My friend, travelinoma, has once again sparked an idea for a blog post. She has a way of doing that with her blog. A Christmas scene that I'll remember from this year occurred last Monday night. I have to admit that if I had had my way it might not have happened.
My husband and I were having a discussion last week about when we would put up the live Christmas tree. Knowing I had to make Eggless cake before this could happen, I looked at my personal schedule to see when I had time. I thought I had it all figured out when my husband said "We have to get the kids here when we decorate the tree. We've always done that." Not wanting to add another event to a busy Christmas calendar, I shot back with "That's only because they were living with us at the time. We haven't had that as a tradition." Quite a bit of discussion ensued concerning the validity of this tradition. Both of us were digging in on the issue. I evenutally realized that there was no way that I'd get his cooperation in getting the tree up without the kids involved.
I shot off an email to the local kids and suggested a couple of dates. When I told my husband that it would be a week before all the moving parts could be put together, he objected. "We can't wait that long to put up a tree. Can't we do it Monday night?". It was Saturday night. With two of our kids in the middle of college finals and the other family having two little ones that needed to get to bed early on a school night, I was doubtful that any of them would be able to come. And with my personal schedule, I didn't know when I'd find time to make Eggless between Saturday evening and Monday evening. I couldn't make it too far in advance or my husband would eat most of it before Monday. He also told me that we had to feed everyone supper and ordering in pizza wouldn't cut it.
With a bit of a "bah, humbug" attitude, I made three phone calls. Imagine my surprise when each invitation was accepted. The two college age kids told me they couldn't stay long, but they'd be there, along with my daughter with the two school age children. In order to pull the tree trimming evening off, my husband was given the task of buying a Christmas tree without my input and going to the grocery store to pick up a few things needed to make soup. I got to the task of making Eggless cake and soup Monday afternoon after work.
If I had gotten my way, I would have missed the scene of my daughter putting the lights on the Christmas tree. There never would have been the scene of Grandpa, with grandkids on his lap, as one played an educational a game on the laptop and the other played a game on his iPhone, or of them being excited to help put ornaments on the Christmas tree. I would have missed the scene of us around the dining room table visiting and laughing. There never would have been the scene of my four year old granddaughter being held up by her uncle so that she could put the star on the top of the Christmas tree.
There were other little scenes all night long. For me, the entire evening couldn't have been better. And to think that it almost didn't happen...at all.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
For Anonymous
Anonymous left a request for the Eggless Cake recipe, but didn't leave a link so I could respond back to her/him directly. Anonymous, I hope you are checking back.
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
3 tsp cinnamon*
3 tsp nutmeg*
1 1/2 tsp ground clove*
1 1/2 cups raisins*
*My husband has requested more of the spices, so I always use heaping teaspoons. And, according to him, you can never have too many raisins or walnuts. I usually put in more than 1 1/2 cups of raisins.
Heat until shortening is completely melted. Remove from heat and let cool. While mixture is cooling, grease and flour loaf pans. (2 - 9 1/4 x 5 1/4 pans or 3 - 8 1/4 x 4 1/4 pans). Note: even though I regularly use a vegetable spray on other pans when doing baking, I've never used it when making Eggless. So I have no idea if the cakes will come out of the pans easily if vegetable spray is used.)
To mixture in the pan add:
3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
Mix well. (This can be done by hand. I use my electric hand mixture right in the pot. I guess you could transfer everything from the pot to the bowl of a stand mixer, but it just adds one more thing to clean up.)
Stir in 1 to 2 cups chopped walnuts. (Chop if you want. I use walnut halves and pieces and just break up the large pieces with my hand.)
When done, remove it from the pan immediately on to a cooling rack. (turn pan upside down and lift it off) Ideally, it should cool completely before cutting, but that rarely happens at our house. My husband likes it cut in about 1/2" to 1" slices. My mother made a similar bread that she cut in narrower slices and served with butter spread on it.
Eggless freezes well and travels well. My MIL use to send it to Ireland to her son who was serving a mission there. This was back before the days of FEDEX. My BIL said it always arrived in good shape and tasted great. In Ireland, Eggless became known as Carol's Cake (Carol was my MIL's name).
Over the years, I have made multiple recipes of Eggless and baked it in small disposable mini loaf pans. When using these pans, I don't remove the cake from the pan after baking. These mini loaves have gone to neighbors and friends. Since I am now the only one in my husband's family who makes Eggless, I have to make sure that my BILs get their Eggless at Christmas as well.
And just in case you are wondering the calorie count? Do you really want to know? Several years ago, my husband figured it out, as best he could. One recipe of Eggless is 4153 calories and 59% fat. I guess it's a good thing that it's only made once a year, because he can easily consume an entire batch of Eggless.
There will be no picture of the finished product. I most likely won't be making Eggless for a couple of more weeks.
** When I first starting making Eggless, I had a cheap set of pots and pans. The largest pot from that set was what I used to make Eggless. Later when I got a better set of pots and pans, I still used that original cheap pot. About 15 years ago, I got a set of expensive All Clad cookware. But Eggless was still made in that original pot. I guess that I didn't want to mess with the success of the original Eggless. A couple of years ago, I decided to use the large All Clad pot when I made a batch of Eggless. I learned that cheap or expensive, it really didn't matter. That original pot just sits at the back of the cupboard, now. I can't quite get rid of it.
Eggless Cake:
Preheat oven to 325
In a large heavy pan:**
1 2/3 cup shortening2 cups sugar
2 cups water
3 tsp cinnamon*
3 tsp nutmeg*
1 1/2 tsp ground clove*
1 1/2 cups raisins*
*My husband has requested more of the spices, so I always use heaping teaspoons. And, according to him, you can never have too many raisins or walnuts. I usually put in more than 1 1/2 cups of raisins.
Heat until shortening is completely melted. Remove from heat and let cool. While mixture is cooling, grease and flour loaf pans. (2 - 9 1/4 x 5 1/4 pans or 3 - 8 1/4 x 4 1/4 pans). Note: even though I regularly use a vegetable spray on other pans when doing baking, I've never used it when making Eggless. So I have no idea if the cakes will come out of the pans easily if vegetable spray is used.)
To mixture in the pan add:
3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
Mix well. (This can be done by hand. I use my electric hand mixture right in the pot. I guess you could transfer everything from the pot to the bowl of a stand mixer, but it just adds one more thing to clean up.)
Stir in 1 to 2 cups chopped walnuts. (Chop if you want. I use walnut halves and pieces and just break up the large pieces with my hand.)
Pour into the prepared loaf pans. Bake at 325 for about 50 to 55 minutes. Be sure to leave some in the pan because you (or in my house, my husband) will want to lick the pan, the beaters, stirring spoon......DO NOT OVERCOOK or it will be too dry! I've been making this for so many years that I can tell when it's finished just by looking at it in the oven and lightly pressing my finger on the top. I would guess that if a toothpick was inserted in the middle, it should come out fairly clean with maybe a few crumbs attached.
 |
| My 30 year old, hand written Eggless Cake recipe |
When done, remove it from the pan immediately on to a cooling rack. (turn pan upside down and lift it off) Ideally, it should cool completely before cutting, but that rarely happens at our house. My husband likes it cut in about 1/2" to 1" slices. My mother made a similar bread that she cut in narrower slices and served with butter spread on it.
Eggless freezes well and travels well. My MIL use to send it to Ireland to her son who was serving a mission there. This was back before the days of FEDEX. My BIL said it always arrived in good shape and tasted great. In Ireland, Eggless became known as Carol's Cake (Carol was my MIL's name).
Over the years, I have made multiple recipes of Eggless and baked it in small disposable mini loaf pans. When using these pans, I don't remove the cake from the pan after baking. These mini loaves have gone to neighbors and friends. Since I am now the only one in my husband's family who makes Eggless, I have to make sure that my BILs get their Eggless at Christmas as well.
And just in case you are wondering the calorie count? Do you really want to know? Several years ago, my husband figured it out, as best he could. One recipe of Eggless is 4153 calories and 59% fat. I guess it's a good thing that it's only made once a year, because he can easily consume an entire batch of Eggless.
There will be no picture of the finished product. I most likely won't be making Eggless for a couple of more weeks.
** When I first starting making Eggless, I had a cheap set of pots and pans. The largest pot from that set was what I used to make Eggless. Later when I got a better set of pots and pans, I still used that original cheap pot. About 15 years ago, I got a set of expensive All Clad cookware. But Eggless was still made in that original pot. I guess that I didn't want to mess with the success of the original Eggless. A couple of years ago, I decided to use the large All Clad pot when I made a batch of Eggless. I learned that cheap or expensive, it really didn't matter. That original pot just sits at the back of the cupboard, now. I can't quite get rid of it.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Christmas Magic
My friend, TravelinOma, asked this question on her blog, "What unique Christmas traditions bring magic into your home?". That's an easy one for me to answer.
Christmas doesn't really start at our house until I've made Eggless Cake. Eggless Cake is something that my mother in law made only at Christmas time. It's filled with nuts, raisins and wonderful smelling cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. After I had been married to my husband for a few years, he asked me to make Eggless for him. I called my mother in law for the recipe. She felt that I could only learn the proper way to make Eggless and have it be successful was to make my first Eggless under her watchful eye. I wasn't able to do that, but fortunately, my first effort was a success. I've been on my own with Eggless baking ever since. My mother in law gave me the ultimate compliment when after eating some of my Eggless, she said, "This is better than what I make.".
Eggless smells wonderful as it's being mixed up and cooking in the oven. The aroma of the cinnamon, nutmeg and clove fill the house. At some point early in our marriage, my husband insisted that I had to make Eggless before we could decorate the tree. It has been our tradition for many, many years. It takes some planning on my part to be sure Eggless baking and tree decorating coincide. I also make small Eggless cakes to give to friends at Christmas. Since none of my sister in laws like Eggless, they don't make it. So now, the only way my husband's brothers get Eggless at Christmas is if I make some to give to them.
