11-16T20:37:00.000-06:00

Today was a good day in so many ways. No explanation. . . I'm simply celebrating family.

Son-in-law Eric and granddaughters Samantha and Elyse.

Seeker of Joy

2011-11-13T16:16:00.013-06:00

It may take more than a bottle of bubbles and a wand to take me there, but I want to experience the joy I see in the faces of these little girls. A tall order indeed! But, "seek and ye shall find"— that's my philosophy. I figure joy is just around the corner.

I discovered a wonderful book this weekend: You Can Be Happy No Matter What: Five Principles for Keeping Life in Perspective. The author, Richard Carlson, Ph.D.,wrote Don't Sweat the Small Stuff and several other inspiring books.

The simplicity of the message has come at quite the appropriate time—a likely reason the book was in my line-of-sight in the first place.

A quick take on the five principles in the book:
Thought: We produce our own thoughts. They don't just happen. We bring them to life. They are neutral until we give them content and they have the capacity to affect the quality of our existence.
Moods: They are ever-changing. Everyone experiences highs and lows. Everyone. The way we view the world, handle problems, or respond to others is drastically affected by the mood state that we are in.

Separate Realities: Every Being on this earth has different life experiences that affect them in their own unique way. Because of this, everyone lives in a separate psychological reality. If we learn to respect this truth, it can enhance our own relationships and make us more tolerant of others.
Feelings: Our feelings tell us if our thoughts are in need of adjustment. They are a barometer of sort. They tell us how we are doing, psychologically. An important thing to remember is: There is no feeling without a thought first.
Present Moment: If inner peace is what you desire, this is where you want your attention to be. Not in the past or the future. In the here and now. If we pay attention to our feelings, we are more equipped to fend off negativity and be happier in our lives.

Saga of the Corduroy Jumpsuit

2011-11-11T10:59:00.049-06:00

Thinking of the veterans and their families today. . .

My husband served in the Air Force during the Vietnam era. He was sent to Kunsan, South Korea five months after our son was born and he was stationed there for thirteen months. When he returned, our son had no idea who he was. It took a long time for father and son to get reacquainted.

Such is the case for many who have served or are currently serving in the military. With so many deployed today, I'm glad that technology has provided us with video conferencing.

This is a photo of our son in a jacket that his dad sent from South Korea. He was around fourteen months old when it was taken. Beneath the jacket he is wearing a corduroy jumpsuit that I made for him. His dad thought it was a bit girlie. I do not agree. :-)

The jacket our son is wearing in the previous photo has been stored in the attic, along with the yellow sweater from an earlier post. There is a bit of history connected to the rocking chair the jacket is hanging on. It was a gift from my husband's parents. I used it for our children and our three grandchildren.

The rocker used to put two generations of babies to sleep.

Reluctant Model

2011-11-10T10:36:00.000-06:00

Colorful bows and shiny ribbons did little to inspire this model. There were few action shots. But that's to be expected when you're 12 going on 13 and you've been strickin' with the rheumatism.

O Crunch

2011-11-09T18:48:00.001-06:00

First snowfall 11/9/11

CRU

CRUN

CRUNC

CRUNCH

CRUNNCH

CRUNNNCH

CRUNNNNCH

CRUNNNNNCH

CRUNNNNNNCH

CRUNNNNNNNCH

CRUNNNNNNNNCH

IIII

Jack Frost Came A Courtin'

2011-11-08T14:45:00.028-06:00

It never hurts to prepare yourself mentally for things to come. . . winter for instance.

Is one's tongue at risk if exposed to the elements on an exceptionally

cold winter day—even if there are no flag poles in sight?
12/10

One of the advantages of snowy winters. . . we always know
where our black lab is.
02/10

Building momentum isn't always easy when sledding. A bigger hill and
fewer obstacles wouldn't hurt.
12/10

"Survival of the Fittest"
When it comes to surviving Wisconsin winters, it mostly depends on
determination—and the equipment on hand.
12/09

A reflection or fairy dust?
It's whatever you want it to be. I choose to believe it's fairy dust.
12/10

knit 1, purl 2: A Yellow Sweater

2011-11-07T10:24:00.010-06:00

Several boxes in the attic are filled with keepsakes collected over the decades; endearing memories of years past.

This sweater was part of a set that I knitted for my first born over forty years go—a seven pound, one ounce son. As you may have guessed, we didn't know the sex of the baby at the time. Such frivolous knowledge was not as common in "those days."

Learning how to knit helped me through a challenging time in my life.

Although my husband was stationed at an Air Force base in the city, we lived a few miles out of town. Knitting classes were being offered at a Sears store on the outskirts of San Antonio. I remember waiting until he returned home so I would have a car to drive myself to the weekly class. When your home is a twenty-seven-foot-long trailer located in a small, countryside trailer park, a beginners knitting class is a welcome break.

