So, for the last two weeks I've been a member of Match.com. In searching for possible men to date I notice a lot of them want women several years to 20 or so years younger than they are. Some of them have headings like, "TurkeyNeck" or "DivorcedTwice" or some other heading that does not entice you to check out their profiles. Some of them say only a few things about themselves, for instance, "Sweet attentive man trying to find a best friend". That doesn't work for me. Why advertise yourself using as few words as possible?
Now, on the positive side, some men write at least a paragraph about themselves, want women within their age group and don't have chaotic facial hair or are posing bare chested (the only two men who have messaged me are the one named "TurkeyNeck" and someone who looks like Yosemite Sam).
I'm wondering if I should put on my profile that I only like short facial hair that is groomed, no bare chests in photos and don't contact me if have a freckle fetish -- yep, that's happened to me before too.
Dating sucks. It's hard for me to have any enthusiasm about going on dates. I am on Match.com because I moved to a new city and don't have friends who can hang out with me more than once every couple of weeks. Loneliness is very difficult and I don't want to stay in its grip. Trying to find someone on Match.com is a last-ditch effort by me to have companionship. Maybe it's the platform, but I haven't seen anyone I'm attracted to and seems interesting. And maybe my self-esteem isn't that great right now either, which means I'm not confident that I can hold a man's interest.
My friend Karen tells me I should just go on coffee-dates with a few of the Match.com members and maybe I will. I'd rather meet someone at the Y or at PACC or any of the other places I frequent but the women outnumber the men by a wide margin at most places I go to. Why is that, I wonder? Are men sitting at home watching TV or working or ?
To be continued....
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Monday, September 5, 2016
Pets and the Humans Who Love Them
I spent the day around animals yesterday. I volunteered as an adoption counselor at the local animal care center. Then I came home to my dog and three cats. There's nothing like a dog who is happy to see you. I'm not sure how Honey spend her time when I'm gone except that sometimes I've come home to find various things scattered on the floor. I now make sure things are up where she can't reach them if they might be at all interesting to a dog.
It makes me happy to help people pick out their new cats or dogs and to see these animals go to homes. When people come in I greet them and ask them if they are looking to adopt. I ask them if they know what they are looking for and then help them if I am able. Sometimes people are very open to a type, age, etc. Many times people only want puppies or kittens. Occasionally people come in wanting seniors or the difficult-to-adopt. The center needs all of these people!
The center is usually overflowing with animals who we are trying to find homes for. It takes a certain mindset to contain your sadness or anger about the animals who have lived in the center a long time. I have to remind myself that humans can only do what they can with the money, information, etc. that they are given and sometimes it means they give up their pets. It also takes a certain amount of willpower not to adopt those "last-chance" animals. I know because I just adopted one two weeks ago.
There are a few things I'd like to impart to pet owners if I may. Please spay or neuter your pets. Really, there's no excuse with low or no-cost spay and neuter clinics. Overpopulation is very real and you may not notice it until you go to all the many shelters, centers, rescue groups, sanctuaries, etc.
Secondly, just like with health care for people nowadays, it pays to research ways to keep your pet healthy and, if the pet has an illness, ways to care for it within your budget. For instance, I know how to buy grain-free pet food cheaper now through Chewy.com and through sales. Also, I learned that there was $25 per vial insulin rather than the $175 per vial insulin that the doctor was selling me. The doctor did not give me other options. They often won't. They are not necessarily concerned with your budget. This is where it pays to ask questions and research information online and through networking.
Pets are not "until" animals. You shouldn't have them until you move to Florida or get a boyfriend. You shouldn't have them until you they no longer fit into your lifestyle. They have feelings and bond to us humans when we give them food, water, affection and entertainment. Luckily, they are resilient too and will survive the very stressful environment of the animal shelter. But, still, the sooner we get them out of there the better.
It makes me happy to help people pick out their new cats or dogs and to see these animals go to homes. When people come in I greet them and ask them if they are looking to adopt. I ask them if they know what they are looking for and then help them if I am able. Sometimes people are very open to a type, age, etc. Many times people only want puppies or kittens. Occasionally people come in wanting seniors or the difficult-to-adopt. The center needs all of these people!
