When I started teaching in 1960, I did not know that I would become a tourist teacher. I thought that you got a job and kept it till you retired. My first job was in Castleton-on-Hudson for the Schodack Central Schools teaching junior high science and high school mathematics. I could see that there was little room for advancement in this small school system, and so I worked on my master's degree in mathematics at Albany State in the summers and applied for some other jobs such as community college teacher in the Adirondack area, a (NSF) National Science Foundation Fellowship to study mathematics at Cornell University, and chairman of a mathematics department in a different school system. I ended up being selected for all three positions and had to make a choice, so I decided to attend Cornell University for a second master's degree in mathematics. After all, NSF paid for the whole thing, including living expenses. The Cornell experience was hard work but great fun, and I ended the year there with two masters degrees, one from Cornell and one from Albany State. So then what.
We decided that teaching in Hawaii would be different, and so I applied for jobs in that new state and was accepted to teach math and physics at the Iolani School (an Episcopal school for boys). After three years there, I thought more graduate work would be a good idea and was accepted to attend the University of Arizona in Tucson to do further graduate work. In the nine years living in Tucson, I finished my PhD and taught or did administrative work at the Green Fields School, Pima Community College, and six years at the University of Arizona.
A position opened at the University of New Mexico, and we moved and taught there for four years. Then I moved to San Diego State for one year, and then back to New Mexico to be an administrator of the Pine Hills School on the Navajo Indian Reservation. This one year stint was followed by a job in the Albuquerque Public Schools as an administrator. I finally decided that all this moving around, or tourist teaching, had to stop if I ever wanted to retire before I was 80 years old, so I stayed with the APS schools for the next 14 years.
I guess it is not so surprising that when we retired, we started to get itchy feet again and have found ourselves full-timers in our motor home and back on the road as tourists this time, if not teaching.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Ebay
Have you ever purchased or bid on something listed on Ebay? HW2 really like to do this. First of all, it is completely in sync with her Scottish soul. She loves to shop and purchases lots of gifts for family and friends. She has a closet full of gifts ready for any occasion, although currently it is more of a drawer due to lack of closet space. Daughter Kim gave her a list of possible Christmas ideas for the boys and suggested that maybe she could find some of them on Ebay. This appealed to HW'2 sense of frugality, and she has been having a ball. Now this is not just shopping. It is also the hunt to find just exactly the correct item and, of course, the bargain price. Then comes the bidding over several days or hours. Finally the end result is either, "I got it!" or "Somebody out bid me at the last moment."
One time HW2 was looking and bidding on Chico clothes, and grandson James came in the door and saw what his grammy was doing and said, "Grammy just bid $100, and you will get it for sure." This gave us all a laugh. $100!!! Not very likely from this frugal shopper.
I have observed that when HW2 returns from a shopping trip with her prizes, I get an edited version starting with, "You have to see the bargain I got. It was only $15.80 after the store discount and after applying my coupon, and since it was senior shopping day, I got another 15% off. What a bargain." Now, in her defense, it was a bargain, I will admit. Several other things might not have been so cheap, and she had to have them too, but she might neglect to tell me the price. Later on, I just look at the bill from the store and pay it. I know that she loves to shop, and who would want to rain on the parade of a dedicated shopper who loves to buy things for family and friends. Not me! I do prefer to stay home while she shops and think this is a good thing, because then she can take as long as she likes.
One time HW2 was looking and bidding on Chico clothes, and grandson James came in the door and saw what his grammy was doing and said, "Grammy just bid $100, and you will get it for sure." This gave us all a laugh. $100!!! Not very likely from this frugal shopper.
I have observed that when HW2 returns from a shopping trip with her prizes, I get an edited version starting with, "You have to see the bargain I got. It was only $15.80 after the store discount and after applying my coupon, and since it was senior shopping day, I got another 15% off. What a bargain." Now, in her defense, it was a bargain, I will admit. Several other things might not have been so cheap, and she had to have them too, but she might neglect to tell me the price. Later on, I just look at the bill from the store and pay it. I know that she loves to shop, and who would want to rain on the parade of a dedicated shopper who loves to buy things for family and friends. Not me! I do prefer to stay home while she shops and think this is a good thing, because then she can take as long as she likes.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Losing a parent
Our good friend Rachael has lost her father. He died on Sunday, and even though it was anticipated, it is hard to accept. He has been ill for several years, and probably for him and his family it will come as a welcome release for him. I firmly believe that when you lose a parent for the first time, you truly become an adult. The finality of their generation becomes reality when you lose the other parent, too. Rachael still has her mom, and, hopefully, this reality will be a long time off.
Two of our children's spouses have neither parent, and frequently we feel that we have become in some ways the surrogate parent for these wonderful additions to our family. We could not love either of them more than if they had been our own children. We are just pleased that our kids had the good sense to marry them in the first place.
HW2 lost her mom when she was only 60 years old. When HW2 got to her 60th year, it was a hard one. My dad and his dad both died when they were 70, and when my oldest brother turned 70 last year, he experienced the same thing. He was very glad to celebrate his 71st birthday. The whole question of mortality is brought home when you start to lose members of your parents or your own generation. This is when your religious beliefs strongly take hold and help you face your own inevitable end. I get comfort from the passage, "for everything there is a season," a time to be born and a time to grow, a time to live and a time to die. I know that I paraphrased this passage, but hopefully you get its meaning. Rachael, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know you have strongly held beliefs that will carry you through this time.
Two of our children's spouses have neither parent, and frequently we feel that we have become in some ways the surrogate parent for these wonderful additions to our family. We could not love either of them more than if they had been our own children. We are just pleased that our kids had the good sense to marry them in the first place.
HW2 lost her mom when she was only 60 years old. When HW2 got to her 60th year, it was a hard one. My dad and his dad both died when they were 70, and when my oldest brother turned 70 last year, he experienced the same thing. He was very glad to celebrate his 71st birthday. The whole question of mortality is brought home when you start to lose members of your parents or your own generation. This is when your religious beliefs strongly take hold and help you face your own inevitable end. I get comfort from the passage, "for everything there is a season," a time to be born and a time to grow, a time to live and a time to die. I know that I paraphrased this passage, but hopefully you get its meaning. Rachael, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know you have strongly held beliefs that will carry you through this time.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Chestnut Trees
When I think of chestnut trees, I get several images. One is walking in London at Christmas and smelling chestnuts roasting and being hawked by the vendors and sold in little bags and then the eating of the delicious nut. Then of course come the words of the song, "Chestnuts roasting on the open fire..." or the poem, "Under the spreading chestnut tree, the village smithy stands..." These are such wonderful images. Most chestnut trees were gone when I was a child because of a blight. All that was left was Horse Chestnut trees which did produce those shiny brown nuts, but they were not eaten by humans, and only maybe, horses. They were fun to collect and throw, of course. Yesterday I read in the paper that in a year or so they may be reintroducing an enhanced chestnut tree that has genes that are resistant to the blight. I think this is wonderful and amazing.
We have had many trees fall victim to pests or blight like the elm tree, victim of the Dutch Elm disease as an example. Then on the evening news, I learned that a woman in Africa has set a goal of 4 billion trees planted this next year(s). What a wonderful way for individuals to try to help stop global warming as trees take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen.
Then I think about living in Nebraska and learning about the Morton family. One of the sons founded the Morton Salt Company. His father founded and sponsored Arbor Day. Now annually, millions of trees are planted on this day throughout the world. When we had moved to Newark Valley, Dad got the idea or reforesting our side hill, and he got young pine trees, and we worked our way up the hill planting them. Today, maybe 40-50 years later, the side hill is re-forested. A lovely memorial to his wisdom.
