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Tuesday, February 28, 2006
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The Wonders of Modern Technology
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A Two Part Essay
Part One:
When the phone goes dead and you don't hear a dial tone, what is the first thing you think? Usually it's something like, "Hey, there's no dial tone." Right? Some of us tend to think aloud and so the first thing we say is, "Hey, there's no dial tone."
There are also some who, when his sister is sitting next to him holding the phone and says "Hey, there's no dial tone," take the phone to try it himself. Holding it to his ear and hearing nothing, his response is usually something like, "Huh." Dialing his own cell number, and hence, triggering a ringing in his pocket, he then hands it back to his sister saying, "It works."
Reaching this point in the scenario, you then take from him the phone, hit the "Talk" button and hold it to your ear. The dial tone commences. "Huh." Now happening to have forgotten the number your father told you to call him at, you punch in one that sounds familiar when said aloud. "It's busy."
"That's not the right one," your brother states, still standing next to you.
"What number did I say?" Redialing the new number, you receive the irritating sound resembling an internet connection. Unable to think of something better on such short notice, you tell your brother, "Sounds like someone trying to connect to the internet."
"Try the first number again." What an idea!
A funny little tune plays as you punch in the numbers and the tones sound for each button. "It's ringing."
"Hello?"
"Hey Dad."
"Did you have trouble reaching this number?" What an odd question. How did he know? Maybe it was the period of time between his call from the cell phone telling me to call and the time when he received said call.
"Uh, yeah. Why?"
"Cause I thought I heard you over the P.A. system saying ' Hey, there's no dialtone.' "
I leave you to your laughter as I was left to mine. :)
Part Two:
After such experiences as those chronicled above, one would think I'd be leery of further technological attempts.
Not so.
Hitting the power button on the computer this morning, I waited as the little blue light came on and the little gray box came up telling me some message that I cannot recall, though I have seen it all of the countless times Windows has loaded. Finding the blue triangle on the desktop that represents AOL, and double-clicking on that icon prompted a new little grey box to appear. "Huh," I thought. It was one of those error boxes that says to restart the computer because AOL is having connection problems. Or something like that. I didn't look too close, just closed it and restarted the computer.
There was the familiar little box again. I hit "OK" and then found the AOL icon again.
Small annoyances are of no real consequence. This time I deemed it prudent to read the error box that came up. It seemed there were files missing that were "required the start your AOL connection." Weird. Ok. "Reinstall your AOL software." Oh, your kidding?!
After much ado, and great frustration, I managed to reinstate all the screen names onto the computer. Unfortunately, whatever caused these missing files to go AWOL also caused all the files on everyone's email account to accompany them in their flight.
Hence, I am very glad that Blogger is working anyway. |
posted by cori
2/28/2006 12:07:00 PM
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Monday, February 27, 2006
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Spring is in the Air
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In an attempt to create a spring wardrobe in time to actually wear it, I have begun pressing the issue of global warming by forcing the temperature by sheer will power. IOW, after making a new outfit, I simply couldn't wait for Easter to try it out. I spent last night in twirling in the kitchen. :)
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posted by cori
2/27/2006 09:23:00 AM
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posted by cori
2/27/2006 09:17:00 AM
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GO leslie, go!
I love that skirt girl!
I think I'll go french braid my hair, put on a pair of overalls, and run around barefooted! Spring is in the air!
That, or go and square dance...that dress reminds me of it.
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ok, i just have to wonder, who is this commenting on my blog? someone i know and i just can't decipher their identity? or just a passing blog reader? it shall be a mystery for some time i'm sure.
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Sunday, February 26, 2006
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Tagged! I was sure I would escape!
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In accordance with an agreement made with a fellow blogger, I am bound to post this on my site. If you feel like hearing what I really think of you, go ahead, leave a comment and see what happens. :)
Leave your name and
1. I'll respond with something random about you.
2. I'll tell you what song/movie reminds me of you.
3. I'll say something that only makes sense to you and me.
4. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory of you.
5. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of.
6. I'll ask you something that I've always wondered about you.
7. If I do this for you, you must post this on your journal.
When I did it, this is what happened to me:
1. Your the only other Fairy I have ever known.
2. Peter Pan!!
3. haha. Well now. "If he finds out you had anything to do with it, he'll make you clean it up." hehe. Did I tell you he found out? LOL! But I told you I wouldn't, and I didn't.
4. I remember walking into the kitchen and seeing you staring out the window, and thinking, "Oh my, she's REALLY quiet!" and not being able to think of anything to say. *Leslie inserts here that this mistaken impression lasted long enough for Brittany to come over and dispel all doubt of my lack of conversation*
5. A firefly.
6. Where do you get your hats? |
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posted by cori
2/26/2006 07:21:00 PM
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1. Something random about you - You don't like popcorn and you have a terrible time keeping your bedroom mirror clean. :)
2. A song that reminds me of you - I don't know the name of it. It's the one they play on Princess Diaries. The one you play on the "guitar."
3. Something that only makes sense to you and me - Geez, I had to go way back to remember this one. "I want all the kids, aged fifteen and under, to come up and sing . . ."
4. My first/clearest memory of you - Shall we bring it up again? It was the time I stood in line waiting for my turn on the swing in your backyard. I could hear you singing "Feed the Birds" behind me. Your admirer beside me told me who you were.