The center is usually overflowing with animals who we are trying to find homes for. It takes a certain mindset to contain your sadness or anger about the animals who have lived in the center a long time. I have to remind myself that humans can only do what they can with the money, information, etc. that they are given and sometimes it means they give up their pets. It also takes a certain amount of willpower not to adopt those "last-chance" animals. I know because I just adopted one two weeks ago.
There are a few things I'd like to impart to pet owners if I may. Please spay or neuter your pets. Really, there's no excuse with low or no-cost spay and neuter clinics. Overpopulation is very real and you may not notice it until you go to all the many shelters, centers, rescue groups, sanctuaries, etc.
Secondly, just like with health care for people nowadays, it pays to research ways to keep your pet healthy and, if the pet has an illness, ways to care for it within your budget. For instance, I know how to buy grain-free pet food cheaper now through Chewy.com and through sales. Also, I learned that there was $25 per vial insulin rather than the $175 per vial insulin that the doctor was selling me. The doctor did not give me other options. They often won't. They are not necessarily concerned with your budget. This is where it pays to ask questions and research information online and through networking.
Pets are not "until" animals. You shouldn't have them until you move to Florida or get a boyfriend. You shouldn't have them until you they no longer fit into your lifestyle. They have feelings and bond to us humans when we give them food, water, affection and entertainment. Luckily, they are resilient too and will survive the very stressful environment of the animal shelter. But, still, the sooner we get them out of there the better.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Come to Your Senses
I'm reading a book about a woman who lives in the dark because of photosensitivity. It got me thinking about my own sensitivity, which is to lack of light. I have a type of illness--depression--which gets worse if I don't have regular sunshine. I moved to the Southwest because of it.
Here's what Seasonal Affective Disorder feels like. At first it's just a minor glitch in my day. It's raining so I don't go out for a walk. I go to the Y instead. The endorphins caused by the workout help me to feel better. I aim to go out when it stops raining because I know I need the sun even though filtered through clouds.
Days go by. Fog rolls in and stays for a while, as it tends to do in the Willamette Valley. Or the clouds cover the sun. Or it rains, for what seems like forever or just off and on. I complain to my friends about it, try to exercise at the gym, start sleeping more and notice I really want to eat a lot of carbohydrates and get lazy. On some days I let myself.
I start to feel really run-down. I don't feel my confident-self anymore. Do others notice I'm not myself? I wish I could hibernate. But I know that I have to push myself to do all the stuff that would normally come easily. It's such an effort. It sometimes feels not very worthwhile.
Late December into January. Am I going a little crazy? I feel like I could cry at odd moments. I am on Prozac all the time but in the winter I double the dose, with my doctor's permission. This makes me unable to cry even though I feel on the edge of tears quite often. In very bad winters, I start to go into psychosis mode--familiar surroundings start to feel unreal, confusing and threatening. I don't feel in control of my thoughts and feelings anymore. I'm suddenly very sensitive to normal everyday things that wouldn't normally phase me. I worry that something is wrong with my mind.
The psychosis thing doesn't happen every year--thank God. At this stage I have looked for therapists to talk to or have gone to online forums to discuss SAD with others who have it. My friends know I have it but it's not something we really talk about. I don't say, "Yep, my world seems unreal today. How are you doing?" Sometimes pretending everything is fine is a coping mechanism that works for a while.
There are some real effective ways to cope and some "I need relief right now" ways to cope and everything in between. I really did try to eat well, get regular sleep, exercise, plan activities away from home and plan trips to visit sunny locations in the winter. Working full-time helped as it kept me busy and distracted.
The other day I was sitting in my car and I felt that dull edge of depression and I thought, "Well, it's not just SAD then" which I kind of knew but since this is my first time living out of the northwest it's a discovery process too. It's something I will have to keep an eye on all the time. Just maybe not so much now.
Here's what Seasonal Affective Disorder feels like. At first it's just a minor glitch in my day. It's raining so I don't go out for a walk. I go to the Y instead. The endorphins caused by the workout help me to feel better. I aim to go out when it stops raining because I know I need the sun even though filtered through clouds.
Days go by. Fog rolls in and stays for a while, as it tends to do in the Willamette Valley. Or the clouds cover the sun. Or it rains, for what seems like forever or just off and on. I complain to my friends about it, try to exercise at the gym, start sleeping more and notice I really want to eat a lot of carbohydrates and get lazy. On some days I let myself.