Once our son was born, a Port-A-Crib filled the space where our bed had been. My husband and I slept on a reclining couch in the living room. I remember the two dollar Charlie Brown Christmas tree that we bought that year and how my feet brushed against it as we slept. There was hardly a needle on it by the time the season was over.

Up Close and Personal

2011-11-06T23:36:00.002-06:00

A closer look at "Mista Moon". . . I am so intrigued! A giant gumball suspended in the sky. Cherry is my favorite flavor but grape isn't half bad, especially if it resembles the moon.

I have no idea how my Canon 40D picked up this detail: craters, mountains, lakes, clouds—maybe a pore or two of Mista Moon's left cheek. Leaning against the railing on my porch to steady the shot did wonders. Nighty night, Mista Moon.

Plum-licious Mista Moon

2011-11-03T22:18:00.004-05:00

When I aimed my camera and took a picture of the moon this evening, I hardly expected results like this. The evening sky cast in pink turned to a rich dark plum. I didn't realize it until I loaded it into iPhoto. There can be a lot of "noise" when digital cameras are used in lowlight conditions. That must explain the unusual way the photo reproduced.

T r a n s f o r m a t i o n

2011-11-03T14:38:00.004-05:00

B e f o r e . . .

a n d a f t e r.

Elyse and Samantha trick-or-treating this year. They are either in character
or they had already eaten too much candy by the time this photo was taken.

I think the proprietor of this house should have been forewarned:
"WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T OPEN THE DOOR!!"

Daughter Stephanie with "The Ghouls." (I really hope the red-eye is from the flash.)
I think all of them are smiling in this photo. Makes me feel so much better. . .

Thanks for the photos, Eric Schwartz.

Once a pudding head. . .

2011-11-01T23:34:00.021-05:00

"Upside-Down Chocolate Pudding." A memory- filled bit from the past that surfaced at a most inconvenient time—the very moment my head connected with the pillow last evening.

And it lingered until I quietly made my way back down the stairs an hour later.

On the bottom shelf of the pantry: a small, red, reindeer-adorned gift box, held together by a large rubber band. Inside: recipes collected over the years—including this one for "Upside-Down Chocolate Pudding." A childhood discovery. I remember searching through my mother's cookbooks to find that perfect recipe. This was it—at least I thought so at the time.

You could say that I was a contradiction: a tomboy who loved to be outdoors exploring the countryside but who also liked to cook and sew— thanks to Home Ec class. In looking back, I realize that I was "Upside-Down Chocolate Pudding."

Halloweens Past

2011-10-31T10:32:00.007-05:00

Ghouls, gypsies, clowns, pirates, Frankenstein, and more. . .

Top photo: Stephanie, Christie and Justin spend Halloween at
Great Grandma's. A gallon milk jug was used for Frankenstein's head.
Bottom left: Good times with cousins Amanda and Lisa during earlier years.

This must have been after the trick-or-treating. Their bags
look fairly bulky and they look fairly tired.

Top left: Cousin Shane adds to the Halloween fun.
Top right: Cousin Jennifer with Mean Witch Jessie.

Jessie as Mean Witch

Bear Pair

2011-10-30T10:14:00.001-05:00

I can bearly contain my excitement.

This seems like the perfect opportunity to say. . .

congratulations on the purchase of your first home,

Jessie and Rob!

ParaNorman TeaserS

2011-10-28T11:47:00.018-05:00

Movie production company, LAIKA, which specializes in animation, just released this teaser poster and trailer for ParaNorman, their latest stop-motion film. It will hit theaters in August of next year. Here's the ParaNorman Trailer that is being released today.

My son-in-law, Rob, the one with the hat in the previous post, is a Set Dresser Lead for ParaNorman. He previously worked on Coraline, another LAIKA stop-motion production released in 2009. He built some of the sets for that film, including the spiral staircase.

I just discovered a site worth checking out. For sure!!!! Here's LAIKA. My family and I were fortunate to have received a tour of the studio (Thanks, Rob.) and we saw several of the characters and sets used for Coraline. Seeing this LEIKA video stokes my excitement about the whole stop-motion process.

"When a small town comes under siege by zombies, who can it call? Only misunderstood local boy Norman, who is able to speak with the dead. In addition to the zombies, he'll have to take on ghosts, witches and, worst, of all, grown-ups, to save his town from a centuries-old curse. But this young ghoul whisperer may find his paranormal activities pushed to their otherworldly limits."

On a slow train to. . .

2011-10-27T12:54:00.003-05:00

Distractions.

Distractions.

Distractions.

There are a PILE of things I could be doing but I decided to do a bit of surfing instead. It had nothing to do with the web but rather with the slew of photos I've collected over the years in iPhoto. Out of all of them, this is the one that grabbed my attention.

