Hen Clicks

Far North on the North Island

2012-01-14T13:46:00.003-06:00

The lovely lady eating fish and chips with Walt is Helen, my sister's sister-in-law who lives in Whangarei. She graciously invited us up for a tour of the far north of NZ. The highlight has to be the viewing of the great kauri trees in New Zealand's rain forests. Many thanks, Helen, for a wonderful outing and all your hospitality.

My NZ Nephews

2012-01-11T22:24:00.002-06:00

What Luck!

2012-01-11T21:47:00.003-06:00

Remember the All Black Plane in the photograph a couple of posts back? We got to ride it Monday from Wellington to Auchland! All black leather seats, more room and more luxury. We were thrilled. Then we boarded a 20 passenger prop from the tarmac to Whangarei. How "Casa Blanca" is that!

View from the Wharf

2012-01-03T15:16:00.001-06:00

Really Fresh

2012-01-03T03:36:00.001-06:00

Our nephew Brandon gave us the grand tour and got us high on caffeine.

All Black Surprise

2012-01-01T14:02:00.002-06:00

While in the Auckland airport, this beauty popped in. What a treat to get to see up close and personal, especially after these guys just won the world cup. Just part of the adventure of getting here. Delays and layovers and an unexpected day in Fiji.

Merry Christmas from the River Walk in San Antonio

2011-12-20T09:32:00.000-06:00

What's on the Fridge

2011-12-20T09:30:00.000-06:00

Pick today or Freeze tonight

2011-12-06T18:21:00.001-06:00

On the Porch This Morning

2011-11-15T18:26:00.002-06:00

Here's proof that it does rain in Texas. Best morning coffee on the deck in ages.

TRIBUTE

2011-10-15T19:15:00.007-05:00

The Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery was composed of rolling hills, Fall painted trees and a small lake with a fountain bordered by a memorial to our war heroes replete with flags waving over the edge of the lake. The ceremony took place in a pavilion bordering the same lake. There were two marines at attention, holding the American Flag which was neatly folded. The minister was from Janelle's and Travis church and he was a tall elegant man with snow white hair who had the most wonderful kind expression on his face.

Brother Grey gave a wonderful sermon about the nature of death. He gave the analogy that death was like birth. The baby is content in its mother's womb with all that it needs to survive, but in order to pass into Life it must leave that safe haven. It does so and enters a totally new and better life. So the person dying must leave the safety of this life for a new one that is even better. We are afraid of this passage but it is just as natural as birth and just a normal passage into a new phase of "living".
After his sermon, the taps were played and the two marines unfolded the flag and refolded it into a perfect triangle. Then each Marine saluted it in turn and one of the young men went to the family and knelt on one knee. He presented the flag to Travis with the words "On behalf of the President of the United States,the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and Corps."

I have been to several military funerals, army, air force, navy and now marine. The ceremony never fails to touch my heart and make me so very proud of our country and the men who defend it. Rocky served in Viet Nam during the Tet Offensive when some of the most brutal fighting took place. He had a wonderful kind heart and loved and admired Herb. Herb had served in the Army ahead of Rock in Laos, Cambodia and Viet Nam. They had much in common in their shared feelings about the war and their love of family and country.

We will miss him very much.

His son Travis did a wonderful job of honoring him with such a beautiful service. Present for the service was his son Travis Crofford, ex-wife Janelle Crofford, his sister Judy Hennig, four cousins including us, and a sister in law. Melissa and Mike Catlett.

Sunday Dinner with Big Grandma

2011-09-15T09:36:00.001-05:00

Movie Lust

2011-08-18T11:30:00.005-05:00

I wish I could create this quality.
West Texas

Father Finds a New Chair

2011-08-14T18:42:00.002-05:00

I wouldn't let him bring it home!

Advice

2011-08-10T09:13:00.003-05:00

When was the last time you tried to organize you photos? Don't wait for 50 years. By that time you will have forgotten who's who and the date. I'm finally getting to my in-laws packed boxes of old photos. I'm finding so many classic and wonderful pictures that have no names or dates on the back. I can't believe my mother-in-law left this world without doing this. What a scramble it is to get them identified. Most of the ones who knew them died a while back. So, I'm depending on relatives who might recognize someone or the picture of someone. Sometimes, just getting one person named allows the picture person to identify the same person in other photos. Still, too many remain unknown and lost to future generations..

Gotta Love the Hair

2011-07-26T16:17:00.006-05:00

Granted, he just got out of bed, but this boy has a record number of cowlicks. My favorite it his Alfalfa look. Aside from the hair, it's also great that he is reading. I know, you see him reading the funny papers here, but you're just as likely to see him with a thick book. A grandmother could go broke buying this boy books. I keep promoting the library and borrowing. When was the last time you visited your local library... well, that's too long.

Visiting Grandchildren

2011-07-26T16:10:00.005-05:00

Yes, you see Hunter with a hammer destroying what was a boom box. Truth is, it was a 70's model we no longer use. I rescued it from the trash where Walt put it, and kept it for a "take-apart" project for the boys. Ethan became bored with after about 15 minutes, but H2 and I stuck with it for a couple of hours. That was one tough plastic encased unit. Our goal was to reuse the parts in an art project, but we didn't quite get to that part.