I start to feel really run-down. I don't feel my confident-self anymore. Do others notice I'm not myself? I wish I could hibernate. But I know that I have to push myself to do all the stuff that would normally come easily. It's such an effort. It sometimes feels not very worthwhile.
Late December into January. Am I going a little crazy? I feel like I could cry at odd moments. I am on Prozac all the time but in the winter I double the dose, with my doctor's permission. This makes me unable to cry even though I feel on the edge of tears quite often. In very bad winters, I start to go into psychosis mode--familiar surroundings start to feel unreal, confusing and threatening. I don't feel in control of my thoughts and feelings anymore. I'm suddenly very sensitive to normal everyday things that wouldn't normally phase me. I worry that something is wrong with my mind.
The psychosis thing doesn't happen every year--thank God. At this stage I have looked for therapists to talk to or have gone to online forums to discuss SAD with others who have it. My friends know I have it but it's not something we really talk about. I don't say, "Yep, my world seems unreal today. How are you doing?" Sometimes pretending everything is fine is a coping mechanism that works for a while.
There are some real effective ways to cope and some "I need relief right now" ways to cope and everything in between. I really did try to eat well, get regular sleep, exercise, plan activities away from home and plan trips to visit sunny locations in the winter. Working full-time helped as it kept me busy and distracted.
The other day I was sitting in my car and I felt that dull edge of depression and I thought, "Well, it's not just SAD then" which I kind of knew but since this is my first time living out of the northwest it's a discovery process too. It's something I will have to keep an eye on all the time. Just maybe not so much now.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Reading
Reading is probably the most consistent activity I engage in. I spend more time at it than I do eating or drinking or exercising but not as much time as when I'm sleeping or working full-time. I probably read more than I do housework--which I've always wanted to change but I just can't seem to (I don't live in filth-it's just that I need to pick up after myself better and dust more!).
I read so many books that I oftentimes forget I've read a particular one and start reading it again a year or so later. And that's okay because you find new things in a book the second or third or fourth time around.
I'm currently reading "Girl in the Dark" by Anna Lindsey. The author has a disease which forces her to spend most of her time in a windows-blacked-out bedroom. Can you imagine what that is like? Lindsey takes us through her days and her thoughts and feelings. She also talks about the onset of the disease and her relationships with people. She was a writer before the onset of the disease and she's quite good at narrative non-fiction. In her dark room, she plays books on tapes and word games in her head most of the time. I'm only a third of the way in and will probably finish the book by tomorrow morning because it's not that substantial.
Anyway, though, I feel so fortunate that I enjoy reading as much as I do. It's mostly free--stuff from the library, stuff on the computer--and it is soul-satisfying in ways that other activities are not. That said, I cannot live on reading alone; I know when it's time to put down the book or magazine or computer and go to the YMCA or clean my kitchen or go walk the dog.
Questions for you:
What do you get out of reading?
Who are your favorite authors? favorite subjects?
Have you ever read a book and thought, "How could someone be that great a writer?" If so, explain.
Happy Reading!
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Checkout Charity--What Do You Think?
Checkout Charity--when they ask you for a buck or two while you're checking out at the grocery store. Usually for prostate cancer or breast cancer or MS or something. What do you think about this practice? Well, here are my thoughts.
I think it benefits the brands or organizations--these places we shop--a lot. They are giving money to various charities in their names but using the dollars donated by customers. Reminds me of when I'd work at places and United Way would come in and give big presentations asking us to donate a part of our bi-weekly checks. I always wanted to yell out, "Why are you asking us? We make a dollar or two over minimum wage, at best. Why don't you ask the people who make money off our work--the upper management, owners, stockholders, etc? They are the ones who get to humble-brag about how much their workplace gives back to the community and tell reporters who they are doing good in the world (while make tons of money and not paying their workers appropriate wages). Also, don't forget these companies get a huge tax write-off for donating. Wouldn't you rather get that for yourself?
Another thing I'd like to know: where are the checks and balances sheets? How do we know this money does indeed go to what is said? Also, don't forget these companies get a huge tax write-off for donating. Wouldn't you rather get that for yourself?
Just yesterday, I went to Lowe's for some paint and some clearance-priced garden stuff. After checking out I was stopped by someone who wanted my checking account information right then and there to commit me to giving "just $30 a month" to help children. I said," I don't feel comfortable giving you that information. Is there a website I can go to?" The answer was a resounding no. He was here just for the day and he got credit for signing people up. Now, who doesn't want to help children?? But I wasn't born yesterday.
