The Moir Family

Some Thoughts about My Mother

2012-02-16T14:58:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful that Mom did not raise us to be overly concerned with our appearance. It is what is inside that counts and I know it. And this tradition continues, at least in my family. I don't know why I was contemplating this today, but I was. Then I come home to find that Margie has sent cards to Mark and me and both kids. How very Mom-like of her. She is carrying on the mantle of sending cards to everyone for all occasions. Thanks Margie!

A Day of Love for All!

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the love that the world can bring you on this Valentine's Day!

Thanks, Pell!

2012-01-30T20:41:00.000-08:00

Happy blogger appreciates fashion-forward new look!

In Honor of...

2012-01-24T15:40:00.000-08:00

In honor of Poodie's 61st (could it be?) birthday, I have changed our blog design. Go ahead. Get crazy. Happy Birthday!

The Secrets of My Profession Revealed!

2012-01-18T15:02:00.000-08:00

Hey, it takes me to New York City once a year!

Monday is Full-Moon-Day

2012-01-09T17:01:00.000-08:00

A full moon to come, but a glorious sunset now!

A New Year Dawns...

2012-01-01T09:53:00.000-08:00

...may it bring peace and joy for all...

Merry Christmas to All.....

2011-12-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

....and to Papa, we miss you and send you our love always.......

Snow!

2011-12-20T10:03:00.000-08:00

Scary snow and ice yesterday...did a 360 on Cerrillos Road yestreday, just glad no one was around me because there was no stopping! But SO pretty and just in time for the holidaze!

Our Pretty Plaza in Holiday Dress

2011-12-07T10:28:00.001-08:00

Snow for the holidays?

2011-12-02T20:52:00.001-08:00

Maybe!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:55:00.001-08:00

So grateful for having such wonderful parents, for my one-and-only Edward and the daughter and family we share, for Tom's successful results, for Sheila's continued health, for Terry's good nature, for Ellen channeling Mom, for Chris' endurance, and for the whole gang of in-laws whom I genuinely love. Wishing you love and all the blessings of the day!

She Scores!

2011-11-17T18:00:00.000-08:00

Pellie starts her Scrabble victory using ALL her letters and goes on to defeat her big sister, who hastens to add, by ONE POINT!

Winter is A-comin' In

2011-11-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

Yes, the snows have come, time to bundle up!

Night Bloom

2011-11-06T20:40:00.000-08:00

Whenever I receive the gift of a single bloom filling the air with its perfume for one brief night, I consider it a precious visit from Mother.....

Happy Birthday Pellie!

2011-10-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

Wishing Baby Sistah a fantastic day full of celebration, costumes and chocolate!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

First time in years I did not send a Halloween card to my family. So, here's the digital version!

A peacock princess

And ninja too

Wish a Happy Halloween

To you!

Frost is on the Pumpkin

2011-10-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

Actually, SNOW this morning!

Ohio State Tickets

2011-09-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

Daniel has a birthday coming up (Oct 27). I thought a nice present would be tickets to an OSU game. Being a new student, he did not have an opportunity to purchase tickets. They were all sold out by June. Does anyone have connections to any Ohio friends that might be willing to sell 2-4 tickets? The most preferable would be to the Wisc game on the 29th of Oct. Thanks - Cheryl

For redheads to know!

2011-09-13T13:37:00.001-07:00

Pellie, had you heard of this in the recovery room? News to me!
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/06/the-pain-of-being-a-redhead/

Thanks Terry!!

2011-09-13T12:37:00.001-07:00

AWESOME GIFT! Thank you.

Others Make Zozobra Too!

2011-09-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

Seen at the Pet Parade today...along with Smurfs, a three-legged dog AND a three-legged man, more dogs in skirts than you could count, live geese and plastic geese, chickens, marching bands, the Muppets, Alice in Wonderland, tree huggers and much much more....

If You Can't Make it to Zozobra....

2011-09-10T07:23:00.001-07:00

...then make your own!

