tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77388236026787701482024-03-13T13:51:45.655-04:00The Nuts and Bolts of Lifejoanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-8516372560224789522023-05-04T22:34:00.000-04:002023-05-04T22:37:22.782-04:00WHERE DID YOU GET THAT NAME?<p> </p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">This random blog was inspired by
a conversation with a customer whose name was also Joann (without the e). She
told me that she was named for her mother's favorite uncle. I said my mother
had devotions to both St. Joseph, husband of Mary, and St. Anne, mother of
Mary. I had no middle name, a fact which confused my childhood friends who all
seemed to have middle names. Even my brother, named Kenneth after our father,
had a middle name, Kenneth James. So, when I was confirmed, I adopted my
confirmation name, Mary, as my middle name. Somehow it got changed the Latin,
Maria, and wound up on most of my documents! Oops! My husband’s name is John
Thomas, named after his grandfather. I started thinking about my 5 children and
how we arrived at their names.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">My oldest son is John Sebastian
and though I was a Lovin’ Spoonful fan, that is NOT the origin of his name. I loved
the name Sebastian but it sounded too heavy for a little baby. His father’s name
was John Gerard and everyone called him Jerry so, his paternal grandmother
suggested Sebastian as a middle name and John as the first. She thought J.
Sebastian sounded distinguished. Distinguished as it sounded J. Sebastian never
caught on and he grew up with the moniker John-John.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Next came Christopher Kenneth.
Kenneth, obviously for my father. But Christopher? The only Christopher that
knew was a boy from grammar school and I didn’t have fond memories of him. I said
no, but my husband really liked the name. As the time grew nearer and we still
didn’t have a name, I relented and we named him Christopher. I came to love the
name, especially when I saw the beautiful images of St. Christopher carrying
the Christ child.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">By the time I was expecting my third
child we were pretty sure we were having a girl but we knew we should have a
boy’s name, just in case. This was back in the day before ultrasound machines
were used to determine the gender of the baby. Good thing we were prepared because
I delivered a 9lb baby boy. When my husband called my mother to tell her we had
another boy she told him to go back and tell the doctor that he was mistaken. He
wasn’t. We named our baby boy Phillip John, John for his father and Phillip
because it was a strong, old-fashioned name.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">My fourth child was a girl and my
problem pregnancy. She made her over 10lb entrance 2 weeks late. Somehow my
anemia was missed until I hemorrhaged during the delivery. We had chosen the name
Elizabeth Anne for no reason except that I thought it was a beautiful name, but
that was soon to change. My husband took one look at me lying in bed pale and
shivering in shock from loss of blood and said I want to name her Joanne. He
was afraid he was going to lose me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
finally agreed on Joanna May. It had a nice ring to it and May was her birth
month.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">By the time we had our fifth
child we were running out of names and were tempted to just name the baby “#5”!
We decided to find a neutral name that that we both liked and could be used for
either a boy or a girl. We both liked the name Jessi/Jesse and when our little (almost
11lbs) we named her Jessi. However, we never got around to discussing the middle
name. The midwife who delivered her was very sweet despite the rough time I gave
her during the delivery. The midwife’s name was Mary Ellen so we named our baby
Jessi Ellen although my father-in-law thought we named her Jesse Owens after
the Olympic runner.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">So now I’m curious…How did you
get your name?<o:p></o:p></span></p>joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-5335349509837673012023-02-09T20:32:00.009-05:002023-02-09T21:03:57.830-05:00Work Life After 60 (What Happened to My Golden Years?)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmz5In4DTLrRY96i65qDZPufyswiXSZzfbM-rDPG-J4Ex6Q4Kt--6rrdrAz_OlMapmC_FoeoUNMjN51Z1N3g6Cy3kpxHIWXoFE_VOVwDeSFlf5HX5roXpT191oc3gEF64wMgtLPXjijybad9RtFsXceMgrXvLCYG0jdIRHCfR5WxalU60VSvvYPoEq/s266/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="266" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmz5In4DTLrRY96i65qDZPufyswiXSZzfbM-rDPG-J4Ex6Q4Kt--6rrdrAz_OlMapmC_FoeoUNMjN51Z1N3g6Cy3kpxHIWXoFE_VOVwDeSFlf5HX5roXpT191oc3gEF64wMgtLPXjijybad9RtFsXceMgrXvLCYG0jdIRHCfR5WxalU60VSvvYPoEq/s1600/image.png" width="266" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When I asked for suggestions of
topics for the blog this request intrigued me. But then realized that my
situation was not unique. There are a lot more seniors in the workplace
now </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">than previously. I used to think it was out of boredom or just to keep busy
but more and more I feel that it is out of necessity.</span><p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> I
officially joined the workforce in December 1983, one month before my youngest
child's birthday. I had part time jobs while in High School, junior nurse's
aide at a local hospital and a retail position at a local five & dime
store, but this was my first "real" job. As my Husband was a
freelance artist he could work from home and be there for our five children. I
had an associate degree in Natural Science so I landed a technician position in
a small chemical company while still pursuing a Chemistry degree in the
evening. I left the chemical company and joined the world of big Pharma. Two
companies, many mergers and acquisitions and one physical re-location later I
got my degree and the title of Scientist which I enjoyed for the next twelve
years. Then I was approached, at the age of 58, with the words "early
retirement"! Thus began another chapter of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> We had
always lived comfortably yet frugally, so at first I wasn't too concerned. I
received eighteen months' severance, unemployment and my husband's income from
his art work. We should be alright and we were for a while. I took
classes online to get certified as a health coach, worked at a friend's produce
stand, ran a seasonal mall cart for my son's restaurant and ran the reception
desk at my son-in-law's doctors' office. Despite mine and my husband
efforts and help from my IRA and my small pension, we were not making ends
meet. I applied for Social Security but it was becoming clear that one or
both of us needed to find a job.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> So, at the
age of 68, in the wake of Covid-19, I donned my mask and started pounding the
pavement and searching the internet for employment. I had quite a few positive
phone interviews but when I showed up it was polite disinterest. One office
manager didn't even show that much courtesy. I walked in, smiled and introduced
myself, her face immediately dropped and she looked at me as if I had oozing
pustules all over my body. Then she said, "You're Joanne?" I had spent 45
minutes on the phone with her assuring me that I was the perfect candidate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> I finally
got a position in retail close to home with flexible hours. When I arrived for
my interview, I found friendly people of all ages ranging from late teens to
eighties. That was a year ago and I'm still there working part-time about four
days a week. I told my doctor that I went back to work and she was
thrilled. She believes that everyone should work until they die. I'm not sure I
totally agree with that as long as my health holds out, I'm content learning
something new every day, because retail sure has changed since I was 16 and
working at Woolworth's!</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-75465793690754938002023-01-05T22:21:00.000-05:002023-01-05T22:21:24.816-05:00It's Been Quite a While...<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4h8b71lEsKVjhKeBVf8p2XnXooxlpuMc8FEkuZEBlZGq-f5lECWwch0HjhUBgCdJKpZd1bGaenCZaAytMYnOcU4pyuoulYU6IxQm_xHiA7QqqYqIrddDV0oiq0K-EG2E9QllplYU5n9yd1ywY-HoKb-Nxcesa9XMQCnrMVYQACnS-UjXDP8x_dh9p" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="266" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4h8b71lEsKVjhKeBVf8p2XnXooxlpuMc8FEkuZEBlZGq-f5lECWwch0HjhUBgCdJKpZd1bGaenCZaAytMYnOcU4pyuoulYU6IxQm_xHiA7QqqYqIrddDV0oiq0K-EG2E9QllplYU5n9yd1ywY-HoKb-Nxcesa9XMQCnrMVYQACnS-UjXDP8x_dh9p=w174-h150" width="174" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> It was almost 13 years ago when I posted my first <b>Nuts and Bolts</b> blog, a somewhat humorous account of my family activities featuring my husband as the Head Nut. Soon afterwards I started three more blogs with varying themes: <b>Back to the Garden</b>, focusing on healthy eating tips and recipes; <b>Reader's Corner</b>, reviews of what books my readers and I are currently reading; <b>Spiritual Wanderings</b>, topics with a spiritual, religious or just make you think topics. More recently I started <b>Nuts, Bolts and Nostalgia</b>, a reminiscing blog. Then life got overwhelming with illness, death, finances, re-entering the work force and the biggest fear provoking thing of all Covid-19, and the blogs got shelved.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Recently I was asked by a few people what happened to the blogs. I took that as an omen and went back and read through what I written. They made me smile! For a minute I considered doing a podcast but speaking isn't my strong point. However, writing is my passion. So I'm bringing the blogs back</span>. N<span style="font-size: medium;">ot as 5 blogs but one blog 5 topics all under the umbrella of <b>The Nuts and Bolts of Life</b>. After all, everything I write about, my family, food, books, s</span><span style="font-size: large;">pirituality and past are part of my nuts and bolts.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> But I need your help! Let me know in the comment section the topic that interests you the </span><span style="font-size: medium;">most. </span></p>joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-45025113003161480182019-08-23T14:33:00.001-04:002019-08-23T14:33:38.314-04:00The Rain, the Park and Other Things
<br />
I always loved that song from the late sixties by the
Cowsills. Rain has been romanticized in many songs, Summer Rain (Johnny
Rivers), You and Me and Rain on the Roof (Lovin’ Spoonful), The Piña Colada Song
(Rupert Holmes), etc. Rain is not only romantic, it’s beneficial. It makes the
flowers grow, it lulls you to sleep with its rhythm and cools us on hot summer
days. However, last night while in the park I experienced some of the ‘other
things’.<br />
<br />
<br />
I have recently made some positive lifestyle changes; one being
walking in the park for 30-45 minutes every day. Around 6:30 last night I put
on my sneakers, filled my water bottle, grabbed my phone and headed to the park.