Only half of my kids like Eggless cake and I don't think that the baking of Eggless necessarily brought the magic of Christmas into our home for them. But it did and still does for my husband and me.
Christmas doesn't really start at our house until I've made Eggless Cake. Eggless Cake is something that my mother in law made only at Christmas time. It's filled with nuts, raisins and wonderful smelling cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. After I had been married to my husband for a few years, he asked me to make Eggless for him. I called my mother in law for the recipe. She felt that I could only learn the proper way to make Eggless and have it be successful was to make my first Eggless under her watchful eye. I wasn't able to do that, but fortunately, my first effort was a success. I've been on my own with Eggless baking ever since. My mother in law gave me the ultimate compliment when after eating some of my Eggless, she said, "This is better than what I make.".
Eggless smells wonderful as it's being mixed up and cooking in the oven. The aroma of the cinnamon, nutmeg and clove fill the house. At some point early in our marriage, my husband insisted that I had to make Eggless before we could decorate the tree. It has been our tradition for many, many years. It takes some planning on my part to be sure Eggless baking and tree decorating coincide. I also make small Eggless cakes to give to friends at Christmas. Since none of my sister in laws like Eggless, they don't make it. So now, the only way my husband's brothers get Eggless at Christmas is if I make some to give to them.
Only half of my kids like Eggless cake and I don't think that the baking of Eggless necessarily brought the magic of Christmas into our home for them. But it did and still does for my husband and me.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
All Wrapped Up.
My friend over at http://www.travelinoma.blogspot.com/ has a post today about Christmas. She has asked her readers to answer some questions about Christmas magic, traditions, how to deal with the "is Santa Claus real" question and a few others. I could post a comment directly on her blog. But since my response will probably be kind of long, I'm posting it here and will link from her blog.
One of her questions was "What is the most stressful thing about Christmas?". That got me thinking. When I had little kids at home the most stressful thing was getting all the presents wrapped. For me, this project usually waited until Christmas Eve which meant that the process didn't start until all the Christmas Eve activities were over and the kids were in bed and asleep. The task of wrapping Christmas presents didn't start until well after 11 PM, if I was lucky.
One year, as my husband and I were wrapping Christmas presents, adding bows and name tags to each gift for our five kids, I said to him, "There's got to be a better way.". This comment probably came on a year when we had hosted the Christmas Eve dinner for his entire family. I was already spent and still had the present wrapping to deal with. It was probably more than 20 years ago. But I clearly remember sitting on the floor in our family room surrounded by presents, wrapping paper, bows and gift tags, exhausted and not too happy that I still had this chore to tackle.
Well, it's said that necessity is the mother of invention. So I came up with a better way. The next year, the first thing I bought was wrapping paper. I had decided that each child would have their own wrapping paper - like color coding. I had my own guidelines as to what the wrapping paper should look like. It had to be primarily green or red, and the theme of the paper had to relate to something about the child. I had fun going through all the wrapping paper selections at my favorite store, thinking about each child as I selected a pattern.
With the wrapping paper on hand, the next process was easy. I wrapped the presents as I brought them in the house. I could do this during the day because most of the kids were in school. Then I would put the wrapped packages in my Christmas hiding place. I figured if the kids found them, which I was told later that they often did, all they would find were wrapped presents. After a few years of wrapping paper coding their presents, they told me that if they found the gifts, it was fun for them to try and guess which wrapping paper held their presents.
Color coding the presents solved a couple of other stress inducers....no need for gift tags and when it came time for my husband to set out the presents from Santa, all I had to do was tell him which wrapping paper was for which kid. Next year, the left over wrapping paper was used for gifts going out of the house.
This may not be an original idea. But for me, it was certainly an "a ha moment" that made a big difference with my stress level at Christmas.
One of her questions was "What is the most stressful thing about Christmas?". That got me thinking. When I had little kids at home the most stressful thing was getting all the presents wrapped. For me, this project usually waited until Christmas Eve which meant that the process didn't start until all the Christmas Eve activities were over and the kids were in bed and asleep. The task of wrapping Christmas presents didn't start until well after 11 PM, if I was lucky.
One year, as my husband and I were wrapping Christmas presents, adding bows and name tags to each gift for our five kids, I said to him, "There's got to be a better way.". This comment probably came on a year when we had hosted the Christmas Eve dinner for his entire family. I was already spent and still had the present wrapping to deal with. It was probably more than 20 years ago. But I clearly remember sitting on the floor in our family room surrounded by presents, wrapping paper, bows and gift tags, exhausted and not too happy that I still had this chore to tackle.
Well, it's said that necessity is the mother of invention. So I came up with a better way. The next year, the first thing I bought was wrapping paper. I had decided that each child would have their own wrapping paper - like color coding. I had my own guidelines as to what the wrapping paper should look like. It had to be primarily green or red, and the theme of the paper had to relate to something about the child. I had fun going through all the wrapping paper selections at my favorite store, thinking about each child as I selected a pattern.
With the wrapping paper on hand, the next process was easy. I wrapped the presents as I brought them in the house. I could do this during the day because most of the kids were in school. Then I would put the wrapped packages in my Christmas hiding place. I figured if the kids found them, which I was told later that they often did, all they would find were wrapped presents. After a few years of wrapping paper coding their presents, they told me that if they found the gifts, it was fun for them to try and guess which wrapping paper held their presents.
Color coding the presents solved a couple of other stress inducers....no need for gift tags and when it came time for my husband to set out the presents from Santa, all I had to do was tell him which wrapping paper was for which kid. Next year, the left over wrapping paper was used for gifts going out of the house.
This may not be an original idea. But for me, it was certainly an "a ha moment" that made a big difference with my stress level at Christmas.
Monday, November 14, 2011
It's About Time
I was raised by a father who firmly believed that it was important to be on time. As a family, we were never late for any event. In fact, we were usually early. To him there was no excuse for not being on time. You just had to manage your time, be aware of how long it took to get some place and plan accordingly. As a teenager, I was mortified, when while conducting a church meeting, my father stopped mid sentence and addressed the stragglers coming in after the opening song and prayer with "For those of you who are just coming in, you didn't start early enough to do your hurrying.". I wanted to crawl under the pew. He had no tolerance for people who couldn't manage to get places on time. Thus, the habit of being on time was soundly instilled on me. I really don't like being late for an event.
For almost thirty three years, I have been married to a man who has the direct opposite position about being on time for something. His concept of being on time is if something starts at 11 AM, that's when you leave...never mind that it's a ten minute drive to get there or that you have to park the car and go in the building. On the few occasions, that I've managed to convince him that we needed to leave at a particular time, he will complain that we are "WAY early!" As you can imagine, it's been a source of irritation and conflict pitting my timeliness against his idea about what being on time means. Over the years, if he didn't need to be at the same event that I did, it has been easy to get myself there on my time frame. But if we are traveling to something together, I usually have to cool my heels and wait for him.
The last few years we've lived within walking distance of our church. I have always wanted to leave the house early enough to get in the building so that I wouldn't have to sit in the back of the room where I often couldn't hear very well, or had to sit behind someone who blocked my sightline to the front of the room. I know exactly how much time is required to get there so that I don't have to sit in the back. Even though I'd rather enjoy the walk with my husband, I've often left without him because he was still in the process of getting ready.
Two weeks ago, I found myself in the same spot on a Sunday morning. I was ready and wanted to leave. He wasn't quite ready, so I waited, knowing that I'd be late. On our walk over to the building, I told him that it would be nice if, on the two Sundays a month that I don't have an early choir practice, he could be ready when I want to leave. I didn't think it was asking too much.
Yesterday morning, he got in the shower shortly after getting up....not his usual routine. Instead of turning on the TV and watching his Sunday morning news programs, he read. I wasn't hurrying about getting ready because for some reason, in my mind, I had until noon to start getting ready. While playing the piano at about 11:30, he tells me "It's 11:30." I told him "I know." A few minutes later, he stands by the piano completely dressed, and says to me in kind of a confused tone, "Now, what time does church start?". I thought for a minute, "11:50." He says, "Well, it's 11:40.". 11:40! Yikes, there was no way that I would be ready. Oops! I jumped up and started the process of getting ready for church. He waited for a minute or so, and then said, "I'm leaving.".
Thankfully, he didn't gloat the rest of the day that he was ready to leave so that we could get to church on my "never be late" time frame and that I wasn't ready. I just hope that he gives me another chance.
For almost thirty three years, I have been married to a man who has the direct opposite position about being on time for something. His concept of being on time is if something starts at 11 AM, that's when you leave...never mind that it's a ten minute drive to get there or that you have to park the car and go in the building. On the few occasions, that I've managed to convince him that we needed to leave at a particular time, he will complain that we are "WAY early!" As you can imagine, it's been a source of irritation and conflict pitting my timeliness against his idea about what being on time means. Over the years, if he didn't need to be at the same event that I did, it has been easy to get myself there on my time frame. But if we are traveling to something together, I usually have to cool my heels and wait for him.
The last few years we've lived within walking distance of our church. I have always wanted to leave the house early enough to get in the building so that I wouldn't have to sit in the back of the room where I often couldn't hear very well, or had to sit behind someone who blocked my sightline to the front of the room. I know exactly how much time is required to get there so that I don't have to sit in the back. Even though I'd rather enjoy the walk with my husband, I've often left without him because he was still in the process of getting ready.
Two weeks ago, I found myself in the same spot on a Sunday morning. I was ready and wanted to leave. He wasn't quite ready, so I waited, knowing that I'd be late. On our walk over to the building, I told him that it would be nice if, on the two Sundays a month that I don't have an early choir practice, he could be ready when I want to leave. I didn't think it was asking too much.
