Bubbie's House

2012-01-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

It's a New Year, full of hopes and dreams, annd maybe just a littl fear.
My grandson turns 3 next month. That is a joyful time. But, it is also scarey. You see he has a speech delay problem. Right now he is working with a wonderful speech therapist. She is great with him an cares about him almost as much as I do. But, when he turns 3 he falls under the realm of the local school district for his speech needs.
Having been a teacher working in the public schools, I know what he is about to face. Public schools have Special Education programs ( which he will fall into) which don't really serve children like him. At best, he will be placed in a preschool class with 20 other children with a host of mental and physical problems. There he will get half an hour of speech therapy once or twice a week.
There isn't a problem with the size of the class. He just isn't in need of being in a special ed classroom. What is recomended for a child with his speech delay is one hour of speech therapy 3 to 5 times a week. He has no delays in any area other than speech. So, he will be in a class where the children are learning skills he has already mastered. And he will become bored IN PRESCHOOL.
There is a second possibility, he can stay in the preschool program he is in ad receive speech therapy for 1/2 hour twice a week. Neither choice is good as far as I am concerned.
As the grandmother, there isn't anything I can do. I have made suggestions to my daughter. She has listened. I give her lots of credit for that. And, I can tell her what the school district should be able to do. But, when she is in the meetings and it's her against the special education team, who has to deal with a budget, there isn't a lot she can do.
They will tell her," these are the programs we have set up." We don't have room for him in the program he needs, we will place him in this more restrictive classroom because of space. We will move him when space opens up." Or they can only provide x number of hours of therapy when he should be getting more.
There is so much BS they will be giving my daughterand she will have to fight. As a regular classroom teacer, I only know part of what special education depts can do. But, I know how they try to get parents to agree with their "plan" even if it's not the best for the child. They justify it by saying these are the programs they have or they have limited funds or some other lame excuse.
My grandson is a happy outgoing child. The least restrictive inviornment for him is to provide him the speech help he needs 5 days a week and place him in a regular education classroom. I hope my daughter can stand up to the pressure the Special Education dept. of the local school dist. is about to apply.

Well I sat on this post for a while. I wasn't sure if I should post it. Things have changed. Not only an I going to help, but I have started a new buisness to help other parents work their way throught the maze of public education. Things do seem to work out.

2011-12-23T05:33:00.000-08:00

One of my fondest memories is of my mother baking cookies with my then 2 year old daughter. They mixed dough from a recipe my Mom knew by heart. As I watched them roll out the dough and cut out the cookies it felt almost like a Norman Rockwell moment. My daughter kneeded her dough, rolled it out, and cut out her shapes. The more she worked the blacker the dough became. I was a little concerned that anyone would eat those cookies. My mother just smiled and sent my little one off to wash her hands in the bathroom. As my litle sweetie turned the corner mom wisked away the dirty cookie tray and replaced it with fresh clean cookies she had cut out and popped them in the oven. The tray my daughter had made was never to be seen again. When the cookies came out of the oven, my daughter was none the wiser and we had wonderful cookies. It all looked so smart and easy. And, beacuse I was expecting our second child any day, watching this wonderful exchange between my mother and daughter gave me chance to relax a little.

Jump forward a number of years. I am now the grandmother of two wonderful children, a girl who just turned four and a boy who is two. The memory of my mother baking with her grandchild is still so sweet that I decided to bake cookies with my grandchildren. I can not pull a sugar cookie recipe from my memory so I did what any modern day grandmother would do. I went to the internet. After a short search I found a recipe that would work. Since the dough needed to be chilled at least an hour, I decided to make the dough the night before. Everything went well. Two batches of dough chilling in the fridge ready for the morning.

Morning came. My daughter and her children were to arrive a about 10:00. At almost ten I get a phone call. The boy is still asleep. He has been woken several times and still can't / won't get up. No problem I say. Let him sleep.come over when he getes up. I decide at this point that the kids will enjoy decorating the cookies so I might as well start baking them and have some ready to go when they arrive. Good thought right? So I start baking. I take out my board and cover it with flour. I have my new rolling pin and the bands that go around it so I can roll the dough to the correct thickness.
( My mom didn't need those). The cookie cutters are out. I have two of each shape we plan to use so there will be no fighting. I take the dough out of the fridge. It is too cold to roll. Maybe that is why the directions said to chill the dough for one hour. I finally get the dough rolled out. Those thickness bands don't work well. I get two trays of cookies cut out. I put one in the oven for eight minutes and the doorbell rings. My family is here. Now I have a dog. She is a very cute boxer who is just a year old. Normally when the grandchildren come over she gets excited but can be controlled. Not today. This dog is so excited that the children can not get into the house. Cookies in the oven, children trying to come in the house and I am trying to restrain 45 lbs of dog while trying to hold the door open. After some yelling for my husband to come help me we get everyone in the house, the dog outside and the first batch of cookies out of the oven with out being burned.
At this point I find out that my daughter was in such a hurry to bring the children over ( not to disappoint me) that the little man hasn' t had breakfast. Everything stops! He needs breakfast. What kind of a Bubbie would I be if I didn't make breakfast. The second batch of cookies comes out of the oven as I scramble up some eggs. (Little man's favorite) After breakfast we are ready to bake cookies. Everyone washes their hands so we don't end up with black cookie dough. My daughter and I roll out dough for both children and show them how to use the cookie cutters. They do a great job. We get most of the dough cut out and leave some for the kids to play with. Time for the little ones to have a break until all the cookies are baked.
I make the icing that will cover half of the cookies and we all wash hands again. The mommy and I frost the cookies while the little ones put sprinkles on top of the frosting. I have been smart here. All of the sprinkles are in little bowls with spoons and each child has their own sided cookie sheet to work on. (Contain the mess as much as possible) The kids sprinkle the cookies. Who knew that blue and red sprinkles would be more popular than all the other colors! They did a good job even if all the sprinkles are on one side of each cookie. Then I spread chocolate frosting on the undecorated half of the cookies and we made sandwich cookies.

The whole process did not seem as easy as when my mother made cookies with my daughter oh so many years ago. I just hope the memory is as sweet for my family as that one is for me.

2011-12-08T07:41:00.000-08:00

Doing much better today. I got a good nights sleep. I have a good cup of coffee. (Thanks Jan)
And what I hope will be a quiet day to knit. Still need to work on posting pics.

I spent time with the babies yesterday. That helped my day improve. The "Dude" is really doing well on his talking. He says Bubb eee now and sssss for stop. He says peez for please, Mom ee, Da dee and Mim mim for Miriam. I even got him to say a sentence yesterday. It was one word at a time, but he said "Go to Mommy car". It was great. But Mommy wasn't there to hear it.
You can see how hard he works to get out the words he has. The determination on his little face....

I am so lucky to be able to spend so much time with these little angles. To Evelyn, I wish you were here to, just to get to watch them grow up.

too many things going sideways

2011-12-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

Today has been a real pain. Things keep going wrong. Or at least not going the way I expected. I hate days like this.
So, since thingsare gling wrong I am going to try to post a pic nere today.
Well, thatdidn't work either. I think if I can get a pic off theweb I should be able to.load it here. But thjs machine says I have too many windows open. So I will have to fivufe that out before I try again.

2011-12-02T06:29:00.000-08:00

After that wonderful post about knitting I haven't touched my knitting at all. I have dyed yarn, cleaned house, grocery shopped and done a million other things. But no knitting. On small business saturday I bought some great sock yarn. But it isn't getting cast on. I am afraid it will end up in the stash and be forgotten. (Like so many other skeins)
Today I have tons of cooking todo because everyone is coming here for Shabbat dinner. The Mommy and Daddy people have an office party to go to. So the rest of the clan will be here.

Menu

Soup
Prime Rib
Double Baked potatoes
Some veggie
Challah
Babka for dessert

Everything made from scratch by me today. I really do love cooking and baking. So I am off to start. Have a great day everyone.

2011-11-30T16:46:00.000-08:00

I have been knitting. I have made fingerless gloves for 6 people. I have also completed a round baby blanket for my niece who's baby is due in April. I have bought more sock yarn too. I have even started working on my sweater again. So I am keeping busy!

2011-11-27T07:05:00.000-08:00

I am starting to get the hang of this new tablet. So you will see posts from me.

We hada great Thanksgiving. Lots of good food. I'll post pics as soon as I can figure that out.

Yesterday was small business saturday, so I did go shopping. I wentto my local yarn store. Becca and our friend Jenn went with us. It was great. Lots of yummy yarns. We also shopped so other stores too. Becca found some wonderful gifts she needed and then we had tea. There is a really great tea shop loosly based on the book "Little Women".
So we had to stop in. It is just the kind of place to take Miss Mim for "High Tea". I am going to haveto setthat upfor after her birthday. In about 3 weeks our little princess will be jturning 4. It's hard to believe but true. She is growing up so fast.

Well, I hadbestgo and get myday started. I hope everyone is enjoying the start of the holiday season. I know I am.

2011-11-23T12:11:00.000-08:00

Well here I am using my new tablet to post here. This is a test run.

2011-11-18T07:04:00.000-08:00

I guess winter has decided to visit us. This morning for the second day in a row the temp. was below freezing here. Now I am not claiming it is colder here than in other places. My niece, for example, posted a pic to her fb page of the thermometer at -33 degrees. Yup 33 degrees BELOW zero. That's cold. I am just not ready for winter. But, as long as it is sunny I think I can manage. ;)

On a better note,Jan comes home tonight. He has been in the Seattle area all week. I am looking forward to him being home for a while. But having to pick him up at midnight... well normally I turn into a pumpkin about 10:00.

