...and a lot of red wine :)
Heading to Maine this weekend to spend a couple of days with friends to celebrate and commemorate the ending of a truly glorious LARP run of Radiant Dragon. There will be about 10 of us at the house that is right on the water. I love it there and am so blessed to have friends who invite me to share their family home. I volunteered to make breakfast both days for everyone. Looking forward to it. It also justified my purchasing a new waffle iron. woot! In making the apple spice cake this morning I reveled in the sound of the knife cutting through the apples and the clink it made when it met the wood of the cutting board. Feeding a bunch of friends will make me very happy this weekend. So will reading my book on the porch in some salty air and taking a nice long walk on the beach and jetty. I hope it is chilly enough to bundle up a little.
Serenity now! :)
Showing posts with label weekend ramblings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weekend ramblings. Show all posts
Friday, November 7, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Definition of Family, Meaning of Friend
" Family isn't about whose blood you have. It's about who you care about." - Trey Parker & Matt Stone, South Park, Ike's Wee Wee, 1998
I am one lucky woman. I have an amazing immediate family, but I am blessed with an extended family that is still intact after my divorce. Yesterday I was thrilled to attend the 90th birthday party for my ex-husband's, step-father's mother - Nana Nellie. She is a spry Yankee who is sharp and witty and pretty good physically too for 90. It was fun to see pictures of her as a young woman - so glamorous in the 40's! And it was very nice to catch up with 'family' that I have not seen in several years.
Divorce not only effects the husband, wife and children of the divorce - it ripples to the relatives and friends that have built a community around that couple. I knew that with my actions and it saddened me knowing how many people would be effected. And I would be lying if I said it did not make me sad to think how I may lose some people that I had come to care about a great deal over the years. But, in my case, that family I can still call part of my own. It has been made very clear to me that, like the mafia, I cannot get out that easily. This warms my heart and also makes keeping them involved in the lives of my children (which is VERY important to me) that much easier.
At the party I visited with cousin-in laws and aunt-uncle-in laws and extended family from there. We oohed and aahed over how big the kids were getting and how old we all are. My former mother-in law kept introducing me as her daughter in law. We laughed that that title may get touchy if my ex re-marries. She said, nope I always will be. Cool! I will finally be 'Wife #1' - I joke...I joke....
Everyone is doing well, some trials and tribulations all around, but such is the ride of life. And we all gathered around Nellie for a family photo. I got pulled in too. It was a wonderful feeling too when, with true sincerity, family told me upon our farewells not to be a stranger. I promised I would not. (With all due respect to my ex of course. Sadly, he never established the same relations on my side.)
And one person in particular stands out amongst all of this. My 'sister in law', my friend, my college roommate - Ericka. I have a blood sister, but Ericka is my sister too. We have not seen each other for almost 6 months, though we talk several times a week. This weekend we got to spend some much needed time together with our kids together and alone. It was wonderful! I love her so very much. She keeps me on the straight and narrow and is a constant reminder of my 'fighting spirit'. If I was ever going to box, she would be in my corner psyching me up to kick someone's a$@. And, well, she actually does that all the time anyways. Here's a fun shot of us from today at the pumpkin picking hay ride (note: another GORGEOUS New England Autumn Sunday afternoon!)
And here's a shot of horses from the hay ride, Ben & Jerry. Sooo pretty! Even they are part of the family being owned by my father-in law's cousin! (it never ends I tell ya!) ;)
Family, some God has chosen for me, some I have chosen for myself, some have chosen me for them. Anyway you slice it - I and the kids are very blessed.
Happy 90th Nellie! I pray to God I am as spry as you are at that age and I look forward to your 100th!
I am one lucky woman. I have an amazing immediate family, but I am blessed with an extended family that is still intact after my divorce. Yesterday I was thrilled to attend the 90th birthday party for my ex-husband's, step-father's mother - Nana Nellie. She is a spry Yankee who is sharp and witty and pretty good physically too for 90. It was fun to see pictures of her as a young woman - so glamorous in the 40's! And it was very nice to catch up with 'family' that I have not seen in several years.
Divorce not only effects the husband, wife and children of the divorce - it ripples to the relatives and friends that have built a community around that couple. I knew that with my actions and it saddened me knowing how many people would be effected. And I would be lying if I said it did not make me sad to think how I may lose some people that I had come to care about a great deal over the years. But, in my case, that family I can still call part of my own. It has been made very clear to me that, like the mafia, I cannot get out that easily. This warms my heart and also makes keeping them involved in the lives of my children (which is VERY important to me) that much easier.