We have had many trees fall victim to pests or blight like the elm tree, victim of the Dutch Elm disease as an example. Then on the evening news, I learned that a woman in Africa has set a goal of 4 billion trees planted this next year(s). What a wonderful way for individuals to try to help stop global warming as trees take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen.
Then I think about living in Nebraska and learning about the Morton family. One of the sons founded the Morton Salt Company. His father founded and sponsored Arbor Day. Now annually, millions of trees are planted on this day throughout the world. When we had moved to Newark Valley, Dad got the idea or reforesting our side hill, and he got young pine trees, and we worked our way up the hill planting them. Today, maybe 40-50 years later, the side hill is re-forested. A lovely memorial to his wisdom.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Cookies
I woke up thinking of cookies, and grandkids helping to make them. My mom is a self taught, by the cookbook, good cook, and she taught me to make cookies. Now she measures everything the way you are supposed to do it, and her cookies turn out perfectly almost every time. Somewhere along the way, I rebelled and began making cookies by inspiration or something. I have had some spectacular failures but gradually got the feel of what they should look like before putting the dough into the oven and generally get edible ones, at least. For the last dozen years or so, I have been occasionally teaching various grandkids my method of making cookies. I must say that when I ask, "Who wants to help make cookies?" I get lots of volunteers. Realism intrudes and suggests that they want to help because they want to eat the end results, but, then, so do I.
My favorite cookie is a takeoff on Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies, usually due to laziness, made in a pan rather than dropped onto a cookie sheet. My plan is to put as much stuff as possible in the cookies. It all comes down to what might be in the cupboard or pantry. I like to add nutmeats, craisins, white chocolate chips, other dried fruit, candied fruit, raisins, and oatmeal or granola, to name a few things to add. The grandkids come up with their own suggestions and, of course, help along the whole mixing process. The whole thing gets dumped into a greased pan and baked for 30 min at 375 degrees and then comes the tasting after a bit of cooling. We are all really good at this part and, of course, have to talk a bit about what else we could have put in to make them even better.
At Christmas time we gather up any nearby grandkids and make candy and cookies all day and later make up plates of cookies to spread among friends and especially the neighbors. Mom helped us on two different years and loved the whole thing. Best of all, we got to bring a smile to a neighbor or friend who hopefully enjoyed our small treat. Maybe we can do this again when we are in Ann Arbor and can get two boys into making cookies, too. It is fun to make cookies with grandkids and even better, to make memories.
My favorite cookie is a takeoff on Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies, usually due to laziness, made in a pan rather than dropped onto a cookie sheet. My plan is to put as much stuff as possible in the cookies. It all comes down to what might be in the cupboard or pantry. I like to add nutmeats, craisins, white chocolate chips, other dried fruit, candied fruit, raisins, and oatmeal or granola, to name a few things to add. The grandkids come up with their own suggestions and, of course, help along the whole mixing process. The whole thing gets dumped into a greased pan and baked for 30 min at 375 degrees and then comes the tasting after a bit of cooling. We are all really good at this part and, of course, have to talk a bit about what else we could have put in to make them even better.
At Christmas time we gather up any nearby grandkids and make candy and cookies all day and later make up plates of cookies to spread among friends and especially the neighbors. Mom helped us on two different years and loved the whole thing. Best of all, we got to bring a smile to a neighbor or friend who hopefully enjoyed our small treat. Maybe we can do this again when we are in Ann Arbor and can get two boys into making cookies, too. It is fun to make cookies with grandkids and even better, to make memories.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
All Who Wander are not Lost
On the day after Thanksgiving it was misty/rainy here, and we decided to drive the 25 miles north to Fredericksburg and shop or eat or both. You will be relieved to know that we managed both. We found lots of "Hi, we are here and came to visit presents" and lots of nostalgia type candy that HW2 liked as a kid, and me, too. Best of all, we found the sign which had the message, "All who wander are not lost." Well, we certainly had to have that, and now the sign graces our front window to amuse all the other walkers who come by our motor home. We found a restaurant that served superb German food (Fredericksburg was settled by German immigrants), and settled in for a good lunch of schnitzel and cabbage and hot mashed German potatoes. A slice of white chocolate cake finished us off, as we watched our waitress hurry too quickly around our corner, causing a dish of red cabbage to go flying onto the people next to us. It was a mess, but they seemed to take it in stride, although her tip might have been lowered. We staggered back to the car and drove home.
On Saturday we drove to San Antonio to visit their botanical gardens, as they had advertised in the paper that they had set up five working garden train exhibits (you know I like garden trains) and a poinsettia display. We had a bit of a time finding the gardens but persisted. The buildings that contained the train displays were very modernistic and reminded us of I. M. Pei's (glass pyramids) work in Paris. The trains were primarily just ovals and had engines and cars running around. It was fun although a bit rainy, and so we did not visit other portions of the gardens. We will save that for a later visit. Then lunch was followed by Christmas shopping, and we headed through the rain back to Kerrville. We had been promised rain and possible sleet or snow for the night but only got rain, which the hill country really needs. This area was very dry until this rain, which should lower the fire danger threat. It seems that we are now ahead of the curve on Christmas shopping although there is still more to do. The crowds had been crazy on Friday but were back to normal on Saturday, thank goodness. Our local wanderings produced two good lunches and lots of shopping, which made HW2 happy.
On Saturday we drove to San Antonio to visit their botanical gardens, as they had advertised in the paper that they had set up five working garden train exhibits (you know I like garden trains) and a poinsettia display. We had a bit of a time finding the gardens but persisted. The buildings that contained the train displays were very modernistic and reminded us of I. M. Pei's (glass pyramids) work in Paris. The trains were primarily just ovals and had engines and cars running around. It was fun although a bit rainy, and so we did not visit other portions of the gardens. We will save that for a later visit. Then lunch was followed by Christmas shopping, and we headed through the rain back to Kerrville. We had been promised rain and possible sleet or snow for the night but only got rain, which the hill country really needs. This area was very dry until this rain, which should lower the fire danger threat. It seems that we are now ahead of the curve on Christmas shopping although there is still more to do. The crowds had been crazy on Friday but were back to normal on Saturday, thank goodness. Our local wanderings produced two good lunches and lots of shopping, which made HW2 happy.
Friday, November 23, 2007
The Day After
The park owners of Guadalupe RV Resort sponsor an annual Thanksgiving Dinner for all who wish to attend from the park. We signed up to help serve and brought dishes to pass . Don (the park owner) provided turkey, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, dishes, silverware, and things to drink. Residents brought dishes to pass. We had opening ceremonies (which included a quartet singing "Come Ye Thankful People" and all of us singing "God Bless America), a welcome from Don and a salute to our troops, a blessing, and then we began the serving process. Everyone was so polite, thanking each of us for serving, calling us "ma'am" and "sir," and very quickly, nearly 200 people were enjoying the feast. Once all were served, we went through the line and sat down to our dinner. Even though we had dessert, neither overate. What a fine tradition this is, and we have enjoyed it several times when we were staying here at this time of the year.
We also thoroughly enjoyed talking with our children and grands, and the final call was from Mom, who had just returned to her home after dinner at granddaughter Joan's house. She had made mincemeat pie from a recipe that uses green tomatoes and a bit of rum. Not keeping such a thing in her house, she had to go to the liquor store earlier and purchase a bottle. She asked the girl waiting on her about getting the cork out of the bottle, and the girl laughed and assured her that the screw-top was easy to get off. Nothing in the recipe told her how much rum to add, so she put in a quarter cup and then added some more. Now this is Maurice's favorite pie, so later at their dinner they tasted the mince pie, but neither could find any trace of the rum. Mom, maybe you need to add some more! Anyway, while talking to us she wondered out loud about what to do with the remaining rum. Maurice's wife Anne had suggested a nip or two each night might be a good idea. Mom didn't think so. She instead put bottle under the bathroom sink and wondered if someone would think she was a closet drinker if they found the bottle after she was gone. I just laughed and laughed and suggested she make rum cake or rum ball cookies. No one that I know in the family will ever think she is a closet drinker. We hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner with family and friends.