That's me with the glasses perched on top of my head and the guy with the hat is my son-in-law. The other person, the one with the "ahhhhh mouth," is my daughter. A few family members and I were enjoying a train ride around Mt. Hood in Oregon when this interesting shot was taken. The brick and old wood door were the first things I noticed but then the family portrait emerged when I focused on the reflection.

Bigger Family; Shorter Boots

2011-10-25T18:50:00.038-05:00

Things we forget to remember; or choose not to.

That is not the case when it comes to this painting. I simply forgot that I created this early rendition of a pair of "floating" boots. It came to my attention during a search of portfolios stored in the attic space above the stairway.

If I remember correctly, the boots were some of my favorites. But that is rather obvious based on their worn appearance.

I've always loved boots—and always will.

If, a few years down the road, you get sight of a stooped, mussy-haired, granny with unlaced sh-- kickers atop a pair of saggy baggy, mismatched, hunting socks, it could be me.

But not likely. That's hardly my style.

Maybe it has to do with growing up in the '60s but I've always been a knee-high, leather boot kind of girl. It sounds a bit bizarre, but the boot tops got shorter as my family got bigger; and, over time, the tops disappeared completely. Boots were replaced by tennis shoes, sandals, and the like.

But, now that the children have moved on—and my calves have shrunk some—I may have to get me some of them there fancy schmancy knee-high boots. The granddaughters will think I'm the just the coolest granny around; or they'll think I'm off my dang rocker. Nah! They'll think I'm cool.

Photo of original watercolor.

A Little Girl and Her Grandpas

2011-10-21T18:45:00.009-05:00

Samantha with Great Grandpa during his visit last month.

Samantha with "Regular Grandpa."

Granddaughters love to ride on Regular Grandpa's tractor.

Photos courtesy of Eric Schwartz 2011

Rusty Nails

2011-10-20T22:14:00.037-05:00

Visually speaking, I live in a constant state of inspiration. It has little to do with where I live or the way I live; but rather with my being an artistic type. I can see creative potential in a pile of rusty nails.

But being this way has its drawbacks. I am often distracted by things around me: light patterns reflecting on the wall; dew glistening on a freshly woven spider web; trees bowing precariously in the wind.

And it seems that right brained folks like myself are a wee-e-e bit more fragile when it comes to rejection and criticism. Personally, it keeps me from doing certain things; like writing. You wouldn't be reading this post if I didn't write sometimes, but there is almost always a degree of inner conflict whenever I do.

That's why I appreciate Wake Up Cloud and Aliventures, a couple recent discoveries. Their words are quite enlightening, as well as encouraging.

Rotten Banana

2011-10-19T11:08:00.028-05:00

Sometimes when I need it most, it is nowhere to be found. But, fortunately, my focus was razor sharp the day I created this marker rendering of the so called rotten banana.

I remember the day well. Several years ago I was attending school while earning a degree in commercial art. There was a one hour break between classes and I was going to use the time to complete the assignment for my next class: Illustration. Rather than completing the piece, I rendered it it unusable. I started to panic. Please! No more late assignments! (I learned that taking all of the courses recommended in a semester with four school age children at home isn't always a wise choice. . . too much homework.)

As I sat there thinking about the potential consequences of what I had done, I could feel the determination well up inside of me. I wasn't ready to give up quite yet. The banana that I packed for lunch pulled double duty that day. It was a perfect specimen for my illustration; and it helped stave off total starvation. The near lightning speed rendering earned me an A-

When I strive to find the necessary focus to complete certain tasks, I can't help but think about that day. I could use a few more of those "rotten banana" days.

50/50

2011-10-18T13:38:00.012-05:00

Movement without motion.

This photo grabbed me by the collar and placed me on that dark tree-shrouded path leading to the unknown. A shadowy vortex of motion generated by a common perspective.

Will I enter into a place of peace and tranquility or one that inflicts immense pain?

I've heard it said that "light is love."

But what if they're wrong?

What would you do?

Notation: This post is not in reference to religion. It's about "sparking" creativity—my own.

Othello and Li'l Me

2011-10-15T22:54:00.028-05:00

There was really no need for caffeine today. The early arrival of a couple energetic granddaughters is all it took to get the day started.

It began with a game of Othello. I have come to realize that Elyse is exceptionally strategic for a seven year old. She almost always wins.

While Elyse and I played, Samantha wriggled and bounced on my lap and nibbled on cheese crackers. The black and white discs were hard for Sami to resist but Elyse and I managed to keep the game intact until we finished. . . a pleasant surprise.

Samantha (l) and Elyse (r) earlier this year

One of their favorite toys is the Li'l Me Boutique. Manufactured in the 1970s, it is now kept in the attic space above the stairway—along with several other toys that belonged to their parents years ago. A personal favorite is the Richard Scarry Puzzletown Set shown in an earlier post.

Watched!