At the party I visited with cousin-in laws and aunt-uncle-in laws and extended family from there. We oohed and aahed over how big the kids were getting and how old we all are. My former mother-in law kept introducing me as her daughter in law. We laughed that that title may get touchy if my ex re-marries. She said, nope I always will be. Cool! I will finally be 'Wife #1' - I joke...I joke....
Everyone is doing well, some trials and tribulations all around, but such is the ride of life. And we all gathered around Nellie for a family photo. I got pulled in too. It was a wonderful feeling too when, with true sincerity, family told me upon our farewells not to be a stranger. I promised I would not. (With all due respect to my ex of course. Sadly, he never established the same relations on my side.)
And one person in particular stands out amongst all of this. My 'sister in law', my friend, my college roommate - Ericka. I have a blood sister, but Ericka is my sister too. We have not seen each other for almost 6 months, though we talk several times a week. This weekend we got to spend some much needed time together with our kids together and alone. It was wonderful! I love her so very much. She keeps me on the straight and narrow and is a constant reminder of my 'fighting spirit'. If I was ever going to box, she would be in my corner psyching me up to kick someone's a$@. And, well, she actually does that all the time anyways. Here's a fun shot of us from today at the pumpkin picking hay ride (note: another GORGEOUS New England Autumn Sunday afternoon!)
And here's a shot of horses from the hay ride, Ben & Jerry. Sooo pretty! Even they are part of the family being owned by my father-in law's cousin! (it never ends I tell ya!) ;)
Family, some God has chosen for me, some I have chosen for myself, some have chosen me for them. Anyway you slice it - I and the kids are very blessed.
Happy 90th Nellie! I pray to God I am as spry as you are at that age and I look forward to your 100th!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Sunday in New England
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And it has made all the difference." - Robert Frost, A Road Not Taken
Yesterday I had the joy to take a good autumn hike with my friend, D. Weeks ago when I knew I would be without the kids this particular Sunday we set it up. I have been making a serious endeavor to get outside more and be more active and D has been helping me see this through and inspiring me with his own tales of outdoor adventure. So I figured not only is he good company, but he is experienced and I have less chance of getting lost or maimed or attacked by a serial killer.
We decided on the Ward Hill Reservation in Andover, MA. Originally I suggested Wachussett Mt. but D, in his sage foresight, thought a less mountain like hike would be better for the day. Though I have dropped about 2 sizes (booyah!) I am still far from 'in shape'. And D is getting old :P So Ward Hill it was! I got up, had some breakfast, watched an episode of Fringe on my DVR (Love this show btw! Early Xfiles feel), put on my new hiking boots and gear with much excitement. I want take this moment to booyah! again at my putting on my new hiking gear. My boots are great, my socks are comfy but I also came upon the sales rack at EMS and had new pants and a vest. What is so booyah! about this you ask? Well, though I have always liked the styles and clothes and EMS I have always been too big to fit into them. EMS does not have a 'plus size' rack for the ladies. But my loyal readers - this time things fit!!! It's nice to have such a positive shot in the arm to see that my new lifestyle choices are paying off. My blood pressure is lower too so all is good! And I looked cute, if I do say so myself. Mental note: go back to EMS and talk more with sales guy Brian...
Sorry, back to the hike...
Left the house, got some coffee at DDs where the drive-through guy told me how pretty I am. I was very flattered, but he is kind of creepy. But! I was gracious and will take that with a smile. D & I met at 9:30 in Lowell and made the rest of the way up in his truck. The skies were looking cloudy, but rain was not in the forecast so I had no fear.
D printed out a map of the trails. And thank God he did, let me tell you. Without that map we would have been lost several times double backing on trails and cursing the marking gods. Oh wait! We were doing that WITH the map! I had to laugh several times that D was there to make sure I was on trail and safe and...well, he was getting us lost. To his credit though, the map was a little confusing and the orange trail, though elusive, it does exist...eventually. Luckily he remembered his whistle/compass/thermometer in his pack and we were able to get ourselves on track. Note: it was about 70 degrees in D's fanny pack. The things you find out about your friend's bums when on a hike :P
The hike was spectacular with just enough strenuous parts to make us feel like we earned it. The views from the hills were nice of Boston and the county. In a week or two autumn will be in full bloom and it should be even prettier. I am hoping to take the kids back at that time. We hiked for about 4 hours and must have covered 3-5 miles. It felt great physically, emotionally, spiritually. The smells of the wood, the details of the habitat and the sounds of nature around us (minus the hum of I-93 in the background at the edges of the reservation) were inspiring. My quote of the day is inspired by a fork in the path we came upon early. D and I both immediately thought of Robert Frost. Humorously enough, that was fork #2 that we chose the wrong path...but we got back on track in good course. And as always it was good to spend time with D. We laugh easily together and have good conversations about deep life issues like choices and paths - to the mundane and ribald like proper fart etiquette on hike or climb. Good times!
