Remember how Jeff always says that what ever he is experiencing is the second best ever; he says this because he is sure somewhere in the world there is one better and until he has experienced all of them he will content himself with the thought that he just indulged in the second best.
Let me introduce the second best dip ever. Ian's new dip recipe. Mind you my friend gave me the recipe and I bought all the ingredients (it costs a fortune) but since Ian did the mixing and baking he claims this is his recipe. I remember me and mother having the same argument with me in Ian's position. Its amazing what a little perspective will do for you, Mom was right!
Jalapeno Artichoke Dip
3 - 8 oz pkgs cream cheese
1/4 cup mayo
2 cans diced jalapenos
1 can diced chillies
2 cans artichoke hearts (not marinated)
2 - 3 bag shredded Parmesan cheese
Preheat over to 425 degrees
Mix cream cheese and mayo together
Add chopped artichoke hearts
Add jalapenos & chillies & Parmesan cheese
Bake 20 minutes in casserole sprayed with Pam
Stir and bake an additional 15 - 20 minutes till golden brown
Serve with crackers, chips, or the second best bread you can find
I swear this makes almost a gallon of dip. I thought the recipe was too large until I saw Stephanie threaten Roger with a knife telling him to just back away from the last little bit of dip.
I also made Brittany's Sopaipilla Cheesecake Pie at the same time -- sinful for sure. You should have seen me carting off a trunk full of cream cheese from the market. People were looking at me funny and my Marine buzz cut hairdo had nothing to do with it.
Enjoy New Years Eve with or without the world's second best dip.
Last blog of the year.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Ready or Not 2010 -- Here We Come
2010 is here, what a lovely number, all round and soft and enticing and full of promise.
Conner will turn 1 year old, Roger hasn't bought a car in several years so he's due, Jan got a raise just in time for the new year to bring an increase in home owners dues, whew.
So, what else does 2010 promise?
Jean will get a new knee. Or as Jerry so aptly put it, the Dr will take a chain saw and cut off her leg. That is one way to look at it -- I suppose. I keep trying to rewrite it in my head but am failing miserably. Bionic? Re-engineered? Re-structured? Down sized? Or as we told Josephine when she had breast cancer surgery, she had a true and falsie. I need some help here: Mark? Nora? Jeff?
I hope someone will blog frequent updates of her progress, because not every one can be there, although there will be a bunch; Cathy, Brittany, friend Nancy, Janice, Jerry, Jane, Amber and family, neighbors, probably strangers. Knowing how beloved Jean is, it wouldn't surprise me.
I remember the recovery time is six weeks. I suppose there will be lots of physical therapy, pain medicine, breakfasts in bed, hobbling to the bathroom, flowers, cute cards, monitoring of pee-pee, pampering, encouraging, inspecting the incision, chauffeuring, special treats, good weather, and...
...Jean will have a lovely new knee that is all round and soft and enticing and full of promise.
Conner will turn 1 year old, Roger hasn't bought a car in several years so he's due, Jan got a raise just in time for the new year to bring an increase in home owners dues, whew.
So, what else does 2010 promise?
Jean will get a new knee. Or as Jerry so aptly put it, the Dr will take a chain saw and cut off her leg. That is one way to look at it -- I suppose. I keep trying to rewrite it in my head but am failing miserably. Bionic? Re-engineered? Re-structured? Down sized? Or as we told Josephine when she had breast cancer surgery, she had a true and falsie. I need some help here: Mark? Nora? Jeff?
I hope someone will blog frequent updates of her progress, because not every one can be there, although there will be a bunch; Cathy, Brittany, friend Nancy, Janice, Jerry, Jane, Amber and family, neighbors, probably strangers. Knowing how beloved Jean is, it wouldn't surprise me.
I remember the recovery time is six weeks. I suppose there will be lots of physical therapy, pain medicine, breakfasts in bed, hobbling to the bathroom, flowers, cute cards, monitoring of pee-pee, pampering, encouraging, inspecting the incision, chauffeuring, special treats, good weather, and...
...Jean will have a lovely new knee that is all round and soft and enticing and full of promise.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Remembrances of Things Past and Present
Josephine used to scare the gee-willerkers out of me when we walked home down Coltrane. Anybody stop to ask if we wanted a ride and she hopped into the car. And I do mean anybody. Cocking her head and charging life Josephine is fearless.
Jean made more ruffly plaid school dresses for Julia and I than I can remember. I'm sorry Jean when I ripped twenty feet of ruffle off the bottom of my dress - chasing boys I suppose. Jean was always there; smiling, working, helping, cooking, canning and sewing -- no wonder we all call you the perfect child. Jean is dependable.
Janice was always smarter than me. As I wandered aimlessly though high school and all those sweet teachers treated me like royalty when they found out I was her younger sister, well, royally for a while, until they learned the true differences between us. Janice is smart and elegantly sharp.
Jerry was reliable, ready with a hand or hand-out what ever the case called for. Mom and Dad relied on him for so much of the outside work. I never had to "suit up" and break ice on the cow tank or do other chores at the crack of dawn. Jerry helped in every disaster, crisis or tragedy. Jerry is reliable.
Julia was focused, I don't care if it was driving to California, balancing columns of numbers, learning photography, stitching a wall hanging, lighting a play at the Theater Center, or baby proofing a house the end result was near perfection. Julia is focused.
James was original. When mother asked him to serve the group of us sitting around the kitchen table he put the soup in one big bowl and handed out six spoons. He sold Tootsie Roll Pops at the grade school ball games for a profit. Selling peeks of his naked girlfriend, neglecting to tell all those randy friends she was three years old. James was original.
Jeff, besides being the baby and always a good Samaritan, was the witty one. The one who made us laugh with his super quick story telling wit. The police saga with the walker arounder and the fence leaner. The truck saga and who ever the crazy guy was he used to work for. The cojones saga, my favorite story to this day: "My cojones are just big enough to fill my britches, I don't need a wagon to haul them around in." Jeff is the wit.
Me? Besides being the artist, the crazy one, and the weirdo only you guys know.
Enjoy the day.
Enjoy the food.
Enjoy the family.
Enjoy the love coming at you.
Merry Christmas.
Jean made more ruffly plaid school dresses for Julia and I than I can remember. I'm sorry Jean when I ripped twenty feet of ruffle off the bottom of my dress - chasing boys I suppose. Jean was always there; smiling, working, helping, cooking, canning and sewing -- no wonder we all call you the perfect child. Jean is dependable.
Janice was always smarter than me. As I wandered aimlessly though high school and all those sweet teachers treated me like royalty when they found out I was her younger sister, well, royally for a while, until they learned the true differences between us. Janice is smart and elegantly sharp.
Jerry was reliable, ready with a hand or hand-out what ever the case called for. Mom and Dad relied on him for so much of the outside work. I never had to "suit up" and break ice on the cow tank or do other chores at the crack of dawn. Jerry helped in every disaster, crisis or tragedy. Jerry is reliable.
Julia was focused, I don't care if it was driving to California, balancing columns of numbers, learning photography, stitching a wall hanging, lighting a play at the Theater Center, or baby proofing a house the end result was near perfection. Julia is focused.
James was original. When mother asked him to serve the group of us sitting around the kitchen table he put the soup in one big bowl and handed out six spoons. He sold Tootsie Roll Pops at the grade school ball games for a profit. Selling peeks of his naked girlfriend, neglecting to tell all those randy friends she was three years old. James was original.
Jeff, besides being the baby and always a good Samaritan, was the witty one. The one who made us laugh with his super quick story telling wit. The police saga with the walker arounder and the fence leaner. The truck saga and who ever the crazy guy was he used to work for. The cojones saga, my favorite story to this day: "My cojones are just big enough to fill my britches, I don't need a wagon to haul them around in." Jeff is the wit.
Me? Besides being the artist, the crazy one, and the weirdo only you guys know.
Enjoy the day.
Enjoy the food.
Enjoy the family.
Enjoy the love coming at you.
Merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Today Was A Good Day
I slept in till after five and woke up with a clear conscious that all my mundane maintenance stuff was done: groceries were bought, laundry was done, bills were paid and I could play the day away.
I finished my Christmas cards, watched an entertaining movie, (The Mambo Kings) got dressed and waited for my friend Mary to arrive. Then we drove north to Silvana where we met our friend Carol for breakfast at a sweet country cafe, Willow and Jim's. Silvana had one meat market, one mercantile store and one cafe. The breakfast was good in that country breakfast sort of way. Every old guy entering knew every old guy leaving and they had a Skagit Valley farmer look about them. Like I would know what a Skagit Valley farmer looks like. The clues were pretty thin, John Deer caps, pick-up trucks and fallow fields all around, for all I know they were Ford salesmen from Arlington.
Carol drove down from Bellingham where she has been staying with her father who is on hospice care. We talked, laughed, shared, cried a little, and drank way too much coffee until we had to go our separate directions.
I arrived home in time for a quick twenty-two minute snooze and off for a play day with The Connorman. Connor and I chased each other around the ottoman for a goodly portion of the afternoon. He giggled and I gasped. I had a private viewing of all the photographs of Connor at the Seattle Yacht Club Christmas party, he couldn't have been cuter, all big eyes and observation checking out the world in typical Taylorman fashion.
Ian made cookies.
Today was a good day.
I finished my Christmas cards, watched an entertaining movie, (The Mambo Kings) got dressed and waited for my friend Mary to arrive. Then we drove north to Silvana where we met our friend Carol for breakfast at a sweet country cafe, Willow and Jim's. Silvana had one meat market, one mercantile store and one cafe. The breakfast was good in that country breakfast sort of way. Every old guy entering knew every old guy leaving and they had a Skagit Valley farmer look about them. Like I would know what a Skagit Valley farmer looks like. The clues were pretty thin, John Deer caps, pick-up trucks and fallow fields all around, for all I know they were Ford salesmen from Arlington.
Carol drove down from Bellingham where she has been staying with her father who is on hospice care. We talked, laughed, shared, cried a little, and drank way too much coffee until we had to go our separate directions.
I arrived home in time for a quick twenty-two minute snooze and off for a play day with The Connorman. Connor and I chased each other around the ottoman for a goodly portion of the afternoon. He giggled and I gasped. I had a private viewing of all the photographs of Connor at the Seattle Yacht Club Christmas party, he couldn't have been cuter, all big eyes and observation checking out the world in typical Taylorman fashion.
Ian made cookies.
Today was a good day.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Jerry and Jane and Family
Didn't win the 53 million dollar lottery.
Amber finishes her school tonight.
Lunch with Jerry, Roseanne, Ron and Sheila Stroud last tuesday.
Marc in town wednesday.