We also thoroughly enjoyed talking with our children and grands, and the final call was from Mom, who had just returned to her home after dinner at granddaughter Joan's house. She had made mincemeat pie from a recipe that uses green tomatoes and a bit of rum. Not keeping such a thing in her house, she had to go to the liquor store earlier and purchase a bottle. She asked the girl waiting on her about getting the cork out of the bottle, and the girl laughed and assured her that the screw-top was easy to get off. Nothing in the recipe told her how much rum to add, so she put in a quarter cup and then added some more. Now this is Maurice's favorite pie, so later at their dinner they tasted the mince pie, but neither could find any trace of the rum. Mom, maybe you need to add some more! Anyway, while talking to us she wondered out loud about what to do with the remaining rum. Maurice's wife Anne had suggested a nip or two each night might be a good idea. Mom didn't think so. She instead put bottle under the bathroom sink and wondered if someone would think she was a closet drinker if they found the bottle after she was gone. I just laughed and laughed and suggested she make rum cake or rum ball cookies. No one that I know in the family will ever think she is a closet drinker. We hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner with family and friends.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Scotties and Westies
We got our first Westie when we were still living in Albuquerque. The Holliday family was visiting and agreed to accompany us on a field trip to Bosque Farms about 30 miles south of the city to visit a farm where they had Westie puppies. One of the male puppies was very friendly and enjoyed visiting each of the grandchildren, so of course he was selected and accompanied us home. Robbie (short for Robert Burns or Robert Louis Stevenson) proved to be quite a good dog and needed a companion so we looked about for a Scottie. We finally found a one year old female living in Wyoming and had her flown to Albuquerque to join our family (Bonnie). Now you might wonder why we didn't get a second Westie instead of looking for a Scottie. Westies are actually West Highland Scottish Terriers but are now considered a separate breed from Scotties. However, the reason is less subtle. I like to drink Scotch on occasion, and probably my favorite is Black and White Scotch, which, of course, has a Westie and Scottie on the label. Now you know the rest of the story. When we decided to sell our Albuquerque house and go on the road full time for the first four-year adventure, we decided that it was not fair to the dogs to be cooped up in crates while we traveled and not to have backyard privileges. So we reluctantly found them new homes and began our adventures without any dogs.
After about three years into the adventure and having worked at Duffy House in the San Juan Islands for six months, we had returned to Texas and saw an advertisement in the San Antonio Paper for a one year old male Westie. Thinking it was time to try dogs again, we visited him and of course he came home with us, and Duffy (short for Mac Duff) was introduced into the family. At a later point we decided to trade in our car and our motor home and get new vehicles. While this was happening, we took a side trip to Corpus Christi with Duffy in tow. We found a hotel on the beach that allowed dogs and stepped into the elevator to take us up to the forth floor where our room was located. Duffy turned around and faced the door, as all do when entering an elevator. Now where did he learn elevator behavior? Every time when entering, he would turn around, face the door, and wait for the proper floor and the door to open. We decided that he was quite smart. He also got to visit his name sake Duffy House when we went to visit Arthur for a long weekend. Duffy did seem to enjoy our travels, but when we settled down in Omaha, he liked chasing the squirrels in the back yard even better.
Once settled in Omaha we felt it was time to get Duffy a buddy and settled on another Scotty, of course. MacGregor joined our family as a pup and stole HW2's heart.
After about three years into the adventure and having worked at Duffy House in the San Juan Islands for six months, we had returned to Texas and saw an advertisement in the San Antonio Paper for a one year old male Westie. Thinking it was time to try dogs again, we visited him and of course he came home with us, and Duffy (short for Mac Duff) was introduced into the family. At a later point we decided to trade in our car and our motor home and get new vehicles. While this was happening, we took a side trip to Corpus Christi with Duffy in tow. We found a hotel on the beach that allowed dogs and stepped into the elevator to take us up to the forth floor where our room was located. Duffy turned around and faced the door, as all do when entering an elevator. Now where did he learn elevator behavior? Every time when entering, he would turn around, face the door, and wait for the proper floor and the door to open. We decided that he was quite smart. He also got to visit his name sake Duffy House when we went to visit Arthur for a long weekend. Duffy did seem to enjoy our travels, but when we settled down in Omaha, he liked chasing the squirrels in the back yard even better.
Once settled in Omaha we felt it was time to get Duffy a buddy and settled on another Scotty, of course. MacGregor joined our family as a pup and stole HW2's heart.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Christmas Memories
Thinking about Thanksgivings past made me also think about Christmases past, too. Now we were poor but never knew that we were poor. Mom had made a star for the top of the tree out of cardboard and covered it with tin foil rescued from gum wrappers. We had that star for many many years. The earliest Christmas that I remember was when I was probably about 3 years old, and we lived in Ellis Hollow outside of Ithaca, NY, on the Sally Dunn Farm. We would get up all excited on Christmas morning to receive our little pile of presents put neatly by the ends of the couch. There was no wrapping paper. Later in the day we would drive to Grandmother Roe's house for dinner and later presents. Now she had wrapping paper that was saved each year and pressed neatly and reused the next. She also saved the ribbons and gift cards so that they could be reused.
We always had stockings and had to see what Santa had left, and usually they contained an orange, a few uncracked nuts, very thin ribbon candy, and maybe a candy cane. When asked about the wrapping paper, the answer was that maybe next year we could afford some. That year finally came, but we could not tear into the paper as each piece had to be neatly saved for the next year.
One year Maurice and I waited in bed to hear Dad slowly climbing the stairs after getting presents ready for the next morning. Of course, we were too excited to sleep. So a bit later, we quietly crept down stairs to see what Santa had left and were having a wonderful time when Dad yelled from upstairs, "What are you boys doing? Get back to bed right now!" Being afraid of a spanking, we hurried back to bed, and I guess slept awhile before getting up for Christmas morning. We did get some grumbling but received no spanking that time.
One year I asked Santa to bring me a rabbit, as I was fascinated by the Uncle Wiggly character and was happy to get him for Christmas and dragged him around, usually by the ears for many years. He was called Pea, probably short for Peter, but I am not sure of that. Later I found out that other kids got bears and always wanted one, but it was not to be.
I still find the joy of spending Christmas with family to be a high point of the year and especially enjoy the looks on grandchildren's faces as they look forward to unwrapping presents. All of our children have worked to make their kids understand that this is really a celebration of the birth of Jesus and not just about giving and receiving presents. We are pleased to see this focus for this celebrated birthday.
I firmly believe that Christmas is not about what you have, receive, or give, but rather a celebration of the birth of Jesus.
We always had stockings and had to see what Santa had left, and usually they contained an orange, a few uncracked nuts, very thin ribbon candy, and maybe a candy cane. When asked about the wrapping paper, the answer was that maybe next year we could afford some. That year finally came, but we could not tear into the paper as each piece had to be neatly saved for the next year.
One year Maurice and I waited in bed to hear Dad slowly climbing the stairs after getting presents ready for the next morning. Of course, we were too excited to sleep. So a bit later, we quietly crept down stairs to see what Santa had left and were having a wonderful time when Dad yelled from upstairs, "What are you boys doing? Get back to bed right now!" Being afraid of a spanking, we hurried back to bed, and I guess slept awhile before getting up for Christmas morning. We did get some grumbling but received no spanking that time.