I thought a pic of Miss Mim and two of her favorite men would fit right here. These are only 2 of her favs. She has quite a few favorite men. ;)

But, I must say the "Dude" still gives the best hugs. ( he also doesn't hold still for pictures)

2011-11-11T07:44:00.000-08:00

Now that Miss Mim and the Dude go to pre-school 4 days a week I don't get to see them as often as I used to. It's a little sad. They are both growing up so quickly. I have to remember how lucky I am to have been able to play with them almost every day.

Last week was Grandparents day at their new school. We had a wonderful time. We got to watch the Dude play in his classroom and Miss Mim showed us around her classrooms. (Yes, more that one.) Then Miss Mim's class and the older class came into the main room and sang some songs for us.

That's Miss Mim second from the right. They sang 5 or 6 songs.

This is the Dude playing with the train table at school. In the background you can see some of the Grandparents getting ready for the program.
The boy loves trains. Well anything with wheels.

The school also had a book fair that day. So of course we had to buy new books. Hmmm Grandparents Day and and a book fair. Do you think that was planned???? (LOL)

2011-11-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

I know I don't post here very often. There aren't mind blowing recipes either. But ever once in a while could you comment. Just a note to say something like good pics.
I have nine followers. I know each and everyone of you. There aren't thousands of face less people. I know I write this for me, but you said you read it too. If I am off base for asking, let me know.

Thanks

Rainy days

2011-11-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

We are here in November already. It's hard to believe. Here in Chicago that means chilly and rainy. Snow can't be too far off.
Yarn show season seems to be over until Feb. So, you would think we have a breather. But, that's not quite true. There are some business issues we thought were taken care of that seem to have gotten worse. So, we get to deal with those again. But otherwise the business is doing well. We are in 9 stores across the country and are still doing on-line sales. Things are looking good. We have some plans to expand our lines of yarn too. So there is research and testing to do. But enough about that.

Here you see our little man dressed up as an "ight" for Halloween. He thinks he is a knight. Yes I know he is a Roman soldier. You try telling him different.

Miss Mim was of course a princess. She had a scepter and everything. We went trick or treating with some friends. They brought a wagon. After a several houses Miss Mim decided she didn't want to walk anymore. So, she rode in the wagon and was pulled by the eldest boy in our group. Princess treatment alright.

Halloween was a lot of fun. Now to start planning for Thanksgiving!

2011-10-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is the end of October. The leaves are beautiful shades of gold, orange, red and purple. This has been a wonderful and long fall. I know the cold and snow will be here soon, but I do love this time of year.

As you can see, Miss Mim likes being outside too. It's a little hard to see, but she is playing hop scotch in this pic.

She and I had a wonderful time playing outside. The Dude is there too. He just would not hold still for a picture. That boy does love to move around.

I hope to get some good pics of both of them in their Halloween costumes Monday.

2011-10-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

I am taking a break for a few minutes. So, I thought I would post something. I have all the yarn ready for this weekends show. Becca is sleeping upstairs. She has an awful bug of some kind and her furnace is out. Since it is 41 degrees outside I kidnapped her. The Grand kids are on a play date and will be dropped off here. Having heat is a very good thing here in Chicago land.

This is Miss Mim playing in the puddles a couple of weeks ago.

This is a really bad pic of our booth at our last show, Southern Indiana Fiber Arts Festival.

2011-10-17T06:08:00.000-07:00

I am home! Over the last few weeks we have done a couple of yarn shows and made a trip to California for my niece's wedding.

This is my niece and my brother.

My sister in law, Mother of the Bride and one of her sons.
I also have pictures of some other family members.

This is another of my brothers daughters, she is a sister of the bride.

This is my sister's daughter, the boyfriend and my sister's son on the right.

Here we have my eldest brother's son and his wife.

One of the Bride's brothers and his wife.

My sister and her hubby.

This doesn't ever cover everyone. I have another brother and and sister who couldn't make the wedding as well as nieces and nephews who were not there.
It was a great party and so wonderful to see them all again.
If I missed posting anyone's picture I am sorry. But, I will leave you with a very cute couple, the bride's nephews.

2011-10-03T06:59:00.000-07:00

I have only 9 more skeins of yarn in the house to dye. It is 9 am and I have 14 skeins to rinse. (I dyed them this morning.) My day started before 7 am. If I get these done I can rest a little before the next shipment arrives. I think I am busier now than I was when I was teaching. But I miss teaching. I miss having a classroom full of students. I don't miss writing lesson plans, grading papers, writing and grading tests or dealing with parents. I don't miss "no child left behind" and all the craziness that caused. So, I guess I don't miss as much as I thought. I just wish it had been my choice.

What's new

2011-09-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

The next few weeks are going to be busy for me. With Rosh Hashana & Yom Kipper (the Jewish Holidays)starting this week. We have two orders for stores to fill. Both before the 9th of Oct.when I leave for my niece's wedding in California. Then we have a show the very next day, after I get back,in Southern Indiana. The following weekend we have a show in Michigan. I need to do all the yarn dying before I leave on my trip. I should be busy. I need to start cooking for the holidays ASAP. Fun times for busy people in my world.

2011-09-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

I have my computer back! Son in law and daughter worked their magic and it's fixed!!!!!

So here is a picture I hope you haven't seen before.

The cuties spent 3 days with us recently. So I thought I'd post pics from that weekend.

2011-09-10T05:38:00.000-07:00

I am up early this morning with a goal in mind. Getting some pics on this blog. My computer was acting up so I couldn't get pics up. My computer go to person came by and cleaned up my mess. (Thanks Becca) so now I am going to try it again.

I thought I would start with one of "The Dude" to brighten everyone's day!

This is one of the falls in Great Falls Montana.

This is "The Gates of the Rocky Mountains" just outside Helena, Montana. I am not sure which is more beautiful, this place or the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. I'll post those pictures later.

I couldn't leave without a pic of "Miss Mimm". Here she is playing soccer in my hallway.

2011-09-07T17:10:00.000-07:00

A friend reminded my that I ,once again, have not been posting to this blog. I must hang my head in shame. I have been lax about posting. If you have given up on me, I understand.

As you know I went on a trip "out west". I saw lots of wonderful things and enjoyed myself. I reconnected with an old friend and a cousin. I sold our yarn to 3 different shops in 3 wonderful cities, The Dalles; Oregon, Helena; Montana and Great Falls; Montana. We also bought lots of goodies for the grand children. Miss Mim now is the proud owner of pink cowgirl boots. The "Dude"s cowboy boots are black with red stitching.

When I got home I had one week to dye all the yarn to fill those orders.

After that it was time for Stitches Mid West. That is the biggest yarn conference in , you guessed it, the mid west. I took 2 classes, knitting backwards and design your own sweater. My daughter, a friend and I shopped the market to get ideas for our own knitting. (We bought all sorts of stuff) We also shopped for ideas to make of both at shows better.

From there we had the grand kids spend a 3 day weekend with us so their parents could get away for a few days.

And, I am dying yarn again for our next show later this month.

I have just spent the last 10 minutes trying to upload pictures. But, my computer will not cooperate. It may be a problem between the computer and the chair. LOL
My computer wizard will be here tomorrow so maybe after that.

"On the road again"

2011-08-17T04:57:00.000-07:00

"For the last two weeks no one's been home" That's a line from a country western song by Garth Brooks. It kinda fits for me because I haven't been home for just over two weeks. So I'll update.

Hubby and I have been on the road.We left here and went to Minneapolis so he could do some audits.(The whole trip was about audits.) From there we drove to Montana. While there I got reacquainted with 2 people I went to High School with. They are now married and living in Helena.

This is a view from very near where they live. We took a boat ride "Gate of the Rocky Mountains". The views were spectacular.

We pushed on from there to Spokane. I have a cousin living there whom I had not seen in over 30 years. He and his wife were wonderful.The showed us an amazing grad hotel which has been completely restored. I'll post pics of that later.

We pushed on through Idaho and in to Washington. I got a chance to go back to Pike Place Market. It's always fun to watch the flying fish at the fish market.

Then it was down to Portland for Jan's last audits and then we headed home.

We did a lot of sight seeing and shopping. Both Miss Mim and the Dude got cowboy boots. Miss Mim's are pink. I had pics but now I can't find them. So I'll have to post those another time.

2011-07-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

I am off today to another yarn festival. This is the Wine and Wool festival in Jackson Mich. After that we will be off on a two week excursion through the northern parts of the mid west and the west as Jan heads out for two weeks of audits and I get to tag along. We are going to stop along the way and see some high school friends of mine in Montana and one of my cousins I haven't seen in something like 40 years.

Time seems to fly by in a hurry. I have noted that the older I get the faster time seems to move. Trying to explain how far in the future something is to Miss Mim seems to be impossible. She has no reference point. While I on the other have too many reference points.

So enough seriousness! A little chocolate goes a long way!

And a Giant Slide!

I haven't posted in a while

2011-07-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted. I really don't have anything to say. I am still looking for a job. I know that teachers are being laid off. I also know that at my age, with my educational level and years of experience, my job prospects are not great. I keep trying though. I have applied for lots and lots of jobs. I have not had one call for an interview. I am running out of ideas. My yarn business is growing, but not enough to pay the bills when my unemployment runs out.