Jane MRI of her back.
Christmas decorations.
A diabetic cat.
Excited about our first cruise.
Shopping for the grandkids Christmas.
Dinner with Amber and family Sunday.
Cold and then a beautiful Sunday afternoon.
The family is well.
More basketball than you can imagine.
Life is good.
Read:
"Water for Elephants". An interesting book. I always say I enjoy historical novels. I think this one qualifies, as it gives an insight into life and history entirely foreign to me.
"Olive Kitteridge". I'm not sure if I should be depressed, but I think I will. Growing old is not for sissies.
Next up:
"The Hobbitt". Plus I will find a couple to take cruising.
Watched:
"Separate Lies". An interesting little tale. With a kinda happy ending. People growing togather. (I know that word is spelled wrong, but what do you expect from the worlds worst speller)
"Private Fears in Public Places". Enjoyed, but I don't know why.
Next Up:
"Russian Dolls"
"Snow Cake"
That is all from life in the fast lane
Lov Ya
Jerry & Jane
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Seven Smiles, Three Thoughts, and a Mother Poem
Random Thoughts for the Day: From my Little Chef Friend Amanda, from her friend Christopher, from his friend Jim. The wonders of the internet...
Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap when I was younger.
There is great need for a sarcasm font.
Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
I can’t remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
Bad decisions make good stories.
Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?
I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.
Mother Poem, Healing Conversations by Nance Guilmartin: Thanks Lynn
When Mom Leaves
When she is gone
in a flash,
unbidden,
there is a loss
like no other.
You see
when Mom leaves
there is a center missing
as if the universe
has lost its gravity.
Everything,
everything falls apart
for awhile
until the universe
of our lives
finds a way
back to center.
And somehow
while there is no force
holding it together
the way it was --
somehow
we are
whole again
in
the
middle
of
it
all.
Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap when I was younger.
There is great need for a sarcasm font.
Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
I can’t remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
Bad decisions make good stories.
Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?
I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.
Mother Poem, Healing Conversations by Nance Guilmartin: Thanks Lynn
When Mom Leaves
When she is gone
in a flash,
unbidden,
there is a loss
like no other.
You see
when Mom leaves
there is a center missing
as if the universe
has lost its gravity.
Everything,
everything falls apart
for awhile
until the universe
of our lives
finds a way
back to center.
And somehow
while there is no force
holding it together
the way it was --
somehow
we are
whole again
in
the
middle
of
it
all.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Blog Inspired Ode to Differences
We had an animated discussion at book club Wednesday night. Was Martha Beck who wrote Expecting Adam, to quote Sandy's blog, "an inspirational strong survivor or a whining child neglector"? Mary's argument against was balanced, eloquent, and intelligent. I was almost lost, but I stuck to my guns and gave a sloppy debate right back. Many points rang true to me and many points rang false to Mary. It made me think of differences between book club readers, nations, religions, and families.
How did we all get so different -- the mystery of genetic codes. The artful arrangement by a creative Creator to make us uniquely ourselves. Some nurse, some teach, some grow things, some master computers or numbers, some maneuver thousands of pounds of goods across treacherous roadways, some maneuver thousands of pounds of other more organic stuff. But we are family, humans, and belong to a vast world of differences.
I love being me, not the sharpest crayola in the box, just really colorful, purple velvet shoes and all. Is there a right and wrong way to be a Taylor? Tis the Season to reflect on good will toward men, compassion, all the higher intentions and ideals of man: Feed the poor. Love thy neighbor. Recycle. Stop global warming. Make the world a better place.
Be congruent, trust your interior guidance, leave life with as few regrets as possible by living life with as few regrets as possible. Make the world a better place by being a better, unique, original, different, God inspired you. God bless our similarities and differences.
Tis the Season to accept the funny fat man who wears weird clothes and sneaks into houses anyway he can.
Quote from my friend Lynn's blog:
"The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." Carlos Castaneda
How did we all get so different -- the mystery of genetic codes. The artful arrangement by a creative Creator to make us uniquely ourselves. Some nurse, some teach, some grow things, some master computers or numbers, some maneuver thousands of pounds of goods across treacherous roadways, some maneuver thousands of pounds of other more organic stuff. But we are family, humans, and belong to a vast world of differences.
I love being me, not the sharpest crayola in the box, just really colorful, purple velvet shoes and all. Is there a right and wrong way to be a Taylor? Tis the Season to reflect on good will toward men, compassion, all the higher intentions and ideals of man: Feed the poor. Love thy neighbor. Recycle. Stop global warming. Make the world a better place.
Be congruent, trust your interior guidance, leave life with as few regrets as possible by living life with as few regrets as possible. Make the world a better place by being a better, unique, original, different, God inspired you. God bless our similarities and differences.
Tis the Season to accept the funny fat man who wears weird clothes and sneaks into houses anyway he can.
Quote from my friend Lynn's blog:
"The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." Carlos Castaneda
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
So, now I know, shaming works!
I am semi-truly sorry it was shaming, but hey, what ever works. Thanks Bro.
Everyone got their own allotment of cookies? Now I'm jealous. Tal was right, he was betting on Brittany's abilities to uphold her Grandmother's reputation, and when he's right he's right.
I'm glad you got to come in from the cold and had a pretty lady to sleep with. Ain't life grand.
Today was P-Nutty Fudge day. I made ten tins to take to my book club Lasagna Potluck tomorrow night. Ten little tins. I'm not in Jean's, and now Brittany's, league yet, but I keep stirring the pot.
I watched Vanaja, an Indian movie that isn't Bollywood, about class divisions and a young servant girl. Even though you get the feeling the young girl can never right the wrongs done to her, it wasn't grim. Loved the ending. There is something about riding off into the sunset on an elephant that is satisfing.
Love, Jan
Everyone got their own allotment of cookies? Now I'm jealous. Tal was right, he was betting on Brittany's abilities to uphold her Grandmother's reputation, and when he's right he's right.
I'm glad you got to come in from the cold and had a pretty lady to sleep with. Ain't life grand.
Today was P-Nutty Fudge day. I made ten tins to take to my book club Lasagna Potluck tomorrow night. Ten little tins. I'm not in Jean's, and now Brittany's, league yet, but I keep stirring the pot.
I watched Vanaja, an Indian movie that isn't Bollywood, about class divisions and a young servant girl. Even though you get the feeling the young girl can never right the wrongs done to her, it wasn't grim. Loved the ending. There is something about riding off into the sunset on an elephant that is satisfing.
Love, Jan
Christmas Breakfast
Okay Jan, you shamed me into it.
Why does the one with the worst writing skills in the world have to do this. Wa, Wa,Wa. Christmas Breakfast was delightful. Julia, Nora, Andrew, Jean, Brittany, Lindsey, Jeff, Michael, Jane & the author had a delightful & delicious time. Jeffery invited The Pretty Lady to stay at his house with a companion if she desired. I was invited by The Pretty Lady, so I didn't have to sleep in the truck. Jean, Brittany and Lindsey stayed with Julia. Jean was commander in chief as Brittany made cookies. They were kind enough to bring a container of cookies or candy for each person there. Sometimes small is better. Jean supervised the cooking of biscuits, Jane cooked gravy, Jeff cooked sausage, Julia mixed mimosa's and what else is needed. Michael entertained the crowd and we watched a little football. Jeffery spent a considerable amount of time playing with the Grandson. Jean, resting her knee, sat (as she has been doing since July 15th). I slept. I love sweets and sometime they put me to sleep. I would wake up, eat a few more cookies and go back to sleep. Starting drinking at 7:00 am didn't help either. (Just Baileys in coffee and Champagne in orange juice) So the one who slept through saturday gets to write the blog. Go figure. Sunday morning a bagel and then home. A delightful time, lets do it again next year.
Lov Ya
Jerry and Jane
Monday, December 7, 2009
Christmas Breakfast
Isn't anyone going to blog about the Christmas Breakfast?
Did Jean make cookies? Were the biscuits flat? The gravy lumpy? Did it storm? Were there enough beds? Who smiled the most? Limped the most? Traveled the farthest? Was Tal able to be there? Did Nora help anyone on the computer?
Just wondering.
Did Jean make cookies? Were the biscuits flat? The gravy lumpy? Did it storm? Were there enough beds? Who smiled the most? Limped the most? Traveled the farthest? Was Tal able to be there? Did Nora help anyone on the computer?
Just wondering.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Email from Jerry
Jerry sent me a email with his and Jane's activities in it. I told him it would make a fabulous blog and did he give me permission to post it. He did and here it is...
Jerry is now officially a The Spirit of Maxine author. Dated December 2, and titled Stuff. Thank you Jerry for letting me share. You put my pitiful reading to shame.
Jan,
Galloway, Steven, Cellist of Sarajevo
Have you read World War Z: An Oral History of The Zombie War, by Max Brooks yet? All of book club is avidly reading and enjoying it even though it is January's selection. We have Christian to thank for that one.
And you didn't mention Vegas, baby, Vegas. How was that?
I'm reading Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett, waiting for The Help by Kathryn Stockett from the library and Vanaja from Netflix.
Happy reading, movie watching and Christmas breakfasting to all.
Jerry is now officially a The Spirit of Maxine author. Dated December 2, and titled Stuff. Thank you Jerry for letting me share. You put my pitiful reading to shame.
Jan,
How is the world of Mukilteo? Things here are good. Going to Arkansas for breakfast this weekend. Amber is down to 2 more Mondays of class and then graduation. Then we're off to Florida for a short cruise. Amber and her family decided that's what they wanted for Christmas, so we're going. The only bad part is Marc and his family are not going. We will have our family Christmas on New Year weekend.
Blaine is through with football this year, still in Boy Scouts. Going to Seabase Scout Camp in Florida, on a sailing vessel, in July.
Hannah started basketball practice, and all social activities she can arrange.
Taylor, school, work, theater. Don't see him as much as we used to, but he is growing up.
Clark, Jordan and Jack are all doing basketball. A busy time at the Taylor household.
Sounds like you had a GREAT Thanksgiving. All the Family was here Thursday and Friday then Marc and family went to Norman on Saturday. Amber went to studying and Jane and I loafed. Ate Thanksgiving at Mimi's. Homemade pies for desert. Amber is trying to get through school and studying and studying. We'll cook next year.
Jane and I spent four days at Greenleaf, reading and not much else. The truck didn't move for three days. These are the books I read or finished since the family reunion.
Galloway, Steven, Cellist of Sarajevo
I really enjoyed this book. People just living and surviving, doing for others through the fear and uncertainty of life during war. The humanity shown during all the inhumanity.
Solzhenitsyn, Alexsandr I The Gulag Archipelago (Part 1 and 2)
Speaks for itself.
