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Tuesday, May 31, 2005
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An account of a unforgettable event
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Delightful. That is how to describe the picnic we attended yesterday. I searched for a word all morning to accurately describe the friends we were with, the food we ate, the weather we enjoyed, all of it. Except of course the waffles and ice cream. They were not delightful. They were absolutely sinful! I just love Mrs. Horn’s desserts! I know that it’s terribly easy to have waffles and ice cream at home, but I never do because then it’s a novelty when we go to her house.
The company included my family, the Horns, and Joy Cortez, whom I met back in… February, I think? Hot dogs for dinner. The one time everyone wants to have hot dogs is at a picnic. Hot dogs, chips, lemonade, salads, and black olives. (yum! I love black olives!) We were all rather full after that so we headed park-ward for some frisbee. It took a while to remember just exactly how to steer the thing where I wanted it to go, but eventually it came back to me. It started to rain lightly while we were out there, and even though the three of us girls pretended to be just horrified that we were getting wet, we didn’t really mind it. John had brought along a kite and we soon became spectators of this sport. It started out with just James (holding the kite) and John (flying it), but soon Mr. Horn saw they needed instruction. Pretty soon, Cara was out there helping John run with the strings. Then Dad became involved. And Joy. And finally myself. You’d think with seven of us out there, we could at least get the thing in the air. Yeah, right! Maybe it was because it was raining harder now. We really were wet. At last, realizing that all attempts were futile, we packed up the kite and Frisbees and headed to the Horns’ house again. That’s when the waffles and ice cream came into play. Oh, were they good! Chocolate syrup, bananas, peaches and vanilla ice cream. And no Memorial day picnic would be complete without singing the national anthem. So we did. You know? Imaginiff is a really fun game, but it’s hard to play if you don’t know everyone real well. It’s not hard to know what you think of someone, but it’s really difficult to tell what other people think of the same person. Of course, there were one or two times when all the answers were unanimous. The questions are really fun too. What if James were a side show? What would he be? He’d be a magician. That was unanimous. Even Joy knew that one. If I were an entrée, what would I be? Well, James called me a Big Mac. Cara said spaghetti and meatballs. Guess everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. It was such a fun time. Just delightful. |
posted by cori
5/31/2005 12:09:00 PM
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Les,
I agree, our day was certainly delightful yesterday as we joined together to recreate an American pastime - the backyard picnic.
Judging by the decibel level of noise coming from the dining-room table, I would say that Imaginiff took top billing in the day's events. At least for the younger generation that is.
And my dear, spaghetti and meatballs suits you so well. :)
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History Lesson
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"We must always remember that America is a great nation today, not because of what fovernment did for people, but because of what people did for themselves and for one another."
Richard M. Nixon
1913-1994
In honor of Memorial Day, (yes, I know I'm a little late, but I could not find this till today) I would like to share some verses of a very well known and much loved poem. These verses are my favorites, though many people couldn't tell you which poem they belong to, as they are hardly ever recited. For this reason, I found it difficult to locate the words.
On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream.
Where is that band who so vauntingly swore,
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave.
O thus be it ever when free men shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto- "In God is our trust,"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
The valiant defense of Fort McHenry during a British attack on Sept. 13, 1814, inspired a young lawyer. Peering through the smoke after more than 24 hours of bombardment by the British, Francis Scott Key caught sight of Fort McHenry's flag still flying at dawn. It was more than one hundred years later, in 1931 that the words he penned were officially declared the National Anthem. |
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posted by cori
5/31/2005 08:58:00 AM
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Monday, May 30, 2005
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Roses In October
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Last night as I sat in the garden drinking coffee and visiting with Lauren, the subject of roses came up. I told her about my rosebush at home. It has forty-five blooms on it now! My dad gave me the plant as a present to replace some yellow roses that got mowed over by accident. (oops!) The blooms are bright pink and slightly fragrant. Not too strong, but strong enough to drift through the air and penetrate the breeze. The rather odd aspect of these roses is the fact that they bloom in early June and late October. I don't think I've ever come across another rose that blooms twice like that, let alone so late in the year. But it's lovely to look out the window in the middle of autumn and see amid the dreary wetness of an October rain, the bright flowers nodding at me from below my bedroom window.
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posted by cori
5/30/2005 10:21:00 AM
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Sunday, May 29, 2005
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Sleeping Beauty???
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One thing not to do at a sleepover is sleep. It's called a "sleep over" because you stay up all night and then since you're so tired you have to carry your sleep over for the next few days. Right? Whatever.
Slumber parties are great. I haven't had one in a while. (I think after you hit 20, people think you're too old for fun or something.) The Davis girls asked me over last night. It was so much fun!!! After we finished standing around not knowing what to do first, Danny suggested a game of Uno. It wasn't really Uno. It was the kind where you push the button and all the cards come spitting out at you, but I can't remember what it's called. But I digress. Suddenly, as I was sitting there minding my own cards, the idea hit me that I ought to be wearing pigtails. Now, honestly I don't know where this idea came from because I haven't worn pigtails in years. I suddenly found myself the "youngest" Davis sister. (I was said to be ten(?) years old.) What fun!
About this time, volleyball was suggested and we all headed outdoors to search for missing volleyball stakes. In amongst the strawberries, those little metal loops are hard to find, but find them we did. Danny stood and held up the net for a while as the rest of us shoved the ropes into the ground. Great! Let's play! I have to say that I thought the teams were rather evenly matched, but not having kept score, there's really no way to know. I got all dirty from going barefoot and landing in the dirt. (Dirt in the Skirt, girls!) We played till Peter called us in for cake. Mm-hmm! Ice cream cake is so, so good. We sang Happy Birthday twice and ate blue icing, cheese curls and orange slices. :)
Then I don't know what happened to all the boys. (I think they went to bed.) Us girls started right in having fun with pink plates, espresso cups, feather boas, lip gloss and blog browsing. After deciding just exactly how many cups of coffee was too many, we watched movies till 2:30 in the morning. Tarzan, Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken and (my personal favorite) Peter Pan. I hadn't seen Tarzan before. It was cute. Monkeys, elephants and all that fun stuff. So finally, in the darkness of the early morning, we called it a night.
Five hours later I received a visit from the youngest Davis, Nathan, whom I am now permitted to call Sgt. Juny. (Did I spell that right?) It was so funny to talk to him. I guess not having little kids at my house I forget what it's like. He was hungry. He ate some pretzels. He was thirsty. Could I get him some water? Is that a clock? (my watch) Can I see it? He is so funny. Of course, I was tired, but it was awfully fun. He disappeared for a minute and when he came back, he had my watch in his hand. "I washed it for you." :) :) :) I almost died laughing! It still works!
We had pancakes and eggs for breakfast. Everybody seemed to be doing something, looking for socks, waiting for someone, getting ready for church. Dad came to pick up Cara and I for service at our church. We said goodbye just as they all got out the door.
And I forgot to bring Lauren's present! |
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posted by cori
5/29/2005 04:29:00 PM
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Oh no! Nathan washed your watch!? I'm glad it still works. And that you took a "rosy" view of it.
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Saturday, May 28, 2005
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Movie Review #2
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Finding Neverland
Looking for inspiration for his next play, J.M. Barrie (played by the talented Johnny Depp) has a meeting in the park with a beautiful widow, Sylvia Davies (the lovely Kate Winslet), and her four young sons. Observing the boys at play, Barrie quickly becomes absorbed in their world. His imagination working overtime, Barrie soon joins the boys in make-believe games of indians, pirates and knights. He begins seeing them all on a daily basis, falling in love with the family to the detriment of his own marriage. Re-entering the magical world of childhood, Barrie's inspired to write the story of the boy that never grows up, Peter Pan.
