Hello,
We thought we were getting the routine. Get the girls in their pajamas, read books, say prayers, and put them in bed. Everything seemed to be ok with Nora until we got to her crib. “Funky bear,” she said.
“I’ve been instructed about this,” I thought as I straightened the bear’s shirt.
Then it was time to do something about the blanket. “Good, good,” I congratulated myself.
Now some word I could not understand was coming out of Nora’s mouth. At 1.5 years old Nora is happy to repeat more vehemently anything that does not achieve the proper response, consequently I listened to the word about 15 times before I realized it was water. She wanted some water. Done, and now back into bed, adjust bear’s shirt, and pull the blanket around her.
Olivia also sleeps with a bear or a doll or both. Earlier I had noticed that neither was in her bed or in her room. So I had asked her about getting them before we read books. At her reply of, “I do not need them tonight,” I warned, “If that is so we will not get them later.”
You guessed it. As soon as she was in bed she wanted her doll. I said, “No, earlier you said you did not want them. Or you can have the doll that is here in the room.”
She wailed, “I don’t want to sleep with that doll.”
I left the room. Quite some time later she was still crying. I told Leroy about the doll incident to find that he had also talked to her about getting the doll or bear ahead of time. She also told him that she did not need them.
Meanwhile she is yelling, “Granny! Granny!”
I went back into her room and told her, “Both Grandpa and I had offered to go looking for your doll and you refused. It is now too late and you can not have them.”
At that she told me she would take the doll that was in her room. I gave it to her, shut the door firmly as requested, and left.
Silence? Will it last? Yes!
Paula
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
At home in Chariton
Hello,
Leroy and I made the trip home from SLT without incident. We like unremarkable trips.
Now back to the day spent on the mountain snowshoeing. Naomi, who had come to keep me company with the kids, said, “I wonder where Leroy is? Pastor John had to be back at the church at 12:00.”
I had thought that pastor needed to return by 1:00. At this moment it was now 1:00. Naomi left soon after that as the girls had settled for their naps.
I tried to keep worrying at a minimum. I only imagined him hopeless stuck in SLC not able to come home or stuck deep in an avalanche. Finally at 2:00 I realized that maybe I could get Leroy on his cell phone. He did answer almost immediately, “It is great out here and we are almost at the parking area.”
Because the snow level was not deep and non existent at the lower levels, they had had to go farther up the mountain than planned so it was a more strenuous hike that anticipated. Leroy said, “It was beautiful. The view was great and the air was warm. I had to carry my snow pants and took off one layer of my jacket. We did not walk fast so it was not difficult to keep up.”
“There were a lot of helicopters up there. Apparently there are people who like to go above the ski lifts so they hire helicopters to take them farther up. It is quite expensive, but many people were doing it, especially snowboarders.” Leroy said.
It makes one realize anew that economic downturns do not affect all. And of course, Leroy and I are doing something that many cannot even dream of doing, flying to see our grandchildren and then trekking up the mountain. Course that trek is mostly because of connections rather than money.
Paula
Leroy and I made the trip home from SLT without incident. We like unremarkable trips.
Now back to the day spent on the mountain snowshoeing. Naomi, who had come to keep me company with the kids, said, “I wonder where Leroy is? Pastor John had to be back at the church at 12:00.”
I had thought that pastor needed to return by 1:00. At this moment it was now 1:00. Naomi left soon after that as the girls had settled for their naps.
I tried to keep worrying at a minimum. I only imagined him hopeless stuck in SLC not able to come home or stuck deep in an avalanche. Finally at 2:00 I realized that maybe I could get Leroy on his cell phone. He did answer almost immediately, “It is great out here and we are almost at the parking area.”
Because the snow level was not deep and non existent at the lower levels, they had had to go farther up the mountain than planned so it was a more strenuous hike that anticipated. Leroy said, “It was beautiful. The view was great and the air was warm. I had to carry my snow pants and took off one layer of my jacket. We did not walk fast so it was not difficult to keep up.”
“There were a lot of helicopters up there. Apparently there are people who like to go above the ski lifts so they hire helicopters to take them farther up. It is quite expensive, but many people were doing it, especially snowboarders.” Leroy said.
It makes one realize anew that economic downturns do not affect all. And of course, Leroy and I are doing something that many cannot even dream of doing, flying to see our grandchildren and then trekking up the mountain. Course that trek is mostly because of connections rather than money.
Paula
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Leroy Snowshoeing
Hello,
I had wanted to go snow shoeing, but my foot was giving me a bit of pain so I decided to stay home rather than go on a long hike. An older guy in Miriam’s congregation would be the guide and his wife volunteered to stay with the girls so it could have been possible for me to go.
Leroy was to meet at Stan’s house by 8:00. He gave verbal directions that Leroy faithfully copied. Even though the estimate was that it would take about 20-30 minutes, Leroy thought he should allow time to wrestle with rush hour traffic, get lost, and call for further directions.
We are both visual people so a map would have been nice. We found an atlas that did not have small streets on it. “When I was last here, I am sure I used/saw a Utah state map in the car,” I said.
“No map there,” Leroy reported.
In preparation Leroy did not sleep well, got up early, fussed around about what weight clothes to wear, and no map. The instructions were that it would not be so cold. However, a call in the morning downgraded the temperature. So now it was back to winter coat, snow pants, and heavy gloves.
