Saturday, May 27, 2006

* home again...

Had to take a quick run here to Bailey's Cove this morning. Would love to really be there physically,but since that's impossible, I will take the fantasy visit. For those of you who are not acqainted with this place, it's my "home away from home".... a place where my body once was, and my heart returns on it's own accord. It is the place where in the summer of 2000, I walked upon a secluded beach and the wind whispered to me, "you're home...". Don't ask me why. I don't know.

My real home is here in Texas with my immediate family. My home-town where I grew up until married and where most of our family still remains is New Orleans, Louisiana. But my heart and spirit found it's own place there on that beach in Maine.

The last time I journaled here was right before Christmas in December 2005. It's probably the longest I've stayed away since creating the Bailey's Cove site. I'll have to check that to be sure.

But this morning and tomorrow morning, I intend to be here... sitting on the rocks with Toby looking out to sea...

*One can go back ... (if the spirit moves you) to see how Bailey's cove was created.

Anyway, it IS Memorial Day weekend and although I DO work today in the RW, something of me remains here re-creating.... and remembering.


This song is one of my favorites. Simple as it is, I think it says a lot.



God Bless the USA


If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,

And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,

‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.



And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.

And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.



From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,

across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,



From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,

Well, there’s pride in every American heart,

and it’s time to stand and say:



I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.

And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.




Have a Happy Safe Holiday weekend!

Rian

Thursday, May 18, 2006

* not "called in" today....


This is the first Thursday in a while that I haven't worked at the bookstore. It's weird, but OK. Actually.... one of the other booksellers did ask me if I'd work their 6PM until midnight shift, but I declined. Both sons mentioned possibly going out to eat Thursday or Friday night... and I worked someone's shift already on Tuesday... and the late late shift (6pm until midnight)... I'm not too fond of. When I work, I generally work the early or late morning shift. This works out better for us (DH, Mama, and me)... although I'm not opposed to taking on a late shift on occasion.


But I have a bunch of errands to catch up on today and I did get invited to lunch by DH. We haven't been able to do this in a while... so I'm looking forward to it.


It is now Friday and I've done my usual Friday early morning coffee meeting, run Mama to the Senior Center for an appointment at 10, and am now home cleaning and catching up until it's time for Mama's hair appointment this afternoon. I've really got to get this computer room up to snuff. It's takes a while to get through it all and I have been working on it. It's just not done yet (the piles of mail have gotten smaller though).


School is almost over for this term. I believe GS will be out for the summer sometime next week. It's funny how you forget just how life used to revolve around the school year... when your own kids were involved. Now that GS is old enough to be in elementary school, it's like the return of the old cycle (Baby B has yet to enter the elementary school system... but it won't be long...).


I guess summer has its own fascination when you're a kid. I look back on long hot summer days with nothing in particular to do... used a lot of imagination back then. Kids probably don't need it as much these days... with TV, video games, etc. Maybe it's why I enjoy writing and reading so much now... firing up the imagination rekindles my childhood? Who knows? But I do look back fondly. I LIKED having "time" to myself. I still do. Our every day activities weren't "planned out" as they seem to be now.... with soccer practice and piano lessons and karate... and yes, even horse-back riding (though I might have given my eye teeth to have had the opportunity to take riding lessons back then). But with the way things are these days, perhaps it's better to have kids activities scheduled to keep them off the streets where who knows what they could be exposed to. Sad? I guess. We were on the streets from dawn to dusk without mishap then... but it was a different time.


Talking about "different times"... the picture at the top here was taken in Guffy, Colorado at a little general store that didn't see much activity. I thought it made an interesting photo... kind of a "where's Elmo?" type (and I can't figure out why the toilet roll is hung right there in the aisle?)


OK, this is about as much fun as I'm allowed to have in one day, so I'd better close this. I did make a Ruth Bishop chocolate cake today. It was really good too, Wendy... just the right amount of coffee and chocolate.


Have a good one!



Rian

Wednesday, May 3, 2006

Happy Birthday B....
(There's pictures here)

It's my daughter's B-day today. She'll probably not read this, but that's OK. I did send a card and will call her later today. I hope it's a good week for them. The last few weeks have been a little weird. Baby B got bit by a spider and had to get antibiotics, then she was playing with some boys in the school yard and disjointed her arm (had to go to the emergency room), then last I heard was that she had Strep throat... but was on the mend. So, hopefully all is well and will continue to be so for a while.