King, David ,Vienna 1814
The peace conference after the defeat of Napoleon. The division of Europe and the longest period of peace in Europe in recorded history.
Lenda, Heather, If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am reading it again in small segments. It could be a while before you get it back. I could live there.
Atkinson, Rick The Day of Battle
History again. The Italian campaign during World War ll. A lot in the story about Anzio. I believe both Uncle Beaty and Uncle Foster were in the 45th Infantry at Anzio. I am always amazed at how screwed up the military is, especially the US military, but they always win the battles. Amazing.
Lehrer, Jim Eureka
Your suggestion, what does it all mean? Everyone has a mid life crisis? People just handle them differently? I eagerly await your reply.
Twain, Mark Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
An American classic? I finally got to the end. Do I need to read other books or stories of his? He is considered one of the great authors.
McNamer, Deirdre Red Rover
Young, William P The Shack
I read it and Jane read it. There was a lot I wasn't enthused about. But I also got some good from it.
I didn't always agree with him but I think it was a good story.
Herbert, Frank Dune
I liked this book. Probably the first scifi book I have ever read. I may need to read some more.
Gay, Kathlyn Mao Zedong's China
More of a text book than a biography. But a little more knowledge of China.
We are falling behind on movies.
"The Snow Walker" - I was hooking up the tv for instant movies and this is the one I found. An interesting little movie about the North.
"Under the Same Moon" - I liked this movie. A story of illegal immigrants in the US built around a little boy looking for his mother.
"Volver " - I don't know if you like weird movies or not, (ha) but this one is different. If you liked "Flower of Evil" you will like this one. Family secrets seasoned with deception, murder, ghosts.
"The Shadow We Soon Will All Be" - Where did you get this? I didn't see it on netflicks.
I have started "Zhou Enlai - the Last Perfect Revolutionary". Also "The Hobbitt". Jane has "Olive Kitteridge", when she is done I am reading it. Have "Water for Elephants" ready to pick up at the library.
I am adding books to my list faster than I will ever get them read. But we try.
Received "Private Fears in Public Places" and "Separate Lies" from netflix today.
Jane's reading, I'm watching OU basketball. Life in the fast lane.
Take care
Lov Ya
Jerry & Jane
Thank you again, Jerry. It was humbling to read your reading list. Tell Blaine I'm jealous of his upcoming scout adventure on a sailing vessel. How fun will that be? I was almost a cook on a Tall Ship but chickened out at the last minute. Silly me.
As for Mark Twain, the only thing of his I read that I absolutely loved was The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but maybe someone else has an opinion on that.
Thank you again, Jerry. It was humbling to read your reading list. Tell Blaine I'm jealous of his upcoming scout adventure on a sailing vessel. How fun will that be? I was almost a cook on a Tall Ship but chickened out at the last minute. Silly me.
As for Mark Twain, the only thing of his I read that I absolutely loved was The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but maybe someone else has an opinion on that.
Have you read World War Z: An Oral History of The Zombie War, by Max Brooks yet? All of book club is avidly reading and enjoying it even though it is January's selection. We have Christian to thank for that one.
And you didn't mention Vegas, baby, Vegas. How was that?
I'm reading Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett, waiting for The Help by Kathryn Stockett from the library and Vanaja from Netflix.
Happy reading, movie watching and Christmas breakfasting to all.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Giant Apricot Walnut Scones
The recipe for Giant Apricot Walnut Scones made scones every bit as good as The Chestnut Cottage. They were the hit of the day.
Well worth the four trips to the store. This is such a beloved item at The Chestnut Cottage that I wanted to give it the proper respect it deserved. First I went to Trader Joe's, who have the best nuts at the best price and very smartly bought the walnuts, without the recipe, and went home without the dried apricots. What was I thinking, how was I going to make Apricot Walnut Scones without the apricots. So I went back to the store and got those. Then I glanced at the recipe and realized I needed heavy cream, back I went. Then I actually read the recipe and didn't have Golden Raisins. Me thinks I better get back in the habit of cooking.
Who knew Golden Raisins aren't at every neighborhood grocery. You know how it is when you try a recipe for the first time you want the actual ingredients. Three stores later I finally gave up and went to see Connor. "Hey Roger," I said, "You don't happen to have any Golden Raisins do you." He checked the pantry and didn't so I gave up on Golden Raisins and was going to settle for plain ole' ordinary raisins. Then Stephanie came home and said why don't you just take mine.
She made it sound so reasonable. Now I know only Stephanie is reliable when you are on the hunt for Golden Raisens.
I recommend useing only Golden Raisins, I don't think the recipe would have been so PERFECT with anything else.
This blog reminds me of Mark and his insulation saga.
My day was full, delicious and filled with lovely people; one friend from work, one Conner, one Stephanie, two book club ladies, and three Sons. What a Thanksgiving.
Well worth the four trips to the store. This is such a beloved item at The Chestnut Cottage that I wanted to give it the proper respect it deserved. First I went to Trader Joe's, who have the best nuts at the best price and very smartly bought the walnuts, without the recipe, and went home without the dried apricots. What was I thinking, how was I going to make Apricot Walnut Scones without the apricots. So I went back to the store and got those. Then I glanced at the recipe and realized I needed heavy cream, back I went. Then I actually read the recipe and didn't have Golden Raisins. Me thinks I better get back in the habit of cooking.
Who knew Golden Raisins aren't at every neighborhood grocery. You know how it is when you try a recipe for the first time you want the actual ingredients. Three stores later I finally gave up and went to see Connor. "Hey Roger," I said, "You don't happen to have any Golden Raisins do you." He checked the pantry and didn't so I gave up on Golden Raisins and was going to settle for plain ole' ordinary raisins. Then Stephanie came home and said why don't you just take mine.
She made it sound so reasonable. Now I know only Stephanie is reliable when you are on the hunt for Golden Raisens.
I recommend useing only Golden Raisins, I don't think the recipe would have been so PERFECT with anything else.
This blog reminds me of Mark and his insulation saga.
My day was full, delicious and filled with lovely people; one friend from work, one Conner, one Stephanie, two book club ladies, and three Sons. What a Thanksgiving.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The Power of Clan, Tribe, Family -- Pride
Pride, yet another name for one type of family.
Belonging is the gift of our race. The gift we receive when we are born. We are born into a group whether it be Taylor's or lions or some other form of identification. As we grow we embrace other groups that enhance our power and pride, we are born human, American, Okies, but join bowlers, readers, cyclist, birdwatchers, and yes, even actors and engineers.
I feel pride when ever I see an accomplishment in which ever group I am aligning myself with, I didn't do it, any of it, but I get power from the pride. So today I want to honor my pride in my family. The tribe I am most proud of belonging to. Taylor Pride. I didn't plan it, earn it, work for it, nor do I probably deserve it, but it is mine and I claim it.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my family, I hope yours is loving and fulfilling; no arrests, fights, hurt feelings or food poisoning.
May Connor smile, Hannah glow, Jean heal, Brittany laugh, Amber not study too much, Clark win something, Janice complete her crossword puzzle, Julia get a compliment, Tal rest, Stephanie tease, Jeff communicate across the pond, Summer cook a dazzling meal, Art walk, Jerry read, Jane quilt, Chris drive slowly, Michael enjoy a turkey leg, Blaine text, Taylor perform, Marc take a break, Dan enjoy family, Claire do what ever Brits do on American Thanksgiving Day, Danielle be with friends, Jonathan relax, Cathy shop, Mark compose a blog, Jordon dance, Jack race, Nora exercise, Andrew screen, Jason drink a beer, Judy giggle, little Cheyenne coo, Josephine enjoy the day, Jennifer sing, Scott and family have seconds, Jacquie and Julie email, Benjamin bounce, may all the family members not around be remembered, may Roger, Christian, and Ian help with the cooking, serving, eating and cleaning of the Thanksgiving dinner, and all of us remember how Thankful we are for family.
I finally ran out of things to say, so here is a sentiment compliments of Kathy Noland.
Belonging is the gift of our race. The gift we receive when we are born. We are born into a group whether it be Taylor's or lions or some other form of identification. As we grow we embrace other groups that enhance our power and pride, we are born human, American, Okies, but join bowlers, readers, cyclist, birdwatchers, and yes, even actors and engineers.
I feel pride when ever I see an accomplishment in which ever group I am aligning myself with, I didn't do it, any of it, but I get power from the pride. So today I want to honor my pride in my family. The tribe I am most proud of belonging to. Taylor Pride. I didn't plan it, earn it, work for it, nor do I probably deserve it, but it is mine and I claim it.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my family, I hope yours is loving and fulfilling; no arrests, fights, hurt feelings or food poisoning.
May Connor smile, Hannah glow, Jean heal, Brittany laugh, Amber not study too much, Clark win something, Janice complete her crossword puzzle, Julia get a compliment, Tal rest, Stephanie tease, Jeff communicate across the pond, Summer cook a dazzling meal, Art walk, Jerry read, Jane quilt, Chris drive slowly, Michael enjoy a turkey leg, Blaine text, Taylor perform, Marc take a break, Dan enjoy family, Claire do what ever Brits do on American Thanksgiving Day, Danielle be with friends, Jonathan relax, Cathy shop, Mark compose a blog, Jordon dance, Jack race, Nora exercise, Andrew screen, Jason drink a beer, Judy giggle, little Cheyenne coo, Josephine enjoy the day, Jennifer sing, Scott and family have seconds, Jacquie and Julie email, Benjamin bounce, may all the family members not around be remembered, may Roger, Christian, and Ian help with the cooking, serving, eating and cleaning of the Thanksgiving dinner, and all of us remember how Thankful we are for family.
I finally ran out of things to say, so here is a sentiment compliments of Kathy Noland.
May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thanks For Everything
Embarking on my 51st thanksgiving holiday has me thinking about my earliest recollection of thanksgivings past. My earliest memories of thanksgiving are not that early. That is, I don’t seem to have the same vivid memories of my 5th thanksgiving like I do of my 5th Christmas (on which I received a really cool building set consisting of hundreds of tiny geometric shaped magnetic pieces that could be arranged in all sorts of imaginative patterns on a metal plate). I remember playing with that toy for hours on the cold red painted concrete floor of the tract house we lived at in1963 …Thanksgiving1963 -- not so much.