“Why don’t you use MapQuest?” I asked.
So Leroy turned on the computer in the morning only to find that it turned on with irritating slowness and then for reasons unknown MapQuest would not accept the address.
“Try Google map,” I suggested next.
He could put in the address and get directions, but it was difficult to control the zoom when trying to look at the map, creating more aggravation.
When Naomi came at 9:30 she said, “Leroy was there very early.”
I was just happy that he made it. Later I learned that the directions were good, traffic was light, he made no wrong turns, and only used 15 minutes to travel the distance.
Paula
I had wanted to go snow shoeing, but my foot was giving me a bit of pain so I decided to stay home rather than go on a long hike. An older guy in Miriam’s congregation would be the guide and his wife volunteered to stay with the girls so it could have been possible for me to go.
Leroy was to meet at Stan’s house by 8:00. He gave verbal directions that Leroy faithfully copied. Even though the estimate was that it would take about 20-30 minutes, Leroy thought he should allow time to wrestle with rush hour traffic, get lost, and call for further directions.
We are both visual people so a map would have been nice. We found an atlas that did not have small streets on it. “When I was last here, I am sure I used/saw a Utah state map in the car,” I said.
“No map there,” Leroy reported.
In preparation Leroy did not sleep well, got up early, fussed around about what weight clothes to wear, and no map. The instructions were that it would not be so cold. However, a call in the morning downgraded the temperature. So now it was back to winter coat, snow pants, and heavy gloves.
“Why don’t you use MapQuest?” I asked.
So Leroy turned on the computer in the morning only to find that it turned on with irritating slowness and then for reasons unknown MapQuest would not accept the address.
“Try Google map,” I suggested next.
He could put in the address and get directions, but it was difficult to control the zoom when trying to look at the map, creating more aggravation.
When Naomi came at 9:30 she said, “Leroy was there very early.”
I was just happy that he made it. Later I learned that the directions were good, traffic was light, he made no wrong turns, and only used 15 minutes to travel the distance.
Paula
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Trials and Errors
Hello,
Learning is still going on even though more than sixty years have been spent at the task.
Lesson one: do not allow a tricycle on a walk that is longer than two blocks. After the rider quits and just walks, the tricycle is heavy especially when the dog on the leash weighs over 100 pounds and pulls some of the time. Also please note, pushing the tricycle with a stroller wheel works to give a little extra power only for a short burst of energy. Uneven sidewalk means additional help is required to get over the hump.
Lesson two: if you ask someone to be in charge of the children during your yoga session give a complete description of what that means. It is difficult to do certain postures when someone on two legs or on four is going under you and through your spread legs. It is also difficult to hear instructions when there is a lot of noise in the background. Meditation is not exactly on the highest level with vigorous play in the room.
Lesson three: Just because you think you have planned it down to the wire, bath and bedtime might not go as planned. Tonight an extra half hour was planned to give plenty of time to play in the tub. Then hairs were washed with medium success. At least they were cleaner than before. Olivia likes her blanket tucked in on both sides. That would be good, but it barely fits so any movement pulls it out requiring at least one or two trips in a night to retuck. There was an additional blanket in the bed the first night. That was good because it was longer, but tonight that longer blanket was banned from the bed. The other blanket was tucked in, but soon came out. I had a bit of a meltdown, declaring that I was finished with this task and Olivia could figure out what to do on her own. Leroy came to the rescue. He then said that I should wake him up in the night.
Lesson Four: All days have good and bad parts.
Paula
Learning is still going on even though more than sixty years have been spent at the task.
Lesson one: do not allow a tricycle on a walk that is longer than two blocks. After the rider quits and just walks, the tricycle is heavy especially when the dog on the leash weighs over 100 pounds and pulls some of the time. Also please note, pushing the tricycle with a stroller wheel works to give a little extra power only for a short burst of energy. Uneven sidewalk means additional help is required to get over the hump.
Lesson two: if you ask someone to be in charge of the children during your yoga session give a complete description of what that means. It is difficult to do certain postures when someone on two legs or on four is going under you and through your spread legs. It is also difficult to hear instructions when there is a lot of noise in the background. Meditation is not exactly on the highest level with vigorous play in the room.
Lesson three: Just because you think you have planned it down to the wire, bath and bedtime might not go as planned. Tonight an extra half hour was planned to give plenty of time to play in the tub. Then hairs were washed with medium success. At least they were cleaner than before. Olivia likes her blanket tucked in on both sides. That would be good, but it barely fits so any movement pulls it out requiring at least one or two trips in a night to retuck. There was an additional blanket in the bed the first night. That was good because it was longer, but tonight that longer blanket was banned from the bed. The other blanket was tucked in, but soon came out. I had a bit of a meltdown, declaring that I was finished with this task and Olivia could figure out what to do on her own. Leroy came to the rescue. He then said that I should wake him up in the night.
Lesson Four: All days have good and bad parts.
Paula
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
In Salt Lake City
Hello,
Leroy and I arrived about an hour late. For reasons not explained to us passengers. At the proper time a plane arrived at our departure gate. Later we were told that it was not ours and after it unloaded another plane would come. All that took a bit of time. Miriam and Andy were anxiously awaiting our arrival so they could sleep in preparation for their 4:30 departure from the house the next morning. It meant they got even less sleep than they had thought since one of them was picking us up at the airport.