We are fine here ... busy, but fine. I took Mama to a foot doctor yesterday. She thought he was wonderful... (He was very nice). I can't imagine someone dedicating their life to taking care of other people's feet? But thank god there are some who find that work fulfilling. Mama's arthritic knee is a mite improved. We're not sure if it's anything we're doing or did, or it's just having a good week - but we'll take it. I read somewhere that ginger and turmeric are both good anti-imflamatories... so I may start incorporating more of these spices into our diets.

I also went to a new doctor for myself on Monday. She's a Pulmonary Specialist who is also the wife on my Oncologist. He just wanted me to check with her because I've had a chronic cough for about 5 years. I don't notice it much, but DH says I cough a lot. She looked at my lung x-rays and gave me some "tests" where you blow into a tube, etc. Says that my lungs seem fine... a little calcium deposits there, but nothing to worry about (whatever that may mean?). I don't smoke or drink and really don't have sinus problems that I know of. She did give me some "singulair" pills to try to see if possibly I have some nasal drip that might be causing it. Other than that, it may be due to the radiation I had 5 years ago. It could have irritated something... and if that's the case, then I will have to live with it. This is OK with me. I only had it checked out because I was told it would be wise to do so. She did recommend a stress echo-cardiogram also.. since coughing is sometimes a sign of a heart problem... and I do get "flutters". But I've had an echocardiogram before... and the results were normal. However, she wants a stress-echocardiogram. So I guess we'll set one up.

We had the May 1st thing here where so many of the illegal (and legal) aliens didn't work that day. I don't know if it was successful or not as I'm not inclined to be too politically savy, but I do hope they can come to some common ground where both sides are... if not satisfied, at least can live with the results. I personally think that those who have been here for a while working, making a living, and participating should be "grandfathered" to some extent. If we didn't act on our illegal immigration laws back when we should have, then maybe there should be a statue of limitations on it. I don't know. This may sound totally politically naive, but it seems that if we intend to enforce the law now (and hopefully we have the means to do this), then it should relate only to those who are recent illegals... and possibly those who have previously immigrated but who have not shown an interest in integrating well into our society (illegals who have criminal records, etc.). As I said, I really don't know all the ins and outs, but I do agree that people of any nationality who come to the US and are willing to work and become an integral part of our society should be allowed to do so... (and yes, there must be some restrictions and limitations).


I guess that's enough for today. Have been following along with JB's move from Lincolnshire back to Sumerset. It's so nice that he takes us along for the adventure... (If you're reading this, JB, we're anxiously awaiting for those promised pictures of the caravan and the sea... but of course we know the house-hunting must take top priority.)


Oh, one other thing that I wanted to mention... Have any of you out there heard the new praises being sung for coconut oil? A while back they frowned on using this oil for anything and now they seem to think that they've missed the boat. I've been reading up on it and it sounds like it would be an excellent addition to one's diet... as long as one didn't overdo. I have a friend who uses it in cooking and also as a body cream. I imagine the flavor is great and apparently it has a 2 year plus shelf life. I was told to be sure to buy the unrefined extra virgin type. There's a book out (that I haven't read yet) but I think it's called "The Miracle of Coconut Oil". I may check it out at the bookstore and have a look.


Well, better close this. Thanks for reading.



Rian

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

* in the 90's already...


It's Tuesday after Easter and the weather has really been warm. It was in the 90's the last 2 days... (makes you wonder what July and August will be like?).


We had a wonderful weekend up in the Hill Country around San Antonio. We got to spend some time with Baby B (who is no longer a baby... but almost 5!) The weather was great... neither too hot nor rainy. Spent Friday hanging around the house talking and drinking coffee... or iced tea. Saturday we went to an Easter Egg Hunt at Church, then lunch at a cute restaurant called "The Gathering" (I think that's right?), then visited a working farm park where you could walk trails (picture at top is one of those trails), check out the barns, animals, farmhouse, etc. and take pictures. Baby B loved the baby chicks!


Later at home we grilled chicken and hamburgers with fresh corn on the cob and acorn squash... and Baby B and I picked fresh lettuce, spinach, and onions from their garden to make a salad. And her next door neighbor made a spectacular carrot cake which we later ate with ice-cream and coffee!


