Thailand highlights (so far)

I had to take a break from walking yesterday afternoon. While I sat at a window counter at Starbuck's I was watching these workmen tear up a sidewalk while people just kept walking by. In the U.S., this whole side of the street would have been closed to walking and driving traffic.



We are pretty sure this would not be OSHA approved =)

no hardhats
no safety glasses
no orange traffic cones
no signage saying "walk on other side of street"

gloves? who needs 'em?

steel-toed shoes? - are you kidding? at least they are not flip-flops





Steph joined us for dinner Saturday night...

J bargaining for price of the songtau (taxi) ride. You would be so impressed with her command of the language after just 6 months!

Shopping at "walking street market" Sunday evening...


Dad getting measured for a new suit.

almost February already?

This blog seems to have fallen on hard times. The holidays fell into the history books and here we are at the end of January. I have been so preoccupied with work and getting ready for an office relocation, trying to get a bit more exercise, and preparing for this trip in February - I've hardly had time to THINK of what I might blog if I had the time.

I intended to post pictures of the trip to Monte Ne (was it three weeks ago?) and the submerged ruins which have been revealed by the recent drought. Alas, they are still in the camera. I have done a little knitting. Almost finished with the navy socks. I plan to wear them on the trip to Thailand.

Madonna

I meant to blog this before Christmas, but I will go ahead with it now…

When Virginia was a wee girl, we were looking at Christmas cards and admiring the scenes. One of the cards was a print from a classical artist, and (as she was always keen on naming her own art creations) I informed her it was called “Madonna and Child”.

Her obvious question (at least to a child): “Why don’t they call her by her real name?”

Democrats are whiney brats.

This is really not a name-calling fest. I don’t feel a need to label people. This is about a favorite podcast to which I listen. It discusses a topic I am intensely interested in, but the ‘caster CANNOT seem to leave her personal politics out of it. Very well, I shall at least vent my spleen on my own blog rather than clutter up her tiny mind (and bandwidth) with my comments. Perhaps this is the problem with us “conservatives”. We are too polite. We are content to live our lives without abrasively intruding upon others. =)

Today’s edition of the podcast was ever so pleasant until the final 5 minutes when the ‘caster went into a mini-tirade about how people might be interested to know that all the media does not agree with FOX network and Rush Limbaugh (!) and she (the ‘caster) will be providing a service to all mankind by linking some liberal media websites to her podcast homepage.

Indeed?

It is infinitely amusing to me that liberals are all about tolerance and acceptance - - - as long as they are in the majority. (“Let’s not discuss politics – unless you agree with me!”) Yet, when they feel a bit “out of control” (threatened?) they resort to childish whining. I refer to the buttons, bumper-stickers, etc. that shout “Knitters against Bush”, "Don't Blame Me, I voted for X", and other lame slogans. By contrast, there are plenty of people in Arkansas who can’t stand to hear the name Bxxx Cxxxxxx, yet I don’t remember a single group calling itself “Little Rockers against Clinton”. Although it is not a bad idea. If anyone feels the need to organize such a group, I give permission to use the slogan. =)

I think one reason FOX and Rush are so popular is because people with views not voiced by the major news media are refreshed by the fact that ANYONE agrees with them after being constantly bombarded (i.e. brainwashed) with liberal ideas for forty-plus years. Those with conservative views are belittled and criticized to the point of literally being told they (we) are less intelligent and somewhat naïve to believe such fairytales. If that is not intolerance, I don’t know what is.

This just goes to prove, dear liberal thinkers, that no matter how loudly or how often you say it, it does not make it true. Now, back to my knitting and your regularly scheduled program...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

To: Julia

Remember last Christmas?




No snow this Christmas. But we had a cozy fire,




and a tree and table with all the Christmas trimmings.

What's missing???

U!!!!!

Merry Christmas to all
and to all a good night!

Julia, we miss you more than words can say.

MOMOXOXOXOXOX

P.S. I love my earrings. But I love you more.

Sesame Treats

“Two different worlds we live in …”

Does anyone else remember that song? It has been running in my head all morning. No, actually for almost a year now. Cultures are certainly different. My supervisor (of Indian nationality) left some candy and treats on a tray in the break/copy/fax/mailroom last Friday, and can’t understand why they are not all gone! I know you are probably wondering the same thing. Why hasn’t anyone eaten all the yummy little unwrapped, sesame-coated, whatcha-ma-call-its?