The characters of Peter Pan are based Barrie's friends. You can see that "Aunt Millicent" of Peter Pan portrays a distinct likeness to the boys' grandmother. The character of George Darling from Peter Pan is a mixture of the eldest boy, George, and what Barrie has heard from Mrs. Davies about her husband. Even Mrs. Barrie lends her name, Mary, to the mother in the story, whose personality resembles more of Mrs. Davies. Peter Pan himself, of course, is named for a young boy who is growing up much too quickly. Barrie discovers an author in the making in Peter, and tries to convince him that imagination is important, for sometimes it is all we have. But I think that, although named after Peter, the character of Peter Pan is the embodiment of J.M. Barrie's imagination; that he never really grew up... not unlike many of us. |
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posted by cori
5/28/2005 09:25:00 AM
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I loved that film as well. It was well written and acted out. I hear that Johnny Depp is presently filming two sequels to "Pirates Of the Carribean" with Orlando Bloom. I can't wait!
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Friday, May 27, 2005
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I lately came across this quotation from Edmund Burke, a statesman from the 1790's. His words concern the fate of Marie Antionette, Queen of France. I have to wonder how many people felt this same way when they heard the news of the young queen's death.
Little did I dream that I should have lived to see such disasters fallen upon her, in a nation of gallant men, in a nation of men of honor, and of cavaliers! I thought ten thousand swords must have leaped from their scabbards, to avenge even a look that threatened her with insult.But the age of chivalry is gone... and the glory of Europe is extinguished forever. |
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posted by cori
5/27/2005 05:26:00 PM
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Well said! Well said. France, and Europe indeed, entered into a new age with the thunderous roar of a Parisian mob and the honorable deaths of innocent men and women. In an effort to make all men equal, all men stooped to become beligerant animals that would recognize no authority above them. The glory of the Age of Chivalry was gone forever.
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River Walk
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I am very much enjoying the summertime. Today I went again to Mrs. Bell's house. I love her river. Of course I know it's not her river, but I guess the part that runs by her house is. The sun was shining too much and the wind was blowing too cool to keep me long on the porch.
I strolled along the river bank
to see what I could see.
As I gazed into the water,
my reflection appeared to me.
I marveled at the beauty of
each movement I made.
As I danced upon the water
what a magnificent charade.
I pretended to be a dancer.
and waltzed around and 'round
Finally from exhaustion
I fell upon the ground.
My fantasy was over
I was back to the real me.
As I strolled along the river
to see what I could see.
Jo Traxinger |
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posted by cori
5/27/2005 03:34:00 PM
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Thursday, May 26, 2005
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Girls Night Out
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There's no fun like girlfriend-fun.
This was an evening I will look back on with pleasure for a long time to come. I’ve never had so much fun. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had a girls night out. I go to lunch with my mom and we spend the day shopping sometimes, but we’re always so beat by 3 o’clock.
But last night was fun. Lauren called me at 1:30 or so to ask if I’d like to go with her and her sisters to dinner. (Silly question, right?) Of course! I’d love to go! She picked me up at 4:45 and we four rode up to Deptford amidst much laughter and music. I love to turn the music up really loud and sing my heart out. This was an opportunity to do so. I remember one song with a piano and violin that was really pretty, but I never heard the words for the music. :)
The Olive Garden was the restaurant of choice. Believe it or not, I’d never been to the Olive Garden. Many times I’ve tried and been prevented. We waited for a little while to get a table and when we sat down I ordered ravioli with meat sauce. YUM!! Oh, yum! It was so good! Honestly, there’s not a lot of Italian food I like, lasagna for instance, (I know, Derek, I know) but I love ravioli. Don’t ask me what the difference is. I don’t know. Dina, Manda, Lauren and I poured our lemonades, soft drinks and teas into the provided wine glasses and “toasted” to many things; the good food, the evening’s fun, and our enemies’ enemies. We laughed so much! The thought of toasting with soft drinks and tea!
After dinner, we made our way down the line to Party City. That store is a blast. Danielle bought us all matching bracelets. Now we can be “the sisterhood of the blue bands” instead of the “fellowship of the blue thumb”. Shopping for party supplies induces so much laughter! There are hats, hula skirts, champagne glasses and masks simply everywhere!
Clothes shopping is also fun. Shoes and purses are my latest craze. The problem I’m having with the shoes is that the ones I like have too high of a heel. (Thanks to that little accident in Dallas a few years ago.) I got such a kick out of some of the clothes that are out there for sale that, remembering a certain friend who dared me to try the “Gothic” style, Lauren and I picked out the ugliest shirt and pants we could find. I headed to the dressing room. The shirt was hideous! It was layered and brown with this pink paisley stuff and sequins on it and these really weird brown pants that looked like bell bottoms only shorter. Bleh! But it was so funny! The girls got such a kick. And the sales clerks got a real kick from seeing four girls walk in all in skirts. They laughed! But I was not offended. I rather thought it funny that they thought it funny.
Barnes & Noble. *sigh* I think I’ve already let everyone know how much I love good books, but now let me tell you about coffee. Starbucks is the bomb. After shopping through books and music for a while, we hit the coffee shop. You know the one, where they call a small cup a “tall”? Manda and I sat perusing the bridal catalogs on one side of the table while Dina and Lauren sat on the opposite side with their magazines.
We stopped at Wawa on the way home, where Dina completed the evening with a bag of Swedish fish! So good! I didn’t get to sleep last night until 12:30. Oh, yes, they got me home before then, but the coffee and candy and fun didn’t wear off right away. ;) |
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posted by cori
5/26/2005 07:19:00 AM
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it relly was a day to remember! you were so much fun! i never would have guest you love to listen to music so loud~ yes! you fit in perfectly. The music on the ride home was incredible. "Ella Enchanted" was great- and the louder it is the better we sound singing!!!! (grin)
we will so have to go out again.
party city was so cool.
But to let you all know that it is Les that we have to keep a close eye on. She really is a piece of work at B&N. Walking past...the..boys....
Just kidding girl! you know i love you, and really did it for YOUR BENEFIT!!!! hahaha
danny
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Oh yeah RIGHT! I give you all the credit of that swift change of course.
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john: i should hope not! Ha ha.
Les: Ha ha ha ha! I can't stop laughing thinking of you dressed up like that! Hilarious!
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*stifles her laughter with great effort*
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Tuesday, May 24, 2005
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A few of my favorite things"
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After another long day of scrapbooking, (I finished SeaWorld, Disneyland and Canada) Dad took us out to eat at Bob Evans. I love Bob Evans. I do sometimes have difficulty choosing from such a wide selection of great foods. But I made a discovery, which also happens to be my new favorite dish. If you go to BE, you've simply got to try their cheddar baked potato soup. It's so scrumptious! All hot and thick and cheesy. Of course, if you don't like cheese and potatoes, don't try it.
Later on, we headed towards Michael's craft store. Mom was in search of scrapbook refill pages. Seems we ran out. (big surprise) James and I stopped in to Marshalls next door. I was looking for shoes, but I never find what I want in my size. Oh well, the search continues. Walmart was the next stop. I spent the whole time in the electronics section, checking out the new releases as far as music and movies. Dad shopped in the walkie-talkie section, but I don't recall him buying anything. James went to the vision center to see about an eye exam and Mom bought some more scrapbooking supplies. (I'm using all her stickers.)
