Thursday, May 15, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
gardening--my mother's day gift
For mother's day the kids and Fred worked in the garden all morning through early afternoon, weeding and getting the granite blocks over to the far side of the garden where my new berry garden will be.
birthday
I had the best birthday/mother's day weekend. Fred and the kids do it right. Even when my birthday and mother's day fall on the same Sunday, I still get two cakes, two sets of cards and the gifts are specifically designated as either birthday or mother's day.
This year we broke tradition and didn't get our cake from Cramer's bakery as a good Yardley resident must do, but we tried a new German bakery the next town over, and feasted on the German chocolate cake. The Sunday cake was cheesecake and I'm still to full to even try it yet!
This year we broke tradition and didn't get our cake from Cramer's bakery as a good Yardley resident must do, but we tried a new German bakery the next town over, and feasted on the German chocolate cake. The Sunday cake was cheesecake and I'm still to full to even try it yet!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Friday, May 09, 2008
porch of rose hall inn
Roses everywhere, the motif nearly overdone from carpet to soap wrappers, wallpaper to the silver napkin rings at breakfast. It was the second day after a really good sleep before I made the connection and asked Fred the name of the place he had booked.
The odd thing, there wasn't a single rose bush in the garden, or living rose flower to be found. We had sweet tea on the porch in the most leisurely fashion and Fred smoked his bi-annual cigar. I can't wait to go back.
At our second breakfast we learned that our room, with the three small windows facing the street was where Charles Frazier spend two years writing Cold Mountain.
The odd thing, there wasn't a single rose bush in the garden, or living rose flower to be found. We had sweet tea on the porch in the most leisurely fashion and Fred smoked his bi-annual cigar. I can't wait to go back.
At our second breakfast we learned that our room, with the three small windows facing the street was where Charles Frazier spend two years writing Cold Mountain.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
shooting blind
Oh I wish I could get a straight answer to a straight question when I need it. It should have been easy enough. Rush was invited to his first Bar Mitzvah, I know the parents well enough. What I don't know are the gift customs for this Jewish celebration, but I'm quite certain it's possible to do things wrong, very wrong. So I figure a phone call will answer my question.
So I call, hoping Stephanie answers the phone. "Hello?" (not Stephanie) :"Hi Peter, this is Val, Rush's mom, maybe you can answer my question". I heem and haw and finally blurt it out--but it doesn't go exactly as I expect. He politely leaves me with no answers just that Stephanie will call me back. Then I beg that he forgets I called, no reason to get Stephanie involved (and likely go through the same thing)
Now if someone, who didn't have such answers, called and asked me what someone should bring to a standard Methodist-
Mormon-Southern Baptist home birthday party for a teenager. I could answer that question. A $20. bill. All the kids do it, cards are optional. But do it wrong, and bring a gift or gift-card, and it will be noticed. That's easy, ask and I'll tell you the way it is.
I don't really care what the 'answer' is, just give me a hint, and all will be good.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
palmetto candy and tobacco
I love the name of this old shop "Palmetto Candy and Tobacco". I guess some things just go together. The interior did not dissappoint.
Fred found some type of package pork rind, between the pickeled pig's feet and candied toffees, so he was happy in boyhood memories. I passed on all, but sure enjoyed the humor of a shop you'd never imagine opening today.
Fred found some type of package pork rind, between the pickeled pig's feet and candied toffees, so he was happy in boyhood memories. I passed on all, but sure enjoyed the humor of a shop you'd never imagine opening today.
home coming
Nine years was too long to be away, I know that now. The years passed so quickly.
My mother-in-law Nell, 90, is a strong woman, widowed in 1960, never remarried, never relocated, independant and not outwardly emotional. When she went for the brief, awkward embrace of Fred, her middle child, I saw tears in her eyes--which she quickly wiped away and laughed off before inviting us inside.