A third of July

2011-07-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

I can not believe it is July already. Time seems to be flying by. This year it is going to be a very quiet 4th. Just Hubby and me. We plan to have a relaxing day, kick back and grill out some brats. No running anywhere. We will watch fireworks from our own yard or on T.V. We have talked about going to our local parade ( we have a Norman Rockwell type parade) here in town. But that means we would have to get up in time. I think step off is about 10:00. I don't see that happening.

Sleeping in is such a luxury....

So, Enjoy your Independence Day however you choose to celebrate. We have lots to be thankful for, even if it doesn't seem like it all the time.

2011-06-23T13:18:00.001-07:00

It really is summer here. You would not be able to tell from the weather. It has been raining quite a bit. It's also been humid and from time to time hot. It's hard to plan anything when you can't predict the weather.

I have been traveling around some too. We, my business partner and I, went to a yarn convention just outside of Indy. We came home repacked and took off for D.C. While we were on the east coast we headed down to Colonial Williamsburg. Down there the temp was well over 100 degrees. We had our families with us so it was a vacation. We had a load of fun.

This is Miss Mim in her new hat. It had to have a red ribbon!

The Momma wanted to by the Dude a cute three corner hat. He would have none of that.

It has been a very busy summer so far.

I am about to start cooking for Shabat Dinner tomorrow night. I would like to have as much done ahead as possible. I will be making peanut butter soup. Sounds bad but tastes great. I have only had it served hot, but I hear it is great ice cold too.I am going to serve it cold. I am also going to make princess chicken- chicken with crab and Alfredo sauce.Today I am making the soup and the pecan pie dessert.So I had best get to cooking.

2011-06-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

Starting off on a summer of yarn festivals. We leave tomorrow early for one outside of Indianapolis. We are doing about one show per month between now and October. I guess you could say we started last month. Things are doing well and picking up. I hope I will have pictures from this one. (I forget to take them)

2011-05-31T07:38:00.000-07:00

Today my grandson starts speech therapy. Everything works: hearing, understanding, thought processes. He just can't seem to talk. My daughter is teaching him to sign some words so he can get his ideas across. This has opened up a hole new world for him.

We are hopeful that with a little help he will be talking soon. There always so much to say.

I am on my way to collect his sister. She and I will be out for the day so brother can have his session with out her help.

Smile

2011-05-22T05:56:00.000-07:00

The world was supposed to end yesterday. Well, at least for some people. But as you can see I am still here. No rapture for me. I am to stay here until the end. There is no moral here. Just a chuckle at foolish people who are so desperate for happiness they will believe almost anything.

For today

2011-05-14T03:05:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago the words "You have cancer" changed my world. With the help of my Family, Friends and wonderful Doctors I was able to fight and win the battle.
Today I am healthy and cancer free. Here is the challenge for you.... For today, sing out loud, dance to the music you hear, laugh louder, hug someone just because you can. Eat dessert first! Or like me tonight, just have dessert! Do the little things you have always put off, the fun ones. The adult world will still be there tomorrow. Today we CELEBRATE! :)

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day has come and gone. Mine was wonderful. I got to play with my grandchildren, visit with my children,and spend quality time with my hubby. We had a wonderful seafood dinner cooked by my family with a awesome chocolate dessert. It really does not get any better than that.

It makes me reflect on all the wonderful things in my life. I have a lot to be thankful for. Yet I seem to dwell on the bad. I guess that's just human nature. I am going to try to focus on the good from now on. It won't be easy ... but then good things never come easy.

I have a wonderful husband who has stood by my side for more than 30 years. (Trust me, it wasn't easy.)

I have two wonderful daughters who have grown into women I am proud to call my friends. They both have college degrees. I am so proud of the hard work they did to earn those. They also have husbands who love them deeply.

I have both a granddaughter and a grandson who are growing up way too quickly surrounded by all the love they can handle.

I don't want to forget my grand dogs either. A very friendly bunch if I do say so myself.

I have a good life. What more can I ask for!

May ?

2011-05-03T04:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is May already.
I haven't posted here in a while. Since I write here for me I guess when I'm busy I forget. I guess when I want to sound off or have something important to say I come back.
Today I am unhappy with a "young man" I know. I know the things he says are aimed to bate me. But, I am tired of him looking for the negative in what I say.
He will never read this, for which I am happy. It is getting harder and harder to blow off his snarky comments. He thinks he is smarter than everyone else, and maybe he is. But his comments are cruel. Perhaps when he is "older" he will understand.

To lighten the mood, here is a pic of Miss Mim in front of the wheel of a tractor at the Museum of Science and Industry.

Welcome Passover

2011-04-18T05:57:00.000-07:00

Passover starts tonight at sundown. I have been cooking and cleaning for what seems like weeks. Here at 8:00 am I have a sponge cake in the oven and matza balls cooking too. Tonight's main course and tomorrow's main course are already cooked. They just need reheating. The fish course, chopped liver and everything else that can be made ahead has been made. Tonight we will be 15 people for a 5 course sit down dinner. Tomorrow we will be 22 for the same. Please understand I am not doing this alone. Both of my daughters are doing the same amount of work, cooking and cleaning. We have divided up the cooking chores, but each of us does our own housework. Tonight it all gets put together. Those of you who read this post and are joining us... Welcome.
For those who can not join us... You will be missed.

"Let all who are hungry come in and eat"

Thoughts

2011-04-16T06:33:00.000-07:00

Today would have been my mothers 93 birthday. She died 13 years ago just days before she turned 80. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I grew up in an abusive household so her passing didn't effect me the way many other people are effected by a parents death. I guess the best thing I can say here is... May she rest in peace. God knows she never had any when she was alive.

Here again

2011-04-13T08:06:00.000-07:00

As it always seems to be, things have been busy. Last Friday we went to a yarn retreat and sold lots of yarn. I will post a pic of our booth at some point. I am bust=y getting ready for Passover. We are holding the two Seders at my daughters house this year. It is strange to be carting stuff between houses. But, it's the only way it works. This year on the first night 15 people and the second night there will be 22 people. Think about that for a minute: 15 one night and 22 people on the other for a multi- course dinner cooked and served by my daughters and me.
By multi- course I mean we will be serving 5 courses each night, not including the Seder Service which has a few things to eat. We start with hard boiled eggs, followed by gifilta fish/ chopped liver, then chicken soup with matzo balls. Then the main course with all the trimmings and of course a dessert. WOW!!!!!

Kona, my dog, is doing really well.

You can see she has put on weight. Her ribs aren't sticking out anymore.

And who doesn't love that face? She is very playful and sweet. She is becoming a great dog for us. However, she thinks Asher tastes great. She is always licking him.

Job search

2011-04-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

Looking for a job is depressing. But, I keep filling out applications. I would really like to be retired. I can do that in a few more years. Until then I keep filling out apps and going on interviews.Send me some good vibes.

2011-03-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

Things are starting to calm down here. The new puppy is doing fine. She has been to the vet, who says she needs to put on about 10lbs. When we got her, her weight was 33lbs. Today the vet said she weights 37lbs. 4 pounds in 5 days. Not too bad.

Miss Mim says she is "a little dog". Mim could be right. Even though Kona stands 28" tall compared to Mim's dog Butterfly (a Saint Bernard) and Aunt Megan's dog (80lbs of Lab) Kona is a "little dog".

Now all I need is to get pics of the kids and the dogs together!

New addition

2011-03-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

We did it. We got a new dog. Her name was Ezra. Not good, not good at all. That's a man's name for starters. She needed a new name! So..... Kona, (Jan chose the name) is a 10 month old boxer. She is cute as can be. They say she is red, but she looks brown to me. Kona has white stockings and her face is black and brown. She is soooooo cute. At some point in her life she was burned. There are a couple of long scares along her spine. They make her look a little like a ridge back. She is also way too skinny. You can see all of her ribs. There is no fat on this dog at all. But, I am sure I can take care of that.

She is really sweet. So far she walks well on a leash and is happy to do anything I ask of her. She was neutered yesterday so she is still kind of sore and out of it. But, I just know she is going to lover her new forever home.

Rant

2011-03-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

Things keep getting.....frustrating.
I try to sign in to this blog and need to jump through hoops. They re did things back in oh...2006 and now want me to type in my info. I haven't changed anything since then. But they don't like my sign in now. After the 6th try they decide that my sign in and pass word are ok. I am using the same one each time. This time the problem is not between the computer and the chair.

This all happens after I have spent time on my job search. Yes, I am looking for a job again. Does anyone else get stressed when looking for a job? I ca feel my stress level increasing as I fill out applications.

Don't get me wrong, being "retired" is fun. But, unemployment doesn't pay very well. Also, at my age I need health insurance. So, I am once again looking for a teaching job.

I thought I'd throw in a cute pick 'cause you didn't come here to read a rant you came for kid pics.

However I started this blog for me, so you get whatever I feel like saying.

Seeing these cuties makes me smile. One of the best parts of being out of work is the time I get to spend with them. I also get to volunteer at "The Museum of Science and Industry". I was there this morning to preview a new exhibit, "Body World". It is plasticine bodies and body parts. This is the 3rd time this exhibit has been at the museum. I learned a few new things today. I want to share one or two that really got to me. To be healthy we need to continue to learn, throughout our lives. We also need to mean something to someone else. I guess these are things I already knew. However the exhibit reminded me. So, no matter how frustrated I get at blogspot or at applying for jobs, I know I will learn something everyday I spend with my grandchildren. I also know by watching their faces that I mean something to someone else. All in all a very good day.

