Looking out the patio doors I see the happy dance of baby snow tornadoes racing across the buried backyard. I watch the latest flock of cardinals, chickadees and one lone woodpecker clinging frantically to the bird feeder snatching up icy seed. They will stay there all day, interchangeable with other family members, as they tuck away food like a famished driver hitting a truck stop. No doubt they bitch about the food and tell about their near misses on the roads and/or skies.
Which reminds me. Burt noticed a small hawk perched on the grill the other day. Small meaning it was only 2 times the size of our resident doves. He then floated up to the bird feeder to wait. No doubt he appreciates our convenient restaurant accomodations for the movable feast he calls dinner. Well carnivores have to eat too!
We do not discriminate against any who choose to dine at "Cher Ide". Come as you are. The birds and squirrels look permanently pregnant as they fluff up feathers and fur, respectively, to ward off the cold. Normally conversation is diminished as they save their breath for chewing. Although occasionally a small skirmish breaks out as bigger birds try to oust the smaller ones. The squirrels conjure up enough energy to chase each other and attempt to hide corn put out for the deer in one of the burlap-covered bushes.
The deer always wait a day after service has been provided and remain ever vigilant as they chew with one eye always moving, checking the area. Very difficult to do, unless you are a deer of course. I love to turn the backyard floodlight on and we stare at each other through the glass, darkly, of course for you literary fans.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Saturday, February 2, 2008
WINTER SCENES
Made a trip to Grand Rapids in a blizzard the other day and I am so glad I used the facilities before and during. WHEWWWWW!!! I believe I drove the entire route with fingers clenched so hard it would have taken a tire iron delicately utilized to peel them off the artificial leather or applied to my noggin until I lost consciousness. I also believe my butt did not sit firmly in the seat but instead was suspended about 3 inches above the seat-apparently that helps keep the car on the road. I am not questioning logic that worked!
You know that teeth baring grin that people display on roller coasters as they are spun sideways and upside down. Rather an attitude: I am really having fun; I am not scared; look I am smiling grimacing, screaming internally very very very loudly. Well that is probably the look on my face as I slid majestically past wrecked semi-tractors and tiny little cars that weigh, oh I don't know, maybe 200 lbs. Great on gas mileage but absolutely worthless in a bad weather driving situation. And those fancy 4-wheel drive and SUV monsters that roar past only to wave sadly to the less adventuresome from the ditches into which they have decided to take a scenic detour. Do not make eye contact or you will have to stop. Which, by the way, may not have been possible with the wind and generally icy pavement passing beneath my wheels.
Particularly exciting were the trucks perched on the side of a steep and curved piece of highway much like metallic traffic cones daring unwary drivers to attempt the newly created obstacle course. No doubt they sat in their cabs with stopwatches and clipboards rating both skill and timing as cars negotiated the "truck moguls" that appeared on our highway ski hill. Zero points of course awarded to the wipe-outs, spectacular as they may be.
I love Michigan! By the next afternoon I was cruising 75 miles per hour on the way back on dry pavement.
You know that teeth baring grin that people display on roller coasters as they are spun sideways and upside down. Rather an attitude: I am really having fun; I am not scared; look I am smiling grimacing, screaming internally very very very loudly. Well that is probably the look on my face as I slid majestically past wrecked semi-tractors and tiny little cars that weigh, oh I don't know, maybe 200 lbs. Great on gas mileage but absolutely worthless in a bad weather driving situation. And those fancy 4-wheel drive and SUV monsters that roar past only to wave sadly to the less adventuresome from the ditches into which they have decided to take a scenic detour. Do not make eye contact or you will have to stop. Which, by the way, may not have been possible with the wind and generally icy pavement passing beneath my wheels.
Particularly exciting were the trucks perched on the side of a steep and curved piece of highway much like metallic traffic cones daring unwary drivers to attempt the newly created obstacle course. No doubt they sat in their cabs with stopwatches and clipboards rating both skill and timing as cars negotiated the "truck moguls" that appeared on our highway ski hill. Zero points of course awarded to the wipe-outs, spectacular as they may be.
I love Michigan! By the next afternoon I was cruising 75 miles per hour on the way back on dry pavement.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
LATEST RANT
I finally provided a 500 word piece to the local paper last Thursday, January 17. It turned out to be something different than what I thought it would be which was a tirade on the over-medication of society. Instead it ended up being a piece that talked about drugs, yes, but also about grief. When I figure out how to download it, I will put it on the blog.