One year I asked Santa to bring me a rabbit, as I was fascinated by the Uncle Wiggly character and was happy to get him for Christmas and dragged him around, usually by the ears for many years. He was called Pea, probably short for Peter, but I am not sure of that. Later I found out that other kids got bears and always wanted one, but it was not to be.
I still find the joy of spending Christmas with family to be a high point of the year and especially enjoy the looks on grandchildren's faces as they look forward to unwrapping presents. All of our children have worked to make their kids understand that this is really a celebration of the birth of Jesus and not just about giving and receiving presents. We are pleased to see this focus for this celebrated birthday.
I firmly believe that Christmas is not about what you have, receive, or give, but rather a celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Thanksgiving Memories
As long back as I can remember, we would go to Grandmother's place for Thanksgiving. Actually it was Great Grandmother and Great Grandfather's place. During the war years we would get in our 1936 blue Ford and drive the back roads to their hillside farm. I don't think we crossed any rivers, maybe a creek here and there, so don't start singing, "Over the river and through the woods......." Did you start singing? If you did, will it play over and over in your head all day? It frequently does for me. Anyway back to my travels. If we were lucky, Dad would put in our sleds, and we could slide down Grampa's hill while the big folks talked and got dinner ready.
Grandma Warner cooked on a wood stove and managed to get a huge dinner ready for her family and cousins. We were a lively group of all ages and thoroughly enjoyed our get togethers. There would be turkey, basted by hand with a spoon, stuffing and all the fixings this family could manage. Home-made breads and rolls from Aunt Helen, pickles of several kinds - home made, pickled fruit, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes with marshmallow topping, stuffing, mashed potatoes and the list went on and on. The kids sat at one table and the adults at another. Aunt Florence would eat with the kids and always had our table laughing throughout the meal. Grampa Warner would say grace, and then we would all dig in and OVER EAT. Finally came the homemade pies: pumpkin, apple, and mince, for sure, and, of course, some tart white cheddar cheese. What a feast! The living, thoroughly stuffed survivors, dragged themselves to the parlor and sat liked beached whales, thinking about a second go at the pies or more turkey and stuffing. It is amazing that we all didn't die on the spot.
After many years at the great grandparent Warner's house, the whole occasion was moved to Aunt Florence's house and continued with our fall sport of over- eating. One year in her new house on the Owego Road so many of us were there, that the adults were on the main floor and the young adults were in the basement when it came time for the feast. By this time I was classified as a young adult and so got to eat there, too. After dinner many of us pulled out our cigarettes, we were so sophisticated, and lit up but quickly put our cigarettes under the table if any older adult came by to see what the ruckus was all about. It must have been a funny scene to see the smoke rising from under the table as we all tried to look innocent.
Aunt Florence continued to host the Thanksgiving Dinner for many years but marriages and new additions to the family finally resulted in her hiring a hall in which to hold the dinner. Gradually, we drifted away to more nuclear family settings and the get togethers stopped. I miss those dinners and the fun we all had. I wonder if others of my generation remember and miss Thanksgiving dinner at Great Grandmother's house. Happy memories!!!!
Grandma Warner cooked on a wood stove and managed to get a huge dinner ready for her family and cousins. We were a lively group of all ages and thoroughly enjoyed our get togethers. There would be turkey, basted by hand with a spoon, stuffing and all the fixings this family could manage. Home-made breads and rolls from Aunt Helen, pickles of several kinds - home made, pickled fruit, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes with marshmallow topping, stuffing, mashed potatoes and the list went on and on. The kids sat at one table and the adults at another. Aunt Florence would eat with the kids and always had our table laughing throughout the meal. Grampa Warner would say grace, and then we would all dig in and OVER EAT. Finally came the homemade pies: pumpkin, apple, and mince, for sure, and, of course, some tart white cheddar cheese. What a feast! The living, thoroughly stuffed survivors, dragged themselves to the parlor and sat liked beached whales, thinking about a second go at the pies or more turkey and stuffing. It is amazing that we all didn't die on the spot.
After many years at the great grandparent Warner's house, the whole occasion was moved to Aunt Florence's house and continued with our fall sport of over- eating. One year in her new house on the Owego Road so many of us were there, that the adults were on the main floor and the young adults were in the basement when it came time for the feast. By this time I was classified as a young adult and so got to eat there, too. After dinner many of us pulled out our cigarettes, we were so sophisticated, and lit up but quickly put our cigarettes under the table if any older adult came by to see what the ruckus was all about. It must have been a funny scene to see the smoke rising from under the table as we all tried to look innocent.
Aunt Florence continued to host the Thanksgiving Dinner for many years but marriages and new additions to the family finally resulted in her hiring a hall in which to hold the dinner. Gradually, we drifted away to more nuclear family settings and the get togethers stopped. I miss those dinners and the fun we all had. I wonder if others of my generation remember and miss Thanksgiving dinner at Great Grandmother's house. Happy memories!!!!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Dogs
HW2's fun drawing resulted in "Droopy" which you can see to the right of this entry. Looking at Droopy this morning made me think of all the dogs that have come into my life along the way. When we were kids, Dad had hunting dogs, English Setters, used to flush birds and retrieve other critters that had been shot during a hunt. His favorite was called Lady, and we grew up with one of her pups, Ricky. Ricky never became much of anything because he preferred to chase cars. Fences did not stop him from this favorite activity nor did a board tied to his collar that bumped his legs as he ran. Finally it was Cars - 1 and Ricky - 0, and Dad buried him in the garden. After that, the folks had a succession of Cocker Spaniels and finally several Shelties.
In my first home, the boys needed a dog, as did I, so we went to the pound and got a mutt that looked like a border collie and named him Sir. Sir was an escape artist and the neighborhood stud, although we did not learn about this for some time. We had a four-foot fence in the back yard that Sir climbed with ease and then walked the tops of the fences seeking out female companionship. One time a very mad neighbor drove down the alley looking for the dog that had just nailed his female. Luckily for Sir, he did not get discovered. Then another neighbor arrived to inform us that Sir had done the deed with his female, and we would have to take one of the puppies. So it went, and as the years went by, Sir never changed his roving habits. He died in old age with a smile on his face.
Thinking that mutts were too smart, I decided to try Cockers. Chris went to the pound and informed me that there was a one-eyed Cocker there that needed a home. Now, really! If you are getting Cockers, you get them because of their sad eyes, and you really need both eyes for the full effect. So I told him to try again, and he found us one and named him Opus after the comic strip Opus, since we had met the artist, and he drew Chris his very own Opus which we had framed and hanging on the wall. Opus was quite scared about his new home and got up on my down comforter and promptly peed a whole lot. Have you ever tried getting dog pee out of a down comforter? It was a good thing he had those sad eyes, as both of them were needed to live thorough this incident. He lived and became my faithful companion never leaving my side when I had a heart attack. I loved that dog and cried and cried when he had to be put to sleep at the end of his life.
Opus needed a friend, so we got Terry, another Cocker, as a puppy, and when she net Opus, she snuggled up and tried to nurse using his male parts. Opus was quite indignant about this attack on his body and would not have anything to do with Terry for quite awhile. They finally grew to be inseparable and enjoyed many years together. Terry had one other endearing trait. She would turn her head away and not look at you when she was doing her business so that you could not see her, of course.
We moved on from Cockers to Scotties and Westies, but that is another story, and you'll have to wait for that one.