Day Late, Dollar Short

2011-09-09T14:18:00.001-07:00

....but Best Birthday wishes, nonetheless, to Terry...who still has Mom's voicemail birthday greeting on her cell phone...and who could ask for a better birthday wish than that!!!

Interesting News

2011-08-31T18:24:00.001-07:00

Perhaps Papa didn't start soon enough? Ah, who knows, today's news is frequently debunked on the morrow...but....
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/333548/title/Antidepressants_show_signs_of_countering_Alzheimer%E2%80%99s

Nabby

2011-08-28T18:27:00.001-07:00

Does anyone else remember Nabby?

57 Years

2011-08-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

57 years ago my beloved was born. Happy Birthday Mark!

First Day of School

2011-08-22T06:35:00.000-07:00

An Anniversary Bouquet

2011-08-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

May each of us living buds bloom as soft and full and fragrant as our parents did...each soul perfuming the air with love and kindness o'er the one brief night each fragile flower is given......

Those who love us never leave us...here is how we find them....

64 Years

2011-08-16T21:10:00.001-07:00

Today would have been a Happy 64th Anniversary to our beloved mom and dad. Together forever.

Putt Putt Party

2011-08-12T05:28:00.000-07:00

We had a birthday party for Evan at Putt4Fun. I think all of the boys had a blast. It was a great place for a party. Adam, our party captain, did all the work! The evening was capped off with a sleepover with Joey, so our 8 year old is one happy boy!

Sarah - I Just Want to Be at UD

2011-07-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone - Sarah posted this on the Dayton Flyer facebook in response to a rap a couple of boys put up. She knocked it off in about an hour-I thought she did a great job. The anticipation of that first semester of college is so fun! Where have the years gone? Cheryl

As if Mary Lou Tesauro Wasn't Enough...

2011-07-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

I received the IHM newsletter today and there in the "In Memorium" section was Sr. Mary Samuel. I vividly remember (and this is me talking, not Terry:) Sr. Mary Samuel coming for a visit with Auntie Rie and playing a game with Tom and Beddy Bear. Timing is everything.

It's a Small World After All...

2011-07-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

Terry had a fun experience today. She was shooting something for Good Company in Chagrin Falls and a local woman was curious about what the camera crew was doing. The cameraman referred the woman to the producer. Terry said, "Hi, I'm Terry" and the woman responded "Are you Terry Moir?" Apparently, the red hair was a good clue to Terry's identity. That woman was Sam and Mary Lou Tesauro's daughter. Mary Lou Tesauro was Auntie Rie's best friend since childhood. Turns out that this woman had just moved her parents from Michigan to Hamlet Hills in Chagrin Falls. They are 90. Moments like these are just such a blast!

How I wish I Could Have Seen This!

2011-07-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

Space shuttle Atlantis takes off on final trip after 30 years of space mission! That was an item on the bucket list that will never be fulfilled...

Oh Say Can You See....

2011-07-04T09:57:00.001-07:00

Be safe and have fun, and keep your hose handy for sparks...let poor NM be an object lesson...

Here comes another one... .

2011-06-23T22:13:00.001-07:00

Dobber done did it...four graduates of assorted flavors in one year, nice work all!

Birthday Love

2011-06-20T20:02:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Mom--the best of the best. Oh how I wish I was more like you. Love you always!

Happy 88, Mom!

2011-06-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

If you turn an "8" on its side, it becomes an infinity sign; those of us who watched Ben Casey remember that tidbit! And Mom, you get two of those this year for your 88th birthday, so know that our love for you is infinite! Happy Birthday, Gus!

Happy Father's Day, Pops!

2011-06-19T13:16:00.001-07:00

Hoisting a brew to you, Dad, and wishing you were here so we could celebrate you in person! You are with us in spirit always, but you are remembered especially today for all the goodness you gave to us. Thanks, Papa, we love you always!

And Then There Were Two...

2011-06-06T06:47:00.001-07:00

Another of the 1993ers is an official high school graduate. Congratulations to Sarah! Her celebratory dinner was at the Olive Garden--dee-licious! What is it with the Italian food, 1993ers? And now on to Dayton!

