For Today - February 1, 2011

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window… the storm of the winter is bearing down on us. Yesterday, about an inch of ice accumulated on the streets. Today, ice pellets and snow are whipping through the air. You can’t go outside without being hurt by the ice hitting your exposed skin. So we are staying inside and praying the power doesn’t go out!
I am thinking… when is Spring due? Not soon enough!
I am thankful for… my warm house.
From the kitchen… I made The Pioneer Woman’s Burgundy Mushroom sauce to serve with grilled flank steak for dinner. It was delish.
I am wearing… sweat pants and a seafoam green sweater. It’s a snow day, afterall!
I am creating … a Blurb Book that covers our trip to Italy.
I am going… to make some cake after I finish this blog post. Something about hunkering down in the midst of a storm that makes every one crave baked goods.
I am reading… A Most Uncommon Degree of Popularity by Kathleen Gilles Seidel, an interesting book about a group of middle school girls and their mothers. 
I am hoping… Our power stays on through all this wind and sleet
I am hearing… the “soundtrack” from the SIMS3 computer game. Erica is playing it on the computer. It’s like the music they play when you get put on hold.
Around the house… Snow boots, jackets, hats, gloves and scarves litter the floor, a reminder of the sledding and playing in the blizzard the kids did today.
One of my favorite things… hot tea and blueberry muffins – this morning’s breakfast.
A few plans for the rest of the week… Another snow day tomorrow, which means we get to dig out from “Stormagedon”. Maybe things will return back to normal on Thursday.

And a picture to share:

It's Sam, in his new "spot" in the computer cabinet. We set up a nice cushy blanket for him to feel comfortable as he checks out the family room, dining room and foyer. It's the perfect vantage point for a Siamese.

I hope you are staying warm and off the streets during the current blizzard.

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Haircut

Brian received his second "professional" (ie, paid) haircut this weekend.



We have a similar trimmer at home, but the stylists have much better "finishing" tools (to get the sides and back shaved).

The overall experience took 5 minutes, and we liked the results:

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Teen Age Friends and Trends

I understand that having a teen in the house means a transition in interests. Instead of the constant hum of Disney Channel, we now endure TLC (What Not to Wear, The Cake Boss and Say Yes to the Dress). Nancy Drew mysteries have been replaced by The Clique Series and best sellers like The Lovely Bones.

So imagine my surprise when Erica wanted to buy these:




Apparently all the rage among teens - the cuddly and soft Pillow Pets. Yes - glorified, over-sized stuffed animals, quite similar to the 100 stuffed animals I sold at last year's garage sale.

"But it's a pillow" Erica tells me. "And they are SO soft".

I acquiesce and let her buy two. She's named the horse "Casey" because he looks like her favorite horse at the Stable. And that's Zoe the Zebra [again, named by Erica]. I'm glad there's still a little bit of "kid" in that teen head.

There's still lots of silliness between teen friends, too:


As the two of them get ready to play volleyball in the snow:

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Scenes from the Weekend

Technically, more than the weekend -
Thursday night - a full moon with snow means a cool exposure of the backyard:


Friday - it's retro day at Middle school.


Saturday -
It's cold outside and snowy, but I managed a 3 mile run after a Cage Fitness class. Running while the snow is falling is so peaceful.


The tulips are starting to fade -


I finished up the last of the photos from July's Italy trip. The pictures from Florence (Firenze) may be found here, on Flickr.

Sunday - The cats make a little bit of a fuss while watching the birds outside. They won't go outside, though - it's too cold!



Erica enjoyed dumplings for lunch (leftovers from last night's takeout)


Hope you had a great (and warm) weekend!

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January 10-19, 2011

It’s already the third week of January, the snow is falling (yet again) and tomorrow the temperatures will drop below zero. Welcome to winter on the prairie. Even the birds have to deal with the snow and ice.


Taken outside the orthodontist office on Monday, January 10th – Brian had a retainer check up (he needs to wear it more, so we’ll have to monitor that a little more).