Yesterday morning, he got in the shower shortly after getting up....not his usual routine. Instead of turning on the TV and watching his Sunday morning news programs, he read. I wasn't hurrying about getting ready because for some reason, in my mind, I had until noon to start getting ready. While playing the piano at about 11:30, he tells me "It's 11:30." I told him "I know." A few minutes later, he stands by the piano completely dressed, and says to me in kind of a confused tone, "Now, what time does church start?". I thought for a minute, "11:50." He says, "Well, it's 11:40.". 11:40! Yikes, there was no way that I would be ready. Oops! I jumped up and started the process of getting ready for church. He waited for a minute or so, and then said, "I'm leaving.".
Thankfully, he didn't gloat the rest of the day that he was ready to leave so that we could get to church on my "never be late" time frame and that I wasn't ready. I just hope that he gives me another chance.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Urbanite
My husband and I love living within walking distance of our city and downtown. In our search for the ideal place to live, we always come back to downtown living. The suburbs just don't appeal to us. We love the walkability, things to do and have embraced downtown as our neighborhood.
This past weekend was a good example of what downtown living is like for us. Our car has been in parked in our garage since Friday. But we weren't stuck at home.
Saturday morning, after the snow storm cleared up, we bundled up and headed out. There was a movie playing at a local theater that we wanted to see so we walked the six blocks. (In our downtown, the blocks are long. Six blocks is equal to a mile.) After the movie, we headed towards a grocery store in the Avenues, a total of thirteen more blocks. This walk took us past a little deli where we decided to stop and get a sandwich. After the walk, uphill, to the grocery store, we bought what we needed, put it in the backpack that my husband had with him and headed back home....another eight to ten blocks. A bonus for me was with Kent carrying a backpack, I didn't have to carry a purse. I just put my wallet and other necessities in the backpack. Yesterday, we walked to our church meetings.
Not to knock people who live in the suburbs and have to rely on a car to get places. You do what you have to do. But it's great to leave the car at home, and get around the city on foot.
I just came across this article.
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=17984054&title=salt-lake-among-top-cities-for-living-car-free
That's my city!
This past weekend was a good example of what downtown living is like for us. Our car has been in parked in our garage since Friday. But we weren't stuck at home.
Saturday morning, after the snow storm cleared up, we bundled up and headed out. There was a movie playing at a local theater that we wanted to see so we walked the six blocks. (In our downtown, the blocks are long. Six blocks is equal to a mile.) After the movie, we headed towards a grocery store in the Avenues, a total of thirteen more blocks. This walk took us past a little deli where we decided to stop and get a sandwich. After the walk, uphill, to the grocery store, we bought what we needed, put it in the backpack that my husband had with him and headed back home....another eight to ten blocks. A bonus for me was with Kent carrying a backpack, I didn't have to carry a purse. I just put my wallet and other necessities in the backpack. Yesterday, we walked to our church meetings.
Not to knock people who live in the suburbs and have to rely on a car to get places. You do what you have to do. But it's great to leave the car at home, and get around the city on foot.
I just came across this article.
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=17984054&title=salt-lake-among-top-cities-for-living-car-free
That's my city!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
It's gone, all gone.
On a walk today, my husband and I ran into our former next door neighbor. After exchanging some pleasantries, she asked me if I had seen the yard of the home where we used to live. I told that I had seen what had been done in the front yard. She told me that she was talking about the back yard. Since we were headed up toward 11th Avenue, we walked back to her house and looked at the back yard of our former house.
I spent many hours and quite a bit of money transforming a barren hillside into this:
The current owners wanted a larger, flat yard so that their young children could have more play space. The first two levels of the hillside have been removed. A concrete retaining wall about 8' high will be installed and those children will end up with a backyard big enough for a swing set and lots of running around room.
I have to say that I'm a little sad to see all the hard work that I did over the three years we lived there dismantled by a back hoe in less than a week. What makes me even more sad is that I sure would have liked to have had a few of those plantings to spruce up the little yard where we currently live. But they are gone, along with the yard ornament that you can see in the lower left corner of the top picture.
It's been three years since we moved from that house. But I've always felt that I left a lot of me behind in the landscaping. It's all pretty much gone now.
I spent many hours and quite a bit of money transforming a barren hillside into this:
I don't know how many plants and shrubs I planted on that hillside, or how many times I climbed that hill to weed. We got a lot of pleasure sitting inside the house or on the patio, looking at the hillside as various plants bloomed.
Well, today that hillside looks like this:
The current owners wanted a larger, flat yard so that their young children could have more play space. The first two levels of the hillside have been removed. A concrete retaining wall about 8' high will be installed and those children will end up with a backyard big enough for a swing set and lots of running around room.
I have to say that I'm a little sad to see all the hard work that I did over the three years we lived there dismantled by a back hoe in less than a week. What makes me even more sad is that I sure would have liked to have had a few of those plantings to spruce up the little yard where we currently live. But they are gone, along with the yard ornament that you can see in the lower left corner of the top picture.
It's been three years since we moved from that house. But I've always felt that I left a lot of me behind in the landscaping. It's all pretty much gone now.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Water in the door...
My oldest grandson, the one who asked me awhile back what cars were like in the "olden days", was a little stumped when he wanted to refill his water glass during dinner yesterday. He walked into the kitchen, glass in hand, and came right back out. "Where's you guys water?", he asked. He had looked at the fridge and didn't see the "water in the door" feature like his fridge at home has and had no clue how he was suppose to get more drinking water...well, let's see if we can solve the problem, son. You can get water from the water pitcher here on the table, or use that old fashioned thing called a faucet at the kitchen sink.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
All Settled In
It's been two weeks since I signed the lease on the Canyon Road house. Two weeks ago, I was mildly freaking out about how we would accomplish packing up the apartment, moving all our stuff, unpacking at the new place and getting the apartment cleaned. It went amazingly well. It was probably the easiest move that we have ever done in our 32+ years of marriage. I suppose one reason was because we were living simply in the apartment and, due to space restrictions, we hadn't accumulated more stuff. Everything in the apartment came to the house. So all I had to do was load boxes. There was no sorting through things and deciding what to keep or what to get rid of. I had done all that with the move from the big house three year ago.
The move wasn't without a few challenges. It took some time to figure out how we were going to use the space in the house. We ended up using the main floor bedroom as a study. That bedroom is small and would barely fit a king size bed. So it became a study/TV room and the downstairs bedroom became the master. My husband was a little out of sorts for a day or two until I was able to take time to get things a little better organized. He really dislikes chaos and living out of boxes.
The boxes are emptied. Pictures are hung. The place feels like home. I am happy.
Here's a quick photo tour.
Right side of the living room. That's the original, wood burning fireplace. Cold, winter evenings will be very cozy and warm. I love having windows, with screens, that can be opened to let in the breeze coming from City Creek canyon.
The dining room is open to the living room. We have a lovely picture to hang on the back wall. But as you can see, the thermostat is in the middle of the wall. The homeowner said he'd get it moved. We shall see. The door on the left is to the bedroom/den. On the right is the entrance to the kitchen.
The move wasn't without a few challenges. It took some time to figure out how we were going to use the space in the house. We ended up using the main floor bedroom as a study. That bedroom is small and would barely fit a king size bed. So it became a study/TV room and the downstairs bedroom became the master. My husband was a little out of sorts for a day or two until I was able to take time to get things a little better organized. He really dislikes chaos and living out of boxes.
The boxes are emptied. Pictures are hung. The place feels like home. I am happy.
Here's a quick photo tour.
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| I'm looking forward to next spring when I can bring the front flowers beds up to date. |
Right side of the living room. That's the original, wood burning fireplace. Cold, winter evenings will be very cozy and warm. I love having windows, with screens, that can be opened to let in the breeze coming from City Creek canyon.
 |
| Left side of the living room. The picture was taken from the loft. |
 | |
The dining room is open to the living room. We have a lovely picture to hang on the back wall. But as you can see, the thermostat is in the middle of the wall. The homeowner said he'd get it moved. We shall see. The door on the left is to the bedroom/den. On the right is the entrance to the kitchen.
 |
| Looking into the kitchen from the dining room |
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| I was delighted that the cupboard above the sink was tall enough for my cookbooks. |
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Ruby, the mixer, is happy in her little corner. The lamp was my husband's idea.
|
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
You Just Never Know
When my husband and I moved from our big house in to an apartment several years ago, we both knew that the apartment was suppose to be just a place to hunker down while we decided what the next, more permanent place, would be. Over the three years that we've been apartment dwellers, we pursued other housing options...sometimes in earnest, sometimes just casually. We've looked at homes for sale in our general neighborhood, and in neighborhoods a little further removed. We've looked at big houses and small houses. We have even entertained the idea of purchasing a condo in the new City Creek project until sticker shock gave us a reality check. We've also looked at homes for lease/rent.
In the process, we have developed a pretty good idea of what we want and where we want to live. We don't need to own a home. A good long term rental property that meets most of these criteria is sufficient.
1. Located within a reasonable walking distance of downtown.
2. Easy access to Memory Grove/City Creek canyon
3. 1700 to 2000 sq feet home that is clean and well maintained.
4. Living space large enough to accommodate at least our dining room table.
5. Outdoor living space
6. Garage
7. Minimum of two bedrooms/two baths
8. Washer/dryer hookups
9. A decent kitchen with a dishwasher and disposal.
10. A yard/garden - not too much
11. Bathrooms that have been updated in the last decade or so.
12. Storage for all the sports equipment, camping gear, etc. etc.
13. Monthly lease payment less than our current lease payment.
Bonus:
1. Hard wood floors
2. Living space big enough for BOTH the dining room table and the baby grand piano.
3. Gas range
4. Fireplace
This criteria doesn't seem to be too demanding. But in our older neighborhood, it's hard to find something that has even a few of the items. It's been frustrating.