I parked my car in the school parking lot and took off on the walking trail. It
was cloudy and looked like it might rain but I plunged ahead, it was hot and
the rain, if it came, just might feel refreshing. There were other people
walking so I wasn’t too worried. As I was about 20 minutes into my walk the sky
darkened and started to look a little bit ominous. I commented to a woman standing
on the path that I felt like I was playing Beat the Clock. She laughed and
agreed and I began to really power walk on the path around the soccer fields.<br />
<br />
<br />
Less than a minute later there were wind gusts that
literally took my breath away. I just stood there fighting for my breath and my
balance. Then the rain started. Within seconds water was running on the path
like an angry river, definitely not the romantic rain depicted in song. I made
it to a tree but even that didn’t provide much shelter. When I looked around everyone
was gone. I was alone in the park and my car was a half mile away. My clothes
were soaked and rain water filled my eyes. I tried to call my husband but
between the rain, thunder and water in my eyes my attempts were futile. It was
clear that I was on my own and couldn’t stay under a tree in a thunder and
lightning storm.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br />
<br />
I lifted the bottom of my shirt, squeezed as much of the water
out as possible, dried my eyes as best I could, put my head down and trudged through
the rain to my car. By the time I got there the rain was slowing up and as I
drove home the skies brightened. As I walked into the house my husband
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not the reception I was looking
for and I let him know it. In retrospect, I imagined I did look pretty comical dripping
wet with my pants so wet they hanging around my knees and my sneakers leaving
puddles on the floor. Ignoring my tirade, he helped me get out of my wet
clothes, wrapped me a big towel and immersed my phone into a bag of rice.
Within a short period of time I was settled in warm and dry and no worse for
the wear. Next time I won’t be so casual about ignoring Mother Nature’s warning
signs!<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-42070558273004268552019-04-20T17:46:00.001-04:002019-04-20T17:46:44.060-04:00In Your Easter Bonnet
<br />
Easter conjures a lot of different images from bunnies and
egg hunts to death and Resurrection. As I’ve matured, my focus has reached more
to the latter. As a child, I remember my mother and I walking the mile to the
Church on Thursday night, Friday afternoon and Sunday morning. I attended
parochial school so I understood that Thursday night we commemorated the Last
Supper and Friday, Jesus’ agony and death on the cross. We would walk home in
silence always stopping at the local garden center to admire the flowers. Even
as a child, I realized the solemnness of those events.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>However,
come Sunday morning it was time to celebrate! I appreciated the jelly beans and
the butter cream or cocoanut egg left by the Easter Bunny but I had a different
agenda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had new clothes to wear! Every
year I would go shopping with my Mom and we would pick out a new dress, socks,
shoes, even new undergarments. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Depending
on how early Easter was we would add either a new spring coat or sweater and of
course, the proverbial Easter bonnet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One
Easter, in particular, comes to mind. I was around 12 or 13 years old and was
allowed to pick out my own outfit. I chose a knobby wool turquoise suit and a
yellow shell blouse and yellow, diamond textured stockings. Thinking back on it
sounds a bit garish but at the time I thought it was pretty hot and grown up. I
also got my first pair of heels, 1-inch high white pumps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lobbied for yellow pumps but in the end
Mom’s practicality won out. As for my Easter bonnet, a small yellow hat with a
half-face netting veil. LOL! What can I say? It was the mid-sixties. Do people
still get Easter outfits or is that a thing of the past? What images of Easters past
come to your mind? I’d love to hear about them in the comment section.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #ffc000; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">H</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #00b0f0; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">appy </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #ffc000; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">E</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #00b0f0; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">aster!</span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #00b0f0; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">H</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #ffc000; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">e is </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #00b0f0; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">R</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #ffc000; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">isen!<span style="mso-bevel-capbot-bevelstyle: 0; mso-bevel-capbot-dpiheight: 0pt; mso-bevel-capbot-dpiwidth: 0pt; mso-bevel-captop-bevelstyle: 2; mso-bevel-captop-dpiheight: 3.0pt; mso-bevel-captop-dpiwidth: 2.0pt; mso-bevel-dpicontour: 0pt; mso-bevel-dpiextrusion: 4.5pt; mso-bevel-material: 12; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: 0pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: none;"></span></span></b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-38855058134753103642019-04-10T15:46:00.001-04:002019-04-10T15:46:33.885-04:00Doing a Gus
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-GEAo7IAOE/XK5HIKeG1CI/AAAAAAAABG8/leNJO5RSR5wQLKaAU_GAZkDosUMiludZACLcBGAs/s1600/557131_4309064732986_1006236776_n%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="192" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-GEAo7IAOE/XK5HIKeG1CI/AAAAAAAABG8/leNJO5RSR5wQLKaAU_GAZkDosUMiludZACLcBGAs/s200/557131_4309064732986_1006236776_n%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
Last Friday, as my husband was
going out to run some errands, I was reminded of a time earlier in our
relationship. We were just getting settled into our new home with our three
boys, ages 5, 3 and 6 months. It was late Friday afternoon and we had decided
on pizza for dinner, pretty much a Friday night staple for couples with young
children. My husband had an errand to run and said he would pick it up while he
was out. I busied myself with home and family stuff until the phone rang. It
was my brother-in-law calling to chat with my husband. Since my husband wasn’t
home, he decided to chat with me.</div>
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
We talked for a few minutes and he
asked what time I thought his brother would be home. I explained that he went
to pick up a pizza and should be home shortly. We chatted a little longer and
then he asked, “man, where did he go to get the pizza?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he said, “I hope he didn’t do an Uncle
Gus on you?” Uncle Gus? He then proceeded to tell the tale of a distant uncle
who went out one day to buy a loaf of bread and never came home. He said he
thought they eventually found him somewhere in Florida forty years later with a
new family. “I sure hope my little brother didn’t do that to you,” he laughed.
“But it is in his blood!” I thanked him for that little tidbit and said I’d
have him call when he got in.</div>
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
I hung up the phone and realized
that it had gotten dark outside while I was on the phone. Where was he? This
was in the late 70s, before cellphones, so I couldn’t even call to see why he
was gone so long. I was beginning to worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All the scary scenarios started to flitter through my mind, did he have
an accident, is he hurt somewhere, was he mugged? Did he do a Gus? About 15
minutes later he walked through the door with a pizza and looking like Carlos
Santana! On a whim, he had spotted at a random beauty parlor and asked if they
permed men’s hair. Not realizing the time involved he sat in the chair and had
his hair permed. Did I mention that it was the late 70’s?</div>
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
So last Friday as he was running
out to do his errands, I suggested that he stop at the local grocery store and
grab a take and bake pizza for dinner. Just to be on the safe side, I said,
“Please don’t do a Gus on me!” He smiled and said, “Don’t worry, there’s not
enough hair to perm.”</div>
<br />
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-54641141340589086692019-03-29T14:09:00.000-04:002019-03-29T14:09:43.362-04:00Tradition Gone Sour
<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For 15+
years, during the month of March, my husband and I have traveled to Hilton Head
Island for a little respite from the winter weather. On our first trip there we
arrived early and our unit was not ready yet. We inquired about local eateries and
told that we could find a few restaurants along the harbor, which was walking distance
from our villa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a beautiful day
so we walked to the harbor and chose a Mexican restaurant with outdoor seating
and refreshing margaritas! The food was delicious, the service was great and
the margaritas were perfect. A great way to start our vacation. And so, it was
for many years to come.<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
year was no different. We arrived at our villa, checked in and headed to the harbor
and our favorite Mexican restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
both ordered our usual margaritas while we perused the menu. My husband ordered
a quesadilla with jalapeños and I ordered 2 soft tacos with chicken. As we
sipped our margaritas and began to relax, I remembered that my tacos came with
my choice of two sides and I hadn’t told the server what I wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that moment our meals arrived and my sides
were rice and refried beans. Not what I would have ordered but I was on
vacation so I let it go.<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><br />
However,
I did notice that the Head Nut had sour cream for his quesadilla but there was
none on my plate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figured it was an
oversight and asked for some sour cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The server promptly brought a condiment cup of sour cream to the table.
We finished our margaritas and by then were feeling a little road weary. We
asked for the check and boxes for the remaining food. When the check arrived,
there was a 95-cent charge for the sour cream. I thought it was a mistake and
pointed it out to the server. She told me that they had to put everything in
the computer to get it out of the kitchen and the “computer” placed a charge on
the bill. Then she walked away.<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Still thinking
it must be a mistake and quite frankly a little annoyed at the server’s
attitude, we asked to speak with a manager. We explained again to the manager
about the sour cream and were told that the tacos didn’t come with sour cream. We
weren’t going to ruin our vacation over a 95-cent charge so we started to gather
our boxes to go. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I casually remarked
that I always get sour cream with tacos, I just thought it came with it. The
manager condescendingly said, “Maybe where you come from it does, but we charge
extra for sour cream and guacamole.” I ignored the condescension in her voice
and said that I understood charging extra for the guac but I always thought
that sour cream came with it when you ordered tacos. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She continued on saying, “Do you think that
when the sour cream truck comes in the guy says, ‘No charge, it’s just sour
cream’?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Keep in
mind, we’ve been up since 3am and had just driven for 12 hours straight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just want to pay the bill, go back to our
villa and go to sleep. Now I’m envisioning a tanker truck with a big hose
pumping sour cream into a big vat in the basement. As I’m trying to suppress a
giggle at the absurdity of this conversation, she says, “Besides, nowhere on
the menu does it say tacos come with sour cream.” Now I’m getting annoyed! “No,
it doesn’t but it does say that I get my choice of sides and that didn’t happen!
