Did you miss me?? I've been down in Cincy helping with the kids and the house and such. The big excitement was stepping on a nail, necessitating 2 trips to urgicare, a tetanus shot and shot of a reallly painful antibiotic. I was complimenting the nurse about her technique, cause I hardly felt it. Then she pushed in the Rocephin. Yowwwwch!! But all is good, it is healing.
I really enjoyed helping out, and getting to be with my grandkiddies more. oh, and the adults too :))
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Friday, July 04, 2008
2008 Ohio Scottish Games
On Saturday, June 28th, David, Kevin, and his friend Deborah attended the 31st Annual Ohio Scottish Games in Wellington, Ohio. Here are some comments and photos from David.
I think I have not enjoyed myself so much in one day in a very long time. We went early and stayed late, and were sad to see it end. The parade of the Tartans (with Kevin and I in our McKenzie kilts), the massed bagpipe bands, and the professional caber toss were fun as always. But I think what I loved the most was the music, especially the Scottish folk and dance music. My favorite group was "The Anonymous String band", a foursome that performs every year. I also listened to folk singer Alex Beaton (and bought one of his double CD's) and a group called "The Brigadoons". Kevin liked the group named "Needfire". I've written a lot more in my email. I'll just stop here and let you see the photos.
The Kilted Mile Race. The brothers, Lars and Ralp, doing their pre-race warm up.
The five kilted runners at the start.
Opening Ceremonies - MacFarlane's Company, a group of historic reenactors, from the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745.
Parade of the Tartans - David and Kevin marching with the MacKenzie Clan
The Anonymous String Band (from 2006)
Royal Scottish Country Dancers (from 2006)
John Blakeman with his Red-Tailed hawk "Savanna"
Kevin, with his new wardrobe additions, and his flamberge sword.
Kevin and David
Kevin and David
I think I have not enjoyed myself so much in one day in a very long time. We went early and stayed late, and were sad to see it end. The parade of the Tartans (with Kevin and I in our McKenzie kilts), the massed bagpipe bands, and the professional caber toss were fun as always. But I think what I loved the most was the music, especially the Scottish folk and dance music. My favorite group was "The Anonymous String band", a foursome that performs every year. I also listened to folk singer Alex Beaton (and bought one of his double CD's) and a group called "The Brigadoons". Kevin liked the group named "Needfire". I've written a lot more in my email. I'll just stop here and let you see the photos.
The Kilted Mile Race. The brothers, Lars and Ralp, doing their pre-race warm up.
The five kilted runners at the start.
Opening Ceremonies - MacFarlane's Company, a group of historic reenactors, from the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745.
Parade of the Tartans - David and Kevin marching with the MacKenzie Clan
The Anonymous String Band (from 2006)
Royal Scottish Country Dancers (from 2006)
John Blakeman with his Red-Tailed hawk "Savanna"
Kevin, with his new wardrobe additions, and his flamberge sword.
Kevin and David
Kevin and David
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
walmart
So, upon occasion, people at Mormon mommy wars go on an on abut walmart, calling it "voldemart", etc. So I have gotten out books and a dvd. The DVD is called _Wal-mart: The high cost of low price_. I think I too will never shop there unless it is an emergency. Get it from the library. It's eye-opening.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
The garden, spring 2008
So, our garden looks really nice in the spring, esp after we plant a few annuals. And, by the way, I love weirdness. in flowers. I plan to show you some of my weird acquisitions.
This is what is still known as "Ryan's Garden", even though he doesn't live here anymore and has no say any longer about what to plant or that they must be purchased and planted in groupings of three. :D Wish I knew how to make smiley emoticons on my blog.:( We (using the term loosely: I buy and David usually plants). This year, I got a bunch of violets from my sister's garden. I love violets. Although they only bloom for a bit in the early spring, I remember them from Linden Lane (where I grew up) and the "forest" in our backyard. The leaves are very pretty and heart-shaped, so even without the blooms, it is pretty. And, I figured if they grew under trees in the "forest", they should grow under this tree. And they spread also.
I also bought 2 and received 3 from my sister of a plant/bush called astilbe. They are supposed to do well in the shade. Well, after 2 weeks, one is nearly dead having been transplanted to the sun because it was dying in the shade. Hope I get my money back. The second one that I picked out (my sister's contributions are fairing slightly better) is showing signs of demise also. I also bought some more hosta for around the edges. The first place I looked, they wanted $20-30 for them. I was in shock. This is HOSTA we are talking about...common, ya know?? Then I went to another place where I got them for $4 each. Yay, me.
