Pinterest.
Listen, I know it's not mascara or lip gloss -and it's certainly not a good pair of boots; but it IS a really rocking source of inspiration these days.
It's funny because I avoided it for a long time; I'd hear people talk about recipes they found on Pinterest and I browsed it casually. I thought "eh, so it's a corkboard of things I like....big deal".
Well.
The big deal is that once I started pinning things I liked - I was amazed at how many things were out there that I didn't even know that I liked - or even knew existed! And that is the exciting part of it all.
I've used new recipes, come up with new ideas for decorating and gift giving - and the great thing is - the things you find such as recipes or craft ideas - really do work! Sometimes it's just fun to type things in for inspiration, and then voila - I'm excited to see how it easy it is to go out and do it myself.
Best of all, I love that it's not another Facebook.... I don't have to talk to people; I don't care if someone "likes" my things. While it's nice to see people I know and sometimes share their pins - there's no obligation to chit chat, or even acknowledge one another. It's not meant to be social hour, it's meant to be browsing and exploring time.
And I love it!
Thursday, August 01, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Summer winds....
This school break is going by in a blur of sunshine and chlorine.
I can't believe the kids are going back in a month! Where does the time go? We've had lots of fun in the yard, and even squeaked in a beach day; the kiddies have half day camps this week and in another week and a half - but other than that, we haven't done a whole heck of a lot.
It's funny, when I was a kid - we did nothing. Literally. I'd wake up in the morning, throw clothes on and run outside to play with any one of the kids in my neighborhood who may have gotten up early like I did. All day games of 7 Up, bike riding, exploring, walking, kickball - you name it. The summers seemed endless and were filled with sunshowers, playing with the hose or sprinkler - walking to the MDC pool - or hanging out in the park at the end of my street.
So I wonder why I feel like my kids aren't having the time of their lives if I am not taking them places or doing things? It's funny how we try to over compensate as parents. It's not as if at the time I felt like I didn't have a great summer each year; at the same time - as an adult, I realize how much I missed out on, even simple things like going to the beach.
Life is good. They're having a blast just laying low and enjoying their yard and down time.
I wish it didn't have to end so soon!
I can't believe the kids are going back in a month! Where does the time go? We've had lots of fun in the yard, and even squeaked in a beach day; the kiddies have half day camps this week and in another week and a half - but other than that, we haven't done a whole heck of a lot.
It's funny, when I was a kid - we did nothing. Literally. I'd wake up in the morning, throw clothes on and run outside to play with any one of the kids in my neighborhood who may have gotten up early like I did. All day games of 7 Up, bike riding, exploring, walking, kickball - you name it. The summers seemed endless and were filled with sunshowers, playing with the hose or sprinkler - walking to the MDC pool - or hanging out in the park at the end of my street.
So I wonder why I feel like my kids aren't having the time of their lives if I am not taking them places or doing things? It's funny how we try to over compensate as parents. It's not as if at the time I felt like I didn't have a great summer each year; at the same time - as an adult, I realize how much I missed out on, even simple things like going to the beach.
Life is good. They're having a blast just laying low and enjoying their yard and down time.
I wish it didn't have to end so soon!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Black + White still equals Black & White.
I'm beyond disappointed with the verdict in the Zimmerman trial.
To me, this was not a case about racism. (Though I do believe that Mr. Zimmerman was criminally profiling based upon race.)
When does a fist fight equate to gunpower?
When does a person standing up for themselves because they feel threatened equate to being murdered?
Why is it that Mr. Zimmerman "felt threatened" and so it was okay to murder someone? So Trayvon Martin's death doesn't matter because Mr. Zimmerman was "scared"? Because basically, to have not given any semblence of discipline for the taking of another man's life in a deliberate manner just screams "unimportant". Didn't this physical altercation that Mr Zimmerman claims happened - take place as a result of Trayvon Martin -- feeling threatened and defending himself? So why is Mr. Zimmerman's fear more important than that of Trayvon? What if Trayvon was the one that had the gun? Somehow, I feel that might have played out differently.... "Thou shalt not kill" is a phrase that I do believe the Bible Belt state needs to revisit.
This is a stupid law, plain and simple. Mr. Zimmerman was told to stay away and leave the victim alone, and he didn't. Don't fault the victim for standing up to his assailant; that's like blaming a woman for being raped because she wore perfume.
It's disturbing, disgusting and disappointing. To me, it's irrelevant if the prosecution didn't play fair, if there was evidence withheld or if it all was presented as is. The bottom line is that people should not have the right to kill another person just because they feel threatened. Define threatened. Define "in fear for your life". It's all subjective and up to interpretation, isn't it?
If a person puts a knife or gun or baseball bat to your head - then yes, you may feel your life is in jeopardy. But an unarmed person, who may have just handed you an ass whipping because you aren't capable of defending yourself otherwise - does not give you the right to take that person's life.
And there's absolutely nothing else that anyone can say, that can justify it in this girl's mind.
To me, this was not a case about racism. (Though I do believe that Mr. Zimmerman was criminally profiling based upon race.)
When does a fist fight equate to gunpower?
When does a person standing up for themselves because they feel threatened equate to being murdered?
