Yes, there is dancing on ice but none on a dance floor. Yet the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet dancers my Sweetie and I enjoyed today were just as good athletes as those on ice.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, what is video worth?
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
11 Months to 65
When I began writing this blog a month ago, I wondered if I would have something to say every day. Frequently I had no idea what I was going to write about until I sat with my thoughts and my laptop. I now look forward to that time of day when I begin writing. I have also enjoyed using my research skills to fill in background for my topics. Thanks for sharing this past month with me.
I wonder what the next month will bring.
I wonder what the next month will bring.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Railway Men
Beginning in 1955, O. Winston Link made more than 20 trips over a five-year period to photograph the last steam engines of the Norfolk & Western Railroad. By 1960 he had over 2400 negatives.
Early on he recognized that the one problem taking photos of locomotives was lighting. As he put it, “You can’t move the sun, and you can’t move the tracks, so you have to do something else to better light the engines.”
So he built his own flash equipment. For one photo he detonated 42 flashes at one time.
Besides being gifted in being able to visualize what a night-time shot would look like in the daytime and in devising the equipment he would need to take those shots, he must have been a master salesman.
For the photograph titled, Bringing in the Cows on the Norvel Ryan Farm as Train No. 3 Passes, Link persuaded the Ryans to delay milking until 7:45PM when the Pocohontas would be passing on its way from Norfolk to Columbus. Poor cows!
For Sometimes the Electricity Fails, he used his convertible and asked a young man if he had a girlfriend who would pose with him. The young couple married a year later.
Another I especially liked was Hawksbill Creek Swimming Hole. I think that it clearly illustrates how Link uses lighting to turn what would be a rather prosaic scene into a magical one.
Besides the special exhibition of Link’s photographs, the Wilmington Railroad Museum boasts some rolling stock and memorabilia. The inspection car reminded my Sweetie of being 8 years old and hitching a ride from 16th to 20th street in Paso Robles, CA.
Early on he recognized that the one problem taking photos of locomotives was lighting. As he put it, “You can’t move the sun, and you can’t move the tracks, so you have to do something else to better light the engines.”
So he built his own flash equipment. For one photo he detonated 42 flashes at one time.
Besides being gifted in being able to visualize what a night-time shot would look like in the daytime and in devising the equipment he would need to take those shots, he must have been a master salesman.
For the photograph titled, Bringing in the Cows on the Norvel Ryan Farm as Train No. 3 Passes, Link persuaded the Ryans to delay milking until 7:45PM when the Pocohontas would be passing on its way from Norfolk to Columbus. Poor cows!
For Sometimes the Electricity Fails, he used his convertible and asked a young man if he had a girlfriend who would pose with him. The young couple married a year later.
Another I especially liked was Hawksbill Creek Swimming Hole. I think that it clearly illustrates how Link uses lighting to turn what would be a rather prosaic scene into a magical one.
Besides the special exhibition of Link’s photographs, the Wilmington Railroad Museum boasts some rolling stock and memorabilia. The inspection car reminded my Sweetie of being 8 years old and hitching a ride from 16th to 20th street in Paso Robles, CA.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The follies of man
Gwyn Headley, in Architectural Follies in America considers follies to be "...structures that are not ordinary buildings but are edifices that transcend the banal, the commonplace, the simply utilitarian. ... Architectural follies transcend barriers of style, time, taste, and nationality. They spring from those most human of emotions: vanity, pride, passion, and obsession."
Today I braved the cold wind to look at the three winning follies on the grounds of the Cameron Art Museum. Two captivated me but the third appeared unfinished.
Haint Blue, designed by Clemson University associate professor of architecture Daniel Harding, sits nestled in the pines. It is inspired partly by legends from the Gullah culture of coastal South Carolina and Georgia of haints or spirits who are trapped between earth and the next world because of an untimely death. The designer thought that aspect fit in well since it sits at the Battle of Forks Road.
Matt Bua, an artist from New York, titled his folly Tar House. The following from his blog explains his concept: "A free-standing hand-built outdoor museum dedicated to all things “tar” will be built in the shape of an over-sized sculptural foot poised with heel in the air revealing tar-like stalagmites hanging above referencing the history of the term “tar heel”. It incorporates some small trees that had been cleared from the museum grounds and various found objects.
I almost missed the third one, Switchtower 4022 by Toby Keeton, an architectural intern at a local firm. It is located on the other side of the museum. As I walked up to it, it appeared unfinished. Since the museum was closed, I could not ask anyone about it. So, of course, as any reference librarian would do, I came home and hopped on the net. Comparing the design submitted for the contest and the “finished” project, I have decided that someone made a mistake in laying out the footers for the uprights. On Toby Keeton’s blog, he says, “Many of the details shown have changed due to budget concerns, material availability, & just plain tinkering. The folly will continue to evolve throughout the process, but this is where it began.” I wonder where it will end.
Today I braved the cold wind to look at the three winning follies on the grounds of the Cameron Art Museum. Two captivated me but the third appeared unfinished.
Haint Blue, designed by Clemson University associate professor of architecture Daniel Harding, sits nestled in the pines. It is inspired partly by legends from the Gullah culture of coastal South Carolina and Georgia of haints or spirits who are trapped between earth and the next world because of an untimely death. The designer thought that aspect fit in well since it sits at the Battle of Forks Road.
Matt Bua, an artist from New York, titled his folly Tar House. The following from his blog explains his concept: "A free-standing hand-built outdoor museum dedicated to all things “tar” will be built in the shape of an over-sized sculptural foot poised with heel in the air revealing tar-like stalagmites hanging above referencing the history of the term “tar heel”. It incorporates some small trees that had been cleared from the museum grounds and various found objects.