An all-around okay day. Not bad for being so rainy. I love the rain, but if it goes on for too long, it usually depresses me. |
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posted by cori
5/24/2005 09:22:00 PM
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Scrapbook Central
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Late at night the dim glow of the electric lamp illuminates a bent head and an empty page. The sound of scissors clipping away at the tangible form of her memories. Multi-colored paper scraps littering the floor. She looks at the clock. Ten thirty. She’s been at it now for more than six hours. But she’s content and well satisfied. Slowly, she turns the pages of her nearly completed album, reliving the many vacations taken with her family. Some outings she was too young to remember, but the stories she’s heard from her mother have been carefully recorded for others to see.
Taking a parting glance at the last page, she closes the book, turns off the light and heads for the slumber that awaits her. She knows she’ll be up again in the morning, cutting, writing, remembering, until all the photos are put properly in their destined places. The project will take a great deal of time, but she knows that, when finished, it will be worth the effort, worth the time, worth the late hours. She will be able to share her memories with other people, her friends and her family.
Scrapbooking. One of my favorite pastimes. I love to see the pages piece together like a quilt, each color complementing a different aspect of the photos. And when each page is finished, the sense of accomplishment. Knowing that you’ve just finished reliving another scene from the past. Only fellow scrap bookers know the feeling.
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posted by cori
5/24/2005 01:34:00 PM
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I'm looking forward to seeing your new pages!
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Monday, May 23, 2005
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Silence and Solitude
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"The word discipline has disappeared from our minds, our mouths, our pulpits, and our culture. We hardly know what discipline means in modern American society. And yet, there is no other way to attain godliness; discipline is the path to godliness."
Jay Adams
Godliness Through Discipline
Lately, I was reading a book that we studied in depth at AE in Dallas. I haven't read it for a while, but for some reason I picked it up the other day. The book is called Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life. (Don't let the name scare you. It's actually quite good.) I really enjoy the chapter on Silence and Solitude and I thought I'd share one excerpt with anyone who has the time and inclination to hear it. Trust me on this one. I know this post is long, but I wouldn’t sit here and type it out if I didn’t believe it was worth the time and effort to share with my friends.
My favorite sort story is "The Bet" by Anton Chekov, a Russian writer of the last half of the nineteenth century. The plot involves a wager between two educated men regarding solitary confinement. A wealthy, middle-aged banker believed that the death penalty was a more humane penalty than solitary confinement because "an executioner kills at once, solitary confinement kills gradually." One of his guests at a party, a young lawyer of twenty-five, disagreed, saying, "To live under any conditions is better than not to live at all."
Angered, the banker impulsively responded with a bet of two million rubles that the younger man could not last five years in solitary confinement. The lawyer was so convinced of his endurance that he announced he would stay fifteen years alone instead of only five.
The arrangements were made, and the young mean moved into a separate building on the grounds of the banker’s large estate. He was allowed no visitors or newspapers. He could write letters but receive none. There were guards watching to make sure he never violated the agreement, but they were placed so that he could never see another human being from his windows. Her received his food in silence through a small opening where he could not see those who served him. Everything else he wanted--books, certain foods, musical instruments, etc.--was granted by special written request.
The story develops with a description of the things the lawyer asked for through the years and the observations of the guards who occasionally stole a glance through a window. During the first year, the piano could be heard at almost any hour, and he asked for many books, mostly novels and other light reading. The next year the music ceased and the works of various classical authors were requested. In the sixth year of his isolation he began to study languages and soon had mastered six.. After the tenth year, the prisoner sat motionless at the table and read the New Testament. After more than a year’s saturation of the bible, he began to study the history of religion and works on theology. During the last two years his reading broadened to cover many subjects in addition to theology.
The second half of the story focuses on the night before the noon deadline when the lawyer will win the bet. The banker is now at the end of his career. His risky speculations and impetuosity had gradually undermined his business. The once self-confident millionaire was now a second-rate banker and to pay off the wager would destroy him. Angry at his foolishness and jealous of the soon-to-be-wealthy man who was now only forty, the old banker determines to kill his opponent and frame the guard with the murder. Slipping into the man’s room, he finds him asleep at the table and notices a letter the lawyer has written to him. He picked it up and read the following:
Tomorrow at twelve o’clock I shall be free, …but before leaving this room, I find it necessary to say a few words to you. With a clear conscience, and before God, who sees me, I declare to you that I despise freedom and life and health and all that your books call the joys of this world. For fifteen years I have studied attentively the life of this world. It is true that I neither saw the earth nor its peoples, but in your books I lived. I sang songs, I hunted the deer and the wild boar in the forests. In your books I climbed to the summit of Elburz and Mont Blanc, and I saw from those heights the sun rise in the morning, and at night it shed its purple glow over the sky and the ocean and the mountain tops. I saw beneath me the flashing lightning cut through the clouds. I saw green fields, forests, rivers, lakes, and towns. I heard the song of the sirens and the music of the shepherd’s reed-pipes. I felt the touch of the wings of beautiful angels who had flown to me to talk about God. Your books gave me wisdom. All that had been achieved by the untiring brain of man during long centuries is stored in my brain in a small compressed mass. I know I am wiser than you all. And I despise all earthly blessing and wisdom. All is worthless and false, hollow and deceiving like the mirage. You may be proud, wise and beautiful, but death will wipe you away from the face of the earth, as it does the mice that live beneath your floor; and you heirs, your history, you immortal geniuses will freeze or burn with the destruction of the earth. You have gone mad and are not following the right path. You take falsehood for truth, and deformity for beauty. To prove to you how I despise all that you value I renounce the two millions on which I looked, at one time, as the opening of paradise for me, and which I now scorn. To deprive myself of the right to receive them, I will leave my prison five hours before the appointed time, and by so doing break the terms of our compact.
The banker read these lines, replace the paper on the table, kissed the strange, sleeping man and with tears in his eyes quietly left the house. Chekov writes, “Never before, not even after sustaining serious losses on change, had he despised himself as he did at that moment.” His tears kept him awake the rest of the night. And at seven the next morning he was informed by the watchman that they had seen the man crawl through a window, go to the gate, and then disappear.
I don’t recommend that we separate ourselves in this way, and I don’t affirm the lawyer’s conclusions, but I do believe Chekhov look into a room where every Christian sometimes dreams of living.
There is something both appealing and transforming about silence and solitude. There are moments in our pressure-cooker lives when years of escape to some hidden place sounds wistfully compelling.
When we think with balance we realize that it ould be neither right nor desirable to be cloistered from our God-given responsibilities involving other people. Biblical reality calls us to family, fellowship, evangelism, and ministry for the sake of Christ and His kingdom. And yet through the Holy Spirit, “deep calls to deep” in such a way that there is a part of our spirit that craves silence and solitude. |
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posted by cori
5/23/2005 07:54:00 PM
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Very good post, Les. Definitely food for thought. What sprang into my mind after reading this short story is of the need for balance. As with everything there is that thin line, often blurry and hard to see, which designates too much solitude, or not enough. This was a true, thought-provoking post.
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Um, I made this comment yesterday and your screen still reads as having 0 comments on this post. Strange . . .
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"This is what summer afternoons are for."
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I attribute the above quote to my friend, Lauren Davis, who hosted a real live session of Coffee Hour for me yesterday.
Yesterday was a lovely day. At Milmay Bible Church, we are studying Philippians. I'm glad, for it is my favorite book to read. Pastor Lee Cattell (sp?) makes the bible seem so plain that I wonder I never noticed things before.
After service, I chatted with Cara about different things; books, movies, the swiftness of time, dolls. (Dolls?!? Yes, dolls.)
At home, Daddy was still sleeping when we arrived. He's working nights as I think I've mentioned in a previous post. So I had lunch and read a book as I waited for 3 o'clock to arrive. That's when I'd been planning to go visit the Davis troup.