Why is it that Mr. Zimmerman "felt threatened" and so it was okay to murder someone? So Trayvon Martin's death doesn't matter because Mr. Zimmerman was "scared"? Because basically, to have not given any semblence of discipline for the taking of another man's life in a deliberate manner just screams "unimportant". Didn't this physical altercation that Mr Zimmerman claims happened - take place as a result of Trayvon Martin -- feeling threatened and defending himself? So why is Mr. Zimmerman's fear more important than that of Trayvon? What if Trayvon was the one that had the gun? Somehow, I feel that might have played out differently.... "Thou shalt not kill" is a phrase that I do believe the Bible Belt state needs to revisit.
This is a stupid law, plain and simple. Mr. Zimmerman was told to stay away and leave the victim alone, and he didn't. Don't fault the victim for standing up to his assailant; that's like blaming a woman for being raped because she wore perfume.
It's disturbing, disgusting and disappointing. To me, it's irrelevant if the prosecution didn't play fair, if there was evidence withheld or if it all was presented as is. The bottom line is that people should not have the right to kill another person just because they feel threatened. Define threatened. Define "in fear for your life". It's all subjective and up to interpretation, isn't it?
If a person puts a knife or gun or baseball bat to your head - then yes, you may feel your life is in jeopardy. But an unarmed person, who may have just handed you an ass whipping because you aren't capable of defending yourself otherwise - does not give you the right to take that person's life.
And there's absolutely nothing else that anyone can say, that can justify it in this girl's mind.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Summer, summer, summertime.....
Six days and counting to the yard renovation......that we keep adding on to!
Princess Petunia's birthday is next week and I'd been planning on taking her to NYC for a night. But we may have to postpone it because a cousin is coming in that week who has the same birthday and all the girls in the family want to get together to do a little Girl's Birthday Celebration. So I might take her in August instead, before school starts.
The poor thing had surgery on Monday in her mouth to remove an extra tooth embedded in her gum. It took over 60 shots of Novacaine/Lidocaine & Marcane and almost an hour and a half to numb her. But she was a trooper - and her recovery was fantastic as well. I'm so proud of her. Sure she's sassy, but she's such a good kid in general.
Tomorrow is going to be a fun day - all my kids' 1st cousins will be over at once! I'm hoping to get a few good group pictures because I don't know if that will ever happen again... and it's the last get together before the yard as we know it changes forever.
I can't wait!
Princess Petunia's birthday is next week and I'd been planning on taking her to NYC for a night. But we may have to postpone it because a cousin is coming in that week who has the same birthday and all the girls in the family want to get together to do a little Girl's Birthday Celebration. So I might take her in August instead, before school starts.
The poor thing had surgery on Monday in her mouth to remove an extra tooth embedded in her gum. It took over 60 shots of Novacaine/Lidocaine & Marcane and almost an hour and a half to numb her. But she was a trooper - and her recovery was fantastic as well. I'm so proud of her. Sure she's sassy, but she's such a good kid in general.
Tomorrow is going to be a fun day - all my kids' 1st cousins will be over at once! I'm hoping to get a few good group pictures because I don't know if that will ever happen again... and it's the last get together before the yard as we know it changes forever.
I can't wait!
Monday, July 01, 2013
Who knew?
So I'm a little frustrated with my brocolli.
It's grown tall with flowers but nothing really resembling the vegetable.
So I googled it - this mysterious, flowering condition..
It's called BOLTING.
Cilantro does it as well... which I always wondered why it bloomed for a short time and then became very stalky!!
So, it seems my brocolli's soil was too warm - and that caused it to bolt. Basically, seed as opposed to flower. And my cilantro, bolts because it's what it does in warm weather. Optimum planting/growing time is spring and fall - but when do we all rush out to plant here in MA? In the summer.....
So you get a very short window of time for delicious yumminess.
I think I'm going to pull my brocolli and try planting something different that will yield later in the season; I saw some mature seedlings at the farmer's market this past weekend, so I'll find something there.
These are just the little lessons that I, the black thumb gardener - have to learn.
But that's the fun of a garden anyway - it's trial and error!
I am a little bummed that I won't have brocolli though...
It's grown tall with flowers but nothing really resembling the vegetable.
So I googled it - this mysterious, flowering condition..
It's called BOLTING.
Cilantro does it as well... which I always wondered why it bloomed for a short time and then became very stalky!!
So, it seems my brocolli's soil was too warm - and that caused it to bolt. Basically, seed as opposed to flower. And my cilantro, bolts because it's what it does in warm weather. Optimum planting/growing time is spring and fall - but when do we all rush out to plant here in MA? In the summer.....
So you get a very short window of time for delicious yumminess.
I think I'm going to pull my brocolli and try planting something different that will yield later in the season; I saw some mature seedlings at the farmer's market this past weekend, so I'll find something there.
These are just the little lessons that I, the black thumb gardener - have to learn.
But that's the fun of a garden anyway - it's trial and error!
I am a little bummed that I won't have brocolli though...
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Sometimes the best laid plans....
...just don't go the way we hope they would.
So, we bought a new hot tub because the one that was here in the yard - the original owners did not take good care of, and the pump died. Since it's a ThermaSpa and is only serviced directly by them out of Connecticut, we decided to say ixnay to the ottubhay - and get a new one.
Today was the delivery day.
And it started off great...they were here early.
But...
It seems the deck that the hot tub was sitting on, rotted out underneath so when they were trying to remove the old tub, it completely fell apart. So the new tub is on there, but off to the side and not connected. And now...in addition to all the other construction we're doing in the yard, we've got this additional expense of putting in a synthetic decking for the new tub to rest upon.