New Pics

2011-03-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

When I started this blog I meant to write on it every day. I had a plan. This was going to be something I did for me. Everyday!!!! I didn't make it. I still try to write everyday. But, my life seems to get in the way. I also don't seem to post pics every time I blog. I am going to try to change that. But, to be honest, when a little girls says "Me need you Bubbie, me need you now" well, I will put off almost anything.

Then there is the techno side of all of this. Trying to upload pictures from my phone and other devices isn't as easy as everyone thinks when there is a problem between the computer and the chair. See, sometimes I forget to do things like plug the phone into the computer.

Today I am going to post some pics that are long over due.

This is our sweet girl getting her very first hair cut.

Here is "The Dude" getting his very first hair cut too.
They were both so cute and well behaved.

We have little man in a box!

And mugging for the camera, with brother in tow.

We get together on Friday nights for dinner, Shabbat. Miss Mim gets to see her "boy friend", Uncle Nate.

And "The Dude" gets to do one of his favorite things.... eat.

I hope these pictures of my grandchildren brighten your day. I get to play with them almost everyday. That really does make my day.

2011-03-02T16:45:00.000-08:00

We did it. The "Sheep in the City" yarn get away was wonderful. The first day was slow, but it really picked up over the weekend. We sold a lot of yarn. Here it is Wed. and I'm still tired.

We met up with my son-in-laws sisters for dinner one night. We asked them to find a good sushi restaurant. Boy did they ever find a good one. We ate and ate and ate, drank and drank and drank. We chatted about most everything and had a blast.

Sunday night as we were driving home the traffic stopped on the expressway. It seems there was a rollover accident up ahead. A nice truck driver gave us directions about how to go around what seemed like it would be a three hour stoppage.

Today as I am driving home from the City, traffic was stopped again. Another rollover!
That's two rollovers in four days. Is my "karma" trying to tell me something?

2011-02-22T15:55:00.000-08:00

In my life there have been a few moments that have taken my breath away. As I write this I know I will miss a few, but here are some of those moments.

Graduating High School, Marring my husband, the birth of my eldest daughter, all of the firsts with her, The birth of my second daughter and all of the firsts with her, Earning my degree, Getting my masters degree, Seeing both daughters graduate high school, Having both graduate College. Getting serenaded by a Sousaphone, Walking both daughters down the aisle when they got married, Watching both of my grand children come into this world, Watching my husband wake up after his second back surgery,(we didn't think he would), and yesterday I got to watch both grandchildren get their very first hair cuts.

It has been said that life is not about the number of breaths you take. It is the moments that take your breath away. I count myself as one very lucky woman because I have had so many moments that have "taken my breath away"

Ramblings.

2011-02-19T06:01:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture to start off with because the rest of this is depressing!

A woman I know has fought and beaten stage 4 reproductive cancer. However she is back in the hosp. She has been having stomach problems and they are doing more tests. 1/3 of them come back neg. 1/3 come back positive and the last 1/3 come back inconclusive.
To make things harder, her partner is pregnant and due in 5 weeks. It breaks my heart for them to be at both ends of the emotional spectrum at the same time.

On another note, two people I went to high school with are getting married next Friday. I am very happy for them! They reconnected a few years ago. They were going to wait a couple of years before getting married. But, they found out he has stage 2 prostrate cancer. They decided to get married now "in case". Another roller coaster of emotions there.

My daughters hand is healing from her burns. The Dude is trying to get potty trained. Miss Mim is regressing a little. I think it's because he is getting a lot of attention. So, I have been helping out over there. ( I think my daughter would like her house back and her Mom out for a little while)

State testing in school is coming up. So my other daughter is stressed. It all seems strange how we judge teachers on how well kids do on one test. Do we judge a dentist on how many cavities the patient gets?

It is also tax season. Hubby is very busy. So, the state in it's wisdom has decided now is a good time to call him for jury duty. They do this every couple of years. It's not like his clients can wait until, I don't know June, to file their taxes.

I am up to my eyeballs in dyed yarn. I think maybe I will take a day off this coming week and do NOTHING!

2011-02-16T15:02:00.000-08:00

I have been busy. I guess I say that a lot. But, it's true.

Becca burned her hand. So I have been helping out at her house quite a bit.

The little guy is trying to get potty trained. It's kind of funny. He runs to the bathroom and almost makes it on to the potty. Sometimes he doesn't make it. Then he cries and cries and cries. It makes him mad. (I think he is mad because he is wet, but also because he doesn't get M&Ms when he doesn't make the bathroom.)

I have also been working 2 days a week at the Museum. It keeps me busy.

Let us not forget that I am dyeing yarn for a yarn festival the end of next week.
At the moment I have 16 skeins of yarn in process. That's just in the last 2 days.
That's about half of what I have to get dyed.

But all in all life is good. Now if someone would just leave me tons and tons of money everything would be wonderful.

Wed. in Chicagoland

2011-02-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

We still have quite a bit of snow on the ground. But, the snow has stopped. Now we have bitter cold. I hope for only a few days.

I worked at the Museum again today and got to ride a Segway. It was really fun. Foe the most part the Museum was quiet. We had a few school groups. I'll bet most people stayed home because it was so cold. We have single digit temps and wind chills in negative numbers. This is the second set of neg. wind chill this winter. but it will all be over in a couple more weeks. SPRING will get here if we can just hold on!!!!!

Today's picture is the "Dude" reading. That isn't so unusual. What is different is that he is sitting in the toy basket. Notice all the toys are out and only he is inside the basket. And of course that is his Fav. book, Tomas the Train.

2011-02-07T14:28:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl Sunday was great. We did watch some football. BUT.... Uncle Nate, Joey and Deglan made an igloo in the back yard.

That's Miss Mim's back.

That's Deglan coming out of the igloo.

Joey is coming out.

And let us not forget the little Dude.

I great time was had by all!

Super Bowl Sunday

2011-02-06T13:46:00.000-08:00

I have Chili cooking, guacamole,spinach dip, onion dip, ranch and vegi dips made. Vegies are cut up, chips are ready. Pizza rolls to go in the oven. The girls are bringing Salsa, corn bread and deserts. A good friend is bringing her clan and another desert. We have beer, wine and soft drinks. There will be too much food (LOL)and lots of fun. There is snow on the ground for little people to play in. Who cares about the game.

Kick back, relax and enjoy yourself.

2011-02-05T09:15:00.000-08:00

We made it through the storm no problems. Everything was closed down for one day. That's not the weeks everyone talked about. We still have snow drifts. Not all of the streets are cleared completely, but there is no problem getting anywhere. Stores are open, banks are open, garbage is being picked up. Life is back to normal. We survived the STORM of 2011

Storm Part 2

2011-02-02T08:46:00.001-08:00

This is early in the storm on Feb. 1st 2011, about 4:00.

Not too much different an hour later.

Of course by morning.......

Most of this is blowing and drifting snow. I did try to shovel and use the snow blower. I was out about 45 minutes and cleared a path about twice the width of the snow blower out to the street. Hey, that's not too bad considering our driveway is about 80 feet long.
For now I think I'll just stay in. It's 11:00am and it's still snowing. I think we will get one of hubbies clients to come plow us out. At least we still have power.

Stay warm and dry where ever you are.

The Storm" part 1

2011-02-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

In about 3 hours, we are told, the Big Storm will begin. They say we could get up to 20 inches of snow. People are frantic. They are rushing to to stores to get food and snow shovels.

Ok, back in 1967 or '69 there was a big storm that dumped about that much snow on our area. Schools were closed for 4 days. People had problems getting around. But, back then they were not prepared for all that snow. They expected about 8 inches. This time all the cities are ready. They have more snow removal equipment. They have more salt to put on the streets. We have more technology to help identify problem areas.

We are ready for this storm! Still people are in an almost panic mode. So, keep reading here, I will try to keep everyone updated on "The Storm of 2011" (maybe I'll add pics too) So far we have about 1 inch from last nights snow. Pretty, but no big deal.

Days fly by

2011-01-29T07:38:00.000-08:00

I have been busy. I am dying yarn for a show at the end of Feb. I am working at the museum two days a week and trying to keep my house running. I thought if I wasn't working I would have all the time in the world to do all the things I love to do. I would have lots of time to knit. I would have time to play cello, read, exercise and all the other things I put off "until I have the time". Not true. I find I have no more time now than I did when I was working.

Just for a few days I would like the world to slow down. Yes, I know I can make that happen. I could just stop and do "nothing". But, a friend calls and says lets do lunch. My daughter calls and says let's .....(what ever). I want to! I had planned to clean house or do laundry. I had every intention of cleaning, washing, cooking etc.

It may sound like I am complaining. I really am not. I just want a few more hours in each day and a few more days in each week. I want my grandchildren to grow a little more slowly.

I can wish can't I?

A great Day

2011-01-23T06:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a great day. I did have to go to a wake. But, I got to see some old friends and co workers I had not seen since June. They told me they missed me. That was nice. Then I spent the rest of the day with my family. I was with Hubby all afternoon. Then had a wonderful dinner with everyone. We went out for a great dinner. The babies (who really are not babies anymore) were very well behaved. Even the adults all got along well. We ate and talked then ate some more. It was really nice.

Every time I got on facebook there were well wishes from friends and family. There were emails too. People called and everyone made it a really nice day!

All in all everyone made it easy to turn another year older. So, here is my birthday wish for everyone.

May your joys be huge and your sorrows so small you don't notice them. May your days be filled with laughter. And, may you always feel the love of the people who care about you.

