Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Relieved and Thankful
Yesterday I had an appointment for a diagnostic mammogram at the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion.
I was glad that THGGM was not working and was able to drive me.
I did not have a good feeling about this one. In fact I cannot remember the last time something has upset me so. It's not even unusual for me to have the diagnostic kind of mammogram, and I've had breast surgery in the past. None of that bothered me much.
But, I am happy to report that it was all good. One of the benefits of having the diagnostic type is that you get the report before you leave the building. I do so like that.
Now I must get to bed.
A lot of fun things are planned for the rest of those days off!
Be back soon...
I was glad that THGGM was not working and was able to drive me.
I did not have a good feeling about this one. In fact I cannot remember the last time something has upset me so. It's not even unusual for me to have the diagnostic kind of mammogram, and I've had breast surgery in the past. None of that bothered me much.
But, I am happy to report that it was all good. One of the benefits of having the diagnostic type is that you get the report before you leave the building. I do so like that.
Now I must get to bed.
A lot of fun things are planned for the rest of those days off!
Be back soon...
Labels: she laughs at the days to come
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
As Told By Pake
THGGM was home today. There was a little Jonge who certainly enjoyed that!
Pake allows things that I do not. Things like warm chocolate milk for no reason other than he asked for it. Jonge also asked for salty almonds and Pake immediately took him across the street to buy some. I know a little boy who is NOT going to be happy when Pake goes back to work.
Anyway.
Jonge decided that he would like to drink his warm chocolate milk in the living room. Pake inquired, "May I hold you while you drink it?"
Jonge responded with "You would LOVE to!"
Those two are something together.
Pake allows things that I do not. Things like warm chocolate milk for no reason other than he asked for it. Jonge also asked for salty almonds and Pake immediately took him across the street to buy some. I know a little boy who is NOT going to be happy when Pake goes back to work.
Anyway.
Jonge decided that he would like to drink his warm chocolate milk in the living room. Pake inquired, "May I hold you while you drink it?"
Jonge responded with "You would LOVE to!"
Those two are something together.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Random Weekend Wrap Up
When exactly does the weekend start?
Friday I went with my dad and oldest sister to visit my mom. She was alert and happy. She can no longer be part of a conversation, but it's always good to see her enjoying the people around her.
Friday night THGGM and I went to a basketball game. Youngest Son's girlfriend plays for the Cornerstone Golden Eagles, who were playing a scrimmage against Calvin College. Have I mentioned that I LOVE basketball? I LOVE basketball. This might be because it is played INSIDE. And, Cornerstone won. I love that too.
Saturday. It was rainy and cool. I went with Daughter-in-law to the Fulton Street Farmer's Market in the morning. I also LOVE being outside in the fall. Rain and cold don't bother me - unless one is required to sit still, as in watching a soccer game. It wasn't too bad, as long as one could dodge sudden dumps of cold water falling off of tarps. My purchases were two butternut squash, one small pumpkin, concord grapes, bartlett pears and a gallon of the best apple cider.
The rest of the morning and afternoon were filled with the usual. Successful thrift shopping, successful hardware store shopping, and successful finishing up of projects around the house.
Jonge and Famke came to spend the night with us. That is always fun. Jonge was especially sweet and Famke was SO cuddly. Jonge is quite the conversationalist and Famke has begun stringing words together. I had several opportunities to catch them in conversations with each other. Jonge calls her "Cutie" now. Her name, and then "Cutie". I love it.
They slept all night long. I cannot tell you how fun it is to wake up to a faint whisper in my ear of "Where's Pake?". I love it that he whispers it so as not to wake up Cutie over there in her crib. Thankfully Cutie wakes up very happy, and shouts a happy "HI!" in our direction.
The rest of Sunday is a blur of change, dress, fed, play, nap, repeat.
Except for one incident which stands out clearly.
Famke Cutie has a little clue she gives out that it is time for a nap. She sucks on her pacifier and places her index finger firmly between her pacifier and her upper lip. In seconds, she will be asleep. But this afternoon,she moved her finger and her pacifier, put her hand on my check and said as clear as day, "I love you." She put everything else back in place and promptly fell asleep.
Famke Cutie, I love you, too.
It is now 11:45, and I declare this weekend to be officially over.
And it was very good.
Friday I went with my dad and oldest sister to visit my mom. She was alert and happy. She can no longer be part of a conversation, but it's always good to see her enjoying the people around her.
Friday night THGGM and I went to a basketball game. Youngest Son's girlfriend plays for the Cornerstone Golden Eagles, who were playing a scrimmage against Calvin College. Have I mentioned that I LOVE basketball? I LOVE basketball. This might be because it is played INSIDE. And, Cornerstone won. I love that too.
