Must Remember to Write Thank You Note

If I tell myself that often enough, perhaps I will.
This year for Christmas, my boss gave me, and my two co-workers, Barnes and Noble gift cards.
$50 buckaroonis.
Oh yeah.
And what to spend it on - wow - the choices, but better yet, I had coupons!
For some reason that I'll never really figure out I pay the $25 a year (or however much it is) to Barnes and Noble to get their member discount.
I really don't shop there often, and I'm trying not to have as many "paper" books in my house (have to get ready for the retirement move to South America in __?__ years).
But a gift card - and coupons that come just in time for Christmas - I could buy knitting books!
Knitting books will make the move with me to SA, just in case you're wondering.
Here's what I ended up buying:

Anna Hrachovec's Teeny-Tiny Mochimochi.
I love her knitting - just looking at the .gifs on her blog is amazing - everything she makes is so cute and for the most part happy! I saw this book in a store in Soho, and thought, why should I pay $16 for a kit when I can get the book for cheaper!
I don't know that I'll ever knit anything from here, but I'm sure I'd better do it soon before the age-related arthritis makes it impossible. All those teeny, tiny little...mochimochis!

Ann Budd's Sock Knitting Master Class.
I have her book, Getting Started Knitting Socks, and it really helped me quite a bit. It still does.
So even though I'll probably never knit the socks on the cover (too many colors, egads, I'd screw it all up), I thought that this would be a good book to get. Plus it has a DVD.
Can't beat that when you're a visual learner!

I also bought a couple of magazines which, if you're not careful, can cost as much as a book!
I picked up Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts, and Quick Knits from Classic Elite Yarns (which, oddly enough, I can't find anywhere on the internet -- was I the only person to buy a copy of this publication???).
Regardless, I do so like Classic Elite - inexpensive, yet still good yarn.
I did splurge on some tea, and of course Godiva chocolates - no wait, I didn't buy those - no, of course not - and some Starbucks Christmas coffee which comes in handy for those last minute, whoops I forgot you gifts.
I wanted to buy Ann Budd's book Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters, but sadly the price that was on the Website was lower than the in-store price, so I decided to wait for another time to get that one.
One of these days I will begin knitting sweaters.
Okay, let me clarify, knit a sweater, and then complete it before I rip it out in frustration.
So, many thanks to my boss for the gift card - now I just need to remember to write out a thank you note!

Oy Vey, I am so Verklempt

Verklempt
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: Overcome with emotion; choked with emotion; gobsmacked; on the verge of tears
Etymology: Yiddish

Verklempt.
One of my favorite words.
It's like the Yiddish aloha, or even "dude" - more than one meaning, and can be used in many different situations with the meaning varying with differing intonations.
At this moment, however, I am truly overcome with emotion (see - verklempt is quicker, and much more emphatic when I hold my hand to my chest, and close my eyes as I bow my head). If you were here you could totally see me being sincerely verklempt.
Why, you ask?
Because a package came in the mail for me on Saturday.
My good fairy AKA Major Knitter sent me a lovely Valentine's Day package.
What was in it?
Feast your eyes on this lusciousness:

Now do you understand?
I'm in love.
You do remember this yarn, right?
It's wonderful to have such wonderful friends, but Major Knitter knows that gifts or no she's got an ally in me. She is just a remarkable woman with unlimited enthusiasm and a grand passion for life.
What I love about Jimmy Beans Wool, however, is that they also stick extra goodies in with your package.
I've received hard candy before, but this time it was stitch markers.
You can see them in this pic:

Love it, love it, love it.
Now I've just got to find a good pattern so that if she and I have the opportunity to get together in a few weeks in NYC, I can show her my progress.
After all, she's the one who taught me to knit.
Big thanks to Major Knitter for everything - you're the best.