I almost missed the third one, Switchtower 4022 by Toby Keeton, an architectural intern at a local firm. It is located on the other side of the museum. As I walked up to it, it appeared unfinished. Since the museum was closed, I could not ask anyone about it. So, of course, as any reference librarian would do, I came home and hopped on the net. Comparing the design submitted for the contest and the “finished” project, I have decided that someone made a mistake in laying out the footers for the uprights. On Toby Keeton’s blog, he says, “Many of the details shown have changed due to budget concerns, material availability, & just plain tinkering. The folly will continue to evolve throughout the process, but this is where it began.” I wonder where it will end.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Riverwalk and Fraidy Cat
Our destination today was Wilmington’s 1.5 mile Riverwalk along the Cape Fear. Having been jostled by the crowds of summer and of October’s Riverfest, I enjoyed the ability to power walk almost the entire length. I was so into it that I almost walked right into the filming of a scene for One Tree Hill. EUE/Screen Gems Studios or Hollywood East is big business here, having produced more than 300 movies and television shows. During nicer weather we have seen 2 or 3 film crews using the lovely old mansions in the historic district, various bars and restaurants, and the cemetery. We marvel at how many trucks of equipment and people it takes to film one short scene with the river as a backdrop.
We walk on enjoying the sights of the river. As we retrace our steps, we note that now all involved with the filming are standing around, chatting, texting or staring across the river.
Just before we begin the walk up the hill to the car, my Sweetie points out a small shop, A Proper Garden. Since we are both avid gardeners, we must check it out.
After exploring the nooks and crannies and deciding that we really do not need anything, we turn to leave when Loren points out a cat curled up on a stool behind the counter. I am astounded to see that it looks a lot like Callie, our tortoiseshell, except that ours is just a tad bigger. Okay, a lot bigger. She has a full-bodied figure.
As we make up for weeks without our cats by lavishing attention on the small tortie, Peg tells us about Fraidy Cat who has been with her for 15 years. She showed up at the shop when she was a tiny kitten and has been there ever since. But it took two years before Fraidy Cat made the first overture of friendship, brushing by Peg’s leg. Now she is a love bug. We must have talked for at least 10 minutes and all the while, I was petting the cat. At one point I stopped and Fraidy Cat looked at my hands and then looked at me. Oh, just the same way Callie does it.
It is amazing how these little tigers capture one’s heart.
We walk on enjoying the sights of the river. As we retrace our steps, we note that now all involved with the filming are standing around, chatting, texting or staring across the river.
Just before we begin the walk up the hill to the car, my Sweetie points out a small shop, A Proper Garden. Since we are both avid gardeners, we must check it out.
After exploring the nooks and crannies and deciding that we really do not need anything, we turn to leave when Loren points out a cat curled up on a stool behind the counter. I am astounded to see that it looks a lot like Callie, our tortoiseshell, except that ours is just a tad bigger. Okay, a lot bigger. She has a full-bodied figure.
As we make up for weeks without our cats by lavishing attention on the small tortie, Peg tells us about Fraidy Cat who has been with her for 15 years. She showed up at the shop when she was a tiny kitten and has been there ever since. But it took two years before Fraidy Cat made the first overture of friendship, brushing by Peg’s leg. Now she is a love bug. We must have talked for at least 10 minutes and all the while, I was petting the cat. At one point I stopped and Fraidy Cat looked at my hands and then looked at me. Oh, just the same way Callie does it.
It is amazing how these little tigers capture one’s heart.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Olympic Ice Skating, Part Four
At the 2006 Olympics Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto won a silver medal, the highest placement of any American team in the history of Olympic ice dancing. They were also the first American ice dancers to win an Olympic medal in 30 years.
Now four years later there is the possibility that they will not win any medal. After the compulsory dance and the original dance, Canadians Virtue and Moir have the lead; Americans White and Davis are 2.5 points out of first; Russians Domnina and Shabalin 4.55 points out; and Tanith and Ben 7.82 points out.
Meryl White and Charlie Davis just skated sublimely with a personal best. It was also the highest free dance score this season. The commentator on Eurosport called it the best free dance he has ever seen. I wonder if that includes Torvill and Dean.
Now the Canadians Virtue and Moir. Another unbelievable skate! Into first place.
Tanith and Ben skate cleanly but the program just didn’t have the impact of the Canadians’ or the other Americans’. Into third.
And the Russians begin. Trying not be biased but it doesn’t seem to be a gold medal performance. Eurosport says, “That it is no way good enough.”
But is it good enough to bump Tanith and Ben.? Yes, it is.
For the first time in Olympic history Canada takes the gold!
Now four years later there is the possibility that they will not win any medal. After the compulsory dance and the original dance, Canadians Virtue and Moir have the lead; Americans White and Davis are 2.5 points out of first; Russians Domnina and Shabalin 4.55 points out; and Tanith and Ben 7.82 points out.
Meryl White and Charlie Davis just skated sublimely with a personal best. It was also the highest free dance score this season. The commentator on Eurosport called it the best free dance he has ever seen. I wonder if that includes Torvill and Dean.
Now the Canadians Virtue and Moir. Another unbelievable skate! Into first place.
Tanith and Ben skate cleanly but the program just didn’t have the impact of the Canadians’ or the other Americans’. Into third.
And the Russians begin. Trying not be biased but it doesn’t seem to be a gold medal performance. Eurosport says, “That it is no way good enough.”
But is it good enough to bump Tanith and Ben.? Yes, it is.