Saturday. It was rainy and cool. I went with Daughter-in-law to the Fulton Street Farmer's Market in the morning. I also LOVE being outside in the fall. Rain and cold don't bother me - unless one is required to sit still, as in watching a soccer game. It wasn't too bad, as long as one could dodge sudden dumps of cold water falling off of tarps. My purchases were two butternut squash, one small pumpkin, concord grapes, bartlett pears and a gallon of the best apple cider.
The rest of the morning and afternoon were filled with the usual. Successful thrift shopping, successful hardware store shopping, and successful finishing up of projects around the house.
Jonge and Famke came to spend the night with us. That is always fun. Jonge was especially sweet and Famke was SO cuddly. Jonge is quite the conversationalist and Famke has begun stringing words together. I had several opportunities to catch them in conversations with each other. Jonge calls her "Cutie" now. Her name, and then "Cutie". I love it.
They slept all night long. I cannot tell you how fun it is to wake up to a faint whisper in my ear of "Where's Pake?". I love it that he whispers it so as not to wake up Cutie over there in her crib. Thankfully Cutie wakes up very happy, and shouts a happy "HI!" in our direction.
The rest of Sunday is a blur of change, dress, fed, play, nap, repeat.
Except for one incident which stands out clearly.
Famke Cutie has a little clue she gives out that it is time for a nap. She sucks on her pacifier and places her index finger firmly between her pacifier and her upper lip. In seconds, she will be asleep. But this afternoon,she moved her finger and her pacifier, put her hand on my check and said as clear as day, "I love you." She put everything else back in place and promptly fell asleep.
Famke Cutie, I love you, too.
It is now 11:45, and I declare this weekend to be officially over.
And it was very good.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Pre Empty Nest
Beginning when Daughter was just one week old, we have taken a snapshot by the fence at the duck pond at John Ball Park.
Occasionally this wasn't possible, but most of the twenty-six pictures we have were taken there.
It was fun to watch them grow with that chain link fence as a growth chart..JPG)
Sometimes even Niki appeared in the family picture. She never changed, much. .JPG)
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The next mile stone was to compare their height to that of THGGM.
Both boys ended up taller than their father. And about the same as each other.
I'm glad I was given a heads-up before we arrived at the duck pond on Saturday.
It is no longer there.
Instead of a pond there is a lush expanse of green lawn with an island of odd looking trees in the middle of it.
Labels: she posts a great many pictures
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Playing Outside
Fall is my favorite season for being outside.
Today was the PERFECT day for that.
Or
at least I thought so.
The sky was SO blue, the trees are turning and it was in the upper 40's.
There was just so much to see and do.
The moon was still visible.
Pinecones show up very well.
The magnolia tree has what looks like downy angel wings falling off of it.
Jonge enjoyed picking up the pretty leaves.
Swinging isn't quite so fun when it is cold.
Jonge did not want to go outside. I had to drag him out, and when it was time to go inside he didn't want to do that, either.
But, we found sticks and defended our fort.
He wasn't sure exactly what we were hiding from, but it was still fun.
Charley kept giving away our location and running off with our sticks, but Charley is a dog and just doesn't understand about stuff like that.
Every boy needs a dog.
And a cool backyard with a fort.
(shhh. there is no fort. but we are good pretenders. there is really a dog.)
Labels: she posts a great many pictures of jonge and famke
Sunday, October 19, 2008
October Family Pictures
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Saturday, October 18, 2008
October Pictures
'
Fall Family Pictures in the Park' was a success!
The good pictures are with Son-in-law, so as soon as I can I will post some.
Fall Family Pictures in the Park' was a success!The good pictures are with Son-in-law, so as soon as I can I will post some.
As far as Saturday's go, this one was most nearly perfect. Besides great weather for fall pictures, we had lunch at Hunan. Even the thrift shopping in the morning was good.
Labels: she posts a great many pictures of jonge and famke
Friday, October 17, 2008
I Made It To Friday
Yup. I did.
After Jonge's nap we sat around the table and color-colored.
Famke did not take an afternoon nap. This saddened me, as I certainly needed one.
During her usual nap time, she spun around the kitchen holding a small helicopter over her head while making buzzing sounds.
I really truly wanted to color.
I had time to sketch out this bird, and a pumpkin.
They were impressed with neither of them.
No. What they wanted to do was bang around the tin holding the colored pencils, causing my head to throb. My head which was in need of a nap it did not get. Not that I'm bitter. No. Not me.
Anyway.., living centerpieces ARE rather lovely! And, I do think I got a great silhouette of Famke.
Tomorrow we all head out to the park for our annual October family picture.
Labels: she posts a great many pictures of jonge and famke
Thursday, October 16, 2008
My Love Affair with the Short Story
In my humble migraine-riddled life, I've found few things more comforting than climbing into bed at night with a good book in my hands.