However, I didn’t get a choice.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
looked down at my plate and saw the remnants of the refried beans and said “Oh,
did you want the black bean and corn salsa? Let me go get you a side container
to take with you.” She ran off and came back with a container of salsa, on the
house. I guess the black bean and corn salsa truck doesn’t charge! Needless to say,
it might be time for a new tradition!<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-63280940865413890002018-02-22T17:46:00.001-05:002018-02-22T17:46:31.916-05:00The Mystery is Back
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2araWhq4OQ/Wo9GIguIoRI/AAAAAAAAAwU/eLHimBa_eXEevN0QHQ0X8Q19L-2f1n5kwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2araWhq4OQ/Wo9GIguIoRI/AAAAAAAAAwU/eLHimBa_eXEevN0QHQ0X8Q19L-2f1n5kwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_2077.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some of you may remember a blog
that I wrote in 2010, ‘<a href="http://joannesnutsandbolts.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-15-year-passion-for-murder.html">My 15-year Passion for Murder’</a> which summarized 15 years
of murder, mystery and mayhem at Allenberry Playhouse. I participated in this
madness one weekend a year, sometimes with girlfriends, sometimes with family
or sometimes as a get-away with my husband. Six years after I wrote this blog, which
incidentally was posted on the Allenberry Murder Mystery Weekend (MMW) review
page, they closed their doors. The murder, mystery and mayhem were gone.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eventually, through the grapevine
(social media) we heard that the property had been sold. There were rumors but
we didn’t know for sure what would become of this scenic property that sat
along the banks of the Yellow Breeches Creek. Well sometime last year
Allenberry re-opened its doors on a new, improved version. Newly renovated
rooms, new restaurants and bars and remodeled playhouse; but no murder mystery
in the near future.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Late in December my husband,
affectionately known as the Head Nut in the Nuts and Bolts of my life, sent me
an <a href="http://www.allenberry.com/events/murder-mystery-weekend/">Allenberry Resort </a>Facebook posting. The MMW was back. It would run for 4 weekends
with a murderous script entitled "A Recipe for Murder"<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 48px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">concocted by Elizabeth Angelozzi, a gifted actor and
playwright that we have known and loved for years. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYlFwbKrRi4/Wo9GIOx_fpI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/zmfnZrZhLoAwSiY7ovNVQitSzeef0l-BgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 48px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><br /></b></a></div>
</span><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our reservation was made for the
second weekend and we approached it with excitement and some trepidation. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We were
excited to be going back for the weekend but uncertain of what to expect. We
knew the old Allenberry but not this new revision. There’s comfort in
familiarity even if it’s not perfect. A brief online itinerary indicated that the
scenario would certainly be different but we took the plunge into the unknown
anyway.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The changes were apparent as soon
as we arrived. The road in was now the road out and vice-versa. The landscape
was changed and Fairfield Hall was unrecognizable. As we walked through the
door we were immediately greeted by a team of people waiting to insure a
wonderful weekend. The small cluttered gift shop was gone.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In its place was The Mercantile, an open,
spacious area selling artisanal goods and equipped with a coffee and dessert
bar. The merchandise was beautiful but I was disappointed at the absence of any
MMW memorabilia.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I always went home with
something, a t-shirt, sweatshirt, shot glass or coffee cup to remember the
weekend by. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The area behind the lobby was
opened up and now contains a spacious eating area and bar where we encountered
friendly locals as well as MMW attendees. The layout was beautiful although I
did miss the mysteriousness of the closed doors on The Crockett Room while
waiting in the lobby for the night to begin. There was always an air of tension
standing in front of those closed doors.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After our brief tour of Fairfield
Hall, we returned to the lobby where we were met by a Bull Chef, yes that’s
right, a bull in a chef’s jacket and toque and a woman who asked if she could
interview us. Of course, we agreed! The staging of the mystery was a
competition by the TV show “Sliced” to see who would be the next head chef at
Allenberry. The Bull Chef was the show’s mascot and the interviewer was the
executive producer. We hadn’t even checked in to our room yet and we were being
drawn into the madness.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>After the interview we went over to the Stone
Lodge where we were staying. We had stayed there previously and it was our
favorite but it definitely needed some updating. When we entered the lobby, we
were quite surprised to see a counter and high-top tables and chairs where the
fireplace used to be. The new arrangement took a little getting used to. I
missed the coziness of the room with the fireplace, overstuffed chairs and the
basket of apples on the table and the chilled bottles of water in fridge.
However, after we got up to our room I decided that the trade-off was probably
worth it; big comfortable bed, nothing in the bathroom leaked, there was a
complimentary bottle of wine and best of all we had adequate hot water! Anyone
who has stayed in the Stone Lodge previously knows what I’m talking about.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Soon it was time for the fun to
begin. Back to Fairfield Hall for a Meet and Greet reception and then over to
the theatre for the taping of “Sliced.” I was a little disappointed in the
reception. The selection of appetizers was small and they were brought around
by servers who never seemed to come back. However, they did have a few special
cocktails especially named for the weekend like the Allenberry Mind Eraser,
Corpse Reviver and a few others along with a full serve cash bar. The Head Nut
stayed with his usual, gin and ginger but I was tempted by the Mind Eraser and
it was delicious! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb8H_FuR9go/Wo9GH0kpySI/AAAAAAAAAwY/ov3-H265QPIHgYoKof15iclH6aZECNc4wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb8H_FuR9go/Wo9GH0kpySI/AAAAAAAAAwY/ov3-H265QPIHgYoKof15iclH6aZECNc4wCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_2063.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first murder occurred while
judging the appetizer round. We hadn’t even made it to dinner yet and one of
the judges was murdered! We were all quickly ushered out of out of Theatre
while the police, led by roller blading, Chief Pepper Freckle, secured the
crime scene. So, what do you doing while waiting? Go to dinner, of course! We
all moved to the dining room and the competition resumed. But now they were
short a judge so they held a blindfolded taste testing. My discerning palate
won me a spot as guest judge for the Soup to Nuts round.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It was great that they were getting the
guests involved. I found that during the entire weekend the cast were very
engaging which really makes you feel like you’re a part of the action. After
dinner we stayed and listened to the live music and interacted with the cast,
who I have to stay never broke character. Bravo!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday had a lot more of free
time than previous MMWs since the competition didn’t start again until
lunchtime.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There was a Continental
breakfast with delicious oatcakes, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, fruit, cheese and
meats. I went down and had breakfast and chatted with the lovely couple that we
were seated with the evening before. The Head Nut opted to get more shut-eye
and then we met up for a walk around the gorgeous renovated grounds. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The taping of “Sliced” resumed with
lunch. By then people were dropping like flies, some</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aah3UzYEbQw/Wo9GIAROR9I/AAAAAAAAAwc/t7CaenZNL90Ki2qxRcLN7VsuKEBi9m2awCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aah3UzYEbQw/Wo9GIAROR9I/AAAAAAAAAwc/t7CaenZNL90Ki2qxRcLN7VsuKEBi9m2awCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_2066.JPG" width="150" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> dead some injured. But the
show must go on! And so, it did through another competition. I think most of us
left lunch with multiple scenarios going on in our heads as the plot became
more and more complicated.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During the free time you could have
a Spa treatment ($), take a yoga class ($), attend a fly-fishing tutorial
complete with bourbon tasting ($), take a tour of the property or play games in
The Barn Restaurant.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We opted to take a
walk and then relax and discuss the whodunit. Around 4:00, we needed a break so
we went over to Happy Hour for another Mind Eraser and some music. This was
followed by a costume party reception then dinner and dancing and more mayhem.
When we went back to our room we filled out our questionnaires, wrote out our
scenarios and went to sleep. May the best detective win!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iYlFwbKrRi4/Wo9GIOx_fpI/AAAAAAAAAwg/LJHarmdVrQwGuErjhfCejMcd4V-Fcp4VgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iYlFwbKrRi4/Wo9GIOx_fpI/AAAAAAAAAwg/LJHarmdVrQwGuErjhfCejMcd4V-Fcp4VgCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_2060.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the Sunday morning brunch, the
true scenario unfolded and prizes were awarded. The actual killer was one that we
discussed but dismissed for another option.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We had taken an important clue too lightly. Oh well, maybe next time. I truly
hope that this is just the start of a second generation of MMWs.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What started as a blog has turned
into an essay.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I hope you enjoyed it.
Overall, I was very impressed with the changes in the property, the food was
superior, the staff were all extremely friendly and helpful and the mystery was
well written and the cast superb! Being a veteran MMW goer there were some
things that I missed like more hors d’eouvres at the Friday reception and
sticky bun bread pudding with vanilla sauce at brunch. Although the cash bar
was open on Sunday morning I missed my complimentary Bloody Mary and the Head
Nut missed his Ramos Fizz. For my girlfriends who were previous MMW goers,
you’ll be happy to know that there was neither black bean soup nor bananas
foster!</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span>joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-73718708036139808802017-05-07T18:28:00.000-04:002017-05-07T18:28:36.596-04:00Summer 1966<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Life’s happenings are the subjects
and inspirations for my blogs. I don’t create them, they just manifest
themselves. This morning, as I was attempting to eliminate some of the clutter
in my bedroom, I came across a yellow legal pad with 4 four hand-written pages.
It was written in 2002 with the word count in the margin. I have no idea why I
wrote it but I was counting words for some reason. It’s the tale of my angst at
13 over being too skinny and shapeless while all my friends were blossoming; the
old teenage “I hate my body” syndrome. One of my granddaughters recently turned
13 and I’m sure she’ll get a chuckle out of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So here is my tale.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Nineteen sixty six was the year
that I not only turned thirteen but also the year that discovered boys. I had
always had friends that were boys but this year was different. This year wasn’t
about playing catch or running races. This year was about wide eyes, coquettish
smiles and noticeable curves in the right places. I could manage the sparkle in
the eye and the devilish grins but the curves were another thing altogether. At
4 feet 10 inches and 75 pounds the curves were nonexistent.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I can remember my girlfriends taunting
me. They would loop their fingers around my wrist and call me a string bean. If
that’s what my girlfriends were saying what were the boys thinking? It was time
for a plan of action. It was time to stop being a skinny string bean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of all I had to eat more. My allowance
now went towards fattening myself up, AKA, eating more junk food. Oh that I knew
then what I know now!</div>
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<br /></div>
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There were three main players in my
beefing up plan: Gadara’s grocery store, Doc Tab’s drug store and the local
Dairy Queen<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">®</span>.
Gadara’s sold Popsicles<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">®</span> in a variety of flavors: lemon, cherry, lime (my
favorite), orange, grape, blue raspberry and root beer. I preferred the single
one’s over the twin pops, unless a friend was sharing with me. I could never
eat them fast enough and always wound up with Popsicle juice running down my
arm! Another draw was the assortment of Tastykake<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">®</span> pies: blueberry, peach, apple,
lemon, cherry (with real cherry pits) and French apple with raisins and a layer
of hard white icing on top! Lemon was usually my choice. Having conquered the
freezer and shelves at Gadara’s, I was well on my way to curves. I didn’t
despair when my body didn’t shape immediately. I just moved on to Doc’s.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Doc’s was the local neighborhood corner
drug store, complete with a soda fountain. Oh, those were the days! That summer
I fell in love with ice cream sodas, chocolate ice cream, chocolate syrup and
seltzer with a mound of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry on top! I also
enjoyed flavored Cokes (vanilla, cherry and chocolate) and lime rickys (non-alcoholic,
of course). All of these drinks were served in real glasses designed to be
consumed at the counter while socializing. The to-go cup was unheard of at Doc’s.
