Last gasp for 2006

I am an ecstatic mom. I heard from my daughter last night and she is safely back in the USA. Well, relatively safely. These days I don't think anywhere in the world is really SAFE. But she's back where I can talk to her with no trouble. Very good! Double Wahoo.

I am zeroing in on a new art project. My project with my grandson turned out great. We made two artefacts, and they both were acceptable... and he didn't say "this is disgusting" even once! Now I have a new project in hand for me, myself and I. I got some tubes of watercolor for Christmas together with two canvases. I think I am going to try the technique I saw Cal De Ruyter demonstrate of painting on the canvas with water color right from the tube. Should be exciting and a fun time for me. Whether it will amount to anything much is beside the point!

Have a safe evening. And may you have a wonderful 2007.

okayyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Well. I guess I know what's happening. I can do two different blogs now if I want to. Why I would want to is anyone's guess.

We are thundering up upon a new year. What that year will bring is not known. The portents around the world are not good. Global warming, wars all over the place, lies and liars abounding........ Well, if it weren't for the hope that I have in Jesus Christ, I would literally not have any hope. We do need to keep on trucking but how, that's the question.

I believe that it is important to do the good thing that presents itself in front of you each day. I used to call that "keepin on truckin'"... Since I'm still kickin', I guess I can also keep on truckin'. Let's make that one of our New Year's Resolutions! Another one of those resolutions should be to laugh a lot! Wahoo. I can do that!

Take care and keep up the good work at the gym!

oh my

I am writing another little note to see what will happen. If this shows up, to get the new posts you have to add the 2 at the end of the twopairandaspare address. Sigh

wow

Well, we made it. We have been married for 53 years. Today we are sitting in our son's family home with our grandson coughing in the background. He is busily watching cartoons and we are eating breakfast. That is, George is eating breakfast and I am drinking coffee and blogging. John and Beth are off to work.

I have lined up an art project for Matthew and I t0 do. Not paper mache, Barb, but something akin to that. It is called cotton linting. You buy some cotton linting stuff, put it in the blender with water... blend, drain, and put in a cast. Let dry and then take it out of the cast. There are many places where this could go wrong. I found it in Michael's @ with all kinds of further applications we could buy if it works and we enjoy doing it. Time will tell.

Hats off to Naomi who will be back in the states soon. Have a safe trip.

Take care.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Nice relaxed day. Opening the presents around the tree. Breakfast fixed by chefs Beth and John. Open Christmas stockings. All is well.

We went to a very festive and celebratory church service last evening in a very old church here on the Langley Air Force Base. It was a great candle lighting service. Then home to a nice late supper. To bed after watching a roaring fire in their great fireplace. Wonderful.

I miss our own church. I wonder how it went on Sunday. Morning regular church service. Afternoon and evening services. I imagine Pastor just brought a cot to the church and camped out. That would be cool.

My best to you all. Jesus is the reason for the season, fer sure. love ya.

Oofta

Well. I managed to sign up for a Google e-mail account so that I could get this blog into the newest format, or something. John got me started and I hope that I have completed all the necessary stuff to have accomplished this daring feat. We'll see if I can post more efficiently or if a new nightmare has begun. Time will tell.

Hmmmmmmmmmm. Take care.

Christmas Spirit

Just picture me! It is evening and I am dressed in my red plaid flannel pants, my white and plaid sweat shirt and a red/blue/yellow/green/white plaid vest. I am the spirit of Kris Kringle personified. If I were at home I would grace you with my photo, but I don't know how to do that here, so you will be spared that horror.

We drove around here and looked at the Christmas lights on the houses. I must say we do equally well in the mid-west, if not better. We have some humdinger lighters in Evansville. There are all kinds of mansions around here and some of them decorate in a tasteful way, some in an extravagant way, but some of them gain the boo hiss award for awful. I imagine it is that way everywhere.

Have you put up lights this year? Which category do you fall into? Go outside and look it over. Tasteful? Extravagant? or Boo Hiss? Or nothing? That is not often the case.

We send our Christmas Greetings to you all. Take care.

Happy Friday

The ham was wonderful and superabundant. The Spanish Creme was not good. I have to visit Carol when I get back home and watch her make it, because it definitely was not successful the way I made it. I want to learn!

Hope you all are doing well.

Now, THAT'S a ham!

We have an 18 pound ham in our oven! It came wrapped in burlap-like stuff with the instructions written on it for various styles of cooking. After being soaked in water overnight, it was placed in the oven at 300 degrees at 10:30 am. We hope by carefully following the instructions, it will be ready for consumption tonight and many a meal to come. Cookbook, here we come. Any fantastic recipes out there?

Speaking of fantastic recipes, remember the recipe I got from Carol for Spanish Creme? Well, I am going to make it tomorrow. Everyone should love it as it is benignly without fat or carbs... besides tasting GREAT.

The new mattress and box spring came today delivered by two very accomodating young men from Macy's department store. They delivered it within the time-frame allowed and were very polite. They were competing for two tickets to the Super Bowl so they want us to call in and say how OUTSTANDING they were. I can do that, as they really were outstanding!

I now have done three different styles of dumplings on three consecutive days. Today was the best and I did the simplest recipe.. the one on the bisquick box. Yummmmm. I am retiring the chicken soup, however, as three days with the same lunch seems excessive. George is exceedingly patient and said the soup was the best today!

Take care. We are having chilly but preasant weather. How about you?

school bus

It has been many years since I thought about school buses. I took our grandson to meet the bus this morning. It comes to the corner just one house away, but he has to be accompanied by an adult, which is a good thing. We meet it at 3:15 in the afternoon, and if his adult isn't there to meet it, the boy won't be dropped off. Such care has to be taken to insure safety these days. I approve wholeheartedly. He ordinarily doesn't get to ride the bus, so he is really excited and glad about it. Grandparents are the greatest! Wahoo.

About the pie we made yesterday. I bought crust already in the pie pan ready to go. It was terrible. The pie "innards" were very good. I called my pal Carol to get basic instructions as I couldn't find the cookbooks here, and it went fine. It will take me awhile to figure out where everything is. Makes life very interesting.

Barb: paper mache is not one of the things I plan to do. Been there, failed at that. I would have to be really desperate to try it again!

I really miss my gym buddies. Hope you are all fine. Send me an e-mail so I have your addresses... I usually use my address book to write to you, and I don't have access to that here. Are you getting excited about Christmas shopping and decorating and food, etc.? Take a moment out every now and then to think about the meaning of the great day!

Running Man

I now live at a place called "Running Man." I haven't seen any men running, only a woman, but if I keep alert, who can tell. I am going to meet my grandson's bus this afternoon and then we are going to make an apple pie from the apples we brought from Minnesota. We have to do it very quickly because at 5 he has to leave to play basketball. Kids have lots of things to do these days. He's in kindergarten and already knows about phonics and spelling, etc. Of course, he's exceptionally bright, etc., etc., And he also takes Tae Kwan Do and showed us a board that he had broken in two with his very own little hand. oofta.

We are having fun learning to know a new place. Where everything is found in the house, but where everything is outside the house, too. I love it. More tales from - not the crypt - but from the ... what? What do you suggest?

Egg on Face

We were busy addressing and sending our annual Christmas letter. I had a whole stack done, and George, very helpfully, took them to the post office. Turns out that the top two had stamps and the rest didn't, plus there were no return address doodads on them. Sigh. I found out about it because Fran mentioned she had to pay to get the letter. She DID say that it was worth the stamp, but goodness gracious. Ah, well. If any of you were the recipients of that letter, I apologise profusely!

Naomi's latest blog is great. Be sure to check it out. I talked to her this morning and it was wonderful to hear her voice.

Readership

Somebody on TV last night said the average number of readers of a blog was ONE. I don't know how they came up with that number, but it made me feel rather good. As I am pretty sure I have more than one reader!

It was hard to come up with a name for my blog that had not been used many times before. I got desperate and used the title of one of my paintings that I had sitting by the computer, and it didn't get challenged, so that's how I came up with the dreaded twopairandaspare title. Not fun, but at least unique. The sub title, Still Kickin', is self explanatory.

I am not still hula hooping or belly dancing, but at least I can still kick, if not very high. The gals at the gym are always teasing me because I don't raise my feet from the resting board. I think part of the reason for that is that then there is no chance I will lose my balance. Even at that, I have lost over 30 inches round my various parts. Amazing.

The best part of the whole deal is that I can still laugh at my self! That's the best exercise there is! May you have at least a good chuckle today!

dinner vs. supper

There was only one response to my question in my last blog. I do thank Karen for her response! When I was a girl, the noon meal on Sunday was always called Sunday Dinner.. later in life I discovered that evening meals that were substantial were also called dinner. In the midwest, I believe that at the present time the evening meal is generally called supper so that you know what time of day you are thinking of.

Check out the menus the next time you go to the local eateries. There are lunch menus and dinner menus. Generally, the dinner menu is referring to the evening menu. Generally the dinner menu is considerably more expensive than the lunch menu.

If you say "luncheon" that seems a bit classier than "lunch." And we all want to be classy, right? Not. Whichever meal you mean, if the food is good, who cares!