I'm bummed because I feel like the yard is just a mess - and construction hasn't even started yet!
Plus, I really was hoping to go into the hot tub tomorrow.
Que serah serah....whatever will be - will be.
I guess it just means a little more time.... and a little more mess.
And a lot more money!!
So, we bought a new hot tub because the one that was here in the yard - the original owners did not take good care of, and the pump died. Since it's a ThermaSpa and is only serviced directly by them out of Connecticut, we decided to say ixnay to the ottubhay - and get a new one.
Today was the delivery day.
And it started off great...they were here early.
But...
It seems the deck that the hot tub was sitting on, rotted out underneath so when they were trying to remove the old tub, it completely fell apart. So the new tub is on there, but off to the side and not connected. And now...in addition to all the other construction we're doing in the yard, we've got this additional expense of putting in a synthetic decking for the new tub to rest upon.
I'm bummed because I feel like the yard is just a mess - and construction hasn't even started yet!
Plus, I really was hoping to go into the hot tub tomorrow.
Que serah serah....whatever will be - will be.
I guess it just means a little more time.... and a little more mess.
And a lot more money!!
Friday, June 28, 2013
"A dream is a wish your heart makes, when you're fast asleep....
...In dreams you lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep....
Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling thru...
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing....
the dream that you wish will come true"
- Cinderella
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Thought of the day...
Opportunity is missed by people
because it's dressed in overalls....and looks like work.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Antsy, antsy, antsy....
We are having some serious renovations being done to our yard in a few weeks.
I didn't think I'd be this frustrated waiting for them to take place, and yet....here I am, actually almost irritated at having to wait until the 15th of July.
We have a beautiful yard, and I think I'm a little irked that our landscaper has sort of shrugged off maintaining what isn't being modified at the moment; because it's all going to be done when the "project" is completed. But, we have so much that has to be maintained in the mean time...
...and it's making me... antsy. irritated. frustrated.
The "project" is we're clearing out about 6-8 ft deep of woods, about 50 yards wide - which really expands our yard (which is already quite big, truth be told...) and we're expanding the patio around the pool and building an outdoor fireplace. Fun, right? But, ugh - the wait is ridiculous.
I didn't think I'd be quite this excited, and yet I am.
Yes, I'm borderline whining, but it's only because I hate the fact that my landscaping is a bit overgrown. I don't like it messy. I like it neat and weeded and pretty.... !!!
Ok. I feel better now.
Sort of...
I didn't think I'd be this frustrated waiting for them to take place, and yet....here I am, actually almost irritated at having to wait until the 15th of July.
We have a beautiful yard, and I think I'm a little irked that our landscaper has sort of shrugged off maintaining what isn't being modified at the moment; because it's all going to be done when the "project" is completed. But, we have so much that has to be maintained in the mean time...
...and it's making me... antsy. irritated. frustrated.
The "project" is we're clearing out about 6-8 ft deep of woods, about 50 yards wide - which really expands our yard (which is already quite big, truth be told...) and we're expanding the patio around the pool and building an outdoor fireplace. Fun, right? But, ugh - the wait is ridiculous.
I didn't think I'd be quite this excited, and yet I am.
Yes, I'm borderline whining, but it's only because I hate the fact that my landscaping is a bit overgrown. I don't like it messy. I like it neat and weeded and pretty.... !!!
Ok. I feel better now.
Sort of...
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
The Not So Real Peeps...of the la la world
I'm sorry but ....does anyone watch the "Real Housewives of OC" -- and notice how different Brooks is now?
It almost accentuates the fact that he was clearly so over the top fake last season. He's probably being more real and himself this time - but it almsot makes him seem worse than before.
Gross.
And I'm sorry - I know that the lovely Tamra Barney just married her boyfriend Eddie Judge.
But.
I don't know.
He just doesn't seem like her type.
Actually. It's more like she doesn't seem his type.
I just wonder how long this one is going to last....
It almost accentuates the fact that he was clearly so over the top fake last season. He's probably being more real and himself this time - but it almsot makes him seem worse than before.
Gross.
And I'm sorry - I know that the lovely Tamra Barney just married her boyfriend Eddie Judge.
But.
I don't know.
He just doesn't seem like her type.
Actually. It's more like she doesn't seem his type.
I just wonder how long this one is going to last....
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Time keeps on ticking....and how quickly it flies.
It's almost the end of the school year for the kiddies.
Yesterday, Princess Petunia had a function in school where we were invited to see their "Wax Museum". All the 3rd graders were assigned a historical character and they've worked on speeches, presentation boards and costumes leading up to yesterday. They were all in costume and as we approached them, they came to life as if they were figures in a wax museum - and gave us informative speeches about who "they are". Everyone from Tituba to John Hancock, to Myles Standish - which is the person Princess Petunia was assigned to be. It was really fun - and a great format to teach the kids history in a way they'll never forget. We certainly didn't have that kind of thing when I was a kid...! (Of course, if you ask my kids that was back in the "olden days"....)
Today was a function at my son's school - a Celebration of Learning. We got to see all of the different projects they've worked on all year in each subject and they had fun little activities for us to do with them while we were there, like origami and art. The best part of it for me, outside of just being there - was the fact that my son was still okay with being affectionate with me in front of his friends. Actually - most of the boys were, now that I think of it! He still was grabbing my hand to walk me to each class room and didn't hesitate to give me a big hug and a kiss and tell me he loved me as I was leaving.