Thanksgiving Time is Here

Go ahead and read the title words, but now do it again to the tune of "Christmas time is here" and you'll get a sense of my mood.
I'm not a huge Thanksgiving fan although it is a good time of the year, low-stress, two birthdays to celebrate, leading in to Christmas, but it's really always been about the wonderful three day work week.
And who doesn't like short work weeks.
Rhetorical.
Don't answer.
Knowing that I have from 5:00 Wednesday, November 24th through 7:00 November 29th to perform all things sedentary my big question is: What should I focus on knitting?
Here's my current WIP list:

(1) A prayer shawl (that is really done, but those size 13 needles are great for knitting at the movies)
(2) Socks #1 - finish and start second sock
(3) Socks #2 - finish and start second sock
(4) Some random boring scarf for DH

So, should I do one of the above, or:

(5) Start some new totally random project that I have in my Ravelry queue, such as the Whitewater Wrist Warmers or the Traveling Woman Shawl.
Okay, to let you in on a secret I'm actually stacking the deck because I have some Debbie Bliss silk that I bought to make the wristwarmers, but really shouldn't that yarn be used for something more significant?
I'm just saying.

Here's what it looks like in case you've forgotten:

Let me know what you think.
I'm waiting with baited breath.

Bloomsday

Today is Bloomsday, and you have got to hear this recording of James Joyce.
You can listen to it here at BoingBoing.


It's remarkable, but this is not how I thought his voice would sound.
I don't even know if I gave it much thought, but I agree with the comments where people said it will change how they hear the cadence of the words as they read his works.
Truly remarkable.
Go grab a copy of Dubliners or Finnegan's Wake, get a Guinness, and enjoy the day.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!
Hope your day was great.

Burt on Roku

I got my Valentine's Day present early from DH.
He got me exactly what I wanted.
And I love it.
The Roku Digital Video Player from Netflix.



Talk about an easy setup - the only help I needed was in connecting the HDMI cables.
So my choice for the first movie?
Well a Burt Reynolds film, of course.
Semi-Tough.
Gosh, wouldn't you take the 1970s version of Burt Reynolds for your first time?
For movie watching I mean.

Organization

That is my resolution for this year: Organization.
I truly need to get myself organized.
From my head, to my finances, to my books (and by books I mean fictional texts scattered throughout my house), I need to get it together.
(Doing laundry on New Year's Eve was my prelude to issuing this statement and having my resolution take effect.)
I'm purposely taking a semester off from classes for this primary reason.
And if people don't like this rationale, I throw this at them:
I have a son graduating from high school in June and a daughter from college in May.
So, I plan on being organized (and have the house cleaned) by the time these months come around -- and I want to have a good time!
In addition to that, I want to organize my reading.
And I promise to work on my thesis during this time off.
At least I hope to.
(Pinky swear!)
Two things I'm already doing that will help me get organized:

1) I've joined NaBloPoMo where I've pledged to post every day for the month.
Oddly enough, the theme is "Change," which I think is synonymous with "Organization."
You see where this is going, right?
How will this keep me organized? It will help focus my thoughts.
I hope.

2) I've joined the Ravelry group "Hat of the Month." This, my friends, is not a chore, but a way to use up some of the stash in my closet. The patterns are provided, there are options for different hats, and it looks like it will be fun. I haven't introduced myself to the group yet, but I will, and you should consider joining too!

So there you have it, my New Year's Resolution - Organization.
Have you made any?

Unresolutions

Tomorrow is the big day, the start of a new year.
The day when we put all our resolutions into effect and get a fresh start.
It's also the time to shed some of our bad habits, the ones that keep that proverbial monkey on our back.
But really, are all of our habits bad ones?
There are some things I do that really don't bother me.
As a matter of fact, I quite enjoy these activities, even if they drive others around me a tad crazy.
Too bad.
In 2009 I resolve to continue to do the following:

1. I resolve to continue to sing along in public to the songs that play in stores.

This annoys DN2; actually I think it embarrasses her, but sometimes I just can't help it. And if a good song comes on, you can bet I'll be singing. Even if I'm by myself.

2. On the same note, I resolve to continue to talk to myself in public.

No, I don't have a mental problem, I just enjoy the company I'm keeping, and we both think we're excellent conversationalists.

3. I resolve to continue to knit in public.

Yet another activity that annoys DN2, especially at the movies. Hey, once the
popcorn has been consumed, I have to find something to do with my hands.

4. I resolve to have more than one knitting project going at a time.

Seriously, how can you only have one?

5. I resolve to carry no more than two knitting projects at one time.

One to knit on, and the other to switch to when the first one begins to bore me.