5. An animal you remind me of - a zebra
6. Something that I've always wondered about you - What is with my mom lasagna?
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That was great! Hahaha! I remember the "15 years or younger" thing. Hilarious. Remember how he kept upping the age?
A Zebra? That makes sense. I guess.
BTW, Let me clear up the subject of the lasagna. Your Mom is the only person that can make the Best-Most-Scrumptiously-Fabulous-and-Deliciously-Cheesey-Lasagna in the Whole-Wide-World.
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Under the impression that danny wants to hear me tell about her, but being unable to leave her name, I have left it for her. :)
1. Something random about you - You think it's the most normal thing in the world when I say something dumb, and you know what I'm trying to say, without it even occuring to you that I said something dumb.
2. A movie that reminds me of you - Princess Diaries 1&2
3. Something that only makes sense to you and me - "Every girl should have a guy like this in her life . . . and a picture to prove it!!"
4. My first/clearest memory of you - Across the street from Greenwich church, in front of all the parked cars, you stood there in a sweet little white/blue floral dress trimmed with lace. Your hair pulled back in a half-ponytail and your cute little round glasses made an impression when you walked up and asked me what color my eyes were. :)
5. An animal you remind me of - Minnie Mouse (she's an animal, right?)
6. Something that I've always wondered about you - Where do you buy your purses?!?
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Chris:
1. Something random about you - You look good in every color I don't.
2. A song that reminds me of you - Lean On Me
3. Something that only makes sense to you and me - "dsit dsit dsit dsit dsit" *making the chattering motion with my hands*
4. My first/clearest memory of you - The first is sitting at the breakfast table at Northwoods after all the boys had eaten their seven bowls of cereal. The clearest is passing you in the hall later that day, remembering your name and saying hi, and wondering if you really wanted me to hang out with you. :)
5. An animal you remind me of - a duck
6. Something that I've always wondered about you - Is there anyone you don't like?
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Wednesday, February 22, 2006
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wow. it's a milestonious event.
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happy birthday to me! (whee!)
happy birthday to me! (whee!)
it's my 300th day on blogger!!
happy birthday to me! (whee!)
you may congratulate me. i have now managed to keep up a journal on a fairly regular basis for 300 days. this is a record for me. haven't decided what to do to comemmorate the occasion. i think ice cream should be saved for the one year mark. maybe i'll just buy a new hat. :)
p.s.- check out the scrapbook. i have some really old pictures for my really old friends to see. :)
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posted by cori
2/22/2006 09:40:00 AM
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Congrats Cori! I, for one, enjoy reading your blog. Keep up the good work!
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You are hereby congratulated!
Reading your posts is like sitting down with a cup of coffee and talking with you about the events of the day. I just love it. Thanks for keeping this far-away friend informed!
~Cara
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Monday, February 20, 2006
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Women's Curling?
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Sounds like a hairstyling competition to me, but contrary to what the name infers, this so-called sport is really an Olympic event. Get this. One woman from each team slides a big rock down the ice rink to a bull's eye target at the other end. All the while it's sliding along, two other women from the team run in front of it with ice scrapers making a path for it to glide along.
And somebody's going to win an Olympic gold medal for it. |
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posted by cori
2/20/2006 12:09:00 PM
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It doesn't take much to be a somebody!
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It doesn't take much to be a somebody anymore
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Hi, I found your blog from Gracie's. We actually saw women "curling" in Switzerland a number of years ago, had no idea what they were doing, and had to find someone who spoke English, to tell us:-) Fascinated, we watched it for a while. It was rather unusual.
I like your middle name (if that is your real name)!
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Friday, February 17, 2006
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cReAtIvE iDeAs
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Inspired by the question on my profile, I came up with this story. Enjoy! :)
There once was a frog with no hair.
Yes, truly, his head it was bare.
From the bark of a twig
He fashioned a wig.
This story is true, I swear! |
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posted by cori
2/17/2006 10:59:00 AM
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Thursday, February 16, 2006
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| And the bank book balances once again! |
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posted by cori
2/16/2006 09:16:00 AM
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Looks like your not gettin` many comments latly!!
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Given the fact that there are to my knowledge only two people who actually read this blog, that's neither surprising, nor a very big deal. :)
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I read and enjoy your blog, Les, keep it up : ) Makes me feel like I have a visit with you, since I haven't seen you in so long!
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Ok, so there are more than two. I guess, if no one comments, I can't really tell how many.
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Monday, February 13, 2006
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What would this be? like part two or something? I guess.
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So I get home. My toes thawed out after about an hour. Or a long time anyway. Picking up a fresh baked cookie (I had spent most of the morning baking. Oatmeal scotchies and choc. chips. Whoa yeah!) Ok, ok. I picked up a cookie, made a cup of tea and settled down in front of the woodstove.
"Nathan's coming."
"What?"
"Nathan. Derek's bringing him over."
"Oh good! This should be fun."
A little guy with no jacket soon stood knocking at the door. Leaving his shoes at the door, he came inside asking all kinds of questions as he came.
"Hi Leslie. How are you? Is this your dog? Is he a boy? What's his name? He's fine. Let him go. I don't mind if he jumps on me. Why is this one in the box? Can you let him out of the box?"
Nathan stuck his fingers inside the crate and pulled them out again. "Ick! She licked me!" I did let her out so he could see her. Then Mom, in order to distract the dog from jumping on Nathan, whom she was as tall as, brought her out to the kitchen for a treat.
I offered Nathan a cookie. "Sure." And some milk or cocoa. "Oh milk is fine."