It's hard to imagine that this fall I'll have a 7th grader and a 4th grader.
It seems like just yesterday I had two little kids, giggling and laughing...
I just want to keep their little hearts with me always......
Yesterday, Princess Petunia had a function in school where we were invited to see their "Wax Museum". All the 3rd graders were assigned a historical character and they've worked on speeches, presentation boards and costumes leading up to yesterday. They were all in costume and as we approached them, they came to life as if they were figures in a wax museum - and gave us informative speeches about who "they are". Everyone from Tituba to John Hancock, to Myles Standish - which is the person Princess Petunia was assigned to be. It was really fun - and a great format to teach the kids history in a way they'll never forget. We certainly didn't have that kind of thing when I was a kid...! (Of course, if you ask my kids that was back in the "olden days"....)
Today was a function at my son's school - a Celebration of Learning. We got to see all of the different projects they've worked on all year in each subject and they had fun little activities for us to do with them while we were there, like origami and art. The best part of it for me, outside of just being there - was the fact that my son was still okay with being affectionate with me in front of his friends. Actually - most of the boys were, now that I think of it! He still was grabbing my hand to walk me to each class room and didn't hesitate to give me a big hug and a kiss and tell me he loved me as I was leaving.
It's hard to imagine that this fall I'll have a 7th grader and a 4th grader.
It seems like just yesterday I had two little kids, giggling and laughing...
I just want to keep their little hearts with me always......
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Friday, June 07, 2013
Finally, fortunately, fabulously Friday....
Okay, so today it's 55 degrees and monsooning out.
Rewind to a week ago today and it was 99 and tropical.
What's the weather in New England? Um, wait a minute....it's bound to change!
So, I poured myself a nice big glass of Pinot Noir and made a chili for dinner. It's the perfect meal for a raw day like today. Even though a "summer" 55 is still warmer than a winter one. It's amazing how relativity works....
It's a pretty laid back weekend on tap. Tomorrow I'm looking forward to a lazy day around the house, catching up on things - like polishing my hardwood floors. I love, love, love to do that. Then, my Son has a Red Sox game so we'll drop him off at school to meet the bus and then take the Princess Petunia out for a bit.
Sunday is supposed to be gorgeous once again....and I'm thinking poolside. A little bbq...a little splashing...a little sun.
However you spend your weekend - I hope it's filled with laughter and love.
Maybe even a little more sunshine than what we have here at the moment...
Rewind to a week ago today and it was 99 and tropical.
What's the weather in New England? Um, wait a minute....it's bound to change!
So, I poured myself a nice big glass of Pinot Noir and made a chili for dinner. It's the perfect meal for a raw day like today. Even though a "summer" 55 is still warmer than a winter one. It's amazing how relativity works....
It's a pretty laid back weekend on tap. Tomorrow I'm looking forward to a lazy day around the house, catching up on things - like polishing my hardwood floors. I love, love, love to do that. Then, my Son has a Red Sox game so we'll drop him off at school to meet the bus and then take the Princess Petunia out for a bit.
Sunday is supposed to be gorgeous once again....and I'm thinking poolside. A little bbq...a little splashing...a little sun.
However you spend your weekend - I hope it's filled with laughter and love.
Maybe even a little more sunshine than what we have here at the moment...
Thursday, June 06, 2013
Ben, the two of us need look no more....
I've mentioned before - we have pet rats.
We love "our boys"... they're affectionate, lovable, clean and just fun.
So, imagine my reaction when I received a text today from G saying that one of my sister in law's friends (who also is a fancy rat owner) said that she was given a rat that was abandoned - and surprise - she was pregnant. So on Tuesday, her new girl gave birth to 6 teensy tiny babies. Of course, the next question was -- did we want one? (or two....)
To my shock, G said "yes"....
(Insert big smiley face here....)
So, while I do have to buy a new tank and condo top - since we have to do that anyway, we might as well take two. Two rats are no more work than one, and honestly - we'll have 6 rats at that point. (I know, you're thinking "intervention", right?) Well, truthfully - 6 rats go through no more food than 4 do. And they're so clean!! They don't smell, they keep their cages neat (except for oldest boy Snake who is a bit messy....) and sadly, they don't live for very long. Two and a half years is the most usually. Snake is a year with us in July, and he could've been 6 months when we got him so....we don't know how much longer he'll be with us; Pop Tart will be with us a year in September, and while we know he was younger, it may not have been by much. Stefano & Wilfork are just babies....and then we'll have these new guys.
(Honestly, my house is big enough that these guys basically have their own floor! They're up in "Kidtown" which is sort an au pair suite, so it's not as if we're over run with animals. It sounds worse than it actually is. )
We've determined that these will be "Pokemon" boys. The kids each get to name one after their favorite Pokemon creature.
We can't get them until their 21 days old, so we have about 14 more to go.
...the countdown is on!
We love "our boys"... they're affectionate, lovable, clean and just fun.
So, imagine my reaction when I received a text today from G saying that one of my sister in law's friends (who also is a fancy rat owner) said that she was given a rat that was abandoned - and surprise - she was pregnant. So on Tuesday, her new girl gave birth to 6 teensy tiny babies. Of course, the next question was -- did we want one? (or two....)
To my shock, G said "yes"....
(Insert big smiley face here....)