6. I resolve to continue chain reading books.

The way my family tree works, I should live to be about 95. Subtract 10 years or
so for unhealthy living, and that puts me at 85 by the time I kick the bucket.
I'm 45 now, so I have only 40 more years of reading time left. I need to consume as much of the written word as I can.

7. I resolve to continue to carry at least one book, and sometimes two, with me at all times.

What if I finish one? What if I'm kidnapped and this is all I have to keep myself entertained? Seriously, these are things I think about. Operational risk.

8. I resolve to continue to horde chocolate so that no one else can eat it.

Do you think I'm able to keep all my bags of Cadbury Mini-Eggs throughout the year by sharing them with people? Hardly. For the record, I still have 2 bags left.
Now if I just let anyone get into that stash, do you think I'd be starting the new
year with 2008 Easter candy still on hand? I think not.

There you have it, all of my habits that I just don't think are bad ones and I'm going to keep on doing into the new year.
Tomorrow, perhaps, I'll share some of my resolutions to fix my life, but for now these aforementioned resolutions are spot on.

Joyeux Noel, Mele Kalikimaka, Frohliche Weihnachten, et al.

Merry Christmas!

And here's a Christmas quiz so you can tell everyone you know, and some you don't, Merry Christmas in their own language.

You Can Say "Merry Christmas" in 13 Languages

You can say "Merry Christmas" in: English Spanish Japanese French German Italian Swedish Portuguese Greek Hawaiian Dutch Latin Esperanto

How Many Languages Can You Say "Merry Christmas" In?

Enjoy your day!

The Perfect CD for Christmas Eve

Did you make it through yesterday's post?
It was long, I admit, but it's fun listening to all the new Christmas music out there.
Again, I do it for you.
There is one other CD I purchased that I did not include.
It would have overshadowed all the other CDs, so it deserves a post by itself.
It is the PERFECT Christmas CD.
Would I recommend it to everyone?
Well let me ask you a few questions to see if you meet the criteria.

a) Do you like to hear funny stories about Christmas?
b) Do you like to hear these stories told by a man with a dry sense of humor?
b) Do you like to take these funny stories and then share them?
c) Do you like to laugh?
d) Do you like to laugh out loud?
e) Do you like to laugh so hard and unexpectedly that you spew liquid out of your mouth?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then this CD is for you.
It's definitely for me.
Stuart McLean's Vinyl Cafe: A Christmas Collection.
I've listened to this three times already, and that's no small feat.
It is a two-disc set, so that involves a lot of listening time, but Stuart McLean is the master.
I shush people around me if they talk while I am trying to listen.
And this has been on the second and third listen, so it's not new material.
I just want to savor every bit.
Taking a long car ride this winter season?
Then get this CD, and you won't regret it.
Sitting around knitting?
Again, this CD is perfect for that time.
Cleaning?
Well if you have to do it, this CD will accompany you through that necessary drudgery.
I would like to provide you with a caveat.
I thought I knew Canadians pretty well, after all they're just across the lake from us, we use their coins as currency, and we love their country.
So I want to warn you that there are some Canadian allusions on this CD that I just don't get.
Don't let that stop you, the whole dang thing is one of the funniest things you'll ever listen to, and it's safe enough for your parents as well.
Have a wonderful Christmas Eve!
As you're reading this I'm probably at the mall spending my hard-earned money purchasing last-minute Christmas presents.
Tomorrow's the big day and I'm not ready!

What's Christmas without music?

Welcome to my third annual Christmas music CD review.
I like to think I've begun an annual tradition by reviewing Christmas CDs.
I sure hope it isn't something that only I enjoy, but that everyone enjoys.
And whether or not this is true, I do have a bunch of CDs to review this year.
Let me review my criteria:

1. I buy new Christmas CDs
2. I listen to them
3. I tell you my opinion
4. I base it on 1-4 stars

That's about how it works.
And I have quite a few this year, so it will take a while.
Go get a drink, hot tea, coffee, cocoa, whatever you desire, and sit down and read for a spell.
Here we go!

