Life does go on, as I suggested in my last post, and for me it's been an adventure in reading, watching rain fall, and attending to routine matters.
Thanks to my friend who found me a collection of Karen Robards paperbacks at the Book Store, I've 'traveled' from London to New Orleans, to Nevada in the 1800s, Middle Tennessee and surrounds and have several more 'journeys' ahead. I am really enjoying these rainy days since they afford a lot of reading time when we can't get out in the yard for long overdue mowing and pruning.
"Summer is acomin' in..." with some hesitation, it seems, this year. The 'scattered afternoon thunderstorms' have kept the temps below 90 most of the time, even though the humidity has exceeded that mark almost daily. We have not yet relented to turn on the air-conditioning, so everything inside and out is pretty soggy. The breezes are much too nice to close off, so our doors stay open until bedtime every day. One nice thing about all this rain is that the dust gets washed off our vehicles almost daily. Yes, we do get an accumulation of dust - in between showers.
Our clubs and organizations are winding down for the season to recess until September when they start up again. Two really nice luncheons have ended the year for two groups - one an elegantly catered affair, the other a potluck where each member tries to out-do the other with a delectable offering. It's a real challenge for me to be interested in fixing a 'nice' supper for hubby, when I've already had a terrific meal at noon.
My calendar looks strangely blank for the rest of May and for June. I'm sure things will come up and keep me busy, but it's rather nice to be under-whelmed with activities.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Frustrations
In a novel or movie, no matter how complicated the plot becomes, the author or director always manages to untangle the webs and smooth out the bumps and lumps for a reasonably happy ending. LIFE, however, is not always that way.
I have stewed and fretted until I was even dreaming about the dilemma we faced, and nothing helped. No simple solution, no 'happy ending' either.
The long wished-for Clones haven't been devised yet, so when the situation developed requiring our presence in two different places at the same identical time - one close by, the other about a 40-minute drive away - there was no way to choose. Both graduations were equally important to us and to our family groups. Oh Woe.
I have grieved over missing both of the grandsons' graduation ceremonies and maybe someday I'll "get over it". But it's still too raw a hurt now. Missing not only the actual being there for them (and for me), but the related celebrations that followed.
So, as they say, Life goes on.... But I still keep wishing there had been some simple solution to the problem.
I have stewed and fretted until I was even dreaming about the dilemma we faced, and nothing helped. No simple solution, no 'happy ending' either.
The long wished-for Clones haven't been devised yet, so when the situation developed requiring our presence in two different places at the same identical time - one close by, the other about a 40-minute drive away - there was no way to choose. Both graduations were equally important to us and to our family groups. Oh Woe.
I have grieved over missing both of the grandsons' graduation ceremonies and maybe someday I'll "get over it". But it's still too raw a hurt now. Missing not only the actual being there for them (and for me), but the related celebrations that followed.
So, as they say, Life goes on.... But I still keep wishing there had been some simple solution to the problem.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mother's Day
Yesterday dawned wet and dreary, but it turned out to be a lovely day after all.
As we approached the parking area of our church yesterday morning, we found congregation members standing outside, milling around looking perplexed. We were directed to 'keep moving' and we did, finding a parking slot out of the way but where we could watch and see what was happening. Seems smoke had been detected in the kitchen, and the fire department was on the way. We are all grateful for our excellent crews on the CFD, who came, saw and conquered whatever the problem was, in short order.
In our Sunday School class, each member stated the name of his or her mother - all deceased now. Our #2 daughter visited the class (so Her mother is still very much alive!) #3 son stopped in to say 'hello' and that his family would be bringing lunch to our house after church. What Fun!
Nine of us enjoyed the 'new' baked KFC and the rest of the goodies that go with the chicken. It was quite good, but not at all like the usual KFC with all the heavy crusts and calories.
Later in the afternoon our #1 son and his wife, and Lucy - their beautiful dog, came bringing goodies and a pretty pot plant.. Goodies included three kinds of cooked sushi, which we had not tried before. We enjoyed the fun and fellowship as well as the 'snacks'.
#1 Daughter called long distance to add her family's good wishes while we were 'snacking'.
Later, our #2 son poppled in for a very brief visit, bringing two 'meals-to-go' for later enjoyment.
Hubby and I were both tired from all the day's excitement, so we had a late light upper and called it a day.
All of these pleasant visits and family time made the rainy cool day a really nice one after all.
As we approached the parking area of our church yesterday morning, we found congregation members standing outside, milling around looking perplexed. We were directed to 'keep moving' and we did, finding a parking slot out of the way but where we could watch and see what was happening. Seems smoke had been detected in the kitchen, and the fire department was on the way. We are all grateful for our excellent crews on the CFD, who came, saw and conquered whatever the problem was, in short order.