The other day, I was taking my daily walk up Memory Grove. I passed a house on Canyon Road that had a "For Rent" sign in front of it. I couldn't believe it. In this little section of the city, you just don't see "For Rent" or "For Sale" signs. Ownership and occupancy generally happen by word of mouth. I took a picture of the sign and emailed it to my husband for him to check out. He set up an appointment to see the home later that same day. He told me that the owner said the house was small - only about 950 sq ft on the main floor. With that kind of square footage, most likely the rooms would be tiny. The kitchen and baths probably would be stuck in the 50s. Even though the location was to die for, we were prepared to be disappointed in the actual house.
But, lo and behold, we were surprised. The home had been remodeled inside and had great space. Whoever had done the remodeling had removed some interior walls and opened up the ceiling into the attic. A loft area in the former attic had room for office space and a TV/sitting area plus a storage area. The main floor was big enough for the dining room table AND the piano. It had hardwood floors and with the original fireplace in the living room. Even though there was just one bedroom on the main floor, it had a nice updated bathroom en suite with a large closet.
The kitchen had been updated in the last ten years or so. It was small, but had good appliances and a GAS range. Off the kitchen, on the way to the basement stairs, was a full bathroom. The basement was totally finished with a half bath, a family room and another bedroom. The total square footage of the home was about 1700 sq. feet. spread over three levels...but all very liveable.
The garage was under one side of the house and accessed off an alley behind the house. Even with one car in the garage, there was still plenty of storage. One small issue was that the washer and dryer hookups were in the garage. Not an ideal set up, but workable. The yard was just the right size and well maintained. A nice size deck on the back of the house filled the outdoor living space criteria quite nicely. There was just the right amount of gardening space for me to putter in.
The home is vacant and, for the most part, meets all the criteria we have. So, we are moving...quickly...like starting today. We will have a lower monthly overhead since the lease payment on the house is less and we won't have to pay for an extra parking space, a storage unit or piano storage. Before the end of the month, we'll vacate our apartment and move to Canyon Road. It's a long term rental with the possibility of being able to purchase it in three or four years. I can't believe that we were this lucky. And believe me, the ability to live in this particular neighborhood is either by knowing someone who is selling/renting or pure luck.
So, it looks like Thanksgiving dinner can be around the family dining room table this year. We will also be able to sing Christmas carols accompanied by someone playing the grand piano. But before then, we might be able to have a BBQ or two. We can certainly gather for some family dinners.
Anyone out there who has any free time, willing manpower, etc. etc. is more than welcome to come help with process. We need to be out of our current place...clean and ready to go...by the end of August. Yikes! I better get off the computer and start packing boxes.
Update: As I was in the home, in the process of signing the lease, a guy walked in the open front door inquiring about the home. Snooze, you loose.
Note - This home is on the upper part of Canyon Road, in the row of about 10 homes just prior to the entrance of Memory Grove. It is also next door to the duplex where my Grandpa Reid lived in the last years of his life.
In the process, we have developed a pretty good idea of what we want and where we want to live. We don't need to own a home. A good long term rental property that meets most of these criteria is sufficient.
1. Located within a reasonable walking distance of downtown.
2. Easy access to Memory Grove/City Creek canyon
3. 1700 to 2000 sq feet home that is clean and well maintained.
4. Living space large enough to accommodate at least our dining room table.
5. Outdoor living space
6. Garage
7. Minimum of two bedrooms/two baths
8. Washer/dryer hookups
9. A decent kitchen with a dishwasher and disposal.
10. A yard/garden - not too much
11. Bathrooms that have been updated in the last decade or so.
12. Storage for all the sports equipment, camping gear, etc. etc.
13. Monthly lease payment less than our current lease payment.
Bonus:
1. Hard wood floors
2. Living space big enough for BOTH the dining room table and the baby grand piano.
3. Gas range
4. Fireplace
This criteria doesn't seem to be too demanding. But in our older neighborhood, it's hard to find something that has even a few of the items. It's been frustrating.
The other day, I was taking my daily walk up Memory Grove. I passed a house on Canyon Road that had a "For Rent" sign in front of it. I couldn't believe it. In this little section of the city, you just don't see "For Rent" or "For Sale" signs. Ownership and occupancy generally happen by word of mouth. I took a picture of the sign and emailed it to my husband for him to check out. He set up an appointment to see the home later that same day. He told me that the owner said the house was small - only about 950 sq ft on the main floor. With that kind of square footage, most likely the rooms would be tiny. The kitchen and baths probably would be stuck in the 50s. Even though the location was to die for, we were prepared to be disappointed in the actual house.
But, lo and behold, we were surprised. The home had been remodeled inside and had great space. Whoever had done the remodeling had removed some interior walls and opened up the ceiling into the attic. A loft area in the former attic had room for office space and a TV/sitting area plus a storage area. The main floor was big enough for the dining room table AND the piano. It had hardwood floors and with the original fireplace in the living room. Even though there was just one bedroom on the main floor, it had a nice updated bathroom en suite with a large closet.
The kitchen had been updated in the last ten years or so. It was small, but had good appliances and a GAS range. Off the kitchen, on the way to the basement stairs, was a full bathroom. The basement was totally finished with a half bath, a family room and another bedroom. The total square footage of the home was about 1700 sq. feet. spread over three levels...but all very liveable.
The garage was under one side of the house and accessed off an alley behind the house. Even with one car in the garage, there was still plenty of storage. One small issue was that the washer and dryer hookups were in the garage. Not an ideal set up, but workable. The yard was just the right size and well maintained. A nice size deck on the back of the house filled the outdoor living space criteria quite nicely. There was just the right amount of gardening space for me to putter in.
The home is vacant and, for the most part, meets all the criteria we have. So, we are moving...quickly...like starting today. We will have a lower monthly overhead since the lease payment on the house is less and we won't have to pay for an extra parking space, a storage unit or piano storage. Before the end of the month, we'll vacate our apartment and move to Canyon Road. It's a long term rental with the possibility of being able to purchase it in three or four years. I can't believe that we were this lucky. And believe me, the ability to live in this particular neighborhood is either by knowing someone who is selling/renting or pure luck.
So, it looks like Thanksgiving dinner can be around the family dining room table this year. We will also be able to sing Christmas carols accompanied by someone playing the grand piano. But before then, we might be able to have a BBQ or two. We can certainly gather for some family dinners.
Anyone out there who has any free time, willing manpower, etc. etc. is more than welcome to come help with process. We need to be out of our current place...clean and ready to go...by the end of August. Yikes! I better get off the computer and start packing boxes.
Update: As I was in the home, in the process of signing the lease, a guy walked in the open front door inquiring about the home. Snooze, you loose.
Note - This home is on the upper part of Canyon Road, in the row of about 10 homes just prior to the entrance of Memory Grove. It is also next door to the duplex where my Grandpa Reid lived in the last years of his life.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Thoughts while riding second seat...
After almost three years of not being on a motorcycle, early in July, the husband and I rented a motorcycle and took off for a few days. My husband found a great deal on a bike at a local BMW dealership. He knew the guy in charge of the rentals as well. Because it was a slow week for rentals going out, we got a great deal on the rate. We picked the bike up on Friday, July 1 and didn't have to have it back until Wednesday, July 6, a total of 4 1/2 days. We only paid for three days. We've always ridden a BMW, but this time the husband took out a Triumph Tiger.
As I was riding behind my husband while on this road trip, I started thinking about why I love riding on a motorcycle. Some people who have never ridden a motorcycle may think that it's a passive activity sitting in the second seat...that you're just along for the ride. For me, it's just the opposite.
First of all, I have to pay attention to how my husband is handling the bike. If he's leaning into a curve and I'm just sitting there, not leaning with him, it makes the curve more difficult to handle. I have to watch what's up ahead because that may influence how he handles the bike and how I have to react.
Riding a motorcycle is also a sensory experience. Without being surrounded by steel and glass of a car, you smell the environment. I remember riding over Boulder mountain in SE Utah on a fall trip just after a light rain had gone through the area. I loved the smell of the damp, wet, fall leaves that was all around. On a trip in the northwest the aroma of pine trees filled the air. I also get the diesel and gasoline smells, skunks, and cow pastures
As I ride along, I can feel the ambient air temperature change. Going over a mountain pass, the temps can start out in the 80s. As we climb higher, the air temp changes and cools down. There have been times when I've been very chilly going over a mountain pass because I was dressed for the warmer temps at lower elevations. But I've quickly warmed up as we've descended the other side.
Riding a motorcycle is also a very visual experience. On many of our rides, we've been on roads that we've traveled many times in a car. But traveling these same roads on a motorcycle, I've seen things I've haven't seen before. I noticed birds flying over head and cloud formations. Sometimes, it's like I've never been on that road or in that place.
Stopping for gas is usually an opportunity to chat with others at the pump. People will come over to you and ask about the bike, or where you're from and where you're going. There have been old geezers in small towns who have struck up conversations, sometimes with a little envy that it wasn't them who was riding down the road on a BMW. It seems that people always want to chat with the couple on the motorcycle....well, except for guys who ride Harleys. They are a very different breed than people who ride BMWs. We can be pumping gas right next to each other and they will hardly acknowledge us.
Taking a road trip on a motorcycle is more than just going from point A to point B. The ride is the trip. When we start out at the beginning of the day, we don't always know where we'll be that night. Our unspecified itinerary is how we discovered a charming 1950s like motel in Hope, British Columbia, the small, clean family run motel in Twin Bridges, Montana where the owner let me use her washer and dryer to do some wash and a delightful motel just a block from the beach in Cannon Beach, Oregon. We've found wonderful hotels in Santa Fe, New Mexico and on Vancouver Island, B.C. I'll never forget going through the tiny, tiny town of Denio, Nevada. The ride over the Highway to the Sun in Glacier National Park and through the twisties in the Canadian Rockies was spectacular.