Fishing Pictures

2011-07-04T10:20:00.002-05:00

Just so my New Zealand Family knows they don't have a corner on the market of "cute kid fishing pictures."

A Pie for Tom

2011-07-04T10:11:00.001-05:00

Tom came to dinner Sunday and got a surprise... a rhubarb pie, my first one. I did it just for him.

Big Grandma's Bird Nest

2011-06-19T18:40:00.006-05:00

Big Grandma liked her birthday wreath so much, she has kept it up since April. Now, she can't take it down until the garden wren's eggs hatch.

A Wow Commerical

2011-06-18T12:30:00.000-05:00

Dirt Devil-The Exorcist from MrPrice2U on Vimeo.

Irony

2011-06-17T20:34:00.002-05:00

Walt got his new I-Phone on Wednesday.
This appeared in the Thursday paper.

Comment of the Day

2011-06-11T13:11:00.004-05:00

Walt approached me today and said, "Bad things are happening in this world."

"How? I ask.

"I just heard a mocking bird sound like a cell phone?"

YEP!

Saturday's Adventure

2011-06-09T11:26:00.002-05:00

This picture resulted after 2 1/2 hours of standing in line in front of Williams and Sonoma's La Contera Store. Glad we did it. Eva is so nice. You might also note that she is the best looking on in the picture.

In the Garden TODAY

2011-05-08T14:34:00.009-05:00

What fun it's been to watch this happen! We've watched this family for months. We drank coffee on the deck as a pair of wrens built the nest. We drank coffee on the deck as they took turns sitting on the eggs. We drank coffee on the deck as they have fed the brood. We'll drink coffee on the deck when they have gone.

These unlikely pals will no doubt entertain us as we drink coffee with our waffles while at the kitchen table.

Adult Mischief

2011-04-25T11:21:00.003-05:00

At Mom's 90th Birthday Party, there were only 6 little boys and no girls. The rest of us were proper adults until...

Stehle filled up the leftover balloons with water and distributed them quietly. Not a kid realized what was about to happen when they were lined up to take a picture. I loved it!

Sunday Dinner with Big Grandma

2011-03-22T10:46:00.004-05:00

We invited Jim and Edna to dinner, and got Bob and Gloria as well. What a treat to have all of them. Bob and Mom hadn't been together since Dad's funeral in 1994. She was so excited she couldn't sleep that night. Bob charmed her in a big way.

HEB Song

2011-02-02T14:38:00.002-06:00

Mini-adventure #1

2011-01-30T13:24:00.005-06:00

This is the time of year when cabin fever sets in and I long for an outing. One beautiful Friday we hit the road to Fredericksburg for lunch and a visit with friends. Wonderful!. On a back road on the way home, this beautiful creature along with a couple of her friends appeared just inside the fence. Couldn't resist stopping and snapping. She made be one parading downtown soon to hype up folks for our February Rodeo.

Green Christmas Salad

2010-12-26T11:00:00.004-06:00

This is a Christmas family tradition for for decades. Until, that is, my children came along. It absolutely horrifies them. I doubt a single one of the three has even taken a bite of it...if so, I bet it was spit out. Just a simple lime jello salad with cream cheese or cottage cheese, canned pineapple and nuts. It's cool and sweet and LOW in calories. Use sugar-free jello and even the diabetics and large folks can eat guilt free. Great leftovers. These days, I have to make it just to create a little drama at the Christmas table. I'm tickled when they protest so much and make fun of my jello salad.

Now, not the case with my nephews. They believe in traditions like green Christmas salad. I heard from my sister that nephew Brice was talking wishfully about it at their Christmas dinner in New Zealand. When I explained how easy it was to make, she informed me that NZ jello just wasn't the same. I've written a note to myself to send HEB lime jello to NZ for next year.

I wonder if others have a Christmas traditions that gets mixed reviews?

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T10:56:00.003-06:00

Good food. Lots of calls. and special visitor, Lois, made this a heads-up day for this lovely lady.

Christmas Present

2010-12-11T09:12:00.002-06:00

We very quickly decided on our Christmas present this week when the repairman told us the dishwasher's motor had burned out. (Darn! There goes the diamonds and a boat for another year.) What makes this event blog worthy is the actual buying. Heretofore, when we have sought a new appliance, we could get delivery in 2 or 3 days. Not so this time. Most varieties required about 30 days to get to the store. Not wanting to hand-wash dishes for that long, we chose from just a couple that could get here next week. Not just us; not just dishwashers. A lady looking for a microwave was told it wouldn't or couldn't be shipped before Dec. 27. (I could have told her to go buy one off the shelf at HEB, but she was probably looking for a more substantial model. Besides, everyone knows I ALWAYS "mind my own business".)

This seems to be a comment on the state of the economy. Retail prefers not to invest in product; business is saving its money. Government just talks and talks.