2011-10-14T15:05:00.030-05:00

Someone apparently lost their bearings on this cool autumn day and took a wrong turn. What possible explanation is there for this scaly little fella to be hanging around my back door? Surely he is not thinking about hibernating in or near our foundation. A cozy concrete retreat for two perhaps?

A face only a mother could love? He's cute close up but from
afar—shiver me timbers! Even garter snakes eek me out.

This "feather-faced" lover boy let his existance be known by situating himself only inches from the patio and refusing to move—despite consistent foot traffic from my dog and me. He simply observed. No matter the direction: left, right, up, down, he'd adjust his ossified little skull oh so slightly so he could keep us in sight.

When I realized that Romeo wasn't going anywhere soon, I grabbed my camera and started taking photos. He was unswayed. He stood his ground as I zoomed in and captured him from all sides. I was a mere foot and a half away in some instances. (I noted a slight grin in one photo pose.)

Why our Great Black Hunter lab didn't pick up on the snake's scent, I'll never know. She was within inches, yet she did not see it.

Note: I went out an hour later to see if the garter snake was still around but he was not. "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?" You best not be in my basement!

Onions. . . Not So Much

2011-10-10T21:04:00.009-05:00

"Variety is the spice of life" and I thought I'd add a bit to yours and mine with a handwritten post. But, after a few attempts, I decided to save it for another day. Who knew that endless hours of typing would affect one's ability to write.

And now to today's post. . .

The end is near. Within a matter of days, I will be back to buying tomatoes in the produce department of the local grocery store. I've enjoyed the fresh homegrown variety. This was a tomato kind of year here in Wisconsin. They were plentiful and flavorful.

The photo shows Sunday's end-of-garden harvest; as well as my willing assistant, Halle. With the exception of onions, she sampled mini versions of each vegetable. As it turns out, she is especially partial to cucumbers.

Joyful Connections

2011-10-07T08:51:00.010-05:00

Two special packages arrived in Wednesday's mail. I was quite excited. This is why:

One contained the Look Book for Saint Elyns, a line of clothing our daughter, Jessie, is in the process of launching; as well as some items from (capsule) Trade Show. She displayed her clothing line at the show last month in New York. There was also a lovely handwritten postcard inside the envelope.

The other package was from author Sharon Creech. She sent my granddaughters (and I) a signed copy of her latest book, The Unfinished Angel. She also sent autographed cards for each of the girls. I look forward to sharing these wonderful gifts with Lydia, Elyse and Samantha. I love Ms. Creech's writing and have a collection of her books.

How joyful to have such thoughtful mail in my mailbox.

Another source of joy this week is the metal tin that sits in the back room next to the phone. It is packed plumb full of letters, notes and greeting cards sent by family and friends over the years. Although I'm certain there were many more, it is a significant collection.

Heartfelt handwritten communications are rare and should to be cherished. A recent article, Don't Write Anymore?, expresses similar sentiments. I couldn't always decipher the words my parents and grandparents wrote but I could clearly envision them sitting there writing them.

I'd like to hear your thoughts about handwritten communications versus typed.

Note: I save my personal email messages and letters and organize them in files on my computer. Words are important—no matter how one chooses to communicate them.

Yes. . . I Went Walking

2011-10-04T11:01:00.018-05:00

I went walking and what did I see?

A black lab named Halle that seems to love this weather as much as I do.

Sunlit trees, gold-flecked bushes, berry covered brambles and seed-laden milkweed pods.

Shimmering golds, warm umbers, shades of green and endless palettes of color.

I went walking and what else did I see?

A SCARY FACE LOOKING AT ME! :-O

Note: Click on photos to enlarge. Arrow back to return to blog.

Bon Appétit

2011-10-03T16:24:00.012-05:00

Another Winter Poem

Snowflake Souffle

In silence they come tumbling down

tossing twirling to the ground.

Hours pass. . . the piles grow higher.

Snowflake Souffle is what you desire!?!

In wonderment I sit and stare

at Mother Nature's creative flair.

In the far off clouds I see

a glistening white menagerie.

There's an arctic fox, an albino deer,

a great white bear, yet have no fear.

For in the clouds they'll prance about

'til the north winds blow-w-w them out.

To the earth they'll make their way,

this icy creation—more Snowflake Souffle!

Snowflake Souffle. . . so fluffy and light.

C'est magnifique! A beautiful sight!

The original version of this poem, also represented in this blog, was written for family and friends in December of 2008.

HowL HowL HaLLowee-e-e-n

2011-10-02T15:33:00.009-05:00

Have you felt it... the chill in the air? It may be because fall has recently arrived but it is likely because Halloween is approaching.

My granddaughters and a few unsuspecting guests will soon be greeted by glowing eyes, jars of giant bugs, morbid creatures from the grave and mournful pleading cries for mercy (my poor hubby). If you were my guest, would you return?