I guess my earliest recollections of Thanksgiving are really just a hodgepodge of different separate memories. They include pumpkins, pilgrim hats, and turkeys created using scissors, construction paper, and globs of sweet smelling white paste; family gatherings with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents; college football games actually played on Thanksgiving day and not the day after; Dad’s dressing that, given its mottled green color, may have had a bit more sage than it needed (but dad loved sage); turkeys, hams, yams, brown n serve rolls, relish trays, cranberry sauce – both kinds, grandma’s orange shredded carrot/celery Jell-O salad, and every dessert you can imagine – my favorite being Mom’s fruit cocktail cake (which contains so much sugar that it baked up caramel colored). I also remember the afternoon naps that followed dinner and the evening naps that followed the consumption of leftovers -- little was known in those days about tryptophan, we just thought we were extra tired because we had eaten so much.
From my past lives (a term I use to describe the separate phases of my life) to the present, my thanksgiving roles have traversed the spectrum. I’ve gone from visiting son to visiting son-in-law, to visiting grandson-in-law, to patriarch, back to visiting son-in-law, to host, and finally to restaurant patron. I, like all of us here, have been blessed throughout this time to always have a place to go for thanksgiving dinner, which in these tough times, should not be taken for granted.
So I get to my point, after rambling and reminiscing so much about the past, that we are all very blessed. As for me, I am thankful for all I have this thanksgiving, as it is not that inconceivable that instead of being here, I might have merely been dust -- if not for a twist of fate (thanks again Marc). Instead, I have a full life with children and parents, and brothers and sisters, and pets and friends. I have a great job with promising prospects and enough money to provide my family’s every need and most of their wants (not all though -- since I have a teenage daughter who can fill an internet shopping basket to infinity in less time than it takes to carve a turkey). I have time with my true love to look back on the past, enjoy the present, and ponder the future, with maybe a bit left over to make a fruit cocktail cake. And most of all I am blessed because I realize that all of these things come from my Lord, who is always with me.
Hope it’s the same for you and I hope all are well and stay that way. Mark (also for ATH &B)
I guess my earliest recollections of Thanksgiving are really just a hodgepodge of different separate memories. They include pumpkins, pilgrim hats, and turkeys created using scissors, construction paper, and globs of sweet smelling white paste; family gatherings with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents; college football games actually played on Thanksgiving day and not the day after; Dad’s dressing that, given its mottled green color, may have had a bit more sage than it needed (but dad loved sage); turkeys, hams, yams, brown n serve rolls, relish trays, cranberry sauce – both kinds, grandma’s orange shredded carrot/celery Jell-O salad, and every dessert you can imagine – my favorite being Mom’s fruit cocktail cake (which contains so much sugar that it baked up caramel colored). I also remember the afternoon naps that followed dinner and the evening naps that followed the consumption of leftovers -- little was known in those days about tryptophan, we just thought we were extra tired because we had eaten so much.
From my past lives (a term I use to describe the separate phases of my life) to the present, my thanksgiving roles have traversed the spectrum. I’ve gone from visiting son to visiting son-in-law, to visiting grandson-in-law, to patriarch, back to visiting son-in-law, to host, and finally to restaurant patron. I, like all of us here, have been blessed throughout this time to always have a place to go for thanksgiving dinner, which in these tough times, should not be taken for granted.
So I get to my point, after rambling and reminiscing so much about the past, that we are all very blessed. As for me, I am thankful for all I have this thanksgiving, as it is not that inconceivable that instead of being here, I might have merely been dust -- if not for a twist of fate (thanks again Marc). Instead, I have a full life with children and parents, and brothers and sisters, and pets and friends. I have a great job with promising prospects and enough money to provide my family’s every need and most of their wants (not all though -- since I have a teenage daughter who can fill an internet shopping basket to infinity in less time than it takes to carve a turkey). I have time with my true love to look back on the past, enjoy the present, and ponder the future, with maybe a bit left over to make a fruit cocktail cake. And most of all I am blessed because I realize that all of these things come from my Lord, who is always with me.
Hope it’s the same for you and I hope all are well and stay that way. Mark (also for ATH &B)
Monday, November 16, 2009
More Insulation, College, and Christmas
On Wednesday, November 11th we completed the deposition of the remaining 70+ bails of insulation into our 3000 sq ft attic, which now looks as if it was down wind from a significant volcanic eruption. The good news is that the whole insulation job cost me only $335 for labor—which is only twice my original estimate (I am a Government engineer, what did you expect?) plus 9 hours of my time that otherwise would have been spent celebrating (read as lounging around) Veteran’s Day. After hoisting up 70+ 25 lb bails of insulation and feeding them into a noisy cantankerous hopper style insulation blower (designated as Blower # 1 -- more foreshadowing), I was sore for 3 days. I will not go into much detail, but after dispersing approximately 3 bails of insulation, the aforementioned hopper style insulation blower (#1) did suffer what I would call an unfortunate mishap involving twisted/broken rotating metal parts followed by a raucous clanging noise that, had it not been for one key safety shield, may have resulted in careening metal projectiles that would have surely slashed through my garage door opener motor mounted to the underside of my garage ceiling. Let’s just say that the aforementioned hopper style insulation blower was prematurely retired from service.
I believe that the Home Depot service representative that checked in the “defective equipment” was so flabbergasted by the situation; i.e., the prospect of property destruction and/or bodily injury, and the ensuing cacophony of paperwork that would have been required, that he gladly issued me a replacement hopper style insulation blower (blower # 2), no questions asked, for the completion of the job. In the end, it was all worth it though as I seemed to have redeemed myself with my very benevolent spouse.
Speaking of which, she has now completed all but her last class (7-week senior capstone) of her bachelor’s degree and can clearly see the light at the end of the tunnel; a tunnel from which we will emerge on December 14th. I say “we” because it has been a total family effort with all of us pitching in, but with most of the hard work done by Ms. 3.87 GPA Amber.
When we’re all done this year it will truly be surreal as we will forego a home cooked Thanksgiving dinner for a Thursday afternoon reservation for 12 at Mimi’s Restaurant, and supplant our traditional Harris/Taylor Christmas extravaganza, which is rivaled in pomposity by only the wedding of Charles and Dianna, with a Christmas cruise in the Caribbean. It is very strange indeed to be well into November with no plan for a home cooked Thanksgiving dinner and not even a hint of preparation for Christmas. No lists, scheduling, wrapping paper, ornaments, shopping (cyber or otherwise), menus, secret presents, budgets, baking, decorating, snow village, Christmas letters, cards, stamps, lights, wreaths, parties, pajamas, late night marathon present wrapping-sequencing-numbering sessions, stockings, candy, or cinnamon rolls. No Christmas day dinner, no Christmas Eve party, no midnight mass, no journey to Bethlehem, pageants, or choirs of angels.
The impact of not doing all we usually do this time of year has not quite set in yet. I know I will mourn the loss a bit and I suspect that Amber will too, but we will also perhaps create a one-of-a kind memory for our family. And also, hopefully, we can come out of it with a greater appreciation for all the effort that my wonderful wife puts into making our traditional Christmas celebration so special. Please pray that it will be so.
I close by saying that hopefully we will be seeing some of you at Christmas breakfast in Bella Vista.
Hope all are well and stay that way. Mark (also for ATH &B)
I believe that the Home Depot service representative that checked in the “defective equipment” was so flabbergasted by the situation; i.e., the prospect of property destruction and/or bodily injury, and the ensuing cacophony of paperwork that would have been required, that he gladly issued me a replacement hopper style insulation blower (blower # 2), no questions asked, for the completion of the job. In the end, it was all worth it though as I seemed to have redeemed myself with my very benevolent spouse.
Speaking of which, she has now completed all but her last class (7-week senior capstone) of her bachelor’s degree and can clearly see the light at the end of the tunnel; a tunnel from which we will emerge on December 14th. I say “we” because it has been a total family effort with all of us pitching in, but with most of the hard work done by Ms. 3.87 GPA Amber.
When we’re all done this year it will truly be surreal as we will forego a home cooked Thanksgiving dinner for a Thursday afternoon reservation for 12 at Mimi’s Restaurant, and supplant our traditional Harris/Taylor Christmas extravaganza, which is rivaled in pomposity by only the wedding of Charles and Dianna, with a Christmas cruise in the Caribbean. It is very strange indeed to be well into November with no plan for a home cooked Thanksgiving dinner and not even a hint of preparation for Christmas. No lists, scheduling, wrapping paper, ornaments, shopping (cyber or otherwise), menus, secret presents, budgets, baking, decorating, snow village, Christmas letters, cards, stamps, lights, wreaths, parties, pajamas, late night marathon present wrapping-sequencing-numbering sessions, stockings, candy, or cinnamon rolls. No Christmas day dinner, no Christmas Eve party, no midnight mass, no journey to Bethlehem, pageants, or choirs of angels.
The impact of not doing all we usually do this time of year has not quite set in yet. I know I will mourn the loss a bit and I suspect that Amber will too, but we will also perhaps create a one-of-a kind memory for our family. And also, hopefully, we can come out of it with a greater appreciation for all the effort that my wonderful wife puts into making our traditional Christmas celebration so special. Please pray that it will be so.
I close by saying that hopefully we will be seeing some of you at Christmas breakfast in Bella Vista.
Hope all are well and stay that way. Mark (also for ATH &B)
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Two Movies
Two recently viewed movies:
Henry Poole is Here: Jerry, this is a faith based movie where faith is depicted as good, not your typical Hollywood faith as sport or joke, this movie took faith seriously. The faith part was fantastic, the story part was not fantastic, but good.
The Shadow We Soon Will All Be: This movie is weird, and my standards are pretty loose. I still have no idea what it was about; gambling, dying, traveling, suicide, a road movie, a buddy movie, a lost love movie, a lost child movie. It is an Argentina movie set in semi-current time, with a lot of Italian. If anyone is brave enough to watch this please, PLEASE tell me what it was about. I am not often completely lost in a film, but this one bamboozled me.
Maybe with better subtitles or a more intimate understanding of Argentinean life it would have made more sense, who knows.
Have a great week as you go off to work tomorrow. Well, except for Josephine, Janice, Art, Jean, Jerry and Jane -- anybody else out there retired?
Henry Poole is Here: Jerry, this is a faith based movie where faith is depicted as good, not your typical Hollywood faith as sport or joke, this movie took faith seriously. The faith part was fantastic, the story part was not fantastic, but good.
The Shadow We Soon Will All Be: This movie is weird, and my standards are pretty loose. I still have no idea what it was about; gambling, dying, traveling, suicide, a road movie, a buddy movie, a lost love movie, a lost child movie. It is an Argentina movie set in semi-current time, with a lot of Italian. If anyone is brave enough to watch this please, PLEASE tell me what it was about. I am not often completely lost in a film, but this one bamboozled me.
Maybe with better subtitles or a more intimate understanding of Argentinean life it would have made more sense, who knows.