My mother-in-law Nell, 90, is a strong woman, widowed in 1960, never remarried, never relocated, independant and not outwardly emotional. When she went for the brief, awkward embrace of Fred, her middle child, I saw tears in her eyes--which she quickly wiped away and laughed off before inviting us inside.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
self
It was one of those perfect Saturday mornings. We found the local Starbucks and with nothing on our agenda for several hours, that non-travel day following such a restful night's sleep, we found our seats by the window and sunk into the big red chairs.
No distractions from kids, no Internet, no Blackberry, no cell phones-- we relaxed fully in body and soul. Guilt-free from things we should be doing, but weren't--and told each other stories and wishes we'd somehow never told before.
No distractions from kids, no Internet, no Blackberry, no cell phones-- we relaxed fully in body and soul. Guilt-free from things we should be doing, but weren't--and told each other stories and wishes we'd somehow never told before.
Monday, May 05, 2008
blackberries
I found this bowl in an antique shop this weekend and knew it belonged in my photo studio holding small fruits. The only trouble was the shop owner wanted to sell a matching set of 8 bowls together--for a crazy price. No, I didn't want eight, I wanted one.
So I found Fred. He has a way to getting shopkeepers to do what I want in a way that they want to do it. It's a mystery to me.
All I know is I got one bowl with a small crack for $5 and I am very happy. The shop owner was too. Go figure!
So I found Fred. He has a way to getting shopkeepers to do what I want in a way that they want to do it. It's a mystery to me.
All I know is I got one bowl with a small crack for $5 and I am very happy. The shop owner was too. Go figure!
piggy park bbq
We had the best time on our little vacation to Columbia South Carolina! I'll upload photos and stories when I get caught up just a little more.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Thursday, May 01, 2008
platter of berries
I'm so excited we are going on a little vacation. Yes, it involves my sharp-witted 90 year old mother-in-law who shows me she loves me by reminding me of each imperfection. She keeps me humble this way and I love her for it.
But that's not the best part of the trip. The best part is that Fred booked a nice room at a B&B for our stay. We aren't going to be staying in his childhood bedroom, you know the room in the converted attic which 40 years ago was perfect for a 10 year old. Nope not this time. The B&B he picked looks perfectly suited for me taking photos, they even have a fat cat. I'm giddy with delight and off to pack my suitcase!
But that's not the best part of the trip. The best part is that Fred booked a nice room at a B&B for our stay. We aren't going to be staying in his childhood bedroom, you know the room in the converted attic which 40 years ago was perfect for a 10 year old. Nope not this time. The B&B he picked looks perfectly suited for me taking photos, they even have a fat cat. I'm giddy with delight and off to pack my suitcase!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
the flag marks the spot
While we were shopping for tomato plants on Sunday at the nursery in town, Fred spotted a beautiful pink dogwood tree, but it was bigger than we could get home. He's talked for over ten springs about getting one for front yard (like our neighbors across the street). Pink or white, we talk ahead--but never decided. It was obvious when we saw it.
When we paid, and gave an address, the girl presented a red flag and told us to mark the spot--they'll deliver and plant it sometime this week. That was easy! When we got home, I planted the flag right on the mound where the old plum tree used to be.
That open space where two years ago the tree man with the saw and grinder said I'd never miss it. But I do.
When we paid, and gave an address, the girl presented a red flag and told us to mark the spot--they'll deliver and plant it sometime this week. That was easy! When we got home, I planted the flag right on the mound where the old plum tree used to be.
That open space where two years ago the tree man with the saw and grinder said I'd never miss it. But I do.
Monday, April 28, 2008
our new tomato plants
I've never grown tomatoes before, but I figured it can't be that difficult. The pots are huge, Fred had the idea to place them on wheeled platforms so I can roll them around.
I have a feeling this will not be the last blog photo of these plants!
I have a feeling this will not be the last blog photo of these plants!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
stretched out
this is me this weekend, stretched out on a spring day with all the windows open.
Fred was a sweetheart and came with me to BJ's to do the heavy lifting. I needed household supplies, the pantry was bare. Jumbo sizes of soap, bleach, paper towels, laundry soap, peanut butter and those not-so-fun things we need. I hate this kind of shopping and try to do it only once a year, around this time. He pushed the cart and loaded the truck, but I'm the one who's tired.