We slept in their bed and they were on an air mattress since we would be using the bed for a week. That was very nice, but they had moved out Katie’s bed (Katie is their dog.) out of their room. That left this poor dog disorientated and she clicked her toenails on the hardwood floor checking out the room three times during the night. Then the little girls talked or cried a few times. I did get up once to see what the problem was with 1.5 year old Nora. She snuggled for a while. She was happy to lie down with an extra blanket as she felt cool to me.
Also inhibiting my sleep was the stimulating foot and leg lotion that I had put on before going to bed. I get so dry here that I need something twice a day, but I learned my lesson no more putting this stuff on before trying to sleep.
Then I was awake when Andy and Miriam got up to prepare to leave. We did stay in bed until almost seven o’clock in our time zone so I was quite happy to have that happen.
Last night I moved Katie’s bed back into the bedroom and learned that she snores, hence the more out. Leroy snores a little too, but at least with him I say, “Roll over.” And it works like magic. Unfortunately it was not effective with the dog. In the end I think I can deal better with the snoring than the walking around. When sleep did come it was very restful and peaceful.
Paula
Leroy and I arrived about an hour late. For reasons not explained to us passengers. At the proper time a plane arrived at our departure gate. Later we were told that it was not ours and after it unloaded another plane would come. All that took a bit of time. Miriam and Andy were anxiously awaiting our arrival so they could sleep in preparation for their 4:30 departure from the house the next morning. It meant they got even less sleep than they had thought since one of them was picking us up at the airport.
We slept in their bed and they were on an air mattress since we would be using the bed for a week. That was very nice, but they had moved out Katie’s bed (Katie is their dog.) out of their room. That left this poor dog disorientated and she clicked her toenails on the hardwood floor checking out the room three times during the night. Then the little girls talked or cried a few times. I did get up once to see what the problem was with 1.5 year old Nora. She snuggled for a while. She was happy to lie down with an extra blanket as she felt cool to me.
Also inhibiting my sleep was the stimulating foot and leg lotion that I had put on before going to bed. I get so dry here that I need something twice a day, but I learned my lesson no more putting this stuff on before trying to sleep.
Then I was awake when Andy and Miriam got up to prepare to leave. We did stay in bed until almost seven o’clock in our time zone so I was quite happy to have that happen.
Last night I moved Katie’s bed back into the bedroom and learned that she snores, hence the more out. Leroy snores a little too, but at least with him I say, “Roll over.” And it works like magic. Unfortunately it was not effective with the dog. In the end I think I can deal better with the snoring than the walking around. When sleep did come it was very restful and peaceful.
Paula
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Two Cars
Hello,
Leroy and I have rejoined the American idea of what is proper. We have a car per driver in the house. I gather some people have more than that, but don’t get me started on that.
Brian and Jen were visiting a friend in a town close to Des Moines so it seemed like the perfect time to get this car from Brian. They had gotten a new car and were virtually giving this one away. Ironic that it is the last car we bought before we got started on our moving adventures. Sometimes thing come full circle. At least it looks familiar even though we might not remember all of the particulars.
Leroy needed to pick up something at St. John’s in Des Moines so we were a bit early. A trip to the mall seemed like an ok way to fill in time. When we got to the mall it was starting to snow. After Brian called and told us they were getting close we left to mall to find that the snow had increased considerably.
By the time we started on the hour and a half trip home the snow was coming down in great amounts that created a curtain in front of the cars. It still had not accumulated on the roads because it had been much warmer. In spite of the fact that it was hard to see we gratefully made it home without incident. I did hear on the radio that it was slippery in some places in Des Moines so I slowed down on many of the curves.
With two cars we have both a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing because we have back up transportation and a curse because we have to take care of this machine.
Tomorrow we head to Salt Lake where we will babysit for Miriam’s children as she is accompanying Andy on a week long business trip to Hawaii.
It was so much fun to see Sophia for a short time yesterday. I was astonished at how much she had changed since early December. She is a little girl and not some toddler. I am sure Leroy will notice real changes in the Utah girls since he has not seen them since Thanksgiving. Do we see enough of family? No, but we have no idea how to solve that issue.
Paula
Leroy and I have rejoined the American idea of what is proper. We have a car per driver in the house. I gather some people have more than that, but don’t get me started on that.
Brian and Jen were visiting a friend in a town close to Des Moines so it seemed like the perfect time to get this car from Brian. They had gotten a new car and were virtually giving this one away. Ironic that it is the last car we bought before we got started on our moving adventures. Sometimes thing come full circle. At least it looks familiar even though we might not remember all of the particulars.
Leroy needed to pick up something at St. John’s in Des Moines so we were a bit early. A trip to the mall seemed like an ok way to fill in time. When we got to the mall it was starting to snow. After Brian called and told us they were getting close we left to mall to find that the snow had increased considerably.
By the time we started on the hour and a half trip home the snow was coming down in great amounts that created a curtain in front of the cars. It still had not accumulated on the roads because it had been much warmer. In spite of the fact that it was hard to see we gratefully made it home without incident. I did hear on the radio that it was slippery in some places in Des Moines so I slowed down on many of the curves.