Even more of a puzzle is, why didn’t the mice that inhabit our “modular office” (AKA trailer) have a nibble over the weekend or overnight? The little snacks were left out all weekend - - - uncovered. Oh, wait. Are those poppy seeds? Er, no.

OK. It’s Tuesday. I’ve taken it upon myself to make one magically disappear each time I enter the copy/fax room until they are all gone. I’ll let someone else take care of the Swiss Miss. Perhaps there ARE people who actually like sugar-free instant cocoa. At least more than like naked sesame whatcha-ma-call-its of unknown origin. The face of a kid’s first taste of Brussels sprouts is very vivid in my mind right now, and I’m trying not to make it myself!!! ~~~ shiver ~~~

Julia - we miss you!

thanksgiving memories


Come, ye thankful people, come.
Raise a song of harvest home.


For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies:

Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.





Driving to El Dorado...

Whit finished her scarf on the drive down...

as we enjoyed a beautiful day,




... beauties of nature ...
and happy faces to welcome us.

Everyone had to get in the kitchen ...

... and everyone did a little to help.










Pop tells about the package he sent to Thailand ...

... and everyone is interested to hear what he sent.

Then we give our thanks to God and eat!

Roast Turkey
Dressing & Gravy
Cranberry Relish
Creamed Corn
Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Dinner Rolls & Butter
Iced Tea
Sweet Potato Pie
Apple Pie
Egg Custard Pie
Strawberry Cake
Glazed Pecans










MMMMMMmmmm. Yum.









And just for your entertainment:





fleur de lis and Richard IV








Julia, I love you more than apple pie ...

MOMOXOXOXOXOXO

trip to Fayetteville

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

THANKS MIKE & JUDY!

Marine Band, Clinton Library, Thanksgiving – my favorite holiday

I am welcoming the changes in the weather - cooler and some rain over the last few days. We had a busy weekend. Did some knitting. Dad washed the cars and worked in the yard, and took a bike ride. I made some beef burgundy on Saturday. Visited with the old folks and enjoyed some of the pulled pork and barbecued ribs Pop cooked and sent home with us. Went to hear the President’s Own Marine Band on Saturday night. Toured the Clinton Library early Sunday morning before church. Then went to church morning and evening.

Chihuly Crystal Tree of Light at the Clinton Library [photo above].

The Clinton Presidential Center is gearing up for the 1st anniversary of its opening. The landscaping has been considerably improved since last year. Multitudes of trees now occupy the former bare lawn. This was my 1st visit inside the library. I simply refuse to pay to take the tour, but I had a chance to go for free. I could say more about that, but I will resist.

I always dread this time of year, and cling to the joys of October and then Thanksgiving as long as possible. A feeling of doom and negativity falls heavily on me about this time each year. Starts about Halloween and usually continues until after Christmas. Then – POOF! – it’s over. As suddenly as it came. This year it arrived a little later. I could feel it creeping up last week, but I kept shaking it off. Then it hit me hard last night. Honestly, I hate Christmas. But I don’t know if I get sad because of the season, or if I have learned to dread Christmas because I know the mood it casts on for me. I don’t know. I really don’t. Maybe it’s because the control freaks are out in force.

Life becomes so surreal and artificial this time of year. Everyone’s priorities become skewed and distorted. Honestly, is there anyone (except retailers) who does not complain about the “crass commercialism” and “materialism” in our society?

There have been many years I did not decorate for the holidays – even when my children were small. Of course they always got gifts and I did lots of cooking, but I really tried to focus on the family time and making memories around the people and being together – not the STUFF.

i don't know why i didn't become a botanist

This shrub appears most ordinary BUT
it has a secret.









You notice the tiny flowers?
They are quite dainty and understated. In fact, you have to make a point of stopping and actually parting the limbs to even notice them.

So what’s the secret?


The AROMA!

If you pass the shrub – even a block away. Out for a walk or even a drive, you will be dazzled by the fragrance. Not pungent or cloying. Not overpowering like gardenia, or penetrating like wisteria. Just light and pleasant. Almost like vanilla, but ever so delicate and feminine. It is a mystery to me why it can’t be bottled or extracted. It is a fragrance that would be fit for the most elegant queen.

It is Osmanthus fragrans or sweet olive and it is what I imagine heaven must smell like!

confused vegetation

This Japanese maple outside my window is just one example of the strange fall we are having. Many of the trees and shrubs that normally bloom in spring have come into bloom. Look closely and you may be able to see the abundant fallen leaves on the ground (in the background) as well as colored leaves on this tree with new growth. This photo was taken this morning.