First up is Faith Hill with Joy to the World.
No particular reason to start with her, other than I just decided to.
Listening to this CD is like hearing a soundtrack to a television special.
Faith wouldn't do that, though, I'm sure.....wait.....she's what?...got a tv special coming out?
Oh, my bad.
I guess she would.
It's a good thing she's not doing a charity holiday show solely for the purpose of plugging her latest CD.
Her CD, however, really does sound like a soundtrack.
It's okay, but nothing great.
Would I allow it to be music that would accompany as I shop through the mall?
Sure, because that is about what it sounds like.
Highly produced Christmas songs, with an original one, "A Baby Changes Everything," and she does a so-so version of "O Holy Night."
It's passable, but like most of her songs they are reverential without being inspirational.
And if you can understand what I mean by that, then more power to you.
P.S. Next time, Faith, don't pull your hair back so tight when you're on tv. The whole "big ear" look isn't working for you.

Number of stars: 2
(I'd give it a 1.5, but I don't want to be cruel. Well, not after the "big ear" remark.)

Next CD is A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas by Kristin Chenoweth who, surprise, surprise!, also happens to be on the same Christmas special with Faith Hill.
Boy, I will just never understand how these record companies time these things so perfectly.
Guess there's a reason why I don't work in marketing!
Oh Kristin, I really wanted to love, Love, LOVE! your CD, but instead I only Like it, and really only about half of it.
I adore Kristin, she's got so much talent. And even more importantly, she can go from singing opera to pop to Christmas tunes, and she always sounds good.
Reminds me of another singer I know.
It's like this lady at my church who just can't sing a song in a simple manner, and she always has to show off, even for the kid's Christmas play.
Hello!
Enough of the flourishes!
It irritates me so.
Yes, we know you can sing, but sing with the group, not over them.
Kristin - man, she can transcend.
She can be perky, or reverential (and inspirational), and operatic, but not always on this CD.
It starts off goofy as hell.
Reminds me slightly of that whole helium/Marie Osmond thing.
And the first half of the CD is kind of weird, like, why are you using a Carpenter's tune on a Christmas CD - one that is clearly of television commercial quality and not for the holidays.
Which one?
"Sing."
Sure, you remember that one - it goes, "Sing, sing a song, Make it simple, to last your whole life long...."
Running through the words in my head I just can't seem to recall anything in there that conjures up Christmas.
Nope, not getting it.
So why is it on here? (I ask, acknowledging that I do love Karen Carpenter, and actually have a Carpenter's Christmas CD, and that song is not on there! How about that?)
After listening to this CD I've come to the conclusion that Kristin is trying to be too many different types of a singer on the first part. She's from Oklahoma, so there's a bit of a country twang, then there's the big bang sound, and the whole "Sing" debacle which, just by throwing in some words about Christmas still doesn't make it a Christmas song, especially one that started out as a Sesame Street song!
Again I digress.
I've lost focus, just like Kristin, but on the second half of the CD, she really finds out who she is and performs the last few songs in a truly lovely manner. If we could capture that half and dump the first part, we'd be good to go.

Number of stars: 2.5

I swear it is not my mood this year that is causing me to review (or spend money on) all these halfway passable CDs, but alas, here is another one.
Amy Grant's The Christmas Collection.
A greatest hits - who knew?
Not me; well, not really.
I do have, I think, two other Amy Grant Christmas CDs.
And I like Amy Grant.
So I have to ask - what happened here?
This CD is so blah, that it's the color beige, it's vanilla ice cream, and it's like mashed potatoes with no seasoning.
Get the point?
There's nothing on here that excites me, and remember - I've heard most of these songs before!
Would it be great accompaniment in a mall?
Sure, that's where it belongs.
Bland background music that is unobtrusive.
Good, without ever being great.
A regurgitation of supposedly greatest hit songs onto a disc that doesn't bring anything new to the table.
Okay, that's not true. There are several new songs on here, but nothing that makes me want to pull it out and listen to it again, and again, and again.
On the liner notes Amy writes, "Personally, I never grow tired of Christmas music which compels me to record new songs whenever I get the chance."
Well honey, hold off for a few years, would ya?

Number of stars: 2
(I'm feeling kind this year.)