"Does the dog like cookies?"
"Yes, but she only eats dog cookies."
"Can I give her one?"
"She just had one."
"Does she like people cookies?"
"Not the chocolate part. Just the cookie part." And so he proceeded to break apart his cookie, eating all of the chocolate chunks himself and tossing all the cookie crumbs to Ruby. "Ok, that's probably enough or she'll have a stomach-ache."
"Where did Derek go?"
"I think he's upstairs with James."
"Are you allowed up there?"
"Well, yes, my room is up there, so I'm allowed."
"Is James' room up there?"
"Yep."
"That door there?"
"No, the other way." And up he went. I sat down on the couch and listened to him.
"Hey, James, what's this?"
He asked that question about ten times during the course of probably ten minutes that he was upstairs. Derek and James tried to convince him that Jbear's keyboard was magic, because it could play a song with no one touching it. "No, you're pushing a button somewhere."
Then suddenly, I heard, "Wow! That's great, Nathan. Go show it to Leslie. I bet she'd love to see it. No, she really would. Go show it to her."
Down the stairs with at least three different Lego ships. "Yo Nathan, did you just build that?"
He looked at me as if to say, "Of course not. What a silly question." But all he really said was, "No, James made it."
"Who's this?"
"That's Darth Vader. He's riding a bat." (It looked more like a teradactyl to me.)
After trying in vain to pull the Lego pants out of the x-wing fighter, I soon saw James & Derek coming down with Nathan, who had gone up in search of Luke Skywalker. Derek sat on the stairs and suddenly got this wicked look in his eye when he caught Nathan looking at him. Derek slinking down behind the couch seemed to be the signal for Nathan to grab something to defend himself. The nearest thing being my knitting needles, it was a near disaster for my work-in-progress.
"No, no, no. Hold it! Hold it." I caught his hand just as he pulled the stitches off the needles. "You can have this needle, but this one stays in the knitting."
We had about a half-hour conversation on the cell phones with Danielle, trying to convince Derek (real hard, yeah right) to let her open his box of Cheezit crackers.Three-way calling was what I think was trying to happen. I gave Nathan my phone to look at and next thing I knew he handed it to me to listen to. Here he had called Cara. (Must've held down the speed dial number.) Would've been hilarious if you'd have picked that one up, Cara.
Now, what usually happens is that when Derek decides to go home, he makes as far as the back door, where we carry on multiple further conversations before he ever makes it out the door. Cute little guy! When Nathan's ready to go, he's ready to go. "Come on, Derek. I thought you said we were leaving?" |
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posted by cori
2/13/2006 09:13:00 PM
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"Here he had called Cara. (Must've held down the speed dial number.) Would've been hilarious if you'd have picked that one up, Cara."
I did. I was wondering why you weren't on the other line when I saw our photo i.d. Now I know. :)
~Cara
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He dialed your number and then a bunch of ones and twos. I wasn't sure if it you had picked up, because the timer said 0:00:00 for the call. And then he insisted that he certainly did not call Cara.
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Saturday, February 11, 2006
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I saw him go down. The picture in my mind was that of a turtle poking his head out of the shell. Only this "shell" was spinning the whole way. Sandwiched between Kyle and an inner tube, Nathan skidded down the hill, flying over the bumps and peeking out with an expression of surprise mingled with curiosity. The little orange hat could be seen almost covering his eyes. Kyle, meanwhile, seemed to leave Nathan no room at all to sit up straight as he was lying spread-eagle over the top. As soon as they hit the bottom of the hill, an extra big bump sent Kyle flying off and Nathan tumbling out.
Dana and I went down together. I was on the bottom, lest I should squash her. OMS! The last thing I heard was a male voice telling me to try not to swallow too much snow. And then we were at the bottom. I think the weight of two on that little board sent us farther than normal. Turning my head to the side to avoid getting lashed in the face with all kinds of weeds growing down there, we sailed the whole way out to the road, turning around just in time to move out of the projected path of a sled carrying Kyle just as far.
Six on a sled? Let's try six this time. Ok?
Ok.
James and I stood at the top and watched as Derek and Nathan started down with Kyle pushing. (Pushing is never enough, especially for Kyle.) He piled on and Dana and Johnny met them on the way down. About halfway to the bottom, the whole shibang ran into the sixth kid, taking all of Peter and his snowboard to the ground. That bump at the bottom got them again and enough arms and legs for each of them went flying into the air.
What really amazed me about the whole day was the Davis people's innate ability to narrowly escape collisions. I don't think there was one all day (saving of course the intentional one mentioned above). Another thing was Kyle's apparently sadistic enjoyment of "mugging", as he called it, his little bros to get a hold of their sleds. He had his own sled, yes, but he didn't like the way it rode. And he wanted to try Peter's snowboard too. He wished I would "turn on the charm" and ask that guy next to us if he'd let us borrow a sled.
One time I remember particularly, Dana and Kyle had conspired against Peter as he was coming up the hill. They tackled him to the ground, but he obstinately held onto his board. Pulling Dana off was easy, but Kyle was too big an adversary for me, so Derek got him off Peter and blocked him while at the same time trying to give Peter a push to start. Wasn't easy, I'm sure.
After an hour or so, my toes and fingers were so freezing that I was glad to hear Derek tell the kids to pick up their sleds and get going. It didn't have immediate results. Nathan had to run up the hill one more time. Peter had to come down at least twice more. Everyone had to sort through the pile of hats and scarves and gloves that had been thrown aside or exchanged between each other.