Sometimes I just want to stop going to stores and shop online. Hey, wait, have they started asking for donations at online shopping sites yet?
I think it benefits the brands or organizations--these places we shop--a lot. They are giving money to various charities in their names but using the dollars donated by customers. Reminds me of when I'd work at places and United Way would come in and give big presentations asking us to donate a part of our bi-weekly checks. I always wanted to yell out, "Why are you asking us? We make a dollar or two over minimum wage, at best. Why don't you ask the people who make money off our work--the upper management, owners, stockholders, etc? They are the ones who get to humble-brag about how much their workplace gives back to the community and tell reporters who they are doing good in the world (while make tons of money and not paying their workers appropriate wages). Also, don't forget these companies get a huge tax write-off for donating. Wouldn't you rather get that for yourself?
Another thing I'd like to know: where are the checks and balances sheets? How do we know this money does indeed go to what is said? Also, don't forget these companies get a huge tax write-off for donating. Wouldn't you rather get that for yourself?
Just yesterday, I went to Lowe's for some paint and some clearance-priced garden stuff. After checking out I was stopped by someone who wanted my checking account information right then and there to commit me to giving "just $30 a month" to help children. I said," I don't feel comfortable giving you that information. Is there a website I can go to?" The answer was a resounding no. He was here just for the day and he got credit for signing people up. Now, who doesn't want to help children?? But I wasn't born yesterday.
Sometimes I just want to stop going to stores and shop online. Hey, wait, have they started asking for donations at online shopping sites yet?
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
So Much Has Happened in the Last Six Years!
Me and Honey
I have let this blog slowly rot while I was living my life. Not sure why I did that because I really love to write. I'm not the most disciplined person, though, and have to often go outside my house to get stuff done (don't exercise at home but can do it at the local Y, etc).
Anyway....a lot has happened in the last six years. My daughter grew up and moved away. I changed careers...unsuccessfully. I moved to Tucson, Arizona from Eugene, Oregon and bought a house. My parents died within a few weeks of each other and I visited them more often in their time of decline. It's hard to see your parents decline in health. It's a real eye opening experience about our health system, how we treat senior citizens and how it really sucks to become feeble. And here's my chance to preach about medical marijuana, folks. It's not the old MJ--there's pot now that will just relax your body, ease your pain and make you want to eat and won't make you stoned. I believe it can oftentimes improve the quality of life for those with chronic and acute illnesses.
And I'm getting older too. I now have arthritis, IBS, hypothyroidism, high cholesterol, depression and a hearing deficit. I'm only in my 50s. What will life be like in my 60s, I wonder. I don't want anything else added to this list.
Still, I count myself fortunate. I have three loving cats and one adorable dog, a house, a great volunteer job, some income, solid friendships and an adult daughter who I talk to once or twice a week.
The other day, driving in the car, I thought "Why am I unhappy?" I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I know I'd feel better if I have some in-person friendships here -- people who I could call and say "You want to go to the Boondock's? or "You want to go to lunch?". But my one and only friend here works a ton and can't get together much. Also, my creative spirit needs to be dusted off and used again. I'm happier when I'm writing, creating, cooking, and moving. I also want a part-time paid job and hope to have one by October. Problem is I hate corporate America and want a job I'll be satisfied with. I don't have to love it but I don't want to hate its guts.
Well, that's all for now. Look for more posts coming up (for real!).
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
10 Things I Want For Xmas
1. Beer Cooler Scooter--about $500. Because I would get a lot of attention from thirsty men!
2. A Sphynx (hairless) cat. Because my daughter's allergic to the kind with hair. These kind of cats are said to be great snugglers and very intelligent/curious. And, by the way, they're not totally hairless. They're covered with vellus hair.
3. A Nano. It's inexpensive and it gets excellent gas milege. Only sold in India, sadly.
4. Fake university diploma: did you even know they sold these? I would put this one up in the living room, put on my Harvard sweatshirt, and intelligently answer questions about my alma mater while offering cocktails at my holiday party.
5. A set of dishes so I can make and serve my own thalis (Indian meals)
6. An around the world airline ticket. As low as $1,299! So I can learn how to make my own thali meals.
SF or LA > Hong Kong > Bangkok > India > Europe > NY > SF or LA - $1,299
Airlines: Cathay Pacific / China / Air India / United / Jet Blue etc.