I also wrote something for the "Committee" both Senior and Junior, that I will send to them tomorrow. I am a little apprehensive of their reaction. You see, tomorrow would have been our Mother's 80t birthday.....
I also wrote something for the "Committee" both Senior and Junior, that I will send to them tomorrow. I am a little apprehensive of their reaction. You see, tomorrow would have been our Mother's 80t birthday.....
Sunday, January 13, 2008
SOCIAL SCENES - HAPPY 2008
Back to the office after an extended period. January is all about performance evaluations for my staff which have absolutely no bearing on anything of importance except taking up time. If you only to talk to your staff once a year, you have a major problem anyway. Not that anyone listens. You get little nagging e-mails with a reminder, which become progressively more aggressive if you ignore the system.
But it may be how the electronic monster is fed - sending cryptic notes about DOOM & DESPAIR-Jiminey Cricket and Bona Bonita have to be written about in great detail, lest I forget apparently. Fill in 2007 and the monster reacts again! It is still not satisfied. More notes, more reminders. You must now tell Jiminey and Bona how much fun they will have in 2008- DO IT-DO NOT THINK-DO NOT PASS GO - AND DEFINITELY DO NOT PICK UP ANY EXTRA GOLD!!!!
However, such mind-numbing tasks were forgotten in the socializing that we did manage over the last couple of weeks. Met the "Committee" and associates (husbands/father/youngster) for dinner around 6:30-we were still quaffing wine, finishing each other's dinners and discussing life, love and the pursuit of happiness at 9:45. Typical when we get together.
The first game was trying to determine the identity of the tuxedo-clad gentlemen in the next private room from our (apparently they have entertained us before, so we get a private room-I believe that to be a compliment). They were wearing red fedoras and a variety of ornate medallions on chains. Guesses ranged from the "old men's red hat society"; "court jesters"; "officials of the court"; "doormen". The last guess was based upon their eagerness to hold doors for the ladies of our party.
And the winner is "JESTERS". Yes, I know. I had no idea they had their own society-probably helps for bookings and not repeating each other's materials.
As I had requested dinner and dancing we adjourned to the bar area where "The Middle-Aged White Band" (just a guess) were holding court. Ahem, we were the proverbial spring chickens in the room. You just haven't lived until you see 70-somethings trying to jive to CC Ryder. I noted they played a slow tune every other selection which Burt, the comedian, noted "they probably don't want to see heart attacks on the dance floor". Good point.
The following week Dad came over for dinner at his now favorite Italian restaurant in Lansing where he decided he wanted to discuss the state of the world and the candidates running for Prom King or Queen. His views have become aggressively negative lately, so I was forced to defend liberalism at the top of my voice as he is a "tad" hard of hearing. No doubt the entire restaurant now knows my views. Oh well. At least no rabid Republicans picketed the table.
But it may be how the electronic monster is fed - sending cryptic notes about DOOM & DESPAIR-Jiminey Cricket and Bona Bonita have to be written about in great detail, lest I forget apparently. Fill in 2007 and the monster reacts again! It is still not satisfied. More notes, more reminders. You must now tell Jiminey and Bona how much fun they will have in 2008- DO IT-DO NOT THINK-DO NOT PASS GO - AND DEFINITELY DO NOT PICK UP ANY EXTRA GOLD!!!!
However, such mind-numbing tasks were forgotten in the socializing that we did manage over the last couple of weeks. Met the "Committee" and associates (husbands/father/youngster) for dinner around 6:30-we were still quaffing wine, finishing each other's dinners and discussing life, love and the pursuit of happiness at 9:45. Typical when we get together.
The first game was trying to determine the identity of the tuxedo-clad gentlemen in the next private room from our (apparently they have entertained us before, so we get a private room-I believe that to be a compliment). They were wearing red fedoras and a variety of ornate medallions on chains. Guesses ranged from the "old men's red hat society"; "court jesters"; "officials of the court"; "doormen". The last guess was based upon their eagerness to hold doors for the ladies of our party.
And the winner is "JESTERS". Yes, I know. I had no idea they had their own society-probably helps for bookings and not repeating each other's materials.