With two cars we have both a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing because we have back up transportation and a curse because we have to take care of this machine.
Tomorrow we head to Salt Lake where we will babysit for Miriam’s children as she is accompanying Andy on a week long business trip to Hawaii.
It was so much fun to see Sophia for a short time yesterday. I was astonished at how much she had changed since early December. She is a little girl and not some toddler. I am sure Leroy will notice real changes in the Utah girls since he has not seen them since Thanksgiving. Do we see enough of family? No, but we have no idea how to solve that issue.
Paula
Friday, March 19, 2010
Making Strudel
Hello,
The phyllo dough was in the frig so it could thaw. One recipe had puff pastry, whatever that is, instead of phyllo dough. Since all the rest had phyllo dough it became the logical choice. I have only eaten and never worked with phyllo dough before. It was thinner than I imagined. It split apart in a couple creases as I unrolled it. Somehow that seemed like trouble ahead. It directions said to put melted butter between the layers. A pastry brush might have helped, but a spoon worked.
All this making food for other people makes me nervous and I start talking loudly and more forcefully to Leroy than is necessary. Luckily he seems to realize I am not really yelling at him just at the world and my situation.
Prior to trying to arrange the dough we had peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples coating them with a sugar spice mixture. Some bread crumbs and raisins were also in the mix.
After much grumbling, the dough was ready for the spreading of the apple mixture. “Why don’t I practice these things with just us?” I wailed.
It worked to roll it, but the apple slices were a little bigger making it more difficult to roll. We charged ahead and got the second one ready also. Baking went fast and smelled good. In the end it was ok, but all of the strudel that I had in Slovakia was much better.
I know why I did not practice; I do not like to practice making anything ahead of time. Somehow I manage to do that with music, but after that I draw the line. After all that is how I raised children! It was all practice from day one.
Paula
The phyllo dough was in the frig so it could thaw. One recipe had puff pastry, whatever that is, instead of phyllo dough. Since all the rest had phyllo dough it became the logical choice. I have only eaten and never worked with phyllo dough before. It was thinner than I imagined. It split apart in a couple creases as I unrolled it. Somehow that seemed like trouble ahead. It directions said to put melted butter between the layers. A pastry brush might have helped, but a spoon worked.
All this making food for other people makes me nervous and I start talking loudly and more forcefully to Leroy than is necessary. Luckily he seems to realize I am not really yelling at him just at the world and my situation.
Prior to trying to arrange the dough we had peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples coating them with a sugar spice mixture. Some bread crumbs and raisins were also in the mix.
After much grumbling, the dough was ready for the spreading of the apple mixture. “Why don’t I practice these things with just us?” I wailed.
It worked to roll it, but the apple slices were a little bigger making it more difficult to roll. We charged ahead and got the second one ready also. Baking went fast and smelled good. In the end it was ok, but all of the strudel that I had in Slovakia was much better.
I know why I did not practice; I do not like to practice making anything ahead of time. Somehow I manage to do that with music, but after that I draw the line. After all that is how I raised children! It was all practice from day one.
Paula
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Sunday Night
Sunday Night
March 17, 2010
Hello,
Slovak Easter customs and a couple food samples were well received. However making those foods was not an easy thing for this non desert maker.
I made the cookie dough Friday afternoon. Luckily Leroy came home before I had done much so he helped. Also the electric mixer, that boasted it could handle the stiffest cookie dough, helped a lot. It can handle the tough jobs. Not really having a clue how many cookies come out of a batch meant that two batches were required to make sure there were enough. You should know that anywhere from 12 to 24 people might come to this social event. The trouble started when I got intimate with the recipe and realized that there was a cup of sugar and a stick plus of butter and only three cups of flour. Better than equal, but high oil and sugar by my standards.
I had borrowed cookie cutters. There were some of rabbit and chicken that did not have small corners so the dough fell out easily. That was a relief. Instructions stated to beat an egg and put it on the top. The big problem is that I do not own a pastry brush. After putting it on a few using a small piece of bunched up paper towel, I declared, “They don’t need this egg. I have had enough of that.” These honey cookies are supposed to be decorated, but that is also not in my skill pack nor am I inclined to learn. Also I did not want to add anymore sugar or oil.
Then I got to thinking. I do not feed these things to my family because I think it is not good for them. Why am I making them for these people? Don’t I love them enough?
I had intended to bake these on Sunday because we were going to be gone all day Saturday. But all at once Sunday afternoon seemed just too crowded with making the meat up since I had not thawed the hamburger and I do not like to force the thaw issue. The strudel was also being made on Sunday afternoon. Of course we go to church in the morning and Leroy does not get home until about 1:00 pm on Sunday for lunch. This event takes place at 6:30 pm so that should be enough time right?
And to think when I first agreed to do this I was planning on making the simplest possible meal, but then Slovakia got into the mix and complicated it.
The cookies baked up just fine after they had been refrigerated for a few hours. That was a relief. Strudel adventures will come in the next installment.
Paula
March 17, 2010
Hello,
Slovak Easter customs and a couple food samples were well received. However making those foods was not an easy thing for this non desert maker.