Getting in the car was fun too.
"Stomp your feet, Nathan."
"I'm sitting with Leslie."
"No! Climb over the seat with those wet boots!"
"This hat must be mine."
"NO!!"
"James, sit here with me."
"Turn the heater on."
"My feet are cold."
"Take off your shoes and put your feet up to the heater."
"What heater?"
"In the ceiling."
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posted by cori
2/11/2006 10:23:00 PM
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My account of today
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Interesting to say the least, this day was. I awoke this morning with the strong desire to stay right where I was and have no contact with the world outside my blankets. Amazing how a person can be content with so little. Just two pillows, a couple of blankets and a stuffed snowman.
Sadly, I was compelled to rise from my warm environment and face the cold of an upstairs bedroom. Donning my favorite pink sweater and black skirt and slipping on my new favorite shoes, I trotted down the stairs in pursuit of my favorite hot beverage. What was it? Eight-thirty? I pushed the power button on the computer and stood waiting in front of the woodstove while Windows came up. Hitting the AOL icon on the desktop and punching in my screen name, I stood back again and waited for the welcome screen to come on. (Don’t ask me why, but the parental guardian wouldn’t even let me go to the welcome screen created for my designated level of internet access. Go figure.)
How many blogs can you visit in 14 minutes? I can hit my two, and all the ones listed on the sidebar. And then I got off. (You’ve got to see Boulden’s blog, btw. It’s what I’ve been telling my mom about, but she couldn’t believe me.)
I picked up my knitting and started at it. Purl one row. Knit one row. Are we at fifteen inches yet? I knitted most of the morning, losing track of time until it was 10:16. Great. I had fourteen minutes to curl my hair before we had to leave for a memorial service. Mom and I both had a curling iron plugged in. Standing in front of the mirror and alternating which of us stood in front, we tried to do our hair. She had of course allotted plenty of time for her appearance, but she had not reckoned that I would be using the same mirror and so it was a bit confusing for a few minutes until I decided that I was tired of holding my hands up and quit the room. Grabbing my coat, purse and Wawa card, I headed car-ward and joined James and Mom, who by this time were waiting for me.
Now, contrary to what circumstances dictate, I was not at fault for being late. The directions were incorrect. We drove up and down Millville trying to find the building. I even called Derek’s cell to see if he could tell me how to get there, but he must’ve had it turned off because all I got was, “Hey. This is Derek. Sorry I can’t answer the phone . . .” That was all I heard. There was probably more, but it wasn’t that important to leave a message.
We did find the place and spent about an hour and a half remembering funny stories about Kay Swoboda. She was so funny. You couldn’t remember anything connected with Kay that didn’t make you smile. : ) Her son remembered how she always fined us 25 cents for putting a bottle on the dinner table. Mom remembered our trips to the store when she would buy the prizes for bingo, which Derek relived for us. Another lady there brought up how Kay would invite her for lunch and make those salads with the veggies chopped up into miniscule pieces. Mrs. Davis remembered having her down with Dorothy for tea in the summertime. There were two ladies from the assisted living place that told how the two of them would dress up in their coats and hats with the netting and feathers on them just to run down to the drugstore for something.
After the closing prayer (*big grin*), I met Dick and his sons and wife. Mom stood talking with them for a while. I said hello to Manda and Andrea. We talked shoes and purses for a while until they left. Then Aunt Garnie and Uncle Sam left and we followed suit shortly thereafter.
Had some errands to run at Walmart, but since we didn’t feel like shopping at the Millville branch, we headed home. Ate lunch. Played games. Decided to go to Pennsville. Watched the weather report. Looked at the sky. Decided not to go. Gathered wood on the porch. Remembered the last time the weatherman predicted ten inches. Decided we’d better go. Got in the car. Called Dad. Got excited about a deer running in front of the car. Spilled tea cup. Made a mess. Cleaned it up. Pulled into Walmart. Shopped. Tried on clothes. Shopped some more. Bought a new skirt. Left the store. Rode home. Listened to music. Made tea. Knitted sweater. Watched a movie. Ate dinner. Talked to Jess. Convinced her that the new keyboard James bought was really him playing. *hehehe* Blogged.
I could go on, but I really haven’t decided what to do next. I’m rather tired of knitting. |
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posted by cori
2/11/2006 07:26:00 PM
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Friday, February 10, 2006
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guess what?
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For the sheer fun
of seeing if it takes you
as long as it took me,
I post this riddle.
Once it was growing and green,
Now it is dead and singing. What is it? |
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posted by cori
2/10/2006 04:00:00 PM
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OK, Les!!!! Tell me what it is! Or I will just...just...grrrrrr. I have agonized long enough, and asked almost everyone that I know! And I still can't come up with an answer.
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Thursday, February 09, 2006
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Smile. It confuses people.
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Grocery shopping is never my favorite thing to do, especially when I am not the one shopping. If it's just me, and Mom sends me in to get the groceries while she goes on another errand, I'm fine. I know what I've got to do. I stick with a list. I get it done and I get out of there. But when I'm just tagging along to push the cart, it's really kind of a drag.
Today was less characteristic of grocery shopping than I've seen in a while. There were so many little kids in the Amish market that no matter where you turned, someone was having an adventure.