Surcharges: Leaving US during 6/1 - 9/5= +$169 or 12/6 - 1/5 = +$396; depart London 6/1 - 9/30= +$228 or 12/14 - 1/4 = +$299
Airlines: Cathay Pacific / China / Air India / United / Jet Blue etc.
Surcharges: Leaving US during 6/1 - 9/5= +$169 or 12/6 - 1/5 = +$396; depart London 6/1 - 9/30= +$228 or 12/14 - 1/4 = +$299
7. Bose Quiet Comfort Noise Cancelling Headphones: So I can endure the round-the-world trip.
8. An indoor electric faux fireplace: cuz I can't have a real one.
9.A set of Blik easy-on, easy-of stickers for the walls.
10. Reserve A Spot in Heaven: Only $12.79 for eternal life? What a deal!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Donut Stories
1. My friend Karen(in her 30s but from a small town) had never been to a donut shop before a couple of weeks ago. After our book group, a friend and I took her over to Voodoo Donuts. We all agreed her donut-shop devirginization received an A+. Not only did she get a couple of good donuts--maple bar with bacon was one--but a punk looking 20-something woman told us at the door that we were 86d and couldn't go in. We thought she was talking to us, but she was talking to a woman who was trying to mix in with our group so she wouldn't be caught going in. She wanted a straw or a spoon or something. I asked the employee what you had to do to get bounced from a donut shop and she said she came in earlier to hide from the cops that were after her. Other great things about V. Donuts are their revolving donut case and that they rent the place out for weddings. Also, I don't normally like donuts, but I loved their jelly-filled vanilla frosted.
2. When I was pregnant with LeeAnn, Gordon (the dad) and I lived apart for the first few months--I mean different states. Once he overnight Fed-Exed me a few applesauce donuts (perfect when you're not feeling well) from a bakery he knew I liked. The cost of the shipping came to several times the amount of the donuts, I'm sure. It was a nice gesture but one that should have warned me he had spending problems.
3. The best donuts on earth are at the Daily Dozen at the Pike Place Market in Seattle. They make these little donuts right there, I mean, right in front of your eyes. The donuts come out of these machine all fried and hot. Long lines in the summer but well worth is. Eat 'em fresh or don't eat 'em at all. My fave is the powdered.
Friday, October 29, 2010
How to Beat the Winter Blues
I've had the winter blues for as long as I can remember. This year, in addition to the usual coping mechanisms, I bought a 10,000 lux therapy light. It's by "Nature Bright" and it seems to be doing the job, so far. I place it on my side table and leave it on for 30 minutes in the morning. The light reflects off the book I'm reading and I also receive light via peripheral vision. Closing your eyes won't work, the product manual states, as you need the light to touch your eyes. Staring at the light also won't work as these are some bright lights that will have you dizzy if you look straight at them for more than a few seconds.
Other coping mechanisms are tried and true. Going on walks outside, no matter that the sun isn't out, helps me keep my energy up. Fun activities with friends also helps to boost my spirits; this year I'm scheduling regular "Crafting Gals" meetings and taking advantage of all the free and cheap activities around town. In the past, when I've had a regular income, I've taken vacations to southern places. That seems to help the best of all. My ideal life would include sunny autumns and winters in Mexico, then spring/summer in the Pacific Northwest.
Then there are the days when I give myself over to hibernation for a day or two. My soft comforter, a book, lots of sleep, a couple of cats. Sometimes the winter blues are just too hard to fight.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Unusual Typography
I love typography. I've been online lately searching for typography for MECCA's websites and branding. Here are some of my favorites, though not for the website. Check out this link for letters made from Google Earth images http://www.graphic-design.com/typography/fonts/delicious-typography-discoveries
For the website, I'm thinking sans serif and homemade looking, yet not decorative. Has to be super easy to read. Maybe this one:
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Where Have You Been? Where Do You Want to Go?
I sometimes think about places I'd like to explore. Especially during Oregon's long winters, it helps me cope to have adventures in my mind. Really, there are too many places to list here, so instead I'll talk about some unusual vacation options for those who have the time and the money!
1. Quebec's Ice Hotel: Pay a lot of money to sleep on a bed made of ice! Use a toilet made of ice! Pay a lot of money to be very cold! But it looks beautful--all that ice.