How I got to be 50 before that book was one written by Edith Wharton, I do not know. Perhaps because no one ever said to me, "Judy, you simply MUST read Edith Wharton." Possibly this is a direct result of hobnobbing with the under three crowd, which I so willing do.
Edith Wharton could WRITE. I can't say that the actual story is what I find so enjoyable, it is the way she captures her characters, and thereby captures me, her reader. She handles words in much the same way Seurat did dots. Remove just one, and a gaping hole would appear. Some would say the following paragraph needs the help of an editors red pen. But, I could not find one word that wasn't deftly placed.
I think this may be the most perfect paragraph ever written.
It comes from the short story, "The Pelican", which tells of the widowed Mrs. Amyot who gives lectures to support her son.
Mrs. Amyot was as pretty as ever, and there was the same curious discrepancy between the freshness of her aspect and the staleness of her theme, but something was gone of the blushing unsteadiness with which she had fired her first random shots at Greek art. It was not that the shots were less uncertain, but that she now had an air of assuming that, for her purpose, the bull's-eye was everywhere, so that there was no need to be flustered in taking aim. This assurance had so facilitated the flow of her eloquence that she seemed to be performing a trick analogous to that of the conjurer who pulls hundreds of yards of white paper out of his mouth. From a large assortment of stock adjectives she chose, with unerring deftness and rapidity, the one that taste and discrimination would most surely have rejected, fitting out her subject with a whole wardrobe of slop-shop epithets irrelevant in cut and size. To the invaluable knack of not disturbing the association of ideas in her audience, she added the gift of what may be called a confidential manner - so that her fluent generalizations about Goethe and his place in literature (the lecture was, of course, manufactured out of Lewes's book) had the flavor of personal experience, of views sympathetically exchanged with her audience on the best way of knitting children's socks, or of putting up preserves for the winter. It was, I am sure, to this personal accent - the moral equivalent of her dimple - that Mrs. Amyot owed her prodigious, her irrational success. It was her art of transposing secondhand ideas into firsthand emotions that so endeared her to her feminine listeners.
And she sighs, turns out the light and goes to sleep, dreaming of turning secondhand ideas into firsthand...
...zzzzz...
How I got to be 50 before that book was one written by Edith Wharton, I do not know. Perhaps because no one ever said to me, "Judy, you simply MUST read Edith Wharton." Possibly this is a direct result of hobnobbing with the under three crowd, which I so willing do.
Edith Wharton could WRITE. I can't say that the actual story is what I find so enjoyable, it is the way she captures her characters, and thereby captures me, her reader. She handles words in much the same way Seurat did dots. Remove just one, and a gaping hole would appear. Some would say the following paragraph needs the help of an editors red pen. But, I could not find one word that wasn't deftly placed.
I think this may be the most perfect paragraph ever written.
It comes from the short story, "The Pelican", which tells of the widowed Mrs. Amyot who gives lectures to support her son.
Mrs. Amyot was as pretty as ever, and there was the same curious discrepancy between the freshness of her aspect and the staleness of her theme, but something was gone of the blushing unsteadiness with which she had fired her first random shots at Greek art. It was not that the shots were less uncertain, but that she now had an air of assuming that, for her purpose, the bull's-eye was everywhere, so that there was no need to be flustered in taking aim. This assurance had so facilitated the flow of her eloquence that she seemed to be performing a trick analogous to that of the conjurer who pulls hundreds of yards of white paper out of his mouth. From a large assortment of stock adjectives she chose, with unerring deftness and rapidity, the one that taste and discrimination would most surely have rejected, fitting out her subject with a whole wardrobe of slop-shop epithets irrelevant in cut and size. To the invaluable knack of not disturbing the association of ideas in her audience, she added the gift of what may be called a confidential manner - so that her fluent generalizations about Goethe and his place in literature (the lecture was, of course, manufactured out of Lewes's book) had the flavor of personal experience, of views sympathetically exchanged with her audience on the best way of knitting children's socks, or of putting up preserves for the winter. It was, I am sure, to this personal accent - the moral equivalent of her dimple - that Mrs. Amyot owed her prodigious, her irrational success. It was her art of transposing secondhand ideas into firsthand emotions that so endeared her to her feminine listeners.
And she sighs, turns out the light and goes to sleep, dreaming of turning secondhand ideas into firsthand...
...zzzzz...
Labels: she sees much value in reading
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Rainy Daze
Someone would really like to be running around in the rain.
Our afternoon naps were a great success for everyone.
I was hoping we could get out for a walk before the rain started.
We did not.
Jonge had a wonderful time running around in the rain, but Famke forgot her shoes today and was to stay in the garage where it was dry.
Mostly, she did.
Labels: she posts a great many pictures of jonge and famke
Running in the Rain
Today was rainy.