The swiftness of time is inversely proportional to your anticipation.
Seconds ticked by and when my watch finally said 3:01, I asked to go over. Mom wanted to know if I was planning to bike over or what? It's going to rain. Are you going to change? Yeah, I'll bike over. It's not going to rain. No, I won't change. I've ridden in sandals before. Mom decided to drive me over anyway.
So I called up and Dina answered.
"Oh yes!" she said.
"Oh good!" I answered.
When I arrived, Lauren was cutting flowers for an impromptu coffee hour/tea party. It didn't look impromptu. You'd think she'd been planning it all week. (Who knows? Maybe she was and I was only a helpless victim to her mindpowers.) It was great fun. Danielle came out and we sat under a tent with cookies and tea and coffee. Lauren has the most adorably cool dishes. Little cups with shoes on them and plates with paper doll clothes in the funnest colors.
After devouring all of their candy kisses (my favorites), I saw Jeremy come out in search of the coffee pot. I told him the coffee was cold by now, but I think he did not attend to my warning. At least, that's what I gathered from the expression on his face when he drank it. After a short discussion on movie theatres and college graduations, he proceeded with his coffee pot to the house.
This is when Manda arrived. She was of course distraught at finding she was late to a party (and that her cup had been used by the aforementioned brother), but it was dinnertime. Amid much joking and banter back and forth across the table, we were able to visit together on the porch while we ate. The cuisine was excellent. I'd never had potato casserole before, but it was a new treat. Simply delicious!
In the midst of a Uno game, I found myself initiated into the Fellowship of the Blue Thumb. It's a very secret society with very secret secrets. We do very secret things together. I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you. The members are only identified by the mark of a blue sparkly nail on their thumb.
The swiftness of time is directly proportional to the amount of fun you're having.
It was soon time to go and I had thoroughly enjoyed my day. It's great to have friends so close by.
PS- Lauren and I intend to be new best friends. We decided we don't have enough best friends. |
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posted by cori
5/23/2005 05:54:00 PM
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Sounds like an absolutely wonderful day. Makes me wish I lived closer to you all!!
Excuse me for forgeting, but I don't remember discussing dolls at all. Is this revisionist history here?
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Give me a name? I discussed dolls with Cara and Mrs. Danner. Perhaps, it was not as involving to Cara?
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that was great! it really was super seeing you- and you have to come over some time this week.
dont worry- we will make sure there is only one davis boy around at a time! - grin!
we had fun- your a blast to be with. and i love how you just fit in the way you do!- d2
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d2- don't make sure there's only one at a time!! that's half the fun of your family. fitting in wherever there's a gap. don't make the gap too big!
Lizzy :)
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Saturday, May 21, 2005
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Inhale deeply. Do you smell it? No, the aroma of bacon and eggs cannot be transmitted electronically. Boy, if there's anything that can induce appetite for me, it's this particular breakfast menu. However, due to the somewhat abnormal hours my father keeps during shift work, we are not having this meal in the morning. No, it is 5:30pm. Dinnertime. Bacon, eggs, coffee and orange juice. It may seem odd to some. It may seem normal to others. I suppose that we're used to eating breakfast for dinner.
Bacon and eggs. It may be all in a day's work for the chicken, but it's a lifetime commitment for the pig. :)
Most of the time we have pancakes when Daddy works nights. I don't like pancakes. They're sticky and you have to drink milk to keep them from sticking to the roof of your mouth. Then there's the maple syrup. Is there a way to get syrup that's not so sweet? I don't know.
Then there are the really fun nights when Dad orders a sub or something from the deli and the rest of us eat whatever. Those are fondly called "fend for yourself" nights by all the immediate family members. I think the only rule for those nights is that you can't have a bowl of icecream and call it dinner. It's the only night I look forward to doing dishes. (Maybe that's too strong. I'm never real eager to do them.) |
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posted by cori
5/21/2005 05:39:00 PM
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Yipee! I love breakfast for dinner! Especially if it includes bluberry pancakes (ask me about it:-)) and Cinnimon Toast Crunch cereal. What fun!
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I too love breakfast for dinner, but I have to disagree with your assessment of pancakes - I think they're delicious!
Hurrah for breakfast!
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Yes "Ty" that was it. Absolutely fun(-ney!). we should try that again.
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I suppose if I had put a picture on of my breakfast/dinner, this would have invoked an even longer discussion? Just wondering...
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So richleau, what about these pancakes? I love having breakfast for dinner, but certain people aren't pleased when I desire to make pancakes, I can't imagine why... But my personal favorite is French Toast.
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One way to get syrup not so sweet: mix half syrup with half plain or vanilla yogurt. Result: creamy, tangy sauce that is super delicious. I don't like plain syrup as it soaks into the pancakes and stickies them right up :)
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Friday, May 20, 2005
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National Treasure- Movie Review #1
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Very cool movie. I have rarely seen such an intriguing plot combined with such great acting. The music was superb, complimenting each scene without overpowering the audience and detracting from the film. Nicholas Cage surprised me with this movie. IMO, it is the best of his career. I definitely rate this movie a 10.
The story was great. The idea of a such a massive treasure guarded by clues buried in the most obvious places, as well as the most inobvious, is extraordinary. The locations of the film take the viewers to some of the cities with the richest histories in America, including Philadelphia, which made it all the more compelling for those that have seen these places before.
While all the actors did a great job, my personal favorite was Justin Bertha, who played the character of Riley. Riley is your average American guy with no clue as to history and whose motivation in this quest seems to be both friendship for Ben Gates (Cage) and desire for treasure. It seems every time he opens his mouth to ask a question about history, Ben and Abigail (Diane Kruger) always have the answer. He's the fellow who, when the treasure is found, can find no historical significance in any of his surroundings. His sole concern is how they're going to get out of there. While Ben and Abigail represent the historians of the nation, Riley represents the rest of us.
The aspect of this movie that gave me the most pleasure was the fact that I can safely recommend this to all my friends, (very unusual when Cage takes the leading role) and hopefully get a copy myself. |
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posted by cori
5/20/2005 09:15:00 AM
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I loved the movie too! What a great film.
But Les, am I to understand that you feel uneducated when it comes to talking to us? Since you identified yourself with Riley, I just wondered. JK of course! Everyone knows your always right or will, at least, argue the point.
Another thing, I have always wondered about the Masons and what they do. What is it that they have to keep secret? I hate secrets (except when I'm in on them of course!). This movie renewed my curiousity.
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No, Derek, I never said I feel uneducated when I talk to you. I had heard about the Masons, but quite frankly, they never interested me until now.
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Thursday, May 19, 2005
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Creatures of the Reptilian Variety
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With every Thursday morning comes an hour or so of free time while I await my piano lesson. My brother has his lesson first. Then I mine and James then has a violin lesson as well. This usually provides me with a comfortable chair, a blazing fire and handwork to last me a while.
But lately, as the weather has been so warm, the chair has been replaced with a rustic bench. The fire has been replaced with a lazy river and the handwork has been replaced by a book that does not receive the attention it could. My attention is given entirely to the warm sun and the cool breeze.
Mrs. Bell kindly pointed out that there was indeed a path that led to the river, but being a daring soul (yeah, right. I couldn't find where the path began) I headed straight through the fields to a small breach in the trees through which I could see the water. On a small bit of land projecting into the water was an obliging bench. As I sat there reading about the biggest storm ever to hit the high seas, Ginger came up. I like Ginger. She such a loving, companionable dog. Spying a bird on her turf shortly afterward, she took her leave of me. My watch told me I had still a half hour before my lesson. I decided to do some more exploring.
