Not bad, for a chick from Maryland

Courtesy, invitation, permission...neighbors!!!

2010-04-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

When standing at my kitchen sink there is a clear view of my front yard and a partially obstructed view of my neighbors' driveway. There is a beautiful hedge growing between our yard and their driveway; measuring approximately 3 feet in height and maybe 18 inches across. This morning, while standing at the kitchen sink, I caught my neighbor trimming the hedge! What? Really? Taking it upon himself, without so much as a 'by your leave', to trim hedges on my property? When approached (i.e. "good morning Steve. Are the hedges getting so high that they are blocking the view when you pull out of the driveway? If that is a problem you need to call us. We will take care of the hedge." He has the nerve to say, "well, I've already done everything I needed." No apology; no remorse or even acknowledgment that he was TAKING IT UPON HIMSELF TO TRIM HEDGES ON MY PROPERTY. Who does this?
My husband and I are good neighbors. We keep the yard neat and trim; and while the hedge is growing higher (on purpose to block the view of that SOB)it is not unkempt. Just for the record...common courtesy dictates that individuals respect the property of others. This means: don't touch it, dont use it, dont walk on it, pick it up, trim it, handle it in any way without invitation or permission.
It seems to me that I shouldnt have to say that out loud, but there he was standing on his driveway cutting the hedges in my yard like they were his to do with as he pleased...and he was puzzled that I was unhappy about it. Wake up people! Get out of your self centered worlds and start putting other peoples property, privacy, comfort and convenience first! The world would be an amazingly better place.
Peace.

Road Trip with my sister

2009-07-21T07:16:00.001-07:00

Shadows of clouds
gallavanting.
Rolling hills in soft contrast,
light,
dark,
light ,

dark.

Rays of sunlight
illuminating our journey
through the heart of America

My sister and I drove from Chicago to Sacramento in May. We did it in 3 days, leaving early one Thursday, arriving late Saturday. We stopped twice overnight; first night in Omaha, Nebraska, the second in Rawlins, Wyoming. Our drive from Omaha to Rawlins was spectacular. A day when thick rain clouds moved in puffs across the open sky making enormous shadows over the country below. We could see the shadows racing past us as we drove. The sunlight came through in rays; almost like spot-lights fanning across the landscape.
This was my 6th trip driving across the U.S. and it continues to amaze and humble me. I am always reminded of the people that came before me on horseback, in wagons and on foot; with no roads, no rest-stops, no air-conditioning/heat or hotels. I am reminded of how grateful I am to have been born in this place and at this time with so many opportunities and blessings; a huge proportion of which may be as a direct result of the work, sacrifice, vision and sheer tenacity (possible stubborness) of those people. I wonder if I would have the will to successfully complete such a trip under those first primitive circumstances?

Summer in Northern California

2009-07-08T17:24:00.000-07:00

Peaches, peaches, peaches! Cucumbers, Green Beans and squash are all running rampant. Is there anything better than the smell of fresh produce picked warm from the garden?
While we don't have quite the quantity of fruit as last year; the quality is good. We've been indulging in peaches grilled, cut up in whatever you want to add them to, and my personal favorite: Upside Peach Cake (see photo upper right corner.) My grandmothers' 1-2-3-4 Yellow cake, some brown sugar, butter and an obscene amount of peaches...it is divine.

Channeling Lowell George

2009-06-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Lowell George
April 13, 1945 - June 29, 1979

Today (and for the better part of this month) I have been channeling Lowell George.
OK, well maybe channeling is too strong of a word. I am temporarily and momentarily fixated on Lowell George and Little Feat. It started as a whisper; a vague memory. Then suddenly the only thing I can play on my ipod is Little Feat. Day in, day out; ask my poor husband. There is something so magical and powerful in that voice; the sound of the entire band. I could play (ok have been playing) "Rock and Roll Doctor" (repeatedly for the past 3 days) and it still gives me goose bumps. It makes me hum and growl, and dance around my living room and kitchen like a woman possessed.

I have always been a fan of Little Feat. I now find it perplexing that somewhat out of no-where I am unable to get Lowell George's voice out of my head. I decided to do a little reading; a review of sorts, searching out information on the bands history and some facts about Mr. George. Little Feat currently continue to play and tour. I saw them years ago (post George) and they were great. Turns out this year, today in fact, is the 30th anniversary of his untimely death at the age of 34. He is touted (by multiple online music history sites) as one of the geniuses of Rock and Roll in the 60's and 70's; a gifted singer, song-writer and producer.

It is difficult to reconcile the pleasure and joy I experience listening to recordings of him singing and playing; knowing he is no longer (and hasn't been for 30 years) on the planet doing those very things. I wonder if he can hear his music being played in my ears; and if it makes him happy to know that after all this time, the Rock and Roll Doctor is still in?

Introductions

2009-05-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

Massachusetts, 1997: As soon as I saw the blue eyes I knew I was in trouble. This was supposed to be a practical career move. This was supposed to be the next step in my professional development (which it was) but somehow I just wasn't counting on those blue eyes.
"Want to catch a movie?" I asked. First answer, "no,... work tomorrow." Hang up the phone, thinking "oh well - maybe I was wrong." The phone rings. "What time is the show?" he asked.
Maybe I was right.
Movies turned into day-trips, followed by camping, hiking, sight seeing and the occasional wash-the-dog-after-it-got-skunked 'date'. Here we are 10 years later; living 3,000 odd miles from where we started; now business owners, and with the addition of one small boy. I am not a writer by training or trade. I am having a year full of introspection and discovery (4oth birthday is approaching!) and this may turn out to be a good place to keep track of my thoughts. Welcome to my blog. Hope you enjoy it.