Spanish Creme

We had the wonderful invitation to visit our friends Carol and Carl in Ashby last night for the evening meal. (In case you're noticing, I'm avoiding saying "supper" or "dinner"... Which do you prefer, and why?) She had home made bread (made in your gift machine, Fran), a wonderful chicken and rice dish, and yummy vegetables. A tour de force! But to top it all off, there was a GREAT dessert. She says it has been a favorite of her kids for many years. So here it is. Hats off to Carol for this, and obviously she substituted Splenda @ for the sugar so I could eat it.

1 pkg gelatin
3 C. milk
6 T cocoa
3 separated eggs
1/2 C. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 t. vanilla

Soften the gelatin in 1/4 c. cold milk. Beat yolks, then add rest of milk, sugar, cocoa and salt.
Cook until just custard consistency. Add gelatin mixture. Stir and remove from stove. Fold in beaten egg white and vanilla. Pour into a mold. Chill. Serve with Cool Whip or Reddi Whip.

I tell you, I am a fan. It looks great and tastes greater. Wahoo. We don't use much unsweetened and unflavored gelatin now, but this recipe is worth it. Check it out!

Beyond the eating fun, we had our usual fun time talking. Friends are just the greatest!

snow, beautiful snow

We finally got snow yesterday. It was very cold and windy. If we had had more snow we might have had a blizzard... but I do love the look of the white stuff.

It was a full day yesterday. The Advent breakfast went very well. I managed to tell the story to every one's satisfaction and, of course, the food was good. A great way to start off the advent season!

At one o'clock was the funeral of Kermit Zickur. Christina Lake Church was packed both upstairs and downstairs for the tribute to this very active and appreciated man. Then, at 4:30 was the meeting of our Evansville Arts Coalition. We are planning some wonderful events for the new year. I will try to keep you posted. Life is ongoing...

Shout out to Shirley. I got in touch with her after a long time because I saw her son at the funeral and it reminded me to send her an e-mail and I heard back. Always fine to get in touch with old friends!

Take care.

Painting revisited....

I took this painting to the gym (in its old form) and as we all were looking at it, I started to see that I had not yet finished it. So, I took it home and started in, and this is the new painting which I think IS finished. We'll see. The rule of thumb is that once you have signed a painting it is finished, but since when have I ever followed any rule of thumb!

My newest challenge is to learn to use a hoola hoop. They have weighted ones at the gym that look so easy to use. Right. The girls all encourage me, cajole me and generally give me the business because I don't try enough. It's a bit like the belly dancing. My old stodgy body is not very flexible. If I should ever succeed, I will let loose with a yell which will be like the "shula" that the Norwegian girl sang at the concert. A loud and piercing call that can be heard for miles (literally). Of course, that is another skill that I would have to develop then. It should be easier, however, than the hula hoop, which seems to be down-right impossible.

Church today was great. A baptism, communion, good sermon ... and then the choir got to sing a wonderful anthem: "Jesus, What a Beautiful Name." Then George took me for dinner to the local bistro. I have had a great day. Hope you had one, too.

We'll be thinking of Karen l and her husband as they begin their trip to Africa tomorrow. Hope all goes well and they enjoy getting to know a completely different part of the world.

Yes, second try...

On TV there are sad tales of ice storms, snow blizzards, all kinds of severe weather all around the U. S., and here in northern Minnesota, this is the extent of the snow. We do have temperatures in the teens and single digits, but no blizzards. It is pathetic! Will we have a dry winter? I hope not. I await the white stuff.

We composed our Christmas letter today. Later I might include it as a blog, but not quite yet, as it will spoil the impact of getting it in the mail for those of you who will receive it later. It is a masterpiece, of course, so I suppose you will await it anxiously. Right.

First Sunday in Advent tomorrow, and our Advent Breakfast on Monday. Those of you within driving distance are invited. 9 o'clock sharp. Egg bake for breakfast and then, yours truly is giving a program! It doesn't get much better than this. Sad, but true!

The news we await in the advent season, however, really is the best news ever! The messenger may be faulty, but the news.... always the best. We celebrate the good news of Christ's coming into this poor old world. Wahoo and double wahoo. Have a good day!

December's here

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

The sun is shining but it is 10 degrees F out there and I can feel the chill of winter descending. Notice the frozen rivulet in the picture. It has frozen with a vengeance. I didn't notice it until this morning, but I think it was just water until today. This is the scene that I see from my computer. Nice, eh? I love it. I love watching the changing of the seasons and take pictures a lot of my back yard! As I told you before, I took over one hundred pictures one year of this scene. I mounted them on a long strip of wallpaper border and entered them in a photo show. That was the first event of the Evansville Arts Coalition, I think. Let me know if you believe I am wrong? Well, for that matter, let me know if you think I am right!

When we first moved here our back yard bordered on a wetland scene, a marsh if you will. We had ducks and geese landing there. Then a maniac bought the property and drained it and tried to change it into a regular lot. No more ducks and geese. It is still a beautiful vista, however, and manages to flood occasionally regardless of every effort to prevent that. I am very happy at that, because then no one builds a house out there! I have my vista, at least.

When we lived in Brazil I had a cement wall four feet from the window over my kitchen sink. That was my view. That is what makes me go on so endlessly about the view I have now. I LOVE IT. Yes, I do.

In Brazilian cities, people love to live close to their neighbors. We literally had a small sidewalk's width between our house and our neighbors on either side. Our yard and house tool shed also had a wall around it. Not a fence, but a wall. I find that interesting. The whole block of houses was really one walled-in enclave. Not only did people live close to each other, they were really locked in together. There was a fear of robbers. One locked the shutters and doors at night.

As I am a bit claustrophobic, it took a bit of getting used to. It is also probably why I love my view now. I literally can't get enough of it. I photograph it at any time without needing an excuse. Then I pass on its beauty to you. Lucky you! Have a nice day!

titilating Tuesday

I include this picture of Naomi making a crazy face because I miss her especially today. The blog people want me to sign up for beta and change to this new stuff with a Google Account, etc., etc... and I don't understand how to do that and I'm perfectly happy (well, as some of you who have been reading this blog for a while know, I am not PERFECTLY happy) with this deal and don't know how to do the stuff they tell me to do, etc., etc... so I wish she were here so she could guide me through the necessary steps.. The time will come in January when she will be back and I will be back and we can accomplish this task. Until then.. I am frustrated! But I will soldier on.

I have had an e-mail or two from her and she will soon have a phone that will receive my phone calls (I HOPE) so maybe she can fill me in on the necessary steps over the phone.

Karen l is heading to Africa, too, in the next weeks. We are such a far flung people anymore. Kids in China, Japan, Africa, France, etc. But the internet makes it possible for us to stay in touch. Actually something positive about the present age.

My supper awaits. slurp, slurp, soup! yum

Give me a name!!!

Now you've got to admit that this is a challenge! I asked George for a title for this painting and he gave me one. I am now asking you to add your two cents to this mixture. The painting is 20 x 30 inches approximately.. and is crying out for a name. Please don't disappoint me. I was so thrilled by the last name I received for a painting via this blog, so I am sure I will be thrilled once again. C'mon.

It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood! sunny and mild. Next week is the week we are going to plunge into winter, evidently. Great. I am ready for it. Naomi's cell phone isn't working, but she will try to remedy that next week. We are in contact via e-mail. I LOVE E-MAIL!!!! Today is a day to shout hozannah.

Yesterday was called black Friday. The stores are trying to get into the black for the year? I don't know exactly the basis for calling it black, so I am putting that interpretation into the title. Some stores opened up one minute after midnight. Others opened at 5 or 6 am. They offered certain bargains that lured the public into the stores. They perhaps had 5 or 6 of the lures and three thousand shoppers out in the parking lot, but people are in a buying frenzy. Not me. I'm going to shop at the Heifer Project. If you don't know about it, give me a head's up and I will tell you about it. It's a way of helping the less fortunate in the world instead of heaping more things on our already overly heaped heads.

I want to send a shout out to all my friends and family who read this blog. I appreciate your friendship and love. Take care and have a great day! I love you.

Another Beautiful Day

Sun shining. Temperature very mild. Wow. We're having better weather in Minnesota than many of the people in southern climes. Fantastic.

I went to the gym and giggled my way around the circle. I just couldn't get into serious exercise mode. I am just too pumped by the fact that we have arranged to call Naomi on my cell phone. Now - if I can find a time when she is off her phone, all will be well. But I am really excited. If I call her, it doesn't cost her anything. I signed up and I can call her for $4. per month. Wahoo.

Then to add to my euphoria, I had lost a pound since Wednesday! Double Wahoo. I turned down some invitations for Thanksgiving with a resounding "no." I wondered why, until today when I figured out that I have control of food when I stay home. I don't have to face candied yams covered with melted marshmallows, or stuffing, or several varieties of pie. Just what we particularly like is all that is on the menu... turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, and pumpkin pie with cool whip. I ate turkey, small portion of mashed potatoes with gravy, tablespoon of corn and a sliver of pumpkin pie. Voila. I made it through.

I am trying to control my diet so that I won't have to go on insulin for my diabetes. So far, so good. For some people, candied yams are just not in the proper picture!

But the news that I can call Naomi is the news that is especially fantastic. When we get together with the rest of the family for Christmas, we can call her, too. Life is good.

Thank you God for your blessings! Have a good day fellow pilgrims!

The Shinning Sun!