So, while I do have to buy a new tank and condo top - since we have to do that anyway, we might as well take two. Two rats are no more work than one, and honestly - we'll have 6 rats at that point. (I know, you're thinking "intervention", right?) Well, truthfully - 6 rats go through no more food than 4 do. And they're so clean!! They don't smell, they keep their cages neat (except for oldest boy Snake who is a bit messy....) and sadly, they don't live for very long. Two and a half years is the most usually. Snake is a year with us in July, and he could've been 6 months when we got him so....we don't know how much longer he'll be with us; Pop Tart will be with us a year in September, and while we know he was younger, it may not have been by much. Stefano & Wilfork are just babies....and then we'll have these new guys.
(Honestly, my house is big enough that these guys basically have their own floor! They're up in "Kidtown" which is sort an au pair suite, so it's not as if we're over run with animals. It sounds worse than it actually is. )
We've determined that these will be "Pokemon" boys. The kids each get to name one after their favorite Pokemon creature.
We can't get them until their 21 days old, so we have about 14 more to go.
...the countdown is on!
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
Hiatus Haiku
Sure I have been gone
Life had just got in the way
But I am back now.
Quiet with out the blog
Miss speaking my mind out loud
Feels good to write again.
So much has happened
Will be tough to fully express
But I will try to.
Summer is here now
Life is full of excitement
Looking forward to share.
Hope that I've been missed
As much as I've missed being here
Sit back and enjoy.
Life had just got in the way
But I am back now.
Quiet with out the blog
Miss speaking my mind out loud
Feels good to write again.
So much has happened
Will be tough to fully express
But I will try to.
Summer is here now
Life is full of excitement
Looking forward to share.
Hope that I've been missed
As much as I've missed being here
Sit back and enjoy.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Bluer than blue...or maybe a little blah...
blue
/blo͞o/
Adjective
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Noun
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Verb
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Sunday, May 19, 2013
From farm...to table
It's significantly cooler right now than it's been all day.
I'm sipping wine inside my screened gazebo, listening to the rain drizzling down. I just finished the starting of the planting of my garden. Early this morning I went shopping and found my window boxes that fit over the deck railing, as well as the cedar whiskey barrels. I also bought some of my vegetables....I didn't get everything until later today after Princess Petunia's softball game, because she wanted to pick some things out herself.
So it's only the starting - because I need more soil, and actually more window boxes. But those I'll get tomorrow. Besides we still have flowers to plant!
What did we do for veggies you're wondering? 5 lettuce mix, iceberg & radicchio; chocolate mint, sweet basil, rosemary and cilantro; white onion, chives and garlic; blueberries, cherry tomatoes & bear tomotoes; watermelon, canteloupe and broccoli. All in pots and boxes, if you can believe it. I almost planted swiss chard but didn't....and I couldn't find kale. But if I find it....we're growing it!
I was so excited driving home today to get started on it.
It's funny how something so simple and so basic, can be one of the happiest and simplest things in life. That's the key though, right? Keep it simple...
I'm sipping wine inside my screened gazebo, listening to the rain drizzling down. I just finished the starting of the planting of my garden. Early this morning I went shopping and found my window boxes that fit over the deck railing, as well as the cedar whiskey barrels. I also bought some of my vegetables....I didn't get everything until later today after Princess Petunia's softball game, because she wanted to pick some things out herself.
So it's only the starting - because I need more soil, and actually more window boxes. But those I'll get tomorrow. Besides we still have flowers to plant!
What did we do for veggies you're wondering? 5 lettuce mix, iceberg & radicchio; chocolate mint, sweet basil, rosemary and cilantro; white onion, chives and garlic; blueberries, cherry tomatoes & bear tomotoes; watermelon, canteloupe and broccoli. All in pots and boxes, if you can believe it. I almost planted swiss chard but didn't....and I couldn't find kale. But if I find it....we're growing it!
I was so excited driving home today to get started on it.
It's funny how something so simple and so basic, can be one of the happiest and simplest things in life. That's the key though, right? Keep it simple...
Friday, May 10, 2013
Things that I'm crushing on right now....
1. "Bent" aka "Just give me a reason" - Pink
2. Anything with Cab Franc in it, most especially Merlot. (I totally crush on those two anyway, so together - it's practically the Reese's Cup of wine!)
3. Krishna incense that I bought at the Namaste Gift Shop on Macdougal St in NYC (Greenwich Village)
4. New York City, in it's entirety.
5. My new Brooks Avenna 4 Running Shoes. (Now, to run more consistently....)
6. Tocco Bianca
2. Anything with Cab Franc in it, most especially Merlot. (I totally crush on those two anyway, so together - it's practically the Reese's Cup of wine!)
3. Krishna incense that I bought at the Namaste Gift Shop on Macdougal St in NYC (Greenwich Village)
4. New York City, in it's entirety.
5. My new Brooks Avenna 4 Running Shoes. (Now, to run more consistently....)
6. Tocco Bianca
Thursday, May 09, 2013
...the sounds, of silence.....
Yes, I disappeared for a brief moment in time.
Just so much going on in this girl's world these days.
We lost a family member this week...and it was a whirlwind.
And a good friend of mine lost their Mom as well.
And Wednesday, when we buried our family member - it was the 3rd anniversary of my Mom's passing.
Prior to that, I can't remember the last time I blogged - or what I wrote about, truthfully, I know that over the last week or so I've had some great rants but yet here I am, logged in - and they're all escaping me at the moment.
Well, I've got a few thoughts I can share actually.