Just stretch me out, by a passing warm breeze, and wake me when it's Monday.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Ursa Minor and Butterbean
It's spring time and 'lil Bear (Ursa) and Butterbean enjoy the fresh grass and sunshine. Sumo keeps them rounded up to one area--and pounces only when they need to be reminded who is boss.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
win a fish
I knew it would happen, it does every time I want to take a little cash out from our bank. The teller asks me what I'm going to do with it. I don't quite understand why she wants to know. Isn't that a little personal? Today I was prepared, I knew she would ask, I had my answer.
But she didn't ask, instead she read my little note on the bottom of my check and had a better idea for me. She suggested I open a 9 mo. CD, they were offering a <-0.75> rate. Now, I can't say I know a lot about banking, but I did notice that negative before the rate--and I'm sorry that's just not very exciting to me. I think instead I'll go buy our new freezer like I had in mind in the first place. Thank you anyway.
Geez, is this life in a small town?
But she didn't ask, instead she read my little note on the bottom of my check and had a better idea for me. She suggested I open a 9 mo. CD, they were offering a <-0.75> rate. Now, I can't say I know a lot about banking, but I did notice that negative before the rate--and I'm sorry that's just not very exciting to me. I think instead I'll go buy our new freezer like I had in mind in the first place. Thank you anyway.
Geez, is this life in a small town?
Monday, April 21, 2008
green eyed cat
if you've ever heard the piercing, raspy meow of a Siamese, you know this sound. The Ocicat breed is in large part siamese, partly in stature, fully in sound.
We love him anyway.
We love him anyway.
candy land
So it's Friday night, and the guys have gone camping for the whole weekend. Olivia is 17 1/2 so that I know her social calendar is booked--and I'm not in it. That means if I want to get photos of the town carnival in the farmer's field--I better head over.
The weather is low 70's Pennsylvania perfect and even though I spend the better part of the day rigging up a new housing for my Ansco Rediflex + studio camera, I don't finish until after dark, but I'm reay to go. Wow, so many colors on a grassy ground--kids both young and old, so well behaved and nicely dressed, it's a California photographer's evening dream.
The carnival was made more special with a caramel apple (or three)--These are big Pennsylvania Dutch red apples, buttery caramel, coarse chopped peanuts. I remembered the carmel apples from last year. I had another.
Saturday night, the boys are still gone, I figure I'll head over to the carnival since it's the last night. This time a bit earlier--dusk. It was a great time to go. I park further out and walk up through the side of the farmer's field, spaced between families. The anticipation from the kids, takes me back to the late 1960s, early 1970s, when I'm with my parents and sister going to the Ridgecrest Fair. The night is slightly cooler, sweatshirt weather, overcast skies. Completely different from the month-of-May feel the night before. Classic Pennsylvania spring. I buy two more caramel apples. I eat one sitting on the grassy sidelines, the other is enjoyed with a plate and knife, later that night, while I go through my photos.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
fred and rush go camping
Fred took Rush on his first boy scout camping trip this weekend. They were to meet up at a campground in Connecticut with another 60 fathers and sons from our local troop. And yes, they were prepared! That truck was stocked. Lanterns, tents, steaks, matches, sleeping bags, rain tarp...nothing was forgotten--except a coat, but that's ok, Fred had a spare!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
nine old cameras
I stayed up late and wrote an article I'd been mulling for a week. The subject was current trends in base cameras used for TtV (throughtheviewfinder) photography. It was fun to write about something other than glass science and art. The article could only accompany one photo, but with 9 cameras to discuss, I used the new mosaic tool--it was fun.
Now I wish I'd taken the time to straighted #8 after the tripod trip. Darn studio camera, my nimble D70--never demanded a tripod for TtV.
Now I wish I'd taken the time to straighted #8 after the tripod trip. Darn studio camera, my nimble D70--never demanded a tripod for TtV.