For the first time in Olympic history Canada takes the gold!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
A Day at the Beach
Taking advantage of the sun and temps in the 60s, my Sweetie and I headed for a walk on the beach. Who knew that we were going to receive an education as well?
Our first clue that something was afoot was this:
Beach nourishment has been carried out at Wrightsville Beach since 1939. That year it covered just over three miles at a cost of $100,000. Since then, there have been over 20 nourishments. The majority were the by-products of channel dredging to improve navigation of the inlets and the Cape Fear River.
This year’s projects will include Masonboro Island, Wrightsville, Carolina, Kure, and Ocean Isle Beaches at a cost of $20 million.
Beach nourishment is controversial. As the Star News put it, “sand is cents.” Without these beaches the local economy would fail. Others, such as Duke’s Dr. Orrin Pilkey, advocate retreat: move away from the coast and stop building near the water.
The contour of the southeastern NC coast makes it more likely to lose sand during storms. Coastal geologists say the barrier islands such as Wrightsville Beach will continue to roll back until they fuse with the mainland.
That has already happened. A barrier island once existed off the northern end of Carolina Beach. It is too late for man to realize that they are called barrier islands for a very good reason. Since it is obvious that Dr. Pilkey’s plan won’t work, beach nourishment seems to be the only solution.
Standing behind the orange fencing, I was fascinated by the process. We could see the dredge Illinois from the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock to the north. Sand is pumped into the large pipes and then deposited on the beach. The tall three-wheeled machine is driven out into the water so that the operator can use a transit to check the elevation of the sand being pushed into place by the bulldozers. By the end of the project 451,000 cubic yards of sand will be sculpted into a wide, inviting beach.
Our first clue that something was afoot was this:
Beach nourishment has been carried out at Wrightsville Beach since 1939. That year it covered just over three miles at a cost of $100,000. Since then, there have been over 20 nourishments. The majority were the by-products of channel dredging to improve navigation of the inlets and the Cape Fear River.
This year’s projects will include Masonboro Island, Wrightsville, Carolina, Kure, and Ocean Isle Beaches at a cost of $20 million.
Beach nourishment is controversial. As the Star News put it, “sand is cents.” Without these beaches the local economy would fail. Others, such as Duke’s Dr. Orrin Pilkey, advocate retreat: move away from the coast and stop building near the water.
The contour of the southeastern NC coast makes it more likely to lose sand during storms. Coastal geologists say the barrier islands such as Wrightsville Beach will continue to roll back until they fuse with the mainland.
That has already happened. A barrier island once existed off the northern end of Carolina Beach. It is too late for man to realize that they are called barrier islands for a very good reason. Since it is obvious that Dr. Pilkey’s plan won’t work, beach nourishment seems to be the only solution.
Standing behind the orange fencing, I was fascinated by the process. We could see the dredge Illinois from the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock to the north. Sand is pumped into the large pipes and then deposited on the beach. The tall three-wheeled machine is driven out into the water so that the operator can use a transit to check the elevation of the sand being pushed into place by the bulldozers. By the end of the project 451,000 cubic yards of sand will be sculpted into a wide, inviting beach.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
In 1865 Wilmington is the South’s last open seaport on the Atlantic. When Fort Fisher falls on January 15, Confederate troops retreat north toward Wilmington.
On February 19, General Robert Hoke sets up headquarters three miles south of Wilmington. The next day he sends a 900-man brigade to build breastworks across Forks Road. At 3:00PM he sends the 5th US Colored Troops as the first to attack the trenches. Over two days the Union troops are repeatedly repulsed.
When Confederate Commander Braxton Bragg learns of the vast Northern force approaching Wilmington, he orders Hoke to retreat. Wilmington is abandoned on February 22.
Today my Sweetie and I took in the 5th Annual Civil War Living History enactment of the Battle of Forks Road. Remnants of the entrenchments have survived on the grounds of the Cameron Art Museum.
Surprisingly, most of the African American Union soldiers were from Ohio. Although the 54th Massachusetts is better known, the 5th Ohio Colored Troop was the most decorated one.
This battle literally had brother against brother. Confederal Corporal Hosea Horne of the Wilmington Horse Artillery fought against Corporal Jacob Horne of the 2nd NC Carolina Infantry of the Union Army. Each has visited their parents separately at the family home located near the battle. Both returned home safely at the end of the war.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Olympic Ice Skating, Part Three Redux
Was the gold medal in men’s awarded to the right man? To listen to the silver medalist Evgeni Plushenko, the resounding answer is no! He said that one could not be the Olympic champion without a quad.
"Just doing nice transitions and being artistic is not enough because figure skating is a sport, not a show," he said.
What an interesting comment since part of his long program consisted of pelvic gyrations and blowing kisses at the judges.
Then Vladimir Putin weighed in. "I would like to sincerely congratulate you on the wonderful Olympic performance -- your silver is worth gold," Putin said in a telegram addressed to the skater. "You were able to overcome all the obstacles in your brave comeback and performed the most accomplished program on the Vancouver ice."
So the Cold War has become the Ice War.
What did determine the outcome? There were a couple of obvious factors. Plushenko front-loaded his program with jumps and did fewer after the half way point of the 4 minute-40 second program. Jumps after this point receive a 10% bonus. Lysacek simply had more jumps in the second half of his program. Plushenko also lost grade of execution points on his jumps. It is testament to his ability that he was able to land a couple of them. It is ironic that his forte was the reason he lost.
"Just doing nice transitions and being artistic is not enough because figure skating is a sport, not a show," he said.
What an interesting comment since part of his long program consisted of pelvic gyrations and blowing kisses at the judges.