This is the garden under the bedroom windows, commonly known as the bedroom garden or the garden by the windows. Clever, no?? I point out particularly the bleeding heart or dianthus (i think). Lovely in bloom. Too bad the leaves die with the blooms. It is a perennial. The border is mostly sweet woodruff, which is a perennial and can usually be found in the herb section. I found this out by searching all over and having to ask. I(we) love the way some of it is poking out through the bricks. There is a new weirdo plant here also, but you can't really see it. I'll show a closeup later. Also, if you can see lots of tall spiky leaves, those are part of the something-bells we purchased a long time ago. Obviously they spread like mad and have lots of purple or white bells (oh, it's bellflower i think) that last all summer.
This is the sun garden or garage garden or front garden...take your pick. Some annuals like dwarf dahlia, cosmos, and snapdragons are there. And some weirdos. Snapdragons allegedly self seed, so the idea was to see if they could come visit every year, saving us from buying annuals. (cheapskates, we) There is also a lot of perennial columbine(which spreads) and bachelor button (which spreads), and sedum (which....spreads).
This is one of 2 weirdo plants. The other is the one you can't see in the bedroom garden. I don't know if they flower or anything, but I just loved the leaves. I think it is a perennial.
Note the big bushes at the end...these are my bachelor buttons, the weirdo plant from last year. Don't worry, I'm gonna show you a close up so you can appreciate its weirdness first hand.
Bachelor buttons in front.
The flowers, if you can see them, have a round purple center, and the "leaves" of the flower are 2 skinny blue things that fray at the end and curl up. Looks like no bachelor's buttons I've ever seen. Weirdos.
And now, my other weirdo plant I just HAD to buy. It is called celosia, and can be either an indoor or outdoor plant. I'm hoping I can bring them inside during winter to keep them for next year.
Another celosia closeup.
It is funny to me to see how much pleasure I get from going out and viewing (and talking to) my garden. While I was growing up, the only thing "garden" meant was the dreaded weeding.
This is what is still known as "Ryan's Garden", even though he doesn't live here anymore and has no say any longer about what to plant or that they must be purchased and planted in groupings of three. :D Wish I knew how to make smiley emoticons on my blog.:( We (using the term loosely: I buy and David usually plants). This year, I got a bunch of violets from my sister's garden. I love violets. Although they only bloom for a bit in the early spring, I remember them from Linden Lane (where I grew up) and the "forest" in our backyard. The leaves are very pretty and heart-shaped, so even without the blooms, it is pretty. And, I figured if they grew under trees in the "forest", they should grow under this tree. And they spread also.
I also bought 2 and received 3 from my sister of a plant/bush called astilbe. They are supposed to do well in the shade. Well, after 2 weeks, one is nearly dead having been transplanted to the sun because it was dying in the shade. Hope I get my money back. The second one that I picked out (my sister's contributions are fairing slightly better) is showing signs of demise also. I also bought some more hosta for around the edges. The first place I looked, they wanted $20-30 for them. I was in shock. This is HOSTA we are talking about...common, ya know?? Then I went to another place where I got them for $4 each. Yay, me.
This is the garden under the bedroom windows, commonly known as the bedroom garden or the garden by the windows. Clever, no?? I point out particularly the bleeding heart or dianthus (i think). Lovely in bloom. Too bad the leaves die with the blooms. It is a perennial. The border is mostly sweet woodruff, which is a perennial and can usually be found in the herb section. I found this out by searching all over and having to ask. I(we) love the way some of it is poking out through the bricks. There is a new weirdo plant here also, but you can't really see it. I'll show a closeup later. Also, if you can see lots of tall spiky leaves, those are part of the something-bells we purchased a long time ago. Obviously they spread like mad and have lots of purple or white bells (oh, it's bellflower i think) that last all summer.
This is the sun garden or garage garden or front garden...take your pick. Some annuals like dwarf dahlia, cosmos, and snapdragons are there. And some weirdos. Snapdragons allegedly self seed, so the idea was to see if they could come visit every year, saving us from buying annuals. (cheapskates, we) There is also a lot of perennial columbine(which spreads) and bachelor button (which spreads), and sedum (which....spreads).
This is one of 2 weirdo plants. The other is the one you can't see in the bedroom garden. I don't know if they flower or anything, but I just loved the leaves. I think it is a perennial.
Note the big bushes at the end...these are my bachelor buttons, the weirdo plant from last year. Don't worry, I'm gonna show you a close up so you can appreciate its weirdness first hand.
Bachelor buttons in front.
The flowers, if you can see them, have a round purple center, and the "leaves" of the flower are 2 skinny blue things that fray at the end and curl up. Looks like no bachelor's buttons I've ever seen. Weirdos.