Regarding the dead bomber - I look at it this way: it costs at minimum 30k a year to imprison him, had he been alive. Why not ship his body back to Khazakstan, or where ever he is from. I've got to think one dead person is going to cost less to ship back to the Mother Country than to keep alive in the prison system. Just sayin'.....
Regarding Jody Arias, that sick twisted maniac. I don't believe a word she says. She doesn't want to die - she wants to live, which is why she's saying it. I'm sorry, not only was the crime atrocious, but her cavalier demeanor after the fact is equally as bad. I have zero compassion for her, and personally think she'd be a waste of taxpayer's dollars. But that's just my opinion....
Regarding the Ohio kidnapper, Ariel Castro - I'm sorry, did I read that the judge actually set a bail for him? Really??? And not for anything but did anyone else pick up on the disinterest and disdain in the 911 dispatcher's voice when the call came in? Clearly, he thought our hero was "cuckoo for cocoa puffs..". Its obviously a socio-economically depressed area where he kept these girls hostage for years, but I'm sorry - this girl thinks that the police department definitely dropped the ball somewhere along the line. How do you get called to that location years ago regarding stories of naked women and they don't find them?! Someone's got some 'splaining to do....
Clearly, it's been a rather dark week or so in my world. And yet, I've managed to try to keep the sun shining..... every day is another day to have a good day, right?
Onwards - and upwards.
Just so much going on in this girl's world these days.
We lost a family member this week...and it was a whirlwind.
And a good friend of mine lost their Mom as well.
And Wednesday, when we buried our family member - it was the 3rd anniversary of my Mom's passing.
Prior to that, I can't remember the last time I blogged - or what I wrote about, truthfully, I know that over the last week or so I've had some great rants but yet here I am, logged in - and they're all escaping me at the moment.
Well, I've got a few thoughts I can share actually.
Regarding the dead bomber - I look at it this way: it costs at minimum 30k a year to imprison him, had he been alive. Why not ship his body back to Khazakstan, or where ever he is from. I've got to think one dead person is going to cost less to ship back to the Mother Country than to keep alive in the prison system. Just sayin'.....
Regarding Jody Arias, that sick twisted maniac. I don't believe a word she says. She doesn't want to die - she wants to live, which is why she's saying it. I'm sorry, not only was the crime atrocious, but her cavalier demeanor after the fact is equally as bad. I have zero compassion for her, and personally think she'd be a waste of taxpayer's dollars. But that's just my opinion....
Regarding the Ohio kidnapper, Ariel Castro - I'm sorry, did I read that the judge actually set a bail for him? Really??? And not for anything but did anyone else pick up on the disinterest and disdain in the 911 dispatcher's voice when the call came in? Clearly, he thought our hero was "cuckoo for cocoa puffs..". Its obviously a socio-economically depressed area where he kept these girls hostage for years, but I'm sorry - this girl thinks that the police department definitely dropped the ball somewhere along the line. How do you get called to that location years ago regarding stories of naked women and they don't find them?! Someone's got some 'splaining to do....
Clearly, it's been a rather dark week or so in my world. And yet, I've managed to try to keep the sun shining..... every day is another day to have a good day, right?
Onwards - and upwards.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Inquiring minds want to know....
So, here's one for you.
Why is it, that when you buy trail mix -- it's predominantly raisins?
Even the "Magical Mystery Mix" from Whole Foods - isn't that magical nor mysterious.
It's clearly, predominantly raisins. And not just plain raisins, but yogurt covered ones as well.
So basically, I bought a container of raisins with a few nuts and chocolate chips scattered in.
I hate raisins.
HATE them.
I don't like them cooked in food...I don't like them in bagels or bread. And dear God, don't give me plain raisins. I do however, tolerate yogurt raisins.
And of course - wine.
But I will qualify with that I don't particularly care for Amarones (heavy raisin flavor) or dessert wines. Outside of the cloyingly sweet flavor, I don't love ones with a raisin like quality.
Where this disdain for the dried little grape came from, I'll never know. I remember my mother giving me the little Sunmaid raisin boxes when I was little and I remember loving them. I don't know if I ate a bad one or what - but man, do I not like them.
And yet here I sit, eating the very un-magical and un-mysterious mix from Whole Foods.
Trying to avoid the raisins......
Why is it, that when you buy trail mix -- it's predominantly raisins?
Even the "Magical Mystery Mix" from Whole Foods - isn't that magical nor mysterious.
It's clearly, predominantly raisins. And not just plain raisins, but yogurt covered ones as well.
So basically, I bought a container of raisins with a few nuts and chocolate chips scattered in.
I hate raisins.
HATE them.
I don't like them cooked in food...I don't like them in bagels or bread. And dear God, don't give me plain raisins. I do however, tolerate yogurt raisins.
And of course - wine.
But I will qualify with that I don't particularly care for Amarones (heavy raisin flavor) or dessert wines. Outside of the cloyingly sweet flavor, I don't love ones with a raisin like quality.
Where this disdain for the dried little grape came from, I'll never know. I remember my mother giving me the little Sunmaid raisin boxes when I was little and I remember loving them. I don't know if I ate a bad one or what - but man, do I not like them.
And yet here I sit, eating the very un-magical and un-mysterious mix from Whole Foods.
Trying to avoid the raisins......