I love rainy days.
Except, of course, when the rainy-day migraine hits.
Someone mentioned that I haven't been posting many pictures of Jonge.
That is because he rarely holds still.
He runs.
He runs fast.
He runs in the rain.
Labels: she posts a great many pictures of jonge and famke, This post brought to you by a migraine
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
These two books are what I've been reading lately.
I was going to suggest that you go to Amazon.com and buy yourself a copy, but - good grief - they are selling from $40-$60!
So, check your local thrift stores.
These books are excellent.
Although, so much of what people were able to do in the 1930's just isn't possible today.
I wonder if my city would change it's laws and let me keep goats and chickens in my back yard?
Hmmm. Much to ponder there.
Still, try to find these books. The personal stories about how people survived such devastating economical hardship will encourage you.
Or, you can come to my house and read mine.
I did not only read today. I also scrubbed my kitchen floor. It was so bad it took almost all day. It's clean now, but not shiny. I just do not know how to make a floor shiny. And, I cleaned out the bedroom closet. In doing so, I found an old wool sweater vest that I used to wear ALL the time. FOR YEARS. I felted it and turned it into several other things.
If you want to see what I made, go to www.simplythrift.blogspot.com .
(in a minute. i haven't posted there yet.)
Labels: she says you should go there, she says you should read these books
Monday, October 13, 2008
Four Things Meme
I've done this one before, but I like it!
This time I found it at Karen's blog, http://www.overbackyardfence.blogspot.com/
FOUR PLACES I go over and over:
1. Wisconsin in the fall
2. Traverse City in the spring
3. Grand Haven in the summer
4. Under a warm quilt in the winter
FOUR PEOPLE who email me regularly
1. My oldest sister
2. My older sister
3. THGGM (usually just to say "i'm on my way home, make coffee")
4. My blog commenters and other regular readers
FOUR of my FAVORITE PLACES to EAT
1. Arnie's - for the scandinavian shuffle
2. Hunan - for chicken with vegetables
3. Brann's - for steak (bogo with coupon!)
4. Florentines - for pizza
FOUR PLACES I'd rather be right now
1. Antique shopping in Wisconsin
2. Walking in the woods among golden-leafed trees
3. Napping with Famke (which is what i would normally be doing at this time)
4. Right here. I love to be at home.
FOUR TV SHOWS I could watch over and over
1. Decorating Cents
2. Signing Time
3. The Office
4. Frasier Reruns
This time I found it at Karen's blog, http://www.overbackyardfence.blogspot.com/
FOUR PLACES I go over and over:
1. Wisconsin in the fall
2. Traverse City in the spring
3. Grand Haven in the summer
4. Under a warm quilt in the winter
FOUR PEOPLE who email me regularly
1. My oldest sister
2. My older sister
3. THGGM (usually just to say "i'm on my way home, make coffee")
4. My blog commenters and other regular readers
FOUR of my FAVORITE PLACES to EAT
1. Arnie's - for the scandinavian shuffle
2. Hunan - for chicken with vegetables
3. Brann's - for steak (bogo with coupon!)
4. Florentines - for pizza
FOUR PLACES I'd rather be right now
1. Antique shopping in Wisconsin
2. Walking in the woods among golden-leafed trees
3. Napping with Famke (which is what i would normally be doing at this time)
4. Right here. I love to be at home.
FOUR TV SHOWS I could watch over and over
1. Decorating Cents
2. Signing Time
3. The Office
4. Frasier Reruns
Labels: she does the occasional meme
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Forgetful Me
I am sending my blessings to all mother's of the very young - the kind who need to get a babysitter just to go to the bathroom.
Speaking of which, poor Famke spent a half hour this morning playing in an empty bathtub with two empty toilet paper rolls. I could not think of anything else for her to do and there was no one to watch her except for me. Thankfully, she is easy to entertain, and understands about tummy aches.
So, at seven o'clock tonight they went home. THGGM always feels incredibly sad after they leave. Even though they live in the same city we do.
We had great fun, and so did Jonge and Famke.
But, there are a few things I had forgotten about.
Last night we slept in a bed without sheets. When I popped the zonked Famke into her crib, I noticed that the sheets had been taken off the line, but I'd forgotten to put them back on our bed. One NEVER risks waking a sleeping baby. NEVER. That part I remember. We were so very tired, we hardly noticed the absence of bed linens.
I'd also forgotten how life with the very young revolves around eating, sleeping and going potty. For the very young. Those feeling old are only responsible for making sure those things are happening for the very young. Those feeling old are basically on their own for all of those things.
I'd forgotten what it is like to flip pancakes for everyone and never sit down to eat them.
I'd forgotten that as soon as one meal is done and cleaned up, it's time to start fixing the next one.