A little reassurance: once you make it past the entryway, I will cordially offer up hot chocolate, spicy cider and smiling pumpkin face cookies. :-)

Imperfect Angel

2011-09-30T09:20:00.043-05:00

I realize that Fall has just started but I'd like to share this winter poem. I'm sure that you can relate if you've ever lived or visited "snow country." Enjoy!

Imperfect Angel

In the Snow

From my upstairs bedroom window

on this moonlit December night

I look down upon the snow

at a quite unusual sight.

Carefully sculpted snow angels

line the hillside down below.

There's one after another—

quite the perfect little row.

But something is different

about that last one over there.

It isn't quite as perfect

as far as snow angels fair.

I ponder the possibilities

and say, "How can this be?

Aren't angels always flawless?"

Most people would agree.

Their lines are quite elegant,

not a wing is out of place,

each gown's the right slant

and in very good taste.

That one is unlike the others.

It's messy. . . to say the least.

But for children's sake, I'd rather,

this imperfect angel bequeath.

Perfect's not what it's made to be

with expectations above and beyond.

So, sweet children, I hope you'll see

it's important to just have fun.

As I gaze out the frosty window pane

at the wintery display cast in blue,

I glimpse something along the lane,

a dog slowly passing through.

It wanders upon the row of angels,

stops, sniffs. . . and wouldn't you know?

It was man's best friend who made that

I Like Grasshoppers

2011-09-28T18:23:00.012-05:00

Between spoonfuls of gluten-free Os, banana, pumpkin seeds and fat-free milk, I pondered. I gave thought to a number of things: the weather, the people I love, the state of the world, the Roto-Rooter guy that will be arriving at any moment. But I was mostly thinking about why I like grasshoppers. They are, after all, destructive little creatures with oversized heads, oddly shaped bodies, and crookity crooked legs. And then there's the sensation of having one attached to your arm. Have you ever had one use you as a landing strip? Weird!

As you see, I spent a bit of time thinking about grasshoppers this morning. I wanted to know why I like them—despite their short-comings (my classification). I decided it had something to do with a belief that I had as a child. Something that was told to me while I was still in the formative years of my existence. That was that grasshoppers are tobacco users, that they stash a wad somewhere inside that big ole head of theirs, and chew and spit just like people do. Can you imagine? Groups of grasshoppers casually lounging about, spitting tobacco juice in itty bitty coffee cans? No? Well...okay. I guess I better get busy.

"A Lady Always Knows When To Leave"

2011-09-28T10:57:00.009-05:00

Welcome fall. Farewell hummingbirds. The pair that have been feeding here all
summer must now be on their way to South America. They made an appearance this
past weekend but they are nowhere in sight. I'm certainly going to miss the flurry
of activity outside my window at breakfast time. Safe travels!

Oil and Water... and Lu

2011-09-26T22:15:00.029-05:00

"Rotten Banana" was the intended title, and subject, for this blog post. But, as you see, there are no rotten bananas here. Just a very curious cat named Lu and a painting of faceless dolls.

I created this watercolor years ago while earning my commercial art degree. I'd used oils prior to that but, as I discovered, there are few similarities between the two. Each have unique qualities that I love.

This painting is not exceptional by any means but I feel that it has its purpose—other than being a required assignment in school. Like they say, "there's a story in there somewhere." Maybe I can tie the painting to the Lock and Key bit from a couple months ago.

Gotta love Thursdays!

2011-09-21T09:48:00.046-05:00

Elyse in the corn. Photo by Eric Schwartz

Reflections by Elyse

My seven year old granddaughter said that her favorite day of the week is Thursday and that she likes it to rain and storm on that day.

When I asked her why Thursday was her favorite day, she said she didn't know why. And when asked why she likes it to storm on Thursdays, she said she likes to watch the sprinkles and then see the rain get harder and then go outside and open her mouth and catch the raindrops in her mouth.

Elyse then likes to go in the house and have a "peaceful day." She said she likes things peaceful.

In regards to parenting: I once heard someone say, "We aren't raising children, we're raising adults." That's an interesting perspective, certainly one worthy of discussion. But, for the moment, I've better things to do—like go outside and catch a few raindrops with my tongue.

The Un-Scary Need Not Apply

2011-09-16T15:27:00.077-05:00

I was entertained by this sign as I made my way to Madison earlier this
week. It brought back memories of my daughter who lives in Oregon.

This sign caught my attention as I drove into Madison this week. It reminded me of a phone call I received from one of my daughters a few years back. I remember feeling uncertain about how I should respond because, although she was clearly making a statement, I sensed by the tone of her voice, that she also wanted answers.

---------------------

Shortly after graduating from high school, our youngest daughter, Jessie, moved to Portland, Oregon. Her dad and I stoically stood by as she loaded her belongings onto a train and headed west.

This was grade school. Jessie is the smiling witch
with the black hat and gown. (can enlarge)

Several months later, the phone rang. It was Jessie. "Mom! I'm not scary!" I heard her say. "Oh, really?" I wondered why she felt the need to be scary.