As I had requested dinner and dancing we adjourned to the bar area where "The Middle-Aged White Band" (just a guess) were holding court. Ahem, we were the proverbial spring chickens in the room. You just haven't lived until you see 70-somethings trying to jive to CC Ryder. I noted they played a slow tune every other selection which Burt, the comedian, noted "they probably don't want to see heart attacks on the dance floor". Good point.
The following week Dad came over for dinner at his now favorite Italian restaurant in Lansing where he decided he wanted to discuss the state of the world and the candidates running for Prom King or Queen. His views have become aggressively negative lately, so I was forced to defend liberalism at the top of my voice as he is a "tad" hard of hearing. No doubt the entire restaurant now knows my views. Oh well. At least no rabid Republicans picketed the table.
Friday, December 28, 2007
SCENES OF CHRISTMAS 2007
New traditions and old ones combined. We know it will never be the same, but there is comfort in the rituals we perform. Christmas Eve at the Davis' with that succulent prime rib that Brian prepares so well. We amused ourselves before dinner with green drinks and red drinks and yellow drinks and purple drinks and clear drinks-did I mention that the preliminaries are an extended cocktail hour with interesting appetizers. "I'm not eating that, well I didn't think I was going to eat that, oh I wish I hadn't eaten that, hey, that was good."
It was odd that the sisters (referred to as "The Committee") independently arrived at special sister gifts that reflected their unique interests and personalities. If possible we have grown closer since the passing of Mother, but we have always had a connection that transcends time and distance.
Lori presented each of us separately with a guardian angel for our cars. I gathered the ladies together to pass out beaded and silver bracelets with a charm labeled "HOPE" and a toast to our Mother. Kathleen presented each of us with a glass figurine based upon astrological symbolism. Marcia provided each lady with major bling-new evening bags and beautifully delicate black and silver bracelets. My daughter smiled benignly but I thought again how much she would have enjoyed a sister. Her aunts include her whenever they can drag her away and she has a special bond with them.
The highlight of the evening was when we secretly decorated Kathleen's car with antlers and a big red Rudolph nose. For those who do not know, K's always been the one with the antlers and carries them on her rear-view mirror throughout the year. Understandably so, it was difficult for all of us to get into the mood, but this was the first glimmer of light. We all gathered outside and brought Kathleen out to see and, there is no other word for it, she pranced when she saw the magically decorated car and her smile lit up the night. There was not a person there who was not touched by how such a simple gesture could add so much joy to the occasion.
Christmas Day dinner was at our house as it has been for probably 30 years. We decided on a "Dirty Santa" this year with each participant bringing a wrapped gift. We each drew a number and oddly enough the eldest, Dad, chose number 1 and the youngest player, David picked the last number. Dad was fantastic as he went from package to package, shaking them, feeling them, holding his hands before his mouth in feigned consternation over which package to choose. After a few rounds the "trading" began. Kristen and Matt's strategy was to choose the same item so as to increase the odds of getting at least one of the desired objects - the flying helicopter. However, Dad is a bigger kid than any there so the battle waged fiercely for those darned helicopters! At any rate they ended up with one. The final chooser, David, looked at the assorted booty and said "I really don't want any of it!" Too funny, especially since the last wrapped package was the one he brought and he didn't want that either. I thought we would collapse from laughter.
Each person would drift now and then as we remembered Christmas' past and looked forward to a better New Year. Dad, usually the life of the party, was much quieter than usual although he tried. We understood and just kept moving things around him or brought out another distraction. But Jamie put it best when he said "everyone would be there except the empty chair". Leave it to a 10 year old to put it in perspective. Merry Christmas Mom.
MOVING SCENES
Probably moving the weekend before Christmas was not the best idea, but Kristen and Matt had little choice in the timing. We along with one of Matt's friends managed to move the big items into their new home in one day. Fortunately Matt had spent the previous two weeks packing, sorting and moving boxes beforehand. As he pointed out, he moved all the boxes on the snowiest day of the season and moved the rest of it on the windiest day of the season. Great timing, but it is December.
Some choice remarks on the day "Never a third floor residence again!" (well it made sense at the time). "Where's the cat?" "Old people have good ideas (when we remember them)!"That's never going to fit" (it did) and of course, "#!$%" by everyone at one time or another.