The very young go through several different outfits in just one day. In that way, they are very much like their Pake. I'd forgotten how quickly the dirty clothes pile up.
I'd forgotten that for some very young people, it is totally acceptable to fill ones pants during dinner. And, be very happy about it.
I'd almost forgotten a certain look from the very young that requires an adult to ask, "You need to go potty right now, don't you?".
I'd completely forgotten that prayer time isn't over until every known dog, living and dead, has been properly prayed for.
I'd forgotten that more food ends up under the table than inside of the very young.
I'd nearly forgotten that if one has no ingredients for supper, the very young could most likely survive just by licking the bottoms of their feet. Oh. And did you know that a grape placed inside of a shoe on Friday will be a raisin by Sunday? Yup. It will LOOK more like a horrid beetle, but it was a grape. Trust me.
I'd totally forgotten that a spider in a web between the screen and window of a back door will provide a diversion when the very young are fighting over a particular yellow block, even though there are dozens of the very same kind of block in the bucket.
I'd forgotten that big brother's take things from little sisters without asking or saying please.
I'd forgotten just how loud little sister's can scream. Loud. Very very loud.
I'd almost completely forgotten that loud screams have no effect at all on big brothers. Not even my screams.
I'd forgotten how the very young enjoy having the very same books read over and over and over and over again.
I'd forgotten that Rolie Polie Olie's family dance in their underpants, and that the very young find that hysterical. Every time.
I'd forgotten, even though I'm sure I still have scars, how much it hurts to step on upside-down Fisher Price little people beds.
I'd forgotten that playgrounds are fun and free.
I'd forgotten that eating ice cream too fast gives the very young the dreaded 'slurpie tumor'.
I'd forgotten that it is sometimes necessary to send a very young boy to tell me who is at the door because I hadn't found the time to get dressed before noon.
I'd totally forgotten what it is like to wake up to coughing in the next room.
I'd almost forgotten that wet wipes and paper towel are dear friends of mine.
I'd forgotten that kisses fix everything. Even bonked heads.
But I'll never forget how much fun we had, and cannot wait until we can do it again!
(don't call me tomorrow. i shall be resting.)
Labels: she forgets and she remembers
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Happy Birthday Daughter
Oh, look at me with my 80's hair and maternity shirt.
Let's see..,
I believe I am sitting on the channel that connects Lake Macatawa to Lake Michigan.
Now let's jump ahead twenty-six years.
That's Daughter with her daughter.
We are all sort of like marushka dolls, aren't we?
Let's see..,
I believe I am sitting on the channel that connects Lake Macatawa to Lake Michigan.
Now let's jump ahead twenty-six years.
That's Daughter with her daughter.
We are all sort of like marushka dolls, aren't we?
Labels: she laughs at the days to come
How We Survived Saturday
THGGM and I were able to slip out of the house and carry on with our regularly scheduled Saturday duties, due to the kindness and boundless energy of Uncle Youngest Son and his wonderful girlfriend.
Jonge is smitten with her.
So is Youngest Son.
And for the record (because we all KNOW there IS a record) that hairy leg belongs to Youngest Son.
Me and My Great Ideas
I really thought it would work, that idea of mine to move Famke to the table.
It did actually seem like it was working, until tonight.
I'm going to just chalk it up to THGGM and I being tired. But, by the time we had finished supper, there was a cat eating chicken off the kitchen table (this is NOT allowed).
Famke had a full diaper (as she did during breakfast AND lunch also) and no longer wanted to sit.
When she took her cue from the cat and climbed ON the table.., well.., even extremely tired grandparents will not put up with that.
One more day to go.
It's been fun. But I am SOOO tired.
The high chair has been called back into service.
Labels: she is soooooo tired
Friday, October 10, 2008
More Friday Family Fun Night
Famke spent the evening running around the house.
She is GOOD at running.
And, she is FAST.
She now knows that I am neither.
It took awhile, but she did finally consent to sleeping in her crib.
Really. She had no other choice.
Labels: she posts a great many pictures of jonge and famke
Friday Family Fun Night
Oh, yeah.
We DO know how to have fun over here.
While Jonge plays the piano (he is quite good for 2 1/2) Pake plays the 'toot-dah-doo' (for 50 he plays well).
The song is "Rock-a-bye-baby" if you'd care to join in.
Labels: she finds treasure everywhere
Thursday, October 09, 2008
More of the Same
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Sorry. All I have is random.
I was going for depth, but I just rubbed my eye after putting on hand lotion. Talk about a burning sensation.
Anyway...
What, you may ask, is she avoiding THIS time?
Emptying the cat litter.
We certainly would have had more children if I'd realized 22 years ago that I would be the one left to take care of the cat.