Here are some pictures of the hike and what we encountered.
Some beaver work! You could see little teeth marks!
There were a lot of mushrooms long the path. Maybe from last week's rains? But this bunch stood out! The orange is vibrant in the photo, but it was almost dayglo in real life and the shapes and curves were near perfect. Amazing what nature does all on its own.
I always look up at the trees to see the sky through their canopy. And it never disappoints.
Another choice. But here there is at least a sign with some directions! Did you know men do not like to read direction in the woods either?
The walk bridge across the swamp. It was mucky! But we did catch a couple of frogs poking their heads up through the slime. Also found a beaver dam and lodge nearby.
I love the reflection in the water here. This was the pond/lake waiting for us at the end of the bog walkway. Just imagine it in a few weeks with golds and reds making the water look as if it is on fire! I may have to go back just to get a picture to re-post.
Some hot babe we encountered on the trails. She was clever too - she liked to read signs and maps along the way.
At one of the summits is a landmark - Elephant Rock on Boston Hill. Now...I see an elephant lying on his side, his trunk outstretched to the right. D insists he sees no elephant. What do you think? We took a little break here and an elderly couple with two gorgeous golden retrievers passed us by. The couple were wearing matching blue baseball hats. They were so cute. One day I hope to have someone to wear corny blue matching hats with when I have white hair.
At the second summit, Holt Hill, there is a pretty Solstice Circle and you can see the Boston skyline. We were greeted by two young men jamming on their guitars. It was a nice serenade for our lunch.
The music attracted a deer to the circle. It felt a bit magical.
Some of the trails are very close to residences and cuts through what appears to be a functioning farm with some hay fields. This was the classic New England scene that greeted us as we ended our day. It's shots like this that remind me, I could never leave New England for very long.
So what does a girl do with the rest of her Sunday after some good time with a friend in the bounty of Mother Nature? Stop at the mall, watch the Pats win, flip between the Sox game and a chick flick (Must Love Dogs) and make an apple pie of course! I should have sorted all the clothes from summer to winter between I and the kids that are piling up in my bedroom - but I chose the path that led to my couch, and today, it has made all the difference.
I took the one less traveled by,
And it has made all the difference." - Robert Frost, A Road Not Taken
Yesterday I had the joy to take a good autumn hike with my friend, D. Weeks ago when I knew I would be without the kids this particular Sunday we set it up. I have been making a serious endeavor to get outside more and be more active and D has been helping me see this through and inspiring me with his own tales of outdoor adventure. So I figured not only is he good company, but he is experienced and I have less chance of getting lost or maimed or attacked by a serial killer.
We decided on the Ward Hill Reservation in Andover, MA. Originally I suggested Wachussett Mt. but D, in his sage foresight, thought a less mountain like hike would be better for the day. Though I have dropped about 2 sizes (booyah!) I am still far from 'in shape'. And D is getting old :P So Ward Hill it was! I got up, had some breakfast, watched an episode of Fringe on my DVR (Love this show btw! Early Xfiles feel), put on my new hiking boots and gear with much excitement. I want take this moment to booyah! again at my putting on my new hiking gear. My boots are great, my socks are comfy but I also came upon the sales rack at EMS and had new pants and a vest. What is so booyah! about this you ask? Well, though I have always liked the styles and clothes and EMS I have always been too big to fit into them. EMS does not have a 'plus size' rack for the ladies. But my loyal readers - this time things fit!!! It's nice to have such a positive shot in the arm to see that my new lifestyle choices are paying off. My blood pressure is lower too so all is good! And I looked cute, if I do say so myself. Mental note: go back to EMS and talk more with sales guy Brian...
Sorry, back to the hike...
Left the house, got some coffee at DDs where the drive-through guy told me how pretty I am. I was very flattered, but he is kind of creepy. But! I was gracious and will take that with a smile. D & I met at 9:30 in Lowell and made the rest of the way up in his truck. The skies were looking cloudy, but rain was not in the forecast so I had no fear.