Have a great week as you go off to work tomorrow. Well, except for Josephine, Janice, Art, Jean, Jerry and Jane -- anybody else out there retired?
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Thank you Nora
Thank you Nora for inviting me to be an author on the blog. It was so easy with your instructions. You are amazing. More instructions on December 5th in Bella Vista.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Quote, Quote, Quote
Fun stuff, being able to put other folk's ideas and thoughts on the family blog:
From my book club buddy, Carol:
From my book club buddy, Carol:
p.s. I am loving your Blog even if I don't know all the players. I feel a little voyeuristic even if there isn't nudity. Loved the Home Depot story. That would be me!
From my little chef friend, Amanda:
From my little chef friend, Amanda:
There could never be a more beautiful you
Don't buy the lies, disguises, and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you
~Jonny Diaz - More Beautiful You
From my book club buddy, Sandie:
Book Review
Has anyone read Expecting Adam by Martha Beck? It is the story of a Harvard doctoral candidate who is on the fast track to academic success. When her 2nd child is born with Down's syndrome, everything she knows is turned upside down. This is a mystical, spiritual, and incredibly life-affirming story. Oh, it is also hysterically funny in parts.
This has been a three son week. Had breakfast with Christian at 2:30 the other afternoon. Ian was able to join us at I-HOP. Roger repaired my heater just in time for winter. Last evening was my play date with The Connorman, Connor was happy to see his granny and we played Granny-In-The-Box for much of the evening. Stephanie is glowing as usual. Connor deserted his granny in a hurry when mommy came home, but he came back after he received a spot of loving attention. Connor now lives in a "gated" community. He is locked away from the dog food and water, the bird cage, the trash, the pantry, and a tempting escape route up the stairs.
A friend's father has been diagnosed with end-stage leukemia and mortality always makes my thoughts maudlin. So here is oozy love coming at you, Jan
Monday, November 9, 2009
Thanks Nora!
Thanks Nora. Disregard my request to invite me. I figured out how to do it using Jan's login. I can now post comments and I am an official author. If there is anything I can do for you, just let me know.
Nora, our amazing Nora. Thank you for making blogging the sport of everyman. If I was as smart as Nora I would have already told you what she just did. Nora you made it easy. I couldn't have done that in six weeks, hell, I couldn't have done in six years. Our amazing Nora.
And, Nora, tell your mom the spell check is on the "posting page," never mind, I'll bet you already have.
This blog is getting lively, animated, interesting -- thanks to the opinions and contributions of fellow family members.
And, Nora, tell your mom the spell check is on the "posting page," never mind, I'll bet you already have.
This blog is getting lively, animated, interesting -- thanks to the opinions and contributions of fellow family members.
Instructions for the Blogging-Challenged
Don't let the Internet Superhighway claim you as an innocent victim! Follow these easy steps for blogging and you can continue to lead a stress-free, blog-full life!
To make a comment under your own name:
1) On the right hand side of the page, under Followers, click Sign In.
2) This will lead you to a log-in screen. You do not have to have a Gmail account. You can set up an account using your existing email and password.
3) Log in under whatever email/password you choose and it will direct you back to the blog page.
4) Locate the post that you want to comment on and Type your comment in the blank provided.
5) Under Comment As, select the Google account that you are logged in as and Voila!
To make a Post under your own name:
1) You have to be invited to be an author on the blog so you can either go into the settings under Jan's account and figure out how to email yourself the invitation. Or (if you would prefer) you can reply to this post and I'll send you the invite.
2) After you have accepted the invitation (You don't have to have a Gmail account for this either), you must agree to the Terms of Service and select Accept! You are now ready to post! (Side note - you can adjust settings to display a picture or description of yourself!)
3) Now that you are logged in, you should be looking at the Dashboard. In the middle of the screen there is a big button that says New Post. Click it and you are ready to post as usual!
Happy Blogging!
Nora
P.S. For those of you who will be in Bella Vista for Christmas Breakfast I can walk you through it first hand. I can also help with Facebook pages (Aunt Jean I'm looking at you!), Myspace, Skype, iPhones, or almost any other technology platform that causes grief.
To make a comment under your own name:
1) On the right hand side of the page, under Followers, click Sign In.
2) This will lead you to a log-in screen. You do not have to have a Gmail account. You can set up an account using your existing email and password.
3) Log in under whatever email/password you choose and it will direct you back to the blog page.
4) Locate the post that you want to comment on and Type your comment in the blank provided.
5) Under Comment As, select the Google account that you are logged in as and Voila!
To make a Post under your own name:
1) You have to be invited to be an author on the blog so you can either go into the settings under Jan's account and figure out how to email yourself the invitation. Or (if you would prefer) you can reply to this post and I'll send you the invite.
2) After you have accepted the invitation (You don't have to have a Gmail account for this either), you must agree to the Terms of Service and select Accept! You are now ready to post! (Side note - you can adjust settings to display a picture or description of yourself!)
3) Now that you are logged in, you should be looking at the Dashboard. In the middle of the screen there is a big button that says New Post. Click it and you are ready to post as usual!
Happy Blogging!
Nora
P.S. For those of you who will be in Bella Vista for Christmas Breakfast I can walk you through it first hand. I can also help with Facebook pages (Aunt Jean I'm looking at you!), Myspace, Skype, iPhones, or almost any other technology platform that causes grief.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Frustrated weekend with the Harris's
Since I am not able to figure out how to post as "myself" (instead of just logging in under the username and password Jan provided at the beginning) I'll just say this is Mark.
First of all, to answer Jan’s question, I WAS going to Knoxville to attend some high powered training (about $30k for 2 weeks). But due to the fact that the class did not get enough enrollees, it was cancelled. So I'm not going to Knoxville after all. And therefore, I'm sure that unless Amber is just up to her eyeballs in homework, we'll be in BV for breakfast.
So, why am I frustrated? I'll tell you in list form so you can perhaps reply by number and offer some assistance, or maybe just some consolation.
1. I can't seem to figure out how to even post a comment on this blog. I don't have a google or yahoo mail account and really don't want one. I have enough in my engineer brain already and do not need to add another username and password to it. I just want to comment! Is there not a way to just comment? My E-mail address is markwharris@cox.net. When I enter it, the dad-blamed program just tells me that my address contains some illegal characters. Now let me tell you, I know an illegal character when I see one (having been robbed at gunpoint in 1981 while working at QuikTrip) and I saw nothing illegal about any of the characters in my E-mail address. I didn't even see anything even mildly suspicious about them—except for maybe the "." which is kind of sneaky since it is very small and hiding between the “x” and the “n” at the bottom of the line. I got into the help menu and read a little about Blogspot. It said that there were several kinds of blogs; one of which was one meant for Families or groups to stay in touch. If this is that type, it sure is hard to break the code. If it’s not, perhaps it can be converted. I'd love to be able to have my own sign-in. Please reply if you can help me do what I need to do to be able to post and/or make comments as "Mark".
2. I went to the Home Depot earlier this week and bought $1000 worth of insulation with the idea that I would do a little to stop wasting energy and cut my summer electric bills by hundreds of dollars while taking advantage of the energy tax credit that is currently available (free money from the stimulus bill!). The Home Depot man, whom I might add is a very persuasive and convincing salesman, said that two reasonably capable folks could install the 75 bags of insulation I’d purchased in just about 2-3 hours. With my keen engineering brain I quickly calculated that I could pay Taylor $15 an hour and Blaine $5 an hour and we could do the job for less than $75 of labor. Heck, the blower they lent us had a picture of a petite young woman donning a paper mask handling the job with ease. How hard could it be? I assumed (wrongfully so – this in literary terms is referred to as “foreshadowing”) that among the five of us Harris's there were at least a combined two reasonably capable persons. … I was wrong. So, to make a long story short, which is difficult to do at this point, Saturday afternoon we spent from 2 PM to 6 PM and managed to get roughly 4.2 of the 75 bags dispersed into our attic which now has two, what I would call, size 13 foot "vent holes" into our living space-- one in our laundry room ceiling and one in our master closet ceiling. I consider these vent holes to be an undesired consequence of the insulation process and therefore I will chose to repair them rather than leave them for the next buyer to admire. Luckily no one was seriously hurt, although Taylor was walking with a sight limp afterward. I again used my keen engineering brain to calculate the cost of repair for the “vent holes” at about $60 each (from a handyman I know) and by extrapolating the labor time and repair costs for the completion of the dispersal of the remaining 70.8 bags of insulation, and the ensuing cosmetic damage and potential medical bills, my total cost for the job would be roughly $12,682 (I used an excel spread sheet to calculate this) and require approximately 288 man-hours of labor (not including medical personnel), seven 4 x 8 sheets of drywall, 232 ft of drywall tape, and three trips to the emergency room. Don’t say anything about the possible expense for the divorce lawyer, alimony, child custody considerations, and child support. So, now I will hire my handyman to repair my vent holes and complete the insulation job probably at a cost far greater than any savings I would have realized within the time span that I plan to stay living here on Parkhurst Road (roughly seven and one-half years).
3. My Wife, whom I rightly referred to as smarter than me in my previous post told me, with a fair amount of prescience, to just give Taylor the money and pay someone more experienced and perhaps more nimble to do the job. And so you see, she was absolutely right on all counts and has reminded me that this whole stimulus funded green energy thing was all my idea and that if one of her precious golden nuggets gets hurt in the process she would never forgive me. There you have it, a microcosm of the whole national political landscape rolled up in one weekend at the Harris household; id est, stimulus, cap and trade, and healthcare all in one debacle. Yes honey, you were right.
4. My wife spent roughly 29 hours this weekend doing projects, assignments, homework, reading, writing, research, printing, editing, re-editing, and study groups, for the three classes she is taking right now. I might add that none of this information will she ever need to use after her December 19th graduation. She will be no smarter than she is now and no more qualified to do the job or jobs she has before her. But she will have a piece of paper that says she is. The whole academic experience has been eye opening for us. It has prepared us for the three other Harris’s that will follow. To top it all off, I went to a retirement seminar last Tuesday and found out that I can’t retire for seven and a half more years (see comment above about the house). When you add the economic situation to the picture, and the increasing cost of higher education, I’ll be lucky to get out of this job I have alive. I have two choices: 1) a mid life crisis; or 2) convince my children to petition the court for emancipation.
Well I’d like to close now with this thought. Although I am incredibly frustrated by these events and circumstances, I also know I am a thousand fold more blessed to be in the situation I am than I would be without these events, or circumstances.
Hope all are well and stay that way. Mark (also for ATH &B)
P.S. – Julia, as for spell check, I just do my writing in word and then cut and paste.