If you like your Christmas classical, and by classical I mean authentic, and by authentic I mean Olde English (and in Latin and some French), then this is the CD for you. I admire Loreena McKennitt's talent - she has an amazing voice and the fantastic ability to arrange songs in fresh, new ways, while retaining their authenticity. Her CD, A Midwinter Night's Dream, is hauntingly lovely, and exactly what you want to listen to when arranging the holly by the doors and windows (keeps out evil, you know). I remember being in 5th grade music trying to sing "Bring a Candle, Jeannette, Isabelle" and just not getting the melody. Loreena McKennit sings the song in French, "Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle" and retains the beautiful simplicity of this lovely forgotten song. Much better in the original language. Doesn't make me want to go back to 5th grade and try again, but I'm glad to rediscover this song.
DN2 wanted to listen to "Emmanuel" because she thought it would be like the version with which she is familiar. Well it is, but it's in Latin. She was little confused, but it's worth a listen (Gaude!). Okay, that link is not to Loreena, but to something else, but you can hear this song and find lyrics to other songs in tons of different languages (or at least 85).
I digress.
As always.
I like this CD.
I like it quite a bit, and it suits this time of the year.
I will listen to it again next year for sure.

Number of stars: 4
I almost gave it a 3 or 3.5, but it really is So much better than Faith Hill's that it needs to have the rating boosted up.

I'd really love to rate Enya's And Winter Came but I can't seem to find it.
This is nothing new for me.
I lose Christmas presents too, and then don't find them until after the holiday.
Sometimes years later!
So I know I've listened to this CD, but it didn't really make that much of an impact on me, otherwise I think I would remember it.
And I do listen to these CDs more than once, thank you very much.
I sacrifice for my readers.
Enya is always calming, soothing, but really she carries the same tone throughout the CD.
I'd write more about it, but dang if I can find it.
Number of stars: ???
And I reserve the right to change this if I ever find the CD.

Well, remember when chanting was all the rage? And remember when Irish music was cool? Yeah, it still is, although not cool in the annoying way Kathie Lee Gifford insists it is to Enya (click on link for KLG's insulting interview with Enya). I bought this next CD thinking, well yeah, Irish, chanting, Christmas - what's not to like? Celtic Joy by Noirin Ni Riain is interesting, and beautifully done, but certainly does not put me in the mood.
It didn't really put me in any mood.
I paid a lot of money for this CD (it's all for you, dear readers), and wanted a GREAT chanting CD, but unfortunately, this one is not it.
The songs have Christmas titles, but they just don't evoke a Christmas mood.

Number of stars: 3 (for authenticity, recording in a monastery, great liner notes, and pure vocal talent - Amazing)

I have never bought anything by Melissa Etheridge before. I have nothing against her, I just haven't spent money on her music. So I surprised myself by buying Melissa Etheridge's A New Thought for Christmas where she is keeping Christmas kind of bluesy. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. She does a fine rendition of "Blue Christmas," and reworks many of the songs to remove any sense of over-religiosity and insert common thoughts about peace, for each other and for the world. It was entertaining, and certainly didn't sound distinctly like a Christmas CD (except for "Blue Christmas," of course).
This CD might not be for everyone, so if you want Christmas music that is not SO Christmasy, then you will like this CD.
Although please note that the word "Christmas" is sprinkled liberally throughout many of the titles, so clearly this is some kind of Christmas = peace CD.
Melissa changes "O Holy Night" and remakes it into "O Night Divine" which is an interesting take on the song.
The best song on here is really "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" which fits Melissa's range perfectly.
She sings it better than Bono.
There.
I said it.
Now don't sue me, please, I don't have the money.
This is an innovative take on Christmas songs, and songs for the season, and I enjoyed listening to it.

Number of stars: 3.5

I've talked before about how much I like classical music, and I'm not going to insert links, because you should just go back and find it if you're really that interested. Trust me, in another year I'll forget I've talked about it and write about it again. So let's just keep moving forward, and don't call me a story repeater.
So, classical music.
Great stuff!
I know that Yo-Yo Ma has done plenty of study into the anthropology of music (that's what I'm calling it), by releasing his CD Appalachian Journey, so it really should come as no surprise to Yo-Yo Ma fans that he would do the same again with Christmas. Songs of Joy and Peace quickly became my "go to" CD for listening. It has everything you would want, singers, music, classical arrangements, and modern remastering of traditional songs. I don't think my kids appreciated it, but what the hell do they know - they listen to screamo music which I HATE.
On this CD you'll find James Taylor, Diana Krall, Allison Krauss (who is truly a musical genius), and Chris Thile from Nickel Creek (any bluegrass fans out there?).
There are a ton of other performers on here.
Actually there are 22 songs on this CD, so you can do the math, right?
Definitely a CD that can go from being party music, to cookie baking music, to folding the damn laundry music.
And it's not all instrumental; there are songs on here that you can sing along to as well.