Then Vladimir Putin weighed in. "I would like to sincerely congratulate you on the wonderful Olympic performance -- your silver is worth gold," Putin said in a telegram addressed to the skater. "You were able to overcome all the obstacles in your brave comeback and performed the most accomplished program on the Vancouver ice."
So the Cold War has become the Ice War.
What did determine the outcome? There were a couple of obvious factors. Plushenko front-loaded his program with jumps and did fewer after the half way point of the 4 minute-40 second program. Jumps after this point receive a 10% bonus. Lysacek simply had more jumps in the second half of his program. Plushenko also lost grade of execution points on his jumps. It is testament to his ability that he was able to land a couple of them. It is ironic that his forte was the reason he lost.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Olympic Ice Skating, Part Three
The men’s final is a battle between the jumper Plushenko and the rest of the top men who may not land the quad consistently but whose skating skills are of a much higher quality.
More tomorrow.
More tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
They that go down to the sea in ships
My Sweetie and I drove 2 hours north today to take in the Paul Hee exhibit at the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort.
Since one of my Sweetie’s Christmas present was a coupon good for an original work of maritime art, we were both eager to see the paintings. We were not disappointed.
The permanent exhibits were fascinating. They covered all aspects of life on the sea that North Carolinians have experienced, from pirates to war to fishing. The lifesaving techniques included this life car made of metal.
Across the street is a large building that contains two lifeboats which volunteers are building.
We spoke to one of the volunteers about the various models on display. He pointed to one and asked us if we knew what type it was. Schooner? Frigate? No, a cat boat. As we looked at him with our puzzled faces, he laughed and said, “That is what it looked like after a cat knocked it off the shelf!”
Then it was time for a walk in the sun. Strolling past boat after boat, I marveled at man’s need to go down to the sea.
Since one of my Sweetie’s Christmas present was a coupon good for an original work of maritime art, we were both eager to see the paintings. We were not disappointed.
The permanent exhibits were fascinating. They covered all aspects of life on the sea that North Carolinians have experienced, from pirates to war to fishing. The lifesaving techniques included this life car made of metal.
Across the street is a large building that contains two lifeboats which volunteers are building.
We spoke to one of the volunteers about the various models on display. He pointed to one and asked us if we knew what type it was. Schooner? Frigate? No, a cat boat. As we looked at him with our puzzled faces, he laughed and said, “That is what it looked like after a cat knocked it off the shelf!”
Then it was time for a walk in the sun. Strolling past boat after boat, I marveled at man’s need to go down to the sea.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Olympic Ice Skating, Part Two
Yes! Shen and Zhao won their Olympic gold! During their news conference, Shen said that now it is time to have a baby. I think that this should prove easier now that they are no longer living in separate dorm rooms.
Just finished watching the men’s short. I feel so bad for Jeremy Abbott. I saw him perform his short during the exhibitions at Nationals last month in Spokane. He is such a lyrical skater but tonight I think that nerves did him in. I hope he sticks around for four more years. Evan Lysacek was amazing and is in second, only .55 points behind Plushenko, who was supposed to have an insurmountable lead after the short. Daisuke Takahashi from Japan is in third .05 points behind Evan. So it is virtually a tie. Thursday will be an interesting night of skating.
Just finished watching the men’s short. I feel so bad for Jeremy Abbott. I saw him perform his short during the exhibitions at Nationals last month in Spokane. He is such a lyrical skater but tonight I think that nerves did him in. I hope he sticks around for four more years. Evan Lysacek was amazing and is in second, only .55 points behind Plushenko, who was supposed to have an insurmountable lead after the short. Daisuke Takahashi from Japan is in third .05 points behind Evan. So it is virtually a tie. Thursday will be an interesting night of skating.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Olympic Ice Skating, Part One
How fitting that the Chinese pair Shen and Zhao won the short program at the Olympics on Valentine’s Day. A pair both on and off the ice, they hit all their tricks. Not bad for an old married couple who retired from competitive skating after winning gold at Worlds in 2007. My Sweetie and I were in China when he proposed to her at the end of their skate. How proud the Chinese were of this golden couple.
When I learned that they would be competing at Skate America last November, I knew I had to see them again. I was at Worlds in DC in 2003 when they brought down the house. They did not disappoint. My friend and I waved Chinese flags and yelled. During their victory lap I thanked them for coming out of retirement. Shen beamed at me and gave me a nod of her head.
This article gives yet another view of this talented couple. Shen and Zhao
Now there are 4 pairs left to skate their long programs. Please let them be golden one last time!
When I learned that they would be competing at Skate America last November, I knew I had to see them again. I was at Worlds in DC in 2003 when they brought down the house. They did not disappoint. My friend and I waved Chinese flags and yelled. During their victory lap I thanked them for coming out of retirement. Shen beamed at me and gave me a nod of her head.
This article gives yet another view of this talented couple. Shen and Zhao
Now there are 4 pairs left to skate their long programs. Please let them be golden one last time!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Valentine's Day
In February, 1997, I never suspected that my life would change when I tuned in to listen to Car Talk on NPR. Every caller that morning had met through the personals on the Car Talk website. I didn’t even know they had them.
I decided to see what kind of people posted. As I suspected, the first few were from younger men with pickups or muscle cars. Since I really wasn’t ready to make room in my heart for another man, I did not narrow my search to a state.
Then I read the following under Arizona:
"Jeep Cherokee Sport
Tall (6’3”). Fit (188 lbs), 51 years old, funny, loyal and kind. I’d rather read a book or listen to the radio or CD’s than waste time watching TV. I appreciate the outdoors and the great southwest. I actually have a Cherokee and love to explore and travel. I’m interested in meeting someone who can rough it one day and go to dinner and the theater the next. I have a great interest in art, music, and dance and would like to share that interest. I can be sarcastic and irreverent but all in fun."