Ok. So it's supposed to be the shining sun! It is still shining and beautiful today! I am especially pumped because Fran is back home. I have no idea why I missed her so much while she was gone, but it is probably just a sense of her unavailability for comment or input that bugged me. Welcome back!

This afternoon we have the Art of the Lakes meeting and Nancy Lee is giving a program about Picasso. I have the most beautiful print of a painting by Picasso that Naomi gave me. It is not one of his cubist creations, but a painting of the back of a beautiful woman. Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. That is why Nancy is going to be talking about the "Periods" of Picasso. He worked his way through so many different styles. I am eager to hear what she has to say. I do love my art groups. I have met many fascinating people in each group.

Have a wonderful sunny day!

Sunny Saturday

Yes, it's true. The sun shinning makes all the difference. I look out the back window and see the sun on the reeds over at Shane's, the great fir trees, well, the whole landscape makes my heart sing. Wahoo. I should hop to it and take a picture to share with you. Just a minute.....

Yup. I succeeded in taking the picture even though my batteries were low. They are in the charger now, so the next time I have an impulse to take a picture, I can do it. The actual scene is much brighter, but you can get the idea from this.

All this technology stuff is such a miracle. I didn't have to take the picture, finish the roll of film, take it to the store to leave it to be developed, get it back and try to remember why I took all those pictures... No. I run to the kitchen window, snap a picture, attach the camera by a wire to the computer, voila.... instant gratification. Marvelous.

Change of subject.... Dear Abby told Jim Carey (via TV) that she believed disorganization was related to creativity, so he was not to be too hard on himself if he wasn't organized because his creativity was the payoff. Wow. I will have to think about that a bit. Anyone who has seen the room that I call "the Vicki Room" will know why I ponder this idea. I think I called it that to let George off the hook. He has no responsibility for the chaos that reigns in MY room.

There is a bit of that feeling from Virginia Wolffe, too, that every woman should have a room of her own. I, actually, have several rooms of my own. If I had my way I would probably spread throughout the whole house. Woe, woe, woe is me. Luckily I have a neat husband who keeps pecking away at me to shape up. Almost 53 years of pecking haven't been too successful, but we are still married, so at least we are still trying.

My art room is much more organized than the Vicki room. As I am involved in any one discipline of art, I organize and put away the tools for use in other art disciplines. In this way there is an ongoing organization that helps keep chaos at bay. The Vicki Room is mainly for storage of stuff, and that gets away from me. In the center sits the computer, on the periphery many bookshelves. And as I sit at the computer I look out at the marvelous view. But around me is a seeming chaos that is becoming a real chaos. I definitely need to do something about it so that it can take a pause before becoming chaos again. Sigh.

When pigs fly, as they say. Have a good day.

Friday Fog

I am in a fog, so I just am printing another picture that Fran can see from her apartment... or she could if she were at home in her apartment. Please notice the tennis court on the roof of the building in front of the Renting building. A bit cold now for a quick set, but what fun to watch a match. I will hope to do so some time in the future. Hopefully she will be back in Minnesota some time soon!

The ills of the world are weighing me down today. So I will busy myself with painting, I think. Usually if I am depressed I cannot paint, but today seems to be ok. My mind is filled with the tragedies of the world. Hunger.. which it seems we no longer call by that name in the US.. but low food security. How can we possibly make language less forceful? We keep on trying. By our mad dash to make everything politically correct we reduce language to non language.

I just wanted to say hi. Hope you are having a good day. All of these no sun days get to me. Yes, I do have Seasonal Affective Disorder. I need light. Sun, where are you? Maybe tomorrow. Sigh.

Oh Happy Day

November 15 is my husband's birthday. In Brazil it was also a special holiday. As a result, everyone was off work and would come to celebrate his birthday. I became expert at entertaining in my offbeat imitation of Brazil style. As I didn't have family and my hired girl also took the day off, it being a holiday, afterall, I was left to entertain as best I could. At that time in Brazil no one used either paper plates or cups. Everyone was to be entertained at a sit-down table in the dining room on china. Both sweets and sandwiches were required. As one year we had over 75 guests, I was put through my paces! I made a wonderful rich tort from devil's food cake (we had to take care not to mention that name, or no one would have eaten it!) and butter cream frosting. Layer after rich layer. And endless open face sandwiches, and coffee and pop and other goodies. EVerything produced by yours truly.

I learned how to wash dishes in a flash which was interesting as the spigot in the sink was only three inches from the bottom of the sink so you could not fill a pan there, you had to go to the bathtub spigot. No hot water, either, so you had to heat it in a tea kettle. I could wash more dishes with less water than seems possible now. All the time being extremely jolly in a language I had to work to understand not only speak.

It left me with an extreme appreciation of what is possible for me do if Iampushed to it. It also left me with an aversion to entertaining. I suppose I could still do it if I was pushed to, but I really don't find it one of my favorite things.

We are planning a quiet day. We will meander to Alexandria, perhaps. Happy Birthday!

Hi Ho

Technology is strange and wonderful. At the present moment the woman in this picture is in Africa and the man is in Minnesota. This was our farewell get together. Now, she can look at the picture via the internet and remember the day, and we can do the same. A wonderful type of connection which can occur so quickly. Years ago when we were in Brazil, the connections with home were tenuous at best. A long awaited letter with news that was long out of date. Or a phone call by radio phone that was garbled but wonderful. Just to hear a beloved voice was great. Now we have cell phones and the internet. Makes the long distances more bearable. We were gone for five years althogether.

Oh, well, she isn't gone for years, only a few months. But I am lonesome today! Hats off, dear daughter. I would love an actual hug, but soon it will be possible in actuality. Take care and have a good Saturday! Hopefully the rest of the week will be good, too!

I will be sitting at our local art gallery today. There is a wonderful display of the art of Phyllis Joos (pronounced Joe ss). 10 to 2. Stop in to view the art and chat with me! I look forward to it. Our gallery is fantabulous. OK, Karen l, is that a made up word or not? Hmmmm?

Upbeat Friday

I know I was always thrilled that it was Friday when I was a working person. The weekend. And then I would get migraine headaches on Saturday. It took me a long time to figure that out, but I finally did. On Saturdays I was without the already decided schedule that work imposed on me. I had to face the endless decisions of time at home. Should I do this or that? Which of the endless tasks should I tackle first? Oofta.

I should have learned my lesson and made more lists, but sadly I am still one of those persons who can't decide what task to begin first. At least I don't get migraines any more. Knock on wood! (Where did that superstitious idea come from? Anybody know!)

I had a down day yesterday. We had our flu shots on Wednesday, and Wednesday night I started feeling the chills. All day Thursday I had a slight case of chills, but today I feel fine. I suppose a flu shot could have that effect, but if it keeps me from having the full blown deal, I'll take that any day. Get your flu shots!

So today I am fit as a fiddle and ready for the gym. Off I go. Take care!

Whatever....

I hit the wrong button and the last blog was posted as I was trying to edit it. I was going to say that Fran was in Chardon, Ohio, wallowing in family. She is getting to see her great grandchild Phoebe who is now two. And, then, of course, the rest of the family. For some reason, the stars are always those who are youngest. I suppose it is our eternal hope that the newest members of our tribe will have a successful life, and their way looks the least cluttered up yet with baggage.

The rest of us have had our chances.. bungled some and succeeded in others, and now this new person has new options. We always hope the very best for them! Yeah!

Okay. I'll sign off. I have no idea how this will look. Oh, well. Onward and upward. Take care.

Fran

Voting is over. Everything is shaken up. And then the amazing thing. Life goes on. Stuff gets reorganized. We take deep breaths and decide how we should proceed next. Great!!!!!

I remember how surprised the Brazilians were that we didn't have a military coup when Nixon was ousted. How come he didn't just take over the government? It hadn't even come into my mind that such a thing might happen. It just isn't the American way! As misguided as any leaders might be, they don't seem to question those basic underlying democratic guidelines. Once the people have spoken, we have to run with it. True, there seem to have been skulduggeries at the voting booths occasionally, but when push definitely comes to shove, the people speak and the leaders listen. Now, let the games begin!!!!!!!!!! We should begin to see the new look of the new skulduggeries! Oofta.

Answer the Phone!

Yes, this is me. I have had a haircut since this picture was taken in Fran's new place, but I want to talk to you. Yes, you.

Today is voting day. So be sure to vote if you can.

Today is living day. So live it to it's most awesome potential. Remember that life is fleeting, especially to someone who is already 76 years old (me) so I must savor each day. But you should savor it, too, no matter what your age. Remember that we all have a limited shelf life that will sooner or later expire. Each experience should contribute to the life of the planet, the welfare of its inhabitants, and our own happiness. We all have one thing in common. We are not going to last indefinitely on this planet. Time is awasting.

I believe that God is the only one who is going to be there for me in this life and into the next, and God is good. He/She is the anchor of my existence. There is a hymn which says, "all else is shifting sand." So be sure to vote. Be sure to live. Do everything you can to live life to the fullest. But do realize it is transitory in nature.

Okay. You're sick of my little sermon for today. I'll soon hang up the phone and head up to Battle Lake for a board meeting of Art of the Lakes. Later, I will vote. Perhaps I will paint. God willing and the creek don't rise. Take care.

costume

This is our grandson in his halloween costume. I hope you are suitably scared. He's a character from the XMan comic, Werewolf or some such. I was interested in my trying to access the picture from my cache of pictures. I wrote "halloween 1" which was the title of the picture, but the computer kept telling me that was an error. When I typed the title in the cache, I had typed "holloween 1" so the computer would not access it for me. It shows once again the difference between a person and a computer. A person would have recognized that it was a spelling error and given me the correct picture, but a machine couldn't do that... YET. Give the computers time and they will rule the world.