2. For $200,000 per person, SpaceShipTwo (built by Scaled Composites in Mojave, California) will carry just six passengers in reclining seats for the 2.5-hour flight to the edge of Earth (about 60,000 feet). There they can gaze at the curvature of the Earth and the cosmos above.
3. Dubai: Mystery Island, the still-secret site will spread over 225 acres and comprise 24 underwater suites, each submerged in 40 feet of water. The facility will also include a revolving restaurant and bar, a spa, and 27 over-water bungalows with see-through floors. The price: $15,000 per person for seven days, which includes two nights in a beach villa, two nights in an over-water bungalow and two nights in an underwater suite.
4. Out 'n' About Treehouse Resort: Ah, one my daughter has actually been to (well, just to use the ziplines) & that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Located in Siskyou National Forest, close to Cave Junction. You can actually stay there--for family of 4--for about $200 per night! According to the website: There is an inherent risk associated visiting a total of 18 different treehouses and a host of platforms (a few almost 40+ feet up the tree), a few child size forts, seven swinging bridges (8' to 32' off the ground and 12' to 90' long), five swings plus the Giant Tarzan, 20 flights of stairs, four ladders and an unbeatable collection of zipline courses with over a mile of TreehouseZiplines.
Now, not to be outdone by lack of time and money, I will list 4 "out-of-the-box" things I could do in Eugene area really cheap!
1. Visit the Whiteaker Neighborhood with my camera and record a photo journey. Lots of creativity in this neighborhood. Have a late breakfast at Brown Betty's Cafe.
2. Hop a freight train at the train yard, get off in the Glenwood area, visit BRING recycling, then take the EmEx back downtown.
3. Go on a mural hunt: track down just how many murals this town has!
4. Bike to Springfield from Eugene, along the river. Explore Spgld's new and improved downtown area. Eat at the new Mom's Place Soul Food Restaurant.
Don't worry friends, I probably won't do the hop the frieght train one, although I am curious!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Life Too Safe? Looking for a New Career?
http://www.stuntschool.com/
The International Stunt School in Seattle offers a three-week training course for those who want to learn the following:
PRECISION DRIVING | FIRE BURNS | WIRE WORK |
WEAPONRY | AIR RAM | MARTIAL ARTS |
UNARMED COMBAT | RATCHET | SPECIAL EFFECTS |
FOOT FALLS | STAIR FALLS | HIGH FALLS |
HARNESS WORK | MINI TRAMP | RAPPELLING |
Monday, September 28, 2009
Fun Stuff from a 1953 Cookbook
The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Given
I swear, if you want to know what life is about during any given era, just open up a cookbook!
The introduction to this one says, "Mrs. Homemaker, this book is written for you...in full appreciation of your problems of running a house." The Meal Planner's Creed includes: "My family's enjoyment of food is my responsibility; the health of my family is in my care; my family's health, security, and pleasure depend on my skill in planning meals." Remember, this was in the Eisenhower era, when women had a taste of the work world during the war but were strongly encouraged to go back to their "domestic sphere" and let the men have the jobs.
In the Candy section, Given writes that candy can be good for children as long as it doesn't interfere with them eating their regular meals, but she says to the women, "as for yourself, Mother--just take a good look in the mirror and make your own decision!" I only agree with the make your own decision part.
Check out the recipes: Under sandwiches (more commentary by the author, "Take women's funny hats and fussy party sandwiches out of the world and what would men have to laugh about?") there's bacon and peanut butter sandwiches, ham and banana sandwiches, and broiled sardine sandwiches. I'm gonna base on the broiled sardine sandwich, thanks much.
The soup section isn't bad--lentil, navy bean, onion, corn chowder, clam chowder, etc.--as is the dessert section--Dutch Apple Cake, Brown Petty, Old Fashioned Rice Pudding.
I love cookbooks and this one is fun to read both for its recipes and for the commentary by the author.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Some of My Favorite Websites
http://www.weirdomatic.com/everyone-needs-a-hobby.html
http://www.foodnetwork.com/search/French+Fries/results.do?fnSearchType=recipe
http://www.doityourself.com/
http://www.etsy.com/
http://www.worldfolkart.org/
http://www.pandora.com/
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/lange/index.html
Not really all that unusual, but 20 years ago we would have thought it unusual that we could look up some much information just sitting in front of machines!