Good Surprise

2010-12-04T14:35:00.004-06:00

We came home yesterday from a lovely late lunch to discover our daughter Stehle had popped in for a surprise visit. Praise the "use or lose your vacation days before the end of the year" edict! So far we have had morning coffee on the deck (one of my favorite things) and attended an art show in progress in the picture. Currently, Stehle and Dad are tooling around in the T-Bird. Tonight may be the river boats in downtown SA with all the Christmas lights in their glory (another of my favorite things). All of you should be jealous.

Me and My Friend Clevel

2010-11-14T14:21:00.003-06:00

Afternoon coffee with a cherished friend ranks near the top of life's pleasures. Clevel always told me never to invite her unless I really wanted her because she would always come. She came for sharing and she came when giving was needed...not just for me, but for many. She left us this month, but in my heart she still resides. Cheers to a remarkable and loving friend.

Judy's Birthday Book

2010-10-30T15:01:00.004-05:00

Yes, I recently had a birthday. You may think this post is "all about me," but it really pays tribute to my BFF who cared enough NOT TO BUY the best, but to MAKE the best birthday card ever. Hours and hours of effort went into producing this book that I have shared in the video. How wonderful to have such a friend.

New Camera

2010-09-27T11:49:00.009-05:00

before

after

This summer I replaced my old point and shot with a Cannon PowerShot 3500 IS Digital Elph with 14.1 mega pixels. Pricy, yes, but nothing like the big boy stuff. I have decided that my eyes don't work well enough and I'm too lazy to haul around all the professional equipment anyway. I chose this camera because of its remarkable close-up ability. The camera focus automatically as the lens approaches it's target, saving the operator from having to shift the mode to close-up. I take it with me when I do genealogy research. I just snap a picture of the page rather than try to copy it. Recently, I visited a cousin who had wonderful family pictures. Since these old and priceless pictures were too precious to take from the owner for scanning, I simply snapped them with my Elph. Further complicating the process was that I had no tripod and the light was not desirable on this raining day. Still, I am very happy with the results. Take a look at what came from the camera and what the final project looks like after some restoration efforts. Certainly good enough to tell the family history.

Planting Time

2010-09-12T13:17:00.003-05:00

We had the eye of a downgraded hurricane pass over our property last week. Bad news is that we lost a rather big limb off our very large oak tree at the side of the house. Good news we just had small limbs and branches to clean up ... no real damage. Better news is the nine inches of rain that came. I know that sounds huge, but we were very dry, and we have shallow soil over hill country rock. The rain headed straight for the aquifer, but it left the garden perfect for tilling.

I got the cemetery bed cleaned, tilled and ready for planting. The big garden in the back is partially tilled, but needs another round. Surprisingly, the front of the garden will till, but I can't say it's moisture content is perfect. I'm hoping to get my seeds in this week...and, for another lovely rain to germinate them. Tomatoes, which I put in last month, have a couple of blooms. I'm already thinking about eating those lovely fall vegetables.

Did you know?

2010-08-28T10:57:00.003-05:00

I went to the San Antonio Library (the big enchilada red building downtown) to see what they might have in the way of genealogy records. Wow! I was really blown away. It has online subscriptions to 3 genealogy services, which could save a researcher a lot of monthly fees. Since most of my searches are in Texas, I really appreciated the Texana Room. It has thousands of volumes of history, records, and indexes, many of which are compiled by county. Many trips will be required just to determine all the stuff available. If you are looking, go to the library.

It's True!

2010-08-21T09:04:00.004-05:00

Start working on your family history, and you get sucked in. Finding the pieces and placing them in the right spot is the ultimate jigsaw puzzle. And, like any less than brand new puzzle, there are always missing pieces.

Ant Problems

2010-08-14T16:37:00.003-05:00

No ant problems here. These are friendly ants that my husband received for his "monumental" birthday on August 11. Our three kids gave them to him as personal representatives of themselves. According to the card, the ant with the pick ax is Durk because a pick ax is a manly tool and looks like heavy work, but is only a swing and then rest. Dijea Ant shovels, which is definitely the hardest and most difficult job in the garden, and everyone knows she is the hardest worker. Stehle Ant likes to stand around and look pretty, so she carries a bucket to make her look like she's useful. These worker ants just showed up in the garden the morning of his birthday. They made him smile, for sure. He's still moving them around to find the best place, so I may post other pictures of them from time to time.

Happy Birthday, Walt. Isn't it good to have this one behind you instead of worrying about facing it?

Epigenome Song

2010-08-08T13:04:00.002-05:00

I got Reunion (Apple geneology software) for Christmas and joined Ancestry. Hundreds of hours later, I'm still excited. I've made great progress trying to construct the Hennig tree from their arrival from Germany in the 1850's. Still have years to go. This video it perfect for introducing the subject to my blog.

What Grandpa's Do

2010-06-30T10:36:00.003-05:00

Walt, Stehle and Blake spent the day in Austin doing the "Texas" stuff. Nice thing about it is there were no admission fees and no parking fees...proof that Texas hasn't caught up to the rest of the world.

From the Big Blow

2010-06-05T19:26:00.005-05:00

These are additional views of the object in the post below. This hummingbird's nest was a causality of the violent storm that passed by here this week. The nest sat on the end of a very large branch of a very large oak tree beside our house. We found it last year when a hummingbird darted between our feeder and the nest while raising babies.