George went hunting deer today, but they had no success. Nevertheless, he is very tired. I can hear him snoring in the other room. I think his enjoyment of deer hunting (if he ever did enjoy it) is disappearing fast. He misses son John being with him.

Have a good one.

abracadabra

I think this building is so much fun. It is an entire building of mirrors and reflects what is around it. There are a few windows way to the left, but otherwise the building is windowless. I good way to give interest to an otherwise boxlike shape.

As you have guessed, this building is just behind the church and is also visible from Fran's windows.

We did a few errands this morning in Alex and then came back to Mac's Diner for lunch. We are experimenting with senior meals. We have attended twice now and find it very satisfactory. Usually we haven't done it because I could never remember to call ahead of time. Now we do not have to do that, so I presume we will do it now and then. The fellowship is fun and the food is good. What else does a person want?

I was sceptical because i have to watch my diet. I am diabetic and I manage to control the diabetes with no medication, only with watching what I eat. I was sceptical of the choices I would have as carbs run rampant, usually, in these deals. So far so good. We'll see how it goes.

This afternoon I will paint. I will, iwill, iwill, iwill. Yes, I will.

Here we go again!

Okay. This is the view from Fran's window of the Westminster Presbyterian Church. All she has to do is hop out the window with a parachute... or just climb down on a rope ladder and hop across the street. Luckily she has an elevator at her disposal.

As you can see it is a huge church that stretches the entire block. The towers on the far side are cut off a bit, but that part is the original church and then it just grew. Awesome.

We went to choir practise last night. Nice to get back to my routine. We have been joined by some other singers, and the group is a respectable size again. I think choir practise is the most fun thing. Sing away with abandon. It is fun to sing at church services, too, but we have lots of fun and jokes at practise. We kid around and give each other a hard time. Great. Of course, the size of our choir is minute compared to the size of the choir at Fran's Presbyterian church. I'm sure they had more than 100 singers (close to 200) and a fantabulous pipe organ. Just imagine all of the Christian churches around the world... and all of the people singing praise to God. Large or small. Rural or Urban. Wow. (By the way, should it be practise or practice?) Hmmmmmmmmmmm.

Flakes of snow here today. Harbinger of those to come. Hopefully it will wait a bit. Another picture tomorrow, if the machinery permits! Take care.

Fun visit!

Several things astonished me about the trip to see Fran. One was that my driving was so flawless. I didn't take a single wrong turn the whole trip. I mean, can you imagine? Having a map is wonderful, and then Fran does live in a very accessible spot. When we went to the Mpls Institute of Art, it was just a few blocks away and I knew the area as Naomi lived just across from the Institute for a couple of years, so I knew where to park.

I drove out and caught I94 with no problem, too. I was really pumped. Now that I have bragged so much, the next time I try will no doubt be a disaster! Pride goeth etc, etc.

We had a wonderful time ... Talked non stop as usual, and Morgan came over and we did some stores. We had a great time!

Fran's new place has six HUGE windows. The views out the windows are fun. They aren't quite as nice as the views from the old place, but those will soon be blocked by a new high rise, so she's just getting a jump on that! Here are a few views:

Well... disappointed once again. I'll try again tomorrow.

Good to be home. Met George at Mac's Diner for lunch when I got back. Fun.

Church Day

I went with Fran to church at the Westminster Presbyterian Church kitty-korner from her building. Huge church, well attended with a terrific choir (choirs) and fine pastor. It is off-putting to me to not have the architecture I am used to, but the stained glass windows were awesome. A very wonderful time was had by me.

We went to the restaurant in Fran's building and then we had a long afternoon nap. Pretty great way to spend a Sunday.

We are watching many movies. It looks as though tonight will be Moonstruck with Cher.

Right now it looks as though I will be home on Wednesday, later in the day. Wow.

Art is Great

We drove directly to the Art Institute with nary a problem. It's wonderful how helpful it is to have the city map. Then we spent about five hours looking at art. We went to the special show they have and then around to look at the regular offerings. Fantastic. I looked up the Modiglianis... Turns out they have one of his sculptures, too. The painting is not one of my favorites.. but it was still fun to see it again.

We saw some spectacular textiles, and African, Japanese, Chinese, you name it Art. What a collection they have. And then I know that they have LOTS of other things hidden away and stored. A wonderful asset to our fair state is the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Yessir.

We watched two movies last night. One from Netflix and one that Fran has on videotape: The Man Who Would Be King with Michael Caine and Sean Connery, and My Cousin Vinny with Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei. The first one was intense and the last a hoot. Great double feature. When I was in high school most of the theatres would offer double features... now we can watch almost anything right from our own homes. And we can have as many features as we want.

Today we will hang out and also take a trip down the street to Target. It's supposed to be a beautiful day, so we are going to savor it. Most of the restaurants have removed their tables and chairs from the sidewalks, but perhaps they will put them out again for a perfect Saturday. I will report on our peregrinations later.

Off to see the Paintings!

I am very excited as we are planning to head to the Minneapolis Institute of Art today. I am going to drive there, and that is new. I usually have to get Morgan to drive, but I am going to make an attempt today. Stay tuned for the news. It looks easy on the map, but now I will try it on the actual road. We'll see.

Fran is not at all addicted to TV while I am. I have introduced her to one program so far that she likes: Shark on Thursday nights on CBS. James Woods is such a wonderful actor that she loves watching how he does it. And Fran and I both love The Gilmore Girls on Tuesday night at 7 on CW. And of course, Dancing with the Stars. She also loves dancing as do I.

The weather is beautiful today. I look out at a different view from Fran's new apartment. It is not as interesting, but she is up higher so it is mostly sky. That is one of the things she loved about Evansville, she could see the sky. So she is glad to be where the sky is visible and then some. We look down on the Convention Center and we can see her Westminster Presbyterian in an aerial view. A bit farther to the right is WCCO. Very interesting perspective.

Take care.

Mighty Mpls.

We had a wonderful time at book club. We arrived within five minutes of each other and both cars drove right to the proper place with no trouble! Talk about miraculous. Then we talked non-stop for about six hours. We walked the skyways, too. Went to a book store! What fun. It was a very spectacular success.

We weren't entirely sold on the book, feeling it was a bit over-written, but it certainly fomented lots of conversation. We are going to talk about "A Parchment of Leaves" by Silas House. We read "The Coal Tattoo" by him and loved it, so we are doing another of his about the same characters. Should be fun. There is another, too, called "Clay's Quilt," also about the same characters. We are captured, hook, line and sinker... A great writer, we think.

We tried to make a list of the books we have read and discussed over the five plus years that we have been meeting, and we came up with a list of a measely 30 books. We have met most every month, so we should have a list of at least 50 books. Memory is in short supply.

Fran and I are about to head for the Farmer's Market, just out her door, and then go to a coffee shop for some good stuff. There are only a million (hyperbole) places we could go.

Naomi called from TZ yesterday as we were talking about the book. Amazing! We could only talk for a moment as she was borrowing her friend's cell phone and didn't want to use too many minues. It was GREAT to hear her voice. Glad she is doing well and surviving! Wahoo.

Take care.

Check it out!

While I think of it I must tell you that Naomi is posting now from Tanzania. There is a link to her blog at the right of this blog. Check it out! I think she has two postings so far.

I am all packed for my adventurous trip with the book club. We have been reading The Memory Keeper's Daughter and are travelling to Mpls to Fran's house for our meeting. FUN. I have many and mixed feelings about the book so will report back about our discussion. I am going to try to leave the house at 6:30 in order to pick Donna up at 7. Then the other two members will head out separately as I am going to stay at Fran's for a few days while they are heading back to the north, but this way I will have Donna's company for the trip down. It will be fun to check out Fran's new apartment! She moved from one apartment to another in the same building. Her view will be different now, and she has more room.

I will post from Fran's, so don't forget to check it out! And I love your comments. People who leave comments are the best people in the world! Yeah!

Monday

Winter lurks. The air feels as though some of those white flakes could meander down any minute. No sunshine. Brrrrrr.

I went to the gym this morning. Great to see everyone. Missed Karen l and Colleen. I'll be gone for a week or so, so will not see them for awhile. They have a great hula hoop at the gym. three of them, actually - 3, 4, and 5 pound weighted hoops. I absolutely can't seem to get the hang of making them rotate around my waist. I am just as successful with that as I am with belly dancing. Let's face it, my fire plug body doesn't want to learn these sinuous moves. Too bad. I suppose I will keep trying, but I don't hold out much hope for success. However, hope springs eternal. sigh.

The bazaar at church was fun. Good food and fellowship. How can you fault that! A fun way to make a contribution to the church. The ladies use the money to help send our kids to Bible Camp. A good cause.

Take care. Bundle up.

Soothing Saturday

Well, I'm over my snit about the lack of attendance at the Canwegian Concert. I'm looking forward to our church bazaar. All kinds of fun home made stuff, home baked goodies and wonderful soup and sandwiches. I'm going to sit by a bench made by Norman Week which is being raffled off during the day. As a result I will get to talk to all kinds of friends and strangers about to become friends. Should be a blast.

