from the mixed-up files of a middle-aged mind

School's out for the summer! And that makes me happy because I love... Getting to see more of my husband. He used to work three nights a week and Saturdays during the school year in order to teach third grade. Those days ended when he got his master's degree, but he still spends long hours at the school and we hardly even see each other at all during the month of May. In fact, I found it serendipitous last Thursday when I stopped by Barnes and Noble after my quilt class to pick up thank-you's for my kids' teachers and saw him walking into Office Max for some last minute supplies for his annual Grandview slide show. It became a spontaneous 15-minute date-night at Office Max. Already by Friday night I could feel the weight he carries on his shoulders lift a little, for a couple of short months anyway. The hum of bees swarming my pillars of honeysuckle. Not having to get anyone out of bed and ready for school in the mornings. The crack of a bat in the ball park. I'm go...

My 7 Sevens List ~7 things I want to do before I die (+1) ride a harley balance my checkbook learn to play the cello finish all my quilting projects be at peace with myself finish cleaning my house learn to scat see something fabulous on Broadway ~7 things I cannot do curl my tongue wear socks be at peace with myself a four-minute mile resist wantonly posting links to Lazy Sunday bring myself to dust grow up ~7 things that attracted me to my spouse his offering of home-grown beets how he loved to dance with the wallflowers his sense of humor his generosity his "best buns in 501s" award his heart his ability to notice and appreciate the simple things ~7 things I say often "wash your hands" "so sue me" "be part of the solution, not part of the problem" "bye, luv ya" "who made you King of the World?" "no worries" "take care" ~7 books I love (+1) Riddle-Master Tuesday Next novels Anna Karinina Which I read...

This just in...a woman apparently died while on a nighttime flight and none of the other passengers--INCLUDING HER HUSBAND!--or the flight crew realized she was dead till the landing. This is one of my greatest fears. I could fall off the face of the planet and no one would know. Well, except maybe for my always starving teenager. What's on Hillary's iPod? Who wants to know? The woman obviously had no taste--in fashion, in hair design (OK, so I really shouldn't talk...), nor in men. So why would we be remotely interested in what kind of music she likes? If we just ignore her, will she please go away? Even the bouncers looked scared? Maybe they should have a disclaimer at the beginning of her concerts...? If we just ignore her, will she please go away? From my home state: A panel recently ruled that Oregon lawmakers and their staff should not be legislating while drunk. Well OK, so the fact that they actually might be says a lot. But the fact that an independent panel h...

My daughter, who's only 10, has been boy crazy for quite some time now. It is truly THE BANE of my existence. And I am scared silly about getting through the next 10 years. (Already I have often contemplated the wisdom of the Catholic concept of the convent...) Last Christmas Suze (not her real name, but short for Suzie Q) wanted to get a present for this boy she has loved for the entire school year. I didn't encourage her, but I thought something like a candy bar might be appropriate. One night, while I was away, she went to the mall under someone else's supervision (or lack thereof) and spent $30 on a $60 hoodie for her one true love. Can you say "Wildly inappropriate?" I had been home for a couple of hours before my husband casually mentioned something about it (probably anticipating, correctly, the wrath it would incur). It was late so I went in and confiscated the bag with the hoodie--making sure, of course, that she still had the receipt--and told her we...

Noon. Friday. Looking forward to it . ...and I'm taking the poor reviews as a good sign.

Congratulations to my sister , whom I've never met. She nailed the contest on both counts. And I love it that she made a trip to TJs to see the divine bag in person. Of course I didn't buy it. But I did go up and ask the sales clerk if she was sure there wasn't some mistake. After all, it was TJ Maxx. I also put it on hold for all of one hour so I could somehow almost possess it...even for a short time. And I'll always have pictures.

RE: This emotionally charged holiday--Mother's Day I have this to say: ~Inasmuch as nine o'clock church has killed any futile hopes of breakfast in bed (which has occurred on maybe two occasions in the past 17 years), I am going to stay up very late tonight (read: early tomorrow morning) to clean my disaster of a kitchen and pre mix a big batch of crepe batter. I vow to selflessly--and, most sincerely with no strings attached--prepare and serve crepes for breakfast tomorrow morning. ~Although I am generally fairly successful on most Mother's days at 1). having low expectations in order NOT to be disappointed 2). refusing to pick up and bear any guilt that may--intentionally or otherwise--be laid at my feet and 3). most especially trying NOT to lay a burden of guilt on my own dear children...it's pretty much a crap shoot on any given year how it will go. I have therefor taken a preemptive strike and had my meltdown TODAY! It's over. Whew! Tomorrow is just another da...

And speaking of all things wonderfully TJ ... Two Questions: 1). How much is this celestial bag? 2). Did I buy it? Post your guesses to both questions and tune in next time for the Price is Right!

So I was ranting to Lorien the other day and she pre- scribed blog therapy. And here it is: We are junk magnets at my house. There is something about us that just screams "White Trash" "Redneck" or "Your Junk Wanted Here!" Now don't get me wrong. I love hand-me-downs. Particularly of the clothing or furniture variety. It's almost magical. I need shorts and some dress shirts for the boys. Corrine K or Olga S magically appear with--you guessed it--shorts and dress shirts for the boys. In fact, Olga is sent from heaven, as is her sister, the rocket scientist. Until recently I have never had to purchase anything but socks and underwear for my daughter because inevitably just as I am ready to bite the bullet and drop a few too many Hamiltons (sorry, couldn't resist) for girl clothes, Aunt Arlene sends boxes of beautiful clothes--name brand and some with the labels still attached--for my L-. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! No, I am ranting about s...

Look what they've sent to save us from the dreaded West Nile Virus epidemic. Brilliant !

Only 24 days left till the best reason I've had in a long time to party . Well, at least to celebrate and indulge in all things French. Apparently this lovely international concept celebrating French food and drink has not caught on here in the states ( quelle suprise ) and is currently only celebrated in New York and Chicago. Quel dommage! So I'm proposing a grassroots campaign amongst the chosen here in Happy Valley--in fact, anywhere in blog world--and its environs to stock up at Eliane's (because I want them to stay in business through the eternities), make your own or head on up to the overpriced but decadently delicious Melting Pot --just celebrate! L'Apéritif à la française: June 1, 2006. Plan a party. Post your recipes. Eat, eat and be merry. Bon appétit!

"Please bless the food that it will be good. And please bless the food that it will not be bad."--My six-year-old over Sunday dinner...which is as good as it gets around my house...and has never been known to be that bad. "Please bless me to not mess up my kids more than they--or I--can bear."--Me. Every day. Because I am not perfect for this job. But I'm all they got.