The bird returned this year for another round. We are pretty sure all this year's babies had left the nest before it went down. We cut it off the fallen branch and will keep it for future show and tell. Amazing construction. Beautifully built. Long lasting.

Photo of the Day

2010-06-03T09:44:00.003-05:00

If I did the 360 Project (a-photo-a-day), this would be today's post. What do you think it is?

Saturday Adventure

2010-05-31T10:16:00.010-05:00

Rick Riordan, a San Antonio author, writes great adult mystries, but he has made it big with his young adult series. The Lightening Thief has even been made into a movie. (He said he hasn't even seen the movie because he wants to keep his on images in his head for future books). This first series is based on Greek Mythology. Riordan uses Egyptian Mythology as his new vehicle in The Red Pyramid.

I have this "book thing" going on with my oldest grandson. I taught him to read a whole book while his folks were away for a week. He was so proud to demonstrate his accomplishments when they returned. As I remember, he was barely 5. Actually, he had been read to for so long and was ready to strike out on his own; he just didn't know it. I got him The Lighting Thief for Christmas when it came out. He loved it and has read all of Riordan's young adult books several times over. I always send him newspaper clippings about anything to do with Riordan.

Naturally, I couldn't miss the author's book signing for The Red Pyramid. The store was scheduled to start giving out tickets for the 2:00 p.m. signing at 9:00 a.m. that morning. We got there 20 minutes early, and there were already 300 people in line.
Tickets were an alphabet letter in numbers of 30...30 A's, 30 B's, 30 C's,...We got a J. We walked through the store a couple of hours later, tickets were at J1. By 12:30 we saw tickets with W3. Figure it out...26 letters to the alphabet times 30 times 4 turnovers! Comers had to be in the neighborhood of 3,000.

What's so great about this? We are talking about a book signing, not a rock concert. Kids and parents all over the place. Can you guess that I am a former reading teacher? I am a happy one to see this.

For Katherine

2010-05-22T10:59:00.006-05:00

The possibility that I have my townships mixed up does exist. We would have been coming from Wellington. We rounded a bend and saw this very picturesque and quaint township over a valley. The church popped out on the extraordinarily green hillside. (Remember, I come from Texas, and sometimes light yellow passes for green here.) We had to seek it out and photograph it. On this trip, we were fascinated with all the little churches dotting your landscape. Walt, my husband, wanted to record them and paint them all. He had recently retired and decided he was going to do watercolor. In fact, his very first watercolor was of a church in Nelson. (1st entry of 2008).

For fun, I thought I'd try to find a picture of the little church in Hamilton of which I speak. The picture posted registers inferior to the one that lives in my head. It doesn't have the lighting, color or composition of the view from afar when I rounded the bend. Lousy camera or photographer or both.

The plane was in the same sequence of photos.

Monday Drive

2010-05-03T16:07:00.002-05:00

This picture covers a multitude of subjects. First, it shows the sea of flowers that has blanketed Texas this spring...a glorious spring for wildflowers. The bluebonnets come out first, then the other wildflowers and grasses grow taller. The season has already peaked. Secondly. the spot resides in Goliad County, where the rattlesnakes grow exceptionally large and are found is great numbers. Needless to say, I treaded with apprehension. Finally, the view resides in a cemetery.

I'm well into the genealogy of my husband's family. We set out Monday on a fact finding mission. First stop was the Goliad County Library and their archives. Then, lunch! Always one of the best parts of any excursion. Next came the courthouse. I discovered it is much easier to get into the public records than to board a plane. No waiting; no pat downs; no showing of ID's. Clerks willingly gathered materials and offered instructions and encouragement. Interesting and fun.

Color You Gifts

2010-04-25T13:32:00.003-05:00

I got a "thank you" in an email for some leopard print tights I sent the lovely Jane for her birthday. She's part of my New Zealand family. My nephews are kinda of "use only black or blue ink" sort of fellows, and I'm more a box of 54 Crayolas." Leopard print seemed a lot more fun than plain black, although much less practical and useful. In the end, I opted for fun.

I felt a pure splash of joy when I read Jane's note. Here is an excerpt:

When I was 4 I had a pair of leopard skin tights, I loved these tights and wouldn't have traded them for all the barbies and candy in the world. They were my absolute favourite, I wore theme EVERYWHERE, playdates, pre-school, to bed, outside, inside, rain, hail or shine. They were worn out at the knees and in the butt, but I didn' care, I loved them. I remeber waiting at the dryer in the laundry room so I could put them straight back on after I reluctantly let my mum wash them. Oneday on returning home from pre-school I went to put on my favourite pair of tights, but could not find them anywhere, not in the drawers or the laundry basket or the washing line or under the bed - they were no where to be found! On asking my mother she guiltily said she wasn't sure...Sometime after this I was in the car with mum when I noticed a bag on the floor to be delivered to the Salvation Army clothes bin - through the white plastic bag I spotted the leopard print which I loved so much. Obviously I dragged the tights out immediately and was allowed to keep them for sometime after this. A few months later they officially started falling apart, I halfheartedly allowed my Mum to throw them out, but it was a sad day, I might have to check with mum but I am almost certain I cried!