I am going to enjoy another trip around the sun!

Life in frozen land

2011-01-21T05:28:00.000-08:00

At the moment the temp out side is zero. We have a wind chill that takes us to -20 degrees. Needless to say it is VERY cold outside. But, it is a beautifully clear morning. The sun has just come up and the sky is a lovely shade of blue.As long as we stay inside, everything will be wonderful.

My family gets together every Friday for Shabbot dinner and it's my turn to cook.
I have soup cooking in the crock-pot it is a tomato based soup with artichokes. So things are starting to smell wonderful. A little later I will be making pecan pie and we will be having a wonderful chicken dish for the main course. Something I have made before and my family loves.

I always see families, on TV, that get together regularly. It seems to be mostly on Sunday. I think because most people in the US are Christian, and it's an after church thing. Shabbot is a little different. It's supposed to be a separation from the work week. Shabbot is a rest from the work week. So, we take turns cooking. My daughters each take a week so that we each get a two week break from cooking for one night. But guess what happens. Everyone ends up in the kitchen. Everyone helps out. Even the men.

This year something new is taking place. The men are doing some of the cooking. They are stepping up and taking an occasional week. I could not be more thrilled.

We all like to cook around here. But, it seems like everyone is working together. It's almost like we may be headed to a few of those TV, picture perfect family dinners. Cooking for each other seems to be pulling us to a place where we set aside our little family frustrations and really take care of one another. Don't get me wrong we still have our family squabbles, but I think maybe, just maybe we are learning to respect each other as people.

Well I have gone on long enough here. It's time for the long awaited pictures of the kiddies.

Here is the "Dude" on his first archeological dig. He is about to dig for dinosaur bones at the Indianapolis Childrens Museum.

Here is Miss Mim at the same dig. She is way too busy, discovering dino bones, to look up for the camera.

"The Dude" making a hand cranked train run.

Miss Mim playing at the water table with her little brother. Everyone had a really great time.

What has been going on.

2011-01-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

Life has been getting away from me lately. It seems that I just turn around and another week (or two) has slipped by.

I have so much going on right now, but I am wondering where my time is going.

At the moment I am making jambalaya for a pot luck party we are going to tonight. This is a recipe I have made hundreds of times. Today, my rice won't get soft. So what should have taken at most 2 hours has turned into almost a 4 hour project. Glad I started early.

This past week I worked at at the museum 2 days and then went to another museum with the Grand-kids and their Mom on Friday. I have been dying yarn for the business and setting appointments with shops to sell our yarn. Busy, busy, busy.

I guess if I was working I would just have to give up sleep.

I keep saying I will post pictures soon. I really will.

Company

2011-01-06T09:29:00.001-08:00

We have had some out of town company as of late. And I have discovered a few things.
I have always thought that you took care of your guests. If they have special needs you tried to accommodate them if you could. I am learning that this is not always the case.
Our guests keep Kosher. That means that there are some food rules they follow which are different than most people's eating habits. Our guests did not request that we change anything. This is something we have chosen to try to do for them. To me it's not a big deal. However it is a big deal to them. They can't stop saying thank you.
It seems that the family members they were staying with before not only didn't make any effort to allow them to keep any form of Kosher, but even made fun of them for trying to keep meat and milk separate.
Please understand that I have not made huge changes in my food or my cooking. But, since our guests do not mix milk products and meat products I have switched to using margarine instead of butter when the meal has beef or chicken in it. It's not a big deal.
The effect this simple effort has had on our friends is amazing.

So let me put it out there in the world.

1. M & E you are welcome.
2. Treat guests with the respect YOU would like to be treated with.
3. It costs you nothing to be nice, and it might just make that big difference to someone else.

Words of wisdom from the Bubbie.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T17:18:00.000-08:00

It's really here. It's a new year. Today is 1/1/11. That by it's self is a good sign.
I spent my day with three wonderful ladies and lots of "yarnie" goodness. We went to a great yarn store The Fold. And yes, I bought yarn. The year is starting off well in other ways too.

I have a niece, a nephew and a friend who have all announced they are getting married. I also have several friends who are expecting. That in it's self is a good reason to go yarn shopping.(A baby blanket)

Hubby got to watch all the football he wanted. Much thanks to daughter #2 who made lots of snacks for him and hosted the football marathon.

My only regret is that I didn't get to spend time with the little ones today.
But, I will spend lots of time with them this week. They have been a little under the weather. I am hopeful that is over and we can get back to playing.

I am hoping that this year will be a better one for us. The last two have been a little tough. (Although the Dude's birth was a highlight.)

May everyone who reads this, and everyone they love, have a wonderful and joyous, healthy and happy New Year!

Shopping for New Years Eve

2010-12-28T14:18:00.000-08:00

Today we went shopping for all the goodies for New Years Eve. By we, I mean almost the entire family. Hubby, both daughters, one son-in-law, both babies and me. Sound a little strange? It was. You see our New Years Eve is a little different from most people. It has nothing to do with being Jewish. We just don't care for the whole going out and getting drunk thing. So, we do a Shabu Shabu dinner. Depending on who you talk to, this is either a Chinese or Japanese celebration meal. It is sometimes called Hot Pot. Anyway, it consists of a very large pot of simmering broth which each person adds to. Sea food, very thinly sliced beef, (or pork) vegetables and a bunch of other things are all added to the spicy broth at the table. You eat what you put into the broth. It's a really good time with great food. But the foods needed can't all be found at your local market. So off we went to the Asian market. Son-in law had a great time looking at all the foods he had never seen/ tried before. (He bought some) Miss Mim enjoyed looking at all the fish, lots and lots of different kinds. Most of them were whole so they really looked like fish. Daughter #1 was busy finding all the ingredients and keeping track of her two little ones. Daughter #2 was busy trying to keep her hubby from buying everything that caught his eye and helping daughter #1. Hubby was having fun WALKING around the store. Yup he walked it. And of course he was buying what looked interesting to him too. Me, I had a great time watching everyone. I helped shop, played with the kids, pointed out things to both hubby and son-in-law. A good time was had by all. Now Friday night we get to have our Shabu Shabu Dinner and enjoy all the wonderful things we bought to go into it. (I am fond of the fish balls.)

Jewish Christmas eve

2010-12-24T11:08:00.000-08:00

Well here it is Christmas Eve. Or Erev Christmas. Not really a Jewish holiday. So tonight instead of our normal Shabbat family dinner we are going to do what Jews all over America do, Chinese takeout! Now that may seem strange to my Non Jewish friends, so let me explain. Christmas and Christmas eve are big deals in the U.S. Everything closes. On Christmas eve stores and restaurants close early and then are closed on Christmas Day. The point is to let families celebrate the Holiday together. However, it you don't celebrate Christmas what ya going to do? Everything is closed. But wait!
Many Chinese people aren't christian. So, they don't close their restaurants. So, we Jews, order in or go out for Chinese food. Many of us also have a tradition of watching (some crappy, some not) movies. If you can find a theater open it's always fun to go out or as we do rent the movies to watch at home. There will be now wonder of Christmas morning destruction of gifts. No screaming kids waking you up to open presents. Just a very quiet day at home or with family.

Museum of Science and Industry

2010-12-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

I spent my day at MSI (Museum of Science and Industry). I had a blast. I got to explain how refraction of light effects how we see color. People don't get the concept so it was fun to explain. Kids catch on before their Parents do sometimes. A group of mentally challenged women came up. I went through the whole thing with them. The chaperoned with them was thrilled because I let them change the colors of the light.
This museum is a hands on museum. Of course they could change the lights. Everyone can. I'm just there to help them understand why the colors change. Come see the museum!!!!!

Happy Bithday Miss Mim

2010-12-17T07:38:00.000-08:00

Today is Miss Mim's 3rd birthday. For reasons to complex to get into, I was the second person to wish her a happy birthday in person today! When I left she was all smiles and a very happy birthday girl. However, she is growing up really fast. Today she said:
"Bubbie, you're silly." I guess she is getting too big for tummy kisses. Nah not yet!

Rib Dinner

2010-12-16T14:41:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I posted. I guess I have been busy or didn't have much to say. I thought I would share a few pics of the grandchildren. Miss Mim turns 3 tomorrow. It's hard to believe but true. So here are Miss Mim and "The Dude" in rare form.

Just look at those blue eyes. She wasn't very happy with the rib dinner to start with. The ribs made her "hands sticky". She was unhappy at least at first. She would only chew on a bone with most of the meat and sauce taken off.

The dude however had no problem at all. There was meat on that bone and he was going to get every drop. There really was other food to eat too. But he only wanted MEAT. (The rib bones on Daddy's plate were the best.)

This last picture is of the two of them playing on the organ I inherited from my Aunt. She left it to me because the Mommy of these two darlings used to play with it when she smaller than they are now. I know seeing these two play her organ would make my Aunt very happy.