Doc’s also sold hand-dipped ice cream cones which you were encouraged to take
outside. My flavor of choice was coffee ice cream in a sugar cone. On my more
adventurous days I would order a double decker with a scoop of coffee ice cream
and a scoop of either chocolate almond or vanilla fudge.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
As August approached the curves
were still nowhere in sight. I was desperate and had to do something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when I moved on to Dairy Queen and the
two milkshake a day plan. Every day for that month I had a black and white
milkshake when they opened in the morning and again after dinner. September
came and I went back to school once again as a string bean with my Catholic
school uniform hanging limply on my straight body.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, many years later, I sit here
with more curves than I desire. As I reflect back on that summer I don’t seem
to be remembering the anguish of not being shapely enough to attract the
boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I do recall mostly are the
moments of friendship as I shared a twin pop, of buying and enjoying my own
lemon pie, the fun times sitting at the counter in Doc’s and the evening walks
to the Dairy Queen on warm summer nights. Alas, if only I knew then what was really
important and if I only knew now how to get rid of these “curves.”</div>
joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-7195735493481226922017-03-05T22:52:00.003-05:002017-03-05T23:52:57.245-05:00Welcome to the Family Siobhan!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Welcome
to our wonderful and crazy family, Siobhan Elizabeth! I think you’ll fit right
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You started off your existence with
a game of hide and seek. You hid in your mommy’s womb and forgot to tell anyone
that you were there! Eventually your Dad thought something was different. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One quick test let them know you were there. Everyone
was so excited that they discovered you but no one realized how long you’d been
hiding.<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the first doctor’s visit with you and
your Mom (February 16), your Dad texted me often. The conversation went
something like this:</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
Dad: At the doctor’s, good strong heartbeat, around 150 (happy proud papa)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Me:
Nice</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Your Dad: Holy baby poop! Looks
like we may be 5 months along. Going for an immediate <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ultrasound. (Nervous papa)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Me: Keep me posted</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Your Dad: I’m scared to death right
now. They think perhaps 36 weeks along. (Frightened papa)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Me: That’s almost full-term.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Your Dad: I know! About 6lbs. now
waiting for the doctor. Looks like March 3 (Panic stricken papa)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkPeBtjXXsg/WLzcdrzDOUI/AAAAAAAAAu0/5ny4wgceKDsz2uHz4vaK9xXYN1d4jYqhgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkPeBtjXXsg/WLzcdrzDOUI/AAAAAAAAAu0/5ny4wgceKDsz2uHz4vaK9xXYN1d4jYqhgCLcB/s320/IMG_1819.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I finally got
to talk with him, he said the final verdict was 38 weeks, 6 lbs. 14oz with a
projected due date on March 1. Our family went into action and threw together a
fantastic baby shower so that you would have everything you needed when you
arrived. Good thing too because once you came out of hiding you couldn’t wait
to make your entry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around 10 o’clock on
Friday March 3<sup>rd</sup>, just 5 days later you emerged to the delight of
your parents and family, just 3 weeks after you came out of hiding; a beautiful
healthy baby <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>girl. </div>
<br />
You’ve already had many thrilling experiences
while you were in hiding: a trip to Las Vegas, horseback riding and maneuvers in
a fighter jet just to name a few. I can’t wait to see
the wonderful things that God has in store for you, for you truly are a miracle
baby. <br />
<br />
For
now relax and enjoy your new life and the love of your wonderful crazy family
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mYBwx096x4/WLzcdnxQpUI/AAAAAAAAAuw/fkhYipy8GoweKigB5Qty6V2uGuffXr04gCEw/s1600/IMG_1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mYBwx096x4/WLzcdnxQpUI/AAAAAAAAAuw/fkhYipy8GoweKigB5Qty6V2uGuffXr04gCEw/s320/IMG_1815.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-65900642091032602202016-12-27T19:39:00.000-05:002016-12-27T19:39:31.551-05:00Facing My Fears<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have to admit that as a child I was
quite timid. I wasn’t a quiet child. If my father was alive he’d be the first
to agree with that statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I
wasn’t bold either, except for when, at 7 years old, I kissed Johnny
Powdermaker while he was sitting on the sliding board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a 7 year old boy, I didn’t get a
favorable reaction so from then on I approached things cautiously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lived right across the street from a
playground and I loved the swings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could spend hours on the swings, provided no one came near and started to push
me. Only I could control how high the swing went. I didn’t play baseball
because I might get hit with the ball and I didn’t swim because I panicked when
water got in my eyes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t even
learn how to ride a bike until I was 12.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As I
got older I was a little braver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rode
on roller coasters (the old-fashioned wooden ones, not the modern day
monolithic, loop-de-loop ones) and rides like the octopus. But never the death
defying, hang upside down ones. I lived my adventures vicariously through the
many books that I read. A vacation with a friend’s family forced me to face my
fear of boats and small planes. Now when I’m on vacation I look for local boat
tours. I’m still not fond of small planes but have I taken a few island hoppers
for work ventures without much anxiety.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
By necessity, I overcame the fear
of the dentist. I still don’t like going there but it beats being toothless. I
joined Toastmasters to quell my public speaking fears. It worked and I actually
took 2<sup>nd</sup> place in a humorous speech competition. From what I’ve read
these are 2 of the top fears and I’ve successfully faced them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
In 2010 I went to Israel for a Holy
Land tour. While there I rode a camel and travelled by cable car over to the Masada
fortress, 2 things that I never saw myself doing since I have a fear of heights.
All in all, I’ve faced a few fears in my 63 years of life and have survived.
However, now I’m faced with another dilemma. The Head Nut and I go to Hilton
Head every spring. For Christmas this year my son and daughter-in-law gave us
gift certificates for a 2 hour zip line tour of Broad Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What were they possibly thinking!!!!???? When
I expressed my trepidation my son simply said, “Face your fears, Mom.” Can I do
it? Can I swing through the trees like Tarzan? Can I race 900 feet back to
sanity without losing mine? Stay tuned to find out!</div>
joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-26363371593852431242016-12-22T10:27:00.000-05:002016-12-22T10:27:40.967-05:00Christmas Tree Memories<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lk4Q6jvG-c/WFvv4HVH5BI/AAAAAAAAAuM/jljyPQ2CArQ1MDfFBAr1diGtbg07XmwDwCLcB/s1600/DSCN1089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lk4Q6jvG-c/WFvv4HVH5BI/AAAAAAAAAuM/jljyPQ2CArQ1MDfFBAr1diGtbg07XmwDwCLcB/s320/DSCN1089.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
This past weekend we bought our Christmas
tree, a rich, lush, beautifully shaped 9 foot Serbian spruce tree. This is late
for us since we usually put up our tree the weekend after Thanksgiving and take
it down after the Epiphany. As we wrestled it into place in the tree stand and
freed it from the bondage of the baling, I started thinking about previous
Christmas trees and how our traditions have altered through the years.<br />
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When I was a child our tree was
purchased a few days before Christmas from a corner vendor, carried/dragged
home and stuffed behind the winged back chair; waiting for Santa to put it up
and decorate it when he arrived on Christmas Eve. When I got up in the morning
and saw the glow of the lights from the top of the stairs, I knew that I had
been good and Santa had come. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
became a teenager my parents gave in to the lure of the artificial tree with
some fresh pine branches brought in to scent the house. The tree changed but
the one constant was nativity scene that sat year after year under the center
branches of the Christmas tree.</div>
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<br /></div>
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After I was married and had my
first son, I was excited about having Christmas in my new apartment. It was
about a week before Christmas and my husband was out of town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I passed by a tree farm and on an impulse stopped
to buy a tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people were nice and
loaded it into my van for me and I went on my merry way, excited about my
Christmas tree. I left it in the car thinking that it would keep well outside
until my husband got home a few days later. Two days before Christmas, we went
to get the tree out of van and that’s when I realized that the tree had been
laying across the heating vent and was now brown and dried out. I was
devastated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were just starting out
and didn’t have the money for another tree. My husband was angry and I was sad.
Fortunately, my father came through with the money for another tree but only
after a sustained lecture on my carelessness.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A few years later, my husband and I
had separated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I had plenty of
gifts for my two boys, it was Christmas Eve and I didn’t have a Christmas tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother-in-law had taken the boys for dinner
and Christmas Eve celebration so that was my last chance to get a tree; but
where on Christmas Eve after five o’clock? A friend of mine aka “The Head Nut”
had stopped by to see how we were making out and saw that there was no tree
said, “The kids have to have a Christmas tree!” he said. Off we went to various
tree stands where all that was left were trees that resembled bushes and were
shorter than me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m only 4’11”!
Discouraged, we stopped at one last stand before heading back to my apartment defeated.
In the back of the lot stood one lonely tree, not perfect but beautiful, we
took it! By the next Christmas, the Head Nut and I were married and my boys had
a baby brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds like a Hallmark
movie, doesn’t it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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As our family grew, 3 boys and 2
girls, we would have a tree trimming open house on Christmas Eve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of our friends and family were invited to
come over, have something to eat and drink and welcome to pick up an ornament
and place it on the tree. We always went together to pick out the tree followed
by a visit to a local diner for hot chocolate and dessert. This tradition
lasted until the youngest ones were teens. At that point they were involved in
an Operation Santa Claus project that took place on Christmas Eve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The open house tradition, minus the tree
trimming was moved to my oldest son’s house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our tree now went up the weekend before Christmas. </div>
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<br /></div>
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When we moved to NW New Jersey we
bought a reconstructed 1831 schoolhouse. The living room is the actual schoolhouse
and just cried out for a bigger tree than we were used to putting up. If we
wanted a good tree, we knew we had to start our shopping early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We typically find a 9 foot tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years we’ve had pine, spruce and fir
trees from cut your own farms as well as pre-cut trees. One year we purchased a
double-decker tree, an 8 ft. tree with 5 ft. segment growing out the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were both perfectly shaped so we
separated them and put one in the living room and one in the bedroom. That was
over 10 years ago and I’m still finding pine needles in remote corners of the
bedroom! This year we went with a 9 ft. Serbian spruce tree from a cut your own
farm. Over the years we’ve amassed quite a collection of ornaments so in recent
years we’ve had 2 trees, one in the living room and one in the breakfast room.