We've had to dodge exploding beer cans that came out of a cooler that fell off a pick up that pulled out in front of us. There was the time that a dog in the back of a pick-up barked at us continually until we were finally able to pass. Then the driver of that pick up flipped us off. We had to ride in over 100 miles in a driving rainstorm of biblical proportions and were rewarded at the end of the ride by snagging the last room at our favorite hotel in Moab, Utah. We've been cut off by careless drivers, but waved to by many more.
Sure there have been times when I've been scared. Like when my husband had to lay the bike down when he came around a bend and saw traffic backed up at a stop sign. I jumped off with no problem, but the bike rolled over him. He was out for a minute or two and I wondered how I was going to get an injured, or worse, dead husband, plus a motorcycle back from Washington to Salt Lake City. But we were able to finish our trip with only some sore muscles and a couple of scratches on the bike.
You don't have these kind of experiences traveling in a car. Most likely, you're focused on the destination and when will you get there. If you ride as a passenger, you're probably absorbed in a book, wired up to your Ipod or laptop, or watching a movie on your personal DVD player and are more or less unaware of what's going on outside your car.
And there's nothing better at the end of a day on a motorcycle than a good hotel, hot shower and great meal, knowing that the next day you get to do it all over again on a different road.
As I was riding behind my husband while on this road trip, I started thinking about why I love riding on a motorcycle. Some people who have never ridden a motorcycle may think that it's a passive activity sitting in the second seat...that you're just along for the ride. For me, it's just the opposite.
First of all, I have to pay attention to how my husband is handling the bike. If he's leaning into a curve and I'm just sitting there, not leaning with him, it makes the curve more difficult to handle. I have to watch what's up ahead because that may influence how he handles the bike and how I have to react.
Riding a motorcycle is also a sensory experience. Without being surrounded by steel and glass of a car, you smell the environment. I remember riding over Boulder mountain in SE Utah on a fall trip just after a light rain had gone through the area. I loved the smell of the damp, wet, fall leaves that was all around. On a trip in the northwest the aroma of pine trees filled the air. I also get the diesel and gasoline smells, skunks, and cow pastures
As I ride along, I can feel the ambient air temperature change. Going over a mountain pass, the temps can start out in the 80s. As we climb higher, the air temp changes and cools down. There have been times when I've been very chilly going over a mountain pass because I was dressed for the warmer temps at lower elevations. But I've quickly warmed up as we've descended the other side.
Riding a motorcycle is also a very visual experience. On many of our rides, we've been on roads that we've traveled many times in a car. But traveling these same roads on a motorcycle, I've seen things I've haven't seen before. I noticed birds flying over head and cloud formations. Sometimes, it's like I've never been on that road or in that place.
Stopping for gas is usually an opportunity to chat with others at the pump. People will come over to you and ask about the bike, or where you're from and where you're going. There have been old geezers in small towns who have struck up conversations, sometimes with a little envy that it wasn't them who was riding down the road on a BMW. It seems that people always want to chat with the couple on the motorcycle....well, except for guys who ride Harleys. They are a very different breed than people who ride BMWs. We can be pumping gas right next to each other and they will hardly acknowledge us.
Taking a road trip on a motorcycle is more than just going from point A to point B. The ride is the trip. When we start out at the beginning of the day, we don't always know where we'll be that night. Our unspecified itinerary is how we discovered a charming 1950s like motel in Hope, British Columbia, the small, clean family run motel in Twin Bridges, Montana where the owner let me use her washer and dryer to do some wash and a delightful motel just a block from the beach in Cannon Beach, Oregon. We've found wonderful hotels in Santa Fe, New Mexico and on Vancouver Island, B.C. I'll never forget going through the tiny, tiny town of Denio, Nevada. The ride over the Highway to the Sun in Glacier National Park and through the twisties in the Canadian Rockies was spectacular.
We've had to dodge exploding beer cans that came out of a cooler that fell off a pick up that pulled out in front of us. There was the time that a dog in the back of a pick-up barked at us continually until we were finally able to pass. Then the driver of that pick up flipped us off. We had to ride in over 100 miles in a driving rainstorm of biblical proportions and were rewarded at the end of the ride by snagging the last room at our favorite hotel in Moab, Utah. We've been cut off by careless drivers, but waved to by many more.
Sure there have been times when I've been scared. Like when my husband had to lay the bike down when he came around a bend and saw traffic backed up at a stop sign. I jumped off with no problem, but the bike rolled over him. He was out for a minute or two and I wondered how I was going to get an injured, or worse, dead husband, plus a motorcycle back from Washington to Salt Lake City. But we were able to finish our trip with only some sore muscles and a couple of scratches on the bike.
You don't have these kind of experiences traveling in a car. Most likely, you're focused on the destination and when will you get there. If you ride as a passenger, you're probably absorbed in a book, wired up to your Ipod or laptop, or watching a movie on your personal DVD player and are more or less unaware of what's going on outside your car.
And there's nothing better at the end of a day on a motorcycle than a good hotel, hot shower and great meal, knowing that the next day you get to do it all over again on a different road.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
On The Job Observations
I'm currently working an On-Call assignment for an departmental HR. The bulk of my work load is to arrange phone and Face 2 Face interviews for job applicants. I have been amazed at how many of these applicants have been difficult to reach. Numerous phone calls and emails fail to get a response. Now perhaps, some of found employment and aren't interested anymore. But if a person is still looking for a job, don't you think that they should be more diligent in responding to interview requests? Makes sense to me.
Awhile ago, the dress code for female employees was changed. We are no longer required to wear nylons every day. I haven't worked a temp job since the new policy was put in place and I wondered how many of the female employees would abandon nylons and or cling to the long established habit of daily nylon wearing. From my observation of women in and around LDS headquarters, it seems that most women have given up the habit, including some senior sister missionaries.
Awhile ago, the dress code for female employees was changed. We are no longer required to wear nylons every day. I haven't worked a temp job since the new policy was put in place and I wondered how many of the female employees would abandon nylons and or cling to the long established habit of daily nylon wearing. From my observation of women in and around LDS headquarters, it seems that most women have given up the habit, including some senior sister missionaries.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Am I really that old?
My youngest child turned 25 today. How did that happen? I can still remember when he was little.
Yesterday at our Mother's Day gathering, this same son asked me if it was my 40th Mother's Day. The oldest child corrected him and said it was my 39th Mother's Day. The youngest then made the comment that his girlfriend's step dad is 42. Everyone was amazed at the relationship of the age of my oldest and the age of my son's girlfriend's step dad. I then realized that had I given birth to a child after a year or two of marriage, I could have a child that's older than the step dad.
Really? Really? This is just weird. I'M NOT THAT OLD! Am I?
Yesterday at our Mother's Day gathering, this same son asked me if it was my 40th Mother's Day. The oldest child corrected him and said it was my 39th Mother's Day. The youngest then made the comment that his girlfriend's step dad is 42. Everyone was amazed at the relationship of the age of my oldest and the age of my son's girlfriend's step dad. I then realized that had I given birth to a child after a year or two of marriage, I could have a child that's older than the step dad.
Really? Really? This is just weird. I'M NOT THAT OLD! Am I?
Monday, May 2, 2011
Always Remember
There are certain events in history that have such a great impact that people will always remember where they were and what they were doing when it happened. In my lifetime, there are three or four such days.
When John Glenn first took his first flight in space, I was in the 10th grade. His son, David Glenn, attended my high school. As his father went into orbit, the radio commentary was piped through out the entire school. I listened to the broadcast in the school office where I had a class period as an office aide. There was a collective cheer through out the entire school when Glenn's space mission ended successfully. After all, he was OUR astronaut.
When John Kennedy was shot, I was a senior in high school. I was an officer in the Future Business Leader's of America club. Our big event for the year was sponsering the Miss JEB Stuart contest. During my last period class, English, I had been allowed to go to the stage to do some decorating for the event which was to be held that evening. The announcement about the President being shot in Dallas came over the loud speaker. I immediately returned to my English class and listened to the rest of the events that transpired. School was released early and all school events for the next few days were cancelled.
On September 11, 2001, I was living in Salt Lake. That morning, I had a Church Building Hosting Board Meeting on the 2nd floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. The events on the east coast were just unfolding as I was getting ready to leave for my meeting. By the the time the meeting started at 9 AM, all the attacks had transpired in New York, and Washington. Members of the Hosting Board gathered in a Public Affairs conference room where there was television feed. Our meeting was forgotten. I watched the towers fall with a large group of people from Public Affairs and the Hosting Board.
Last night when news came of bin Laden's death, I was in my son's living room in Denver watching something mindless on television. My son was upstairs studying for an exam, the grandkids were in bed, and my DIL was upstairs with my son. She came running downstairs and told me that Osama bin Laden was dead. We watched the news together.
When John Glenn first took his first flight in space, I was in the 10th grade. His son, David Glenn, attended my high school. As his father went into orbit, the radio commentary was piped through out the entire school. I listened to the broadcast in the school office where I had a class period as an office aide. There was a collective cheer through out the entire school when Glenn's space mission ended successfully. After all, he was OUR astronaut.
When John Kennedy was shot, I was a senior in high school. I was an officer in the Future Business Leader's of America club. Our big event for the year was sponsering the Miss JEB Stuart contest. During my last period class, English, I had been allowed to go to the stage to do some decorating for the event which was to be held that evening. The announcement about the President being shot in Dallas came over the loud speaker. I immediately returned to my English class and listened to the rest of the events that transpired. School was released early and all school events for the next few days were cancelled.
On September 11, 2001, I was living in Salt Lake. That morning, I had a Church Building Hosting Board Meeting on the 2nd floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. The events on the east coast were just unfolding as I was getting ready to leave for my meeting. By the the time the meeting started at 9 AM, all the attacks had transpired in New York, and Washington. Members of the Hosting Board gathered in a Public Affairs conference room where there was television feed. Our meeting was forgotten. I watched the towers fall with a large group of people from Public Affairs and the Hosting Board.