Grab a cup of coffee

2010-12-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

Either I have too much time on my hands or I am becoming my Grandmother. I had two wonderful Grandmothers. One was very old world and would cook until she dropped.
The other was a proper New York society lady, raised to have all of the proper manners.
It is the second one I seem to be channeling today. Not the manners or even her class.(which I wish I had) But, something more memorable for me.
I was the generation that first met the legend that is now simply know as Barbie. Yup, that's how old I am. My New York proper Grandmother bought me the very first rendition of Barbie. Bobbed, bouffant blond hair and striped swimsuit. I was in heaven. Barbie had a wardrobe even back then. But, my folks would not buy me any Barbie clothes. So,as the story goes, my Grandmother saw just how cheaply made the clothes for the dolls were. She set out to make clothes for my Barbie. Oh my, how that woman could sew. I had all of the latest fashions for my doll. If Grandma saw it, she made it for me. Everything in the Barbie collection in better fabrics and nicer colors. Even what was in the magazines. I had it all. She even taught me how to sew. At the time I'm not sure I appreciated what I was taught. But, she and I spent many wonderful afternoons together sewing. As I grew older she promised to make my wedding dress for me. I was thrilled. More years passed and I became engaged. Grandma was dying. She was not able to make my dress, so in keeping with her promise I made it myself. She passed away one week after my wedding. I guess she waited for me to really get married.

So, back to my channeling her. My Granddaughter, Miss M, received a tea set for Hanukkah from her other Grandmother. It is really cute. She loves to play with it. But the other day, as we were playing, Miss M wanted place mats for her table just like Mommy uses. So, today I sat down at my old sewing machine and just like my own Grandmother, made her what she wanted. Miss M has 4 place-mats for her table

I hope my Grandma would be proud.

Life is funny

2010-12-06T15:33:00.001-08:00

Things are finally starting to slow down. Thanksgiving is over. Our annual Hanukkah party has come and gone. So things are getting back to this new normal of ours. Froebe Fibers has had a very busy day. Banking, new colorways, lost reservations and the like have only tested us. The web site is acting up and balking at working. But everything should be back to normal (what ever that is) by the first of the year.

Should I be reflecting on the past year? I hope not. For the most part I would rather forget most of this year. I would love things to improve. So, at least for the time being I plan to focus on the new year. I am hopeful it will bring good things for all of us.

2010-12-03T11:25:00.000-08:00

It's Hanukkah. The third night to be exact. So, I have been kind of busy. Tomorrow night is the big bash. Today I found myself with a few spare minutes (Shhh don't tell on me) and decided to clear out my old emails. I found one from a craft site that I visit from time to time. They had a video on how to make your own Hanukkah Menorah. A crafty one. So, now I am thinking about making crafty Menorahs. I'll keep you posted if I do make any. Yes, I will include pictures.

Technology and me.

2010-11-26T13:20:00.000-08:00

I signed up for a new program. It's post cars sent to people from my phone. Great idea I thought.I can send people real snail mail post cards with pictures I took. And, the first 10 are FREE. So yesterday, Thanksgiving, I took some great pics of hubby playing horse with the Grand kids. What a wonderful picture to show the world hubby is doing better.
Guess who can't get the bloody thing to work. You guessed it....me! I know I am not a techno whiz. I get that. But the directions seemed simple. Attach a photo to a text. Send the whole thing to this company and they send it out for you. NBD right? Now there is just one problem. How do you attach a picture to a text????????

The strangest thing

2010-11-20T18:08:00.000-08:00

On facebook the past couple of day I have been receiving invitations to a 35th class reunion. Not my class reunion, but the class of a friend who grew up in Philly. I do not know any other people there. I have gotten at least one invite every day for a week now. Some days I get more than one. They all have a choice about attendance; yes, no, maybe. Trying to be a nice person, I click no. A few hours later I get another request to attend this reunion.

Now you must bear in mind that I graduated from high school dare I say more than 35 years ago. I have received information about 2 reunions. The first was the 5 year. I found out about it 3 days before it happened and I was 400 miles away. Needless to say I could not make it. I also heard about the 10 year reunion a couple of days before it happened. School had just started and now I was 2000 miles away. I have not heard about any of my reunions since. Yet I get invited to my friends more than once.

This I think is very odd.

[No the picture at the top of the page has nothing to do with the post. It was taken at MSI and is part of the storm exhibit. Just thought you might want to know]

Well I did it.

2010-11-17T16:09:00.000-08:00

I have finally done it. I went to my old blog, ramblings of a mad woman, and gave everyone the address for this blog. It has been so very long since I posted there I am not sure anyone still checks. But, on the off chance they do, They now have my new blog address.

I have been "surfing around on the internet". I found something I thought was interesting. People, it seems , judge you by your email address. Not your part, but who hosts you like aol.com or yahoo.com or even gmail.com. According to the site, gmail users are second only to people who have their own domain name. Those are followed by yahoo, hotmail and aol at the bottom of the internet social order.

Can you believe people are that interested in who hosts your email account? Perhaps this is some sort of gag or joke. Does it really matter. Well, if it does then I am at the bottom half of the ladder sort of. I have two yahoo accounts. But I also have a domain name thanks to my daughter and son-in-law. So I guess people can take their pick. Either I am at the top of the internet social ladder, or near the bottom. Choose for yourself.

I am just happy to be able to communicate in the 21st century!

2010-11-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

We are having a very lazy day. Brunch at home followed by watching a net flicks movie from our gift, given to us by one daughter and son-in-law. We are able to do this because our other son-in-law hooked up the system he and our other daughter gave us as a gift. Are you confused yet? You ought to see me trying to get three remote controls all to work so I can turn everything on and watch the movie I want. But, I did it. I even chose a movie hubby liked. All in all a good day.

I know, there isn't anything written here about Miss Mim. But as the Bubbie I get to post pictures just because I want to!

How I spent my Thursday

2010-11-12T11:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to MSI(Museum of Science and Industry). I thought I'd share some pics.

This is Miss Mim driving a full sized tractor.

This is Miss Mim sitting in the wheel of the same tractor.

They also had an exhibit of"Jim Henson's Muppetts".

2010-11-08T15:59:00.001-08:00

I have finished my dog sitting assignment. It was fun. My daughter's dogs are very well behaved.I had no problems at all. I forgot to take pics to share.

I have been busy knitting too. I am almost 3/4 done with the vest I am knitting for the Dude. Also, a friend of mine has three boys. I knit a snake for the youngest (4yrs) as a n xmas present. (no, they are not Jewish) Then I thought, what do I get for the older boys ( 6 and 9). Then it dawned on me. Harry Potter scarves! I am about half way done with the first one. It's forest green and cream, Slythern colors. I think that will be for the 6 year old. The other will be Gryphindor colors, rust/gold and red, for the older boy. I hope they like them. I will post pics when they are all finished.

Asparagus Soup with cream

2010-11-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

I am puppy sitting my Grand dogs. They are wonderful! I have been over to their house twice today. They are happy to see me and do just what I want them to do. (I did get a tongue bath from the big one thought)

I also have appetizers in the oven. Very large mushroom, caps removed, stuffed with cheese.

Asparagus soup is started. With that we will have rosemary bread "croutons" with Parmesan cheese.

Croutons:
1 loaf of rosemary bread
olive oil
freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Slice the bread as thick as you prefer. Lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil. Toast them in the oven @ 350 degrees until golden. When toasted remove from oven and sprinkle with grated cheese.

Asparagus Soup with cream:

3 lbs of fresh asparagus
8 cups of chicken stock
4T butter
1 large onion chopped
2 cloves of garlic minced
pinch of salt
1/4 tsp.white pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream

Wash and trim the asparagus. Save the woody ends. (They will add flavor)
In a stock/soup pot bring the stock to a boil.
Add the woody ends of the asparagus. Let that simmer for about 20 minutes.
Trim about an inch off the tops of each asparagus stalk. ( The pretty tips)set that aside.

Cut the remainder of the stalks into 1 inch pieces.
After 20 minutes remove the woody stalks from the stock and throw them away.
Add the pretty tips to the stock and cook for 1 minute.
Remove the pretty tip and put them in a bowl of ice cold water to stop them fro cooking any more and lock in their color.
In another pan saute the onion, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another minute.
To that add the sliced asparagus, salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes

Pour all of this into the simmering stock, cover and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.

Remove from heat.
Using an immersion blender or food processor (small batches here)puree the soup until smooth.
Add seasonings if needed.
Add the heavy cream and pretty tips. Heat until everything is warm.

Serve with Parmesan Croutons

Progress?

2010-11-05T07:38:00.001-07:00

I am working on getting the yarn company moving forward. Yesterday a friend volunteered to knit up a new sock yarn pattern. We will see how it looks. I (we) need to decide on: 1.how many months/ patterns we will do. 2. what to charge. 3.Contact all the people who signed up for information. 4. figure out the new color ways. And then get everything going. Sounds simple, but getting started isn't so easy.

I have also been asked by my DH to print out pictures of the babies for his mother. She complains about not having current pictures. Not a problem. I have pictures to print. Can I find my photo paper? NO!!!!! I have looked everywhere. I can't find it. So, today after I purchase her birthday present, card, wrapping paper and wrap her gift I have to either find the photo paper or go buy more. All for a woman who doesn't think I should have married my DH. Yeah!!!!!!!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

As you can see, Minnie Mouse came to visit for Halloween. She brought with her the cutest Giraffe I have ever seen.

They were just too cute. They went door to door with their Mommy and Daddy in tow. Miss Mim had been practicing to say "Trick or treat" for several days. I don't think she ever really got to say it though. The Dude did manage to say something like it the Mommy says.

Every one had a really good time. The babies took in quite load of goodies. Mommy, Daddy, Zadie and Bubbie all enjoyed the candy Mommy and Daddy were giving out.

Aunt Megan came by and took lots of pictures too. (Don' know if she ate any candy)

All in all I had a very good time.

