Mary and I had an enjoyable day yesterday... er, wait. I had an enjoyable day yesterday, working outside, cutting down the ornamental grasses, and getting them up to the compost pile, taking out the big bush that will be replaced this spring by a Fig tree, and generally playing outside. Meanwhile my beautiful wife was doing taxes! Not really fun for her, but she wanted to do it, and I sure do appreciate her for doing it. The best way to support Mary while she is doing taxes is to bring her a cup of tea once in a while, but basically keep away from her and don't distract her.
I also swept up the wood chips that we laid down during the ice storm. Because, they were calling for more ice on Sunday. But we were lucky, we got 3-4 inches of snow! It is absolutely beautiful. After the taxes were done, Mary and I worked on plans for a trellis for the kiwi vines we are wanting to plant. It will take some doing, so planning is essential.
Mary cleaned off the car, and shoveled the driveway while I was baking fat-free corn chips. I went out after I was done, and cleaned off my car, and shoveled it out, and cleaned up the little bit of snow that had collected after Mary had finished. Anyway we got that done.
Tori came over today, and she was the proud recipient of a new rice cooker! She had been wanting one, and Mary and I got out about a week ago and picked one up for her. She seemed very pleased and surprised that we had got that for her. Happy Valentine's Day! (Family joke.)
The funny thing was, I had hidden it in plain sight, and she missed it when she came through the front door.
Mary is talking with Eliza in Hungary. Eliza seems to be doing well, and enjoying herself.
I finished 2 books this weekend. The first was Sidney Poitier's The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography and the second was Hunters of Dune, the seventh installment in Frank Herbert's classic Dune series. And for following those I'm reading Dr. Esselstyn's book Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease. That last one is the most interesting of all! He details how to prevent and even better, REVERSE heart disease!
That is the news I have for now.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Taking care of neighbors
So the winter storm knocked several limbs down out of the trees. Our neighbors up the street are elderly, and he has a heart condition and can't work like he used to. So I mustered up the kids on Saturday morning, and we got a great deal of the limbs cut into firewood lengths and picked up. There was more to do after our initial 2 hours of work on Saturday, we had some more to do, so went back on Monday (kids and I had Presidents Day off.) We got it all done, and I brought the firewood back here and stacked it up. (They don't build fires anymore, and said we could have all we could carry!) Paul and Nancy were very surprised that we would do something like that for them without being asked.
Snow is melting now and we guess that the groundhog might have been right!
Snow is melting now and we guess that the groundhog might have been right!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Snow, Ice, Freezing Rain!
We had it all. And then the winds came. We lost power yesterday, Valentine's Day, at about 8:12. Miriam told us it was 8:12 when her radio stopped radio-ing. Anyway, I got up (I was already excused from work due to the freezing rain) and started a fire in the fireplace. I was determined to keep us from freezing to death for however long it took, or until we ran out of firewood.
We had a lovely Valentine's Day. More on that later. Anyway we played games with the kids, read books, and generally enjoyed each other's company. All the while keeping the fire roaring along. Mary and I went for a walk around the neighborhood, just as the temperature fell down below freezing yesterday evening. We found several downed trees and such around the neighborhood, but mostly just branches and small stuff Most of the largest trees were taken down last winter, and I guess there weren't many ready to come down this winter. We looked in on a few of our elderly neighbors, and made sure that they had things under control. The kids made S'mores over the fire.
The kids slept in the living room, on our lovely Persian rug in their sleeping bags. Unfortunately the kids let the fire go out during the night, and it was very chilly this morning. I got up and got the fire started, but we had lost ground during the night. It never really got up above chilly all day. We were wearing many layers of clothes and the wonderful knit caps that Mom made for all of us. We bundled up, and stayed warm.
Work was delayed by 4 hours today, and I went in around 10:30. I had made soup before I went in, and it was finished when I got home.