Last night when news came of bin Laden's death, I was in my son's living room in Denver watching something mindless on television. My son was upstairs studying for an exam, the grandkids were in bed, and my DIL was upstairs with my son. She came running downstairs and told me that Osama bin Laden was dead. We watched the news together.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Weiwa Speak
My three year old grandaughter can't quite pronounce the letter "L". So her name, Leila, comes out Weiwa. She wants to sit on my wap and cowor. She has a Rapunzaw dow. She asked me to pway princesses with her. This morning, as she was leaning backwards from my lap, she told me "I'm swipping.".
I know that she'll eventually out grow it. But I hope not too soon.
I know that she'll eventually out grow it. But I hope not too soon.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
A Life Changing Experience
For at least four years and maybe longer, my cell phone was one that I inherited from my son when he upgraded from his Razr. Way back when my son got this Razr phone, it was the latest and greatest. But then the iPhone came out and my son and his Razr parted company very quickly. I was the happy recipient. From time to time, I'd think that maybe I wanted an iPhone. But talked myself out of it because I didn't use my current phone that much. Well, that's all changed.
Last week, when I took my cell phone off the charger, it wasn't charged. I had dropped it in the garage earlier in the week and the back came off of it. I thought that perhaps the phone had been damaged as a result. Later I was telling my daughter that my cell phone wasn't working and I didn't like the idea that I'd have to wait until next week before the husband was available to pursue getting me a new one. She asked me when I had last upgraded my phone. "Well, I've never upgraded it. I've had this phone for at least 4 years.". She told me that you can upgrade a cell phone every two years so I was definitely due. So it was off to the AT&T store.
After the sales clerk got over his amazement at seeing a Razr phone still in use, he told me that I could definitely upgrade. He pulled up the account and found that there was a $100 credit on my number. So, to make a long story short, the $100 covered the price of a new Android with all the bells and whistles.
That part about not using my cell phone much? Ain't so any more. I can see that I may easily become like those people who are joined at the hip with their cell phones. I love my phone and the technology.
There is a small confession, however. I discovered that the reason the old Razr didn't charge was because the GFCI plug that the charger was using had been tripped. So does anyone want a perfectly good Razr phone? Because I'm not going back to it....ever.
Blessed technology!
Last week, when I took my cell phone off the charger, it wasn't charged. I had dropped it in the garage earlier in the week and the back came off of it. I thought that perhaps the phone had been damaged as a result. Later I was telling my daughter that my cell phone wasn't working and I didn't like the idea that I'd have to wait until next week before the husband was available to pursue getting me a new one. She asked me when I had last upgraded my phone. "Well, I've never upgraded it. I've had this phone for at least 4 years.". She told me that you can upgrade a cell phone every two years so I was definitely due. So it was off to the AT&T store.
After the sales clerk got over his amazement at seeing a Razr phone still in use, he told me that I could definitely upgrade. He pulled up the account and found that there was a $100 credit on my number. So, to make a long story short, the $100 covered the price of a new Android with all the bells and whistles.
That part about not using my cell phone much? Ain't so any more. I can see that I may easily become like those people who are joined at the hip with their cell phones. I love my phone and the technology.
There is a small confession, however. I discovered that the reason the old Razr didn't charge was because the GFCI plug that the charger was using had been tripped. So does anyone want a perfectly good Razr phone? Because I'm not going back to it....ever.
Blessed technology!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Emily Speak
My granddaughter, Emily, is 3 1/2. She tells me that she has sisters named "Rella, Della, Ella, Galney, Numa, Gwena, Bella, Rellin and Downa. And dat's it".
She has says that she loves me this much and holds all ten fingers up.
She wants to talk about her "own earf" and her sisters "own earf". These things are all on her "earf".."My fishes, my bed, and my aminals place in my bed. And dat's it."
She has says that she loves me this much and holds all ten fingers up.
She wants to talk about her "own earf" and her sisters "own earf". These things are all on her "earf".."My fishes, my bed, and my aminals place in my bed. And dat's it."
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Definitely the end of an era....
There's a restaurant in our neighborhood that's been around for many, many years. My husband and I had one of our first dates at the Pagoda back in 1978. His family had been going there for years prior to that. With my husband's family, food from the Pagoda always meant there was a special event, something to celebrate or you were just plain craving it. Pagoda quickly became a family tradition with my husband and I as well. When we lived in Park City and my husband worked in Salt Lake, he would order Pagoda for take out and then drive the 30 miles back home with it.
Pagoda Chinese food wasn't necessarily authentic. If anything, it was somewhat Americanized. But our entire family absolutely loved their ham fried rice, chow mien, sweet and sour short ribs and BBQ ribs. The take out portions were large enough that we could get a least two meals from them.
A couple of years ago, the last original owners died and the Pagoda changed ownership. My husband and I went there with friends raving over how great the food was. We were disappointed. The sauce for the sweet and sour had been changed slightly. Not a good thing, IMO. But the chow mien and BBQ ribs were still the same.
Last week, my husband ordered chow mien and BBQ ribs from Pagoda. It would appear that with the change in ownership, that all the owners got was the name and not the recipes. Both dishes were vastly different and disappointing. The take out portions were small and over priced. We won't be going back. I wonder if other long time Pagoda patrons feel the same way.
I'll miss the ribs, rice and chow mien. Darn.
Pagoda Chinese food wasn't necessarily authentic. If anything, it was somewhat Americanized. But our entire family absolutely loved their ham fried rice, chow mien, sweet and sour short ribs and BBQ ribs. The take out portions were large enough that we could get a least two meals from them.
A couple of years ago, the last original owners died and the Pagoda changed ownership. My husband and I went there with friends raving over how great the food was. We were disappointed. The sauce for the sweet and sour had been changed slightly. Not a good thing, IMO. But the chow mien and BBQ ribs were still the same.
Last week, my husband ordered chow mien and BBQ ribs from Pagoda. It would appear that with the change in ownership, that all the owners got was the name and not the recipes. Both dishes were vastly different and disappointing. The take out portions were small and over priced. We won't be going back. I wonder if other long time Pagoda patrons feel the same way.
I'll miss the ribs, rice and chow mien. Darn.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Problem Solved
My five year old grandson unwittingly revealed my secret stash of Cadbury Mini Eggs to his Grandpa. In his defense, my grandson didn't know that I was keeping the stash a secret and he had seen me get one or two out to give to him and his sister as a treat. (Yes, I have to hide those precious little things from Grandpa if I want them to last more than ten minutes.)
A little later, I saw that my grandson had taped a picture to the cabinet door that he had drawn of a mini egg with a circle around it and a line through the circle. When I asked him about it, he replied, "That's to tell Grandpa that there aren't any treats in this cupboard so he won't eat them.".
Oh, dear boy, if it is was only that simple.
A little later, I saw that my grandson had taped a picture to the cabinet door that he had drawn of a mini egg with a circle around it and a line through the circle. When I asked him about it, he replied, "That's to tell Grandpa that there aren't any treats in this cupboard so he won't eat them.".
Oh, dear boy, if it is was only that simple.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
I'm in love....
I have a new neighbor. As I've gotten to know this neighbor since she moved to the neighborhood last week, I've decided that I definitely love her. My new neighbor is Sunflower Market. She moved into the space where a former Big Lots store was. What a difference! The Big Lots store felt cavernous and cold. Sunflower Market feels warm, cozy and friendly.
I love Sunflower's outstanding produce and meat. There really is a difference from what I've bought at the local Smiths. The sale prices are outstanding. Today, I picked up broccoli crowns and asparagus a $.88 a pound. Chicken breast were on sale for $1.69 a pound. Since we eat a lot of chicken, I loaded up. Many of their regular prices are very competitive to Smiths.
Sunflower Market is a natural/organic place. But it doesn't feel like the larger and somewhat "Gucci" (as my husband calls it) Whole Foods a couple of blocks away. I rarely shopped at Whole Foods. I haven't even been in the brand new Whole Foods store that opened up two weeks ago. But I'll be a regular customer at Sunflower Market. I've been there 4 times in the last week and already have a good supply of their reusable shopping bags. I like the neighborhood store feel, the friendly, helpful staff and, of course, the produce and meat.
Thanks for moving into my neighborhood!
Note: No, I was not paid to write this endorsement.
I love Sunflower's outstanding produce and meat. There really is a difference from what I've bought at the local Smiths. The sale prices are outstanding. Today, I picked up broccoli crowns and asparagus a $.88 a pound. Chicken breast were on sale for $1.69 a pound. Since we eat a lot of chicken, I loaded up. Many of their regular prices are very competitive to Smiths.
Sunflower Market is a natural/organic place. But it doesn't feel like the larger and somewhat "Gucci" (as my husband calls it) Whole Foods a couple of blocks away. I rarely shopped at Whole Foods. I haven't even been in the brand new Whole Foods store that opened up two weeks ago. But I'll be a regular customer at Sunflower Market. I've been there 4 times in the last week and already have a good supply of their reusable shopping bags. I like the neighborhood store feel, the friendly, helpful staff and, of course, the produce and meat.
Thanks for moving into my neighborhood!
Note: No, I was not paid to write this endorsement.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Need for trees revisited
Any of you who have followed my blog for awhile will remember my former neighbors, the Nimbys. Well, I was on a real estate website site today, and lo and behold, their house is up for sale. The web site has pictures posted of the Nimby home, including view shots of the yard and valley that were taken from the inside of the house and the upper, rear deck.
The pictures shown on the website were probably taken last summer since everything is in full bloom. But it's obvious that without the trees that we planted on the upper hillside to provide some privacy, the Nimbys would have a great view of everything going on down below.
There is one picture taken in their master bathroom that shows the large picture window that was added when the Nimbys remodeled the house. That huge window gives clear view to the house below. In the picture, there is a tree that has grown tall enough to provide some screening from that window. What puzzles me is why the Nimbys wouldn't want some privacy provided by trees when they have a large soaking tub right in front of that window.