Jessie went on to explain that she had been hired to help build a haunted house in downtown Portland. The job was short-term but perfect for her. Once it was complete, organizers hired staff to work inside the newly created haunt. Jessie was one of them. As I found out, her career as a ghoul was short-lived because she didn't have enough ghoul-like traits to do the job sufficiently. In other words, she wasn't scary.

As attendees filed through the Halloween house of horrors, Jessie, in her bedizened garb and ghoulie ghoul makeup gingerly leaped from the darkness, arms extended overhead, fingers curled, face and hands contorted. As she did so, she shouted, "Boo!" in her loudest, meanest, scariest voice. Instead of deafening screams and looks of sheer terror, she was greeted with blank stares. This happened repeatedly that evening. If I remember correctly, she resigned from the position the very next day.

Now for a little update: Not long after working at the haunted house, Jessie started school and earned a bachelor's degree in Apparel Design. She will be launching her clothing line this fall. She is currently on her way to NYC to show her designs at the 2011 (capsule) Trade Show. I am very proud of her. She accomplished a lot in a very short period of time. Pure determination (and natural talent) is what got her where she is today. See her new collection at Saint Elyns.

Picturesque Pods

2011-09-13T22:37:00.010-05:00

What do I love about Fall? Nearly everything: cornstalks crackling in the wind, hues of yellow and orange, cool breezes, cozy sweaters, hot apple cider, tall leather boots, chili, the crunching of leaves during a walk in the woods, pumpkins, nut-gathering squirrels, caramel apples, corn mazes, winter squash, goosebumps, scarecrows, end of garden chow chow, the smell of drying leaves, life in the slower lane, fall harvest, milkweed pods

Milkweed, and a number of not so recognizable plants, grow on the edge of the field behind my house. These photos were taken in 2009. The lighting conditions enhanced the unique characteristics of each milkweed pod.

Yuns and Y'alls Aplenty

2011-09-11T15:32:00.004-05:00

Fried okra, baking powder biscuits, milk gravy, and fresh ground pork sausage seasoned with sage. Running and playing in open fields, crawdaddy fishing in a nearby creek, walks along dusty gravel roads, time spent with sisters, brothers, cousins. And there were grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles—and plenty of "yuns" and "y'alls" to go around. Childhood memories. We lived in the north but our style was distinctly southern.

My Aunt Bonnie, who passed away last week, was an important part of these memories. She and my Uncle Ted, and their family, lived within miles of us. We celebrated birthdays, holidays and other occasions together, including putting up corn for winter. (I remember well how the women folk formed an assembly line to prepare the corn for the freezer.)

A short and slightly plump lady with an unmistakeable southern drawl, Aunt Bonnie was a presence throughout my childhood. She was a devoted, sincere lady who loved her family dearly.

She and my Uncle Ted, who died unexpectedly earlier this year, were a team. When she needed something done, he was the willing assistant—usually with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. I will have fond memories of them always.

Uncle Vernon

2011-09-06T14:35:00.005-05:00

December 8, 1924 — August 24, 2011

We recently lost a special member of the family. His name was Vernon and he was one of three boys born to Arthur and Ester.

Uncle Vernon was a humble, soft-spoken, kind man. Family was very important to him and he clearly recalled details about each and every one — things long forgotten by others. He had many stories to share about growing up and life on the farm.

Vernon worked in a factory for seventeen years, becoming a door-to-door salesman after the business closed. For years he knocked on doors peddling his wares. The McNess products he sold must have been in demand because he acquired many loyal customers. We wondered how a shy man like Vernon could do a job that even the bravest of souls shied away from.

Household items were not the only products Vernon sold door-to-door. For years he sold hair products to women in the African American community. I can only imagine what it must have been like, as an African American woman, to have this tall, red-haired, fair-skinned, freckle-faced man knocking on the door to sell you picks and hair solutions. It says a lot about Vernon's gentle nature. He was accepted by everyone because of the sincerity and kindness he displayed.

We love you, Uncle Vernon.

Vernon as a young child.

He farmed for several years.

Vernon had one son and daughter. He is shown here with
his grandson Nathaniel, who is now 17 years old.

Light as a Feather... Gump-Style

2011-08-29T13:44:00.012-05:00

Where's the Forrest Gump Feather Theme Song when you need it?

I found this treasure while working in the yard yesterday. The colors took my breath away. My thoughts turned to the scene in Forrest Gump, the one where the feather rises into the air and tosses and twirls as it floats away. Oh, to be as light as a feather....

Feather Theme Song and short film clip

Mother Nature's Canvas

2011-08-28T08:05:00.008-05:00

An early awakening...sunlit clouds...pink, lavender and gray...distant sounds...crowing...cawing...a dew kissed landscape...stillness...quiet breath.