BG&E had the power restored by about 5:45. That made for a long time without power. Each time something like this happens, it only makes me more determined to be self sufficient on the energy front, at least the household things like heat, power, and hot water.
We were very lucky, none of our trees lost any big branches, and the garden is safely put to bed under the snow and ice. I will have to take the tiger grass down, and toss it on the compost heap after the snow melts.
About Valentine's Day surprise:
Last weekend, when Mary went on her retreat, I had lots of time to plan my gifts for Mary. Mary had enjoyed the peanut butter fudge I made for Christmas, so I had an idea. Peanut Butter Cups! But better, VEGAN peanut butter cups. So I took semi-sweet vegan chocolate, melted in a bag in the microwave, and set about making peanut butter cups. I was quite proud of how they turned out, and then set off to get a box to make a beautiful presentation to Mary on Valentine's Day. I didn't have any idea that we wouldn't have power for most of it! Anyway, I also made a compilation CD of several love songs that she can listen to when she gets the chance. The funny story is that I could barely wait to give all of this to Mary. I had a really hard time keeping it hidden and not mentioning anything to her. So Tuesday night, I asked her if she wanted her Valentine's Day gift before I left for work, or after I got home. She didn't answer me then. So when my alarm went off, I had called in to work and found out that I didn't have to go in due to the weather, I told Mary I couldn't stand it anymore, so I hopped out of bed, and went and got her the presents. I think she liked them! It was kinda hard to tell, since it was about 5:30 in the morning, and Mary was still sleepy! She said she loves them, and me! Life is good!
We had a lovely Valentine's Day. More on that later. Anyway we played games with the kids, read books, and generally enjoyed each other's company. All the while keeping the fire roaring along. Mary and I went for a walk around the neighborhood, just as the temperature fell down below freezing yesterday evening. We found several downed trees and such around the neighborhood, but mostly just branches and small stuff Most of the largest trees were taken down last winter, and I guess there weren't many ready to come down this winter. We looked in on a few of our elderly neighbors, and made sure that they had things under control. The kids made S'mores over the fire.
The kids slept in the living room, on our lovely Persian rug in their sleeping bags. Unfortunately the kids let the fire go out during the night, and it was very chilly this morning. I got up and got the fire started, but we had lost ground during the night. It never really got up above chilly all day. We were wearing many layers of clothes and the wonderful knit caps that Mom made for all of us. We bundled up, and stayed warm.
Work was delayed by 4 hours today, and I went in around 10:30. I had made soup before I went in, and it was finished when I got home.
BG&E had the power restored by about 5:45. That made for a long time without power. Each time something like this happens, it only makes me more determined to be self sufficient on the energy front, at least the household things like heat, power, and hot water.
We were very lucky, none of our trees lost any big branches, and the garden is safely put to bed under the snow and ice. I will have to take the tiger grass down, and toss it on the compost heap after the snow melts.
About Valentine's Day surprise:
Last weekend, when Mary went on her retreat, I had lots of time to plan my gifts for Mary. Mary had enjoyed the peanut butter fudge I made for Christmas, so I had an idea. Peanut Butter Cups! But better, VEGAN peanut butter cups. So I took semi-sweet vegan chocolate, melted in a bag in the microwave, and set about making peanut butter cups. I was quite proud of how they turned out, and then set off to get a box to make a beautiful presentation to Mary on Valentine's Day. I didn't have any idea that we wouldn't have power for most of it! Anyway, I also made a compilation CD of several love songs that she can listen to when she gets the chance. The funny story is that I could barely wait to give all of this to Mary. I had a really hard time keeping it hidden and not mentioning anything to her. So Tuesday night, I asked her if she wanted her Valentine's Day gift before I left for work, or after I got home. She didn't answer me then. So when my alarm went off, I had called in to work and found out that I didn't have to go in due to the weather, I told Mary I couldn't stand it anymore, so I hopped out of bed, and went and got her the presents. I think she liked them! It was kinda hard to tell, since it was about 5:30 in the morning, and Mary was still sleepy! She said she loves them, and me! Life is good!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Weekend to Myself
The kids are gone to their other parent's houses. Mary took a weekend religious retreat with Friends, which left me alone to my own devices.