I guess the neighbors in the old 'hood are glad that the Nimbys are moving on.
The pictures shown on the website were probably taken last summer since everything is in full bloom. But it's obvious that without the trees that we planted on the upper hillside to provide some privacy, the Nimbys would have a great view of everything going on down below.
There is one picture taken in their master bathroom that shows the large picture window that was added when the Nimbys remodeled the house. That huge window gives clear view to the house below. In the picture, there is a tree that has grown tall enough to provide some screening from that window. What puzzles me is why the Nimbys wouldn't want some privacy provided by trees when they have a large soaking tub right in front of that window.
I guess the neighbors in the old 'hood are glad that the Nimbys are moving on.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Getting territorial...
The husband has a way of taking over space with his stuff. Before we even moved into this apartment, I had mentally staked my claim on a large hall closet. I wanted to use it for pantry, craft and other storage items. I had to compromise when he declared that's where he was hanging his suits and dress slacks. I only got half the closet. I then had my eye on the closet in the second bedroom. But, oh, no, that was where he was going to put all his ski jackets, motorcycle jackets and related stuff. It isn't enough that he has an entire bedroom as his man den. He also uses the back of the car to store camping and ski stuff. At least, for now, I have the walk in closet in the master bedroom as my own.
The computer desk and room were pretty much my territory until he quit going into his office on a regular basis over a year ago. Now he has more or less taken that space over as well. He camps out at the computer at about 10 AM and doesn't relinquish the space until 4:30 or 5 PM.
With the addition of the small desk that I bought last week, I was under the impression that the space was mine without question. Today, he looked at the desk which happens to currently be clear of a painting project and decided that the desk is the perfect place for his laptop, even though he rarely uses it. I protested, but he told me I could move it when I needed to use the desk.
Well, buddy, I'm going to put the laptop in it's case and get going on a painting project that will take me a LONG time to finish. You are not going take over my desk. Got it? Either that, or I'm moving the desk into the walk in closet.
The computer desk and room were pretty much my territory until he quit going into his office on a regular basis over a year ago. Now he has more or less taken that space over as well. He camps out at the computer at about 10 AM and doesn't relinquish the space until 4:30 or 5 PM.
With the addition of the small desk that I bought last week, I was under the impression that the space was mine without question. Today, he looked at the desk which happens to currently be clear of a painting project and decided that the desk is the perfect place for his laptop, even though he rarely uses it. I protested, but he told me I could move it when I needed to use the desk.
Well, buddy, I'm going to put the laptop in it's case and get going on a painting project that will take me a LONG time to finish. You are not going take over my desk. Got it? Either that, or I'm moving the desk into the walk in closet.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Thou Shalt Not Covet
Since I started watercolor painting last fall, the only work space that I've had is the kitchen table. It has been kind of annoying to have to put a project away whenever the table was needed for a meal. I made a comment to the husband that I'd probably paint more if I had a place to work that didn't require me to put a project away. He suggested that I go get a table that I could put in our computer room.
My plan was to go to Costco or Target and buy a small banquet type table for about $40.. The husband nixed that idea and told me he wanted me to get something that looked a little more permanent. Last Friday, I made the rounds to some local consignment stores looking for a suitable table that wouldn't cost a fortune.
What I ended up with is a small kind of rustic looking desk which is actually better than a table because I can put all my painting supplies in the drawers when I'm not working. The desk fits perfectly in the space. After adding a desk lamp and a chair, I now have a great place to work. If I'm currently working on a project, I can leave everything out.
Now the husband is coveting the desk. He says it would look great inside the wall tent that he has on our property up in Teton, Idaho. I agreed that it would, but that he couldn't take my desk to Idaho. He told me I could look for something else. I told him he could go look for something for the tent or buy the desk from me.
But in the meantime, he'll just have to covet it because I'm not giving up my desk without a fight.
My plan was to go to Costco or Target and buy a small banquet type table for about $40.. The husband nixed that idea and told me he wanted me to get something that looked a little more permanent. Last Friday, I made the rounds to some local consignment stores looking for a suitable table that wouldn't cost a fortune.
What I ended up with is a small kind of rustic looking desk which is actually better than a table because I can put all my painting supplies in the drawers when I'm not working. The desk fits perfectly in the space. After adding a desk lamp and a chair, I now have a great place to work. If I'm currently working on a project, I can leave everything out.
Now the husband is coveting the desk. He says it would look great inside the wall tent that he has on our property up in Teton, Idaho. I agreed that it would, but that he couldn't take my desk to Idaho. He told me I could look for something else. I told him he could go look for something for the tent or buy the desk from me.
But in the meantime, he'll just have to covet it because I'm not giving up my desk without a fight.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Saturday...Urban Style
The husband is on ski patrol today and so has our only car. I had a few errands to do so had to use foot power to get where I needed to be. It was either that or stay home.
So...I walked 2 1/2 blocks to a hair appointment. Then I walked 4 more blocks to pick up a couple of small items at the grocery store. After that, I walked another block to get some lunch at a sandwich shop. To get back home, I got on the light rail train. On the 2 1/2 block walk back home, I made a quick stop to buy a few items at a shop. The blocks in the downtown area where I live are twice as long as normal city blocks. So I was getting in a bit of exercise as well.
This all took less than 2 1/2 hours including the time for the haircut.. And, if I hadn't of had about a 20 minute wait for the train, the entire trip would have been about 2 hours.
When necessary, being able to walk where I need to go is a benefit of urban living and also it is part of the conundrum when considering buying a house.
So...I walked 2 1/2 blocks to a hair appointment. Then I walked 4 more blocks to pick up a couple of small items at the grocery store. After that, I walked another block to get some lunch at a sandwich shop. To get back home, I got on the light rail train. On the 2 1/2 block walk back home, I made a quick stop to buy a few items at a shop. The blocks in the downtown area where I live are twice as long as normal city blocks. So I was getting in a bit of exercise as well.
This all took less than 2 1/2 hours including the time for the haircut.. And, if I hadn't of had about a 20 minute wait for the train, the entire trip would have been about 2 hours.
When necessary, being able to walk where I need to go is a benefit of urban living and also it is part of the conundrum when considering buying a house.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Priceless
The other day, my husband and I took a one day road trip. Our last stop before heading home was for a piece of pie at Mom's Cafe in Salina, Utah. On the table, there was a small box of booklets. Each booklet had snippets of folksy wisdom and little gems. The title of one was:
"If Life Was Fair, Horses Would Ride Half The Time".
I wish I had heard that back when I raising kids. It would have saved a lot of grief.
"If Life Was Fair, Horses Would Ride Half The Time".
I wish I had heard that back when I raising kids. It would have saved a lot of grief.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Please, Mom!
When my husband and I were raising our kids, we resisted going out and buying them the first new electronic gadget as soon as they became available. It didn't make any difference if ALL of their friends had one. They were generally the last ones with a Walkman or a Nintendo and the like. Whatever the latest and greatest new toy was, we didn't rush right out and get it for them for Christmas. It was even possible that by the time they got their most coveted new electronic toy that the second or third version had been around for awhile.
I want an iPad...real bad. The iPad2 comes out next week. I want an iPad 2... really bad. I have a trip to Denver at the end of April to help out my son and daughter-in-law with their children for a few days. I want an iPad2 BEFORE I go to Denver....really bad.
So what am I suppose to do? Beg, plead, cry? Wait until EVERYONE that I know has an iPad2? It just wouldn't be fair if I was the only person in the universe who didn't have an iPad2. That would be, like, FOREVER.
Please, Mom? Can I have an iPad2? Please?? PLU.....EEZE???!!!??? (You can beg all you want, but it won't do any good.)
Oh wait, I am the Mom. I may just have to cave in.
I want an iPad...real bad. The iPad2 comes out next week. I want an iPad 2... really bad. I have a trip to Denver at the end of April to help out my son and daughter-in-law with their children for a few days. I want an iPad2 BEFORE I go to Denver....really bad.
So what am I suppose to do? Beg, plead, cry? Wait until EVERYONE that I know has an iPad2? It just wouldn't be fair if I was the only person in the universe who didn't have an iPad2. That would be, like, FOREVER.
Please, Mom? Can I have an iPad2? Please?? PLU.....EEZE???!!!??? (You can beg all you want, but it won't do any good.)
Oh wait, I am the Mom. I may just have to cave in.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Blowing My Own Horn, If You Don't Mind
I've been taking a watercolor painting class since last September. Tonight, I was the first student there. The teacher took to opportunity to give me just a little validation and encouragement. She said to me, "I've been meaning to tell you that you have really improved since last September. You're doing very well.".
It's nice to know that she's noticed what I've been doing. I have a long way to go. But at least now I know that I should keep at it.
It's nice to know that she's noticed what I've been doing. I have a long way to go. But at least now I know that I should keep at it.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Knight in Training
My oldest grandson is in a play at his school at the end of next month. I volunteered to help with the costume since his Mom works and has plenty of other things on her plate right now. Thinking I still had a couple of weeks to work on the costume, I hadn't given it much thought.
That all changed on Friday evening, when my grandson called me. He informed that he needed his costume for his dress rehearsal....which is on Monday. Yikes! He also told me that his friend's costume was made out of the leather. I took that to mean that he wanted something cool as well. I told him that leather was probably not going to work, but I'd see what I could do.
I made a fast trip to the fabric store and got some materials to make him a tunic for his Knight In Training costume. By mid day Saturday, the costume was finished. I hope that the tunic will satisfy my grandson's coolness factor.
That all changed on Friday evening, when my grandson called me. He informed that he needed his costume for his dress rehearsal....which is on Monday. Yikes! He also told me that his friend's costume was made out of the leather. I took that to mean that he wanted something cool as well. I told him that leather was probably not going to work, but I'd see what I could do.
