Farewell, 2011

And I can't say I'm sorry to see it go. What is it that always makes you think next year will be better? Ah, yes, Hope, and a belief in following the plan God set out for you. There are a lot of lessons in the events of the last year, including:

1. Love your family and be grateful for every second you have with them.
2. Remember that everyone has chosen a path, and if you can't agree with or support that path, let them go on. You cannot change them, you can only pray that the way they're going will lead them where they need to be.
3. Accept the fact that the house will never be completely clean, the work will never be done, and that the world doesn't really care if it is.
4. Make sure you spend at least some time every day doing something that you love.
5 Stop trying to make yourself the perfect person and appreciate the person that you already are.
6. There really aren't very many "things" that you need in your life. Be careful about which ones you let in.

My first goal for 2012 is to purge. I'm not sure how to measure this; all I know is that I'm surrounded by "stuff" that really means nothing to me, and in many ways it makes life harder. More stuff to clean around, more stuff to walk around. I'll check back on this one in a month. How are you starting the new year?

I hope everyone has a great 2012. Love you all.

Mission Accomplished!!

Phew, it's over! I ultimately met my reading goal - hurray!! But I have to admit it was close, and I just managed to squeak by by reading a couple of old mysteries that I've read and reread before. Couldn't help myself - I just couldn't bear to miss it. I'm not upping my goal for next year, but I am going to try not to leave it so late.

Christmas in Ireland?

The latest addition to my book list (Christmas in Wales) was loaned to me by my neighbor because it's a short read. But it left me with ideas - do you think we could do this some year? It would be nice to dream about.

It's Christmas

Somehow I haven't felt ready for Christmas this year. Too many appointments to keep, too many issues to deal with, too much homework, too much cleaning. But panic has set in - I only have a week!! And it's going to be just fine. See our tree? See the big red "blob" on the right? It's an angel, hand made by Mackenzie. Many of the ornaments are hung too close together, but the kids did it, they love it, and I wouldn't change it for the world. Today we made pepperminst schnapps. I sent Gil his kringla. I'm baking cookies tomorrow, and we're going to have a fine Christmas. I wish we could all be together, but you're all here in our hearts.

In Cod We Trust

Mike and Scott, you've got to try this one. Maybe we should go back to our "other" roots!

The End's Approaching!

I'm never going to catch up - my goal of 100 books may be unattainable. But I'll keep plugging away. Mike and Scott, the book I just finished might be interesting to you. Maybe a little Steven Kingish.

As long as I'm here, maybe you can tell me why people approach the information desk to ask a question, then turn their backs on you and walk away before you've finished the answer. Maybe I should just start feeding them lies.

Audiobooks

Okay, this is working for me. Not enough time in the day, so I can now use my Ipod to multitask. And on top of that, I used the Ipod to track my walk workout this morning, while listening to a book at the same time. The ultimate multitasking. What a nerd I am, and only 20 years behind the times!

True Crime

So what are your favorite true crime books? The one I just finished, Evidence of Love, was very compelling. Read it in less than 24 hours.

Last Two Book Entries

It's been a long time since I've read a book I couldn't put down. That's the way I felt about The Vault. The second book is related to the first, although not really a sequel.

Ruth Rendell is tricky, though. She writes a series with a police inspector, Wexford, that I like very much. Her other stories can be weird and suspenseful; I don't always enjoy those. In this case, the first book was weird and suspenseful, the second a "Wexford" book. Really loved them.

A Friend Returns

When I first started working at this library, one of our "regular" homeless people was Sonny. He came in every day. He had a supply of very short pencil ends in his pocket, along with bits of eraser. He spent much of his time writing poetry, which he would copy. Photocopies were left lying on tables for us to find. In time, it felt like Sonny was a friend. He'd stop and visit; I taped a couple of books together for him.

Then I think about two years ago he disappeared. We heard that he had been arrested. And he didn't come back. Until today.

He looks good. His travels led him to Florida, where he stayed about a year. He's going back in a couple of weeks. I hope he comes by to say hello again.

And he left me three poems.

Intervention: Paranormal TV

My name's Kathy and I'm a paranormal junkie. My DVR list contains at least three paranormal programs with three or four episodes a week. I watch them while I clean, do laundry, monitor the kids' computer use, any excuse I can use to have the tv droning on about ghosties. Not a good thing.

So I'm committed to cut back. One episode of Ghost Hunters a week, not four. Maybe one other series, but don't ask me to decide which one right at this minute. Breaking bad habit; breaking bad habit.

But what to replace them with? I have to have something to watch while I'm knitting! We tried two new "comedies" the other night, new to us, anyway, and I'm not sure they were funny. One was "The Middle" and the other was "Modern Family." They seemed funny in a cynical, sarcastic way. I think I was looking for "The Cosby Show" instead of "Roseanne" and was sorely disappointed. So, suggestions please!