I made the cookie dough Friday afternoon. Luckily Leroy came home before I had done much so he helped. Also the electric mixer, that boasted it could handle the stiffest cookie dough, helped a lot. It can handle the tough jobs. Not really having a clue how many cookies come out of a batch meant that two batches were required to make sure there were enough. You should know that anywhere from 12 to 24 people might come to this social event. The trouble started when I got intimate with the recipe and realized that there was a cup of sugar and a stick plus of butter and only three cups of flour. Better than equal, but high oil and sugar by my standards.
I had borrowed cookie cutters. There were some of rabbit and chicken that did not have small corners so the dough fell out easily. That was a relief. Instructions stated to beat an egg and put it on the top. The big problem is that I do not own a pastry brush. After putting it on a few using a small piece of bunched up paper towel, I declared, “They don’t need this egg. I have had enough of that.” These honey cookies are supposed to be decorated, but that is also not in my skill pack nor am I inclined to learn. Also I did not want to add anymore sugar or oil.
Then I got to thinking. I do not feed these things to my family because I think it is not good for them. Why am I making them for these people? Don’t I love them enough?
I had intended to bake these on Sunday because we were going to be gone all day Saturday. But all at once Sunday afternoon seemed just too crowded with making the meat up since I had not thawed the hamburger and I do not like to force the thaw issue. The strudel was also being made on Sunday afternoon. Of course we go to church in the morning and Leroy does not get home until about 1:00 pm on Sunday for lunch. This event takes place at 6:30 pm so that should be enough time right?
And to think when I first agreed to do this I was planning on making the simplest possible meal, but then Slovakia got into the mix and complicated it.
The cookies baked up just fine after they had been refrigerated for a few hours. That was a relief. Strudel adventures will come in the next installment.
Paula
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Pick up Sticks
Hello,
Finally the yard is free of snow. Yesterday was the perfect day to pick up the numerous sticks and branches that were lying around. After cleaning the gutter a congregation member left his large extension ladder. Leroy decided to use it to get some of the dead branches hanging in the trees.
Usually Leroy is very cautious when going up on a ladder, but for reasons unknown to me he trotted right up this thing to greater heights than expected. I held the bottom of the ladder to steady it, but I could not have held either the ladder or Leroy if they had been at a serious tilt. Leroy was grunting with the effort of getting it from tree to tree and upright to the height that he desired.
He was able to get down several branches that were hung up on fellow live branches. Then he cut off a branch that was hanging lightly on the phone wire. The branch was heavy enough that the wire looked in danger of breaking as he was sawing it off. Somehow that all worked. Then it was on to the next tree to take the branch off the electrical wire. He managed to pull the branch closer but could not lift it over so he had to break off parts of it until it was light enough to heft with one hand. Leroy did keep one hand grasping the ladder. When he dropped the branches he would try to get them out of my area, but always yelled look out below. Since I was holding the ladder steady, I was not sure what I should do. I put my head down, but then he told me to move away. One of the branches did land with a resounding “thunk”. It could have done some damage to me as the ragged end sank into the soft ground.
The garden cart was filled with sticks by the time we got done. The back yard looks so nice now. Maybe tomorrow I can tackle the front. It has less space and only two trees, making it a much smaller job.
Leroy said, “I was not scared on this ladder because it is so sturdy and I could wedge it firmly against the trees.” I surmise that I was just holding for the appearance of security for myself even though I knew how little success I would have stopping a fall.
Paula
Finally the yard is free of snow. Yesterday was the perfect day to pick up the numerous sticks and branches that were lying around. After cleaning the gutter a congregation member left his large extension ladder. Leroy decided to use it to get some of the dead branches hanging in the trees.
Usually Leroy is very cautious when going up on a ladder, but for reasons unknown to me he trotted right up this thing to greater heights than expected. I held the bottom of the ladder to steady it, but I could not have held either the ladder or Leroy if they had been at a serious tilt. Leroy was grunting with the effort of getting it from tree to tree and upright to the height that he desired.
He was able to get down several branches that were hung up on fellow live branches. Then he cut off a branch that was hanging lightly on the phone wire. The branch was heavy enough that the wire looked in danger of breaking as he was sawing it off. Somehow that all worked. Then it was on to the next tree to take the branch off the electrical wire. He managed to pull the branch closer but could not lift it over so he had to break off parts of it until it was light enough to heft with one hand. Leroy did keep one hand grasping the ladder. When he dropped the branches he would try to get them out of my area, but always yelled look out below. Since I was holding the ladder steady, I was not sure what I should do. I put my head down, but then he told me to move away. One of the branches did land with a resounding “thunk”. It could have done some damage to me as the ragged end sank into the soft ground.
The garden cart was filled with sticks by the time we got done. The back yard looks so nice now. Maybe tomorrow I can tackle the front. It has less space and only two trees, making it a much smaller job.
Leroy said, “I was not scared on this ladder because it is so sturdy and I could wedge it firmly against the trees.” I surmise that I was just holding for the appearance of security for myself even though I knew how little success I would have stopping a fall.
Paula
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
How we are different
Hello,
Leroy and I watched the movie, Munich. It is about the revenge taken for the slain Israeli Olympians in Munich in 1972. Knowing it would be a serious subject I suggested we watch during the day rather than in the evening. I do not sleep well if I am disturbed before I go to bed.