My grandson is involved in a spell-a-thon. He's in kindergarten. The pressure! He seems to take it all with aplomb, however, so that's good. I will soon get to see him and learn about it all first hand. I am so looking forward to visiting them and getting to know a whole new set of directions to the school, the stores, the museums, the parks, the beaches, the whatevers. It'll be a blast.

I seem to be in a blast mode today. That's good. I'm over the snit!

Wow.

The presentation at the Coffehouse Art Center last night was awesome. I wondered where one could go to see something as good, and I could not think of where. I think I will write David Letterman to see if he would feature them.

Two consummate musical artists and storytellers just letting rip. I kept thinking, I wish my dad could be here. I wish my sister and brother could be here. Oh, my. People from as far away as Mpls. were there, but were the local people flocking in? No. Oh, well. There was a baseball game on TV. (As you can see, I'm getting a bit bitter in my old age.)

I just can't tell you how good it was. The fiddling was awesome. The dancing was spectacular and spontaneous. The storytelling in several languages was always understandable. The women were stunning in an entirely downhome way. Man. Was I ever glad I made the effort to go. I dragged George along, but he was too sleepy after having golfed in the cold to be very alert. Even he, however, loved it.

Eventually, I hope to have a photograph of the two performers, both named Sarah. Sarah Granskou and Sarah Naegell. Fantastic.

new name for painting

An interesting thing happened to me today. This is the second time such a thing has happened. Some thing happens that changes my view of a painting I have done. The first one was one that is in my gallery (the pictures on this site). I painted it, thinking it was one thing and then I read the novel, "A Fine Balance" by Mintry which is about life in India. The quote is "There is a fine balance between hope and dispair." It was one of those light bulb moments, and I knew that was the perfect title for that picture.

Today the title "Moses and the Burning Bush" was suggested for the picture I entitled (tentatively) Wild Flowers. I love that title and it is hereby retitled. I LOVE THAT TITLE.
I tend not to be enthusiastic as all of my friends will attest... but I do LOVE that title.

I have been lolling around today. Went to the gym and then read and rested and cleaned a bit. Coming down from the high of yesterday. My talk on Modigliani went great and the show in Fergus at the gallery was fun. I thought I would paint today, but couldn't get off the dime.

We miss you, Karen l, and hope you will soon be able to join us again at the gym.

We're going to go to choir practice tonight. We have been neglecting that as we both had pneumonia, but we are chipper again, so we will try to warble a bit. As I get older it is hard for me to welcome going out in the evening.

Speaking of going out in the evening, Tomorrow Night there is going to be a great little program at the Coffeehouse Art Center. The Canwegians (Norwegian ancestry from Canada) are giving a musical/humorous presentation. Should be a blast. Pry yourselves out of the house and attend.

Wild Flowers

Well, you gotta admit that these flowers are WILD!

I was all ready to print copies of paintings by Modigliani when my printer ran out of ink. So, a trip to Office Max tomorrow morning and then I will get busy with the printer tomorrow afternoon.

Now to start a whole new series of paintings. Where to go next... hmm? Toodle ooo.

Naomi is having a very busy time. Just time for a quick note.

Beautiful Saturday

I had the joy of taking part in a wonderful brunch at our church this morning. An inspirational speaker, great music and tasty food. We are having our annual friendship days when churches of different denominations get together and have meetings for specific people: kids, teens, teachers, men, women, and then - everyone. Always fun to get together with people one doesn't see every day.

The food we had was great, appreciated by all. It is called "Stuffed Baked French Toast" and is very tasty. Because it was made in church, all the calories were removed. Or so some of the ladies said. If you make it at home, forget that. But it is fabulous.

Preheat the overn to 350 degrees
Butter a 9 x12 inch pan.

1 lb French bread, cubed
8 ozs Cream cheese, diced in 1" pieces
8 large Eggs
2 1/2 cups Half and Half
6 TB Butter, melted and cooled
1/4 cup Maple syrup
Cinnamon

Put one half of the bread cubes in the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese evenly on top. Add the rest of the bread cubes. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs well. Add the half and half, butter and maple syrup. Pour the mixture evenly over the top of the bread. Press the bread down slightly to make sure everything is moistened. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon before baking. Bake about 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Trust me. This is great. Should serve at least 8 people.

After I got home I had to make lunch for George, so I made waffles and brats and didn't eat any myself. I was good to go until supper. So I read a bit, played some computer games, watched some football and took a snooze. Saturdays are the best for just catching up on things that have slipped by during the week. I even got three big "papers" ready for my next bunch of art work. This is the part that is frustrating in my painting. All that white space waiting to be covered. Ah, well. I think I will try to put up a picture of my latest painting if I can get it to work. I'll post this, and then try that later. Have a nice evening.

comments are powerful

I finally got a comment, so I decided I better write another post. The power of a comment to get me off the dime is enormous!

The last three days have been a rude awakening into the land of winter. Some snow, lots of wind and brrrr. Today they say the wind gusts could make 45 mph. Wow.

Luckily I am ensconced in my little nest and intend to do some painting. I am having trouble posting pictures, but I will try later. I want to be sure I can get this posting in.

I am busy trying to get a handle on my Modigliani talk. It is hard for me to decide why I am so crazy about his painting. I love it. It is like his art is a thing apart from his life. The art is purity and line and color. His life was sound and fury. Now I am trying to make sense of it all.

So far I cannot figure out how in the world I am going to dress up for this talk. I just have to hope that something will come to me.

I have finished another painting that I really like. I have been trying to post a picture of it here with no luck. I will try again tomorrow. Have a great cold wintery day!

On the brink...

of winter! Tomorrow it's supposed to take a dip into winter with even a hint of snow. Today is still beautiful and George is intending to get to the golf course.

Fran has completed her move and is contentedly rearranging her funiture and art objects. She is a happy camper with plenty to do for the forseeable future.

I am preparing my head to give a talk next week on Amadeo Modigliani. I love his painting and enjoy giving talks. I thought my turn was in November, but the gal who I thought was doing October couldn't, so I sprang into the breach! Yahoo. I am already spending my waking up hours in the morning organizing facts and evaluating the character of this intriguing painter. He was a small man with the looks of a movie star and the dissolute life of a rock star. But he could paint like an angel. If you want to hear what I will finally come up with I will be talking at 1:00 at the gallery in Battle Lake a week from today... next Tuesday.

Off to my daily stuff. Have a GREAT day. Or, GRRRRRRRRREAT day, as Tony the Tiger would say.

Ok. second try:

I have to remember not to hit the wrong button. The tab is what works.

We went to church this morning and I actually got to hug Izzy! I am so happy to see that he is really a live person and not just a cyberspace mirage. He's heading back to Japan (I was going to say the Orient, but I can't remember if that is pc or not, so Japan seemed safer.) He is much taller than most of the folks in our church, too, so I imagine he is quite a smash hit in Japan.

This shuffling of the Singing Bird is reversed. But I have been working on it. It's the trying to do the posting stuff that everythings gets strange. Stay tuned. The next posting of it will be different again. Sigh.

I have the snuffles. I think it is just allergies from all the dust flying around in the wind. I feel really good and I love being back at the gym. See ya at the gym tomorrow!

Back amongst the living!

Happiness is....

hearing that your kids are safely at their destination! Naomi and Tony are in Africa and starting their teaching stint. I was so glad to hear that they had arrived. I am trying to post a new painting here as it would illustrate my feelings of joy, but the mechanism which is supposed to produce that result is refusing to cooperate. Sigh. Oh, well. Eventually, perhaps.

Yippee. They are there. Wahoo.

Wahoo!!!!!!!

This is a rather dark representation of the tryptich I have prepared called "Singing Bird." I have also managed to limp back to the gym. I think I am more or less cured of my malaise. Drum roll, please. I have, however, gained half a pound from my seige of inactivity. No cause for alarm, as yet, but just a further reason to continue my trips to the gym.

Just the little bit of activity this morning has worn me out. I will attempt to continue painting this afternoon after a snooze in the ever inviting recliner. Because of seiges of coughing, I have spent an inordinate amount of time sleeping in that wonderful invention, but now that I am beginning to feel better, I can return to my bed. Wahoo, indeed.

It was great to see my friends at the gym. I could catch up on the news, and spend a bit of time laughing. Laughter IS the best medicine.

If at first,

You don't succeed, try, try again! I was trying to make a comment on Fran's reference to my looking like my own grandmother. At one time I was much fatter and stressed out and DID look a fright... more a fright than I do now!

But her remark made me think of a common occurence for women. They look in the mirror and realize they DO look more and more like their own mother... or grandmother. Or they hear themselves talking and realize that they are echoing advice that they received from their own mothers when they were teenagers. Perhaps even the tone of voice is the same.

It seems to me that we become who we are in reaction to our parents. We either emulate them or rebel against them, but they have a deep impact on who we become. (on whom we become? Grammar questions continue to plague me.)

I carried out my mother's advice when my children were at home. No leaving the house after an illness until you had been fever free for 24 hours. You will often not have fever in the morning, but by afternoon, back it comes. So you should wait 24 hours to be sure. Naomi confided that she enforced that rule on a friend of hers the other day. She laughed as she told me. She herself realized how humorous it was that she was becoming me.