And two favorite views in Fayetteville:
Ole Main & Confederate Cemetery




Trees have been late in turning, but it looks like we will have some color in the next week or two. And here it is, almost TG day. I remember about 3 years ago we did not get the first frost until the day before TG. We may break that record this year, as it was 61 when I woke up this morning. A fine day for a noon drive in my little red car.

The F'ville photos were taken on October 22.

quote of the day

The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another, and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he vowed to make it.

J.M. Barrie, novelist and playwright (1860-1937)

(sort of a continuation of yesterday's thoughts)

... when her body became her enemy ...

… and she could no longer do the things she enjoyed …

I attended a funeral yesterday for an old friend of the family. During the eulogy the speaker referred to happy, fun-filled, active and younger days. A life well-lived, in service to many, a teacher who touched many lives and bore children, and lived to see her great-grand-children.

But there came a day when she could no longer do things for herself. What a privilege it is to be able to work and to be productive. To have a sense of satisfaction in work well-done, and to make a contribution in a world larger than ourselves. To be able to make an impact – even if only a small one.

As the procession of cars weaved through the narrow streets of a small south Arkansas town and then moved out to the wide open country spaces, I was reassured to observe almost every car pull off the road and stop. Perhaps this is no longer common in larger cities. But we are too busy if we cannot take that few moments to assess our own purpose and direction, and to consider our own mortality. Not a pleasant thought –– but an important one – to take a brief break and reflect as the funeral procession crosses our path.

I feel like I am constantly at war with my body. There are so many things I want to accomplish, and at the end of each day I’m so tired and I am rarely able to check off even half the things on my to-do list. I have this moment. I will use it – not waste it.

(weird) things happen

Well, I took my cute little new red convertible in for it’s 1st routine maintenance yesterday. About 2 hours later the clerk came to the waiting room and asked to speak to me in private.

Hmm. This is unusual.

“We are going to have to put you in a loaner for a couple of days. We need to do some extra work on your car … we, um, well, uh, … dropped a piece of angle iron on the hood.

YIKES!

“May I have a few moments alone with her before I leave?” So I took the picture (with my Palm camera). The color does not show well - but there it is. The damage is minor, but WAAAAAAAA!

taking a vote

ok, just doing a little experimenting...
which weather icon to use?
regular or de-caf
regular or de-caf
flag or sunrise/sunset
hmmm.....

techie stuff - or - "databases I have known"

I field a lot of questions about my PDA “palm device”. If I “tap” in public, I invariable get the question, “are you playing a game?” I should say ‘yes’ more often. Truth is, I’m terrible compulsive.

A good friend of mine surpasses me in that department, and she frequently says, “Don’t feel self-conscious about being compulsive. The key is to find a career that will pay you well for being compulsive.” That always makes me smile, because we both have capitalized on our idiosyncrasy. If YOU were having cancer treatment, wouldn’t you feel better knowing the people helping with your treatment are extremely particular about details?

Anyway, back to the topic: my PDA. Well, actually: my compulsivity. The prime use of my Palm is – TA-DA – my database. This palm is not just an electronic calendar and address book with a built-in clock. No, no, no.

One of my friends saw me tapping one day, and wanted to show off his new Palm. He’s a smart guy so I figured I would show him my database. He said, “Yea, mine has Excel.” I said, “Umm, that’s a spreadsheet, not a database.”

He: What’s the difference?

I fell silent. Where to begin? The differences are legion! And the uses … ? Infinite! I think I finally said something like, “I’ll explain later,” to spare his ego. Hopefully he went to work the next day and asked somebody, or asked one of his kids. hehe

My database is – well – I HAVE TO HAVE MY DATABASE! The program is a database builder called SmartListToGo. Kinda like Microsoft Access or FileMaker. Then I BUILD the databases that I want. I have built a few. I have 2 PDAs, and I have about 75 dbs on one palm and about 60 on the other one. I’m not a programmer, but even our IT guy seems impressed.