The similarities in our likes and personality were eerie. Without any consideration, I composed the following in reply:
"Petite (5’3”), fit, just turned 51, sense of humor, often sarcastic and irreverent, a pathological truth teller. Would rather read, listen to NPR or music from Bela Fleck to Kitaro to the Roches to k.d. lang to James Taylor to Galway to Arlo Guthrie to who knows. Currently own 3 cars: 76 Beetle convertible, 77 Toyota Land Cruiser, and 87 Toyota Corolla. Enjoy museums, movies, theater, and dance. Will try almost anything once. Just returned from 9 days in the rainforest of Costa Rica. The only night we dressed for dinner, I was greeted with applause so I do clean up well!"
Thank heaven that I did! I cannot imagine my life without my Sweetie. He makes my life so easy. He does all the shopping and, as I have noted before, 99.9% of the cooking. He also helps with all the other household chores. We share the same sense of humor. Even after 13 years, he can crack me up.
But most importantly, he loves me even when I drive him crazy. It is not easy being married to the women in my family. I raised two equally strong, confident women who do not suffer fools at all. Forget about gladly. Thank goodness we have all found mates that love us in spite of that.
To my Sweetie, please be my Valentine.
I decided to see what kind of people posted. As I suspected, the first few were from younger men with pickups or muscle cars. Since I really wasn’t ready to make room in my heart for another man, I did not narrow my search to a state.
Then I read the following under Arizona:
"Jeep Cherokee Sport
Tall (6’3”). Fit (188 lbs), 51 years old, funny, loyal and kind. I’d rather read a book or listen to the radio or CD’s than waste time watching TV. I appreciate the outdoors and the great southwest. I actually have a Cherokee and love to explore and travel. I’m interested in meeting someone who can rough it one day and go to dinner and the theater the next. I have a great interest in art, music, and dance and would like to share that interest. I can be sarcastic and irreverent but all in fun."
The similarities in our likes and personality were eerie. Without any consideration, I composed the following in reply:
"Petite (5’3”), fit, just turned 51, sense of humor, often sarcastic and irreverent, a pathological truth teller. Would rather read, listen to NPR or music from Bela Fleck to Kitaro to the Roches to k.d. lang to James Taylor to Galway to Arlo Guthrie to who knows. Currently own 3 cars: 76 Beetle convertible, 77 Toyota Land Cruiser, and 87 Toyota Corolla. Enjoy museums, movies, theater, and dance. Will try almost anything once. Just returned from 9 days in the rainforest of Costa Rica. The only night we dressed for dinner, I was greeted with applause so I do clean up well!"
Thank heaven that I did! I cannot imagine my life without my Sweetie. He makes my life so easy. He does all the shopping and, as I have noted before, 99.9% of the cooking. He also helps with all the other household chores. We share the same sense of humor. Even after 13 years, he can crack me up.
But most importantly, he loves me even when I drive him crazy. It is not easy being married to the women in my family. I raised two equally strong, confident women who do not suffer fools at all. Forget about gladly. Thank goodness we have all found mates that love us in spite of that.
To my Sweetie, please be my Valentine.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Snow on the ground in every state of the US except for Hawaii
There is something inherently wrong about snow falling past the Spanish moss on the live oaks.
This morning I was greeted by four inches on the ground. According to the Star News website “snow usually hits this region once every three to five years on average, according to the National Weather Service, although there are exceptions like last January's half inch. The most snow ever measured in Wilmington was 14.3 inches over a two-day period in December 1989.”
I can’t even imagine how the residents would cope with that much snow. This one prompted cancellations and delays before the first flake fell. Now they are warning motorists about the black ice that will form this evening.
As I sit by the fire this afternoon, I am listening to the snow falling off the trees and rolling off the roof. It reminds me of our cats racing up and down the stairs. Snow balls the size of ping pong balls fall past the window with an occasional golf ball-sized one.
How ironic that we came down to NC to escape the snow. Was that just Thursday when I wrote these words: “we are in the land of no snow”? Silly me. I know better than to mess with Mother Nature.
But it was lovely.
The dogwood just after midnight and later on in the day 2/13/2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Let the games begin!
What a tragedy to lose a young athlete before the games officially begin. But the show must go on. The opening ceremonies were dedicated to the memory of Nodar Kumaritashvili.
Just some random thoughts since it is late and I am tired. Why do “famous” singers insist on interpreting national anthems? It is amazing that one could hear the proverbial pin drop during the moment of silence. I was astounded at the sight of 60,000 spectators wearing the white ponchos provided. (David Atkins wanted the audience to resemble a canvas.) Who knew all those performers were Canadian?
Oops! A malfunction with the lighting of the torch.
Just some random thoughts since it is late and I am tired. Why do “famous” singers insist on interpreting national anthems? It is amazing that one could hear the proverbial pin drop during the moment of silence. I was astounded at the sight of 60,000 spectators wearing the white ponchos provided. (David Atkins wanted the audience to resemble a canvas.) Who knew all those performers were Canadian?
Oops! A malfunction with the lighting of the torch.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Love and health
242, what an evil number. Yes, my latest cholesterol count. But my good cholesterol is good; however, my bad is not so good.
My doctor, who is the sweetest one I have ever had, gave me two options: diet and exercise for 8 weeks before a re-check or pop another pill.
So we are trying to watch what we eat and I am trying to increase the amount I exercise. Unfortunately, in the winter that would mean not using the remote.
All right! I really do have to get up and do something! So today we walked since we are in the land of no snow. We pledged to do this every day no matter if it isn’t 50 degrees.