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
“We don’t need a list of rights and wrongs, tables of dos and don’ts: we need books, time, and silence. Thou shalt not is soon forgotten, but Once upon a time lasts forever.” — Philip Pullman
(Before I begin this post - let me just say that Angie Miller from our very own Beverly - is insanely good. She could be the next Kelly Clarkson/Carrie Underwood. Crazy talented....nice to see "Boston" represented for a change!)
So I recently found my charger for my Nook (which, actually was G's Nook- I bought it for him for Xmas one year, but unfortunately he was not impressed...so mine it became.) I am definitely more of a "see, touch, feel" kind of girl with the reading experience. I love the book store. I love the feel of the books, the smell - and the visual of it all.
At the same time - it's almost like walking into a DSW; it's sensory overload and I don't know where to begin so sometimes....I wander aimlessly, and end up leaving empty handed.
(Imagine, a girl leaving a shoe store emptyhanded? Yes, that is a horror. But trust me, I've done it.)
I also hesitate to buy the "trendy" books. A while back, I did the book club thing -- and some of the books we read, or books I read on my own that were Oprah's "must reads" were really not that great. Disappointing even. Of course, reading books like Memoirs of a Geisha or Kite Runner can pretty much ruin you for all other books. Brilliant writing, whether it's in books or music can make you incredibly particular for future enjoyment.
So my question out there to any of you bloggers - are any of you on the Nook? Are you interested in sharing books? And at a minimum - could you share titles that you found to be interesting to read? I'm game for just about anything but Nora Roberts types of books.
Let me know! I'd love to start reading again....
So I recently found my charger for my Nook (which, actually was G's Nook- I bought it for him for Xmas one year, but unfortunately he was not impressed...so mine it became.) I am definitely more of a "see, touch, feel" kind of girl with the reading experience. I love the book store. I love the feel of the books, the smell - and the visual of it all.
At the same time - it's almost like walking into a DSW; it's sensory overload and I don't know where to begin so sometimes....I wander aimlessly, and end up leaving empty handed.
(Imagine, a girl leaving a shoe store emptyhanded? Yes, that is a horror. But trust me, I've done it.)
I also hesitate to buy the "trendy" books. A while back, I did the book club thing -- and some of the books we read, or books I read on my own that were Oprah's "must reads" were really not that great. Disappointing even. Of course, reading books like Memoirs of a Geisha or Kite Runner can pretty much ruin you for all other books. Brilliant writing, whether it's in books or music can make you incredibly particular for future enjoyment.
So my question out there to any of you bloggers - are any of you on the Nook? Are you interested in sharing books? And at a minimum - could you share titles that you found to be interesting to read? I'm game for just about anything but Nora Roberts types of books.
Let me know! I'd love to start reading again....
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero. - Marc Brown
I'm 5 years older than my younger sister.
While it doesn't seem like a lot of years - it truly is.
The age difference between 10 and 5 is tremendous.
15 and 10; 20 and 15 - equally so.
By the time you're 30 and 25 it pretty much equals out and you're both "grownups" on the same page.
But I was never mean to my sister.
I might have played a prank...but I never set out to hurt her feelings, or make her feel badly about herself. Had I known more of the people that weren't nice to her when she was younger, I'd have "kicked their asses". I had no one to protect me, and I would've definitely protected her.
I've never, ever laid a hand on my sister - ever. (Trust me, there have been times when I've wanted to, but I'd never done it....)
So I don't understand the dynamic between my son and my daughter.
He's just so mean to her.
He doesn't get that he is her everything...her best friend, actually. And that she hangs for his approval on everything. The quote I chose for my title is almost verbatim of what I try to explain to him - about how important he is to her. I can't tell if he doesn't understand --or maybe he does get it and just doesn't care - which makes his unkindness to her that much worse.
Don't get me wrong - there are some days when they are frick and frack. Best buddies and life couldn't be better. But lately, it just seems like he's all about tearing her down and making her doubt herself. He's just being mean...and that, I don't understand at all.
Of course, I never had a brother -so maybe that's just what they do.
Anyone...? Anyone?
While it doesn't seem like a lot of years - it truly is.
The age difference between 10 and 5 is tremendous.
15 and 10; 20 and 15 - equally so.
By the time you're 30 and 25 it pretty much equals out and you're both "grownups" on the same page.
But I was never mean to my sister.
I might have played a prank...but I never set out to hurt her feelings, or make her feel badly about herself. Had I known more of the people that weren't nice to her when she was younger, I'd have "kicked their asses". I had no one to protect me, and I would've definitely protected her.
I've never, ever laid a hand on my sister - ever. (Trust me, there have been times when I've wanted to, but I'd never done it....)
So I don't understand the dynamic between my son and my daughter.
He's just so mean to her.
He doesn't get that he is her everything...her best friend, actually. And that she hangs for his approval on everything. The quote I chose for my title is almost verbatim of what I try to explain to him - about how important he is to her. I can't tell if he doesn't understand --or maybe he does get it and just doesn't care - which makes his unkindness to her that much worse.
Don't get me wrong - there are some days when they are frick and frack. Best buddies and life couldn't be better. But lately, it just seems like he's all about tearing her down and making her doubt herself. He's just being mean...and that, I don't understand at all.
Of course, I never had a brother -so maybe that's just what they do.
Anyone...? Anyone?
Sunday, April 21, 2013
What a week...
I was absolutely riveted to the television, as probably most Bostonians were this week.
We were in NYC when the attack initally took place. While I was happy to have fun with the kids, it was overshadowed by the want to be home.