I made a fast trip to the fabric store and got some materials to make him a tunic for his Knight In Training costume. By mid day Saturday, the costume was finished. I hope that the tunic will satisfy my grandson's coolness factor.
It's made from a flannel backed vinyl that resembles leather. The sides have leather cords that lace the front to the back. The coat of arms on the front is a variation of his family coat of arms that I made from felt and glued on the front. I think it looks pretty cool, if I do say so myself.
Tomorrow, I'll make a trip to American Fork to deliver it to him - just in time for his dress rehearsal.
Update: The costume was a winner. Quoting my grandson, "I love, love, love it"
Tomorrow, I'll make a trip to American Fork to deliver it to him - just in time for his dress rehearsal.
Update: The costume was a winner. Quoting my grandson, "I love, love, love it"
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Inspired
Recently, I met a gal who is a writer. She shared with me that she was writing a book. I was impressed. The other day, I discovered that she had a blog. Since I don't know anyone else in my age group that has a blog, I immediately brought hers up. What a delightful blog! Through her blog, I discovered several other blogs written by grandmas. It opened up a whole new world of grandma blogging.
After thinking about my current, rather insignificant blog, I decided that I needed to start another one. One where I can write about a little life history and memories. It's mostly for me, my children and grandchildren, but everyone's invited. If my sisters and brother read the blog and remember things about our childhood differently than I do, remember it's my life, as I remember it.
So mosey on over to my read about my olden days.
Life as I remember it.
After thinking about my current, rather insignificant blog, I decided that I needed to start another one. One where I can write about a little life history and memories. It's mostly for me, my children and grandchildren, but everyone's invited. If my sisters and brother read the blog and remember things about our childhood differently than I do, remember it's my life, as I remember it.
So mosey on over to my read about my olden days.
Life as I remember it.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Outrageously appalling...
I was channel surfing tonight and came across a program on TLC called "Outrageous Childrens Parties". The program documented the planning and execution of a Princess Party for a six year old girl. Even though I was pretty sure I'd find the whole thing ridiculous, I watched any way. You know, kind of like a train wreck. It was beyond ridiculous. It was appalling.
The birthday girl was the youngest in a family of 3 children. An older brother and sister were in their teens. There was a scene at the dinner table where Mom is telling the family about her grand plans for this once in a lifetime experience that she wants to capture for her darling little girl - who just happened to be standing on her chair dancing, posing, prancing and out of control. There was much eye rolling by the older kids. Her brother even said to his mom "She's only six! For heaven's sake.". Her father seemed to be a complete doormat and said little when his wife told him that the party budget was $15,000 or when she had him put on a king costume, complete with wig, for the party. There was a scene where he was walking in costume at the party saying "I'm broke." Indeed.
The budget quickly spiraled out of control when Mom rented a reception center to the tune of $24,000. Mom bought her little darling a princess dress that cost $750. Invitations for the 150 guests cost $2000. A tiered birthday cake cost $2400. The rental on a princess coach was around $1500, I think. Mom rented period costumes for all the guests and took the birthday girl, her daughter and grandma to a spa for pampering before the party. There were hired dancers as well. The final tab was over $34,000. Oh, and also Mom hired a party planner to help coordinate everything. While Mom, birthday girl, the party planner made visits to the venue, cake decorator and other places, the birthday girl was bratty and demanding. I wanted to grab little Gracie and give her a spanking. From the look on the faces of some of the business owners, they were thinking the same thing.
As I'm watching this, I'm thinking "in this economy, who has that kind of money for a kid's birthday. It must be a family in New York or Beverly Hills." Well, it became apparent by shots in the family home, backgrounds, and the area code on the front of an advertisement shown that the family lived in Utah and were LDS, as well.
This mother needs a serious reality check. With the standard now set, this little princess is going to expect even more when the really, big, wedding day comes along. Will her Mom be able to pull off that big day? Only if she hasn't bankrupted her husband with all the once in a lifetime birthday parties she'll have to organize between now and then.
Heaven help the poor young man who ends up marrying little Gracie.
The birthday girl was the youngest in a family of 3 children. An older brother and sister were in their teens. There was a scene at the dinner table where Mom is telling the family about her grand plans for this once in a lifetime experience that she wants to capture for her darling little girl - who just happened to be standing on her chair dancing, posing, prancing and out of control. There was much eye rolling by the older kids. Her brother even said to his mom "She's only six! For heaven's sake.". Her father seemed to be a complete doormat and said little when his wife told him that the party budget was $15,000 or when she had him put on a king costume, complete with wig, for the party. There was a scene where he was walking in costume at the party saying "I'm broke." Indeed.
The budget quickly spiraled out of control when Mom rented a reception center to the tune of $24,000. Mom bought her little darling a princess dress that cost $750. Invitations for the 150 guests cost $2000. A tiered birthday cake cost $2400. The rental on a princess coach was around $1500, I think. Mom rented period costumes for all the guests and took the birthday girl, her daughter and grandma to a spa for pampering before the party. There were hired dancers as well. The final tab was over $34,000. Oh, and also Mom hired a party planner to help coordinate everything. While Mom, birthday girl, the party planner made visits to the venue, cake decorator and other places, the birthday girl was bratty and demanding. I wanted to grab little Gracie and give her a spanking. From the look on the faces of some of the business owners, they were thinking the same thing.
As I'm watching this, I'm thinking "in this economy, who has that kind of money for a kid's birthday. It must be a family in New York or Beverly Hills." Well, it became apparent by shots in the family home, backgrounds, and the area code on the front of an advertisement shown that the family lived in Utah and were LDS, as well.
This mother needs a serious reality check. With the standard now set, this little princess is going to expect even more when the really, big, wedding day comes along. Will her Mom be able to pull off that big day? Only if she hasn't bankrupted her husband with all the once in a lifetime birthday parties she'll have to organize between now and then.
Heaven help the poor young man who ends up marrying little Gracie.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Total Fail!
This may be more Facebook worthy. But I need a new post. So here you go.
Remember the post about the redo of the garage elevator lobby in my building? Remember that they put down a cream colored/green streaked mat finish vinyl tile? I complained about all the greens in the lobby not being in sync.
Now that the tile has been down awhile, it's clear to see the choice was a big mistake. It always looks filthy. It shows every footprint and shopping cart track. Mopping doesn't seem to help because the tile has a flat, dull finish.
I was told by a building maintenance guy that the redo would brighten up the place. It's a total fail!
I'd post a picture but our camera isn't working. You'll just have to take my word for it.
Update: Management must have seen the error of their ways with the tile. It's been waxed. Plus the area outside the door to elevator lobby has been carpeted with a high traffic carpeting. The area looks much better. So it isn't a total fail after all.
Remember the post about the redo of the garage elevator lobby in my building? Remember that they put down a cream colored/green streaked mat finish vinyl tile? I complained about all the greens in the lobby not being in sync.
Now that the tile has been down awhile, it's clear to see the choice was a big mistake. It always looks filthy. It shows every footprint and shopping cart track. Mopping doesn't seem to help because the tile has a flat, dull finish.
I was told by a building maintenance guy that the redo would brighten up the place. It's a total fail!
I'd post a picture but our camera isn't working. You'll just have to take my word for it.
Update: Management must have seen the error of their ways with the tile. It's been waxed. Plus the area outside the door to elevator lobby has been carpeted with a high traffic carpeting. The area looks much better. So it isn't a total fail after all.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Proven wrong
If you are a member of the LDS Church, then you understand that where you attend church is based on where you live. Congregations are organized geographically. It is expected that members attend the ward that encompasses your physical address. There are a few exceptions, once in a while...like for my husband and me.
For the past 4 1/2 years, my husband has been serving as a counselor in a Young Single Adult ward. This has meant that instead of attending the ward where we actually live, we attend the YSA ward. YSA are young people between the age of 18 and 30. The only married couples are in the leadership. About a year ago, I decided that I needed more interaction with women my own age. So I started to attend another ward that met in our same building where I knew many of the women. I don't live in those ward boundaries. But it was convenient and easy.
Lately, I've felt that that particular arrangement wasn't working for me. So, today, I decided to start going to the ward where I actually live. I could have done this a long time ago, but had a preconceived notion that the ward would be stuffy, unfriendly and just not a good fit. However, with a open mind and, yet, with some reservation, I made my way over to the new ward meetings.
What I found was that the women were welcoming, friendly and, from first glance, women that I have more in common with than where I was previously going. Hooray! A bonus is that an old friend from Park City has just moved into that ward. What a surprise when I saw my kids piano teacher in Park City come into Relief Society. After visiting with her, I learned that she and her new husband have just moved into my apartment building...ON THE SAME FLOOR!!!
It's great to be proven wrong and have preconceived notions blown apart. I just might like going to church again.
For the past 4 1/2 years, my husband has been serving as a counselor in a Young Single Adult ward. This has meant that instead of attending the ward where we actually live, we attend the YSA ward. YSA are young people between the age of 18 and 30. The only married couples are in the leadership. About a year ago, I decided that I needed more interaction with women my own age. So I started to attend another ward that met in our same building where I knew many of the women. I don't live in those ward boundaries. But it was convenient and easy.
Lately, I've felt that that particular arrangement wasn't working for me. So, today, I decided to start going to the ward where I actually live. I could have done this a long time ago, but had a preconceived notion that the ward would be stuffy, unfriendly and just not a good fit. However, with a open mind and, yet, with some reservation, I made my way over to the new ward meetings.
What I found was that the women were welcoming, friendly and, from first glance, women that I have more in common with than where I was previously going. Hooray! A bonus is that an old friend from Park City has just moved into that ward. What a surprise when I saw my kids piano teacher in Park City come into Relief Society. After visiting with her, I learned that she and her new husband have just moved into my apartment building...ON THE SAME FLOOR!!!
It's great to be proven wrong and have preconceived notions blown apart. I just might like going to church again.
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