High School Graduate

2011-06-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Hana-2nd of the 1993ers to be born, but first to graduate. Photo taken at the celebratory dinner at GERACI"S!

Sarah's prom pictures

2011-06-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

Hi Moirs, Tom and I weren't able to be with Sarah for prom festivities because it conflicted with Rachel's graduation. Sarah came to the first half of graduation, then Dan drove her back to Dexter. As Sarah put it, "Dan was awesome. He saved my life. When my strap broke he rushed around the house until he found a safety pin and fixed it for me." I thought you guys might enjoy seeing the pictures. We are recovering from another basement flooding episode - UH, and preparing for graduation on the 5th!

Missing Our Mother

2011-06-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

Today, Santa Fe dawned warm and almost humid, a day that felt like so many spent in Cleveland with someone so loving and so beloved. Mom, you are always remembered and forever missed....

Remembering

2011-06-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

Family...Mommy, I want to go visit Grammie...Sonia at the table...Happy Birthday, Buff...Hail Mary, full of grace...Good Bye...the tears...Glenville...the one armed man...the rain; Mother Nature joining the Moirs in sadness.

Love and miss you forever Mom!

Evelina's First Scrabble Game

2011-05-28T10:00:00.001-07:00

Time for some new blood on the Scrabble board! Sheila beat her by a mere 7 points! And dig her "Q" word, great way to expand vocabulary and spelling! And, yes, Maddie lost!

A Hotel Meeting

2011-05-26T14:10:00.001-07:00

Novel Phenomena in Frustrated Systems - don't you want to attend!?!?!?!

So Long, Sistah!

2011-05-24T16:55:00.000-07:00

She was here, the visit's done!
She brought us rain, we gave her sun!
They headed west to have more fun,
The sistah sum is back to one!

Hasta la Vista, Sheila!

Congratulations, Rachel!

2011-05-15T18:33:00.000-07:00

A college graduate from the New Generation! Congrats, Rockie! You have moved your tassle from right to left, and Grammie and Papa are smiling down at your mortarboard!

Let's hope so...

2011-05-10T15:30:00.001-07:00

"My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it" Mark Twain

Hail Mary, Gentle Woman

2011-05-09T09:44:00.001-07:00

Just came from the May Crowning at Saint Francis of Assisi. Many memories as the choir sang.

The Cake

2011-05-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

I forgot to show off my masterpiece!

From the Blooper Reel...

2011-05-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

First Holy Communion and a Tribute to Papa

2011-05-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

A handsome young man in a seersucker suit made his First Holy Communion yesterday. He was very excited about receiving Communion. The liturgy was very child-centered and sweet with Father Caddy talking about best friends and how Jesus should be your best friend. Evan was resplendent in a blue seersucker suit, white shirt, white tie, and cordovan penny loafers--all as a tribute to his beloved Papa. He had the rosary Grammie picked out for him in his pocket. It was a lovely day!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T11:38:00.000-07:00

In honor of our blessed mother, Happy Mother's Day to all of my sisters, by blood, by marriage, and by friendship. You inspire and support me in all my endeavors. I went to visit the BGM today. The sun was shining and the birds were singing and Mom was there all around me.

Mom, we remember...

2011-05-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

We remember snuggle bunnies - how kind you were to let little people disturb your well-deserved rest. We remember enough home-made french fries for six hungry scarfers, followed all over again in that greasy old fry pan for you and Dad. We remember flower girls, lily girls, six first communions and confirmations - all those new white shoes! We remember the farm garden, when everyone who knew you even passingly got fresh tomatoes and corn. We remember your quote that as soon as you hit North Park, you forgot you had kids - good for you to escape the madness! We remember the cardinals outside the kitchen window, a simple thing calling forth the easy joy that was your special gift. We remember consoling college phone calls as we all began to experience the other half of your child-rearing philosophy: "First you teach them to walk, then you teach them to walk away." We remember having you come visit us for vacations when we could finally return the favor with food and fun. We remember the pleasure you took in patiently sending that winding spider flying across the floor over and over again for your grandchildren to chase. We remember your stoic acceptance of the lessons that aging brought, lessons we ourselves have begun to learn. And we remember the hardest part of all, saying good-bye when you bravely let go.