First of all, to answer Jan’s question, I WAS going to Knoxville to attend some high powered training (about $30k for 2 weeks). But due to the fact that the class did not get enough enrollees, it was cancelled. So I'm not going to Knoxville after all. And therefore, I'm sure that unless Amber is just up to her eyeballs in homework, we'll be in BV for breakfast.
So, why am I frustrated? I'll tell you in list form so you can perhaps reply by number and offer some assistance, or maybe just some consolation.
1. I can't seem to figure out how to even post a comment on this blog. I don't have a google or yahoo mail account and really don't want one. I have enough in my engineer brain already and do not need to add another username and password to it. I just want to comment! Is there not a way to just comment? My E-mail address is markwharris@cox.net. When I enter it, the dad-blamed program just tells me that my address contains some illegal characters. Now let me tell you, I know an illegal character when I see one (having been robbed at gunpoint in 1981 while working at QuikTrip) and I saw nothing illegal about any of the characters in my E-mail address. I didn't even see anything even mildly suspicious about them—except for maybe the "." which is kind of sneaky since it is very small and hiding between the “x” and the “n” at the bottom of the line. I got into the help menu and read a little about Blogspot. It said that there were several kinds of blogs; one of which was one meant for Families or groups to stay in touch. If this is that type, it sure is hard to break the code. If it’s not, perhaps it can be converted. I'd love to be able to have my own sign-in. Please reply if you can help me do what I need to do to be able to post and/or make comments as "Mark".
2. I went to the Home Depot earlier this week and bought $1000 worth of insulation with the idea that I would do a little to stop wasting energy and cut my summer electric bills by hundreds of dollars while taking advantage of the energy tax credit that is currently available (free money from the stimulus bill!). The Home Depot man, whom I might add is a very persuasive and convincing salesman, said that two reasonably capable folks could install the 75 bags of insulation I’d purchased in just about 2-3 hours. With my keen engineering brain I quickly calculated that I could pay Taylor $15 an hour and Blaine $5 an hour and we could do the job for less than $75 of labor. Heck, the blower they lent us had a picture of a petite young woman donning a paper mask handling the job with ease. How hard could it be? I assumed (wrongfully so – this in literary terms is referred to as “foreshadowing”) that among the five of us Harris's there were at least a combined two reasonably capable persons. … I was wrong. So, to make a long story short, which is difficult to do at this point, Saturday afternoon we spent from 2 PM to 6 PM and managed to get roughly 4.2 of the 75 bags dispersed into our attic which now has two, what I would call, size 13 foot "vent holes" into our living space-- one in our laundry room ceiling and one in our master closet ceiling. I consider these vent holes to be an undesired consequence of the insulation process and therefore I will chose to repair them rather than leave them for the next buyer to admire. Luckily no one was seriously hurt, although Taylor was walking with a sight limp afterward. I again used my keen engineering brain to calculate the cost of repair for the “vent holes” at about $60 each (from a handyman I know) and by extrapolating the labor time and repair costs for the completion of the dispersal of the remaining 70.8 bags of insulation, and the ensuing cosmetic damage and potential medical bills, my total cost for the job would be roughly $12,682 (I used an excel spread sheet to calculate this) and require approximately 288 man-hours of labor (not including medical personnel), seven 4 x 8 sheets of drywall, 232 ft of drywall tape, and three trips to the emergency room. Don’t say anything about the possible expense for the divorce lawyer, alimony, child custody considerations, and child support. So, now I will hire my handyman to repair my vent holes and complete the insulation job probably at a cost far greater than any savings I would have realized within the time span that I plan to stay living here on Parkhurst Road (roughly seven and one-half years).
3. My Wife, whom I rightly referred to as smarter than me in my previous post told me, with a fair amount of prescience, to just give Taylor the money and pay someone more experienced and perhaps more nimble to do the job. And so you see, she was absolutely right on all counts and has reminded me that this whole stimulus funded green energy thing was all my idea and that if one of her precious golden nuggets gets hurt in the process she would never forgive me. There you have it, a microcosm of the whole national political landscape rolled up in one weekend at the Harris household; id est, stimulus, cap and trade, and healthcare all in one debacle. Yes honey, you were right.
4. My wife spent roughly 29 hours this weekend doing projects, assignments, homework, reading, writing, research, printing, editing, re-editing, and study groups, for the three classes she is taking right now. I might add that none of this information will she ever need to use after her December 19th graduation. She will be no smarter than she is now and no more qualified to do the job or jobs she has before her. But she will have a piece of paper that says she is. The whole academic experience has been eye opening for us. It has prepared us for the three other Harris’s that will follow. To top it all off, I went to a retirement seminar last Tuesday and found out that I can’t retire for seven and a half more years (see comment above about the house). When you add the economic situation to the picture, and the increasing cost of higher education, I’ll be lucky to get out of this job I have alive. I have two choices: 1) a mid life crisis; or 2) convince my children to petition the court for emancipation.
Well I’d like to close now with this thought. Although I am incredibly frustrated by these events and circumstances, I also know I am a thousand fold more blessed to be in the situation I am than I would be without these events, or circumstances.
Hope all are well and stay that way. Mark (also for ATH &B)
P.S. – Julia, as for spell check, I just do my writing in word and then cut and paste.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
SCORE !!!
Wednesday I was talking to a colleague at Onlineshoes.com and telling her how much I enjoyed taking guests to The Chestnut Cottage in Port Angeles because of the Apricot-Walnut Scones. Today she was reading Bon Appetit Magazine and lo and behold there was the recipe. I guess it was under reader's favorite restaurants, and this reader asked for and got the recipe. SCORE !!!
I think Margie was more excited than I was, and I was excited.
The Chestnut Cottage Restaurant
Giant Apricot-Walnut Scones
2 c. all purpose flour
1/3 c. sugar
1 T. baking powder
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1/2 c. chopped dried apricots
1/2 c. golden raisins
1 1/3 c. heavy whipping cream
powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Whisk first three ingredients together in large bowl
Stir in walnuts, apricots, and raisins
Add cream: stir with fork just to blend
Transfer dough to work surface sprinkled with powdered sugar
Knead dough until smooth, about 10 turns
Form dough into a 1 inch thick round
Cut into 6 wedges
Sift powdered sugar over
Transfer to baking sheet
Bake scones until golden brown and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, about 18 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
DO AHEAD: Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cool completely, cover and let stand at room temperature.
Bon Appetit Magazine, December 2009 and my colleague Margie.
I think Margie was more excited than I was, and I was excited.
The Chestnut Cottage Restaurant
Giant Apricot-Walnut Scones
2 c. all purpose flour
1/3 c. sugar
1 T. baking powder
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1/2 c. chopped dried apricots
1/2 c. golden raisins
1 1/3 c. heavy whipping cream
powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Whisk first three ingredients together in large bowl
Stir in walnuts, apricots, and raisins
Add cream: stir with fork just to blend
Transfer dough to work surface sprinkled with powdered sugar
Knead dough until smooth, about 10 turns
Form dough into a 1 inch thick round
Cut into 6 wedges
Sift powdered sugar over
Transfer to baking sheet
Bake scones until golden brown and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, about 18 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
DO AHEAD: Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cool completely, cover and let stand at room temperature.
Bon Appetit Magazine, December 2009 and my colleague Margie.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
As I sit here listening to "PIRATES OF PENZANCE" and wishing Mother had known Andrew and vice-versa (sorry Nora, I do not know the spelling) I must disagree and be thankful my long term memory leaves a lot to be desired. I remember dressing up in the big girls starched petticoats and singing and dancing with Jan for a show we insisted Mother and Dad watch and admire. I do not know why, but the record that comes to mind is "THE 4 SOMETHING(?) SINGING BROADWAY HITS". I especially remember the music from "KISS ME KATE". Don't ask me why, I have no clue.
I am sorry Andrew missed (and Nora got only a very small taste) of someone who absolutely LOVED children, all children, without reservation. Any child, with all their warts, funny hair, bad behavior and without reservation my Mother either loved or was the world's greatest actress! My memories are mostly happy. I remember Mother holding Curtis when she was practically blind and Voleta or Berchie (I cannot remember which one) commented on the embarassment of having a child of color. I remember Mother saying "it feels like a baby to me". My children would have fallen in love, as all kids did, with our Mother.
I remember the rich kids from Pleasant Hill wanting to come to my house and I am pretty sure it was not because I was special! I remember the "decorate the cookies" birthday party and the Cinderalla Cake - TWICE - once when I was twelve and again when I turned 21! How good is that! I feel sorry for people who are not me.
The music is over so Ta-ta for now. I must finish cleaning for the Friday night wine & cheese block party. We finally have new neighbors, so it is not just Sonja, myself and the "informer".
Nora - where is "spellcheck" on this thing?
I am sorry Andrew missed (and Nora got only a very small taste) of someone who absolutely LOVED children, all children, without reservation. Any child, with all their warts, funny hair, bad behavior and without reservation my Mother either loved or was the world's greatest actress! My memories are mostly happy. I remember Mother holding Curtis when she was practically blind and Voleta or Berchie (I cannot remember which one) commented on the embarassment of having a child of color. I remember Mother saying "it feels like a baby to me". My children would have fallen in love, as all kids did, with our Mother.
I remember the rich kids from Pleasant Hill wanting to come to my house and I am pretty sure it was not because I was special! I remember the "decorate the cookies" birthday party and the Cinderalla Cake - TWICE - once when I was twelve and again when I turned 21! How good is that! I feel sorry for people who are not me.
The music is over so Ta-ta for now. I must finish cleaning for the Friday night wine & cheese block party. We finally have new neighbors, so it is not just Sonja, myself and the "informer".
Nora - where is "spellcheck" on this thing?
Fried Chicken
I had fried chicken today, sometimes only fried chicken will do when you are in a Southern mood, and it worked, I wolfed down my chicken legs and biscuits, burped and pondered infinity.
You know -- fried chicken -- home cooking -- mother -- fudge -- bumble bees -- cedar trees -- rolling down the hill -- laying in the grass on a summer's eve staring into the black black sky at the enormity, the immensity of the milky way and pondering infinity.
It was bigger than me then and it's bigger than me now and after fifty years I'm still pondering infinity, but my tire was low and loosing air so I drove to Discount Tire and had it fixed, that's two this year, and the painters left a hole in my screen, ladders and scaffolding I guess. So you can see what a mess my life is, disaster all around, but Ian had scored a box of Trophy's Cupcakes and I ate my share, watched the newest Woody Allen film and went to bed, couldn't sleep so I got up to feed The Taylor Blog and ponder infinity.