Then this evening my Sweetie, who does 99.9% of the cooking, made a lighter version of one of our favorites, angel hair pasta with shrimp and artichoke hearts. I longingly recalled the freshly-grated parmigiano reggiano which he would add to this succulent dish. The heat of the pasta would melt the cheese just enough. Alas! No more. But the substitution of olive oil and blanched fresh tomatoes added a delightful touch.
If he can change the way he cooks, I will do my part. Off to do come stair climbing.
My doctor, who is the sweetest one I have ever had, gave me two options: diet and exercise for 8 weeks before a re-check or pop another pill.
So we are trying to watch what we eat and I am trying to increase the amount I exercise. Unfortunately, in the winter that would mean not using the remote.
All right! I really do have to get up and do something! So today we walked since we are in the land of no snow. We pledged to do this every day no matter if it isn’t 50 degrees.
Then this evening my Sweetie, who does 99.9% of the cooking, made a lighter version of one of our favorites, angel hair pasta with shrimp and artichoke hearts. I longingly recalled the freshly-grated parmigiano reggiano which he would add to this succulent dish. The heat of the pasta would melt the cheese just enough. Alas! No more. But the substitution of olive oil and blanched fresh tomatoes added a delightful touch.
If he can change the way he cooks, I will do my part. Off to do come stair climbing.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Every color of the rainbow and then some
Benjamin Moore’s paint color Old Pickup Blue is, well, blue. However, when I think of an old pickup, I see my family’s old black GMC which I drove through the fields of our farm before I was 12.
In 1903, there were 8 colors in a box of Crayola crayons, all but one (violet) sporting the names of your basic colors. No Pulsating Blue or Tempo Teal, it was just plain blue.
In 1993, faced with a choice of hundreds of colors to paint my house, I pined for the days when houses were white and cars were black. It took three tries until I found the three colors our house sports: Cottage Cream for the body, Newport Blue for most of the trim, and Luxurious Red as an accent.
To add to my consternation, I can now waltz into any paint or home improvement store and have my paint matched to my favorite bridesmaid’s dress if I had one.
Want to wile away hours? Click on either of these:
Sherwin Williams
Benjamin Moore
These nifty programs allow you to upload your own photos to try different colors. Not technologically inclined? They do supply photos that you can paint.
I am over the moon about these programs. Now would Over the Moon be a soft yellowish-white or a midnight blue?
In 1903, there were 8 colors in a box of Crayola crayons, all but one (violet) sporting the names of your basic colors. No Pulsating Blue or Tempo Teal, it was just plain blue.
In 1993, faced with a choice of hundreds of colors to paint my house, I pined for the days when houses were white and cars were black. It took three tries until I found the three colors our house sports: Cottage Cream for the body, Newport Blue for most of the trim, and Luxurious Red as an accent.
To add to my consternation, I can now waltz into any paint or home improvement store and have my paint matched to my favorite bridesmaid’s dress if I had one.
Want to wile away hours? Click on either of these:
Sherwin Williams
Benjamin Moore
These nifty programs allow you to upload your own photos to try different colors. Not technologically inclined? They do supply photos that you can paint.
I am over the moon about these programs. Now would Over the Moon be a soft yellowish-white or a midnight blue?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Beer and bones
For all of you who enjoy beer it may delight you to know that it appears to be good for your bones. Beer contains silicon which, some researchers claim, helps strengthen bones. But skeptics say that a link has not been clearly established between beer drinking and improved bone density.
But another study at Tufts University claimed that people who drink one to two glasses of beer a day tend to have stronger bones that those who do not.
So as someone who has osteoporosis, do I suddenly acquire a taste for beer?
I think not. Instead I will continue to pop my bisphosphonate on Sunday mornings.
Images of my not having to endure the half hour wait after I take my pill before I can eat on Sunday mornings were replaced by those of my falling down after having a couple of beers.
Tho I guess I wouldn’t feel the pain of my broken hip.
But another study at Tufts University claimed that people who drink one to two glasses of beer a day tend to have stronger bones that those who do not.
So as someone who has osteoporosis, do I suddenly acquire a taste for beer?
I think not. Instead I will continue to pop my bisphosphonate on Sunday mornings.
Images of my not having to endure the half hour wait after I take my pill before I can eat on Sunday mornings were replaced by those of my falling down after having a couple of beers.
Tho I guess I wouldn’t feel the pain of my broken hip.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Reach out and touch someone
The “reach out and touch someone” tag line of the AT&T ads in the 1980s was an attempt to create a warm, fuzzy feeling to combat concerns about the corporation and its potential monopoly. A search on youtube finds at least a dozen examples of Madison Avenue’s idea of what would soften the giant’s image. Here is a montage of them:
Fast forward to February 8, 2010. My laptop rings and there is my daughter Kimberly on video chat, wanting to share the latest news about an opportunity for my youngest grandson, one of the talented artists in the family. Just as I ‘hang up’, I am pinged by my daughter Lise who is suffering from the virus that prevented my oldest grandson from attending the winter semi-formal where he would have been crowned prince.
The medium has changed but the need to reach out and touch someone is the same.
Fast forward to February 8, 2010. My laptop rings and there is my daughter Kimberly on video chat, wanting to share the latest news about an opportunity for my youngest grandson, one of the talented artists in the family. Just as I ‘hang up’, I am pinged by my daughter Lise who is suffering from the virus that prevented my oldest grandson from attending the winter semi-formal where he would have been crowned prince.