Playing the eenie-meenie game sent me off to the right. I walked along, stopping at each clover patch to look for one with too many leaves, and pretty much enjoying the day. In and out among the trees the path twisted and turned. I was just coming around a bend in the path, when "Great Scots!" what should I see but a creature of the reptilian variety! That's all I can tell you about it. I didn't get any closer. It wasn't directly in my way; sort of off to the side, so I slowly edged my way around it as far from him as the path would allow.
I did not enjoy my walk as well after that. I had, of course, been aware that creatures of the reptilian variety live near the water, and, yes, I did half expect to see another. I didn't want to get too close to the water, but the next trail to the right was much too compelling to let pass. I could hear what sounded like a waterfall in the vicinity and those are always impossible to keep away from. I charted my course toward an enchanting little swing. A nice shady spot with a dock leading down to the water. I walked down the dock slowly, keeping an eye peeled this time. I didn't want any impertinent creatures to suddenly come between myself and the land.
Envisioning my plight if this should happen, I decided to come back some other time to finish my exploring expedition. I looked at my watch again. Fifteen minutes. I headed toward the house and eventually found myself on a porch swing with Ginger at my feet. I finished the first fishing trip of the young boy in my book just in time to hear Mrs. Bell looking for me. |
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posted by cori
5/19/2005 04:59:00 PM
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What is it with you and snakes recently? Isn't this the second sighting of this cursed creature in just one week?
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Leslie:
I do so enjoy reading about your experiences. You write in a very picturesque manner and I feel I am right there with you!
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It is. It's the second time within a seven-day period. You think I'm safe for the rest of the summer? since I've already seen my quota this year?
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Hmm, not sure. Ask me on December 31st and I think I'll be able to give you a precise answer. :)
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Wednesday, May 18, 2005
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Today's Thoughts
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He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever.
Chinese Proverb
A young friend recently made a comment that surprised me. She said someone intimated to her that to asks questions made a person appear foolish. I contemplated this for a moment and, realizing that it makes no sense and goes against all the teaching I have ever heard, I told her that it was probably better to appear foolish for the short time it took to gather the information, and then be all the wiser ever after. Of course, I never think of decent phrasing on the spur of the moment, so I don't know how it came across to her. |
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posted by cori
5/18/2005 08:43:00 PM
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Great Expectations Take Great Efforts
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Summertime. The gentle whir of a distant lawn mower. The less gentle whir of a nearby chainsaw. Rakes, wheelbarrows, leather gloves, and the “little nippers.”
James’s job is to take those little nippers and nip off all the low branches in the yard. Dad’s job is to saw down the trees that have already been marked for destruction. Mom’s job is to pull the knee-high weeds that have been growing unchecked since the beginning of April. My job is to pull all the dead branches down. This includes those horrid vines that penetrate every bush and tree that graces our property.
I had a bit of fun with the really thick ones. I would use the vine like a rope ladder to climb up high, and then swing from it for a while until it pulled free and I went crashing to the ground. There was only one time that I had to jump because that particular vine was so entwined in the upper branches of a maple tree that my weight wouldn’t pull it down.
It was great to come in after a while to a lunch all prepared. (Thanks, Mom!) Corn chowder and sandwiches. Mmm! I was still a little hungry afterward, so I packed away a few cookies before heading outside again. We loaded up the pickup with branches that stuck out every which way. The guys took it off to the dump while Mom and I raked and pulled more weeds. The guys came back and loaded up again. We girls took our break then. (We figured they got to rest in the truck.) By now, arms and legs and backs and necks began to complain. I guess the sort of work I do normally doesn’t require all my muscles.
We still haven’t finished the yard work, but Saturday is open (or was, anyway). It’ll take that long to get everyone motivated again to make the place look decent. It is a great feeling, exhaustion. At least, you feel as though you’ve gotten something accomplished. |
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posted by cori
5/18/2005 02:53:00 PM
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Yardwork can be a real pleasure when done as a family! We, too, spruced up our yard this week (and dug a larger pond) and we had a blast doing it! We worked from 7am to about 9:40 pm! But we enjoyed every minute of it. Well, almost every minute.
But nevertheless, always remember: "Many hands make light work."
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Yes, I saw your lawn on Monday. It looks quite nice. I especially love the fountain in Lauren's garden. Very elegant.
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It must be spring as it seems as if we all are participating in the common goal of yard work. Looking forward to winter. . .
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Tuesday, May 17, 2005
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"We never hurry. We hasten."
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“Whoa!” she yelled, as though reining in her horse. She watched the sun as it sank lower and lower in the sky. It had been a long day.
This morning, I awoke to hear my mother announce that she was about to leave for Deptford. “Do you want to go?”
“Yeah.”
“I want to leave by nine.”
I looked (bleary-eyed) at the clock on the shelf. It was flashing bright red numbers at me. 7:34.
“My clock is flashing.”
“It’s twenty-of now.”
Great. Twenty minutes. I hopped out of a cozy bed, found a matching ensemble, brushed my hair and grabbed a purse. Sunglasses. No one would notice my “just-woke-up” eyes if I wore sunglasses. Besides, I thought, it’s going to be sunny later anyway. Skip breakfast. Just coffee is fine. Out the door and in the car in record time.
If you can believe it, these are how my favorite days start out. Rushed. I suppose I’m strange that way, but I like the hurry. It’s a game to me. How much can I pull off in the shortest amount of time? But I digress.
Deptford was actually our second stop. First stop was Mount Laurel where Dad and James looked at a gate for people who didn’t know how to get to their own office. (At least, that’s what I gathered from the directions they gave us.)
Mom and I sat in the car while we waited. James kept walking back and forth from the broken operator to the office building.
Eleven o’clock.
Noon.
About this time, we started for Deptford. Friendly’s. (You’ll recall that I said “noon.”) BLT’s and 70’s music. *rolls her eyes* Finally, I made it to AC Moore and Barnes&Noble. Mom and Dad dropped us off at B&N while they went to the mall. I looked at everything. It’s not often that I get to go into a bookstore without a set time limit. I decided on several books. Then I ended up putting them all back. I picked out some more. “James, what are you getting?” (I always compare purchases with him. It’s how I base most of my decisions.) I walked out with only four books. Ivanhoe, Peter Pan, The Prince and the Pauper, and Captains Courageous. By now it was three o’clock. I remembered that it was my turn to make dinner.
When I walked in the door, I fell to peeling potatoes and slicing carrots, finishing in time to get blogging done before someone emails me and tells me to get on the ball. :)
Well, I could really use a cup of tea. Contrary to what my psychologist tells me, (or is it psychiatrist?) tea does have a calming effect and I am not addicted to it. |
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posted by cori
5/17/2005 05:16:00 PM
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Interesting day. But tell me, how in the world can you come to YOUR final purchasing decisions by comparing them with JAMES's? How you don't come up with wierd conclusions is beyond me. But then again, I would have to say that "Captains Courageous" is a poor choice indeed. An utterly boring book - worthy of being one of Charles Dickens Sahara-dry novels.
By the way, your PSYCHIATRIST distinctly remembers YOU saying that you were addicted to tea. Even if it is have a calming effect.
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Les,
I so enjoyed reading the colorful description of your day. Browsing through B&N sounds like so much fun! There's nothing quite like having a few good books to read in the quiet of an evening.
I do have to agree with Derek that "Captain's Courageous" is not my favorite story in the world, but I most certainly do not agree with his assestment that Dickens' books are dry! I find Dickens to be a captivating author and a complete master of twisting plots with unexpected endings. Yes, his books are long, but what is more delightful than curling up with a thick classic to read before turning out the lights before bed?!