In my first home, the boys needed a dog, as did I, so we went to the pound and got a mutt that looked like a border collie and named him Sir. Sir was an escape artist and the neighborhood stud, although we did not learn about this for some time. We had a four-foot fence in the back yard that Sir climbed with ease and then walked the tops of the fences seeking out female companionship. One time a very mad neighbor drove down the alley looking for the dog that had just nailed his female. Luckily for Sir, he did not get discovered. Then another neighbor arrived to inform us that Sir had done the deed with his female, and we would have to take one of the puppies. So it went, and as the years went by, Sir never changed his roving habits. He died in old age with a smile on his face.
Thinking that mutts were too smart, I decided to try Cockers. Chris went to the pound and informed me that there was a one-eyed Cocker there that needed a home. Now, really! If you are getting Cockers, you get them because of their sad eyes, and you really need both eyes for the full effect. So I told him to try again, and he found us one and named him Opus after the comic strip Opus, since we had met the artist, and he drew Chris his very own Opus which we had framed and hanging on the wall. Opus was quite scared about his new home and got up on my down comforter and promptly peed a whole lot. Have you ever tried getting dog pee out of a down comforter? It was a good thing he had those sad eyes, as both of them were needed to live thorough this incident. He lived and became my faithful companion never leaving my side when I had a heart attack. I loved that dog and cried and cried when he had to be put to sleep at the end of his life.
Opus needed a friend, so we got Terry, another Cocker, as a puppy, and when she net Opus, she snuggled up and tried to nurse using his male parts. Opus was quite indignant about this attack on his body and would not have anything to do with Terry for quite awhile. They finally grew to be inseparable and enjoyed many years together. Terry had one other endearing trait. She would turn her head away and not look at you when she was doing her business so that you could not see her, of course.
We moved on from Cockers to Scotties and Westies, but that is another story, and you'll have to wait for that one.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Fog
Yesterday we woke up to a thick fog, and as we drove to breakfast we were very careful since deer are prevalent here and we do not want to have a car-deer collision. Our local deer herd is at least 17 in count. Today, it is another foggy morning but not so thick.
When I was growing up in Newark Valley, which is located in the Southern Tier of central New York State, fog was a common occurrence both early in the morning and sometimes at night. One night we got a call from cousin Georgia Curkendall, who was taking her oldest son Jerry back to Cornell after a weekend visit, and she wondered if I would go along to keep her company, as it was very foggy. Now, Cornell University is not very far from Newark Valley, maybe twenty to thirty miles at most, so the trip is usually very short. I agreed to accompany them and to keep Georgia company on the return trip, as well. The fog was awful. In fact, at times you could not see more than two to three of the center stripes in the road, so we drove very slowly and carefully. After dropping Jerry off, Georgia and I returned in the same manner, as the fog had not lifted or lessened. It took several hours for the entire trip, and we were very glad to get back home.
Another time my dad, who was a regional manager for GLF farm stores, was returning back down our valley in a dense fog when he heard the whistle of the evening train. He stopped the car and opened the door to discover the car was stopped on the railroad track. Again hearing the whistle of the train, he hurriedly restarted the car and just as he pulled off the track, the train went by leaving a black mark on his rear bumper. After a small distance, he again stopped, got control of his shaking, and drove on home. That was a near thing for sure.
If in your travels you encounter fog, please remember these stories and Drive Carefully.
When I was growing up in Newark Valley, which is located in the Southern Tier of central New York State, fog was a common occurrence both early in the morning and sometimes at night. One night we got a call from cousin Georgia Curkendall, who was taking her oldest son Jerry back to Cornell after a weekend visit, and she wondered if I would go along to keep her company, as it was very foggy. Now, Cornell University is not very far from Newark Valley, maybe twenty to thirty miles at most, so the trip is usually very short. I agreed to accompany them and to keep Georgia company on the return trip, as well. The fog was awful. In fact, at times you could not see more than two to three of the center stripes in the road, so we drove very slowly and carefully. After dropping Jerry off, Georgia and I returned in the same manner, as the fog had not lifted or lessened. It took several hours for the entire trip, and we were very glad to get back home.
Another time my dad, who was a regional manager for GLF farm stores, was returning back down our valley in a dense fog when he heard the whistle of the evening train. He stopped the car and opened the door to discover the car was stopped on the railroad track. Again hearing the whistle of the train, he hurriedly restarted the car and just as he pulled off the track, the train went by leaving a black mark on his rear bumper. After a small distance, he again stopped, got control of his shaking, and drove on home. That was a near thing for sure.
If in your travels you encounter fog, please remember these stories and Drive Carefully.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Miss Potter
We finally watched Miss Potter, which is a delightful story of Beatrix Potter's life and how she came to write and illustrate Peter Rabbit and ultimately buy her first farm in the Lake Country of England. It was a wonderful story, very well told, and a movie to be enjoyed by all age groups. We had intended for some time to watch this movie and can only encourage you to find the time to view this classic. Rene Zellweiger is tremendous in this character of Miss Potter. It certainly puts to shame Deck the Halls, which was previously reviewed. I give Miss Potter four thumbs up, and the toes are wiggling happily, too. Happy viewing.
Movie Weekends
When HW2 and/or I have an operation or illness and we need recuperation time, we frequently rent a bunch of movies and have a movie marathon. Since we have been recovering from our colds, we decided yesterday to drive into town to visit Blockbuster and rent some movies to watch as we rest and recuperate. We checked the walls of recent releases and picked out Ocean's Thirteen, having enjoyed Eleven and Twelve. We also found Miss Potter that HW2 had been wanting to view and finally also picked Deck The Halls.
Arriving home with our selections, we decided to play the ones that had to be returned in two days and started with Ocean's Thirteen, which proved to be good entertainment in the same way the earlier two releases had been fun to watch. After dinner we watched part of a repeat of 'Chuck', and then opted out for Deck The Halls. We had picked this movie because it had Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick, and the two Kristins, Chenoweth and Davis, in the cast and we know that these actors do good presentations. Well, let me tell you in the best of Roger Ebert style: This movie rates more than two thumbs. It rates all ten fingers/thumbs down and curled toes to boot. It was awful! I really wonder how these fine actors could have done such a poor movie. It had almost nothing to do with Christmas, feel good movies, and even less to do with comedy. So save your money, and rent something else. We saved Miss Potter for today and look foward to Renee Zellweger's version of Beatrix Potter. I'll keep you posted.
Arriving home with our selections, we decided to play the ones that had to be returned in two days and started with Ocean's Thirteen, which proved to be good entertainment in the same way the earlier two releases had been fun to watch. After dinner we watched part of a repeat of 'Chuck', and then opted out for Deck The Halls. We had picked this movie because it had Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick, and the two Kristins, Chenoweth and Davis, in the cast and we know that these actors do good presentations. Well, let me tell you in the best of Roger Ebert style: This movie rates more than two thumbs. It rates all ten fingers/thumbs down and curled toes to boot. It was awful! I really wonder how these fine actors could have done such a poor movie. It had almost nothing to do with Christmas, feel good movies, and even less to do with comedy. So save your money, and rent something else. We saved Miss Potter for today and look foward to Renee Zellweger's version of Beatrix Potter. I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
200 Cold Viruses
Somewhere I heard that there were actually 200 different cold viruses. This is probably a big lie made up by Dr. David Williams (Harold's favorite Dr.) to sell more of his products to cure the cold virus. Now he may have something, like lots of money from Harold, but he can't fool me twice. I once bought some of his snake cures and did get rid of all of my snakes. (Just kidding) When it comes right down to it, we all know that the common cold takes two weeks to get over. No matter what you do, it takes two weeks. Nothing really works, although last night I considered the three fingers cure very seriously. You take a clean glass and wrap your hand around the glass to discover how much Scotch or Bourbon it takes to fill up to three fingers, and then drink it. I actually have tried this cure (Not Last Night!). It does not cure your cold, but, you don't care any more. I sat up from 12 to 2:30am last night trying to not keep HW2 awake with my endless coughing. Finally Hall's cough drops helped somewhat, and I crawled back into bed and slept till 7 this morning. The good thing about this misadventure was I got to hear it raining, just as Jennifer, the San Antonio weather lady, had promised.