You are remembered every day in so many ways....bless you, Mom, for everything!

Que Viva el Cinco de Mayo!

2011-05-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Time for margaritas! Especially to celebrate Sistah Sheila coming to NM! Looking forward to my sibling visitor from Maine in 10 days!

An Easter Gift

2011-04-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

I went down to ABQ this morning for the last Sunday morning of my "month of Sundays," trying to determine if I could really host a six-hour classical music show every Sunday. Well, actually...I can't! Two+ hours to drive there and back and six hours on the air equals a day of work (free, I might add, being public radio), not to mention the $15 in gas. Too bad this opportunity is not here in Santa Fe, because then it would be a snap, even with the time commitment. I did realized, though, that doing it in college made more sense; one was already living in segments of hours that varied throughout the week. It has been delightful, however, to get to know Dorothy, the current host; 78-years old, funny and self-deprecating, with 20 years at the controls, and a real wealth of classical music at her fingertips. Although she is not really Mom's generation, I know part of the attraction is the Mom-factor of an older, wiser head. Today, when I programmed my one hour, the last piece I had planned for the finish was Handel's Hallelujah (well, it IS Easter, after all), but the CD player simply would not cue up. I needed a short little piece, and out comes Dorothy with Cesar Franck's Panis Angelicus, yes, that one...thank you, Dorothy, for the gift! For your listening pleasure, with a special nod to Kristen Moir:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a11YheB2zM

Easter Blessings

2011-04-24T06:23:00.001-07:00

May this season of redemption and rebirth find you in the company of those whom you love! Happy Easter, Moir Family, wherever you may be!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T01:01:00.000-07:00

Thinking of the old days when we all went scurrying through the house looking for our Easter baskets. Is it in the oven? Or behind the chair? The tradition continues in the Mastrangelo house.
Happy Easter to all!

More info for the curious

2011-04-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's info from the NY Times:

http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/a-few-questions-about-the-new-alzheimers-criteria/

I'm Not Saying They're Related, But...

2011-04-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

Today was a Moir memory day. We went to hear the Cleveland Orchestra play Peter and the Wolf for the Family Concert Series. I think we all remember listening to Peter and the Wolf at home! It was very well-done, as we would expect from the Cleveland Orchestra! We then went to the cemetery to bring palms to Mom and Dad. When we got home, what to our wondering eyes should appear, but a wild turkey on our patio. Judith reminded me of one of Dad's favorite insults--calling someone a turkey.

For Future Reference

2011-04-13T21:36:00.000-07:00

No, no Namenda! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/12/alzheimers-drug-_n_848039.html?ref=fb&src=sp

Sad News

2011-04-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

For all those who remember, Phil Zito passed away last week. He was Mom's buddy from the produce department at Heinen's. They exchanged Christmas cards for years after Phil retired. Another reminder of how times have changed and how Mom could make a friend anywhere.

From the Writers Almanac

2011-04-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

I don't think I'd wear Papa's boxers, but this poem is very expressive of the feeling of loss...

The Boxers
by Cathy Smith Bowers

When my father, after twenty years, came home
to die, circling, circling, like an animal
we believed extinct, it was my crazy aunt
who took him in, who told later
how the taxi had dumped him
bleached and whimpering on her porch.
And she who had not lived with him
thought his sons and daughters cruel
not to come when he began to call our names.