Also, if you are new here, I never ever refer to my grandchildren as Jonge and Famke in my real life. Those names only appear on my blog. If someone were to call them that, they would not know what those words mean. But, THGGM and I ARE Pake and Beppe. I had an argument with Jonge over that this week. He did not believe that I was his grandma.
Today we made a band! Something a random person in his life would not do, I'm sure. Only a Beppe would.
It was great fun. Usually, for music and singing we all three sit at the piano bench. Famke likes to perch dangerously close to the edge, and has slipped off enough times where one would think she would no longer WANT to sit so close to the edge, but it phases her not a bit to fall. Jonge climbs up using whatever bench is closest. If sometime you stop in and discover a potty chair in the living room, that would be why. I insist upon sitting in the middle of the piano bench as falling off is not an option I care to entertain.
But today was different from all others. Okay. Each day is different from the one before, but sometimes it takes a good many days before one can notice an actual difference in them. This seems to be most true for those caring for young children.
Today we gathered wooden spoons, maracas, jingle bells, pans and wooden blocks.
Jonge, like most 2 year old I have ever known, likes to have ALL of the instruments ALL at once. This makes the band sound terrible.
So I came up with the idea that we would be a marching band. This of course eliminated the use of the piano, as I cannot even roll it out, let alone push it through the house while singing.
Jonge wanted to be first, but did not understand exactly how to go about it. I cannot walk and chew gum at the same time, so marching, singing, ringing my bells and directing the entire affair was not something that could have been called 'smooth running'.
Famke. Where is Famke? She took the opportunity to go in the other direction. She likes freedom and truly does march to her own drum. Or, doll, which she bangs on the head with a wooden spoon.
When Jonge became aware that she was not following behind him in her usual state of awe, he became distressed.
I had stepped in something and had broken rank to get a dry pair of socks.
As I returned, Jonge was trying to herd Famke back into step.
He was calling her "Sweety".
"Sweety! Over here, Sweety! Come on, Sweety. We are going on the back porch now, Sweety! Good job, Sweety!"
It was just too too, well, sweet!
Wow. You read to the end? I haven't much to say. I'm tired, and do not want to empty that cat litter. But, trash pick-up is early tomorrow morning.
Jonge and sweety Famke will be arriving in the morning, and spending the whole weekend with Pake and Beppe.
This may seriously limit my ability to update my blog(s).
Labels: she finds treasure everywhere, she has random thoughts, she posts a great many pictures of jonge and famke
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Random Thoughts for a Tuesday Morning
...or, what I am doing to avoid that tall stack of 9x13 pans and cookie sheets that need washing.
Oh. And the four medical-related phone calls I need to make. I hate those even more than stacks of teetering dirty dishes.
I have finished reading Willa Cather's "Song of the Lark". It was SOOOO good. I'm glad I did not let what I read on Wikipedia stop me, as I thought twice about reading it after knowing what it was about. I shall be shopping around for "My Antonia". I thought I had it, but do not.
So, after also enjoying Edith Wharton's "Ethan Frome", I've moved on to a book of her short stories. I so enjoy short stories.
Again, I must ask you, have you read Theodore Dreiser's "The Old Neighborhood" yet? This is my all time favorite. Like any good story, this one will haunt you. You will think you are not thinking about it anymore, and suddenly out of nowhere you will find that you still are - and always will be - thinking about it. And it IS a short story, so go find a copy and read it. Because I said so, and really, I ask for so little...
This morning my dad told me that he has gained a few pounds this month. He must NEVER gain pounds. He also commented that he is a bit more short of breath. Just a bit. Then, he confessed to eating those roast beef sandwiches from Arby's. Arghhh. What to do.., she says as her diabetic hand reaches for the cinnamon roll she made to prove that she can actually make cinnamon rolls that RISE correctly. (now she leans over to pick up that apple that hasn't fallen far from that tree...) Cinnamon HAS been purported to lower blood sugar, you know.
I started a list of the projects I have around here that need finishing. The list was SO long that I became depressed and realized that I have a disease that causes me to be seduced into starting new projects and then not finishing them. For the record, I DID throw away all of those creamer cartons I was saving to make a lighted Christmas village with. But, when I opened the drawer to file away my incomplete list of incomplete projects, I found another incomplete project. Sometimes I think my only problem is that I am overwhelmed with the overwhelming list of things I want to do...
...but then, I throw my head back and laugh a cackling sort of crazy laugh. Oh, yeah. That's ALL that's wrong with me.
THGGM is doing a bit better than I am finishing his incomplete projects. Saturday he painted two ceilings and installed one new light fixture. It looks great, too. Still, he did end up being shorted the proper pieces for the light fixture and had to rig up something, so, I'm not ever going to stand under it. He says it will hold, but I remember just a few too many times he said something would be just fine the way it was, and then...well...I remember a certain blue toilet we had two decades ago...