Later that evening, Sammy got up high above the refrigerator in the kitchen. He and Hannah were playing a bit of “tag”:




Fast forward a couple of days, and we’ve got 6” of fresh snow on the ground, and Scott bought these from the store:

Just what the kids need – caffeine and real sugar!

That night, I made some crepes for Erica:


On Friday, I hosted book club at the house. What a busy day! So busy that I didn’t take pictures, but my friend, Kellie (who is doing her own Project 365 this year) did:


I made rum cake (of course) and we discussed The Happiness Project (my selection).


On Saturday, January 15, I took Erica to the mall – she needed new jeans [the ones she bought in the fall are “too cold” – that’s because they have holes in them – that’s why buying jeans with holes in them is really not the best idea…..].

Apparently, Aeropostale has been surpassed by the America Eagle store:


And later, Sammy decided to snuggle on her lap.


There’s no shortage of cat games tonight:


On Sunday, I decided to take my own advice concerning finding photographic inspiration during the winter months and bought a bouquet of tulips to photograph.


And instead of wasting time playing Angry Birds (seriously, I need a 12 step addiction program), I wasted time photographing stemware:


I promised Erica I would hang her new window blinds today. Out come the power tools – the Makita drill set I bought Scott for Christmas in 2009.


It’s a great drill (not too big) so I quickly completed this project.

Monday morning, Martin Luther King Jr. day, and the kids have the day off. I guess I have the “morning off” too, as I don’t have to drag the kids out of bed and drive them to school. Instead, I leisurely prepared for the day and played around with my iPhone camera and the Hipstamatic app:


Tuesday – kids are back to school. I have violin lessons in the afternoon – starting the 2nd movement of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto – very pretty. Later that night, Brian and I sweat things out at Cage Fitness Class.

Wednesday morning and I’m still taking photos of the tulips.


The kids persuaded me to get them sandwiches from Panera on Wednesday night. Wow, the Christmas lights are still up in the Olde Farm Shops.


But I have to admit, they are kind of festive….

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The First Week of January

We've been blessed with abundant sunshine, making it "seem" warmer. But the temperatures have been right on par with previous years, which means it is COLD out there!

So, what's been going on?

We went out and purchased a treadmill:

...which was used heavily by the kids for about two days. Erica was the requester, but Scott and I have used it more than she has. I figure now I don't have any excuse not to run (even though I'll be hitting the pavement unless there is serious ice and / or single digits outside).

It's been sunny outside:


Scott and Brian set up the big tent in the basement last night (Friday). They camped out there with Sammy.


A small amount of snow (about 1") fell last night and provided Brian with some afternoon entertainment today.


We are watching football now, and I am learning to use Lightroom 3 to organize and process my pictures. I have been using the 50mm lens since mid-December, forcing myself to work within the constrains of the fixed focal length.

The kids are back to school again, complaining a bit about the homework, and having to get up early. They don't know how easy they have it!

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358/365 - Relaxing Day

The last day of my 4-day weekend, and we are just relaxing at home.
Scott caught the Colts game via the internet.
Fay watched the Giants lose to the Packers.
I started reading a book on Lightroom 3.
Erica took a 5 hour nap.
Brian played games at George's house.
The cats napped on the couches.

A perfect lazy Sunday.

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331/365 - Walgreens

I don't know what it is with the kids and Walgreens - they love the Walgreens! And chance they get, they want to go to the Walgreens. Probably because they can get lots of goodies there - you know - gum and candy.

Scott and I ventured out on this rainy night to take the car to the shop to have some repairs done. Brian came along for the ride, just because he knew we would pass by the Walgreens. And we stopped and he bought some gum.



Ah, gotta love the Walgreens......

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For Today - September 17, 2010

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window.... the combines are harvesting corn and beans, taking advantage of this beautiful end of summer day – clear blue skies, mid-seventies.

I am thinking.... September is more than half way gone? How did that happen?