In the Bible it talks about the sin of the parents affecting people to the third and fourth generations, but I find it interesting that the quirks and sayings of the parents affect people to the third and fourth generation. What a responsibility.

I am still coughing but at least I have had no fever to speak of. Onward and upward!

"Your own grandmother"

Adios, sayonara and adieu

This is the place that Naomi met us for hamburgers yesterday. She had an errand in Delano, so we met there for our farewells. If you're there during the summer months, be sure to check it out. The food is good and the place is fun, a sort of merry little picnic/play ground and drive-in.

Saying our goodbyes was not easy. As I type this she is at the airport checking in for their flight to Amsterdam. She and Tony will stay there overnight and then head for their four month stay in Africa. She is off telephone. AAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH.
How did people say goodbye to their family members years ago? When they would, in all probability, never see each other again. Most of us are descendents of the early immigrants. We listened to their stories with no appreciation for their feelings of separation from the known.

When I was 40, Naomi was two months old, John was five, and we set out for several years stay in Brazil. I can see my mother and father as they huddled in the driveway as we rushed out, threw our stuff in a neighbor's car and sped to the airport. The folks waved as we left. The cab we had hired did not show up, so we were lucky enough to get a ride. I think it was about 5:30 am, and we needed to get the airport post haste.

I was all taken up in the emergency situation, and didn't give a thought to my mother and father and their feelings. What did my mother think? She must have thought I was completely nutso. But she never let on. She wished us on our way.

I will miss the chance to pick up the phone and talk to Naomi, but she has a blog, there is e-mail, there IS communication. I also am very happy for Naomi and Tony that they have this opportunity for adventure. But, STILL. I will miss them. sigh.

I am excited!

Yesterday's posting went with no problem! So hope springs eternal. I am including the far from perfect photograph of a painting called Flower Power. It is in a friend's collection. I actually got to know her better because she bought my painting. We are now fast friends. Yippee!

We are going to wish bon voyage to Naomi a day before her actual leave date. We want to see her but don't feel up to the whole airport parking and uproar deal. So.... luckily she has someone else that can take them to the airport, and we will just go to see her for lunch. Our health is still a bit dicey, but so much better that a little trip to Mpls. shouldn't be too much strain on us.

Just finished talking to our grandson who has just mastered the wonderful art of bicycle riding. He has done it before this with training wheels, but now he is scooting about on his own without crashing. Even in the grass, he told me. The first time we master a skill the attendant rush of adrenaline is great.

What are you working on to master? I think I have finally gotten to the point that I feel I am an artist. I have a tremendous rush of adrenaline as I approach the final strokes of a painting and feel like I have done what I like. It matters not if someone else thinks so, too. If I am satisfied, that's enough! Although, I must say, I love people to agree with me!!!!!!!!!

I am heading back to my studio to work on three paintings I started on my camping trip. One is all but finished, one is nearly finished, and the other is far from finished. fun.

Endless Optimism

Yes. My last two posts turned up even though they hadn't made the right look when I was trying to publish them. Somehow, cyberspace did it anyway. Now I am going to try to put a picture in, too. We'll see what happens.

This painting belongs to Naomi and Tony and is called U2. It is one of my favorites and was admired by others as well. As they will be out of the country for a bit, I thought I would show this picture so they can check it out now and then from Africa. A taste of home!

Now, of course, it will be the anxiety of seeing if this will actually make it to the blog. Sigh.

I am feeling somewhat better. I am sick of being sick. Lots of things to be looking forward to in the next weeks. If I can get well, that is. cof cof. I WILL get well.

sigh

This is my second post on a second blog. We'll see if I have any luck publishing this. I am getting well and thoroughly ticked off by this. I enjoy blogging so much that it seems to me it should be really easy to do. Here goes.

Wow

I'm looking out my window and I see that George is tilling our garden. It is one of those jobs that has to be done in the fall, but I don't know that it is a really good job for George to be doing right now. He will come in all trashed and worn out, but the garden is supposed to be tilled, so he is tilling it. I guess I admire that, even if I think it is stupid.

I am feeling better today, too. I made spaghetti sauce today with home grown tomatoes and venison and home grown onions. I feel quite the pioneer woman.

Naomi and Tony are busy getting ready for their trip to Africa. I am already starting to feel bereft and lonesome. Ah, well. There will be e-mail.

Have a beautiful day.

It should be ok now...

I think I have this thing licked. We'll see. I got a call from Karen L that she still couldn't get the new blogs, so I hope this corrects things. If so, Karen, leave a comment! I was told to clear my cache. Since I had no idea what the cache was, I called Naomi. She helped me do just that, and now I hope all will be ok. We'll see.

yelp

That's my version of help with a little whine of disbelief. I have been monkeying around with trying to post on the blog, and I have decided that the reason that - all of a sudden I cannot seem to post was that I didn't have the www in the address. Why that ALL OF A SUDDEN became a problem, I don't know. But, anyway, we'll see if this makes a difference.

We are getting better, slow but sure. I will post again soon, but I want to see if this works now. yelp.

cyber space mystery

I am so embroiled in reading mystery stories that I can add one more real mystery to MY story. I posted yesterday, it is noted as the last post I made, and it is not on my blog. Weird noises are called for. Perhaps a bit of violin.

I got some antibiotics yesterday, so I am starting on that and I already feel some better today. Hopefully we will be able to climb on out of our illness soon.

Well, the sun is shining and all is beautiful outside. I hear the hum of a lawn mower. Perhaps I will feel up to actually doing some art stuff today. I AM FEELING BETTER. Now, I hear the cof cof of my mate from the living room. He isn't feeling too great. Not so hot. More on this saga tomorrow, if I can get this posted today! Isn't it fascinating! Right.

Sigh

Well, my sore throat has receded, but now I have a bacterial infection for which I am taking antibiotics. Hopefully we will soon recover. It's such a drag to have illness. The sun is shining and I am stuck in the house with coughing and phlegm.

Naomi's friend Kari fell yesterday and injured her nose and chin in a spectacular fashion. Blood everywhere. Took a few stitches but was not a major injury. It reminded me of my long history of falling. I have threatened to write up my adventures. I could call it, "After the Fall." Hmmm. One of these days.

I hope you are having a fun day. Growl.

cof cof

I have the equivalent of a Linus blanket around my throat. I have a sore throat, and this ratty old synthetic fabric scarf comforts me. George found out on Tuesday that he had pneumonia, and on Thursday I came down with this sore throat. Bummer. We are relatively healthy, though, so we can't be too "complainy." George got on top of his complaint early as he had a doctor's appointment for a check-up and the doctor listened to his chest, didn't like what he heard and had him take an x-ray. Pneumonia. But he got it caught early, so he could nip it in the bud with the appropriate anti biotic.

I am just having a readathon as I sit in my recliner reading some of my favorite mystery stories. I am re-doing my Abigail Padgett books. They are extremely interesting as the protagonist, Bo Bradley, is a woman with manic depressive disorder. I like the books a lot. I read and sleep and read and sleep and hope my throat will soon mend. Oh, yes, don't forget the chicken soup.

Hopefully we're getting these maladies out of our systems early.. and we will sail through the winter months healthy and whole. Right.

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH

I am sitting at the computer with my comforting plaid scarf around my neck. Whenever i get a sore throat, I feel so much better when I can wrap it with this scarf. It is not wool or any natural fiber so it does not get TOO warm. It is just right. Do you have comfort foods or articles of clothing that you feel a personal attachment to when you get sick? Another thing I love is aspergum. It really helps get the sore out.

Are you totally thrilled with my diatribe? How about with my picture? Just the way to brighten your day. Sigh. Hopefully I will soon feel ship shape once again. Oh, by the way, my husband has pneumonia! We are such a jolly bunch! But we are on the mend. Really. Both of us. Enough news from pitiful Pearl. By my next post I hope to have better health news. Hopefully, I will have put my scarf back in the closet and be back about my business. cof cof

Pottery

I got this picture from Kate and Sean at the Pomme de Terre Pottery. The chips are in the large gourdlike center piece. All of the serving pieces on the serving table are part of the artistry of Sean Scott and are interpretations of nature's own shapes and forms. The people are me, Bernice Anderson, Joel Levie and Maggie Levie. A good time was had by all!

If you would like a chance to see Sean and Kate's pottery, Get in touch with me and I will give you the proper information. The "wall" show will be at the gallery for this week. Thursday night from 7 - 9 and Friday and Saturday from 10 - 2. In downtown Evansville, Minnesota at the Coffeehouse Art Center. Yeah.

Ceramic Art

Two ceramic artists, Kate Scherfenberg and Sean Scott, had an exhibit open house yesterday (Saturday). It was absolutely fabulous. Quite a few people attended but all the others have no idea what they missed. The food they brought was yummy and a bit exotic. Yogurt covered cherries, strawberries and blueberries were offered along with chocolate covered coffee beans. A fantastic pesto and interesting crackers. Chips and dips and bread and cookies and fruit and........... The mind boggles. The most interesting thing was that these foods were served in ceramic gourds, ceramic seeds, ceramic pods, etc. The artistic serving area was FABULOUS.

The show will be ongoing this week. Thursday night 7-9 and Friday and Saturday from 10 - 2. But you will have missed out on the food... the delicious food. Nevertheless, if you can possibly make it, you should take a gander at the wonderful ceramics in the exhibit. I love them. It is interesting to note the differences between the ceramics done by each artist.