And now, my other weirdo plant I just HAD to buy. It is called celosia, and can be either an indoor or outdoor plant. I'm hoping I can bring them inside during winter to keep them for next year.
Another celosia closeup.
It is funny to me to see how much pleasure I get from going out and viewing (and talking to) my garden. While I was growing up, the only thing "garden" meant was the dreaded weeding.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Learning about the Brethren
I stole this from a friend.
May I point out again that the tune of Beverly Hillbillies also fits to the words of "If You Could Hie to Kolob". Try it and see. You'll never sing that song in the same way again.
May I point out again that the tune of Beverly Hillbillies also fits to the words of "If You Could Hie to Kolob". Try it and see. You'll never sing that song in the same way again.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Poetry in Motion
I just found these poems at lightrefreshmentsserved.com and thought they were funny. hope you do too. and maybe when I'm done telling you theirs, I'll write some of my own.
Emily says:
This is just to say
I bought doughnuts a lot when you were little
And didn’t share them with you
Please forgive me
I needed them more than you did
And your father didn’t know either
{Now that one strikes home?;)}
and the blogger herself, Kacy says:
This Is Just to Say
I have taken the ring
and thrown it into Mordor
You probably wanted to keep it
and use it for evil
Forgive me
It was a great ring
So pretty
and so precious
This Is Just to Say
I killed your parents when you were a baby
They were incredibly talented wizards
but they were probably going to foil my plans
for domination
At least
I didn’t kill you
even though I tried
a lot
And now, mine.
This Is Just to Say
That using all your spare time to paint
And put in tile and decks and such is a pain
but when you consider the money we've saved
By sweat equity
Forgive me, but
It's worth it.
Maybe.
We'll have to see.
This Is Just to Say
That having a baby 18 months after the first
Is very stressful on the body
but when you are thirty
and want more kids
You do what you have to.
Forgive me for snoring.
I'm tired.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
This Is Just to Say
That a degree in engineering is useful
And brings lots of money
but before it can do that
You need an engineering job
Like now.
Forgive me for saying
Quizno's isn't it.
Rats
This Is Just to Say
That McDonald's is a smelly job
And it doesn't pay well
but when you don't have a college degree
And don't want one
Your work options are limited.
Forgive me for pointing that out.
Big Mac coming up.
Boring.
Emily says:
This is just to say
I bought doughnuts a lot when you were little
And didn’t share them with you
Please forgive me
I needed them more than you did
And your father didn’t know either
{Now that one strikes home?;)}
and the blogger herself, Kacy says:
This Is Just to Say
I have taken the ring
and thrown it into Mordor
You probably wanted to keep it
and use it for evil
Forgive me
It was a great ring
So pretty
and so precious
This Is Just to Say
I killed your parents when you were a baby
They were incredibly talented wizards
but they were probably going to foil my plans
for domination
At least
I didn’t kill you
even though I tried
a lot
And now, mine.
This Is Just to Say
That using all your spare time to paint
And put in tile and decks and such is a pain
but when you consider the money we've saved
By sweat equity
Forgive me, but
It's worth it.
Maybe.
We'll have to see.
This Is Just to Say
That having a baby 18 months after the first
Is very stressful on the body
but when you are thirty
and want more kids
You do what you have to.
Forgive me for snoring.
I'm tired.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
This Is Just to Say
That a degree in engineering is useful
And brings lots of money
but before it can do that
You need an engineering job
Like now.
Forgive me for saying
Quizno's isn't it.
Rats
This Is Just to Say
That McDonald's is a smelly job
And it doesn't pay well
but when you don't have a college degree
And don't want one
Your work options are limited.
Forgive me for pointing that out.
Big Mac coming up.
Boring.
Monday, May 19, 2008
What is a Mormon?
This is probably old news by now, but I really liked this blogpost. Check it out for yourself.
Food and Pets or vice versa
Oh, I've been around about various blogs today. So I will share and hope you have as much fun as I have been having.
I don't care for pets. WOW News flash, eh?? (hope you can understand Canadian). So I read this blog and I knew that I had found a soul sistah (do you read eubonics??). I loved this comment: "When I had a gerbil, I would wait until it was running it's its little wheel then I would spin that sucker so fast he would experience g-forces unknown to the gerbil world." hahahahaha. Comprenden?? (continuing in the multilingual flavor of spanish)
Next, I read this blog about food our mothers forced on us. The comments are hysterical also. Don't miss those. "Powdered milk is a horrible thing to do to perfectly good water. The tendency to inflict it on the family is passed down from generation to generation, like child abuse. Your grandmother did it, your mother did it. Fortunately, you've stopped the cycle of abuse." I expect, no demand, to know your tales as I share mine. Even though some of them would apply to me. And come back and recommend as you think of stuff.