On the breakfast room tree we place all winged things. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Angels, birds, flying dragons and Philadelphia
eagles are all a part of that tree. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Every tree we’ve ever had has its
own story to tell as does each ornament. I’d love to hear about your Christmas
stories. Please respond and share one of your Christmas memories! </div>
joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-50150640337889434752016-09-30T13:45:00.001-04:002016-09-30T13:45:36.956-04:00To My Best Friend...We'll Meet Again Some Day<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eP_4tO7jEbQ/V-6km0mC_6I/AAAAAAAAAto/mAUkJJJV2x05gHP6Mg84q6PFp-7OwmfPwCLcB/s1600/meannmarie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eP_4tO7jEbQ/V-6km0mC_6I/AAAAAAAAAto/mAUkJJJV2x05gHP6Mg84q6PFp-7OwmfPwCLcB/s320/meannmarie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I recently said goodbye to my best
friend. We weren’t always best friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ann was the girl who took my only brother’s attention away from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though they took me on day trips to the
shore, rides in my brother’s convertible and anywhere else they thought I would
like, I still resented this interloper to our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t need a girlfriend, he had a little
sister! Ann was 9 years older than me which, I’m sure, made me the little brat
and I have no doubt that I was!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right up
to the wedding I was trouble. I was a junior bridesmaid and refused to dance
the wedding party dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hid in the
bathroom until the bride herself came in and threatened my life if I didn’t get
my behind out there on the dance floor.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
A year later, my nephew was born
and I was asked to be the Godmother. That changed everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was now a part of this new family and loved
it. I would spend days with them, helping out with the baby and just hanging
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever my brother was working out
of town, I would stay with Ann. We would watch movies and eat bowls of ice
cream with pretzels, pistachios (the red ones) and a delectable concoction called
a cheese freeze that her mother made. Through this period of time we also
forged a friendship that couldn’t be broken.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
When I was eighteen I found myself
unmarried and pregnant. The first person I called was Ann. She helped me find
an obstetrician, gave me tips on dealing with morning sickness and invited me
to stay until the storm blew over at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When the baby was born I inherited all of the essentials, crib, playpen,
etc. that they had for their 2 children. Eight months later Ann became pregnant
with their third child so I gave her my maternity clothes and began funneling
back the baby essentials; another exchange a year later when I had my second
baby. </div>
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<br /></div>
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After their 3<sup>rd</sup> child
they moved out of state. Although we were physically apart the bond could not
be broken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were many late night
phone calls (this was back in the day of high long distance rates that were
drastically reduced after hours). We discussed everything and across the miles
we cried and we laughed. We supported each other through good times and bad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Later when Ann moved back to her
home town we continued to be support for each other. I watched her children
while she went on interviews and she picked me up at the ER when I rode to the
hospital with my son in the ambulance and then realized we didn’t have a way home.
When I married for the second time Ann was my matron of honor. Our boys played baseball
at the same field and our girls attended the same school of dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove our children crazy with our three
hour phone conversations every Saturday morning, even though we lived in the
same town. We both went back to school and graduated from the same college on
the same day and had a shared party. That was twenty-five years ago.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Recent years involved working,
adult children, grandchildren, moves and a lot of promises to get together. For
Ann these last few years also included cancer. We did manage to see each other
about 3 times a year for family functions and followed each other with emails
and Facebook but I regret that we never had that one on one lunch that we were
always going to meet for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead our
one on one meeting was in a long-term care facility. However, I am very
grateful to have had those hours. During those visits we discussed our children
and grandchildren and rehashed the old times, interspersed with Ann sleeping; and
me alternating between watching bad TV and praying the rosary and asking for
God’s mercy on his faithful servant Ann. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I know we’ll meet again one day but
for now, I’m missing my best friend.</div>
joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-526158684754143812016-07-16T22:25:00.000-04:002016-07-16T22:25:33.953-04:00Double Blessing!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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For the past 26 years we have been
graced with the periodic arrival of grandchildren. We have welcomed each one as
the profound, unique blessing that they are. This past June we were doubly
honored by the appearance of two more bundles of joy. Around Thanksgiving our
youngest daughter announced that she was pregnant with their fifth child. On
Christmas Eve our son announced that they were expecting their first.
Discussions between the moms-to-be revealed due dates 5 days apart. Wouldn’t it
be wonderful if they were born on the same day? This suggestion got my heart
racing a little; imagining myself racing from NW New Jersey to SE Pennsylvania
and back all in one day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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As the two pregnancies progressed
the mom’s compared notes and figures whenever together and discussed their hopes,
challenges and fears; one through the eyes of an experienced mom, the other
with trepidation of the unknown, the first time mom. Throughout, I heard about
doctor’s appointments and looked at ultrasound pictures. My son and his
girlfriend wanted to know the sex so that they could adequately prepare; my
daughter said they already had two of each gender so they would wait and see
the tie-breaking baby when he or she was born. The telling ultrasound revealed
that my son would be the father of a little girl. The baby shower was all pink
and girly with a few neutral things thrown in, just in case. My daughter hung
on to her conviction to wait it out while my son secretly prayed that she would
have a boy. That way he could benefit from the hand me downs from his 3 year
old niece.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpbVgbW_8Mc/V4rr4JPgNUI/AAAAAAAAAs8/EqsCpaHpkmYPakh_v0491KXHPSzPtLQZwCLcB/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpbVgbW_8Mc/V4rr4JPgNUI/AAAAAAAAAs8/EqsCpaHpkmYPakh_v0491KXHPSzPtLQZwCLcB/s200/033.JPG" width="150" /></a>The awaited due dates were July 3
and July 8. Around June 10 my daughter started having some tell-tale signs that
labor was imminent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her previous
pregnancies resulted in early deliveries so this was no surprise. She kept up
her regular schedule of weekend activities, came into work on Monday and went
to lunch with a friend; all while waiting for baby to decide to make the grand
entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 4am on June 16<sup>th</sup>
we received a call from our daughter alerting us to the impending arrival of
our new grandchild. We quickly scrambled to make coffee, get dressed and drive
to her house to wait with the little ones. By 9am we received another phone
call that we had a new grandson. Cormac John Liotta, a handsome, healthy baby
boy, made his grand entrance into the world on June 16<sup>th</sup> weighing 7
lbs. 1 oz.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVkJVWeAbUc/V4rsF9cVQjI/AAAAAAAAAtA/QYyAKmH9mGcRliTpfenmfOFmFLtzbpoJgCLcB/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVkJVWeAbUc/V4rsF9cVQjI/AAAAAAAAAtA/QYyAKmH9mGcRliTpfenmfOFmFLtzbpoJgCLcB/s200/011.JPG" width="150" /></a>One down, one to go! My son’s baby
wasn’t due for another 3 weeks. However, I think she wanted to meet her new
cousin, along with the rest of the family, because on June 27<sup>th</sup> we
received another phone call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vivienne
Lee Brandt or ‘Fresh Baby’ as our son’s text referred to her was born, weighing
7 lbs. 4 oz. Both of these cherubs are a welcome, loving addition to our ever
growing family!</div>
joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-74890157152856175242016-05-22T14:59:00.001-04:002016-05-22T15:28:29.366-04:00Fitbit Madness<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> There’s been
some controversy over competition in sports with programs where everyone wins,
everyone gets a trophy, everyone gets a certificate and everyone goes away
happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fear is that we are creating
a society where no one will strive for excellence, no one will reach for the
moon; because they don’t have to, someone else will hand it to them. This point
could be debated ad nauseum and I’m not going there today. Today I want to address
a different group of people, a very aggressive group of people who do reach for
the moon, the fitbit people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make no mistake;
this is a group who will trample right over you in their attempt to get to the
top! You’ve probably seen the post on Facebook regarding the 17 things that
will (excuse me I have to do my hourly steps) happen if you wear a fitbit. You
may have chuckled a bit and liked it or maybe even shared it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then you forgot about it. But did you
consider the truth behind it? I know this to be true because I am one of them,
one of the fitbit people!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve always liked to walk and when the recommendation for
10,000 steps to a healthy heart came out I started to track my steps with a
simple clip on your pocket pedometer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then Weight Watchers came out with an allover activity meter (be right
back, have to walk the dog) that doesn’t measure steps but gives you points that
correlate with the WW program based on your activity. Since I was a WW member
my daughter gave me one for my birthday. I used that for a few years. Then came
the advent of the fitbit! For over a year I resisted purchasing this somewhat
pricey item but I must have mentioned it enough times because the Head Nut
presented me with one on Christmas Eve. It’s an amazing device. It not only measures
your steps and your miles but how many calories you burned, (be right back,
playing antler hockey with the dog, don’t ask just know that I just got a few
hundred steps in) how many minutes that you exercised and were active, your
heart rate and how many hours you slept. It even shows you if you’ve done at least
250 steps per hour or if you sat on your lazy butt too long and missed it. You
get a red dot for each hour you complete.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I now schedule my showers after one red dot and before the
next one is due. You can usually find me jogging in place in the kitchen in the
morning and in front of the TV in the evening. If I need a drink or a snack and
the Head Nut offers to get it for me, I tackle him and get it myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need the steps. If he (whew! I almost missed
my noon hour steps!) takes the dog for a walk he’s met with an evil glare when
he returns. That walk would have given me an extra 500 steps. So what if I was
just stepping out of the shower, I have a towel. I was recently at a family
party and as I shoved a big piece of cake in my mouth, I lamented that I wasn’t
getting my steps in. My son’s girlfriend rolled her eyes and said, “Did you hear
what your mother just said?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently
he’s been sending her a daily log of his steps. So I started sending him a log
of my steps. He’s been tracking his steps with another program and told me that
he thought my tracker was inaccurate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, I got offended and started to defend my fitbit.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I encounter flesh and blood people who are on my fitbit friends
list, I approach them like a stalker. “I saw you jump ahead of me last week, I’m
keeping my eye on you!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few weeks ago
I did a walk for charity that netted me 17K+ steps that day. It put me at the
top of the game that week. One of my friends sent me a message asking what I
was doing since I passed her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
currently have 16 fitbit friends and I dance around the middle of the list
depending on how aggressive I feel that week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Right now I’m in the 9<sup>th</sup> spot (Yay! Just jumped into the 8<sup>th</sup>
spot…take that Angel, I’m coming for you next Marianne! Oops! I mean sorry
Angel, I’m sure you do better tomorrow. WTG Marianne! good job keeping ahead. Hehe!)