Now onto your present, 20 years later I feel the tights have come back to me, full circle!

Perspective

2010-04-15T08:39:00.002-05:00

Couldn't resist posting this cartoon from Sunday's paper.

April 7, 1921

2010-04-07T17:59:00.004-05:00

This happy lady celebrates her birthday today. She woke up to a special breakfast prepared by our good friend Margie. Calls started early, pizza and Italian creme cake made up lunch, and two flower deliveries arrived by early afternoon. Everyone should be so lucky!

Let the Good Times Roll!

2010-03-25T16:21:00.007-05:00

Look what we did! I am one happy woman! Walt is strutting around like a male peacock!

It is kind of one of those "one the way to the store" stories. Walt went to the Toyota store for a state inspection and a oil change. He saw this "beauty" parked in a spot that pricked his curiosity. When he asked about it, he was told it belonged to the shop manager's dad. He's 80, and the kids wanted him to give up the car. Walt wanted to buy it on the spot, but when he called I was in the garden and didn't answer the phone. Needless to say, when he got home, I told him to buy it. That was yesterday. We picked it up today.

I've been in love with T-Birds since high school. Walt's been lusting after a sports car for a while now. This is perfect! A 2004 model, it had 20,165 miles on the odometer when we took possession.

Home Run

2010-03-17T16:25:00.002-05:00

Here is a true story to warm the heart.

Next Year's Christmas Gift

2010-03-01T11:07:00.003-06:00

I am giving notice of my Christmas gift for next year so whoever decides to give it to me can start saving up. I have fallen for this Yike Bike. Take a look. You might want to put your order in too.

In the Moment

2010-01-31T14:16:00.002-06:00

A special event occurred last night when I stepped into my cousin Jimmy's home and spent the rest of the evening at his kitchen table with his brother. The latter cousin I hadn't seen since my dad's funeral in 1993. The time was too short to learn of his life or explore who he had become. But the joy was in the moment of spending a few hours with someone who meant the world to me growing up.

Lottery Update

2010-01-29T07:49:00.002-06:00

It didn't happen. I only got 2 numbers on the ticket. No cash payoff, but it didn't dash my spirits. Besides, I noticed in today's newspaper an additional 30% off on already reduced merchandise. Might go shopping.

Jane Inspired

2010-01-25T13:50:00.002-06:00

Jane in New Zealand asked me to order her a coat. Something bothered me about the on-line deal, so I hit the mall early today to shop at Macy's for real. What do you think the odds are of my finding the exact coat that was on sale on-line in the right size and the right color? Impossible...Right! WRONG! Not only did I find it, but it was $30 cheaper, saving the postage and some tax The sales ladies said it must be my lucky day and that I should buy a lottery ticket. So I did. If I suddenly before a millionaire, it will be Jane's fault.

If only...

2010-01-22T14:26:00.003-06:00

...I were half my age and three-quarters of my weight, I would be wearing some of these. These tights seem to scream, F U N !" Yes, I really think they are me. Me on the inside, anyway.

Christmas Coffee

2009-12-25T16:17:00.004-06:00

How cool...uh, cold...is this! We love to have coffee on our deck each morning. This morning we were in Dallas and got to have coffee in the snow in Dijea's back yard. This is my first ever White Christmas! This is the first white Christmas in Dallas in 80 years. How cool is this!

Riding the Rio

2009-12-19T18:30:00.002-06:00

Christmas is magical in San Antonio. The trees that line the Riverwalk are strung with thousands of colored lights. No better time to ride the riverboats than at Christmas time. I have to do it every year. Last week our son and his wife joined us. Weather was just cold enough to make it feel like Christmas.

The Importance of Saving

2009-11-29T17:20:00.003-06:00

Who knew when I stored that 8mm film in the box 45 years ago that I'd someday have a computer that would let me transform it into something as portable as a you tube video. Slicing and dicing, packaging and applying sound is a learning process. This was an afternoon project, but I'm ready to share it with family.

I love my new computer!

When Old Is New

2009-11-18T19:52:00.006-06:00

I recently open a box that had been sealed for 25 years. In it was some 8mm film taken 45 years ago. Got it digitized and worked it into this film, my first You Tube upload. It's only important to family members. To me, it is a real treasure.

Ghost of Halloween Past

2009-10-30T17:22:00.000-05:00

Simple Joys

2009-10-25T14:31:00.001-05:00

Pumpkins make me happy! Whatever the color... whatever the shape... in their presence I seem to smile broader and step lighter.

I'm betting anyone who goes to the Dallas Arboretum where pumpkins line the walks, decorate the landscapes and become the building blocks of a playhouse will feel happier in their presence.

Just stopping to pick out a pumpkin in a farmer's market or at Methodist Church provides a lift. So many to choose from, so little time. (Click on the link for a movie)

She Loves Me

2009-10-13T09:37:00.001-05:00

How do I know she loves me?...

This absolutely delicious, labor-intensive, homemade birthday cake delivered to my kitchen table is confirmation.

Thank you, my dear friend.

Progression

2009-10-04T16:13:00.000-05:00

Are You Packing Lunches?