Our family traditionally goes to Brunch each year on Easter Sunday and this time tried a new place that someone had recommended. It was about a 40 minute drive, but worth it in the end. They even had a special room set up for the little ones with their own food selections, Easter eggs, and even an Easter coloring table. Food was great... coffee was great... and dessert selection was great! Usually we're too full after the entree to enjoy dessert, so this time I had a plan. I went to the dessert table first. After some egg custard, one strawberry dipped in chocolate, and one truffle, I skipped all the breakfast foods offered and moved on to salad, cheese, and assorted veggies, then... back to the dessert table for another truffle and coffee. Worked out quite well.


Outside there was a miniature petting Zoo set up for the kids... with horses, bunnies, a llama, pot-bellied pig, etc.


All in all, we had a very nice day.


Headed back to Dallas that afternoon. Arrived home tired, but happy. Cats were glad to see us...


Double entry since it's already the 25th of April and I haven't posted this...



April 25, 2006

* a day of rest...


Having had to work the last 5 days straight... (not 8 hours, but either 4 or 6), it's kept me from getting back on the computer. Today I have an accumulation of mail to go through, bills to pay, house to clean, errands to run, take Mama to lunch, etc. (Did I say a day of rest...??)


Anyway, it has been a bit busy, with work, Income Tax day, GS (had him for a few days while parents were out of town), and home health care for Mama. Mama's arthritic knee has been giving her fits so we decided to check out home health care to see if they could be of any help. They were. We had a nurse, a therapist, and an aide come and help several times a week for almost 3 weeks. Mama liked the company and they advised her on how to "do" certain things safely and with minimal trouble to her knee. The therapist showed her the correct way to use her walker and gave her some exercises to do to strengthen the muscles in her legs. They "released" her this week.


I've also gotten back to sketching and watercolor yesterday and today... (when did you say? Well, while watching TV at night for one... and very early this morning. ) But you've got to get at it when the muse hits.


That's going to do it for now. Hopefully I'll get to write again this Saturday (not working)... or maybe Sunday morning. Thanks for reading and do leave a note in my album if you feel like it. I love reading them.


Oh... one more thing. Books! I'm in the mist of reading several.... starting the 5th in the Outlander series, "The Fiery Cross", finished "The Gnostic Gospels", into "Prince Caspian" (of the Narnia series), "Marley and Me", and the latest "Cat Who" book. When do I read? Usually at night before I fall asleep, sometimes while watching TV, and occasionally at lunch at work...



Have a good week.

Rian

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

* getting ready for Easter...


I'm off work today and usually try to 'walk in the park' on my day off (which varies from week to week)... and get a little fresh air and nature... but there's just too much to do today to take the time. We'll resume next week. I really need to clean house, check our Easter supplies, get the stuff ready for the grandkids, etc.


And I'm sure that Mama has errands to run...


The picture at the top is an area down by the creek that my neighbor uses as a patio (bigger picture here). She cleared it off and made it very cozy. Looks nice don't you think? (especially with the Easter Bunny!)


It's now about 6:30 in the evening and we just finished supper (Chicken stuffed with ham and cheese, roasted herbed sweet potatoes, fresh broccoli with seasoned salt and butter, broiled tomatoes topped with real butter, bread crumbs, and basil, and fresh sliced carrots and parsnips with a tiny bit of brown sugar). I know it's a lot of veggies, however we eat small amounts... just lots of variety.


I did wash some clothes, changed the linens on the bed, ran quite a few errands, had friend over for tea in the afternoon, and took a short walk (just in the neighborhood). I've yet to get any real cleaning done... or baking.

But hopefully I'll get some of it done this evening... and possibly tomorrow morning (before work).

Going to close for now. Know this is short, but so's time today.





Wishing all of you a safe healthy Happy Easter!



Rian












Happy Easter!

Sunday, April 2, 2006

* beautiful day outside...


Just got home from work and had all these great plans to work in the yard, cook some new recipe, perhaps sketch and paint a bit... But as I sit here and check my email, etc. I'm getting so-oo sleepy. Perhaps I should take a nap?


Picture above is Baby B's first riding lesson. She's been wanting to start riding for a while now and finally got started this past week. She's 4. When B sent me the pics, I thought... well, it's obvious she's ready... not the least afraid... She told me on the phone this morning that her horse's name is Diego... and that she wants to ride him every day.


Also I recently started reading The Gnostic Gospels. DH just read Holy Blood, Holy Grail, and both of us have read The Divinci Code, as well as Angels and Demons, etc. I have to admit that these books certainly do open up your mind to endless possibilities... none of which change my basic beliefs in the slightest. Even if some of the things I've believed to be physically true turn out to be symbolically true, it doesn't change anything for me. It's what's behind the ideas that matter... what we were meant to take from these things. And perhaps we were all meant to take what we individually need on our specific path. Who knows? We can only follow our heart and our head... I believe we've all been given exactly what we need to get where we need to go... and although our paths may all be different, they will take us there eventually... unless we actively chose not to go.