The medium has changed but the need to reach out and touch someone is the same.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Thoughts from a road warrior
A light in the window
Four pillows on the bed
Heaven
***
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word motel was first used in an article in Hotel Monthly in 1925, in which the Milestone Interstate Corporation proposed to build and operate a chain of motor hotels from San Diego to Seattle that would be called "motels".
I prefer the apocryphal tale of the owner of the Milestone Motor Hotel in San Luis Obispo, California running out of room on the sign he was painting. By necessity he changed “motor hotel” to “mo-tel.”
But all sources consulted agree that the Milestone Motel Inn was the first roadside motel in the United States. In a 1993 article an octogenarian who was a waitress when it first opened said, "And oh, it was wonderful to work at the Motel Inn. They trained us to fold the white linen napkins, to polish the silverware. In those days, there really was service."
There are no white linen napkins, no polished silverware, and limited service but pulling up to your door is still a delight at the end of a day of travel.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Did I miss my calling?
Maybe I should have been a meteorologist.
I had to force myself away from the Weather Channel today. Whenever there is a weather event, I am enthralled. I cannot get enough information.
What is it about these storms that is so mesmerizing? Primarily, I think it is the affirmation that Mother Nature still rules. Modern man may think that he is in control but it just takes a “snowmaggedon” (as our President dubbed this one) to put him in his place.
I delight in the quietude of deserted city streets and the joy of families playing in the snow. The only thing that mars my enjoyment is knowing that there are those who are suffering because of the storm. Those who have lost loved ones or are sitting in a cold, dark house are not beguiled with a world covered with a thick white comforter.
I had to force myself away from the Weather Channel today. Whenever there is a weather event, I am enthralled. I cannot get enough information.
What is it about these storms that is so mesmerizing? Primarily, I think it is the affirmation that Mother Nature still rules. Modern man may think that he is in control but it just takes a “snowmaggedon” (as our President dubbed this one) to put him in his place.
I delight in the quietude of deserted city streets and the joy of families playing in the snow. The only thing that mars my enjoyment is knowing that there are those who are suffering because of the storm. Those who have lost loved ones or are sitting in a cold, dark house are not beguiled with a world covered with a thick white comforter.
Friday, February 5, 2010
"The only way to have a friend is to be one." Ralph Waldo Emerson
My jam-packed day of social events has left me tired and happy. My writing group met this afternoon and our coed salon met this evening. Both required eating copious amounts of good food. But most importantly, I was in the company of good friends for almost 8 hours today.
I thought of the difference between my life and that of my late mother. I often kidded her about being a recluse. Her social contacts involved family and her immediate neighbors. She was not a lady who lunched or played cards.
I do not remember her ever having a circle of friends. Was this a conscious choice or a matter of circumstances?
As a young mother, she lived on a farm raising three active boys. Then 7 years after the third son was born, I joined the brood. Then 3 years later my sister was born.
When my sister and I were teenagers, I do not remember my mother going to any social event that did not involve family.
Both my brother Richard and I tried to get her to join the senior center. She told my brother that he could drive her to the center but that she would not get out of the car.
I wish I could ask her why.
I thought of the difference between my life and that of my late mother. I often kidded her about being a recluse. Her social contacts involved family and her immediate neighbors. She was not a lady who lunched or played cards.
I do not remember her ever having a circle of friends. Was this a conscious choice or a matter of circumstances?
As a young mother, she lived on a farm raising three active boys. Then 7 years after the third son was born, I joined the brood. Then 3 years later my sister was born.
When my sister and I were teenagers, I do not remember my mother going to any social event that did not involve family.
Both my brother Richard and I tried to get her to join the senior center. She told my brother that he could drive her to the center but that she would not get out of the car.
I wish I could ask her why.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
A Prairie Home Companion
Laughter really is the best medicine and laughter shared with friends is even better.
We finally had a “date” with a couple that we have known for years. Every time we would run into each other we would say, “We should go out sometime.” We did try but all four schedules never seem to mesh.
Then Gary called to see if we were going to the simulcast of A Prairie Home Companion tonight. If so, could I call Julie to encourage her to go since she was iffy about it.
It was the perfect first date. We had a delicious dinner at Clyde’s Bistro located in two vintage diners on Lee Road. I highly recommend the heart attack special, Roasted Chicken and Wild Mushroom Lasagna. The portions are so generous that I will enjoy it again later this week as Loren will his Eggplant Parmigiana.
Then it was off to our local multiplex to see A Prairie Home Companion on the large screen in HD. A half hour pre-show was a look back at the more than 30 years of APHC. Then Garrison took us on a walking tour of downtown St. Paul. A particularly touching moment came when Garrison walked up to the statue of F. Scott Fitzgerald and brushed the snow off his shoulders and head. He pointed out how short Fitzgerald was and that they had not put him on a pedestal. Was Garrison ruing that he has been?
Garrison was in fine form tonight. I have been disappointed in his monologues and writings in Salon lately. It seems to me that he was often going for sophomoric humor about bodily functions rather than the wittier, erudite comedy of years past.
When the News from Lake Wobegon was over, Gary leaned over and asked, “Does he use a teleprompter?” No, he doesn’t. He does write out the monologue but then he just roams around the stage telling us a story. I explained that on the PHC cruises, he would sometimes get sidetracked and stop, looking bemused, and ask us, “What was I telling you?”
I had told Gary and Julie about Garrison’s trying to stump Fred Newman, one of the sound effects men. He did not disappoint. At the very end he had Fred creating one sound effect after another. Fred’s facial expression was priceless, a mixture of oh, no what next and I can do it.
One of the best shots was of Rich Dworsky’s hands. My, can that man play the piano!
If you want to catch the show, they are repeating it on February 9. Perhaps at a theater near you!