The first was a little boy of about three. He was adorable in a flannel shirt and jeans with those tan workboots on. They were so small! He was going along next to his grandmom. As he walked, he moved from side to side, literally toddling like one that has not had much practice at walking. Grandmom was pushing a little girl in a stroller when Wee Willie Winkie spied the food at the counter. I could hear him exclaiming about the sausages. He liked sausages. Could he have some sausages?
The second act was a brother-sister team. Dark-skinned and curly-headed, big sis was pushing a cart that she could scarcely see over top of with her exact counterpart in appearance standing in the other end. Mommy was pulling the cart to steer. "Why are you helping me? I can push it by myself." "I know. I'm just making sure Tommy doesn't fall out," which was probably a good idea given the angle at which the fearless little guy perched himself over the end.
Next came two older girls, about twelve and thirteen. They must have been that close in age because I could not have told you which was older. These two were extrememly pretty in their brightly colored jackets. They clearly had some Hispanic background because their skin was a beautiful tan color and their eyes and curly ponytails were the color of chocolate. They reminded me of the girls I went to school with. When I caught the eye of the younger one, I smiled at her. She smiled back the brightest smile I'd seen all day. :)
Then along came an old Amish man with a white beard and a straw hat. As he came by, he encountered the little girl who was now in the cart with her brother. "What's your name?" he asked with a smile. "Ashley," came the shy, but rather curious reply.
He held out a quarter for her to take and turned to the little boy. "And what is your name?"
"Tommy," said a little voice, not much above a whisper.
"Here you go, Tommy." And he held out a quarter for the little guy. Tommy looked inquisitively at his mom, who nodded. Tommy took the quarter.
I imagine he spent it at the gumball machine on the way out. :) |
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posted by cori
2/09/2006 03:26:00 PM
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Wednesday, February 08, 2006
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The Trumpet Shall Sound
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Imagine it.
Close your eyes.
Listen.
There are sixteen brass instruments playing.
Six trumpets.
Three trombones.
Tubas.
Bassoons.
The music swells like the waves on the ocean. Louder and grander until it reaches its peak and the breakers crash on the beach.
Then it recedes.
One trumpet plays solo, clear and compelling.
Tender, and yet bold.
Telling.
Last night, we attended a concert at the Newfield church. The BJU brass choir was there. You all know how much I love brass instruments, especially the trumpet.
I sat on the end on the middle aisle. I watched the director mix together the sounds and cue in the different parts, regulating the volume of each set of instruments. I watched the young man on the far left add magnitude and dimension to the musical phrases with a set of hammered cymbals. Then add a mystical tenor to the next piece with chimes and a glockenspiel.
I watched the girl in front as she followed the music with her eyes and transferred the thought to her fingers. I closed my eyes when all the instruments went silent. In the midst of that silence, that waiting and expectation, I listened to one trumpet.
"It is well," the trumpet said.
And all the choir echoed his statement, "It is well."
It was beautiful.
I think I appreciate concerts more than anything I ever heard on a cd. I have heard the songs they played countless times, but last night, I savored the music because I knew I couldn't just press "rewind" and hear it again anytime I please.
And besides, no recording can ever capture the accoustics of a sanctuary filled with sounding brass. |
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posted by cori
2/08/2006 07:41:00 PM
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Hey it's a while.
Just wanted to say hi, and what your describing sounds like it sounds pretty cool!!
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Wow! That sounds magnificent!You are such a descriptive writer Leslie.
I would like to get together with you. . . we'll have to work on pulling something off.;)
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Lost boy - Hey! I hear you're headed Disney-ward. Can't wait to read your sis' xanga account of that one. :)
Dani - Call me. We'll get our schedules together and find a day we're not busy.
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Tuesday, February 07, 2006
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Earnest Endeavors
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In an attempt to create clothing suited to my personal style, I decided to learn to knit. I have always been rather afraid to attempt this enterprise. It looks so hard and all I knew how to make were dish cloths. And even they ended up coming out somewhat disfigured.
If you have an interest in this skill or in that of crocheting, you may have shopped recently in the craft stores for a pattern to make, for instance, a shawl or poncho. You did not find a crochet pattern. All you found was knitting. This was reason enough for me to learn. I can’t believe I had to learn a whole new approach to sweater making, but really, the crocheted ones are quite bulky and not to be worn in public.
And so, in the interest of creating a sweater that I only find in my imagination, Mom and I headed toward the Schueller home where Mrs. Slack was sitting for Kristi and John. She had told me that whenever I wanted to learn, she’d be happy to show me how to knit.
What an array of patterns! She’s obviously been collecting them over several decades. Everything from baby clothes and adult sweaters and blankets were to be found neatly arranged, each in a separate folio. Mrs. Slack showed me three shirts she is presently working on for her grandchildren. (Caris and Dylan were both there with her. So cute!)
Slightly overwhelmed by the advanced-looking projects she had, I decided that first I’d better learn what a purl is.
Why is it that I when I have a preconceived idea that something is going to be hard, I end up amazed at the ease with which I learn to do it?
Or is it that way because I have a preconceived idea?
No matter. I was soon quite confident that I could remember how to purl. My next question was “how do I increase and decrease?” I kept interrupting my mom and Mrs. Slack with my frustration showing all over my face. At least, that’s what I imagine, for I could not see it myself, but Mrs. Slack seemed to somehow perceive when there was a problem.
Ok, so, purl and knit and increase and decrease . . . what’s raglan?