Interesting that Leroy was more disturbed by this movie than I was. He even had a hard time finishing it. He likes James Bond and others with more violence than I care to see. It was a mystery as to why he did not find this an easy film to watch. After much probing I learned that he really likes stories where there is a clear sense of good and evil with good generally coming out clean and victorious in the end. Leroy tended not to like many of the required readings when he was in school and I guess that is why. I am still learning about this guy, isn’t that good after 38 years of marriage? Or does that mean I am not a good people reader?
When I was the librarian in a high school one of the students told me, “I have too much reality in my life and that is why I like fantasy and Si-Fi books.”
I often like books that are close to life and do not provide clear answers or even positive solutions. However as I have gotten older I do find that I have to be in the right mood to deal with them. I even read a romance for relaxation now and then because they have a happy ending.
At least this explains why we have so much trouble finding movies that we both like.
Paula
Leroy and I watched the movie, Munich. It is about the revenge taken for the slain Israeli Olympians in Munich in 1972. Knowing it would be a serious subject I suggested we watch during the day rather than in the evening. I do not sleep well if I am disturbed before I go to bed.
Interesting that Leroy was more disturbed by this movie than I was. He even had a hard time finishing it. He likes James Bond and others with more violence than I care to see. It was a mystery as to why he did not find this an easy film to watch. After much probing I learned that he really likes stories where there is a clear sense of good and evil with good generally coming out clean and victorious in the end. Leroy tended not to like many of the required readings when he was in school and I guess that is why. I am still learning about this guy, isn’t that good after 38 years of marriage? Or does that mean I am not a good people reader?
When I was the librarian in a high school one of the students told me, “I have too much reality in my life and that is why I like fantasy and Si-Fi books.”
I often like books that are close to life and do not provide clear answers or even positive solutions. However as I have gotten older I do find that I have to be in the right mood to deal with them. I even read a romance for relaxation now and then because they have a happy ending.
At least this explains why we have so much trouble finding movies that we both like.
Paula
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Hat hair and Playing for church
Hello,
One of the best things about warmer weather is the absence of hat hair. Sometimes even though it is cold and my ears hurt, I do not wear a hat because I want my hair to look nice. Some days straight hair seems the better option, but it does not look so nice on me. I need something fluffed out to the sides to soften the angles of my face.
This morning I played for church so I rode in the car with Leroy. This met two goals; an earlier arrival so there was time to run through all of the music and no need for a hat in the car.
I always like to run through the service especially so I remember when I am doing what and how I am switching books and music.
The music for church went fairly well. I played alternate accompaniments for some verses of all the hymns. One of the accompaniments took off in its own harmonic direction. The plan was that I would say something about the need for people to just keep singing even if they could no longer hear the melody of this familiar tune. The usually slow talking pastor (Leroy) just zipped right on and did not give me a change to say anything. So just before I played this hymn, I was still trying to decide if I should play this flashy alternative. Since the people figured out when to start after the alternative intro and two verses seemed to be adequate to set the melody in their minds, I plunged right onto this new path on the last verse. I was impressed as the majority seemed to be singing the right stuff and we ended together. After the service a few people commented on how much they liked that intro and the verse. Yeah!
For some reason I felt fairly comfortable playing today. Maybe it was those other music responsibilities during the week that were good preparation for being in front of the crowd.
Now it will probably be months before I play again. So I will have to gear up all over again.
Paula
One of the best things about warmer weather is the absence of hat hair. Sometimes even though it is cold and my ears hurt, I do not wear a hat because I want my hair to look nice. Some days straight hair seems the better option, but it does not look so nice on me. I need something fluffed out to the sides to soften the angles of my face.
This morning I played for church so I rode in the car with Leroy. This met two goals; an earlier arrival so there was time to run through all of the music and no need for a hat in the car.
I always like to run through the service especially so I remember when I am doing what and how I am switching books and music.
The music for church went fairly well. I played alternate accompaniments for some verses of all the hymns. One of the accompaniments took off in its own harmonic direction. The plan was that I would say something about the need for people to just keep singing even if they could no longer hear the melody of this familiar tune. The usually slow talking pastor (Leroy) just zipped right on and did not give me a change to say anything. So just before I played this hymn, I was still trying to decide if I should play this flashy alternative. Since the people figured out when to start after the alternative intro and two verses seemed to be adequate to set the melody in their minds, I plunged right onto this new path on the last verse. I was impressed as the majority seemed to be singing the right stuff and we ended together. After the service a few people commented on how much they liked that intro and the verse. Yeah!
For some reason I felt fairly comfortable playing today. Maybe it was those other music responsibilities during the week that were good preparation for being in front of the crowd.
Now it will probably be months before I play again. So I will have to gear up all over again.
Paula
Friday, March 5, 2010
World Day of Prayer
Hello,
Our church hosted the World Day of Prayer program and it all went well. More women came than had at the last event. That could be because it was finally a nice sunny day.
I played and everything went well with that, even the two songs that I did not know very well. I am one of the youngest women there so I was surprised at the robust singing. Usually I hear just a couple faint voices. Maybe it was because the “prelude” included some rhythm instruments and clapping. They just seemed to attack that with gusto. It was probably that lively start that brought it all together.
Now I just have to play for church on Sunday and I will be finished with my music obligations for a while. Part of me would rather do the church playing on a regular basis so I would be more comfortable with it. Even once a month would make a big difference. Two or three times a year does not keep me sharp.