In our Sunday School class, each member stated the name of his or her mother - all deceased now. Our #2 daughter visited the class (so Her mother is still very much alive!) #3 son stopped in to say 'hello' and that his family would be bringing lunch to our house after church. What Fun!
Nine of us enjoyed the 'new' baked KFC and the rest of the goodies that go with the chicken. It was quite good, but not at all like the usual KFC with all the heavy crusts and calories.
Later in the afternoon our #1 son and his wife, and Lucy - their beautiful dog, came bringing goodies and a pretty pot plant.. Goodies included three kinds of cooked sushi, which we had not tried before. We enjoyed the fun and fellowship as well as the 'snacks'.
#1 Daughter called long distance to add her family's good wishes while we were 'snacking'.
Later, our #2 son poppled in for a very brief visit, bringing two 'meals-to-go' for later enjoyment.
Hubby and I were both tired from all the day's excitement, so we had a late light upper and called it a day.
All of these pleasant visits and family time made the rainy cool day a really nice one after all.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Rollercoaster- again
Not only the weather has been Up and Down (aka Wet and Dry), but emotions have run the gamut this past week, with the proposed non-resident library card fee. Discussions and arguments, statistics and traditions have mixed with rational thinking with no real conclusion drawn yet. Hopefully, Reason in the form of Compromise will prevail in the end. We'll see.
I happened upon a book in the Book Store that caught my eye, and captured my imagination for several reading days. Marc Levy, a French author, has a 'first novel' out that became a best-seller in France, with rights sold in twenty-eight countries. "If Only It Were True" is a charming story that begs to be read. The 'hero' Arthur is the only one who can see and hear the 'stranger' who shows up in his apartment. Her body is comatose in the local hospital, but her soul can appear and disappear at will. The dilemma is intriguing and the narrative keeps the pages turning until the last one. Even if one doesn't subscribe to this kind of fiction, it is a truly fascinating story.
Another good 'find' at the Book Store is a paperback by a new-to-me author. I wish I could find more by the same writer - but the Library has none listed in the catalog. I will have to wait and watch for more in the form of donations to the Book Store.
May is a full and busy month for our large family, with three graduations and five birthdays and one wedding anniversary to celebrate. Today (May 8th) is both - a graduation and a birthday. The next two graduations fall on the same day, same time, different schools, different locations for two grandsons. The other birthdays are spread across the calendar. In addition to all this, are the end-of-the-year Club activities, with meetings and luncheons.
And the grass keeps growing, but it's too wet to cut. We'll probably wish for some of this over-abundance of rain later in the summer when we don't get any.
I happened upon a book in the Book Store that caught my eye, and captured my imagination for several reading days. Marc Levy, a French author, has a 'first novel' out that became a best-seller in France, with rights sold in twenty-eight countries. "If Only It Were True" is a charming story that begs to be read. The 'hero' Arthur is the only one who can see and hear the 'stranger' who shows up in his apartment. Her body is comatose in the local hospital, but her soul can appear and disappear at will. The dilemma is intriguing and the narrative keeps the pages turning until the last one. Even if one doesn't subscribe to this kind of fiction, it is a truly fascinating story.
Another good 'find' at the Book Store is a paperback by a new-to-me author. I wish I could find more by the same writer - but the Library has none listed in the catalog. I will have to wait and watch for more in the form of donations to the Book Store.
May is a full and busy month for our large family, with three graduations and five birthdays and one wedding anniversary to celebrate. Today (May 8th) is both - a graduation and a birthday. The next two graduations fall on the same day, same time, different schools, different locations for two grandsons. The other birthdays are spread across the calendar. In addition to all this, are the end-of-the-year Club activities, with meetings and luncheons.
And the grass keeps growing, but it's too wet to cut. We'll probably wish for some of this over-abundance of rain later in the summer when we don't get any.
Friday, May 1, 2009
May First
The first weekend of May holds many promises, meanings and opportunities depending on what your schedule allows. So many activities available for participation - the Music Fest on the river, parties and festivals, Fair on the Square... on and on. And always the promise (threat) of rain. It wouldn't be May without a mire of mud for those folks who go to the park along the River.
The rain held off, thank goodness, for the ladies of the club on Tuesday. They were able to come, enjoy and depart without a drop of 'interference' from the sky. I was so relieved! Our special guest speaker was a rep from Memphis in May, who opened a whole new world for us in describing the country and customs of the "honored Country" for this year's festival. Chile (pronounced Chil a) is not a familiar country for most of us, and we all learned a lot from our delightful speaker.