Anyway this cold saga continues through its two weeks and I expect to live through it, even though Brian Williams of the NBC Nightly News told us that there was now a killer cold virus out there. I do not plan to get that!!!!! My grandchildren lived through their colds and I have to do the same and follow their good examples. So Dr. Williams - Hah!!! Harold - Don't believe everything you read. Happy travels and keep warm. Don't get colds.
Anyway this cold saga continues through its two weeks and I expect to live through it, even though Brian Williams of the NBC Nightly News told us that there was now a killer cold virus out there. I do not plan to get that!!!!! My grandchildren lived through their colds and I have to do the same and follow their good examples. So Dr. Williams - Hah!!! Harold - Don't believe everything you read. Happy travels and keep warm. Don't get colds.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Back to Kerrville
This morning we said our goodbyes to Jerry and Marlene and grandchildren Kait, Michelle, and Andy. With lots of hugs all around they went off to school or work, and we finished packing the car and got back on the road to Kerrville. We had decided to go about half the way and make the trip in two days and so are staying at Fort Stockton for the first evening. This makes the second part of the trip a short haul of 250 miles tomorrow. As usual the scenery was not exciting, but we did see a small herd of prong horn antelopes which are always fun to see. Other than that we drove straight ahead, generally following the speed limit and stopping for lunch in Carlsbad at Subway for our usual tuna sandwich. Back in Central time zone we pulled into Fort Stockton, found a motel and took a short rest before looking for a place for dinner.
As I look back at our brief sojourn in Albuquerque, I want to thank our kids for a wonderful family time and a chance to enjoy their hospitality and company. They made the whole thing worthwhile. Thanks!!!!! Happy travels.
As I look back at our brief sojourn in Albuquerque, I want to thank our kids for a wonderful family time and a chance to enjoy their hospitality and company. They made the whole thing worthwhile. Thanks!!!!! Happy travels.
Horses
I like horses even if I don't know exactly why. When we were young, living on a farm near Ithaca, I think that there was a work horse on the farm that was blind, and we were occasionally allowed to ride the horse bareback, and someone would lead the horse around for the brief ride. My next adventure occurred when we were living in Waterville in the tenant house of the Barrett Farm and located next to the house was a corral. Mr. Barrett let Dad plow with horses so that we could have a garden, and sometimes I would get to ride some of the work horses, bareback as usual. I caused my mother a fright when I rode one of the horses into the corral and the horse stopped, but I sailed on and landed on my bottom. All that was hurt was my pride. After that my riding days were over.
A few years ago I found a glass horse made by Carder of Steuben glass fame and couldn't resist buying it. This started a collecting frenzy for horse figurines. I decided to try to get a horse made by each of the various glass companies, and this proved quite a challenge. Then I got into glass horse bookends and then branched out into china horses, and so it went. Ultimately, the collection grew to good size, and we tried selling them at antique shows. Other horse collectors gradually began to look for our booth to see what horses we might have for sale.. When we sold the antique business, many of the collected horses had to go, but I did keep the Steuben horse that started the whole thing. Now, why do I like horses? I really do not know for sure and could easily start collecting them all over again. I guess it is my compulsive nature or something else. Perhaps the best thing is the grace of the horse caught by the artist and portrayed in the figurine.
A few years ago I found a glass horse made by Carder of Steuben glass fame and couldn't resist buying it. This started a collecting frenzy for horse figurines. I decided to try to get a horse made by each of the various glass companies, and this proved quite a challenge. Then I got into glass horse bookends and then branched out into china horses, and so it went. Ultimately, the collection grew to good size, and we tried selling them at antique shows. Other horse collectors gradually began to look for our booth to see what horses we might have for sale.. When we sold the antique business, many of the collected horses had to go, but I did keep the Steuben horse that started the whole thing. Now, why do I like horses? I really do not know for sure and could easily start collecting them all over again. I guess it is my compulsive nature or something else. Perhaps the best thing is the grace of the horse caught by the artist and portrayed in the figurine.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Weems Art Fest
We did it!!! You might wonder why the exclamation points. We really had a wonderful time on several counts. First of all, the folks who worked the show did a wonderful job and were very helpful to get us registered and in our booth and offered coffee, etc. throughout the entire show. We have known many of these people for years and, especially, Mary Ann Weems, who is the spark behind the whole thing. She took a risk on us, and we appreciated it immensely. The crowds were constant, and you could not have asked for more people to come to see what was available and in some cases purchase a treasure.
We got set up and met old friends who were also exhibiting. Of course, this meant pictures and good visits and some shopping by HW2. We needed a treasure or two, also. Then it started, and we went to work visiting with passing folks to try to get them to look in our booth. I think that HW2 can sell refrigerators to Eskimos. At times things were just fast and furious. Best of all, we began to see and visit with friends and family as they came by. The first day it was lots of kids and retired folks, and since we are in the latter category, we found many people we knew to visit with. We did find it hard to sell something AND visit with friends too. So we erred on the visiting side.
We had caught colds from the grandkids and, of course, this came into flower right as the show opened. However, we carried on and probably spread some germs but tried not to do that. At the end of the show we had made a few sales and made expenses and felt that it had been very rewarding, as well as thoroughly enjoying all the visiting. Now we pack up our equipment and head back to our motor home in Texas probably on Wednesday. Happy traveling!
We got set up and met old friends who were also exhibiting. Of course, this meant pictures and good visits and some shopping by HW2. We needed a treasure or two, also. Then it started, and we went to work visiting with passing folks to try to get them to look in our booth. I think that HW2 can sell refrigerators to Eskimos. At times things were just fast and furious. Best of all, we began to see and visit with friends and family as they came by. The first day it was lots of kids and retired folks, and since we are in the latter category, we found many people we knew to visit with. We did find it hard to sell something AND visit with friends too. So we erred on the visiting side.
We had caught colds from the grandkids and, of course, this came into flower right as the show opened. However, we carried on and probably spread some germs but tried not to do that. At the end of the show we had made a few sales and made expenses and felt that it had been very rewarding, as well as thoroughly enjoying all the visiting. Now we pack up our equipment and head back to our motor home in Texas probably on Wednesday. Happy traveling!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Outhouses
When I was first aware of things and moving around I my own, that is walking, I learned about outhouses. They were the normal mode in my daily life. Everyone that I knew, in my limited way, had them. My great grandparents' was located off the side porch, and you could get to it without going out doors and best of all had two holes. Most had only one. My grandmother's was out back near her barn and had three holes. The whole family could go together. About this time we were getting ready to move from Phelps, NY, and the owner of our house decided to update it for the new tenants by installing inside plumbing, but we were not allowed to use it. (I never knew why) We then moved to a farm near Ithaca, and we had inside plumbing. Boy, did we feel special.
In some of the outhouses there was toilet paper, but most had the Sears catalogue, and you were supposed to use a page or two out of the catalogue. Shiny pages did not work as well. The other thing in lots of country outhouses was the insects in the summer. You had to keep an eye peeled for spiders and wasps, but generally they did not bother you. The other problem was a trip in the night when you had to go outside in the dark. Most had flashlights, but a trip in the dark can be scary for a kid. So, many had a chamber pot, which could be used in emergencies at night. Of course, in the morning you had to take the chamber pot and empty it out either outside or into the outhouse. That was no fun either. Chamber pots had many names, but my favorite was 'thunder mug'. Have you heard other names?