I think the dog needs to be walked again so I’m signing off here. If you’re one
of my fitbit friends know that I’m watching you and maybe someday we’ll meet at
a fitbit anonymous meeting.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-72047880279307434562016-04-10T18:29:00.000-04:002016-04-11T08:53:12.261-04:00Everyday Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQUwlQjgcEo/VwueB-l8_LI/AAAAAAAAAsY/CVJRu_XzJz4zXgJEQhqkEQofihzuWF5ng/s1600/memories.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQUwlQjgcEo/VwueB-l8_LI/AAAAAAAAAsY/CVJRu_XzJz4zXgJEQhqkEQofihzuWF5ng/s200/memories.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>
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As I was hanging up my laundry the
other day, I picked up a well-loved green sweater. As I put it on the hanger I
remembered when I bought it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way
to meet up with a group of friends for a Murder Mystery weekend at Allenberry
Playhouse, my friend Elizabeth and I stopped at the Vanity Fair Outlet Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While shopping around we spotted sweaters for
$5 each. I bought one in green and my friend bought an identical one in blue. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was over 20 years ago. Although I keep in
contact via social media, I haven’t seen Elizabeth in years but I still have my
green sweater and fond memories of that weekend with 12 of my friends. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
This started me thinking about how
many times I use something like an article of clothing, a piece of jewelry or a
household item that triggers a memory of someone dear to me. Over the next few
weeks I paid attention as I went through my day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day as I dressed for work I was
looking for a necklace to dress up my outfit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I found a simple flat red slab (similar to an agate slab) and matching
red earrings. This set had been given to me by my friend Pat for my birthday. We
worked together for over 25 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve
both retired from that company but the memories of our deep conversations and
laughter keep the friendship alive.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Another piece of jewelry, a thin
silver chain, came from my father-in-law. He was quite a character and from
what I heard from my sister-in-law, he drove her crazy trying to find the right
chain. I’m glad he found it; it was the last gift that he gave me and it meant
a lot.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
As I was sipping wine, earlier this
week, from a souvenir glass from a previous wine tasting, I was reminded of
when we first met our Canadian friends Karen and Marty. We were enjoying our
timeshare week at the Marriott on Hilton Head Island. We signed up for a wine
tasting at a local winery and so did Karen and Marty. The tasting was quite
ample and none of us had eaten dinner yet. Fortunately, the resort provided
transportation. When we got back we all headed to Fuddruckers because it was
the closest place to get food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over
hamburgers and fries we learned about each other and a friendship was born. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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It doesn’t have to be a tangible
object either. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love to put music on
while I‘m cooking or cleaning up. While chopping vegetables for dinner, I found
myself singing along with Dion and the Belmonts to “Teenager in Love.” Although
it’s been quite a few decades since I was a teenager, I was immediately
transported to back to my childhood home as my brother audaciously belted out
the songs playing on his Hi-Fi record player. Dion, Kingston Trio, Al Jolson,
Johnny Mathis, Bobby Darin, Paul Anka and the Soundtrack to West Side Story are
just a few of the ones that I remember but I believe that this experience gave
me the love of music that I have today. </div>
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These are just a few of the things
that have sparked memories for me during the past few weeks. Now I have a
challenge for each of you. Pay attention to what triggers your everyday memories.
Then let me know in the comment section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Happy Remembering!!</div>
joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-29303265327637253312015-10-22T22:18:00.000-04:002015-10-22T23:09:44.162-04:00Halloweens Gone By<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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The days are shortening, there’s a crispness in the air and
there’s candy in every store. Halloween is fast approaching! Earlier today as I
put on my candy corn earrings and pumpkin pin, I thought about Halloween in
days gone by. A quick early dinner then change into my costume and head out the
door to meet my friends for a marathon event of trick or treating. Our costumes
were hand-made and simple; a boxcar hobo with charcoal smeared on our faces and
a pillowcase tied to a stick or a gypsy covered in scarves and dangling
jewelry. There were also a lot of clowns and witches and the occasional priest
or nun, nothing fancy, just costumes thrown together with bits and pieces found
lying around the house. Pillowcases sufficed as Halloween bags.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gUPaLr4jORQ/VimWWLKsoWI/AAAAAAAAAsE/Rv52k-hsPfQ/s1600/img248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gUPaLr4jORQ/VimWWLKsoWI/AAAAAAAAAsE/Rv52k-hsPfQ/s320/img248.jpg" width="320" /></a> We would start on my street and the make the mile trek to
the school we attended, weaving up and down the streets in between. We knew which
streets had the haunted houses (I tried to avoid them) and which houses had
full-sized candy bars. Two houses on the street behind my house stand out in my
mind. One was older woman who always gave out full-sized candy bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One bar in the bunch had a dollar bill taped
to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sort of her version of the Wonka bar golden
ticket! The other house gave out cupcakes and punch. We always saved that one
for the end of the night when we were tired, hungry and thirsty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the house where I always looked
forward to stopping. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDuzWjLQjGY/VimVsx_iNaI/AAAAAAAAAr0/iEVY1jKGUCo/s1600/img243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDuzWjLQjGY/VimVsx_iNaI/AAAAAAAAAr0/iEVY1jKGUCo/s200/img243.jpg" width="200" /></a> When I started having my own children I did the same type of
costuming, scraps from around the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For my oldest son’s first Halloween (at 7 months) I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>constructed a bunny rabbit costume out of a
sleeper with cotton balls for a tail and pink and white felt for ears. Then
gave him a carrot to teethe on! Throughout the years we dressed hobos, pirates,
princesses, witches, boys dressed as girls, gypsies, vampires<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">, butterflies </span>and even a giant taco.While I walked around with the kids, the Head
Nut terrorized the neighborhood with his variations on a haunted house theme, sometimes monsters, sometimes chainsaws!</div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6oHY1TrBFVM/VimVsotgBnI/AAAAAAAAArw/OYN5EoEB0tE/s1600/img247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6oHY1TrBFVM/VimVsotgBnI/AAAAAAAAArw/OYN5EoEB0tE/s200/img247.jpg" width="200" /></a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the kids were grown we moved to a more rural area into
a converted 1831 schoolhouse with acres of woods behind our property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made settlement in the beginning of
October and quickly set about decorating for Halloween.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a perfect setting for a haunted
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Halloween came and the Head Nut,
my daughter, 2 year old granddaughter and me sat around a big bowl of candy and
waited and waited and…waited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three little
kids that lived next door finally made a very brief appearance and that was it.
Fifteen years later, we’re still waiting for the next kid to show up. However,
we do harbor a few ghosts and goblins in our spooky Halloween schoolhouse!</div>
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<br />joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-41555233644688904802015-07-16T20:48:00.002-04:002015-07-16T21:07:26.120-04:00Vacation!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Vacation!
The scenario may be different for everyone, an island, the mountains, a cruise,
camping, a beach, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I think
we can all agree on the purpose, an escape, an escape to something different
than our usually chaotic daily lives, an escape from our day to day stresses.