He died, and soon after, a package in brown wrapping
arrived at my address. My sister, who did not
attend the funeral, kept urging me to open it
and I kept saying I would, soon. Every day
when I came home from work, there it was
sitting at my back door, the remnants
of my father's life—years in the mill
spinning and doffing, then drinking into morning
as he railed at the walls, the cotton
still clinging to his fists. Weeks had passed

when finally my sister and I, after two stiff bourbons,
began to rip the paper, slowly in strips
like archaeologists unclothing a mummy.
And all that was there were a few plaid flannels,
the jacket to a leisure suit, and a pair of boxers,

white and baggy, Rorschached in urine—a smaller size,
my sister said, than the way she remembered him.
Then she offered to drop the things at the Salvation Army
store she passed on her way home. In July

we went shopping for swim suits and I could
see her in the curtained stall across from mine.
She was pulling her slip over her head when I saw
she was wearing them, her thighs like the pale stems
of mushrooms emerging from the boxers' billowy
legs, whiter, softer now, washed clean. I still

can't say why my sister, that day in the Salvation
Army store, glanced up, as I've imagined,
to see if anyone was watching
before she slipped those boxers from the soiled heap
of our father's clothes. Nor why
I took so long to open that package, both wanting
and fearing whatever lay inside. Like a child
huddled by the campfire who cries out in terror
at the story someone just told
and, still weeping, begs for it again.

"The Boxers" by Cathy Smith Bowers, from The Love that Ended Yesterday in Texas. © Texas Tech University Press, 1992. Reprinted with permission on the Writers Almanac.

Play Ball

2011-04-02T18:32:00.000-07:00

It's springtime in Cleveland and we had a surprise visit from Uncle Tommy, who was suffering with Indians Fever. The only cure--a trip to Progressive Field.

Pee Wee Track

2011-04-02T17:47:00.000-07:00

Evan is on the St. Francis of Assisi Pee Wee Track team. Today was his first meet. He ran in the 100m, the 200m, and the 400m relay. He also did the running long jump. He thought it was really fun!

Chicago, Chicago...

2011-04-01T06:48:00.000-07:00

Well, we're home from a fun-filled, if chaotic, adventure in Chicago. Eleven people in all, 6 adults and 5 children! At least we outnumbered the kids. The girls had a fantastic day at American Girl Place, complete with an adorable luncheon in the cafe. The boys had a blast at Legoland. We all went to the Museum of Science and Industry and the Field Museum of Natural History. The most notable thing about the museums was the crowd. It was unbelievably crowded everywhere we went. We had intended to go to the Shedd Aquarium, but the line was more than an hour long, which is how we ended up at the Field Museum. Worked for me because I had a reciprocal membership, so I was able to get into both museums free. I also got all the kids into the Field Museum. On our last night there, we went to Harry Caray's and had adult food, for a change. One thing is for sure--our wallets are a lot lighter!

Billy Collins Nails It Again

2011-03-22T16:05:00.001-07:00

Some poets just have it down...

Forgetfulness

The name of the author is the first to go
followed obediently by the title, the plot,
the heartbreaking conclusion, the entire novel
which suddenly becomes one you have never read,
never even heard of,

as if, one by one, the memories you used to harbor
decided to retire to the southern hemisphere of the brain,
to a little fishing village where there are no phones.

Long ago you kissed the names of the nine Muses goodbye
and watched the quadratic equation pack its bag,
and even now as you memorize the order of the planets,

something else is slipping away, a state flower perhaps,
the address of an uncle, the capital of Paraguay.

Whatever it is you are struggling to remember,
it is not poised on the tip of your tongue,
not even lurking in some obscure corner of your spleen.

It has floated away down a dark mythological river
whose name begins with an L as far as you can recall,
well on your own way to oblivion where you will join those
who have even forgotten how to swim and how to ride a bicycle.

No wonder you rise in the middle of the night
to look up the date of a famous battle in a book on war.
No wonder the moon in the window seems to have drifted
out of a love poem that you used to know by heart.

- Billy Collins

I Miss My Family!

2011-03-17T19:47:00.001-07:00

One of the gifts that Mom and Dad gave to us in their last years was the overlapping visits where we would see each other as we experienced the "changing of the guard. " I miss that, I miss seeing you all...and I thank our parents for that last opportunity for laughter and tears!

Top'O'The Morning to Ye All!

2011-03-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

You may have to cut and paste, but I send you this Irish greeting for a wonderful day in the midst of the current global tribulations...who better than the Irish to understand dealing with challenge, especially now, with their economy hammered into the ground!

http://www.e-water.net/viewflash.php?flash=irishblessing_en

Happy Birthday Sis!