Pre- Halloween

2010-10-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Halloween. I am so excited. Almost as excited as when I was a kid. You see I get to go over to the grandchildren's house and give out candy there. It's not so much that I get to give out candy, it's that I get to see them (the babies) all excited as they leave the house to go trick or treating. There is nothing as exciting to me as seeing them all excited about something new. And, if I am giving out candy at their house, the Mommy and Daddy both can go out with them and enjoy seeing them in action. It is a win win situation. ( I have been working with Miss Mim on saying "trick or treat") I am going to try to take lots of pics. We will see how it goes.

2010-10-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

I applied for another job today. I keep doing that in the hope that I will indeed get a job. Everyone tells me that I should just relax and be "retired". I should work on my business and take the unemployment. So why can't I do that? I really wish I knew. I wake up every morning, look at the clock and figure out where my daughter is. On her way to school? At school? How are her classes going? Why does she have a job and I don't? Does this mean she is a better teacher than I am?

I even saw a job I am qualified for at her school. I am not going to apply for it. I worked in the same building as she did and even worked with her once. It was very strange. I don't want to put either of us in that position again. At this point I really am torn as to what to do.

2010-10-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

The Jewelry Party went well. I forgot to take pictures though. Sorry. I really enjoyed seeing the people I don't get to see often. I think I have neglected my friends. I am also discovering who my friends are.

Every year my family has a Hanukkah Party. We invite lots and lots of people. But, we never get invited to any parties. Well, That's not quite true. We did get invited to one party this year and declined. I guess I made that decision because I was worried about fitting in with the group. I was wrong. That is my normal negative thinking.
I am trying to change that.

I just need to say yes to invitations. I need to take chances. The worst thing that can really happen is that I don't have a good time.

So, I am going to accept invitations and get out there.

Spiders

2010-10-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

Most people know I hate spiders. The real ones. They creep up on you silently out of nowhere. They scare the hell out of me. The fact that I am allergic to their bite might have something to do with it.

But, this time of year I find myself making them. I make them out of paper and hang them around the house. This year I am having some friends over for an evening. So I am making spiders out of chocolate. I haven't done this in years.

They are very easy to make.

2 cups chocolate chips
1 butterscotch chips
1 cup salted peanuts
2 cups chow mein noodles

1. Using a double boiler,. melt the chocolate chips
2. Add the butterscotch chips to the chocolate chips and melt them together
3. Add the peanuts and mix well
4. Add the chow mein noodles
5. Mix everything together until everything is well coated in the chocolate mixture
6. Drop well rounded spoonfuls on to wax paper lined cookie sheets
7. Cool until firm, then refrigerate

That's it. They are easy and fun to make. So enjoy the Halloween season and make some of these goodies with your family.

"No good deed goes un- punished"

2010-10-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, it's hard to understand what is going on in my life. I try to be a good friend. I don't always do what others want. But then they don't always do what I want either.

I am throwing a jewelery party. I am doing this because the woman selling the jewelery is the wife of a very good client of my husbands. So, I thought I would combine a "Girls Night" with this party. I sent out a lot of invites. All with an RSVP request. Most people have not RSVP'd. Most of the people who did respond declined.

If I am lucky there may be seven women there. I am trying not to get down about the lack of interest. But, the last one... she said "her neighbor might be throwing a get together that night."

I just have to wonder.

2010-10-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

BBQ ribs cooking in the crock pot. Artichokes cooking in he steamer. Dinner should be ready in about half an hour.
I have tried to keep busy today. Waiting to hear about a job. Waiting has never been my strong suit. I am one of those people who wants to know NOW!!!!

There are good points and bad points to getting this job. Getting up every morning and going to work again doesn't sound like fun. But, the money will help. If I don't get the job I will have all the time in the world to get the business going full speed. But no money to back it up with.

I feel a little like these chickens in a cage, always dancing to someone else's tune.

2010-10-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't been posting the last few days because my head has been somewhere else. I have applied for a job teaching in Chicago. Tomorrow I have to teach a sample lesson. I have been a little concerned about it. I have all of my stuff together. But, my nerves are still on edge. There are so many things to worry about.
I would love to just stay home and have someone pay me. Oh wait that's unemployment isn't it.

With starting up the yarn business again there are too many things to do.So, I am hanging on here to see where this leads.

2010-10-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

For what ever reason part of my last post did not post. So here is the rest of it.

This is Miss Mim picking out a pumpkin of a different color (and shape).

A good time was had by all.

2010-10-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

We all went to the Pumpkin farm yesterday. There were 7 adults and 2 very tired children. It was well past nap time.
Little man had a hard time picking out his pumpkin. It was really hot and he was really tired.

But, like the little trooper he is, he made his choice.

Miss M looked at lots and lots of pumpkins before she chose just the right one.

There were lots of people. Lots of pumpkins. Dancing skeletons,piggies, goats and all sorts of other things to do and see. The kid's other Grandma and her two sisters were with us. They came down from Canada for a visit.

That's the back of Grandma's head, Daddy, Mommy and the Dude.
A good time was had by all.

Odd Week

2010-10-10T05:05:00.000-07:00

I have had an interesting week.
I interviewed for a teaching job. I should here about it sometime this week.

I did my first sales call at a knitting store. They ordered 15 skeins of yarn to be delivered on the first.

I have been trying to stay away from my daughter and grandchildren the last few days. The other Grandmother is in town. I want the kids to get to know her and for her to have them to herself. But, daughter keeps inviting me to do stuff with them. I should add that the other Grandmother also brought two of her sisters with her. They all went into the city yesterday. They went to the Field Museum of Natural History. Hubby and I were invited to go with them. We declined for the above stated reason. They asked us to join them for dinner. We did and had a lovely time. (Who knew two over tired toddlers, who did not have a nap, could be so well behaved at a restaurant?)

Today the entire group is going to a pumpkin farm. They have asked me to join them. Hubby has to work. I am going to go. I will be taking LOTS of pictures. Just give me a day or two to get them posted.

2010-10-04T15:51:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed how things seem to happen all at one time? In my life that always seems to be the case.
Our yarn business seems to be starting off well. This Fri. I am going to visit a new yarn store in a town not far from here. I hope they will want to carry our yarns.

I also may have a lead on a teaching job. We will have to see where that goes. I am NOT giving up the yarn business I have put too much into it to back off now. It is full speed ahead. I will work it after school if I need to. Since most of the stuff is at my house I can do that. I am not putting all my hopes on the teaching job, but it would give me some extra money to put into the yarn business.

It is all so mixed up in my head. Here I was retired sort of with lots of time for the grand-babies. Well, lets not put the horse before the cart.

Lets just enjoy a too cute picture of the little guy while he will still dress up and smile for Bubbie.

Yarn Con

2010-10-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

Yarn Con went well. We sold some yarn. It was a rainy day so there weren't as many people as in past years. But we more than covered our costs. Here you see Becca and our friend Jen who makes our "Needle Bling".

We met some interesting people and have have had some wonderful conversations. I would have to say a great time was had by everyone who was there.

There was the lady who was buying yarn for her daughter. She had no idea what she was buying. As to weight, fiber content or any other info, she had no idea. Her daughter gave her a list of things like "Hand dyed yarn" but this lady was in way over her head. Becca helped her out.

There was another lady who wandered in because her son's football team was practicing in the rain and she didn't want to get wet.She had tried knitting once before. She said she didn't get it. So, I took her to another booth to buy needles and she came back to buy yarn. I got her connected with a knitting group in her area. I hope she stays in touch.

2010-10-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

Just about everything is ready for Yarn Con. All our yarn is done and packed up. Baskets are in the car already as well as lots of things we need like our sign and I am getting cash for change. Becca still needs to find the camp chairs. We found everything else we had put into storage. I am getting excited.Starting our business back up is a little scary. But, now that I have the time... what the heck.

Hubby will be home tonight. So, I had better get my a** moving or I will run out of time to get everything done.

Here is a good pic of Hubby wishing everyone a good time.

All knitting today

2010-09-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

I am so excited. My (our) company will be selling our yarn at the "Sheep in the City" yarn festival.

We have been working really hard to get everything ready for the festival this weekend, Yarn Con. We have over 80 skeins of yarn dyed and ready to go. That is for only a one day festival here in Chicago. Since each skein is dyed by hand one at a time it takes a while to get them done.

Sheep in the City is a three day event!!!!!

We have added three new color ways for Yarn Con. They are solid color yarns. Hopefully they will sell well. We are also going to try to set up a sock club. Where people sign up and pay, then every month they are sent a different new yarn and a new sock pattern.
We are going to take names and email addresses to see if there is interest.

I am also going to work on writing patterns for knitted games that we can sell as a kit. The pattern and yarn together.

I hope this will keep me busy.

This is a little something I knit for Mim mim. It is not our yarn, but the top is knitted.

This is the other one from the same pattern.

I noticed that I have knitted a few things for Mim mim but, only a snake for the dude. So I am working on a vest for him. I will post pics when it is finished.

2010-09-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

This blast was taken by Magnolia, who walked with me for a big part of the Komen 3 Day Breast Cancer walk. She is an amazing woman raising four children on her own. She chose to do the walk because she wants to give back to the community and wants to set an example for her children. If you didn't know, that is Mim mim I am holding.

Too Cute

2010-09-24T04:51:00.000-07:00

I received an interesting phone call yesterday. It seems my identity has been stolen.
Don't panic! It wasn't someone wanting to steal my money. Mim mim decided that she was Zadie (her grandfather) and The Dude was Bubbie. The way I hear it they wouldn't answer to their own names. They wanted to be Hubby and me.