2009-08-28T09:45:00.004-05:00

Back to school means searching for lunchbox ideas. I've discover a great one...Oatmeal Crips from Fredericksburg's own Rebecca Rather, author of The Pastry Queen. Quick, easy and delicious homemade energy bars. Wrap up and keep in freezer for 3 weeks...if you can get them to last that long.

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 T light corn syrup
2 cups rolled oats
1 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Melt butter, brown sugar and corn syrup in a pan a cook until sugar is smooth (2 to 3 minutes). Stir into other ingredients. Press firmly into 9 x 13 pan and bake for 20 to 25 min in a 350 degree oven. Cool for 20 minutes then cut into bars.Think of the possibilities with various nuts, chocolate chips and dried fruit added in.

The Broken Bird

2009-08-21T16:05:00.006-05:00

One of the few great things of this incredibly hot and dry summer has been birds. We put up a finch feeder for the the first time, and dozens came. They are the lesser finches...tiny little things flocking to the feeding sacks in large groups. Our early mornings on the deck with coffee is enhanced as we watch their morning rituals. They don't even mind the hummingbirds whizzing pass to get to their feeder.

Lately, we've observed a bird which tries to eat on the wing. She seems to struggle so hard to get feed, but quickly turns away. For some reason, Walt decided to leave some feed sitting atop the railing just under the hanging feeder. Soon, a tiny bird was resting peacefully...feeding. We continue to leave feed in this way, and the little bird continues to come.

I've had a chance to watch her in my binoculars. Her body rests on the railing...no legs are seen. Walt, who possesses an eagle eye, tells me she has a club foot, or, a foot that has been damaged. It obviously prevents her from grabbing hold of the mesh to feed.

I'm amazed that she survives. We'll continue to make sure her food is there, but what lies ahead is less certain than for the rest of the little birds. Still, she greets each day with hope, and probably with more appreciation than the others.

I Looked Really Good

2009-08-11T09:55:00.002-05:00

Boy, you better believe it! How did this happen? I got behind the wheel of a silver Thunderbird. Yes! That'll do it. Takes 10 years off you. I found a 2004 model on the lot near my house. I am seriously considering this toy. Everything is acceptable about it. Now, do I have the courage to do the stupid?

Toyota Fun

2009-08-10T09:03:00.003-05:00

We make the Toyota Tundra trucks here in San Antonio. It was a big deal when our city landed the plant. Recently, the plant started giving public tours of the facility. We took two of our grandsons and their parents on one of these tours last Friday. What a pristine factory! I was quite impressed and had a great time. Make a reservation and go. It's a great outing.

Best New Idea

2009-06-28T13:43:00.003-05:00

Austin Kleon, poet. I met him this morning when he was feathered on the Texas Country Reporter. He has the most clever idea that any English teacher could parlay into an exciting teaching episode to engage all students. Meanwhile, it looks like so much fun, I'm going to try it myself. How about you?

Last Day

2009-06-14T14:55:00.002-05:00

The Texas sun dimmed a bit yesterday when I put my sister on the plane to return to her home in New Zealand. It was 100 degrees in the shade of our mother's porch, and she was headed back to the winter and freezing temps.
Her Texas family and friends will have to get used to missing her all over again. She is such a love.

JAWS in May

2009-05-20T18:48:00.006-05:00

It's always great fun to gather in friendship, and the Jaws group did that today. Here you see the ones that fit into the booth. The round table is great for conversation, but not so good for picture taking. What this group has in commom is that each taught at John Jay High School at some time, although not necessarily at the same time...except for the short-haired blonde in the red shirt. That is my visiting sister from New Zealand. She was welcomed and thought all the ladies to be very nice.

Two Beauties

2009-05-17T18:11:00.009-05:00

Saturday night Walt woke me up to ask, "Did you hear that?" "Hear what?" I asked. "The new day lilies opening," he said. No, I didn't bop him on the head. Can you tell he is excited about this day lily project? It's been two years since we planted the seeds and a long time to wait.

It was worth the wait for these two beauties. The yellow is a deep, clear yellow, rounded shape with very ruffled petals. It measure 6" in diameter. The deep burgandy purple is 7" and the brand has a bluish hint to it. Both winners.

Seedlings 2 & 3

2009-05-17T18:07:00.006-05:00

These two day lilies bloomed 2 or 3 days apart. They are similar in color, but differ in shape. Notice the triangular shaped one seems to have a yellow flaw on one petal. Both have enough appeal that I think they will get planted in the garden.

Guess who came and brought cake?

2009-05-10T15:09:00.005-05:00

I have to share my mom with my friends because she's the only Mom left in the group. This is Mother's Day 09 with Margie and Tom. Cake is the best part of this day. Second best is the nap that is about to follow.

2009-05-07T11:40:00.003-05:00

What's better than growing them yourself? Having them sent to you by your child. Thank you, Sweet Child. I feel very loved.

Worth Waiting For

2009-05-04T10:45:00.002-05:00

This is our "first to bloom" day lily grown from seed Walt pollinated and I cared for. We love it's pink color and dark eye. Look closely and see a very thin line of yellow edging the petals. About 4 inches across, it is nice and flat and beautifully shaped. This one is a keeper.