2011-03-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Day Big Sis. 3 years to Medicare!

Happy Birthday Sheba!

2011-03-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a BIG birthday wish - and a little bit of birthday laughter - for our BIG sistah!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xpeami317s

And sorry, She, but you'll have to cut and paste the link down at the library for happy high-speed hilarity!!!

Happy 18th to Roberto!

2011-03-13T18:28:00.000-07:00

Mr. Rob Moir is EIGHTEEN! And here's what Alice Cooper has to say about that!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwm2bNCTMdQ

While We're On The Subject

2011-03-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

Everytime I see an older lady anywhere, I am reminded of Mom.

African Violets

2011-03-11T13:25:00.000-08:00

It seem that Mom's African Violets have a death wish. After blooming so beautifully last year, they now appear to be on their last legs. The big one, particularly, does not seem to drink any water. I have watered from above once or twice because I just had to give it some nourishment. I re-potted it in a shallower pot with African Violet soil and it hasn't made a difference. Frankly, I'm surprised they've lasted this long. I never had the touch that Mom had.

And He Looks Great in a Tux!

2011-02-21T17:15:00.000-08:00

Doesn't this handsome man remind you of Dad?

Patterson Pool

2011-02-18T10:11:00.000-08:00

I went for a walk through Breckenridge this morning and got the chance to peer into the Veale Wellness Center. There's a beautiful pool named the Pattterson Pool--Jean Patterson, no doubt. Isn't it nice how everyone gravitated towards Mom, even those with enough money to have a pool named after them!

Chris is STILL Great!

2011-02-14T12:34:00.000-08:00

And he brought great weather back to Santa Fe with him! After a really cold snap, we're back into the 50's and sun again...thanks, Chris! We had a lot of fun, although the days went quickly...

Chris is Great!

2011-02-11T09:16:00.000-08:00

And he's here! We're sitting in Starbucks, so I can check my email, and then we are going to take a drive out to Pecos to see the scenery of NM! We're all going to the simulcast of Nixon in China tomorrow night and dinner with the family on Sunday...how quickly a long weekend goes!

We're a Family Affair!

2011-02-02T19:23:00.000-08:00

But THIS is a family that enjoys a mess together, kinda like the Moirs!

Merrymakers at Shrovetide by Franz Hals Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

An Old Judith

2011-02-02T19:19:00.000-08:00

Now THIS is a sistah you should not mess with!

Judith and Holofernes by Lucas Cranach the Elder Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Tah-Dah! My First Post SO SEZ TERRY!

2011-01-29T14:05:00.000-08:00

Oh sure so I'm using Judith's blog link to say HELLO. Hana Cheplowitz was invited to audition at Juilliard. 200 kids were there - they called back 11. Out of 1160 students auditioning they accept 18 and only about nine are real freshman. In short, didn't make it! So we're in New York, bumming around with Judith. But Hana has been accepted at 5 schools so far and we are starting the beginning of a 9 city audition tour. Next stop, Fordham University, her #2 choice!! May never be back on blog, so hello to all.....from the NOT twisted sistah AND the real T.S.!

HEY!

2011-01-28T21:17:00.001-08:00

When did this backdrop change? All new and pretty and ORANGE, Papa's favorite color!!!! Is it a sign?!?!?!

Is This the Face of a 60-Year Old?

2011-01-24T11:14:00.000-08:00

Feels like it! Or maybe that's the dry southwestern air! Grateful for the blessings of the last decade and looking forward to the next one! Love you all and thanks for birthday wishes and phone calls.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T16:37:00.000-08:00

Red chile ristras ain't chicken croquettes, but at least they bring thoughts of that good taste to warm from the inside out! And they look kinda pretty with a snowcap!

A New New Year Tradition?

2011-01-01T15:44:00.000-08:00

The white sauce, the ground chicken and the bread crumbs.

Awaiting their fate in the deep fryer.

Frying!

The finished product.

As an homage to my mom (and because the deep fryer was out of mothballs), I decided to make chicken croquettes. They were scrumptious. And I have 40 croquettes in the freezer for enjoyment throughout the course of 2011. Happy New Year to All!