Now that's cute!

I woke up this morning listening to the sound of the wind and rain. There is nothing quite like an early morning storm, when you don't have to get out of bed.

My plan for the day is to skein the last of the yarn and put labels on everything.
Yarn Con is only a week away. So there are last minute things to do.

Re-inventing myself is taking some odd turns, but all in all not so bad.
I find I am making more lists when I have several things to do. I also have "ideas" for new things too. But, getting to sleep as long as I like is nice. It's like an extended summer vacation. I may decide to stay "retired" and just work on the yarn business.

Wonder

2010-09-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes people tell you (me) things and I wonder what they really mean. For example; tonight someone told me that I should write a novel. I have been told this before. I have never really thought about it. But, a few people have said I should.

Do I take them seriously? Are they just being nice? How do you know.I am not sure I have anything to say that people would read. I have been writing this blog on and off now for a few months. I will admit it's not regular. But, I have a grand total of 7 readers. Most of the time they don't even respond to what I have written. They consist of both of my daughters, my husband, one son-in-law, son- in- law's mother, a friend through my daughter and a daughter's friend. That's not a lot of readership.

So how do yo know when someone is being nice or they really mean what they say?
Sometimes when I ask people if they meant what they have said they tell me they were making a joke. But this idea of me writing a novel seems to keep popping up.

If you are reading this please let me know how you tell when someone means what they say. I just don't know any more.

2010-09-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

I have been working very hard to get all of our yarn dyed for the upcoming festival "Yarn Con". It has been a while since Froebe Fibers did much of anything. So I have been very busy. We still need to update our website. But, you can find it at k2p2.net/store if you would like to see what we have. We also have some new solid colored yarns. Since I still do not have a teaching job I have time to work on this. If you like to knit or know someone who does please share our web site with them. You may not be able to order on line because we are working on the site, but contact me here and I will take care of everything.

Yarn

2010-09-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

I am working on dyeing yarn. My daughter and I have started up our business again. We hand dye yarn. Not a big deal to most people but a really big deal in the knitting world.
We did this about 3 years ago, before the babies were born. Now that I am unemployed it just seemed to me a great time to start things up again. What does one do with all this time on ones hands. So wish us well and keep an eye out for our updated website.
The old one is at k2p2.net/store

2010-09-13T19:13:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the cosmos like to play games. I had a tough day today trying to get the state of Illinois to do what it is supposed to do. I stood in line for over two hours after having driven around to get the paper work they said I needed. Then I found out that I did not need that paperwork but something else. So I drove back to where I started to get the new paper work and when back to the state office to do everything over again.
After spending my entire day doing all of this, I was feeling very put-upon. I felt I needed some pampering. Hubby agreed. So he offered to take me out to dinner.
While driving to dinner we got a call. A good friend had had a heart attack. He had surgery and is going to be alright.
But, my world was brought up short.Here I was feeling sorry for myself. Compared to what my friend and his family was going through I had had a minor inconvenience.

How full of ourselves we can be, I can be.

After my cancer I had a continuum I used to measure how important things really were. I guess I had forgotten. Is the problem a broken fingernail or a death in the family. (---|---------------------) My day was more of a fingernail thing.

Hug those you love. They are only with us for a short while.

Warning #2 Heavy reading ahead

2010-09-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

September 11 seems to stop everyone in their tracks. Not just the year it happened, even today. People are remembering where they were when they heard about the first plane hitting the World Trade Center. Then they talk about the second plane hitting, the attack on the Pentagon,the twin towers falling and the plane that went down in Penn.
We remember where we were and what we were doing, just like the day Pres. Kennedy was killed. Or if you are old enough to remember, when Pearl Harbor was attacked.

So, today we think about how things used to be. How are lives are different today. We remember those who lost their lives in the attack and those who lost their lives trying to help/ save others.

Today, we must each of us look to ourselves and ask "Is what we are doing really going to create a better world? Or do we have an agenda of our own that we are trying to promote?" Religions seem to take the "us against them" approach. Countries do the same.

Killing does not create a better world.

So, I challenge everyone who reads this. Let's come up with a better way. Send me your ideas. Let's see if we can do better.

Starting the New Year

2010-09-08T05:53:00.000-07:00

The Jewish Holidays are here. Today is Erev Rosh Hashana, or The evening of the Jewish new year. All Jewish Holidays start at sundown. So we start tonight. Tomorrow we spend the day in services. Then we have the 10 Days of Awe followed by Yom Kipper. The Day of Atonement.

I have just finished making the creamed herring for our break the fast 10 days from now. The sour cream and onions and herring need to sit in the fridge for 10 days so the flavors can blend. I tried using store bought creamed herring one year. But, my family would have none of it. It was home made or nothing. This is very funny to me. Because I really don't make it from scratch. Here is what I do:

One jar of herring in wine sauce
one or two onions
sour cream (how much depends on the amount of herring)

1.Take a jar of herring in wine sauce, drain most of the liquid off. Put it in a large bowl.
2. Thinly slice an onion or two, depending on how much you are making and how you like onions. Put that in the same bowl.
3. To that same bowl add sour cream. How much depends on taste. Mix it all up. Cover with plastic wrap and put the whole thing in the fridge for up to 10 days or how ever long you can leave it there without eating it.

When my girls were younger I would have to hide the creamed herring or threaten them with their lives if they didn't leave it alone.

This year most of my family is involved in the services. Reading, saying blessings and blowing shofar. I will be sitting with the babies. ;)

I am wishing everyone a healthy and happy New Year. L' Shana Tova to you all.

2010-09-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

It's Labor Day. Here in the U.S. that means a day off. With the Jewish Holidays so close (Wed. night) it also means cleaning. Hubby and I went to the cemetery to trim the bushes at his Dad's grave. It is traditional to visit family graves between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kipper, the Jewish New Year and the day of Atonement. So Hubby will be taking his Mom there. We wanted it to look nice. We then came home and did work around the house. Cleaning and putting stuff away. The normal stuff.

I am still looking for work. The school year has started but, there may be a few jobs still out there. I have also started looking for jobs as a corporate trainer. My son-in-law and daughter think I might be good at that.

Thought it was time for a pic. That's daughter Becca and me before the 60 mile Komen walk. I am the tired looking one. Yes, I walked a little over 20 miles that day and the next and then one more time. 3 days in all. It was worth it.
I try to remind myself that if I can do the Komen walk 3 different years I can do anything. The last mile or so I kept hearing Mim mim's little voice in my head. She kept telling me " 'Most done, 'most done" She was right.

2010-09-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful trip to the Boston area. Of course 6 days in the car was a little hard on the babies. Here are a couple of pieces of advice for anyone traveling with very little little ones.

1. Stopping every two hours to let them stretch may be a good idea. But they will not want to get back in the car after a while.
2. Disposable diapers do not hold everything the say they will. We had major blow out problems.
3. Little ones who are potty trained do not want to use the potty just because you want them too.
4. Fruit snacks are crack for little ones.
5. Practice up on your kid songs and finger games. They really do help when the crankiest set in.
6. Yes that neck position looks uncomfortable. But if they are asleep, LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!!!
7. Remember the little ones are having a good time. You should too.

Pictures to follow.

2010-08-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the zoo with my daughter, grandchildren, a friend and her children.
We had a great time.

The friends boys were great. They painted themselves like animals. The eldest made himself a tiger. The youngest made himself look like a lion. The middle boy, when asked said he painted himself "black". here is the gang.

The Dude didn't want his face painted.

Fair Warning

2010-08-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

I have just finished reading a blog post from a friend where he talks about how hard this year has been for him and his wife. They have indeed had a really hard time. It makes me think about how hard my life has been these last few months. Although my problems and pain are not nearly what theirs are, this has been a tough year for me.
Jan is doing better. He can drive some places by himself. He is walking better and only uses the cane when he is out in the world. So, things are looking up. He is really not back to work. He does try and I give him lots of credit for how hard he tries.
I have lost my job. Budget cut backs in education have cost many teachers their jobs this year. I am one of the unlucky who has not been called back. I am, and will continue to look for a teaching job. But, I have too much experience, too much education and am too expensive it seems to find a job when 27,000 teachers in Illinois are looking for a few jobs.
I am feeling all of the emotions that go with job loss. My family is very supportive. But, I think they are getting tired of propping me up. So I may use this blog to vent. This was not the reason I started this blog. But, I write for myself. If this is going to depress you, you have been warned.
I don't plan on all posts here being depressing, I am just going to write how things are. This is after all a blog about how a 55 year old woman deals with being a Grandmother. This is where my life is now.

Wild week

2010-07-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

Things have been a little crazy around here. I am still looking for a job. No luck yet.
I helped get our daughter's family ready to go on vacation to Canada. I hope they have a great time seeing their other family. I threw a dinner party for some out of town friends. We drove to Rock Island so Jan could do an audit.(150 miles each way). And I am working on two surprise projects. A baby sweater for friends who are expecting in Oct. and my very first quilt. The quilt is another baby project. No. no one in the family is expecting. With lots of help from "Aunt Mmmmm" I have completed the top for the quilt.
This isn't the one I made, it's the one I fell in love with at the store. I'll put up pics of mine when its finished.
We are also getting ready to take a trip to the Boston area. Jan has a few audits to do there too. This summer is just flying away. So much to do. I'll keep you posted.

Finally

2010-07-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

Here is that picture of Jambalaya I promised. I think there is a limit to how much I can post in one day.
(I told you I would get this darn thing posted.)