It isn't often that I have so much free time to myself. I remember solitude from my single days, but with a family now that has 5 kids, a beautiful wife, and all of the circle of friends, coworkers, and relations, I really don't get large chunks of alone time. So what did I do?
I watched a few movies that a friend loaned me at work. I took long bath. I went shopping up at the Asian food store, I washed dishes, I finished the book I was reading. I slept in. I stayed up late. I did whatever struck me as interesting at the time. I went to meeting today. I went to Whole Foods to get some Dr. Bronner's Soap and took my time shopping for other stuff, and just checking out the rest of the store, not worrying about how long it takes.
I also have taken some time to just meditate.
What I've learned recently in meditation - I often reflect on my relationship with Kyle, as that is the point of most of my Samsara (suffering) lately. So I have been trying to come to terms with what Kyle is choosing in his life, mainly to distance himself from me and my family here. He choses to spend his time with his mother's family. Anyway, the suffering I've been enduring, while painful, hasn't killed me. So I meditate on it, and try to figure out what to do. Asking the Universe of an answer has brought me this: Letting Kyle go to do what he needs to be happy. Holding Kyle too tightly is the sure way to have him not want to stay. I found this in a meditation site that I view on occasion.
The Difference between Love and Attachment
Tenzin Palmo told a story about her mother's love
as an example of a love that does not bind.
Something like that is what I'm hoping to give to Kyle. I love him dearly, but will let him go, to let him be happy.
Today's Meeting concentrated on this attachment theme, even though it isn't really a Quaker teaching. So it was interesting to hear their take on it.
It isn't often that I have so much free time to myself. I remember solitude from my single days, but with a family now that has 5 kids, a beautiful wife, and all of the circle of friends, coworkers, and relations, I really don't get large chunks of alone time. So what did I do?
I watched a few movies that a friend loaned me at work. I took long bath. I went shopping up at the Asian food store, I washed dishes, I finished the book I was reading. I slept in. I stayed up late. I did whatever struck me as interesting at the time. I went to meeting today. I went to Whole Foods to get some Dr. Bronner's Soap and took my time shopping for other stuff, and just checking out the rest of the store, not worrying about how long it takes.
I also have taken some time to just meditate.
What I've learned recently in meditation - I often reflect on my relationship with Kyle, as that is the point of most of my Samsara (suffering) lately. So I have been trying to come to terms with what Kyle is choosing in his life, mainly to distance himself from me and my family here. He choses to spend his time with his mother's family. Anyway, the suffering I've been enduring, while painful, hasn't killed me. So I meditate on it, and try to figure out what to do. Asking the Universe of an answer has brought me this: Letting Kyle go to do what he needs to be happy. Holding Kyle too tightly is the sure way to have him not want to stay. I found this in a meditation site that I view on occasion.
The Difference between Love and Attachment
Tenzin Palmo told a story about her mother's love
as an example of a love that does not bind.
"When I was 19 years old, I wanted to go to India to find a spiritual teacher.
Finally, I got an invitation letter.
I remember running along the road to meet my mother
as she was coming from work and saying to her 'I'm going to India!'
And she replied 'Oh yes dear, when are you leaving?'
Because she loved me, she was happy for me to leave her."
She went on to explain the moral of the story.
"We mistake love and attachment.
We think they are the same thing, but actually, they are opposites.
Love is 'I want you to be happy.'
Attachment is 'I want you to make me happy."'...
Something like that is what I'm hoping to give to Kyle. I love him dearly, but will let him go, to let him be happy.
Today's Meeting concentrated on this attachment theme, even though it isn't really a Quaker teaching. So it was interesting to hear their take on it.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Mary is going back to school!