Databases. Gotta love em! A lot of people have lots of applications on their palms that could be done with ONE database rather than dozens of applications. And at less cost. And they could design it the way it suits them. A few of the databases I use most:

- shopping list
- car mileage & maintenance
- exercise log
- work timesheet
- to do list (a lot more detailed than the Palm To Do list) – with notes, date completed, etc & you can sort by Home To Do, Work To Do, committees, clubs, etc.
- blood pressure (and other health stuff)
- booklist (to buy / to read)
- movie list (handy when you get to Blockbuster, and can’t remember what you want to check out)
- calorie counter
- favorite quotes
- birthdays & This Day in History
- Daily Bible Verse & inspirational thoughts
- knitting needle inventory

You get the idea. All the stuff that used to be on little odd slips of paper or Post-its all over my house, my desk, and stuffed in books and my purse.

AND!!!! MY PALM HAS AN MP3 PLAYER (way cool and probably my 2nd favorite thing about my palm). AND MULTI-FUNCTION STOPWATCH. AND A CAMERA (which is not really that big a deal). Three doc readers. And a few games. It’s not a smart phone. I’m not inclined to want a Palm-phone combo. I want to get away from the phone once in a while. Plus my phone has to LOOK cool – not like a brick.

surprise!

Well, the post below was composed one day last week, and before I could even get it posted we got news that the move is not going to happen in the near future. Am I surprised?

(that was a rhetorical question)

changes in the air

This is not about the weather. hehe

I used to have a really nice office. Fifth floor facing south with a tremendous view of the city. With a door I could close for privacy if I had a personal phone call or wanted to listen to music, or take a 10-minute break to watch a summer thunderstorm with the lights off.

Three and a half years ago my office was relocated to a trailer. Yes, a trailer - with no windows. With the promise we would be here about a year. Two years max. Umm-hmm. But it's a double-wide (with plumbing) so why am I complaining?

Giving up the panoramic view was the biggest adjustment. The trailer has, in truth, not been bad - except for the smell. We call it "the mouse house". And the main building "the big house". Being isolated from the big house has it's advantages. We are rarely interrupted by random visitors. In fact, we are largely ignored - which is sometimes not a bad thing.

Well, we just got word we are being moved back to "the big house". Probably within 3 weeks. No more private offices - we will probably all be in cubicles.

The most stressful aspect to me? Will I have a place for my fish tank? It has been a pleasant companion to me (the fish rarely get attitude) and has been a good substitute for the windowless workspace. It suits me. I will be sad to give it up.

the soap opera

I met the star of this drama on Day 1 when I started my job 10 years ago. During these 10 years, she has had an endless (yes, endless) list of traumatic life events. If I had had even half the things she has experienced, I think I'd be in permanent therapy. Maybe that is why SHE is!

Day in and day out I have heard the drama. My memory has erased all but about 10% of the "episodes", but a few events continue to play into each daily saga. A true living soap opera.

Before I met "mindy" (our courageous leading character bearing up under life's adversities) there was a marriage and two children (well actually three - counting the 1st that was stillborn). Then a divorce from an alcoholic husband. There was a sister who had a baby - born the night of her senior prom. She later married the father and had three more kids. Same sister had a critical accident in high school which left her blind in one eye, and paralyzed on one side of her face. There was another sister who had two children by different fathers - never married. That sister is in constant drug rehab, and her daughter quit school in about the 7th grade, and is now in prison and the mother of two children (being raised by Mindy). It's all very confusing and if I didn't get daily updates on these people, I frankly would need a scorecard to keep up.

Monday's are always interesting. I never know what to expect. Like yesterday. Mindy was not in the office when I arrived. I wondered if she was ill and not coming at all, or if her great-niece (form whom she is guardian) was ill, or if her father was in the hospital again, or if [long list of possibilities]. Mindy appeared about 9:30 with the explanation. "Little Moe" [her son] was in a car wreck and is in the hospital. Little Moe is just home from Iraq within the last 4 months. So, Mindy proceded to treat us with the gory details of the accident. Leaving local high school football game Friday night; head-on collision; 2 people injured; wrecked her mother's car; both people med-flighted to local medical centers; surgery to put a rod in his leg from hip to ankle; took him 13 hours to come out of anesthesia, yadda, yadda.

I know - the details are endlessly fascinating to one and all. I'll keep you posted.

It's not that I don't have compassion. But it's people like this that make me know, most novels (and soap operas) are probably taken from real life.

painting the town pink

So my baby daughter asked me, “What are you going to do for your birthday?” And I said, “Have dinner with Carol.” Baby girl says, “Are y’all going to paint the town red?”

“Nope, just pink. We won’t get too crazy!”

Pink is good! And totally fitting.