That lesson over, and Caris napping, Mrs. Slack offered to take me for a drive. “Oh, sure!” Why not? I mean, I can always use the practice and she must be pretty laid back after teaching her own five children how to drive. Surely I couldn’t do anything they hadn’t done. : )
She let me drive Kristi’s nice new car. That made me drive extra careful, knowing that Kristi would kill me if I wrecked her car. K-turns, left turns, U-turns, “don’t do hand-over-hand and put that signal on before you get to the stop sign”. It was a distinct change from Dad only telling me when to turn and to stay in my lane. : )
We made it back in one piece. (Of course, what’d you expect?) There in the driveway, with one two real cars and one make-believe car, I learned how to parallel park. I don’t recommend this method. It’s hard to tell how far away a make-believe car is. It’s also hard to tell how far away a make-believe curb is. And the whole time I was sure Mom was standing at the living room window watching me almost come close to the Honda. : )
After playing with Dylan and Caris for a few hours more and eating a tasty bagel for lunch, Mom and I left for home. I tried to convince her that Walmart was a good idea. I wanted to stop and get some yarn and needles for myself. Wawa was also a good idea. Cappuccino and all. That was two good ideas today. I’m good for a while now. |
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posted by cori
2/07/2006 05:39:00 PM
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This is too fun!
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Al Smith was holding forth at a press conference, when Westbrook Pegler, the acid-tongued columnist, called out, "Tell us all you know, Al - it won't take but a minute."
"I'll do better than that," retorted Al. "I'll tell all we both know, and it won't take a second longer!" |
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posted by cori
2/07/2006 08:57:00 AM
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Monday, February 06, 2006
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Fighting With A 5-Year-Old
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Fighting with a five-year-old? You're kidding, right? Don't you know that when you fight with a five-year-old, they always win? Their logic just doesn't always link together properly. Just because the Seahawks and the Steelers are playing in the superbowl, doesn't mean the Eagles can't lose it. Didn't you know that?
Needless to say, I spent some time at the Davises yesterday. I found Danielle cleaning out Derek's car when we got there and wondered what great offense she had committed to have him punish her so. She did explain it, but I just couldn't catch what she was telling me. There was some kind of agreement that she would clean out the Jeep, but I was being talked to by more than just her at the time and you know how that goes.
Kyle was the next to say hi. I found him in the kitchen drinking the world's #1 beverage. Looking extra smashing in his Sunday outfit, he sat down and invited James and I to play a game. Manda came in just then and she and I were then designated by the supreme dictator to choose the game we would play. (Manda and I got double fun out of this task as we could choose any game we wanted and force them to play at the same time.) Chutes & Ladders. Do you know how long it's been since I've played Chutes & Ladders? I didn't fall down a single chute the whole game. Nor did I climb a single ladder. We only played for about three minutes before some friends of Manda's showed up and we broke up the game. Uno then became the desired amusement. Dana filled Manda's place and before she could play her first card, something happened to take her away from the game and Danny filled the empty spot.
"Whose hand is this?"
"It's Dana's. Just deal yourself in."
"I'm dealt in. See?" She held up Dana's cards.
Uno lasted long enough for Danielle to realize that uno is the Spanish word for "one" and that's why they call the game Uno, before Kyle started cheating and we each declared ourselves the winner. This brought on another game in which we had to decide which famous person we liked best, Nicolas Cage, Tom Hanks or, gee, I can't remember the other guy. Obviously, he didn't win, whoever he was. But I remember that Spiderman won out over Batman and Superman. (Of course!)
Just in the middle of deciding between three people I'd never heard of, I was called into the family room to see some pictures. Some were of Tohar and Manda. Some were really great shots of some really amazing moves in Twister. (Derek, just because they haven't said where to put your feet, doesn't mean you have to do a handstand.) And some were of Kye horsing around in the kitchen.
Nathan suddenly decided to play "you can't catch me." I should've taken of my shoes for this game. :) Somewhere along the line, he started throwing pillows at me and I found myself tackling the little guy to the ground and tickling all kinds of giggles out of him. (I love when he laughs like that too.) He wriggled free and sent the pillows sailing again, but when one began to hit the breakables, it was time for another game. James & Derek became targets for his dive bombing practice. Up on the chair he climbed with three pillows held in front of him, when he promptly threw himself out of my reach and onto the couch and its two occupants. This game lasted for some time. Nathan would try to jump over top of James and onto Derek's lap and so avoid the tickling fingers of James. He caught him several times however, and Nathan came running back to me to collect more pillows to throw.
Quite abruptly, Nathan remember that my cell phone has a camera. He had remembered it earlier in the evening, but when he tried to take a picture, the battery started to die. "Come on. We can plug it in."
"Sure we can," I thought. He tugged me upstairs to find the charger for Derek's phone, which must be just like mine because the charger actually worked.
"I'll put it in the phone and you plug it in the wall." "It's not working." "Oh, there it is. See the battery?" "No, I can do it." "Ok, let's unplug it." "Now show me how to take a picture."
This one-sided conversation went on through the course of about two minutes, until I tried to explain (yeah, yeah, I know) to a five-year-old that it takes longer than two minutes to charge a phone battery. "Ok, then let's leave it here." And he trotted out the door and slid through the stair railing and down the stairs. I wonder if I ever moved that deftly.
So when he remembered my cellphone, I was quite adamant that he should go get it before we both forgot it again. He took a picture of James (quite blurry) and one of Derek (also quite blurry) and one of he and I (yes, quite blurry as well). Great fun until I decided not to let the battery die out again, but he seemed amazingly willing to give it up.