We finally had a “date” with a couple that we have known for years. Every time we would run into each other we would say, “We should go out sometime.” We did try but all four schedules never seem to mesh.
Then Gary called to see if we were going to the simulcast of A Prairie Home Companion tonight. If so, could I call Julie to encourage her to go since she was iffy about it.
It was the perfect first date. We had a delicious dinner at Clyde’s Bistro located in two vintage diners on Lee Road. I highly recommend the heart attack special, Roasted Chicken and Wild Mushroom Lasagna. The portions are so generous that I will enjoy it again later this week as Loren will his Eggplant Parmigiana.
Then it was off to our local multiplex to see A Prairie Home Companion on the large screen in HD. A half hour pre-show was a look back at the more than 30 years of APHC. Then Garrison took us on a walking tour of downtown St. Paul. A particularly touching moment came when Garrison walked up to the statue of F. Scott Fitzgerald and brushed the snow off his shoulders and head. He pointed out how short Fitzgerald was and that they had not put him on a pedestal. Was Garrison ruing that he has been?
Garrison was in fine form tonight. I have been disappointed in his monologues and writings in Salon lately. It seems to me that he was often going for sophomoric humor about bodily functions rather than the wittier, erudite comedy of years past.
When the News from Lake Wobegon was over, Gary leaned over and asked, “Does he use a teleprompter?” No, he doesn’t. He does write out the monologue but then he just roams around the stage telling us a story. I explained that on the PHC cruises, he would sometimes get sidetracked and stop, looking bemused, and ask us, “What was I telling you?”
I had told Gary and Julie about Garrison’s trying to stump Fred Newman, one of the sound effects men. He did not disappoint. At the very end he had Fred creating one sound effect after another. Fred’s facial expression was priceless, a mixture of oh, no what next and I can do it.
One of the best shots was of Rich Dworsky’s hands. My, can that man play the piano!
If you want to catch the show, they are repeating it on February 9. Perhaps at a theater near you!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Benign!
Yes! The biopsy shows that the growth is benign.
Isn't "benign" the most beautiful word in any language?
Isn't "benign" the most beautiful word in any language?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
10,000 hour rule
Can one quantify what is required to achieve mastery in a field? According to neurologist Daniel Levitin as quoted in Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, one can. It takes 10,000 hours of practice to become a world-class expert. It does not matter if the field is music or ice skating.
I am not convinced. I wholeheartedly agree that one must put in the time to be successful but one must also have some aptitude or talent for the field. I could spend 10,000 hours learning to play the piano but since I have no musical ability I could not become a world-class expert.
In an article in the January 2009 issue of Discover magazine, a researcher found this to be true. A Finnish medical geneticist Irma Järvelä studied 224 members of 15 Finnish families who were either professional or amateur musicians or were related to one. She located “several DNA sequences that correlate with musical ability. One of the implicated genes codes for a protein that may be involved in translating into neural signals the tremors of hair cells in the inner ear. Another gene she identified had previously been linked to dyslexia, suggesting that language development and musical ability may have the same origin.”
Play it, Sam.
I am not convinced. I wholeheartedly agree that one must put in the time to be successful but one must also have some aptitude or talent for the field. I could spend 10,000 hours learning to play the piano but since I have no musical ability I could not become a world-class expert.
In an article in the January 2009 issue of Discover magazine, a researcher found this to be true. A Finnish medical geneticist Irma Järvelä studied 224 members of 15 Finnish families who were either professional or amateur musicians or were related to one. She located “several DNA sequences that correlate with musical ability. One of the implicated genes codes for a protein that may be involved in translating into neural signals the tremors of hair cells in the inner ear. Another gene she identified had previously been linked to dyslexia, suggesting that language development and musical ability may have the same origin.”
Play it, Sam.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Blue Door
Today I am still thinking about the moving play we saw last night at Dobama.
Since it is Black History Month, most, if not all the theaters in town, are mounting productions by and/or about African Americans.
Dobama’s Blue Door is superbly acted by two men: one a middle-aged veteran of the theater and the other, a junior at Baldwin Wallace College. Kudos to both men; however, the younger Rod Lawrence was astounding in his portrayal of men from four generations of the older man’s family.
Lawrence took us on a journey from Africa through slavery and the aftermath of the Civil War. The toll these events took on this family was heart wrenching.
Surprisingly, the playwright is a mixed race, young woman raised in Portland, Oregon. Blue Door arose from research she did for a commission for a children’s play. Civil War: The First Black Regiment is about a boy who escaped slavery and joined a regiment of the Union Army that was composed of former slaves.
For Blue Door, she immersed herself in slave narratives and transcriptions of oral histories. The actual events she included in the play are horrific.
This is a play that every American should see; Black History Month or not.
Since it is Black History Month, most, if not all the theaters in town, are mounting productions by and/or about African Americans.
Dobama’s Blue Door is superbly acted by two men: one a middle-aged veteran of the theater and the other, a junior at Baldwin Wallace College. Kudos to both men; however, the younger Rod Lawrence was astounding in his portrayal of men from four generations of the older man’s family.
Lawrence took us on a journey from Africa through slavery and the aftermath of the Civil War. The toll these events took on this family was heart wrenching.
Surprisingly, the playwright is a mixed race, young woman raised in Portland, Oregon. Blue Door arose from research she did for a commission for a children’s play. Civil War: The First Black Regiment is about a boy who escaped slavery and joined a regiment of the Union Army that was composed of former slaves.
For Blue Door, she immersed herself in slave narratives and transcriptions of oral histories. The actual events she included in the play are horrific.
This is a play that every American should see; Black History Month or not.
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