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Well Leslie,
For my part, I think Captains Courageous" IS a good choice. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it years ago and can recall the hours I spent hanging from a tree limb pretending to be hanging from the mainmast and then fishing of the bow of Dan's boat, the name of which escapes me now. I think you will enjoy it and may I suggest
" Kidnapped" ? Oodalloly!!! Now THAT is a good book!!!
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Derek, asking James what he's buying usually leads to showing him what I'm buying and then his opinion of it.
Cara, I agree with you that Derek doesn't know a good book when he sees one. Dickens is a great author, albeit somewhat hard to follow at times.
Lauren, thank you. I have read Captain's Courageous before. My purpose for buying it was to have an unabridged copy of my own. Dan is my favorite character and even though Kipling doesn't know anything about the sea, he does a good job of creating a believable atmosphere.
Have a great day!
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Clarification: I didn't say that C. Dickens was a dry author per se, but rather, that he wrote some really dry books. Oliver Twist comes to mind. And for the record, I LOVE "A Tale of Two Cities."
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Alright, I concede that Oliver Twist is indeed a Noahic flood when it comes to wading through Dickens' characteristic descriptions.
Also, while I'm commenting, why is it beyond comprehension that I do not arrive at weird conclusions? Do you think I ought to? What are you trying to tell me?
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Ha, Dickens has some good stories, but his writing is truly an example of what happens when an author is "paid by the word"... lengthy descriptions doesn't even begin to describe it. BTW, have you tried any of those "Barnes & Noble Classics" that they seem to have stacked all about this season? Is that how you made your selections? I was recently in a bookstore and they had an entire display of Dover Thrift Editions; I had to snap up an entire pile of the inexpensive classics; Greek Tragedy and all that :)
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Monday, May 16, 2005
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Book Review #2
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A Portrait of a Lady
by Henry James
I do not recommend this book to those that prefer dialogue to discription. Henry James is an author that puts a great deal of attention on detail. I found myself skipping almost whole chapters and still not missing a beat as far as the story goes. Personally, I was disappointed in the herione, but that may be because of my views on feminism.
Isabel Archer, an American 23yr-old orphan with high ideals and high expectations of the world, arrives in England where she meets with long-estranged family members. Her cousin, Ralph, proves to be a valuable companion and friendly adviser and her ailing uncle, who simply adores his young niece and, when he dies, he leaves her a large income.
Isabel now has beauty, wealth, intelligence, and friends who take a interest in helping her, yet she is self absorbed and seems to willfully embrace those that would destroy her, and shuns those that truly care for her. Scorning several "eligible" suitors, she fixes on a fortune hunter, despite the counsel of those dearest to her. She finds herself disillusioned and literally caught by a man who cares little for her. Faced with a decision that will change her life, the decision of deserting her husband and stepdaughter or continuing to live under the authority she has chosen for herself, she chooses what I'd call the right decision, in that it is biblically supported whereas the alternative would have left me greatly disappointed in her character. Many, I'm sure, would argue that a woman should never be trapped into such a marriage and should escape if she could, but this is a discussion/debate for other posts.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. Even though it frustrated me that it took so long to read through the simplest scenarios, it did keep me interested enough to finish the book. |
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posted by cori
5/16/2005 12:54:00 PM
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The Last Leaf
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| By request, I am posting a link to The Last Leaf by O. Henry. It is a lovely short story about a young woman's renewed will to live. Characteristic of Henry, expect the unexpected. |
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posted by cori
5/16/2005 07:52:00 AM
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I read this story years ago and it still stands as one of my favorite short stories ever. Thanks for sharing it.
Sorry I missed your special music on Sunday. Can I convince you to sing again this Sunday so I could hear you?
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I don't have time to read that story, but if it's the one I'm thinking of, then I wouldn't read it again anyway. I always felt bad for the guy who died.
You did special music? Way to go! Did you do it with anyone else?
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Yeah, I did sing a solo. No, you can't convince me to make a repeat performance. :)
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That story is terrific- O. Henry's The Gifts of the Magi remains one of my favorites.
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Saturday, May 14, 2005
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Summer Saturday
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Today I enjoyed the company of Manda Davis as we picnicked at Sheppard's Mill Pond. It was a simply gorgeous day and we sat on the dock eating our lunch, but mostly talking. What do two friends find to talk about for two hours? But for two hours we sat with our bare feet submerged in the cool still water, listened to the geese and ducks making funny noises at each other across the lake, and simply enjoying the novelty of each others' company.
After a while, a walk in the woods seemed to be the thing to do. No tame explorers we. Sandal clad and blazing our own trail, we discovered many soggy bogs and spider webs. Manda found what appeared to be a fox hole. (I don't know. I've never seen one.) Then she directed my attention to the top of a nearby tree, where perched a long, black snake. Manda went in for a closer look, but, needless to say, I found this activity abhorrent to my taste. It was getting time to go anyway.
It seems there are never many cars on the road until you get on a bicycle. We could not ride side by side while a seemingly endless line of pickup trucks breezed past us. Therefore, we didn't do much talking on the ride back to my house. However, it was quite enjoyable anyway. If Manda had as much pleasure in the outing as I, then today was a great success. |
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posted by cori
5/14/2005 08:59:00 PM
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Ahh, what a fun sounding day. You really have a neat way of writing. I would call it...colorful. I can't wait for similar summer adventures to happen to me.
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Thank you both for your encouragement. I always rather thought my expression confused other people.
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Friday, May 13, 2005
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Do You See What I See?
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Look for a square amidst the triangles. |
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posted by cori
5/13/2005 08:43:00 AM
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Ah yes, I see your favorite, the elusive four-leaf clover. You are so talented at finding these rare specimens that you must be congratulated. If we were to believe tradition, you would be quite the person to hang around with as perhaps some of your "luck" would float over to your friends. Either way, whether I become lucky or not, I still love to hang around with you. :)
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"If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all."
-unknown-
Such is my case! But I suppose it is largely my own fault. I have very little patience, especially when it comes to locating miniscule - and "elusive" - good luck charms. So I, too, would have to rely on the good luck of others to carry me through the hazardous paths of life.
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I have what my mother calls an "amazing" knack of finding these things. I have found so many four-leaf clovers, I've lost count, but if you want to know a secret, it's because I'm always looking for them. :) You can rarely find something you're not looking for. |
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posted by cori
5/13/2005 08:37:00 AM
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Thursday, May 12, 2005
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Windy Acre Railroad
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Established October 2003
Down a red brick path and hidden in the recesses of a shaded wood lies a small shed which houses the most curious of tenants. If your curiosity leads you to peek through the clouded windows you will find a undersized red machine resembling the early steam engine in appearance. Upon opening the door and making a closer examination, you will find this curio to be equipped with many modern gadgets, including headlights, link & pin couplers, and an air-pressurized whistle, which lets out a long, high-pitched wail.
The chassis of this electric engine tilts forward to reveal the mechanisms behind the power. A 12V battery, connected to an DC/AC inverter, powers a 1/8hp motor. This allows the engine to pull more than 400lbs.
Taking a peep into a rough greenhouse next to the shed, you’ll discover a wooden coach built on the same "amusement park" scale as the engine that pulls it. The coach is roughly 3ft wide, 5ft long and 4 1/2ft high and seats 2-4 passengers (depending, of course, on the passengers’ sizes).
In the immediate vicinity of the engine yard is a wrought iron bench that gives the red brick "station platform" a charming, picturesque atmosphere. Here the passengers may wait comfortably seated in a cool, shaded spot for the arrival of the 4 o’clock train. From this vantage point, they can see down the line until the tracks disappear around a bend. These tracks, if one had the intent to follow them, come to an abrupt end after 120 feet. Here and there are signs of track layers lately at work.