The school year is winding down fast with graduation ceremonies scheduled all over the month of May all over the area. The seniors, high school and college, are counting the days until "it" happens... that magical event that marks the transition from one world into another, be it college or 'the real world'. I remember my own high school graduation with mixed emotions still (and yes, I can remember that far back... !). Sadness over leaving the well-known and very comfortable small-town world where everyone knew everyone else and cared about them, and excitement over going forward into the 'unknown'. I think I was not the only graduate who shed a few tears that week.
Looking back, I wonder if it were to be 'done over' would anything change? Probably not. The fun and excitement of 'being a senior' was enough to carry us all through the month of May that year. The Senior Play, the Senior Prom, graduation parties given by various parents for various groups, and then the actual Baccalaureate Service and the Commencement ceremony. Awards were announced at graduation in those days, and we all held our breath waiting to see who received what honor, scholarship, award or whatever. Then the diploma scrolls were handed out... and the recessional accomplished to the cheers of the seniors and the audience alike.
All five of our children graduated from the same school that I did, and each year the classes got bigger and bigger - growing as the town population expanded. By the time our granddaughter reached that pinnacle, the Commencement Exercises were held at the convention center in Memphis. The classes had outgrown any facility in our town. I think some of our old 'magic' got lost in the shuffle, too.
The rain held off, thank goodness, for the ladies of the club on Tuesday. They were able to come, enjoy and depart without a drop of 'interference' from the sky. I was so relieved! Our special guest speaker was a rep from Memphis in May, who opened a whole new world for us in describing the country and customs of the "honored Country" for this year's festival. Chile (pronounced Chil a) is not a familiar country for most of us, and we all learned a lot from our delightful speaker.
The school year is winding down fast with graduation ceremonies scheduled all over the month of May all over the area. The seniors, high school and college, are counting the days until "it" happens... that magical event that marks the transition from one world into another, be it college or 'the real world'. I remember my own high school graduation with mixed emotions still (and yes, I can remember that far back... !). Sadness over leaving the well-known and very comfortable small-town world where everyone knew everyone else and cared about them, and excitement over going forward into the 'unknown'. I think I was not the only graduate who shed a few tears that week.
Looking back, I wonder if it were to be 'done over' would anything change? Probably not. The fun and excitement of 'being a senior' was enough to carry us all through the month of May that year. The Senior Play, the Senior Prom, graduation parties given by various parents for various groups, and then the actual Baccalaureate Service and the Commencement ceremony. Awards were announced at graduation in those days, and we all held our breath waiting to see who received what honor, scholarship, award or whatever. Then the diploma scrolls were handed out... and the recessional accomplished to the cheers of the seniors and the audience alike.
All five of our children graduated from the same school that I did, and each year the classes got bigger and bigger - growing as the town population expanded. By the time our granddaughter reached that pinnacle, the Commencement Exercises were held at the convention center in Memphis. The classes had outgrown any facility in our town. I think some of our old 'magic' got lost in the shuffle, too.
Monday, April 27, 2009
This week
Seems like everybody is being afflicted in one way or another this spring... now the gov't is warning about the Swine Flu... what next? Pollen has been bad this month. Probably no worse than last year at the same time, but it seems like my dark green car has been 'yellow' longer. (I should get out and wash it, or at least hose it down, but I never seem to remember until I'm headed out to go somewhere, and then there's no time....).
Last week was a perfect spring week - weatherwise. Balmy days and mild nights, with breezes that could more rightly be described as Winds... keeping our windchimes singing all day and night. It has been a 'open door week' all week, but alas, this is changing now, even as I speak. The high of 85 yesterday and Saturday won't be reached again until the coming weekend. Rain is predicted, starting tonight and lasting for several days (depending, of course, of which TV weather forecast you listen to).
Rain is the Last thing I want or need for Tuesday, when about 12 or 13 women will converge on our house for the woman's club meeting and luncheon. About half of our group use walkers or canes to aid mobility, and they will all have trouble enough climbing the steps to get in... no matter which door they use. Rain won't help the problem (though it might settle some of the pollen dust, for a change).
We went to Holly Springs on Saturday for the Marshall Co. Gen. Soc. meeting. We enjoyed the drive down and back, and lunch at the restaurant on the Square was good, as always. Everyone says the Newsletter just 'keeps getting better and better', and I'm gratified that it's so well received.
This coming Saturday, May 2nd, is a Bridal Shower for our granddaughter, given by the ladies of the church in Jackson she has attended and loved while she's been living there.
I have complained, for years, that there are not enough Saturdays in April and May to accomodate all the activities that take place... in which I'm involved. I am not alone in wishing this, though. Others have expressed the same idea.