Wild weather last night around the state. Hope you are all safe. We got a bit of wind, but nothing destructive. Take care.

Painting

The tentative name for the painting is "When the Galaxies Collide." I get very discouraged as I listen to the news of all the conflicts in our world, and I suppose this is my subconscious taking note of these things. It is a collage and fluid acryllics. Hopefully it will be displayed at the Lake Region Art Council's gallery October through January at a show that is made up of contributions from those artists who have had grants. Now I must get it framed and ready for display.

I am working on another piece to be displayed... a tryptich (triptych?) called "Singing Bird." It is from the Chinese Proverb: "Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps the singing bird will come." I had the center done up already but am mounting two side pieces.

The juxtaposition of these two paintings in my work is interesting. One rather desperate and the other rather hopeful. One about the exterior world and the other about the interior world. Vedy interesting!

Okeedokee. That's all I have.

Howdy Doody

I have finally managed to get back into the swing of things. Just back from the gym and rarin' to go for the day. Yesterday was a fun day. My friend Carol and I just went out for lunch at Old Broadway in Alex and then spent the day meandering and talking.

I purchased a toaster with money I had received for my birthday. A nice toaster. I got sick of toast that was toasted on the top half but not on the bottom half. Good toast makes life worth living? Well, not quite, but it does make it lots more fun.

I have just finished a painting and will have it's representation on this web site soon. It's always interesting to get to the point where you say, ok, that's it. If you keep on too long, the painting can be ruined. It's a very satisfying thing to realize that the painting is done. Often the painting turns out to be about something that you didn't plan, it just happens. Great fun.

Off to my day. Hope to have the painting on here tomorrow. Have a GREAT day.

getting the monkey off my back!

I suppose it is rather disrespectful to compare my tennis addiction to drug addiction, but I am suffering from withdrawal symptoms. I loved Sharapova's win over the Belgian, but I was disappointed that Roddick couldn't take it to five sets, at least. He is looking good, though, it is just that Federer is unbelievably good. I am looking forward to Roddick getting better and better. Thanks to his association with Jimmy Connors he has his mojo back! Yeah!

Well, today is business as usual. I will try not to get depressed. I will try to carry on without the slap of a tennis ball to urge me on. We'll see how it goes.

I am excited to hear that Izzy is going to be back in the neighborhood for a bit. I hope to be able to shoot the breeze with him. I love his blog, but we'll see if he is as charming in person as he is in print. I vote yes, but we will see if we can make time to talk... chew the fat.... chill.... bater um bom papo. Just throwing in a sop to portuguese speakers!

Off to the gym and an attempt to rise up from the ashes of tennis fandom.

TENNIS

I am ecstatic! I came back from the gallery yesterday, flicked on the TV as I went to get a cup of coffee, and heard the ever recognizable splat of a tennis ball. I got to see the Sharpova/Mauresmo semi-final match. Sharpova looks fabulously sharp! Tonight will be the finals: Henin-hardin versus Sharpova. During the day I will be able to watch the semi-finals of the men's game. Great. I can paint and watch tennis! Wahoo.

Hope you are having as wonderful a Saturday as I am!

Fairyland

This is part of the view that Fran has from her present apartment. There is also another building that is lit up like an art deco piece that I just loved, but I could not get a picture of it to turn out. This is a shot of Central Lutheran Church with its new carillon tower. I wonder what her new view will be. The cranes will be missing, too, I suppose.

I am trying to get used to being back home after a week's absence. It is very difficult. I am trying to get back into the swing of painting and going to the gym, etc. This morning I have a doctor's appointment for my usual check-up. Then I will sit the gallery for a couple of hours. Then I will go home to my tennis-less tv. I read about "my" tennis players on google news but I cannot watch the matches. sigh. I am having withdrawal symptoms. At least I will be able to watch the final matches of the US Open on Saturday and Sunday which will be better than trying to stay awake until 11:30 to watch the update on CBS.

It is hard to get used to being back home. George and Naomi had a great trip to Washington State and there are some good pictures of that on Naomi's blog. There is a link to that on my blog. I love her new picture of herself. It was taken in Brazil at her black board. She was an artist even at that young and tender age!

I will try to post more often once again. I can't seem to get into a communicative mood. Soon, I promise. At least I promise to try.

Already Saturday!

Time flies when you are having fun! I watched the tennis match of the decade the other night when Agassi played Bhagdatis. Fantastic drama and fun, and Agassi prevailed. Now there was another rain delay so conceivably he will be able to marshal the forces to play another match.

Morgan took me on a meander yesterday and I got to go to an art store. I used to vibrate when I went to a book store, but now the art store has that effect on me. Wow. I managed to find gesso in a gallon pail for a cheap-o price which was wonderful and some papers and canvases I needed. What joy. The gesso I will transfer to small containers so it won't dry out before I get a chance to use it all. I can't imagine that I will use a whole gallon before I die, but I will certainly give it the old college try.

Both Morgan and Andrea are artists and deep into art books, so I have been able to spend time pouring over their offerings. That's where I got inspired about the art papers. Art is absolutely the best thing one can possibly have to do as a passion. It is so inspiring and the possibilities are so endless. And if it doesn't turn out so hot, throw it away and do more. It's just a bit of paper or whatever. Another thing about it, you never know when what you are doing doesn't seem so great to you but someone else will love it. You just never know.

George is having fun out on Bob's boat. He keeps telling me that the water is beautiful and I would love it. He knows how much I love water. He is right, but I am also having lots of fun here. Talking, watching films, watching tennis, going to shops, talking, talking, talking. How can life be much better than that! And I also can watch the giant cranes.

Well, I must have a bite to eat and we have to decide what marvelous thing we are going to do today. In amidst all of the going and coming will be the delicious talking. Yeah. And the films and the talking, and the tennis, and the talking. Wahoo.

Hello from Mpls!

I'm very excited to be here at Fran's and watching her cranes! She is not basking in the beauty of Japanese folded origami cranes or even the whooping cranes, but she is admiring the humongous machines building a skyscraper right outside her window. It is really something that is not obvious even on a snapshot. They are HUGE and the technology required to keep them operating is very impressive.

Another plus to being here is that Fran has cable television and I can watch my obsession: tennis. The US Open is on. Wow. I am glad I don't have cable or I would soon get sick of watching, but for now, I am really wallowing in the opportunity.

The thing that is also taking up my time is our non-stop talking. When Fran lived in Evansville, we would be sitting after church having coffee and everyone else would be leaving but we would still be sitting talking. One lady asked us if we ever ran out of things to talk about and we had to admit that, no, we had never had that experience, yet.

Fran's daughters will show up here sometime soon and we will have to decide what marvelous things we will be doing. Stay tuned for the next installment of this fascinating tale!

What a day;!

George, Naomi and Bob are probably starting on their fishing oddysey. Fran and I are recovering from our big day yesterday. We had a blast at the gym, then at Karen's house, then having lunch at Old Broadway with their spectacular lemon pie. I can't eat more than a bite, but that bite is out of this world. And then last night we had our big "show" at the Coffeehouse Art Center. We had a great time. The people who showed up were fantastic people. You know how much I appreciated your presence! Thank you!

Today Fran and I are going to drive to Minneapolis. I am going to be driving around in that big city. May I please have all of your prayers for our safety! We did Map Quest and hope that their minute by minute instructions will help us. The instructions are so minute that they are confusing, but hopefully when we are actually at the place that corresponds to the instruction it will seem more sensible. It's the speed of reaction time which will be the problem. You cannot think about it, you have to MOVE. As I say... hope for the best. and PRAY.

We had a marvelous time last night at our "do." Made some new friends. Carol's daughter and family from India attended so we now have what I presume is the language from India (what is it? ) in our Guest Book. Let me know what the language is. I don't know what it is saying, of course, but I should at least know what language it is!!!

I will try to write in this blog when I am at Fran's but I am not sure I will figure out how to do it. I probably will. Take care and LEAVE A COMMENT, please. love, vicki

New and Improved

Well, how do you like the new additions? Naomi is here momentarily and she helped me get all snazzed up with the new pictures. Click on the top bar of the flickering pictures and you will have a wonderful slide show of a few of my paintings. Such fun. Let me know what you think of these improvements. I am pumped!

Cookies

I think "cookies"means something in computerize, but I just mean the old fashioned kind of cookies that people eat. My sister-in-law, Elaine, is the all time cookie baking champion. I imagine she is in semi-retirement from that job, now, but I can remember when she would bake 20 or more different types of cookies for Christmas. No matter when one would come to visit, she would sneak down to the basement freezer and come up with some variety of marvelous food. That is why I am a bit shame-faced about reporting my exploits at baking just two different kinds of cookies.

However, last night at about 10:30 I settled in to bake my oatmeal/raisin cookies. It went great. Then I started in on the double batch of chocolate chip. That went great. At about 1:30 am I finally finished the clean-up and headed for bed. All I can say is, "Hats Off" to Elaine! I had no trouble, but it is exhausting rather boring work. I managed to do a bit of reading as I waited for the timer to announce the removal and insertion times of trays into the oven.