Many are the dangers of life as a train engineer. Already, after only a year and one half, this train has twice been held up by robbers. One gang of bandits, a group of brothers, came armed with wooden swords, which they flourished with much slow-motion bravado. Fortunately, there were no passengers at the time. The inducement for robbery was a shipment of gold from a California mine. The engineer managed to escape to safety and the engine was recovered later. The second hold up was a daring venture by a lone young man, who stopped the passenger train, and demanded the valuables of all the ladies on board. Unluckily for this desperado, the passengers had wisely bestowed their valuables with friends before traveling. On this occasion, the engineer bravely fought for the honor of his train and deposited the passengers safely at the station. |
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posted by cori
5/12/2005 07:07:00 PM
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What a neat story. Well written and told.
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You look adorable les! that was a great story!-d2
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A very comfortable position.
Who's driving this train anyway?
This is the brave driver, who risked his life for his train. |
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posted by cori
5/12/2005 07:03:00 PM
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Hmm, a sturdy looking engineer! Perfectly suited for the many hazards of his job. Three cheers for the Windy Acre Engineer!!!
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Your pictures and post about the train were great! Not many people can say that they have a working train located in their backyard. I'm looking forward to coming down and riding on the new benches. Especially love the pic of you, Les.
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Wednesday, May 11, 2005
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Unsolved Mysteries
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You'd never believe what happened. Someone must've come to our house while we were out yesterday and jimmied the lock. The funny thing is that nothing was taken except all the cookies! Gone! Completely disappeared without a trace!
So of course, I had to make a whole new batch. But this time, I was extra careful. I made twice as many. Hope nothing happens to these. I just can't get over all those cookies vanishing the way they did...
P.S.- A tip from the Pampered Chef: Don't touch that cookie sheet while it's hot. :) |
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posted by cori
5/11/2005 04:20:00 PM
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Sounds like a case for...drum roll please... ME!
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I confess- it was me.
They were really good! were did you hide the other batch??
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How did you happen to remember the Pampered Chef warning about not touching the cookie sheet? Maybe an accidental touch on your part helped to trigger your memory? I'm curious . . .
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Well, you know, (to paraphrase a very wise neighbor of mine) "I was to busy taking the pan out of the oven to feel the heat."
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A Good Idea
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"In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted."
Bertrand Russell
This is one of my favorite quotes. It's sometimes hard to implement, but very instructive when I do. |
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posted by cori
5/11/2005 09:18:00 AM
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Tuesday, May 10, 2005
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Volleyball Party!
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The first picnic of the season. When everyone comes determined to have as much fun as possible. Yesterday, my family was invited to Washington Lake Park. It was great to see so many friends that I've not seen for so long. Tim Horn is home for a few days. It was great to see him again and meet his friend, Mark Stubblefield. I was also able to spend time with Derek and Manda. Just sitting and talking with them seems a rare treat lately. The Smith and Phero families came and Mr. Phero joined in our last game of volleyball. We played four or five games. The last game must have posed quite a picture. A team of almost entirely girls (Mark was captain) against a team of almost entirely guys (Cara was the "almost"). And we girls actually won! Though I think it was greatly due to Mark's ability to be everywhere at once. When I was volley-balled out, I put on my sandals and made my way to the pavilion where I found others eating doughnuts and chips. Deciding this was where I needed to be, (to oversee the equal distribution of food, of course) I sat down to relax until the rest of the young folks came along to play soccer. It was rather dark by this time, and we could barely see the red plastic cups we had set up as goal markers. We finally left the park when they started shutting the lights off around us. We were all so tired at my house when we got home, that we went straight to bed and I didn't wake up until 8:30 when Mom's little terrier came to wake me. |
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posted by cori
5/10/2005 10:19:00 AM
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Les, one correction - I was on your team with the other girls. It was Manda who happened to be picked to go to the "almost" guy's team. We really need to do play volleyball more often, it is so much fun!!! My neck has been quite sore all day long from the nearly constant dives into the sand. I'm getting too old to plunge my body into the ground, even if it's sand-covered.:)
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Oh, sorry about that. I thought Manda was on my team, but it must have been Melissa that I was running into.
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Uh, I know Mark was good, but I wouldn't give all the credit to him. If it wasn't for us girls he wouldn't even have had a team and I think we did better than you'd think. I mean come on! Cara rocks! And I did a good job of staying clear of the ball so that Mark could get to it!
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The Guy's Table
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Derek Davis, Tim Horn & Mark Stubblefield seemed to have all the goodies at their table. :) |
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posted by cori
5/10/2005 10:13:00 AM
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That's it! NO more pictures of me!!!!!:-) I couldn't look good if I tried (even though I do! - try that is).
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I should have joined them!
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Refer to post #1 under "disclaimer".
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Yeah James, Where were you?
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Little Bro
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This is one of James's favorite pastimes. |
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posted by cori
5/10/2005 10:11:00 AM
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Well what else is there to do? aside from baking desserts and eating them... ;-)
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James doing what James does best.
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Hey neat we posted at the exact same time.
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My Two Best Girlfriends
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Cara Horn & Manda Davis picnicking together. |
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posted by cori
5/10/2005 10:06:00 AM
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Les, this is so not a flattering picture of me. Only you could capture me with my mouth stuffed full of food. It's a good thing our friendship is strong . . .:)
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Tell me about it! She's almost as bad as the Shipley's! JK. But really, it isn't as bad a shot as you'd like to think/
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I do not quite understand your comment, Derek, but saying that the pic isn't as bad as I think is not heartening at all. Do I really look THAT bad??? YIKES!! Leslie, we need to talk. When someone said that you should have a blog, that someone had no idea you would post horrible pictures of her! Oh well, Manda looks cute as always.
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I happen to believe that eating was a God-instituted custom.
Cara, you're one of the few people I know that looks beautiful while chewing.
Derek, how dare you insult my photo-taking abilities?
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Wow! SOMEONE has really misconstrued my comment. I meant to say that: despite what YOU may think about the picture, it really isn't a bad one (hence: "not as bad as you think...") of you. My apologies!
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Night Soccer
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This photo is really dark, but that's Mark on the left; Tim on the right; and Melissa in the center. |
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posted by cori
5/10/2005 10:05:00 AM
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Monday, May 09, 2005
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Mother's Day
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| Mother's Day. A day all the kids plan for, waiting with eager expectation to see a look of surprise or pleasure when you present Mom with a special something just for her. And then to see that smile on her face. It's worth all the rushing around last minute to make sure everything is prepared. It's worth all the trouble you took to keep a secret from a Mom who knows everything that goes on. It's worth any extra trouble it takes you to word your sentences carefully, keeping her in the dark as to who that new outfit is for. ("I never actually said it was for me.") It's worth the extra trip to town. It's worth all of it just to see her pleasure. |
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posted by cori
5/09/2005 07:58:00 AM
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A wonderful day it was too!
Enjoying my children and their sweet gifts. (a new outfit)
Two beautiful azaleas. These are not planted yet. We are working on that, possibly today.
A lemon pie topped off a wonderful dinner cooked by my daughter!
I can't believe she made that outfit without me knowing it was for me. :) Thank you to my children. I am grateful for you all.
I love you.
Mom
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Saturday, May 07, 2005
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By Myself Like A Big Girl
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Ah, loneliness. That feeling of being by yourself. It's not always a bad thing. In fact, today, it's a good thing. My family heard about a big event in Lancaster this weekend at the railroad museum. That's what attracted James. Mom went off with him to go shopping for dress fabric. Dad went too. I don't think he really wanted to go. I really think he didn't want to get up at seven on a Saturday morning. But he went with the intent of getting in some archery practice at an indoor range somewhere. I didn't go. Those of you who know me well, know well why.