Number of stars: Initial listen gave this a 3, but it quickly eclipsed that and became a 4

Have you ever sat in a room at twilight, and experienced the peace that comes as the light segues into the dark? If you have, and you want to evoke that feeling through music, I recommend Mary-Chapin Carpenter's Come Darkness Come Light: Twelve Songs of Christmas . It is peaceful, without being overly preachy; it is the same tone throughout the CD, without every song being annoyingly similar. It is that peaceful, magical time we experience as a day comes to an end, and the calm filters through our bodies and rests our minds.
There are some original songs on here, some remakes, and really, I just enjoy the hell out of it.
And while this CD is perfect when you're calm, if you're looking for something to listen to when you're cleaning your house, this CD is not it.
I'm afraid this CD might not transcend all times of the day, so I have to take that into consideration when assigning a rating.

Number of stars: 3.99
Because really, when do I ever clean?

If you've come this far, I thank you.
There you have it, folks, my third annual Christmas CD review.
That's a lot of listening, but it's just so much fun!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Sweaters

Take a look at some truly hideous, and joyously unattractive Christmas sweaters (and sometimes the bellies hidden beneath said sweaters).
Check it out.

Thursday Quiz -- Holiday Parties on my Mind

I love this time of the year, with Halloween followed by Thanksgiving and then on into Christmas. It is as if these months bring celebration after celebration after celebration. One big, long party season.
As you all know, Halloween is next week. And on a Friday too! Now that is like picking the Willy Wonka bar with the golden ticket -- it's all good.
I'm still knitting ahead for the Christmas holiday - well, still working on the same Christmas stocking. No progress to report.
It's cold in my house and in the evening we really don't do much except go to bed early.
DN2 is having some friends come over for her birthday, so I'm afraid we may have to turn on some heat. You know I don't want to, but these little girls may get all whiny and complain.
Anyway, here's a quiz for you, since it is a Thursday:

What Your Halloween Habits Say About You

You're a friendly person, but not the life of the party. You like making someone else's day - and you'll dress up if you think of a really fun costume. You definitely think of yourself as someone who has a dark side. And part of having that dark side means not showing it. Your inner child is open minded, playful, and adventurous. You fear people taking advantage for you. You are always worried about protecting your own interests. You're prone to be quite emotional and over dramatic. Deep down, you enjoy being scared out of your mind... even if you don't admit it. You are a traditionalist with most aspects of your life. You like your Halloween costume to be basic, well made, and conventional enough to wear another year.

What's Your Halloween Personality?

Not all Memorials are Made of Marble

I received this email and photo from my friend, Caveman.
He received it from a Marine who was a SgtMaj with 3/5 in Fallujah and is now SgtMaj of a Recruiting District.

I just wanted to pass on to you all a little story that happened today at the Marine Corps recruiting office in North Charleston SC, we had all the recruiters in the office conducting training and a little frail man walked in the office today at about 0845 with a red Marine WWII veteran hat on and said that he didn’t know we were in a meeting and we said that wasn’t a problem what can we do for you Sir? He said that he had something he wanted to show us. Being the history buff I am I was hoping he was bring in some old Marine Corps stuff to show is from back in the day. What he brought in was a 2 foot tall sign under it that had a few words on it and an American flag taped to the top. He held the sign and tried to speak…….. He couldn’t hold back the tears it was all he could do to compose himself enough to speak. He finally composed himself enough to let us know this was for his friend in the Marine Corps of 3 years who died at the Marines bloodiest battle, of WWII he stated that each year at this time of year (memorial day) he puts it out in front of his sub division so that his friend is not forgotten and asked us to give it a salutes as we go by.

The Marines in the office say that he comes every year and reminds them about his friend Goldie; 64 years ago he paid the ultimate sacrifice for his Country and his friends. It goes to show you the brother hood that the Marines have. He went to the place that he knew he would be understood for how he felt about his “Buddy” and that we as Marines would care to hear just those few words and the jester from a friend who won’t let his buddy’s memory be forgotten! “Not on his watch” Please pause to remember this weekend what Memorial Day is all about I hope this moves you like it did me.