She is looking to get another Masters, then on to a PhD. in Sociology. She is very excited about the whole thing, and I'm rooting for her. It means lots of time back in school, but she loves the classroom, and really wants to do some research on her "changing the culture of divorce in America" ideas. So back to school she is planning. She is taking practice GRE tests and has an appointment to get that done next week. She is really enjoying herself. More power to her, I say. It is kind of funny, since I really don't enjoy the classroom stuff, but love to learn, she really likes to do both. More details later on this!
During some the warmer part of the weekend, Sunday afternoon, I worked outside on the trellises for the beans and peas. I received some 1 1/2 inch PVC pipe on Free-cycle to use to keep the wood from rotting, and cut them into 2 foot lengths. I pounded one into the ground, then pulled it out, and pushed the soil out of it and then pushed it back into the ground. I took 2x4s and ripped them with the hand circular saw, so I had 2x2s. I then shaved off the end of the pole enough so that it would fit into the PVC pipe. This will keep the poles up even in strong wind, without having to pour concrete into my garden. Anyway, I then used the saw to nibble off some rabbets for the top poles. These will hold the trellis netting or strings that Mary and I will use for the peas and beans to climb. Anyway we have about 40' of trellis ready to go up, I just have to figure out how tall I want to make them. Then pound in the rest of the sections of pipe, and assemble them. I'm going to drill pilot holes in the tops of the poles, and through the rabbet joints and use a deck screw to hole the top poles on. It should look pretty spiffy when I get it done. But the temperature has just been way too cold to work outside since Sunday. Brrrrrr!
The kids are doing fine, normal school routine.
We've managed to keep the clutter monsters out of the living room
and dining room for a week! We can keep them out longer, I'm sure.
I hope everyone got a chance to at least scan through my environmental steps in my previous blog entry. Mary and I have taken a whole pile of small steps that have resulted in some really huge changes over time. Please consider something that you could do to make a positive change in either habit or health. Positive small steps are easy!
She is looking to get another Masters, then on to a PhD. in Sociology. She is very excited about the whole thing, and I'm rooting for her. It means lots of time back in school, but she loves the classroom, and really wants to do some research on her "changing the culture of divorce in America" ideas. So back to school she is planning. She is taking practice GRE tests and has an appointment to get that done next week. She is really enjoying herself. More power to her, I say. It is kind of funny, since I really don't enjoy the classroom stuff, but love to learn, she really likes to do both. More details later on this!
During some the warmer part of the weekend, Sunday afternoon, I worked outside on the trellises for the beans and peas. I received some 1 1/2 inch PVC pipe on Free-cycle to use to keep the wood from rotting, and cut them into 2 foot lengths. I pounded one into the ground, then pulled it out, and pushed the soil out of it and then pushed it back into the ground. I took 2x4s and ripped them with the hand circular saw, so I had 2x2s. I then shaved off the end of the pole enough so that it would fit into the PVC pipe. This will keep the poles up even in strong wind, without having to pour concrete into my garden. Anyway, I then used the saw to nibble off some rabbets for the top poles. These will hold the trellis netting or strings that Mary and I will use for the peas and beans to climb. Anyway we have about 40' of trellis ready to go up, I just have to figure out how tall I want to make them. Then pound in the rest of the sections of pipe, and assemble them. I'm going to drill pilot holes in the tops of the poles, and through the rabbet joints and use a deck screw to hole the top poles on. It should look pretty spiffy when I get it done. But the temperature has just been way too cold to work outside since Sunday. Brrrrrr!
The kids are doing fine, normal school routine.
We've managed to keep the clutter monsters out of the living room
 |
| From Jan 2007 livi... |
I hope everyone got a chance to at least scan through my environmental steps in my previous blog entry. Mary and I have taken a whole pile of small steps that have resulted in some really huge changes over time. Please consider something that you could do to make a positive change in either habit or health. Positive small steps are easy!
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