As I sat in their living room on a lawn chair-furniture shopping is next on the list-I enjoyed watching my children in their first home laughing, fussing and thoroughly enjoying the moment and remembering our crazy crews of movers when we were young. Almost lost Larry on a pile of bedding in one move as we took a corner a little too fast. This was in the days before mandatory seatbelts and MIOSHA and our daring friend decided to "ride" the load to the new apartment. That was the move where the boys were tossing items up to the balcony to avoid taking the stairs every two minutes. Only broke one thing and I just chose not to look.
The stair idea was something we should have considered as all of us had aching calves for two days. Oh well exercise is good.
Some choice remarks on the day "Never a third floor residence again!" (well it made sense at the time). "Where's the cat?" "Old people have good ideas (when we remember them)!"That's never going to fit" (it did) and of course, "#!$%" by everyone at one time or another.
As I sat in their living room on a lawn chair-furniture shopping is next on the list-I enjoyed watching my children in their first home laughing, fussing and thoroughly enjoying the moment and remembering our crazy crews of movers when we were young. Almost lost Larry on a pile of bedding in one move as we took a corner a little too fast. This was in the days before mandatory seatbelts and MIOSHA and our daring friend decided to "ride" the load to the new apartment. That was the move where the boys were tossing items up to the balcony to avoid taking the stairs every two minutes. Only broke one thing and I just chose not to look.
The stair idea was something we should have considered as all of us had aching calves for two days. Oh well exercise is good.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
ANOTHER MILESTONE
December 11, 2007. My beautiful daughter's 25th birthday. I say to her as my younger bratty sister said to me. You are a quarter of a century old today, or will be at least at 10:03 am officially.
I know every mother says this, but I remember the night/day of your birth like it was yesterday. I worked that day and then your father and I took his employees out for a Christmas dinner at the now defunct Lansing Playboy Club. I actually enjoyed some wine for the first time in almost nine months, which we got to watch come back later along with a nice dinner. As we treated our party to cocktails and coffee at the house you decided to bust my amniotic bubble and the race was on. After gently easing people out the door, we looked at each other and giggled - now what (last time I giggled that night I can assure you). So I called a friend, Jan and said now what? She hollered "go to the hospital!" This lady had given birth within minutes essentially herself so her fear was real.
You however took your own sweet time, about 12 hours. Very long boring night punctuated with moments of great excitement, yelling etc... I do remember telling your father at one point to cut out his darned insistence on following the script and relaxing during a contraction. I believe I told him what he could do with that suggestion-nicely I am sure.
When the doctor was about to leave to teach a class we gave one mighty effort and spoiled his leaving. At one point I said they should have music for this like the "Volga Boat" song. You know Yo Ho Heave Ho. Seemed appropriate. The doctor, probably for the first time in his career, suggested we put a sock or something in the Mother's mouth to keep her quiet. I do distinctly remember that. I was the Star and I think it was funny.
But I will always remember the look on your Father's face and the tears that fell from his eyes, unnoticed I am sure, onto his mask as they placed that beautiful little girl with all that dark hair in his arms. They have always had a special bond those two.
Happy Birthday Kristen. We love you!
I know every mother says this, but I remember the night/day of your birth like it was yesterday. I worked that day and then your father and I took his employees out for a Christmas dinner at the now defunct Lansing Playboy Club. I actually enjoyed some wine for the first time in almost nine months, which we got to watch come back later along with a nice dinner. As we treated our party to cocktails and coffee at the house you decided to bust my amniotic bubble and the race was on. After gently easing people out the door, we looked at each other and giggled - now what (last time I giggled that night I can assure you). So I called a friend, Jan and said now what? She hollered "go to the hospital!" This lady had given birth within minutes essentially herself so her fear was real.
You however took your own sweet time, about 12 hours. Very long boring night punctuated with moments of great excitement, yelling etc... I do remember telling your father at one point to cut out his darned insistence on following the script and relaxing during a contraction. I believe I told him what he could do with that suggestion-nicely I am sure.
When the doctor was about to leave to teach a class we gave one mighty effort and spoiled his leaving. At one point I said they should have music for this like the "Volga Boat" song. You know Yo Ho Heave Ho. Seemed appropriate. The doctor, probably for the first time in his career, suggested we put a sock or something in the Mother's mouth to keep her quiet. I do distinctly remember that. I was the Star and I think it was funny.
But I will always remember the look on your Father's face and the tears that fell from his eyes, unnoticed I am sure, onto his mask as they placed that beautiful little girl with all that dark hair in his arms. They have always had a special bond those two.
Happy Birthday Kristen. We love you!
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