He began to continue his jumping game until he started throwing more than just pillows at which time I gathered up his missiles and took them to a hiding place. Finding Danielle in the pantry overloaded with pickle jars, black olive cans, sodas and such, we began to play Mrs. Incredible by juggling them between us.
Six o'clock came and with it my mom. She'd come to take us home, where James promptly began to play the piano and I promptly settled down in front of the computer to play a game. Around eight, I decided it was getting a little dull and so I stuck in the first episode of P&P and began to crochet my big white afghan, which I have no hope of ever finishing and hence, no fear in offering a photo when it's completed.
Well, so that's that. |
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posted by cori
2/06/2006 08:49:00 AM
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For everybody's info: Despite what Cori says about her afghan, it's VERY pretty. So don't let her fool you into thinking that it's just another blanket. She's tricksy that way *grin*
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No, I like it! It is a nice pattern. I just said it was taking a long time.
Cara, you remember it. It's the one I was working on however-long-ago that I taught you to crochet?
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Of course, Leslie! How could I forget?! It was so big, beautiful, and well, white. :)
On that note, you were such a wonderful teacher helping me learn how to crochet that afghan for my mom. I just need you to fly out here to teach me more crocheting! :)
~Cara
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I wouldn't mind taking some lessons from you myself, Leslie. My great aunt started to teach me to crochet when I was younger, but I never got past a double stitch. Cara was supposed to help me get to her level. . . then she up and left me!!! :)
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" . . . and well, white."
It was that. :)
Dani, you and I shall have to get together on this one. I haven't seen you in an age! Crocheting is a wonderful excuse. :)
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Saturday, February 04, 2006
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In Pursuit of Legal Addictive Stimulants and Intellectual Atmospheric Conditions
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While searching my mind for an inspiration about which to write, I stumbled across a rather obscure website. Scrolling down through the page, I suddenly recognized an inconsistency in the comment box. IOW, there was one I hadn't read yet.
This comment provided me with plenty of inspiration for the day's post.
Hence, this post shall be called "Elmer Fudd and his Wolls Woyce."
Okay, okay. I'm really losing it. No, as you've already noticed, I did not entitle it so. My title is much more descriptive than that. Obviously when you read the title, you knew right away that I was going to write about Starbucks cappuccino and Barnes&Noble.
(You did know that, right?)
Therefore, sheerly to promote the enjoyment of that commentator who seems to be looking forward to hearing my opinion of the day, I pick up where the ice skating story left off.
So, there was this weird guy in a red Jeepeating a Dagwood sandwich who followed us across from Philly. James kept looking back at him in a little mirror to "ascertain whether we should be concerned," however, as the shadowy figure in the conspicuous jeep soon passed our vehicle, I was no longer concerned. For what troubles a James will never trouble a Leslie (unless, of course, a Leslie is involved somehow.)
Mrs. Slack continued to steer the course toward the aforementioned bookstore, while she and my mom conversed as two friends who have known each other for fifteen years do. Parking the car somewhat far from the entrance, we alighted, leaving our jackets in the car as it was quite warm for January. Jbear and I were more excited to be going to B&N than Mom and Mrs. Slack and so we were much quicker getting to the door. And who should we see when we arrived there, but Derek!
"Well, hey! What're you doing here? What happened to the girls?"
Ignoring my first question, he replied that the girls had gone to a restaurant to see if their cousin were there, but they'd be back soon.
Barnes&Noble was very smart to join up with Starbucks in an attempt to lure customers through their doors. It's amazing that people will sit (as I later learned) for four hours in a bookstore and just hang out. As long as they have food and drink at their disposal, why leave, right?
Right.
Into the Starbucks we went. Derek headed right off to secure the rights to a table while James, myself, Mom and Mrs. Slack stood pondering the list of options. I'm never very good at options, and promptly deciding that there weren't enough to choose from, I went in search of several books which had been recommended to me by a friend.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Call me narrow-minded, but this one looked really dull. I know you're never supposed to judge a book by its cover, but what else do you have to go by if your friend only gives you the title and author?
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
You could go by the author. Reading a book by this guy is like watching glue dry, boring and not really productive either.
Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
This one I bought. When you can't see the movie, the book is probably better anyway.
Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostend
This one I bought as well. I'd already read it already, and so I could judge by more than the cover, which is a good thing, because the guy on the front is really dumb-looking.
Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini
Let's not go here. I'd already tried to read this one once.
Daisy Miller by Henry James
See note on Turn of the Screw.
Farenheight 451 by Someone-or-other Bradbury
I wanted this one, but couldn't find the silly thing. I had to content myself with Vanity Fair, a good book, 'tis true, but a poor consolation for disappointed hopes. :)
Arming myself with reading material, I plopped it down on the table in front of Derek and sat down to see what he had found. A book on Ireland! What fun! I had decided that I do not really wish to go there. It's really an unrealistic dream. I told Melissa, who had just arrived, that I would much rather set my hopes on seeing my own country, Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York City, maybe even Boston, but by the time I had gone through less than ten pages of Irish landscapes, I had lost my senses and was sighing for a sight of Dublin City.
Ah, me!
