I have this really good friend from work, Angie. It's funny because her mom and I are the same age.....but, Angie has been the lifesaver who has helped when we needed someone to stay with the dogs, who drove up to Providence with me to move Lill from one apartment to another (in a snow storm), and who gladly goes to the fabric store whenever the desire strikes us. Like today, she called and asked if I was available because she needed to pick her gram up from the adult daycare center; usually she know beforehand and arranges her day, but today she got a call during the work day. I picked her up at work, we made a quick stop at G Street Fabrics-quick for us when we spend less than $50 each-then a quicker stop at the Jo-Ann's near her house for the current copy of Apronology, then we picked up Gram. From there we took her out for dinner, then stopped for her meds, then I dropped them off and came home. It's rare that she asks for help, she's very self-sufficient. So, we had a great time, actually had the top down for a while before it clouded up. She never let us pay her for all the times she stayed with the dogs while we still had LuLu with us, even dealing with "bonbons" as LuLu's health began to fail. So, at Christmas time I got a great deal on a portable Kenmore sewing machine at Sears (her machine died and hadn't been replaced yet) and got it for her. I thought that was the end of it, but then in January-I might have mentioned it-she gave me a Kitchenaid mixer for my birthday-she had two, but I don't know the story behind that....
The gist of this ramble is that true friends are hard to find, but wonderful for the spirit and heart. If you have a few, nurture them and let them know they are important to you. and with the wonders of email and free long distance evening calling plans, remind those friends far away how much they mean to you. I do, and it warms my heart
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Spring has come
Can't take any pictures to prove it since I can't find my camera, but spring has definitely come to Maryland! The crocus started last Wednesday, quickly followed by the snowdrops and hellebore. Last Thursday as we left for Ohio, two daffs were open; when we got home last evening--there was an explosion of yellow and white in the flower beds. It has rained for the last 24 hours, and my allergies kicked in full force this morning, but I don't care because spring has finally come.
Of course, with spring comes Passover. Since the bandies will be coming down to the district for the spring break week-they just miss the cherry blossom festival-there has been a request for a seder. We will do it in the true O household style, but hopefully this year we will not have people balancing spoons on their noses. We did a test run of the major foods and took them into Ohio over the weekend, and they were GREATLY appreciated. Tomorrow after work starts the reorganization of the house to accommodate company. I really need to get my sewing in one space, my books in the bookcase, and the bedroom cleared out for company. it will be a major effort, but it will get done. Ah, I know you all are snickering, how many times have you heard this before? But, i have this feeling that this might just be the lucky time it happens!! Don't burst my bubble.
Of course, with spring comes Passover. Since the bandies will be coming down to the district for the spring break week-they just miss the cherry blossom festival-there has been a request for a seder. We will do it in the true O household style, but hopefully this year we will not have people balancing spoons on their noses. We did a test run of the major foods and took them into Ohio over the weekend, and they were GREATLY appreciated. Tomorrow after work starts the reorganization of the house to accommodate company. I really need to get my sewing in one space, my books in the bookcase, and the bedroom cleared out for company. it will be a major effort, but it will get done. Ah, I know you all are snickering, how many times have you heard this before? But, i have this feeling that this might just be the lucky time it happens!! Don't burst my bubble.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Ah, William...
Five words for today:
Beware the Ides of March
Beware the Ides of March
and watch out for any soothsayers who might come your way. And if there is ANYONE in my acquaintance who doesn't know what that means, go pull out your Shakespeare and look up Julius Caesar.....or I guess, in this day and age, google the statement.......
Love and kisses on a rainy Monday morning to all.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Sunny Days!!
We have now had two days of sun in a row, I think we'll get spoiled!! It's still pretty chilly outside, but the sun makes up for it.
I am still having pain in my back, and trying to avoid the pain meds because they put me to sleep. I am also trying to get used to typing with the pads of my fingers as I finally broke down and spent the money to have acrylic nails put on. the anti-cancer drug makes my nails really soft, and they are breaking off so low I'm afraid I'll end up with an infection at the worst, and severe pain at the least. they do look pretty nice-I got "sport length" ovals done. Now I need to figure out if I can still do everything else I normally do without using the tips of my "nails".
Everyday now I see a few more daffs coming up in the flower beds. it's such a nice reminder that spring is around the corner. I need to get more birdseed as the big eaters are back. We will have a real adventure when we start cleaning up the yard though we are really lucky not to have lost many branches from the snow weight. As best we can tell, it's just a few on the camellia tree.
I haven't heard from my partner from the martini swap, so I really think this will be the last one for a while. I have to dig out the post office receipt with the tracking number to make sure it was delivered. I find it hard to believe that people can't find a little time to let the sender know the package got there... oh well.