I am thankful for…the changing seasons and all that comes with it.

From the kitchen…I need to make my big batch of sweet basil pesto this weekend. I hope I can squeeze it in on Sunday.

I am wearing…jeans and a dark brown tunic.

I am creating … still working on those Italy pictures! The last day in Florence – will I ever get it done??

I am going…to pick up the Bounce House this afternoon in preparation for Brian’s birthday party on Saturday.

I am reading…nothing right now, with the exception of the blogs I peruse. I need to get started on the Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest.

I am hoping…I can get it all done this weekend. So much to do.

I am hearing…my current favorite song – Uncharted by Sara Bareilles. And I am hearing it played in my head. Favorite line in that song –

Compare where you are where you want to be and you’ll get ... nowhere

Around the house…I need to vacuum the basement and family room so the boys sleeping over on Saturday won’t breathe too much cat hair in!

One of my favorite things…Pumpkin Spice Coffee for this time of year!

A few plans for the rest of the week…Book Club tonight, Then Running, Soccer, Cleaning, Brian’s Birthday bash, complete with Laser tag, bounce house and sleepover on Saturday. I think I’ll collapse on Sunday!

A picture to share -

After a prolific start, the hydrangeas faded quickly in the heat of the summer. Then the blooms started to dry and turn a deep pink, almost rust color. A sign of the impending fall.

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Confession Time

My re-entry back into routine life has been a little rough - Scott and I took a wonderful vacation to Italy (hence some of the "foreshadowing" type posts a little while back) without -can you believe it- the kids.

In actuality, the kids didn't miss us - Erica was in Wisconsin with a friend, and Brian stayed home with one of our neighbor's son looking after him.

The days leading up to our trip were filled with hectic preparations, and I missed a day or two on Project 365. So that's one of the Confessions. And since coming home, I've been a little less enthusiastic about taking pictures - that's because I snapped over 600 exposures while in Italy, in places slightly more picturesque than the flat, sun baked prairie lands here. That's Confession Two. Confession Three - I'm really tired of the hot, humid weather here. And I don't feel too much like doing much of anything.

So, I've decided to take my time getting caught up on this blog. It will eventually become "up to date" and "real time", but it may take a couple of weeks. I'm hoping to incorporate some of Erica's pictures during her visit up north with our Italy pictures. In the meantime, I'll be adding pictures to my flickr stream and adding pictures to my Photography Blog.

And just a little sneak peak from our trip to Italy - the four of us tourists, hanging out after a big family meal - Dawn, Dave, Scott and Shirley

Riomaggiore, the furthest South Village of the Cinque Terre

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For Today - July 7, 2010

Outside my window….slow moving traffic on I-90 as we drive through Cleveland
I am thinking…maybe we shouldn't have left Cedar Point so early this morning
I am thankful for…a big truck that no one wants to hit as we weave through this traffic
From the kitchen…I think Grandma Fay is going to spoil us with ribs tonight
I am wearing…tan shorts and a light purple top.
I am creating … composite photos from Sunday night's fireworks ... They'll be uploaded as soon as I find Internet service for my computer
I am going…to enjoy our car ride to NY.
I am reading… “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, on my iPhone, using the Barnes and Noble e-Reader app.
I am hoping…that was the end of the congested traffic - we seem to be in the clear again, now that we're on the East side of Cleveland
I am hearing…the dim hum of the tires on the road, and the faint beating of Poker Face, from Erica's iPod.
Around the house…my 16x24 wrapped canvas from Hello Canvas arrived!
One of my favorite things…reminiscing as we drive through Cleveland - it's where Scott and I met
A few plans for the rest of the week…fun times visiting Grandma Fay, some golf and laptop shopping (for Grandma)

And here is a picture I am sharing today - a classic Cleveland fixture - Dead Man's Curve along I-90.