And what in the world will I cook for Thanksgiving and who will be here and am I really crazy. Tomorrow, well actually today, is another State-of-the-Company meeting so I'll go and see how my paycheck is doing then on to a play date with The Connorman, and my friend Lynn said she liked Mark honoring the women in his life and thinks I should sign my name every time I blog, she despairs of making me behave and I should have left Julia's blog alone after she showed me how to edit it.
No amusing childhood story burbled to the surface for entertaining purposes and I thought our childhood wasn't exactly the rosy cheeked, babbling brook idyllic sort anyway, it had thorns and burrs and manure and dad sitting at the end of the kitchen table, usually with a pipe or cigar, fixing, mending, building, wiring, glueing -- things.
And infinity is still there, sort of like family -- beyond understanding and ain't I glad.
You know -- fried chicken -- home cooking -- mother -- fudge -- bumble bees -- cedar trees -- rolling down the hill -- laying in the grass on a summer's eve staring into the black black sky at the enormity, the immensity of the milky way and pondering infinity.
It was bigger than me then and it's bigger than me now and after fifty years I'm still pondering infinity, but my tire was low and loosing air so I drove to Discount Tire and had it fixed, that's two this year, and the painters left a hole in my screen, ladders and scaffolding I guess. So you can see what a mess my life is, disaster all around, but Ian had scored a box of Trophy's Cupcakes and I ate my share, watched the newest Woody Allen film and went to bed, couldn't sleep so I got up to feed The Taylor Blog and ponder infinity.
And what in the world will I cook for Thanksgiving and who will be here and am I really crazy. Tomorrow, well actually today, is another State-of-the-Company meeting so I'll go and see how my paycheck is doing then on to a play date with The Connorman, and my friend Lynn said she liked Mark honoring the women in his life and thinks I should sign my name every time I blog, she despairs of making me behave and I should have left Julia's blog alone after she showed me how to edit it.
No amusing childhood story burbled to the surface for entertaining purposes and I thought our childhood wasn't exactly the rosy cheeked, babbling brook idyllic sort anyway, it had thorns and burrs and manure and dad sitting at the end of the kitchen table, usually with a pipe or cigar, fixing, mending, building, wiring, glueing -- things.
And infinity is still there, sort of like family -- beyond understanding and ain't I glad.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Oops
Sorry, no photograph of Jerry and Jane, I wasn't smart enough to get it posted. Maybe tomorrow.
A Photograph and a Quote
From the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations:
"The life of man written under the direction of his family, did nobody honor." Horace Walpole, Fourth Earl of Oxford
...or as I told mother one time, she is the only person I knew who raised eight black sheep. Baaa...
"The life of man written under the direction of his family, did nobody honor." Horace Walpole, Fourth Earl of Oxford
...or as I told mother one time, she is the only person I knew who raised eight black sheep. Baaa...
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Notes from Julia - Bella Vista
I have been lazy since returning from Greenleaf - so this is pretty boring (I live a very small life and I love it!).
I had a wonderful 61st birthday celebration with Andrew, Nora, Jeffery and Tal. Tal is back on the road and we had a week of drizzly, dreary weather. I did nothing but go to work, help our church move to a new location and go home to vegetate! We finally had a nice Saturday, so Jeffery & I helped St. Matthews move "the big stuff" to the new location.
Sunday morning dawned clear and crisp (41 degrees) so Jeffery & I started our 3 mile Crystal Bridges trail to check on progress of the new art museum and the James Turrell sculpture (?).
The "sculpture" is a round building with a hole in the top so you can go in, sit down, and admire the sky and clouds moving overhead and meditate on your past, present and future life, lives or whatever. The building is beautiful, peaceful and I can hardly wait to get inside. BUT - I am just not sure it is art. By the time we had finished our 3 miles the sun was well and truely up in the sky and the temp had risen substantially. It is a GLORIOUS Sunday! I am looking off my back deck to a lovely full moon just rising. The back deck is actually facing southeast (I think) - Dad would absolutely die and it is hard for me to comprehend. A house should be oriented north, south, east or west!
Jeffery and I are looking forward to as many people as possible for Christmas Breakfast, Saturday, December 5th @ 10:00 a.m. (or whenever you can get here) @ Tal & Julia Bowman's -xxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxx . Between #16 Victoria Lane and #9 Kenneth Lane, we have 4 beds, 2 couches, 1 big cot (Jean can vouch for it's comfort) and 2 small cots. We can also call upon Nora @ 479-841-9358 for reservations in case you have forgotten what it was like when ten of us lived in 800(?) sq. ft. on 50th Street.
ps. I have no clue if I got the photos of the James Turrell sculpture posted - but who cares!
Love to all...Julia
I have been lazy since returning from Greenleaf - so this is pretty boring (I live a very small life and I love it!).
I had a wonderful 61st birthday celebration with Andrew, Nora, Jeffery and Tal. Tal is back on the road and we had a week of drizzly, dreary weather. I did nothing but go to work, help our church move to a new location and go home to vegetate! We finally had a nice Saturday, so Jeffery & I helped St. Matthews move "the big stuff" to the new location.
Sunday morning dawned clear and crisp (41 degrees) so Jeffery & I started our 3 mile Crystal Bridges trail to check on progress of the new art museum and the James Turrell sculpture (?).
The "sculpture" is a round building with a hole in the top so you can go in, sit down, and admire the sky and clouds moving overhead and meditate on your past, present and future life, lives or whatever. The building is beautiful, peaceful and I can hardly wait to get inside. BUT - I am just not sure it is art. By the time we had finished our 3 miles the sun was well and truely up in the sky and the temp had risen substantially. It is a GLORIOUS Sunday! I am looking off my back deck to a lovely full moon just rising. The back deck is actually facing southeast (I think) - Dad would absolutely die and it is hard for me to comprehend. A house should be oriented north, south, east or west!
Jeffery and I are looking forward to as many people as possible for Christmas Breakfast, Saturday, December 5th @ 10:00 a.m. (or whenever you can get here) @ Tal & Julia Bowman's -xxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxx . Between #16 Victoria Lane and #9 Kenneth Lane, we have 4 beds, 2 couches, 1 big cot (Jean can vouch for it's comfort) and 2 small cots. We can also call upon Nora @ 479-841-9358 for reservations in case you have forgotten what it was like when ten of us lived in 800(?) sq. ft. on 50th Street.
ps. I have no clue if I got the photos of the James Turrell sculpture posted - but who cares!
Love to all...Julia
Friday, October 30, 2009
Jean's bad knee and other items of importance
Well, it has been determined that I need a new knee, so I will have knee replacement surgery on January 4, 2010. Doesn't that sound exciting, time to start replacing 70 year old parts. I have a lot of support in line for assistance after surgery. Cathy will be here about two weeks (more or less), Janice is coming for I don't know how long, Jane and Jerry are always available to assist, and of course Brittany is fitting me into here busy schedule (school and social).
I also have exciting news about Brittany, Monday November 2, she is being inducted into the National Honor Society and her Granny (with the bum knee) is going to attempt to go to the program at Mustang High School. Can't miss this important event. I'm so proud of her dedication and hard work in school.
I'm wandering if I will be allowed at the Taylor Christmas Breakfast on December 5 if I don't have lots of goodies made. Brittany has offered to help make all the cookies and candies. We will just wait and see what happens.
Chris is still working at Buffalo Wild Wings. That's all for now.
I also have exciting news about Brittany, Monday November 2, she is being inducted into the National Honor Society and her Granny (with the bum knee) is going to attempt to go to the program at Mustang High School. Can't miss this important event. I'm so proud of her dedication and hard work in school.
I'm wandering if I will be allowed at the Taylor Christmas Breakfast on December 5 if I don't have lots of goodies made. Brittany has offered to help make all the cookies and candies. We will just wait and see what happens.
Chris is still working at Buffalo Wild Wings. That's all for now.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Too busy having fun to have much more
This is Mark responding to whoever is out there reading this stuff. We Harris’s were all touched by Jan’s opening remarks. I am proud to have been Jan’s Inspiration, although I think that distinction is better credited to this blog’s namesake.
Having not had the privilege of meeting the wonderful Miss Maxine, I am at a bit of a loss; nonetheless, I believe I know her all too well. From the photos I've seen I recognize her smile and rosy cheeks to be the same that I see in all of the Taylor women I have grown to know and love, most notably my own Amber and Hannah. Amber always says that her granny would have loved our beautiful red headed Hannah. I see her intellect and kindness in the Taylor Women, all of whom are pretty much smarter and more caring than any of us men they’ve chosen. I see her cantankerousness (if that is even a word?) in her sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons -- I only wish I could have been there for Jeff’s Joke. But most of all, I see her love of family and friends in all genders and generations of her off-spring, which is evidenced by the fact that more two decades after her passing, her family still makes it a priority to spend time together over a Green Leaf camp fire.
As for our part of the Taylor (and Harris) clan, no sooner had we left the park did we start planning for our return trip(s). In 2009 we were blessed enough to be there three times – February, July and October. In 2010 we may just need four trips to get our fix. We’ll be back in February (Amber and me only – thanks to Hannah and Blaine’s Granny and grandpa) for a long valentines weekend in cabin 13. If any of you plan a surprise visit, I would only suggest you not enter before knocking (sorry kids, I just couldn’t resist). We’ll return in mid March for spring break week where we hope to take it even easier than we did in October – if that’s possible. We’re not sure about July yet, we just might have to fit some work in somewhere around all of these vacations.
Speaking of vacations, we’re heavy into the planning for our Christmas in the Bahamas cruise, a first ever for our family feat that will be complicated by the fact that we’ve got Thanksgiving in Andover with the most gracious Marc Taylor Family, followed by a two week stint for me at the university of Tennessee in Knoxville after which we’ll cap it all off (yes, the pun is intended) with Amber’s graduation from St. Gregory’s University on the 19th (of December). So you see, we have a very full calendar.
As for the Christmas breakfast, I’m not sure what Amber and the kids will do since I’ll be miles away in Knoxville on the 6th, but we’ll hope for the best.
In closing I’d like to say thanks to Jan for making this blog possible and for channeling Maxine’s spirit to all of us to provide an ample supply of inspiration. Hope all are well and stay that way. Love, Mark (also for ATH &B)
Having not had the privilege of meeting the wonderful Miss Maxine, I am at a bit of a loss; nonetheless, I believe I know her all too well. From the photos I've seen I recognize her smile and rosy cheeks to be the same that I see in all of the Taylor women I have grown to know and love, most notably my own Amber and Hannah. Amber always says that her granny would have loved our beautiful red headed Hannah. I see her intellect and kindness in the Taylor Women, all of whom are pretty much smarter and more caring than any of us men they’ve chosen. I see her cantankerousness (if that is even a word?) in her sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons -- I only wish I could have been there for Jeff’s Joke. But most of all, I see her love of family and friends in all genders and generations of her off-spring, which is evidenced by the fact that more two decades after her passing, her family still makes it a priority to spend time together over a Green Leaf camp fire.