It gives us time to put our thoughts in perspective, regroup and come back
refreshed. I just returned home last week from a family vacation at the beach
which included five generations. As I looked at the photos taken during the
past week I wondered what memories each person was taking home with them, what
this particular vacation meant to them. Like the National Lampoon vacations,
they always start off with a purpose that usually gets derailed at some point
but ends on a happy, that’s life kind of note.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This vacation started at my youngest
son’s. We arrived early evening had drinks and appetizers and then headed out
to have dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an enjoyable
evening and a great way to start our decompression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Early the next morning The Head Nut and I got
back on the road and headed to the shore to meet up with my oldest son,
youngest daughter, their spouses and children and Nana Marie, the family
matriarch. We were a very eclectic group of 16 ranging in age from almost 1year
to almost 90.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent 5 fun days
soaking up the sun on the beach and in the pool, walks along the coast and
sharing meals and conversation. Although it was a wonderful time of rest and
renewal for me, others were a little shaken by the close proximity of sharks (2
feet) and the aggressiveness of sea gulls! Overall, I believe it was a nice
break in routine for everyone. For me it provided one more memory to cherish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I thought about the week and the
variety of ages, I began to remember snippets of my family vacations through
the years. I don’t have too many memories of vacations as a young child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My most vivid summer recollection from those
days was “swimming in my pool,” a galvanized steel wash tub that I splashed
around in in my inner city backyard. At about 8-10 yrs old I remember being on
the beach in Atlantic City (pre-casino era) with my parents and exploring the
boardwalk and the Steel Pier by myself, while my parents stayed back in the
room and played cards and relaxed. In my pre and early teens, I was allowed to
invite a friend to come on vacation with us. Our days consisting of too much
sun on the beach, of course we didn’t think so until the pain set in, and
evenings walking the boardwalk. My later teens were spent in Wildwood, again
soaking up too much sun while drenched in baby oil, taking hours to get
dressed, do our hair and make-up so that we could go up on the boardwalk
looking like hot chicks. God help us!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a parent with five children in a 9 yr
span, we continued to go to Wildwood on a shoestring budget. We stayed in a
reasonably priced motel with a pool and a unit that had 2 bedrooms, a living
area and a full-sized kitchen. My parents had moved to the shore by then and
would purchase an early pack of amusement tickets to keep the kids happy
throughout the week. We usually took our shore trip surrounding the Fourth of
July and would meet up with other family members at Mom and Dad’s for the
annual family barbecue and then back to Wildwood to watch the fireworks on the
beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the kids got older and so did
we, the vacation spot was moved to an adorable little fishing shack in Cape
May, away from the hustle and bustle of Wildwood but close enough to make the
annual visit to the boardwalk and take a ride on the Cape May Whale Watcher.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now the Head Nut and I enjoy our annual
vacation together on Hilton Head Island, exploring the cuisine and entertainment
that the Island offers but we still look forward to the annual Jersey shore
vacations with our adult children and grandchildren. Like Nana Marie, I hope to
still be making these wonderful memories when I’m approaching 90!</span></div>
joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-4066370149791621642013-12-06T19:59:00.001-05:002013-12-06T21:02:16.642-05:00An Unusual But Romantic Date Day<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iXu16UTCppo/UqJy8YEFsQI/AAAAAAAAAn0/-dUPS0J8Myg/s640/blogger-image--974638814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iXu16UTCppo/UqJy8YEFsQI/AAAAAAAAAn0/-dUPS0J8Myg/s640/blogger-image--974638814.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div> For the past 6-7 years, Friday has been date day. It started when I was still working full-time and the company that I worked for initiated the option for 9 hour days with half days on Friday. I saw that as a perfect opportunity for Friday lunches with the Head Nut. I would leave work early and drive to a previously chosen restaurant. We would each arrive and leave in separate cars which gave the illusion of an illicit love affair, adding a pinch of spice to our date.</div><div><br></div><div> Now that I no longer work for that company and we're both self-employed, we still keep up the tradition of date day. However, since our income is now feast or famine, we alternate who treats on date day. During the 'famine' times we sometimes have to get creative with our 'feasts.' One particular Friday in November was one of those times. It was the Head Nut's turn to treat and I was informed on Thursday that he would be making lunch for date day at home.</div><div><br></div><div> Knowing that the Head Nut works late at night and gets up much later than I do, I prepared myself a substantial breakfast as to not be too hungry too soon and then went about my day. Around 1:30pm our dog started barking at the back door. When I looked out I saw the Head Nut setting up a party tent in the back yard. Were we really going to eat outdoors? Yes, the weather is mild for November but it's still November in NW NJ. I wouldn't eat at an outdoor cafe so why eat in my backyard? </div><div><br></div><div> I didn't look outside again and spent the next hour working on subduing my freak-out factor. I would be gracious and accept his loving, creative endeavor. I wouldn't complain that I was cold or had to eat with my coat on. I wouldn't say that this was ridiculous and I was going inside. Maybe later I would suggest that we never do that again. For now I would sit and wait until I was called for lunch.</div><div><br></div><div> An another hour went by as I busied myself, trying not to speculate on the upcoming meal. Finally, the Head Nut said the food would be ready shortly and asked if I had looked outside. I confessed that I had and was a little concerned. He was very nonchalant and told me not to worry.</div><div><br></div><div>"You do know it's November, right?" I asked, just in case he was having some sort of cerebral attack that rendered him incapable of knowing the date.</div><div><br></div><div>"Yeah, I know. Put on layers."</div><div><br></div><div>"The sun is starting to set."</div><div><br></div><div>"We'll be fine", he said calmly.</div><div><br></div><div>"Did you forget that we have bears in our woods?"</div><div><br></div><div>"It will be okay. Why don't you go watch TV or play on your iPad until I'm finished?"</div><div><br></div><div> I realized that I had been dismissed and went in and turned on the TV but not before considering dialing 911. What would I say? My husband wants me to eat "lunch" in a tent in the dark and cold. Surely, I would be the one carted away for evaluation. So I sat down and waited.</div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FumbKd9E6YE/UqJy9U51EfI/AAAAAAAAAn4/Br7DSIx2iko/s640/blogger-image-1397533140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FumbKd9E6YE/UqJy9U51EfI/AAAAAAAAAn4/Br7DSIx2iko/s640/blogger-image-1397533140.jpg"></a></div></div><div> About 20 minutes later he called me to grab plates and utensils and come outside. I put on my coat and went into the backyard. A tent was set up and closed on three sides. In the tent was a card table with wild flowers and a candle and two chairs covered in animal skins for warmth. In front of the tent was a blazing fire pit. A few minutes later he placed a dish of baked chicken with mozzarella and tomato sauce on a bed of penne and a carafe of hot spiced apple wine.</div><div><br></div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FdT-mm1kt68/UqJy_HBXzvI/AAAAAAAAAoE/_hn1pmozIEA/s640/blogger-image--513001423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FdT-mm1kt68/UqJy_HBXzvI/AAAAAAAAAoE/_hn1pmozIEA/s640/blogger-image--513001423.jpg"></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> The sky was clear and the moon was full. The fire was warm and the food and wine were delicious. Despite my misgivings, the setting was wonderful. We sat in the tent, warmed by the fire and watched the moon come up through the trees as we ate our delicious late lunch. It couldn't have been more romantic!</span></div></div><div><br></div><div> </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-36907973793252340002013-10-14T02:33:00.001-04:002013-10-15T11:19:48.249-04:00My "Wonder"ful Outfit<div>
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My daughter read that October 13 was a "free the ta-tas - no bra day." Since she was having a family birthday party for her 1year old daughter and 12 year old son, she sent out a request to all the women that, in an effort to not frighten the children, PLEASE WEAR A BRA! I had no problem honoring that request. Free ta-tas are not my style.</div>
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As we were getting ready to leave, a quick glance in the mirror left me dissatisfied with my outfit. A quick outfit change to jeans a tank top and a shawl style cardigan required a change in bra as well. I quickly grabbed an appropriately colored and styled one, girded my ta-tas and left for the party. We arrived at the gathering and while mingling, my son asked if I lost weight (yes, I had, nice of him to notice), my daughter-in-law commented that style of the pants I was wearing gave a longer, leaner look and my other daughter-in-law commented on the cardigan than she had given me last Christmas. I was glad that I had taken the extra time to change. I felt my previous outfit looked dowdy where this look was more attractive and people noticed. However, vanity, however small has it's price!</div>
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A little while later,as I stood having a conversation with my daughters, they indicated with wide eyes and flailing arms to pull the cardigan closed. Thinking that the tank top had a massive rip in it, I looked down to see a rather large wet spot right under and following the curve of my left breast. That's when my son-in-law asked me if I was lactating! I was mortified and confused about this spot on my shirt. Touching it I felt that it was oily. I had oiled my cutting boards that morning and all I could think of was that I had spilled some oil and then somehow leaned into it. I changed into a shirt provided by my daughter but by now my confidence in my outfit had dwindled.</div>
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As the days festivities were drawing to a close I was heading to get a 'for the road' cup of coffee when my daughter said, "Mom, what's going on with you?" And pointed to her shirt that I was now wearing. Low and behold, right under my left breast was another oil stain. I reached under the shirt and felt the bra. It felt wet and oily. "It's the bra!" I told her. I went into the bathroom and checked. Sure enough the bra was the culprit. Who knew that Wonder bras contained 20% mineral oil! I certainly didn't.</div>
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That's when I freed the ta-tas! Sorry kids!</div>
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joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-64911949755113475702013-09-24T17:44:00.000-04:002013-09-24T17:44:27.006-04:00The Head Nut, The Leak and the Thingamabob<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Today was the day! It’s been about three months since the
leak was discovered in the upstairs bathroom sink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The leak that the Head Nut kept promising he
could fix. All it needed was the right tools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Last month my brother and sister-in-law were coming to stay overnight so
I gave a gentle nudge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Think you can
get to the sink soon? It’s unreasonable to ask guests to come to the downstairs
bathroom to wash their hands or brush their teeth.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Absolutely, I already thought about that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True to his word he set about fixing the sink…the
day that they were arriving! I was busy preparing a meal when the Head Nut came
downstairs and said something to the effect of the thingamabob broke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be honest I didn’t know or care what the
thingamabob was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wanted the sink
fixed. “So can you get another thingamabob?”</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Not today! Not before your brother gets here. We’ll just
have to tell them not to use the sink.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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About two weeks later he bought the thingamabob but then
realized that he didn’t have the correct thingamajig to use with this
thingamabob. Yesterday, I finally said I’m tired of sacrificing my hygiene
because I have to run downstairs to brush my teeth. By the time I get there I
forget what I was going to do! That must have made sense to him because right
after lunch he set out to fix the sink. Well, right after another cup of coffee
and an email check.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a writer, I
know procrastination tactics when I see them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So when, with putty and wrench in hand he said, “Your hair looks sexy
like that,” I glared at him and told him that I knew he was just stalling
again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, the Head Nut is normally a very precautionary
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we go away overnight he shuts
off the water, just in case there’s a pinhole leak somewhere that could burst while
we’re gone. So, I thought it a logical question to ask if he turned the water
off. “Not necessary for this job it doesn’t involve the water lines.”</div>
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</div>
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About fifteen minutes into the job I hear, “OH!@#$%, OH!@#$%,
OH!@#$%, OH!@#$%, OH!@#$% GET TOWELS, BIG ONES!” As he ran downstairs to shut
the water off, I ran up to the bathroom in time to see it filling with water,
HOT water! I grabbed a stack of bath towel and started throwing them around the
room. The dog followed me and thought this was a great game and kept grabbing
the towels, along with pieces of thingamabobs and thingamajigs which she saw as
new toys! I was just about finished mopping up the water (thankfully it didn’t
leak downstairs), wringing out towels (into the toilet because we still can’t
use the sink), throwing them into an empty laundry basket and wrestling with
the dog when the Head Nut came back with a dish towel in his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll leave the rest to your imagination.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now we are waiting for the plumber.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Disclaimer: Thingamabob and thingamajig are the writer’s
interpretation. The Head Nut probably would have said something closer to
whatchamacallit or whatchama!@#$%</div>
joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-76498128998000659742013-09-05T15:36:00.000-04:002013-09-05T15:36:35.105-04:00Patty Where Are You?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5uaBMSO8vQ/UijZ9b_l3uI/AAAAAAAAAjY/4qygFcVfIRo/s1600/patty_platypus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5uaBMSO8vQ/UijZ9b_l3uI/AAAAAAAAAjY/4qygFcVfIRo/s200/patty_platypus.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all laughed watching the scene in Mr. Mom
where Michael Keaton is trying to break his son of carrying his woobie around.