I'm still struggling with the February quilt block because Lizzie wants it to be something that represents each maker, and I'm not an embroiderer, or applique-er, etc. I'm sure I'll figure something out soon-I have to otherwise I will be getting behind again, and I don't want to do that. I have been browsing quilt block websites and am in awe of what I am seeing. I think my favorites are the traditional block patterns done in non-traditional ways. Even though I'm enjoying this tremendously, it hasn't taken over as first love: that will always be aprons. don't know why, just is.
Time for a pain med, off to la-la land.
I am still having pain in my back, and trying to avoid the pain meds because they put me to sleep. I am also trying to get used to typing with the pads of my fingers as I finally broke down and spent the money to have acrylic nails put on. the anti-cancer drug makes my nails really soft, and they are breaking off so low I'm afraid I'll end up with an infection at the worst, and severe pain at the least. they do look pretty nice-I got "sport length" ovals done. Now I need to figure out if I can still do everything else I normally do without using the tips of my "nails".
Everyday now I see a few more daffs coming up in the flower beds. it's such a nice reminder that spring is around the corner. I need to get more birdseed as the big eaters are back. We will have a real adventure when we start cleaning up the yard though we are really lucky not to have lost many branches from the snow weight. As best we can tell, it's just a few on the camellia tree.
I haven't heard from my partner from the martini swap, so I really think this will be the last one for a while. I have to dig out the post office receipt with the tracking number to make sure it was delivered. I find it hard to believe that people can't find a little time to let the sender know the package got there... oh well.
I'm still struggling with the February quilt block because Lizzie wants it to be something that represents each maker, and I'm not an embroiderer, or applique-er, etc. I'm sure I'll figure something out soon-I have to otherwise I will be getting behind again, and I don't want to do that. I have been browsing quilt block websites and am in awe of what I am seeing. I think my favorites are the traditional block patterns done in non-traditional ways. Even though I'm enjoying this tremendously, it hasn't taken over as first love: that will always be aprons. don't know why, just is.
Time for a pain med, off to la-la land.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
It's not the Ides of March, yet
Well, as long as your name isn't Caesar, you won't have to worry...but then I'm rushing, right? Today is only the 2nd, and the Ides means the 15th. But, you can never be too prepared, and if a soothsayer happens your way, pay attention.
But that isn't really what I wanted to unload. I haven't been writing very faithfully, and I haven't been following my bloggy friends very faithfully, either. I have been just too tired. this working 9 to 5 instead of 8 to 4 in the winter is just dragging me along. It's finally getting lighter when we leave in the morning, and now it's lighter when we get home, and I'm feeling a little better. I think I need my sunshine.
And by the way, as if having cancer wasn't stressful enough and a knock on the old immune system last spring, my body has decided to rebel and I have developed shingles. This is truly another reason why growing older sucks. Pain, rash, itching, blisters, oozing crud; it doesn't get any better than this...
But, I digress. I really wanted to jump on and blog a quick note that the snow is finally almost ALL gone, and that the daffodils are sending up their green shoots!! We may have some jonquils, too, and if you want an explanation of the difference, go over to Julia's blog at "our simple life". Actually, just go to look at her wonderful pictures. she's a scientist with an artist's eye.
And now for the final bit of good news: (Drum roll, bells and whistles) Sarah has been accepted into the Master's Program in Asian Arts at Sotheby's Institute of Art in London. the degree is actually awarded through the University of Manchester, and that's not so shabby either! More news will follow as details become available.....
But that isn't really what I wanted to unload. I haven't been writing very faithfully, and I haven't been following my bloggy friends very faithfully, either. I have been just too tired. this working 9 to 5 instead of 8 to 4 in the winter is just dragging me along. It's finally getting lighter when we leave in the morning, and now it's lighter when we get home, and I'm feeling a little better. I think I need my sunshine.
And by the way, as if having cancer wasn't stressful enough and a knock on the old immune system last spring, my body has decided to rebel and I have developed shingles. This is truly another reason why growing older sucks. Pain, rash, itching, blisters, oozing crud; it doesn't get any better than this...
But, I digress. I really wanted to jump on and blog a quick note that the snow is finally almost ALL gone, and that the daffodils are sending up their green shoots!! We may have some jonquils, too, and if you want an explanation of the difference, go over to Julia's blog at "our simple life". Actually, just go to look at her wonderful pictures. she's a scientist with an artist's eye.
And now for the final bit of good news: (Drum roll, bells and whistles) Sarah has been accepted into the Master's Program in Asian Arts at Sotheby's Institute of Art in London. the degree is actually awarded through the University of Manchester, and that's not so shabby either! More news will follow as details become available.....
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