Shiny, New Things

Something took up residence in my house this mother's day.


It's a Roomba!
Isn't it awesome!!!
It's exactly what I wanted.
Of course the time I spend watching it clean the floor could be spent cleaning the floor myself.
But I'm sure in a few days I'll be able to turn it on and let it do its thing without constant supervision.
Right now I'm calling him "Little Guy" until I can think of a better name.
I'm considering Rudy, perhaps, or Squidward because it has this little sweeping arm that comes out on the side and when it slows down it looks like some kind of sea creature. DN2 wants to call it Bob, but then she names everything Bob.
Any thoughts?
And how was your day?

The Smell of Lilacs is in the Air

You can smell them everywhere.
It is wonderful.
Spring is finally here and in full bloom.
I walked out of a dinner party last night and you could smell the lilacs scenting the evening breeze.
There is something magical about this time of year when we are surrounded by nature's beauty. With awe I regard the mystery of the beautiful flowers that spring up out of the ground after a long, hard winter and pepper the air with their scent.
It is definitely a wonderful time of the year, class is almost over, commencement is next Friday, and on Wednesday I came back from a meeting to find a note on my desk from DN1.

Happy Early Mother's Day!
I already put some Tori songs on there to keep you entertained on your bike ride home!
Figured you could use something nice.
- Me ^_^
P.S. I named it Francesca. Thought it fit.

What did she leave?
Meet Francesca:


Isn't spring an awesome time?
And don't I have the best daughter?
Truly she knows me.
Here is one of the songs on Francesca.
She carries it so well.
Take a few minutes and have a listen:

And yes, I am entertained when I ride my bike.
Thoroughly and completely entertained and overjoyed.
Happy Mother's Day on Sunday!

Long, hard winter = no pussywillows

Yesterday was Dyngus Day.
I had actually forgotten all about this holiday until I was listening to a Buffalo radio station on Saturday and they mentioned it.
Given the fact that I'm not Polish and do not live in an area that is rich in Polish ethnicity might account for the fact that I had forgotten. But Buffalo is and man do they go all out for Dyngus Day especially considering that they are the self-proclaimed Dyngus Day Capital of America.
Check out this website if you think I'm kidding.
So according to them, Dyngus Day is:

Historically a Polish-American tradition, Dyngus Day celebrates the end of the often restrictive observance of lent and the joy of Easter. Over the decades, Dyngus Day has become a wonderful holiday to celebrate Polish-American culture, heritage and traditions.

Fortunately they give you some valuable tips - keep this in mind for next year's Dyngus Day:

As the popular polka anthem explains, “Everybody’s Polish On Dyngus Day!” Many parties begin during the mid-morning on the Monday after Easter with a large buffet of traditional Easter foods (kielbasa, ham, fresh breads, eggs). It is common to hear polka music on Dyngus Day with the mandatory dancing of at least one polka. Many parties continue well into daylight on Tuesday. (A tip to the first time Dyngus participant….take Tuesday off from work.)

So why the pussywillows? You may find your true love on Dyngus Day. Of course if you're married you will probably just get drunk. But if you're single, bring along some water and pussywillows:

This is a yearly debate among Dyngus Day revelers. The tradition holds true that on Easter Monday boys would sprinkle the girls with water and tap them with pussywillows. On Easter Tuesday, the women would return the favorite. At modern Dyngus Day parties it is common practice that both men and women trade water and pussywillow equally.

I had never even heard of this holiday or celebrated it until I was 18 or 19 because this is not something that they celebrate in the greater Rochester area. I remember after I first joined the Marine Corps I would mention Dyngus Day to people and they would just look at me as if I were completely out of my mind. Sometimes they would do the same thing when I mentioned Euchre. Have you ever played it? That seems to be a regional thing too.
Now unfortunately this year there is a shortage of pussywillows, primarily because of our long, hard winter.
I have no doubt that this stopped people from drinking lots and lots of piwo or vodka.
Perhaps we'll hit it up next year, when everyone is not quite so sick around my house.
Yes, I'm spreading it.

Happy Easter!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Drink some Guinness today!

Happy Leap Year!

Should we be exchanging presents?
I'll trade a whole bunch of snow for some warm sun.