Actually, he has become quite handy over the years. I should not paint an ill picture of him. Because, well, while he was successfully installing and painting things, I was creating those failed cinnamon rolls.
I did manage to get in a quick trip to the thrift store. I'll have to update my SimplyThrift blog too, I guess. I found a jacket for Jonge (i am planning to set the heat very low this winter) a Walt Whitman poetry book for children (me. i'm the child i bought it for), a 25 cent baggie with a plastic lion, horse and treasure box, (for jonge and famke) and a yard of fabric for the rice bags I've been making. This means I've $1.50 remaining from my $5.00 budget for half price book day at the other thrift store.
Oh. And I just found two more fabulous ideas that I must get to right away. One of the ideas is for two different ways to make two totally different light boxes. I'll let you know how that goes. The other is for felt coasters. Couldn't be simpler. Don't think I could fail at this one. But then, one just never knows. I've failed at many simple things.
Oh. And the four medical-related phone calls I need to make. I hate those even more than stacks of teetering dirty dishes.
I have finished reading Willa Cather's "Song of the Lark". It was SOOOO good. I'm glad I did not let what I read on Wikipedia stop me, as I thought twice about reading it after knowing what it was about. I shall be shopping around for "My Antonia". I thought I had it, but do not.
So, after also enjoying Edith Wharton's "Ethan Frome", I've moved on to a book of her short stories. I so enjoy short stories.
Again, I must ask you, have you read Theodore Dreiser's "The Old Neighborhood" yet? This is my all time favorite. Like any good story, this one will haunt you. You will think you are not thinking about it anymore, and suddenly out of nowhere you will find that you still are - and always will be - thinking about it. And it IS a short story, so go find a copy and read it. Because I said so, and really, I ask for so little...
This morning my dad told me that he has gained a few pounds this month. He must NEVER gain pounds. He also commented that he is a bit more short of breath. Just a bit. Then, he confessed to eating those roast beef sandwiches from Arby's. Arghhh. What to do.., she says as her diabetic hand reaches for the cinnamon roll she made to prove that she can actually make cinnamon rolls that RISE correctly. (now she leans over to pick up that apple that hasn't fallen far from that tree...) Cinnamon HAS been purported to lower blood sugar, you know.
I started a list of the projects I have around here that need finishing. The list was SO long that I became depressed and realized that I have a disease that causes me to be seduced into starting new projects and then not finishing them. For the record, I DID throw away all of those creamer cartons I was saving to make a lighted Christmas village with. But, when I opened the drawer to file away my incomplete list of incomplete projects, I found another incomplete project. Sometimes I think my only problem is that I am overwhelmed with the overwhelming list of things I want to do...
...but then, I throw my head back and laugh a cackling sort of crazy laugh. Oh, yeah. That's ALL that's wrong with me.
THGGM is doing a bit better than I am finishing his incomplete projects. Saturday he painted two ceilings and installed one new light fixture. It looks great, too. Still, he did end up being shorted the proper pieces for the light fixture and had to rig up something, so, I'm not ever going to stand under it. He says it will hold, but I remember just a few too many times he said something would be just fine the way it was, and then...well...I remember a certain blue toilet we had two decades ago...
Actually, he has become quite handy over the years. I should not paint an ill picture of him. Because, well, while he was successfully installing and painting things, I was creating those failed cinnamon rolls.
I did manage to get in a quick trip to the thrift store. I'll have to update my SimplyThrift blog too, I guess. I found a jacket for Jonge (i am planning to set the heat very low this winter) a Walt Whitman poetry book for children (me. i'm the child i bought it for), a 25 cent baggie with a plastic lion, horse and treasure box, (for jonge and famke) and a yard of fabric for the rice bags I've been making. This means I've $1.50 remaining from my $5.00 budget for half price book day at the other thrift store.
Oh. And I just found two more fabulous ideas that I must get to right away. One of the ideas is for two different ways to make two totally different light boxes. I'll let you know how that goes. The other is for felt coasters. Couldn't be simpler. Don't think I could fail at this one. But then, one just never knows. I've failed at many simple things.
Labels: she has random thoughts
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Birthday Celebration!
And, I forgot to take pictures.
The Birthday Boy (thggm) and the Birthday Girl (daughter) seemed to have a wonderful time.
We had fresh fruit, two kinds of quich, cheesy hashbrowns and dense cinnamon rolls.
I feel really bad and extremely tired over those cinnamon rolls. They tasted just fine, but looked like the kind you pop out of a can.
The children gifted their father with a gift card to Barnes and Noble - thrilled are they that their father now reads books - and a leaf blower. Jonge wanted to get him a baby lion. He insisted that is what Pake wanted.
Also, when asked to stop doing something, Jonge responded with, "I can't." Honesty like that is really hard to come by.