In some of the outhouses there was toilet paper, but most had the Sears catalogue, and you were supposed to use a page or two out of the catalogue. Shiny pages did not work as well. The other thing in lots of country outhouses was the insects in the summer. You had to keep an eye peeled for spiders and wasps, but generally they did not bother you. The other problem was a trip in the night when you had to go outside in the dark. Most had flashlights, but a trip in the dark can be scary for a kid. So, many had a chamber pot, which could be used in emergencies at night. Of course, in the morning you had to take the chamber pot and empty it out either outside or into the outhouse. That was no fun either. Chamber pots had many names, but my favorite was 'thunder mug'. Have you heard other names?
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Grandkids read to us!!!
Last night when Marlene and the kids got home, she quickly put together a filling and tasty vegetable soup for dinner. Kait and I went to the grocery store for bread to go along with the soup, and Andy needed batteries. After dinner the kids finished homework, Kait went across the street to babysit, and then Michelle read out loud to Grammy while Andy read four books to his mom and grandad. What a joy to hear the kids read so well and to enjoy reading. It can be a lifelong pleasure to read.
We love to read and frequently finish a book or more each week. At this time we are limiting our reading to paperback books so that we do not add too much weight to the motor home. When we got to Kerrville, we visited our favorite used book store and found that the owner had kept us on file these past four years even though we were away. So we take any book we have finished for credit and then can purchase used paperbacks for 3/4ths of the printed cost. This savings allows us to get many book to read at a time and keeps our small library full. I like to read action stories or political biographies and have a list of favorite authors in the car to refresh my memory whenever we are getting new books to read. I just finished a book by Brad Meltzer and now am reading, 'The General was a Spy,' another Nazi thriller I hope. If you are a reader, give me author suggestions. I always appreciate new books to look for and read.
We love to read and frequently finish a book or more each week. At this time we are limiting our reading to paperback books so that we do not add too much weight to the motor home. When we got to Kerrville, we visited our favorite used book store and found that the owner had kept us on file these past four years even though we were away. So we take any book we have finished for credit and then can purchase used paperbacks for 3/4ths of the printed cost. This savings allows us to get many book to read at a time and keeps our small library full. I like to read action stories or political biographies and have a list of favorite authors in the car to refresh my memory whenever we are getting new books to read. I just finished a book by Brad Meltzer and now am reading, 'The General was a Spy,' another Nazi thriller I hope. If you are a reader, give me author suggestions. I always appreciate new books to look for and read.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Albuquerque It Is!
We arrived in Albuquerque about noon and started unpacking the car. Marlene had left us a key so we could get in as they were either at work or in school. We got unpacked and then put together the display racks for the Artfest and will take them down to the exhibition hall tomorrow. Everything seemed to arrive in good shape, and that is good since glass is hard to repair when broken. I must admit that the trip across north Texas and southwestern New Mexico is boring and seems to be very brown and dusty at this time of the year. We did see three prong horn antelope as we drove along.
Set up occurs on Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday. The show opens on Friday and continues through Sunday. We are looking forward to a good show and seeing old friends and family. Hopefully, the visiting will not get in the way of any selling, although I would rather visit than sell. Our friend Arthur called and was leaving Albuquerque as we arrived. How disappointing, as we had hoped to see him here. We last got together on his family's island in the summer. We shall miss visiting with Arthur and have to make arrangements to see him at another time and setting.
Now to spending some fun times with Jerry, Scott, Marlene and grands: Kait, Michelle, and Andy. We purchased pie for dessert tonight and muffins for breakfast as an added treat since Marlene left us a note to say that she had taken care of dinner.
Set up occurs on Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday. The show opens on Friday and continues through Sunday. We are looking forward to a good show and seeing old friends and family. Hopefully, the visiting will not get in the way of any selling, although I would rather visit than sell. Our friend Arthur called and was leaving Albuquerque as we arrived. How disappointing, as we had hoped to see him here. We last got together on his family's island in the summer. We shall miss visiting with Arthur and have to make arrangements to see him at another time and setting.
Now to spending some fun times with Jerry, Scott, Marlene and grands: Kait, Michelle, and Andy. We purchased pie for dessert tonight and muffins for breakfast as an added treat since Marlene left us a note to say that she had taken care of dinner.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Back on the road
Today is a travel day, and tomorrow as well. We finish packing up our clothes and other last minute things into the car, and then we take the motor home nearby to a repair place where they will finish installing our inverter. It is work that is mostly done, but there is a panel connected to the inverter that has to be placed inside the motor home so that we can quickly see its status. Joel is very busy lately and needed some free time to do the panel and which can happen while we are traveling by car to Albuquerque for the show. Hopefully, this will be the last of the repairs for awhile.
We also decided not to get an early start and break up the 700 mile trip in to parts. This should make it easier on HW2's back and make the trip less hurried. The trip on Interstate 10 is very pretty here, especially in the spring when the wild flowers are in full bloom along the highway. The Texas Blue Bonnets are particularly beautiful. Hopefully, we will not get charged by a deer attempting to cross the road. They are very plentiful in the hill country and a nuisance, sometimes deadly, along the highway. We will probably stop in either Fort Stockton or Carlsbad for the night. It depends on when we get started and how tired we are. So wish us happy travels and a safe trip too.
We also decided not to get an early start and break up the 700 mile trip in to parts. This should make it easier on HW2's back and make the trip less hurried. The trip on Interstate 10 is very pretty here, especially in the spring when the wild flowers are in full bloom along the highway. The Texas Blue Bonnets are particularly beautiful. Hopefully, we will not get charged by a deer attempting to cross the road. They are very plentiful in the hill country and a nuisance, sometimes deadly, along the highway. We will probably stop in either Fort Stockton or Carlsbad for the night. It depends on when we get started and how tired we are. So wish us happy travels and a safe trip too.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Fire Trucks and Ambulances
Since we have been in Kerrville at the Guadalupe River Resort for RV'ers, I have watched the fire truck and ambulance go by twice. The first time it was just across from us, and neighbor Carl was having trouble with his diabetes and had to be taken to the hospital to get his body chemistry back in sync. A couple of days later and he was back here, and all was well. About 10 minutes ago I again heard the sirens getting louder and louder, and this time they stopped a short distance away, and I am wondering what the trouble might be. At one point we parked directly across from where the emergency has occurred, and I got to visiting with the elderly man who lives there with his wife. Being a 'nosey parker' seems to come naturally when you reside in a small community like this, so, I'll have to find out what happened. I hope that they are both OK.
My Aunt Maude got remarried late in life and spent a winter in in a Del Webb Resort with her new husband, which is only for people over 55 or 65. She said that every time the ambulance came by, everyone would stick out his head and try to see if a better apartment had just become available. I suspect in retirement areas, ambulances are a fact of life. Stick with me, and if I learn more worth reporting, I will keep you posted. Happy, safe traveling!!!!
He was having a heart attack and has been airlifted to a San Antonio hospital but that is all at this time. We are hoping for a good outcome.
My Aunt Maude got remarried late in life and spent a winter in in a Del Webb Resort with her new husband, which is only for people over 55 or 65. She said that every time the ambulance came by, everyone would stick out his head and try to see if a better apartment had just become available. I suspect in retirement areas, ambulances are a fact of life. Stick with me, and if I learn more worth reporting, I will keep you posted. Happy, safe traveling!!!!
He was having a heart attack and has been airlifted to a San Antonio hospital but that is all at this time. We are hoping for a good outcome.
Terry H.