Memorable motherly masterpieces to manger (there's the french):
My mother served me:
Brown sugar sandwiches on days when we'd take communion (Catholic, remember) and we had to fast before partaking. Then, we'd get to eat breakfast in class. Boy what a reward for taking communion. I have been known to treat myself to these very occasionally in adulthood when I need comforting. My mom is always near then.
3 bean salad. very bitter vinegary stuff. I told her I'd throw up, but she insisted. I remained at the kitchen table for HOURS, but no mercy. Finally, I choked it down. Then I threw up. Told ya.
Spanish rice (rice, tomato sauce). Just ask my sister. And spaghetti Creole (spaghetti, tomatoes, tomato sauce). ditto. Chili. I have developed my loathing of kidney beans from this masterpiece. Just ask my sister. My sister found a way to enjoy meatloaf, although I cannot. One time Joan served me meatloaf insisting that it wasn't anything like mom's. I tried, Joan, I really tried. But I couldn't. The memories were too strong. Now, as an adult, I realize that at that time we didn't have a lot of money. So I forgive her (my mommy). But I still can't eat those.
Peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwiches. Actually, I liked these, even made them for myself.
Giblet gravy. OK, she didn't make me eat this, but the very idea of eating gravy with chopped up organs in it did not appeal.
Liver and onions were marginally tolerable if you had enough onions to kill the liver taste. But again, organs.
Brussel Sprouts. Lima beans. Even Dad can't eat these.
One time they made me a whole pizza with the crust cut off. They weren't always mean ;) And of course, I ate the whole thing. I think they did it as a joke, thinking I couldn't possibly eat it all. But hey, when you are a picky eater, you've got to get your calories for the lean times. And she made good pizza.
Okay, now I've got to eat. But it's within MY control now!!!
I don't care for pets. WOW News flash, eh?? (hope you can understand Canadian). So I read this blog and I knew that I had found a soul sistah (do you read eubonics??). I loved this comment: "When I had a gerbil, I would wait until it was running it's its little wheel then I would spin that sucker so fast he would experience g-forces unknown to the gerbil world." hahahahaha. Comprenden?? (continuing in the multilingual flavor of spanish)
Next, I read this blog about food our mothers forced on us. The comments are hysterical also. Don't miss those. "Powdered milk is a horrible thing to do to perfectly good water. The tendency to inflict it on the family is passed down from generation to generation, like child abuse. Your grandmother did it, your mother did it. Fortunately, you've stopped the cycle of abuse." I expect, no demand, to know your tales as I share mine. Even though some of them would apply to me. And come back and recommend as you think of stuff.
Memorable motherly masterpieces to manger (there's the french):
My mother served me:
Brown sugar sandwiches on days when we'd take communion (Catholic, remember) and we had to fast before partaking. Then, we'd get to eat breakfast in class. Boy what a reward for taking communion. I have been known to treat myself to these very occasionally in adulthood when I need comforting. My mom is always near then.
3 bean salad. very bitter vinegary stuff. I told her I'd throw up, but she insisted. I remained at the kitchen table for HOURS, but no mercy. Finally, I choked it down. Then I threw up. Told ya.
Spanish rice (rice, tomato sauce). Just ask my sister. And spaghetti Creole (spaghetti, tomatoes, tomato sauce). ditto. Chili. I have developed my loathing of kidney beans from this masterpiece. Just ask my sister. My sister found a way to enjoy meatloaf, although I cannot. One time Joan served me meatloaf insisting that it wasn't anything like mom's. I tried, Joan, I really tried. But I couldn't. The memories were too strong. Now, as an adult, I realize that at that time we didn't have a lot of money. So I forgive her (my mommy). But I still can't eat those.
Peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwiches. Actually, I liked these, even made them for myself.
Giblet gravy. OK, she didn't make me eat this, but the very idea of eating gravy with chopped up organs in it did not appeal.
Liver and onions were marginally tolerable if you had enough onions to kill the liver taste. But again, organs.
Brussel Sprouts. Lima beans. Even Dad can't eat these.
One time they made me a whole pizza with the crust cut off. They weren't always mean ;) And of course, I ate the whole thing. I think they did it as a joke, thinking I couldn't possibly eat it all. But hey, when you are a picky eater, you've got to get your calories for the lean times. And she made good pizza.
Okay, now I've got to eat. But it's within MY control now!!!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Happy Mothers' Day
I think I have posted this before, but in honor of the day I thought I'd do it again.
Too true, too true.
OH, and I found this too.
Too true, too true.