Benjamin Black

I just finished the fourth book in Benjamin Black's Quirke series and I'm recommending the series highly. The books are set in Dublin of the 1950's. Start with the first title, Christine Falls. The main character is pretty dark, but becomes more likable as the series progresses. Try it guys!

A Disclaimer, and A Night at the Movies

First, the disclaimer. Now I know my self-challenge to read 100 books in the year 2011 is a personal challenge. I don't think anyone's standing by waiting to see me fail. However, I'm feeling the stress. Then I pinpointed one little piece of that stress and used it as an excuse to beef up my numbers. I read to Christian every night (except when I'm working). I sometimes read to Mackenzie, but she prefers Grandpa. Anyway, lately we've been reading longer books, Christian and I, and I think if I'm spending around 30 minutes reading out loud, I'm entitled to take credit for it. I'll only count chapter books, and if it looks like I'm cheating, I'm sorry, but I don't really care. I hate to give up on the goal. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Now on to Movie Night!



What a great time we had! The PTA set up an inflatable movie screen in the field at school, sold pizza, candy and water, and gave away popcorn and glo-sticks. We brought chairs, blankets, jackets and pillows. The "preview" was presented by Mr. Visca, the principal, who loves music (he owns an Elvis wig and wears it frequently) and love kids. He played "Name That Tune" with his I-pod and had kids and parents dancing and singing before the show. (Not so much grandparents, at least this one, but I'm a stick-in-the-mud). It was hysterical watching Kenzie do the "Gummy Bear Dance" and it's amazing how many old songs the kids are familiar with. I guess that's a function of Mr. Visca's "Funky Fridays." I don't remember school being so much fun!

The movie was Monsters, Inc., if anyone cares, and we had a great, cheap evening. The kids went right to bed when we got home, so it couldn't have been much better. We'll definitely look forward to this one next year.

Garden Work

Today was "clean out the vegetable garden and tidy up the yard" day, and here is part of the results:



We all had a great time, and doesn't her playhouse look lovely?

Home Again

Seattle did not disappoint. The weather was nicely cloudy. There were ample opportunities for family "reuniting." It was wonderful to get to know my sister-in-law better. It was great to meet Scott's friend and companion. Personally, I loved the chance to be with all of my grandchildren at the same time. The time spent with Allison was special. At 15, she's not going to want to hang around too much longer. James is funny and refreshingly blunt. I hope we don't have to wait for another 80th birthday to do it again. Christian and Mackenzie got to experience new things and loved every minute of the trip.

Mom, I hope you got what needed from this trip. You've raised a bunch of decent people, I think. We still bicker (and I'm the worst), and harbor sibling rivalries (and I'm the worst), but we love and respect one another, and any opportunities we have to be together are precious. Love you, Mom, and we hope you have many more happy years.

The Adventure Begins

We're off to Seattle tomorrow afternoon. We'll all excited and eager to be off. The airport alone will be a big deal to the little guys, and I think we have enough diversions packed to keep the plane ride calm.

Can't wait to see you all!

Updates - Swimming, Knitting and Books

We did swimming lessons in June, and as you can see, Mackenzie is a water baby!

I've finally finshed the Whisper Cardigan that mom gifted me the yarn for. It was the hardest project I've done yet, but well worth it! Now to find the perfect outfit to go with it.



And now on to the next project - a shawl from Folk Shawls using yarn from the infamous Senior Stash. I love this book and may do every pattern!



As to books, I have not stopped reading, but I'm caught up in listening to a book by Deborah Harkness called A Discovery of Witches. I'm listening to it because I'm #222 on the list for the book at the library and the audiobook fell right in my hand. Denny, I think you might reall like this. I would say Mike too, but it gets a little romantic. Anyway, it's 24 hours of listening.

Summer Starts!

It's been a long time since we had a grade school kid getting out of school for the start of summer. I remember now that the rush of freedom isn't just felt by the student - it's a whole shift in the family's attitude. No early morning schedules, no rushing out the door, at least not for a week or so. A whole day of possibility ahead of us!

We celebrated the end of school with a beach dinner and milkshakes from McDonald's. It was obviously the right choice because they want to do it every day. If only.

The Vegetable Garden

...is really overgrown. We have a lot of stuff in a little space. The peas and beans are funning wild. Next year we'll just do beans because no one seems to like sugar snap peas. There are lots of lovely green tomatoes, but not enough sun to ripen them yet. We will not be harvesting pumpkins or watermelons. I think they're too squashed. And four of the corn stalks have tassels. Does that mean something?

Maybe next year we'll just do successive plantings of tomatoes!

Oops, I Think I Get It

I just finished Joanna Trollope's The Daughters-in-Law. I've read a few of her books over the years, and pretty much liked them. Some speak to me more than others, and this one had a big-time message - moms don't have to be in control. In fact, after a certain point, they shouldn't be. I don't think I ever thought I would have a hard time separating from my kids, but I was obviously wrong. Sure, circumstances have been such that it has been necessary for us to stay very involved, but we would all benefit if I could maintain a little emotional distance. Just a thought, and a goal.