Sky shots from this morning.

Do you think the bird in this photo is flamingo pink like the clouds?

It's as if Van Gogh added a few highlights when I wasn't looking.

The roofline of the garage points to the heavens as if to say, "Look up!"

I love the colors in this photo. Caramel coffee with a touch of orange zest.

Ahhh... nature-made lavender and pink froth.

Imagination At Play

2011-08-23T17:23:00.004-05:00

A couple chairs, an umbrella, and two little girls filling their day. The carriage ride was completely unexpected and lasted all of ten minutes.

Lettin' Life Happen

2011-08-23T12:12:00.003-05:00

I didn't want another day to pass without posting so I thought I'd take a few minutes to share a discovery I made recently. It is a blog called Wake Up Cloud. Henri has many great articles but I especially like this one.

Why Your Passion Isn’t Happening (And Why It Probably Never Will)

I hope to be posting in full force soon. Life happens and I'm living it. This week it is in the form of two granddaughters transitioning between summer camp and the start of the school year.

Enjoy Henri.

Lunar Lunacy

2011-08-14T23:48:00.004-05:00

I saw him here again tonight—the man in the moon. He was
right outside my back door... and he was smiling.

I do believe. I do. I do. I do.

I do believe that there's a man in the moon and that he likes to stare at me through the second story window, cast creepy shadows on the sidewalk when I take out the garbage, and make faces at me behind my back.

If I were the man in the moon, I'd do the very same thing... but with more imagination.

∫ ∫ ∫ ∫ ∫ ∫ ∫

Rustic Refuge

2011-08-13T11:31:00.022-05:00

Go ahead. Step right in and make yourself at home. I know I'd like to.

The fireplace... what a lovely focal point to have. I wonder if this home is without electricity.

This island vacation home in Spain would be a wonderful retreat to have available, don't you think? There's something quite appealing about living in such a minimalistic way. But, since we are looking at someone's "holiday home," I can't help but assume that this is as basic as their life gets. Information about the house, and additional photos, can be seen at www.homedesignfind.com. The island of Formentera, the location of this quaint abode, was uninhabited until the 15th century.

Love love love the rope picture...

Hummmmm

2011-08-09T08:54:00.006-05:00

I may be contributing to hummingbird obesity. There have been two hanging around this summer and they are gluttons for red sugar water.

A Route of Evanescence

(The Humming-Bird)

by Emily Dickinson

A route of evanescence
With a revolving wheel;
A resonance of emerald,
A rush of cochineal;
And every blossom on the bush
Adjusts its tumbled head, --
The mail from Tunis, probably,
An easy morning’s ride.

Froggy Morning

2011-08-08T15:32:00.005-05:00

There's something about a froggy morning... peaceful. Ribbit!

Simply Refreshing

2011-08-07T16:50:00.002-05:00

This recipe is from an earlier post but it's worth posting again. I don't know why I didn't think of doing it sooner, especially with all of the hot weather that we've been having. It's so refreshing and so EASY! I think you'll enjoy it.

Orange Julius

1/2 of a 6 oz. can (1/3 cup) frozen orange juice concentrate

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

5-6 ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in blender container; cover and blend until smooth (about 30 seconds). Serve immediately. Makes approximately 3 cups.

Dish Me Up Some Pretty

2011-08-05T09:19:00.015-05:00

Here are photos showing a few of the diet meals that I've eaten over the past five months. Not only are they appealing to look at, they are quick (5-15 minutes) and amazingly easy to prepare. I've been able to drop 25 pounds because of them—which is a major accomplishment for someone who has had to battle to lose weight.

The essence of the Flat Belly Diet is focus on lean protein, healthy fats, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables. It has been extraordinary to lose weight while eating waffles, bread, pitas, crackers, and pasta. But beware. If you have problems with gluten, you'll want to go with alternative whole grains. That's exactly what I had to do. I had a rash on my face and arm that was getting worse. When I started eating gluten-free, it cleared up. The extra effort and expense that was required to eliminate wheat from my diet has been well worth it. I'm eating healthier than I ever have and I continue to lose weight.

Snapshot: A Moment In Time

2011-08-03T12:56:00.049-05:00

Snapshot. A word seldom heard these days. When it is spoken, it is likely by someone much older, someone from a bygone era. When I was growing up, I recall hearing my aunt refer to photos as snapshots. At that time, they had narrow white borders and every photo was black and white.

Although snapshot seems like an appropriate way to describe a photograph—a moment in time—the word actually originated as a hunting term. What it meant was to take a quick shot without careful aim. It wasn't until the introduction of the Kodak Brownie camera (1900) that it was used to describe photographs taken with a handheld camera. Its original meaning was eventually forgotten.

There are certain snapshots that command attention. This is one of them. It shows my husband and our children after a day at the circus. (We had another daughter not long after.) As I look through my photographs, this is the one that consistently stands out. Maybe because I remember the day so well. Three happy children with clown faces and funny hats... a memory worth holding onto.