Now I will have a Full day today, getting ready for the Club meeting tomorrow. I will keep my fingers crossed that the friends will be able to come in between showers - if we should be so lucky!
Last week was a perfect spring week - weatherwise. Balmy days and mild nights, with breezes that could more rightly be described as Winds... keeping our windchimes singing all day and night. It has been a 'open door week' all week, but alas, this is changing now, even as I speak. The high of 85 yesterday and Saturday won't be reached again until the coming weekend. Rain is predicted, starting tonight and lasting for several days (depending, of course, of which TV weather forecast you listen to).
Rain is the Last thing I want or need for Tuesday, when about 12 or 13 women will converge on our house for the woman's club meeting and luncheon. About half of our group use walkers or canes to aid mobility, and they will all have trouble enough climbing the steps to get in... no matter which door they use. Rain won't help the problem (though it might settle some of the pollen dust, for a change).
We went to Holly Springs on Saturday for the Marshall Co. Gen. Soc. meeting. We enjoyed the drive down and back, and lunch at the restaurant on the Square was good, as always. Everyone says the Newsletter just 'keeps getting better and better', and I'm gratified that it's so well received.
This coming Saturday, May 2nd, is a Bridal Shower for our granddaughter, given by the ladies of the church in Jackson she has attended and loved while she's been living there.
I have complained, for years, that there are not enough Saturdays in April and May to accomodate all the activities that take place... in which I'm involved. I am not alone in wishing this, though. Others have expressed the same idea.
Now I will have a Full day today, getting ready for the Club meeting tomorrow. I will keep my fingers crossed that the friends will be able to come in between showers - if we should be so lucky!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Another Thursday
I wonder how Thursdays manage to crop up so fast every week. Monday segues into Thursday in a seeming 'blink of an eye', and it's time to go to the Book Store for another day of helping folks find the books they've been seeking. FUN !
Rather than discuss a long list of frustrations that have occurred for me since I last posted, I'll just say I hope everything works out and all those involved will try to understand the problems.
After I finished enjoying "Rhett Butler's People" (yes, I did enjoy the book - for the most part), I decided that I needed to reread "Scarlett", Alexandra Ripley's 'sequel to Gone With the Wind'. Fortunately a copy surfaced at the Book Store, and was set aside for me, so I didn't have to wait or hunt.
I did not remember how large this volume is! 800+ pages make for a weighty read.
Question: did the two authors confer before tackling the extended lives of Scarlett and Rhett? I would be interested in delving into the background of each writer, to see what their thinking really was when they tackled these huge projects. My questions arise as I read the two stories back-to-back, and find discrepancies abounding. Did Margaret Mitchell ever mention a brother in the Butler family? I don't recall ever hearing of Rhett having siblings... much less a sister and a brother. The brother has two different names, too, in the two stories ... he's 'Ross' in 'Scarlett' and something else entirely in 'Rhett Butler's People'. His personality differs, too...
I suppose it doesn't really matter in the long run, but it does make me wonder. Now I may have to reread GWTW to refresh those memories, separating the movie version from the Mitchell book.
I am still questioning the 'happy ending' of the book about Rhett. When I get to the end of 'Scarlett', in a few more days, it will be interesting to compare the two. No, I won't allow myself to read ahead to find out.
Rather than discuss a long list of frustrations that have occurred for me since I last posted, I'll just say I hope everything works out and all those involved will try to understand the problems.
After I finished enjoying "Rhett Butler's People" (yes, I did enjoy the book - for the most part), I decided that I needed to reread "Scarlett", Alexandra Ripley's 'sequel to Gone With the Wind'. Fortunately a copy surfaced at the Book Store, and was set aside for me, so I didn't have to wait or hunt.
I did not remember how large this volume is! 800+ pages make for a weighty read.
Question: did the two authors confer before tackling the extended lives of Scarlett and Rhett? I would be interested in delving into the background of each writer, to see what their thinking really was when they tackled these huge projects. My questions arise as I read the two stories back-to-back, and find discrepancies abounding. Did Margaret Mitchell ever mention a brother in the Butler family? I don't recall ever hearing of Rhett having siblings... much less a sister and a brother. The brother has two different names, too, in the two stories ... he's 'Ross' in 'Scarlett' and something else entirely in 'Rhett Butler's People'. His personality differs, too...
I suppose it doesn't really matter in the long run, but it does make me wonder. Now I may have to reread GWTW to refresh those memories, separating the movie version from the Mitchell book.
I am still questioning the 'happy ending' of the book about Rhett. When I get to the end of 'Scarlett', in a few more days, it will be interesting to compare the two. No, I won't allow myself to read ahead to find out.
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