Does anyone have some sites he or she wants to share with me?
http://www.foodnetwork.com/search/French+Fries/results.do?fnSearchType=recipe
http://www.doityourself.com/
http://www.etsy.com/
http://www.worldfolkart.org/
http://www.pandora.com/
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/lange/index.html
Not really all that unusual, but 20 years ago we would have thought it unusual that we could look up some much information just sitting in front of machines!
Does anyone have some sites he or she wants to share with me?
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Vaux Swifts
In honor of seeing my first Vaux Swift roost last night, here is some info about the Vaux Swifts. Turns out Portland is the scene of the largest roost in the world--over 30,000 birds. The one I saw last night in Eugene surely had at least 15,000. Turns out not all of them could fit into the chimney and had to fly away (to find another roosting site?) ~Karol
Like film footage of a smoking chimney played in reverse, the Vaux’s Swifts begin to descend, first one, then a few more, then dozens, then hundreds in a continuous swirl. Each bird drops into the chimney with its wings held high, parachuting feet first, to catch the rough interior, where it will hang by its claws, upright for the night.These small, dark, streamlined birds are summer visitors from Central America. At first glance, they look something like small, dark swallows. One of the largest known Vaux’s Swift roosts in the world – over 30,000 birds – can be seen each September in Portland, Oregon, in a chimney at Chapman Elementary School. http://www.birdnote.org/birdnote-transcript.cfm?id=1680
Eugene, Oregon: While there are a number of sites (one previously reported) in the Eugene Area, the granddaddy and most likely second largest in the state is Agate Hall on the University of Oregon campus. The Lane County Audubon has been involved here for years. With the arrival of Nicole Nielson-Pinus and the guidance of Maeve Sowles this huge braced brick chimney should be in good hands.A serious and important estimate of 4000-6000 swifts on 9/13 was provided by UO Biology Professor Peter Wetherwax
OREGON STATE 2008 VAUX'S HAPPENING ROOST SITES
Portland, Oregon: Chapman Elementary School is likely the largest Vaux's Swift roost site in NA. Portland Audubon has developed and promoted this site into a month long September wildlife spectacle. Their 9/13/08 count was a conservative 10,500. Website athttp://www.audubonportland.org/local-birding/swiftwatch
Monday, September 7, 2009
Board Games
In honor of Apples to Apples, played yesterday at Andrea's house, I'm listing my favorite board games today and introducing a few new ones--unusual ones, of course--to the mix.
My top 10 personal faves:
1. Scrabble
2. Boggle
3. Stategories
4. Monopoly
5. Cranium
6. Apples to Apples
7. Backgammon
8. Trivial Pursuit
9. Puremco Mexican Train
10. Candy Land--for sentimental reasons (played it a lot with LeeAnn once upon a time)
What are your favorite games?
The kind-of-unusual games I found online are in the photos for this post.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
All About Parades
In honor of the Eugene Celebration Parade, today's blog entry will feature misc. info about parades.
from wikipedia: The longest parade in the world is the Marksmen's Parade that takes place in Hanover every year during the Schützenfest. The parade is 12 kilometres long with more than 12,000 participants from all over the world, among them more than 100 bands and around 70 floats and carriages.
Parade floats were first introduced in the Middle Ages when churches used pageant wagons as movable scenery for passion plays. Artisan guilds were responsible for building the pageant wagons for their specified craft. The wagons were pulled throughout the town, most notably during Corpus Christi in which up to 48 wagons were used, one for each play in the Corpus Christi cycle. The name is derived from the first floats, which were decorated barges that were towed along canals with ropes held by parade marchers on the shore.
Macy's Thanksgiving Parade: Macy's is the world's second largest consumer of helium. The United States government is the first. Due to a helium shortage in 1958, the balloons are brought down Broadway on cranes. Santa Claus has ended the parade every year except 1933, the only year in which he led the parade. The parade was cancelled in 1942, 1943, and 1944 due to World War II. (http://www.nyctrip.com/Pages/index.aspx?PageID=161)
The Tournament of Roses Parade: The first Tournament of Roses was stagedin 1890 by members of Pasadena'sValley Hunt Club, former residentsof the East and Midwest eager toshowcase their new home's mild winter weather. In 1902, the Tournament of Roses decided to enhance the day’s festivities by adding a football game – the first post season college football game ever held.
(http://www.tournamentofroses.com/history/floatwinners.asp) photos from this here website
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Making Pancakes
Did you know that some methods of cooking are so easy now they will remind you of a Wallace and Gromit invention?