Now the real job begins. Keeping the cookies out of the yawning maw of my husband is always a challenge. He's going on a trip tomorrow, so that will help. If he isn't home he won't be able to raid the cookie jar. I have tried hiding cookies in the freezer disguised as freezer-burned steak, but George has always managed to look behind the disguise to the delectable cookies. Frozen cookies are great dunked in milk!

I suppose I will send some with him as munchies on his trip. Can he take them on the plane? Perhaps they look too much like .... what? These carry-aboard rules are complicated and I don't want to get him in trouble.

Snoozin' Saturday

Wow. I snoozed through most of the Saturday afternoon golf tournament. I am rather disgusted because I had it in mind to bake some cookies. I guess I can still do that. I'll mix them up now at 5 pm and bake them after supper.

I was painting up a storm earlier today, and then I ran out of an essential ingredient for the effect I wanted: gesso. Now, if I were living where many people live - in the city - I could just grab the car keys and head for the store. Dick Blick or Wet Paint or even Ben Franklin in a larger city, probably. But I have no idea where the closest store that has that item is from here. I know I can find it in Fargo, St. Cloud or Mpls/Stp. I will just have to wait. They have GREAT gesso in the Cheap Joe catalog, but much good that does me TODAY.

It's fun to look out of the window and see George mowing the lawn. Because it has been so terribly dry, he has not mowed the lawn for a really long time. The downpours we have had in the last week have revived the grass enough that he feels comfortable mowing it. Most of it is green again and not that tortured brown color.

I am very excited to see my sister again tomorrow. We are going to spend the next week together. I will report on our perigrinations as possible during the week. We should have a blast. We will get to see many of her/our friends and hopefully get to visit the Southview ladies in their new environment. I will report.

George and our daughter Naomi are going on a fishing trip together with Bob. That will probably rate lots of reporting, too. Don't miss the thrilling tales to come.

Happy Friday

This Friday is special to me because it is the birthday of my grandaughter, Hannah. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HANNAH! How does it feel to be twelve?

I am going to be working down at the Coffeehouse Art Center today. I will let you know how that goes. I am also going to try to balance my checkbook. It has been giving me fits, and I will have some uninterrupted time while at work to puzzle over it.

We have had some truly horrific weather in Minnesota lately. Tons of tornadoes (at least three) touched down last night and I rethought my loving of storms. I guess the kind I like are the thunder and lightening kind that don't amount to too much. I wouldn't relish looking at a bunch of kindling and realizing that that was my house. Oofta.

I am having such fun planning the next week or so. George and Naomi are flying to the west coast to go fishing with Bob, Naomi's father-in-law. I am getting together with Fran for a non-stop gabfest. We should all be having a blast. Wahoo.

I am also looking forward to the evening art show: "Pastors' Wives and Painters, Too (or Three)" at the Coffeehouse Art Center on Tuesday Evening from 5 - 8:30. Carol, Nancy and I are going to be there and we would love to have you there, too! Yes, we would!

August 24!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO NAOMI and TONY! Five years ago today was the fateful day up at the Lake of the Isles Campground. The very spot that we were camping at just a few days ago! Our family favorite spot. Wahoo. How the time flies. I wish I could be with you today and make you some potato salad. Oh, well, soon! May God bless you and keep you. You will be making lots of new memories now in Tanzania! Wow.

We love you. mom

noisy night

I was up late last night revelling in a thunder and lightening display. Luckily, there was also quite a bit of rain.

I turned out the lights, turned off the television, opened the blinds, sat in my recliner, and enjoyed!

Naomi and I are strangely addicted to thunder and lightening. I remember the time we were trapped in the gazebo that Bud and Elaine had at the edge of Lake Waubesa. The winds were so wild that we didn't dare take the chance to walk back up to the house for fear of falling branches. Tornado warnings were out and the winds were so fierce that the rain actually flew through the screens parallel to the ground. We were planning to sleep out there, so we had a sleeping bag. We huddled in the sleeping bag with our faces wet, singing and telling stories and just enjoying the fact that we were alive. Every once in a while we would flash our flashlight back at the house so Bud and Elaine would know we were still ok. The power of unleashed nature is fantastic.

I realize that for some people being caught in the power of unleashed nature is far from fun. We could mention those who lived through Katrina, for one example. Because I have not been injured or made homeless by nature, I suppose my attitude is slightly unrealistic.

We have weathered fierce storms when we were camping in tents. We were herded into storm shelters at the campground, or once we got in the car and drove far enough away to be out of harm's way. Then, in the morning, we took all of our stuff in to the laundramat to be run through the drier!

Once we came back to find our tent twisted so that we had to replace the aluminum pipe superstructure to keep going on our trip. We dried out all of our stuff on the grass and George went and finally found a pipe fitter guy who would replace the supports. (dar un jeito, as they say in Brazil). Peter was 11 and John was four. They were very relieved to find that we could continue on our trip. Such fantastic memories. I LOVE CAMPING.

There are those who quiver in fear at the very sound of thunder in the distance. My friend Bev is an example. She was raised in Oklahoma where the tornadoes are fierce. She was terrified of any wind storm. But I am just energized by the sound.

When George was young, his friend had a black lab named Pokey. (short for Pochahontas) That dog was simply terrified by thunder. One day, after a warning rumble, she catapulted herself through the front screen door and made for under a bed. The screen door was closed at the time, but that was no impediment to her! I wonder what she would have done if the inside door was also closed?

Are you scared by storms or energized by them? I think my Viking blood is fired up by danger. The wildness of the weather is so beautiful.

odds and ends

I have lots of odds and ends of thoughts this morning. We just got back from church and have heard a great sermon. There was a Persian saying mentioned that I have to get so I can share it with you all. In due time. Marcia said Isaac called and said "hi" to me. Yippee. I have really missed his blogs and his comments. Glad you're ok, Izzy!

About my last blog... Maybe you could tell me what your three favorite things are in a comment. You don't have to say what they mean about you, but just mention what they are. That would be fun.

I have also been thinking about how much more there is to a life than those favorite things. All of the other things that fill up your life with vigor and fun. The favorite things illustrate the core, but there are all the other things that make the life sing.

The list could actually be endless. The idea of the favorite things should free me up to start weeding out some of the stuff that I don't give a hoot about anymore. At one time, I suppose the stuff seemed important, but now I have moved on and don't have interest in it anymore. The trouble is, it's lots of work to get rid of stuff. Lots of it is valuable and can't just be tossed in the rubbish bin. Where can I get rid of it in an appropriate way?

But it would be marvelously freeing. Stay tuned.

My Favorite Things

Well. Donna T. was at a dinner party where one of the guests asked them to think of what were three of their favorite things and what they thought that meant about them.

When I got home from this conversation with Donna, I thought, OK - what about me? What are my three favorite things. Right away I thought about the angel and the pig, and then - because of the toasting of the marshmallows, I suppose - I thought of the little fork. I put in the picture of the three forks to try to give some idea of the size of these artefacts. There is the serving fork, the dinner fork, and then, the pickle fork. The pickle fork is small and it is the favorite thing.

For many years I collected angels. Crystal angels, stained glass angels, each angel more magnificent than the last. Then my friend Kathy gave me this little clay angel. I call it my "essence of angel." She/he is holding a humble loaf of bread. Immediately I could stop collecting angels. This was the reason I wanted to collect angels. This angel said it all.

For many years I collected pigs. Pigs on plates, clothes hook pigs, pewter pigs, and then my sister Fran gave me this small clay pig. This is my "essence of pig." I could stop collecting pigs because this was it. This was what I liked about pigs. A pig is the humblest of animals.

And now, the fork. I love this small pickle fork. No frills. Good design. It does what it's supposed to do.

NOW I'm supposed to explain what these three things explain about me. Wow. I think it shows what I like about people and things. I don't like ostentation. I value the inside meaning of people and things. I hate it when people pretend to be richer than they are or smarter than they are or pretend to be "big shots." What we are is enough.

So these three humble objects represent that to me. The inner core of what it is to be an angel, a pig, and a pickle fork. The genuine insides showing forth into the world. May we each be able to show forth our inner beauty as we walk the earth. No more, no less, but only the grace that God has given us. Rock on.

spelling

Actually, the marshmallow was gorgeous, I suppose. If I was gorging on it, I suppose it could have been gorg=ious, but then I would be making up a word, which was not my intention.

I am trying to get a handle on the thousands of mystery books I have... well, at least hundreds. I am contributing many of them to the Coffeehouse Art Center to do some sort of book exchange. We haven't worked out the particulars yet, but Connie Eidem and I are going to do some thinking about it on Monday afternoon to see if we can figure it out.

In one of the books I found a list of words which I had discovered in the book. It is a mystery by T. J. MacGregor. I liked the books, as I remember, in part because of the outrageous vocabulary used. Here goes:

perdurable, splanchnic, recrudescence, crescive, puissant, nacreous, minatory, pelagic, concrescence, sapid, congeries, coruscated, immediacable, nimety, parlous, hypnagogic, ecurient, coriaceous, chatoyant, erubescent, afferent, caliginous, peregrine, inspissated, longiveous, corybantic, divagated, erumpent, imbicated, lacineated, inspissating, and tristful.

Karen and the rest of you: That should give you a bit of work with your dictionaries. I remember vaguely that I knew what some of the words must mean because of their context, but the author went overboard. And it is a mystery how he (or she) got the books published. They were a fun read, as I remember, and I am going to reread them now, just out of curiosity.

Adios, amigos.