So here I am. Planting flowers, baking bread, sewing clothes. That's another reason it's good to be alone today. I could never get the sewing done with Mom around because I'm making her a new dress for Mother's day. James bought her some big azaleas. She loves those. I am supposed to be making a lemon merangue pie too, but I forgot to get white sugar for the topping. This was resolved during a bike ride (It's so beautiful out I couldn't pass it up.) to Manda's house. I love riding on her end of town. All the roads are nice and smooth... and flat. We covered a lot of territory, both pyshically and conversationally. I went home with a cup of sugar (Thanks Davises!) and got down to baking business.
Unfortunately, I had seen Lauren making merangue cookies at her house. That set me craving them. Then that set me craving other sweets. I ended up making not only my mom's lemon pie, but also those cookies. And "hmm, what am I going to do with these left over egg yolks?" led to oatmeal scotchies and other cookies that don't take white sugar. I made a whole batch and put them in the freezer before anyone got home. I didn't want everybody to know we had goodies to eat, because then we wouldn't. Know what I mean?
Boy, am I beat... but it's a good beat. |
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posted by cori
5/07/2005 09:49:00 AM
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This blog is making me hungry.
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Ha ha ha! I love desserts, and I havn't had A lemon merangue pie in ages! But boy is "drive by" right. This blog makes me hungry too. Guess I know one site NOT to visit when I'm ravenous!
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Regarding your previous post, I do think that's basically what patriotism is except in America's case we have the option of believing our country is superior to all others because it is. Every nation has problems becasue they are all made up of people, but we have liberated more people (the French twice) and have lifted more out of hopelessness than any nation in history. We are the only ones in history as well to have a huge technological advantage in warfare and not use it for conquest, but for liberation. As much as we have strayed as of late, America was founded based on beliefs grounded on the Bible which set the understanding that God gives rights and Govn't "secures" them. This is why if the 'gates' of all the worlds nations were taken down, the world would flood to America.
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I have to agree that the U.S. is a great country. After all, we are the only ones that have lasted 200+ years without overthrowing the government.
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Friday, May 06, 2005
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Isn't this true of everyone?
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"Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it."
George Bernard Shaw |
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posted by cori
5/06/2005 08:54:00 PM
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True, true. Though, I doubt I would need to have been born here to realize that the U.S. is indeed superior to all other countries.
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Thursday, May 05, 2005
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Something to Think About
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Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love I can. All of them make me laugh.
W. H. Auden (1907-1973) |
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posted by cori
5/05/2005 02:37:00 PM
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Wednesday, May 04, 2005
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Cause and Effect
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Hopefully this little poem will give you an idea of yesterday's happenings. It's not Shakespeare, but then this isn't a publishing house either.
Messy basement. Cleaning ladies. (me & mom)
Determination.
Broom and dust rags. Mop and bucket.
Discovery!
Freezer died. Food melts. (including blueberries)
Dilemma.
Small problem. Big idea. Add sugar.
Dessert!
And so, from a bleak beginning comes a blissful ending.
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posted by cori
5/04/2005 08:54:00 AM
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This was cute, Les, really cute! :)
I see you got Hello up and running. I knew you could figure it out. We leave tomorrow, but I look forward to reading several new posts when I return. *Hugs*
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The food looks great Les-
Sounds like you had a busy day.
Just wondering- do you make and decorate wedding cakes??
later- danny
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Cara,
The pics are actually by Flickr. Never got an answer from Hello.
Danny,
I have never done a wedding cake before, but if it was somewhat small, I'd definitely give it a go!
Les
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Ahh, Haiku. An interesting form of poetry. Interesting indeed! I wish that all my bleak beginnings had such...ful-"filling" endings:-)
By the way, are you doing anything for the piano recital @ Mrs. Bell's?
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As a matter of fact, I just got back from her house. She gave me two pieces to choose from. One called Romance (how predictable) and another called Traumerei. I think I'll do the first one. The second looks a little hard for such short notice. :)
What are you playing?
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Tuesday, May 03, 2005
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An Irish Proverb (the best kind)
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| You've got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was. |
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posted by cori
5/03/2005 01:58:00 PM
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Monday, May 02, 2005
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Book Review #1
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Recently, I have been enlarging my library of classic literature. Assuming that, if I found some well-known and distinguished works of literature, I would enjoy them as much as the connoisseurs who recommend them, I fixed on probably the most celebrated author of all time, William Shakespeare. I chose what is probably his most famous play, Romeo & Juliet.
Believe it or not, I had never heard the storyline. I knew that Juliet dies, and that the families absolve their difference only after her death, but I was always under the impression that a fatal illness was the cause of death. (As I said, I hadn't ever read the play before.)
I must say that I was greatly disappointed. I expected tragedy, yes, but I expected also a romantic struggle between love and duty to one's family. I find nothing romantic in two people killing themselves. It did not accomplish anything except maybe to bring about a reconciliation of two men. But I think that, had Romeo not been so foolish as to commit suicide, his marriage to Juliet would have established the same end.
Perhaps I am too prejudiced. I am partial to happily-ever-afters. And perhaps I am also committing a cardinal offence by taking such a dim view of so widely acclaimed a work.
Please do not misinterpret my disappointment. I mean, not to condemn the play, or the author, but only to state that the definition of romance has certainly changed since the days of Mr. Shakespeare. |
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posted by cori
5/02/2005 01:11:00 PM
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Les, Glad to know someone else had the same thought running through their head after reading "Romeo and Juliet" for the first time. I know I can be a bit dense, but how on earth is love, ending in dual suicide, so romantic? Looking forward to reading more book reviews.
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Les,
Here, here. Though the play was interesting enough (I read it twice)I have to say that the death of Romeo and Juliet was somewhat anti-climatic.
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Oscar Wilde once said "Whenever people agree with me I always feel I must be wrong."
However, Jane Austen believes that "where an opinion is general, it is usually correct." (Mansfield Park)
With my two most trusted authors taking such distinctly opposite views, shall I ever decide? Is the topic is world-changing enough for consideration?
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Sunday, May 01, 2005
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Waxing Poetic
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Ah, Sundays. The rush and hurry of a busy week comes to a screeching halt and hangs suspended for 24 hours while I enjoy the rest and relaxation of Sunday.
Unhurried morning.
An enlightening study of God's Word.
Fellowship with like-minded Christians.
Covered-dish dinner.
A somewhat lazy afternoon.
Phone calls to far away family.
Maybe a book to read.
Someone taking a nap.
A cup of hot tea.
Peace.
Exactly what God designed Sundays for.
Sure, I know that tomorrow morning I'll have eleventy-twelve things calling my attention. I know that as soon as it's over, it's back to the hustle and bustle of weekday life, but if it wasn't for those busy weekdays, how could I truly appreciate the composing rest of a Sunday? |
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posted by cori
5/01/2005 08:42:00 PM
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Leslie:
Sounds like a wonderful day to me!
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| The ShugaBowl |
| Sounds like some kind of sports thing, but in reality, the ShugaBowl is just a little hideaway for me, Sugarcube herself, to let loose my thoughts and occasional creativeness. |
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Les,
I agree, our day was certainly delightful yesterday as we joined together to recreate an American pastime - the backyard picnic.
Judging by the decibel level of noise coming from the dining-room table, I would say that Imaginiff took top billing in the day's events. At least for the younger generation that is.
And my dear, spaghetti and meatballs suits you so well. :)