Our Garden Gnome

Our little garden is flourishing. So far we've harvested about 12 snow peas and 1 tiny carrot. Mackenzie is my best helper out there. She'll water, weed, and pet the corn, because you know, corn has to be petted to make it grow.

A Night in the Frog Pond

Tonight was the kindergarten play, "Once Upon a Lily Pad." Very cute and it was a huge success. Christian was a snake and he handled it well. Much better than the end of summer play for the YMCA last year. How nice he's growing up!

The Birds' New Home

Our love birds are so happy in their new aviary that I feel guilty for having them in their indoor cage for so long. I hear them first thing in the morning, eager to be part of the outside world.

California Spring?

I'm not complaining, but it's raining today. Maybe not the best day because we moved the birds to their outside home yesterday, and I worry about them being too exposed. But the cloudy skies are beautiful and the air smells fresh. Everything is green and I love the rain. I wouldn't be sad if we have a cooler, wetter summer, but that's probably too much to hope for.

Wilderness Park Adventure Day

We had such a great time on Saturday! The local County wilderness park had a special free event for families, free being the operative word. So off we went to pet snakes and to look at animal pelts. There were kid games and food trucks included, definitely something for everyone.
Mackenzie was definitely the more enthusiastic snake person.



Wild kitty with her new snake friend!


And Christian, along with his mom and Grandma, loved the food.

See the squirt gun on the table in front of him? Definitely the best part of his day!

Rogers' Garden

We actually started this project last month, but have been waiting for the pictures. We planted: pumpkins, squash, watermelon, carrots, corn, tomatoes, peas, and green beans. As you can see, the whole family got involved. We've been watering and weeding faithfully. Mackenzie is taking personal responsibility for the snails. And we now have healthy plants to watch and enjoy. Stay tuned for progress reports!

The Weir

Jim took me to South Coast Repertory for our anniversary and we saw an Irish play called "The Weir." The playwright is Conor McPherson. It's not getting a great recommendation from me, but it was an afternoon enjoyably spent. It takes place in an Irish pub and has some great ghost stories. What more could one ask for?

Good Things About March

1. Rain and more rain
2. Birthdays - Dad, Rosanne, Scott, Grandma Norris and Grandma Long
3. St. Patrick's Day - especially the party
4. Leprechaun traps
5. A new garden - pictures to follow
6. Visiting relatives - so nice to feel connected
7. And last, but not least - LEPRECHAUNS




Notice how I didn't include St. Joseph's Day, swallows, or Swallows Parade? Think we need to get out of town next weekend.

"Comfort Reads"

In case you haven't noticed, many of the books I've added in the last couple of weeks are part of a series. Two series, actually, both by the same author. She is my current "comfort read." When the world seems a little hectic and the burdens a little heavy, she's created a world that gives me some escape. It's a world where problems always seem to have a solution and where people are ultimately kind to each other. Kind of like a 1950's tv show, huh?

So, what books do you turn to when you need that kind of escape? I'd like some new ideas.

First Grade

My determination to post here more frequently has not been very successful. Between bouts with the flu and a less than cooperative computer, my blogging capablity has been severely challenged. But I'll keep trying.

When did first grade become so hard? My dim, distant memories of first grade are of Mrs. Stokes class where we laboriously printed our letters and went outside for recess. Milk in glass bottles at recess are a great memory, too. I don't really remember what my kids did in first grade; simple reading, I guess, number order, counting to 100, getting used to a full day at school? And maybe a little bit of homework.

First graders now work hard! A homework folder comes home every week with math pages, writing projects, word sorts, 20 minutes of reading. And if someone's been goofing off in class (do I know anyone who would do that), there's a stack of extra work to be made up. Then there are special projects like gluing 100 objects to a poster board to celebrate 100th Day of School and a Valentine box to be covered. First grade is really wearing us out!

Anyway, that's life at our house right now. Kenzie is chomping at the bit to get into kindergarten. I'm afraid all I see is more homework ahead of us!

And #2

"Spiky, gray, grim," a quote from the Amazon review. Not an easy read, but well worth it.

Book #1 is Up!

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

This looked like a good start to the year, as well as finish to the old year. Known for my cheerful disposition (Dad called me Grinch, remember?), it seemed the time was ripe for self improvement. I liked this woman's approach - the changes are in little things that finally come down to attitude. So if you see me being more polite, more organized, less critical, you can blame it on the book.

A Movie Recommendation

Stone of Destiny.

We watched it on Netflix. You'll love it.

Christmas Memories

Kenzie crying when she realized the preschool Santa was Grandpa.
The Christmas tree with all the ornaments at the bottom.
Cuddling with Kenzie as we watched the Nutcracker on the portable dvd player.
Giving in and letting the kids decorate Christmas cookies.
The homemade labels on my jars of peppermint schnapps.
Watching Christian and Kenzie dance to the Wii.

A very nice Christmas.