...be still my heart!

2009-04-09T16:57:00.003-05:00

This beauty rolled onto US 281 from Redland Drive a couple of cars ahead of us. Darn it! A truck was between us and I couldn't get a good look. I told Walt to "follow that car. I need to gawk and drool." A second turn just before Encino Rio and into the auto store parking lot gave me a chance. Maybe I'll dream of it tonight.

New Zealand in the Texas Landscape

2009-03-30T17:33:00.013-05:00

Looking around my backyard yesterday, I was surprised to see so much of New Zealand in my landscape. These are snaps of items brought to me by my sister who lives there or brought back by me. Among the pansies are a pair of lovely pukeko birds. This are my favorite New Zealand birds. They remind me of chickens, but the color is all blue. Love the orange beaks and legs. The paua shells that hang in my metal tree reflect the blue of the waters and shimmer in the light when the wind blows them. These shells get used in all sorts jewelry and art produced in New Zealand. The sea glass, small stones and tumbled brick pieces I found on the beach of Days Bay across from Wellington. The larger stones in the bird bath I picked up from a Pacific Ocean beach. The sound of the water rolling onto the beach of stones and receding back to the ocean amazes me and remains one of my fondness memories of visits.

Orange You... ?

2009-03-29T20:25:00.012-05:00

...happy. How can you help but be amist beauty and grandkids. Spring break took us to Dallas to babysit and play. I took all the kids to the Arboretum. I think the whole town had the same idea. Very crowded, but quite enjoyable.

Walt got to experience "deer camp with Blake and Robbie. I created an abundance of excitement by falling and turning my ankle. Dijea and Mason rushed me off for an MRI. Much to do about nothing, thank goodness. Ended up involved in the girls' garage sale. Got in a bit of shopping. Good week.

JAWS in February

2009-02-12T12:18:00.005-06:00

If you missed this month, then you were definitely talked about...but only a little because we all have too much other stuff to talk about.

New Big Grandma

2009-02-10T16:12:00.008-06:00

For quite a while now, I have been doing BG's hair. She fired me and told me to find someone new. Pure luck took me to Pam, who does housecalls. Much better than the last time you saw her, don't you think?

How Long since Christmas?

2009-02-02T13:31:00.002-06:00

This long. Walt hasn't shaved since arriving in Dallas for Christmas. Look quick because he is about through with this.

Check this off my Bucket List

2008-11-08T22:27:00.008-06:00

The summer after my freshman year in college I spent working at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. What a summer of adventure! About the only thing I missed was the changing of the aspen leaves. So, I vowed I'd see it someday. I married on Oct. 23 several years later, and Colorado became the intended honeymoon destination. Unfortunately, a snow storm took down the leaves the week before we arrive. So, seeing the aspen leaves got put back on the list. Finally, I got there at the right time. What splender.

First Waffle

2008-11-08T16:31:00.007-06:00

I'm quite proud of my healthy but tasty waffles that my diabetic husband can safely eat. I make them at least twice a week when we visit my mother for breakfast. She is the one with the waffle iron.

I've been looking for a baker for myself, but the only one I could get interested in is the Iron Clad one sold by William-Sonoma. Too expensive! A Want, not a Need! Walk away.

Two angels, Mom and Sister Sue, surprised me with one for my birthday. Said I was worth it.

First one.

Bruce Willis Look-alike

2008-09-28T14:45:00.003-05:00

According to Durk, this is his Bruce Willis look. It's all in the hat. Take off the hat, and you still have the look. His hair is about 1/2 inch all over. Either way, he is still my tall, handsome son. After this picture was taken, these two and we two went out for a lovely dinner. Nice evening, Guys.

Special Bag

2008-09-07T15:48:00.003-05:00

We went out to dinner last night with good friends Mary and David. Mary brought us a present. It's the bag pictured in the photo... hand-made by Mary from her copy of Spaces in Saturday's San Antonio Express News, which is also shown in the photo. What's so great about this. The article, thus the bag, is all about us. Our house is featured. Read it for yourself by clicking on the link.

Spaces, September 6, 2008

A Teachable Moment

2008-08-29T10:31:00.006-05:00

Every teacher longs for that teachable moment...the small space of opening where you have your students in the palm of your hands and can truly affect their learning. I think I witnessed one of those happenings last night at Laurie Auditorium when I went to hear Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea. Here is a man, in my estimation, that could be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. The above picture is of some 6th grade students and their teacher from Austin, TX, who drove down to experience hearing and meeting a real, best-selling author. Their class is reading the book together, and this field trip was a opportunity. I met them as they ask to cut in line in order to get the kids home and in bed for today's school day. What fun to watch them experience the process of standing in line at a book signing. Books take on a new meaning when a reader has a book that is connected to the author with a personal signature. The more connected a student is to books, the better the reader becomes. I think I witnessed the beginnings of a love affair with books for some of these students. As a former reading teacher, that's BIG!

Back-to-School

2008-08-26T14:39:00.004-05:00

I'm a retired school teacher, and I giggled last week when I drove through the packed teachers'parking lot of Reagan High School on the way to the Reagan Library, which also serves as a public library. You could say I was joyful not be "getting ready for a new year." I love my freedom. So, why am I trying to sign up for a course at SAC?