Circus World opened north of Haines City, Florida in February of 1974. It was to be the winter quarters for the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus but things didn't go as well as expected. In 1986, after changing hands a number of times, the park closed its doors.

I'm glad that we lived in Florida while the park was still in operation and that we had the opportunity to go there. Otherwise I wouldn't have this special moment in time snapshot.

Seeing Red

2011-08-02T16:08:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite magazines arrived in the mail this past week. On its cover is a scarlet tanager. I've spotted this beautiful bird in the trees outside my kitchen window on occasion. Their color is so vibrant that they are hard to miss.

The best time to see the tanager here in Wisconsin is during the fall. That is when they begin their migration to Panama. The birds forage below the canopies of wooded areas that they use as stopping places. They sometimes migrate as far south as Bolivia, South America.

Every issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources has wonderful articles about a variety of things. Here are a few headlines from the August issue.

"Beware beetle juice"

"Tree stand tumbles"

"Frog warts, lizard gizzards or eye-of-newt"

"Hidden in plain sight"

"A walk in the park "

If any of these pique your curiosity, get information on this colorful and interesting magazine at www.dnr.wi.gov/wnrmag/.

Roma Makes A Friend

2011-08-01T00:12:00.009-05:00

Let me introduce you to one of my favorite little Roma Grape Tomatoes. He was so unique that I couldn't bring myself to eat him. I decided to make him part of the family instead. Sorry, but I really can't explain the hat. It was just something I had to do. I laid awake nights thinking about how I needed to make Roma a hat. He seemed quite pleased with it. Here are a few photos from the life of this special little tomato. Enjoy!

Roma with his new hat... and face.

Roma with Herb.

Roma visits his "birth" family.

Roma on the porch steps.

The serious side of Roma.

Love at first sight. Roma's very best friend.

"Little Red Roma Hood"

Uh oh...

The moral of the story: Live life to its fullest because you never
know when you could end up as the main course.

Lock and Key

2011-07-27T11:58:00.057-05:00

Mystery. Romance. Intrigue. What are your thoughts when you look at the lock and key in this photo? Do they pique your curiosity or stimulate a particular emotion? Do you have a lock and key story to tell?

Sometimes when she's alone, the aroma of cherry tobacco infiltrates the room. There's no explanation for why it happens but she knows for certain it isn't her imagination. The aroma is very distinct, a familiar one from earlier days. The only room that this oddity occurs in is the living room. She is usually relaxing in her favorite chair or watching the television. On occasion, the aroma is that of rose-scented perfume or cologne.

His name was Forrest and he lived in the green house with green walls and green trim. I believe it is safe to say that he had a proclivity for green. It is also natural to assume that this obsession had something to do with his name.

The house sat empty for a good year before it was put on the market. Its owner went to a nursing home and was not able to return. He had been the soul resident for some time, ever since the passing of his wife.

----------------------------------------------------------

Lorene cupped her hands and carefully placed them against the window pane as she attempted to look inside the tiny house. It was a Sunday afternoon and the realtor was not available to take her in. But she assured her that it was okay to look around the vacant property. She felt an immediate connection and was especially drawn to the archway that divided the living and dining rooms. She submitted an offer the next day.

As you may have noticed, this story lacks organization... among other things. That is because it is not an actual story—yet. It is a tool of sorts, one that will hopefully help me improve my skills as a writer. (A little formal training would also be helpful. :-) I hope that you will stop back on occasion and see how the story, and my writing skills, progress.

Friend to Friend

2011-07-21T16:35:00.006-05:00

A Native American Prayer

"I give you this one thought to keep—

I am with you still—I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awake in the morning's hush

I am the swift, uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not think of me as gone—

I am with you still—in each new dawn."

This beautiful poem was posted on Facebook today by a friend of a friend who lost his mother to cancer this morning.

A Tomato's A Tomato

2011-07-20T16:03:00.022-05:00

Without question, this photo belongs on my blog. I'm not sure why. It simply does. I like the way the sunlight adds dimension and interest to the stem. But what intrigues me most is the shape of the fruit. It's not what I expected a grape tomato to look like at this stage. I thought they would be oval and have a smooth round end. I also thought they would be red.

Anticipation has been building the past few weeks. The thought of having these lovely bite size wonders right outside my back door has been exciting. Such convenience would allow me to eat them morning, noon and night—whenever I so desired. NOT!

As I watched the fruit slowly take shape, I began to realize that I purchased the wrong the plant. Those of you who are seasoned gardeners will likely recognize it for what it is, a roma grape tomato. This is the first time I've grown this variety so it should be interesting to watch it progress. I know that romas can be used in a variety of ways but I will still miss the convenience of having grape tomatoes within arm's reach of my deck.