It was time for something to pull me out of my melancholy humor. I got in a rather short coffee line, in comparison to what it had been when I walked in the first time. Manda and Tohar were just at the front of the line and called me to come up. I came. Felt rather rude to cut in front of the three ladies behind me, but Manda refused to think anything amiss, so what could I do? I ordered my mint mocha frap with chocolate chips and sat down to read a magazine. Manda had a few of them, things like wedding cakes and movie people and the top ten glamour girls in Hollywood (or something like that). Then I realized that there were those same three ladies looking around for a place to sit.
Call me silly, but I actually asked James to come sit at a table with us girls so that the three table-less damsels could sit down at his. And so, when Derek came back to his table, it had moved. And he was appalled that his table would have the nerve to move! For shame! What were you thinking?
Then it was my turn. I suddenly, and ever so nonchalantly picked up his candy bar and put it wth my books. When he realized what had happened, he offered me to open it and take a piece. I never should have taken him up on that one. (I think it was a subtle form of revenge.) It was the most disgusting gooey raspberry syrup encased in, of all gross substances, dark chocolate. It was almost as bad as James' chocolate covered cherries.
Back and forth, back and forth the banter went until I unexpectedly became the victim of a blonde joke and left to find consolation and comfort in the music section of the store. Quickly moving past the stupid sounding music, I found Celtic melodies to listen to on the headsets. I was just in the middle of a beautifully mystical air when my eye was arrested by the name of a familiar pianist. Snatching up the CD and waving the barcode under the scanner, I listened to Cristofori's Dream play as only the composer can play it. *sigh* I never could play it like that.
Feeling much better, I went in search of people I knew. Finding Derek seated in a chair near the magazines, I promptly snuck up behind him. He thought I was his cousin, who had just shown up with Manda, and whom I look nothing like. Melissa came by to show me a particular dress in some magazine. I didn't really like the dress, but I don't think she did either. She only wanted me to see it. Soon, our little group was found by James and then by Mom and Mrs. Slack, who had been looking for me for some time to tell me to pay for my books because it was time to go. And so we went, I with my frappuccino still in hand and James with his hot chocolate.
I don't knwo why I do it. It makes me sick everytime, but I started to read my books as soon as we got in the car. Unexpectedly, but not unpredictably, I soon became quite nauseated and wished for little else than to breath cold air. I hate that feeling. It did not leave me until we returned from church the next day. Remind me not to do that again.
So there you have it, the story of Elmer Fudd and his *ahem* car. :) |
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posted by cori
2/04/2006 05:09:00 PM
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Hurray! Here it is! The B&N post. I love bookstores - especially when they come with cafe's :) What a jolly good time we always have! Tim, Cara and John: start planning a trip up in December or January. We simply have to do it with you all again!
Cori, blonde jokes are GREAT and you know it! Don't think that you are the ONLY one who ends up being the brunt of such jokes. I've taken my share too (only not as often since I'm not a girl -sorry!).
BTW, What's y'alls favorite B&N/Starbucks drink? I like Barnes & Noble's Caramel Macchiato with cream. Simply delicious!
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I only like the caramel macchiato if there's extra sugar in it. It is so bitter to take coffee without sugar. :(
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Thursday, February 02, 2006
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Driving Safely 101
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Before even thinking about driving, find the coolest car you can get your hands on, preferably red, but black or purple will do in a pinch.
1. Wait until the road is wet before taking a drive.
2. The brake is on the right. The gas is on the left.
3. "Frozen dessert" trucks are not for the convenience of drivers.
4. You may turn right at a red light if there is a sign that says "No Left Turn."
5. If there is no speed limit posted, there is simply no speed limit set.
6. Never go around a curve in the road at less than 65mph.
7. Don't pay any attention to those flashing blue lights. Red, green and yellow are the only important ones.
8. When you see someone you know, roll down you window, stick your head out and wave to be sure they see you. Don't use your horn as this may distract other drivers.
9. Do not tolerate jay walkers. There are specially designated areas for crossing the street known as crosswalks. Hitting a pedestrian outside of the crosswalk limits counts 10 points extra.
10. Try to park the car/truck just out of reach of the gas attendant's hose. |
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posted by cori
2/02/2006 05:56:00 PM
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Wednesday, February 01, 2006
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What would this be? like part two or something? I guess.
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So I get home. My toes thawed out after about an hour. Or a long time anyway. Picking up a fresh baked cookie (I had spent most of the morning baking. Oatmeal scotchies and choc. chips. Whoa yeah!) Ok, ok. I picked up a cookie, made a cup of tea and settled down in front of the woodstove.
"Nathan's coming."
"What?"
"Nathan. Derek's bringing him over."
"Oh good! This should be fun."
A little guy with no jacket soon stood knocking at the door. Leaving his shoes at the door, he came inside asking all kinds of questions as he came.
"Hi Leslie. How are you? Is this your dog? Is he a boy? What's his name? He's fine. Let him go. I don't mind if he jumps on me. Why is this one in the box? Can you let him out of the box?"
Nathan stuck his fingers inside the crate and pulled them out again. "Ick! She licked me!" I did let her out so he could see her. Then Mom, in order to distract the dog from jumping on Nathan, whom she was as tall as, brought her out to the kitchen for a treat.
I offered Nathan a cookie. "Sure." And sndo lo que prefiero
prefiero simplemente no poder ser lo que quiero |
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posted by cori
2/01/2006 05:49:00 PM
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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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GO leslie, go!
I love that skirt girl!
I think I'll go french braid my hair, put on a pair of overalls, and run around barefooted! Spring is in the air!
That, or go and square dance...that dress reminds me of it.