As well, we wonder how long Linus is going to keep his all-purpose blanket. Recently,
while on vacation, I learned that my nine year old granddaughter takes Patty
the Platypus, a beanie baby given to her when she was a toddler, everywhere she
goes. Unfortunately, when she arrived back home Patty was nowhere to be seen. Calls
to the motel were not hopeful, no one had turned in a pink platypus. Patty must
have overslept and then was whisked away with the laundry. My granddaughter was
devastated, Patty was gone.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This got me thinking. We joke about these
items but I wager that most of us could look back to our childhood and
instantly recall our favorite object, sort of our own version of the Velveteen
Rabbit. I had two, one to go everywhere with me, my doll Myrtle, and one to
snuggle up with at night, my bear Bruno.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sadly, Myrtle met an early demise when she fell off the roller coaster
at Playtown Park, a local amusement park where my parents frequently took me.
However, Bruno was with me well into my teens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When his eyesight started to fail, my Mom sewed big black buttons on him
so that he could see again. He was stitched up and patched in various places but
he was well loved.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r19gnOBRCcE/UijcXz3bfUI/AAAAAAAAAjk/UYX2udhgfqw/s1600/winky_blinky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r19gnOBRCcE/UijcXz3bfUI/AAAAAAAAAjk/UYX2udhgfqw/s200/winky_blinky.jpg" width="150" /></a> Winky-Blinky, an inflatable tribal toy with flicker eyes and wrap around
arms was the Head Nut’s constant companion of choice. It
seems he was left behind at a gas station during a trip to the shore.
For my
daughter it was a Cabbage Patch doll named Janetta 0’Deena, lost during a
move
while staying with her cousin. Another one of granddaughters had Jane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jane was a realistic, soft bodied baby doll that
she got for Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She just called
her baby. While spending Christmas Day at her uncle’s he prodded her for baby’s
name. Is it Baby Jane? Apparently he had seen “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?”
one time too many!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The name stuck and
she’s been Jane ever since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also had
a boy doll that her uncle named Massimo but that’s another story. Jane is still
around and loved but, alas, has been relegated to the shelf.</div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a happier note, Patty has been
found!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Diligent motel staff rifled
through mounds of bedding until they retrieved Patty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m told that the news was received with an
ear to ear grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kudos to the staff of
the NorthWind Motel for making a young girl smile again!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So who was your
dependable friend when you were a child? Leave your story in the comments
section for all to enjoy.</div>
joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-8318187495644172602013-04-18T12:24:00.001-04:002013-04-18T12:24:32.697-04:00Triggering Memories<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What triggers our
memories? Almost anything that appeals to our senses can trigger a memory. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing an object from the past may elicit a
fond memory of how and when that object was acquired, hearing a song might send
us back to the moment when we first listened to that music, smelling a
particular flower could cause us to recall a prom, wedding or even a funeral. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember tasting a cookie I had baked and
was instantly a child again baking cookies with my mother; touching a blade of
grass in the summer while feeling the warmth of the sun always reminds me of
impromptu picnics when I was younger. So whether it’s by sight, sound, smell,
taste or touch, memories creep into our thoughts every day reminding us of
where we’ve been. Sometimes they are fleeting and other times they provoke a
longer reminiscence. They can put a big grin on our faces or bring a tear to our
eye. Either way they are part of who we are.</div>
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<br /></div>
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While in church the other day I spotted a mother sitting with
her three children. It was a cool Spring day and one of the girls was wearing a
knitted poncho.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterwards, as they were
leaving, one of the church members commented on the poncho. The girl’s brother,
a boy around 5 or 6, turned around and proudly told the woman, “It’s called a
poncho!” I’m pretty sure that in this woman’s 80+ years she had seen a poncho
before but she just smiled at the boy and kindly said, “Yes, I know and it’s
beautiful.” The boy ran off happy to have educated this woman on his sister’s
attire. It was a win-win situation, all involved were happy with the exchange;
even me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself smiling at this short
heartwarming exchange between two individuals decades apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I walked out of the church I found myself
reminiscing about my first poncho.</div>
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It was in the 60’s and ponchos were making a splash in the
fashion world. I was 16 and what 16 year old girl didn’t just HAVE to have the
latest styles. However, we were a family on a budget and it didn’t include
unnecessary accessories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had adequate
jackets and sweaters so a poncho just wasn’t in the picture. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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By Christmas the poncho was a distant memory, until I opened
the present from my brother and sister-in-law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Inside was a sweater knit, navy blue and white, hounds tooth print
poncho with a row of fringe around the bottom and a tie at the neck. It was the
best present I received that year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
never even mentioned that I wanted one. Who knew that my brother and
sister-in-law were that cool!</div>
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<br /></div>
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That poncho kept me warm that winter and many seasons after
that. I even remember wearing it when I was pregnant with my first son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an unseasonably warm day at the end of
February and I wore it to meet a friend for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It served me well over the years but I can’t
say what happened to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably it
fell out of fashion and I donated it in a used clothing drive. I hope that the
recipient enjoyed as much as I did.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Has this sparked a memory of an article of clothing that you
once had?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What else triggers your
memories?</div>
joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-18806678862684481582013-04-05T21:20:00.000-04:002013-04-05T21:20:08.131-04:00The Unwritten Blogs <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Most of us have heard the expression ‘Unsung Song’ but what
about the ‘Unwritten Blog’? It’s been quite a few months since I’ve taken pen
to paper or fingers to keyboard as the case may be. For the last year I’ve been
studying for my Health Coach Certification and trying to start a new coaching business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blog writing unfortunately took a back burner.
That doesn’t mean there weren’t blogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were many of them roaming around my head, written with drops of
water on the shower wall as they spilled from my mind during a relaxing bath.
Some of them even made it to the computer only to be discarded because their
relevance had dissipated much like the water droplets.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, my
saga length blog about my year as a nomad where I detailed how I slept in more
places the George Washington. I stayed for months with my daughter and then
with 2 of my sons. I went to conferences in New York and Ohio, vacationed at
the Jersey Shore as well as South Carolina. It got to the point where I would
wake up and ask myself, “Where the hell am I?” I felt like I was back in the 60’s!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then there was
the one about the 3 day detox diet that the Head Nut and I went on in
January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I consisted of 3 fruit and
veggie smoothies a day. Those of you who know the Head Nut know how absurd this
sounds. While I could eat fruits and veggies all day; the Head Nut lives on
caffeine, chocolate, sugar and nicotine, with the occasional pound of bacon
thrown in for good measure! Well guess what? He made it a ½ smoothie further
than me. Halfway through the second one on the second day, I declared that, “If
I drink one more mouthful, I’m going to throw up!” and poured the rest of it in
the sink. The Head Nut, who had already finished his, watched in amazement and
then said, “Want to go to the Italian Restaurant?”</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other
unwritten blog was “The Curse of the Werepuppy.” In June we acquired a 12 week pit-bull
puppy. Although she is very active and extremely playful; she is also a cuddle
bug who will climb on your lap and lay there for hours, except during a full
moon. Once a month she will pace all day and night and not settle down. She has
bursts of uncontrollable energy and stares at you like you just might be her
next meal! Looking into her eyes, I believe that I could see her fangs growing!
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, as the moon starts waning
so does her aberrant behavior; at least until the next month.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So is this the beginning of the blog renewal?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like to think so. But who knows?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do know that I will keep composing them in my
head and in the shower. You may even see some in writing!</div>
joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738823602678770148.post-90659978195141195852012-12-24T10:25:00.000-05:002012-12-24T10:25:35.333-05:00O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree<br />
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!<br />
How richly God has decked thee!<br />
German carol, unknown<br />
<br />
As I pass by cars with Christmas trees secured to the top I start thinking about the trees that I have purchased for the last 39 Christmas seasons. Some were majestic and some were definitely Charlie Brown trees. In the end, once the lights, ornaments and tinsel were applied each one was a work of art in its own right. <br />
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When my oldest son was a year and a half I moved into my first apartment with my husband (pre head nut). As Christmas was nearing I passed a tree lot and decided to buy a tree with the little money I had. the guy at the stand was nice enough to put it in the back of my VW camper for me. My husband was out of town but I was sure that the tree would be fine in the camper until he returned. I was quite proud of my purchase and thought that my husband would be surprised. He sure was, especially when he realized that one whole side of the tree was dried out. It was leaning on the van's heater! Oops! Two days before Christmas I was asking my father if I could borrow money to buy a new Christmas tree! I left the tree buying to my husband after that. <br />
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The year that I started dating the Head Nut my boys were almost 3 and 5. Our tradition when the kids were little was to put up the tree on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, I hadn't had a chance to buy one yet. So at 7 pm on Christmas Eve, while the boys were with their grandmother, the Head Nut and I set out to find a Christmas tree. THe first few places we tried were either sold out or closed. It was frustrating to see the perfect tree with a cyclone fence between you and your find. I was starting to get concerned that we weren't going to find a tree so the Head Nut said, "Don't worry, we'll get a tree even if I have to climb a fence and steal one!" Although it was very comforting to know that someone cared that much about the boys and I having a Christmas tree, the prospect of spending Christmas Day in jail was a little frightening. My fears were allayed when we found a stand still open and eager to sell us one of the few remaining trees. After that we made it a tradition to go back to the same stand every year, followed by a stop at the nearby diner for hot chocolate.<br />
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Twelve years ago we moved out of the area and bought a house with a large living room with a 10 foot high ceiling. Subsequently, the trees got bigger with bigger price tags. After we paid $80 for a tree the first year we quickly realized that we had to scout around for taller Charlie Brown trees and just put the bad side against the wall. One year a friend of my daughter's took us to a reasonably priced tree farm near his home,which unfortunately was about 30 miles away from ours. Far back in the field we spotted a nicely shaped 8 footer with a smaller tree growing at the top. When the workers saw us looking at it they laughed and said they'd give it to us for $40. They were shocked when we said,"we'll take it!" They saw an odd looking, too tall tree with no value; while we saw a two for one special! That year we enjoyed a tree in the living room and one in our bedroom as well. But that was after trying to drive 30 miles on a highway with over 14 feet of Christmas tree tied to the top of our station wagon. We finally stopped at her friend's house and threw it into the bed of his pick-up truck for safe transporting!<br />
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Throughout the past forty years we've had pine trees, spruce trees and fir trees. We've had long needles and short needles, soft needles and ones that were razor sharp. The cost has ranged from $20 to $80. Each one was beautiful in it's own way but the true beauty always came from the radiant faces of our children and grandchildren when they looked at this small bit of Christmas magic.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours! </span></b></span></div>
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joanne leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433088239412080529noreply@blogger.com8