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For Today - The End of June

From The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY:
Outside my window….a perfect summer day – clear blue skies, low humidity, 80 degrees.
I am thinking…about my sisters visiting my parents in Plymouth this week. I wish I could be there, too.
I am thankful for…open windows and fresh air.
From the kitchen…Bon-Bon Chicken (shredded chicken with Chinese Peanut Sauce), rice, tofu.
I am wearing…tan shorts and a light green sweater.
I am creating … several “aged” photos using PSE.
I am going…to spend time with the cats this evening since we were out yesterday.
I am reading… “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, on my iPhone, using the Barnes and Noble e-Reader app.
I am hoping…the weather stays this nice through next week.
I am hearing…the soft sounds of the water flowing from the water garden outside.
Around the house…we’re keeping things neat as possible.
One of my favorite things…watching the kids get along and interact with the cats – so cute!
A few plans for the rest of the week…driving the kids around to their friends’ houses, to the pool, to the movies. At some point this weekend, Jill and I will go see “Eclipse”.

And here is a picture I am sharing today - some lilies from the water garden:

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Weekly Gratitude - Dishes [Routine]

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For Today - Wednesday, June 23

I love the simplicity of this meme. If you want to participate, you can visit The Simple Woman's Daybook.

FOR TODAY:
Outside my window…sun and stifling heat and humidity.
I am thinking…about starting a Blurb Book.
I am thankful for…the great baseball season Brian’s team had, even though they lost their one and only game in the tournament final last night.
From the kitchen…we’ll eat leftovers tonight. With only two mouths at dinner tonight, nothing fancy is required.
I am wearing…khakis and a red polo shirt.
I am creating … a diptych for tomorrow’s Team Up Thursday blog post.
I am going…to spend time with the cats this evening since we were out yesterday.
I am reading… blogs, blogs and more blogs. I should be reading “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, as it is the book club selection for this month.
I am hoping…tomorrow morning won’t be as humid.
I am hearing…Beethoven’s Romance in F Major for Violin. I am re-learning this piece, 25 years after I first played it.
Around the house…the cats are sizing each other up as Sammy settles in. Sammy gets the basement, Hannah and Rascal reign the upper floors when we aren’t around to supervise.
One of my favorite things…nice cool drinks to offset the heat. I’ve been enjoying the mango iced tea I made this weekend.
A few plans for the rest of the week…Brian and Scott are planning to go fishing on Thursday at Kickapoo, then we’ll go see “Toy Story 3” in the evening. Erica arrives back from her 5 day mission trip late Friday night.

A picture to share - Lavender at the Door, taken during my trip to London in late May. I found so many interesting doorways and threshholds there. Very different from what you see here.

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FOR TODAY - Friday, May 14, 2010

Outside my window is the inside of the office! I am sitting outside in the courtyard, where wispy clouds hang overhead.
I am thinking about the weekend activities.
I am thankful for the nice weather and the much needed rain.
From the kitchen - it's leftover night, although the amount the kids eat nowadays, there aren't too many of those!
I am wearing blue pants and a cream top, embellished with curlie-cues
I am creating entries for Project 365.
I am going to baseball tonight to watch Brian pitch for the first time.
I am reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.
I am hoping to get enough sleep tonight to effectively run early in the morning.
I am hearing the hum of motors from the compressors at work
Around the house - things aren't too messy right now, but that will change shortly
A few plans for the rest of the week: Horse riding, Baseball, Book Club, running, soccer, musicals, the Preakness and church
Here is picture I am sharing...some pretty yellow Columbine planted in the courtyard:


Have a nice Friday!

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85/365 - Lazy Saturday

Well, it was a lazy Saturday for Brian and Scott, who both slept in until 10:30.

It was lazy for me, too, but only after I finished running 9 miles this morning (and yes, I finished before 10:30, only to come home and realize both boys were still in bed).

In reality, Scott did go out and run this afternoon, so it wasn't a completely lazy day for him.

But I didn't go grocery shopping (my normal Saturday afternoon task), and we went out for dinner, where I took this picture of Brian enjoying his milkshake.