Do squirrels eat bark on trees? I look out the second story window and see many branches that have been stripped of bark. Since I know the deer can not be the ones I suspect it is the squirrels. Has there been so much snow on the ground that they have been unable to find buried nuts? Did they not gather enough nuts last fall?
Leroy washed the car today even though it is to rain tomorrow. There was quite a bit of mud on it from sometime in November. At least the layers are gone and they can start accumulating again.
Paula
Our church hosted the World Day of Prayer program and it all went well. More women came than had at the last event. That could be because it was finally a nice sunny day.
I played and everything went well with that, even the two songs that I did not know very well. I am one of the youngest women there so I was surprised at the robust singing. Usually I hear just a couple faint voices. Maybe it was because the “prelude” included some rhythm instruments and clapping. They just seemed to attack that with gusto. It was probably that lively start that brought it all together.
Now I just have to play for church on Sunday and I will be finished with my music obligations for a while. Part of me would rather do the church playing on a regular basis so I would be more comfortable with it. Even once a month would make a big difference. Two or three times a year does not keep me sharp.
Do squirrels eat bark on trees? I look out the second story window and see many branches that have been stripped of bark. Since I know the deer can not be the ones I suspect it is the squirrels. Has there been so much snow on the ground that they have been unable to find buried nuts? Did they not gather enough nuts last fall?
Leroy washed the car today even though it is to rain tomorrow. There was quite a bit of mud on it from sometime in November. At least the layers are gone and they can start accumulating again.
Paula
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Chipping away at the ice
Hello,
Yesterday and today after the sun did its work Leroy and I got some more ice off the entrance to the drive. It is quite fine, but still nice to get to the edge of the cement. So tomorrow we will spend a little time out there. At least now we do not have to back the car so straight to get out of the drive. I ran into the snow pile more than once as did others.
More grass is showing in the yard and more mud on the walk to church. There is a part that is not paved and my shoes weigh more by the time I have made my way through that part.
I just finished Sarah Palin’s book. I am wondering if anyone ever disagrees with another by stating their position rather than putting down someone else’s idea. I was never a debater, is that a part of debate? Hiding in fiction is more fun and comfortable for me. Right now I am reading In Heaven as on Earth by M Scot Peck. So far so good, as no one can really give me advice about that. It is also uplifting.
I did solve a small problem in my life. The clip on the pedometer broke. For some reason it did not record all the steps when placed in my pocket. This morning I “took” Leroy’s cell phone holder, slipped in the pedometer, clipped it on my waist, and walked away. The result was close enough to be accurate.
Our paper comes with a rubber band or bag on it. Throwing away either goes against the principles of reuse or recycle. The carrier does not want to reuse them. I had given the bags to Brian to use when picking up dog poop, but he declares them much too small for his hand. I took them up anyway and used them myself. However the last time I was there the bag was too small for my hand. No more small bags for me either. It is not fun. Besides our neighbor’s daughter delivers the paper and she will use them again. Happy, happy!
Son Brian twisted his right ankle resulting in a bad sprain. He is not to drive or walk on it for a week. Crutches and a cast keep that in force. The hard part is that Brian can not drive to work and public transportation does not go close enough. Then he is the person who picks up Sophia at the end of the day. Even though he is in the neighborhood he can not get there either, as it is about ½ mile away. This is when I would like to live closer because it would be easier to help out if I were even a mile a way. Parents can not solve all problems. Guess that is part of all of us growing up: letting go and taking over. Depending on where you are on the journey.
Paula
Yesterday and today after the sun did its work Leroy and I got some more ice off the entrance to the drive. It is quite fine, but still nice to get to the edge of the cement. So tomorrow we will spend a little time out there. At least now we do not have to back the car so straight to get out of the drive. I ran into the snow pile more than once as did others.
More grass is showing in the yard and more mud on the walk to church. There is a part that is not paved and my shoes weigh more by the time I have made my way through that part.
I just finished Sarah Palin’s book. I am wondering if anyone ever disagrees with another by stating their position rather than putting down someone else’s idea. I was never a debater, is that a part of debate? Hiding in fiction is more fun and comfortable for me. Right now I am reading In Heaven as on Earth by M Scot Peck. So far so good, as no one can really give me advice about that. It is also uplifting.
I did solve a small problem in my life. The clip on the pedometer broke. For some reason it did not record all the steps when placed in my pocket. This morning I “took” Leroy’s cell phone holder, slipped in the pedometer, clipped it on my waist, and walked away. The result was close enough to be accurate.
Our paper comes with a rubber band or bag on it. Throwing away either goes against the principles of reuse or recycle. The carrier does not want to reuse them. I had given the bags to Brian to use when picking up dog poop, but he declares them much too small for his hand. I took them up anyway and used them myself. However the last time I was there the bag was too small for my hand. No more small bags for me either. It is not fun. Besides our neighbor’s daughter delivers the paper and she will use them again. Happy, happy!
Son Brian twisted his right ankle resulting in a bad sprain. He is not to drive or walk on it for a week. Crutches and a cast keep that in force. The hard part is that Brian can not drive to work and public transportation does not go close enough. Then he is the person who picks up Sophia at the end of the day. Even though he is in the neighborhood he can not get there either, as it is about ½ mile away. This is when I would like to live closer because it would be easier to help out if I were even a mile a way. Parents can not solve all problems. Guess that is part of all of us growing up: letting go and taking over. Depending on where you are on the journey.