D printed out a map of the trails. And thank God he did, let me tell you. Without that map we would have been lost several times double backing on trails and cursing the marking gods. Oh wait! We were doing that WITH the map! I had to laugh several times that D was there to make sure I was on trail and safe and...well, he was getting us lost. To his credit though, the map was a little confusing and the orange trail, though elusive, it does exist...eventually. Luckily he remembered his whistle/compass/thermometer in his pack and we were able to get ourselves on track. Note: it was about 70 degrees in D's fanny pack. The things you find out about your friend's bums when on a hike :P
The hike was spectacular with just enough strenuous parts to make us feel like we earned it. The views from the hills were nice of Boston and the county. In a week or two autumn will be in full bloom and it should be even prettier. I am hoping to take the kids back at that time. We hiked for about 4 hours and must have covered 3-5 miles. It felt great physically, emotionally, spiritually. The smells of the wood, the details of the habitat and the sounds of nature around us (minus the hum of I-93 in the background at the edges of the reservation) were inspiring. My quote of the day is inspired by a fork in the path we came upon early. D and I both immediately thought of Robert Frost. Humorously enough, that was fork #2 that we chose the wrong path...but we got back on track in good course. And as always it was good to spend time with D. We laugh easily together and have good conversations about deep life issues like choices and paths - to the mundane and ribald like proper fart etiquette on hike or climb. Good times!
Here are some pictures of the hike and what we encountered.
Some beaver work! You could see little teeth marks!
There were a lot of mushrooms long the path. Maybe from last week's rains? But this bunch stood out! The orange is vibrant in the photo, but it was almost dayglo in real life and the shapes and curves were near perfect. Amazing what nature does all on its own.
I always look up at the trees to see the sky through their canopy. And it never disappoints.
Another choice. But here there is at least a sign with some directions! Did you know men do not like to read direction in the woods either?
The walk bridge across the swamp. It was mucky! But we did catch a couple of frogs poking their heads up through the slime. Also found a beaver dam and lodge nearby.
I love the reflection in the water here. This was the pond/lake waiting for us at the end of the bog walkway. Just imagine it in a few weeks with golds and reds making the water look as if it is on fire! I may have to go back just to get a picture to re-post.
Some hot babe we encountered on the trails. She was clever too - she liked to read signs and maps along the way.
At one of the summits is a landmark - Elephant Rock on Boston Hill. Now...I see an elephant lying on his side, his trunk outstretched to the right. D insists he sees no elephant. What do you think? We took a little break here and an elderly couple with two gorgeous golden retrievers passed us by. The couple were wearing matching blue baseball hats. They were so cute. One day I hope to have someone to wear corny blue matching hats with when I have white hair.
At the second summit, Holt Hill, there is a pretty Solstice Circle and you can see the Boston skyline. We were greeted by two young men jamming on their guitars. It was a nice serenade for our lunch.
The music attracted a deer to the circle. It felt a bit magical.
Some of the trails are very close to residences and cuts through what appears to be a functioning farm with some hay fields. This was the classic New England scene that greeted us as we ended our day. It's shots like this that remind me, I could never leave New England for very long.So what does a girl do with the rest of her Sunday after some good time with a friend in the bounty of Mother Nature? Stop at the mall, watch the Pats win, flip between the Sox game and a chick flick (Must Love Dogs) and make an apple pie of course! I should have sorted all the clothes from summer to winter between I and the kids that are piling up in my bedroom - but I chose the path that led to my couch, and today, it has made all the difference.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Sleep
- "Not being able to sleep is terrible. You have the misery of having partied all night...without the satisfaction." - Lynn Johnston (1947 - ), For Better or For Worse
Our lazy rainy day about the house playing games, playing Wii, watching a movie, making cookies and just taking it easy is rebelling against me. I am W-I-D-E AWAKE!!! The kids even had trouble getting to sleep. One of them, as it is rarely both together, will arise about 6:30. I will beg for reprieve until 8am. I will likely get it, but as the quote says - I will be one worn out cookie tomorrow. Hoping Mo's baseball is not canceled again because of rain. It may be an afternoon at an indoor playground just to burn some energy off of them. Wish it was that easy for me. I would love to go for a good hike. I am out of shape in a bad way, but the spirit is willing. Suppose to go for a hike next Sunday with a friend, so that is good to look forward to.
OK, now I am entering into tired but cannot sleep babbling. Maybe I should do some work? I do have to start re-writing copy for our web site. Yeah, that would be good. I am sure that will be some of my best work - not! Ugh...this week will be filled with analyzing the website's performance and hits, etc. I hate numbers. I hate math. That part of my brain hurts just thinking about the thinking about it.
more babbling...
Hope you had sweet dreams...and I am not talking about the chocolate chip cookies I just ate, that I should not have eaten as I think I have eaten a dozen all together today.
none of this will end well...
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