I want to learn Photoshop instead of just tinkering with it. One class I'm thinking about has a text, and mentioned a web site . I went there to see what it is about. Boy, was I amazed. Every program I'm working with seems to be listed in their product line. There are very detailed videoes that walk you through the steps. You can go back and replay as much as you need. Each video is short and very well explained. I've only watched the "free" stuff because I'm really cheap. Check it out for yourself.

Singing in the Rain

2008-07-24T19:47:00.002-05:00

Hurricane Dolly brought us some good rain. So far we have collected a little over 2 1/2 inches. Ethan and I took advantage of the rain to use umbrellas on a walk around the neighborhood. Hunter decided to stay in and work a puzzle. Both boys are spending a week here in SA.

Chocolate Pie

2008-07-22T16:07:00.005-05:00

This past week celebrated the birthdays of my youngest, Stehle, and her son Blake. Stehle always plans a vacation week with her Mom and Dad in San Antonio. We took this opportunity to celebrate Blake's also. His official B-Day is in May, but this is the first we've seen him since. His birthday request was a chocolate pie. I baked it while the rest of them went to the movies.

Delightful Surprise

2008-07-10T13:31:00.006-05:00

Today I opened the door to this lovely gathering of flowers. Not everyday that the doorbell signals such joy. John and Marie Grey of Connecticut sent it as a thank you. This couple bought Walt's Buffalo Soldier painting a while back. They were back in town recently and decided to look him up. By happenstance, Walt was on duty when they came by the River Arts Gallery. Walt invited them to have dinner with us. We took the opportunity to show them a few of our favorite SA places before introducing them to La Fonda on Main. It was indeed our pleasure to get to spend time with these visitors, and these flowers are the whipped creme on that dessert. Thank you, Guys.

Evan

2008-06-30T15:54:00.004-05:00

There is a young man in my life that makes me very proud. He is such a special boy...sweet, loving, considerate, charming, smart, athletic, adventuresome and loved by all kinds of women. I've prepared a bit of a look at him through the eyes of the women, children and pets that love him. I'm the lucky woman he calls "Aunt."

Breakthrough

2008-06-27T11:33:00.003-05:00

I'm a shopper. Not that I buy so much, just that I shop for the bargains and best buys. Knowing that about me, Walt got prepared for a long ordeal after we decided it was time to replace our 23-year-old mattress.

We had read in the paper about a bedding company that had donated a really first class bed set to a seriously wounded San Antonio veteran. That was our first stop...and our last. It took no time for us to agree on the one we wanted and then to decide we'd spend the money. It helped that the one we wanted sells at the same price everywhere.

One stop shopping! BREAKTHROUGH for me.

Summer Quilt Camp

2008-06-13T17:22:00.001-05:00

My quilt group, the Steet Magnolias, meets monthly, but we have a camp in the summer. That just means a daytime / all-day meeting. Today's meeting was at Linda's house. Her house lives on five acres among her various gardens. We first greet the pets and then check out the gardens. Finally, down to a little business before lunch. Lunch being the highlight of the day. Delicious food and, ..."talkie, talkie, happy talk"!

Guess Who Came for Pie

2008-06-10T20:14:00.004-05:00

Clevel Sluder called this morning to say she was in town. My first response was, "Can you come for lunch?" Clevel always told me not to invite her unless I really wanted her because she'd alway come. Well, I'm always ready for Clevel to come. She is one of my dearest and oldest friends from Corpus Christi -- oldest figuratively and literally. She turns 90 this December. She could pass for 60 any day. What a joy to have spent the afternoon with this lovely lady.

Tomatoes

2008-06-08T13:51:00.006-05:00

Speaking of beautiful food, here is last night's harvest. The first tomato came off our bushes the day before I returned from New Zealand. At first, they were a bit slow, but very quickly we had all we could eat with some to give away. The last several weeks, we picked one to two colanders a night. We skipped one night, and this was last night's pickings. We are going to have to do some more canning.

Beautiful Food

2008-06-07T14:23:00.001-05:00

On of the best things about traveling in New Zealand is enjoying the food. Presentation is stunning. Vegetables reign supreme. New Zealanders are especially serious about their coffee.

Sisters

2008-05-29T00:41:00.011-05:00

What a pleasure to have my two daughters join me on a girl trip to New Zealand! We had a chance to interact as adults and to celebrate family. My sister lives there and so do all her children. We had a wonderful time. I invite you to share in our adventures.

Hello from New Zealand

2008-04-29T17:06:00.004-05:00

It seems I waited and waited for April 16 to arrive so I could begin my visit to my sister's. Now April is ending and the days between the start and today have flown by in an instant. Must be that I am having fun. Indeed, I am.

Dijea and Stehle came with me. What a joy to have my girls with me and the three of us seek adventure together. The first thing they were introduced to was the beach below my sister's house. The weather dripped and blew, but it didn't stop us from searching for sea glass. Those two girls had so much fun finding sea glass. Every opportunty they had was spent on the beach searching. In the end, they got picky and only took back their favorite pieces.