I was able to squeeze in a short nap with the ever-cuddly Famke.
Except for those pesky unrisen cinnamon rolls - which were supposed to double as the birthday cake - it was a very nice celebration.
The Birthday Boy (thggm) and the Birthday Girl (daughter) seemed to have a wonderful time.
We had fresh fruit, two kinds of quich, cheesy hashbrowns and dense cinnamon rolls.
I feel really bad and extremely tired over those cinnamon rolls. They tasted just fine, but looked like the kind you pop out of a can.
The children gifted their father with a gift card to Barnes and Noble - thrilled are they that their father now reads books - and a leaf blower. Jonge wanted to get him a baby lion. He insisted that is what Pake wanted.
Also, when asked to stop doing something, Jonge responded with, "I can't." Honesty like that is really hard to come by.
I was able to squeeze in a short nap with the ever-cuddly Famke.
Except for those pesky unrisen cinnamon rolls - which were supposed to double as the birthday cake - it was a very nice celebration.
Labels: she realizes that things domestic are foreign to her
A Meme from Living On Grace
I've seen this meme several places, and asked Pat at Living On Grace to assign me a letter. She gave me the letter L so I must tell you 10 things that I love that begin with the letter "L".
1. Love. Of course, how could one not love love.
2. Lake Michigan. So beautiful, every season.
3. Leaves. Especially in the fall.
4. Laughing. Lots and lots of laughing.
5. Lilacs. Oh, they smell so wonderful.
6. Longfellow, Henry W. "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", my favorite poem.
7. Listening. Shhh. I'm listening. Love to do that.
8. Loyalty. How rare is this. And, how necessary.
9. Learning. Ahhh. Learning.
10. Life. I can't seem to live without it.
11. Living on Grace, Pat's blog. http://www.livingongrace.blogspot.com/ I just HAD to add a number eleven. Because I do love Pat's blog. And Pat. She's good people.
1. Love. Of course, how could one not love love.
2. Lake Michigan. So beautiful, every season.
3. Leaves. Especially in the fall.
4. Laughing. Lots and lots of laughing.
5. Lilacs. Oh, they smell so wonderful.
6. Longfellow, Henry W. "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", my favorite poem.
7. Listening. Shhh. I'm listening. Love to do that.
8. Loyalty. How rare is this. And, how necessary.
9. Learning. Ahhh. Learning.
10. Life. I can't seem to live without it.
11. Living on Grace, Pat's blog. http://www.livingongrace.blogspot.com/ I just HAD to add a number eleven. Because I do love Pat's blog. And Pat. She's good people.
Labels: she does the occasional meme
Just So I'll Remember In the Morning
...exactly why I am so tired.
It is 12:55 am.
I am waiting for my cinnamon rolls to rise.
Then, I have to half-bake them.
Oh, dear.
I started out with plenty of time.
But they REFUSED to rise!
Where do I get these crazy notions that seem so simple when I am thinking them?
(um, well, they DO smell good!)
It is 12:55 am.
I am waiting for my cinnamon rolls to rise.
Then, I have to half-bake them.
Oh, dear.
I started out with plenty of time.
But they REFUSED to rise!
Where do I get these crazy notions that seem so simple when I am thinking them?
(um, well, they DO smell good!)
Labels: she's a blooming idiot
Friday, October 03, 2008
Fall Friday
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TEN THINGS I LOVE ABOUT FALL
The smell of apples. Mmmmm.
The colors. Who knew that orange and red went so well together?
Reading under a warm quilt on the back porch. Ahhh.
Napping with a cuddly baby and enjoying the added warmth. THIS is cozy.
Honking geese over head. Honking cars, not so much.
Wearing jeans and a jacket. I even have a tacky fall jacket.
Cider and doughnuts. The memory of cider and doughnuts, anyway.
Crunching leaves under foot. No crunchy leaves here, yet.
Trees. Always so beautiful, yet even more so in the fall.
Peanuts and candy corn mixed together in a large bowl. Could someone please make candy corn on the cob?
Labels: she finds treasure everywhere
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Busy Wednesday
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Oh, Famke was THRILLED with her new bench at the table!
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She sat there like a little lady.
Directly under her seat, which is actually an old table, is a drawer filled with coloring books, plain paper and crayons.
She was also impressed with that.
She stayed put, too.
So did her plate. .jpg)
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After lunch and naps, we came back to the table and colored birthday cards for Pake, and made him a yummy birthday treat.
Our birthday decoration was streamers hung on the ceiling fan.
It was Jonge's job to turn the fan on when Pake got home.
Pake was IMPRESSED.
If life gets any better than this, we may just pass out from the sheer joy of it all.
50 isn't so bad after all.
Labels: she finds treasure everywhere, she posts a great many pictures of jonge and famke