I'm usually there on Patriots Day. It's amazingly awe inspiring watching the runners cross the finish line, and it was rare for me not to be there. I'm very happy that I wasn't - but I can't promise I won't be there in the future.
I am always proud to be an American. I am supremely proud to be a Bostonian....and I always have been - and will continue to forever be - in awe of our law enforcement. 96 hours from attack to capture....not all cities would be able to pull that off.
Boston proud - Boston strong.
We were in NYC when the attack initally took place. While I was happy to have fun with the kids, it was overshadowed by the want to be home.
I'm usually there on Patriots Day. It's amazingly awe inspiring watching the runners cross the finish line, and it was rare for me not to be there. I'm very happy that I wasn't - but I can't promise I won't be there in the future.
I am always proud to be an American. I am supremely proud to be a Bostonian....and I always have been - and will continue to forever be - in awe of our law enforcement. 96 hours from attack to capture....not all cities would be able to pull that off.
Boston proud - Boston strong.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Dear COWARDS,
Um.. where to begin?
Seriously, are you that stupid?
You look like young men - typical prototype for brain washing by political activists.
Throwing your lives away for what?
What?
Nothing. That's what.
You can run - and you can try to hide - but trust me, we will find you.
Whether you are domestic kiddies influenced by international causes - or international kiddies who are just stupid - we see who you are.
Dumbasses.
Clearly reconnaissance was not a strong suit of yours when plotting this out.
Did you really think that there aren't cameras everywhere?
http://www.fbi.gov/news/updates-on-investigation-into-multiple-explosions-in-boston/photos
Did you really think you didn't stand out? In your Ralph Lauren baseball cap and Bridgestone Golf cap? So very American....tsk, tsk.
I don't care what anyone else thinks - this does not feel domestic to me. Hiding in plain sight, impacting innocent civilians, the type of bomb...I'm sorry. I'm sensing jihad. Sure, they could've recruited American citizen sympathizers, but my gut says this has an international feel.
If only you were SUICIDE bombers. Ah, now that would've been cool. Come on, the best of terrorists are willing to die for what they believe in. What's your excuse?? Cowards.
Let's see how this one shakes out, shall we?
Seriously, are you that stupid?
You look like young men - typical prototype for brain washing by political activists.
Throwing your lives away for what?
What?
Nothing. That's what.
You can run - and you can try to hide - but trust me, we will find you.
Whether you are domestic kiddies influenced by international causes - or international kiddies who are just stupid - we see who you are.
Dumbasses.
Clearly reconnaissance was not a strong suit of yours when plotting this out.
Did you really think that there aren't cameras everywhere?
http://www.fbi.gov/news/updates-on-investigation-into-multiple-explosions-in-boston/photos
Did you really think you didn't stand out? In your Ralph Lauren baseball cap and Bridgestone Golf cap? So very American....tsk, tsk.
I don't care what anyone else thinks - this does not feel domestic to me. Hiding in plain sight, impacting innocent civilians, the type of bomb...I'm sorry. I'm sensing jihad. Sure, they could've recruited American citizen sympathizers, but my gut says this has an international feel.
If only you were SUICIDE bombers. Ah, now that would've been cool. Come on, the best of terrorists are willing to die for what they believe in. What's your excuse?? Cowards.
Let's see how this one shakes out, shall we?
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
'Cuz I love that dirty water...ahh, Boston you're my home.."
And it's clearly not the home of the absolute morons who bombed the Boston Marathon.
Criminals, are certainly not brilliant.
And we are beyond fortunate because of that. As devastating as this Marathon Monday was, realistically it could have potentially been a lot worse.
Thankfully, it wasn't.
Boston, while a major metropolitan city - is a small world. We're all connected in some way. We all know someone who was there that day, running or watching. Injured or Safe. Not only are we tough and resiliant, we are tightly bound. There is a kinship amongst us that is a tie that binds us, especially during difficult times.
The people who did this atrocious act, basically just poked the bear.
And they best be careful, because it bites.
(We were in NYC when this awful event happened. It was hard to not be completely glued to social media, tv and cell phones. While I was happy to be there for our family vacation, my heart longed to be home. Funny how life happens sometimes. One of our stores is about 1.4 mile from the finish line; and I'm usually there on Marathon Monday, after attending the Sox game - watching the inspirational runners cross the line. So very thankful that we were in my second favorite city.....
Speaking of which - so very hard to hate the Yankees. Class act organization, supporting so very publicly their arch rivals.)
Criminals, are certainly not brilliant.
And we are beyond fortunate because of that. As devastating as this Marathon Monday was, realistically it could have potentially been a lot worse.
Thankfully, it wasn't.
Boston, while a major metropolitan city - is a small world. We're all connected in some way. We all know someone who was there that day, running or watching. Injured or Safe. Not only are we tough and resiliant, we are tightly bound. There is a kinship amongst us that is a tie that binds us, especially during difficult times.
The people who did this atrocious act, basically just poked the bear.
And they best be careful, because it bites.
(We were in NYC when this awful event happened. It was hard to not be completely glued to social media, tv and cell phones. While I was happy to be there for our family vacation, my heart longed to be home. Funny how life happens sometimes. One of our stores is about 1.4 mile from the finish line; and I'm usually there on Marathon Monday, after attending the Sox game - watching the inspirational runners cross the line. So very thankful that we were in my second favorite city.....
Speaking of which - so very hard to hate the Yankees. Class act organization, supporting so very publicly their arch rivals.)
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