Enough of that. I'm cooking steamed halibut, seasoned with butter, parsley, lemon, and bacon... which I will serve on a bed of fresh cooked spinach with sea salt and hard boiled egg... oh, and roasted acorn squash. This is our Sunday night supper.



By the way, DH dried some bay leaves (quite a lot actually) by hanging them from our patio about 2 weeks ago... and I took them in, washed them, and put them to dry in my AGA (warming oven - 150 degrees). Then I stored them away in glass jars for future use. They smell wonderful.


Tonight is "Desperate Housewives"... a show that's not a favorite, but enjoyable and certainly funny. Then "Gray's Anatomy"... which is a favorite... and at 10 pm (if I can stay awake) there's "As Time Goes By..." an English comedy on PBS that I watch every Sunday. I'm not a big TV watcher, preferring to read my books in the evening, but as things go... Sunday night is not too bad.


The cats are fine. Julie (alias Monkey Mouse) is coming along nicely. She's friendlier and seems less skittish in her explorations of the house, etc. She certainly isn't afraid of the other cats... although Molly tends to hiss at her on occasion. Jack and Tux (her brothers) accept her without much hesitation. They are such good dispositioned cats.


I'm going to close this and hope to post either later tonight or in the morning. I realize that my journals are simple day to day occurrences... and not usually earth shattering or even news related - politically or any other way. But that's why I originally named it "From Dawn to Dusk"... a piecemeal record of an ordinary life. I like being able to go back to the same month 2005 or 2003 and see what was going on then. (For some reason there's no entries in April, 2004???) It's sometimes quite enlightening... for me. (Even previous to that... 2002 2001)


Anyway, hope you all had a really nice weekend!

Rian








Baby B and her horse "Diego"

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

* nothing to report...



Nothing especially significant to report today. I worked Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday... unusual schedule, but most days it was only 4 hours (except yesterday which was a normal 8 hour shift). So it wasn't bad. Saturday was 7 till 11... went by in a flash.



Yesterday they had me in the "kids" section of the bookstore all day. It's mostly helping parents find books (or ordering them), picking up the books the kids pull out, and reshelving. I spoke to a man the other day that was looking for a particular book for his little girl. He came from a long line of educators, mostly English teachers... and his child was reading well at 5. He himself was a black sheep... was in Nanotechnology. We spoke a little about that. Sounded like fascinating work. I told him that I had read "Prey" recently by Michael Crichton and before that hadn't ever heard about Nanotechnology. Asked if they were really capable of combining the two sciences (Biological and Nano)? He said yes, but he wasn't working on anything like that. I read "Prey" because someone told me that they suspected that this was similar to what was going on in the TV series "Lost" (that black cloud or swarm)?



Anyway... as for books, I'm now in the 4th of The Outlander series. This one is "Drums of Autumn". I'm also about finished with Lewis' "The Horse's Boy". This past weekend was busy. Besides working, DH and I had Symphony on Saturday night and dinner with some old friends on Sunday. This is unusual too... as we don't really go out often. Had to have my oldest pick up his brother at the airport for us Saturday night and then spend a little time with Mama so she wouldn't be home alone too long. Then a friend came by and picked up Mama on Sunday evening and they went to dinner together while we were off with friends. We were home by 8:30.



Today I'm OFF! Have to straighten up the house, pay some bills, take Mama to lunch, etc. But in general... can take it slow... and plan to do just that. The picture above of Molly with her paw on Thibbadeaux's head is an old one. But I was looking for a picture and came across that. Don't believe I ever posted it before. Hope not.



Well, it's now after 5pm. We've run our errands, had lunch, etc. and even found time for a haircut and a short nap. At the moment we have a stuffed chicken in the oven as well as broiled tomatoes, and sugar snap peas. Still have a few things to wash, but in general... the better part of the day is over. Time left will be spent eating and relaxing. Might even read for a bit or do some sketching...



The weather was great today, but they are forecasting rain either tomorrow or in the next day or so. I've nothing against rain. It's the combination of rain and cold that can get to me.



Have a nice week and... thanks for reading.



Rian




"You're getting sleee-eepy..."