I also figured out what was wrong with the sewing machine (I couldn't get it to stitch properly last night) - of course, it was operator error. So really, nothing was wrong with the sewing machine - I just didn't thread it properly.

And some exciting news - my sister, Michele (whose Flickr stream may be seen on the right sidebar towards the bottom of this blog), went into labor this afternoon. She and husband, Andrew, are just about to enter parenthood with their first baby! More updates tomorrow.

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57/365 - Daily Chore

One of my goals of P365 is to capture the Daily Aspects of My Everyday Life. Images that will illicit some sort of response when viewed years from now. The response could be a memory, a story, a feeling, and hopefully a smile.

A sub goal of P365 is to improve my photography - I actually take multiple pictures daily - one for P365 and the other for my photography blog. Another exercise to grow my skills is looking at other images, from photo blogs, magazines and books. While I peruse many photo blogs each day, I decided to check out some "coffee table" books this week, to get a different perspective. There's something about the physicality of a large book that slows you down, makes you thing about the image.

One of the books I checked out from the library is a beautiful homage to the diversity of Americans and their homes. I thought this would provide some inspiration for P365. The book, America at Home did just that.



For today, I decided to capture something I do almost every day at home - washing the dishes. This isn't a normal view, but one from the window looking in. I even managed to get Brian in one of the pictures, in his usual lazy Saturday afternoon get up of no shirt and shorts. Yes, even in the middle of winter.





What daily chore do you want to capture? Try to capture it with you in the action.

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12 on December 12

As I am writing this on Monday, I am posting a little behind schedule, but better late than never (and since I took the pictures on the 12th, I will be pre-dating the post time - just a little trick in Blogger - your post will never seem "late" then!).

OK - back to Saturday, December 12th......

Saturday what a day what a silly little day
Time to kill take a pill as I sit and contemplate
How I'd like to be around all the people in the town with their fancy cars and things
But I've got time

Saturdays by Holly Brook

I wish I could sit and contemplate all Saturday long, but instead I start the day off with a picture of the morning sun streaming through the Living Room, aka Piano Room, aka Christmas Tree Room:


It's a beautiful, yet chilly (24DegF) start to our Saturday. So I go out and run seven miles, with the last mile running against that northerly wind. Brrrr! But, at least it was sunny!

[note - I took the picture after the run. I then thought about collapsing on the couch].

Still no time to collapse or contemplate - Scott was hard at work, filling the pond with buckets of water:

And here's the reason why - with temperatures in the single digits on Thursday, and a non working pond de-icer, the pond froze over, reducing the amount of water available to recirculate through our pond pump. This starves the pump and causes it to cavitate. Yes, any plumber, mechanical or chemical engineer will tell you that is a bad thing for a pump. I purchased a new de-icer yesterday (that shiny blue circular thing), but the water level was still too low. Last night I transferred about 20 buckets full of water to the pond in order to stop the cavitation. Scott was adding more water for good measure.

Water flowing at the waterfall - a good sign.


See, frozen solid in the middle of the pond.


Enough of the cold! Did you know today is National Hot Cocoa day? We decided to celebrate with a nice warm cup.


While a droopy Hannah cuddled up on her favorite warm spot - on the couch blankets. I swear, all she does is sleep! [oh, and let us know she's hungry]


Then I spent the next two hours trying to figure out how to add a darn tweet / retweet button on my Behind the Lens Blog posts. Seriously frustrating! But I finally got it figured out (caution to those who have customized Blogger templates - sometimes you have to try and decipher the html code).


Clouds and darkness reigned over the afternoon and the rains started, just in time for us to get ready for the annual company holiday party. Of course, I brought my camera.

Because, as a passenger of a car, you can take pictures of the street while waiting at the red light:


And during the party, you can take a picture of the table's center piece:


Finally, you get to capture the band, "The Duelin' Hillbillies".


Any band that has a violinist is OK in my book.

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