As for our part of the Taylor (and Harris) clan, no sooner had we left the park did we start planning for our return trip(s). In 2009 we were blessed enough to be there three times – February, July and October. In 2010 we may just need four trips to get our fix. We’ll be back in February (Amber and me only – thanks to Hannah and Blaine’s Granny and grandpa) for a long valentines weekend in cabin 13. If any of you plan a surprise visit, I would only suggest you not enter before knocking (sorry kids, I just couldn’t resist). We’ll return in mid March for spring break week where we hope to take it even easier than we did in October – if that’s possible. We’re not sure about July yet, we just might have to fit some work in somewhere around all of these vacations.
Speaking of vacations, we’re heavy into the planning for our Christmas in the Bahamas cruise, a first ever for our family feat that will be complicated by the fact that we’ve got Thanksgiving in Andover with the most gracious Marc Taylor Family, followed by a two week stint for me at the university of Tennessee in Knoxville after which we’ll cap it all off (yes, the pun is intended) with Amber’s graduation from St. Gregory’s University on the 19th (of December). So you see, we have a very full calendar.
As for the Christmas breakfast, I’m not sure what Amber and the kids will do since I’ll be miles away in Knoxville on the 6th, but we’ll hope for the best.
In closing I’d like to say thanks to Jan for making this blog possible and for channeling Maxine’s spirit to all of us to provide an ample supply of inspiration. Hope all are well and stay that way. Love, Mark (also for ATH &B)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Angel's Baseball
Yes, Art & I were at the come from behind Angel's win in Anaheim. We also watched the Angels fall on their petunia in New York. What a horrible game. Oh well there is always next year! All is well in So Cal. Art, Julie, Cobi and Brownie are all doing just fine. But, it has turned really cold, at least down to 50 at night! Hee, Hee! We'll have to break out the electric blanket and turn on the furnace.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Adopted Family
My friend, Carol, wants to see the movie, read the book, and be adopted, if fifty-mumble-mumble-mumble-ish isn't too old.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Old Photos on Parade...
Hello out in CyberSpace to my wonderful family. It is I, Nora. Jan has thrown down a challenge for us to post and I intend to respond with vigor. Here are some of my favorite photos of my Mom, Aunts, and Uncles. I have tons of them and I will keep them coming.
Nora is that picture of you the one taken on the ass end of the Victoria Clipper? You look gooood! It reminds me of how cold and beautiful it was, how wonderful you were, and how much fun we had even if you walked my heels off.
Jerry, concerning your comment on The Taylor Family Blog "what now." The answer is easy, POST something, anything. I gave you the sign in and password so log in as though you were me and add a post -- a picture -- a thought -- an idea -- a comment -- a shopping list, I don't care. Tell us something ornery about Jane, oh never mind, Jane isn't ever ornery. Tell us something ornery about Hannah instead, surely she is ornery.
Have you had lunch with Jean? Did you mow your yard? How is your tummy tum tum? Speaking of tummies here is a recipe that is worthy of the Taylor's. Prepare to eat too much.
Gorgonzola Dip
1 1/2 cups crumbled Gorgonzola or other blue cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream
2 Tablespoons milk
3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt or less if it is ordinary table salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or if you are lazy like me, just add pepper to taste
Blend until almost smooth and enjoy with veggies, chips, Buffalo Wings, or what ever is your hearts desire.
Nora any friendly get togethers lately? Next occasion make this and your friends will think you are a master chef.
Jerry, concerning your comment on The Taylor Family Blog "what now." The answer is easy, POST something, anything. I gave you the sign in and password so log in as though you were me and add a post -- a picture -- a thought -- an idea -- a comment -- a shopping list, I don't care. Tell us something ornery about Jane, oh never mind, Jane isn't ever ornery. Tell us something ornery about Hannah instead, surely she is ornery.
Have you had lunch with Jean? Did you mow your yard? How is your tummy tum tum? Speaking of tummies here is a recipe that is worthy of the Taylor's. Prepare to eat too much.
Gorgonzola Dip
1 1/2 cups crumbled Gorgonzola or other blue cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream
2 Tablespoons milk
3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt or less if it is ordinary table salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or if you are lazy like me, just add pepper to taste
Blend until almost smooth and enjoy with veggies, chips, Buffalo Wings, or what ever is your hearts desire.
Nora any friendly get togethers lately? Next occasion make this and your friends will think you are a master chef.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Okay, I'm getting the hang of this. I thought of more photos to add.
Jean and Janice in sunny San Diego. Jerry and Jan in Vancouver BC Canada after we rode the train, the sky train and the sea bus. Jerry on his Wallace Falls trek in Washington, trekking with Roger not Jan. Julia and Jan at a favorite restaurant in Victoria BC Canada The Tapa Bar.
And Brittany is reading The Scarlet Letter, the one we all read in high school, Liberty and Power, I have no idea what that is about but it sounds like history to me, and The Things They Carried for AP English, one of my all time favorite books. Read it.
Kathy and Mike will not be kayaking with the whales in the San Juan Islands this summer for her fiftieth birthday due to the purchase of property they bought that needs paying for, or so she says. Does everyone know Kathy turns fifty on February 29? Speaking of birthdays.
Happy Birthday Julia, are you fifty yet?
How are the Angels doing? Anybody know? Was Janice and Art at the rousing Angels come from behind game in Anaheim?
I've paid my bills and am going to bed, so no more posts tonight. You are all safe.
Jean and Janice in sunny San Diego. Jerry and Jan in Vancouver BC Canada after we rode the train, the sky train and the sea bus. Jerry on his Wallace Falls trek in Washington, trekking with Roger not Jan. Julia and Jan at a favorite restaurant in Victoria BC Canada The Tapa Bar.
And Brittany is reading The Scarlet Letter, the one we all read in high school, Liberty and Power, I have no idea what that is about but it sounds like history to me, and The Things They Carried for AP English, one of my all time favorite books. Read it.
Kathy and Mike will not be kayaking with the whales in the San Juan Islands this summer for her fiftieth birthday due to the purchase of property they bought that needs paying for, or so she says. Does everyone know Kathy turns fifty on February 29? Speaking of birthdays.
Happy Birthday Julia, are you fifty yet?
How are the Angels doing? Anybody know? Was Janice and Art at the rousing Angels come from behind game in Anaheim?
I've paid my bills and am going to bed, so no more posts tonight. You are all safe.
Okay, no one has said a thing about the blog, except you Amber, thank you.
Is this another dismal failure? I was hoping for a picture or two, or a least a comment, even if it's a snide comment. Where is my ornery family? Napping, eating, planning next years reunion, writing a rebuttal about how bad the blog is? Come on folks wake me up and add something! Jason where are pictures of Judy? Cathy?
What are you folks reading? Watching on TV? Sewing? Thinking? Planning? Dreaming? Wondering?
I'm over my trip back east, how about all of you? The campfire smoke is almost out of my lungs. The mile high city is far behind me. The painters have moved past my condo and spraying paint down the way. I can almost breath normally. The plastic is finally off my back window, my red door is beige and actually looks quite pretty. I don't know why I thought I had to have a red door.
I'm going to try photos again with pictures of The Prince and his trip to the Pumpkin Patch.
Is this another dismal failure? I was hoping for a picture or two, or a least a comment, even if it's a snide comment. Where is my ornery family? Napping, eating, planning next years reunion, writing a rebuttal about how bad the blog is? Come on folks wake me up and add something! Jason where are pictures of Judy? Cathy?
What are you folks reading? Watching on TV? Sewing? Thinking? Planning? Dreaming? Wondering?
I'm over my trip back east, how about all of you? The campfire smoke is almost out of my lungs. The mile high city is far behind me. The painters have moved past my condo and spraying paint down the way. I can almost breath normally. The plastic is finally off my back window, my red door is beige and actually looks quite pretty. I don't know why I thought I had to have a red door.
I'm going to try photos again with pictures of The Prince and his trip to the Pumpkin Patch.
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Taylor Family Blog Beginnings
The Spirit of Maxine: The Taylor Family Blog Spot
-- we know where we come from, we know where we belong --
-- we know where we come from, we know where we belong --
The twenty-fifth Clark and Maxine Family Reunion seems a befitting time to start a family blog. Thank you for the timely input from the Honorable Mr. Mark Harris, the one who had to pass a test to marry into the Taylor's, and is, even now, nudging us into the modern cyber era.
Reunions have come and gone during the gentle unfolding of all our lives. We Elders remember Fort Cobb with fondness and appreciation, somehow it will always be intimately tangled up with memories of mother, but this reunion is the real reunion. Greenleaf is our joy parade.
The rules are simple: on the third Thursday and Friday of October meet at Greenleaf. Come with a tent, pop-up, air stream or Wussabago, but come. Camp, get a cabin, or sleep in a car, but come. And for twenty-five years we have.
Ask Jerry, Jean, and Jane who attended the first -- they will tell you!
Wind, rain, earth and fire became basic building blocks for memories while we, as family members, shared stories, laughter and tears. How many campfires have we admired dayglo orange and burnt umber coals? How many would it take for us to tire of them?
Not many fish were caught.
Milestones were marked, children were nurtured. Fiftieth birthdays became sixtieth birthdays, children became grandchildren, and some became Angels. Family fellowship was sustained, together, with family, extended family, adopted family, ex family and guests. The years rolled by.
One arrest and four trips to the emergency room.
I'd rather be a Taylor than married to one.
Jerry used to bring a trailer full of bikes, now it's chairs, comfortable chairs. My oh my times have changed. Chairs, windscreens, hot dogs, canoes, all of it contributes to a family gathering. Babies, Brits, and biscuits. Thousands of biscuits, all of them cooked by one person -- and eaten!
One Allie, two soldiers, one enthusiastically toppled tent.
A family film, night walks, scavenger hunts and an I-Love-You-Kiss going around the circle -- James
Camp coffee, salsa, Baileys and beer, apple pies aplenty, dissertation on farts, feed the ducks, or who builds the best fire, not a problem for families.
Jeff remembers the joke he told that woke up Ian.
Taking the kids to the play ground. Are you tired yet Cathy? You seem to be on a third generation.
James' tent, James' chairs.
Stealing leaves.
Jacquie's split up a tree.
Forts, hikes, bikes, and tykes a typical Taylor family reunion.
Family, clan, tribe -- we know where we came from, we know where we belong.
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