OH, and I found this too.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Walking zombie
So, when the floor was being installed, Dad would work on it before I got up. One day, I woke up, sorta, and went into the dining room to where dad was, in the doorway between the dining room and the kitchen. I looked into the kitchen and remarked, "Where's the refrigerator". Obviously I didn't count the large obstacle that I had to walk around to even see into the kitchen. duhhhh
New kitchen floor
First, the ugly old kitchen tile that one could never really get clean because of all the crevices, etc. Plus, it's "harvest gold".
Showing you who it belongs to, in case you were going to steal it.
The first piece laid by my handyman.
See him in action. only took a week.
I guess this is just the padding stuff that lays under the laminate. But it looks like it's finally gonna happen.
About half way done. This is so exciting.
eh, voila!!
And from the other angle.
I keep walking on it saying, "I love my new floor". Come see it, you guys.
Showing you who it belongs to, in case you were going to steal it.
The first piece laid by my handyman.
See him in action. only took a week.
I guess this is just the padding stuff that lays under the laminate. But it looks like it's finally gonna happen.
About half way done. This is so exciting.
eh, voila!!
And from the other angle.
I keep walking on it saying, "I love my new floor". Come see it, you guys.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
"poot" is too a word
Since I know that all of you are wondering why no one else ever says "poot", I have a blogpost to show you that we are not alone. Besides which, it is hilariously funny, especially if you have kids. who talk. when you wish they wouldn't. but they say what you are thinking but are too polite to say. I read it the other day, but today, I read the comments. They had me laughing with tears also. Enjoy!!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Peanut Butter Blast
At least that's what they called it at Danny Boy's where we went to eat for our 25th wedding anniversary. Thanks to the 2 children who wished us a happy 25th. Anyway, back to the cheesecake or dessert or whatever it was...it was sooooo great that I ordered it for my birthday tomorrow. Dad just went to get it from the cheesecake factory, which doesn't have the real picture. A little bit ago, Dad came sheepishly into my office where I was on the net and said, "About your pie..." I knew right away what he was going to say. I started grinning. It is from The Cheesecake Factory. "How much," I asked? $44.00. "Could you go for 1/2 a pie???" I said, sure. As long as he and Kevin got one piece each, and I got the other 4. Hey, it's MY birthday.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Total Locker Room Privacy
Last Friday, I went to swim at lifeworks. About 15 minutes before I was done, the lights flickered. And went out. And flicker. And out. And flicker. And out for good. We had lots of tall windows, so it didn't really affect me too much. I wondered about the poor man who comes in his wheelchair and uses the chair assist to even get into the pool. How would he get out??? Finally I was done. My locker isn't too far into the locker room...I thought with the light reflected off white walls I would be able to find it. I did. I thought I could do the combination by feel, as it is buttons, not a dial. But someone from Lifeworks wandered by with a flashlight and shined it on my lock. There was a little old lady in the same "indentation" as me. When she left, she asked me, "Will you be all right alone if I go??" I wondered what she could do for me, and said it was fine. And I skipped my shower--that was too much tempting fate. And then I got dressed in the dark which was very private.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
pet names
I was reading amy at amy'shumblemusings and she wrote about the funny names that stick with us. my comment was
"We have "Dan the man", "Kiwi", Ryanryewheatoatsbarleyfarleyfudge", and "Kevobobby"
Oh, and the third one is easier to pronounce if you say Ryan rye wheat oats barley farley fudge. shortened to "Ry". Here is how it came about: Ryan got shortened to Ry. Rye is a grain. So are wheat, oats and barley. Especially if you are playing "Pit". Which rhymes with Farley. Which is "Fudge"'s real name from the Ramona series. See, it all makes sense now.
And Kevin's middle name is not Robert. It just got started by his sister when he started calling her Kiwi."
Are there any more?? Oh, i should have added my own: ChristyAnnaHannahAmmarillaHotDogHoHoHeHeHaHa. or not.
"We have "Dan the man", "Kiwi", Ryanryewheatoatsbarleyfarleyfudge", and "Kevobobby"
Oh, and the third one is easier to pronounce if you say Ryan rye wheat oats barley farley fudge. shortened to "Ry". Here is how it came about: Ryan got shortened to Ry. Rye is a grain. So are wheat, oats and barley. Especially if you are playing "Pit". Which rhymes with Farley. Which is "Fudge"'s real name from the Ramona series. See, it all makes sense now.
And Kevin's middle name is not Robert. It just got started by his sister when he started calling her Kiwi."
Are there any more?? Oh, i should have added my own: ChristyAnnaHannahAmmarillaHotDogHoHoHeHeHaHa. or not.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)