Paula
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Big Toilet Paper Rolls
Hello,
Just how big will toilet paper rolls evolve? Will I be able to bring it home on the bicycle? Can I walk it home, or will I have to stagger home under the weight? Can it be put in a small car? Will homes need larger doors?
Who was the person that created this new largest size and what type holder do they have? How much toilet paper do they use at a sitting? In a day? In a week? Do they not have time to put on a new roll?
The roll fits in the holder, but barely. Consequently getting a required length takes some skills so that the strip is intact. Dealing with shredded paper is certainly not for the faint hearted.
On the plus side the roll does not have to be changed very often, but does it take so long that we will forget how? Also it does save on the cardboard tubes thus helping the landfill to accommodate more other useless items.
One older woman in the toilet paper section in the store said, “When I was raising my five children we could only get small rolls requiring many changes of rolls. Now when it is only me I can buy a large roll that lasts me for a long time and it does not matter.”
Excuse me, I have to lug this roll into the bathroom, and jam it into the holder.
Paula
Just how big will toilet paper rolls evolve? Will I be able to bring it home on the bicycle? Can I walk it home, or will I have to stagger home under the weight? Can it be put in a small car? Will homes need larger doors?
Who was the person that created this new largest size and what type holder do they have? How much toilet paper do they use at a sitting? In a day? In a week? Do they not have time to put on a new roll?
The roll fits in the holder, but barely. Consequently getting a required length takes some skills so that the strip is intact. Dealing with shredded paper is certainly not for the faint hearted.
On the plus side the roll does not have to be changed very often, but does it take so long that we will forget how? Also it does save on the cardboard tubes thus helping the landfill to accommodate more other useless items.
One older woman in the toilet paper section in the store said, “When I was raising my five children we could only get small rolls requiring many changes of rolls. Now when it is only me I can buy a large roll that lasts me for a long time and it does not matter.”
Excuse me, I have to lug this roll into the bathroom, and jam it into the holder.
Paula
Monday, March 1, 2010
One week No new snow
Hello,
One week with no new snow, does that mean we have turned a corner? We still can not see the ground in most places, but it is melting some each day.
So far I have not watched one single Olympic event. What does that mean? There is just something about sports that I am not really interested in watching. I would perhaps rather be participating.
I sang the psalm on Sunday. Leroy tells me I sounded a bit scared at first, but was much better by the end. I am going to sing some of the liturgy Wednesday evening. Friday I will play/accompany the Church Women United meeting at our church. Sunday I will play for church. That means a bit of practice and lots of participation. It is easier when I do this on a regular basis. Somehow I have to remember things from a long time ago and that is not easy.
The yoga group is not meeting this week so that opens up some time, but I took home a CD and am doing it at home. I tried to copy the copied CD. First, to justify copying, I said, “I do not even know who has done it.”
However when I copied it on the computer the name and artist’s name popped up. Leroy was definitely strong about not copying, but rather buying this item. I agreed, but I was tempted for the moment. It is only $20 so that makes it easier to be honest. Legal is a virtue especially when no one is looking.
In two weeks, Leroy and I are hosting a social group at church. We thought we would provide some information about Slovak’s Easter celebration. Then to provide some food, we will make Med cookies and strudel. If any of you who have been to Slovakia have good, authentic, easy recipes for these items I would welcome them. Those are not necessarily Easter foods, but I figure that without too much effort, gnashing of teeth, and pulling hair I can make them ahead of time. In addition any customs that you can think of or anything to say about Easter would be welcome. Any emailed Slovak Easter pictures that you would let us show would be welcomed also.
Paula
One week with no new snow, does that mean we have turned a corner? We still can not see the ground in most places, but it is melting some each day.
So far I have not watched one single Olympic event. What does that mean? There is just something about sports that I am not really interested in watching. I would perhaps rather be participating.
I sang the psalm on Sunday. Leroy tells me I sounded a bit scared at first, but was much better by the end. I am going to sing some of the liturgy Wednesday evening. Friday I will play/accompany the Church Women United meeting at our church. Sunday I will play for church. That means a bit of practice and lots of participation. It is easier when I do this on a regular basis. Somehow I have to remember things from a long time ago and that is not easy.
The yoga group is not meeting this week so that opens up some time, but I took home a CD and am doing it at home. I tried to copy the copied CD. First, to justify copying, I said, “I do not even know who has done it.”
However when I copied it on the computer the name and artist’s name popped up. Leroy was definitely strong about not copying, but rather buying this item. I agreed, but I was tempted for the moment. It is only $20 so that makes it easier to be honest. Legal is a virtue especially when no one is looking.
In two weeks, Leroy and I are hosting a social group at church. We thought we would provide some information about Slovak’s Easter celebration. Then to provide some food, we will make Med cookies and strudel. If any of you who have been to Slovakia have good, authentic, easy recipes for these items I would welcome them. Those are not necessarily Easter foods, but I figure that without too much effort, gnashing of teeth, and pulling hair I can make them ahead of time. In addition any customs that you can think of or anything to say about Easter would be welcome. Any emailed Slovak Easter pictures that you would let us show would be welcomed also.
Paula
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