About twenty five years ago I met Terry H., and we had a conference about one of her children. Josh was in the sixth grade at the time and an entrepreneur. He was selling candy at lunch. This really was a harmless activity, but I thought it might be nice to get to know his folks and set up the conference. Now we have remained good friends ever since. As I remember it, Josh no longer sold candy at lunch, but 25 years dims my memory considerably. I am sure that he is a mover and shaker in today's world. His older brother was an excellent swimmer, and his sister was a fantastic dancer who helped lead her high school squad, "The Vikettes,' a cheer and drill team, to become state champions. Perhaps best of all was the high spirits generated by this team at her home school. Terry was the mom behind this busy family and always involved in the lives of her kids.
At some point, I advertised a job at my school for the position of Academy director. The Valley Academy was the part of our school where we challenged students to do well in academics and set the expectation that our graduates would attend college. Gradually as this program developed, more and more of our students met this challenge. Terry applied for this position, and with her usual panache she pointed out what a terrific addition she would be to our staff, and that she indeed would make the Academy program a success. Now, I knew her as one terrific and involved mom, but best of all I got to see her develop professionally in her new role at the director of our Academy. Under her leadership we eventually encouraged many of our student to take advanced placement courses, always raising expectations, and ultimately our graduates changed from 22% attending college to nearly 80%. I also got to work with my good friend Terry. She has now retired from the educational world and has settled near her children and grandkids. She should write about her life and could inspire others by her fine leadership example.
At some point, I advertised a job at my school for the position of Academy director. The Valley Academy was the part of our school where we challenged students to do well in academics and set the expectation that our graduates would attend college. Gradually as this program developed, more and more of our students met this challenge. Terry applied for this position, and with her usual panache she pointed out what a terrific addition she would be to our staff, and that she indeed would make the Academy program a success. Now, I knew her as one terrific and involved mom, but best of all I got to see her develop professionally in her new role at the director of our Academy. Under her leadership we eventually encouraged many of our student to take advanced placement courses, always raising expectations, and ultimately our graduates changed from 22% attending college to nearly 80%. I also got to work with my good friend Terry. She has now retired from the educational world and has settled near her children and grandkids. She should write about her life and could inspire others by her fine leadership example.
Comments on our Blogs
When I read what other people have written in their blogs, I frequently leave a reply, which can be done by clicking on 'comment' and then quickly typing a reply. If you are not a member of Google, you just click on 'anonymous,' and your reply shows up on the blog, and the writer gets some feedback on his writing. I find myself checking to see if anyone has commented on my blog and always hope that someone will, as the feedback seems to validate me and keep me writing. This is also a wonderful way to keep in touch with longtime family and friends and, hopefully, make some new friends in the bargain.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Cleaning and Packing
Yesterday we decided to clean the car out. Since I have been using it as a storage unit on wheels, it took quite a time to even unload the car. My outside work area came in handy, as did the neighbor's too. Then HW2 and I cleaned and vacuumed and cleaned, and, you get the picture. It almost smelled like a new car when we were done, which is quite a trick for a car that is four years old.
My next job was to begin to locate all the stuff we need for the glass show, which meant getting into the storage bays under the motor home and adding that stuff to our outside work area. At this point we looked like the folks in Grapes of Wrath heading from Oklahoma to California. All we needed was Granny in her rocking chair tied to the roof of the truck, but I digress.
With the car cleaned, I put in the 2 x 4's we use to make a platform on which we hang our glass when we are displaying it at a show. There are 18 of them, seven feet long and take up a bit of room, but I got them in! We store them in two bays on either side of the motor home when not in use. Then putting a rug on top, more items could be placed in the car, but wait, there is more to this exciting saga.
In the middle of the cleaning we had gone to town to buy bikes for much-needed exercise, and the only way I could get one of them home was to have unloaded the car. So with 2 x 4's as a platform, we quickly drove back to the bike store and were able to transport one of the bikes here. The other is on order, and we will pick it up when we return from the show in Albuquerque.
We arrived back here, unloaded the bike, and returned to attacking our piles of stuff. Neighbors came by and wanted to know if we were moving. I think they hoped we would, so that they would not have to look at all our stored junk sitting outside on our work table and the neighbor's table. Fortunately, the neighbor had left several days ago, and so missed this wonderful show. Finally finished, we have clean work areas, lots of stuff packed in the car for our trip, and the rest stored under the motor home. Guess it is time for a bike ride. Happy wandering.
My next job was to begin to locate all the stuff we need for the glass show, which meant getting into the storage bays under the motor home and adding that stuff to our outside work area. At this point we looked like the folks in Grapes of Wrath heading from Oklahoma to California. All we needed was Granny in her rocking chair tied to the roof of the truck, but I digress.
With the car cleaned, I put in the 2 x 4's we use to make a platform on which we hang our glass when we are displaying it at a show. There are 18 of them, seven feet long and take up a bit of room, but I got them in! We store them in two bays on either side of the motor home when not in use. Then putting a rug on top, more items could be placed in the car, but wait, there is more to this exciting saga.
In the middle of the cleaning we had gone to town to buy bikes for much-needed exercise, and the only way I could get one of them home was to have unloaded the car. So with 2 x 4's as a platform, we quickly drove back to the bike store and were able to transport one of the bikes here. The other is on order, and we will pick it up when we return from the show in Albuquerque.
We arrived back here, unloaded the bike, and returned to attacking our piles of stuff. Neighbors came by and wanted to know if we were moving. I think they hoped we would, so that they would not have to look at all our stored junk sitting outside on our work table and the neighbor's table. Fortunately, the neighbor had left several days ago, and so missed this wonderful show. Finally finished, we have clean work areas, lots of stuff packed in the car for our trip, and the rest stored under the motor home. Guess it is time for a bike ride. Happy wandering.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
More Birds and other Visitors
Outside our motor home we have a cement patio with table and benches, surrounded by several large bushes. We decided when we arrived here to buy some bird seed and a small feeder, which we hung in the bushes so that we could watch the birds as they came to feed. So far, few birds have found our feeder, but we finally saw some black-capped chickadees sitting in the trees, and I heard one of them singing. We also have had a finch but could not tell what type.
About two days ago, I was working outside on my glass. I have erected a tent over the table, and this makes a great place to work, completing the cutting, grinding, and soldering. The temperature has been moderate for the most part, and the area has been a wonderful place to work. As people walk by, most wave and say hi but some also stop to talk and see what I am doing. So I have met quite a few of the neighbors and may have some potential sales. Time will tell. One recent day I had an unusual visitor. There is a huge flock of boat-tailed grackles here at the park which usually arrive and leave as a group. A single grackle visited me and started walking about the table, keeping one eye pitched to see what I might do. We were never more than 3 to 4 feet apart, and both watched the other. He found some things/insects to eat, and since I could see that he could not get at the feeder, I got up and shook the feeder so that some of the seed would be on the ground where he could feast. This move did not excite him in the least, and soon he was getting seed from the ground. This grackle was totally unafraid of me and stayed with me for some time. I hope he comes back today when I solder the piece I am currently working with.
About two days ago, I was working outside on my glass. I have erected a tent over the table, and this makes a great place to work, completing the cutting, grinding, and soldering. The temperature has been moderate for the most part, and the area has been a wonderful place to work. As people walk by, most wave and say hi but some also stop to talk and see what I am doing. So I have met quite a few of the neighbors and may have some potential sales. Time will tell. One recent day I had an unusual visitor. There is a huge flock of boat-tailed grackles here at the park which usually arrive and leave as a group. A single grackle visited me and started walking about the table, keeping one eye pitched to see what I might do. We were never more than 3 to 4 feet apart, and both watched the other. He found some things/insects to eat, and since I could see that he could not get at the feeder, I got up and shook the feeder so that some of the seed would be on the ground where he could feast. This move did not excite him in the least, and soon he was getting seed from the ground. This grackle was totally unafraid of me and stayed with me for some time. I hope he comes back today when I solder the piece I am currently working with.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)