Check out the Chefstack Automatic Pancake Machine, which can make 4-inch size pancakes from no-mess batter pouches. And it only takes about 30 seconds as the flapjacks get cooked and stacked assembly style while you’re off doing something else. The machine is about the size of microwave oven and has already been proven quite popular with coffee shops, cafeterias, convenience stores, and other small businesses in Australia and New Zealand.
As if making pancakes was difficult, seeing as how we have so many great mixes in the grocery store. Even making it from scratch isn't that labor intensive. But cleaning up isn't fun!
So, in my research for this blog, I also came across a bit of information about pancakes from around the world. Pancakes take many more forms than we may think: they're really just cakes cooked on the grill rather than in the oven. Here are a few from Cooks.com
INTERNATIONAL PANCAKES COLLECTION — From the COOKS.COM Culinary Archive.
INTERNATIONAL PANCAKES COLLECTION
CONTENTS
1. Banh Xeo -- Vietnam
2. Beghrirs -- Morocco
3. Blinis -- Russia
4. Bricks -- Tunisia
5. Buckwheat Potato Galettes -- France
6. Chapatis -- India
7. Cheese Blintzes -- Russia
8. Crespelle -- Italy
9. Kartoflane Placki (Potato Pancakes) -- Poland
10 Lefse -- Sweden
11 Okonomiyaki -- Japan
12 Palatschinken -- Austria
13. Pancakes -- USA
14. Pikelets -- England
15. Spring Rolls -- Asia
16. Sweet Crepes -- France
17. Tortillas -- Mexico
INTERNATIONAL PANCAKES COLLECTION
CONTENTS
1. Banh Xeo -- Vietnam
2. Beghrirs -- Morocco
3. Blinis -- Russia
4. Bricks -- Tunisia
5. Buckwheat Potato Galettes -- France
6. Chapatis -- India
7. Cheese Blintzes -- Russia
8. Crespelle -- Italy
9. Kartoflane Placki (Potato Pancakes) -- Poland
10 Lefse -- Sweden
11 Okonomiyaki -- Japan
12 Palatschinken -- Austria
13. Pancakes -- USA
14. Pikelets -- England
15. Spring Rolls -- Asia
16. Sweet Crepes -- France
17. Tortillas -- Mexico
The mixes I use and recommend are in the photos above. I must go now. I haven't eaten breakfast yet and my stomach is growling. Hmmm...pancakes sound delish!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Calder's Circus
A
Alexander Calder (1898-1976) Calder's Circus, 1926-31Mixed media: wire, wood, metal, cloth, yarn, paper, cardboard, leather, string, rubber tubing, corks, buttons, rhinestones, pipe cleaners, and bottle caps, 54 x 94 1/4 x 94 1/4 in. (137.2 x 239.4 x 239.4 cm)
Karol's note: Calder is one of my favorite artists. I only learned about his circus creation a few years ago from my friend Susan. Since then, I've read the book about why and how he created it. I'm inspired by his creative vision. Maybe it's because I still feel like a kid at heart oftentimes that this kind of performance art appeals to me. Or maybe it's that he uses everyday objects to create a miniturized version of an iconic American event. Or maybe I don't even need a reason!
Adam Weinberg from the Whitney Museum: Alexander Calder magically breathed life into inanimate objects, using wire and recycled materials to create this army of circus characters. Beginning in 1927, Calder performed the Circus in Paris, New York, and elsewhere. He would issue invitations to his guests, who would sit on makeshift bleachers munching peanuts, just like the real circus. With the crash of cymbals and music from an old gramophone, the circus would begin. Many of the individual circus animals and performers include mechanized parts—Calder was originally trained as a mechanical engineer. It wasn't the tricks or gimmicks of the circus that appealed to Calder, but the dynamic movement of bodies in space. He first went to the Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey circus in 1925. He was inspired by the mechanics of the circus and made hundreds of drawings of the equipment and the ropes and the guy wires for the tents. Later in his career, Calder turned his attention to more abstract work. In 1930, he visited the studio of artist Piet Mondrian. He was delighted with Mondrian's work, and later recalled, "I thought at the time how fine it would be if everything there moved." He went on to invent the mobile and other works of moving sculpture. http://www.whitney.org/www/american_voices/540/index.html
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