Timing is Everything!

2010-12-23T20:31:00.000-08:00

I got a call today from a woman requesting a reference for Victor. Today, of all days. I vividly remember this day two years ago. The ice, Tom's phone call as I was leaving the hospital, being afraid to tell Mom about Dad all by myself, the cell phone that needed charging, not to mention the poor reception at University Hospitals, Terry's car accident, Marlys quietly crying, Mom's hand in mine. I love and miss you Dad.

Remembering Dick Renkert

2010-12-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

Terry and I went to the memorial service for Dick today. It was a lovely celebration of his life. He was certainly a remarkable man! Dick succumbed to a heart problem; Susie said he was in the hospital for 5 days before he died. He had not been ill. Seems to me, he did it right. He lived a great life and then did not have to suffer very long. He was well loved and well respected by all. I know I will remember his loyalty and friendship.

Hail Mary, Gentle Woman

2010-12-08T07:35:00.000-08:00

I was at the school Mass today for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. We sang this song, one of Mom's favorites. Will I ever get through a Mass again without tearing up?

OOPS!

2010-12-07T12:29:00.000-08:00

Mark had a little altercation with the garage door!

Thanksgiving Thanks

2010-11-25T09:50:00.001-08:00

Today, we give thanks for our many blessings which include all of my beloved family. Maria sent a message to Grammie and Papa. It's hard to see the speck of the balloon in the first picture, but it is there. (The pictures loaded backwards, but you get the idea!) Love to all!

Gingerbread Housing

2010-11-23T10:50:00.001-08:00

The gingerbread house has held together so far, but here's a tip for Pellie! If you buy the kit - which you should do and just customize - just stuff the inside with grocery store bags, so when it tries to lean inward until the frosting has set, there is something inside to add support! GOOD LUCK and let us see the finished product!

Holiday Card Contest Part 3

2010-11-22T15:11:00.000-08:00

Of course, they both can't win since they are competing in the same age group.

Holiday Card Contest Part 2

2010-11-22T15:04:00.000-08:00

Maria had a hard time deciding what to draw. She ended up entering 2 drawings--a Christmas wreath and a Christmas cat. Hope she wins!

Holiday Card Contest

2010-11-22T14:56:00.000-08:00

Evan surprised me by wanting to draw a card for the Plain Dealer Holiday Card Contest. Hope he wins!

Let the Holidaze Begin!

2010-11-19T08:59:00.000-08:00

The Eldorado Library is having a Gingerbread House contest this weekend, and Evie and I spent some sticky hours yesterday building a Japanese holiday house, after inverting the plans from a Sam's Club kit. She calls it Manga Christmas!

Thanks to Our Vet

2010-11-11T08:52:00.001-08:00

Thinking of you today, Papa, out there in the Pacific on the USS Pine Island, thrown right out of training into caring for so many men. You earned some stars in your heavenly crown for that duty! We miss you and love you and honor you today!

The Winnah and Still Champeen Irish Dancer

2010-10-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

Pellie done did it! She won first place in the Willoughby scarecrow contest for family scarecrow. If you check out the picture below, you can tell why! Nothing like having a family to make your crafting skills come to the fore! Congratulations, Sistah!

The Irish Dancer

2010-10-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

After coming up with the idea in 2009, I finally acted upon it in 2010. I was determined to have a scarecrow in the Willoughby Scarecrow Contest. As luck would have it, my artistic sister was in town for 4 long weeks in the spring and she needed a creative outlet. So...I made the dress and Judith decorated it with the Celtic design. Then it all sat in a closet until the beginning of October when our Irish dancer began to come to life. I needed to reach back to my other-craftly ways to embroider the face and then, I needed to learn a new craft to create the hair. A pair of tights from Target and Maria's first pair of ghillies and we were ready to go! Our girl is strategically placed rather close to Burgers 'n Beer (wonder what that means). I do not know who won the contest (there are 3 divisions-family, business, & organization), but I shall claim victory just for getting it done!